video;

[jiyuujin]

[The video opens on a man who couldn't be called old, neither did he exactly appear young though the way he's dressed suggests that he's some noble from some ancient time. There's a cup of tea beside him and as he moves and speaks, it's with a kind of ethereal grace.]

For those of you from Japan you may be aware that Obon season is upon us. For those not familiar with it, Obon is a time to honor those that have departed the world, celebrate their life and invite their spirits back into our own lives for a few days. That may sound rather somber but it's really quite a joyous affair.

Although the particulars are somewhat unique to Japan, I believe there are similar traditions all over the world. I'd love to hear about them if you are familiar with any of them.

I would also like to extend an invitation to a festival that we will be having in a couple weeks around our home in Caihong. [He says our home as if he's done anything to make his housemates or employees aware of these plans. Maybe this explains the boxes they have been piling up in the back of their estate as of late.]

Make your way to the teahouse, Tsukiyo on the 14th of this month for a night of festival food and dancing. Light a lantern for someone you care about and end it all with a bang. There will be fireworks, to put it plainly. It hasn't quite felt like summer without any as of yet, don't you agree?

I hope to see you all there.

[He pauses here to sip his tea. Seems he's not quite done yet.]

Before I leave you, there is one small inquiry I'd like to make as well. I'm in need of someone capable of repairing a sword. I'm happy to pay for this service and I can guarantee a modest amount of additional business in return.

Comments

[huaisang]

I see, I see. That is very unfortunate, especially if it requires special attention.

[jiyuujin]

Indeed it is. It's rather irreplaceable and I hate to be without it.

The spirit of it has been attended to so it is my hope that even simple maintenance will help to improve it at this point. Though to my knowledge it's never been attempted before.

1/2

[huaisang]

2/2

[huaisang]

The most important part is that the spirit has been tended to, but I see the urgency of your request.

[jiyuujin]

You sound as though you're familiar with the nature of just such a sword?

[huaisang]

Somewhat, I wouldn't call myself an expert and I don't think I could do anything much to help restore the sword.

[jiyuujin]

I'm merely surprised. It's the first I've heard of much of anything like us thus far. [Yes that does say us.]

[huaisang]

[ oh? ooooh. ]

Where I'm from you're not exactly common, it's the opposite really. Sabre spirits are something only my sect uses.

[jiyuujin]

But you do use them?

[Oh look, you have his full attention.]

[huaisang]

[ lucky him! ]

We do. We use them for slaying monsters and fierce corpses. Just... evil things, I don't know.

You're quite similar, aren't you?

[jiyuujin]

I suppose so? Our enemies aren't exactly monsters but other spirits like us and those that command them. But that's a relatively recent matter.

Until gaining this form, we served whatever purpose our masters desired of us.

[huaisang]

Our sword spirits don't really have a physical form like you.

What you're saying is that you are in a war against other sword spirits like yourselves?

[ sounds counterproductive but who is he to judge the conflicts of others? ]

[jiyuujin]

Putting it quite simply, yes. What other purpose is there for a weapon?

[huaisang]

Decorative! You don't always need to use weapons for fighting.