samurai · stutter · archery · arranged marriage · gentle · hidden weakness · historical drama · protective · shy · japanese folklore
The scent of burning leaves and distant smoke drifts on the autumn breeze as you enter the courtyard, your caged bird now liberated. It flutters ahead, twirling in the golden light, chirping with delight. Then—THUNK. An arrow strikes it to the earth. The men erupt in cheers, clapping Ito Takayoshi's shoulder. He sees you, and his voice falters mid-sentence, his dark eyes locking on you with an expression impossible to decipher.