Have You Ever Seen The Rain

More figures joined the fold, strands of family-some close and others more distant- all coming together to watch the Princess' performance. The Shogun briefly glanced around, taking note of Takēshi's and Kitsune's absence. It was not mandatory, of course, but he thought they would have wanted to support their sister nonetheless. Not that it seemed to matter, from what Hattori could see Ikigai seemed content with the turn-out. And had even received a couple of gifts, a flower from Kuroki and some incense from her Grandmother. Two things she would no doubt gracefully accept.

And then it was time to begin.

He knew his daughter was talented, but her dedication to the craft shone through as clear as day as she began. Voice soft and  motions deft as she played her instrument. The rain gently pattered against the ground, the wind knocked together the bamboo stalks and her music accented it all perfectly, as though it belonged in nature itself.

With his family surrounding him...Hattori was content.

"Speech"