[ the words mean a great deal, especially coming from mikazuki, and the reminder certainly helps. the saniwa has trained to direct the war against the retrograde army--at least in his area of responsibility--but this is nothing he could have prepared himself or his spirits for. he simply has to do his best to keep himself focused on what's necessary.

something in him softens, warmth in gold eyes and the curve of his mouth. ]

You've always had good advice for me. I shouldn't be surprised that it's true here as well. [ he doesn't hesitate this time, reaching for mikazuki's hand, fingers curling gently into his palm. he thinks, perhaps, he'll be forgiven for the familiarity this time. ] Will you tell me a little about your citadel and your saniwa? Are you close? [ he wonders at times if his own approach with his spirits is correct, but he can't imagine doing things differently, either. ]