Greatwater Lake 湖

he casts debating eye onto his brother then, a tome of silence overtaking. a bitterness in his mouth, but he cannot place it.
the air around him feels different. masa gives no sign as to how he feels about it; raising a foreleg, then placing it down again, as he begins to walk.
what cost? he asks. judging that his brother sees something that masa does not—but it is unlikely. the older one raises his chin, looking deftly and then cutting across, taking a new direction now. seeking to lead his brother back to the small group he has garnered.
not possessions. allies.
it is transaction, ryūjirō. she gives, i give in return. it ends soon. my path must go on.