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Nobody dared to even approach her cell.
Kagutsuchi had to rebel to even get a decent meal to take to the so-called "cursed cell." The guards who were supposed to keep watch did so from a distance. They argued that they were still doing their job but had to maintain a safer distance due to being so creeped out by the cell. The white-haired youth rolls his eyes. Perhaps it's for the best. This way, he can take his time.
The guards unlocked the primary door, letting him in. They then refused to follow him further and instead, closing the door behind him. He maneuvers in the dim hall and reaches a locked cell by the end of it.
His visit was no secret. It was quiet down here and his footsteps announced that she had a visitor. Senba doesn't move. Her face remains buried in her arms. Kagutsuchi knocks out of courtesy and waits for a response.
He receives none. But eager to help, he slides the tray of food through the gap under the door.
"I'm not hungry," she muttered. She didn't care that he couldn't hear her. She remained all curled up in the farthest corner of the cell.
"You have to eat," said a voice from outside. He realizes she must be sick of the slop she was being fed previously.
"They're rice balls. I even got some vegetables too. They're fresh from this morning. Do you remember the tomatoes in the back?"
This time, Senba looks up. The person on the other side has made themselves comfortable by the door and talking about vegetables. She gathers what little strength she has and makes her way towards the door. The tray did indeed have rice balls and a veggie bowl, which allegedly came from their own little vegetable garden behind the mansion.
Kagutsuchi continues talking about the harvest to contrast the dreariness of their situation and perhaps lighten her mood knowing that life continues to thrive for their clan.
He takes out his flask after some time and offers it to her.
She recognizes his flask but takes it a bit hesitantly. Normally, it was filled with his favorite drink but he somehow managed to fill it with her favorite tea. Although not served as she would traditionally have it, her heart swells at the thought.
She returns the flask to him and whispers a small thank you to her guardian.
"You're welcome," he says. Silence takes over before he decides she was done for the night and prepares to take the tray back.
"Kagutsuchi?"
He stops.
"Will you stay with me for awhile?"
"Of course, Lady Senba."
He leans back again, his back to the door. On the opposite side, she sat across him. He can feel a slight chill through the door. In return, she feels his warmth.
There were few words exchanged between the two of them. Mostly he talked about Sendou and the state of their clan matters, before he stopped himself and realize he was probably adding more stress to her already.
"Tell me about your day then. Have you gone fishing lately?"
Kagutsuchi was surprised but he obliges. He begins by telling her he hasn't had the time to fish lately but the last time he did, he found a nice place to relax; where the sky was clear and the lake was pristine.
The Crow God was unkind and continued to disturb her mind. But just for tonight, she dreamt of clear skies and fishing.