29th step: Touching spring
[It's a rainy day at Adstringendum, but as the feed clicks on, the heavy fog that has been shrouding the Northwestern riverside appears to have lifted. Saul is just outside his house, kneeling at his Mehregan altar. Though both it and his outfit are far less fancy and decorated than last year, he is just as intent on his prayer, perhaps even more.
It's clear - and not just to the discerning onlooker - that he still is not properly recovered from his run-in with the Kyuubi - still bandaged in places, still stiff and even a little shaky. Not an unexpected fate for someone who heals at a normal human rate and hasn't sought the help of any healer. His hair hasn't been cut in a while and the rain turns it into a damp mane, more brown than golden, falling over his face.
As he finishes his prayer, though, and softly sings his holiday song, there's a subtle change in the weather: a parting of the clouds, and the view is briefly washed in shimmering sunlight. Sail opens one eye, then the other, and smiles. More likely it's just good luck, rather than divine providence; but Saul is a great believer in luck.]
It's clear - and not just to the discerning onlooker - that he still is not properly recovered from his run-in with the Kyuubi - still bandaged in places, still stiff and even a little shaky. Not an unexpected fate for someone who heals at a normal human rate and hasn't sought the help of any healer. His hair hasn't been cut in a while and the rain turns it into a damp mane, more brown than golden, falling over his face.
As he finishes his prayer, though, and softly sings his holiday song, there's a subtle change in the weather: a parting of the clouds, and the view is briefly washed in shimmering sunlight. Sail opens one eye, then the other, and smiles. More likely it's just good luck, rather than divine providence; but Saul is a great believer in luck.]