Breakfast
The men came pouring out into the cold morning air. One by one at first and then in streams. They set up their own fires on the grassy flats inside the old fortress walls, borrowing hot embers from the roaring fire that Gengyo's party had managed to set up.
With the fires burning, the cooks went about their work, setting large pots above the flame and pouring in enough rice to feed a few hundred.
"There you are, my Lord," one of them handed Gengyo a bowl full of rice and poured a selection of pickled vegetables and fish on top. He was always the first to eat – he enjoyed that, for it always felt like he was hungry.
"Thank you," he said simply, holding the bowl of steaming food in one hand and his chopsticks in the other. He caught Rin looking over enviously, still clutching her empty bowl, waiting for her turn. He began to spoon it into his mouth, looking at her all the while, making sure she noticed the satisfaction on his face.