Editing Campaign:Era of Dreams/Kirie (section)

=== Background ===
For reasons still unknown, Triune Thought wished for a bodyguard. For reasons still more obscure, he sought his protector at a small, largely insignificant dojo whose master was somewhat notorious for abhoring politics and politicians.

Despite the contempt Hiroaki, the sifu of the dojo, held for Triune Thought and all he stood for, a visit from a Lawgiver to such a dojo was completely irrefusible. To his great surprise the politician himself had some measure of martial arts talent, though he hadn't pursued it to its limit. Nevertheless, a mock battle between them was quite exciting, with Triune Thought's loss a pleasant revelry for the Dragon Blood.

The mood sufficiently lightened, they talked over a spartan meal about his purposes for being there. His motivations were many, from giving a smaller dojo a small boost from his visit, to living extraneously the martial arts lifestyle he pushed aside through another, as well as many other magnanimous reasons in between. The introspection and self-awareness shown impressed Hiroaki, though he remained cautious.

Hiroaki arranged for a suitable display of his students' prowess and asked his guest his thoughts. After a moment, Triune Thought seemed perplexed. To one side, he noted, were a trio of students who did not participate. Hiroaki shook his head, noting that despite their skills they lacked confidence.

Triune Thought nodded, and beckoned to them. Emerging from seclusion, Kirie, Elei, and Sanko bowed humbly. For a brief moment the Deliberator seemed taken aback by the triplets. He smoothly asked them if they wouldn't perform for him, but despite his request they were too nervous to even begin. Despairing, Hiroaki dismissed them and moved the conversation on to other matters.

Wrestling with their insecurities, the three practiced their arts together late into the night. In the middle of a kata, they were interrupted by the presence of an observer. Triune Thought stood near the guest quarters, watching quietly with a warm smile. He said nothing, though it was obvious he had been noticed. The training contineud, noting no movement or changes from the would-be charge.

After several more hours exhaustion began to set in, spurred on by self-doubts and in some small part by the audience. Triune Thought's attack came swiftly as Kirie turned her back, seeking her exposed opening. Without hesitation, she parried the blow and two others. Even as the third was blocked the assault had already shifted to Elei. Sanko's counter attacks whiffed the air, but Triune skidded across the ground away from them. The Lawgiver relented and brushed the dust from his robes.

"You see?" he said softly, "You are more than ready."

Leaving them to themselves, he returned to his quarters. The next day all three left with him, convinced of his worth and of his choice.