Ivan heads through the streets on his way to meet up with Hatsue. She has not moved for some time so he suspects that she has already arrived at the meeting location.

Ivan walks into the room and meets Hatsue’s gaze. After a few seconds her eyes soften as once again Ivan seems to have successfully passed the Hatsue judgement greeting. Ivan often wonders if he also has a strange look in his eyes when he first sees her. Maybe he is the problem and she is just reacting to him. Or maybe he thinks to himself that this is just her way of making sure he is ok.

Ivan sits down next to Hatsue. “First I should get you caught up on the plans” says Ivan. The two of them exchange the latest news whispering quietly to prevent their conversation from being overheard.

While Ivan had a good game it was not enough to overcome the skill of Hatsue. He must be getting better he thinks to himself as he notices Hatsue’s eyes light up as she moves in for the kill.

Ivan is still looking into her eyes has Hatsue looks up and says “What”

“Nothing. I am just enjoying being able to play the game of shogi with you” replies Ivan

“Well I would like to spend the day playing shogi with you but we both have things that we need to do. Maybe someday I will be able to watch you play a challenging game “ says Ivan

“That would be fun” replies Hatsue

“Ok now remember these will last for just over a day so we will need to meet up again tomorrow.  Don’t forget that a single minor injury is the signal to contact you and two minor injuries is that you need urgent help. “ says Ivan as he cast beacon on Hatsue and himself.

“Yes I do remember” replies Hatsue

“Ok that will do it” says Ivan as he finishes casting the last of the spells on Hatsue

“Good luck tonight” says Hatsue

“You be careful too” replies Ivan

The two part ways each heading to a different part of the city. Ivan makes his way through the city back to the hero’s.

The day progresses very slowly as Ivan can only just wait for the appointed time to arrive. This would be a great time for playing shogi Ivan thinks to himself but looking around the room he decides that it would be best if he didn’t start pestering the others about playing shogi. Someday maybe he can teach Abby how to play shogi.

Simple math seems to confuse this group as Ivan always assumed that when you are counting down to one that you go on 1. Apparently you go on two and not one. Hero’s make their own rules.

The sounds of battle fade as Kali, Hatsue, Ivan, and friend appear back at the granary. Ivan kneels down close to Hatsue placing his hand on her cheek while casting his spell to heal all in range that required healing.

As Hatsue opens her eyes Ivan see the momentary panic in her expression. This quickly changes to a look of relief as it is obvious to him that she recognizes that she is with friends. After a few seconds Hatsue appears to have regained her composure again and Ivan moves back to give her some space. After giving her a few moments to get her bearings Ivan offers out his hand and helps her off the ground.