Khenbish gasps upon hearing what the Tsume have done. "Tomuko-san, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words. Compassion is a too often forgotten tenet of the way of warriors." After hearing about the Goseki, Khenbish is washed over by a feeling of almost unbearable sorrow. Why must the lives of samurai involve so much death? Is this what honor is - to follow orders to kill until we are ourselves killed one day? And why must my mark be a man who is actually saving lives? This cannot be what honor is. But my daimyo's orders were clear. Khenbish realizes too much time has passed since Tomuko asked the question. "Given that he and I are both here, I can see no honorable path forward where I don't meet with Harumori-san." Khenbish wonders how he'll ever duel the man, when he can't even quite give voice to those intentions. He searches for an easier subject. "I wonder if you've heard any rumors about the garrison? An imperial holding so far north, surely there must be concerns about Yobanjin." Khenbish continues to speculate, encouraging the others to theorize as well, hoping to take Tomuko's mind off of her family and his off of his duty.

As he's inspecting the horses, Khenbish turns the conversation back to the Doji. "You mentioned you know the Crane as well as you wished to. I sense there may be some bad history. I'm loath to pry, but I'd like to know what company I'll be keeping while at the garrison. Would you be willing to share what you know about this Tsume no Doji Ron? Do my sisters and I have cause for worry?"

Khenbish inspects the horses at the stables for a good courser to request on Matsu Tomiko's behalf, a horse that seems well-behaved and capable of a hearty, invigorating ride.