Year of the Boar, Ninth Month, Day 12. Postscript.

I reached the inn recommended to me in less than half a day and I am glad that I did for if I had not, I would have been too late... I could see the inn from quite far away as I walked along the road since it was the only building for several leagues and outside it, there appeared to be a flurry of activity. As I drew nearer, it became apparent that it was a party readying themselves to leave and I thought little of it until I was close enough to see who it was. I nearly choked on my own tongue such was my shock at seeing Nanami scurrying around attaching packs to horses and Yuika standing in the doorway imperious as ever while she gave orders.
There was no where I could possibly hide but I had no doubt that I would go unrecognised by Yuika unless I walked square up to her and slapped her face. Even then, I thought she may not realise who I was... Still, I saw no reason to alert her to my presence as I was still unsure how she would react. It did not seem as though either of them were paying any attention to the road and I took the opportunity to cover my head and when I reached the inn, I pressed myself against the side of the wall away from them until I had decided what to do. I felt bewildered; I could not imagine what they could possibly be doing in the Seventh Kingdom when they were supposed to be in Silent Thunder for Kenta's funeral.
Several fractions of a stick went by before I found the wherewithal to look around the corner  and when I did, I saw that Yuika had gone inside. I decided to seize the opportunity and I called out to Nanami. I saw her head turn to see where the call had come from and I beckoned. At first, she ignored me but I was insistent and as she drew near, I saw her face change from impatience at being interrupted at her work to confusion and recognition followed by more confusion. Her eyes were wide with shock as she took in the change in my appearance and we had time for the briefest exchange before Yuika returned.
"I will speak to her" Nanami muttered before running off towards the door of the inn and I remained where I was.
I tire now and will write a fuller account of what occurred when next I have time but I will record that I am now on the way back to Dying Crane in the company of Yuika and her maids.