Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 10.

Kaede invited me to take tea with her yesterday. I had been itching to leave the confines of my chamber so I agreed immediately. It was a bright, crisp day and I enjoyed the short walk to the tea house. Haru fretted about me over-exerting myself but I told her that I must start to walk around if I am ever to return to full health. I did not think Kaede would mind if I wore something informal so I chose a light cotton in grey with a basic orange sash rather than the heavy silks such a meeting would usually require. When I arrived at the tea house, Kaede was already there and I saw a plate of some sweets I used to enjoy when I was a child. I wondered idly if she had remembered that or if it had just been a coincidence; it did not seem important enough to ask her about them but I wondered just the same.

We talked for a while and I appreciated the depth of flavour in the tea. Kaede told me that some of her brewers have been experimenting recently. Apparently, they wish to create a sort of signature blend for the House. It was all very interesting but I felt awkward. Knowing that I am dependent on Kaede's hospitality while I contribute nothing is making me feel increasingly ill at ease especially in light of what has happened. I suppose Kaede must have noticed my discomfort because after about half a stick, she asked me if I was unwell. I did not really wish to tell her how I was feeling but I also did not want to lie to her so I found myself blurting out the truth and finished by telling her that I felt I should leave or she should give me a job.

A job! As if wrangling Dying Crane's idiotic Diplomats could have prepared me in any way for a House the size of Silent Thunder... To Kaede's credit, she actually chuckled softly before reminding me sternly that I am her guest. She said that my pride should not prevent me from accepting help when it is needed and that there may come a time when she is need of my help and she knew I would give it. It did not really make me feel better about things but I could hardly abuse her hospitality further so I smiled at her and agreed.

She asked me whether the Clerk had been any help and we discussed what he had told me for a while. Kaede also wondered whether some sort of incident had caused Father's change in behaviour and we talked over the possibility of finding out what it might have been. Kaede concluded that the answer is likely in Purple Lightning's libraries and said I would just have to wait. I caught the faintest of smirks as she said that. Beneath the poise, she certainly has a sense of humour; I agreed to wait until after the winter solstic to resume my travels but begged her again to consider giving me something to do while I enjoy her hospitality. She said she would think on it and sipped her tea in a way that gave me the distinct impression she will do no such thing.

It stuck in my throat to have to admit that Haru was correct but I felt as though I carried a bushel of rice as I walked back to my chamber. By the time I slid the door open, I could barely lift my own arm and I took to my bed without protest. 

I managed to read a little from one of the scrolls I borrowed this morning but it was not long before fatigue washed over me and I was forced to set it aside. I may have to accept that my recovery could be far longer than I would like...