Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 16.

 The concert last evening was wonderful. It transpired that the musicians in question were a troupe led by a biwa player who goes only by her given name... Airi. She is famous around the Kingdom and beyond for her incredible talent and although she usually resides in Shimmering Dawn where she and her troupe give concerts in a specially designed hall, from time to time, they tour the Kingdom. I had no idea they were on such a tour at present and I was delighted to hear her play. I remember hearing her once before when the Talks were at Shimmering Dawn and Father wanted to attend their concert before we travelled home. I was too young to appreciate it then but I certainly did yesterday. 

I found myself quite transported by the selection of sea shanties in particular. I cannot say why; perhaps they remind me of Father... Kaede had arranged a small drinks party after the concert to which she invited Airi. I could not put my finger on quite what was so appealing about her but I felt almost bewitched in her presence. When she spoke, the warm throaty tone of her voice had me transfixed by her every word. Of course, in the cold light of day, I cannot remember much of the conversation. I do remember that she said they would be ending their tour with a concert in Fallen Sakura after which, she is going to spend the rest of the winter in Dying Crane. Apparently she has met someone there whom she likes. She did not say who it was and it was not my place to ask. I did, however, ask her if she would deliver my letter to Yuika and she generously said that she would.

What possessed me to hand over such a personal letter to a complete stranger, I have no idea. I believe she will deliver it, though. Kaede knows her somewhat well and says that she is trustworthy. I suppose it is no riskier than giving the letter to a merchant or a broker and having them send it to the north via their networks. Perhaps it will actually arrive quicker with Airi. 

Despite battling the after effects of too much alcohol at the party, I was expected to attend a fitting for my new gown this morning. The seamstress is truly a mistress of her craft. I have no interest in fashion but even I appreciated the exquisite cut of the cloth and the perfect stitching. I also appreciated the gossip she imparted which is that several more Ladies of the House have had their hair cut to above their shoulders and Kaede is not at all impressed! I got a pin stuck in my shoulder for laughing so hard that I could not stay still while the seamstress fiddled around with the neckline. She also told me that orange is my colour to which I responded dryly that I would keep it in mind. The pristine white wrap she has made for me is the softest thing I have ever felt; I am almost excited to have the opportunity to wear it outside.

There is one thing I must note, which is that Kaede wishes to see me. She has a job for me. I am pleased about that. I shall be glad to earn my keep. We are to take tea tomorrow when she will tell me what she has in mind.