Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 28.

 I believe I may have spoken too soon when yesterday I wrote that training at dawn would not make me give up. This morning was actually worse than yesterday. Already aching from head to foot, it was so difficult to drag myself from the warmth of my covers and face the harsh coldness of the training ground. 

Sasanuma's man drove us hard and when Haru had the temerity to say he was being spiteful, he pointed out that the realities of battle are grim and that she would not have time for a cup of tea if the House ever came under attack. He makes a good point. I do not know why Kaede has chosen to take part in this little escapade of mine, let alone bring Haru. She did not show much enthusiasm for the idea when we discussed my note to Sasanuma; I wonder if she is here to keep an eye on me... I would not put it past her. She has always been shrewd. I recall that she certainly used to be an absolute menace with a bow and arrow so perhaps she simply intends to add swords to her arsenal.

I still have not managed to recreate a single move to Suzuki's satisfaction and he is similarly unimpressed with Kaede and Haru. I am certain that he does not want to be out on the training ground at dawn any more than I do but I will not give up until I absolutely have to.

Aside from the swordplay lessons, the preparations for the Solstice continue. I am actually excited. Silent Thunder is known for a comforting winter soup which has glutinous rice balls and several varieties of mushroom in it. It is a rare treat, eaten only on the most special of occasions and at the winter Solstice due to the lengthy and difficult processes used to prepare the ingredients. I have never tried it but at the hour of the Solstice, there will be a plentiful supply and the House will gather to eat it and several other delicacies together while we watch the display of fire flowers. 

According to Haru, there will be music and dancing and a good deal of carousing. Once the fire flower display is over, we will light lanterns and send them to the skies with our wishes for the coming year. They float for sticks on end sometimes making it to the other end of the Kingdom; I remember finding several in our fields when I was little. Quite why this is a tradition, I have no idea. It is not as if the gods snatch them out of the skies and give us everything we desire but it is nice and they look beautiful. It will be wonderful to launch one myself; to take part in something... big... If only there were a way to track it and find out where it ends up. Perhaps I could put a note in mine asking whomever should find it to please send me a note back telling me where it was.