Year of the Crow, First Month, Day 10. Postscript.

 The walk outside was quite delightful. The first snowflowers of the year have already bloomed, which Kaede tells me, is a sign of a mild winter. It did not feel mild to me, that much, I can record! There was a definite bite to the air even though the sky was blue and the sun pale but bright. Several other wintry flowers have bloomed and the gardens look fresh and enticing despite the cold. A few red-breasted birds flitted from branch to branch and one or two of them stopped to feed at the little stations the gardening staff set out for them. 

We took tea in Kaede's private tea-house before we returned to the House and there, with my hands wrapped around an exquisite glazed mug, I told Kaede what was on my mind. She did not seem overly surprised; I suppose she has known since I arrived that my plan was to leave. She said she understood although she has enjoyed my company and would like me to stay. She suggested I give it another sevenday so that the weather has a chance to improve. 

I am not certain a sevenday will really make that much difference and it is not as if I will be on the road at night, alone and sleeping under bushes again. I agreed though; it did not seem reasonable to insist on leaving straight away and at least now, I have a firm date on which I know I will be setting out. As I knew she would, Kaede mentioned taking a palanquin. I said I thought that was quite ridiculous when I am perfectly capable of riding a horse. She completely disapproved of that notion, of course but has generously compromised and agreed that I can take a horse so long as I also take a contingent of four soldiers and a maid. 

I tried to demur but was not having any of it. I was struck again, by her great generosity and grace. She owes me nothing but she gives me everything even knowing that I may never be in a position to repay her. Perhaps when I have found what I seek, I will return to Silent Thunder and settle here. Not in the House, but in a small holding; having something to do would suit me and I know I would not be exploited under Silent Thunder's Rule...