Year of the Crow, First Month, Day 24.

 Our journey has continued pleasantly. Haru seems to have overcome whatever issues she was having and has been laughing and joking with the soldiers which has been nice. 

We crossed the border with Purple Lightning yesterday although the landscape remains largely unchanged. The House itself is in the hills though so the final leg of our journey will be somewhat more difficult than travelling over flat lands has been. 

Our stop last evening was at one of the larger inns so we enjoyed some music with our food and the tavern was lively and raucous. The kitchen was able to offer an array of food rather than a set menu so I was able to choose what I ate which felt surprisingly luxurious after such a short time on the road. 

Products made from the milk of sheep and cows are popular on this side of the Kingdom and I was delighted to see a fried potato and cheese snack on the menu. I also stuffed myself with a fried pork cutlet which I shall no doubt regret in a day or two when the grease starts to seep out of my skin but oh, how I enjoyed the delicious, pillowy soft potato, and the cutlet melted in my mouth. I shall dream of that food when I sleep, I am sure, and what a pleasant dream it will be!

Horii is somewhat concerned that he heard rumours in the tavern that a group of bandits has been spotted in the hills but by the time we arrive in that region, if the gods continue to smile on us, the bandits will be long gone. If they are not, then I trust Horii and his men to get us to the House safely...