Year of the Crow, First Month, Day 29.

 Our arrival at the House has been delayed. The gods have been kind and we are not delayed by long but the reports of bandits in the hills were accurate and Horii heard that Purple Lightning had sent troops to deal with them. He decided that a stay where we are until reports said they had been seen off once and for all was a far better plan than becoming mired in fighting between the soldiers and the bandits. I am frustrated but I could not disagree with him. I had my fill of bandits on my way to Silent Thunder and for all the sword training, I confess I have no desire to meet any of their ilk again. Not unless I have an entire army behind me in any case.

I have eaten plainly today which my stomach thanks me for. To cleanse my palette after the midday meal, I indulged in an ice dessert flavoured with white tea. It was quite lovely. I am not a connoisseur of teas by any means but even I could appreciate its freshness and gentle flavour. Purple Lightning is known for black tea rather than white or green but it seems to me that there is little wrong with any of their blends. I shall be interested to see if Tsuyoshi and Ichiko have developed a House blend.

I decided it would be pleasant to take a short walk and observe my surroundings this afternoon. I have little memory of the area from our visits for Talks and I find that the landscape is unremarkable. It is not ugly but it does not seem to have any distinguishing beauty which defines it as Purple Lightning and not somewhere else... I suppose the season has much to do with it since it is too cold yet for the first flowers of the year to bloom and save for the evergreens, the trees are bare. The grass too, is faded and ailing, and whatever wildlife there might be has retired for the winter. Perhaps I should have a different opinion about it if it were spring; I suppose we shall see.

As I write these notes, I can hear the musicians practising in the tavern which is lovely. I am far enough away that it is as if their music floats by me on a passing breeze, caressing me briefly before it continues its journey. It makes me wish I had tried to study some music; I am most jealous of anyone who has such a talent. Perhaps I could have made a passable attempt at the flute had I been so inclined but I was far more interested in what the scrolls had to say about statecraft and history. I suppose it is never too late. Once I have decided where to settle, there is nothing to say I cannot learn some music if I would like to. If I am honest with myself, it is far more likely that I will continue with weapons rather than take up the flute...

I anticipate remaining here for another two days or so. Any longer than that and I am likely to lose my sanity however, I will take Horii's advice for I have no desire for any of us to arrive at the House in pieces or worse, in a box.