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

 The evening meal in the Hall was wonderful. The atmosphere was warm and light; I think I need not have been nervous about going in by myself. I suppose my feelings were influenced by my experiences of the much bigger Houses but here, almost everyone had a welcoming word to say to me and Ladies Miho and Yurie did not have to introduce me to anyone. They were excellent company and over a delicious selection of stuffed fishes, we laughed until the small hours. 

Of course, they grilled me about my travels and gushed over how brave I must be to set off alone and wander about the country. I had no doubt that everything I said would be reported back to The Lady Purple Lightning as soon as the opportunity arose so I was circumspect in what I told them and did my best to downplay the experiences I have had. Purple Lightning has a small group of musicians who entertain the House but they do not begin until tea is being served after dessert. Since Purple Lightning does not start the formal evening meal until the hour of the owl, it makes for a very late night. 

Despite the lateness of the hour, I find that I am not particularly tired; probably because of my late start today. I must ensure this does not become a habit. I wished to note down what I have discovered because I finally feel as if I may make some progress here. While we chatted over the meal, I learnt that there is a minor noble couple who may have known Mother when she was young. Apparently they hail from Laughing Spider but moved here for some sort of opportunity some years ago. They had chosen not to eat in the Hall this evening but now I know who they are, I intend to go and meet them tomorrow and see what, if anything, they can tell me.