Year of the Crow, Second Month, Day 10.

I had decided not to write anything further until there was something of note to report. The evening before last had me feeling quite melancholy; when I investigated the kitchen, I found some lychees and a dragonfruit so rather than face the Hall, I ate those and retired early. I am thankful that my months of travelling taught me to be somewhat self-sufficient because Shigeko (or whatever her name may be) did not return to help me prepare for bed. I had no way to know if I was supposed to summon her or if she would simply appear at what Purple Lightning thinks are appropriate times. I did not know where the night lanterns were kept so I opted for total darkness and blew out the lantern so I could sleep.

I thought perhaps I would feel better about things when the morning came but I felt tearful and anxious. I do not know about what since nothing had really changed other than Haru leaving. There was still no sign of Shigeko and I did not know what the hour was although it was not long before the hour of the cat was called. I felt vaguely ashamed that I had slept into the afternoon but since I had little else to do, I decided not to be too hard on myself. I was more irritated that I had missed the midday meal and there was still no sign of Shigeko.

Unless I wanted to starve, I realised that I had no choice but to join the Hall for the evening meal and that, I could absolutely not do, unless I was properly attired. I cannot dress myself in formal attire. The layers are too heavy and the sash is too complicated to tie without help. Strangely, it is actually not difficult to dress someone else but managing it on oneself is nigh on impossible and before I cut my hair, my maid would have to do anything more complicated than a basic braid. 

I felt myself to be in a difficult position. I could hardly complain to The Lord and Lady Purple Lightning that there was no food in the guest house or that the maid had disappeared.... I know I am forthright but I do my best to avoid being unspeakably rude if I can... I did not know what to do. I paced around the guest house as if it would give me some sort of inspiration and then decided I would bathe. At least I would be clean if not dressed in finery...

The water was scented with some sort of flower. I did not know what it was but it had an indistinct citrus scent which I liked very much. My hair still smells of it now... It was considerably warmer than Kaede keeps hers which I also enjoyed greatly. It was incredibly relaxing; I could quite easily have gone back to sleep enveloped in that warmth. I let my mind drift, hoping my subconscious would bring forth some ideas and as I was thinking on what my next steps should be, my peace was interrupted by some chattering from without. Meeting new people while in the bath is not ideal but rather than beat a hasty retreat, I thought it would be wise to try and make some connections.

When the door slid open, I was startled to realise that the interloper was none other than The Lady Purple Lightning herself! Perhaps the gods had decided to take matters in hand and I would not starve after all. At first I was unsure whether I had inadvertently come to a private bath house and thought perhaps I should go. I stammered out an apology and made to pull myself out of the water but The Lady Purple Lightning told me not to be so silly. I was grateful for that. 

We made light conversation for a while during which I ascertained that Shigeko is supposed to have moved into the guest house with me. What I did not discover, because The Lady Purple Lightning did not know, is where Shigeko is. She was not to be found so the Lady Purple Lightning has arranged for Mai to keep me company for now. 

Mai is bright and charming. She chatters non-stop and I have a feeling that I will know everything there is to know about the House, in but a few sticks. Once she had helped me dress and return to the guest house, she was good enough to bring me a steaming bowl of noodles with shrimp and vegetables. After having an empty stomach for most of the day, it tasted divine. Since then, she has proved to be capable and efficient. She has anticipated my every need and even some that I did not know I had. She has even suggested some women with whom I might like to be friends.

This morning, I played Go with The Lady Purple Lightning and lost miserably, of course. She had invited two of her friends who were kind enough to suggest that I join them in the Hall for the evening meal. I found that thoughtful and generous and have accepted gladly, Although Mai is not going to let me starve, remaining alone in the guest house is not good for me and it will certainly not help me find what I am looking for. To that end, I must finish this here and dress for dinner or I will not be ready when Lady Yurie and Lady Miho call for me.