Year of the Crow, Second Month, Day 8.

 I am finding it difficult to lift my mood this afternoon. Haru and the soldiers left for Silent Thunder after the midday meal and she has left behind a cavernous silence which will not be filled. As annoyed as I was by her constant huffing and muttering, I always knew that she would do her best to look after me. Almost as soon as she had gone, an immaculate little thing dressed in Purple Lightning livery came to inform me that she would be taking care of my needs. I believe she said her name was Shigeko but I cannot say that I paid enough mind to be certain.

I did not have much of a chance to really speak to Haru before they left because she was busy packing her things and I did not feel that I could intrude. I did ask her briefly if she would reconsider her decision to leave my network and she said that she would not. I was surprised by that given some of our more recent conversations but I did not press her other than to say I was sad to see her go. I suppose I could have changed her mind had I tried a little harder but... what would have been the point...? She may have capitulated this morning, only to change her mind again once she arrived at home. I shall continue to pay her until I decide where I will settle and then I will have to find a way to inform my brokers about the changes,

And so... the silence in the guest house seems overwhelming. I feel... lonely. It is not something I expected. Even when I have been completely alone, I have always had something to do or something with which to occupy my mind but now, I have reached a stillpoint. I thought when I finally arrived at Purple Lightning, I would feel a renewed sense of purpose; that I would somehow find a way to discover its secrets. Instead, I feel tired and strangely despondent. The House feels impenetrable. The Lord and Lady Purple Lightning are hospitable but distant and clearly suspicious and the thought of joining the Hall for the evening meal makes me feel anxious. I wonder if there is any fruit left in the kitchen. If there is, I will eat that and perhaps I will feel better about things in the morning.