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Here's Ch. 4

Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah...

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The inn they found was much like the Aoi-ya in Kyoto. It was of average size and was kept spotless by the loyal family who ran it. The front room was large and served as a lounge/ restaurant; tables and cushions were scattered here and there, a few of the customers relaxed eating talking and so-on.

A small desk sat between two staircases behind it a slight woman sat greeting people that walked to her. Kaoru walked slowly behind Soujiro with an anxious gate, though she didn't know why she was anxious, while Soujiro walk at a more leisurely pace with an almost lazy gate.

The small woman eyed them suspiciously, obviously debating whether or not to through them out, for the sword Soujiro carried, or let them stay. When they reached her she still watched them warily.

"Hello miss," Soujiro said politely, bowing his head as he did so.

"Hello, what can I do for you two?" she asked, clearly not wanting them to scare off her other customers.

"Two rooms, one night," he answered, dropping a small bag onto the desk.

The woman poured the contents onto her palm and counted the small coins and folded paper. Her eyes widening as she counted higher and higher. She bit her lip, another internal debate no doubt, before she separated a few coins and notes and handed him back the rest in the bag. Then she stood and grabbed two keys from under the desk.

"Follow me," she ordered.