Dinner time was always an exciting time in Lord Okita's home. This was the time when his whole family would come together, unwind, and enjoy each other's company. Since Okita was a rich man, his household ate rather well. There was a buzz throughout the castle. The news that Master Tetsumi had come back home soon spread throughout the grounds, even making it into town. At this time, whenever a son returned home was a cause for great joy and celebration. War and conflict had engulfed the land in its powerful jaws. Not even Tetsumi's home was able to escape. Lord Daigo had called upon all men of military age to fight for their lord. Those with no formal military training were given crash courses in weapons training and sent out, the majority of them to their deaths. Lord Okita was lucky, his eldest son was not around when the call to arms came, and his youngest was still too young to fight. His daughter's husband was called upon to lead a company of men, thus leaving his wife and young son behind. Both he and his wife worried constantly about the two, taking every opportunity to visit their daughter and grandson. Tonight, though, the troubles of their world were forgotten, at least for a time.
"Mother, I see that you're feeling much better. I'm glad to see you are up and about."
"It was nothing serious. Just a bad cold. Are you enjoying your dinner?"
"Yes, very much so. It's been ages since I ate this well."
"I can see. Slow down, Tetsumi. There's plenty more."
"How was you're journey? I see that you made good time in arriving."
"It was fine, Father. I was just so eager to get home."
"Well, now that you're here, I believe we should celebrate."
"You do not have to go through the trouble, Father. I'm just glad to be home."
"Nonsense. Besides, the plans have already been made. The guests were supposed to arrive tomorrow. We were going to surprise you, but you seem to have spoiled that."
"Don't pay any mind to your father."
"Who is coming?"
"Just some guests your father wishes to impress. Oh, and your sister and her son are coming as well."
"You mean Ruri is coming. I haven't seen her since she left to marry Lord Kisho."
"Yes, she must be excited to see her two brothers again. She says that her son looks a lot like you Tetsumi."
Tetsumi had not seen his older sister in seven years. He still remembered her face, pale as the early winter snow. Her hair was dark, much like her father's. She was small, at least in comparison to himself. Her movements were always graceful, she moved with a sense of class around her. She was always in the kitchen, helping her mother and the other servants prepare the meals. She was taught to read and write, same as her brothers. Tetsumi remembered his mother congratulating Ruri on her many poems, many of them about her ideal husband. Tetsumi did not know much about this Lord Kisho, but he hoped that he was close to what Ruri had written about, she deserved it.
"So what have you learned so far Tetsumi? Have they taught you kill a demon with your bare hands?"
"No, and I don't think they are, Hitoshi. Have you been keeping up with your studies?"
"Yes. Mother's says that I'm better than you at this age. Isn't that correct Mother?"
"Do not involve me in one of your petty fights."
"What about my old friends? Are any of them coming tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid all of your friends have left to serve Lord Daigo in his military."
"Have you heard any news about them, Father?"
"No, the last I heard was the majority of the young men who left from our region were still in training."
"I see…"
"Oh, I almost forgot. I did invite old Yorihiko, and I believe that he is bringing his daughter and her husband."
"Yorihiko? Iria's father is coming? I haven't seen her in years! It will be great to see her again! And her husband… Did you say husband?"
"That's right."
"Husband? When did this happen?"
"I believe it was some time last year, when she turned fourteen."
Tetsumi could not believe it. Iria, his childhood friend, was married? He was devastated. Tetsumi had hoped to see her again, he thought about her constantly. He still remembered his last conversation with her, on the hill by the sea. Even though he had said nothing, Tetsumi felt betrayed. The rest of the night, Tetsumi sat in silence. Iria was married?
