~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I know I'm a slow writer... sorry I keep on running into walls! This chapter probably wont be so interesting.... no Aoshi :o( but I hope to get this stuff out of the way so we can move on to more INTERESTING interactions ^_^
Thanks to everyone to reviewed my story. You're encouragement is much appreciated. I'm trying to get my chapters out faster than before... I think I'm improving lol.. maybe... well.. Enjoy the story!
Currency Info:
50 coppers = 1 Silver Nunnte
4 silver Nunntes = 1 silver Taloc (a bigger silver coin)
200 Coppers = 1 Silver Taloc
10 silvers Taloc = Gold crown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Four
"Misao-chan, are these guards really necessary?" Kaoru asked doubtfully eyeing the four, armed guards riding a short but respectful distance back.
"Father thinks they are, and you know he is always right," she sighed. "It's just while we are outside of the city walls. I know it's for our own good but trust me, I don't like it anymore than you."
A teasing grin crawled over Kaoru's face, "I bet if there was a certain blue eyed commander was riding back there with them you wouldn't be complaining!"
"Kaoru!!" they both laughed. "I wouldn't talk! If my brother were back we wouldn't even be taking this ride! I'd have to make appointments just to get in a few words with you."
" That is SUCH an over exaggeration!. I ALWAYS have time for a few words with my best friend!" she smiled sweetly, "although if you need me for more than that, then you might need the appointment." Their cheery laughter floated about the silent woods.
"I have some good news for you. Kenshin is coming back in two weeks!"
"AHH!! Really?" Kaoru screamed. "Finally!!" She still remembered the last time they were together. It was just before the first snowflakes began to fall, and the world was lonely and still. In the dark of the early dawn, soldiers were saying good-bye to their loved ones while others were preparing to ride out at first light. She had spent the entire night with the red haired warrior, sitting atop the stable roof, just talking, and watching the stars. Although the night air was cold, Kaoru felt perfectly warm and content wrapped in Kenshin's thick wool cloak and the comfort of his embrace.
Morning had come all too soon. In a secluded corner, out of sight from most of the busy soldiers, they said their good-byes. She couldn't help the tears that spilt down her cheeks as he caught her in a passionate embrace, walking off determinedly, without a backward glance.
"Kaoru-chan?"
"Ah! Gomen Misao-chan, I was just thinking about." She trailed off with a blush.
"hahaha. I think I can guess!"
"It's NOT like THAT! Seriously!" but the words went unheard as they were covered by Misao's playful laughter.
"Common Misao-chan, I know u must think about Aoshi just as much ne? How long has he been away now?"
"A little longer than three months. And you're right, I cant get him off my mind most of the time. He's always so distant, not the same as I remember. Kenshin told me about an incident two years ago, where 3 of his men died protecting him. He guesses Aoshi blames himself for their deaths." Misao trailed off and looked away, recalling a memory from nearly 12 years ago just after her mother's death.
Ever since that time, those icy blue eyes had tightly entangled themselves in to her heart. Of course everyone thought this was just a childish crush, a phase that would soon pass, but it didn't. Misao had long since learned to keep anything on this subject to herself and Kaoru, and recently Kenshin, but either way, her heart would not allow her to let go of her Aoshi. Her Aoshi. Since the first time they met, she had thus referred to him. It had only been less than a year ago when she found out that "Commander Shinomori" was also the same person as the Aoshi-sama she had briefly known and loved in her childhood, although he had already been back to the capital for over 3 years. Of course she didn't waste any time in seeking him out. It wasn't hard. All she had to do was find one of her brothers and ask, but her eldest brother Kenshin seemed much more trustworthy in this matter compared to either Soujiro or Sanosuke.
For almost an entire season, Misao had followed her brother to the barracks early in the morning, and stood out of sight watching him and Aoshi train the newly recruited soldiers. The flock of girls she saw in the afternoons gave her the idea of how to get close enough to actually interact with the commander. Then, for another season, the princess became part of the flock who ogled around the soldiers, snatching every moment she could with her beloved.
Afraid that their previous meeting would set her as a child in Aoshi's eyes, she didn't dare reveal to him her true identity. She also wanted to know that, if she were successful in winning his affection, it would be entirely for her, and not her status or position. Consequently Misao had hardly been able to give any information about herself, and was almost grateful that Aoshi wasn't one to ask many questions.
Three months ago when The Scorpions were sent off to the border, their parting scene had been simple and brief. Misao had been saddened to see them go, but she knew there was nothing she could do to prevent them from leaving. She prepared a small, white, silk pouch, which she herself had embroidered with silver and blue flowers, and filled it with green tea leaves for Aoshi.
"Something to remember me by." she had said to him. He merely nodded in response and departed.
It was late afternoon when the two girls finally returned to the city gates. They took leave of their escort and headed back towards the palace on their own. Not many of the common folk of the city has ever seen the royal family up close, so their chances of being recognized were not very probable. The afternoons were generally a busy time in the city. In the market place, the most farmers were packing up what's left of their produce for the next day and the merchants and peddlers were setting up for the evening market. Servants were running errands here and there, preparing for the inevitably grand dinners that the aristocratic families and other wealthy houses were bound to prepare every day of the week.
They two girls, now alone, were passing just one such market street when a little girl caught Misao's eye. She was carrying a basket that looked far too big for her tiny form, and the tattered clothes added to her forlorn appearance. The girl was running across the busy street when suddenly, tripping on a stone, she fell face first on to the middle of the cobblestone road, splattering the entire contents of her basket.
Close enough to see the tears in the girl's eyes, Misao automatically ran forward to help. However, before she was even able to get close enough to pick up the nearest carrot from the ground, she heard the frantic rumblings of a cart racing down the road with the driver yelling "OUT OF THE WAY!!" angrily from the driver's seat. The girl looked up and froze. She had a look of terror plastered to her face, and was shaking wildly.
"Run!!" cried Misao, "Look out!" But the girl wasn't listening, and she wasn't moving. Misao rushed forward as fast as she could, picked the child off the ground and dived out of the way just as the cart went racing past.
"Are you okay??" Misao asked as she stared in to the dazed eyes of the bundle in her arms. "I can't believe that cart driver! That he could have killed someone! There should be laws against this kind of thing!" She turned and stared down the street after the maniac driver. Her heavy travel cloak was dripping with mud and melting snow, while her angry shrieks were attracting the attention of the near by crowds.
Kaoru immediately noticed the danger. Although the city was relatively safe, it still wasn't a good idea to draw too much attention to oneself, especially when one is the princess and only heir to the throne of an entire kingdom. At a time like this, when war is fast on everyone's heels, the last thing they needed was to be recognized amongst the people where an enemy spy could very probably target her and drag her off when no one's looking.
She quickly walked over to the princess, who was still cursing after the cart driver and forcibly lead her away along with the little girl, both trying to calm her down with little success.
They entered an empty alley way where Misao finally quieted down enough to listen to reason.
"Misao-chan! Be reasonable for a minute, you know you shouldn't be making a big fuss out there"
"I know I know, Kaoru-chan, gomen ne. I got a bit carried away. But COMMON! you have to admit. that guy was a total jerk!"
"Maa. maa." Kaoru put her hand up much like Kenshin's usual gesture. Misao couldn't help but smile at that. Kaoru and Kenshin really were made for each other. Anyone could see it.
Misao turned to the little girl who still had her fingers scrunched in her muddied skirt. "My name is Misao, what's your name?"
"Ozawa Tsubame desu." The girl replied with teary eyes.
"Mou, daijoubu. there's no danger anymore, you don't have to cry."
"Demo.." she managed between sobs "Demo. all of the vegetables that Kaa-san needed for tonight's dinner." Tsubame couldn't help but blubber.
Misao smiled, "that's alright, we'll just get you some new ones. don't you worry little one."
"Hon..hontou ni? Misao-nee-san" Tsubame's face immediately lit up with excitement.
"Hai hai." They all laughed cheerfully as they headed off to the market together.
Misao often wandered the markets within the cities when she had a spare moment. She was attracted to the sparkles and shines given off by the most intriguing objects that merchants have gathered from other kingdoms by sea or by land. Sure she had the entire palace full of gilded banisters and silk draperies, but there was oh so much more to the world than just the Royal Palace. She wanted to know everything, how everything worked, where everything came from. She loved hearing stories of lands far away, where things are so different than the life she knows, a childish curiosity that never flickered out, but grew stronger as she grew older.
That said, this was the very first time Misao ever entered a grocer's market. Food was something she never really thought about. If she was at home, the royal kitchens would take care of her nightly feast. If she was out, there were plenty of high class restaurants willing to take her silver talocs and gold crowns. So it was to her utter amazement, that the array of vegetables that Tsubame asked for cost nothing more than a hand full of coppers. The real challenge was finding a merchant who was willing to break her silver taloc since barely any of them had enough change, and also due to the time of day, many farmers had already left the city. Finally Misao was able to find a fairly well off fish vender who would give her change only after her purchase of an overly large cod, which was still only priced at no more than two nunnts.
Kaoru was no more surprised than the little girl they were escorting. Being the adopted daughter of the infamous Commander Saitou Hajime, she lived outside the protective palace gates. She had originally been the daughter of one Kamiya Hitomi Unfortunate circumstances found Hitomi's husband dead on the battle field only 3 months into her pregnancy. Six months later, complications with the birth claimed her life as well. Tokio, unable to bear children, took in and adopted her sister's newborn child as her own. Her husband Saitou Hajime has never rebuked her decision, learning to love the child as dearly as his wife had.
In Seralon, surnames were passed from mother to daughter and from father to son. Women did not give up their family names when marrying and neither did the men. This has created very distinct line of male and female surnames in this culture. Basic genealogy of famous families was common knowledge amongst all people and common topic of gossip amongst the women. Bringing honour to your name was seen as a tribute to your ancestors, and as setting a standard for your decedents.
Kamiya Tokio was never one to sit and let the servants handle all the work. Kaoru had accompanied her to the market on more than one occasion whilst preparing for a special dinner party that her father was hosting. She clearly remembers the last dinner that she and Kenshin had shared in a small upper class restaurant not far from the palace. A dish of baked cod had been priced at two crowns, a sum that some peasants would never see in an entire lifetime.
After an hour of shopping, the trio headed back towards Tsubame's residence. The little girl now had a healthy glow in her cheeks complimented by her wide smile, as she now had a food basket full of not only vegetables, but a fish half her size! (One that Kaoru and Misao had to carry for her in fear of her falling over from its weight.)
"Kaa-san!" The girl called as her mother opened the door to their small cottage.
"Tsubame! What happened, you took such a long time I was so worried!" she answered hugging her daughter close. Only then did she notice the two strangers standing at her doorstep. "who are your new friends Tsubame?"
The girl immediately launched into a full fledged explanation complete with actions as she ran back and forth imitating the mad horse wagon and how Misao heroically saved her from an untimely collision.
"Sa, arigato gozaimashita." The older woman bowed low to the two strangers in gratitude. "Why don't you come in. I don't have much to offer you, but at least we can talk over a cup of mead."
Misao and Kaoru happily agreed.
"My name is Ozawa Nagi. Pease make yourselves at home" She gestured towards an uneven wooden table.
"Hai arigatou, My name's Misao, this is my friend Kaoru"
Nagi paused for a second, contemplating their reason for omitting their surnames, but decided it wasn't her place to question those of the upper echelon of society. "Misao. What a pretty name, just like the princess Misao. and Kaoru, you look familiar. Are you not the daughter of Commander Saitou of the royal army?"
"Hai." Kaoru answered with wide eyes. "How do you know me?"
Nagi smiled. "I've met you once, when you were much younger. I doubt you'd remember the earth quake about 15 years ago, but you mother, such a noble woman, rolled up her sleeves and helped take care of the injured people all over the city. I'll never forget it. You look just like her."
Kaoru smiled in return and accepted the mug that Nagi had just passed to her. Although Tokio was in actuality her aunt, the family resemblance could clearly be identified.
"We're a simple family, my daughter and I. My three sons all went to the army. The younger two died two years ago while fighting this dammed war, only my oldest still lives. For how long, I wonder that every night. He's away watching the borders right now. Every night I pray to Kami-sama to keep him safe. But I'm so afraid." She trailed off, but started again after a sip from her mug. "He sends us more than enough money to live our simple lives, but I don't imagine a soldier's pay to be very high, I just hope he isn't neglecting himself."
"You have a good and faithful son." Misao praised.
"Arigatou."
"Kaa-san look! Look at the big fish that Misao-nee-san bought for us!" Tsubame interrupted while attempting to lift the basket in order to show her mother.
"Ah! I'm afraid we can't accept that. It's more than we can afford!"
"But, Kaa-san..."
"No buts sweetie, we can't take advantage of other people like that." Nagi quieted the still pouting Tsubame.
"No no, it's quite alright." Both Misao and Kaoru assured them together. "its already bought and paid for, I don't want anything in return. Besides, I wouldn't know how to explain it to my father if I were to come home with a fish in my arms." Misao said thoughtfully while imagining the look oh Hiko's face at the sight of her holding the overly large cod, and chuckled to herself. Her father's reactions would almost be worth the effort to try it, but Misao decided to save the idea for a rainy day.
"Tsubame," Kaoru put on a big smile which was a tell-tale sign that she had an idea in mind. "Why don't you let Misao and I take care of the cooking tonight and you and your mom can relax for a bit ne?"
"Uhh... I have a better idea," Misao cut in hurriedly, "Kaoru you know that we probably don have much experience with cooking as Nagi-san so, how about you play with Tsubame, while I help her mother with dinner... Alright? Good. It's settled then." She didn't even give Kaoru a chance to rebuke the suggestion before turning to Nagi and the awaiting fish.
"Yay!. Kaoru-nee-san I wanna show you my room and Kaa-san's room and the yard and the other children..." Tsubame dragged off a speechless Kaoru in the opposite direction as Misao heaved a sigh of relief. Although she was always ready to help out in the kitchens, Kaoru really was a terrible cook. Tokio had long given up on her daughter's culinary abilities after she managed to burn the "no-bake" pie in the oven, and turn the easy 3 step recipe she had for stir fried chicken into stir fried charcoal without even realizing why no one would venture to eat it. Even Kenshin had to pass on that one.
Their evening passed in a pleasant atmosphere. Misao and Kaoru never once minded the shabby state of their surroundings, and treated Nagi as their equal, if not, as a revered older sister. Although the older woman was clearly in her early thirties, the age difference did not impede their friendship in the least. Nagi was naturally quite motherly having raised 4 children, while Misao, having lost her mother at and early age, rather enjoyed the mother-daughter kinds of conversation topics that were brought up.
It was long passed sundown before the two girls ventured back to the royal palace, bidding farewell to their two newfound friends.
======================================
Anyway, Thanks for reading, leave a review! Tell me what you think ^_^ if anyone thinks I should include a glossary of Japanese words used, please inform me.. otherwise I'm too lazy to do it lol... they're just the basic ones that everyone uses anyway ^_^
A/N: I know I'm a slow writer... sorry I keep on running into walls! This chapter probably wont be so interesting.... no Aoshi :o( but I hope to get this stuff out of the way so we can move on to more INTERESTING interactions ^_^
Thanks to everyone to reviewed my story. You're encouragement is much appreciated. I'm trying to get my chapters out faster than before... I think I'm improving lol.. maybe... well.. Enjoy the story!
Currency Info:
50 coppers = 1 Silver Nunnte
4 silver Nunntes = 1 silver Taloc (a bigger silver coin)
200 Coppers = 1 Silver Taloc
10 silvers Taloc = Gold crown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Four
"Misao-chan, are these guards really necessary?" Kaoru asked doubtfully eyeing the four, armed guards riding a short but respectful distance back.
"Father thinks they are, and you know he is always right," she sighed. "It's just while we are outside of the city walls. I know it's for our own good but trust me, I don't like it anymore than you."
A teasing grin crawled over Kaoru's face, "I bet if there was a certain blue eyed commander was riding back there with them you wouldn't be complaining!"
"Kaoru!!" they both laughed. "I wouldn't talk! If my brother were back we wouldn't even be taking this ride! I'd have to make appointments just to get in a few words with you."
" That is SUCH an over exaggeration!. I ALWAYS have time for a few words with my best friend!" she smiled sweetly, "although if you need me for more than that, then you might need the appointment." Their cheery laughter floated about the silent woods.
"I have some good news for you. Kenshin is coming back in two weeks!"
"AHH!! Really?" Kaoru screamed. "Finally!!" She still remembered the last time they were together. It was just before the first snowflakes began to fall, and the world was lonely and still. In the dark of the early dawn, soldiers were saying good-bye to their loved ones while others were preparing to ride out at first light. She had spent the entire night with the red haired warrior, sitting atop the stable roof, just talking, and watching the stars. Although the night air was cold, Kaoru felt perfectly warm and content wrapped in Kenshin's thick wool cloak and the comfort of his embrace.
Morning had come all too soon. In a secluded corner, out of sight from most of the busy soldiers, they said their good-byes. She couldn't help the tears that spilt down her cheeks as he caught her in a passionate embrace, walking off determinedly, without a backward glance.
"Kaoru-chan?"
"Ah! Gomen Misao-chan, I was just thinking about." She trailed off with a blush.
"hahaha. I think I can guess!"
"It's NOT like THAT! Seriously!" but the words went unheard as they were covered by Misao's playful laughter.
"Common Misao-chan, I know u must think about Aoshi just as much ne? How long has he been away now?"
"A little longer than three months. And you're right, I cant get him off my mind most of the time. He's always so distant, not the same as I remember. Kenshin told me about an incident two years ago, where 3 of his men died protecting him. He guesses Aoshi blames himself for their deaths." Misao trailed off and looked away, recalling a memory from nearly 12 years ago just after her mother's death.
Ever since that time, those icy blue eyes had tightly entangled themselves in to her heart. Of course everyone thought this was just a childish crush, a phase that would soon pass, but it didn't. Misao had long since learned to keep anything on this subject to herself and Kaoru, and recently Kenshin, but either way, her heart would not allow her to let go of her Aoshi. Her Aoshi. Since the first time they met, she had thus referred to him. It had only been less than a year ago when she found out that "Commander Shinomori" was also the same person as the Aoshi-sama she had briefly known and loved in her childhood, although he had already been back to the capital for over 3 years. Of course she didn't waste any time in seeking him out. It wasn't hard. All she had to do was find one of her brothers and ask, but her eldest brother Kenshin seemed much more trustworthy in this matter compared to either Soujiro or Sanosuke.
For almost an entire season, Misao had followed her brother to the barracks early in the morning, and stood out of sight watching him and Aoshi train the newly recruited soldiers. The flock of girls she saw in the afternoons gave her the idea of how to get close enough to actually interact with the commander. Then, for another season, the princess became part of the flock who ogled around the soldiers, snatching every moment she could with her beloved.
Afraid that their previous meeting would set her as a child in Aoshi's eyes, she didn't dare reveal to him her true identity. She also wanted to know that, if she were successful in winning his affection, it would be entirely for her, and not her status or position. Consequently Misao had hardly been able to give any information about herself, and was almost grateful that Aoshi wasn't one to ask many questions.
Three months ago when The Scorpions were sent off to the border, their parting scene had been simple and brief. Misao had been saddened to see them go, but she knew there was nothing she could do to prevent them from leaving. She prepared a small, white, silk pouch, which she herself had embroidered with silver and blue flowers, and filled it with green tea leaves for Aoshi.
"Something to remember me by." she had said to him. He merely nodded in response and departed.
It was late afternoon when the two girls finally returned to the city gates. They took leave of their escort and headed back towards the palace on their own. Not many of the common folk of the city has ever seen the royal family up close, so their chances of being recognized were not very probable. The afternoons were generally a busy time in the city. In the market place, the most farmers were packing up what's left of their produce for the next day and the merchants and peddlers were setting up for the evening market. Servants were running errands here and there, preparing for the inevitably grand dinners that the aristocratic families and other wealthy houses were bound to prepare every day of the week.
They two girls, now alone, were passing just one such market street when a little girl caught Misao's eye. She was carrying a basket that looked far too big for her tiny form, and the tattered clothes added to her forlorn appearance. The girl was running across the busy street when suddenly, tripping on a stone, she fell face first on to the middle of the cobblestone road, splattering the entire contents of her basket.
Close enough to see the tears in the girl's eyes, Misao automatically ran forward to help. However, before she was even able to get close enough to pick up the nearest carrot from the ground, she heard the frantic rumblings of a cart racing down the road with the driver yelling "OUT OF THE WAY!!" angrily from the driver's seat. The girl looked up and froze. She had a look of terror plastered to her face, and was shaking wildly.
"Run!!" cried Misao, "Look out!" But the girl wasn't listening, and she wasn't moving. Misao rushed forward as fast as she could, picked the child off the ground and dived out of the way just as the cart went racing past.
"Are you okay??" Misao asked as she stared in to the dazed eyes of the bundle in her arms. "I can't believe that cart driver! That he could have killed someone! There should be laws against this kind of thing!" She turned and stared down the street after the maniac driver. Her heavy travel cloak was dripping with mud and melting snow, while her angry shrieks were attracting the attention of the near by crowds.
Kaoru immediately noticed the danger. Although the city was relatively safe, it still wasn't a good idea to draw too much attention to oneself, especially when one is the princess and only heir to the throne of an entire kingdom. At a time like this, when war is fast on everyone's heels, the last thing they needed was to be recognized amongst the people where an enemy spy could very probably target her and drag her off when no one's looking.
She quickly walked over to the princess, who was still cursing after the cart driver and forcibly lead her away along with the little girl, both trying to calm her down with little success.
They entered an empty alley way where Misao finally quieted down enough to listen to reason.
"Misao-chan! Be reasonable for a minute, you know you shouldn't be making a big fuss out there"
"I know I know, Kaoru-chan, gomen ne. I got a bit carried away. But COMMON! you have to admit. that guy was a total jerk!"
"Maa. maa." Kaoru put her hand up much like Kenshin's usual gesture. Misao couldn't help but smile at that. Kaoru and Kenshin really were made for each other. Anyone could see it.
Misao turned to the little girl who still had her fingers scrunched in her muddied skirt. "My name is Misao, what's your name?"
"Ozawa Tsubame desu." The girl replied with teary eyes.
"Mou, daijoubu. there's no danger anymore, you don't have to cry."
"Demo.." she managed between sobs "Demo. all of the vegetables that Kaa-san needed for tonight's dinner." Tsubame couldn't help but blubber.
Misao smiled, "that's alright, we'll just get you some new ones. don't you worry little one."
"Hon..hontou ni? Misao-nee-san" Tsubame's face immediately lit up with excitement.
"Hai hai." They all laughed cheerfully as they headed off to the market together.
Misao often wandered the markets within the cities when she had a spare moment. She was attracted to the sparkles and shines given off by the most intriguing objects that merchants have gathered from other kingdoms by sea or by land. Sure she had the entire palace full of gilded banisters and silk draperies, but there was oh so much more to the world than just the Royal Palace. She wanted to know everything, how everything worked, where everything came from. She loved hearing stories of lands far away, where things are so different than the life she knows, a childish curiosity that never flickered out, but grew stronger as she grew older.
That said, this was the very first time Misao ever entered a grocer's market. Food was something she never really thought about. If she was at home, the royal kitchens would take care of her nightly feast. If she was out, there were plenty of high class restaurants willing to take her silver talocs and gold crowns. So it was to her utter amazement, that the array of vegetables that Tsubame asked for cost nothing more than a hand full of coppers. The real challenge was finding a merchant who was willing to break her silver taloc since barely any of them had enough change, and also due to the time of day, many farmers had already left the city. Finally Misao was able to find a fairly well off fish vender who would give her change only after her purchase of an overly large cod, which was still only priced at no more than two nunnts.
Kaoru was no more surprised than the little girl they were escorting. Being the adopted daughter of the infamous Commander Saitou Hajime, she lived outside the protective palace gates. She had originally been the daughter of one Kamiya Hitomi Unfortunate circumstances found Hitomi's husband dead on the battle field only 3 months into her pregnancy. Six months later, complications with the birth claimed her life as well. Tokio, unable to bear children, took in and adopted her sister's newborn child as her own. Her husband Saitou Hajime has never rebuked her decision, learning to love the child as dearly as his wife had.
In Seralon, surnames were passed from mother to daughter and from father to son. Women did not give up their family names when marrying and neither did the men. This has created very distinct line of male and female surnames in this culture. Basic genealogy of famous families was common knowledge amongst all people and common topic of gossip amongst the women. Bringing honour to your name was seen as a tribute to your ancestors, and as setting a standard for your decedents.
Kamiya Tokio was never one to sit and let the servants handle all the work. Kaoru had accompanied her to the market on more than one occasion whilst preparing for a special dinner party that her father was hosting. She clearly remembers the last dinner that she and Kenshin had shared in a small upper class restaurant not far from the palace. A dish of baked cod had been priced at two crowns, a sum that some peasants would never see in an entire lifetime.
After an hour of shopping, the trio headed back towards Tsubame's residence. The little girl now had a healthy glow in her cheeks complimented by her wide smile, as she now had a food basket full of not only vegetables, but a fish half her size! (One that Kaoru and Misao had to carry for her in fear of her falling over from its weight.)
"Kaa-san!" The girl called as her mother opened the door to their small cottage.
"Tsubame! What happened, you took such a long time I was so worried!" she answered hugging her daughter close. Only then did she notice the two strangers standing at her doorstep. "who are your new friends Tsubame?"
The girl immediately launched into a full fledged explanation complete with actions as she ran back and forth imitating the mad horse wagon and how Misao heroically saved her from an untimely collision.
"Sa, arigato gozaimashita." The older woman bowed low to the two strangers in gratitude. "Why don't you come in. I don't have much to offer you, but at least we can talk over a cup of mead."
Misao and Kaoru happily agreed.
"My name is Ozawa Nagi. Pease make yourselves at home" She gestured towards an uneven wooden table.
"Hai arigatou, My name's Misao, this is my friend Kaoru"
Nagi paused for a second, contemplating their reason for omitting their surnames, but decided it wasn't her place to question those of the upper echelon of society. "Misao. What a pretty name, just like the princess Misao. and Kaoru, you look familiar. Are you not the daughter of Commander Saitou of the royal army?"
"Hai." Kaoru answered with wide eyes. "How do you know me?"
Nagi smiled. "I've met you once, when you were much younger. I doubt you'd remember the earth quake about 15 years ago, but you mother, such a noble woman, rolled up her sleeves and helped take care of the injured people all over the city. I'll never forget it. You look just like her."
Kaoru smiled in return and accepted the mug that Nagi had just passed to her. Although Tokio was in actuality her aunt, the family resemblance could clearly be identified.
"We're a simple family, my daughter and I. My three sons all went to the army. The younger two died two years ago while fighting this dammed war, only my oldest still lives. For how long, I wonder that every night. He's away watching the borders right now. Every night I pray to Kami-sama to keep him safe. But I'm so afraid." She trailed off, but started again after a sip from her mug. "He sends us more than enough money to live our simple lives, but I don't imagine a soldier's pay to be very high, I just hope he isn't neglecting himself."
"You have a good and faithful son." Misao praised.
"Arigatou."
"Kaa-san look! Look at the big fish that Misao-nee-san bought for us!" Tsubame interrupted while attempting to lift the basket in order to show her mother.
"Ah! I'm afraid we can't accept that. It's more than we can afford!"
"But, Kaa-san..."
"No buts sweetie, we can't take advantage of other people like that." Nagi quieted the still pouting Tsubame.
"No no, it's quite alright." Both Misao and Kaoru assured them together. "its already bought and paid for, I don't want anything in return. Besides, I wouldn't know how to explain it to my father if I were to come home with a fish in my arms." Misao said thoughtfully while imagining the look oh Hiko's face at the sight of her holding the overly large cod, and chuckled to herself. Her father's reactions would almost be worth the effort to try it, but Misao decided to save the idea for a rainy day.
"Tsubame," Kaoru put on a big smile which was a tell-tale sign that she had an idea in mind. "Why don't you let Misao and I take care of the cooking tonight and you and your mom can relax for a bit ne?"
"Uhh... I have a better idea," Misao cut in hurriedly, "Kaoru you know that we probably don have much experience with cooking as Nagi-san so, how about you play with Tsubame, while I help her mother with dinner... Alright? Good. It's settled then." She didn't even give Kaoru a chance to rebuke the suggestion before turning to Nagi and the awaiting fish.
"Yay!. Kaoru-nee-san I wanna show you my room and Kaa-san's room and the yard and the other children..." Tsubame dragged off a speechless Kaoru in the opposite direction as Misao heaved a sigh of relief. Although she was always ready to help out in the kitchens, Kaoru really was a terrible cook. Tokio had long given up on her daughter's culinary abilities after she managed to burn the "no-bake" pie in the oven, and turn the easy 3 step recipe she had for stir fried chicken into stir fried charcoal without even realizing why no one would venture to eat it. Even Kenshin had to pass on that one.
Their evening passed in a pleasant atmosphere. Misao and Kaoru never once minded the shabby state of their surroundings, and treated Nagi as their equal, if not, as a revered older sister. Although the older woman was clearly in her early thirties, the age difference did not impede their friendship in the least. Nagi was naturally quite motherly having raised 4 children, while Misao, having lost her mother at and early age, rather enjoyed the mother-daughter kinds of conversation topics that were brought up.
It was long passed sundown before the two girls ventured back to the royal palace, bidding farewell to their two newfound friends.
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Anyway, Thanks for reading, leave a review! Tell me what you think ^_^ if anyone thinks I should include a glossary of Japanese words used, please inform me.. otherwise I'm too lazy to do it lol... they're just the basic ones that everyone uses anyway ^_^