Chapter Nine:

Beyond the gate lay the most beautiful estate Amayami had ever seen. Her eyes followed a multitude of colored mosses and lush flowers as they tangled along the bank of a brook that widened into a miniature waterfall.

The manor itself was a compound of small, low standing buildings with a main house that seemed to be one with the mountain at its back. Everywhere she looked was a window or door leading to the outside and paths dotted with smooth stepping-stones.

Countless clay bells were strung from the overhangs of the roofs, chiming in the cool westerly breeze. Amayami sighed, relaxing for the first time in hours. Soon she would consign herself back to the troubles of reality, but for this moment, it scarcely seemed to matter.

From the corner of her eye, she watched as Touga closed and barred the heavy wooden gate. When he turned in mid-gesture and smiled, her heart lifted to her throat. No man had ever before smiled at her in that manner and been sincere.

Shyness crept across her nerves and reaffirmed her distrust. Touga was always sincere. It was only the nature of his sincerity she questioned. His smile widened as he took a small step forward and there was a look in his eyes she could not describe.

Shuddering back a gasp, she turned away and fought the urge to hug herself. "Are we expected?"

Her voice was calm and haughty, but there was an undeniable thread of panic. Unshed tears glittering in her eyes, she swallowed hard and fisted her fingers into her long sleeves, twisting and tightening until her knuckles turned whiter than the fine silk.

Standing on tiptoe, Touga peered up at the main house, searching for any sign of the estate's caretakers. His brows knit together in a frown as nothing seemed amiss. "No," he said, shrugging. "They must be out back."

"They?" she asked, sidestepping and turning when he tried to grab her. She tilted her head, listening to the bells clamor as the wind gusted. "How long are we staying?"

The corner of Touga's mouth quirked up in amusement. "A few weeks." He cradled her chin in his palm, his long fingers grazing the twin stripes on one cheek. His eyes were soft, mysterious. "Your mother must have been lovely."

She drew back just a little. "Why?"

His lips felt like whispers upon hers, but she was more aware of his fingers sliding through her damp hair. Her palms pressed against his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath the damp silk. "Tell me why," she demanded, swallowing. Her pulse was too rapid and her breath too quick to voice real demands.

Touga tipped his head to one side and pondered her wide eyes and parted lips. "Because," he murmured, lips fluttering across her cheeks and along her jaw. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Her smile was swift and fleeting. "I've seen your concubines."

She had seen them twice, perhaps three times, but it was enough for a lifetime. Four beautiful, well-bred, and ultimately powerless women that had been bartered for the personal gain of another. Amayami would have pitied them, had their situations not been so similar.

Resentment coursed through her as she recalled his concubines and their silent, desperate obedience. "I am not your property," she hissed, glaring into his surprised eyes. "I will not be owned!"

His chuckle was full of male confidence. Touga lifted a fingertip and touched where her pulse leapt in her throat, smirking when she shivered. "Truly?"

Amayami glowered, jerking away. "You're baiting me." Her hands flexed at her sides as if she longed to use them on him.

Touga tilted his head, studying her for a moment. "Yes," he admitted, his lips quirking as she sighed and shook her head. "I still think your mother must have been lovely."

Amayami edged past him and reached up to stroke Ichi-ni's muscled flank. Her eyes were troubled, searching. "I don't remember."

"Nothing at all?" Touga asked, filled with perplexing emotions. He felt as though he had uncovered some deep, intimate secret. "The war?"

Amayami stared at him, but her eyes were very far away. The way her lips moved without saying words terrified him.

"You don't have to answer," he said, wishing he could just take back the question entirely. "I've already been too intrusive."

Amayami touched her forehead, fingertips tracing the crescent moon on her brow. She blinked and focused her shimmering eyes on him. "My mother took her own life."

"What?" he whispered in hushed urgency and gripped her arms, utterly forgetting his desire to not know. "Why?"

Amayami almost laughed. "Do you wish to know or not? You're so indecisive," she taunted, pulling from his grasp. "Although, it does explain why you're in a different bed every night."

Her words stung, but he let them pass. He reached for her, almost but not quite touching, and when she did not jerk away, he eased his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her closer. To his astonishment, she pressed herself against him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I suppose it also explains why you destroyed village after village, even after you already had more land than any daiyoukai on the island," she whispered, lips moving against his kosode.

Touga stroked her hair, wishing he could say something to put her mind at ease. "You're probably right," he decided after a thoughtful moment and then quickly amended his statement. "I am indecisive, but I can't help thinking that you're trying to pick a fight. It's your way of keeping a wedge between us."

Amayami flinched, surprised by his sudden astuteness. "Perhaps, but doesn't mean what I say isn't true." She drew an uneven breath and tilted her head to look him directly in the eyes.

"You want me to ease your conscience, Inu no Taishou," she whispered, lips inches from his. "To tell you that you didn't drive my mother to an early grave."

He held her closer and massaged the back of her neck. There was no bite to the honorific title and no accusation in her words. Still, he did feel chastised, accused. "Yes," he admitted, brushing his lips against his temple. "But I won't ask you to lie."

Amayami smiled against his chest. "You do ask me to lie," she murmured, kissing the space above his heart. "Every time you touch me."

"Amayami, I-"

She laid a finger on his lips, silencing his protests. "Sometimes people die so that others might live. Such was true of my mother."

Touga released a pent up breath and it washed warmly over her face. Her words were of no comfort and he had to wonder at them.

He tapped her forehead, running his finger lightly across her crescent moon. "This mark is from your mother."

Amayami offered a barely perceptible nod and reached up to touch his hand. She nestled her thumb in his callused palm, rubbing in soft circles.

"It's all I have left of her."

"I'm sorry," he said, meeting her eyes. He had meant every syllable, but his words seemed so inadequate. He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head and then reached around to snag the dragon's reins.

"You should head to the main house," he suggested, jabbing his chin that direction. "Before it starts raining again."

His eyes widened in surprise as her hand shot out and closed around his wrist. This was not the first time he had witnessed her uncanny speed, but it was still just as impressive.

Giving his hand a slight squeeze, Amayami nodded towards the gate. "You finish here and I'll take him to the stables. They're in the back?"

Holding her gaze, Touga tried to judge her mood. She seemed so exhausted and fragile, as if she were crumbling into herself. "Yes, but I'd rather you go inside," he answered, slowly, and then added, "It's been a long day and you look tired."

Amayami's smile did not quite reach her eyes. "I am exhausted." She reached up to rub a worry line between his eyebrows. "And so are you."

For once Touga agreed with her. Still he wanted to do something kind for her, even if it were only a token gesture. "I am tired," he admitted, a corner of his mouth lifting. "Which is why I'd like for you to walk up to the house and have Cho start dinner."

Her smile widened, revealing a hint of fang, but her eyes remained distant, aloof. She gave the reins a slight tug. With little protest, Ichi-ni lumbered to his feet, ready to obey his mistress' command.

"I'm not hungry," she said, brushing past him. Amayami paused and glanced over her shoulder, flicking back her hair. "I need to be alone for awhile.

Touga nodded, disappointed, but still managed a meager smile. As always, she and her need for solitude puzzled him. He realized that she had revealed more than she had intended. And now, she would sulk like a wounded creature and nurse her pain alone.

Worse was the realization that he could do nothing, save watch her long sleeves billow in the wind, as she strode away. "Damn it," he growled, wondering at the hollow feeling within his chest.

Behind him a twig snapped purposefully. Touga pivoted on his heel, bending to glower down at an otherwise unassuming bush. It trembled, shaking from something other than just wind.

Touga sighed, rolling his eyes skyward, and wondered what exactly he had done to deserve all this. "You can come out now, flea."

The tiny youkai peeked out from behind a leaf, scowling fussily at him. "It Myouga!"

There was once a time, many years ago, when he had been respected, if only name. Then he had been Myouga-sensei and Touga had been not yet filled with rage. Those days were long past, as was evident by the claws speeding towards his head.

"My Lord!" the flea gasped, ducking and dodging. "After all I've done for you!"

Brows twitching, Touga crossed his arms over his chest and stared, hard-eyed, down at the sniveling flea. "You haven't done anything for me, Myouga."

Myouga opened and closed his mouth in rapidly, looking very much like trout caught on dry land. "What you mean?" he sputtered, aghast. "I've served your family for decades!"

Touga exhaled, his nostrils flaring. "Myouga," he growled, extending his hand. "I'm in no mood."

Myouga huffed, muttering something about ungrateful children and the indignity of it all. The leaf beneath him quivered, bowing under his miniscule weight. "Well, uh…" He followed Touga's eyes to see Amayami disappear behind the house.

Taking a deep breath, he leapt into the air and landed neatly on inu daiyoukai's palm. "Ah, Touga-sama?"

Without even blinking, Touga slapped his hands together, flattening the flea youkai against his palm. "Myouga," he muttered, ignoring the flea's muffled curses. "What do you know about Takayuki?"

Myouga blinked, bleary eyed, as he weaved drunkenly, his lord's words coming to him a cacophony of mumbles. "Your lady mother-" he skittered across Touga's palm as the shadow of the other loomed overhead. "-Don't squish me! I'm just the messenger!"

Touga snorted, dropping his other hand. This vassal was many things, none of which could be called simple. "Myouga," he began, his voice low and full of warning. "Tell me about Takayuki."

Myouga scratched his chin, nodding to himself. "Amayami-sama's father, eh? Not much to tell. He was a wise and benevolent daiyoukai of terrifying power."

"And I defeated him," Touga interjected, quietly. He felt no pride whatsoever in the proclamation. "You're telling me nothing I don't know."

"With all due respect, milord," Myouga began, gently. "You never faced Takayuki-sama in combat." He tensed and squeezed both eyes shut, preparing for the worst, so that his next words came out in a rush. "But I'm sure you would have done fine."

Much to his amazement, nothing happened. There were no sudden squishes or brutal grinds beneath his lord's heel. Not even a harsh word. He breathed a sigh of relief, but did not let his guard down.

"Not long after his wife died, Takayuki-sama had his daughter declared heir apparent-" Myouga paused, frowning. "If I may ask, my Lord? Why not simply ask Amayami-sama?"

"She keeps her own counsel," Touga muttered and deposited the flea onto a drooping flower, knowing full well the old flea could easily translate his words. She doesn't trust me.

"I see," Myouga said with a hint of sympathy in his tone. "Much of what I know is hearsay, but I could see if there is any truth to rumors."

Touga seemed to consider his suggestion for a moment. "You do that," he commanded, turning on his heel. Before he could take a single step Myouga cleared his throat, calling after him.

"My Lord," Myouga began, diplomatically. "What shall I tell your Lady Mother?"

Touga paused, but did not turn around. "Tell her that so long as she's with him," he drew out coldly, "she's no kin of mine."

Myouga sighed, fearing as much. Unfortunately, he was honor bound to deliver his mistress' message. "Yumeni-sama, your Lady Mother, finds herself in a delicate situation."

Bile bubbled in the back of Touga's throat as his face contorted into mask of rage. "And?" he spat. The word was cold, weighted, and very dangerous, betraying every bit of his sudden conflicting emotions.

Myouga took a deep breath and prepared to flee. Now that he recalled, Touga-sama had quite a reputation for killing the messenger. "She requests that you return to her." He looked longingly out one of the knotholes in the wooden gate. "She begs you, my Lord."

Touga closed his eyes, counting softly beneath his breath. "No," he muttered. Slowly shaking his head at the sudden stir of anger. "Absolutely not."

"As you wish," Myouga answered, regret heavy in his tone. "The invitation also extends to Amayami-sama." When there was no reply, he turned to see Touga stalking down the stepping stone path, already halfway to the stables.

Myouga sighed, muttering beneath his breath. "Well, that didn't go very well."

---

Amayami hummed to herself as she loosened Ichi-ni's saddle and slung it off to the corner of the stall. She stripped off the sweat and rain soaked saddle blanket as Ichi-ni pawed and snuffled at hay-strewn floor.

"Impatient, aren't you?" she mused, reaching up to unfasten Ichi's bridle. She covered her eyes with one hand, downtrodden and tired, and breathed an audible sigh. "Reminds me of someone I know."

"Who?"

She looked up and pushed her hair back from her face. Touga leaned in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. Anger glittered in his amber eyes until they shimmered gold.

Something trembled within her, tightening as her pulse raced. She would have been more at ease if the sensation had been fear. Swallowing to moistening her dry mouth, she made a dismissive gesture with her hand.

"A rather discourteous and overly assertive daiyoukai who has a penchant for loosing his temper." Keeping Touga's gaze, she pulled back one of Ichi-ni's ears and leaned down to whisper. "That means he's a rude and pushy grouch."

Humor sparkled and then dimmed within her eyes as his expression grew wrathful. He shoved away from the door and took a menacing step towards her.

"I know what it means," he hissed, nostrils flaring. His voice was explosive in the tense silence. "Perhaps if you knew your place, my manner would be less offensive."

Amayami balled her fists at her sides, yearning to answer his sudden rage in kind. Instead, she cocked her head to one side and allowed a sardonic smile to curl at her lips. "Are you suggesting that it's my fault that you are an ill-mannered brute?"

Touga felt a smile tug at his lips but kept his voice cool. "You should reevaluate your own behavior before you deem me ill-mannered. If you would just-"

"Be silent," Amayami commanded, eyes glittering. Straw crunched beneath her feet as she took a measure step forward. Daring him to utter a solitary word.

She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked him stern the eye. Touga bowed his head and fidgeted like a scolded child, feeling quite foolish. Myouga's message had turned his frustration with Amayami into anger.

"I thought I told you to go inside," he murmured, calming as she began to gently rub his shoulders. His muscles bunched and curled beneath her hands. His body seemed as lost and angry as the expression in his eyes.

Watching him from beneath hooded eyes, Amayami smoothed her hands down the lengths of his arms. "And I told you," she reminded him, taking his hands in hers, "that I wanted to be alone for awhile."

Chuckling, he laced his fingers with hers, pressing their palms together. "So, you did," he muttered, drawing her hands up to his lips. "It slipped my mind."

"You didn't listen," she corrected, shivering as he brushed his lips over her sensitive inner wrists. "What's wrong?"

Touga almost smiled. Had he not asked her that very question mere hours ago? "I asked you first."

Suddenly, Ichi-ni let out a keening bray and pawed at the straw covered floor, demanding attention. Amayami jerked away, whirling on her heel, intent on rushing to the creature's side. Without thinking, Touga lunged forward and snagged her around the waist.

"Leave him," he commanded, pulling her close. He nuzzled her neck, apologizing for startling her. "You're spoiling him."

Amayami gripped his arms, marring his leather wrist guards with her claws. "He's mine to spoil."

Had he not know better, Touga would have sworn that there was a hint of pouting in her tone. "Is he?" he asked, dubious, kissing the space behind her ear. "When did this happen?"

"Yes," she insisted, brows lifting. "My husband gave him to me just this afternoon."

Touga felt a smile tug at his lips but kept his voice neutral. "That was rather kind of your husband to offer you one of his finest war steeds."

"He has his moments," she murmured dryly. "Sometimes I can almost tolerate him."

"Not often," Touga accused, nipping her again. He hated that it hurt when she shrugged out of his arms and stepped away, keeping her back to him. He watched her walk across the large, square room to the gate leading to the enclosure.

For a moment, Amayami stood at the low gate, watching as the rain slowly tumbled from the sky. "Sometimes," she murmured, voice far away. "He can be kind and very noble. Then other times he makes so many demands and wants me to respond to things I don't comprehend. And I-" she smiled brokenly as he moved to stand beside her. "I don't think he listens very well."

"Perhaps if you spoke more often he would make it a habit to listen," he suggested, smoothing his hand down her spine. "I believe he mentioned that he couldn't read minds."

Amayami piled her hands on the gate, griping the weathered wood until it creaked in protest. He was being tender and she hated every moment of it. Worse yet, he was mocking her with pity-tainted compassion.

Silently, he eased her hands from the gate and took them within his. They were so cold and wet from the drizzling rain that he shivered. He rubbed them gently, his roughened fingers tracing the fine calluses on her palms. "You're a fine swordsman."

Pride made Amayami school her features and summon an amused smile. "My handmaidens wish I were more of a lady."

"I see," he chuckled and ran a claw down the center of her palm. "Most of these calluses are old, but some are fresh. I can tell you practice often."

She raised a brow, challenge glittering in her eyes. "I practice when my husband is with his-" she swallowed a sudden spike of anger. "When he's occupied."

Touga grimaced. The thought that Amayami was honing her skills while he sated himself with his concubines was more than a little unsettling. "Why do you hate my concubines so much?"

All amusement left her face and her eyes grew contemplative. "You have already chosen them over me. I have no reason to believe you won't do the same to our child."

Touga almost growled. Did she truly believe his concubines ruled him? That he would abandon everything for their sake? One look into her hurt filled eyes and he realized the answer.

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers. "I would never," he began, but the words seemed so inadequate "…I care about you, Amayami."

It was such simple declaration, yet enough to make Amayami's cheeks grow hot. A reaction that was impossible to hide with skin so fair. "I…"

"Hush," he murmured, pressing the palm of his free hand over her heart. "I don't need to hear your words to know your heart."

Amayami covered his hand with her own, pressing so he could feel the rapid beating of her heart. "And what does my heart tell you?"

He traced the stripes on her cheek with his free hand. "It tells me that I need to earn your trust," he breathed, lips brushing hers, "and that you value actions over words."

She bit her lip to hide a grin, but her eyes still sparkled with humor.

"And you're laughing at me," he sighed, dropping his hand as he looked up at the sky. It was starless with flashes of lightning that brightened darkness to day.

Amayami shook her head. "No, it's just." There was no mistaking her sincerity as she wrapped her arms around him. "You shouldn't try so hard when you're tired."

The corner of his mouth tugged upward. "We should go inside," he suggested. He wound an arm around her waist, but made no effort to move. He was almost fearful that if he did, the moment would be squandered.

"Or we could stay here," he whispered, only half in jest, "and sleep in the haystacks."

Amayami's lips curved a bit as she squeezed him. "We could," she acquiesced, stifling a yawn. Now that she was at ease, exhaustion once again crept into her bones. "But there is only one saddle blanket and I don't think that Ichi-ni is willing to share."

The dark, hostile glare Touga shot the dragon-hybrid was enough to make her grin. His eyes narrowed, deepening the near perpetual worry line between his brows.

"You should teach your pet discipline," he said with a disdainful sniff. "Or else he won't be fit to live with come summer."

Amayami pulled away and eyed him thoughtfully. He wondered if she could see the distant worry within his eyes, he half hoped she could.

After a moment, she placed her hands on her hips and twisted her lips twisted in mock indignation. "I'll have you know," she sneered, tone haughty, "he is one of my husband's finest war steeds."

Touga raised a skeptical brow, willing to play along. "He's a sullen old nag."

"Yes," Amayami answered, sighing in mock despair, "but he is my husband, so I'll have to make do."

Surprise colored his features, chasing away the last of his irritation. He rolled his shoulders, laughing softly. Only Amayami could ease and rile his temper with calculated insult.

His hands circled her waist, bare palms pressing against her clothed belly. He jerked them away, shivering as an involuntary ache of pure desire went through him. "Few have the courage to mock me."

Amayami drew a ragged breath. The way he looked at her made her heart race and her breath quicken. "Not to your face," she rasped and then drew a sucking breath, calming herself. "What troubles you?"

The abrupt change of subject startled Touga. One moment she was girlish and playful and the next she was dour and concerned. It unnerved him more than he cared to admit. "I asked you first," he retorted, not caring that he sounded childish. "What upset you earlier on the road?"

Amayami shook her head wearily. "Everything, nothing, and all things in between." She held her breath and then exhaled softly. "I miss my father."

The admission did not shame her as she thought it would. Rather, she felt lighter as if a weight had been lifted from her heart. "He's the one person I truly trust."

"You were close," Touga stated, gently. He knew that he stated the obvious and that it was far wiser to hold his tongue.

Nodding, Amayami tangled her fingers in the ends of his hair and watched as her claws slid through the silvery strands. "So much has happened so quickly that I don't feel like myself anymore. And I wish..."

She dropped her hands to her sides, balling them into white knuckled fists, and scowled at him. Her mood shifted like lightning. "I thought you said that you didn't need to hear my words to know my heart."

Touga lifted his shoulders and let them sag. There was no mistaking the hostility or accusation within her tone. She raked a hand through her hair, all indignation despite the unshed tears in her eyes.

"I've always been more telepathic than empathic," he said and tried to smile at his own humor. "What's bothering me…it's my mother."

He kissed her softly, and then wound his arms loosely around her waist. "She and I have differences." He swallowed, wondering at the guilt that stung him. "I thought I made it clear I wanted nothing more to do with her and now today, today-"

He implored her with a look. "She needs my help."

"Then help her," Amayami whispered, stroking his cheek.

Touga had to smile. The answer was so simple and sensible, so his Amayami. "It's not that easy," he said, burying his face in her neck, hiding. "I can't forgive the things she's done."

There was such raw pain in his voice Amayami could not bring herself to pry. Instead, she held him close and offered the only observation she could. "No matter what she's done, she's still your mother."

Nodding to herself, she kissed his temple and rubbed the small of his back. "Let's go inside," she coaxed. "We can talk and decide what do."

"There is nothing to decide!" he snarled, jerking away. The very suggestion made him furious. "She can rot for all I care."

Amayami lifted an eyebrow and Touga knew that he was about to set in his place. Although a head shorter, she seemed to tower over him, her pale, depthless eyes glinting dangerously.

"Inu no Taishou," she said, dryly. "Once again you prove your capacity for selfishness is indeed infinite."

Furious, he stepped back. His jaw clenched so tightly she could see the hard constricts of muscle. "Bitch."

Amayami smirked at his cold, concise tone and flicked back her hair, unbothered. "How boring," she replied with a sort of bitter pleasantry. "I'm going inside."

She leaned down to the giving the dozing pseudo-dragon an affectionate goodnight pet and turned towards the door. "You can either join me, or stand in the barn all night."

Touga made an impatient gesture, demanding she listen. "You don't know what she's done," he called after her, relieved when she paused. "Or what she's capable of. You only think you've seen the worst of me."

"I see," she said, calmly, "So it is all about you."

There was no inflection in his voice, despite the terrible wrath in his eyes. "No. It's about that bitch and what she's done to me and my father."

Chuckling softly and shaking her head, Amayami turned and took a step forward. Her eyes were sympathetic and her eyes sad, but all Touga saw was condescendence. "It's about how she hurt you."

In a blur of anger, Touga backhanded Amayami across the face, sending her stumbling back. She nearly fell, but regained her footing at the last moment.

Horrified at what he had done, he stared at her bowed head and then down at his reddened hand. Reaching helplessly for her, he stammered when he spoke. "Amayami I-"

Amayami's fist arched up and connected neatly with his jaw. Touga grunted, staggering back, and narrowly dodged a second blow. When she lunged for him again, eyes darkened with rage, he was not again as fortunate. Slipping on the scattered straw, he muttered a curse as he lost his balance and stumbled backward into a haystack.

Before she could stalk away, he kicked out his feet, aiming for her knees. Missing just barely, but close enough that stopped in her tracks. She spun on her heel, eyes blazing and fearless despite the spreading bruise on her cheek. "You bastard!"

Grunting Touga shoved himself into a sitting position and wiped the blood from his lips. "You don't know the half of it," he spat, blood dribbling from his chin.

Amayami touched her cheek, wincing at the sudden throb in her jaw. Without looking, she knew the entire right side of her face was a glorious purple. Not surprising, but nonetheless hurtful, he had turned on her the moment she let her guard down. The moment she was foolish enough to trust him.

She snorted a derisive laugh. "I should have known." Turning, she stalked away, only to pause in the doorway. "I find it difficult to believe you could be much worse."

As she disappeared through the door, he muttered a hard curse and fought the urge to chase after her. He hated that she could provoke him with a single turn of phrase.

"Damn it!" Touga punched ground and then slumped back into the haystack. Most of all, he hated making excuses for himself.

---

Unhurried, despite the driving rain, Amayami strolled across the courtyard towards the main house. She paused to glare over her shoulder at the stable. "Idiot," she cursed and then quickened her pace, stalking rapidly back to the house. "Damn moronic fool."

Reaching the main house, she plopped down on the steps and folded her knees to her chin. She touched her cheek again, finding it almost healed. Still, it throbbed with a pain that was not quite physical.

Her eyes stung and she cursed, scrubbing at her face. She had shed more almost tears in the past month, than in her entire life. Sensing someone behind her, Amayami stiffened and called out in her most neutral tone. "Yes?"

"Ah, it's me, old Haru," rasped an old man as he stepped out onto the patio. He scratched a scaly spot on his balding head. "Who might you be?"

Amayami rose to her feet, but did not turn around. "Amayami," she answered, stopping herself in mid step. She frowned. "I thought the caretaker's name was Cho."

Haru beamed and bobbed his head. "Cho is my granddaughter. My pride and joy, you see."

"I see," she said softly, and then added. "Touga is in the stables."

Haru made a sound that was somewhere between a snort and groan. He took Amayami's familiarity with the master to mean she that was welcomed in the estate.

"Pretty thing like you out here alone and he's in there playin' with the livestock," he said, shaking his head. "I always knew that boy wasn't right in the head."

Amayami ran a hand through her hair, plastering the wet strands to her bruised cheek. "It's a stressful time for him." She frowned, wondering why she was making excuses for him. "For everyone."

"I can see that with the war finally endin' and all," Haru mused, wrinkled lips twitching thoughtfully. "Well, I'll have Cho see to your rooms after I walk the back. Bath house is 'round the corner if you're interested."

Amayami bit back a smile. "Thank you, Haru-san," she said, turning to nod a bow. Her smile vanished. "It's raining."

"Ho!" Haru craned his neck and eyed her from head to toe. "Smart and pretty," he said, grinning. "Serious, now, there are some travelers camped out in the forest. I need to make sure they're not gettin' into mischief."

Amayami tapped her chin and squinted out into the rain. Visibility was practically non-existent. "What sort of travelers?"

"Horses from the smell of 'em," Haru answered with a cagey wink. "They're usually pretty amicable folk, so I don't think they mean any harm."

Amayami raked her fingers through her hair and stepped up on tiptoe. "Perhaps, I should investigate."

"Now, I know old Haru isn't the best company," he drawled, an amused glint in his eye. "but there's no need to hurt yourself rushin' off."

Amayami paused, an apology on her tongue. Something about Haru and his strange manner was so endearing. "I'll take that under advisement."

For a moment she stood there, gazing off into the distance. Her eyes drifted back to the dim outline of the stables. "Idiot."

"I'd be happy to go fetch him for you, Lady," Haru offered, knowing the insult was not directed at him. "If that's what you're after."

Amayami nodded, seeming lost in thought. She was thinking of her mother. Trying to grasp a solitary memory that was not immersed in pain, sadness, or fear. Mother… "No."

"Well, then I'm off," he said, winking as he bowed low. "It's been a pleasure, Lady."

Amayami waited until he was a short distance away before calling after him. "Haru-san." Her was voice soft and cutting, despite the tiny sob in her throat. "I need to send a message."