Thirty-Three.
.
.
A fragrant smell hit her nose as soon as she raised the mats of the older miko's hut: Kaede-sama was crouching next to the fire, stirring some soup for dinner, and Kagome felt a small twinge of guilt.
"Ah, you're back, Kagome-chan." Her rusty voice said welcoming, her eye raising rapidly towards her. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"I did, Kaede-sama." She answered, stripping off her sandals and reaching her near the fire. "I'm afraid I won't join you for dinner: something happened that demands my attention, and I must leave as soon as I'm ready."
This captured the other's attention.
-.-.-.-.-.-
(100 words.)