Dark Edge Village

Finally feeding herself with courage, Kutakuhime returns to the Administrative Center with a letter in hand. She walks up to the prestigious guest rooms in search for Sanmi.

Misa's room was dark, and it seemed both women were asleep. Thankfully for Kitakuhime, Sanmi was used to being a light sleeper, and she woke up at the sounds of footsteps in the hall. The door peeked open a moment later, the little girl looking out at Kitakuhime with a lantern in her hands before giving a deep bow.

Kitakuhime didn't know how to step silently, but at least she took off her riding boots before entering. She wiggles her bare feet fingers, and goes tip-toe, placing hand over her lips, so Sanmi wouldn't say anything to wake up Misa.

There are a couple of minor squeaks, but she manages to get there. With a nod, she delivers the servant a sealed letter.

Sanmi looks at the letter curiously before taking it gingerly in her young fingers. She finally speaks up at a low whisper. "For my lady? Should I leave her asleep then?"

"I don't want to bother her more than I did. She must be tired." Kitakuhime tries not to peek inside.

"Tell her..." She bites her lips. "Tell her I came by. Tell her to read it only if I can't come to visit her tomorrow."

Sanmi gave a soft nod. She looked ready to slip back in before she spoke softly again. "I will... and... this servant thinks Lady Otaku-sama should come back. Misa-dono... has already lost too many she cares about to the blade..."

With one last sad look, the girl shut the door.

Kitakuhime fast hands slide so fast no one ever saw a thing. The samurai holds the door's frame before Sanmi closes it shut.

"..."

I'm not a coward.

Sanmi paused, looking back at Kitakuhime with a bit of frightened concern. Of course she let go of the door frame and bowed, but she said and did nothing else, not understanding the sudden move at all.

Kitakuhime shakes her hear, with serene eyes to Sanmi. "I am sorry. Sanmi-san. I've made my mind. I won't draw my blade. I won't give the letter."

She opens her hand, expecting the letter to the returned. "I'll endure failure so I can stand up again. I'll come back tomorrow."

Sanmi didn't understand any better, but she did what was expected, handing the letter back. She gave another low bow and held it. "Then you will be welcomed back then."

"Good night, Sanmi-san. I apologize for disturbing. I wasn't thinking straight." She nods to the other girl, and peeks inside just a bit more before leaving.

Satisfied, she exits –– if not called.