Dark Edge Village

She has rearranged what few possessions she owns ahead of Taira's arrival. In one corner her bedding has been tidily rolled and, on top of that, Satsujin is napping in a bed of rags. The kimono rack is now against the right wall, in its place is the firepot and tea set. the chabudai is in the center of the floor, but ready to be moved aside if the tatami mats were deemed a more suitable surface.

The kettle is hot and the tea set is ready for her guest. As she waits, she is singing to herself, soft and sweet, but clear enough to be heard by anyone passing by.

No other men say 'love yourself'
Nobody else can...

---
Perform: Song >> 25 Success
Song: Something to Remember, performed by me

Taira arrived, but paused by the entrance, listening in silence.

After all the rumors, it was an odd juxtaposition.

With all the events that had played out so far, he couldn't help but fall into a short moment of introspection. After all, his own experiences, while not rumor worthy, were equally discomforting.

The final notes fade out, movement can be heard inside. Softly, laughingly, "all right, I'm sorry I disturbed you." A pause, "Satsujin, just go back to sleep, I won't bother you again."

Taira knocked gently on the frame.

"Sumimasen, Soshi Taira desu."

Opening the door flap, she smiles warmly, "Taira-sama, do come in, would you like tea?" Either she does not feel as melancholy as her choice of song suggests, or her on has significantly improved in just a few, short days.

"Of course, I would be honored."

He stepped inside, smiling courteously. "I'm glad to see you are doing well."

She let the door flap fall and indicated for Taira to take a seat. Sitting herself, she began to prepare the tea, "as well as one might hope. I sense storms on the horizon. But what of you, how have you fared since last we spoke?"

Taira sgruggled for a good answer.

After a while he finally said, "I suppose I'm doing all right. Things haven't gone as expected, but I imagine that's true for many of us."

Her smile fades. "I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps, for an hour or two, we can ignore the machinations of betrothal going on out there, and enjoy this little oasis of peace?"

"Hai, that would be lovely."

With a smile, he took the offered seat.

"I admit, whatever expectations I had, I have long since discarded them. It's a brave new world, it seems."

"In the interest of keeping what I have just promised, I will not try to answer that. Instead, tell me if there is anything I can do for you? If you would like to talk about something, or just hear me play the kogo while you enjoy your tea. You need only ask." She placed two cups on the chabudai and poured the tea.

"Perhaps we should both take part in whatever you propose; tea would be nice, as a start."

(or coffee, he'd be your friend for life)

"I just would enjoy a common peace."

"Take tea with me then. I was able to convince the quartermaster to part with some coffee, I thought that would be better suited to your promised lessons, if you'd like to try that a little later."

...

"Coffee?"

Taira was bemused, but took the offered seat.

"And I'd be glad to get started, if you wanted, while we enjoy the tea."

She sips her tea and smiles, "certainly, I am your willing - if not able - student."