Not Seeing Each Other (D7, EN)

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

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.

[Tonbo Misa]

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.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

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.

[Tonbo Misa]

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?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"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."

[Tonbo Misa]

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.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

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.

[Tonbo Misa]

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.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

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."

[Tonbo Misa]

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."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"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.