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Chizu awoke well rested and alert. In fact since the war ended she has never slept so soundly in her life. For most of her days she had been on edge, forever worrying of what lay in the shadows that surround her. Now she no longer feared that which was unseen. And that made her spirit tranquil and at ease. She stretched high up to the ceiling and made blissful noises. Which roused her servants into action. That too was something new. She never had servants before and truth be told she revelled in being waited on. It was just a slip of vanity from a woman who had known nothing but death her entire life. She ate, dressed and prepared herself for the final meeting with the Shogun. Then she would have a whole new life ahead of her, serving the finest couple in the land and if the gods will it, protector of their children. Chizu smiled at that thought; she already made plans to surreptitiously teach the children the ways of the ninja, to give them added skills when they became older. They will grow up strong and in time, Chizu was certain they would take their place leading the nation. Perhaps becoming Shogun. The skies were the limit for her imagining. Not even heaven was beyond the reach of such a pair. Yasuhira and Tomoe were unlike any people she had ever met. The world will see that too, she was certain.
But first they had to deal with the fop Shogun and his foolishness. The meeting with Yasu's cousins yesterday went better than expected. They were placated for the most part. The virulence of the war had taken much of the ardour out of their ambitions. None of them had the whit or the wherewithal to begin any sort of stratagem against Yasuhira. They wanted to go home too. Chizu had a few meetings with some minor officials to discuss security but they weren't very long or detailed. They were quite pleased with Chizu's efforts and the men under her command. She wondered if they knew she and her troops were ninjas. Probably not. Best to keep that a secret until they left. Chizu was getting hungry again and turned a thought about venturing to the kitchens for something when she heard her name called.
"Yes, Akako?"
The girl walked up to her, "I was wondering if I could have a word with you in private."
She smiled, "Of course."
They killed two birds with one throwing star by having that talk in the kitchens, where Akako bid the staff give them a moment alone once the food had been served. The rice was warm and the tea splendid. Both ate gingerly. Chizu waited for Akako to broach the subject of their meeting.
"I noticed we never spoke much over the years, Chizu. Not simply when you were Chief, but even during the war."
She laughed slightly, "Our minds were on things other than small talk."
"Too true. But that being said it prevented us from becoming better acquainted."
"We have time now."
Finally, Akako smiled, "Yes," She set her sticks across her bowl which she hardly touched and became serious, "You were always close to my father. You trained together and were his staunchest supporter," Another smile formed, "You were his friend. You still are his friend."
