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It wasn't the oddest sight Mariko had ever seen, considering what she had endured for the passed year. But it was curious enough to gain her attention and stop her labours, which were instructing young Yume in her new duties. The girl looked in the direction that Mariko was watching and she became concerned. Two riders were approaching and they had a martial air. Soldiers of any sort always made her on edge. But she kept her composure and waited for direction from Mariko. For the time being that was to simply wait by the main entrance to the village. Mariko for her part did not seem that concerned with the pair, which didn't sit well with Yume.
"Shall I fetch your husband, or some of the men, Mariko?"
"That wont be necessary, Yume."
"Soldiers make me nervous."
Mariko turned and noticed the girl's grave countenance, so she touched her shoulder, which relaxed her to some degree.
"If they had malicious intent, my dear they wouldn't have come in the clear light of day and there would be more than two riders, I'm sure."
Yume smiled, "That is wise thinking, Mariko," She leaned in close, "But I'm going to fetch your husband anyway."
Mariko laughed and nodded. She could deny the girl nothing and it never hurts to be cautious. So she waited at the gates alone. But in short order any concerns she may have had faded entirely, when the identity of the pair became clearer. Now Mariko was euphoric and clasped her hands together. Just as she did, she heard her name called behind her. Kenichi was approaching, albeit slowly, as he was still plagued by his injuries from the war, much to his continued frustration.
"Did you see any violent intent, my dear?"
Laughing, "You needn't worry, darling husband," Her smile widened, "It's General Ame and her bodyguard, Chizu."
Now Yume silently reproached herself for her scepticism. Much like every woman in the land she had come admire the splendid and ferocious personage of General Ame Tomoe, leader of armies of the Geishu and the Shining Hikiji, vanquisher of the Shadow Lord and the woman who touched the heart of a god. Even Chizu had a gained a great reputation as being the paragon of service to her lady, one without equal even to the highest born male samurai. Both women stood by the gate filled with youthful glee and the behaviour of the two women made Kenichi smile to himself. But he could hardly fault their admiration. He had fought with both women and they were worthy of all the adulation afforded to them. But now he wondered why they were venturing so far from the capital. Seeing as they sent no messenger proclaiming their arrival and knowing the pair as well as he did, he surmised it wasn't a social call. He prayed it wasn't another war, as he no longer had the spirit to continue is such an exercise. Though he was near certain it was something of a personal nature, as Tomoe came with only her friend as an escort. And that it would involve him and his family in some way.
