Of Course
9 December 2005
by Everett Johnson

Sarusou looked up as Hoshi Takene-sama entered the shrine. "Good morning, Sarusou. Was the night's contemplation useful?"

"I'm not sure, sensei. Some aspects of the question still trouble me. It will take some time, I believe."

"Questions as weighty as this generally do take some time. At any rate, your visitor has arrived."

So. He was here. It had been close to a year since they had last met. "Have you seen him, then?"

"Indeed. He seems as well as can be expected. I have heard much of him in recent days. Hoshi Wayan-sama returned from Kyuden Mirumoto with interesting news of your visitor. Apparently, he has earned much renown as a champion of gaijin. Rumors spoke of him defending the cause of the new gaijin in a duel at Kyuden Doji, before Doji Kurohito-sama himself."

Sarusou felt troubled at that news. Tetsujin's last letter had indicated just how much he despised what he saw as his duty to a slain lord. That he was now seen by some as a friend of the gaijin had to be galling to him. She looked toward Takene-sama, and found him observing her face in return. "This news troubles you?" he asked.

She thought for a moment before answering. "Not for my sake. I happen to know that he has no love for the gaijin, and I'm not sure how he will take the rumors."

"You intend to tell him, then?"

"Of course."

Of course. Two words, and her hours of contemplation were rendered meaningless. There was no need to think about the issue, when she could speak those two words without a moment's thought. It was time to go meet with Tetsujin.

As Takene watched his student leave, a smile, small and nearly hidden, crossed his face. She hid her thoughts and feelings well enough from most people, but Takene could read her like a book.