The Healing Snow
24 February 2006
by O'donna Dean

Winter had arrived at Kyuden Bayushi. The gardens and grounds were lightly dusted with snow and everything looked clean and bright. The world seemed so peaceful and new.

Kyuden Bayushi was exquisitely decorated. Great thought had been taken when preparing for Winter Court to come to the castle. Bayushi Paneki was a remarkable and gracious host and Takako was excited to be in Scorpion lands for a change. When she had met him, upon her arrival, she had stumbled over her words when presenting her gift to him. He had this air about him that unnerved her, and yet he had been courteous, had accepted her gift and given her one in return.

Takako was now looking out the window of her room enjoying the view. Nikana, Takako and their retinue had arrived several days ago and yet she was still amazed at how beautiful her quarters were. It was peaceful to sit in this room away from all the bustle of Winter Court. There were so many people here; strangers she had never met, daimyos and leaders that she respected, people who had reason to hurt those that she called her friends, and then there was her family. The last group was the one she was trying to avoid.

Her family had arrived with the Phoenix delegation on the first day. Takako had tried to avoid them at dinner but Nikana convinced her to go greet them after dinner and introduce him to them. She spoke politely when she knelt before them, and they had been friendly enough when Nikana was introduced to them. Dayus' eyes betrayed him though. Takako could still see hate and rage lying behind them.

White pieces of lace started falling from the sky. Snow seemed to heal all that ailed the world.

A light knock came at Takako's door, and before she could answer, the door slid open. There before her stood the last person she expected, Dayu.

"May I come in Takako-chan?"

"Hai, Dayu-san, come in," Takako said with a slight bow.

Dayu came inside and slid the door shut behind him. He turned and stared at Takako for a few seconds, before speaking again. "Takako, can we sit and talk . . . please?"

Takako nodded and walked over to where her tea had been set out for her. She knelt down and motioned for Dayu to join her. She poured a cup of tea and handed it to Dayu, not knowing if he would accept it or not. He was making an effort to be . . . she was unsure what he was being right now but she would make every effort to be friendly and welcoming.

"Thank you, Takako. I do not understand how you can still be so kind to me after all these years," Dayu said as he took the cup of tea. He took a sip and looked out the window at the falling snow.

Takako poured herself some tea and took a sip. "Dayu, what is on your mind?"

"I am unsure. Mito-san and our Aunt believe that we need to heal the rift between us before your wedding day. To be honest Takako, I do not think that is possible. I have hated you for so long now, I do not believe I can stop. Even your kindness makes me hate you. It proves you are able to overlook my unkind actions where I cannot overlook yours. I hate that you are happy. That you have found love again, where I have not. I hate that you bring more honor and glory to this family then I do. The world has been handed to you." Dayu said through gritted teeth. He put the teacup down and the rest of his tea spilled out.

"The world has been handed to me? Dayu, you honestly believe that I have been given everything and I have earned nothing? My life has not been an easy one Dayu, but at this point there is no way I am going to prove that to you. I am sorry my happiness upsets you but I will not give up that happiness for you. I hope someday you can let go of your anger because until you do you will not have room in your heart for the joy that love can bring you. I wish you peace Dayu. On the day I marry look at that day as the day I truly die, maybe then you can stop hating me and look for some sort of happiness of your own. Dayu, I have decided to not return to Phoenix lands. This will make things easier for you."

Dayu looked at Takako, "You will not be returning? But what about your training?"

"The Seppun Shugenja School has accepted me into their school. I will miss my friends and teachers at the Isawa School but when I marry I am embracing my future and forgetting my past."

Abruptly, Dayu rose to his feet and bowed to Takako, "Thank you." With those words he turned and left the room.

Takako rose and walked to the window. The snow was still falling, so she reached her hand out and caught a flake. "I have finally made him happy."