Masako woke up when a chilly breeze that so often graced the spring mornings of the country blew into the cave. Stretching and letting a shiver wash through her body, the girl looked across the now-cold fireplace to the empty cave floor on the other side. [i]Akane![/i] Masako realized with wide eyes, shooting to her feet but almost tripping in the process, her toes cold from mere socks and sandals. Looking around with wide eyes, Masako surmised that her rescuer must have taken off in the early morning, eager to ditch the clueless baggage.

Masako tensed. Her hand shot to her robes, relaxing when she felt the familiar bag of gold there. At least the ronin had been a decent person, even if she did leave. That Masako was sure off. Having spent years surrounded by lies in the Daimyo courts, the girl had developed and innate sense for the quality of a person. This allowed her to easily gauge someone’s personality, faint emotions, and veracity as well as respond in kind. But the skill had only found her the right person, not made them stay. Sighing, the girl straightened and dusted herself off before exiting the cave.

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