The sight of Akane practicing her swordsmanship greeted Masako when she emerged from the cave, and the girl fell into an awed silence as she watched the ronin. Each cut was executed smoothly and with purpose, the air parting demurely for the blade’s arc. Masako lost track of time until Akane looked up and waved at him, sounding winded but still confident. [color=indianred]”You should have woken me,”[/color] Masako said, eyes dropping to the floor as she trailed off. Somehow she still managed to be the pampered girl she always was, and that needed to change. Akane interrupted her thoughts by continuing her spiel, and Masako’s brain seized on the important details gleefully.

[color=indianred]”Thank you!”[/color] she told the woman honestly, a grin on her face as she bowed a few times. [color=indianred]”Accompanying me is enough for now,”[/color] Masako said, reaching for her pouch of coin, [color=indianred]”but I can’t let you do that for free. Take this as the fee. If you’re not willing to, at least take some,”[/color] Masako said, remembering how Akane had reacted to her previous offer. [color=indianred]”This gold is for my travels, and it’s only fair if I split it with the person accompanying me.”[/color]

The ronin’s last question caused Masako to pause. [color=indianred]”I am, for now,”[/color] Masako admitted, offering an awkward smile. [color=indianred]”I’m actually not sure where to go. To tell the truth, I’m looking to leave the state, so North seemed like the best option.”[/color]

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[@Damiann47]