“That is a little odd.” Jin mused, also rising from the table. She started to clear it, picking up all the bowls and putting them in the basin. She banked the fire with a splash of water, and brushed her hands off. 

“Well, what ever it is, I’m sure you can handle it.” She flashed him a grin, then headed toward the door. “I’ll see you later tonight, okay? Be safe, my friend.” 

She had said that every day since they had come to Hanowa, like a mantra, whether it was in Ishawari’s hearing or not.  A part of her believed that it worked. It had so far, anyway. 

Stepping merrily down the path toward Kana’s shop, she dodged cheery children on their way to school. It was a lovely day out – brilliantly sunny and a light breeze blowing green scents her way. The thought of coming back here one day struck her again. Part of her felt like that could be more happiness than she deserved. But there was time to think about that later. Kana would be waiting.

After jogging down the path to keep herself limber, she reached Kana’s humble herbal shop at the edge of the forest. 

“Good morning Kana-san!” She called out loud as she slid open the panel door, as Kana was a touch deaf.

“Ah, good morning Akemi-san.” Kana was already behind the counter, kimono sleeves rolled up and gray hair tied back. “How are your Takumi and Han, dear?”

Jin smiled warmly. “They’re both very well, thank you for asking.”

“Good, good. Hand me that mortar and pestle, dear. Mrs. Ogawa will be by soon for a fever cure for her daughter.” 

“Yes, Kana-san.”

The work began. Customer after customer came by to pick up cures and chat a bit. Jin’s keen ears searched for pertinent information, but everything seemed like the usual scuttlebutt. Who was out of work, who was having a child, even petty things like affairs and such. Jin heard it all and commented on very little, simply offering enough response to keep the conversation going. 

“Did you hear?” 

Jin was plucking stems from mushrooms, ears open.

“The Prince was nearly assassinated!”

“No!” Thank goodness for Kana’s love of gossip. Now this was something. Jin slowed her work to listen closer.

“It happened a few days ago – the Prince survived but now he and the Emperor are in hiding!” 

“Who would dare try to harm the royal family?”

Jin spoke up. “Pardon me, miss Okita… where did you hear of this?” 

Okita tapped her chin, thinking. “Well, my husband heard of it yesterday at the docks. The news is everywhere! I hear they’re going to double security going in and out, and post more guards.” 

“Is that so? Well, I hope it doesn’t interfere with his work.” 

They started up a round of gossip about children, and Jin slipped into deep thought. The timing was far too late – then again, rumor could transform from place to place. Maybe there was some truth to this after all.