"...no, he barely spoke to me," Touka replied, having the grace to look down at her knees as she answered. "Just as we were about to begin talking, I was hit with two spiritual forces from outside the room. One I still don't know the source of, but the other was, I believe, your niece." She took the sword back with a grateful nod, setting it back down at her side. "She was eavesdropping on our conversation, or was planning to, and made threats to me when she was discovered. I actually quite liked her fire," she added thoughtfully. "If she had been made clan head, then at least I could believe that there was merit in the trip I made." She glanced over at Takeshi. "Did my grandmother's letter explain the reason for my coming?"