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[Hikiko]

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Kneeling at the low table in the corner of the Sake Saka Tavern, Hikiko enjoyed the warm jasmine-spiced tea as she took the time to ponder the many events that had come across her path in recent days.

Many positive things were occurring in her personal world as well, it seemed, as the world as she knew it: Zento. A tiny smile crossed her lips as she realized she may very well be making friends. How far I have come, she thought to herself, From the disgraced daughter turned out into the streets to this, a life of art and luxury. Hikiko knew that many people would never see her life as opulent, but to her it very much was just that. There were the many beautiful kimonos and obis she owned, the beautiful handcrafted folding fan decorated with gold leaf, the soft and clean futon on which to sleep, rooms of the most beautiful kind in which to spend her time when she was not out admiring the city. There was the tea and the fine food to be grateful for.

Hikiko thought of the man she adored, the man whose gold continued keeping her life in such a beautiful place yet whose absence fairly screamed with every corner she turned, every step she took. This is what I get for again trusting the word of a round-eyed man, she thought for probably the thousandth time. With some difficulty she tried to force her thoughts back to the happy ones she enjoyed only minutes ago, yet somehow was unable to completely conquer the sudden downtrodden feeling harbored within her.

Gently, with carefully considered movements, she placed the nearly empty bowl of tea upon the table and stood. Tucking her hands into each opposing kimono sleeve, she stepped out of the tavern with a grace that would never have betrayed her inner turmoil.

As she made her way to the quiet garden, at whose statue she would pray for guidance, Hikiko asked herself a single question. Will you ever learn, Hikiko?

In her heart of hearts, she hoped she would. Step by step, she made her way through the city as she thought about these problems.

Her reverie was broken when the town crier announced the upcoming festival celebrating the Sakura. As if a ray of sunshine suddenly appeared from a cloudy sky and shone upon her face, her heart felt light again.

Yes. The Lotus were keeping their promises, and doing so with interest. She remembered not a single festival celebrating the beautiful cherry blossoms since she was a small child. The burst of sudden joy was very welcome to the girl, and again she smiled, almost as if she held a well kept secret. Without realizing she had done so, she decided that she would attend the festival, with or without a proper escort.

[Hikiko]

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For the duration of the walk to what she'd come to think of has her secret garden, Hikiko thought almost exclusively of the festival she'd just heard about. The distraction was welcome in her woeful heart, and she was glad for the unexpected news of the Sakura celebration. How she looked forward to going, and dressing in her finest raiment. Perhaps she would even use the occasion as an opportunity to use her beloved and too-unused fan; it was so beautiful with its gold leaf and hand painted flowers. The fan was one of her most cherished possessions, and it seemed fitting to bring it out for such a special occasion.

After leaving a heartfelt offering before the statue in the garden, and saying her prayers and thanks, Hikiko roamed about the city without any particular destination. Eventually she did visit the Lotus tea-room and enjoyed a bowl of their fine tea, and afterward went to sit by the koi pond just outside.

Movement caught her eye and forced her to look up and toward the road. What an impressive and fine sight the Lotus made as they made their way from their dojo to what must have been another of their facilities. Why, they looked so proud and orderly, their weapons gleaming and their clothing and armor perfect.

Yes, she thought, The festival will be a fine day for the city. I cannot wait.