Year of the Boar, Eighth Month, Day 25.

I am on my way home. A messenger arrived from Golden Harvest arrived just as we were making final arrangements to travel; Suzuya's baby had been born and the birth was difficult. The physician did not expect Suzuya to live through the night and so Lord Yuuta and Lady Iyo told their servants to pack and they left on horses after the briefest of apologies. They do not need to apologise to me of course, but I cannot understand why just when I think I may have some hope, the gods snatch it away from me.
I have stopped in an inn on my way up through White Lake. It is my intention to travel across the very top of Purple Lightning several miles from its border with Fallen Sakura and then on into the Seventh Kingdom and up the border before crossing into Dying Crane. It is not my preferred route but the alternative would be to travel right across the Kingdom to the coast of Golden Harvest and then continue my journey by sea. It would take weeks, if not months and so despite the danger, the Diplomats agree that this route will be the most sensible. I cannot settle; I wish could speak to Nanami but every time I try, words will not come. I want a pipe but I do not have one. I am afraid to stay here but I am afraid to leave and I do not know what to do for the best...