Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 3.

The gods have not abandoned me! Atsuko's fever has finally broken. She is still very ill but she is alert and although her throat is still very painful, she has managed to rasp a few words and has eaten some more fish and a little bowl of rice. I was so relieved that I burst into tears and could not stop crying for several sticks, all the while clutching her hand in both of mine until she became annoyed and told me to leave her in peace. Never have I been so pleased to be on the receiving end of Atsuko's ire but I have told Riko that if she so much as thinks of leaving Atsuko's side, I shall have her hide. 

The innkeepers have a small traditional family shrine in a small outbuilding and I have asked them to unlock it so that I can go and make an offering. I do not feel inclined to anger any of the gods when they have finally decided to listen to me and so I must go and perform the proper rituals as soon as I am able. I have realised a great many things while Atsuko has been floating on the river between life and death; one those things is that I must recognise when someone would be a friend to me and I must keep them...

The temperature outside seems to have warmed slightly although the wind still whips around the inn causing the building to creak and moan. The ground is still covered in snow from the blizzard but it does not seem to have turned to ice so I believe we may still get to the Summer House before it becomes dangerous to try. I decided that a messenger would easily be able to travel in these conditions so I  sent a note back to the House for Seira's eyes only. I have beseeched her to forgive me for my outbursts and to keep the Diplomats from running riot while I seek refuge. I have also begged her to find a way to have Nanami return to me...