Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 4. Postscript.

The stick after Airi arrived passed in a chaotic blur. Atsuko had the twins stoke the fire and heat some bricks. Riko fetched a set of dry clothes and then went to make some hot food. Atsuko stripped Airi of the soaking garments she wore and dried her vigorously before dressing her in the clean set of clothes. All the while, Airi was barely sensible and burbling through chattering teeth about a pack, and other nonsense that did not make sense. Once she had eaten and the warm bricks had done their work, she finally stopped shivering and the icy pallor was replaced by her natural, rosy colouring and she dozed off.

It transpires that one of the soldiers on watch saw her stumbling around outside the walls of the house and after she had circled the entire perimeter, became concerned. I do not know whether I should be annoyed or relieved. Annoyed that it took him so long. In the time she was wandering around out there diverting his attention, Shigeru himself could have gained entry to the house. I also feel relieved that Airi was spotted. Suppose they had not seen her? She would have perished alone in the snow and I would never have known that someone else I hold dear had died...

She slept for several sticks; stirring only briefly to relieve herself and now she sleeps again, Atsuko says I should not expect her to wake until the middle of tomorrow, at least. She was on foot when the soldiers apprehended her and we still do not know how she came here. If she walked any great distance, she must be exhausted. There is a large bruise on her thigh which spreads down to below her knee and another on her shoulder; it may be that she fell from a horse but we have no way to know where or when until she wakes. The waiting is causing me great anxiety; I must know why she is here...