Sword Dance

Post-Ending

R A I G A R

The late autumn season meant heavy rains over both the desert surrounding Junk City and the lake country of Kyoto City. Raigar tucked his chin to his chest letting his hood fall forward as much as possible to keep the driving winds from pushing the wet into his face. It could have been worse, he supposed. The bridges through the gorge country had been in good repair, allowing him to make excellent time, even pulling a barrow full of goods behind him. It’d seemed silly to buy a golem to carry his modest load when his own strength was more than up to the task. With no particular agenda on his journey, other than to reach his destination before the month was out, he could rest or make haste as he wished.

The footpath down out of the desert was heavily rutted with the runoff, the first several meters of the marsh looked to be solid mud. He picked his route up onto the causeway with caution, not interested in getting stuck. The sound of rain on the open water brought back memories of his first journey into the region. Raigar leaned forward, pulling his heavy cart behind him on the easy incline, feeling as though every step brought him a little closer to the elusive idea of ‘home’.

The footpaths were in better repair than they’d been half a year ago, he noted as he crossed a newer section. Sayaka’s new Shogun had cared enough to at least see to the long neglected roadways in and out of his country. He wondered how she had faired since they’d last spoken. There had been little news of Kyoto City after the devil golems had finally been laid to rest. That there was a new leader, he’d heard, and that trade was increasing he’d seen evidence of in the markets. But as far as the samurai village of Iwato went, no news could be seen as a good thing. He hoped to find it, and the people who lived there, in a better state than he’d left.

From the open misty view of the lake, to the tight confines of the shallow canyons, Raigar paused a moment under a convenient overhang to shake the worst of the water off his cape, and off the tarp covering his barrow. So close to his destination, he was sorely tempted to just leave his cartload tucked in some discrete cluster of boulders and come back for it in the morning. Without the barrow he could be within sight of Iwato in an hour. As it was, he’d be lucky to get there before nightfall. The thick mists wrapping the region made it impossible to tell just how late the day had grown, but his muscles assured him he’d been walking a good long time. That he hadn’t been sleeping well since setting out on his journey hadn’t helped matters either. The idea of seeing Sayaka again, of finally being able to arrange things so as to be with her, had gotten beneath his skin in a way impossible to ignore.

Raigar smiled grimly at himself, recognizing his latest obsession as another in a lifetimes’ worth of fanatic impulses. He had never mastered the ability of being at loose-ends. When one quest found closure, there was always another to take its place. This one, he resolved, would probably be his last. Student, knight, champion, rebel, devil golem hunter, Queen’s Advisor, he wasn’t sure how to describe what would come next. ‘Husband’ had a rather anticlimactic sound, but he smiled at the thought regardless.

His old circle of acquaintance had simply shaken their heads in wondrous disappointment. The idea of him retiring to a quiet mountain village made little sense to them. The shock of his brother’s betrayal, they speculated, over exhaustion due to his recent battles against the devil golems of the world. Perhaps they were right. But exhaustion and disillusionment were only part of what drove him, and a small part at that. His heart had a considerably sweeter intention than simple escape when he resolved to quit London for good. He hadn’t bothered to explain. They would learn in time what it was he was up to. It wasn’t like they would approve, even if they did know the truth.

What did it matter what the other nobles and knights thought of his plans? Leaving the dusty metropolis behind in favor of the small country nestled amidst forests and lakes wasn’t a hardship. Trading a manor full of ghosts and regrets overlooking the mined-out foothills for a tidy wooden framed cottage in the forest… His dreams had been strangely vivid since Atsuma’s quest was done. As much as he’d been entertained by watching the boy and his recovered friends adapting to life in the city, making plans for the restoration of Yokohama, and exploring the mayhem they could cause in Karin’s court, his heart simply hadn’t been in it. He leaned against the damp moss of the cliff behind him, and gathered his strength for the last stretch. For months now, every time he closed his eyes, he’d been _here_. His subconscious fulfilling his need to hold his wife-to-be again in a never-ending series of daydreams where he was already with her, her hands stroking his face, her supple body pressed up against his. When mixed with half remembered moments from their courtship, the fantasy was all too believable.

Would life truly become as he’d dreamed it might? Raigar shook his head, knowing things were never so simple. To have Sayaka at all would be enough. They were both practical people. If a way existed, they would find it. He was determined that she not be made to sacrifice further on his behalf. There came a time in a man’s life when he was obliged to answer the question, what would he give, to have something truly worth having? Raigar was confident he knew the answer.

Rolling his shoulders, he pushed himself upright and reached for the barrow with a sigh. Daydreams would not get him out of the rain, or any closer to his fiancé’s embrace. There was nothing for it but to push on.

A brilliant flash of color through the intersection of paths ahead made him blink in surprise. A fleet footed shadow in the rain was running the road to the village, head and shoulders swathed in traditional woven cape and hat. Not a ninja, Raigar surmised with a smile. Even if he hadn’t recognized the complex pattern of deep pinks decorating her hakama, he’d know her paired swords anywhere. He bit back the urge to call out to her. If she was moving with such haste, there was bound to be a reason. He’d catch up to her at the village, or not. If she passed him on the way to the City, he’d stop her then. Raigar issued a silent word of thanks to the long-suffering gang of laborers who must have worked through the summer to clean and widen the narrow trails along the backside of the mountain. His barrow clattered over the stones but didn’t seem at risk of becoming stuck. Easing back out into the rain, he barely progressed more than a pace when his way was blocked by the abrupt return of the woman he’d glimpsed before.

“You there, good peddler. A moment.” She panted, face all but hidden by her wide brimmed hat. “You are heading to the village, correct?”

“That was my intention. Yes.” He resisted the urge to laugh at the realization that she didn’t know him. It was hardly surprising. He was well concealed from even a close inspection, his hood pulled low against the rain and his cape long enough to shroud his armor and coat. But it was still amusing just the same.

“Oblige me with a modest detour, and I will see to it that you are giving dry lodging and a warm meal tonight in compensation. There is an injured man nearby, and your barrow would be just the thing, in transporting him to the doctor.” Looking him over, she paused, seeming to take in his relative size for the first time. “Your strength too, would be very helpful. May I trespass upon your kindness?”

“As you say, Sayaka.” He shook his head, unable to allow her to continue further without knowing the truth. Raigar pushed back his hood. “But first tell me, whom is it that is injured?”

“Raigar?!” She tilted her hat up to stare at him in amazement. He laughed at her astounded expression, suddenly energized by the sight of her despite his long trek and the rain wetting his face. Her smile grew as she reached up to catch his cheek in her hand, marveling at his unexpected arrival. “Raigar… It’s you!”

“Is it so surprising to see me?” He caught her hand in his, kissing her knuckles in greeting. “You didn’t think I’d forget you…”

Sayaka took a breath, visibly pulling herself together from her sudden shock. “Not for months yet, beloved.” Placing her other hand on his jaw, she caressed his cheek, marveling at his appearance. “I did not expect you until winter at the earliest…”

“Heh.” He caught her second hand as he had her first, kissing those fingers as well before letting go. He wanted to kiss her, but the evening wasn’t getting any drier, and he was curious to know what situation he’d had inadvertently blundered into. “Now, where is your injured townsman? If the passage to the village is clear enough, and you are willing to follow to hold him steady, I see no reason why I cannot add him to my load.”

“The woodcutter’s son went out earlier to look for his father, thinking he’d gotten stuck somewhere in the mud.” She gestured down the path leading away from the village. “His father came home shortly after, but it turns out that the son fell in a land slip and broke his leg. I just found him, but digging him out and carrying him home alone is a little beyond me.”

“Good thing I happened along then, isn’t it.” He pulled his hood back up and motioned that she could lead the way.

A few minutes of muddy labor and he had the young man up on his shoulder, backtracking through the rain to where he’d left his small cart. With Sayaka pushing from behind, and him pulling from the front, they were able to make better time than expected along the winding path to Iwato.

While not a samurai, the boy was old enough to know him by reputation, even if he hadn’t participated in the war directly. Raigar felt his wide-eyed stare as Sayaka left them to make their own way after the bridge, racing ahead to alert the doctor of their arrival. Josei might have forgiven him for his part in the fighting years before, but he didn’t imagine anyone in the village had forgotten it. Passing the youth over to the resident doctor, he tried to dismiss the curious looks he received. The task was made easier by the feel of Sayaka’s hand on his arm.

Turning to look at her, he shrugged at her concerned expression, glancing upwards at the rain-heavy clouds before appraising the lamp lit windows of the tiny settlement around them. “Does your offer of a meal and a bed still stand?”

“Of course, beloved.” She reached for one of the shafts attached to the front of his barrow, as if to take on his cartload for herself. He tisked and took up his chore before she could intervene.

“Go on ahead.” He advised. I’ll be there momentarily. Do you think there will be any trouble if I unload into your storeroom for the short-term? I have a suspicion this rain will continue for a few days. And I’d rather not have some things get further soaked than there is reason to.”

“There should be plenty of space.” She fell in behind him rather than heed council and hurry out of the rain. He felt her resume pushing as he steered for the bridge, and smiled at her stubborn tenacity. Help navigating the path was one thing, but there was no way he’d allow her to continue to soak herself with unloading the heavy set of boxes.

“I’ve never seen you travel with more than a pack, Raigar.” Sayaka teased him gently as she helped maneuver the cart. “You cannot tell me you came across the desert with all of this… can you?”

“I can. And I did.” He smiled at her amazement. “There were a few things I felt it best not to leave behind, when I set out this time. And as I have no notion of when I might return to London City again, it made sense just to carry the lot with me.”

Sayaka hid her blush under the brim of her hat as she recognized his intention to stay longer on this visit than previously.

At the reflecting pond before her house at last, he unlaced the ropes holding his gear in place and passed her his small pack of clothing and other essentials to distract her from the heavier items underneath. He heaved the first of several solidly made lockboxes up onto his shoulder and followed carefully over the wet stones and stairs. Setting his burden down in the corner, he caught his woman before she could step back out into the rain, pulling her hat forward and off her head, now that they were in the warm interior of her front room. Some thoughtful person, probably Sayaka, had laid down rough grass mats over the packed dirt floor to keep visitors from making a muddy mess of the entryway.

“Raigar…” She protested softly.

“Stay here.” He refused to be swayed by her earnest look. “No sense both of us getting soaked to the bone. I’m there already, I might as well finish outside.”

Sayaka sighed and nodded, shifting his pack to her shoulder “If you insist. I’ll invoke the enchant stones in the bathhouse for you. You’ll need a good hot soak after spending all day out in this monsoon.”

“If you can manage that, and find something nourishing to feed me, while I unload? I will be forever in your debt.” Raigar stooped to kiss her briefly, not wanting to drip on her more than he’d already done. A subtle cough from the platform leading into the main portion of the house reminded him that they were not alone. He stepped back from his suddenly blushing woman in favor of bowing his head to her guardian. “Allow me a few minutes to organize myself, Master Josei, and I will greet you properly.”

“Don’t stand there dripping, Sayaka.” Her grandfather advised dryly. “Just because your outland-suitor is a fool doesn’t mean you have to be.”

“Yes sir.”

Raigar shook his head at the unavoidable awkwardness of the upcoming evening as he repeated the trip from house to cart and back again. The tiered layers of the village had always struck him as charming, but it came at the price of any number of stairs. Once his little cart was unloaded, he’d sell it to the first peddler passing through the region headed for a flatter landscape. It would do him no further good he suspected.

*****

Eight trips, and he was at last able to settle his sword, lantern, and other paraphernalia on top of the tidy heap in the corner. He untied his cloak and draped it over the railing next to Sayaka’s raingear, glad to be done with it at last. Armor and jacket came off in several layers, leaving him damp but considerably lighter in limb. He took off his hat and tipped it, letting the water drip off the stiff ribbing. It had managed well enough under his hood, but the front half was soaked through. He set it aside with little hope of it drying by morning. No matter, he supposed. Sayaka always teased him about his fondness for it anyway. Sitting on the steps with a sigh, he exchanged his wet boots and muddied socks for bare feet. He felt like a child as he padded his way down the hall in little more than shirt tails and pants. The polished wood of the main house was warm compared to his chilled skin. If he wasn’t thrown out within the next few days, he resolved to order a proper pair of slippers and a lounging robe from town for when he was inside.

Sayaka’s grandfather was sitting at the low table in the main room, sipping tea as he watched her alternately fussing with the cook fire and laying out the contents of his pack. Raigar nodded in greeting to the man before gingerly making his way to the table as well. Looking up from spreading his damp his shirts out to dry, his woman caught sight of him and smiled, “I’m afraid it’ll be a little while before the bath is ready.”

She retrieved a towel from one of the decorative chests lining the room, gesturing that he could at least dry his face while he waited. Raigar felt the better for a quick scrub of his head, the generous cup of tea he found waiting for him was equally reviving. Sayaka pressed a blanket around his shoulders as she passed by, constantly in motion as she fulfilled her duties as host.

Had her grandfather not been present he’d have just as soon as had her sit still, the urge to wrap his arms around her growing with every look they shared. She’d changed since coming indoors. He noted absently as he watched her continue to assemble a simple dinner. Her traditional samurai costume was undoubtedly hanging in the storeroom to dry for the morning. Clothed in a casual smock coat and dress, her hair tied simply at the base of her neck, she looked startlingly feminine. Only her hands, their strength apparent in the deft movements of her fingers, gave away the fact that she was anything other than the homemaker she seemed to be.

“She told me not to expect you until the spring.” Josei interrupted his quiet appreciation with the candid remark. “You’re early.”

“I said I would be no _later_ than the spring.” Raigar shrugged. “That I am here now and not then is due primarily to luck. Those things that needed to be done, were done without undue complication. As there was no reason to linger along the way, I came directly.”

The old man made a thoughtful noise at that, not seeming actively annoyed by his arrival. “I suppose with this rain, you’ll be underfoot all season as well.” Josei rubbed his bearded chin. “If I want a few minutes without the sight of your oversized carcass I’ll be obliged to hide in the tearoom, no doubt.”

Raigar shrugged again. “If my timing is inconvenient, I can go away again and come back later.”

“You will do nothing of the sort.” Sayaka looked over at them in exasperation. “He was a guest in this house as a student, grandfather, and you never had any complaints about him then. Don’t be so stubborn now.”

“He wasn’t the Green Lion of London City, back then.” Josei pointed out dryly. “I shan’t be able to show my face in town, once it’s known that he’s here. Everyone will be asking questions, or accusing me of senility, how troublesome.”

“If it is difficult for you to have me here, I will make alternate arrangements as soon as I can.” He frowned, not wanting to make trouble for either of them. “An empty house in the village, perhaps, or rooms in town.”

“You will stay here.” His fiancé disagreed firmly, giving her relative a quelling look as she stood up from her cooking. Smoothing the front of her dress, she pursed her lips as she considered the potential for trouble. “I want him to stay. People will talk regardless of where he lives. And since I don’t intend to listen to any of it… I’d rather he live with us until things are settled differently, rather than as a stranger in town.”

She met his eyes and tilted her head to hide her blush. “It’s not like they don’t know why you’re here.”

“As you say.” He nodded thoughtfully. “Is opinion still against me?”

“Opinion is…” She raised her hands in an indecisive gesture. “Who can say anymore. You rescued those girls from the ninja… you brought Oboro to justice and defeated the many devil golems. These are no small feats in the eyes of the people of Kyoto City. But there are many who still feel hurt from the war. It would be best if we tread softly until the Shogun makes his position known.”

“And here in Iwato?” Raigar turned to her grandfather, seeking his opinion. “What do the elders think of all of this?”

“They accept you, in theory. They know you are the one Sayaka has chosen.” Josei shrugged pulling his own blanket higher on his shoulders as he settled his elbows on the table. “We’ll see how that theory plays out now that it is to be reality. My guess is that you will find your welcome luke-warm, boy. It was a long time ago that you were a student among us, and you left quite an impression upon those who went to battle against you afterwards. There are some who say that a lion cannot be tamed to the hand. But there are others who can see the utility of such a beast, should he belong to us. It is never easy for an outsider to find a welcome in this region. But in your case, your reputation may be to your advantage. If people can be convinced to covet you more than they fear you? Well, the more your luck.”

“I see.”

Sayaka took his cup from his hands, refilling it before stepping out of the room. Returning a moment later, she set a folded bundle of clothing next to him, and a pair of worn looking sandals of a size larger than usually seen. He blinked and picked up the later, turning them over in his hands. “But these are mine… The clothes too?”

“From when you were a student. Yes. If they still fit there’s no reason to buy new ones. Unless you wish to.” She agreed, not meeting his eye as she returned to stirring her pot. “Your shirts are all damp, so I thought you might appreciate something dry to wear after your bath. The water is a good temperature now. Please soak as long as you like. Dinner can be at any time.”

Setting his blanket aside, he unfolded the traditional shirt, appraising its dimensions. He’d been full grown by the time he’d found his way to Kyoto City, but that didn’t necessarily mean that the cloth would cover his current bulk. The fact that the shirt could be belted closed as loosely as needed would be helpful, he decided. The chance to be dry again was a strong point in its favor, even if it was tight across his shoulders. There was nothing for it but to try. Smiling at the idea of Sayaka hanging onto such mundane keepsakes of him through the war and ensuing turmoil, he gathered up the offered supplies and made his way to the attached bath.

The tub was one of the few luxuries of Sayaka’s cozy home. Meant to hold several sore and soaking students at a time, the dojo’s bathhouse could even accommodate his large frame. Having crammed himself into some of the tubs intended for ‘one’ in the city, he sighed in relief to have the room to stretch out a little. The heat was god sent. Raigar eased into the water after a thorough scrub, feeling more human by the minute as the hot bath loosened up the muscles of his back. Curling himself so as to sink as deeply as possible into the wooden basin, he rested his head against the edge and closed his eyes, enjoying the chance to relax. No single day of his trip had seemed particularly taxing, but now that the journey was over, he felt it in his bones. He was no young idiot to go traipsing cross-country solo and sleeping on the side of the road anymore. The chance for a bath, and a bed, were very welcome.

Even with all his recent traveling with the princess and her friends, they had never really gone ‘rough’ for more than a day. Lady Karin would never have tolerated his recent overland trek. He could easily imagine her look of dismay at the prospect. What was she doing now? He wondered. Her growing obligations as queen wouldn’t slow her down at all, he predicted. With Atsuma regularly making the trip back and forth between London and Yokohama he doubted she would get into too much trouble when left alone. Atsuma, Toya, and Makoto would see to it that Karin was well looked after, no matter what schemes she concocted. He no longer needed to worry about her. Remembering their last conversation, he had to smile. She was one person who had no doubt as to the success of his endeavor. Flat out promising to visit him in Iwato after his marriage, she’d cheerfully dispensed with formality as she released him from his oath. He’d been sent on his way with a kiss on the cheek and several threats of what might befall him should he fail to give Sayaka the happiness she deserved. Raigar shook his head at her boundless energy. He was looking forward to hearing the stories of her antics in years to come. London City was in for a real breath of fresh air with that one.

Somehow in between musings about his former home and half formed plans for what the next few days would be like, he dozed off.

“Raigar.”

He opened his eyes with the light touch on his cheek, aware that more time had passed than he’d intended. The bath water was still just shy of broiling thanks to the enchanted stones that furnished a steady supply of heat at the far end of the tub. He blinked at how the warmth was no longer comfortable, and slowly sat up. Turning to his petitioner, he found his woman kneeling next to the side of the bath, arms folded on the wide shelf surrounding the basin as she smiled in amusement at his confusion. “You know better than to sleep in the bath, beloved. You’ll overheat if you stay in much longer.”

“It was not my intention to sleep.” He cupped a palm full of water up over his head, using the damp to slick back his hair into some semblance of order. Rubbing his face he sought his lost wits, feeling the stubble that had accumulated since his morning shave. “How long have I been in here?”

“Long enough.” She shook her head at his lapse. “Come out and have some food before bed. It will do you good I think.”

“Yes.” He agreed, feeling a little foolish at needing the reminder. “Forgive me.”

Tisking him softly, she left him to dry and dress himself. He waited until the door slid shut behind her before complying. Clumsy from the heat and the unexpected nap, he concentrated on one task at a time, drying off, shaving, and stepping into his former clothing with a weird sense of nostalgia. The shirt fit, barely. As he’d suspected, he’d put on some muscle in the long years since he’d last worn it. The armored bracers he’d adopted as part of his uniform, never mind his sword, were heavy enough to ensure that he remained fit even during periods of peace. Finding his way back to the main room he noted the dimmed lanterns and unrolled bedding with a chagrined smile.

“You should not have left me napping so long. You know me well enough to realize my absence was not meant to be rude.” He murmured as he sat across from her. Sayaka simply shrugged, uncovering bowls of clear soup, rice stew and salted fish for him. He reached for the first as she poured him a fresh cup of tea, fetching another cup for herself. It was a little strange to have her simply watch him as he ate, but she seemed content to sit with him, and he was too hungry to demur.

“You and your grandfather ate already, I hope.” He paused in his meal, suddenly wondering if she was so set on tradition that she’d wait for him to finish even with the late hour.

She nodded in agreement, “We did. Do not trouble yourself over it. Grandfather has retired to his room for the evening. He said he’d scold you for being careless with your health come morning.”

He snorted softly at that, finding his appetite well equal to the meal. Taking his empty bowls from him she dished the last of the stew into one and handed it back to him before putting the others aside. Raigar finished that as well, watching her as she moved gracefully around the room. At last she returned to the table, pouring out another cup of tea. It was her turn to watch him, it seemed. Resting her head on her folded arm, Sayaka studied him minutely as he let his food settle. Not above openly studying her too now that they were alone, he sipped his tea and admired the way the soft lamplight caught in her hair and made her skin glow. It was impossible to look and not want to touch. He set the last of his drink aside, reaching out across the smooth wood to let his fingers rest lightly on top of hers. “What is it?”

Sayaka’s small smile grew as she flexed her fingers, stretching to intertwine them with his against the table. “You’re here.”

“I told you I would come back.”

“Yes.” Her expression became more serious. “But you also told me you were going to the Queen of Ice’s castle in order to defeat a devil golem in her lair… Those two statements would be mutually exclusive for most, no matter how strong, or lucky.”

“You knew I would come back.” He disagreed softly, squeezing her fingers gently with his.

“I hoped.” Sayaka countered, smiling once more.

The house was perfectly quiet other than the two of them. He glanced around the room, amazed by how little the place had changed over the years. There were no students living here now. The village was nearly depopulated of young men by the past conflict, but he could easily remember how it had looked at night with the tightly packed bodies of other apprentices seeking to follow in Sayaka’s father’s footsteps, to be trained by the Shogun’s Champion. She ought to have students, he mused to himself as he noted the pair of futons laid out, one on either side of the table dividing the room.

That too was familiar, the strangely effective division between boys and girl in their shared sleeping quarters no more than a mere piece of furniture. There were only the two of them now, however, no one else to notice, or chastise, if they broke with tradition. Raigar tugged gently on her hand, coaxing her around to his side of the table when she moved to stand.

“We mustn’t…” Sayaka’s sigh as she sank into his arms was refuted by the ready urgency of her kiss. Wrapping her in a tight embrace, he held her in his lap, chasing her first kiss with several more. Clean, dry, and well fed for the first time in days, he wallowed in her scent and texture. Here was his reward for fighting the devil golems, for making peace for the world. Atsuma had won his friends back, Lady Karin had avenged her father, Yuki had found fame and family, but his reward had been right here all along. “Raigar.” She called his name softly against his lips as they celebrated their reunion.

Arms capable of knocking him down wrapped tightly around his neck, Sayaka becoming bolder as their bodies warmed to each other. He reveled in her sweetness as her fingers combed through his hair, down his neck, fumbled with the tie at his waist. The fabric of his shirt fell open as her hands returned to his chest, pressing against his skin as they mapped the contours of his neck and shoulders. Raigar petted his woman’s back and waist, sliding his hands up under her loose jacket to explore the close fitting warmth of the dress she wore underneath. A moment of shuffling and he had her jacket off of her, exposing the tight muscle of her bare arms as she resumed her drape against his chest. Another bit of searching, and he found the trick to untying the band holding back her hair. Sayaka leaned forward, catching his mouth with hers, demure manner forgotten as she touched and tasted him again. Smoothing his hand through her mane of hair and following the curve of her hip and thigh, he tilted his head to rub his face along her jaw and neck.

The toggles of her dress started at her shoulder and ran the length of her torso. Raigar nuzzled the first one even as his fingers counted the rest. Twenty ties. He marveled at the simple fact. Twenty ties undone, and he could have Sayaka naked before him. His skin felt tight and hot, tingling with his need for her. He hesitated to act on the impulse. Her grandfather was only a room away, and had never been a heavy sleeper. While he had dared to test the degree to which Sayaka’s honor would permit her to dally with him in the past, they’d never thought, or had opportunity, to do so blatantly in the old man’s presence. They might get caught. The illicit thrill made her touch all the sweeter.

What could her guardian do if he did? He wondered faintly, catching hold of his fiancé’s hands before she could distract him utterly. Sayaka was no innocent maid in need of protecting. She was a samurai, more than capable of looking after her own interests, and knowing her own mind. He was no youth that could be beaten and banished from the dinner table either. If they stood firm together there was little one old man could do…

Then again the cautious old samurai _could_ and probably _would_ throw him out of the house for the remainder of their courtship. If he was truly uncharitable he might even speak against their marriage to the other elders. Raigar sighed, not liking either of the two possibilities much. He hadn’t come all this way just to have the old man retract his blessing at the last minute.

Sayaka was still curled tightly around him. Giving him the welcome he’d hoped for during the long months he’d been away. Raigar followed the brush of her lips against his, wanting her as fiercely as ever. For all that his blood burned for him to hurry, he found his hands slowing in their caress of her back and arms. His woman’s touches likewise, became more thoughtful she rested against him. Gathering her against his chest, he tucked his cheek next to hers and let the moment pass out of reach. They were not children, too impatient to care what tomorrow would bring. They had waited years for this. A few days more wouldn’t matter. Sighing in contentment, he held Sayaka gently. “Soon.”

“Yes.” She tilted her face against his, ruffling his hair regretfully with her fingers. “It would be best if we waited. Followed the formalities.”

“As you say.” He kissed her cheek. “Although I admit, I have never been less interested in such things than I am now.”

“You don’t want to marry me?” Sayaka teased, rubbing her nose against his playfully. “You’ve come a long weary way just to jilt me, beloved.”

Raigar kissed her lips. “I want to _be_ married to you. The politics of the ceremony itself I can live without.”

“It won’t be so bad as you think.” She shook her head, pulling back to catch his eye. “The new Shogun is very young, but still wise. And your Lady Karin has released you from your oath to serve London City…?”

He nodded, studying her face, reminding himself of her dark beauty. “She has. The only obligation I am under as of this moment is the pledge I made to you.”

“Then it ought to be a simple thing.” Sayaka smiled warmly at him. “We formally ask the Shogun, and get his consent. Then we petition the village elders, whom I have already threatened with a dire fate should they refuse… and you can keep your promise with months to spare…”

“Which promise was this?” He matched her smile, releasing her long enough to sweep a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “I thought I’d already kept my promise, I’m here aren’t I?”

His fiancé’s smile turned every so slightly wicked, her hands caressing his neck as she reminded him. “You promised me when you left, that before fifteen months had passed, I would sleep in your arms at night.” She slowly shifted out of his grasp, smoothing her dress as she stood. “I mean to hold you to that promise, Raigar. I find I am tired… of sleeping without you.”

For all that sleep should have been impossible after an invitation like that, he felt the tug of exhaustion as soon as he closed his eyes. Settling back into the padding of his bed, Raigar let himself drift with a contented sigh. The room around him smelled of oiled wood and sweet rushes, the draft from the shuttered windows carried the clean scent of rain through the pines. No clatter of cobblestone, or grinding of distant machinery, just the sounds and scents of the mountains to soothe him to sleep. The idea that the pleasing surroundings could be his for the rest of his life made him smile to himself in the darkness. All that was missing to make his happiness complete was the warm weight of his wife at his side.