Tatsuhime,comes the voice of the mother. she carries long sleek fish which she has set down upon a wide leaf.
come and eat with me.
her heart hurts. it hurts because tatsuhime will never know the snowy mountains and deep plunging blue of her mother's home.
it hurts because she is preparing to hand her daughter to the empress. they will see one another, but kaede will no longer be the focal point of this young life.
her smile is maintained, a strong facade.
we have been given a very great opportunity, you and i and our family.
claws cut the trout. she adds a sprig of lemongrass.
