âKami save meâŚ.â  Miyuki whispered under her breath as she fled the Chantry as if demons were nipping at her heels.  The young Hingan woman made a beeline for the kitchen oblivious to the odd looks she was getting from other staff as they passed her in the hallway.  Once in the kitchen she hastened behind the door, letting it slam closed and leaned over the counter while taking in a gulp of air.
âHeâs just a man, Miyuki.â Â She berated herself. Â "Yes, just a man.â She lifted one finger into the air. Â "A man that can and would bring your whole newly found world down on your head!â Â Now she was scolding herself. She let out a scoff and smacked herself in the forehead. Â With a weary sigh, Miyuki turned around and let her feet slide out in front of her until her bottom hit the cool wooden floor. Â She let her head drop forward and closed her eyes. Â âOkay, itâs just one quick meeting. Â No big deal. Â You can do this.â
With her mini-pep talk over, Miyuki got to her feet before she was discovered and left the kitchen to get ready. Â
The trip to Shirogane was a silent one. Â Miyuki made sure she remained five steps behind and to the right of Ujitoshi Hagane the best she could. Â The man had legs that as long as she was tall so she had to step quickly to keep up. Â She was dressed impeccably as was her station and kept her eyes averted lest Hagane turned to address her. Â
Not that he did. Â Other than to order her to accompany him, he hadnât spoken a word to her. Â Not on the ferry. Â Not at the docks. Not even once theyâd reached Hidden Shores.
She was surprised to see the amount of people loitering the small cliff that looked over the beach at Hidden Shores. Â Strangers. Â Everyone of them. Â She cast curious glances over each face, studying them but she didnât recognize not a one from her past. Â That alone caused her to relax a bit.
âWelcome again to the start of our tradition. This night, one of deciding; Which of the fighters presented will move on to glory and spotlight and which of them the sands will decide need more before setting forth.â Their hostâs head lifted towards the sands, a light nod offered to the fighters already collected before he again spoke forth. âNeither of you are new to this tradition, yet neither the sands have favored thus far. Do you have what it takes to change that fate?â
Miyuki blinked and looked over towards the sands. Two combatants! Fighting in the sands! Â Oh! She inhaled sharply. Â Now she understood what exactly was going on and glanced up at Haganeâs back quickly then back down at the beach where what looked to be a female au ra getting ready to battle with another.Â
Miyuki cleared her throat and kept her voice low. Â "Hagane-san -â Â she cut herself off as they were suddenly surrounded by people. Â The area in which they stood was now crowded as others gathered near the edge of the cliff for a better look.
Ujitoshi Hagane beckoned to Miyuki. "Come, itâs getting crowded hereâŚâ  Miyuki followed her employer, her sandals crunching the springy grass that decorated the area and moved to stand under the tree at Haganeâs back.  She was out of arms reach but well within ear shot should he speak to her.  From her spot she was able to see most of the crowd again.  One brow lifted as she took in a tall elezen man upon a rock who was the host as he was addressing the crowd loudly.Â
After a few moments and shifting from foot to foot in the smallest of movement she could make, Miyuki tried once more. Â Clearing her throat and glancing furtively over at the crowd. Â "Hagane-san.â Â She turned her gaze back to the broad back of her employer.
Ujitoshi Hagane let out an inquisitive hum aimed at Miyuki. âAre you already so comfortable in my presence that you forget decorum?â Though his tone was humorous, there was something underneath that meant he wouldnât tolerate the same mistake twice. âWhat is it?â
Miyuki  dropped her head and squeezed her eyes shut, wincing.  She was glad he hadnât turned around.  "A thousand apologies, Master Ujitoshi.  Pray, forgive me.â  her voiced dropped even lower.  "It was nothing.â Â
Ujitoshi Hagane shifted his attention to Miyuki, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. âIf you have a mind to speak, then do so.â
Resolute Miyuki took a few steps closer so her voice wouldnât carry to those nearby.  Sheâd already baited the dragon, she may as well voice her concern since he gave her leave.  "IsâŚis this why you wanted me to attend you?  To see fighting?  In the sand?â
Ujitoshi Hagane let out a short chuckle, replying in a similarly low tone. Â "No, what is happening down there is of no consequences. Think of this as any social gathering. Image is important. Thatâs why youâre here, as part of my entourage.â
Miyuki nodded. Â "I understand, Master Ujitoshi.â
Ujitoshi Hagane gave a toothy grin to Miyuki. âGood. I expected nothing less from you.â He then turned his attention back to the fight. Â Miyuki made a face at Haganeâs back before letting out a silent sigh and began looking over the crowd once more. Â
Truth be told she didnât understand. What purpose did it serve to have her specifically with him as his entourage? Â As far as he knew, she was unable to defend him. Â Surely having Katsuro would have been a better choice. Was she eye-candy? Â Her head tilted at the thought. Â Could she even be eye-candy? From the way the girls in the spa spoke, only men were eye-candy. Â Her eyes cut over to the large expanse that was her employerâs back.Â
No. Â She wasnât eye-candy. Â Ujitoshi Hagane was up to something.