"Why don't you tell me more about yourself?" Ichiro said.

"Well I lived most of my life in the Mountains, it was a large village that supplied a nearby temple with food and other goods. We were the only Samurai family, so I spent a lot of time exploring or studying with the monks" Hanako said "I almost joined one of the orders, but life pushed me down a different path when another family moved to the village and Kitsuki Haruna entered my life"

"I can't really imagine being in a place that small," Ichiro said.

"It was very different" Hanako replied "But it was a good life, our family cared for the peasants and the lands around us. And you could find peace easily"

Ichiro nodded.

"I see. I can understand the desire for a simple life."

"But that life was not my fate" Hanako said "Instead I am here in one of the largest cities in the land, bodyguard to an overly inquisitive magistrate... But I think with your support I will manage. But please tell me what was your life like?" She asked.

"Ah, I can't say it's been the most difficult one, but I have pursued my art for most of my life. I received some bushi training, but it really wasn't for me," Ichiro said. "I had many arguments with my father over it."

"He did seem concerned about you" Hanako said carefully "you seem to have come to an understanding now?"

"Yes, we have smoothed over a lot of the problems," Ichiro said.

"That is good" Hanako said and then began to eat as the food arrived.

Ichiro began to eat as well.

"Hmm. This is good."

"It is" Hanako agreed "Does your father often spend time in the capital?" She asked.

"Yes, he likes to spend time there. He's never told me why though," Ichiro said.

"Perhaps he meets old friends" Hanako said and the ordered some more tea.

The staff brings out more tea and some sugar candies.

"Perhaps, he hasn't really spoken of it," Ichiro said.

Hanako takes one of the candies and bites into it with a small smile of delight. "At least its given us a chance to get to know each other a bit better"

"Yes, it has been very nice," Ichiro said.

Hanako nods and finishes her tea "If you're ready shall we continue our tour?"

"Certainly, there are a few more temples to see and then it should be getting dark," Ichiro said.

Hanako nodded "Then we should get going" she said,

Ichiro leads you to a few other temples. They are impressive as well. This current one clearly has the oldest tori gates in the city, but they are still impressively clean and in good repair.

"This Tori is truly old" Hanako said as she studied it "It's good to see them so cared for"

"The monks here do their best to care for everything here," Ichiro said.

"Thank for today" Hanako  as they walked "I greatly enjoyed the tour, and the company "

"It was my pleasure," Ichiro said.