Anna was recovering fast and soon she was allowed to sit in the sun on the veranda. She was never left alone for long and she greatly enjoyed these moments of tranquility. She was mostly joined by Sumiko, who took it upon herself to serve her Lady personally.
"Why are you here?" Anna asked one day.
"Lord Takeda returned home to gather his armies and he instructed the household to come here to serve his family and care for the injured. My place is here, with you, My Lady." She bowed.
"Sumiko," Anna hesitated, not wishing to distress the girl, but she needed to ask. "What about your baby?"
"She is fine."
"Thank God! I was afraid something went wrong when we had no news." Sumiko didn't answer. "What is it?"
"It's just a girl." Sumiko shrugged. "Nothing to celebrate."
"Why do you say that? Did Kazuki tell you he was unhappy?"
"No, he seems to be content, but..."
"There are no 'buts'! You have a little girl. You are fortunate. Is she healthy?"
"Yes."
"Pretty?"
"Very." For the first time Sumiko smiled.
"What's her name?"
"I waited for Kazuki to name her. He chose Chokichi."
"Good Fortune." Lottie smiled. "May she be truly fortunate."
"Thank you, My Lady."
"And remember this: girls can change the world!"
Sometimes Anna was also joined by Kazuki, who told her about the battle. "We were fighting to the death," He spoke quietly. "Convinced that nothing could save us, knowing well none of us would survive. And then we saw you, in our Lord's helmet and his armour." He smiled at the memory. "It confused SaitÅ's men and gave us a chance to get a second breath. What you did that day..." He stopped, unable to find words to express his admiration. "Ana-San, I am proud to be your samurai." He bowed. "In face of your courage Tomoe Gozen's story pales into insignificance."
*
When she felt strong enough they returned to Lord Takeda's residence, where everything once again followed its usual routine: Anna practiced sword fighting with the young Lord, she visited the monastery to spend time with her father and learned reading and writing in Japanese.
One day, during their sparring, Haru said to her. "When I saw you earlier in the garden, you looked like a dandelion." He laughed. "Your blond hair was blown around on the wind like the seeds from a dandelion." He explained, seeing her incomprehension. "May I call you Tanpopo now?"
"Yes, you may, My Lord."
"But what would my father say to that?"
"He would probably laugh." She smiled.
"But if you are going to become my Lady Mother, it would be unfitting." He reconsidered.
"Haru-Chan, I will never replace your mother!" She said with intensity. "You must remember that there is nothing stronger than the blood ties."
"But you risked your life so many times for us."
"Sometimes you meet people who will not hesitate to shed their blood for you, just because they love you. Then you will know your true friends."
"Like you?"
"Yes. And Kazuki-San. You must learn to recognise these people and surround yourself with them. They will serve you with honour."
They were both silent for a moment. Eventually, Haru smiled with his father's mischievous grin. "I wouldn't mind you being my mother, Tanpopo."
*
Time was passing slowly and uneventfully. They all lived from day to day, waiting for the news from the south. But then, unexpectedly, Lottie started feeling unwell, especially in the mornings. She realised that she might be pregnant again... She couldn't understand it. After all this trauma? But how could it be anything else?... She consulted Mushiso in secret and he confirmed that she was indeed with child again.
From that day she abandoned all sword practice and horse riding. She felt strangely drawn to water and spent many a day at the lake pavilion, watching the sunlight playing on the surface of the water, thinking about the future.
*
Two months had passed uneventfully, as if in a dream. Each day Lottie woke with hope that she would finally see Hikaru and each day she went to bed with the same hope for the following day. She worried he might put himself in danger to avenge SaitÅ's treachery; she worried he might be cut off by the snow and unable to return home until the next spring...
That day, as usual, Lottie was sitting by the lake. The weak winter sun did not carry much warmth, but the rays of light splitting into a rainbow of colours under her closed eyelids delighted her, never failing to cheer her up. She opened her eyes and looked at the sparkling brilliance in front of her. Most of the lake's surface was covered in a sheet of ice; only in the very centre there was a clear pool of water. Low sunshine sparkled, reflected in ice, snow and water, as if the whole landscape was covered in diamonds.
She breathed deeply and made an effort to empty her mind of all worries that had been plaguing her, replacing them by this perfect picture of brilliance and tranquility. She imagined each of her worrisome thoughts floating up her body, as a bubble of air in the water would. When they reached the top of her head, each bubble was burst by the shaft of light, disappearing. This technique seemed to be working and she finally found herself in a state of pure meditation, empty of any worldly feelings...
The sound of pounding footsteps startled her, suddenly, breaking her concentration. Sumiko was running towards her, shouting excitedly: "My Lady, they are back!"
Lottie leaped up and ran towards the main building. Towards him. There was only one thought in her mind: 'He's home!'
*
Lord Takeda was exhausted. They had been riding hard for several days now, plowing through fresh snow. He was dirty and disheveled, but didn't care about it. Home was so close. And so was Lottie.
They rode across the bridge and through the gate. Everybody rushed to welcome the returning Lord, but he had only one thought on his mind. As soon as he reached the courtyard he jumped off his horse and demanded to know where Ana-San was.
"She is at the lake pavilion, My Lord." Mariko didn't try to stop him.
He ran towards the lake as if his very life depended on it. And there she was, coming towards him along the covered walkway connecting the pavilion with one of the central buildings. She ran into his arms with a force and they embraced with passion. When they parted, Lottie was frantically checking his body for signs of any injury.
"I am fine, my love." He assured, unable to tear his eyes off her face. She looked radiant. Finally, he stepped back to look at her properly. "My Lady," He laughed. "Have you abandoned all your training? Your figure is getting definitely fuller."
Hearing that her face went scarlet and she fell to her knees, bowing to the floor. "My Lord, if it pleases you..." She paused. "I am carrying your child."
He was stunned by this news and unable to say anything for a long moment. His knees suddenly went weak. He stumbled and sunk to the floor, opposite her. "But... how?" Then he recalled the night they had spent together; the night full of ecstasy, fire and pleasure. "A child? But you had almost died."
"I cannot explain it, My Lord." She still hasn't lifted her eyes to him.
"And you?" He asked with tension in his voice. "Do you want this child?"
The expression on her face, when she finally looked up, told him the truth about her absolute happiness.
"Let me touch it." He demanded, shuffling closer to her. His hand on her belly shook a little, but he was sure now. "Please rise, My Lady." He helped her up. "I will cherish this child and love it with all my heart." Her smile made him forget his tiredness and his appearance.
But soon she remembered her duties. "My Lord, please let me prepare for you a bath and some food. You must need rest."
Still dazzled, he allowed her to lead him to the bath house where he stepped out of his dirty clothes. She washed him gently and helped him to dress in a new kimono. Then she led him to his rooms where she served him a meal.
"Lottie, please, I want to see you."
A little shy, she undid her obi and let the layers of her clothing fall to the ground. He looked at her with love and tenderness. And although he could barely keep his eyes open, he took her in his arms and cradled her next to his heart for a long time.
Eventually, he released her and helped her to dress.
"My Lord, you must rest now!" She insisted. "I will stay with you." She added quietly.
He lay down obediently and fell asleep almost immediately.
*
She was still there when he woke up, many hours later. "Lottie." He whispered and she came to him. They lay together without a word, in each other's arms, absolutely happy and looking forward to the future.
"What has happened to SaitÅ?" She asked eventually.
"Committed seppuku before we managed to capture him. The Emperor seized all his lands and the ShÅgun couldn't do anything to prevent it. Nothing threatens you now."
"I am glad. I can't fight anymore. And Lord Yamamoto? Did he betray you?"
"No, SaitÅ bribed or coerced one of his clerks to steal the Lord's seal. Old Yamamoto was mortified. He wanted to commit seppuku on the spot, but the Emperor forbade it... Does my sister know about the baby?" He changed the subject.
"I'm not sure, but it is quite probable, as I have altered many of my habits. But I wanted you to know first."
"Thank you for what you did during the battle. You saved us all." He said very quietly. "I didn't think I would ever see you again and then..." His voice broke and they both fell silent. "I spoke to the Emperor." He continued after some time. He sat up and looked straight into her eyes. "I asked him for a permission to marry you."
Her eyes opened wide and she gasped in shock. "But... that's not possible!" She exclaimed.
"In recognition of your service, and mine, he agreed. My little Lottie, we can marry. And our child will be recognised as my second heir."
She couldn't hold back the tears of happiness. Once more he embraced her.