Early morning.
Sakura was woken by the cries of vendors drifting up from downstairs.
"Tofu, fresh tofu!"
The call was long and drawn out, carrying the crisp clarity unique to early morning as it echoed through the thin mist.
She opened her eyes and saw that Saku was already awake, sitting on the bed with her stuffed doll in her arms, quietly watching the morning light outside the window.
Her eyes reflected the pale whiteness at the edge of the sky, and her small face held a calm far beyond her years.
"Big sister, morning."
Saku turned her head, her voice soft.
"Morning."
Sakura sat up, rubbed her eyes, and glanced at the bed beside them.
Inuyasha was still asleep.
He lay sprawled on the bed, limbs thrown everywhere, the blanket kicked to the floor, one foot sticking out, his toes twitching.
He was even mumbling something, which sounded like "Don't run" or something like that.
Sakura walked over, bent down to pick up the blanket, and covered him with it.
Inuyasha rolled over and muttered something indistinctly.
"...one more bowl..."
The corner of Sakura's mouth twitched.
"He's even eating in his dreams."
Saku said it quietly, her eyes curving into crescents.
"Come on."
Sakura spoke softly, took Saku's hand, and went to wash up.
The inn's washing area was at the end of the corridor. Several clay basins sat on the wooden counter, with a large water jar beside them.
Sakura scooped a ladle of water into a basin, washed Saku's face first, then washed her own.
The water was very cold, icy enough to make her shiver, but it also woke her up completely.
"Big sister, where are we going today?"
Holding her stuffed doll, Saku looked up at her.
Sakura thought for a moment.
"Let's wander around