For the first time in nearly a month Lin Liqin awoke feeling refreshed, the weight of the past no longer dragging him down. Rolling over, he caught sight of Tsubame and Lin Liqiu sharing a drink. “Care to join us? That is if you've gotten enough beauty sleep,” said Tsubame, half mocking.

Pulling up a chair, Lin Liqin quipped, “Most women would kill to look this good when they wake up.” He gave Tsubame a wink before continuing, “Of course you two are an exception.” Then he poured himself a glass of wine and grabbed a chunk of bread.

“Tsubame stopped by to inform us that the Japanese commander will be arriving in a few hours,” Lin Liqiu was quick to interject, knowing that these two could flirt back and forth for the better part of a day if allowed.

“That's rather short notice.”

Tsubame seemed more vexed by the news than the twins, “I should have anticipated this. Our commander, Captain Mori, doesn't like being tracked and often moves with little notice. The Gaian's were notified of his arrival and it seems the two commanders have already agreed upon a banquet for tonight. However, they don't trust each other to host, as such they have requested that you two host them here.”

“I take it this is the kind of request we can't refuse,” Lin Liqin sighed as Tsubame simply nodded in response.

Lin Liqiu frowned, “But why here? This isn't a banquet hall, it's a forge.”

“A grand forge,” Tsubame replied, “There's more than enough space for a few tables in the foyer. There won't be that many people in attendance, just the commanders and a few advisors.”

“I don't understand why they want a banquet in the first place. For pleasantries? It's simple pretense. This gathering is a powder keg and throwing a party is like playing with matches,” questioned Lin Liqin with clear doubt.

“Have you not realized it yet? This is so much bigger than Qiu forging some ki items. I don't have to tell you two how devastating the battle at Toyotama was.” Tsubame noticed Lin Liqin visibly pale at the mention of Toyotama, but she continued, “The subsequent cease fire and neutral zone have stood for twelve years. This gathering is a chance for peace talks. There could be a real truce between the empires. Duihaiguo could finally know true peace for the first time in our lives.”

It didn't take long to convert the foyer into an adequate reception hall for the banquet and one of the smaller kilns was retrofitted to act as a makeshift oven for the chefs that would be preparing the meals. Before they knew it, the night was upon them. Key advisors from each camp were the first to arrive, keen to be present when the commanders arrived. However, they were obviously hesitant to mingle, instead forming two distinct groups at either end of the hall.

“Looks like things are off to a great start,” Lin Liqiu said sarcastically.

Tsubame on the other hand was rather optimistic, “No one has thrown a dagger or hurled a fire ball. I'd say things are going quite well.”

“Don't give them any ideas,” Lin Liqin playfully chided.

The three were waiting near the front door to welcome guests. At that moment one of the main figures of the night arrived. “I'm glad to hear everyone is behaving so far.”

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Tsubame was quick to stand at attention and salute, “My apologies my lord. I was speaking casually with old friends and forgot my station.”

“No need for apologies Lieutenant. Now, would you mind introducing me?”

“Yes sir. May I present Captain Mori, lord commander and representative of Japan's interests here on Duihaiguo.” Captain Mori gave a slight nod before Tsubame continued, “This is Lin Liqiu, renowned blacksmith, and her brother Lin Liqin, a popular musician.”

The Lin twins bowed in unison and greeted the captain, “We welcome the lord commander.”

Captain Mori motioned for them to stand, “No need to be overly polite, you two are stars of the evening in your own rights.” Stepping up to Lin Liqiu, he continued, “Tales of the Demon of the Forest Forge have long reached my ear. They say your skill is only rivaled by your ferocity. Though I admit I'm surprised none of the rumors mention your beauty.”

“Where do you think the stories of her ferocity come from? Her overzealous suitors were among the first to see that side of her,” Lin Liqin couldn't help but quip.

Captain Mori turned to face him, “This must be Lin Liqin's famous wit I've heard about. I confess that I'd heard your name as well, long before the lieutenant started singing your praises. Though, I must admit, this is the first time I've heard you were a musician. Most of the rumors focus on your charm, wit, and... other pursuits.”

Lin Liqin felt like the captain was poking fun at him, but couldn't find a proper retort. Before he could respond, Lin Liqiu stepped in, “Please enjoy the party. We are still waiting on the Gaian commander, but we will join you shortly.”

The Japanese commander gave them a bright smile before heading into the banquet with Tsubame in tow. Unexpectedly, he was heading for the group of Gaian advisors instead of the Japanese. While Lin Liqiu was frowning, worried that trouble might be starting, Lin Liqin chuckled, “Sly old fox. Looks like the political games have already started.” Seeing the confused look on his sister's face he elaborated, “The Gaian commander is running late. It's a move to show that he's more important, because everyone has to wait for him. However, Mori arrived first and started rubbing shoulders with the Gaian advisors. If there are to be negotiations who do you think will fare better? The one that treated the opposing advisors as people worth talking to or the one that snubbed them and wasted their time?”

Another hour passed. The Japanese advisors dropped their wariness and joined their commander in mingling with the Gaian advisors. The entire atmosphere had changed and for the first time the Lin twins actually believed that peace might be possible. At that moment there was a vibration in Lin Liqiu's dantian coming from her hammer.

The Gaian commander had finally arrived, but Lin Liqiu's eyes were fixed on the man beside him and from the way he was returning her stare it was clear he had felt the vibration too. She was snapped out of this staring contest by her brother bowing and she quickly followed suit. “We welcome the lord commander,” they once more greeted in unison.

After a brief nod from the commander the twins stood up. Lin Liqin stepped forward, “Sister, allow me to introduce Captain Yang, lord commander and representative of Gaia's interests here on Duihaiguo,” he said slyly coping the introduction Tsubame had used. While Captain Yang wore a large grin from the formal introduction, Lin Liqin moved on to the man next to him, “This is Master Aki, he's been Captain Yang's instructor in the use of ki these last few months.”

“I see, so it's Aki that we have to thank for this banquet,” there was an odd bit of steel to Lin Liqiu's voice as she said Aki's name, but only her brother seemed to notice.

Lin Liqin was adept at hiding his confusion, but it only deepened as Aki spoke, “I did not expect to meet Zenji's children here. I'd thought you'd perished in Toyotama. I'm glad I was wrong.”

“Master Aki, you didn't mention you were acquainted with our hosts,” Captain Yang harrumphed.

“My mistake my lord. Lin is such a common family name in these parts that I only made the connection now.”

“Captain Yang, why don't you head on in? Wouldn't want to keep the people waiting, would we?” Lin Liqin suggested, “My sister and I need to check on the food, but we'll join you shortly and then the banquet can begin in earnest.”

As Captain Yang and Master Aki made their way inside Lin Liqin pulled his sister aside, “What was that about?”

Still watching Aki's back, Lin Liqiu replied, “Some of the smith's ki will be left behind when they ki forge, like a maker's mark and it can resonate when it meets it's sibling. My hammer resonated with that man's ki item. That was Akihiro. He's older now, but I'm sure of it. That was the young man father made the shield for just before...” Lin Liqiu trailed off, but Lin Liqin knew what she was referring to as the young Japanese soldier from his nightmare overlapped with the man entering the party.