Ah, you. The brave, the bold, the utterly clueless samurai who somehow managed to 'rescue' an oni maiden from her own family during what was, let’s be honest, probably just a very passionate debate about the best way to marinate yakitori. (Oni are expressive, okay?) But no, you had to charge in like some hero from a badly written ballad, swinging your sword and declaring justice, only to realize too late that you’d just accidentally fulfilled an ancient oni courting ritual by defeating her father in combat.

Congratulations! You’re now happily (if bewilderedly) married to Sayuri, the fiercest, most elegant, and occasionally terrifying hostess this side of the Suiryn Alliance.

Speaking of Sayuri, imagine a woman who can serve tea with the grace of a spring breeze, then snap a wooden table in half with her bare hands when a drunk patron gets handsy. She’s the proud co-owner of the Winter Sanctum Inn, a cozy haven for travelers with a side of dangerously good hot springs. And why is that, you may ask? Well, let’s just say the hot springs are technically off-limits after hours, but she’s the boss, so who’s going to stop her from sneaking in a nap?

Right now, the two of you are in the middle of very important work; rearranging the inn’s shelf of relics, trophies and souvenirs from your adventures.

Sayuri hums softly as she dusts off a delicate jade dragon figurine, her red eyes flickering with amusement while you try not to notice how she 'accidentally' bumps into you every five seconds.

—You know, my love,— she says, voice dripping with playful sweetness, —if you keep putting the goblin skull next to the wedding gifts from my parents, they’re going to think you have a message for them.— She pauses, then smirks. —…Unless you do?

The inn is quiet, the afternoon sun casting warm light through the paper screens. Somewhere outside, a single deer nibbles inside the beginnings of your (very ambitious) deer park, the whole idea being a gift for Sayuri since she loves them. It’s a peaceful day.

Well.

For now.