Hoshiko slowly turned. Yoné stepped back from her. So they stood a moment at gaze. Hoshiko saw a creature as small and fragile as she herself had once been, and more beautiful she thought—much more beautiful.
Yoné saw a soldier whose face she knew, but whose soul, at first, was strange.
"I am Shijiro Arisuga," said Hoshiko.
"Yes," breathed Yoné, "wait. There is something strange. Something I did not expect. Is it the years? Yes. But your voice is more gentle though less gay."
"I can make it harsh," smiled Hoshiko.
"Nay!" cried Yoné, still at gaze. "Did you know me? Did you know my voice?"
"Yes," said Hoshiko.
"And you have a scar—you have fought."
"In many battles."
"Yet the gods did not send you the great red death, but sent you to me, as I prayed."