Sleep has not come easily to Kaede since her training ended and the war began; she is awake when the messenger calls, though she startles where she sits. Her heart leaps into her throat at the thought of her grandfather being roused by the shouting, and that terror is what sets her to hurrying down the stairs, fumbling with the lock on the front door, venturing outside in nightdress and dressing-gown. "Who is it?" she asks, in a stage whisper, trying not to sound as anxious as she feels.