"I'll place the moon in your heart., to accompany the sun in your soul."
Ichika Suzuki, a student at Keio University in Japan, is sent on an academic expedition of medicinal sciences to Romania. However, the owner of the castle she is residing in is...
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Ichika
The ship rocked side to side on the icy waters. Standing at the stern of TheMaiden of the Sun, Ichika watched the waves, the sea foam washing over the surface until disappearing into the water. Above in the sky, shined the full moon reflected upon the water, with the millions of stars joining in unison. The sail from Japan to Romania was sure to be a long one, surely even longer with the many storms that had hit the vessel and the heavy memories of her last journey to the country.
In her gloved hand was a sealed letter from her host that agreed to have her stay in a castle. The only telling way to know who it was, was the single initial on the end of the page. Signed, A.B. The sound of approaching footsteps called Ichika back to reality. Turning her back, she met the Captain.
The Captain was a tall, burly man with long blonde hair and an equally blonde moustache. His face was laced with water from the spray of the sea, giving the illusion of a younger face.
"We are coming upon France, miss. Best be prepared sooner than later." He spoke. Ichika nodded and stepped past him, going for her cabin, until he grasped her wrist.
"Don't worry, miss. My men will handle your luggage. You will need your energy for your long journey." He expressed and released her wrist. Ichika smiled at him.
"Thank you, Captain. Your kindness will not go unrewarded." She told. He nodded and adjusted the pipe in his mouth.
"Thank you, miss. You best get below; a storm is approaching." He announced. Ichika raised a brow.
"How can you tell?" She questioned. The Captain laughed.
"When you spend your life at sea, you know when the waves will strike back at you for disturbing them." He responded. Not pushing it any further, she went to her cabin. The small space was decently lit and spacious for her to be comfortable.
Sitting on the bed, Ichika watched the waves through the large window conveniently above her bed. As they did on the stern, the waves raged with anger and the spray reached the windows, dousing them in salt. The moon still watched from above as the vessel made its journey, and the stars twinkled and danced across the abyss that is the night sky.
Ichika watched until she felt the ship abruptly stop, and a knock crashed through the silence of the cabin. Raising from the bed, Ichika was again greeted with the face of the Captain, joined by several mates.
"We've arrived, miss. Come along, your carriage is already here and waiting." He spoke. Ichika nodded and stepped from the cabin and onto the deck. The port was silent, but still busy, nonetheless. On the dock, Ichika took notice of an ornate stagecoach being pulled by four heavy horses.
"Courtesies of your host, whose influence must be great." The Captain said. The sail had ended, and the long train journey would begin very soon. Ichika watched her luggage be loaded onto the coach, even more, curious to find out who the man was that would be hosting her. The driver approached, all dressed in black and hiding his face, and extended his hand. Under the night sky, Ichika noticed the uniform he was dawning was decorated with small jewels that held a heavy lustre.
Taking it, he led her to the couch and opened one of its doors, helping her in before quickly saddling on the seat. Waving her hand, she gave the Captain and his crew a farewell before the coach began accelerating with a crack of the reigns.
Opening her diary, she began writing in it.
18/10/1917
Having only just arrived in France, I was immediately greeted by a luxurious stagecoach, with an equally luxurious-looking driver. I was unable to see his face, but he was exceedingly kind. The uniform he was dawning was decorated with many small gems that shined like the stars. Whoever my host is, must be very wealthy or just outrageously generous. I hope it is the latter.
Closing the leather book, Ichika watched the dark land pass by her as the horses raced on dirt roads. Though the night sky cloaked the many hills and passes, Ichika could see the silhouette of the many plains that faded in and out of her view.
Opening the window, Ichika stuck her head out.
"Is Paris far? This continent is visually unknown to me." Ichika pondered. Yet, no response was given to Ichika, just sounded like a faint snarl which frightened Ichika back into the coach. Within the next three hours, Ichika had landed in Paris. Even with the sun slowly rising over the horizon, the city was filled with life of diverse types. Women, men, and children, all walked the streets, some joined with a dog or two. Even with the Great War still occurring, many people still found the time to take pleasure in life.
Once at the station, many gathered to take Ichika's luggage and meet the conductor, but Ichika's exhaustion withheld any meaningful conversation. Once seated, she took in the beautiful design of the space, which she stared at with confusion that was quickly noticed by the maids that were assigned to her care.
"Is everything alright, miss?" One of the women asked Ichika. Ichika turned to face the elder maid.
"Is this...typical for all French trains?" Ichika asked. The elder maid and many others working under her laughed.
"This is a Romanian train, miss. This specific one is owned by your hostess. Noaptea lui Ichika is the name of this one. The hostess had it built specifically for you." The woman responded. Ichika's eyes grew wide with surprise.
"Hostess?" Ichika asked, warranting a laugh and nod from the maid.
"Yes. Did you expect a man?" She questioned.
"I suppose I did," Ichika said and sat down on the plump seats with a heavy sigh. Ichika kicked off her boots and stretched her legs.
"Perhaps you would like some sleep, miss." The maid inquired. Ichika rubbed at her forehead before taking off her gloves and placing them on the glossy table before her.
"I very much would, however, I am cursed to never sleep en route to a destination," Ichika responded. The woman gasped. Three days sailing without sleep, and two more without it.
"You poor thing! Well, be at ease, for I will see to it you are as comfortable as ever." The woman said. Ichika smiled at the maid.
"Then may I start with a warm beverage? It was frigid on my way here." Ichika expressed. The maid nodded with a smile.
"Of course, miss. I will also bring a warm blanket and fire up the hearth." The maid voiced. Once the train set off and a heated cup of coffee was brought to Ichika alongside a blanket and the fireplace being set, Ichika fell back into her thoughts. In her head, she tried to imagine what the hostess would be like.
With the sun now higher in the sky, Ichika could see the many landscapes and the damage the war has caused. Many forests had been completely obliterated by the enemy strike, and there were many remains of soldiers scattered about. Ichika closed the curtains to her window, choosing to focus on her books instead of the destruction that threatened her habit of overthinking.
"Miss, a letter for you." A man said. Turning her head upwards, Ichika saw another man that was adorned in small gems, much like her driver, and had a face cover. He extended a platter to her, letting her take the letter. Looking at the blood-red seal, she looked up to thank the man, only to see he was gone. Turning her attention back to the letter, she broke the seal and opened it.
Miss Suzuki,
I welcome you to Europe. I trust your journey was pleasant. Furthermore, I hope you enjoy your stay in my beautiful realm.
