Craft

Part 1

Update: 1/23/2020

A long time coming, but I think I'm actually going to start this up again. I'll be editing as I go, so be patient with the wonky updates. Thank you.

_______________________________________________________

The loud chants of monks could be heard from my room as I lifted my head. An old woman's voice called over their humming voices and the door slid open. Taki, a tall older woman, appeared on the other side of the door. Her grey hair was pulled into a tight bun and a plain silver comb rested in the knot. Her usual attire, a black kimono with a green trim around the neck line, covered her body as she avoided eye contact.

"Your breakfast is ready, My Lady." Her crushed voiced spoke once she notice I was no longer resting. I looked to her for a moment. My mind had hardly registered the sound. I was still half asleep, but I gave her a curt nod. 

"Dress me." I spoke. It was a simple enough order, but Taki took a moment to stand. Her knees seemed to be giving her trouble. I took note and decided to have someone look after her. 

Taki finally collected herself and hobbled to the wardrobe. An array of colors was revealed as she contemplated her choice. I stood and disrobed quickly after sliding the door shut. Taki gave me a glance over her shoulder. A passing thought raced through her mind, but was seemingly cast aside after a small debate. I decided now would be the time for a simple roge and lip paint. I sat at a small vanity mirror and placed the rose petal to my lips, pressing down. I never liked the make up the merchants bought, so I made my own. Rose petals from the garden soaked in sake and vinegar.  

Taki took her time, but she knew how to emulate my being well enough. She soon settled on a long trained, white kimono. The cloth was thin, but silky and covered every part of me from neck to bottom. I waited for her to hand me my undergarments, before pulling them on. Taki took a golden necklace from my jewelry box. It was simple. A singular onyx tear shaped tumbled stone accompanied the chain. I put it, as well as the kimono, on and decided to leave my hair down for that day. The kimono contrasted nicely with my jet black hair, and the golden necklace. It was simple, and I felt confident wearing it.

"Thank you, Taki. You may be dismissed for the rest of the morning." I said as I made my way to the door. Taki's voice broke the lulling sound of the chanting for the last time as she bowed low.

"Thank you, Lady Kazumi." 

I left the door open and made my way to my study area. I had decided to further my spiritual journey some time ago. Several years had passed since and this has become my everyday life. Taki wakes me, I dress, and I leave to tend my classes and eat my breakfast. Later today, around lunch time, a man is supposed to come visit the shrine. After he has finished his business, I will have my dinner and retire for the night. Simple enough.

I raised my head as I watched the sun rise over the fog. Today felt different. I didn't want to study, nor did I want that man to come. I wanted to leave this place and never come back. Though unless someone wanted to come and take me away that would never happen. Not while my father is alive.

With a quiet exhale I turned the corner leading to a hallway, and away from the morning light in the courtyard. I soon came to the door of my study and slid it open. A large desk sat against the wall with books piled in a neat stack on both sides. My favorite brush pen was placed at the top of the desk beside an ink well. Above the desk was a large window facing the main gate of our compound. On the wall across from the door stood a bookshelf with all of my favorite teachings. Confucius and Buddha to name a few.

In the middle of the room sat a hot plate of my breakfast. I walk to it and sat down. Grilled fish, rice, a poached egg, miso soup, and a cup of warm sake. A personal favorite. I thanked the gods for my food, and began to eat. Once I was finished, I moved over to my desk and looked through my books for the newest session. That was most of the morning. One of my servants came to take away the tray, but otherwise I was alone.