Stitches

Unfortunately she has to bury herself in her work for a few days.  She cannot take many clients at this time of year and the pickings are always slim. Late summer isn’t a very busy time of year for her like the beginning of summer is or even winter time.  But she wants to get the orders out as soon as possible, mostly because she has run out of ink and she desperately wants to save some money.  Traveling can be quite expensive when you need to keep particular parties quiet and she will be traveling a long distance very soon.

Once the latest payment comes in, she goes out and buys a well of ink.  The shop keeper mentions that she certainly must write a lot and she tries not to notice the hovering figures in the corner of the store.  She takes the long way home that day out of paranoia even though Jehan follows her from above.  And when she is finally home, late in the afternoon, she responds to him as honestly and tactfully as she can.

Dearest Romeo,

 I can see why you enjoy his company so much.  He has this air, this quality about him that is calming and secure.  In fact I feel quite badly for taking him from you for a short period and yet not at all for I do so enjoy his company.  Forgive my selfishness will you?  And Romeo, you are not wrong when you fret that I keep things from you, very much in the same way I suspect you keep things from me.  But that is to be expected, we are creatures of habit and are bound to not want to burden someone else with our own baggage and burdens.  Know that I will always lend an ear to you, whenever you may be ready.

You tell me that you come home near mortally wounded and expect me not to worry?  I hope you don’t expect me to sit back on the matter when I arrive.  Tsk. You are certainly a man if you are nothing else Romeo.  The seriousness to which you take your task is admirable but as I always say, remember to care for yourself occasionally.

You tell me things that I already know, your world view is something I know and understand all too well, for mine was very similar for a long time.  And how can you not think this way?  The task which you are carrying out requires such a mindset. There is no room for grey in the life of a judge even if myself, others, and perhaps even you may wish it from time to time.  My only hope is that this fire of which you speak I set in you gives you only warmth and does not burn you.  For I cannot bear the thought of causing you injury, even in the metaphysical sense. Or, perhaps, especially in this metaphysical sense for any harm to you is a harm to me.  I swear I can feel it in my bones and it is equal parts alarming and fascinating.  

Who is more ridiculous here?  The man brought to his knees or the woman that will fall to hers at the first request? Because let me tell you—and believe me when I say this—I would walk to the ends of this earth if it would please you. I’d pass through the mirrors if it would bring a smile to your face.  Does that not make me the more ridiculous one?  Here I am laying more silly burdens on you in written form only because I fear I will not have the courage to say them aloud.  Forgive me for that although I ask of your forgiveness far too often.

What is perhaps even more ridiculous is that I want to be the person to lead you out of that maze and into the light.  I want to be the person to show you so many different things and ideas and to explore the depth of emotions neither of us dare to venture to.  I am a dreamer in that way.  If you don’t mind my dear friend, wait a little longer, I’ll be there sooner than you may think.  I hope that you won’t mind my visit being an extended one, fairly extended I envision if all things should go as I expect they will.  For I truly wish to see you too, as much as I can before the chance slips away like tightly held sand.

I truly hope these letters never do reach the eyes of anyone else.  I am quite the selfish creature Romeo, I want this to be between myself and you only.  I have never been one for public attention and especially in such delicate and soft matters it is not meant for the world to see. Though I should inform you that it would do you well to send your respond to the address I have listed below. It’s that time again where I should find another place to venture and that is one of the few places I trust in this world.  Don’t worry, I’ll be safe I always am.  

Rest well Romeo, I hope the night is at beautiful where you are as it is here tonight.

 Eternally yours,

Kwon Sohee

By the seventh day she is numb and buries herself in her work, trying to forget the letter is even on its way.  Tries to forget that maybe he has chosen to never write to her again.  Her heart suspects the latter and that hurts far more than she could have expected.  Sometimes she pricks her fingers just to distract herself but is always careful not to get a drop on the cloth.  Not that she would ever be able to feel such pricks anyway, not in their true intensity anyway.

When the letter arrives a mix of emotions hit her like the rising tide against craggy rocks.  She is both elated and uneasy, anxious and fearful and an array of many others she cannot place as she stares at the sealed letter.  Rather it is unexplained spite or fear, she knows not, but she leaves the letter under her pillow for two days before mustering the courage to open it.  

Its contents both invigorate her happiness and incite her anger and aggravation both at him and at the situation and general.  She is not sure where this anger comes from, never one quick to anger or make harsh judgements.  She has to go against his request and steps out as the sun is setting and goes on a long walk about the small town.  There are no incidents but the scuffling of feet behind her does worry her a time or two. But he is right about one thing, Jehan does keep an ever vigilant eye on her.

She takes another day to formulate her thoughts and quell her raging emotions.  Or rather attempt to quell them.  It has been a long time since she is this affected and she is drawn into it helplessly, unsure of how to react.  After her walk she does feel better but waits until morning to start her response in hopes to keep a clearer head.  It doesn’t work exactly but she’s always been quite terrible at not being completely honest with him in every sense of the word.

Dear Romeo,

While I must admit I was worried about if I would receive a response from you, I didn’t doubt for a moment that any delay was unnecessary.  If there is anyone that understands the need to get away and for silence, it is me.  But you must also understand Romeo that I cannot help but worry about you.  If you are eating well, exercising, resting as you should, these are all things I always think about rather you wish it or not.  And I’m afraid no amount of reprimanding can solve this problem.  But do know I will do my best to keep myself out or trouble. At least for the time being.  

Bot Romeo, forgive my frankness when I say this, I am not sure if you mean to soothe or hurt me with your words.  I am at once soothed and in pain at your response and while I cannot blame you for this, for this sort of reaction, that does not make the wound hurt any less.  I wish I could make you understand how incorrect you are, how far I am willing to go and to understand your difficult and demoralizing position.  But there is not enough paper in the world, not enough life in my body to explain it and thus I must only give you an inkling.  

Never again tell me that you are a burden.  Never again compare your duty, your life, your struggle to someone who sits three houses down from you in plush chairs and excess of wine.  For you are not them, you are not like others.  Like me this is something you must accept even though it is unfair and wrong and even unjust.  But this is the life of those like us Romeo, those who must be different from who they really are in order to survive.  It is because I know this that I held back my thoughts for so long.  It is because I know what a hard time you must have day in and day out that I have tried to forget and sought love elsewhere.  Do not think that the shackles of my past bound me as much as they probably should.  I have tried dear Romeo and I have failed.  I ask that you let me be the judge in this case.  Allow for me to decide what will and won’t be good for my being once my shackles are removed in both the physical and metaphorical sense.

Instead I marvel at how you, a figure of great import can even bother with affections for a creature like myself.  I am a mere ragdoll, the sort that you stick on a bookshelf after a few months of entertainment. That has always been my charge and I have accepted this long ago.  But this ragdoll would like very much for the chance to decide for herself what is right for her and what is not.  Of course the friends of the ragdoll must come first, for she would be nothing without them—him.  Do you understand what I mean when I say this dear friend?

While on some level I fear this early demise you speak of, I feel I have been traveling on a collision course with you for years.  To not experience the blinding light just once would be such a waste.  Everyone should be allowed to see a comet once in their lifetime, myself included. Will I be allowed such a chance or denied for supposed better ventures?  I am afraid I cannot allow the latter to happen.  A taste cannot hurt, no harm ever came from such a thing.  So long as you will still allow my venture.

Freedom has treated me well my friend, you will see as such for yourself quite soon.  I believe I will keep Jehan with me for a while, the dear is tired as of late and Pearl could use the company.  As could I. I hope you do not mind for the short time of it.

Faithfully,

Kwon Sohee

Jehan pauses and then flaps his wings irritably and Sohee gets the message loud and clear.  I don’t care how you feel, get up I’m damn tired too. So she drags herself out of bed, internalizing her aggravation with herself and lets the bird in. Immediately she starts to go back to the bed but then her good hostess nature kicks in and she decides to put together a little snack for Jehan first.  Then she thinks to get the letter from his clutch on her leg.  She doesn’t read it right off, but it does give her occasion to go outside and fetch more paper and ink for a reply.  

It is only when she is back home that it hits her how she feels a little lighter, only by a margin but lighter nonetheless.  And as Sohee has learned in the past few years, she clings to this feeling desperately as she walks with quick steps home.  Jehan is waiting there for her when she returns and Sohee manages to smile, something she hasn’t been able to do in days, several weeks actually. Pearl takes note of it and perks up, approaching her owner with excited pattering and affectionate licks.  The perfect distraction from the desire to still simply return to bed.  

They all eat together, a little dinner that Sohee has whipped up and specialized for each party. After dinner the letter is read quietly aloud once, twice and then another time.  Her heart is full with conflicting emotions of worry, sadness and an emotion she still can’t really place.  These emotions cloud her judgement, bubbling up to the surface and making her skin tingle with the rawness of it all.  But she doesn’t answer, not yet.  No, she needs for her words to be perfectly articulated and understood so that he may know how she feels.  For she too had trouble expressing herself, especially in dealings of this matter and Sohee has little paper to waste of rewrites.  She thinks of flying to him with haste that very night, if she traveled swiftly but carefully she might reach him in a week or two.  

Instead, she goes back to her bed and lays down, allowing the thoughts to marinate in her psyche for the night and well into the next day.  She wouldn’t leave, not just yet but in a few days’ time, after the letter had been sent off and the hunt officially drew to an end.  There was just a few weeks left.  The very thought made her heart beat faster in her chest. When she is ready, truly ready, and the words of his letter are engraved in her mind, Sohee responds in a careful and meticulous way but still very much her natural way of responding to him.

My very dear Romeo,

Let us not talk about your death for the very thought shakes me to my core in a way that shouldn’t be possible for a creature such as myself.  But do know my friend that there is nothing you can say to me that will move me to insult.  For when you are in the position which I am, very little hurts in the way that others intend for it to.  Or at least, this is what I tell myself.  So long as you are aware that I will always point out when you are being far too silly for I believe we owe that sort of honest to each other at the very least. This, Romeo, I wish was a gap I could fix with a simple stitching.  I truly wish it.  But I am afraid I am at a loss.  Know that I will always happily be your counsel, for you deserve nothing less.  

Ah you have learned well my friend, nothing escape you although this should not come as a surprise to me.  I must admit I am not accustomed to others holding me in such a light that I often feel I do not deserve it.  This is after all the same girl that falls to tears when a plate is crashed too loudly to a table.  But if you truly believe such things then I will have to learn to see myself in the way you do.  For I hold your opinion in the upmost respect.

Romeo, if you allow yourself to be selfish with such a wish then let me be selfish as well and tell you something when I have for some time feared to put a name to.  You may feel conceited giving us the title of friendship but I am fair worse than you are Romeo.  Far worse and you need to know before I venture to you.

I am against all odds and possibly better judgement considering your position and mine and your task as my caretaker—am in love with you.  

This perhaps does not come as a shock and looking back it probably shouldn’t.  But I feel the strong need to tell you this before I explain my own thoughts on staying with you.  With all this in mind, I can assure you Romeo that should I wish to leave, there is nothing that will stop me.  For reference, I planned my escape long before I even knew it was possible.  But there is a difference between my captivity and my captivation with you, in regards to you I would return.  One time, a hundred, a thousand times even if you asked.  I would never ask you to do something you did not wish, just as I would never expect you to be less than who you are and who you must be for your work as an official of the kingdom.  I am not so foolish as to believe otherwise.

I cannot expect such affections to be returned but I feel you should know them.  And with this knowledge if you would prefer for me to stay abroad, I will not blame you.  These are strange thoughts and feeling which I do not understand myself, but I have always been completely honest with you and I will not break that trend.  Do take heart my friend, should I ever be captured it will not be long till I find my escape again for I have tasted freedom and I cannot let it go no matter the cost.

Rest when you can and remember to take care of yourself.  For how can you care for others when you yourself are falling apart? Take it from a foolish girl who knows better than anyone, you should take care of yourself.  Otherwise I very well may have to reprimand you in some way and what a sight that would be.  May the rest of the hunt be uneventful and may your dreams be pleasant for I wish nothing more.  

Be selfish and your wish may be granted if that is indeed still your desire.

Faithfully yours,

Kwon Sohee

Immediately after she writes the letter she wants to rip it up.  It is too much, too sudden and it pricks at her fingers and thoughts like thorns. How can she be so foolish?  How could she have spent nearly a day and a half writing and perfecting this letter and it still comes out so silly and perverse? It is practically an insult to his character all the assumptions and declarations she makes.  And on what grounds does she have to claim them?  They haven’t seen each other in years, what basis is that to develop ideas and feelings?  Foolish, foolish little girl.

These are the moments when she thinks that maybe it is better to truly be alone.  To have no sort of connection.  At least then she wouldn’t have to suffer from the long distance, the separation.  A connection that has grown in letters when for months she has wanted nothing more than to speak directly to him without waiting for days or weeks for a response. And yet, she is glad this conversation is happening in letters.  Poor, awkward Sohee who stumbles in front of dear friends, how can she expect to explain herself to him in such a manner?  Especially when her thoughts are just as jumbled—if not more so—than his own. Would he even want to be around her then?  Would she be worth his time?  Although her ideals and thoughts remain the same on paper, it is far easier to be eloquent and intriguing when she has time to form her words carefully.  It is on this third day that she realizes it is the stumbling and raw emotion that she craves.  She needs to know if what he claims is true.  She desperately wants to know if he is all talk or will he really follow through on his actions and promises?  Of course he has been supportive thus far, but when he sees her in her raw form what will he think then?  Will she be worth the risk?

Her gut feeling on the matter terrifies her.  How could anyone like her be worth the risk?  She simply couldn’t be.  Yet she cannot put this to paper.  Something stops her from it every time and she instead wonders if she should be focusing on what she wants instead.  Of course she always thinks about her freedom, but what else does she want? What else really matters to her? Of this she isn’t sure but there is a gentle nudge in the back of her mind that points her in a particular direction.  But how can she explore that, how can she be certain it will be alright?  In reality she can’t, it is a terrifying and exhilarating thought.

Work interferes once again as a lady from a nearby village seeks her assistance.  Honestly she wasn’t sure why so many women didn’t learn the art of sewing.  Not that she should complain, it gave her a semi-steady source of income.  It also allows her some time to mull over his words again and more than anything, what she thinks about his words.  Her fingertips tingle and it takes her a moment to realize it is because she is clutching the fabric so tightly.  This much thought is apparently not good for her and so she puts it out of her mind for now.

Returning to her small lodgings and seeing the letter on the desk as well as a returned Jehan from his flight makes her realize she has to just sit down and say what she feels. Much like he has.  I am asking you to stay with me.  Is he even aware of what he is asking?  Was she aware?  Perhaps not but she needed to try and make sense of it.

Dearest Romeo,

Aren’t we past trivial things such as manners?  A letter from you feels quite like home and I’m afraid I cannot stand for this worry of manners and addressing.  For you see, you may address me however you wish, I will not care as long as I remain in your good graces.  There aren’t many whose opinion I value, but yours is of great import to me. You will have to forgive me however, while I do trust you I have been lied to time and again that it is difficult to let old habits die.  I ask your continued patience in that matter until I can work through it myself.  I should chide you as well for lying for me and yet I want to be selfish and thank you instead as it has helped me survive up to this point.  

These are the moments I wish I had more knowledge or life experience to tell you which to follow.  I have often heard that one should lead with their mind but always consider things with the heart.  Sounds incredibly easy to do when it is on paper and not so easy to do in practice. And I should tell you that in this matter I think that it is quite alright to be selfish for once, you who has been so unselfish towards me for so long.

You are far more intelligent than you give yourself credit for.  Your request is something I have thought about quite a bit for the last several days.  But first I must address a confusion I have in regards to your request.  Why is it that I will regret such a decision when I offered it first?  While you may wish that I will stay forever, I can never promise such a thing as I often grow restless.  At least not until my freedom is truly won.  I am but a simple creature, I have tasted freedom and I am not sure that I can ever truly let it go even at the offer of lifelong protection.  With that being said, didn’t I tell you already that I have a trip planned for your kingdom in the future once the air turns warmer?  Tsk, tsk has the overworked sire of justice forgotten that already?  So long as you understand the position I am in and I believe you should, for who can know better than you?  The sole person I keep in such constant contact with?

I believe you want more than anything to keep me safe.  And while I cannot understand how such an insignificant soul as myself is worth saving, I do not blame you for it.  People say and do many things in order to keep those precious to them out of harm’s way and therefore I cannot fault you.  However, I must ask that you do not jump to conclusions for me sweet Romeo.  As there is very little in this world that could make me cease contact with you and I shall be the one to decide that.  How can I remove one of the most important people in my life? Absurd.  Do not speak of such things till I have gathered a conclusion for myself.  

Forgive me for my aggravation but is has been a taxing few days.  I do not want you to think ill of me because I truly do wish to have you understand where I am coming from but also what travels in your mind.  Perhaps this is something that we can both discover together.  Ah, do not listen to me I speak of far off ideas and things as I always do.  My heads are in the clouds too often.  Can you forgive me for that?  I sorely hope so.

Also Romeo, do rest.  Even I from the distance between us can feel how tired you are.  I wish I could alleviate some of your exhaustion and confusion at this moment.  But perhaps soon it may happen.  We shall see where the wind takes us.  

Affectionately yours,

Kwon Sohee

The thought keeps her in bed for several days.  Work piles up and she still hasn’t gone to retrieve more paper for a return letter should Romeo write one back.  Perhaps he would be too furious with her and refuse to write something in return.  She wouldn’t blame him.  After a bit of self reflection however, she decides that no matter how she feels she can’t allow herself to sit around and do nothing. Nothing leads to her doing far worse activities and she’s managed to be clean for so long.  So long.  

She has just returned from the market to gather paper and fabric when she spots Jehan perched on the back of her desk chair.  His talons are cleaner now but she squints at him nonetheless and points to him accusingly. "You got me in trouble didn’t you?” The bird merely tilts his head to the side and Sohee suddenly feels very vulnerable, like the bags under her eyes are open wounds.  Her skin starts to take a blueish hue and she has to will herself to calm down, that Romeo can’t be that mad at her.  She could explain herself after all.  

His letter both wrenches her heart and sooths it and she can’t help but wonder if he does this to her on purpose.  She leaves the letter for a while though, letting it marinate in her mind as she works in a skirt that has been neglected for the last few days.  It is only when Pearl sits on her that Sohee stops her working and turns back to his letter.  By this time it is dark out and she must write by candle light, it reminds her of the past and her brain is fogged with nostalgia because of it.  Yet she still marvels at how he can care so much for someone as insignificant as herself.

Romeo,

I almost regret to tell you that whatever misadventures you imagine I get up to are not at all what you dream up.  Jehan was merely put out with a man who has had a habit of making unwanted advances on those in the town and I happen to be the flavor of the week. Regrettably I started it however when he tried to snatch your letter to me.  I like to think myself a level headed person but I admit I lost my temper there and Jehan reacted when the other retaliated.  So it is not quite as exciting or frightening as you might imagine and know this, I have no reason to lie to you so I ask that you worry not about that.

Instead put your powers to better use.  It is your duty and will to uphold the justice of this realm in fair and reasonable terms.  I do not want you to have to bend the will of the world in my favor all I want is for you to be happy and content with your life.  If only I wasn’t such a problem.  If only I could stand taller so you do not have to do so for me.  Someday.  Someday.

Perhaps a visit is in order in the future.  It has been a while since I’ve traveled so far, it would be cleansing for the soul.  Until then please trust my words Romeo for I am afraid the thought of you being angry with me renders me quite useless to those around me.  Although I marvel at how you can find joy in such a creature as myself, know that your approval and content are one of the few things that matter to me.  But I will not pretend that I don’t crave the attention and care you bestow upon me because of this.  It is because of this I have a hard time telling you to seek joys elsewhere as well when I lavish in your compliments too much.  That is terribly selfish of me isn’t it?  Forgive me for that will you?  I am asking for forgiveness too much today that it seems I probably shouldn’t be awarded it.

Please rest easy dear Romeo I am well, truly.  Work is good and the people here for the most part are kind. I’d almost believe I could stay here for a long time until I think about how vast the world is and how much it needs to be explored.  Although I have to admit if you asked of me to stay in some place or stay with you I would do so in a heartbeat.   But that is far too bold for your seamstress to say isn’t it.  I always promise the truth though so there it is, take it as you like.

Shed your worries my dear friend for I care about you more than I can state reliably.  No wonder Jehan likes you, you who understands so much but still protects as you can.  So please forgive my neglect my dear Romeo and Jehan’s eagerness.  We are both creatures of instinct, sometimes we act brashly even when we don’t intend to.  Rest well, for soon the season will be over and the beautiful months of peace will be ahead.  

Faithfully,

Kwon Sohee

Soothing aggravated customers is all too easy.  But even those that don’t know her well are able to tell there is a bit of anxiousness in her demeanor, especially when she continuously runs her thumb along the lines of her skirt where a pocket is hidden away.  Anxious enough that she begins to take out the letter before she is certain she is alone and is surprised when it is snatched from her before she can even remove the seal.  The thief in question is a young man that has been pursuing Sohee for the better part of a week, asking about her origins and what kinds of foods she preferred.  She’d almost think he was a hunter if it wasn’t for the ridiculous cologne he dabbed on right before approaching her every time.

“And just who is this from? A lover?  Is that why you have been ignoring me my sweet?”  He teases almost affectionately as he examines the letter.  

As his thumb goes to lift the seal, Sohee lets out a maddening screech and tears the letter from his hands.  Jehan, who she is surprised stayed, swoops down and bats at the male in question, talons ripping into flesh.  He leaves with a flourish, yelling that she would pay for her insults to his pride and esteemed affection.  Sohee stands firmly rooted in place, shocked and mildly horrified.  It takes Pearl nudging her leg to get her to move up to her living quarters and lock the door.  It is only there that she realizes her hands are shaking.  Jehan follows her and perches on the back of her chair in the desk and Sohee manages a laugh at the way he looks at her, calm and prideful.  “Too much excitement for one day if you ask me.” She looks with mournful eyes to the letter that has been marred by the hands of another.  How dare anyone touch the contents of her Romeo.  

Hers.  She doesn’t give it anymore thought for fear of where that could lead.

Instead she pours over the letter, curling into her bed and reading it carefully by the dim lighting. It takes her a moment to realize she is crying and staining the page and that only makes her cry harder.  How can he say such things about her?  Didn’t he know what a broken fool she really is? Granted it is very easy for her to hide her turmoil through paper.  Much easier than real life.  Late at night when she has gathered her thoughts and her emotions, she is able to reply in proper turn.

My dearest Romeo,

You speak of my purity and grace while demeaning your own value and worth and my dear Romeo I will not stand for it.  If I may, I should remind you that it was very easy to show no fear when I knew I had a strong ally at my side.  The relief I felt knowing that someone of your stature, grace and authority understood my position and not only sympathized with me but assisted in my escape still leaves me in awe.  I saw a strength in you that day that I have not seen before nor since and I cannot accept your belief that you belong in the shadows.  Your position, though a dangerous and demanding one, is squarely where you should be.  A defender of justice and rights standing for those that hide in the shadows of injustice and cruelty.  It is not an easy destiny, but if there is anyone that holds the strength to survive it, it is you.  I firmly believe in this my dear friend and I will accept no other answer.

As for the matter of my talents, Romeo you do make it very easy for me.  I know you so well at this point I could make a shirt with my eyes closed.  Truly I am flattered and grateful for all you have done for me in regards to my work.  It is your constant support that has kept me from ruin time and again and I will never know how to properly appreciate you for it.  All I can say is thank you and that does not seem nearly enough to me. Although, from time to time, I do hope that our correspondences bring some joy to you as they do for me.

I fear not for myself but for you.  I would be captured in an instance if it meant that some burdens your bear would be relieved and I mean that with all sincerity.  But as I said there is not a soul alive that I believe can do what you do my dear.  Not a soul. The price you must pay is unfair, unjust even, ironic for the lord of justice, but it is a mantle that only you can wield properly.  The guilt and loneliness you feel…ah there are moments I wish I could sweep it away with a joke or a story.  Better yet, I wish I could stitch your heart better in the way I patch clothing.  But the heart is so much more complicated than fabric and I am at a loss.  What I can tell you is that given the chance, I’d make your loneliness and guilt disappear through any means necessary.

What can I possibly do to repay you?  It feels as though nothing is truly suitable.  Perhaps some day I will take that offer but today is not that day. You have too many troubles to worry of and I will not add myself to that list.  It is the least I can do for you who has done so much for me.  Know that I am well and safe, perhaps almost thriving as it were.  Do not worry for me dear Romeo, or at least worry less for I know how hard it is to forget things we must take care of.

With great affection,

Kwon Sohee

It is only after her fervent writing that Sohee realizes just how much of her heart she left on the page this day. But she has run out of paper and will not be able to afford more for a few more days.  And she is not foolish enough to not utilize Jehan when he is here.  So with shaking hands, she rolls up the parchment after it has dried and places it in Jehan’s carrier.  He doesn’t leave until she’s offered him a mouse and even then he stays for a moment, nipping at her fingers trying to say something she doesn’t quite understand.  

He makes a quick work at opening the package, another use for his dagger he thinks, watching as the blade cut through the paper as easily as it would cut through someone’s skin, and there are many people that he wishes he could cut open, all of them are chasing after Sohee at the moment, he realizes.

The clothes, they’re precious. Romeo can not help but look over each and every details on the shirt, they’re absolutely beautiful and human hands should not be able to realizes such small miracles but here they are, safely held against his heart and he closes his eyes, he could never had hoped for such a great gift in his life, for Sohee is still alive and very much so, she added flowers, and suddenly those flowers are the only thing that matter into Romeo’s whole universe. He’s always been proud of the fact that he’s emotionless but in moment like these, when his whole being is filled with joy and excitement, and even a hint of love, he can’t help but think he’s missing out on too much. As if sometimes the Jungmin child he had been would come back and kick some feelings into him, the way Romeo had distilled pain and cruelty into the young child’s mind.

It is only after reading her letter that his fingers starts shaking, he wants to write back and he knows he have no rights to, for she is in hiding, and she is probably busy but he needs to. The judge finds himself ridiculous, being guided by feelings and not by brains but he cannot help it as he dips his quill into the dark ink, his fingertips resting on the paper, for once his gloves are gone for he doesn’t fear the contact of what comes from Sohee. She’s far too good for this world and Romeo can never let anyone hurt her.

My very dear Seamstress,

I often take pride into the quite extensive vocabulary I can make good use of when it comes to complimenting or using flattery on people, but for once, I must admit it, you’ve won and you’ve made me absolutely unable to find words. I cannot keep up with the beauty that your fingers seems to endlessly create, I know of princesses that’d wish they had your talent and yet they cannot come close to you in any terms, not in your art and certainly not in your beauty for if I have not seen you in what feels like forever, I can very well picture the purity in your heart that most people I have to meet with seems to be seriously lacking. (I am quite sure that you are as pretty as you were -even more for freedom must have been treating you right- but I’m at a loss of words for flattery and I would not want to insult your beauty.)

Adding the sewing on the inside was a nice thought and I’ll make sure to inform Jehan of it, for he seems to be quite fond of you already, have you been secretly meeting so you could feed him ? He’s going to fatten up and end up as a lazier bird than he already is. I unfortunately do not get to enjoy myself much, work has been treating me badly and it seems my wound cannot heal correctly, I should stay in bed or stop using my arm, but how could I, when all I wish for is to write to you. I am not able to wish adventures upon you, merely I wish for you to stay safe and finds a quiet meadow where you could live hidden from all.

Also, please accept some additional payment for I did not request the embroidery but it is so perfectly well done that it cannot go without being rewarded, you’re really something, Kwon Sohee. We shall meet again, sometime soon I hope, for I am now quite curious about this fabulous recipe you wrote about.

Until then, stay safe;

Park Romeo.

His letter written, Romeo simply heads to the place that is used as a post office but that could just be anything else, strangers could never guess and it was better this way, so strangers didn’t come to bother the good people living in here, for if they were nothing but peasant and somehow stupid, their hearts were good and Romeo appreciated them, on days when he was in a good mood and Sohee had this power over him.He did not have an address, sure but his name and his position as a Royal Judge were enough to convince the man working in the small house to send the package back to the place it was coming from, with an added note about how the package should be returned to the sender for not giving a return address was not an excuse enough to make a terrible work about of Romeo’s demands.

Of course he’d find a way to contact her.

She tries not to smile too wide or let her emotions carry her away but it is difficult when the obvious care and delicacy stares her in the face.  

Pearl prances over and gently nudges Sohee with her nose.  “We have a very kind friend Pearl.  Very kind indeed.”  It always amazes her how much care he takes with her.  An insignificant creature such as herself.  She doesn’t complain, of course not, but she can’t help marveling at the turn of events every now and then.  One of the most truthful people in the world and yet he keeps her hidden. Dirty little secret wouldn’t be accurate, she doesn’t have a proper term for it yet but she is grateful.  Even more than she lets on.  

It takes her a day to formulate her thoughts properly and give a real response even as she reads over the text several times.  And he claims to be at a loss of words, ha.

My dear Romeo,

Now you sell yourself short once more.  You claim to be out of words for flattery and yet you compare me to princesses and claim me pure of heart.  While I certainly hope for the latter, I cannot accept such lavish comparisons, princesses are certainly otherworldly in their grace and abilities, and of this I am certain.  Though if you wish to compare my work to such then I will certainly not complain.  It really is amazing how long it has been since we have seen each other yet I can still picture you quite clearly including the heavy burdens you bear.

Perhaps that is why I am so inspired to improve your pieces as much as possible.  Someone who carries such difficult burdens deserves at least some nice things in their life.  Ah that must sound so self-absorbed and cocky, certainly not my intention.  But I can assure you that I am not secretly feeding Jehan any, just enough to suit him for the journey back and forth.  

Now Romeo, do not push yourself.  As much as I love your responses I would prefer that you rest whenever the chance presents itself.  Those that push themselves will find themselves unable to go on for very long and I want you to live a very long and happy life.  As for me, if such a place does exist I am sure one day I will find it. Or perhaps the shadows of a storm will cease its looming aura around me in a few years and everywhere can be that meadow.  Perhaps.

Now you know I don’t request additional payment for anything of the sort.  But, knowing how you are I believe you would find it very cheeky if I didn’t accept.  But know that I will be saving this for a rainy day in the future.  The next time we meet, whenever that may be, I will make it for you and you may be the judge for yourself.

Until then, rest as you can and recover well;

Kwon Sohee

She thinks of adding some sort of token as well but decides against it.  If she started sending things in excess then others would get suspicious and perhaps he would become uncomfortable.  This of course is the last thing that Sohee wants.  As such she refrains herself and seals the letter simply. It concerned her that he was dealing with so many issues.  She wished to reach into the paper and transport there just to pull all the worries from his heart.  Unfortunately such travel wasn’t possible and she had no abilities of the kind.  All she can do is chance shape and how frustrating that is at times like this.

@etxsohee

It was tax day when Ravi decided the Peony River could do with proper uniforms. Actually, he came to that very firm decision when Jyuni pranced past his office door while he was in the midst of calculating the taxes due, wrapped in a loose fitting sheath with trailing sleeves of pink hazy gauze so transparent Ravi wasn’t sure where the grown stopped and the young courtesan began. Or perhaps it was even the other way around and he it was seeking the end of the woman and the beginning of the gown. It didn’t much matter because both gown and woman were leaving little to the imagination amongst the drape of sheer fabric that was wholly inappropriate for a bath house of Peony River’s caliber.

Ravi rubbed his temples and sighed. He loved his little family of foundlings, he really did but for many of them the concept of freedom seemed to be deeply seeped in earthenware mugs of shocking bad taste that was seasoned with heaping dollops of fashion terrorism. He had tried to convince them that clothing was not exactly optional outside of their own quarters–of course with so many cultures and kingdoms under one roof, “wear clothing” became open to interpretation. He assumed that where Jyuni was originally from wearing nothing but tulle and her birthing suit was likely quite fashionable and maybe even down right conservative–but here in the Kingdom of Justice her outfit was just a really scintillating curtain of perverse ineptitude.

They needed uniforms. Something both comfortable and stylish, with hints of individuality and yet no bare body parts dripping out all the sides. Ravi was pretty sure something like that was not exactly anything that could be bought in “bulk”. Frankly the last time he had went shopping for the entire bath house at once, there had nearly been a mutiny riot.

No this time he would do it right.

He needed the services of a proper attendant. A seamstress perhaps? One with saintly patience he thought as Jyuni made her second pass of the day across his doorway–this time with the skirt…(or whatever the hell she called that damnable hemline of her “outfit”) hitched up several centimeters higher.

Yes a seamstress paragon of forbearance…

No one in the surrounding village would do. The Kingdom of Justice was still small minded enough that anything out of the ordinary would draw attention and worse whispers. The Kingdom of Secrets was out as well, they were even more regress in their styles than any other kingdom. Knowledge was a possibility had he been in need of swimwear perhaps or maybe resort wear for the guests–the Kingdom of Madness…well the one time he had flew over that place he had felt like he was on a very bad poison rebound. Candle sticks growing out of trees, mushrooms the size of people and all other manners of insanity.

Ravi wanted uniforms not straitjackets.

Still, it is strange to be approached.  Stranger still to be told of an opportunity to work for someone in a different kingdom. Her business has grown on word of mouth alone so this certainly shouldn’t surprise her.  Yet it really does.  When he tells her of the offer and that he thought she’d be quite perfect for the job, Sohee finds herself staring in disbelief.  It takes his concerned questioning for her to snap out of it. Perhaps this is what recognition feels like.  It tastes delicious.  Her ears turn pink and she nods her assent, of course she wouldn’t mind the traveling, she is a traveling seamstress after all.  Of course she certainly wouldn’t mind the location either—business is business. So long as she made it out with all her fingers and toes intact then it didn’t matter to her.  She has been through a lot worse after all.  

“You’d be perfect since you could go right to him…”

“I’m not sure if I should be insulted that is my best merit or--”

“No, no!  It’s just advantageous is it not?  You seem quite good too.  You’re the first one I thought of.”

First one.

That comment does wonders to her ego and her hopes.  But she is getting ahead of herself as always.  She would still need to call ahead to ensure that everything was suitable.  Sohee wasn’t one to venture out without getting a little information first.  Still, when he hands her the information to contact the client in question Sohee doesn’t hesitate.

Then she is left staring at the note in question, scanning the contents over and over again until everything is committed to memory.  Funny he should mention the Justice Kingdom when she was planning to travel there over the next few weeks.  It is that time of the year after all.  The thought amuses her quite a bit.  Yet she doesn’t move from the spot she is currently at until one of the waitresses comes over and informs her that they would be closing soon.  Sohee leaves additional money with her bill, feeling regretful she has sat around like an idiot for no reason.

Once she has returned to her quarters, she pens a short letter in response to the inquiry.

Dear Ravi,

I have been informed of your desire to employ a seamstress to make uniforms for your workers.  The merchant which you sent the note is a previous customer of mine and can attest to my abilities.  As such he sought me out and make the offer known.  Should you need to know of my credentials I will happily send them to you.  I would like to verify with you the details of the job if you will before I make the journey your way so as to save us both any sort of headache.  What deadline would you like set?  How many pieces do you estimate will be required?  And, finally, would you prefer that I send samples in advance before you make any decisions?  

The opportunity to create for you would be much appreciated should you so choose.  

Sincerely,

Kwon Sohee

When she finishes the order, Sohee spends a few extra coins on specialized packaging.  She wants to make sure that it is treated well on the way there.  Since the journey would be a great deal longer now.  In her attempt to do this, she has to wait a few extra days and because of this, Sohee decides to press a few flowers.  No real reason for it, other than they are indicative of the area she is, and that despite the current situation, there is still the chance to enjoy the small, sweet joys of nature.  Granted it really isn’t a good idea but bad ideas haven’t stopped Sohee in the past, why should she start now?

Just as she finishes pressing the flowers, she gathers enough funds to send the packages.  The flowers are wrapped carefully in a white lace covering and tucked away in a shirt.  Her confidence in these pieces is perhaps a little too much but she really does think she is getting better.  It is amazing what a change of scenery can do.  Carefully she sits down to write a letter to him, the sheets thicker than normal and embossed on the edgings, something she bought on a whim but didn’t regret for a second.

Dear Romeo,

I hope that you have been well.  The air grows warmer by the day and I find myself quite taken with the atmosphere. It has made me strangely inspired and delighted with these pieces even though they do not seem like much.  I hope you won’t mind the gold sewing I did on the collar, it won’t be seen on the outside of course.  I thought it would be best to mark the items as yours and really a hawk was simply too tempting.  If it is any trouble, do send them back and I will adjust it appropriately.

I do hope you are remembering to get out and enjoy yourself occasionally.  Do not stay locked away in that office my dear Romeo.  If you do so, I’m afraid I shall be very put out.  I especially encourage walking through the garden given the chance.  Hence my added gift.  As I said I do love this time of year, a sign of new beginnings and hopefulness.  Do rest well and I would say work hard but I know that you will.  I hope that each new day brings a bright adventure and interesting people your way dear Romeo that is all I ask for.  

As always, I am pleased to speak with you.  

Your seamstress,

Kwon Sohee

P.S. I just learned the most delightful blueberry tart recipe.  I wish that I could bottle the smell and share with you.

She could weed out girls like this in crowds of hundreds. Delicate wisps of girls, the emotional types. Quiet girls who sip their tea and read their books in the corners of coffee shops. A girl who wants to be taken seriously by the world but isn’t at the level of bravery to face it. When the girl sat next to her on the log, LE could already tell she was the type to bottle in her emotions. It was almost poetic, like a heroine who had not yet begun her story. However, the redhead could not see the fairy as she was shape-shifted to be only a few inches tall. After watching curiously for a few minutes, LE grew herself in size and sat on the other end of the fallen tree. The forest was quiet today although this trail was a popular one, it wasn’t unlikely to see a person take a rest stop here a few times a week.