#denofshadows

She wore a yukata, which was half white and half black, that had varying colors and shades of pink flowers along with some white ones, and she donned a black obi to match her outfit. She also brought along a small, black carry bag, which held essential small items. It was black, but had pink straps to neatly close it up. 

Every year, she attended the Tanabata event out of duty and also out of personal interest. She was the Ryuujin Leader, so she had to be seen participating in public festivities, otherwise, her rivals might accuse her of being unsociable. However, she also enjoyed it because it was a time for her to wind down and relax. Like every year, she celebrated it alone since she had no families and lovers.

She was somewhat envious when she noticed lovers holding hands or closely embracing each other. It reminded her of her mother and father who already long passed away. The sight of families made her recall the time she went to the Tanabata festivities with her older brother. To her, he was like a shining knight who she treasured with all of her heart.

Unfortunately, those days were long gone. No one from her immediate family remained. She had pesky relatives, but she wasn’t close to any of them. As for the other Ryuujin members, she kept them at arm’s length. She respected their abilities and talents, but they were not what she considered to be close friends.

She decided to head down to the beach to quietly contemplate what she would wish for this year. Most probably expected her to wish for the Ryuujin’s success, which she would agree was paramount. But she was wondering if she should simply pray for harmony and good fortune. Sometimes, she wished she could just be a normal woman and peacefully live out her life. But that would be irresponsible of her. She couldn’t let her brother’s death be wasted in vain.

When she arrived, she noticed someone else on the beach. She didn’t recognize who it was, but the man seemed to be at peace with himself.

When: Midday, Tanabata Festival Where: Yue Bay Who: Kazuo @denofshadows​  and Ayumu

                                        The bay was filled with the chatter and laughter of people. Ayumu was passing through Yue Bay, looking at all the stalls that were placed close to the ocean. Most of the people handling the stalls were from the water tribe, judging from the food and merchandises that they sold. It almost felt as though Ayumu was back home, only there was less stress and duties for him to fulfill. He remembered in the past years before he had left home, the festivals being something of a major responsibility on his part.

Royal families were to dress up and entertain people in their royal ways. It in a way sickened him. It took all the fun out of the festival.

As he walked through the festivities, his eyes searched for the bamboo trees that were placed in the heart of the bay. He and Kazuo had agreed to meet there before, to celebrate the festival together. The meeting place was decided, most probably because they both wanted to write their own wishes for the rest of the year first; before either trying out the food stalls or letting their paper lanterns float in the seas.

Arriving at his destination, Ayumu had checked the area out. There was no sight of Kazuo yet, “Maybe I’m early.” He muttered to himself, shrugging as he decided to wait for the other by writing on his tanzaku paper.