The Bite of the Bark

[EmilyAna]

The Cherry Blossoms that decorated the island liberally were different than what she was used to. Years of snow in the valley were followed by years of barren trees and grave stones in Felucca which in turn was followed by..

The thought trailed off as she studied the very pink leaves. She didn't want to dwell on what had followed Felucca. She was here now with her Sister and her Father. That was what mattered. Dressed in her various shades of blue with her Kasa and Hakama she was every bit the Lotus member. She'd taken the oath in the privacy of the meeting room atop the Tea House. Her family in attendance it was the one concession her Father was willing to give. In some ways she was grateful for that. She'd grown up having to prove herself. It was a comfortable niche and as long as she followed through the proof would stand eternally removing any questions.

Pink, the leaves were soft and created the image of a soft landing. Putting her hand up against the trunk she felt the wood bite in where jagged edges split and traversed the bark. With much work help she would strive to be like that tree. The picture of what was good and thriving in Zento on the outside.. and hard like the edge of the bark within.

[EmilyAna]

As Shihan Ka'kurembo had told her she took her right hand and placed it onto the symbol. She inhaled and concentrated. A small current like that of her feet sliding too much against a rug shot through and within seconds she was 4 feet from her previous position.

"I'll be da...." Cutting herself off she put the book to her side and smoothed the dark grey material of the kimono Aunt Ni had made her. Although she had finally mastered the art of pulling the shadows around her while still, she was still trying to master keeping them there while moving. If anything, it was easier in the dresses similar to what her sister wore than it was in the leather of her uniform. Coughing, she pulled the book back up and repeated her previous action.

Once, Twice, Three times.. she ended up several paces from her position.

One more time she did as she had been taught.

POOF Suddenly the wind was knocked out of her and she had to drop the book to the side as her small frame came up hard against another dark blue uniform. "Careful, you aren't the only one using those shadows."

Regaining her balance, she came eye to eye with Shidoshi Ohanzee. She started to utter a grumbled apology but it was too late. Once again, he had melded into the silence of the evening and she was left to start her shadowjumping over.

"All right Emily... 1 2 3.. 1 2 3.. 1 2 3.. " She was humming softly to herself as she started the delicate dance again.