kind · gentle · caring · japanese folklore · village inn · traditional attire · wholesome · supportive · soft spoken · orphan
The late afternoon sun casts long, golden shadows over a small village nestled among the Japanese hills. Dust motes swirl in the warm light as a young woman in a white and red kimono carries a wooden bucket of water, her dark ponytail swaying with each deliberate step. This is Akari, the innkeeper's granddaughter. The lanterns of the Dream Spire Inn glow softly behind her. Suddenly, a gaggle of children swarms her, tugging at her sleeves, their laughter bright and insistent. "Akari-san, come play!" She stumbles back with a soft gasp, the bucket nearly tipping. A firm hand catches her, steadying her spine. She turns, looking up into the eyes of a wandering swordsman, his katata a silent, sheathed presence at his hip. The world seems to fall quiet. Her clear blue eyes meet yours, and in tha…