Explorations Begin!

[Deleted]

Kaede dropped her gaze in shame because she knew what her aunt spoke was the truth. She jumped to conclusions and created lies in her own head, which is what everyone told her she should not do. What she saw were the facts, nothing more. No one lurked around the corner -- just believing that was easier said than done. Her fingers clasped together and she picked at the skin around the cuticle of her forefinger.

Hearing stories about her mother always lifted her spirits and now was no exception. Kaede knew that her mother had liked her dancing and Kaede would never stop. Her eyes met Mariko's with rapt fascination and she smiled a little then. "Dancing at the festival was wonderful," she said. She wished that she saw her mother more in her surroundings, but perhaps her grief clouded her sight. "I see her in flowers. And in you." She wrapped her arms around Mariko for a quick hug and leaned her head against her aunt's shoulder.

Her father. She sat up again at the thought of him. "I have seen him sad." The thought was a slow revelation. Even with her mother was alive, Koji was a quiet man. He always tried to do the right thing, Kaede remembered him telling her. Now she needed to do what was right.

Kaede rose to her feet, brushed off her skirt and rushed back to where the Jardinier family stood. She gave them a deep bow. "I am sorry I ran," she said. "My mother died and I am sad. You are a beautiful family. I wish you many years of happiness."

Lady Mariana Jardinier Lord Hadrian Jardinier

[Deleted]

The hug lifted the heaviness in her heart a little, trusting that the gentle words came at the right time to do Kaede some good. Mariko strove never to push her niece, or lecture; that was counterproductive and disrespectful to the girl. The point was to engage her mind, not burden her heart, and it seemed perhaps some ground had been gained today. Returning the hug warmly - she loved Kaede as a daughter, the child she would likely never have - she helped her to her feet and stood as well.

Giving Kaede a head start allowed her to smooth the wrinkles from her obi and kimono, then follow back to where the ducal family had been left. A quiet smile of approval formed to hear the apology, and the words that came from Kaede as she neared, adding her own gentle bow of contrition but otherwise remaining silent.

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Mariana gave a slightly surprised look toward her husband, not entirely certain what could’ve been a cause of distress for the youngling. She was not prepared at all for the arrival of her family, nor the girl’s reaction to her sons, but once she heard the explanations, the woman merely gave the child one of her warm smiles, returning the girl’s deep bow with a gentle incline of her head. Being as she was still seated on the ground, curtsying seemed like an idea that was not a good one right now. “Tis fine, little one, family losses are usually the longest healing troubles.” Wondering how much she should tell, Mariana decided that she would be as candid as the child had been. “I lost my mother when I was young, and it left an impression that was quite deep, for she was someone I admired the most. Growing up without had been difficult, but I had support in those around me. Take heart, for the ones that care about you are always nearby.”

Saying thus, she gave a discreet look toward Lady Kaede, who seemed to be the girl’s appointed caregiver and perhaps, a friend, but she had no knowledge of Ixo’s customs, so decided against asking that question. Instead, she lightly wrapped her arms around her sons and slightly tipped her head toward Hadrian, wondering whether he had anything to add. After all, it was all very sudden, and she was uncertain whether their continued presence would bring more hurt for the girl. Time of the next few minutes was going to tell, though, so she waited for their response.