Not far from the temple grounds, an older woman leading some extra hands was making her way towards the grounds. She strolled ahead of a wagon, which was hauling a variety of fabrics, and behind it, led a smaller wagon which was used to transport medical supplies to the appropriate clientele. Making her way up from the village, Madam Cheiro could be seen wearing a comfortable smile as song birds chimed their morning tunes. The sounds of the wagon wheels turning followed her step, and those pulling the wagons remained quiet, allowing for the ambient sounds to lead the scene.
To those that knew her, Cheiro was the village seamstress, who thanks to her skills in sewing, could also be turned to for simple stitches when it came to more minor medical needs. She is in no manner a doctor, however, she was more readily available and remained an asset to the village.
Today, Cheiro had multiple tasks placed in her name, as she would occasionally help with light deliveries of supplies. As such, there was more reason for her to go to the temple area, as there was someone now attending the dojo who was due for an annual fitting. As the small group approached the property, the soon realized the area was rather quiet. It wasn't for lack of people, but rather it was the lack of synchronized sounds coming from the dojo. At the same time however, students were spending time together, whether outside the dorms, or strolling through the courtyard lined in blooming sakura blossoms.
Cheiro, and those accompanying her, parked their wagons just outside the dorm house, and soon began unloading the supplies as Cheiro carefully considered which materials she would use for her upcoming tasks. When one of those unloading the medical supplies entered the dorms, they made their way through the building seeking a particular customer. Reaching their dorm, the supplier knocked upon the door, which soon opened. Behind it, Karra was seen with her paws wrapped up to the wrists in a white fabric.
"We've got a fresh order of supplies for you Miss Karra," the supplier stated, handing out a new medical kit and extra wraps.
Karra was a regular customer, oftentimes training more heavily than other students, and thanks to her family, was regularly provided with supplies to help her in recovery.
"The seamstress is waiting outside for you. Your initiation is coming up, correct? You'll need to have a retake of measurements for your journey attire," they added.
Karra almost reluctantly accepted the supplies. The mentioning of her departure was already more than she could deal with, though appearing serious in demeanor, Karra remained quiet, dropping her chin slightly as she turned away her gaze.
"I also bare a message from your parents," the supplier continued after a moment of silence, "They wish you a safe journey, and are looking forward to completing your rite of passage. They have high hopes for your accomplishments."
Karra let out a deep sigh, as she turned to leave the doorway. When she came back into view, the supplier had already turned away as they were making their way down the hall. Karra briefly paused as she watched them walking away, and the next moment exited her room, closing the door behind her as she too began to head toward the dorm house exit.
The supplier informed the others of the delivery, and went over to speak to Cheiro.
"The girl will be down for her measurements shortly," they stated.
"And as for the other?" Cheiro asked sweetly.
"We never got properly informed of which room she is staying in, so I was unable to deliver the message," they answered.
Cheiro nodded understandingly, "That's quite alright, the little dear will be around," she replied.
Those that were with Cheiro carried on with their duties, while Cheiro collected materials for Karra's next garment. As she did, Karra came out of the dorm house, quickly spotting Cheiro with her wagon. She approached Cheiro, who greeted her with a smile.
"Good morning dear. Are you ready for your sizing?" Cheiro asked.
"Yes, I'm ready," Karra replied with a nod. She always looked forward to Cheiro's works, and these garments were about to be something she would wear for the next few years, something that would be a big deal for her.
As Cheiro took her measurements, she noted down every detail, while paying special attention to Karra's requests. Karra, like most individuals, had unique tastes which Cheiro had grown firmiliar with over the years.
"Karra dear," Cheiro began to ask, "Have you met a young girl named Alena in the last couple days?"
Karra hesitated at this question, as she thought about the young girl who seemed to the center of attention as of late.
"I have…" she muttered.
"A sweet little thing isn't she? Would you happen to know where she is?" Cheiro followed.
Karra nodded quietly before answering, "She went into the woods recently, so she's probably still there."
"I see. Do you happen to know if she's getting along well here?"
Cheiro was quite curious, as she knew someone else that would be just as interested to know more, as it had been a couple days since Alena's first brush with danger.
"Possibly a little too well," Karra answered as her eyes shifted away.
This conversation carried on during the active measurements.
Cheiro tilted her head in question as she tried to get a better look at Karra's eyes.
"Too well? That doesn't sound like that Karra I know," Cheiro responded.
Karra's face flustered slightly as she knew Cheiro was right, but this was how she felt about the young girl in the moment.
"She's getting along great," Karra corrected, unwilling to explain her self-disclosure.
Cheiro, noticing this avoidance, had a curious question to unveil.
"And for Miss Karra? Are you getting along?"
Karra briefly hesitated before making firm eye contact with Cheiro.
"I'm fine, and I really don't want to talk about it," she stated admittedly.
The air grew thick for Karra, but Cheiro was an understanding sort, as she didn't push for details. Still, she gave Karra a gentle smile as she finished with the measurements.
"Do you know what kind of attire you want to wear for your time away?"
Cheiro understood that the initiation was a different subject for everyone, and having been around for a long time now, she recognized the subtle signs of distress Karra had inadvertently expressed. As such, she took the questions gently so as to avoid putting too much strain on the subject matter.
As Karra's face settled, she took a steady breath.
"Something red, and easy to move around in. If possible, I'd like to keep it similar to what I have now, maybe with some minor touches."
Cheiro's smile grew, as she considered Karra's request quite quickly.
"I think I have just the thing in mind. I'll be sure to add in a special touch for you as well; a little extra to send you off right."
Karra cracked a subtle smile hearing Cheiro's words, trying to put on a grateful expression over the tension she has been trying to endure.
"Thank you," Karra replied, feeling a lump in her throat.
Getting a specially designed outfit from the village's sole designer felt like an honor to a girl like Karra, and it gave her a little glimmer of something to look forward to through everything she was battling with.
"I believe I've got everything I need, so if you have any last minute changes to add while I'm here, please do let me know. I'll see to it that everything is the perfect fit for your big day," Cheiro added.
It was with that, Karra gave a respectful curtsy, something she didn't feel all that comfortable doing; however, this was the only way she could think of to show her appreciation for the seamstress' hospitality. Karra then turned away, and made way to her next activity as her forced demeanor immediately dropped off her face.
Right away, Cheiro set aside the materials for Karra's next attire, and with her suspicions, she met with one of the suppliers to inform them of her temporary leave, and made her way off into the depths of the outskirt woods.
Deeper within the woods, close to the watering hole, Sheila had been navigating the area in search of the mullein herb to treat her newly discovered ailment. She came across the fuzzy, rosette-leaved herb, she immediately knelt before it, harvesting the leaves and stock of the plant as she broke in down to fit nicely into her satchel. She crumbled up one of the leaves, and breathing heavily in her concerns, she began chewing it up thoroughly while searching for more to suit her needs. As she carried on, she soon gathered what she deemed necessary to hopefully tie her over until she could gather some answers. Sheila hesitated briefly, and soon gathered up the courage to press on, making way towards the others who awaited her return.
Alena and the others were now collectively resting on the large rock together, nestled beside the water, as they were looking through the variety of books they had collected. Each book was open, and they were all discussing the various topics shown amongst them, as Ania and Yonka were tutoring Tika, Maulana, and most of all Alena through their lessons. When Sheila made her appearance, coming out of the woods into the clearing, the first person to greet her had sprung up, and darted over to her, running right in to embrace her.
"Shea-Shea! Where'd you go?" Alena asked her gleefully, "You were missing out on the fun!"
The simple greeting alone was enough to warm Sheila's heart. As her heart fluttered, a soft, genuine smile appeared on Sheila's face. Then, she took a deep breath.
"There were herbs I needed to collect for medicine you see, and this area seemed perfect to find them in, so I thought I'd take a look around," she answered.
"Did you find some?" Alena asked kindly.
"Yes, more than I could have hoped for thankfully. I'm all set to make a delivery when I get the opportunity. There's enough to fill my own personal stock as well," Sheila answered, covering up that what she had collected is exclusively for herself.
Sheila was a bit nervous, concerned that the cough could sneak up on her again at any moment, and could feel a sensation building up with the taste of iron. At that moment, with no additional reply, Alena approached Sheila and stood on her toes to give her a warm hug.
"I'm glad you were able to find what you were looking for, Shea-Shea. Now we can have more time together."
The gesture was just what Sheila needed, helping her to feel the comfort and determination she needed. It served as a reassurance that it would somehow be alright, and a reminder to hold strong.
"Thank you Alena, you're very sweet," she replied, as she knelt down to give Alena a more personal embrace.
As the hug broke, Alena took Sheila's hand and began pulling her along to join with the others. It wasn't long however, before they could be seated, that they saw a figure coming out from the opposite end of the clearing. They all gazed towards the approaching woman, and Alena's eyes lit up with both surprise and awe, as she quickly ran over to greet her.
"You— You're that kind woman from before," Alena recognized.
Cheiro soon crouched slightly to gently pet Alena on the head.
"Why hello dear, it has been a couple days hasn't it? Are you settling in well?" Cheiro asked.
Alena gave a quick nod.
"Yes, but… That boy… Isaac? The one who saved me… How is he?" Alena asked considerately, tilting her head curiously.
Her big eyes gazed upon Cheiro's face, carefully reading into her expression.
Cheiro's gaze beamed tenderly upon the small girl's concern. She found it sweet, and was warmed by just how appreciative the young girl was for the boy.
"He's still recovering, but I do believe he'll be up and around again quite soon," Cheiro answered, "You needn't worry dear thing." Cheiro softly caressed the side of Alena's head, and gave light scritches behind her ear.
Considering Cheiro's response, Alena's soft, concerned gaze lit up—blooming with joy, her eyes widening with relief and pure wonder.
"Really?!" she replied. Alena's eyes closed behind a smile, as a light giggle lit up the moment. "I'm so glad!" she added ecstatically.
"Lady Cheiro!" one of the twins called. The group approached the older woman with welcoming faces. Cheiro and Alena alike turned their attention to the others, watching as they approached.
"What brings you all the way out here on such a pleasant day?" Ania asked.
"Well good day Ania, Yonka, and Sheila." Cheiro greeted those she knew, not yet familiar with everyone from the temple area, of course Tika and Maulana continued to smile all the same, understanding the circumstances.
"I actually came out looking for the little one here you see," she explained. "I came to fill a favor, plus I had some personal interest in the matter. I thought with you girls visiting, the little darling would be with you." These words caught the attention of Alena, as she turned to glance in curiosity.
Ania and Yonka shared glances with one another, and the twins too appeared curious as they re-met Cheiro's gentle gaze.
"So… you came here looking for Alena?" Yonka asked to verify. Cheiro simply nodded.
"And you did so because of a client?" Ania followed.
Cheiro softly shook her head, her eyes sealed in the process.
"They aren't a client at all actually," she replied. Cheiro seemed rather pleased with this announcement, which further piqued everyone's interest.
"So… what's the favor?" Alena asked hesitantly.
Cheiro quietly reached into her pocket, and out she pulled a spool of tailor's tape, stretching it out in front of Alena.
"I'm going to make you a new design~" Cheiro declared, her eyes gleaming.