Thread: Dawning Of A New Era (Athene & christian7_41king)

Ayana Izuhana 2nd July, 1886 There were many old proverbs which seemed to apply to life nowadays. One of the ones that eighteen-year-old Ayana Izuhana firmly believed in was that time truly doesn't wait for one. Whether a person - or nation, in this - was ready for change or not, it would arrive. And, as of exactly eighteen years old, that had happened in Japan. It came in a major alteration, one that was abrupt and, for most people, a very beautiful change. It had been an image akin to watching a caterpillar become a butterfly right before one's own eyes. The Edo Period finally came to an end. In its wake arrived the Meiji Era. Furthermore, the Meiji Era appeared to Japan with things like hope, promises of a better future, peace, and that was just a few of the aspects that were immediately coming to Ayana's mind. A soft sigh elicited from her lips as she stared out of the window in her private bedroom. It was relatively small, all things considered. But it had all the necessities and, quite frankly, it was spacious and cozy enough for Ayana. Still, she couldn't help but feel like this tavern wasn't really her home. After all, home is where the heart is, right? Today was one of those days where her heart felt ... as if it were elsewhere. Not literally, obviously. In its own regard though, Ayana knew it to be true. It was linked likely to knowing at least part of her background, enough to understand the real reason she wasn't with her biological family. Not to say Ayana wasn't grateful. Some days though, she felt ... a bit odd to know she was being raised not by her blood-related family, but a group of complete strangers. And yet, with all of the recent fights having finally come to an end, she knew she wasn't the only orphan, be it official or otherwise. Just be grateful, Ayana muttered to herself, jumping slightly as a new voice broke the silence. Ayana-san! Break's over! Ayana suppressed a slightly disappointed sigh from being heard. She'd known the time would come, eventually. It wouldn't change the fact she didn't like it, but it certainly wouldn't dare make her risk talking back to her boss. Hai! she called back, I'll be out in a bit! Knowing she was pressed for time, Ayana's hands raised, gripping the two chopsticks she'd set down minutes ago. Gripping both and holding them between her fingers, she then used her empty hand to re-wrap her bun up. Once she was certain it was in the right spot, Ayana then created an X with the chopsticks, re-making the same bun she had undone once her break started. Her head lowered as Ayana looked down at herself, straightening out any wrinkles that may have been in her kimono . Only after double and even triple checking to ensure the obi was securely wrapped around her waist did Ayana feel satisfied she looked acceptable. And so, after taking a slight breath, Ayana walked out of her room and into the main part of the tavern. Waiting for her was her boss, a kind but older woman who had raised her as if Ayana had been her daughter. Unfortunately, the fact she resorted to that mindset did imply that Jun did indeed have expectations for Ayana. You look lovely as always. Now, go on and get any of those tables, please. They've been waiting for a while. After watching Jun's gaze, Ayana tried to examine and guess which customer looked the most impatient. Although she felt certain she found the right one, there was a specific individual which made her head unable to help but turn. And, even if it was the wrong direction to go, she went there anyway. The sword - swords upon getting closer to the man - had been what reflected the most in her crimson eyes. Evening, sir, she greeted, still eyeing the weapons curiously. Forgive me but it's ... interesting to see anyone still wielding those. Ah ... anyway. Can I get you anything to eat or drink?