The scent of blossoms and ever-blooming wild flowers lingered on the cool night breezes though one could not tell time by the golden sky alone, where the full moon shone bright after the lunar eclipse. It was found in the quiet of the Koi fish in the reflective pool, that cooler temperature and the shimmering ethereal hues of the blossom trees ever enhanced by the eve's natural darkness. The taste on the air too was the evidence.
On this particular evening, clad in long white robes accented with red ribbons and lace trim, the cherry blossom haired nature guardian sat on the edge of the wooden pavilion bare feet dangling over a stone platform overlooking such a poetic scene. It was the full moon festival evening and she felt the best way to celebrate was at her private garden sanctuary. For its serenity was sublime.
In her slender hands was a tall steaming cup of fragrant Jasmine tea that she was savoring with traditional moon cakes that sat on a tray with a pot of the aforementioned tea held in a ceramic pot. A tray which was set by her side. Sakura released a content sigh at the sight before bringing her cup to her full pink lips and taking a long sip. So good, she thought. Following which she cut herself another small part of one of the rich moon cakes.
The flavor, sweet and deep, paired nicely with the tea. In fact the tea balanced out the sweetness of the cake with its natural bitterness. She had crafted the cakes about a week ago in preparation for the event, enough for herself and for her nearest and dearest to enjoy. The lovely lady had also made some for the ones that were long gone at the Norwegian memorial to go with the bouquet of Dahlias that she had also brought them.
Sakura had visited earlier in the day before coming to the sanctuary which was her way. Her last stop though this day was to an old gated mansion in London. It was a change but one she felt was needed. Not that she expected anyone to be there. Just that the memories of the mansion and the one that lived there was so fresh. Continued to stay fresh no matter how many years had passed.
After saying a few prayers for that very special master vampire she once knew at the gate and leaving a bouquet of Roses for him. As well as a piano score she had written, off she had gone to the sanctuary. To clear her mind and to let herself fully enjoy what the Moon festival stood for. A celebration of the harvest and giving thanks for the blessings of nature.
Once she had finished her cakes and tea she said a few more prayers inside Sakura went. To the onsen for a long soak to cleanse herself of any impurities and further warm herself. The hot waters filled with beneficial minerals and herbs doing wonders for such. Just as good, if not better, than the one close to her lakeside cottage hidden up the hill that bordered it.
Following her soak and after she had dried off, she changed into warmer robes of floral silk and made her way to the canopy bed. Sleep called to the nature guardian with its alluring voice that she couldn't deny. The soft sheets and coverlet of mythical threads keeping her as comfortable as possible as she curled up under them and nestled her head on the fluffy pillow.
Closing her azure blue eyes, she dreamt gentle dreams filled with hope. Hope for the future and thoughts of the present. Dreams she prayed would ring true.
Fin
Thank you for reading. A little side note, I wrote this story a few years ago actually but it is as fresh now as it ever was. Going to prove good tales are simply timely. Hope you enjoy.
XOXO Casahana