Obi particularly not interested in any of the formalities of noble houses, gazed at the window hoping to catch a glimpse of something more pleasing. A formal gathering was taking place in the ballroom in order to celebrate the birthday of first prince Izana.
"Oi, Obi pay attention" The second prince Zen Wistalia scolded the dark-haired boy.
"Master, of course I'm paying attention." He commented not looking away from the window.
Zen continued on from his interrupted thought, "employing more people will lessen the burden, and especially on Shirayuki." He glanced over longingly towards the greenhouse.
Kiki and Mitsuhide nodded in agreement.
A young girl tapped Obi on the shoulder, "excuse me"
Obi turned around wide-eyed. Then quickly regained his composure, maintaining his calm, careless demeanor. He was surprised someone could sneak up on him in the first place. He eyed her curiously with his green cat like eyes. He noted her rather plain appearance. Obi calculated in his head every detail, as a trained assassin details were important, a habit he couldn't get rid of. Tiny thing, she was approximately 5'1, soft black hair, and dark brown eyes. Nothing about her was striking, but something about her was refreshing. He noted the smell of something sweet and earthy radiating from her. He certainly was curious about how a plain girl could be at a party for nobles.
"Ah, me?" Obi answered confused still taking in the person in front of him.
"Yes, hello, I was hoping to-" She was interrupted by something outside the window. "I'll catch you later, she went out to the balcony and bunched up her lilac gown. With one swift movement she jumped off. Obi looked around and seemed to be the only one that saw this bizarre girl. He was clearly on edge from a complete stranger talking to him and the fact she just jumped off he looked over the balcony. She landed softly on the ground looked up and waved at him.
"strange girl.." He shook off the weird feeling and returned to Zen.
"I thought I saw that somewhere" Kiku flattened her dress after waving to the cat-eyed man. She got down to business searching for the mysterious thing that caught her eye. "Ah-ha, wow this land is so different it holds all these special herbs" Kiku rubbed the leaf of the plant between her fingers and inhaled deeply. "I thought it would be alright to talk to him, to make a friend" Kiku whispered quietly as if the plant would respond back.
The next day Kiku was summoned by Zen. Kiku being on the clumsy side of things tried to tame her curls, giving up she just let it be wild and carried on. Mitsuhide spat out his tea when she entered.
"Ki-Ki-Kiku, what are you doing here?" Mitsuhide momentarily forgetting the formalities rushed to his childhood friend. Kiku greeted him with a smile.
"Ahem" Zen cleared his throat he was clearly uncomfortable talking to her for some reason, "Kiku I realize it was quite the journey for you, do you find your living quarters suitable?"
"Zen." Obi looked alarmed, she addressed him simply by his first name.
"It's good to see you Kiku, you look…, I see you haven't grown"
Kiku suppressed anger, conjured an answer laced with fury. "Ah, thank you oh dear second prince, cough bedwetter"
Zen's color drained from his face as Kiki and Mitsuhide suppressed a laugh. Obi on the other hand busted out laughing.
After regaining composure Zen properly introduced Kiku, "Obi, this is Kiku from Amaranth. We needed more experienced herbalists. She is a childhood friend and is transferring in order to help Ryuu."
"It's nice to meet you ah-" she hesitated not knowing his last name.
"You may call me Obi"
"Obi" She let the name linger.