Not particularly relevant to the plot, but still kind of cute. This weekend has been a waste filled with horrible disappointment, so I hope you find something enjoyable within my ramblings.
"There is something I wish to speak to you about," Hao said as he opened his lesson. The four red-robed students in the room looked at him expectantly. "I have been invited by the court to attend the moon-viewing festival, and I have been given permission to bring all four of you with me."
Minoru and Ayame shared a glance. Several months had passed since their meeting, and both had passed their exam. Another red-robed student had passed his final exam and was now a full onmyoji working in a nearby village.
"Some of you may very well be working for this court once you've passed your final exam," Hao continued. "It is imperative that you understand how such a place works. You will dress in your best clothes and use every ounce of etiquette in your possession and then some. The point of this is to impress them. Nobles are not the type to let in any loose character. You must make them believe everything you tell them. In other words," Hao said with a smile. "It would be advisable to start practicing now."
They looked at one another. It was true, they had been taught for a long time what it took to be a diviner in a high court, but that didn't mean that any of them had any real experience with such a thing. They all managed to look a little bit uncomfortable with the news, although an edge of excitement remained.
"Also, Ayame-san," Hao said. The girl looked up at him. "I'm afraid you won't like this so much, but it is slightly inevitable. You will be in need of an escort."
The others perked up a bit at hearing this. "Will one of us be doing it, Hao-sama?" One off the other students asked, a curious edge in his voice.
"I'm afraid not," Hao said with a smile. "It takes more knowledge than any of you have to be a lady's escort, and I'm afraid you are all somewhat unsuitable for the job. I will be her escort."
Ayame could feel her face burn over this exchange. Why make such a fuss over something so little? Would there really be so much hell to pay if she weren't holding to the arm of some man the entire night?
Yes, but it'll be his arm which you will hold, her mind said. She killed those thoughts as soon as they popped up.
"Wow, I can't believe I'm going to go to a festival at the court," Minoru said once they'd stepped out of class. "What do you think it'll be like?"
Ayame sighed. "Full of tight smiles and over-enthusiastic greetings. We may be in a time of peace, but you don't know what noblemen keep under their ridiculous hats. They're just waiting for an opportunity to expand their holdings."
"You're really not that keen on nobles, are you?" Minoru said with a smile.
"They're not my favorite type of people, no." Ayame shook her head, brushing her hand through her hair. "I don't want to work for them anyway. I'd rather spend the rest of my life in a quiet village, maybe on a high mountain, or near the sea shore. Any place where no political turmoil can ravage my ears with its stupidity."
"I hope you will not be speaking with such audacity when we enter the court," Hao's voice suddenly reached their ears, and they turned somewhat guiltily towards their master.
"Of course not, Hao-sama," Ayame said, swallowing her surprise. One disadvantage at not being able to read his mind was his apt ability to sneak up on her. "I know when it is proper to hold my tongue."
"I should hope so." Hao said. "Even if you do not wish to work for them in the future, I want you to be kind and respectful. The more conflict we can avoid, the better."
Ayame waved her hand in dismissal. "It'll be nothing but a night filled with fine lace and beautiful patterns. Nothing I can't handle."
"Ah, I meant to speak to you about that," Hao said with a smile. "The seamstress is coming by in an hour to take your measurements. I've ordered special clothes to be made for the event."
Ayame felt her cheeks redden. "You didn't have to…"
"I did," Hao said. "I am quite aware that you own nothing suitable for a court event, and I will not allow you to show up in your school clothes." He stepped past them, waving over his shoulder. "I expect you'll look quite good. I have excellent taste in clothing."
Minoru laughed when he saw the look on Ayame's face. "You know he's just teasing you. You're always so serious about everything. You know he's just trying to make you smile every once in a while."
"I smile enough," Ayame said, crossing her arms.
"If you're that torn up about it, then don't go," Minoru said as they once again began to walk. "You know Hao-sama won't blame you for not wanting to."
Ayame shook her head. "He's done so much for me already. He's let me into his school without asking for payment, and now he's even getting me new clothes." She sighed. "I should've repaid him months ago." She looked at Minoru. "But you have to promise not to laugh at me when you see me wearing those ridiculous clothes."
Minoru laughed. "I won't," he said, ruffling her hair. "Don't forget, I have to get dressed up, too."
"That'll be a sight to see," Ayame said with a smile.
Ayame took a deep, shaky breath.
"Why do you look so nervous," Sachi said, adjusting the last of Ayame's new junihitoe. It wasn't quite as layered or decorative as some, but it was still quite beautiful, with many different colors and patterns that ended in a short train. Her hair had been pulled up and styled around her face, and a light coating of pale makeup accented her features. In all, she had never looked more beautiful.
"I'm just…" Ayame took another breath. "It's been a while since I've done something like this."
"Oh?" Sachi said, fixing a loose strand of hair. "You've gone to a court festival before, have you?"
Ayame laughed, trying to shake away her nerves. "I mean that it's the first in a while that I've actually tried to…look like this."
"Like what?" Sachi said. "Beautiful?"
Ayame looked at her new friend, then back at her reflection. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course," Sachi said with a smile. "You're always beautiful, no matter what you wear. You're just trying a little harder now. Now come," she turned her friend around and looked her in the eye. "Enjoy yourself tonight. Don't take the world so seriously. It's a festival. Everyone's going to be smiling and laughing. Don't act like it's going to be then end of the world if you smile once time."
Ayame rolled her eyes. "I'll take that into consideration."
"Good," Sachi said, making a few final adjustments. "Now let's get you out there."
"Why do women take so long?" One of the red-robed students asked. The three of them, as well as Hao, stood outside the gates of the Asakura household, where a couple of carts stood, waiting to take them to the court where the festival would be held. The sun was setting steadily, and it looked like the moon would be rising soon.
"You cannot rush a woman," Hao said wisely. "One wrong step with them and your head will be gone."
The others shared a few looks, two of them raising their hands to their necks.
Suddenly, the gates opened and Ayame stepped out. "Sorry I took so long. I had no idea how much time it takes to put on this ridiculous thing." She was greeted by silence. She looked at the others, a confused look on her face. "What?"
Hao looked at his students with a smile. "I'm afraid they're lost for words, Ayame-san. You seem to have taken them."
Ayame looked at the ground, he face burning. Minoru cleared his throat. "Hey, at least we're not laughing."
Ayame smiled at this. "You look wonderful, Minoru," she said. "All of you do."
"Well, let's not keep everyone waiting, shall we?" Hao said. He allowed the men to climb into the cart first. He held out a hand for Ayame, and when she took it, he smiled at her. "You do look beautiful, Ayame-san."
Ayame blushed a little. "Thank you," she said, climbing shakily into the cart. They settled in and the driver started up the ox. They spent the short journey going over etiquette and other small details about what to say and how to behave.
Before they knew it, they had reached the lavish estate where the prominent members of the court made their dwelling. They were soon led to a beautiful garden by an assistant. The moon was now rising steadily, and the gardens soon filled with many handsomely dressed gentlemen and beautiful ladies.
"Try to look a little happy," Hao whispered to Ayame, leading her from crowd to crowd. "You must look like you are enjoying yourself."
Food was soon served and the nobles sat to watch the dancers and listen to the lovely music. Ayame watched with awe at how smooth and eloquent Hao was with the nobles, speaking clearly and with strong opinion on certain matters, making it very clear where he stood.
Ayame hardly paid any attention to the conversation until it turned to demons. She listened as a few noblemen argued over whether demons should be left alone or not.
"They endanger our lives," one man said. "They are nothing but lying, filthy creatures that cannot help but do harm to innocent humans. They are vile that must be taken care of."
"Please," another nobleman laughed. "You can't even see demons, let alone figure out their motive. You should just leave them alone and let the matter rest."
"You won't be thinking like that when one of them comes and kills you, or possesses you into killing others."
"Forgive me," Ayame said. "But I believe that he is right," signaling towards the man who had spoken on behalf of demons. "Not all demons wish us harm. Most are merely minding their own business."
"And you would know so much, little girl?" The first nobleman said, slightly taken aback.
"Of course she would," Hao said, smiling. "She is one of my students, and one of my best ones at that. She knows quite a lot of what she is speaking about."
"A woman, training to be an onmyoji?" The man said, aghast. "You cannot be serious, Hao-sama."
"I am quite serious," Hao replied. "Ayame-san has proven herself to be quite advanced in the art. Do you think I would make something like this up?" He gave a man a look that made him blink.
"O-of course not, Hao-sama," the nobleman said quickly. "I was merely stating my surprise." Then, he went back to arguing with his fellow nobles.
Hao sighed, knowing that such an exchange could prove unhelpful to them, but he hoped it would be forgotten. He turned to look back at Ayame, but she was gone. He looked around in surprise. Where could she have gone? Without the ability to read her mind, there was no way to track her. And, in any case, he could hardly tell one mind from another in such a crowd.
He looked around some more, then suddenly noticed a train much like Ayame's disappearing around the corner of the house.
Hao stood, making a swift, yet unnoticeable exit and following the path to a smaller, more hidden section of the garden. Ayame sat on a stone bench, hidden by the shadow of a few large bushes. She held her head and was trying to breathe deeply.
"Are you okay?" Hao asked softly.
"There are so many people out there," Ayame said. "So many thoughts. I can't stand it."
"I'm sorry," Hao said, sitting next to her. "I thought you'd be strong enough to handle it. I should've known."
Ayame shook her head. "It's not your fault," she said gently. "I know you'd like me to be as strong as you. You seem to handle your ability so well. But I've never been so good at controlling it. It takes a hold of me whether I like it or not."
Hao laid a hand on her shoulder. "We can leave if you want. I'll come up with some excuse. We could tell them you got sick, or that there's been an emergency."
"No," Ayame said, smiling at him. "You should stay. I know how much this means to Minoru and the others. I don't want to ruin their night. Besides, you have a reputation to uphold."
"Reputations are meaningless." Hao said.
They sat quietly for a few minutes, delighting in the silence. Hao suddenly pulled a small wooden flute from his robe and began to play a soft melody. Ayame closed her eyes, listening to the beautiful music. She could feel herself sway, loosing herself in the notes. Suddenly, she stood, extending her arms and dancing around, stepping gently here and there, and overall letting the music fill her being. As Hao's playing increased in tempo, so did her dancing. She twirled faster and faster until she knew she was going to fall to the ground, and she didn't care.
But she didn't fall. Instead, she felt herself being supported by something. Although somewhat dizzy, she was able to open her eyes, seeing herself in Hao's arms. She now realized that the music had stopped, and they stood in pure silence, staring at each other. Ayame leaned her head against his strong shoulder, and he held her there for a few moments.
"Come now, Ayame-san," Hao said with a smile. "We must return to the festivities."
Ayame nodded, letting herself be lead once again into the crowd, but not allowing herself to leave Hao's side.
There ya go. I'm trying to finish writing quickly so I can get to the better parts, but this was kind of cute. I will not be naming any of the other students, since it takes too much effort and I'm not really going to be using them much after this.