I apologize for the delay again. It's been really busy this summer surprisingly. I have been helping my sister move. We spent a few days even to get the painting done in the new house. Between moving and finishing up along with watching the little ones so more could get done, the move is finally finished and time to work on getting this next part out.
I have also been having a hard time getting through the scenes leading up to the matchmaker and drawing it out even more is making it worse (at least for me). Please let me know how it turned out! And thanks for the patience and reviews!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my computer and the random ideas that revolve around my head…
The enormous size of the grand building at the end of the dusty road gave Suki the feeling of dread. Despite her mixed emotions of fear and uncertain anticipation, the young woman continued to hold her head high, her mother and grandmother following close behind her.
Suki bit her lip as they neared the vast building. She couldn't help troubled thoughts from running through her head. I am a young woman with certain expectations to follow. This is what would be best for my family…and me.
No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that this was the life she was meant to lead, Suki couldn't rid the deep feeling of regret that she strived to keep hidden away.
Reaching the entrance steps, Suki paused a moment as something in the sky caught her view. A small beige creature glided his extended wing-type arms to a slowing stop. He sat perched on the corner of the roof, his long tail curling around his body. The small monkey type creature watched Suki with curious big dark eyes as his head slightly tilted. Before Suki was able to inspect this fascinating animal further, she was pushed inside the building with urgency.
Suki's eyes slightly widened in wonder as she took in the neatness of what she guessed was a waiting room. Near the door stood a small group of ladies huddled together with anticipation on their faces. Soon, two people walked in from the hallway. One was a young woman about Suki's age with a bright expression and the other was a younger girl with a small smile shared for the other's excitement. The older rushed over to her awaiting family, clasping hands with who Suki guessed was her mother.
"Aunt Wu has said that I will have a wonderful husband and a very promising life. She even predicted that he would be giving me a panda lily in the near future when we meet."
"This is wonderful Jin," The mother replied, embracing her daughter. Suki watched the family walk out joyfully as she wondered if her meeting with the matchmaker would go as hopeful with her family happy for her.
The younger girl walked toward Suki and her family with a smile. "Fa Suki?" She asked in a sweet voice. Koko and Gram Gram encouragingly pushed their reluctant young woman forward as she nodded. "Come with me. Aunt Wu has been waiting to see you." Suki looked back to her family who gave smiles as she followed the younger girl around the corner.
"I'm Meng by the way," The girl said aloud as the pair continued to go down the long hallway. They finally stopped in front of a door on their left. Before Meng left, she whispered, "Good luck,"
Suki stood before the door with her heart beating rapidly. With a big gulp, she faintly knocked on the door.
"Come on in," A voice replied.
Suki gently pushed open the door and took small steps in the fairly dark room with a barely visible fire brewing in the small pit set up in the back. Inside, an older thin woman sat on her knees behind the table, eyes pouring on Suki.
"Sit," The matchmaker ordered. Suki obeyed as she carefully sat in a similar manner, careful not to mess her dress that had been carefully prepared for this moment while not taking eye contact off the frowning woman. Suki began to wonder if the girl, Jin, had meet with a different woman than who sat across from her.
"I am Aunt Wu the matchmaker and fortune teller in this part of the Earth Kingdom. I have found plenty of matches for eligible young women and I'm sure that I can do the same for you." Suki watched the woman as she continued on with the same explanation that her mother had given her on what is a woman is expected to perform.
"…Doing all this shall bring you honor and glory."
Suki felt her stomach drop as the matchmaker carried on. Surely there must be more than waiting around and doing the same things. The matchmaker motioned to a teapot and cup sitting in the center of the table next to a small bowl of fresh berries.
"There are many things that you need to learn how to do perfectly such as pouring tea. To please your future in-laws, you must show dignity, refinement, and poise."
Suki slightly rolled her eyes as she wondered what this had to do with finding a husband right for her. She grabbed the handle of the teapot and began pouring with ease. As she began to hand the cup across the table, Suki spotted a small shape moving in the wooden ceiling pillars. (A.N: I'm sorry I don't know what it's called)
Aunt Wu leaned up and took the cup out of her hand. Suki didn't say a word as she watched the little creature she recognized from outside glide down to the table next to a full bowl of berries. Suki looked at the thin woman begin to drink the tea slowly as she seemed to take notice to their new addition. The lemur started placing a large amount of berries into his mouth greedily. Suki worried what would happen if Aunt Wu saw the small creature for his sake as well as hers. She cringed as she glanced at the matchmaker who closed her eyes as the cup lifted higher, nearing the end of the drink.
"Shoo," Suki whispered to the lemur, motioning for him to leave. He paused to look for a moment at the young woman with wonder before going back to his snack. Suki continued to quietly wave away the playful creature with no avail.
She climbed the table in hopes of capturing the lemur. He darted away before she could lunge for him, causing the teapot to tip over and spill off the side of the table, right into the lap of Aunt Wu. The matchmaker jerked up so fast due to the hot tea pouring on her, inevitably tipping the rest of the tea in her hand down the front of her.
"You little—" The angered woman began before the lemur took off directly in front of her. She screeched in surprise as she stumbled backwards right into the small fire pit she used for part of her fortune telling. With a loud scream, the matchmaker jumped around the room in burning pain from a few hot coals that stuck to the back of her dress.
Suki looked around for something to help when she remembered her fan tucked in her sash. She pulled it out and began to cool off the blistering heat of Aunt Wu's backside. Instead, the coals sparked and fire formed. Suki couldn't hold back a small smile for a brief moment as the howl's grew louder and the paces went faster because of Suki's idea of 'fanning the flames', Aunt Wu rushed out the door and down the hall, her voice heard to all as Suki grabbed the teapot and took after her. By the time the matchmaker opened the doors of the waiting room to the horrified looks of the women inside, Suki threw the remainder of tea all over the older woman.
Aunt Wu ceased howling and held a deadpan expression, her cheeks slightly reddened. With a fierce look, the matchmaker turned to Suki. With a shaking finger pointed, she yelled, "You are a disgrace! You get out and don't expect to be welcomed back!"
Aunt Wu regained her composure and looked at Meng who still stood bewildered at the past event. "Meng, I will not be taking any more today." Grabbing both handles, the matchmaker slammed the doors, everyone slightly jumping.
Suki avoided the glances she knew were on her as she turned slowly to the younger girl, giving her the empty teapot. Without a word, she headed for the door.
"Suki wait," Her mother protested, but her daughter ignored her and quickly left the building with heavy sadness.
It worked out to have Momo in this part, especially as his normal self. I only made Appa a regular horse because I couldn't fit a flying bison in, especially for Suki to own being this story is about her. I hope you don't get mad at me for that.
I promise there will be more to come! Leave me a review and I might get done quicker! :)