A slow sigh escaped Lana's lips as the sun streamed through the makeshift window. Today, something would happen, she told herself. Today, things would be different. Today...would be just like every other day, when she told herself these things. She walked heavily to the washroom and splashed cold water on her face from the grey stone basin. Then, she headed to the kitchen where her mother was slicing warm bread.

"Are you going out Gathering today, Lana?"

"Yes, I'll be leaving soon," She said, grabbing a piece of bread.

"Could you make sure you get berries? We're having company over tonight."

"Company?" she mumbled through a full mouth.

"Yes, we're having the Kesshin family over. I think you should get to know that Sekai better. He's a nice boy. It's about time we arranged a husband for you."

Lana groaned and sent crumbs flying across the kitchen.

"You can't expect to marry at all with manners like those!" Her mother shook her head as she swept up the loose crumbs strewn across the puzzle of flat stones that made up the floor.

Lana grabbed a couple of slices of bread and wrapped them up in a cloth. She scampered towards the door.

"Oh, Lana!" Her mom called. "Be home by three-quarters sun down, little onna!"

"Sure mom, anything!" Lana skipped out, too hurried to notice the nickname she despised.

Lana strolled through the forest, plucking up the occasional berry or fruit and dropping them into her leather pouch. Sometimes Gathering was more about being outside and taking in the sights than collecting food. Half sunset had come and the sun was high and bright. Rest was needed soon. Lana stopped at a stream and dipped her hands in to quench her thirst. Something gleamed blue and brushed past her right hand, then lay cradled in her left. Her hands rose out of the slowly flowing waters to reveal a slightly smudged and barely scratched turquoise stone. She held it to the sky and saw flecks of purple running through it. 'What a rare find', she thought as she was slipping it into her pouch. She leaned against the trunk of a willow, and under its shade, became overpowered by sleep.