Kokomi had not meant to forget. It could not have been helped, she had been busy after the war ended, dealing with negotiations, trade deals with the main island, and handling the aftermath of the war with the rest of the resistance army. The days had slipped by like water flowing around the pebbled rocks. She really had not meant to forget her birthday.
She had woken up early in the morning, prepared to deal with one of the trade negotiations that had fallen wayside until she realised that the written contract she had been studying the night prior was missing from her dresser. No matter how hard she searched, she could not find the missing document. That was until she set foot out of her bedroom and was greeted enthusiastically by her self-appointed personal assistant who wished her a happy birthday, that Kokomi realised what today was.
"Head Priestess! Happy birthday! Please let us take over for today! You should not have to work on your birthday!"
Without even being able to get in a single word in, Kokomi found herself unceremoniously thrown out of her own home to spend the day as she wished.
"When the day is over, I shall have to draw plans so this may never happen again," Kokomi swore to herself as she made her way to her secret base.
With nothing to do, Kokomi spent her entire morning re-reading her favourite strategy books and mystery novels. However, as time ticked by slowly, she found herself drowning in boredom. She placed her book away as she leaned back against the rickety wooden chair. She gazed up at the ceiling, noting the newly formed cobwebs at the corner. Her mind drifted with the slow day until it inevitably drifted to the situation with her people.
She wondered how her people were faring with the end of the war. Are the soldiers happy that the war had come to an end or are they upset that they were no longer needed in a time of peace? Are the common people happy that they no longer have to fear when the enemy would march into their village or are they upset that the war ended with no victory? Her thoughts continued to drift until they arrived at the Traveller.
The Traveller had single-handedly brought peace to the country. They had fought the almighty Raiden Shogun and won, a task thought so impossible that it was almost laughable should anyone say it. If there had not been any witnesses to the feat, Kokomi would have thought it a lie or an exaggerated rumour.
Still, Kokomi wondered about the Traveller. Are they well after the battle? Have they come across any trouble in the land of Inazuma? Would they have any new stories to share of their travels? Would they be willing to visit her on her special day?
Kokomi pitched forward in her chair. Where did that last thought come from?
She sighed as she leaned back again. If the Traveller would be willing to come, she would not mind. She enjoyed their last meeting a few days after the war had ended. It was a short meeting but she had gained a few new insights from the Traveller. They could chat, it did not have to be about strategies or the art of war, it could be anything, even something mundane as sharing the titles of their favourite books.
With her resolve set, Kokomi dug out a pen and paper from the depths of her drawers and began to write. The words flow out as she wrote, her writing hand never pausing in its task.
Is there anything that's been bothering you lately?
It's best if everything can go smoothly but it seems that trials and setbacks are an inevitable part of life.
If you have any troubles, come talk to me.
I promise I will not give any strategic orders or advice, but listen and share my insights as a friend.
Perhaps a conversation would not be needed, they could take a swim at the shores of Watasumi. Words need not be exchanged for both parties to enjoy each other's company.
Take myself for example. Even with a lack of energy, I try not to crawl into books every time. On a day like this, I would prefer to go diving in the sea.
The ocean would wash their troubles away, the tranquil water would calm the body and mind, and the denizens of the sea would bring colour and joy to the weary eyes.
After all, a day spent with a friend is not a day wasted.
Being gently embraced by the sea, facing the endless blue sky and the dancing fish... No matter what your troubles are, they will all disappear in that moment.
I hope to share this joy with you.
As Kokomi sealed the letter into an empty envelope, the contents ready to be read by the receiver, she let out a small giggle. She had expected to spend the day by her lonesome, bored with nothing to do and no one to celebrate with. Now, she was looking forward to the rest of the day.
Rather... I'm looking forward to seeing you.