Another night, another dream, a different location, but the same soothing, calming whispers in the air.
I found myself in some kind of courtyard, standing in the pouring rain. The drops were falling heavy on my shoulders, soaking me from head to heel in mere seconds. I didn´t felt neither the cold nor my damp clothes. I looked down my body and recognized the dark green kimono I had seen in a traditional shop in Tokyo a few days ago. It was beautiful and the color was a perfect match for my copper-red, hair. It was quite expensive, so I had not been able to make the decision to buy it.
But now, in this dream, I was wearing it. The wet fabric felt so vivid on my skin, I had to remember myself that I was still only dreaming.
My eyes wandered around and I took in my surroundings. It was indeed a courtyard, well groomed, with neatly cut, evergreen bushes and bald trees. So it was winter, I thought suddenly. The heavy rain continued and it made it impossible to see further then the distance to the surrounding buildings. I walked over to the closest, an open hallway, open stone arches facing the yard. Carefully to not slip on the stone floor I stepped under the roof, sighing deeply, relieved to have found any kind of shelter from the rain. Slowly I began to stroll further into the hallway, surprised by the lack of wind or coolness inside. Stepping around a corner, I discovered what clearly some kind of shrine was, joss-sticks and candles were burning, and I was able to smell the spicy, smoky scent lingering in the air.
"Okaerinasai"
My eyes drifted close for seconds, relishing on the sound of his voice. When they opened again, I slowly turned around, sensing his presence right behind me. I smiled apologetically.
He seemed to remember my lack of knowledge of his language, so he repeated himself, speaking English this time.
"Welcome home."
Home? How could this be home? I was utterly confused, but his closeness brought my attention back to my current surroundings . He smiled his ever slight halfway smile and raised his right hand to my face, stroking back a silken strand of copper hair, which escaped my neat bun. His Fingertips lingered on the nape of my neck. The smile on his handsome face turned into a lazy grin and his dark eyes became a tad softer
"akaebikusen"
I raised my eyebrows in an unspoken question.
"Red vixen…" His grin deepened as an airy laugh escaped my lips. This term of endearment seemed most fitting yet so strange, that i was matching this dream just perfectly.