Magic is everywhere, you just have to know where to look for it.
The sickly sweet smell of incense wove its self through the cozy décor of the girl's temporary dwelling. She read the cards while the light pooled in on the breezy spring morning in a village promptly named Konoha. The girl with pink hair looked troubled, almost bothered because of the fact she stayed so long in this one place. Like a dandelion seed or even a child's bubble she would move when the wind's changed, just like she grew up with her mother. Only her mother – like a pair of gypsies who seeked nothing and wanted nothing but to live. Their names changed frequently as if their real identities were listed on Wanted posters every where.
This was the only life the girl knew, as she had learned everything the hard way while they hopped place to place for example mathematics, geography, writing, reading and 'ninja' skills. Yet she also picked up skills that were considered 'witchcraft' or supernatural like the infamous tarot readings and divination.
Anything she could learn that would help her live and have a fulfilling life she learned it. Though they could not afford much but to feed, some times clothe themselves and find shelter no matter how sparse. Therefore mother was frugal with what ever money they had, and luxuries such as books was not on their agenda. Thus they did odd jobs like maid service, food servicing, or even just begging on the side of the street.
Both had lived in large to even miniscule towns where they welcomed them in gracious attitudes, were cold and wanted outsiders gone or just ignored in the throngs of civilization. In a cafe, drinking coffee her mother was reading her tarot cards, they were powdery and scented of sandalwood much like the box they were so preciously stowed within. Her mother's pale red brows would knit together and then they would move on again. It would seem that every time those cards were out they were going to move. But this time other than finding a new home to float to, it seemed like her mother took them out with a worried look on her face.
That is when she found out her mother was dying, of an incurable disease. Her mother refused treatment or anything close to medical attention, saying she wanted to go to the large ninja countries and see everything they had to offer. Much to her chagrin though, mother had died while in Suna in a restaurant for – local- food but not naturally. Simply from an allergic reaction for food something that probably her mother did not know of or did but did not want to disclose to her.
After the incident her mother was cremated and spread across her journey from Suna to Konoha – desert to forest a natural change her mother would have appreciated. Now the girl was alone with some of her mothers now her treasured belongings. The tarot cards in the sandalwood scented box, the mortar and pestle her mother used to create incense and various articles rich clothing with jewelery wrapped inside.
She changed her name to something that would fit her apperance of pink hair and green eyes – Sakura Haruno. And thus created the new life for herself as she traveled to Konoha by foot amongst the rustling foliage of leaves.
That is how she, Sakura was in Konoha with a shop for fortunes, potions and various other superstitious or even supernatural proclivities. Her business was welcomed wholeheartedly by the civilians and even ninja alike. As business was not exactly booming but was well enough for her to break even.
She would sit outside on some balmy evenings and smoke Hookah looking quite 'mystical' to these people though it was normal for people civilians and even ninja in Suna to do so. And Sakura found her self to enjoy the simple pleasure along with creating incense and servicing these people. She made 'friends' with some of her customers, one an elderly lady whose ways were of the old and a handful of young people – some even were from prominent clans of the ninja world like the Hyuuga and Uchiha. For once she felt some resemblance of home though her mother would snort at this use of her abilities and interest of settling down. But still there was that bubbling fear that people would begin to judge her and the bubbling 'want' or natural instinct so drilled in to the back of her brain.
The light chime of the door alerted her of a customer or even a friend dropping in as her focus jolted upwards to see Mikoto-san a very prominent member of the Uchiha clan dragging in a man who looked to be only 3 to 4 years her senior through the door. She always liked this woman, not because she was a frequent customer but because this woman didn't come in with such haughty airs as others did of her stature. The two had become what was called bosom buddies despite their age and rank difference – Sakura was often gave her free services and she would grace her with friendship, a good conversation and sometimes with delicious cooking.
That was how some of her afternoons were spent, talking with this woman who looked relived, she could only guess the Uchiha matriarch did not have my friends outside of her clan that should easily converse with. But this would be interesting because this time she brought along another member of her family, son perhaps. After all the woman would jokingly omit that she wanted the pink haired girl to join her family. Since she never had a third chance to have another child that would hopefully be a girl – thanks to her husband's lack of getting it up in intimate situations. The pinkette created a special tincture for that and ordered her to slip it in his drink since he was traditional and embarrassed to ever seek outside help.
It worked miracles for their relationship.
Now apparently Mikoto – san felt the need to return the 'favor' A half amused look adorned her face as her hands re stacked her cards and placed them in their neat box. Never taking those clover hued orbs away from her friend and potential 'suitor' (she would use this sarcastic). The young man looked like a feral cat, ready to swat at anything that attempted to sway him from his wishes. His hair was long, almost bushy with resentment but his face heavily resembled that of her friend. With slender features, and long lashes the man looked to be a cover idol for a magazine for girls and women. Obstinately vermillion clashed with chartreuse as Mikoto forced the relative or son – either or in to a plush, velvet covered chair. And then she, herself plonked down in to the twin chair covered in a foamy red velvet. Her companion looked around grumpily at the whimsical interior. It was definitely something that a man would not choose to decorate his home or bedroom with.
Sakura just kept her mouth shut until her friend or customer which ever it was today made her request or conversation known. The woman looked quite flushed but happier than she had been before, in comparison to past visits about her sex life and the life as a clan leaders wife. Believe me the woman just let go as if she were talking to a therapist. But this seemed different, and she could sense it.
"OH Sakura San! I want you to help our family! " Mikoto boisterously blurted before the man rolled his eyes and recrossed his legs. " His family is having issues with him finding a girl friend and they sent me and him on their behalf for they were wondering if you could look into his future. Or figure out a way to attract nice young women to him." Now this earned a huff, a disrespectful one she may add from the client in question, and Mikoto promptly wacked the back of his head. Not in anger per say but in a method of letting him know that it wasn't permitted to huff at the requests of his elders. Sakura was slightly amused by this familial familiarity the two had, and was slightly envious of this. Her family was of course non existent except for her mother who was now dead.
For now she would have to wait and see what her customers had instore for her.
Author's Note; Continued with another Theme :)and very much inspired by Chocolat the novel.