~ Chapter fourteen ~
~ Sunset ~ Sakuya's Lake ~ two days before the marriage of Reiji and Yuukina ~
"Absolutely, the inevitable distrust between us, an invisible weakness I will expunge. No matter how long or dark, the day will come when our wishes will break through. From the colors of a beautiful dusk, our prayers are born anew."
"So I return to you, oh source of life and love. The chains binding our past are fragile, birds on a broken wing. Transcending pain, we persevere.
"Here like a jewel, you shine, a mother's gentle light engulfing us all. Illuminating every hope. Grant us faith and worthy dreams that echo on forever.
Frowing, a humming Sakuya scraps a line or two. Her elegant calligraphy makes adjustments to the music.
"No, that isn't right either. There's no cohesion and elements of the verses are conflicting."
Sakuya gazes at the early evening sky, a thoughtful frown marring her face. "This a love song celebrating Yuuki and Rei. Not a clumsy expression of inner conflict."
Come on Sakuya, Ayame worked hard to create this melody, the least I can do is find the right words. Perhaps I could pitch it up a bit here...
"Make the lyrics come off a bit sweeter and more longing. No. That risks detracting from Yuuki and my brother. This is their day." Dismissing that idea, Sakuya decides to start over.
Stretching her body towards the evening sky, Sakuya notes the soft pinks and vivid orange hues. "Such a marvelous setting sun. Nearly time for rain. I'll begin soon, hopefully 'HE" recieved my request to meet."
' Huh, I hadn't thought about it but if I keep going like this, sooner or later my power won't be needed. It may take decades but eventually, this landscape will have been completely altered.'
' A new cycle will emerge in nature, the trees and green will do their job as the creator intended.'
"It's such a beautiful thing, but when that day comes... I can't help from wondering, what will become of me?"
Noting the sound of footsteps drawing near, Sakuya looks up at her visitor.
"Thank you, I'm grateful to you for not approaching silently."
Raising herself from her assorted silks and cushions layering her reserved corner of the lakeshore orchard, Sakuya smiles. "Thank you for coming all this way. I'm pleased you accepted my invitation."
If her visitor is surprised to see that Sakuya's normal, composed poise air is accompanied by a barely apparent hint of shyness, he is polite enough not to address it.
Madara's expression is uncharacteristically soft. An expression normally reserved for his precious siblings, now only Izuna.
"I could hardly turn it down. We parted on a more awkward note. I'm relieved you want anything to do with me, let alone invite me to witness your brother's marriage."
"Although... If I'm not mistaken, I am the only clansman from Fire to receive one. Is that right?"
"That's correct Lord Uchiha. Apologies if my letter came off as rude or a snub towards the other households.
"Our correspondence stated your brother is welcome too, but I don't know any others from your part of this continent. It felt rude and presumptuous to impose upon the Senju or their allies."
"Ah Izuna." Madara murmured.
"Yes, he sends the happy couple his regards. We discussed that my brother is dear to me and I assure you, he would have accompanied me. Still, it's as he said, Izuna should remain behind. Keep things in order."
"That's fair, I appreciate that."
"A family comfortable honoring our respective roles, while still showing support wherever needed...
"That will always be a thing of beauty." Sakuya said. Her gentle voice, pure and unearthly ensnared Madara's ears like a vice.
Trying not to gulp, from the sudden dry mouth, he politely adjusts his position.
'I really need to figure this out.' Madara thought, his turmoil barely concealed by a stoic mask.