It was the festival of a bountiful fishing season, all the kingdom and townspeople had gathered for the feast. Though I had little desire in attending, being the princess, it was my obligation. There was music, song, feast, and dance. The heat of the day was harsher than most. Though I made my best attempts at keeping a proper composure, the radiant warmth was taking quite the toll on me.
After the celebration ended I retreated to the lake, as the many trees surrounding the water would make for a pleasant resting spot. I lay under a tree beside the lake as the water, clear as the sky, rippled around my ankles. Which is why the rain came as a surprise. A drop upon my cheek was enough to cause confusion, as the sun had been beaming down the entire day.
I looked up at the soft gray clouds, and closed my eyes. Though unexpected, the rain was an unrequited gift amongst the blistering day. That’s when, within the pitter patter, came a voice.
“Quite a change of scenery.”
It was him. The stranger from before, this time standing right beside me. I looked up half startled, yet my wonder got the best of me, and I nodded in silence.
He continued, “You looked only a bit miserable at that celebration.”
“I-” I stopped myself. Despite being at the celebration for its entirety, not once did I see him there. “And just who are you? I don’t recall seeing you at the festival.” my heart fluttered somewhat ruffle by the comment, yet I remained wary of his response.
“Ah yes, unfortunately I couldn’t meet with you formally. I had to ensure the weather wouldn’t ruin the event.” He said, smiling innocently. I’m sure that he saw me furrow my brow quizzically at his statement, as a small chuckle escaped his throat. “Thankfully the rain only appeared after the celebration.”
Though the celebration was entertaining, I rolled my eyes knowing that the rain would’ve saved me a bit of misery, had it arrived just a bit sooner. “If it had come sooner It would’ve saved me a bit of exhaustion.” I said in a half joking sarcasm.
I felt his gaze turn to me sheepishly. “Apologies.” he laughed to himself, while recounting my statement.
I looked across the water. My mind flooded with all the responsibilities I already had, “A princess’s duty is to her people… even if it is at her expense.” I mumbled. The rainfall grew heavier, and I looked up at the stranger who was looking across the water.
His beauty was even more apparent from this close. His skin was fair, and he towered over me, tall and upright. My eyes flowed from his face to his long dark blue flowing garments. I looked at his hands and then it struck me, “you don’t have an umbrella, you’ll get soaked!”
He looked down at me, “Don’t mind me princess, I quite enjoy the rain.” Though a part of me wanted to leave I remained, whether due to the intrigue of the strange, or the brisk feeling of the evening shower. Or moreover, the yearning feeling of finally being in the company of another.
He stood quietly, and I was unsure of what to think of him. Though handsome, his demeanor and words were a cypher that I could not solve. We remained in silence for minutes, while I mustered up the courage to say something. “What is your name?”
He looked at me, somewhat intrigued by my question. He took a moment to answer, then he replied, “Ryumi.” I could not tell what he was thinking. Did he forget his name? Was he trying to lie to me? Why did he hesitate?
“May I?” I nodded as he lowered himself beside me sitting legs folded and upright as we both gazed across the water’s surface.I felt my expression softened with his unsuspecting smile. Though I was not completely convinced, I suppose I did not care much whether he was being truthful or not. He was simply just a stranger and nothing more.
The silence was broken by his voice, “I envy how beautiful the world looks from here.”
I looked at him, “Where are you from?”
He chuckled, “Somewhere where the mountains touch the clouds.”
Part of me was enamored, another frustrated by his illusive answer. “Though I have never left this island, surely I could find the place you speak of on a map.”
He replied, “Possibly. Though, there are rarely any visitors. It does get lonely at times, watching others come and go. It seems that no matter who I’m surrounded by, I always find myself alone.” He smiles, shy of his own words. I felt my heart flicker; his words were so similar to mine.
I looked at him, “in that way we are alike.” There was a pause, “What can you do to ease the burden?”
He pondered, “In times of loneliness, what better company than your thoughts. I only hope that with all the time I’ve spent with them, that they have produced some semblance of wisdom.” He smiles. I look at him, encapsulated by the response. “What about you princess?”
“There’s no need to be so formal. I’d much rather you refer to me as Yunaka.” I giggled, “Hmm, most of my time is spent on responsibilities. Only when I am free can I escape to my own whims.”
He looked away from me, his expression changed to be more somber, “In this we are the same. In some ways a blessing that the heavens ordained upon me, in others my shackles. Yet if I do not bear the burden, then who shall?”
Who is this man, that he speaks of divinity in such a way. Though his words remain foreign to me, what he speaks is something that I understand fully. “Then you too must be of royalty?” I glance over to try and find an answer.
He continues looking forward, “Royalty? No, a slave.” He looks forward without giving away anything in his expression, except for deep remorse.
I look at his longing eyes, and search for anything to grab onto so that I can have an idea of what he is referring to. How could he be a slave? He is well dressed, looking as if he hasn’t spent even a day working in the harsh sun.
The rain slowed to a drizzle, and the sun began to return over the hazy orange horizon. He looked at me, “It seems the time has come for me to be on my way.” His words brought my mind back to my body.
Though part of me wanted to stay longer, however I would not keep him there either. “It was nice meeting you Ryumi.” I said somewhat upset that I had to say goodbye.
“And you as well Yunaka.” he stood and replied with a bow.
In that moment Ryumi became someone the princess hoped to remember.