42 Fine Lines of the In-Between (1/2)

Chalice was amazed at the village that was unfolded in front of her when she and the priestess got past the rows of the towering fruit trees. Thinking about it, Amaterasu wasn't just a simple village. It was as large as the Keyne stronghold and was even more fantastic.

It looked like a huge botanical garden except with cylindrically-shaped houses here and there. They were structure with polished bamboos and some kind of a metal. Each of the house had narrow corridors wrapping it around along with wooden shutters on top of sliding panels made of translucent paper and wooden frames. It was quite a wonder to behold. There were flourishing wisterias with branches overlapping creating a magical impression in the place. Chalice also saw a row of cherry blossom and plum trees.

There were bamboo patches sporadically in place casting a contrast to the pastels. The slabs of rock made a unique pathway to each of the houses, overall creating a harmonious feel. She felt at peace in this place. It was as if her very soul was being healed just by standing there.

She stood there dazed, admiring the beauty of nature that was hidden so deep in these mountain range beyond a thick wall of towering trees. If she wasn't seeing it for herself then, she would've argued endlessly that such a place cannot exist in the heart of the inner sanctuary of Zeru Mountain's beasts.

She passed by a few people who all greeted her politely. She returned it with all the courtesy she could muster. Though they looked at her curiously, especially at the two animals walking with her, they didn't pry and went their own ways.

'These people are pretty chill.' She thought to herself.

The priestess led her to a house similar to those she saw on their way. It was cylindrical but instead of green, it was white. There were three floors of it instead of two like the others. There was a huge archway before it that looked like a torii*. When they passed it by, she saw a well along with a zen garden and small bamboo fountain.

Upon seeing the inside, Chalice thought that the house was actually quite practical. The floors were made of woven rice straws which smelled quite pleasing. She saw the priestess slide open one of those panels of translucent papers with wooden frames that actually ran from floor to ceiling. It revealed the entire view of the garden to them. She gasped to herself in amazement, thinking she'll also make herself one of these back at her home.

But she stilled at that thought, feeling melancholy once again. She shook her head to rid herself of it and focused on observing the place. She sat cross-legged at the thin pillows lying neatly near a low table and waited for the priestess who left her after opening the sliding windows.

”Why am I here?”

She asked after finishing a few of the buns and sipping the last bit of her tea. The priestess cocked an eyebrow at her direction, a slight curve in her mouth seemingly finding this question amusing.

”Shouldn't you be asking yourself that? Why are you here?... What led you to this place?”

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