44 Akai Ito Bracelets (1/2)

Chalice, oblivious to the nearing presence of her right-hand man was currently enjoying a bath in the open air hot spring courtesy of the priestess. Despite being hard to figure out and spouting mysteries now and then, the Amaterasu Priestess, Hikari, is actually quite likeable. Minus all of the profoundness surrounding her, she was quirky and witty without losing her elegant flair.

Although, Chalice was thoroughly shocked when she saw her wine collection. She found it a bit funny when Hikari called her specific favorite, saké* of courage, as to why, Chalice didn't really want to know. She assumed it was just one of Hikari's quirks. After bragging about it for about half an hour, Hikari forced her into agreeing to drink with her while they view the moon later on tonight. Or in Hikari's case, feel the moonlight.

As for now, she currently reveled in the feeling of the warm, relaxing water. She was a bit tired with going around the whole tribe. Amaterasu lived up to first impressions. It was truly a breathtaking place. Chalice even planned to adopt some of the things she saw and put it up at the Amaranth Manor. Such as the zen garden and the bamboo fountain. She also begged Hikari for wisterias which she could propagate. She also wanted an open air bath but it seems that one needs a bit more thought into it.

She sighed and then shook her head after a while. As much as possible, Chalice didn't want to think of anything related to them for now, lest her thoughts took another dark turn. She knew she needed to go back. After all, she didn't want to get others in trouble because of her. Not to mention, her parents might go berserk with her disappearance. But for now, she just desperately wanted to relish this time for herself.

Chalice looked up at the night sky. The moon was starting to come up to its zenith along with the stars which twinkled like shards of diamonds. So much has already happened to her and yet it seemed only yesterday when she transmigrated here. She thought being another person would get rid of her nightmares. Of the depression and anxiety she had back in that life. Well, she hoped it would.

She didn't want to admit her condition. Even if it was glaring at her in the eyes. She didn't want to admit that even now she had difficulty sleeping. Why can't this world have sleeping pills? Chalice was seriously tired.

'Well, thinking about it, not having sleeping pills is a good thing too. At least, I won't die because of it again.'

She smiled bitterly. So much for not thinking about anything. Her reverie was broken when she heard the sweet voice of Hikari.

”Chalice, get out of there already. I feel the moon's warm light and hear my sake calling out for us. Hurry up, will you?”

”Alright. Alright. You didn't have to rush me.”

She replied as she rose up from the warm water. Chalice draped herself in the cotton towel that was conveniently left there at the side. After drying herself, she took up the clothing that Hikari prepared for her. It was a traditional Amaterasu attire. Chalice thought it was similar to the Japanese yukata* except this one was more elaborate with its embellishments.

The robe had a satiny finish. It was black with countless life-like blooming red poppies imprinted on it. It made her already fair and snow white skin even fairer. Chalice left her hair as it is, her dark wavy locks blending with the robes.

Hikari's blank eyes gaped at the sky as an enchanting beauty slowly made her way towards her. Chalice was like the night blooming cestrum slowly unfurling her petals under the moon beams. A shadow of a smile hovered in her red lips, mysterious and alluring.

”You've already started, seriously?”