The Refreshing Wind

 

by Brian Yoon

 

 

 

Isawa Kyoko stepped out of the hut and stretched to take the kinks out of her muscles. It was a wonderful morning. The sun shined brightly and warmed her body. The gentle breeze caressed her, reminding her that the winter had finally passed. As soon as she came outside, she became aware of the kami that lived in everything, and they became aware of her. They flew to her cautiously. She smiled gently, her expression illuminating her beauty. The sound of their whispers surrounding her relieved her tensions about the work ahead of her. It was her first assignment after her gempukku, and though she was confident about her abilities she was still nervous.

She curiously looked around the village. Though the sun had come out only an hour earlier, the buildings were empty. All those who were able to help out at the planting had already left to start the day’s work. A few children too young to help in the fields idly stood along the roads. Her gaze stopped on a beautiful young woman with a basket of silks on her back, her figure clearly showing the advanced stages of pregnancy. Though she was in no shape to do heavy work, she was still contributing to her village. The peasant had stopped in the middle of the road, and her eyes were fixed on Kyoko. Kyoko walked toward the peasant. When the woman realized Kyoko was headed for her, she jumped like a rabbit but stayed frozen in her tracks.

“What’s your name?” Kyoko said pleasantly.

“My- they call me Yuki, my lady,” the peasant stammered.

“Don’t be scared, Yuki. What is it?” Kyoko asked gently.

“It is said that you can hear the voices of the gods themselves,” the peasant said. Her voice trembled. “Is it true, my lady?”

Kyoko’s smile grew. “Yes,” she said wistfully. “The kami are all around us, wherever we go. As we revere them and trust in them, they trust us back in return.” Her eyes grew distant as she listened to the kami that still circled her. “And they speak with voices too beautiful for this world.”

Yuki’s eyes were large with wonder. “I wish I could hear them,” she said wistfully. Suddenly, her eyes filled with terror as she realized what she had just implied. She bowed deeply to the samurai. “I am sorry, my lady! I meant no offence!” she gasped, then hurried past her to the town hall.

Kyoko turned to watch the girl’s exit then nodded. She resumed her walk toward the fields, her ears filled with the sweet song of the air. Her kimono rustled around her as the air kami lifted her and glided her across the land. As she approached, she could see a single figure standing in front of the fields. Before she could even see any of his features, the words floating across the elements told her that the village foreman was awaiting her presence. She had met the man briefly when she arrived the night before, and knew he was a simple and humble man that truly looked out for the people under his care. For that, Kyoko respected him beyond his station.

“Good morning, Kyoko,” the man said when she neared, bowing to the floor. “I trust you rested well.”

“Your house was more than adequate, thank you,” she said, nodding.

“Do you need any assistance in your task today, my lady?” he asked.

She looked out at the fields that lay out in front of her. The villagers were all out on the fields, working to ready the fields for the year. Her sight was filled with more than humans at hard work. The elements themselves were alive with joy at the event. It was more than just a preparation of the fields. In their own way, the villagers were celebrating the kami themselves.

“No,” Kyoko replied. “I will bless the fields for the year. It will be no trouble.”

“Yes, Kyoko-sama,” he said. “I suppose such a simple matter would be easier to manage than calling thunder upon our enemies or calling fire from your fingertips.”

She turned to him, a gentle smile on her face. “You are wrong,” she said. “Each spell is a prayer, and each prayer is an appeal to the elements. Whether they answer or not depends on their will.” She turned to perform her work, and the kami raised her into the air.