Posts by SakuraChain

Kaida's cheeks turned pink at him poking them, finding such an action unexpected yet it somewhat irritated her a bit, her eyes narrowing very slightly up at him though having to crane her neck back to meet his gaze, however a look of surprised flitted across her face as he had offered to get her food and just as quickly her previous irritation had evaporated and left her quite happy. I'm not a child though! She held that thought to herself, though the slight indignance that came to her face as she had followed him to the table had quickly changed to trying to hold back giggles at his stumbling.

As she took a seat at the table, she raised a brow at him ordering yet another drink, that was terrible judgement if any. The fool. However, she found herself staring at his face, observing his brighter smile and the faint change of color to his eyes, and the way he was smiling certainly brought out his facial features. It was only when he had suddenly leaned forward and glared at her that she had snapped out of it, however she would not hide that she was indeed looking at him, she found it quite peculiar and intriguing that he looked so different. "That's quite a rude way to ask for my name," She tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly back at him in the beginnings of a glare of her own, though she broke out in an unexpected smile as she too leaned forward though only doing so to make sure that no one but Rowan would hear. She oddly enough trusted him despite how drunk he was at the moment, as long as she didn't reveal anything more to him other than her name it would be fine. So, she then answered in a quiet whisper, "Kaida. My name is Kaida." Her brown eyes seemed to have a seriousness to them if only for a moment only for her to lean away, going back into her usual cheerful mood, "By the way, shouldn't you not be drinking much more than you have? You'll regret it later I'm sure." She couldn't help but feel a bit concerned for him, then again... it was quite amusing seeing him stagger about, and she wasn't too happy about him calling her a child... With a mischievous smirk on het face, she said in a teasing note, "Then again, who am I to tell you what to do?"

Kaida rolled her eyes at his dissmissively waving his hand at her, surely he truly wasn't that foolish now was he? "Oh but of course, a strong and smart man like yourself could easily hold his drink." The words were dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes at him. She certainly wasn't going to allow him to do much more damage to himself, he was certainly a fool or at least acting like one.

Her intent however was halted as the food arrived and clearly by the look on Kaida's face, she certainly was more than just 'happy'. She took no hesitation in taking what she wanted before promptly ripping into the food with much enthusiasm, although she made sure not to make a mess as that would be embarrassing of her. She noticed his gaze upon her, however instead of teasing him this time she had simply let it go, too wrapped up in the enjoyment of the food to pay much attention... That was only until she spotted him reaching for yet another drink that would no doubt absolutely render him absolutely silly with the power of alcohol. And so, she promptly gave his hand a light scolding smack, her eyes narrowing at him as she then grabbed the alcohol and moved it towards her and out of his reach, "Rowan, I don't recommend you should drink much more. You're already acting like a bumbling fool, besides I'm sure you have questions that you want to ask me. I have a feeling you didn't just bring me over here just out of the 'kindness of your heart', so I suggest you get your questions out of the way first before you start drinking again. If anything you should drink water instead, but I have a feeling me warning you won't do much."

So, with a stubborn light to her eyes she had tilted her head at him, a clear look that didn't seem like what a simple child would have, instead she seemed very much perseptive and calculating at the moment and even more so as a smile crossed her face, "I do suggest you don't reach to snatch this back until all of your burning questions are asked, I'll drink it all if you do." She clearly was serious as she said those words, her eyes holding a challenging glint to them as she stubbornly stared him down. She was cunning if anything, besides she was still a bit irritated by the 'child' comment and so she probably was being a bit harsh upon him right now despite her concern over his condition at the moment.

Kaida watched him carefully though considering when he decided to play along, she had relaxed. At least she could keep him from doing something foolish while he asked his questions. However, his first two questions she had tilted her head, pondering how she could give an answer that didn't particularly give it all away. And so, upon finding one she then answered, "I wouldn't particularly call them my guardians... A lot of people looked after me because they were told to. I was never allowed to to outside and explore either," She huffed, irritation clearly flowing across her expression, "I got tired of hearing that, so I left." It was clear that Kaida wasn't a simply quiet and obedient girl, clearly trying to curve that stubborn temperment of hers was nigh impossible.

At his next two questions, she gave him a look akin to something that was a mixture of amusement and a slight expression similar to that she possibly wouldn't answer those two, and yet she smiled regardless, "Don't you know you should never ask a woman her age?" Though this sentence was playful, she had answered that, considering it wouldn't be of much harm to answer truthfully, "Sixteen, soon to be seventeen." That seemed a bit older than she appeared when she was smiling and cheerful, however she was one of those who looked younger than she already was. It was a wonder how she wasn't already married off to someone with Archdale considering it was a farming community and she wasn't too young to not marry anyone, but with her previous answer it was clear that the many people that supervised over her most likely considered that a terrible idea... Her temperment certainly wasn't too good aboutit either. When she answered the second question, she huffed in annoyance, "Well you sneaked up on me, of course I would freak out like that." Her eyes narrowed accusingly at him, though it seemed as if this particular question was a bit too close to the truth that she wasn't going to reveal so easily.

(Yep! Good old Spice and Wolf ^^ I haven't watched it in years... Think I might go back and rewatch it for nostalgia)

Kaede was silent for a few moments, his expression being unable to read as it seemed as if he wouldn't let her go only for his grip upon her to loosen slowly, it seemed as if he would not speak until he chuckled, though it seemed strained, "..I think that would be futile, I'm sure you wouldn't be able to stand afterwards anyways." However he let go of her, her words at least seeming to keep Kaede at bay for now, "..I can wait.. a little bit longer." With that, he got off of her and put some space between them, laying upon his side with his back to her as he muttered, "Get more sleep Akira." At least his voice had lost the sharpness to it for now.

(Hehe! Success! XD)

One of his ears twitched at her question, though responding simply with, "That's fine by me." He seemed by his tone of voice and attitude at the moment back to the calm and collected demeanor, as if nothing had happened at all.

(Well Kaede has his moments XD And poor Akira indeed, 500 years of waiting kind of would make this worse!)

Kaida had retained an amused attitude, though quite surprised Rowan had initially ignored the barmaids that was so persistently attempting to grab his attention, but she supposed it was merely the curiosity that he had and his questions was what took up majority of his attention, so she too hadn't paid much attention to them either. In fact she hadn't realized how much time had passed until Rowan had stood up, which she too was about to do the same until she caught the familiar stoic expression on his face and the question that made her cheerful demeanor falter and change to something guarded.

It seemed as if Rowan's question had hit a mark, by how serious her expression had changed as his fingers slightly tightened upon the glass of alcohol she still had within her hands. A tight lipped smile crossed her face, saying back in a warning tone, "I think you're getting far too comfortable and curious for your own good." She looked about the tavern swiftly only for her to turn her gaze back towards him, "...That is something that I cannot speak of so freely, not right now." That much was obvious, they were still within a public place and Kaida clearly wasn't going to take any unnecessary risks, she was careful... She had to be.

So, with that she had stood though leaving the alcohol upon the table as she said simply, "Well, I do thank you for the food," She took a few steps away, moving towards the exit of the tavern only to pause and look over her shoulder towards him and gave a mischievous smile, "I should repay you for your kindness, so I'll answer your question." The look however in her eyes was clearly a look that warned that she could not reveal such a thing here, somewhere quiet or safe from prying eyes or overly curious people would do.

(True, then again his mind was preoccupied by other things to really notice :3)

Kaede heaved a sigh as soon as he knew that Akira was asleep, he opened his eyes ever so slightly and was lost within thought. Though, it was mostly irritation at his own actions, he wasn't supposed to be acting so immature... He was a shinshi now, he had to act better than this. Besides.. even he knew that what he wanted, or rather the relationship that he and Akira had now was dangerous. It had been bad enough before when it was just a simple taboo, when she hadn't had the abilities of a Land God and he was just a wild fox demon... Now, this was crossing lines that shouldn't be crossed. You are such a fool... You can halt this now... She'll be safer this way. Kaede silently slipped away, getting out of the bed and moving quietly enough as to not disturb Akira. His gaze had finally taken in the details of her room, though his gaze was transfixed upon her drawings his expression softened ever so slightly, She's... quite good at these, amazing really.. Kaede looked over towards her, though his gaze turned conflicted for a few moments, he had moved over towards her and placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead, whispering quietly, "..I'm sorry." Leaning away, he then turned and silently left through the window, making the trip back towards the shrine. He had to take his duty as a shinshi seriously, he couldn't allow his emotions to get a hold of him.

(Had to throw in a bit of a bump in their relationship with a now distant Kaede, more character development and stuff... And possible Takemi making an appearance XD)

Kaida huffed as she followed him, deciding not to respond verbally this time. Instead, her mind was more focused on if this was a good idea to reveal such sensitive information and so she was quiet, her brow slightly furrowing in the beginnings of deep thought, following him through the streets in silence though her deep thought was almost instantly interrupted by the vulgar comments being spewed as soon as she had stepped with him into the inn. Her face almost immediately turned a deep shade of red as a result of anger and irritation. They're so lucky I don't want to draw attention to myself.. Tch! Irritating!

As Kaida followed him, she was almost relieved that they had escaped the rowdiness of those upon the inn's main floor, her expression one of her clearly more furious ones though she took a moment to take in a deep breath and calm down. Certainly, she would not allow herself to rant at least not yet, its best to focus on the issue at hand with answering Rowan's question. At his words she had nodded her head, but she still seemed a mixture of a bit angry and yet at the same time back to being lost in thought... Surely the best explanation was... but where to begin? With an amused tone, though now she sounded quite distracted, "If my answer doesn't suffice then I'm afraid there won't be much else I can tell you." Kaida frowned ever so slightly, pondering as she stepped forward within the room, though saying, "..I'm certain you've heard briefly of a nature spirit that was common folklore around Archdale? Surely since you're a merchant I'm certain you've heard at least a little bit." Kaida's expression seemed serious, obviously she was trying to ease slowly within the answer itself, taking caution more like.

Kaede was within the shrine, forcing his attention upon cleaning the shrine and maintaining it. As such was what he usually did day to day, and he certainly needed to get back into the flow of things and not get distracted. She's feeling better.. Thank goodness.. He had been frequently testing the bond between them as to check to see if she was still ill, though sensing that it wasn't as severe as the day before he could finally take a moment to relax. He almost had went to check up on her himself, yet he stopped himself before he did. No. Keep the distance. Don't do unnecessary things. Regardless of those thoughts, his ears had drooped a little as he heaved a sigh. This... would probably be more difficult than he had originally thought.

Kaida had let out a small sigh of relief, "Oh good, this makes this somewhat easier to explain then." Her eyes became somber for a few moments, "...Within the coven, this nature spirit has a large source of power, the ability to bring life, revive the land, and purify that which has disease and control the very nature around it. It was a spirit of nature itself, a destructive yet easily beneficial force, something so powerful the church could not leave wandering about so freely... But to them it could've been beneficial to their power." Kaida took a moment's pause to gather her thoughts before she continued, "Unknowingly, during the many wars that have went through that area of Archdale, the nature spirit had perished during the skirmishes as human's violence and destruction had so destroyed the land that it had strong connection to... However before its death, it had fled and had taken shelter within a child." Her gaze seemed distant at this point, as if her gaze was settled on something very far away, "..This child however was taken by the church, proclaimed as dangerous only to fool those that were her family, and to use this child for their personal gain." Her lips pressed in a tight line, though it seemed as if she was debating something within her mind, it seemed as if she had reached a conclusion, with a nod of her head though mostly to herself she then had taken off the shoes that she wore, continuing to speak, "It normally would be difficult to determine which body the nature spirit resided in. After all, who could determine such a thing? However... The mark of the spirit was left upon her body, something that was clear that the perished spirit lived again. Not as their own person, but through the life and body of another." As she had finished that sentence, she without hesitation had begun to remove her clothes, seemingly having no shame in doing so before a man and besides, she was too far into her explaination to stop now... plus she always hated wearing the heavy dress that the temple always provided her, it was far too restraining for her liking.

As the dress had came off, Kaida was left utterly naked before Rowan however there was clearly something that would automatically come to attention to anyone. Yes, her body was slender, petite and lithe, however there was slender black marks upon her soft pale skin, starting from the left collarbone and extending downwards, crossing over her left arm in which it had stopped just before her wrist, the delicate and yet intricate pattern flowed over the left breast and down across her stomach, extending down her left leg and stopping upon the top of her left foot. She turned her back slightly to him, moving some of her long locks of golden hair out of the way to reveal yet more of the spiraling, delicate patterns upon her back, though it moved down to the very center in which the pattern ended in a strange spiraling circle, of which seemed to be giving off some sort of feeling of power eminating from it. Letting her hair once more fall into place, she had turned back to face him, though her expression was wary as she continued, though she was fretting more on how his reaction to this information would be rather than just easily exposing herself to what was quite frankly a stranger. In fact there was still no shame in her eyes, "As you can see... I am the body the nature spirit had so decided to reside within." A faint smile crossed her face, "The church wanted to keep me a secret from others until their rising power within the government was solidified. They wanted to use me as a symbol of their power to unite both government and church only to take it over completely for themselves." She let out a sigh, "However, I find those matters tiring.. I don't wish to concern myself over their fight for power, I had no desire to obey them or bend to the will of anyone." Her eyes became sharp for a few moments, piercing as she said coldly, "It had been the demise of her after all." It was clear that she was talking about the nature spirit that had frequented Archdale before, though she paused and smiled, "But, the church also kept me there because my presence tends to make crops flourish around me. Since Archdale is a farming town, they always had healthy crops due to me being there and so they made a profit upon those who travelled through. Not only that, but animals and people too... They never catch disease or experience any minor sickness. And if they do, with a single touch they would be cured." Kaida added cheerfully, "That really had made me feel useful, like I had a purpose but.." She trailed off as she turned serious, "I greatly disliked being held against my own will. I longed to explore, though the church said it was too dangerous but I escaped anyways." She then stretched a bit, appreciating the fact her movements weren't as constricted as before, "So, that's the basically most of it. But I'm sure that makes you have more questions does it?"

Kaede proceeded to go throughout his duties, or at least he had tried. Everytime he managed to get himself somewhat caught up within his duties, it never failed when a thought of Akira would slip through his focused mind and disrupt his ordered thoughts. Punching the wall before him in frustration, his teeth gritted in annoyance. It was difficult to ignore the bond between himself and Akira, it wasn't easy as she wasn't absent, she was very much still around and it was a herceulean effort in attempts to curve his thoughts. ...I need a drink.. It was rare now for the fox to indulge with alcohol, however this time he couldn't suppress it. Bad habits truthfully were coming back.

Kaida tilted her head at his close scrutiny, unfazed by his gaze upon her body. She was well aware how odd the very markings upon her body would seem so she took no offense to him staring at her. However, she did shuffle her weight from foot to foot, a simple action that anyone would have as being stared upon so closely, though at his face turning such a harsh shade of red, her hands came up to her mouth as she broke out into laughter, though taking his next questions into account she took in a breath and exhaled as her lips were pulled up in a bright smile, allowing her hands to fall away from her lips, "Why?" She sighed, considering the question with care, "...I couldn't. I don't have enough energy for something like that or at least enough to keep them at bay for a long period of time. Using what power I have... I.." She trailed off, a grim expression crossing her face, "...If I use too much, it will overwhelm me, I do not desire to harm anyone if it can be avoided. If anything, I want to protect such life no matter who it is." She laughed however at the very words that she's spoken, "But that is very naïve of me is it not? Its impossible to save everyone."

Kaida sombered after a few seconds, though she had crossed the distance between herself and Rowan and peered at him with a mischievous expression, "Fuhu, aren't you quite the naughty man? You're face is so red still!" She giggled, unable to keep back her laughter, "Really, I'm shocked. But then again, with how intensely you were staring at me I shouldn't be. Just what sort of indecent thoughts were going through your head good sir?" Kaida laughed brightly, "Well, I don't particularly mind. Your blushing really makes you a lot less intimidating, its quite cute really." With that, she decided to leave the poor man be from her teasing, moving back over to her dress that was upon the floor and with feeling much reluctance had slipped it back on, the material hiding her bare body from view.

The next few hours, Kaede had moved within the world of yokai and had promptly drowned himself without hesitation with alcohol. As it was, he had drunk himself silly although now he had managed to get back within the shrine but with much difficulty on focusing upon his destination. As it was, this was not a easy task to do when intoxicated. Kaede let out a huff as his feet finally hit the edge of his futon within his room, having used direct transportation to his room and now had collasped upon the futon itself, rolling over on his side as a few slurred sounds escaped him in attempts to get himself comfortable. His thoughts were mostly imcoherent, however they all managed to come back to the one person who he wanted near him terribly yet at the same time he wanted not to think about. Akira.. A disgruntled sound escaped him as he muttered, "..Why can't I stop?" The fox's ears flattened as he stared restlessly at the ceiling, however dowsiness and the effects of the alcohol he had so drunk had gotten to him and rendered him completely unconscious.

Kaida had been cheerful and in high spirits until her eye twitched at him yet again calling her a child. Teeth gritting, she whipped around to face him with her eyes narrowing fiercely at him, her face yet again an angry shade of red, "I'm not a child! In fact, my mind is well over a thousand years old of knowledge, so if anything I'm your elder and you should be treating me with respect!" She crossed her arms over her chest as a clear scowl crossed her face.

His next taunt however made her freeze only for the red upon her face to deepen as she seemed to get a bit more angry by his teasing, "H-huh?! Don't flatter yourself! As if I would ever fall for you, surely that alcohol has really gotten to your head if you really think I would do something that stupid! If anything you would be the last person I would ever want a relationship with you idiot! Alfred is even more appealing than you!" Clearly Rowan may have riled her up a bit too much, judging by how much of a reaction she had to his teasing and the annoyed eye twitch that had started up as a consequence to her anger. In fact, she almost seemed as if she were fuming, the fierce hostlity back within her eyes even becoming more pronounced as she spotted the playful grin on his face. I oughta wipe that grin off of his stupid face... However instead of resorting to violence of which inevitable would be the next step, she had instead took in a deep breath and exhaled to calm herself as she said in a miffed tone of voice, "Humph, romance isn't appealing to me anyways."

Kaida glared moodily at him, her teeth gritting in a show of obvious anger as she watched him approach her though she had begun to relax at his apology, she had went rigid as soon as he had took a strand of her soft golden hair in hand, only for her face to go an unimaginable shade of red at his next words being whispered in her ear. As much as she wanted so to give a verbal retort or bother to move... she couldn't, more like a small, cute sound akin to a startled squeak had left her. Her eyes had went wide, a clear expression of shock though it seemed truthfully as if Rowan must have won this round of teasing for that had sufficiently had silenced her. Kaida truthfully didn't know how to feel, though feeling as if her heart was racing at such words... She felt very irritated at the same time. He's only mocking me.

However, she couldn't get herself to hit him... Not now. No, she would wait when he was least expecting it, that sure enough would be when she would hit him. She grumbled angrily, "You're so very lucky that you're drunk Rowan, otherwise you would've been a dead man just then." The threat seemed real enough as her usual bright voice had taken on a dark and cold tone. However she felt very flustered either way, and that wasn't something that she enjoyed... At least she had thought so at this moment.

Kaida gave a small huff at him, regardless she seemed less annoyed with him though there was still a bit of irritation she held towards him. At least now she seemed less likely to punch him for his actions, and instead it looks as if he had appeased her at least for now. Sitting upon the bed, she said simply, "Don't think that this will let you off the hook so easily." However it seemed as if the aggression had faded and returned to her usual self, though she paused only to murmur in a sincere tone, "..Thank you Rowan, I really appreciate this." She certainly was grateful to him, honestly she didn't know where she could've been if she'd not hijacked his cart in Archdale or happened to meet him again after parting ways earlier that day. She had kept some information to herself... Something that had truly pushed her to leave the day before, however she would not voice it, not yet. That was something she would keep to herself.

The day's events had of course worn Kaida out, her energy that certainly seemed boundless had clearly went low at least for the day, especially with her little bit of anger just a few moments before. So, she had without any convincing had made herself comfortable within the bed, snuggling up within the blankets and almost immediately had fallen asleep, though not before mumbling sleepily, "Goodnight Rowan."

Kaida had taken quite a bit to wake up, however the smell of food had ultimately roused her from sleep making her eyes ever so slowly open before quietly sitting up. Rubbing her eyes, she sleepily looked over towards Rowan though seeing him at the desk she had noted that he seemed particularly busy, so she didn't want to disturb him just yet. Besides, there were other more important matters to attend to and that was always upon her mind first and foremost; delicious food. Quietly getting out of the bed as to not disturb Rowan, she set her attention to eating first and thoroughly had enjoyed the food that was provided. Once done with that, she set her sights on at least tidying up the bed a little bit, a habit formed due to living within the Archdale temple as she would often get scoldings if she didn't do so.

Finding this done too, she looked back over towards Rowan and tilted her head to the side, though what he was doing seemed very important... He really seemed serious about it. He really is a hard working man. A small smile had crossed her face, sitting upon the bed and feeling content with just watching him for now. After all, if someone seemed so dedicated to something it really never ceased to grab Kaida's attention and put her in a state of awe, though her original intentions was the sneak up behind him and promptly punch him for the teasing he had done curing the night, she couldn't bring herself to break his concentration right now. Besides, she didn't want to be rude, he did give her food, had put up with her hijacking his cart, and had so kindly allowed her to stay within his room in the inn for the night. If anything, she should allow him to work in peace and she was simply content with watching him do so, though she was a bit curious as Kaida was always a curious girl, yet it seemed important and she didn't want to be nosey, so instead she sat in silence merely watching him.

Kaida jumped a bit herself at Rowan turning around so suddenly, she had been watching him intently and her curiosity building with each moment that passed by she just hadn't expected him to move. She didn't understand why she felt so startled, or rather the unpleasant feeling of being slightly flustered had returned. I don't understand it. Regardless, her facial expression remained rather calm as she said simply and truthfully, "You seemed so caught up in whatever you were doing, I just didn't feel like interrupting you." She gave him a warm smile afterwards, her eyes brightening, "I can't help but feel a bit envious when someone is so focused on something. Though, it kind of makes me want to try harder on what I'm focusing on."

With that, she had got up from the bed and glanced over towards him, though almost as if picking up on his thoughts she had glowered at him a bit, "...You've got a very punchable face Rowan. Don't test my patience." Clearly Kaida wasn't pleased with him quite yet, instead she seemed to be harboring a grudge against him, it seemed that if anything he had only irritated Kaida, especially with the night's events. She certainly wasn't someone that could easily be charmed, and judging by the death glare she was giving him she certainly didn't appreciate possible hinting that she was even the slightest interested in him. However, she couldn't deny that she did feel a bit flustered... But she would deny it regardless.

Kaida blinked a few times, He actually smiled? And he's not drunk? Who is this person? She however decided to mask her surprise on this small detail, she was oddly expecting his stoic expression or menacing glares already, her that didn't stop her from giving him a strange look as if he were some oddity that sudden appeared before her. This however changed to an expression of brief excitement, her eyes brightening up almost immediately, "Hehe, of course." She certainly seemed in a happier mood already, moving towards him and yet pausing if only for a second seeing his outstretched hand.

Surely... He doesn't mean to hold my hand? A brief glance upwards to his face and she immediately thought, Yep, certainly not. Humph.. irritating man doing such a misleading thing. Who does he think he is anyways?! Kaida regardless had smiled and grabbed hold of his hand, though not sure why such a thing had irritated her, as a result she had unintentionally gripped his hand harder than she would've done normally, though the strength behind the grip itself was a bit shocking, for such a small girl she certainly seemed more than capable of breaking his hand in such a simple action if she so felt inclined, in fact there was almost a sinister look behind her eyes as if the foul mood she was in just a few seconds ago was lurking just underneath the surface of her light hearted expression, letting go of his hand as she said brightly, "Let's go then!" It was certainly clear that it would be a struggle to appease Kaida, especially as dangerous as she was... No wonder the church had tried to keep her from the public.

"Everything is so pretty!" The bright excitement and happiness upon her face certainly was a sure sign that she was in quite the good mood. In fact, she couldn't stay still for too long, often walking ahead and looking with unhidden curiosity at any possible thing that caught her eye which of course was basically everything. She always returned to Rowan's side however, she didn't feel like getting lost and as terrible as her sense of direction was, she left her trust to Rowan as to be the one to know where they were going considering Kaida was absolutely awestruck by everything around her, vivid expressions of excitement never ceasing to cross her face.

She paused however, returning to Rowan just as quickly though truly giving him a bright smile, clearly very happy, "You are certainly forgiven." Clearly she was completely disregarding her grudge towards him earlier and it certainly seemed as if he had appeased her for now. She certainly seemed as excited as a child at the moment, though earlier she had looked upon the vendors to browse and causing quite a few smiles and laughter for those who were selling items, even had caused quite cheerful conversations with a few. There was almost a certain revitalizing aura about her at this moment, though it could mostly be due to the fact she was so enthusiastic about the festival activities, she seemed a bit more vibrant than usual.