the sun was shining on the beautiful, green countryside. It was warm and the air smelled of flowers and earth. As Ikaru stepped out of the garden gate with her bucket, she took a deep breath and, breathed it out with a sigh. Today was soo beautiful it was almost a joy to do her chores. Almost. as Ikaru took the first step toward the river, she thought of when she had been younger. As long ago as she could remember, carrying water had been her chore. Back and forth until there was enough water for the family's needs. Just back and forth. Fusuki Ikaru probably could walk this path with her eyes closed. Either side of the path was lined with the green summer wheat that, when it was ripe, would be sold for a profit in the market. The path itself was a simple dirt path that had long ago been worn and packed down from use. The path held so many memories. this is where she used to play with her brother and his best friend, Motomora Hikari. Ahhh. Motomora Hikari. Ikaru thought back to the night Hikari had proposed. They had walked down this path together, Hikari and Ikaru, to the river. There they sat down on a broad, flat rock and, after many moments of confused silence, Hikari had proposed. Ikaru had never felt happier than when Hikari had kissed her after she had said yes. Ikaru had been so deep in thought, she hadn't noticed how much of the path she had covered. She was just entering the forest. only a few more paces would see her to the river. Ikaru breathed in deeply the smell of the damp earth, deomposing leaves, the clear, cool water, and then she smiled. As she kneeled down to fill the bucket, Ikaru dipped her hand into the river nad rubbed the water on her neck. "No one will notice if I am a little late," Ikaru said. Then she took off her kimono and outside shoes, then stepped into the river. Everybody tell me if you like this story. If you do, either there will be more installments or more stories like it. It's up to you guys.

ok way a minute shes going to take a swim, possibly bath in the drinking water... well it is a river that flows so nevermind. Catie you remind me of me when i was starting to write. Then again many stories and situations leave me with a "THEN WHAT!?!?" feel. Only the ones tied in a time loop are sufficient for me when the end becomes the begining. That's just me.

i was kinda going for the then what feel in case i wanted to add more later or to make a series with the same character. was it good other than that?

its nice/good story yes. It has a calm and contemplative feel.

goody gumdrops.