- It's general, Taiki POV. Fifteen minute exercises don't leave much room for planning or development, when you write as slowly as I do.


Even at the beginning of summer the night air in Tai was crisp, the wind biting. Taiki rushed through the garden between the king's rooms and his own, a large scroll case clutched tightly to his chest, the hem of his robe flapping in gusts of snow-scented air. He'd promised to deliver this scroll to Gyousou on Kamurai's behalf, and here he was, shamefully late. As if he couldn't bother to remember such a thing when distracted by sweets.

He entered the palace a bit self-consciously, stopping a few steps in to catch his breath and adjust his hold on the scroll. There was light at the end of the hall around the corner, where the door his master's study was open and waiting for him. He'd have come along soon anyway for the evening meal, but it was still early yet.

The murmur of voices made his ears perk. Was Master Gyousou in a meeting? Taiki faltered, clutching the scroll. It was bad enough to be underfoot during the day, but to worm his way under the king's sleeve now, too, when he had no business doing so? If that was Kamurai in there, he would just die of mortification. They made allowances for him because he was still young, he /knew/ that. Must he continue to disappoint them, even when they were so generous with their expectations?

Taiki bit the inside of his lip and made himself continue down the hallway. Hiding from his failure would only be more disappointing.


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Word: falter
[13 min. Completed 4:43pm 09/07/04.]

Someday I'll get him right - maybe in a real story, god forbid. Someday~