OOC: Season of Summer, Day 30, 514
Dark clouds loomed overhead, twisting and turning as they rolled through the sky. The scent of water hung in the air, threatening to rain at any moment. A brisk breeze shifted the tarps that clung from houses and caused them to crack like a whip as they took to the air. Houses creaked and shuddered in protest while loose sand kicked up into dust devils. It wasn’t so bad though. The impending storm had done wonders for the temperature. The cool breeze offered relief and fresh air while the temperature rapidly dropped into something that almost resembled comfortable.
Ashen eyes looked towards the grey sky, blinking away the dust. Koruma stood with his back to the wall, one hand on his dagger while the other tapped against his leg. He was adorned in his new white ramie shirt and the brown cotton trousers. Compared to his darker garb, they could have been made of the softest material on earth. The lighter colors kept him cool and even managed to dry quickly. Koruma couldn’t help but smile at the thought, pleased with himself for purchasing the clothes. Spending money always made the boy nervous and he tried to avoid any frivolous purchases. If only it wasn’t going to rain.
With the weather quickly turning turbulent, Koruma had to wear his cloak. The thick, midnight blue fabric hung from his body, sucking up what little sun there was and threatening to roast Koruma alive. His hood rested against his shoulders, offered some relief as the long cape fluttered wildly in the wind. He could feel it smack painfully against his legs with each gust, but the sting was easy enough to ignore.
”Alright boya, here you go.” Koruma blinked as the deep baritone interrupted his thoughts. His head turned, gaze meeting the large brute that stood within the doorway. His large shoulders and bronzed skin showed off the hard labor that he endured. A few days worth of stubble hung from his chin and cheeks, giving the man a slightly scruffy appearance. Combined with his baggy eyes, it was easy to see how sleepless his nights had become. Even so, the sharp gaze behind the man’s thickened eyebrows was no laughing matter.
A small bundle of letters lay in his outstretched arm, wrapped together with twine. Stiff letters in the common language were scrawled on each envelope, dictating who they were for. Standing, Koruma took the letters with a slight bow and an offered smile. ”Know where you’re going kid?.” Koruma stood upright and tried his best to seem reassuring as he slipped the letters into his pocket. Nodding, the child replied, ”I know my way around and I have the list memorized. I’ve also got this,” Koruma pushed his cloak aside, revealing the dagger strapped to his hip, ”Should anything go wrong.” Frankly, he was amazed at how steady and confident his voice sounded. It was completely opposite of his normal self. His beaming smile and puffed out chest were acts as he tried his best to reassure the customer.
A dubious look fell over the adult’s face, casting shadows on his eyes as he looked Koruma over with scrutiny. Koruma’s smile faltered under the weight and his hands itched to touch the scar on his forehead. Swallowing, he repressed the urge and tried to smile again. ”Yeah... okay kid. Just go.” A lump formed in Koruma’s throat as the knot in his stomach tightened. This man wasn’t fooled at all. Koruma offered him another small bow and turned, dashing away from the man before he could change his mind.
