I have been with my father all day. I have been in the background of meeting he has had with shop workers, farmers, and even a few of his partners. I have watched him fill out parchments of arrangements as well as task he has to complete. I have watched him give orders to so many people and seen how they scurry off to do his bidding. This is the first day and I am bored. I have not learned anything, and we have not had a chance to speak. It is well last midday, and I cannot wait for the day to end.
Currently he sits at a desk going through files with a man that works for him. He has the parchments explained to him and if it is something he approves he signs it. Every so often he glances my way to see that I am still in the room. When he does this I nod to acknowledge him. As I look around his office I see the shelves lined with scrolls. Things are neatly labeled, and everything is kept in a proper place. There are parchments on every surface I can see. I do not want to anger him by touching anything, so I go back to looking out the window. I have done more gazing today than any other.
The view from this third story window is of the center of the village. I can see every shop and stand. I see everyone as the walk by going about their day. While I just sit here and do nothing. I would much rather be doing something such as shopping like them.
“Erm” my father says clearing his throat. I look at him and see that his servant has left the room. I sit up straighter in my chair to see what he has to say. “What do you think so far”? He questions me.
“You do a lot. There are lots of papers to sign and many people to see” I say. This is all I have observed today. He chuckles in reply.
“That I do. Today is a simple day though. Nothing has gone wrong, and most things just need my approval. I wanted things to start off simple” he says. “On a normal day I am not in the office this long. Since today was the only day I could cut short I figured it would be good to get the paperwork mostly out of the way. Now that we have time we can talk. What would you like to know”? He asks.
“Do you like doing all this? The paperwork and giving people orders?” I question.
“Yes. I am accustomed to it. My job is more than paperwork and giving orders Draco. The decisions I make ensure that the village runs smoothly. We find ways to help those in need and punish those who try to disrupt the peace we have here.” He informs me. “Tomorrow you will see some of the other things I do. Today things will have seemed…well boring but I’m sure you will find excitement in the rest” he says. “Now come, I have ordered an early supper for us so I can get to know you to” he orders me as he stands to leave his office.
At the table we proceed to ask questions about the interest of the other. I get to know more about the type of people he deals with on a daily basis and how he manages some things. He gets to hear about my friends and what I do outside of my studies. When it starts to get close to sundown our conversation comes to a stale mate.
“Well as it is getting late in the evening I am due to take my leave. I will see you tomorrow morning” he says. He shakes my hand awkwardly and takes his leave. I head home to get some sleep wondering how Io like her first gift.
Io
Working in the fields today was unable to help with my sorrow at missing Draco. It helped to pass the time, but my mind did not stray far from wondering how he was caring with his father. When my hut comes into view on my journey home I see that someone sits in my stoop. When I get closer I see that it is Draco’s friend Huli. I wonder why he is here.
“Hello Huli” I say in greeting.
“Hello Io” he says bowing. “I know you are probably wondering why I am here. Draco said you would be surprised.” He begins. “This is for you” he says. He holds a gift in his hands I had not noticed at first. “It comes with a note. I am also supposed to tell you that he is thinking of you.” He states.
“Thank you for bringing this. I was surprised to see you as I was not expecting someone until tomorrow” I tell him.
“It’s no problem. I must get back to my studies though. I hope you enjoy the gift, and it was nice to see you again.” He says. He then bows and briskly walks toward the village.
As I enter my hut I smell something sweet. When I sniff the package I realized that it is the reason for the scent. I carefully open the small package and am rewarded with a small box that has holes in the top. Inside the box is small, round, white balls. They smell heavenly. Underneath the box is a folded piece of parchment with Draco writing.
My Io,
This is Mochi. It is a dessert I think you will like because it is my favorite. It is filled with a sweet bean paste and a pastry of rice flour. Often when we kiss your sweet taste reminds me of it. I am sorry that I am not there to enjoy it with you, but I hope it makes you think of me.
Love Draco.
I smile at the thought of getting to taste something he enjoys. I pick up one of the balls from the box and notice it is soft sticky texture. I place it in my mouth and chew. The pastry is creamy and melts in your mouth. The bean paste on the inside is bitter, sweet and delicious. I can see why he likes these treats so much. After eating another I decide to wait to eat the rest after dinner. I am sure my father would love to try one. I cannot wait to see what Draco will gift me with next.