Welcome to Gaia! ::

Tora smiled warmly. "It's a very possible dream," she said. "I thought the exact thing you are now," she added. "I was so worried I wouldn't make it. But, with hard work you can do anything!" Tora gently squeezed Yuri's hand and gave another smile. "Come, come have tea with me and tell me how you're doing!" Tora quickly glanced at Yuri and saw herself when she was a maiko.

Never in a million years, then, would she dream she'd be standing here today. She smiled inwardly at how much she'd grown. There had been many hurtles and bad things to come to her, but she was a much stronger person now because of it. Boy did she ever have a story to cheer Yuri up!

Tora smiled at the young maiko as she poured her some tea. "So, Yuri-chan, how are things with you?" she asked. "Classes, friends, and things of the sort?" Tora then poured herself some tea and started to sip on it.

"Yes, I was there!" Tora exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you," she smiled. She looked closely at the pendant and her smile softend. "It's so beautiful," Tora said in a whispy voice. "Did your father make it?" she asked, looking up at Yuri.

"Ah, I see," Tora said with a smile. She sat back and sipped her tea in thought. Tora placed her cup on the table and stared at her reflection. "When I was a maiko, I felt the exact same way you do, Yuri-chan," she began. "There are many things that will happen to you on your journey- both good and bad." She paused. "And some things will scar your heart for life," she added, just above a whisper. "However, it's what you do with that scarred heart that matters," Tora said a little stronger. "You can choose to let it get the best of you, and you can be bitter and wallow in self pitty for the rest of your life." She paused again and looked Yuri in the eyes. "Or you can mold it to make you stronger!"

Tora looked out into her garden, eyes scanning the yard. "Just like a cherry blossom dies in the winter, it will always come back in the spring." She looked back into her cup, and then looked back at Yuri. "I am in the process of molding that winter into spring and making my heart bloom again," she said with a soft smile. "I have had a harsh winter, as everyone will at some point in their life. Just know, little Yuri-chan, that spring can only be just around the corner." Tora suddenly grew wide-eyed, blushed, and gigled nervously. "Forgive me," she bowed. "I get long winded sometimes."

Tora smiled and bowed her head in a nod. She then sighed and rested her chin in her hands. "I just wish I could follow my own advice," she said heavily. Tora drumed her fingers lightly on the table as another sigh escaped her lips. She then added a nervous giggle.

Tora smiled. "You now, you're right," she said relieved. Tora felt better after hearing Yuri say that. She poured them both fresh tea and smiled again. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much," she said apologetically after a few moments of silence. "My duties have gotten the best of me." Tora paused and looked around. "This is the only place I can come to and feel safe," she said. "That's why I created it," she added. "Not only for me, but for everyone needing to get away!"

((OOC: That's okay. 3nodding Good luck on your project! biggrin ))

Tora blushed at Yuri's comment. "Thank you!" A soft smile spread gently across Tora's face. "That's a wonderful idea, Yuri-chan!" Tora hung her head to the side as another smile crossed her face. "And don't be afraid to voice your opinion either," she said. Tora placed a reassuring hand over Yuri's. "I didn't voice mine, so therefore something very dear to me slipped away. I'm not making the same mistake twice," she added, shaking her head. Tora gave Yuri's had a squeeze and winked at her before she went back to sipping her tea. Her mind drifted to Hirose and if he felt the same way about her as she did about him. She blushed.