“In my country, when there would be a day like today, where
you had sun and rain at the same time, it was said to mark the occasion of a
kitsune’s wedding,” Yuuki told Anna.
“It must have been beautiful with all the kitsune dressed in
their best robes and the rain sparkling in the sunlight and – oh – there must
always have been rainbows at every one!” Anna said.
“Yes it was a grand sight only open to a select few; not that
there weren’t those who tried to go where they were not invited.”
“What happened to people who tried to sneak a peek?”
Yuuki pulled out a small, worn pouch of indeterminate color and dubious scent,
contemplated it a moment before he tucked it away again and replied, “They
learned sneaking into a wedding won't do you any good if you cannot see the bride and groom.”
I want to see inside the pouch!
ReplyDeleteLOL...There's room for more story in there...
DeleteHave you seen Akira Kurosawa's film "Dreams"? The segment called "Sunshine Through Rain" is all about an uninvited child who witnesses a kitsune wedding and is punished as a result. The whole segment is here:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGyrdfXVOlA
I remember finding this SO disturbing the first time I saw it over 20 years ago. I didn't understand the Japanese mindset then. (Not that I do now either, I suppose, really . . . . )
Yes, I have. In fact I almost posted the clip of it on the blog directly (Thanks for including it in the comments - it's subtly creepy, but it does stick with a person!)
DeleteThere is a lot of lore surrounding kitsune/ fox spirits in Japan, and there are even ways a mortal can try to catch a glimpse of it. But the feeling I get from reading the lore is of course you *could* try to see one, but why would you want to? If you were caught going where you shouldn't be you would be risking the kitsune's wrath. They are an awful lot like the Fair Folk of old stories; kind to those very few they chose to be kind to but often mischievous if not downright malicious. People didn't want to meddle in their business unless they absolutely had to!
I liiiiiiiike it. What is in the pouch? Darkness powder or permanent blindness?
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'd think it'd be more permanent.
DeleteI love Japanese folktales! Retributions is always so swift and...permanent! You captured the feel perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love trying my hand at recreating the feel. I know I have more Yuuki stories to write, as well as stories of other fey creatures Yuuki might encounter.
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