Routine

[Kira Adia]

Sunrise. The redheaded mistress of the house sat on her balcony overlooking the garden. Her first pot of tea for the day was already complete, and the second was steeping. As a departure from her historical trend of ignoring food, Kira had lately taken to taking a light breakfast, even when Mira or Ellie were not around. Today, she was enjoying apple jam on an english bagel.

Early morning, and Kira was in her work office on the first floor. She had no morning appointments today, so she was free to attend to reviewing paperwork and policy proposals at her leisure. She set aside two hours to the task on days like today. More than enough to read and digest the documents before her carefully. By the end of it, she would have signatures and an agenda sent back to her assistant at the office.

The remainder of her morning belonged to her garden. Weeds were a constant chore, especially in the unique conditions of her estate. Every day, a few more invaders appeared in her soil, but it was no bother. The remains would be added to the compost, and for a while, Kira let go of her mastery of earth, allowing the dirt to gather under her nails and coat her clothing. She wore a sun hat today. She had no good reason for it. She simply felt like wearing it.

She did not eat lunch alone. Instead, she took an opportunity to shower and clean up for the afternoon. She decided today would be a good day to stop by New Market and browse a bit before heading to the Governor's Office for work. There was one appointment and one staff meeting she needed to attend, and she did not intend to give her entire afternoon to sitting in an office that, by all accounts, did not need her there physically. She could access her files anywhere, and her assistant had her number. She called more often than Linna, but no one could replace her.

She missed Linna dearly. She'd need to make an excuse to visit soon.

She spent an hour at the Dragon, tucked away in a private booth with her tea pot and journal. Most people may never notice her, but she was there more days than not. James joined her today. He was there every day, dependably, even if she did not always see him. She had not crossed paths with friends as much in the past week, but she blamed that on stopping by earlier and leaving sooner.

As the sun fell, Kira took some time to review the latest draft of the plans for her new house. This looked like it could be the one, but she made a few notations for the changes she wanted. Minor changes, so the next response from the architect would likely be the last before final approval. She had high hopes for breaking earth next week. Kira was eager to have the new home built. A home for her family, not just for her.

With that complete, Kira made her way to the Gazebo on the central plaza for tea as the sun set. She followed this with a nighttime stroll through Everspring Grove, taking time to say a silent prayer before Iskira. She did not come to the shrine often during the warmer months, but it was her hunting season, so she would be spending significantly more time with her devotional practices soon.

Her gods were not in RhyDin, but it was soothing to pay her respects to her patron goddess.

Ay midnight, Kira found herself in her private office upstairs. The slow, sombre notes of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata resonated through the room as Kira's fingers danced across the keys of her piano. The more portable keyboard was fun, but she liked to use the proper instrument from time to time.

She practiced daily. Kira hoped to begin practicing jazz tunes soon. Next time Mira spent a few evenings in a row with her, she hoped they might have a chance to play together. Kira felt more confident in her ability to accompany Mira on Zazni than she had a few weeks ago.

The late night hours would not belong to sleep tonight. Kira did not sleep alone. She could try, but she'd get only an hour or two at best. She couldn't bring herself to risk what dreams may come if she did. At least when she wasn't alone, there was a chance she could relive happy memories.

Instead, she did what she had been doing since her first nights in RhyDin. Every so often, she went to the Library. Occasionally, she stayed in her room in the Dragon, but the presence of a certain tenant at the Inn made that prospect undesirable. Tonight, Kira was at her private desk, tomes of magical lore and forgotten books of spells and theories open before her. Earth, the Fae, her cultural history, rune lore. All of it called to her night after night, forever seeking the next milestone of mastery.

By sunrise, the redheaded mistress of House Adia was again on the balcony, steeping her second pot of tea as the sun rose over her home. A plate of bacon and eggs cooled in the chill of dawn. Across the garden, she could see an apple ready to be picked in one of her trees.