Dead leaves were scattered all around, a sign that winter was on its way. The breeze was chilling and the sky cloudy, but man never changes with the seasons.
As always, the sounds of haggling and yelling filled the air. It was far from subtle, but by then she had already gotten used to it.
That day in particular was different because this time she wasn't shopping alone. Walking briskly beside her was Kanami, the signs of her pregnancy clear for all to see.
"Slow down," Miyuki pleaded. "You might hurt yourself."
"I'm fine," she said, matching her pace. "I haven't been outside in a long time, so I want to pass by all my favourite places."
"I still think you should've stayed home, Kanami," Miyuki said worriedly. "You don't have to go to such lengths when I'm here."
"Walking around is healthy," she replied as she passed her hand over her belly. "The baby is going to be born weak if I don't get enough exercise."
"Now you're just making things up," Miyuki said with a sigh.
"Since we're out here, we can just pass the time by chatting," Kanami said with a smile. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"
Miyuki thought for a moment but still couldn't come up with anything.
She laughed and said, "I guess it's my fault for pressuring you like that. We should just let it happen naturally."
As she said that, the two took a left turn by some buildings, and the large statue came into view in the distance.
That's when something clicked in Miyuki, and she said, "Back when we first came to town, the old man we were with said that that statue was built by some famous artisan and that her descendants are still in the same craft."
"I just thought of it, but could they be you and Ayako?" she asked. "You certainly fit the description."
"I guess we're pretty popular, huh?" Kanami chuckled.
"Can you tell me more about her?" Miyuki asked. "About the girl who made it."
"When we asked our father about it, he said that her name was Aiko Shio," Kanami replied. "She was the younger sister of our great-grandfather."
"He said that she was really talented and even trained my grandfather and his sister before she died from a disease that she was born with," she continued. "From what I know, she died young and without any kids."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Miyuki said.
"It couldn't be helped," she replied. "My father said that her work was what accelerated her disease. Since the village was blooming into a town, there was no shortage of people who wanted her work specifically."
"He said that my grandfather's sister adored her and loved listening to her stories of the man who saved the village."
"The Ember Snowflake?" Miyuki asked.
"Yeah. She was so fascinated by them that a year after Aiko's death she left town to go and pursue the skills that she described and also become a hero, but she never came back."
"Some people say that she just found a new home somewhere else or died in some freak storm, but no one knows for sure."
"Where do you think she could have gone?" Miyuki asked.
"From how giddy they say she was, I'm sure she fell in love and settled down somewhere far away," Kanami replied.
"So all these skills that you and Ayako know have been passed down from her?" Miyuki asked.
"Not all of them," she replied. "So far every person in the family learns something new and adds it onto what she's passed down before teaching someone else."
"Like Ayako, for example," she continued. "She's learnt embroidery and ceremonial calligraphy."
"It's brought a lot of traction to the shop, with people wanting custom wedding robes and certificates and such," she continued. "By the way, you've never been to the shop, have you?"
"I've heard about it, but I haven't gotten the chance to go yet," Miyuki replied.
"Then why don't we go there now?" she said. "I can show you all of our preserved pieces. Since we're already done with shopping for the day, it should be fine."
"Sure," Miyuki replied.
They changed their route to a part of town that Miyuki was unfamiliar with, beyond the large bridge over the river cutting through the centre of the town.
This part of town had fewer food and clothing merchants than she was used to, but a large number of blacksmith shops and the like.
Kanami walked straight to a moderately sized one by the end of the street, and Miyuki followed.
Once they were inside, Miyuki was awestruck by the large array of high-quality pots and small sculptures on display.
"Ayako, are you here?" Kanami called out.
A few moments later, she stepped out from the back with a confused look.
"Kanami, why are you here?" she asked. "Aren't you supposed to be home resting?"
"I got bored of being cooped up in there, plus I came to show Miyuki the shop," she replied.
"Oh, it's your first time here. I'm sorry that I didn't remember to bring you sooner," Ayako said as she turned to her. "I've just been so busy lately with all these orders."
"What orders?" Kanami asked.
"Ever since that order came in from the council requesting documentation of title deeds, birth, marriage and death certificates, people have been hounding me to make them every day."
"It used to be something only the rich merchants boasted about, but now everyone wants them. There are only a few people in town who can make those plaques."
"I can't tell if you're boasting intentionally or not," Miyuki said with a smile.
"It's no big deal though," Kanami said. "Just a few more months and I'll be back to help out."
"What do you mean? By then you'll have a newborn to think about," Ayako said. "Jeez, can't you think these things through ahead of time?"
She sighed before saying, "Maybe I should look for an apprentice. Then I can get some free labour."
"You're hardly a master yet," Kanami snickered.
"I'm good enough," she shot back. "Plus, I'm sure there are those out there itching for the bragging rights of being my student."
"Sure," Kanami said, rolling her eyes.
Just then, a middle-aged lady walked in, and they all turned their attention to her.
"Oh my, it's nice to see you again, Kanami," she said.
"You too," Kanami replied.
"I can see that you're coming along pretty well," she said as she turned her gaze to her belly. "Is everything okay so far?"
"It is," she replied.
"And when are you due?" the lady asked.
"The physician said that I might be ready around the end of the twelfth cycle," Kanami replied.
"That's right next to the New Year's festival," she exclaimed. "What a blessed time. I'm sure the baby will be born healthy with those odds."
"I hope so too," she said with a faint smile before looking up and asking, "What can we help you with today?"
"I came to pick up my order from Ayako," she replied, and they all turned back to her.
"Oh yes," Ayako said, jolting upright. "Your plaque is ready. I'll go and get it for you."
She went into the back room and came out holding a finely made wooden plaque with beautiful calligraphy carved into it.
The lady took one look at it and said, "You girls never cease to amaze me. This is remarkable."
Ayako turned to the two with a prideful smirk as the lady handed her a handful of copper coins.
"Thanks a lot," the woman said as she left.
"You're welcome," Ayako replied. "Please come again. And tell everyone about our incredible work."
"I will," the lady said before walking out the door.
"Well, it's about time for lunch, and since we just got paid, why don't we go and eat out?" Ayako asked.
"Sure," Kanami replied. "Just don't tell the guys."