Farewell My Concubine

In order to obtain the rare blues and violets I have traveled away from the posh palace of Ireem. Across the burning sands I have traveled, to a massive city to the north, Irahs. The streets are lined with vendors selling there wears. Everything from fine silks, fresh meats, and human lives are on display... ready to be taken by the person with the most coin in their purse. I am here to by herbs that can be ground into paints. I will buy a massive amount of Isatis tinctoria... the leaves can be used to make blue dye. Price, yet worth the cost. I shall spend an entire month's allowance. But in the end, it shall be worth it...

Here... I have already started to forget the troubles I once had. Maybe... I can also forget that I am a twenty three year old unmarried maiden... one who has no plans to marry or settle down. Now that I am on the path of an artist I can continue on my original plans... Once I learn enough from the court and from her highness... I shall return to the seas... I know those plans are a long ways off. Maybe -- even a few years or so away...

Until then, I focus on simply painting the beauty that surrounds me. I do hope Princess Lexie and Princess Page have time to sit for a painting. How lovely they both look in the style of gown made popular by the sultana herself... the ones with the trains that so elegantly glide along the cool marble flooring...