Cherry Blossoms Sanctuary

[Kakita Sakura]

OOC: Permission granted by SAGM Aurora to put this up. Home is completed.

IC: Cherry Blossoms Sanctuary

Kakita Sakura has a home in Olympia, named the Cherry Blossoms Sanctuary, located close to a river that is very clean all year round. The place she stays has a five-room house, a greenhouse and a herb farm of an acre in size.

In respect of the house, it was a well-thought out one. In general, it was a strong house with sturdy stones mixed with some good cement, and wood was there for extra support.

Specifically however, the house was built with the following five rooms, with a small pond near the corridors. The rooms were: a living room, a gym and training room, bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen cum storeroom.

The living room was a standard living room. Some decorative pillars, door frames and window frames made of wood.

The gym and training room was plain with lots of space to move about, with the ceiling strong and with rings attached above. It was intended to be furnished with gym equipment like tumbling mats, balancing beams, parallel bars, horizontal bars, a pommel horse and uneven bars. It was also intended to be a training room for Pan'kra. The interior of the gym and training room is wooden.

The bedroom had a strong door and a false bottom, providing a place to hide in times of trouble. The bathroom had a bathtub and beneath it, a small furnace to place firewood to heat up the water when she wanted to bathe at night. The floor of the bathroom was made of marble.

The kitchen had two stoves for cooking food and boiling water, and an internal stove to roast or bake things, with a chimney to allow the heat to be let out. It was intended to be furnished with cupboards and a dining table there.

Drainage and sewerage systems were taken into consideration when the house was built.

As for the herb farm, it has a proper irrigation system where the water from the river can be diverted to the plot of land with herbs grown on them, reducing work on her part and also to raise productivity.

Partitioned into four separate areas, with a path in between them, it allows for irrigation and walking paths as well. The whole land, being square, is divided into four smaller squares, on the top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right. The division of those parts were established with footpaths and irrigation drains, to allow for walking and plant growth as well as to prevent fire from spreading from one partition to another.

In the middle section of the plot of land, lay a clear circle with a radius of fourty yards from the centre, with space for a druid's ring as well as a home for birds to settle in. The place was intended for giving the birds a place to nest as well as to help in pest control. Four large stones were positioned at the edge of the circle, near the pathways that led to each direction.

Located on the opposite of the path close to her home was a greenhouse, about the size of her home as well.

The perimeter of the land and her home had wooden fences built, at the height of around six feet, and had doors with locks to control entry, with roses growing on them, for medical, beauty and security purposes. The sharp thorns were intended to be deterrent against trespassing.

Growing within the sanctuary are vines of roses covering the wooden fences on the edge of its perimeters. Its plains are having red and green grass in abundance, beautiful to look at, but within them, containing herbal properties. Within the sanctuary, cherry blossom trees beautify the place with its colourful pink petals. Other herbs grow abundantly.

[Kakita Sakura]

From the onset of the construction of her home, Kakita Sakura had already planned what she wanted to do for her herb farm. While in her herbalism class with Parfum, she had read through the medical reference and had discerned the important herbs she wanted to grow at her home.

She decided that basic herbs would be her first priority, for they would be in great demand for the various hurts and injuries needed to tend to the sick and wounded. Intermediate herbs and advanced herbs were to treat injuries that were difficult to attend to, those that were serious in injury.

She was aware that divine magic was one way of healing the sick and wounded, but she suspected there was a limit to divine magic. The number of people that could be healed was limited, for power was derived from one's self.

Marking down in her notes, she planned the following for growing in her garden:

Basic Herbs (50%):

LURNE 30% - Stops light to moderate bleeding, external wounds; Grass
REVIAL 20% - Heals broken bones, hairline fracture; Plant


Intermediate Herbs (25%)

UBURDA 2% - Light/Moderate Bruising; Leaves from herb
CAITLA 2% - Sprains; Roots from herb
FREJ 2% - Muscle Damage; Tree Sap
JAMBLAI 2% - Burns of 2nd degree; Roots from herb
PRU LEAF 2% - General Burns; Leaves from herb
ALAMET 2% - Fever; Dried Flowers
BASIL (Lemon) 2% - Cold/Congestion; Leaves
CORIN 2% - Head/Toothache; Creeping Vine
BASIL (Tart) 2% - Muscle Pain, associated with stiffness; twigs
FEELWELL 3% - Muscle Pain, associated with exhaustion; fruit
GALIGIO 2% - Fatigue/Pain, associated with hunger; seeds from tiny flowers
MARIGOLD 2% - Infection (antibacterial/internal); dried flowers


Advanced Herbs (10%)

FURUNA 0.5% - Inflammations/ Hemorrhaging (internal); leaves from herb
PEONY 0.5% - Bleeding (moderate/general); flowers from herb
CANDLESTALK 0.5% - Splintered Bones; leaves
AZALT 0.5% - Mouth Sores (Syphilis); Root
WHITEBRUSH 0.5% - Eye damage; Flowers from herb
ARINAE 0.5% - Insomnia; Twigs from bush
BREATHWORT 0.5% - Lung Disease (symptoms); Leaves
DYXANIA 0.5% - Ingested Poison; Root
GONELIVER 0.5% - Liver Disease; Seeds
SALIT FRUIT 0.5% - Injected and Ingested Poison; Fruit
BASIL (Tart) 0.5% - Frostbite; Leaves
THYME 0.5% - Infection (external); dried flowers
CHAMOMILE 0.5% - Emotional duress (stress); Flowers
FORANE 3.0% - Pre-shock/Timed Sleep tea; Leaves
LADDERSTEM 0.5% - Pain (associated with wounds); flowers
PINESLEEP 0.5% - Excitement (terrorized); bark
QUIVIR 0.5% - Spasmodic (advanced shock); roots


Cherry Blossom Trees (3%)
Rose Vines and Bushes (2%) on the wooden fences

Greenhouse Herbs (10%)

Contains all herbs planted at a rate, pro-rated 1 to 8.5. Example: Revial within the greenhouse would be 2.35% (20% divided by 8.5)

By the time her home and farm was up, to her own surprise, some of the simpler plants were grown up.

(OOC: Surprise granted by SAGM Aurora).

Grown upon her land upon completion of construction in late autumn of Era IX, In the Age of the Darkening, as a surprise from the workers were as follows:

Lurne, 30% of the grounds (A tall grass growing on the vast plains.)
Revial, 20% of the grounds (A tall grass with a distinct red border on its leaves.)
Cherry Blossom Trees. 3% of the grounds (decorative)
Rose Vines and Bushes, 2% of the grounds, on the fences (decorative, security, medical)
Uburda, 2% of the grounds (This plant has a cluster of dark green leaves, with marked parallel veins at its base, a single stem topped by a cluster of tiny, pale orange flowers. The chopped leaves are applied to the flesh to reduce bruising.)

[Kakita Sakura]

OOC: Very useful farming reference here.

IC: In order to plan the growth of her own garden's crops, Kakita Sakura had to do calculations and draw up plans as to how to grow and sub-divide the partitions of the crops.

Needless to say, she was no great mathematician, but she was able to go general measurements, and after visiting the university's library to look up on measurements, she learnt an acre was 43560 square feet. Leaving a reasonable margin of error in planting partitions of 5%, that would result in 41382 square feet. Allowing for other possible irregularities, she subtracted 1382 square feet to allow for space taken up by her irrigation system, leaving her 40000 square feet to plant her crops.

With 40000 square feet, logically it meant to be 100% of her land. Every 1% would mean crops were grown on 400 square feet. 1 acre may seem a frightfully small number to others, but when calculating in square feet, it was a lot to plant and manage.

Marking in her notes, she calculated to likely yield and growth area required, with the intention of avoiding overcrowding of the plants.

Grass was easy to grow, and in 1 square feet, was likely to yield about 50 grass leaves, monthly (1 square feet of grass = 50 grass leaves/month.)

Trees took up some space, but their yield should be high as the crops needed will not be harvested from the ground. 4 square feet was likely to support a tree (based on trunk size). 1 tree, she estimated, would likely support a humble estimation of 1000 leaves, 50 tree sap collections, 25 fruits, 1000 twigs, 1 bark collection or 100 flowers per month. (4 square feet with one tree = 1000 leaves; 50 tree sap collections; 25 fruits; 1000 twigs, 1 bark collection; 100 flowers/per month.)

Herbs however were tricky. They weren't too big like trees, but they tended to vary in sizes. Allowing for very efficient growth on the ground, with sufficient space, she decided to allocate 1 square feet per herb. She didn't want to exploit the plants though, so she decided to plan her moderation of their gifts to the following: 1 flower, 2 seeds, 0.5 roots, 2 leaves per month.
(1 square feet of herbs = 1 flower; 2 seeds, 0.5 roots; 2 leaves/month).

For creeping vines and roses, she would leave them to grow on her wooden fences. 1 square feet in her view would easily support one creeping vine, and as for roses, supporting 10 rose buds, due to the height of her fences. Yield would easily be 1 creeping vine or 10 roses, though she would harvest only 5 per month. (1 square feet of vines = 1 creeping vine harvest; 5 rose buds/month.)

OOC: Before proceeding on, need moderator's opinion if this is acceptable.

[Kakita Sakura]

(Based on approval given by SAGM Aurora via PM, for the above post):

OOC Monthly Yield (Weather is good all year):

Lurne 30% Grass = (30*400) square feet * 50 grass leaves = 600,000 grass leaves
Revial 20% Grass = (20*400) * 50 = 400,000 grass leaves
Uburda 2% Herb Leaves = (2*400) * 2 = 1600 herb leaves
Caitla 2% Herb Roots = (2*400) * 0.5 = 400 herb roots
Jamblai 2% Tree Sap = (2*400/4) * 50 = 10000 tree sap collections
Pru Leaf 2% Herb Leaves = (2*400) * 2 = 1600 herb leaves
Alamet 2% Tree Flowers = (2*400/4) * 100 = 20000 tree flowers
Basil (Lemon) 2% Tree Leaves = (2*400/4) * 1000 = 200,000 tree leaves
Corin 2% Creeping Vine = (2*400) * 1 = 800 creeping vines
Basil (Tart) 2% Tree Twigs = (2*400/4) * 1000 = 200,000 tree twigs
Feelwell 3% Tree Fruit = (3*400/4) * 25 = 7,500 tree fruits
Galigio 2% Herb Seeds = (2*400) * 2 = 1600 herb seeds
Marigold 2% Tree Flowers = (2*400/4) * 100 = 20,000 tree flowers
Furuna 0.5% Herb Leaves = (0.5*400) * 2 = 400 herb leaves
Peony 0.5% Herb Flowers = (0.5*400) * 1 = 200 herb flowers
Candlestalk 0.5% Tree Leaves = (0.5*400/4) * 1000 = 50,000 tree leaves
Azalt 0.5% Herb Roots = (0.5*400) * 0.5 = 100 herb roots
Whitebrush 0.5% Herb Flowers = (0.5*400) * 1 = 200 herb flowers
Arinae 0.5% Bush Twigs = (0.5*400) * 100 = 20,000 bush twigs
Breathwort 0.5% Tree Leaves = (0.5*400/4) * 1000 = 50,000 tree leaves
Dyxania 0.5% Herb Roots = (0.5*400) * 0.5 = 100 herb roots
Goneliver 0.5% Herb Seeds = (0.5*400) * 2 = 400 herb seeds
Salit Fruit 0.5% Tree Fruit = (0.5*400/4) * 25 = 1250 tree fruits
Basil (Tart) 0.5% Tree Leaves = (0.5*400/4) * 1000 = 50,000 tree leaves
Thyme 0.5% Tree Flowers = (0.5*400/4) * 100 = 5,000 tree flowers
Chamomile 0.5% Tree Flowers = (0.5*400/4) * 100 = 5,000 tree flowers
Forane 3.0% Tree Leaves = (3*400/4) * 1000 = 300,000 tree leaves
Ladderstem 0.5% Tree Flowers = (0.5*400/4) * 100 = 5,000 tree flowers
Pinesleep 0.5% Tree Bark = (0.5*400/4) * 1 = 50 barks
Quivir 0.5% Herb Roots = (0.5*400) * 0.5 = 100 herb roots
Rose Vines 2% Creeping Vines = (2*400) * 5 = 4,000 rose buds

Greenhouse (for emergencies).

[Aurora]

Several men pulled up in front of Kakita's house, they had her order for her gym items that she wanted ready for her.

Also behind them were Chris and Mark. Ready for their day's orders.

[Aurora]

OOCC: All of the above is true as stated in the above postings for Kakita. I gave her those items and approved of everything in these posts.

[Kakita Sakura]

With the men bring her 5 tumbling mats and 1 sleeping mat along, as well as Chris and Mark coming, Kakita Sakura greeted them warmly, "Serale everyone. Please come in."

Leading the way, she indicates the gym and training room. Speaking to the men, she said, "Please leave the tumbling mats at the far end of the room, please." Once they were done, she led them to her bedroom, and said, "Please leave the sleeping mat here." Once they were done as well, she gave a bow, indicating all is well. "Thank you for coming, have a nice brightening."

Then at Chris and Mark, she said, "Sorry for keeping you both waiting. Today, there is little work to be done, so instead, we will get started with a tour round my place."

Beginning her introduction, she said, "My home here, I am naming it the Cherry Blossoms Sanctuary, because I intend to see it stays beautiful with cherry blossom trees."

Leading the way, she said, "Just now, we passed through the living room, and the gym and training room. Here is my bedroom, and beyond, are the bathroom and kitchen."

"To begin, I will talk about your responsibilities, remuneration, perks and prospects."

At Chris, the young lad, she said, "As you know, my farm is to be a herb farm. I am going to order seedlings and trees for planting later today. The way I would be running it will be for the grass and trees to grow freely with light supervision. Herbs to be watched over attentively. Your task, if you accept, will be to assist me in taking care of the herb farm. We have an irrigation system you and your colleagues have built on my part."

"In the course of your duties, you will have to search for signs of abnormality and poor growth. Do ask around for additional help, like your friends. I am looking to hire another 3 farm hands to help out. If there are major problems, report to me. Aside from watching over the herb farm and tending to it, there will be harvest work, especially the grass. It is simple, but there is a lot of work to be done there."

"Your remuneration, as agreed upon, is 50 crowns per cycle. I will raise it to 100 when all is well after 3 months satisfactory work, so 3 months is considered probation. A bonus of 500 crowns per period, if business is good, is the least each of you will get for good performance."

"Your perks, as soon as the first harvest is done well and properly, will come into effect. I will provide medical care and will bear your expenses at the medical science centre, not to forget, my store of herbs in the greenhouse will be reserved for our mutual use, so you can be sure of medical help when you need it."

"For prospects, improved pay, medical coverage, educational scholarships will go along, with more responsibilities."

At Mark, she said, "For you, I would like you to see that my home is always kept clean, tidy and organized. You will manage an expense account of 100 crowns per month for maintenance, meals and supplies. I will raise it later on when all goes well. Your remuneration and perks is the same as I have spoken to Chris, with the same terms."

"If you have family members interested, you may bring them into my service. 1 cook and 1 helping hand to help out. I won't mind taking them in."

"I guess I have spoken my part. Any questions?"

[Aurora]

The men dropped off all the equpiment in the appropirate areas, making sure that everything was the way she wanted it and the way she liked it. When they were done they bowed back to her and nodded. Have a good day miss They said as they left the her house.

Chris and Mark were waiting and when they were told that they would be given a tour of the place, they looked at one another and shrugged. Even though they knew the place inside and out, they didn't know what all Kakita had done to each room and what was inside of each room. So they figured they had might as well go along and follow her on her tour.

When Kakita spoke to Chris, he payed attention his eyes bright and alert, taking in every word she said. He thought everything over and he was pleased with what she had said, indeed this was the chance of his lifetime, his parents would of been so proud of him. They had always wanted him to get an education in something, and now was his chance. His education might be in herbs, but at least it was a start.

He smiled at Kakita and nodded his head. I'm willing to do whatever you ask of miss Kakita. This is a chance of a life time and I won't pass it up. I will do all tasks that you have just said to me, and I will do them to the best of my ability.

Then Mark, smiling in his old weathered face. He nodded his head as well. That I can do miss Kakita, and my wife would be more then happy to cook for you and my son needs a job as well. So if you are fine with that, then I will bring them over as well so that those positions will be filled.

[Kakita Sakura]

Nodding at both of them, Sakura looks at Mark and says, "Yes, do bring your wife and son here tomorrow then." Then at Chris, Sakura added, "For yourself, we begin with the harvesting of the grass. Since they are already grown, I need them harvested and then we will go to the hospital as soon as we are done. Farm work will be in the mornings, and then the delivery can be done in the afternoons. It will not be so hot when we do the harvesting work."

[Aurora]

Chris nodded. Sounds good. I'll get to work right away then if you so wish miss Kakita. He was indeed looking eager and ready for work.

Mark nodded as well. Aye, I'll have them come over tomorrow then. I am sure they will have no problem with it and will love working with you miss Kakita.

[Jaali Desseren]

Winter of Era X, Month of Kalendryas, second cycle, last brightening, early morning
****************************************

Jaali took the advice of the aedile and decided to look around for the one he pointed out to her... Kakita Sakura... She had an usual name, but that was fine and when citizens of Olympia told Jaali that the girl could be found at the Cherry Blossom's santuary, Jaali made her way there with her little friend, Goosey Mo the poodle...

Jaali walked around and almost grew green with envy. The place was magnificent for a home. The peace it offered almost rivaled that of the Temple... Here and there, she went, looking at nature's gifts and stopping Goosey from soiling the clean grounds...

[Kakita Sakura]

Nodding her head at Mark and Chris, she ended the meeting, saying, "See you tomorrow then."

Then abruptly, she remembered something, and prompted Mark, "Here are 100 crowns for the month, for necessities like brooms, mops and groceries. Please see to it supplies are available. It isn't much for the month, but it is a start. If it isn't enough, please let me know, and keep an account of whatever is spent."

[Kakita Sakura]

Time stamp: Winter of Era X, Month of Kalendryas, second cycle, last brightening, early morning

The mornings were times when Sakura would tend to her farm. There was a lot she had to do, with her farm in its early days. Using the irrigation system to water her plants, inspecting them with her herb hands, nourishing them with fertilizer, and doing regular harvesting were the order of the day.

Mornings were also times when at the centre of the farm, bird seed were provided to help them out, for winter was a lean season for them, thus, intending to make the sanctuary a bird sanctuary and discouraging insects from infecting the plants.

It was on one morning that as she was tending to her rose bushes that she saw the half-elfin with a poodle approach her home. At that, she asks, "Serale, may I help you?"

[Jaali Desseren]

Jaali had a look of surprise upon her face when a figure greeted her. The slim and tall young human lady was tending rose bushes and Jaali wondered if this was the owner of the estates... She doubted it for a moment, only because she imagined the large home to house a family with parents and children...

But then again, this was where she would find the woman called Kakita... The named rung a silent bell within her mind, and Jaali smiled with her lips in a curl that almost reached her rosy cheeks. She was an intruder and that made her quite embarrassed...

"Serale... my name is Jaali Desseren. I wish to speak to Miss Kakita Sakura. I have opened a shoppe in this city and I wish to sell plants and flowers..."

Jaali kept a smile on her face, and her eyes on those of the woman. She did not want to be rude, but was tempted to strangle Goosey, who was wandering too close to the rose bushes... and spinning in that fashion which preceeded the process of urination...

[Kakita Sakura]

On hearing Jaali's introduction and enquiry, she bowed again and said, "I am Sakura, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance." Indicating behind her, she says, "This is my home, and on my part, I grow trees and plants primarily for medicinal purposes." At this, she pauses, giving Jaali the opportunity to speak what was in her mind.