Born into any other Yong Ping family, Xia Tian is an only child was expected to go into the family business of garment making. Her father was a business man through and through and lead the family with strict rules and Hua Jiao was held at utmost importance. Straying from The Eight Noble Paths was not tolerated. Xia Tian's childhood was a routine of acquiring the skill of embroidery, looming and dyeing (Which she was never good at).
When her father was away on long business trips, Xia Tian would sneak into the family library. Walls filled with scrolls and books of lore and knowledge. She devoured it. She didn't understand most of the texts (no one taught her how to read), but slowly, she learned how to read by herself, acquiring the basics from reading fabric receipts and order slips. Her mother would catch her and she was often disciplined for straying away from her purpose by locking her in the pantry cupboard.
At 13, in an effort to expand the family business, she was promised to be wed to another family. Xia Tian didn't understand this at first. She was now expected to learn the art of the tea ceremony and music. As the months and years rolled by, Xia Tian felt more and more like a caged bird. People constantly fussed over her hari, her skin, her poise and just HER. Xia Tian dreamed of a world which was more than this. More than tea, more than fabric and more than being just someone's wife.
The night she turned 18, which was the night before her betrothal, Xia Tian told herself, if she doesn't leave now, she might never get the chance ever again. After the lights of her parents room went out, Xia Tian donned her father's traveling garments - A blue tunic with gold trim, brown pants and traveling boots. She sneaked through the main hall, and saw an emerald shawl she was preparing to embroider and she wrapped it over her head and headed out into the dark of the night.
for 2 years, she wandered around the city, pilfering and picking pockets to survive. But she has never been happier. But how long can she do this? Where will she end up?
