"...and here is the workroom, where up to ten danevalas may be working at one time." a maroon haired guide explained, gesturing to a small semicircle of six boys and girls in pale green robes blowing into large metal tubes far below the catwalk the group was watching from, making a large round crystal grow larger and more colorful. "The speed and strength of each breath affect the color of the finished kukidama."
"What if the kukidama needs glitter or something?" someone asked.
"The danevala applies a special lip balm before they start--the heavier the layer applied, the more sparkles the finished kukidama will have." the guide replied, gesturing to a seventh apprentice walking down towards the semicircle. As the seventh apprentice knelt down before an empty tube with a large mouthpiece at the end of it, her master swabbed a clear glittery goo on her lips.
The group oohed and ahhed as the seventh apprentice started blowing a deep green kukidama with gold sparkles into existence. "Now then...let's move on to the kukidama gallery." the guide instructed before leading the group across the catwalk to the gallery foyer.
More awed chatter went up when they saw the hundreds of kukidamas on display. "As one of the top kukidama makers in all Shokiyu, our work is in high demand everywhere." the guide began before gesturing to a pale green kukidama with a faint white swirl. "This is our signature pattern, Goddess' Breath--every temple to the wind goddess with a kukidama workshop has their own unique pattern that is not blown anywhere else.
"What's this one?" Miresa asked, gesturing to a royal blue and white kukidama with silver sparkles.
"That one is 'Gemsinger's Hope'" the guide replied. "It will be presented to the winner of the tournament here in a few days, so it is being kept here for safekeeping."
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