Aria the Natural #24: Those Undines of Tomorrow…

Teenagers that they are, the three apprentice undines are impatient to become adults and take on the responsibilities of a prima. It’s an occupation that attracts many eager young women. But there’s a mundane and less glamorous side as well. Akari thinks Akira’s task is meant to teach them how to take responsibility for all aspects of the job. This may be true, though it could just be Akira taking advantage of her underlings because she doesn’t want to do it herself.

But the actual lesson of the day is one that no one had planned. And it isn’t about taking responsibility, but letting it go. The sudden rain storm was unfortunate, but out of anyone’s control. Something else no one can control is other people’s thoughts. Aika, overeager to be a responsible person, hears the gossip about Akira and takes it to heart. It frustrates her until Akira reminds her that some things are out of her control. Aika shouldn’t let some jealous gossip bring her down, just as she can’t control the weather. Responsibility means choosing your battles.

Speaking of choosing battles, what if the world of Aqua were modeled not on 17th century Venice, but 3rd century China? The fourth Aria the Origination picture drama looks at such a Three Kingdoms planet. Alicia is victorious with her strategy of fighting by not fighting.

Happy birthday this week to Kaori Mizuhashi, the voice of Ai. Next week is Aria the Origination #11: Those Ever-Changing Days…

Aria the Animation #9: That Starlike Fairy…

 Aika, feeling tired from the daily practice routine, asks Alicia for advice on how to rejuvenate herself. Alicia gives it some thought then replies, “Why don’t you take a break and go visit Grandma.” The girls take her advice believing that Grandma will teach them an important lessen about being an undine. What they don’t realize is that Alicia has already told them what they need to know.

 Because she missed the meaning of Alicia’s words, Aika is concerned that they seem to just be having fun and not learning anything. Having fun, of course, is the lesson. In the end, Grandma has to spell it out. Being concerned about the future does you no good if it makes you miss the things going on right now. Learn how to make the most of the present and time will take care of itself.

Alicia’s advise also contains what seems to be a paradox. In order for Aika to become a better gondolier, she needed to stop rowing. The stress of working was preventing her from relaxing. The time in the country gave her a chance to stop worrying about being an undine, and focus on just being herself. “Why don’t you take a break,” she said. That is the most important lesson there is.

The next episode I’ll watch will be Aria the Natural #10: That Heartwarming Town And Its People…

Aria the Natural #23: That Sea, Love, and Heart…

When you hire an Aria Company undine, you get more than just a gondolier and guide. She’s a photographer, concierge, decorator, and emcee. During your tour you may be treated to an picnic with pastries baked by your host. If you’re lucky enough to be joined by an Orange Planet gondola, there will be an song.

Allen Saunders said, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” A tour by Aria Company could be described as the vacation you have when you make other plans.

Next week’s episode: Aria the Animation #9: That Star-like Fairy…

Aria the Origination #10: The Excitement on That Moon-Gazing Night…

Close friends are often said to be able to read each other’s minds. That may be an exaggeration, but it’s true that when you understand someone well, you can communicate indirectly. When Akari and Aika are caught spying on Alice, she says she doesn’t like being watched while she works. However, she also asks for their opinions about her demeanor. The unspoken message being that she’s happy her friends care about her so much.

When Akari suggests they have a moon-gazing party, she doesn’t need to say that it’s to celebrate Alice’s first day as a prima. And when Aika teases Alice about the dango, she’s really telling her to cheer up. These tacit conversations are how friends share feelings that are too embarrassing to say out loud. If Aika can barely mention wanting to see Al without stammering in front of Alice and Akari, how could she possible say it to his face?

So those two talk in a maze of indirection and shadowed allusions. But this night Aika learns an encouraging secret about Al. No, not that he’s perhaps the only gnome to ever be afraid of the dark. What Al tells her, by metaphor, is that he’s just as nervous about their relationship as she is. The two of them are not separate bodies floating in space, uncertain if they’ll draw closer or drift apart. Rather, they’re trapped in a well of love, both feeling the same fear but also happy to be together.

What a delightfully romantic episode. Even President Aria and President Hime were feeling it. Another sentimental episode next week as I’ll be watching Aria the Natural #25: The Fruits Of That Encounter… And to kick-off the second half of my year on Aqua, I’ll also watch Aria the Origination picture drama #5: Alice’s Ghost Story.