Tales of the Mourning Dove

[Kyte_]

The sound of water trickling over rocks coursed through Sasha Smokkelarr's mind. Water, pure and clean, washing away her worries. Could there be anything more soothing, she wondered as she slowly opened her eyes to find that she had absolutely no idea where she was. Her mind suddenly lurched forward at breakneck speed as her instincts kicked into high gear. Taking a quick mental inventory, Sasha took in the her immediate surroundings; the back of her head was slightly numb, no doubt from one too many ales at the bar. The Bar! She was at the bar. She sat up, allowing the black satin sheets to fall to her waist exposing her frame to the slightly chilled air of the chamber.

'I'm naked?' she questioned looking about the chamber. It was evident that she had slept alone, as the other side of the bed was untouched, and so was she, save her clothes which were no where to be seen but how did she get here? Sasha remembered a few ales at the Freeport Bar. She recalled a handsome man, but where was she now?

The chamber was magnificent. Decorated in the Kusari fashion, simple yet elegant. Black walnut furniture, silkscreen prints on the walls, and... a delightful, arrangement of flowers on the table beside the bed. A door on other side of the chamber opened and a young man with dark hair and dark eyes stepped in with a Kusari female in tow.

"Good Morning, Miss", he said softly.

"I don't mean to be rude," Sasha began, "but where am I, who are you, why am I naked and did YOU get me this way?” she questioned, pulling the sheets to cover her breasts, as her face began to color a bit.

The young man with dark features answered her politely... that she'd had too much to drink, it was thought she would be more comfortable here, that all of her questions and concerns would be addressed in time, that her comfort was paramount, hence the removal of her clothes, that the lithe Kusari girl behind him had seen to her undressing and would see to her dressing this morning and finally that she had an appointment in approximately an hour and a half in the main conference hall. With this, the young man introduced himself as Thomas Kai. He introduced the girl, Kiku who simply nodded but remained quiet, save the single word "Hai" in response to Thomas' instructions to her. With a slight bow, Thomas departed leaving the two women.

"Kiku, what is that sound of water?"

"It is the pond just outside, in the garden, Miss"

"Am I in trouble, Kiku?"

"With respect, if I awoke in such beautiful surroundings, I would have many questions... Thomas has made all the arrangements, Miss. Kiku is sure you will feel more at ease... perhaps after you have had a chance to freshen up..." her voice trailed as she held up a short, black silk robe for Sasha, who rose from the bed, letting the satin fall from the curves of her body, the silk of the robe embracing her flesh like a dark lover. Kiku smiled seeing the pleasure upon Sasha's face as she led her to the bathing chamber.

Sasha always loved Kusari and her culture. Such grace and simplicity. Perhaps that is why she dreamed of her "Mourning.Dove" She had burned the exterior of vessel in her mind, but save the obvious compliments, each was custom built, owing to the taste of her owner. A reflection of her passion, Sasha was a free spirit... and the thought of a conventional life made her shudder. She did not want that. That was a slow death for a sad person. Sasha contemplated all of this as she bathed in a jasmine scented room, part of her taking to this luxury as if born to it, while another part of her could not wait for the next discovery.

Following breakfast, Kiku bid her good day and excused herself, leaving Sasha in the garden by the waterfall. Thomas arrived and conducted her to the Conference room. Holding the door for her, she nodded and smiled to him.

"Thank you, Thomas"

"You are quite welcome, Miss Castille", he said and closed the door.

"Castille?"

Two figures sat in silhouette at the end of the Conference room and Sasha heard them chuckling.

---