Login

Bakamono · 04-13-2012, 01:55 AM,

The very next evening I took it upon myself To seek out and visit the woman whose name I would later learn was Otsune, without my families knowledge. I snook out of the barracks immediately after dining, making the excuse of solitary study. I crept from the window and tentatively began the long climb around the building and down to cover. Across the grounds, I scurried from tree to bush, careful to avoid any patrols that would end my mission. Waiting for guards to move on in their patrols took longer than I had anticipated, and so I arrived in town sweatier, dirtier and later than planned.

The moon lay high casting its gibbous light upon every path and rooftop: the night was painted with flourishes of silver. I approached the city; blooms of coloured light appeared as lanterns hung in celebration and decoration. Some previous chatting with my brothers had revealed the rough location of the Matsui compound, I headed past town toward it with haste: for it was already late.

An hour and half of cross country finally revealed the walled compound, I considered approaching the gate and its guard before reviewing my appearance and opting to climb again. Another half hour of surveying the perimeter passed before I had found a suitable entryway. After some considerably difficult climbing, crawling and hiding: I managed to make it to the main house. Lights burned in three windows, I made my way around to the rear of the building, looking for any clue that might identify Otsunes room.

Sure enough, extending from a decoratively framed window: reached an effeminately fenced balcony. Overlooked by the viewpoint, a bed of lilies bloomed: their scent lingering on the night air. I concluded that this was Otsunes window, since she was adorned with lilies the previous evening. I began a hushed calling as loud as I dared, soon realising that 'Hey miss' was not enough, I threw a stone at the soft glow emanating from the open window. Minutes passed so I proceeded to throw more stones with increasing frequency. Eventually my efforts were rewarded, a silhouette emerged onto the balcony, my heart once more caught in my chest with anticipation.

I looked up in hope only to be greeted by the scowling face of an older woman, of perhaps sixty years. 'Wha...Who are you?' we both whispered in tandem. I took a moment and replied. 'I am Isami. I ...'
'Bambi who? You are filthy! How did you get so dirty!? Nevermind. what do you want?'
'....Hai, I am here to see '¦the Matsui daughter. Is she home?'
'Nani? The mats....Oh! No, no bambi: miss matsui is out cavorting around town. A charity or something.'
Disheartened I continued 'Ah, I see. Uhm ' do you know where exactly?'
'No sorry bambi, they tend to move around a lot at that age.'
'O hai, of course, could you please tell her I called ?'
'Hai, but I have to be candid with you Bambi: Miss matsui is a popular woman, other young men want to court her. Rich men. What can you offer the family that can suffice?'
'I...I do not have much. But she has my heart. Please ...tell...tell her the fool from the dance was throwing rocks at her window.'
'Alright Bambi: can you find your own way out safely?'
'Hai, arigatou madam: I am sorry to have disturbed you.'

But the old-lady had already disappeared behind closed panes. I realised abruptly that our 'whispering' had drawn attention, as two guards approached from either flank. Some stern questions and roughing later the guards laughed at my sorry state as they escorted me from the premises.

My mood was maudlin as I trudged back toward base, the city almost crept up on me in my sulk. Suddenly, breaking the monotony of depression, a silver laugh rang across the night. I looked up to find the source of the enchanting sound, My gaze cast across the groups of revellers slowly making their way home. Then I spied her, a perfect breath in the chaos: my Lady Matsui was laughing with her friends as they chatted and almost floated across the ground. I raised a hand and desperately dove into the crowds to reach her, moments of uncertainty passed as her face was once again lost amidst the hundreds present, I surged on shoving bodies as forcefully as I dared and came up against a high trellised wooden fence. Miss Matsui, walked by on the other side. Our eyes met though I fear she did not recognise me at first. I shouted through the cacophony of the crowd 'Milday ! It is me: from the dance!'
puzzled, she exclaimed 'Oh! Kondo-sama? Is that you under all ...that?' she gestured to the dirt streaking my torso.
'Hai milady: I had some erm...trouble finding you.' the crowd pressed to divide us 'Might I call on you?'
Otsune glanced at the disapproving faces of her entourage before replying 'Certainly not sir, clean yourself up.' then she smiled a knowing grin 'Sayonara Kondo' she cried as the crowd bore her away once more into the nights travelling celebration.

I searched the streets for a fumbling half hour, before resigning myself to the fact that she was lost to me again. I continued my interrupted journey to base with little hope save that there had been something in that last exchange.

Though I had been careful sneaking back into the barracks, the Matsui guards must have sent word: since my commanding officer sent for me the next morning. For my insubordinate breach of base protocol and behaviour ill-fitting of an officer I was suspended without pay after being put in stocks for all my brothers to see.

Login
Username:
Password:	Lost Password?
	Remember me