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Bakamono · (This post was last modified: 04-13-2012, 01:49 AM by Bakamono.)

A.S 808:
I had received an invitation by courier, an envelope of paper sealed with a wax impression of the Matsui family 末井. Intrigued by the archaic presentation, I carefully pried the wax from the crisp, tactile paper to observe the beautifully scripted jet-black strokes of traditional Kusari. The occasion was one of commendations and dignitaries and required full dress-uniform, it was likely there would be dancing.

The presentation ceremonies were long, and though I took comfort is seeing my brothers' great efforts acknowledged: I admit my focus drifted momentarily during the proceedings. During one particularly long speech, was when my gaze first fell upon Otsune. Seated near the front of the domed hall, she sat aside her parents listening attentively to the re-telling of the Battle of Satsuma. Though a glorious tale, my attention was rapt by her serenity and presence. Reminding me of a star in the darkness; her appearance struck me and let all other distractions fade and blur.

The ceremonies ended and we rose in unison and made our way to the ballroom, as the crowd mingled and ebbed, Hirioto caught my attention 'The Matsui daughter no less! You don't set your sights too high now do you Isami: only one of the most influential families this decade!' I lost sight of her as I turned and smiled at his sarcastic jest 'Isn't she a vision though?! Did you see those eyes, her hair '¦'
'She is pretty 'sami, but I tell you this as a friend: Don't get your hopes up, she's used to fine things and a peaceful life; We're fighters 'sami'. Ours is world of steel, blood and fire. We can't offer our wives the life of a princess, or even that we will return home when setting out for duty.'
I sighed 'I don't see her: maybe you're right Hajime; maybe it's destiny that I can't find her, perhaps she is out of reach.'
Hajime sympathised 'don't let it get you down..' his tone brightened 'I'm sure we can find a girl ugly enough for your pay grade ~somewhere~ around here!' he joked as we were ushered toward the dance floor.
*
The ladies separated from the men and both formed an aisle down the centre of the great hall. I took my place opposite a traders daughter who was pretty enough, yet did not hold my interest. We touched hands in the opening steps of the dance as we made the familiar forms. The women seemed to glide across the polished floor as their dresses lent a floral appearance to the unfolding manoeuvres. As the dance demanded, we switched places changing partners as we went. Short pieces of conversation could be heard as couples met for a few moments and then were parted once more, into the sea of uniforms and silks.

It was after some minutes of performing the steps by rote (as routine) that I found myself bowing before Otsune herself: I hesitated as my heart leapt into my throat; suddenly acutely aware of my manner.

'Rise or we shall miss the night' Otsune whispered chidingly.
'Miss, I should be arrested for such a crime: to waste such an evening with you would be a sin.'
I gazed upon her face as I rose and resumed the same steps as those around us, again, all else fell away. I performed the steps robotically as we spoke: 'you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen' I said dumbly: confounded as to how else I could express myself without breaching etiquette.
She smiled as she performed the steps with the ease and grace of some ethereal being. 'Kondo-sama, you forget your station: besides; am I to believe you have seen all women?'
'Ah, that is...no, sorry. What I mean to say is you look very beautiful this evening, and your dress is without compare'
'I see, so it is my dress that makes me pretty then?'
'No. I am sure you would look just as pretty without your dress..' I faltered 'No! I don't mean naked: though i'm sure you look..beautiful..uhm...forgive me, I mean to say...'
'You 'mean to say' that: You imagine the thought of me naked as beautiful ? Or that you are the best man; and so seek to bed the best woman?'
shocked I stammered 'Oh no, not like that...I'm not like those 'bucks' I swear! Could we..may I see you again? Would you give me your name?'
'We shall see' She said, her eyes fixed to mine, as the crowd changed formation taking all sight of her with them. I craned my neck as I faced my next partner, and annoyed her as I distractedly waltzed, attempting to spy Otsune: but she was gone ' lost in the nights frivolities.

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