All the things! - Printable Version
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All the things! - tanith - 11-17-2014
<div style="text-align:center;]<img style="" style="font-size:10pt;max-width:100%;" src="http://girlwithanowlhat.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/klimt-emulation.jpg?w=700&h=&crop=1][/align]<div style="text-align:center;]Klimt emulation, 2009, Amy Miller.[/align]
<div style="text-align:center;]<font size="5]A place for writing, art and everything else. [/font][/align]
All the things! - tanith - 11-17-2014
<div style="text-align:center;]<img style="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Hiroshige%2C_Asakusa_ricefields_and_torinomachi_festival%2C_1857.jpg/401px-Hiroshige%2C_Asakusa_ricefields_and_torinomachi_festival%2C_1857.jpg" style="max-width:100%;]
Kirameki Keiko
<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]Keiko was up before sunrise despite being exhausted from the events of the evening before. It was habit. As an adopted daughter of Sake merchants she was expected to be up before the rest of the family to prepare for the work day ahead. She was not their </span><i style="font-size:10pt;]real [/i]<span style="font-size:10pt;]daughter, and as such her duties were different from the rest. It was a chilly morning, dark and cloudy, even the birds were not so foolish enough to be up this early. </span>[/align][/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]As she lay on the futon her down duvet pulled up to her chin, she could feel a warmth coming from her left side. Keiko was not startled, how could she forget such an intimate encounter? With a stranger no less! She told herself Aakataki was different, but was he really? In the end he got what he wanted, and while she gave it to him freely at the time she couldn't help but feel some regret upon waking. This was her first stop since leaving home and she finds herself in this predicament. She shut her eyes tightly. Of course she couldn't do anything right.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]As quietly as possible she slid out from underneath the duvet, goosebumps immediately appeared on her skin as she left the warmth of the bed behind. Keiko could feel a familiar tightening of her nipples, and flushed as her memories returned to her. Shivering she crawled across the tatami to retrieve her yukata, which was much too light for such cool weather but it was all she had. She slipped it on, feeling the cotton brush against her skin and knowing it would not be enough to keep her warm. Perhaps she could find a winter kimono in her travels, or at least a hooded shawl to throw over her shoulders.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]She found herself kneeling in front of a desk, adverting her eyes away from Aakataki as he slept peacefully. What would he think of her now? Any respectable young woman would not have let this happen, even if they enjoyed a night of pleasure they would not have gone as far as she had. She was now soiled, her prospects of marriage were all but gone. Still, they were not very high to begin with. If her sister in law was indeed correct about her birth mother being a prostitute then there was no way she would ever find a happy partnership. Indeed if demon blood did course through her veins then her future was already bleak. Perhaps that was why she allowed this to happen? To at least experience the pleasures of the flesh before she became an undesirable woman.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]Keiko's eyes glossed over as she gazed down at the blank page before her. Should she bother to leave a letter behind? Wouldn't it be best to slip away in misty morning without detection? That way Aakataki could keep his honour and return to his monastery if he chose to do so. But her heart ached, it felt as if it were twisting in her chest. He deserved at least a note. With a little water she pressed the sumi stick onto the stone and prepared her ink. It took only but a few moments and she was ready to dip the calligraphy pen. </span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<i style="font-size:10pt;]Aakataki-sama,[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<i style="font-size:10pt;]I wish to thank you for all the kindness you have shown towards me, none of it of which I deserve. You've made me very happy. If only i could My staying here would only bring dishonour to you. You are a kind soul and I see you doing very well in life. As for myself, I travel to Edo in search of my birth mother. I fear it will be all for nothing, but still I must try. I am weak. I must become stronger.[/i][/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<i style="font-size:10pt;]Yours, Keiko.[/i][/align][/i]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]She gazed down at the paper as tears and ink blots merged together where she had hesitated before signing her name. </span><i style="font-size:10pt;]If the stars align, perhaps we would meet again. [/i][/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]Collecting her things, Keiko slid the rice paper doors open, holding on to the shoji screen tightly as she resisted her urge to crawl right back under the covers next to the sleeping monk. Fighting back tears she gazed upwards, sighing softly. </span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"</span><i style="font-size:10pt;]Sayonara[/i]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"</span>
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[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]Once the doors were closed and she was on the other side of the screen, Keiko pressed a hand to her mouth and rushed away from the room. At the front entrance she slid her sandals on, turned and bowed to show her respect even though the tea room was empty, and promptly left. A wall of cold air hit her as she left the the tea house and it left her stunned, but she found the strength to push her way though it. Hands rubbing her arms she swiftly made her way along the dirt path which she hoped would lead her down the mountain and to one of the main roads.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]It seemed like hours before she made it down the mountainside. How did she manage to find herself at the tea house in the first place, surely she would have noticed something was wrong as she travelled? But it wasn't unlike Keiko to take the word of a stranger. It often led her to trouble, and yet she still did not seem to learn her lesson. This time would be different. She would do this all on her own.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]She knew she had made it to one of the main highways when she came across what appeared to be a procession, a Damiyo and his entourage of Samurai, along with many servants and footmen carting palanquins and possessions. It wasn't an unfamiliar sight, every two years Daimyo travelled back and forth from Edo on the Shogun's orders, forced to leave their wives and heirs behind as hostages while they ruled over their land back home.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]As she stood to the side and watched someone forcefully pushed past her and she found herself being grabbed by the arm and hauled into the procession. Her heart sped up in fear. It was punishable by death to interrupt such an event. But instead of being taken down by Samurai Yojimbo she gazed upwards at the person who held her so tightly by the elbow. It was a young man, jet black hair pulled back into a messy pony tail, his face unwashed and dirty. He did not wear his hair in the style of a Samurai, nor was it shaved and in a top knot like the officials. </span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"The samurai would have noticed you if ya fell." He looked over his shoulder, then back at Keiko. "Sorry, pulling you in was the only thing I could think of."</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"Ah. Arigatou. T-thanks?" Keiko knew very well that he had just saved her life, but she was now stuck walking with the servants as a result. </span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"We're on our way to Edo. Maybe at the next checkpoint I can sneak ya out again." He offered her a sheepish grin.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"Edo? You are on your way to Edo?" Her eyes brightened. "I'm trying to get to Edo, I'm looking for my- Uh, I have family there, and I am trying to go and see them."</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]It would be unwise to reveal that she was trying to get to Edo to find her birth mother. Her birth mother who was supposed to be in the Yoshiwara district living and working as an Orian. Besides, he didn't need to know all the details.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"I'm Masaki, Masaki Sakurai. You are?" Masaki had not realised he was still holding on to Keiko's elbow, and with a start he dropped it as soon as he noticed. Even thought he dirt Keiko could see his cheeks turn bright red.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"Keiko Kirameki." She smiled softly, her eyes crinkling in amusement at his reaction. But her smile faded as quickly as it came as she remembered Aakataki back at the teahouse sleeping. Perhaps he was awake by now, and had read her letter? Would he search for her at all? Or just let things be. She felt it selfish to hope he would come for her, but could not change her feelings.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]Noticing a change, Masaki nudged her with his arm and pointed out to the side where the road curved. Keiko could see just how long the procession was, there must have been hundreds of men and women! She could see the Daimyo's litter, along with those of other officials. Samurai on horses and on foot, suited up with swords and arrows. </span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;]"We should be arriving at the checkpoint soon, afterwards the Lord will stop at his favourite Ryokan, and we will be going to the next inn." Masaki explained. Rooms would be shared among the servants, and would be very cramped but the accommodation was more than what they would see in their lifetimes, and so all were all honoured to be able to share in it.</span>[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]
"I see." This new information was concerning to her. "But if no one knows me-"
"It's fine, the estate is so large that most of us don't know each other. Just say you are new and leave it at that." Masaki gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll be with the other women on the first floor probably. Thats usually how it works. Ah, just watch out for mama Mitsuko, she is in charge of running the household and she is pretty strict. Oh, and I would avoid Sakurako."
"Sakurako?" Keiko gave him a questioning look. Masaki had paused right after he said the woman's name, he didn't seem sure how to explain.
"Ah, well, Sakurako-chan....." He trailed off but gestured with his chin towards a young woman a few feet ahead. Keiko noticed her hair was done up in the latest fashion, and saw it was decorated with old pins and kanzashi. It was obvious that she was only trying to look the part as her hair accessories were antique and not as popular as they once were. It was a little over the top in her opinion, however she wore her hair in a plain braid and really had no idea on the latest hairstyles. Even without words she pretty much gathered what Masaki was trying to say. Her first impression of Sakurako was of an individual who was only interested in pushing ahead of the others by whatever means possible. Although it may not have been very fair, Keiko was immediately distrustful of the popular woman.
"On second thought, perhaps you should befriend her." Masaki rubbed his chin in thought. "She's a person that you do not want to offend."
"I'm sure I will be fine Masaki-san." She smiled softly. Just what could Sakurako do to her that could be any worse than what she was facing now? She was away from home, searching for a mother who was nothing but a whore, and she herself was on the same path. She slept with and then left a man whom she had come to care for, even though they had only known each other for the night. Her feelings were intense and conflicted, mixed with self hatred but somehow there was newfound independence there too.
Several hours had passed before Keiko could really settle down for the night. Most of the evening she helped the other servants prepare the things of those of higher rank, while the men stored palanquins, unloaded and tended to the horses. The inn workers were just as busy, making sure the rooms were prepared and food was ready to be served. Of course the Daimyo and his inner circle were served first, and then down the ranks. It was very late before Keiko and the rest of the servants had their meal. Afterwards they retired to cramped rooms, futons lay out on the floors with not much room between them.
Keiko looked about the small quarters, trying to find a suitable place to rest. She was not given any specific orders as to where to sleep, and the other women seem to have gathered in to groups leaving her to feel wary and out of place. However, out of the corner of her eye she saw a young woman, perhaps only a few years younger than she, wave her over. The girl was against the wall with the window, probably the coldest place in the room, and pointed to an empty futon just next to her. Making her way though the room of women, Keiko knelt onto the futon, placed her hands together on the floor and bowed politely.
"Arigatou gozaimashita"
"Iie, iie. Don't worry about it." The young woman shook her head, strands of her unbound hair tumbling over to cover her expressive brown eyes. "I'm Akane Yamashita. I haven't seen you around before."
"I'm new."
"Me too!" Akane's eyes brightened. "I was hired a few weeks ago. You must be only temporary too? I was told that once we get to Edo if they do not need me I might be let go. I don't mind though, I have family there, so I should be fine. The work is difficult but I'm getting used to it."
"Uh I was just hired. What is it that we are responsible for?" Keiko felt silly asking this of Akane, but if she were to stay here until she got to Edo, she would have to learn to be a servant.
"I'm surprised they didn't tell you, but I can kind of understand. It's pretty hectic with the move, and if they just hired you maybe there was no time to explain." Akane felt a sense of importance in being the one to explain Keiko's new job. "I'm actually glad they hired an extra, I was afraid of doing all this work on my own. We will have to be up before everyone else, as we are in charge of waking the others, after everyone is up and ready we are to take care of the bedding and pack them before we are to have breakfast."
Akane groaned and flopped back onto her futon, drawing her arms up and behind her head. "That is easy compared to what we normally are to do, but because we are at an inn a lot of our work is already done by the inn workers. This is almost like a vacation for me!"
Keiko could understand the job well enough, it was similar to her responsibilities at her family's sake business. She was the one who was up first thing in the morning, she made sure the brazier's and Kotatsu's were ready on cold mornings, that the kitchen staff were preparing the morning meals, and even cleaning some of the warehouse equipment. She had a variety of jobs to do in her own household, she was sure she could manage working with Akane.
"I understand." Keiko noticed the other women preparing for the night and took it as a cue to crawl under the covers of her futon.
"What is your name by the way?" Akane slipped off her Kosode, a shorter sleeved version of a kimono, folding it neatly with her obi sash at the head of her buckwheat pillow. "....and you really need to find some warmer clothing, a yukata this late in the season?"
"Keiko Kirameki." A blush spread across her cheeks, Akane was not at all shy about removing her clothes. Why would she? It was all women in the room. Keiko knew this, but was still rather shy about it. "I neglected to bring a kosode with me."
"Don't worry, we will find you something nice to wear in the morning." Akane shrugged. The new woman seemed a bit confused, it was strange that she did not know her duties and that she was not wearing the proper attire. However, Akane liked Keiko and decided then and there that she would do what she could to help.
Everyone settled down to sleep (durrrr, to be continued)
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[/align]<div style="text-align:left;]<span style="font-size:10pt;](Unedited and to be continued)</span>[/align]
((Typing from my phone, so there will be some typos. Also, Keiko and Akane were meant to share a intimate moment here, but I'm not sure if I can/want to bother with writing it. May add it later))
They arrived in Edo a month later and just before the first snow. The city was blanketed in white, the roof tops and trees shimmered in the morning light. The snow on the road however, had turned to slush and mixed with mud. Snow never stayed long in Tokyo, and folks young and old were enjoying the scenery. As the group approached the city centre Keiko watched geisha glide along the side alley ways, their winter geta sandals so high it made them appear as if they were floating. Which was the point, that and they made it so that their long kimono did not become soiled from dragging on the ground. She admired them from a distance, but knew even though they appeared as strong independent women, they too were just trapped in their own little birdcage.
Roles changed dramatically in the next 3 months, Keiko and Akane did not lose their jobs after all. They were promoted to maids in the daimyos residence, which meant they would not be returning to the home prefecture. Friendships deepened between Keiko and Akane, they now worked under mama-San directly and along with Sakurako.
Sakurako was the beautiful daughter of a woodblock painter and the youngest of 8. Her brothers would be taught the art of Ukiyo-e, however she and her sisters would be sold. Sakurako was spared being sold to a Geisha house when the opportunity to send her to work for the Damiyo's house came up. If she were sold to Geisha, then her parents would no longer have access to their child, however working for the household of the Damiyo would allow for visitations, and for their daughter to send home part of her wages. Sakurako would have been a perfect Geisha, she had the talent, the looks and the flirty attitude. However, no matter what side the coin landed, as a woman, life would most certainly be hard for her. Over time Sakurako learned that she was in this life alone, and if she wanted to move ahead there was to be no hesitating.
On a rare day off, the three woman sat beneath a Cherry tree, the petals fluttering down upon them as they ate their onigiri rice rolls and shared a bit of sake. Every spring the staff were allowed to spend a day out in the courtyard to enjoy the fleeting Sakura. While neither Akane, nor Keiko were particularly close with Sakurako, she insisted on joining them. Keiko had a feeling that she was up to no good, however Akane somehow admired the other woman.
*** Mind the grammar and spelling mistakes. Also, this is mainly just to write out what happens to Keiko after she leaves Aakataki at the tea house, and is meant as just a guide. I may go over it later and edit it though. Thanks!***
"See that woman over there, beyond those hedges?" Sakurako raised her hand, but did not point, only gesturing in the direction of an upper class woman of the house.
"She is beautiful. Who is she?" Akane stared wide-eyed at the woman whose hair was so long it lay in heaps at her feet as she knelt on her blanket. At this point all three women had adopted the stylish updo of the time. Keiko was a little hesitant at first when Akane asked her to get her hair done. She missed her long braid, and found the wax that was used to keep the hair stiff was irritating. It was also a pain to have to sleep with her head on a raised block so that she would not crush her hair while she slept. The upkeep of her style was unbearable, but she did it to keep her friend happy. It was one of the few things she could do with her when they actually had the time.
"Sugawara no Minako" Sakurako gracefully took a sip of her sake, leaving a moment for the other women to allow the name to sink in.
"Sugawara? The daughter of the left minister?" Keiko answered. She had learned a lot in her 3 months in Edo.
"Correct. She is here with father. Business with the Lord I suppose. Wouldn't it be wonderful to serve as her lady's maid?"
Keiko shrugged, she couldn't have cared less. As long as she had a roof over her head and good food, and close friends then she could not want for more. Well, perhaps there were a few things, things that she had neglected to face in her time in Edo. Firstly she had not done any searching for her mother, however restrictions made it difficult for her to do such a thing. The other was a man whom she left back in a tea house in the mountains of Lahaina.
"I'd like to be a lady's maid one day!" Akane exclaimed.
"It is my goal to become the first lady's maid in some rich household." Smugly Sakurako looked to Keiko. 'And what about you?"
"I haven't thought of it, really." Keiko went back to eating her rice ball.
The women sat beneath the cherry tree chatting amongst themselves for a few minutes more when the Daimyo's wife and an entourage of 6 women began to cross the field. Behind them were 2 samurai yojimbo walking at a distance, yet close enough to strike if the women appeared to be in any danger. Without thinking, as one of the women approached, Sakurako reached out to discreetly touch the silk fabric of the long kimono overcoat. It was so soft, and slid easily between her fingers. In an effort to get a better feel, she tightened her grip and accidently tugged too hard, the top coat sliding off of the woman's shoulders and right on to the ground.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared in stunned silence, how dare one of these servants touch them! Her mind scrambling, Sakurako prostrated herself on the ground, bowing her head. "I apologise for my friend, she should not have touched your beautiful kimono my Lady."
Both Keiko and Akane bowed along with Sakurako, but it was Akane who was yanked up from the ground by one of the Samurai. How could they not have seen that it was Sakurako? The scene lasted no longer than a few minutes, the yojimbo had taken Akane towards the house and the women continued on their way without so much of a second thought.
"Wa-wait" Her voice was not strong enough. Keiko was struck with fear. She wanted to speak out for her friend, and yet knew it would not end well for her if she did. To not accept one's punishment, even if it was not your fault, was looked down upon. Keiko would only get herself, and Akane into more trouble. Perhaps if she were a stronger woman, if she could find her voice.
Later that evening Masaki had told her that Akane would be sent back to her home for a few months before resuming her position as a lower maid in the original household. She would not be losing her job, but would be demoted. Sakurako had not said much since the incident, Keiko could not decide if it was out of guilt or of pride.
Keiko suffered greatly over the loss of her friend. She had not met anyone since with whom she could become close with. No one would replace the friendship she had shared with Akane.
The seasons changed and soon the cicadas were singing their song of late summer. A letter had arrived informing Keiko of an interview set up on her behalf to apply for a position as a lady's made for the Daimyo's sister. Keiko had no idea who would do such a thing, and was preparing to write a letter of refusal. Alone in her shared room she began to pace, while she planned out her refusal letter.
To whom it may concern,
I regret to inform you that-
**getting tired here, things are not sounding all that great**
Her thoughts were interrupted. Just outside of her window she saw a familiar face. Akane. Yet, she looked so much older now, her eyes had dark circles around them, and she looked a tad thinner, and a little more pale than she could remember her. She was accompanied by Sakurako, of all people. Just what was going on?
Keiko rushed to the door to meet the two, her heart leapt for joy to see her old friend.
"Akane-chan!" She made for an embrace, but was refused. Confused, she tilt her head to the side, brows furrowed.
"I know it was you who did this to me. Sakurako wrote me letters explaining the whole thing." Akane snapped.
Letters? But Sakurako told her letters were not permitted, and so she had no bothered to write any. Keiko shot a glare towards the other woman. She had not had any more contact with her since that spring day, she had betrayed her friend and now she was betraying her. But why would she go to this length to push them apart? It made no sense.
"Please Akane, do not hold such a grudge still. Listen, I had recently applied for a position as a lady's maid, and I had made a helpful suggestion of both you and Keiko being interviewed. Isn't that wonderful?" Sakurako smiled deviously.
"I'm refusing, and you should too Akane. She only means to have us ridiculed." Keiko could feel strength in her voice, she would not hold back on her words today. "I would never do anything to upset you Akane, and it's my opinion that Sakurako is not to be trusted."
"If you are my true friend, then you will participate." Was Akane's sharp answer.
Keiko wasn't sure if it was a test, or if she truly meant what she said. Of course they wold never be selected, Sakurako had certain training that the other two did not. Even Keiko had more experience to serving than Akane did. It wouldn't bother her if she failed, but she knew Akane would take it very hard.
***ughhhh my writing is so plain and ughhhhh, but I need to get my ideasss outttt***
Basically the three go to apply for the position, Keiko doesn't care if she fails but cares very much for Akane. Of course, only Keiko and Sakurako are selected. Keiko is very surprised at this, but has no choice but to go ahead with everything, leaving Akane behind once again.
Sakurako becomes the Daimiyo's sister's first maid, and Keiko would attend to a new lady in waiting. Over time, the plan is, to have the young Damiyo take an interest in Keiko and develop a relationship with her, although it is in the innocent stages. Sakurako is jealous, tries her tricks on Keiko, but the women of court are more observant and caring than the ladies that Akane dealt with, and figure out Sakurako for who she really is. Keiko has a chance to save her, but refuses, and Sakurako is put to death.
At this point Keiko, although not of high rank, does have the money and the time to search for her mother. Her relationship with the daimyo is intensifying, but nothing has happened between them yet. He shows lust for her, but somehow she knows he will not satisfy her needs. She knows that there is not just one person out there for her, but her thoughts continue to go back to her blurry memories of her time spent with Aakataki.
At this point she has the freedom to move about, to search Edo, or to go outside of the city.
I want to write all that in, but for now this is what has happened to her thus far. Either Aakataki can pick up here, or another character can interact with her if they like. I miss rping Keiko, and I cant bring her to her full potential on her own right now. Or maybe I've just tried to write for too long and blahhhhh.
All the things! - tanith - 11-17-2014
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Tanith
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