Mercurial > moonlitnights

annotate old/stories/dearsakura-07.txt @ 4:69f0191c9016 moonlitnights tip

Find changesets by keywords (author, files, the commit message), revision number or hash, or revset expression.
added error.log and access.log
author Robert McIntyre <rlm@mit.edu>
date Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:42:35 -0400
parents fc00894c1d4a
children
rev   line source
rlm@2 1 Dear Sakura
rlm@2 2 The Banquet
rlm@2 3 by G.P. and Amazoness Duo
rlm@2 4 pearsong1954@yahoo.com
rlm@2 5 amazonessduo@hotmail.com
rlm@2 6
rlm@2 7
rlm@2 8 Sakura’s Feathery wings ached as she struggled to stay aloft in the
rlm@2 9 howling wind. Buffeted by a frigid gust, she grimaced and tried to
rlm@2 10 steady herself on the unsteady currents. Scanning the nightscape of
rlm@2 11 the great city, she spied Tokyo Tower alight, a blazing beacon in the
rlm@2 12 dark, moonless night. Squinting to focus, she made out a familiar
rlm@2 13 figure, long hair tossed about by the fierce wind. The girl’s flowing
rlm@2 14 dress fluttered crazily as she teetered unsteadily on the edge of a
rlm@2 15 platform high above the ground. Standing with arms folded, hands
rlm@2 16 against her chest, she clutched something tightly to her breast. In
rlm@2 17 horror, Sakura realized who it was and screamed her name,
rlm@2 18
rlm@2 19 "Tomoyo-chan!!"
rlm@2 20
rlm@2 21 She woke with a start and stared out at the gray-blue garden, dimly
rlm@2 22 lit by the early dawn. With a cold shiver she realized it was that
rlm@2 23 dream again. But this time, she knew who the figure on the Tower was.
rlm@2 24 But what was she doing there, and why was it Tomoyo-chan? Realizing
rlm@2 25 she was still entwined with Tomoyo, Sakura released a little sigh of
rlm@2 26 relief. She snuggled against the sleeping woman, taking comfort in
rlm@2 27 her warm presence. Gazing at the pale face, so peaceful and calm,
rlm@2 28 Sakura felt the fear in her heart vanish. Fingers playing with a lock
rlm@2 29 of lustrous lavender hair, she watched the woman cradled in her arms
rlm@2 30 breathe softly in a gentle slumber.
rlm@2 31
rlm@2 32 Sakura felt an ocean of love welling within, buoying her heart like
rlm@2 33 a little cork. Yesterday was a dream of moonlight and mountains,
rlm@2 34 gardens and fountains, and a magical kiss that swept her soul up into
rlm@2 35 the velvety night. She blushed at the memory of that kiss, but more
rlm@2 36 out of passionate remembrance than embarrassment. Never had anything
rlm@2 37 affected her like this. The treacly-hot sweetness lingered still, the
rlm@2 38 scent and taste and touch of Tomoyo flooding back as she closed her
rlm@2 39 eyes. Her body shivered and her heart thudded with an aching longing.
rlm@2 40 She wanted to cry and laugh and hug the beautiful, still form
rlm@2 41 drowsing in her arms. On the edge of tears she whispered hoarsely,
rlm@2 42
rlm@2 43 “Tomoyo-chan, I love you.”
rlm@2 44
rlm@2 45 It was true. This visit had stirred up feelings that Sakura only
rlm@2 46 dimly suspected. At first, Tomoyo’s absence had been masked by the
rlm@2 47 excitement of married life in Hong Kong. But over the weeks, being
rlm@2 48 away from her constant companion had begun to erode her confidence,
rlm@2 49 her happiness, and her very soul. Sakura’s bright world was slowly
rlm@2 50 spinning out of balance, becoming dark and shrouded in shadows. When
rlm@2 51 Tomoyo called and said she was coming to visit, Sakura felt a rush of
rlm@2 52 sheer joy. And now, after just two days together, she felt utterly
rlm@2 53 reborn. But why? Tomoyo was her best friend, but the love that
rlm@2 54 gripped Sakura now was like nothing she had ever felt. Wasn’t this
rlm@2 55 how she was supposed to feel with her True Love? Then why didn’t she
rlm@2 56 feel like this with Syaoran? Of course she loved him dearly- but not
rlm@2 57 like this. But why not? He was her husband, her special someone. He
rlm@2 58 had risked his life and given her the power to fight against the
rlm@2 59 darkness unleashed by Eriol. Without his help, those shadows might
rlm@2 60 have engulfed the world in a pall of forgetting. Everyone knew they
rlm@2 61 were fated to be together; in fact, Sakura was one of the last to
rlm@2 62 know. She smiled, remembering the time she ran after Syaoran’s bus
rlm@2 63 with her little teddy bear. But for all the kisses they had shared as
rlm@2 64 newlyweds, there had never been one like last night. Why?
rlm@2 65
rlm@2 66 Syaoran’s kisses were strong and demanding, blunt and forceful like
rlm@2 67 the man himself. Sometimes she felt delightfully swept away when he
rlm@2 68 took her in his arms like some imperious warrior. But Tomoyo’s kiss
rlm@2 69 was tender, tantalizing, sensuous, and oh-so-slow. While Syaoran was
rlm@2 70 always in a hurry to get somewhere, Tomoyo seemed to be lingering,
rlm@2 71 delighted to share those intimate seconds together. Remembering the
rlm@2 72 moment, Sakura blushed deeply, lightly holding her fingers to her
rlm@2 73 lips. But it was more than that. Syaoran kissed as if to prove his
rlm@2 74 love. When Tomoyo kissed, it was Love itself that poured from her
rlm@2 75 heart and filled Sakura’s being. Nobody had ever loved her like
rlm@2 76 Tomoyo-chan. Everything she did flowed from the depths of her love:
rlm@2 77 the costumes, the quirky comments, and now the kiss. Sakura marveled
rlm@2 78 at this, for if she loved her best friend so, then what was Tomoyo’s
rlm@2 79 love for her special someone like? It seemed awful that they did not
rlm@2 80 know of her love, for if they did surely they would feel it as the
rlm@2 81 greatest of blessings. Surely they would rescue her from the
rlm@2 82 loneliness that haunted her. And after seeing the pain etched on her
rlm@2 83 face last night, Sakura was determined that her friend must not live
rlm@2 84 a life in cruel isolation.
rlm@2 85
rlm@2 86 But Tomoyo's effusive love was not the only thing that made the kiss
rlm@2 87 special, for Sakura's intense reaction when their lips first touched
rlm@2 88 had set them both soaring. Her entire being inflamed with fire and
rlm@2 89 light, she returned Tomoyo’s ardent passion with her own. And this
rlm@2 90 brought her back to the original puzzle: Why was her love for the
rlm@2 91 woman in her arms so deep and powerful , more so even than for her
rlm@2 92 husband? Sakura's face mirrored her confusion as she grappled for an
rlm@2 93 answer that would not come. "Hoeeee", she thought, "this would be so
rlm@2 94 much easier if I could do something. But I just don't know what to
rlm@2 95 do." At that moment, a light tap on her shoulder freed her from her
rlm@2 96 confusion. She glanced up and saw Syaoran standing by her, dressed
rlm@2 97 for work. She smiled brightly and whispered,
rlm@2 98
rlm@2 99 "Can you help me get Tomoyo-chan to her room?"
rlm@2 100
rlm@2 101 He rolled his eyes and returned the smile, then carefully took the
rlm@2 102 woman from his wife's arms and carried her to the guest room. She was
rlm@2 103 surprisingly light, and he gently eased her onto the futon, still
rlm@2 104 asleep. Sakura, who had followed along, knelt beside the sleeping
rlm@2 105 girl and tucked her in with all the care and concern of a loving
rlm@2 106 mother. Leaning over, she brushed the dark hair from her pretty face,
rlm@2 107 and kissed the pale cheek. Tomoyo smiled in response, as if all the
rlm@2 108 beautiful dreams in the world were hers. The husband and wife tiptoed
rlm@2 109 out of the room, and Sakura carefully latched shut the great mahogany
rlm@2 110 door.
rlm@2 111
rlm@2 112 Tomoyo slowly awoke in the plush comfort of a silken quilt. She
rlm@2 113 rolled onto her side, breathing in the sweet scent of cut lilies that
rlm@2 114 Sakura had placed in her room the day before. The light from the
rlm@2 115 garden shone brightly, as if the sun had already reached its zenith.
rlm@2 116 Propping herself up on one elbow, she stared at the clock and was
rlm@2 117 startled to see the hands approaching noon. Still awakening, she
rlm@2 118 remembered the garden from last night, illumined not by the noisy
rlm@2 119 yellow sun as it was now, but bathed in moonlight. Swiftly the jumble
rlm@2 120 of recollections fell into place: breaking down in front of Sakura,
rlm@2 121 sobbing uncontrollably, the woman clasping her tightly. And then, she
rlm@2 122 blushingly remembered the kiss.
rlm@2 123
rlm@2 124 Suddenly sitting up, she held a hand to her breast and felt her
rlm@2 125 heart beat wildly. Never had she felt such bliss. Her body trembled
rlm@2 126 as she remembered how their lips lightly touched, how they embraced,
rlm@2 127 how her tongue slipped delicately into Sakura’s honey-sweet mouth.
rlm@2 128 Wide-eyed, she shivered as the lingering passion gripped her slender
rlm@2 129 frame. Holding herself tightly, she closed her eyes, begged her heart
rlm@2 130 be still, and tried to think.
rlm@2 131
rlm@2 132 Her first thought came on a little ripple of fear, “What did I do?
rlm@2 133 She saw me cry, she saw me lonely and in pain. Now I’ve hurt her. Oh,
rlm@2 134 I’ve hurt my Sakura-chan.” In all their time together, Tomoyo had
rlm@2 135 labored to hide her secret agony from Sakura’s sparkling eyes, lest
rlm@2 136 she tarnish that bright, genki spirit. Why had she broken down now,
rlm@2 137 why had the carefully contrived masks fractured in her hands?
rlm@2 138 Frantically she tried to remember what she had said and done. All she
rlm@2 139 could recall was Sakura’s unceasing worry about Tomoyo’s loneliness,
rlm@2 140 about the special person she could never have, or even tell of her
rlm@2 141 love. She had felt trapped like an animal, unable to say that her
rlm@2 142 special person was right there with her, in front of her, as she
rlm@2 143 always had been. With nothing to say and nowhere to run, her heart
rlm@2 144 shattered, the jagged shards rending her soul. And then her tears, so
rlm@2 145 long held back, were unleashed in an uncontrollable torrent. Yet what
rlm@2 146 happened next was utterly astonishing.
rlm@2 147
rlm@2 148 When Sakura pulled her close and embraced her, Tomoyo’s pain was
rlm@2 149 washed away. She remembered with awe the warmth and love that poured
rlm@2 150 into her, healed her, and made her whole again. Here was something
rlm@2 151 far beyond the Cards, which made their powers seem mere tricks and
rlm@2 152 trifles. In the blink of an eye, Tomoyo had gone from a bitter grief
rlm@2 153 that would welcome death to joy and peace enough for all eternity.
rlm@2 154 Pain and woe and fear had no home when she was in her arms. And
rlm@2 155 Sakura’s own spirit, rather than being dimmed by Tomoyo’s pain,
rlm@2 156 blazed forth and brought comfort and elation to them both. Here was a
rlm@2 157 mystery, for Sakura had actually seemed glad to know of Tomoyo’s
rlm@2 158 distress, as if knowing brought her more solace than not knowing.
rlm@2 159 Almost like a Doctor-sensei who exults in her capacity to heal the
rlm@2 160 hurts of others. Shaking off this thought, Tomoyo resolved never to
rlm@2 161 let it happen again, lest Sakura be burdened with a pain she could
rlm@2 162 not mend. As for her own pain, it was beyond the reach of all
rlm@2 163 healing, save for being with her one, true love. And that, of course,
rlm@2 164 was impossible.
rlm@2 165
rlm@2 166 Sakura had found her true love in Li-kun, and Tomoyo could not, must
rlm@2 167 not, sully that happiness. To sacrifice her happiness for that of her
rlm@2 168 loved one seemed a small price, indeed. But the kiss she had shared
rlm@2 169 with her beautiful friend bewildered her, for the love she had felt
rlm@2 170 from Sakura matched her own unrestrained ardor. Sakura did not return
rlm@2 171 the kiss out of surprise or pity, but with a stunning passion, as if
rlm@2 172 she craved a love long denied her. Tomoyo had resolved on her flight
rlm@2 173 to Hong Kong to bottle up her feelings, lest it burden her friend, or
rlm@2 174 damage their wonderful relationship. But in that garden she was
rlm@2 175 enraptured by the scent of tropical flowers, hypnotized by the beauty
rlm@2 176 and voice of the radiant brunette, and bewitched by the luminous
rlm@2 177 moonlight. Her love slipped the iron chains she had forged, and flew
rlm@2 178 to freedom, flew to her. She remembered slowly leaning into the kiss,
rlm@2 179 and Sakura reaching out like a plant welcoming the sun. And this was
rlm@2 180 what baffled her. Sakura should have reacted with embarrassment,
rlm@2 181 should have laughed nervously or made light of what was happening.
rlm@2 182 But her love was as strong and compelling as Tomoyo's own.
rlm@2 183
rlm@2 184 Tomoyo sat in bed, fingers distractedly caressing a little crease in
rlm@2 185 her cyan nightgown. She smiled and thought, it was as if we were
rlm@2 186 really lovers. I’ve been granted a vision of life together, both of
rlm@2 187 us madly in love, with only ourselves in the whole, wide world.
rlm@2 188 Tomoyo closed her eyes and thanked the spirits of the garden who had
rlm@2 189 brought her these wondrous moments. Arigato gozaimasu, she thought,
rlm@2 190 I'll treasure them forever. Opening her eyes she noticed a single
rlm@2 191 braid entwined with green ribbons, and remembered Sakura doing her
rlm@2 192 hair in this very bed. She put her hand to her cheek and felt a hot
rlm@2 193 crimson flush creeping up her neck and shoulders. Such a marvelous
rlm@2 194 day and night it had been! She could bear anything for memories like
rlm@2 195 these. But even in the tender glow of felicity she gently chided
rlm@2 196 herself. She had now been given something unhoped for, a pearl of
rlm@2 197 great price to hold in her heart forever. But she must not distress
rlm@2 198 her friend with her own private longings. Sakura’s fragile feelings
rlm@2 199 were precious, and Tomoyo would not let anything harm them. From now
rlm@2 200 on, she would be more careful. She would bind Love with adamantine
rlm@2 201 chains and keep her feelings under control. But when the smiling face
rlm@2 202 of the delightful brunette came to her, her heart fluttered
rlm@2 203 helplessly in response. It was as if Love playfully rattled those
rlm@2 204 adamantine chains, sweetly mocking Tomoyo’s futile efforts to bind
rlm@2 205 her.
rlm@2 206
rlm@2 207
rlm@2 208 The dark-haired girl arose, and stretched languidly. Today is the
rlm@2 209 banquet, she thought with a start. I have to get ready. They may need
rlm@2 210 me to help. And with that, she rushed to the cedar chest to get
rlm@2 211 dressed, and to see Sakura.
rlm@2 212
rlm@2 213 But Sakura had already left for work, leaving a little note on
rlm@2 214 stationary bordered with lilacs that she had to attend a meeting at
rlm@2 215 school, and would be back in the early afternoon to help prepare the
rlm@2 216 night's banquet. Tucking away the kawaii little note, Tomoyo wandered
rlm@2 217 the great house, looking for the kitchen. Finally, by the dinning
rlm@2 218 hall she found it, and entered in through the double doors. There she
rlm@2 219 saw six chefs and numerous assistants, busy with preparations. Ieran-
rlm@2 220 sama stood among them like a general, calm and assured amidst the
rlm@2 221 chaos of the battlefield. The woman saw her approach, and Tomoyo
rlm@2 222 bowed low and held her bow until it was returned, though by a much
rlm@2 223 shallower bow as befitted their respective stations. Amid the clatter
rlm@2 224 and clang of the busy kitchen Tomoyo had to strain and raise her soft
rlm@2 225 voice to be heard,
rlm@2 226
rlm@2 227 "Good day, Ieran-sama. May I be of any help to you?"
rlm@2 228
rlm@2 229 The woman looked down at her sternly, but Tomoyo noticed the
rlm@2 230 slightest smile as she answered,
rlm@2 231
rlm@2 232 "A guest does not help with her own banquet, Daidouji Siuje. That
rlm@2 233 would be bad fortune." She had used Siuje, the Chinese form for Miss.
rlm@2 234 Tomoyo sensed she had been accorded a singular honor, and bowed
rlm@2 235 slightly in recognition. Ieran-sama smiled again, and turned to the
rlm@2 236 men in the kitchen, issuing a series of rapid orders in Cantonese.
rlm@2 237 She then asked,
rlm@2 238
rlm@2 239 "Would you care for some tea?"
rlm@2 240
rlm@2 241 Tomoyo nodded and followed her out of the kitchen and into the
rlm@2 242 dinning room. The older woman scanned the area, and then said matter-
rlm@2 243 of-factly,
rlm@2 244
rlm@2 245 "It's such a lovely day. Would you like to have tea in the garden?"
rlm@2 246 Ieran-sama watched her intently.
rlm@2 247
rlm@2 248 "Yes, thank you, that would be very nice," Tomoyo replied, her face
rlm@2 249 a mask.
rlm@2 250
rlm@2 251 Ieran-sama led the way down the dark halls, nodding to a servant as
rlm@2 252 she walked. They sat at a table under a mimosa tree dotted with soft,
rlm@2 253 puffy, pink blossoms. The table was made of a pale gray stone, old
rlm@2 254 and weather-stained. Presently a servant arrived with two small red
rlm@2 255 cups and a little red and green pot. Ieran-sama nodded her away, and
rlm@2 256 poured the young woman a steaming cup of strong, black tea. Tomoyo
rlm@2 257 thanked her, and sipped the hot, pungent liquid.
rlm@2 258
rlm@2 259 "Delicious," she smiled. The older woman gazed at her, carefully
rlm@2 260 studying her face. Sipping from her own cup, Ieran-sama sighed,
rlm@2 261
rlm@2 262 "You know, if I had your beauty there would be no need of magic."
rlm@2 263
rlm@2 264 Tomoyo blushed at the compliment, and the steady eyes that beheld
rlm@2 265 her. Closing her eyes, Ieran-sama asked,
rlm@2 266
rlm@2 267 "Are you enjoying Hong Kong?"
rlm@2 268
rlm@2 269 "Yes, very much so. It's really a beautiful city. I'm seeing so much
rlm@2 270 more than the last time I was here."
rlm@2 271
rlm@2 272 "Beautiful, but old, though they seem to delight in tearing down
rlm@2 273 everything they can," She grimaced slightly as she spoke. "But I am
rlm@2 274 happy you are finding your stay pleasant."
rlm@2 275
rlm@2 276 They chatted about the city, shopping in the Causeway, and the view
rlm@2 277 from Victoria Peak. Finally, Ieran-sama asked,
rlm@2 278
rlm@2 279 "Daidouji Siuje, you care very much for Sakura-san, don't you?"
rlm@2 280
rlm@2 281 Again Tomoyo felt the penetrating gaze fall upon her. She put down
rlm@2 282 her cup and nodded.
rlm@2 283
rlm@2 284 "You could have had her for yourself; you have the power. But you
rlm@2 285 encouraged Syaoran instead. Why?"
rlm@2 286
rlm@2 287 Tomoyo paused, and drew a deep breath. There was no sense in trying
rlm@2 288 to hide or conceal anything from her. She saw too much. Smiling, the
rlm@2 289 young woman replied,
rlm@2 290
rlm@2 291 "I wanted her to be happy. That was most important. I didn't think I
rlm@2 292 could make her happy, but I think Li-kun can."
rlm@2 293
rlm@2 294 The woman was silent, her dark eyes locked with Tomoyo's. Finally
rlm@2 295 she looked away and spoke in a cold, aloof tone,
rlm@2 296
rlm@2 297 "Daidouji Siuje, you are perceptive for your years, but have much to
rlm@2 298 learn about human hearts. When next you play matchmaker, be certain
rlm@2 299 before you act."
rlm@2 300
rlm@2 301 Ieran-sama rose and fixed Tomoyo with a hard stare. But then her
rlm@2 302 face softened, as if bright memories of girlhood called to her with a
rlm@2 303 giggle. She smiled a sad, wistful smile and spoke in a whispery,
rlm@2 304 feminine lilt,
rlm@2 305
rlm@2 306 "Daidouji Siuje, I know you would do anything for her. Anything. But
rlm@2 307 this time, please be sure of what you do. Some things done fly far
rlm@2 308 beyond recall."
rlm@2 309
rlm@2 310 She turned and walked away, leaving a pensive Tomoyo behind. Ieran-
rlm@2 311 sama felt a shadow of fear as she strode down the halls to the
rlm@2 312 kitchen. Something about Tomoyo troubled her. There was a sense of
rlm@2 313 brittle strength, a terrible fragility under that calm and placid
rlm@2 314 surface. She closed her eyes and spoke a silent blessing, a spell of
rlm@2 315 watchful protection on the troubling girl. It bothered her that she
rlm@2 316 liked Tomoyo, for such feelings could prove a distraction. The girl
rlm@2 317 was more than useful; she was somehow vital to the House of Li. And
rlm@2 318 that, Ieran-sama thought to herself, is more important than my
rlm@2 319 trifling human emotions.
rlm@2 320
rlm@2 321 Sakura hurried down the street that led to the Li residence. Having
rlm@2 322 to go for a teacher's meeting was exasperating, but it was her duty
rlm@2 323 to go, so she went. Besides, Tomoyo needed to sleep, though hopefully
rlm@2 324 she was up now. Sakura was visibly excited at the prospect of seeing
rlm@2 325 her again. She wanted to see and be with Tomoyo as much as possible
rlm@2 326 while she was still here. Her heart caught in her throat at this
rlm@2 327 thought, realizing the woman would soon leave for Japan. Sakura
rlm@2 328 practically ran up the hill, the house soon looming into view.
rlm@2 329 Standing outside was Tomoyo, scanning the street as if looking for
rlm@2 330 her. Sakura shouted out her name and waved, and as the dark-haired
rlm@2 331 woman caught sight of her she waved back. Running breathlessly,
rlm@2 332 Sakura charged up the walkway and threw herself into Tomoyo’s arms,
rlm@2 333 nearly toppling her over.
rlm@2 334
rlm@2 335 Tomoyo gasped in surprise and delight as she felt the reassuring
rlm@2 336 warmth of her beloved friend. She thought to herself, Sakura-chan’s
rlm@2 337 away for a few hours and I can’t stand it. How can I possibly leave
rlm@2 338 her? She fought back the tears and held on tightly. Finally,
rlm@2 339 reluctantly, the two parted, though Sakura took the pale woman’s
rlm@2 340 hands in hers as she spoke,
rlm@2 341
rlm@2 342 “Tomoyo-chan, I’m so sorry I had to go. I really missed you, isn’t
rlm@2 343 that silly? I was only gone a little bit, but I missed you so much.
rlm@2 344 How are you feeling? Did you get enough sleep? You must have been
rlm@2 345 awfully tired.”
rlm@2 346
rlm@2 347 Tomoyo basked in the sparkling glow of Sakura’s smile and replied
rlm@2 348 cheerfully,
rlm@2 349
rlm@2 350 “Sakura-chan doesn’t have to worry about me. I had a lovely sleep,
rlm@2 351 and beautiful dreams of my best friend, and I’ve even had tea and a
rlm@2 352 conversation with Ieran-sama. But I’m very glad to see you again. I
rlm@2 353 missed you, too.”
rlm@2 354
rlm@2 355 Sakura hugged her tightly again and half-whispered,
rlm@2 356
rlm@2 357 “I don’t know what I’m going to do when you’re gone.”
rlm@2 358
rlm@2 359 Tomoyo’s body stiffened at the words. She thought, I don’t know what
rlm@2 360 I’m going to do, either, Sakura-chan. I just don’t know. But calming
rlm@2 361 her thudding heart, she gently pulled away and smiled,
rlm@2 362
rlm@2 363 “All the more reason to enjoy the time we still have together. I
rlm@2 364 think Ieran-sama has work for you in the kitchen. She won’t let me
rlm@2 365 help, because she said it wouldn’t be good luck for the guest to work
rlm@2 366 for her own banquet. But maybe if you ask her you could do some of
rlm@2 367 the preparations in the dinning room, where we could talk?”
rlm@2 368
rlm@2 369 Sakura nodded, and the two walked hand-in-and through the house
rlm@2 370 before Sakura disappeared into the kitchen. She emerged shortly
rlm@2 371 thereafter, carrying a large pot full of vegetables. She set things
rlm@2 372 up on a table, and carefully began slicing radishes and carrots,
rlm@2 373 greens and bell peppers. Though not particularly fond of the peppers,
rlm@2 374 Tomoyo politely ignored their presence. When Sakura began to weep
rlm@2 375 cutting the onions, Tomoyo found a black lacquer bowl and filled it
rlm@2 376 with water. She placed it by the little chef, saying her Mother swore
rlm@2 377 it helped when cutting onions. The two talked away the afternoon as
rlm@2 378 Sakura chopped and sliced while an entranced Tomoyo simply watched.
rlm@2 379 Finally, Ieran-sama found them, and asked Tomoyo if she would like to
rlm@2 380 prepare herself for the banquet. Later Sakura too was dismissed from
rlm@2 381 her culinary chores, and went to her room to dress.
rlm@2 382
rlm@2 383 Syaoran was already in the bedroom getting ready. Sakura greeted him
rlm@2 384 with a kiss and began looking through her closet, She settled on a
rlm@2 385 black silk cheongsam, a birthday present from her husband. Typical of
rlm@2 386 the style, it had a fairly high collar and fastened diagonally along
rlm@2 387 the right front. The front, collar, and sleeves had a colorful floral
rlm@2 388 border trimmed in gold. The long hem was also trimmed, but only in
rlm@2 389 gold. The skirt was slit slightly above the knee, and Sakura decided
rlm@2 390 to wear black stockings and heels. Standing in front of the mirror,
rlm@2 391 she turned left, then right, waiting expectantly for a comment from
rlm@2 392 Syaoran. But he was too busy with his tie to notice, so Sakura sat
rlm@2 393 down at the vanity. Thinking about how to do her hair, she was
rlm@2 394 reminded of the night before, when she had brushed and braided
rlm@2 395 Tomoyo's beautiful, black-gray tresses. She closed her eyes as the
rlm@2 396 sensations echoed in her mind: the soft, silken feel of the lustrous
rlm@2 397 hair, the flowery-sweet scent, the way it caught the light and
rlm@2 398 shimmered darkly. Breathless, she opened her eyes and swallowed,
rlm@2 399 feeling a hot flash over her shivering body. As she picked up the
rlm@2 400 brush, her hand trembled. Nervously she glanced behind her, but
rlm@2 401 Syaoran was preoccupied and didn’t notice. She brushed in quick,
rlm@2 402 short strokes, trying to calm down.
rlm@2 403
rlm@2 404 As the brush shooshed through her short, auburn hair, Sakura again
rlm@2 405 tried to understand her volatile feelings for Tomoyo. The only thing
rlm@2 406 remotely close to this was Yukito-san, but that had been different.
rlm@2 407 She loved him, but gave it up because despite his affectionate
rlm@2 408 nature, she knew he did not love her in the same way. She knew he
rlm@2 409 loved her brother, and that Touga loved him. She had always been glad
rlm@2 410 of their happiness, despite her pain at the time. Yet for all the
rlm@2 411 intensity she felt for him, it was different than her feelings for
rlm@2 412 her best friend. It had been more than a crush, but was still just
rlm@2 413 the love of a young girl. Her feelings for Tomoyo were stronger,
rlm@2 414 deeper, and more compelling. But why was she wracked by these
rlm@2 415 feelings all of a sudden? Why had she never felt this way before?
rlm@2 416 Because I’ve never been away from her, she thought. We were always
rlm@2 417 together; I can’t think of a day we didn’t see each other, or talk on
rlm@2 418 the phone. Things haven’t felt right since I’ve arrived in Hong Kong.
rlm@2 419 Until now. Now that she is with me. I was away from Syaoran for
rlm@2 420 almost two years, and missed him terribly. But I’ve only been apart
rlm@2 421 from Tomoyo for three months, and it’s an eternity of heartbreak. I
rlm@2 422 don’t think I can live without her. I don’t know if I want to live
rlm@2 423 without her. But she’s my friend. Why do I feel like this for my
rlm@2 424 friend? Confused and frustrated, Sakura turned in her chair and
rlm@2 425 blurted out,
rlm@2 426
rlm@2 427 “Syaoran-chan, was Meiling-chan your best friend when you were young?”
rlm@2 428
rlm@2 429 Syaoran regarded her with a surprised look, and then replied slowly,
rlm@2 430
rlm@2 431 “I don’t know. I guess so. I never had many friends.”
rlm@2 432
rlm@2 433 “Did you like her?” Sakura’s voice sounded nervous and agitated.
rlm@2 434
rlm@2 435 Syaoran rolled his eyes and answered impatiently, “I guess I did. I
rlm@2 436 mean, she was a pain, sometimes, but I suppose she was all right.”
rlm@2 437
rlm@2 438 “Did you love her? Do you still love her?” Sakura asked, wide-eyed
rlm@2 439 and breathless.
rlm@2 440
rlm@2 441 Syaoran frowned and looked away as he mumbled his response, “Why are
rlm@2 442 you asking me that? Are you jealous or something? We didn’t have to
rlm@2 443 invite her tonight, you know.”
rlm@2 444
rlm@2 445 Sakura shook her head wildly and sputtered, “No, I didn’t mean it
rlm@2 446 like that. I’m not jealous at all. But I just wondered if, if best
rlm@2 447 friends could love each other.”
rlm@2 448
rlm@2 449 Syaoran snorted derisively as he slipped on his jacket, “Are you
rlm@2 450 about ready? The guests will be arriving soon, and I don’t want to be
rlm@2 451 late.”
rlm@2 452
rlm@2 453 Sakura smiled sheepishly, “You go on ahead. I’m almost done; I’ll be
rlm@2 454 there in a minute.”
rlm@2 455
rlm@2 456 Syaoran nodded and slipped out the door, leaving Sakura feeling
rlm@2 457 somehow foolish. With a little sigh she opened her jewelry box and
rlm@2 458 chanced upon the little flower hair pin Yukito-san had given her on
rlm@2 459 their trip to Hong Kong so many years ago. She picked it up and
rlm@2 460 smiled, remembering. Then she fixed it in her hair and tilted her
rlm@2 461 head in contemplation.
rlm@2 462
rlm@2 463 “Mmm,” she murmured approvingly, then stood and walked through the
rlm@2 464 door to meet the guests and find Tomoyo-chan.
rlm@2 465
rlm@2 466 Tomoyo heard the buzz of conversation through the large wooden door.
rlm@2 467 Feeling nervous, she remembered the techniques she had used in public
rlm@2 468 performance with the choir. She closed her eyes and slowed her
rlm@2 469 breathing, allowing her body to gradually relax. Tomoyo felt a hand
rlm@2 470 gently touch her shoulder, and looked up to see Fanren at her side.
rlm@2 471 With her fluency in Japanese, Ieran-sama had selected Fanren to
rlm@2 472 escort Tomoyo through the complexities of the banquet. Her eyes
rlm@2 473 sparkled as she spoke excitedly to the young Japanese woman,
rlm@2 474
rlm@2 475 “Aiyaaaaa, Tomoyo-san, you look gorgeous! I’d give you a kiss for
rlm@2 476 good luck but I don’t want to muss you up. I *knew* that cheongsam
rlm@2 477 would be a perfect fit.” She stood back and gazed admiringly. The
rlm@2 478 long, red silk dress was embroidered in golden thread with two
rlm@2 479 lovebirds snuggling together. The high collar and tight fit
rlm@2 480 accentuated Tomoyo’s willowy figure, giving her the look of a goddess
rlm@2 481 who deigned to dally awhile with mortals before ascending back to the
rlm@2 482 heavens. And if Tomoyo’s natural beauty made such a look possible,
rlm@2 483 several hours of meticulous work had gone into its perfection.
rlm@2 484
rlm@2 485 The four Li sisters had argued bitterly over who would get to dress
rlm@2 486 the Japanese beauty for her banquet. Finally they decided on a
rlm@2 487 division of labor that would give them all a chance to show their
rlm@2 488 skills. Fanren would select the clothing, Fuutie would do the make-
rlm@2 489 up, and both Feimei and Shiefa would work on the hair, as that would
rlm@2 490 be the most complex task of all. Fuutie sulked that Tomoyo’s beauty
rlm@2 491 made her job all too easy. Studying the woman’s flawless alabaster
rlm@2 492 skin, she shook her head in amazement. With a deft touch the Chinese
rlm@2 493 woman used a powdery crimson blush to highlight her cheeks, and a
rlm@2 494 plum colored eye shadow that complimented Tomoyo’s remarkable
rlm@2 495 amethyst eyes. She finished with a delicate pink lipstick, and smiled
rlm@2 496 as the other sisters gasped in delight. Fuutie giggled,
rlm@2 497
rlm@2 498 “Who needs a banquet? She looks delicious enough to eat!” The women
rlm@2 499 laughed as Tomoyo’s blush complimented Fuutie’s handiwork.
rlm@2 500
rlm@2 501 Before the makeup, Feimei and Shiefa had begun preparations on
rlm@2 502 Tomoyo’s hair. They protectively wrapped their work-in-progress with
rlm@2 503 white silk, waiting until Fuutie had finished before applying their
rlm@2 504 finishing touches. Huddled with an array of jewelry, flowers, and
rlm@2 505 accessories they worked with nimble fingers and a sharp eye for
rlm@2 506 beauty. When they had finally finished, Tomoyo looked in the gilded
rlm@2 507 mirror they held before her and stared in wonder. The hairstyle was a
rlm@2 508 genuine work of art, adroitly combining a traditional Chinese
rlm@2 509 coiffure with more modern styling. Her lavender hair was spun into
rlm@2 510 delicate locks and ringlets with two long, curling tresses in the
rlm@2 511 front that tumbled freely to her waist. The hair was entwined with
rlm@2 512 ornate red and gold jewelry that tinkled prettily as she walked, or
rlm@2 513 bowed, or turned her head. Finally, three snow-white gardenias
rlm@2 514 provided a fragrant contrast with the dark, shimmering hair. Tomoyo
rlm@2 515 stood and bowed deeply, thanking the women for their labors. The
rlm@2 516 sisters giggled and returned the bow as Shiefei replied,
rlm@2 517
rlm@2 518 “It was our pleasure. The doll designer herself makes a most
rlm@2 519 wonderful doll to play with.”
rlm@2 520
rlm@2 521 Now Fanren looked at Tomoyo and whispered, “Remember, if you get
rlm@2 522 stuck or aren’t sure what to say or do, press my hand twice and just
rlm@2 523 follow my lead. Ready?” Tomoyo smiled and nodded, and the two entered
rlm@2 524 arm in arm into the crowded reception room. They were met with a wall
rlm@2 525 of sound as the guests chatted loudly and enthusiastically. But when
rlm@2 526 the pair entered a hush quickly swept the crowd, followed by excited
rlm@2 527 whispers and astonished, occasionally envious, looks. Fanren
rlm@2 528 carefully navigated her charge through the innumerable Li’s and
rlm@2 529 assorted guests, starting with the most revered and prestigious,
rlm@2 530 calculating her bows and words with practiced precision. As if
rlm@2 531 choreographed, Tomoyo followed Fanren and listened as the Chinese
rlm@2 532 woman translated,
rlm@2 533
rlm@2 534 “The most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services at the Prince
rlm@2 535 of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, offers his humble greetings to the
rlm@2 536 friend of his kinsman’s wife, Kinomoto Sakura. He wishes the
rlm@2 537 exquisite Daidouji Tomoyo to know that her presence at this banquet
rlm@2 538 brings great honor to the House of Li, and that her consummate beauty
rlm@2 539 must make the Lady Moon weep with helpless frustration for being so
rlm@2 540 outshone.”
rlm@2 541
rlm@2 542 Tomoyo answered with graceful solemnity,
rlm@2 543
rlm@2 544 “Please inform the most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services
rlm@2 545 at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, that I am sadly
rlm@2 546 unworthy of the sumptuous magnanimity of the august House of Li, and
rlm@2 547 that I thank him for his kind generosity in receiving me with a
rlm@2 548 veneration for which I am utterly undeserving.”
rlm@2 549
rlm@2 550 And so it went, from guest to honored guest. Tomoyo quickly
rlm@2 551 realized that she was the center of interest, and found herself
rlm@2 552 blushing as many of the younger men, and not a few women, proved
rlm@2 553 particularly attentive. Fanren was the perfect escort, explaining who
rlm@2 554 was who and what was said, fixing a loose golden bell in her hair
rlm@2 555 that was dangling on her forehead, and even slipping her a refreshing
rlm@2 556 watermelon juice drink. Tomoyo was sipping the cool, pink liquid when
rlm@2 557 she heard Fanren intone,
rlm@2 558
rlm@2 559 “The most honorable first son of the House of Li, Li Syaoran, and
rlm@2 560 his wife, who hails from the land of the Rising Sun, Kinomoto Sakura,
rlm@2 561 present their greetings and felicitations…”
rlm@2 562
rlm@2 563 Tomoyo whirled about, nearly dropping her drink in surprise. With a
rlm@2 564 hasty bow, she smiled joyfully and gazed adoringly at Sakura. The
rlm@2 565 cinnamon-haired woman stood as if in shock. With her mouth open and a
rlm@2 566 hand on her breast, Sakura stared in breathless astonishment.
rlm@2 567 Coloring visibly, she blurted out when Fanren had finished,
rlm@2 568
rlm@2 569 “Tomoyo-chan, you look so beautiful!”
rlm@2 570
rlm@2 571 Syaoran rolled his eyes and Fanren giggled behind her hand as Tomoyo
rlm@2 572 bowed and answered in Japanese,
rlm@2 573
rlm@2 574 “I thank the devoted wife of the admirable Li Syaoran of the
rlm@2 575 esteemed House of Li for her kindness, hospitality, and gracious
rlm@2 576 indulgence of so unworthy a guest as myself. Furthermore, I assure
rlm@2 577 her that if there is anything pleasing about my humble appearance it
rlm@2 578 is due solely to the magnificent skills of the resourceful women of
rlm@2 579 the august House of Li. Yet I am saddened that all of their diligent
rlm@2 580 work shall be for naught, for the eyes of all the worthy guests who
rlm@2 581 attend this sumptuous banquet will see only the radiant splendor of
rlm@2 582 Kinomoto Sakura, and that all hearts will be forevermore hers.”
rlm@2 583
rlm@2 584 Suppressing a smile, Fanren then introduced Tomoyo to her
rlm@2 585 approaching host. Elegantly attired in traditional Chinese dress,
rlm@2 586 Ieran-sama glowed with a magical beauty. Utterly enchanted, Tomoyo
rlm@2 587 bowed and exchanged greetings, and then arm in arm accompanied her
rlm@2 588 host to the doors that led to the dinning room. Ieran-sama indicated
rlm@2 589 that she should enter, but Tomoyo hesitated and began the ritual that
rlm@2 590 Fanren had carefully outlined. As the guest, she was honored with
rlm@2 591 being the first to enter. But custom dictated that to do so without
rlm@2 592 lengthy remonstrance would be the worst of manners, implying an
rlm@2 593 intolerable arrogance. For several minutes the two women gently
rlm@2 594 besought the other to enter first, as the guests listened
rlm@2 595 approvingly, if a bit hungrily. Finally, Tomoyo graciously consented
rlm@2 596 and entered, and the others followed in a pre-arranged hierarchy of
rlm@2 597 importance and prestige.
rlm@2 598
rlm@2 599 With high ceilings and picture windows that overlooked the gaudily
rlm@2 600 illuminated city below, the dinning room gave an appearance of
rlm@2 601 spacious grandeur. Decorations were tastefully few, so as not to
rlm@2 602 detract from the real attraction: the food. Set in the center of the
rlm@2 603 room were five round tables of darkly polished and ornately carved
rlm@2 604 mahogany. Ieran indicated the seat of honor for Tomoyo, and again the
rlm@2 605 two enacted a minuet of humility and praise before finally sitting.
rlm@2 606 Ieran took the seat directly across form her, the chair closest to
rlm@2 607 the kitchen doors from whence the servers would bring the various
rlm@2 608 dishes of the feast. This was also a calculated gesture, for such a
rlm@2 609 seat was considered the lowliest of all, and demonstrated the host’s
rlm@2 610 high regard for all the other guests. Tomoyo’s heart soared as she
rlm@2 611 saw Sakura and Syaoran sitting at the same table, as well as the Li
rlm@2 612 sisters, Fanren as always by her side. She glanced at the table, set
rlm@2 613 with priceless porcelain bowls, plates, and spoons, beautifully
rlm@2 614 decorated in delicately wrought patterns of blue, white, and gold.
rlm@2 615 She marveled at the ivory chopsticks set with golden filigree, and
rlm@2 616 the elaborately engraved golden cups. Seeing that all were seated and
rlm@2 617 everything was in readiness, Ieran gave two sharp claps and the
rlm@2 618 kitchen doors instantly swung open. At long last, the banquet was
rlm@2 619 ready to begin.
rlm@2 620
rlm@2 621 Bursting out from the door were several uniformed servers, dressed
rlm@2 622 in bright red and yellow silks, carrying large trays of multi-colored
rlm@2 623 delicacies. Fanren explained that these were the cold dishes to begin
rlm@2 624 the meal. Great silver platters were swiftly arranged on every table,
rlm@2 625 as Ieran-sama moved gracefully through the hall, apologizing for the
rlm@2 626 meager fare, her guests in turn delightedly protesting that they were
rlm@2 627 unworthy of such an abundance of delicacies. When she returned to the
rlm@2 628 table, she served Tomoyo with elegant ease before finally sitting
rlm@2 629 down. A second wave of servers then appeared, displaying aged and
rlm@2 630 dusty earthenware urns, which brought gasps of surprise from the
rlm@2 631 guests, and a joyous buzz that swept the room. Fanren leaned and
rlm@2 632 whispered into Tomoyo’s ear,
rlm@2 633
rlm@2 634 “It’s Shao Xing rice wine, well over 50 years old. I hope you come
rlm@2 635 back here more often,” she giggled.
rlm@2 636
rlm@2 637 As the seals were broken a powerful aroma wafted over the entire
rlm@2 638 room. Servers filled the small golden cups with the dark amber
rlm@2 639 liquid. Ieran arose, and the other guests quickly followed. The woman
rlm@2 640 held her glass high as her eyes surveyed the audience, finally
rlm@2 641 settling intently upon Tomoyo. In a musical voice that carried
rlm@2 642 strongly over the hall, Ieran made her opening toast,
rlm@2 643
rlm@2 644 “To all who have come I offer a thousand thanks and ten thousand
rlm@2 645 blessings, for you honor the House of Li with your presence. To
rlm@2 646 Daidouji Tomoyo, honored guest from across the waters, I wish you
rlm@2 647 life as long as the Yangtze River, as full of happiness as the
rlm@2 648 springtime flood of the Pearl River Delta, and pray that Love may
rlm@2 649 come to you as swiftly as the rapids of the mountain born Nan-p’an.
rlm@2 650 Gan Bei!”
rlm@2 651
rlm@2 652 At this, the guests drained their cups, savoring the heady scent of
rlm@2 653 the priceless wine. The first toast done, all turned their attention
rlm@2 654 to the bounteous feast before them. The cold dishes were colorful and
rlm@2 655 varied, carefully arrayed on the large, heavy silver platters. Fanren
rlm@2 656 identified the various little dishes, and pointed out her favorites,
rlm@2 657
rlm@2 658 “That’s Boiled Pork Tongue, that’s Century Egg with Peppers, though
rlm@2 659 it’s really only a few months old, so don’t worry. This is Sichuan
rlm@2 660 Cucumber with Dried Prawn over on the left, and the red one is Five-
rlm@2 661 Spice Yellow River Carp, a very lucky dish!”
rlm@2 662
rlm@2 663 Tomoyo sampled and nibbled, mindful of Fanren’s advice to eat
rlm@2 664 lightly lest she be full before the main courses arrived. The flavors
rlm@2 665 were cold and crisp, designed to sharpen the palate for the hot
rlm@2 666 dishes to come. Somewhat to her surprise, Ieran-sama served the food
rlm@2 667 at the table, and assisted the servers at the other tables. Despite
rlm@2 668 the alluring repast, Tomoyo kept stealing little glances at Sakura,
rlm@2 669 who reacted with delight to each and every dish. She saw Tomoyo and
rlm@2 670 grinned, giving a cute little wave. Tomoyo felt her heart race at the
rlm@2 671 sight of her beautiful friend, but this private reverie was
rlm@2 672 interrupted when the next wave of servers swept into the noisy
rlm@2 673 dinning hall.
rlm@2 674
rlm@2 675 These were the first of the hot dishes, exquisitely prepared,
rlm@2 676 steaming aromatically as they covered the massive tables. Again
rlm@2 677 Fanren was her guide through this culinary odyssey as Tomoyo gazed in
rlm@2 678 wonder at the mosaic of colors and scents. There was Stir-Fried
rlm@2 679 Triple-Winter, a savory mix of autumnal vegetables. The Shredded Duck
rlm@2 680 with Mango was piquant and breezily tropical. The Stir-Fried Liver
rlm@2 681 with Cloud Ears was surprisingly smooth, the tender liver contrasting
rlm@2 682 with the crunchy, earthy flavor of the Cloud Ear fungus. The Hot and
rlm@2 683 Sour Cabbage was simple, but perfectly done, and went well with the
rlm@2 684 Spicy Tea Eggs that had the appearance of rich marble. Fanren touched
rlm@2 685 her sleeve lightly and whispered, “Remember, these are only the
rlm@2 686 appetizers. It is said that you must guard your appetite well against
rlm@2 687 these skirmishers that precede the main battle line!” Tomoyo nodded,
rlm@2 688 and wondered how she could possibly keep up. As the dishes were taken
rlm@2 689 away, she saw Ieran nudging Syaoran, who rose, blushing, to make the
rlm@2 690 next round of toasts. Standing unsteadily, almost cringing from the
rlm@2 691 eyes upon him, Syaoran stumbled through his pre-written piece.
rlm@2 692 Finally, he looked at Tomoyo and smiled genuinely as he finished,
rlm@2 693
rlm@2 694 “It is said by the sages that those who play the game do not see it
rlm@2 695 as clearly as those who watch. To the most watchful and perceptive
rlm@2 696 person I know, the honorable and esteemed Daidouji Tomoyo. Gan bei!”
rlm@2 697
rlm@2 698 Before the drinks were drained, more of the red-clad servers
rlm@2 699 appeared, hoisting huge, meticulously carved winter melons. The one
rlm@2 700 at Tomoyo’s table was carved in the fantastic shape of a dragon
rlm@2 701 chasing a crescent moon. The top was removed, and the steamy scent of
rlm@2 702 winter melon and expensive Kinka ham soup drifted over the table.
rlm@2 703 Fanren whispered that the melon was very yin, and served to clear and
rlm@2 704 cleanse the palate for the meaty, yang courses to come. And in short
rlm@2 705 order they did, plates and bowls beyond counting, with a wild variety
rlm@2 706 of colors and flavors. At the center of every table was Peking Roast
rlm@2 707 Duck, specially prepared by a Master Chef of Hong Kong who did
rlm@2 708 nothing but this classic, who had served Kings and Presidents
rlm@2 709 throughout the world. Fanren described several of the dishes, but her
rlm@2 710 hungry eyes moved Tomoyo to beg her to eat and talk later. Tomoyo
rlm@2 711 winced at the sharp tang of Crystal Boiled Pork with Garlic Sauce,
rlm@2 712 and smiled at the sweet Fujian Lychee Pork. The Sweet-As-Honey
rlm@2 713 Venison was just as the Emperor Qian Long had described the recipe
rlm@2 714 200 years ago. So tender was the Chicken and Red Date Stew that Ieran-
rlm@2 715 sama pulled the soft flesh from the bird with just her chops\ticks.
rlm@2 716 But most sublime was the duck. Glistening reddish-brown in it’s
rlm@2 717 coating of malt sugar, the crispy-sweet skin held the meltingly
rlm@2 718 flavorful meat within. The skin and meat were eaten in delicate
rlm@2 719 little pancakes, with a Tian Mian Jiang sauce made from a jealously
rlm@2 720 guarded, secret Imperial recipe. Fanren whispered to Tomoyo, who
rlm@2 721 leaned over to hear,
rlm@2 722
rlm@2 723 “They say the in the 1930’s a chef was tortured to death by a
rlm@2 724 warlord rather than divulge the secret recipe.”
rlm@2 725
rlm@2 726 Tomoyo looked at the sauce with great respect, and gravely spoke a
rlm@2 727 silent little prayer of thanks to the brave chef. Finally the tables
rlm@2 728 were cleared and hot towels distributed as the toasts began again,
rlm@2 729 this time with 70 year-old wine. Tomoyo sipped carefully, worried
rlm@2 730 that she might grow silly with too much of the potent drink. She
rlm@2 731 noticed several male guests playing guessing games with fingers, the
rlm@2 732 loser draining a cup that was instantly refilled. Again the doors
rlm@2 733 burst open, and now bowls of soup were displayed, with the legendary
rlm@2 734 Braised Shark’s Fin soup holding center stage. The soup glittered and
rlm@2 735 sparkled, a liquid treasure of incomparable worth. Yet the other
rlm@2 736 soups were hardly outshone, forming a rainbow of glimmering colors
rlm@2 737 and flavors. After sampling the soups (and the Braised Shark Fin
rlm@2 738 twice), Fanren smiled and nudged Tomoyo, indicating Ieran-sama, who
rlm@2 739 was standing at the table and waiting while the bowls were cleared
rlm@2 740 away. Suddenly through the doors came enormous oval platters, so huge
rlm@2 741 they were carried by two straining men at each end. The platters were
rlm@2 742 laid at each table, and as was customary, the one at Tomoyo’s was
rlm@2 743 placed with the head pointing to the guest of honor. All she could do
rlm@2 744 was stare incredulously at the sight.
rlm@2 745
rlm@2 746 Upon each platter was a giant fish, seared crisply, laid upon a bed
rlm@2 747 of mossy green seaweed and delicately cut scallions that looked for
rlm@2 748 all the world like the waves of the sea. But what fixated Tomoyo’s
rlm@2 749 attention was a singular movement, which gave the impression of the
rlm@2 750 tremendous fish swimming in the rolling ocean waves. And what made
rlm@2 751 this possible, Tomoyo realized with a creeping horror, was that the
rlm@2 752 fish was still alive. It’s eyes looked about in confused terror, and
rlm@2 753 it’s mouth gasped for the water that it would never breathe again. It
rlm@2 754 took all of Tomoyo’s years of practice with Sakura to wear a smiling
rlm@2 755 mask, as if she were enchanted by the piteous spectacle. And poor
rlm@2 756 Sakura, she noticed, was woozy and looked as if she might pass out as
rlm@2 757 Syaoran vigorously shook her arm. Tomoyo then saw Ieran-sama take two
rlm@2 758 large silver knives from a bowing server who presented them in a red-
rlm@2 759 velvet lined wooden box. Standing by her pale guest, she lifted them
rlm@2 760 high above her head and took a deep breath. Swift as lightning she
rlm@2 761 struck, wielding the knives like short-swords. In an instant the two
rlm@2 762 cheeks of the mighty fish had been neatly carved and placed perfectly
rlm@2 763 on Tomoyo’s plate. The hall roared and clapped its approval, and
rlm@2 764 Tomoyo bowed deeply in thanks for these choicest portions of the
rlm@2 765 opulent offering. With that, the other servers attacked the fish at
rlm@2 766 their tables and served the excited guests. Tomoyo silently
rlm@2 767 apologized to the poor fish that had suffered so for her sake, and
rlm@2 768 courteously ate the delicacy, though the exquisite flavor gave her
rlm@2 769 little pleasure.
rlm@2 770
rlm@2 771 The other fish and seafood dishes were delicious, though happily
rlm@2 772 less dramatic. The Chao Zhou Zheng Chang Yu was a delicately steamed
rlm@2 773 pomfret fish, subtly accented with slivers of celery, salt plum, and
rlm@2 774 tomato. The Crispy Fried Mandarin fish and the enormous Stir-Fried
rlm@2 775 Lobster with Chicken in Hot Sauce provided a spicy, crunchy contrast.
rlm@2 776 The Baby Slipper Lobsters and Fujian Fried Chili Crabs were balanced
rlm@2 777 nicely by the squid with bamboo shoots, the squid sliced and scored
rlm@2 778 to look like some delicate flowers from a lost kingdom of the sea.
rlm@2 779 Tomoyo barely managed to nibble one of the tasty Shrimp-stuffed
rlm@2 780 Lychees when she turned to Fanren and whispered in a worried tone,
rlm@2 781
rlm@2 782 “Fanren-san, gomenesai, but I don’t know how much more I can eat.
rlm@2 783 It’s wonderfully delicious, but I am so very full.”
rlm@2 784
rlm@2 785 Fanren giggled and whispered back,
rlm@2 786
rlm@2 787 “Aiyaaa, for someone so charmingly petite you’ve done very well,
rlm@2 788 Tomoyo-chan. Don’t worry, the cai foods are done, now all that’s left
rlm@2 789 are the fan courses: grains, noodles, and rice. And it would be
rlm@2 790 insulting to at the rice, as that would mean there wasn’t enough food
rlm@2 791 to fill you up!”
rlm@2 792
rlm@2 793 At this Tomoyo looked relieved, especially as the next round of
rlm@2 794 toasts ended and numerous noodle dishes were spread over the table.
rlm@2 795 Tomoyo noticed that, despite the inviting aroma and magnificent
rlm@2 796 presentation, most of the guests merely picked and nibbled. Much to
rlm@2 797 the surprise and delight of the Li family, Tomoyo ate a goodly
rlm@2 798 portion of the Fried Noodles Xiamen and the curiously named, “Wealth
rlm@2 799 and Good Deeds” with Yi noodles, which Fanren explained was made of a
rlm@2 800 rare hair moss that grew only in the northernmost reaches of the
rlm@2 801 country. Tomoyo asked Fanren to provide a translation for something
rlm@2 802 she whispered, which the Chinese woman laughingly gave, Then the
rlm@2 803 honored guest spoke haltingly to the table in Cantonese,
rlm@2 804
rlm@2 805 “I am very fond of noodles.”
rlm@2 806
rlm@2 807 This brought laughter all around as everyone regarded the beautiful
rlm@2 808 woman with warmth and affection. Tomoyo realized that conversation at
rlm@2 809 the banquet was sparse, yet there existed a glowing sense of
rlm@2 810 communion among all the guests. She remembered Fanren saying before
rlm@2 811 the banquet that food in China was a form of communication that
rlm@2 812 rendered mere words unnecessary. She thought about this now, as the
rlm@2 813 dishes were cleared away yet again. She fondly remembered school
rlm@2 814 lunches with Sakura, where the girl’s silent presence was more than
rlm@2 815 enough to fill her heart. She gazed at her now, a beautiful, married
rlm@2 816 woman, terra-cotta hair catching the light of the chandeliers above.
rlm@2 817 For all the joyous opulence of the banquet, she yearned most of all
rlm@2 818 for a quiet moment with her beautiful friend. Memories of the night
rlm@2 819 before in the moonlit garden suddenly filled her heart. With a sweet
rlm@2 820 shiver she thought, my Sakura-chan is a dream come to life. How lucky
rlm@2 821 I have been to be with her. Finally, Tomoyo noticed the nudging of
rlm@2 822 Fanren, who pointed to the little wine cup before her. With a look of
rlm@2 823 recognition, Tomoyo smiled and rose to give her toast.
rlm@2 824
rlm@2 825 The guests were stunned at the wine that was now presented, for it
rlm@2 826 was of Imperial vintage, still bearing the seal of the Great Dowager
rlm@2 827 Empress from over a hundred years ago. As the priceless liquid was
rlm@2 828 poured, all eyes turned to Tomoyo, who rose and held her cup prettily
rlm@2 829 with one hand on the side and one on the bottom. She then began the
rlm@2 830 speech she and Fanren had prepared the night before.
rlm@2 831
rlm@2 832 In imperfect but earnest Cantonese, Tomoyo thanked all who had come
rlm@2 833 to honor her with this splendid banquet. She protested her
rlm@2 834 unworthiness for so great an homage, and her great fortune in
rlm@2 835 experiencing a feast whose memories would bring her joy all the years
rlm@2 836 of her life. She wished happiness and long life to all, especially
rlm@2 837 the esteemed members of the House of Li that had so graciously
rlm@2 838 extended their incomparable hospitality. Finally, she bowed deeply to
rlm@2 839 Ieran-sama, and thanked her host for the beauty, bounty, and
rlm@2 840 brilliance of an unforgettable evening.
rlm@2 841
rlm@2 842 “Gan bei,” Tomoyo spoke out in her musical voice as all present
rlm@2 843 downed their drinks, utterly enchanted by the charming, pale beauty
rlm@2 844 from Japan. With that, the symbolic bowls of rice were placed and
rlm@2 845 quickly removed with not a grain consumed. Finally, a dizzying array
rlm@2 846 of luscious desserts was placed before the protesting guests, as well
rlm@2 847 as Iron Goddess of Mercy tea, brewed from the uppermost bud and twin
rlm@2 848 leaves of the finest plants from Fujian. When the final cup of tea
rlm@2 849 had been drained, Ieran-sama rose and thanked the guests profusely,
rlm@2 850 signaling the end of the banquet. Effusive appreciation was showered
rlm@2 851 on the Li family by the departing company, who protested Ieran-sama’s
rlm@2 852 humble apologies by declaring the banquet as the most memorable in
rlm@2 853 years. Some left tipsy, most left stuffed, but all left happy to have
rlm@2 854 been a part of so memorable an occasion. In the dark of the nearly
rlm@2 855 empty reception room, Fanren stood before Tomoyo and gently took her
rlm@2 856 by the hand.
rlm@2 857
rlm@2 858 Tomoyo’s azure eyes sparkled as she spoke,
rlm@2 859
rlm@2 860 “Fanren-san, thank you so very much for helping me with my dress,
rlm@2 861 and my toast, and serving as my escort. I don’t know how I would have
rlm@2 862 made it through without you. I’m ever in your debt.”
rlm@2 863
rlm@2 864 The woman smiled, and lightly rested her palm on Tomoyo’s soft, pale
rlm@2 865 cheek. Her voice betrayed the emotion that welled up inside her,
rlm@2 866
rlm@2 867 “I am the one thankful for sharing this magical evening with such an
rlm@2 868 enchanting princess. I know by your eyes where your heart’s desire
rlm@2 869 lies. But if ever your precious heart should find room for another,
rlm@2 870 forget me not, Diadouji Tomoyo-chan, whose beauty in truth outshines
rlm@2 871 Lady Moon.”
rlm@2 872
rlm@2 873 With a final caress of her delicate hand, Fanren leaned over, and
rlm@2 874 lightly kissed the blushing cheek of the honored guest. With that she
rlm@2 875 was gone, leaving Tomoyo breathless, but smiling.
rlm@2 876