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author	rlm
date	Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:53:12 -0500
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+:fc00894c1d4a
+Dear Sakura
+The Banquet
+by G.P. and Amazoness Duo
+pearsong1954@yahoo.com
+amazonessduo@hotmail.com
+Sakura’s Feathery wings ached as she struggled to stay aloft in the
+howling wind. Buffeted by a frigid gust, she grimaced and tried to
+steady herself on the unsteady currents. Scanning the nightscape of
+the great city, she spied Tokyo Tower alight, a blazing beacon in the
+dark, moonless night. Squinting to focus, she made out a familiar
+figure, long hair tossed about by the fierce wind. The girl’s flowing
+dress fluttered crazily as she teetered unsteadily on the edge of a
+platform high above the ground. Standing with arms folded, hands
+against her chest, she clutched something tightly to her breast. In
+horror, Sakura realized who it was and screamed her name,
+"Tomoyo-chan!!"
+She woke with a start and stared out at the gray-blue garden, dimly
+lit by the early dawn. With a cold shiver she realized it was that
+dream again. But this time, she knew who the figure on the Tower was.
+But what was she doing there, and why was it Tomoyo-chan? Realizing
+she was still entwined with Tomoyo, Sakura released a little sigh of
+relief. She snuggled against the sleeping woman, taking comfort in
+her warm presence. Gazing at the pale face, so peaceful and calm,
+Sakura felt the fear in her heart vanish. Fingers playing with a lock
+of lustrous lavender hair, she watched the woman cradled in her arms
+breathe softly in a gentle slumber.
+Sakura felt an ocean of love welling within, buoying her heart like
+a little cork. Yesterday was a dream of moonlight and mountains,
+gardens and fountains, and a magical kiss that swept her soul up into
+the velvety night. She blushed at the memory of that kiss, but more
+out of passionate remembrance than embarrassment. Never had anything
+affected her like this. The treacly-hot sweetness lingered still, the
+scent and taste and touch of Tomoyo flooding back as she closed her
+eyes. Her body shivered and her heart thudded with an aching longing.
+She wanted to cry and laugh and hug the beautiful, still form
+drowsing in her arms. On the edge of tears she whispered hoarsely,
+“Tomoyo-chan, I love you.”
+It was true. This visit had stirred up feelings that Sakura only
+dimly suspected. At first, Tomoyo’s absence had been masked by the
+excitement of married life in Hong Kong. But over the weeks, being
+away from her constant companion had begun to erode her confidence,
+her happiness, and her very soul. Sakura’s bright world was slowly
+spinning out of balance, becoming dark and shrouded in shadows. When
+Tomoyo called and said she was coming to visit, Sakura felt a rush of
+sheer joy. And now, after just two days together, she felt utterly
+reborn. But why? Tomoyo was her best friend, but the love that
+gripped Sakura now was like nothing she had ever felt. Wasn’t this
+how she was supposed to feel with her True Love? Then why didn’t she
+feel like this with Syaoran? Of course she loved him dearly- but not
+like this. But why not? He was her husband, her special someone. He
+had risked his life and given her the power to fight against the
+darkness unleashed by Eriol. Without his help, those shadows might
+have engulfed the world in a pall of forgetting. Everyone knew they
+were fated to be together; in fact, Sakura was one of the last to
+know. She smiled, remembering the time she ran after Syaoran’s bus
+with her little teddy bear. But for all the kisses they had shared as
+newlyweds, there had never been one like last night. Why?
+Syaoran’s kisses were strong and demanding, blunt and forceful like
+the man himself. Sometimes she felt delightfully swept away when he
+took her in his arms like some imperious warrior. But Tomoyo’s kiss
+was tender, tantalizing, sensuous, and oh-so-slow. While Syaoran was
+always in a hurry to get somewhere, Tomoyo seemed to be lingering,
+delighted to share those intimate seconds together. Remembering the
+moment, Sakura blushed deeply, lightly holding her fingers to her
+lips. But it was more than that. Syaoran kissed as if to prove his
+love. When Tomoyo kissed, it was Love itself that poured from her
+heart and filled Sakura’s being. Nobody had ever loved her like
+Tomoyo-chan. Everything she did flowed from the depths of her love:
+the costumes, the quirky comments, and now the kiss. Sakura marveled
+at this, for if she loved her best friend so, then what was Tomoyo’s
+love for her special someone like? It seemed awful that they did not
+know of her love, for if they did surely they would feel it as the
+greatest of blessings. Surely they would rescue her from the
+loneliness that haunted her. And after seeing the pain etched on her
+face last night, Sakura was determined that her friend must not live
+a life in cruel isolation.
+But Tomoyo's effusive love was not the only thing that made the kiss
+special, for Sakura's intense reaction when their lips first touched
+had set them both soaring. Her entire being inflamed with fire and
+light, she returned Tomoyo’s ardent passion with her own. And this
+brought her back to the original puzzle: Why was her love for the
+woman in her arms so deep and powerful , more so even than for her
+husband? Sakura's face mirrored her confusion as she grappled for an
+answer that would not come. "Hoeeee", she thought, "this would be so
+much easier if I could do something. But I just don't know what to
+do." At that moment, a light tap on her shoulder freed her from her
+confusion. She glanced up and saw Syaoran standing by her, dressed
+for work. She smiled brightly and whispered,
+"Can you help me get Tomoyo-chan to her room?"
+He rolled his eyes and returned the smile, then carefully took the
+woman from his wife's arms and carried her to the guest room. She was
+surprisingly light, and he gently eased her onto the futon, still
+asleep. Sakura, who had followed along, knelt beside the sleeping
+girl and tucked her in with all the care and concern of a loving
+mother. Leaning over, she brushed the dark hair from her pretty face,
+and kissed the pale cheek. Tomoyo smiled in response, as if all the
+beautiful dreams in the world were hers. The husband and wife tiptoed
+out of the room, and Sakura carefully latched shut the great mahogany
+door.
+Tomoyo slowly awoke in the plush comfort of a silken quilt. She
+rolled onto her side, breathing in the sweet scent of cut lilies that
+Sakura had placed in her room the day before. The light from the
+garden shone brightly, as if the sun had already reached its zenith.
+Propping herself up on one elbow, she stared at the clock and was
+startled to see the hands approaching noon. Still awakening, she
+remembered the garden from last night, illumined not by the noisy
+yellow sun as it was now, but bathed in moonlight. Swiftly the jumble
+of recollections fell into place: breaking down in front of Sakura,
+sobbing uncontrollably, the woman clasping her tightly. And then, she
+blushingly remembered the kiss.
+Suddenly sitting up, she held a hand to her breast and felt her
+heart beat wildly. Never had she felt such bliss. Her body trembled
+as she remembered how their lips lightly touched, how they embraced,
+how her tongue slipped delicately into Sakura’s honey-sweet mouth.
+Wide-eyed, she shivered as the lingering passion gripped her slender
+frame. Holding herself tightly, she closed her eyes, begged her heart
+be still, and tried to think.
+Her first thought came on a little ripple of fear, “What did I do?
+She saw me cry, she saw me lonely and in pain. Now I’ve hurt her. Oh,
+I’ve hurt my Sakura-chan.” In all their time together, Tomoyo had
+labored to hide her secret agony from Sakura’s sparkling eyes, lest
+she tarnish that bright, genki spirit. Why had she broken down now,
+why had the carefully contrived masks fractured in her hands?
+Frantically she tried to remember what she had said and done. All she
+could recall was Sakura’s unceasing worry about Tomoyo’s loneliness,
+about the special person she could never have, or even tell of her
+love. She had felt trapped like an animal, unable to say that her
+special person was right there with her, in front of her, as she
+always had been. With nothing to say and nowhere to run, her heart
+shattered, the jagged shards rending her soul. And then her tears, so
+long held back, were unleashed in an uncontrollable torrent. Yet what
+happened next was utterly astonishing.
+When Sakura pulled her close and embraced her, Tomoyo’s pain was
+washed away. She remembered with awe the warmth and love that poured
+into her, healed her, and made her whole again. Here was something
+far beyond the Cards, which made their powers seem mere tricks and
+trifles. In the blink of an eye, Tomoyo had gone from a bitter grief
+that would welcome death to joy and peace enough for all eternity.
+Pain and woe and fear had no home when she was in her arms. And
+Sakura’s own spirit, rather than being dimmed by Tomoyo’s pain,
+blazed forth and brought comfort and elation to them both. Here was a
+mystery, for Sakura had actually seemed glad to know of Tomoyo’s
+distress, as if knowing brought her more solace than not knowing.
+Almost like a Doctor-sensei who exults in her capacity to heal the
+hurts of others. Shaking off this thought, Tomoyo resolved never to
+let it happen again, lest Sakura be burdened with a pain she could
+not mend. As for her own pain, it was beyond the reach of all
+healing, save for being with her one, true love. And that, of course,
+was impossible.
+Sakura had found her true love in Li-kun, and Tomoyo could not, must
+not, sully that happiness. To sacrifice her happiness for that of her
+loved one seemed a small price, indeed. But the kiss she had shared
+with her beautiful friend bewildered her, for the love she had felt
+from Sakura matched her own unrestrained ardor. Sakura did not return
+the kiss out of surprise or pity, but with a stunning passion, as if
+she craved a love long denied her. Tomoyo had resolved on her flight
+to Hong Kong to bottle up her feelings, lest it burden her friend, or
+damage their wonderful relationship. But in that garden she was
+enraptured by the scent of tropical flowers, hypnotized by the beauty
+and voice of the radiant brunette, and bewitched by the luminous
+moonlight. Her love slipped the iron chains she had forged, and flew
+to freedom, flew to her. She remembered slowly leaning into the kiss,
+and Sakura reaching out like a plant welcoming the sun. And this was
+what baffled her. Sakura should have reacted with embarrassment,
+should have laughed nervously or made light of what was happening.
+But her love was as strong and compelling as Tomoyo's own.
+Tomoyo sat in bed, fingers distractedly caressing a little crease in
+her cyan nightgown. She smiled and thought, it was as if we were
+really lovers. I’ve been granted a vision of life together, both of
+us madly in love, with only ourselves in the whole, wide world.
+Tomoyo closed her eyes and thanked the spirits of the garden who had
+brought her these wondrous moments. Arigato gozaimasu, she thought,
+I'll treasure them forever. Opening her eyes she noticed a single
+braid entwined with green ribbons, and remembered Sakura doing her
+hair in this very bed. She put her hand to her cheek and felt a hot
+crimson flush creeping up her neck and shoulders. Such a marvelous
+day and night it had been! She could bear anything for memories like
+these. But even in the tender glow of felicity she gently chided
+herself. She had now been given something unhoped for, a pearl of
+great price to hold in her heart forever. But she must not distress
+her friend with her own private longings. Sakura’s fragile feelings
+were precious, and Tomoyo would not let anything harm them. From now
+on, she would be more careful. She would bind Love with adamantine
+chains and keep her feelings under control. But when the smiling face
+of the delightful brunette came to her, her heart fluttered
+helplessly in response. It was as if Love playfully rattled those
+adamantine chains, sweetly mocking Tomoyo’s futile efforts to bind
+her.
+The dark-haired girl arose, and stretched languidly. Today is the
+banquet, she thought with a start. I have to get ready. They may need
+me to help. And with that, she rushed to the cedar chest to get
+dressed, and to see Sakura.
+But Sakura had already left for work, leaving a little note on
+stationary bordered with lilacs that she had to attend a meeting at
+school, and would be back in the early afternoon to help prepare the
+night's banquet. Tucking away the kawaii little note, Tomoyo wandered
+the great house, looking for the kitchen. Finally, by the dinning
+hall she found it, and entered in through the double doors. There she
+saw six chefs and numerous assistants, busy with preparations. Ieran-
+sama stood among them like a general, calm and assured amidst the
+chaos of the battlefield. The woman saw her approach, and Tomoyo
+bowed low and held her bow until it was returned, though by a much
+shallower bow as befitted their respective stations. Amid the clatter
+and clang of the busy kitchen Tomoyo had to strain and raise her soft
+voice to be heard,
+"Good day, Ieran-sama. May I be of any help to you?"
+The woman looked down at her sternly, but Tomoyo noticed the
+slightest smile as she answered,
+"A guest does not help with her own banquet, Daidouji Siuje. That
+would be bad fortune." She had used Siuje, the Chinese form for Miss.
+Tomoyo sensed she had been accorded a singular honor, and bowed
+slightly in recognition. Ieran-sama smiled again, and turned to the
+men in the kitchen, issuing a series of rapid orders in Cantonese.
+She then asked,
+"Would you care for some tea?"
+Tomoyo nodded and followed her out of the kitchen and into the
+dinning room. The older woman scanned the area, and then said matter-
+of-factly,
+"It's such a lovely day. Would you like to have tea in the garden?"
+Ieran-sama watched her intently.
+"Yes, thank you, that would be very nice," Tomoyo replied, her face
+a mask.
+Ieran-sama led the way down the dark halls, nodding to a servant as
+she walked. They sat at a table under a mimosa tree dotted with soft,
+puffy, pink blossoms. The table was made of a pale gray stone, old
+and weather-stained. Presently a servant arrived with two small red
+cups and a little red and green pot. Ieran-sama nodded her away, and
+poured the young woman a steaming cup of strong, black tea. Tomoyo
+thanked her, and sipped the hot, pungent liquid.
+"Delicious," she smiled. The older woman gazed at her, carefully
+studying her face. Sipping from her own cup, Ieran-sama sighed,
+"You know, if I had your beauty there would be no need of magic."
+Tomoyo blushed at the compliment, and the steady eyes that beheld
+her. Closing her eyes, Ieran-sama asked,
+"Are you enjoying Hong Kong?"
+"Yes, very much so. It's really a beautiful city. I'm seeing so much
+more than the last time I was here."
+"Beautiful, but old, though they seem to delight in tearing down
+everything they can," She grimaced slightly as she spoke. "But I am
+happy you are finding your stay pleasant."
+They chatted about the city, shopping in the Causeway, and the view
+from Victoria Peak. Finally, Ieran-sama asked,
+"Daidouji Siuje, you care very much for Sakura-san, don't you?"
+Again Tomoyo felt the penetrating gaze fall upon her. She put down
+her cup and nodded.
+"You could have had her for yourself; you have the power. But you
+encouraged Syaoran instead. Why?"
+Tomoyo paused, and drew a deep breath. There was no sense in trying
+to hide or conceal anything from her. She saw too much. Smiling, the
+young woman replied,
+"I wanted her to be happy. That was most important. I didn't think I
+could make her happy, but I think Li-kun can."
+The woman was silent, her dark eyes locked with Tomoyo's. Finally
+she looked away and spoke in a cold, aloof tone,
+"Daidouji Siuje, you are perceptive for your years, but have much to
+learn about human hearts. When next you play matchmaker, be certain
+before you act."
+Ieran-sama rose and fixed Tomoyo with a hard stare. But then her
+face softened, as if bright memories of girlhood called to her with a
+giggle. She smiled a sad, wistful smile and spoke in a whispery,
+feminine lilt,
+"Daidouji Siuje, I know you would do anything for her. Anything. But
+this time, please be sure of what you do. Some things done fly far
+beyond recall."
+She turned and walked away, leaving a pensive Tomoyo behind. Ieran-
+sama felt a shadow of fear as she strode down the halls to the
+kitchen.  Something about Tomoyo troubled her. There was a sense of
+brittle strength, a terrible fragility under that calm and placid
+surface. She closed her eyes and spoke a silent blessing, a spell of
+watchful protection on the troubling girl. It bothered her that she
+liked Tomoyo, for such feelings could prove a distraction. The girl
+was more than useful; she was somehow vital to the House of Li. And
+that, Ieran-sama thought to herself, is more important than my
+trifling human emotions.
+Sakura hurried down the street that led to the Li residence. Having
+to go for a teacher's meeting was exasperating, but it was her duty
+to go, so she went. Besides, Tomoyo needed to sleep, though hopefully
+she was up now. Sakura was visibly excited at the prospect of seeing
+her again. She wanted to see and be with Tomoyo as much as possible
+while she was still here. Her heart caught in her throat at this
+thought, realizing the woman would soon leave for Japan. Sakura
+practically ran up the hill, the house soon looming into view.
+Standing outside was Tomoyo, scanning the street as if looking for
+her. Sakura shouted out her name and waved, and as the dark-haired
+woman caught sight of her she waved back. Running breathlessly,
+Sakura charged up the walkway and threw herself into Tomoyo’s arms,
+nearly toppling her over.
+Tomoyo gasped in surprise and delight as she felt the reassuring
+warmth of her beloved friend. She thought to herself, Sakura-chan’s
+away for a few hours and I can’t stand it. How can I possibly leave
+her? She fought back the tears and held on tightly. Finally,
+reluctantly, the two parted, though Sakura took the pale woman’s
+hands in hers as she spoke,
+“Tomoyo-chan, I’m so sorry I had to go. I really missed you, isn’t
+that silly? I was only gone a little bit, but I missed you so much.
+How are you feeling? Did you get enough sleep? You must have been
+awfully tired.”
+Tomoyo basked in the sparkling glow of Sakura’s smile and replied
+cheerfully,
+“Sakura-chan doesn’t have to worry about me. I had a lovely sleep,
+and beautiful dreams of my best friend, and I’ve even had tea and a
+conversation with Ieran-sama. But I’m very glad to see you again. I
+missed you, too.”
+Sakura hugged her tightly again and half-whispered,
+“I don’t know what I’m going to do when you’re gone.”
+Tomoyo’s body stiffened at the words. She thought, I don’t know what
+I’m going to do, either, Sakura-chan. I just don’t know. But calming
+her thudding heart, she gently pulled away and smiled,
+“All the more reason to enjoy the time we still have together. I
+think Ieran-sama has work for you in the kitchen. She won’t let me
+help, because she said it wouldn’t be good luck for the guest to work
+for her own banquet. But maybe if you ask her you could do some of
+the preparations in the dinning room, where we could talk?”
+Sakura nodded, and the two walked hand-in-and through the house
+before Sakura disappeared into the kitchen. She emerged shortly
+thereafter, carrying a large pot full of vegetables. She set things
+up on a table, and carefully began slicing radishes and carrots,
+greens and bell peppers. Though not particularly fond of the peppers,
+Tomoyo politely ignored their presence. When Sakura began to weep
+cutting the onions, Tomoyo found a black lacquer bowl and filled it
+with water. She placed it by the little chef, saying her Mother swore
+it helped when cutting onions. The two talked away the afternoon as
+Sakura chopped and sliced while an entranced Tomoyo simply watched.
+Finally, Ieran-sama found them, and asked Tomoyo if she would like to
+prepare herself for the banquet. Later Sakura too was dismissed from
+her culinary chores, and went to her room to dress.
+Syaoran was already in the bedroom getting ready. Sakura greeted him
+with a kiss and began looking through her closet, She settled on a
+black silk cheongsam, a birthday present from her husband. Typical of
+the style, it had a fairly high collar and fastened diagonally along
+the right front. The front, collar, and sleeves had a colorful floral
+border trimmed in gold. The long hem was also trimmed, but only in
+gold. The skirt was slit slightly above the knee, and Sakura decided
+to wear black stockings and heels. Standing in front of the mirror,
+she turned left, then right, waiting expectantly for a comment from
+Syaoran. But he was too busy with his tie to notice, so Sakura sat
+down at the vanity. Thinking about how to do her hair, she was
+reminded of the night before, when she had brushed and braided
+Tomoyo's beautiful, black-gray tresses. She closed her eyes as the
+sensations echoed in her mind: the soft, silken feel of the lustrous
+hair, the flowery-sweet scent, the way it caught the light and
+shimmered darkly. Breathless, she opened her eyes and swallowed,
+feeling a hot flash over her shivering body. As she picked up the
+brush, her hand trembled. Nervously she glanced behind her, but
+Syaoran was preoccupied and didn’t notice. She brushed in quick,
+short strokes, trying to calm down.
+As the brush shooshed through her short, auburn hair, Sakura again
+tried to understand her volatile feelings for Tomoyo. The only thing
+remotely close to this was Yukito-san, but that had been different.
+She loved him, but gave it up because despite his affectionate
+nature, she knew he did not love her in the same way. She knew he
+loved her brother, and that Touga loved him. She had always been glad
+of their happiness, despite her pain at the time.  Yet for all the
+intensity she felt for him, it was different than her feelings for
+her best friend. It had been more than a crush, but was still just
+the love of a young girl. Her feelings for Tomoyo were stronger,
+deeper, and more compelling. But why was she wracked by these
+feelings all of a sudden? Why had she never felt this way before?
+Because I’ve never been away from her, she thought. We were always
+together; I can’t think of a day we didn’t see each other, or talk on
+the phone. Things haven’t felt right since I’ve arrived in Hong Kong.
+Until now. Now that she is with me. I was away from Syaoran for
+almost two years, and missed him terribly. But I’ve only been apart
+from Tomoyo for three months, and it’s an eternity of heartbreak. I
+don’t think I can live without her. I don’t know if I want to live
+without her. But she’s my friend. Why do I feel like this for my
+friend? Confused and frustrated, Sakura turned in her chair and
+blurted out,
+“Syaoran-chan, was Meiling-chan your best friend when you were young?”
+Syaoran regarded her with a surprised look, and then replied slowly,
+“I don’t know. I guess so. I never had many friends.”
+“Did you like her?” Sakura’s voice sounded nervous and agitated.
+Syaoran rolled his eyes and answered impatiently, “I guess I did. I
+mean, she was a pain, sometimes, but I suppose she was all right.”
+“Did you love her? Do you still love her?” Sakura asked, wide-eyed
+and breathless.
+Syaoran frowned and looked away as he mumbled his response, “Why are
+you asking me that? Are you jealous or something? We didn’t have to
+invite her tonight, you know.”
+Sakura shook her head wildly and sputtered, “No, I didn’t mean it
+like that. I’m not jealous at all. But I just wondered if, if best
+friends could love each other.”
+Syaoran snorted derisively as he slipped on his jacket, “Are you
+about ready? The guests will be arriving soon, and I don’t want to be
+late.”
+Sakura smiled sheepishly, “You go on ahead. I’m almost done; I’ll be
+there in a minute.”
+Syaoran nodded and slipped out the door, leaving Sakura feeling
+somehow foolish. With a little sigh she opened her jewelry box and
+chanced upon the little flower hair pin Yukito-san had given her on
+their trip to Hong Kong so many years ago. She picked it up and
+smiled, remembering. Then she fixed it in her hair and tilted her
+head in contemplation.
+“Mmm,” she murmured approvingly, then stood and walked through the
+door to meet the guests and find Tomoyo-chan.
+Tomoyo heard the buzz of conversation through the large wooden door.
+Feeling nervous, she remembered the techniques she had used in public
+performance with the choir. She closed her eyes and slowed her
+breathing, allowing her body to gradually relax. Tomoyo felt a hand
+gently touch her shoulder, and looked up to see Fanren at her side.
+With her fluency in Japanese, Ieran-sama had selected Fanren to
+escort Tomoyo through the complexities of the banquet. Her eyes
+sparkled as she spoke excitedly to the young Japanese woman,
+“Aiyaaaaa, Tomoyo-san, you look gorgeous! I’d give you a kiss for
+good luck but I don’t want to muss you up.  I *knew* that cheongsam
+would be a perfect fit.” She stood back and gazed admiringly. The
+long, red silk dress was embroidered in golden thread with two
+lovebirds snuggling together. The high collar and tight fit
+accentuated Tomoyo’s willowy figure, giving her the look of a goddess
+who deigned to dally awhile with mortals before ascending back to the
+heavens. And if Tomoyo’s natural beauty made such a look possible,
+several hours of meticulous work had gone into its perfection.
+The four Li sisters had argued bitterly over who would get to dress
+the Japanese beauty for her banquet. Finally they decided on a
+division of labor that would give them all a chance to show their
+skills. Fanren would select the clothing, Fuutie would do the make-
+up, and both Feimei and Shiefa would work on the hair, as that would
+be the most complex task of all. Fuutie sulked that Tomoyo’s beauty
+made her job all too easy.  Studying the woman’s flawless alabaster
+skin, she shook her head in amazement. With a deft touch the Chinese
+woman used a powdery crimson blush to highlight her cheeks, and a
+plum colored eye shadow that complimented Tomoyo’s remarkable
+amethyst eyes. She finished with a delicate pink lipstick, and smiled
+as the other sisters gasped in delight. Fuutie giggled,
+“Who needs a banquet? She looks delicious enough to eat!” The women
+laughed as Tomoyo’s blush complimented Fuutie’s handiwork.
+Before the makeup, Feimei and Shiefa had begun preparations on
+Tomoyo’s hair. They protectively wrapped their work-in-progress with
+white silk, waiting until Fuutie had finished before applying their
+finishing touches. Huddled with an array of jewelry, flowers, and
+accessories they worked with nimble fingers and a sharp eye for
+beauty. When they had finally finished, Tomoyo looked in the gilded
+mirror they held before her and stared in wonder. The hairstyle was a
+genuine work of art, adroitly combining a traditional Chinese
+coiffure with more modern styling. Her lavender hair was spun into
+delicate locks and ringlets with two long, curling tresses in the
+front that tumbled freely to her waist. The hair was entwined with
+ornate red and gold jewelry that tinkled prettily as she walked, or
+bowed, or turned her head. Finally, three snow-white gardenias
+provided a fragrant contrast with the dark, shimmering hair. Tomoyo
+stood and bowed deeply, thanking the women for their labors.  The
+sisters giggled and returned the bow as Shiefei replied,
+“It was our pleasure. The doll designer herself makes a most
+wonderful doll to play with.”
+Now Fanren looked at Tomoyo and whispered, “Remember, if you get
+stuck or aren’t sure what to say or do, press my hand twice and just
+follow my lead. Ready?” Tomoyo smiled and nodded, and the two entered
+arm in arm into the crowded reception room. They were met with a wall
+of sound as the guests chatted loudly and enthusiastically. But when
+the pair entered a hush quickly swept the crowd, followed by excited
+whispers and astonished, occasionally envious, looks. Fanren
+carefully navigated her charge through the innumerable Li’s and
+assorted guests, starting with the most revered and prestigious,
+calculating her bows and words with practiced precision. As if
+choreographed, Tomoyo followed Fanren and listened as the Chinese
+woman translated,
+“The most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services at the Prince
+of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, offers his humble greetings to the
+friend of his kinsman’s wife, Kinomoto Sakura. He wishes the
+exquisite Daidouji Tomoyo to know that her presence at this banquet
+brings great honor to the House of Li, and that her consummate beauty
+must make the Lady Moon weep with helpless frustration for being so
+outshone.”
+Tomoyo answered with graceful solemnity,
+“Please inform the most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services
+at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, that I am sadly
+unworthy of the sumptuous magnanimity of the august House of Li, and
+that I thank him for his kind generosity in receiving me with a
+veneration for which I am utterly undeserving.”
+And so it went, from guest to honored guest. Tomoyo quickly
+realized that she was the center of interest, and found herself
+blushing as many of the younger men, and not a few women, proved
+particularly attentive. Fanren was the perfect escort, explaining who
+was who and what was said, fixing a loose golden bell in her hair
+that was dangling on her forehead, and even slipping her a refreshing
+watermelon juice drink. Tomoyo was sipping the cool, pink liquid when
+she heard Fanren intone,
+“The most honorable first son of the House of Li, Li Syaoran, and
+his wife, who hails from the land of the Rising Sun, Kinomoto Sakura,
+present their greetings and felicitations…”
+Tomoyo whirled about, nearly dropping her drink in surprise. With a
+hasty bow, she smiled joyfully and gazed adoringly at Sakura. The
+cinnamon-haired woman stood as if in shock. With her mouth open and a
+hand on her breast, Sakura stared in breathless astonishment.
+Coloring visibly, she blurted out when Fanren had finished,
+“Tomoyo-chan, you look so beautiful!”
+Syaoran rolled his eyes and Fanren giggled behind her hand as Tomoyo
+bowed and answered in Japanese,
+“I thank the devoted wife of the admirable Li Syaoran of the
+esteemed House of Li for her kindness, hospitality, and gracious
+indulgence of so unworthy a guest as myself. Furthermore, I assure
+her that if there is anything pleasing about my humble appearance it
+is due solely to the magnificent skills of the resourceful women of
+the august House of Li. Yet I am saddened that all of their diligent
+work shall be for naught, for the eyes of all the worthy guests who
+attend this sumptuous banquet will see only the radiant splendor of
+Kinomoto Sakura, and that all hearts will be forevermore hers.”
+Suppressing a smile, Fanren then introduced Tomoyo to her
+approaching host. Elegantly attired in traditional Chinese dress,
+Ieran-sama glowed with a magical beauty. Utterly enchanted, Tomoyo
+bowed and exchanged greetings, and then arm in arm accompanied her
+host to the doors that led to the dinning room. Ieran-sama indicated
+that she should enter, but Tomoyo hesitated and began the ritual that
+Fanren had carefully outlined. As the guest, she was honored with
+being the first to enter. But custom dictated that to do so without
+lengthy remonstrance would be the worst of manners, implying an
+intolerable arrogance. For several minutes the two women gently
+besought the other to enter first, as the guests listened
+approvingly, if a bit hungrily. Finally, Tomoyo graciously consented
+and entered, and the others followed in a pre-arranged hierarchy of
+importance and prestige.
+With high ceilings and picture windows that overlooked the gaudily
+illuminated city below, the dinning room gave an appearance of
+spacious grandeur. Decorations were tastefully few, so as not to
+detract from the real attraction: the food. Set in the center of the
+room were five round tables of darkly polished and ornately carved
+mahogany. Ieran indicated the seat of honor for Tomoyo, and again the
+two enacted a minuet of humility and praise before finally sitting.
+Ieran took the seat directly across form her, the chair closest to
+the kitchen doors from whence the servers would bring the various
+dishes of the feast. This was also a calculated gesture, for such a
+seat was considered the lowliest of all, and demonstrated the host’s
+high regard for all the other guests. Tomoyo’s heart soared as she
+saw Sakura and Syaoran sitting at the same table, as well as the Li
+sisters, Fanren as always by her side. She glanced at the table, set
+with priceless porcelain bowls, plates, and spoons, beautifully
+decorated in delicately wrought patterns of blue, white, and gold.
+She marveled at the ivory chopsticks set with golden filigree, and
+the elaborately engraved golden cups. Seeing that all were seated and
+everything was in readiness, Ieran gave two sharp claps and the
+kitchen doors instantly swung open. At long last, the banquet was
+ready to begin.
+Bursting out from the door were several uniformed servers, dressed
+in bright red and yellow silks, carrying large trays of multi-colored
+delicacies. Fanren explained that these were the cold dishes to begin
+the meal. Great silver platters were swiftly arranged on every table,
+as Ieran-sama moved gracefully through the hall, apologizing for the
+meager fare, her guests in turn delightedly protesting that they were
+unworthy of such an abundance of delicacies. When she returned to the
+table, she served Tomoyo with elegant ease before finally sitting
+down. A second wave of servers then appeared, displaying aged and
+dusty earthenware urns, which brought gasps of surprise from the
+guests, and a joyous buzz that swept the room. Fanren leaned and
+whispered into Tomoyo’s ear,
+“It’s Shao Xing rice wine, well over 50 years old. I hope you come
+back here more often,” she giggled.
+As the seals were broken a powerful aroma wafted over the entire
+room. Servers filled the small golden cups with the dark amber
+liquid. Ieran arose, and the other guests quickly followed. The woman
+held her glass high as her eyes surveyed the audience, finally
+settling intently upon Tomoyo. In a musical voice that carried
+strongly over the hall, Ieran made her opening toast,
+“To all who have come I offer a thousand thanks and ten thousand
+blessings, for you honor the House of Li with your presence. To
+Daidouji Tomoyo, honored guest from across the waters, I wish you
+life as long as the Yangtze River, as full of happiness as the
+springtime flood of the Pearl River Delta, and pray that Love may
+come to you as swiftly as the rapids of the mountain born Nan-p’an.
+Gan Bei!”
+At this, the guests drained their cups, savoring the heady scent of
+the priceless wine. The first toast done, all turned their attention
+to the bounteous feast before them. The cold dishes were colorful and
+varied, carefully arrayed on the large, heavy silver platters. Fanren
+identified the various little dishes, and pointed out her favorites,
+“That’s Boiled Pork Tongue, that’s Century Egg with Peppers, though
+it’s really only a few months old, so don’t worry. This is Sichuan
+Cucumber with Dried Prawn over on the left, and the red one is Five-
+Spice Yellow River Carp, a very lucky dish!”
+Tomoyo sampled and nibbled, mindful of Fanren’s advice to eat
+lightly lest she be full before the main courses arrived. The flavors
+were cold and crisp, designed to sharpen the palate for the hot
+dishes to come. Somewhat to her surprise, Ieran-sama served the food
+at the table, and assisted the servers at the other tables. Despite
+the alluring repast, Tomoyo kept stealing little glances at Sakura,
+who reacted with delight to each and every dish. She saw Tomoyo and
+grinned, giving a cute little wave. Tomoyo felt her heart race at the
+sight of her beautiful friend, but this private reverie was
+interrupted when the next wave of servers swept into the noisy
+dinning hall.
+These were the first of the hot dishes, exquisitely prepared,
+steaming aromatically as they covered the massive tables. Again
+Fanren was her guide through this culinary odyssey as Tomoyo gazed in
+wonder at the mosaic of colors and scents. There was Stir-Fried
+Triple-Winter, a savory mix of autumnal vegetables. The Shredded Duck
+with Mango was piquant and breezily tropical. The Stir-Fried Liver
+with Cloud Ears was surprisingly smooth, the tender liver contrasting
+with the crunchy, earthy flavor of the Cloud Ear fungus.  The Hot and
+Sour Cabbage was simple, but perfectly done, and went well with the
+Spicy Tea Eggs that had the appearance of rich marble. Fanren touched
+her sleeve lightly and whispered, “Remember, these are only the
+appetizers. It is said that you must guard your appetite well against
+these skirmishers that precede the main battle line!” Tomoyo nodded,
+and wondered how she could possibly keep up. As the dishes were taken
+away, she saw Ieran nudging Syaoran, who rose, blushing, to make the
+next round of toasts. Standing unsteadily, almost cringing from the
+eyes upon him, Syaoran stumbled through his pre-written piece.
+Finally, he looked at Tomoyo and smiled genuinely as he finished,
+“It is said by the sages that those who play the game do not see it
+as clearly as those who watch. To the most watchful and perceptive
+person I know, the honorable and esteemed Daidouji Tomoyo. Gan bei!”
+Before the drinks were drained, more of the red-clad servers
+appeared, hoisting huge, meticulously carved winter melons. The one
+at Tomoyo’s table was carved in the fantastic shape of a dragon
+chasing a crescent moon. The top was removed, and the steamy scent of
+winter melon and expensive Kinka ham soup drifted over the table.
+Fanren whispered that the melon was very yin, and served to clear and
+cleanse the palate for the meaty, yang courses to come. And in short
+order they did, plates and bowls beyond counting, with a wild variety
+of colors and flavors. At the center of every table was Peking Roast
+Duck, specially prepared by a Master Chef of Hong Kong who did
+nothing but this classic, who had served Kings and Presidents
+throughout the world. Fanren described several of the dishes, but her
+hungry eyes moved Tomoyo to beg her to eat and talk later. Tomoyo
+winced at the sharp tang of Crystal Boiled Pork with Garlic Sauce,
+and smiled at the sweet Fujian Lychee Pork. The Sweet-As-Honey
+Venison was just as the Emperor Qian Long had described the recipe
+200 years ago. So tender was the Chicken and Red Date Stew that Ieran-
+sama pulled the soft flesh from the bird with just her chops\ticks.
+But most sublime was the duck. Glistening reddish-brown in it’s
+coating of malt sugar, the crispy-sweet skin held the meltingly
+flavorful meat within. The skin and meat were eaten in delicate
+little pancakes, with a Tian Mian Jiang sauce made from a jealously
+guarded, secret Imperial recipe. Fanren whispered to Tomoyo, who
+leaned over to hear,
+“They say the in the 1930’s a chef was tortured to death by a
+warlord rather than divulge the secret recipe.”
+Tomoyo looked at the sauce with great respect, and gravely spoke a
+silent little prayer of thanks to the brave chef. Finally the tables
+were cleared and hot towels distributed as the toasts began again,
+this time with 70 year-old wine. Tomoyo sipped carefully, worried
+that she might grow silly with too much of the potent drink. She
+noticed several male guests playing guessing games with fingers, the
+loser draining a cup that was instantly refilled. Again the doors
+burst open, and now bowls of soup were displayed, with the legendary
+Braised Shark’s Fin soup holding center stage. The soup glittered and
+sparkled, a liquid treasure of incomparable worth. Yet the other
+soups were hardly outshone, forming a rainbow of glimmering colors
+and flavors. After sampling the soups (and the Braised Shark Fin
+twice), Fanren smiled and nudged Tomoyo, indicating Ieran-sama, who
+was standing at the table and waiting while the bowls were cleared
+away. Suddenly through the doors came enormous oval platters, so huge
+they were carried by two straining men at each end. The platters were
+laid at each table, and as was customary,  the one at Tomoyo’s was
+placed with the head pointing to the guest of honor. All she could do
+was stare incredulously at the sight.
+Upon each platter was a giant fish, seared crisply, laid upon a bed
+of mossy green seaweed and delicately cut scallions that looked for
+all the world like the waves of the sea. But what fixated Tomoyo’s
+attention was a singular movement, which gave the impression of the
+tremendous fish swimming in the rolling ocean waves. And what made
+this possible, Tomoyo realized with a creeping horror, was that the
+fish was still alive. It’s eyes looked about in confused terror, and
+it’s mouth gasped for the water that it would never breathe again. It
+took all of Tomoyo’s years of practice with Sakura to wear a smiling
+mask, as if she were enchanted by the piteous spectacle. And poor
+Sakura, she noticed, was woozy and looked as if she might pass out as
+Syaoran vigorously shook her arm. Tomoyo then saw Ieran-sama take two
+large silver knives from a bowing server who presented them in a red-
+velvet lined wooden box. Standing by her pale guest, she lifted them
+high above her head and took a deep breath. Swift as lightning she
+struck, wielding the knives like short-swords. In an instant the two
+cheeks of the mighty fish had been neatly carved and placed perfectly
+on Tomoyo’s plate. The hall roared and clapped its approval, and
+Tomoyo bowed deeply in thanks for these choicest portions of the
+opulent offering. With that, the other servers attacked the fish at
+their tables and served the excited guests. Tomoyo silently
+apologized to the poor fish that had suffered so for her sake, and
+courteously ate the delicacy, though the exquisite flavor gave her
+little pleasure.
+The other fish and seafood dishes were delicious, though happily
+less dramatic. The Chao Zhou Zheng Chang Yu was a delicately steamed
+pomfret fish, subtly accented with slivers of celery, salt plum, and
+tomato. The Crispy Fried Mandarin fish and the enormous Stir-Fried
+Lobster with Chicken in Hot Sauce provided a spicy, crunchy contrast.
+The Baby Slipper Lobsters and Fujian Fried Chili Crabs were balanced
+nicely by the squid with bamboo shoots, the squid sliced and scored
+to look like some delicate flowers from a lost kingdom of the sea.
+Tomoyo barely managed to nibble one of the tasty Shrimp-stuffed
+Lychees when she turned to Fanren and whispered in a worried tone,
+“Fanren-san, gomenesai, but I don’t know how much more I can eat.
+It’s wonderfully delicious, but I am so very full.”
+Fanren giggled and whispered back,
+“Aiyaaa, for someone so charmingly petite you’ve done very well,
+Tomoyo-chan. Don’t worry, the cai foods are done, now all that’s left
+are the fan courses: grains, noodles, and rice. And it would be
+insulting to at the rice, as that would mean there wasn’t enough food
+to fill you up!”
+At this Tomoyo looked relieved, especially as the next round of
+toasts ended and numerous noodle dishes were spread over the table.
+Tomoyo noticed that, despite the inviting aroma and magnificent
+presentation, most of the guests merely picked and nibbled.  Much to
+the surprise and delight of the Li family, Tomoyo ate a goodly
+portion of the Fried Noodles Xiamen and the curiously named, “Wealth
+and Good Deeds” with Yi noodles, which Fanren explained was made of a
+rare hair moss that grew only in the northernmost reaches of the
+country. Tomoyo asked Fanren to provide a translation for something
+she whispered, which the Chinese woman laughingly gave, Then the
+honored guest spoke haltingly to the table in Cantonese,
+“I am very fond of noodles.”
+This brought laughter all around as everyone regarded the beautiful
+woman with warmth and affection. Tomoyo realized that conversation at
+the banquet was sparse, yet there existed a glowing sense of
+communion among all the guests. She remembered Fanren saying before
+the banquet that food in China was a form of communication that
+rendered mere words unnecessary. She thought about this now, as the
+dishes were cleared away yet again.  She fondly remembered school
+lunches with Sakura, where the girl’s silent presence was more than
+enough to fill her heart. She gazed at her now, a beautiful, married
+woman, terra-cotta hair catching the light of the chandeliers above.
+For all the joyous opulence of the banquet, she yearned most of all
+for a quiet moment with her beautiful friend. Memories of the night
+before in the moonlit garden suddenly filled her heart. With a sweet
+shiver she thought, my Sakura-chan is a dream come to life. How lucky
+I have been to be with her. Finally, Tomoyo noticed the nudging of
+Fanren, who pointed to the little wine cup before her. With a look of
+recognition, Tomoyo smiled and rose to give her toast.
+The guests were stunned at the wine that was now presented, for it
+was of Imperial vintage, still bearing the seal of the Great Dowager
+Empress from over a hundred years ago. As the priceless liquid was
+poured, all eyes turned to Tomoyo, who rose and held her cup prettily
+with one hand on the side and one on the bottom. She then began the
+speech she and Fanren had prepared the night before.
+In imperfect but earnest Cantonese, Tomoyo thanked all who had come
+to honor her with this splendid banquet. She protested her
+unworthiness for so great an homage, and her great fortune in
+experiencing a feast whose memories would bring her joy all the years
+of her life. She wished happiness and long life to all, especially
+the esteemed members of the House of Li that had so graciously
+extended their incomparable hospitality. Finally, she bowed deeply to
+Ieran-sama, and thanked her host for the beauty, bounty, and
+brilliance of an unforgettable evening.
+“Gan bei,” Tomoyo spoke out in her musical voice as all present
+downed their drinks, utterly enchanted by the charming, pale beauty
+from Japan. With that, the symbolic bowls of rice were placed and
+quickly removed with not a grain consumed. Finally, a dizzying array
+of luscious desserts was placed before the protesting guests, as well
+as Iron Goddess of Mercy tea, brewed from the uppermost bud and twin
+leaves of the finest plants from Fujian. When the final cup of tea
+had been drained, Ieran-sama rose and thanked the guests profusely,
+signaling the end of the banquet. Effusive appreciation was showered
+on the Li family by the departing company, who protested Ieran-sama’s
+humble apologies by declaring the banquet as the most memorable in
+years. Some left tipsy, most left stuffed, but all left happy to have
+been a part of so memorable an occasion. In the dark of the nearly
+empty reception room, Fanren stood before Tomoyo and gently took her
+by the hand.
+Tomoyo’s azure eyes sparkled as she spoke,
+“Fanren-san, thank you so very much for helping me with my dress,
+and my toast, and serving as my escort. I don’t know how I would have
+made it through without you. I’m ever in your debt.”
+The woman smiled, and lightly rested her palm on Tomoyo’s soft, pale
+cheek. Her voice betrayed the emotion that welled up inside her,
+“I am the one thankful for sharing this magical evening with such an
+enchanting princess. I know by your eyes where your heart’s desire
+lies. But if ever your precious heart should find room for another,
+forget me not, Diadouji Tomoyo-chan, whose beauty in truth outshines
+Lady Moon.”
+With a final caress of her delicate hand, Fanren leaned over, and
+lightly kissed the blushing cheek of the honored guest. With that she
+was gone, leaving Tomoyo breathless, but smiling.

Mercurial > moonlitnights

comparison old/stories/dearsakura-07.txt @ 2:fc00894c1d4a moonlitnights