rlm@0: Dear Sakura
rlm@0: The Banquet
rlm@0: by G.P. and Amazoness Duo
rlm@0: pearsong1954@yahoo.com
rlm@0: amazonessduo@hotmail.com
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura’s Feathery wings ached as she struggled to stay aloft in the
rlm@0: howling wind. Buffeted by a frigid gust, she grimaced and tried to
rlm@0: steady herself on the unsteady currents. Scanning the nightscape of
rlm@0: the great city, she spied Tokyo Tower alight, a blazing beacon in the
rlm@0: dark, moonless night. Squinting to focus, she made out a familiar
rlm@0: figure, long hair tossed about by the fierce wind. The girl’s flowing
rlm@0: dress fluttered crazily as she teetered unsteadily on the edge of a
rlm@0: platform high above the ground. Standing with arms folded, hands
rlm@0: against her chest, she clutched something tightly to her breast. In
rlm@0: horror, Sakura realized who it was and screamed her name,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Tomoyo-chan!!"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: She woke with a start and stared out at the gray-blue garden, dimly
rlm@0: lit by the early dawn. With a cold shiver she realized it was that
rlm@0: dream again. But this time, she knew who the figure on the Tower was.
rlm@0: But what was she doing there, and why was it Tomoyo-chan? Realizing
rlm@0: she was still entwined with Tomoyo, Sakura released a little sigh of
rlm@0: relief. She snuggled against the sleeping woman, taking comfort in
rlm@0: her warm presence. Gazing at the pale face, so peaceful and calm,
rlm@0: Sakura felt the fear in her heart vanish. Fingers playing with a lock
rlm@0: of lustrous lavender hair, she watched the woman cradled in her arms
rlm@0: breathe softly in a gentle slumber.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura felt an ocean of love welling within, buoying her heart like
rlm@0: a little cork. Yesterday was a dream of moonlight and mountains,
rlm@0: gardens and fountains, and a magical kiss that swept her soul up into
rlm@0: the velvety night. She blushed at the memory of that kiss, but more
rlm@0: out of passionate remembrance than embarrassment. Never had anything
rlm@0: affected her like this. The treacly-hot sweetness lingered still, the
rlm@0: scent and taste and touch of Tomoyo flooding back as she closed her
rlm@0: eyes. Her body shivered and her heart thudded with an aching longing.
rlm@0: She wanted to cry and laugh and hug the beautiful, still form
rlm@0: drowsing in her arms. On the edge of tears she whispered hoarsely,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Tomoyo-chan, I love you.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: It was true. This visit had stirred up feelings that Sakura only
rlm@0: dimly suspected. At first, Tomoyo’s absence had been masked by the
rlm@0: excitement of married life in Hong Kong. But over the weeks, being
rlm@0: away from her constant companion had begun to erode her confidence,
rlm@0: her happiness, and her very soul. Sakura’s bright world was slowly
rlm@0: spinning out of balance, becoming dark and shrouded in shadows. When
rlm@0: Tomoyo called and said she was coming to visit, Sakura felt a rush of
rlm@0: sheer joy. And now, after just two days together, she felt utterly
rlm@0: reborn. But why? Tomoyo was her best friend, but the love that
rlm@0: gripped Sakura now was like nothing she had ever felt. Wasn’t this
rlm@0: how she was supposed to feel with her True Love? Then why didn’t she
rlm@0: feel like this with Syaoran? Of course she loved him dearly- but not
rlm@0: like this. But why not? He was her husband, her special someone. He
rlm@0: had risked his life and given her the power to fight against the
rlm@0: darkness unleashed by Eriol. Without his help, those shadows might
rlm@0: have engulfed the world in a pall of forgetting. Everyone knew they
rlm@0: were fated to be together; in fact, Sakura was one of the last to
rlm@0: know. She smiled, remembering the time she ran after Syaoran’s bus
rlm@0: with her little teddy bear. But for all the kisses they had shared as
rlm@0: newlyweds, there had never been one like last night. Why?
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran’s kisses were strong and demanding, blunt and forceful like
rlm@0: the man himself. Sometimes she felt delightfully swept away when he
rlm@0: took her in his arms like some imperious warrior. But Tomoyo’s kiss
rlm@0: was tender, tantalizing, sensuous, and oh-so-slow. While Syaoran was
rlm@0: always in a hurry to get somewhere, Tomoyo seemed to be lingering,
rlm@0: delighted to share those intimate seconds together. Remembering the
rlm@0: moment, Sakura blushed deeply, lightly holding her fingers to her
rlm@0: lips. But it was more than that. Syaoran kissed as if to prove his
rlm@0: love. When Tomoyo kissed, it was Love itself that poured from her
rlm@0: heart and filled Sakura’s being. Nobody had ever loved her like
rlm@0: Tomoyo-chan. Everything she did flowed from the depths of her love:
rlm@0: the costumes, the quirky comments, and now the kiss. Sakura marveled
rlm@0: at this, for if she loved her best friend so, then what was Tomoyo’s
rlm@0: love for her special someone like? It seemed awful that they did not
rlm@0: know of her love, for if they did surely they would feel it as the
rlm@0: greatest of blessings. Surely they would rescue her from the
rlm@0: loneliness that haunted her. And after seeing the pain etched on her
rlm@0: face last night, Sakura was determined that her friend must not live
rlm@0: a life in cruel isolation. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: But Tomoyo's effusive love was not the only thing that made the kiss
rlm@0: special, for Sakura's intense reaction when their lips first touched
rlm@0: had set them both soaring. Her entire being inflamed with fire and
rlm@0: light, she returned Tomoyo’s ardent passion with her own. And this
rlm@0: brought her back to the original puzzle: Why was her love for the
rlm@0: woman in her arms so deep and powerful , more so even than for her
rlm@0: husband? Sakura's face mirrored her confusion as she grappled for an
rlm@0: answer that would not come. "Hoeeee", she thought, "this would be so
rlm@0: much easier if I could do something. But I just don't know what to
rlm@0: do." At that moment, a light tap on her shoulder freed her from her
rlm@0: confusion. She glanced up and saw Syaoran standing by her, dressed
rlm@0: for work. She smiled brightly and whispered,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Can you help me get Tomoyo-chan to her room?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: He rolled his eyes and returned the smile, then carefully took the
rlm@0: woman from his wife's arms and carried her to the guest room. She was
rlm@0: surprisingly light, and he gently eased her onto the futon, still
rlm@0: asleep. Sakura, who had followed along, knelt beside the sleeping
rlm@0: girl and tucked her in with all the care and concern of a loving
rlm@0: mother. Leaning over, she brushed the dark hair from her pretty face,
rlm@0: and kissed the pale cheek. Tomoyo smiled in response, as if all the
rlm@0: beautiful dreams in the world were hers. The husband and wife tiptoed
rlm@0: out of the room, and Sakura carefully latched shut the great mahogany
rlm@0: door.   
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo slowly awoke in the plush comfort of a silken quilt. She
rlm@0: rolled onto her side, breathing in the sweet scent of cut lilies that
rlm@0: Sakura had placed in her room the day before. The light from the
rlm@0: garden shone brightly, as if the sun had already reached its zenith.
rlm@0: Propping herself up on one elbow, she stared at the clock and was
rlm@0: startled to see the hands approaching noon. Still awakening, she
rlm@0: remembered the garden from last night, illumined not by the noisy
rlm@0: yellow sun as it was now, but bathed in moonlight. Swiftly the jumble
rlm@0: of recollections fell into place: breaking down in front of Sakura,
rlm@0: sobbing uncontrollably, the woman clasping her tightly. And then, she
rlm@0: blushingly remembered the kiss.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Suddenly sitting up, she held a hand to her breast and felt her
rlm@0: heart beat wildly. Never had she felt such bliss. Her body trembled
rlm@0: as she remembered how their lips lightly touched, how they embraced,
rlm@0: how her tongue slipped delicately into Sakura’s honey-sweet mouth.
rlm@0: Wide-eyed, she shivered as the lingering passion gripped her slender
rlm@0: frame. Holding herself tightly, she closed her eyes, begged her heart
rlm@0: be still, and tried to think.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Her first thought came on a little ripple of fear, “What did I do?
rlm@0: She saw me cry, she saw me lonely and in pain. Now I’ve hurt her. Oh,
rlm@0: I’ve hurt my Sakura-chan.” In all their time together, Tomoyo had
rlm@0: labored to hide her secret agony from Sakura’s sparkling eyes, lest
rlm@0: she tarnish that bright, genki spirit. Why had she broken down now,
rlm@0: why had the carefully contrived masks fractured in her hands?
rlm@0: Frantically she tried to remember what she had said and done. All she
rlm@0: could recall was Sakura’s unceasing worry about Tomoyo’s loneliness,
rlm@0: about the special person she could never have, or even tell of her
rlm@0: love. She had felt trapped like an animal, unable to say that her
rlm@0: special person was right there with her, in front of her, as she
rlm@0: always had been. With nothing to say and nowhere to run, her heart
rlm@0: shattered, the jagged shards rending her soul. And then her tears, so
rlm@0: long held back, were unleashed in an uncontrollable torrent. Yet what
rlm@0: happened next was utterly astonishing.  
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: When Sakura pulled her close and embraced her, Tomoyo’s pain was
rlm@0: washed away. She remembered with awe the warmth and love that poured
rlm@0: into her, healed her, and made her whole again. Here was something
rlm@0: far beyond the Cards, which made their powers seem mere tricks and
rlm@0: trifles. In the blink of an eye, Tomoyo had gone from a bitter grief
rlm@0: that would welcome death to joy and peace enough for all eternity.
rlm@0: Pain and woe and fear had no home when she was in her arms. And
rlm@0: Sakura’s own spirit, rather than being dimmed by Tomoyo’s pain,
rlm@0: blazed forth and brought comfort and elation to them both. Here was a
rlm@0: mystery, for Sakura had actually seemed glad to know of Tomoyo’s
rlm@0: distress, as if knowing brought her more solace than not knowing.
rlm@0: Almost like a Doctor-sensei who exults in her capacity to heal the
rlm@0: hurts of others. Shaking off this thought, Tomoyo resolved never to
rlm@0: let it happen again, lest Sakura be burdened with a pain she could
rlm@0: not mend. As for her own pain, it was beyond the reach of all
rlm@0: healing, save for being with her one, true love. And that, of course,
rlm@0: was impossible.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura had found her true love in Li-kun, and Tomoyo could not, must
rlm@0: not, sully that happiness. To sacrifice her happiness for that of her
rlm@0: loved one seemed a small price, indeed. But the kiss she had shared
rlm@0: with her beautiful friend bewildered her, for the love she had felt
rlm@0: from Sakura matched her own unrestrained ardor. Sakura did not return
rlm@0: the kiss out of surprise or pity, but with a stunning passion, as if
rlm@0: she craved a love long denied her. Tomoyo had resolved on her flight
rlm@0: to Hong Kong to bottle up her feelings, lest it burden her friend, or
rlm@0: damage their wonderful relationship. But in that garden she was
rlm@0: enraptured by the scent of tropical flowers, hypnotized by the beauty
rlm@0: and voice of the radiant brunette, and bewitched by the luminous
rlm@0: moonlight. Her love slipped the iron chains she had forged, and flew
rlm@0: to freedom, flew to her. She remembered slowly leaning into the kiss,
rlm@0: and Sakura reaching out like a plant welcoming the sun. And this was
rlm@0: what baffled her. Sakura should have reacted with embarrassment,
rlm@0: should have laughed nervously or made light of what was happening.
rlm@0: But her love was as strong and compelling as Tomoyo's own. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo sat in bed, fingers distractedly caressing a little crease in
rlm@0: her cyan nightgown. She smiled and thought, it was as if we were
rlm@0: really lovers. I’ve been granted a vision of life together, both of
rlm@0: us madly in love, with only ourselves in the whole, wide world.
rlm@0: Tomoyo closed her eyes and thanked the spirits of the garden who had
rlm@0: brought her these wondrous moments. Arigato gozaimasu, she thought,
rlm@0: I'll treasure them forever. Opening her eyes she noticed a single
rlm@0: braid entwined with green ribbons, and remembered Sakura doing her
rlm@0: hair in this very bed. She put her hand to her cheek and felt a hot
rlm@0: crimson flush creeping up her neck and shoulders. Such a marvelous
rlm@0: day and night it had been! She could bear anything for memories like
rlm@0: these. But even in the tender glow of felicity she gently chided
rlm@0: herself. She had now been given something unhoped for, a pearl of
rlm@0: great price to hold in her heart forever. But she must not distress
rlm@0: her friend with her own private longings. Sakura’s fragile feelings
rlm@0: were precious, and Tomoyo would not let anything harm them. From now
rlm@0: on, she would be more careful. She would bind Love with adamantine
rlm@0: chains and keep her feelings under control. But when the smiling face
rlm@0: of the delightful brunette came to her, her heart fluttered
rlm@0: helplessly in response. It was as if Love playfully rattled those
rlm@0: adamantine chains, sweetly mocking Tomoyo’s futile efforts to bind
rlm@0: her. 
rlm@0:  
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The dark-haired girl arose, and stretched languidly. Today is the
rlm@0: banquet, she thought with a start. I have to get ready. They may need
rlm@0: me to help. And with that, she rushed to the cedar chest to get
rlm@0: dressed, and to see Sakura.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: But Sakura had already left for work, leaving a little note on
rlm@0: stationary bordered with lilacs that she had to attend a meeting at
rlm@0: school, and would be back in the early afternoon to help prepare the
rlm@0: night's banquet. Tucking away the kawaii little note, Tomoyo wandered
rlm@0: the great house, looking for the kitchen. Finally, by the dinning
rlm@0: hall she found it, and entered in through the double doors. There she
rlm@0: saw six chefs and numerous assistants, busy with preparations. Ieran-
rlm@0: sama stood among them like a general, calm and assured amidst the
rlm@0: chaos of the battlefield. The woman saw her approach, and Tomoyo
rlm@0: bowed low and held her bow until it was returned, though by a much
rlm@0: shallower bow as befitted their respective stations. Amid the clatter
rlm@0: and clang of the busy kitchen Tomoyo had to strain and raise her soft
rlm@0: voice to be heard,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Good day, Ieran-sama. May I be of any help to you?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The woman looked down at her sternly, but Tomoyo noticed the
rlm@0: slightest smile as she answered,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "A guest does not help with her own banquet, Daidouji Siuje. That
rlm@0: would be bad fortune." She had used Siuje, the Chinese form for Miss.
rlm@0: Tomoyo sensed she had been accorded a singular honor, and bowed
rlm@0: slightly in recognition. Ieran-sama smiled again, and turned to the
rlm@0: men in the kitchen, issuing a series of rapid orders in Cantonese.
rlm@0: She then asked,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Would you care for some tea?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo nodded and followed her out of the kitchen and into the
rlm@0: dinning room. The older woman scanned the area, and then said matter-
rlm@0: of-factly,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "It's such a lovely day. Would you like to have tea in the garden?"
rlm@0: Ieran-sama watched her intently.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Yes, thank you, that would be very nice," Tomoyo replied, her face
rlm@0: a mask.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Ieran-sama led the way down the dark halls, nodding to a servant as
rlm@0: she walked. They sat at a table under a mimosa tree dotted with soft,
rlm@0: puffy, pink blossoms. The table was made of a pale gray stone, old
rlm@0: and weather-stained. Presently a servant arrived with two small red
rlm@0: cups and a little red and green pot. Ieran-sama nodded her away, and
rlm@0: poured the young woman a steaming cup of strong, black tea. Tomoyo
rlm@0: thanked her, and sipped the hot, pungent liquid.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Delicious," she smiled. The older woman gazed at her, carefully
rlm@0: studying her face. Sipping from her own cup, Ieran-sama sighed,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "You know, if I had your beauty there would be no need of magic."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo blushed at the compliment, and the steady eyes that beheld
rlm@0: her. Closing her eyes, Ieran-sama asked,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Are you enjoying Hong Kong?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Yes, very much so. It's really a beautiful city. I'm seeing so much
rlm@0: more than the last time I was here."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Beautiful, but old, though they seem to delight in tearing down
rlm@0: everything they can," She grimaced slightly as she spoke. "But I am
rlm@0: happy you are finding your stay pleasant."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: They chatted about the city, shopping in the Causeway, and the view
rlm@0: from Victoria Peak. Finally, Ieran-sama asked,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Daidouji Siuje, you care very much for Sakura-san, don't you?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Again Tomoyo felt the penetrating gaze fall upon her. She put down
rlm@0: her cup and nodded.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "You could have had her for yourself; you have the power. But you
rlm@0: encouraged Syaoran instead. Why?"
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo paused, and drew a deep breath. There was no sense in trying
rlm@0: to hide or conceal anything from her. She saw too much. Smiling, the
rlm@0: young woman replied, 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "I wanted her to be happy. That was most important. I didn't think I
rlm@0: could make her happy, but I think Li-kun can."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The woman was silent, her dark eyes locked with Tomoyo's. Finally
rlm@0: she looked away and spoke in a cold, aloof tone,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Daidouji Siuje, you are perceptive for your years, but have much to
rlm@0: learn about human hearts. When next you play matchmaker, be certain
rlm@0: before you act."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Ieran-sama rose and fixed Tomoyo with a hard stare. But then her
rlm@0: face softened, as if bright memories of girlhood called to her with a
rlm@0: giggle. She smiled a sad, wistful smile and spoke in a whispery,
rlm@0: feminine lilt,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: "Daidouji Siuje, I know you would do anything for her. Anything. But
rlm@0: this time, please be sure of what you do. Some things done fly far
rlm@0: beyond recall."
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: She turned and walked away, leaving a pensive Tomoyo behind. Ieran-
rlm@0: sama felt a shadow of fear as she strode down the halls to the
rlm@0: kitchen.  Something about Tomoyo troubled her. There was a sense of
rlm@0: brittle strength, a terrible fragility under that calm and placid
rlm@0: surface. She closed her eyes and spoke a silent blessing, a spell of
rlm@0: watchful protection on the troubling girl. It bothered her that she
rlm@0: liked Tomoyo, for such feelings could prove a distraction. The girl
rlm@0: was more than useful; she was somehow vital to the House of Li. And
rlm@0: that, Ieran-sama thought to herself, is more important than my
rlm@0: trifling human emotions.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura hurried down the street that led to the Li residence. Having
rlm@0: to go for a teacher's meeting was exasperating, but it was her duty
rlm@0: to go, so she went. Besides, Tomoyo needed to sleep, though hopefully
rlm@0: she was up now. Sakura was visibly excited at the prospect of seeing
rlm@0: her again. She wanted to see and be with Tomoyo as much as possible
rlm@0: while she was still here. Her heart caught in her throat at this
rlm@0: thought, realizing the woman would soon leave for Japan. Sakura
rlm@0: practically ran up the hill, the house soon looming into view.
rlm@0: Standing outside was Tomoyo, scanning the street as if looking for
rlm@0: her. Sakura shouted out her name and waved, and as the dark-haired
rlm@0: woman caught sight of her she waved back. Running breathlessly,
rlm@0: Sakura charged up the walkway and threw herself into Tomoyo’s arms,
rlm@0: nearly toppling her over. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo gasped in surprise and delight as she felt the reassuring
rlm@0: warmth of her beloved friend. She thought to herself, Sakura-chan’s
rlm@0: away for a few hours and I can’t stand it. How can I possibly leave
rlm@0: her? She fought back the tears and held on tightly. Finally,
rlm@0: reluctantly, the two parted, though Sakura took the pale woman’s
rlm@0: hands in hers as she spoke,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Tomoyo-chan, I’m so sorry I had to go. I really missed you, isn’t
rlm@0: that silly? I was only gone a little bit, but I missed you so much.
rlm@0: How are you feeling? Did you get enough sleep? You must have been
rlm@0: awfully tired.” 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo basked in the sparkling glow of Sakura’s smile and replied
rlm@0: cheerfully,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Sakura-chan doesn’t have to worry about me. I had a lovely sleep,
rlm@0: and beautiful dreams of my best friend, and I’ve even had tea and a
rlm@0: conversation with Ieran-sama. But I’m very glad to see you again. I
rlm@0: missed you, too.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura hugged her tightly again and half-whispered,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “I don’t know what I’m going to do when you’re gone.” 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo’s body stiffened at the words. She thought, I don’t know what
rlm@0: I’m going to do, either, Sakura-chan. I just don’t know. But calming
rlm@0: her thudding heart, she gently pulled away and smiled,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “All the more reason to enjoy the time we still have together. I
rlm@0: think Ieran-sama has work for you in the kitchen. She won’t let me
rlm@0: help, because she said it wouldn’t be good luck for the guest to work
rlm@0: for her own banquet. But maybe if you ask her you could do some of
rlm@0: the preparations in the dinning room, where we could talk?”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura nodded, and the two walked hand-in-and through the house
rlm@0: before Sakura disappeared into the kitchen. She emerged shortly
rlm@0: thereafter, carrying a large pot full of vegetables. She set things
rlm@0: up on a table, and carefully began slicing radishes and carrots,
rlm@0: greens and bell peppers. Though not particularly fond of the peppers,
rlm@0: Tomoyo politely ignored their presence. When Sakura began to weep
rlm@0: cutting the onions, Tomoyo found a black lacquer bowl and filled it
rlm@0: with water. She placed it by the little chef, saying her Mother swore
rlm@0: it helped when cutting onions. The two talked away the afternoon as
rlm@0: Sakura chopped and sliced while an entranced Tomoyo simply watched.
rlm@0: Finally, Ieran-sama found them, and asked Tomoyo if she would like to
rlm@0: prepare herself for the banquet. Later Sakura too was dismissed from
rlm@0: her culinary chores, and went to her room to dress.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran was already in the bedroom getting ready. Sakura greeted him
rlm@0: with a kiss and began looking through her closet, She settled on a
rlm@0: black silk cheongsam, a birthday present from her husband. Typical of
rlm@0: the style, it had a fairly high collar and fastened diagonally along
rlm@0: the right front. The front, collar, and sleeves had a colorful floral
rlm@0: border trimmed in gold. The long hem was also trimmed, but only in
rlm@0: gold. The skirt was slit slightly above the knee, and Sakura decided
rlm@0: to wear black stockings and heels. Standing in front of the mirror,
rlm@0: she turned left, then right, waiting expectantly for a comment from
rlm@0: Syaoran. But he was too busy with his tie to notice, so Sakura sat
rlm@0: down at the vanity. Thinking about how to do her hair, she was
rlm@0: reminded of the night before, when she had brushed and braided
rlm@0: Tomoyo's beautiful, black-gray tresses. She closed her eyes as the
rlm@0: sensations echoed in her mind: the soft, silken feel of the lustrous
rlm@0: hair, the flowery-sweet scent, the way it caught the light and
rlm@0: shimmered darkly. Breathless, she opened her eyes and swallowed,
rlm@0: feeling a hot flash over her shivering body. As she picked up the
rlm@0: brush, her hand trembled. Nervously she glanced behind her, but
rlm@0: Syaoran was preoccupied and didn’t notice. She brushed in quick,
rlm@0: short strokes, trying to calm down. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: As the brush shooshed through her short, auburn hair, Sakura again
rlm@0: tried to understand her volatile feelings for Tomoyo. The only thing
rlm@0: remotely close to this was Yukito-san, but that had been different.
rlm@0: She loved him, but gave it up because despite his affectionate
rlm@0: nature, she knew he did not love her in the same way. She knew he
rlm@0: loved her brother, and that Touga loved him. She had always been glad
rlm@0: of their happiness, despite her pain at the time.  Yet for all the
rlm@0: intensity she felt for him, it was different than her feelings for
rlm@0: her best friend. It had been more than a crush, but was still just
rlm@0: the love of a young girl. Her feelings for Tomoyo were stronger,
rlm@0: deeper, and more compelling. But why was she wracked by these
rlm@0: feelings all of a sudden? Why had she never felt this way before?
rlm@0: Because I’ve never been away from her, she thought. We were always
rlm@0: together; I can’t think of a day we didn’t see each other, or talk on
rlm@0: the phone. Things haven’t felt right since I’ve arrived in Hong Kong.
rlm@0: Until now. Now that she is with me. I was away from Syaoran for
rlm@0: almost two years, and missed him terribly. But I’ve only been apart
rlm@0: from Tomoyo for three months, and it’s an eternity of heartbreak. I
rlm@0: don’t think I can live without her. I don’t know if I want to live
rlm@0: without her. But she’s my friend. Why do I feel like this for my
rlm@0: friend? Confused and frustrated, Sakura turned in her chair and
rlm@0: blurted out,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Syaoran-chan, was Meiling-chan your best friend when you were young?”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran regarded her with a surprised look, and then replied slowly,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “I don’t know. I guess so. I never had many friends.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Did you like her?” Sakura’s voice sounded nervous and agitated.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran rolled his eyes and answered impatiently, “I guess I did. I
rlm@0: mean, she was a pain, sometimes, but I suppose she was all right.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Did you love her? Do you still love her?” Sakura asked, wide-eyed
rlm@0: and breathless.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran frowned and looked away as he mumbled his response, “Why are
rlm@0: you asking me that? Are you jealous or something? We didn’t have to
rlm@0: invite her tonight, you know.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura shook her head wildly and sputtered, “No, I didn’t mean it
rlm@0: like that. I’m not jealous at all. But I just wondered if, if best
rlm@0: friends could love each other.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran snorted derisively as he slipped on his jacket, “Are you
rlm@0: about ready? The guests will be arriving soon, and I don’t want to be
rlm@0: late.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Sakura smiled sheepishly, “You go on ahead. I’m almost done; I’ll be
rlm@0: there in a minute.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran nodded and slipped out the door, leaving Sakura feeling
rlm@0: somehow foolish. With a little sigh she opened her jewelry box and
rlm@0: chanced upon the little flower hair pin Yukito-san had given her on
rlm@0: their trip to Hong Kong so many years ago. She picked it up and
rlm@0: smiled, remembering. Then she fixed it in her hair and tilted her
rlm@0: head in contemplation.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Mmm,” she murmured approvingly, then stood and walked through the
rlm@0: door to meet the guests and find Tomoyo-chan.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo heard the buzz of conversation through the large wooden door.
rlm@0: Feeling nervous, she remembered the techniques she had used in public
rlm@0: performance with the choir. She closed her eyes and slowed her
rlm@0: breathing, allowing her body to gradually relax. Tomoyo felt a hand
rlm@0: gently touch her shoulder, and looked up to see Fanren at her side.
rlm@0: With her fluency in Japanese, Ieran-sama had selected Fanren to
rlm@0: escort Tomoyo through the complexities of the banquet. Her eyes
rlm@0: sparkled as she spoke excitedly to the young Japanese woman,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Aiyaaaaa, Tomoyo-san, you look gorgeous! I’d give you a kiss for
rlm@0: good luck but I don’t want to muss you up.  I *knew* that cheongsam
rlm@0: would be a perfect fit.” She stood back and gazed admiringly. The
rlm@0: long, red silk dress was embroidered in golden thread with two
rlm@0: lovebirds snuggling together. The high collar and tight fit
rlm@0: accentuated Tomoyo’s willowy figure, giving her the look of a goddess
rlm@0: who deigned to dally awhile with mortals before ascending back to the
rlm@0: heavens. And if Tomoyo’s natural beauty made such a look possible,
rlm@0: several hours of meticulous work had gone into its perfection.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The four Li sisters had argued bitterly over who would get to dress
rlm@0: the Japanese beauty for her banquet. Finally they decided on a
rlm@0: division of labor that would give them all a chance to show their
rlm@0: skills. Fanren would select the clothing, Fuutie would do the make-
rlm@0: up, and both Feimei and Shiefa would work on the hair, as that would
rlm@0: be the most complex task of all. Fuutie sulked that Tomoyo’s beauty
rlm@0: made her job all too easy.  Studying the woman’s flawless alabaster
rlm@0: skin, she shook her head in amazement. With a deft touch the Chinese
rlm@0: woman used a powdery crimson blush to highlight her cheeks, and a
rlm@0: plum colored eye shadow that complimented Tomoyo’s remarkable
rlm@0: amethyst eyes. She finished with a delicate pink lipstick, and smiled
rlm@0: as the other sisters gasped in delight. Fuutie giggled,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Who needs a banquet? She looks delicious enough to eat!” The women
rlm@0: laughed as Tomoyo’s blush complimented Fuutie’s handiwork.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Before the makeup, Feimei and Shiefa had begun preparations on
rlm@0: Tomoyo’s hair. They protectively wrapped their work-in-progress with
rlm@0: white silk, waiting until Fuutie had finished before applying their
rlm@0: finishing touches. Huddled with an array of jewelry, flowers, and
rlm@0: accessories they worked with nimble fingers and a sharp eye for
rlm@0: beauty. When they had finally finished, Tomoyo looked in the gilded
rlm@0: mirror they held before her and stared in wonder. The hairstyle was a
rlm@0: genuine work of art, adroitly combining a traditional Chinese
rlm@0: coiffure with more modern styling. Her lavender hair was spun into
rlm@0: delicate locks and ringlets with two long, curling tresses in the
rlm@0: front that tumbled freely to her waist. The hair was entwined with
rlm@0: ornate red and gold jewelry that tinkled prettily as she walked, or
rlm@0: bowed, or turned her head. Finally, three snow-white gardenias
rlm@0: provided a fragrant contrast with the dark, shimmering hair. Tomoyo
rlm@0: stood and bowed deeply, thanking the women for their labors.  The
rlm@0: sisters giggled and returned the bow as Shiefei replied,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “It was our pleasure. The doll designer herself makes a most
rlm@0: wonderful doll to play with.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Now Fanren looked at Tomoyo and whispered, “Remember, if you get
rlm@0: stuck or aren’t sure what to say or do, press my hand twice and just
rlm@0: follow my lead. Ready?” Tomoyo smiled and nodded, and the two entered
rlm@0: arm in arm into the crowded reception room. They were met with a wall
rlm@0: of sound as the guests chatted loudly and enthusiastically. But when
rlm@0: the pair entered a hush quickly swept the crowd, followed by excited
rlm@0: whispers and astonished, occasionally envious, looks. Fanren
rlm@0: carefully navigated her charge through the innumerable Li’s and
rlm@0: assorted guests, starting with the most revered and prestigious,
rlm@0: calculating her bows and words with practiced precision. As if
rlm@0: choreographed, Tomoyo followed Fanren and listened as the Chinese
rlm@0: woman translated,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “The most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services at the Prince
rlm@0: of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, offers his humble greetings to the
rlm@0: friend of his kinsman’s wife, Kinomoto Sakura. He wishes the
rlm@0: exquisite Daidouji Tomoyo to know that her presence at this banquet
rlm@0: brings great honor to the House of Li, and that her consummate beauty
rlm@0: must make the Lady Moon weep with helpless frustration for being so
rlm@0: outshone.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo answered with graceful solemnity,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Please inform the most honorable Coordinator of Clinical Services
rlm@0: at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Dr. C. Y. Li, that I am sadly
rlm@0: unworthy of the sumptuous magnanimity of the august House of Li, and
rlm@0: that I thank him for his kind generosity in receiving me with a
rlm@0: veneration for which I am utterly undeserving.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0:  And so it went, from guest to honored guest. Tomoyo quickly
rlm@0: realized that she was the center of interest, and found herself
rlm@0: blushing as many of the younger men, and not a few women, proved
rlm@0: particularly attentive. Fanren was the perfect escort, explaining who
rlm@0: was who and what was said, fixing a loose golden bell in her hair
rlm@0: that was dangling on her forehead, and even slipping her a refreshing
rlm@0: watermelon juice drink. Tomoyo was sipping the cool, pink liquid when
rlm@0: she heard Fanren intone,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “The most honorable first son of the House of Li, Li Syaoran, and
rlm@0: his wife, who hails from the land of the Rising Sun, Kinomoto Sakura,
rlm@0: present their greetings and felicitations…”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo whirled about, nearly dropping her drink in surprise. With a
rlm@0: hasty bow, she smiled joyfully and gazed adoringly at Sakura. The
rlm@0: cinnamon-haired woman stood as if in shock. With her mouth open and a
rlm@0: hand on her breast, Sakura stared in breathless astonishment.
rlm@0: Coloring visibly, she blurted out when Fanren had finished,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Tomoyo-chan, you look so beautiful!”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Syaoran rolled his eyes and Fanren giggled behind her hand as Tomoyo
rlm@0: bowed and answered in Japanese,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “I thank the devoted wife of the admirable Li Syaoran of the
rlm@0: esteemed House of Li for her kindness, hospitality, and gracious
rlm@0: indulgence of so unworthy a guest as myself. Furthermore, I assure
rlm@0: her that if there is anything pleasing about my humble appearance it
rlm@0: is due solely to the magnificent skills of the resourceful women of
rlm@0: the august House of Li. Yet I am saddened that all of their diligent
rlm@0: work shall be for naught, for the eyes of all the worthy guests who
rlm@0: attend this sumptuous banquet will see only the radiant splendor of
rlm@0: Kinomoto Sakura, and that all hearts will be forevermore hers.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Suppressing a smile, Fanren then introduced Tomoyo to her
rlm@0: approaching host. Elegantly attired in traditional Chinese dress,
rlm@0: Ieran-sama glowed with a magical beauty. Utterly enchanted, Tomoyo
rlm@0: bowed and exchanged greetings, and then arm in arm accompanied her
rlm@0: host to the doors that led to the dinning room. Ieran-sama indicated
rlm@0: that she should enter, but Tomoyo hesitated and began the ritual that
rlm@0: Fanren had carefully outlined. As the guest, she was honored with
rlm@0: being the first to enter. But custom dictated that to do so without
rlm@0: lengthy remonstrance would be the worst of manners, implying an
rlm@0: intolerable arrogance. For several minutes the two women gently
rlm@0: besought the other to enter first, as the guests listened
rlm@0: approvingly, if a bit hungrily. Finally, Tomoyo graciously consented
rlm@0: and entered, and the others followed in a pre-arranged hierarchy of
rlm@0: importance and prestige.
rlm@0:    
rlm@0: With high ceilings and picture windows that overlooked the gaudily
rlm@0: illuminated city below, the dinning room gave an appearance of
rlm@0: spacious grandeur. Decorations were tastefully few, so as not to
rlm@0: detract from the real attraction: the food. Set in the center of the
rlm@0: room were five round tables of darkly polished and ornately carved
rlm@0: mahogany. Ieran indicated the seat of honor for Tomoyo, and again the
rlm@0: two enacted a minuet of humility and praise before finally sitting.
rlm@0: Ieran took the seat directly across form her, the chair closest to
rlm@0: the kitchen doors from whence the servers would bring the various
rlm@0: dishes of the feast. This was also a calculated gesture, for such a
rlm@0: seat was considered the lowliest of all, and demonstrated the host’s
rlm@0: high regard for all the other guests. Tomoyo’s heart soared as she
rlm@0: saw Sakura and Syaoran sitting at the same table, as well as the Li
rlm@0: sisters, Fanren as always by her side. She glanced at the table, set
rlm@0: with priceless porcelain bowls, plates, and spoons, beautifully
rlm@0: decorated in delicately wrought patterns of blue, white, and gold.
rlm@0: She marveled at the ivory chopsticks set with golden filigree, and
rlm@0: the elaborately engraved golden cups. Seeing that all were seated and
rlm@0: everything was in readiness, Ieran gave two sharp claps and the
rlm@0: kitchen doors instantly swung open. At long last, the banquet was
rlm@0: ready to begin.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Bursting out from the door were several uniformed servers, dressed
rlm@0: in bright red and yellow silks, carrying large trays of multi-colored
rlm@0: delicacies. Fanren explained that these were the cold dishes to begin
rlm@0: the meal. Great silver platters were swiftly arranged on every table,
rlm@0: as Ieran-sama moved gracefully through the hall, apologizing for the
rlm@0: meager fare, her guests in turn delightedly protesting that they were
rlm@0: unworthy of such an abundance of delicacies. When she returned to the
rlm@0: table, she served Tomoyo with elegant ease before finally sitting
rlm@0: down. A second wave of servers then appeared, displaying aged and
rlm@0: dusty earthenware urns, which brought gasps of surprise from the
rlm@0: guests, and a joyous buzz that swept the room. Fanren leaned and
rlm@0: whispered into Tomoyo’s ear, 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “It’s Shao Xing rice wine, well over 50 years old. I hope you come
rlm@0: back here more often,” she giggled.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: As the seals were broken a powerful aroma wafted over the entire
rlm@0: room. Servers filled the small golden cups with the dark amber
rlm@0: liquid. Ieran arose, and the other guests quickly followed. The woman
rlm@0: held her glass high as her eyes surveyed the audience, finally
rlm@0: settling intently upon Tomoyo. In a musical voice that carried
rlm@0: strongly over the hall, Ieran made her opening toast,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “To all who have come I offer a thousand thanks and ten thousand
rlm@0: blessings, for you honor the House of Li with your presence. To
rlm@0: Daidouji Tomoyo, honored guest from across the waters, I wish you
rlm@0: life as long as the Yangtze River, as full of happiness as the
rlm@0: springtime flood of the Pearl River Delta, and pray that Love may
rlm@0: come to you as swiftly as the rapids of the mountain born Nan-p’an.
rlm@0: Gan Bei!”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: At this, the guests drained their cups, savoring the heady scent of
rlm@0: the priceless wine. The first toast done, all turned their attention
rlm@0: to the bounteous feast before them. The cold dishes were colorful and
rlm@0: varied, carefully arrayed on the large, heavy silver platters. Fanren
rlm@0: identified the various little dishes, and pointed out her favorites,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “That’s Boiled Pork Tongue, that’s Century Egg with Peppers, though
rlm@0: it’s really only a few months old, so don’t worry. This is Sichuan
rlm@0: Cucumber with Dried Prawn over on the left, and the red one is Five-
rlm@0: Spice Yellow River Carp, a very lucky dish!”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo sampled and nibbled, mindful of Fanren’s advice to eat
rlm@0: lightly lest she be full before the main courses arrived. The flavors
rlm@0: were cold and crisp, designed to sharpen the palate for the hot
rlm@0: dishes to come. Somewhat to her surprise, Ieran-sama served the food
rlm@0: at the table, and assisted the servers at the other tables. Despite
rlm@0: the alluring repast, Tomoyo kept stealing little glances at Sakura,
rlm@0: who reacted with delight to each and every dish. She saw Tomoyo and
rlm@0: grinned, giving a cute little wave. Tomoyo felt her heart race at the
rlm@0: sight of her beautiful friend, but this private reverie was
rlm@0: interrupted when the next wave of servers swept into the noisy
rlm@0: dinning hall. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: These were the first of the hot dishes, exquisitely prepared,
rlm@0: steaming aromatically as they covered the massive tables. Again
rlm@0: Fanren was her guide through this culinary odyssey as Tomoyo gazed in
rlm@0: wonder at the mosaic of colors and scents. There was Stir-Fried
rlm@0: Triple-Winter, a savory mix of autumnal vegetables. The Shredded Duck
rlm@0: with Mango was piquant and breezily tropical. The Stir-Fried Liver
rlm@0: with Cloud Ears was surprisingly smooth, the tender liver contrasting
rlm@0: with the crunchy, earthy flavor of the Cloud Ear fungus.  The Hot and
rlm@0: Sour Cabbage was simple, but perfectly done, and went well with the
rlm@0: Spicy Tea Eggs that had the appearance of rich marble. Fanren touched
rlm@0: her sleeve lightly and whispered, “Remember, these are only the
rlm@0: appetizers. It is said that you must guard your appetite well against
rlm@0: these skirmishers that precede the main battle line!” Tomoyo nodded,
rlm@0: and wondered how she could possibly keep up. As the dishes were taken
rlm@0: away, she saw Ieran nudging Syaoran, who rose, blushing, to make the
rlm@0: next round of toasts. Standing unsteadily, almost cringing from the
rlm@0: eyes upon him, Syaoran stumbled through his pre-written piece.
rlm@0: Finally, he looked at Tomoyo and smiled genuinely as he finished,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “It is said by the sages that those who play the game do not see it
rlm@0: as clearly as those who watch. To the most watchful and perceptive
rlm@0: person I know, the honorable and esteemed Daidouji Tomoyo. Gan bei!”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Before the drinks were drained, more of the red-clad servers
rlm@0: appeared, hoisting huge, meticulously carved winter melons. The one
rlm@0: at Tomoyo’s table was carved in the fantastic shape of a dragon
rlm@0: chasing a crescent moon. The top was removed, and the steamy scent of
rlm@0: winter melon and expensive Kinka ham soup drifted over the table.
rlm@0: Fanren whispered that the melon was very yin, and served to clear and
rlm@0: cleanse the palate for the meaty, yang courses to come. And in short
rlm@0: order they did, plates and bowls beyond counting, with a wild variety
rlm@0: of colors and flavors. At the center of every table was Peking Roast
rlm@0: Duck, specially prepared by a Master Chef of Hong Kong who did
rlm@0: nothing but this classic, who had served Kings and Presidents
rlm@0: throughout the world. Fanren described several of the dishes, but her
rlm@0: hungry eyes moved Tomoyo to beg her to eat and talk later. Tomoyo
rlm@0: winced at the sharp tang of Crystal Boiled Pork with Garlic Sauce,
rlm@0: and smiled at the sweet Fujian Lychee Pork. The Sweet-As-Honey
rlm@0: Venison was just as the Emperor Qian Long had described the recipe
rlm@0: 200 years ago. So tender was the Chicken and Red Date Stew that Ieran-
rlm@0: sama pulled the soft flesh from the bird with just her chops\ticks.
rlm@0: But most sublime was the duck. Glistening reddish-brown in it’s
rlm@0: coating of malt sugar, the crispy-sweet skin held the meltingly
rlm@0: flavorful meat within. The skin and meat were eaten in delicate
rlm@0: little pancakes, with a Tian Mian Jiang sauce made from a jealously
rlm@0: guarded, secret Imperial recipe. Fanren whispered to Tomoyo, who
rlm@0: leaned over to hear,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “They say the in the 1930’s a chef was tortured to death by a
rlm@0: warlord rather than divulge the secret recipe.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo looked at the sauce with great respect, and gravely spoke a
rlm@0: silent little prayer of thanks to the brave chef. Finally the tables
rlm@0: were cleared and hot towels distributed as the toasts began again,
rlm@0: this time with 70 year-old wine. Tomoyo sipped carefully, worried
rlm@0: that she might grow silly with too much of the potent drink. She
rlm@0: noticed several male guests playing guessing games with fingers, the
rlm@0: loser draining a cup that was instantly refilled. Again the doors
rlm@0: burst open, and now bowls of soup were displayed, with the legendary
rlm@0: Braised Shark’s Fin soup holding center stage. The soup glittered and
rlm@0: sparkled, a liquid treasure of incomparable worth. Yet the other
rlm@0: soups were hardly outshone, forming a rainbow of glimmering colors
rlm@0: and flavors. After sampling the soups (and the Braised Shark Fin
rlm@0: twice), Fanren smiled and nudged Tomoyo, indicating Ieran-sama, who
rlm@0: was standing at the table and waiting while the bowls were cleared
rlm@0: away. Suddenly through the doors came enormous oval platters, so huge
rlm@0: they were carried by two straining men at each end. The platters were
rlm@0: laid at each table, and as was customary,  the one at Tomoyo’s was
rlm@0: placed with the head pointing to the guest of honor. All she could do
rlm@0: was stare incredulously at the sight. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Upon each platter was a giant fish, seared crisply, laid upon a bed
rlm@0: of mossy green seaweed and delicately cut scallions that looked for
rlm@0: all the world like the waves of the sea. But what fixated Tomoyo’s
rlm@0: attention was a singular movement, which gave the impression of the
rlm@0: tremendous fish swimming in the rolling ocean waves. And what made
rlm@0: this possible, Tomoyo realized with a creeping horror, was that the
rlm@0: fish was still alive. It’s eyes looked about in confused terror, and
rlm@0: it’s mouth gasped for the water that it would never breathe again. It
rlm@0: took all of Tomoyo’s years of practice with Sakura to wear a smiling
rlm@0: mask, as if she were enchanted by the piteous spectacle. And poor
rlm@0: Sakura, she noticed, was woozy and looked as if she might pass out as
rlm@0: Syaoran vigorously shook her arm. Tomoyo then saw Ieran-sama take two
rlm@0: large silver knives from a bowing server who presented them in a red-
rlm@0: velvet lined wooden box. Standing by her pale guest, she lifted them
rlm@0: high above her head and took a deep breath. Swift as lightning she
rlm@0: struck, wielding the knives like short-swords. In an instant the two
rlm@0: cheeks of the mighty fish had been neatly carved and placed perfectly
rlm@0: on Tomoyo’s plate. The hall roared and clapped its approval, and
rlm@0: Tomoyo bowed deeply in thanks for these choicest portions of the
rlm@0: opulent offering. With that, the other servers attacked the fish at
rlm@0: their tables and served the excited guests. Tomoyo silently
rlm@0: apologized to the poor fish that had suffered so for her sake, and
rlm@0: courteously ate the delicacy, though the exquisite flavor gave her
rlm@0: little pleasure.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0:  The other fish and seafood dishes were delicious, though happily
rlm@0: less dramatic. The Chao Zhou Zheng Chang Yu was a delicately steamed
rlm@0: pomfret fish, subtly accented with slivers of celery, salt plum, and
rlm@0: tomato. The Crispy Fried Mandarin fish and the enormous Stir-Fried
rlm@0: Lobster with Chicken in Hot Sauce provided a spicy, crunchy contrast.
rlm@0: The Baby Slipper Lobsters and Fujian Fried Chili Crabs were balanced
rlm@0: nicely by the squid with bamboo shoots, the squid sliced and scored
rlm@0: to look like some delicate flowers from a lost kingdom of the sea.
rlm@0: Tomoyo barely managed to nibble one of the tasty Shrimp-stuffed
rlm@0: Lychees when she turned to Fanren and whispered in a worried tone,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Fanren-san, gomenesai, but I don’t know how much more I can eat.
rlm@0: It’s wonderfully delicious, but I am so very full.”  
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Fanren giggled and whispered back,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Aiyaaa, for someone so charmingly petite you’ve done very well,
rlm@0: Tomoyo-chan. Don’t worry, the cai foods are done, now all that’s left
rlm@0: are the fan courses: grains, noodles, and rice. And it would be
rlm@0: insulting to at the rice, as that would mean there wasn’t enough food
rlm@0: to fill you up!”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: At this Tomoyo looked relieved, especially as the next round of
rlm@0: toasts ended and numerous noodle dishes were spread over the table.
rlm@0: Tomoyo noticed that, despite the inviting aroma and magnificent
rlm@0: presentation, most of the guests merely picked and nibbled.  Much to
rlm@0: the surprise and delight of the Li family, Tomoyo ate a goodly
rlm@0: portion of the Fried Noodles Xiamen and the curiously named, “Wealth
rlm@0: and Good Deeds” with Yi noodles, which Fanren explained was made of a
rlm@0: rare hair moss that grew only in the northernmost reaches of the
rlm@0: country. Tomoyo asked Fanren to provide a translation for something
rlm@0: she whispered, which the Chinese woman laughingly gave, Then the
rlm@0: honored guest spoke haltingly to the table in Cantonese,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “I am very fond of noodles.”   
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: This brought laughter all around as everyone regarded the beautiful
rlm@0: woman with warmth and affection. Tomoyo realized that conversation at
rlm@0: the banquet was sparse, yet there existed a glowing sense of
rlm@0: communion among all the guests. She remembered Fanren saying before
rlm@0: the banquet that food in China was a form of communication that
rlm@0: rendered mere words unnecessary. She thought about this now, as the
rlm@0: dishes were cleared away yet again.  She fondly remembered school
rlm@0: lunches with Sakura, where the girl’s silent presence was more than
rlm@0: enough to fill her heart. She gazed at her now, a beautiful, married
rlm@0: woman, terra-cotta hair catching the light of the chandeliers above.
rlm@0: For all the joyous opulence of the banquet, she yearned most of all
rlm@0: for a quiet moment with her beautiful friend. Memories of the night
rlm@0: before in the moonlit garden suddenly filled her heart. With a sweet
rlm@0: shiver she thought, my Sakura-chan is a dream come to life. How lucky
rlm@0: I have been to be with her. Finally, Tomoyo noticed the nudging of
rlm@0: Fanren, who pointed to the little wine cup before her. With a look of
rlm@0: recognition, Tomoyo smiled and rose to give her toast.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The guests were stunned at the wine that was now presented, for it
rlm@0: was of Imperial vintage, still bearing the seal of the Great Dowager
rlm@0: Empress from over a hundred years ago. As the priceless liquid was
rlm@0: poured, all eyes turned to Tomoyo, who rose and held her cup prettily
rlm@0: with one hand on the side and one on the bottom. She then began the
rlm@0: speech she and Fanren had prepared the night before.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: In imperfect but earnest Cantonese, Tomoyo thanked all who had come
rlm@0: to honor her with this splendid banquet. She protested her
rlm@0: unworthiness for so great an homage, and her great fortune in
rlm@0: experiencing a feast whose memories would bring her joy all the years
rlm@0: of her life. She wished happiness and long life to all, especially
rlm@0: the esteemed members of the House of Li that had so graciously
rlm@0: extended their incomparable hospitality. Finally, she bowed deeply to
rlm@0: Ieran-sama, and thanked her host for the beauty, bounty, and
rlm@0: brilliance of an unforgettable evening. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Gan bei,” Tomoyo spoke out in her musical voice as all present
rlm@0: downed their drinks, utterly enchanted by the charming, pale beauty
rlm@0: from Japan. With that, the symbolic bowls of rice were placed and
rlm@0: quickly removed with not a grain consumed. Finally, a dizzying array
rlm@0: of luscious desserts was placed before the protesting guests, as well
rlm@0: as Iron Goddess of Mercy tea, brewed from the uppermost bud and twin
rlm@0: leaves of the finest plants from Fujian. When the final cup of tea
rlm@0: had been drained, Ieran-sama rose and thanked the guests profusely,
rlm@0: signaling the end of the banquet. Effusive appreciation was showered
rlm@0: on the Li family by the departing company, who protested Ieran-sama’s
rlm@0: humble apologies by declaring the banquet as the most memorable in
rlm@0: years. Some left tipsy, most left stuffed, but all left happy to have
rlm@0: been a part of so memorable an occasion. In the dark of the nearly
rlm@0: empty reception room, Fanren stood before Tomoyo and gently took her
rlm@0: by the hand.
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: Tomoyo’s azure eyes sparkled as she spoke,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “Fanren-san, thank you so very much for helping me with my dress,
rlm@0: and my toast, and serving as my escort. I don’t know how I would have
rlm@0: made it through without you. I’m ever in your debt.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The woman smiled, and lightly rested her palm on Tomoyo’s soft, pale
rlm@0: cheek. Her voice betrayed the emotion that welled up inside her,
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: “I am the one thankful for sharing this magical evening with such an
rlm@0: enchanting princess. I know by your eyes where your heart’s desire
rlm@0: lies. But if ever your precious heart should find room for another,
rlm@0: forget me not, Diadouji Tomoyo-chan, whose beauty in truth outshines
rlm@0: Lady Moon.”
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: With a final caress of her delicate hand, Fanren leaned over, and
rlm@0: lightly kissed the blushing cheek of the honored guest. With that she
rlm@0: was gone, leaving Tomoyo breathless, but smiling.
rlm@0: