written by a sweetpea with passion :) based on a page written by Levant Drakor
Later that night glowing lanterns transpired the castle and the courtyard. Inside the festivities were well under way and in different places throughout fortress the party was in full swing. Ieyasu has been light hearted that night and had allowed everyone around the fortress to join the party atmosphere.
Yoshino Tayu had been the headlining entertainment for the evening playing delightful music on the samisen and entrancing the crowd with her beautiful graceful dances on the main stage.
Yi, Fukushima, Yokobue and Kazu-no-Miya were discussing the some of the events of the tournment. Their discussion grew louder the more sake they consumed and was now showing in their ability to stand and walk. In the corner Toga and Hanga were in deep conversation about the surprise return of Musashi, “Why would Musashi san do that? He almost killed Honda san and fled from us, his friends, like he cant stand us” Hanga inquired.
“Something is different with him, when he was fighting, I saw a strange fiery glow in his eyes. That wasn’t the old Musashi san.” Replied the concerned and very wise Toga. Kobayakowa was seen enjoying the company of two geisha and Sakaki had seemed to of disappeared with one he had his eye on earlier. When Tomoe arrived at the party with Sakaru she received quite a few glances from those around who knew her. She was wearing a pure imported silk sea green kimono with a red hand painted obi stash. Tomoe’s make up reflected that of the geisha, pale white skin with red stained lips. Her hair had been fashioned in the latest style from China and finished off with finely crafted Kanzashi hair ornaments. High ranking men and many beautiful geisha surrounded Ieyasu. He looked up and caught Tomoe’s eye and beckoned her over. He whispered in her ear “You look very beautiful tonight” Tomoe blushed.
“My Lord, There is something I wish to speak with you about” Sakura stood close by.
“Yes Tomoe what is it?’
“I wish to train Sakura in the ways of the warrior as my understudy. I know she has what it takes and she is keen to learn”
Ieyasu thought for a moment then replied, “Tomoe she is yours to do with whatever you wish”
Tomoe bowed her head “Thank you my Lord”
Honda was watching Yoshino dance. He had been drinking steady throughout the night and although he was not intoxicated he seem far more relaxed. A drunken samurai started to direct obscenities at Yoshino. Honda quickly rose from where he was sitting “Where are your manners? Yoshino is a lady and does not deserve to be spoken in that way” he growled then grabbed him and threw him through a near by table. Honda sat back down to enjoy the rest of Yoshino dance. Laughter echoed throughout the castle. A jovial Ieyasu had been knocking back a fair amount of sake and was feeling quite merry. The rich, the powerful and the beautiful made up the group that surrounded him as he basked in the limelight. Tomoe felt slightly uncomfortable with all the attention Ieyasu was receiving by some of the more glamorous women in the group. She cast her eyes away. After Yoshino had finished performing for the evening she was finally able to join in on the party festivities. Many people gathered around her to complement her on such a fine performance. She stopped to chat briefly with Honda who had been delighted with her entertainment that night. Someone near Ieyasu called out to her to come join the group. As soon she joined in on the group Yoshino flirted outrageously with Ieyasu. Lord Tokugawa impressed by Yoshino’s charm made a fool of himself. Tomoe couldn’t bear to watch as Ieyasu and Yoshino laughed and joked together, they seemed all too familiar with each other. When Tomoe over heard someone say “They make a wonderful couple together don’t you think?” it was more than she could take. She quickly departed with Sakura following close at her heels. The pain in her heart had come back.
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