23 June 2012
Chapter 1
The Geisha
Glass lanterns filled the room like hundreds if coloured stars. They shone soft light down in the twirling dancers below. The noble guests laughed and swayed drunkenly toasting their crystal glass and eating from their silver spoons.
The Geisha wove her way past the guests. Her silken attire a shock of violet and gold. Men stared at her exotic beauty and women glared with jealousy. Passing through the lines of corsets and dinner jackets she adjusted her hair. Letting it fall down in a river of black ice it framed her snowy face. Her lips covered in the snow only a small portion untouched. Painted a deep mauve it was like a beacon for men to kiss.
'Lady Yukinaga.' an impossibly polite voice called.
Turning she saw her host Mr Lockhart. Standing tall and regal in a plait suit and gilded walking cane. It was his country manor this ball was held in.
'Hello Mr Lockhart, this is a fine ball.' placing her hands together she offered a bow of thanks.
Obviously embarrassed by such a display he laughed and layered on veils of flattery. Soon they were back in amongst the threads of guests. Gentlemen clamoured around introducing themselves each wanting to kiss her hand. They praised her beauty and inquired about her husband if she had one. Hard ladies sniped with comments of her homeland and heritage. Sniffing in disinterest as her answers caused more interest from their men.
The Geisha weathered it all. Her patience knew no limits. Soon she was moving again this time toward the balcony upstairs. Claiming English weather to be too hot and stuffy this time of year.
Cold stone felt rough against her supple hands and the cold night gave tingles across her face. Seeming not to notice she looked out across the endless fields framed by moonlight.
'I thought we might never be alone.' a smooth voice grazed her ears.
Strong hands went to touch her waist. Turning she faced the man, her large eyes drinking him in. His face was pleasant and his hands looked strong.
'I too have been waiting. Mr Lawson was it?'
He chuckled and came closer. His breath held hints of brandy. 'You remembered. I must admit I thought I imagined your wink and that marvellous smile.'
She giggled and drew him to one side away from prying eyes. 'So tell me Mr Lawson. What did you have planned this evening?'
He chuckled and whispered things that should have made her blush. He looked at her flawless face and stroked ones her night like locks behind her ears.
'Is this why you lured me here?' he teased.
Coming closer she almost let their lips meet. His body was heating up, she could see his pulse racing along his neck.
'No...' she sighed.
The rattle of dice echoed in her mind. Snake eyes. Leaning in closer she smiled.
'Just a kiss.' she whispered.
He raced to her lips with a thirst. Her strangely painted lips. She heard him moan in delight and felt him stiffen. His tongue warm against hers.
He stopped and stepped back smiling. Leaning against the stone work he let out a breath. His eyes narrowed and the whites slowly stained purple. Veins of violet crept from his lips. He opened his mouth a gaping cavern of lilic rot. A strangled cry came out drowned out by the party inside. Slowly he sank to his knees clutching his face. Fingernails a shade of mauve.
Leaving him on the balcony The Geisha went to find her host and thank him for a delightful evening. The dice spilling into the table in her mind. Her turn had been played.
©Samurai2012
Dice with Death • Opuss № I