Kikuya Iwasaki (supergeisha) wrote,
@ 2011-01-30 12:00:00

Test Scene
"Casual Friday" at the Big Hero 6 offices meant that Kikuya cold wear her blue kimono and no makeup. Actually what it meant was that she could wear 'regular' clothing but the idea was horrifying to her. Why, exactly, did women want to encase their legs in heavy blue fabric that made them look as to be walking frozen sausages? She did not understand, though she had made one concession to trend, as it were; she wore black flipflops.

With stockings.

As she walked down the hall the shoes made such a delightful soft little sound hitting against her stockinged feet. Kikuya couldn't help but smile with her eyes.

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 03:00 am UTC (link)
	"Is that an invitation, Hajime-sama?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:05 am UTC (link)

"It is very much an invitation, Kikuya-chan. Indeed... I think I am enjoying your company more than I have enjoyed anything in a very long time. Fair to say that I would be very happy to let you show me what you enjoy about the city, or share quieter time together any time you might wish, provided my paycheck will reasonably cover needs and whatever you wish for a more regular retainer."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 03:10 am UTC (link)
	"Hajime-sama, your company is all the retainer I require. It does so much for me to be able to serve you. You permitting me to tend to your tea is...is a gift more than you can imagine. Let me do that and call it my retainer?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:22 am UTC (link)

He can't help it. He blinks a couple times, in honest astonishment. How could this world have gotten to the point where people don't appreciate an artist like Kikuya anymore? That she's needing to give up her profession to practice her art?

This world just became a little more terrible... but the downside is rather more than tempered by the fact that he seems to have acquired company and someone who can explain perplexing things at the same time.

"Kikuya-chan, nothing would do me greater honor... or make me happier. I very much enjoy your company and skill. I just did not want to presume too much upon your services... but yes... consider it an invitation - if you would select a play or movie you like, perhaps you can tell me about it, and we can attend tomorrow. If you wish, I would also be most pleased to have you share my quarters any time you wish."

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Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-02-01 03:28 am UTC (link)

"Thank you, Hajime-sama. You honor me so and it fills my heart with such joy. It is my pleasure and honor to attend a movie with you tomorrow and then serve you tea. I am at your disposal."

The smile in her eyes is like fire. Finally, someone she does not feel out of place with. It was nice, to feel a sense of belonging. The joy of that spread through her and she quickly moved to pour him more drink, tend to his needs, pamper him in her deep gratitude.

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:44 am UTC (link)

Pampering when in public he was used to when around people - when around anyone but his teachers, really. He's no soft bureaucrat - but he really enjoys this, and finally, something doesn't feel so alien, and the tension of the time here so far is visibly draining away.

"Good. Then we should find something to talk about. Tell me about these movies... what shows or stories do you enjoy?"

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 03:46 am UTC (link)
	She blushed a bit. "I have a deep fondness for Godzilla movies, though one should not tell Grogg this. He would be most sad. I like silly movies, those that inspire great laughter. I do try to make a distinction between classical theater and film entertainment. I do not want to lose too much of my past in the comforts of the present." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:55 am UTC (link)

"It is entirely possible what you consider classical theatre might be well ahead of my time, but all of these things sound interesting. My past is behind me, I will not be going back to my time, so I am trying to slowly adapt to this world. So far, I am rather enjoying its comforts. Ah, but of what is available now... and knowing what you do, would you suggest a play or a movie? Presuming either would make me equally happy."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:01 am UTC (link)
	"I think a play will be more enjoyable. I would have to dress in a more contemporary fashion in order for us to enjoy the movie in peace and I do not wish to dishonor you by accompanying you in such a form so soon." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 04:06 am UTC (link)
	"I understand." he replies. "This suit is extremely confining. It will likely take me a while to get used to wearing these garments. For the best that I do, I suppose." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:08 am UTC (link)
	"Once we retire to the hotel, Hajime-sama, you will not have to wear such a suit. You will be able to relax." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 04:10 am UTC (link)
	"This is true. Nonetheless, I'm finding I'm not in a hurry. Your service is exquisite, I would not wish to rush it. The suit will wait. Very well, if we are going to see a play, and you like comedies... do you have any favorites?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:18 am UTC (link)
	"I am actually fond of Aoi no Ue. It is not exactly comedy, but it is something I very much enjoy. Perhaps you would enjoy it as well." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 04:20 am UTC (link)
	"That is possible. Tell me about it?" he asks, while he continues to eat. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-02-01 04:24 am UTC (link)

"It is from Tales of the Genji. In the backstory, Prince Genji, who was married to his wife Lady Aoi at a young age, has taken a mistress, Lady Rokujo. Lady Rokujo had been married to the crown prince, and had been next in line to become empress. The death of her husband robbed her of the chance to become empress and left her powerless. Following an episode in which she is humiliated in public by Lady Aoi, Rokujo is enraged to discover that Aoi is pregnant. Genji begins ignoring Rokujo, and in her jealousy her living spirit leaves her body and possesses Lady Aoi, resulting in Aoi's death.

The action of the play focuses on a miko exorcising the spirit of Lady Rokujo from the body of Lady Aoi. Aoi does not appear on stage - rather, an empty kimono serves to represent her.

It is very dramatic."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 04:27 am UTC (link)
	Like any good classical Japanese love story, it can't have a happy ending, of course. And along the way, drama, a wash of themes and emotions. He follows the description of the story, looking quite pleased. "I would very much like to watch this with you, yes. It sounds like a powerful drama." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:29 am UTC (link)
	"Then we shall enjoy this tomorrow evening and after we can discuss it over tea. I am glad to have someone to share this with." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 04:35 am UTC (link)

He finishes his current mouthful, then answers. "I very much enjoy many arts. I am not so trained in them as a person of the court, but my mother ensured I would not embarrass her if called before her family. I do find theater is best enjoyed twice, once while you watch it, once while you discuss it afterward. Much the same with many other arts. What else do you enjoy doing?"

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:38 am UTC (link)
	"I read a great deal. I do calligraphy and I paint. I play shamisen and I sing. I do enjoy performing dance as well. I am interested in history. And I enjoy silly movies." She smiles. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 04:46 am UTC (link)
	"I have heard a little of this Godzilla... it would seem silly, save the reality, of course. But sometimes reality makes for the best source of parody. What is your favorite subject to read on?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 04:48 am UTC (link)
	"I have several books of haiku that are dear to me. I admit, I greatly enjoy poetry. I like the simple nature of finely crafted lines." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 05:01 am UTC (link)

"I learned to compose haiku in the Imperial style." which is to say, the best haiku are those composed and performed on the spot when given a topic and little time to think. "But have not read a great deal - though my mother, and some of the performers used to recite it. I always thought it best when backed by strings or flute, and read aloud. Perhaps you would be willing to share some of them later - I would like to listen to some of these books."

He considers. "Most of my own reading was on matters of war, and books of the sword. I shall have to find some of the books on this written since my time... and find a Go set, if people still play?"

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 09:18 pm UTC (link)
	"I would love to read to you, Hajime-sama." She is already considering where she might find some books on subjects he likes or, perhaps, old texts from his time. When he mentions Go a smile widens across her face. "I have a set myself. People do still play." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 10:43 pm UTC (link)

His face brightens at that. "Really?" Good to see not everything is totally lost. "I would love to play sometime. I would also love it if you would bring some of your books of poetry, comedy, whatever you wish, to read to me. Perhaps, if you know them by heart, you can recite some of your favorite poems while you play."

Texts on war, swordsmanship, tactics - he can read himself. Those are work. Poetry, plays, tragic romances - those are things to be appreciated out loud. Especially in such a lovely voice.

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 10:47 pm UTC (link)
	"I do know some," she says with a delicate nod. "More to eat or more tea, Hajime-sama?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)