Evening, Day 5

[lei_miao_shan]

The gazebo is lit with lanterns draped in soft, red silk.  Lena brought them down from my rooms earlier today and set them as I'd asked her to.  They are too small and few to give much light, but what illumination they do give spills like blood along the gazebo's painted floor.   I smile at the sight.  It has been almost three weeks since my last

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[lei_miao_shan]

Wode tian... There is no mistaking it this time. His eyes, blue and cool and brilliant, turn blood red, red as the glow from my lanterns, red as heart's blood, this time for several seconds. I understand that he is letting me see this, giving me a chance to back out. I also understand that for this man that is a rare thing.

But this only serves to firm my resolve. There is something badly wrong with this man, some lack inside him that has caused a terrible imbalance in his body and his soul. And though I think perhaps that he is beyond my help, I am compelled to try. Always, always try.

But I will be careful. This one...this one is dangerous. Though I would be lying if I said the feel of his lips on my fingers and palm did not send a thrill through my body. My skin, already flushed from the dance, burns under his touch.

Smiling in welcome, I take his arm. "It is very well, then. Please, follow me." I start to lead him around to the side entrance. I want to get inside as quickly as possible. Only once before has one of my performances ended badly, but it was under similar circumstances, with many strangers in town and an unexpectedly large crowd. I do not have that feeling tonight, but I know Miss Bathory is nervous, and it rarely pays to take chances with so many people.

((OOC: Continued in a new post as soon as I finish my lunch :) )).