Ginryū-no-Mai

Prologue

The sun emerged and the paper tatami windows absorbed its rays. The sounds of chirping birds rang within my ears, and I opened my eyes to its solemn calls. I drew breath as I turned to my right and smiled as I saw his beautiful, handsome face. I found comfort within his presence. And as I sat up, I tugged on the sheets to cover my chest. I continued to stare. He was sleeping soundlessly and I stretched out my hand to graze his cheek, carefully tracing his black eye patch that covered his right eye. I caressed his dark chestnut colored hair, thinking how I loved him—no truly love. "Good morning, Masamune-sama," I whispered and gently left a kiss on his forehead. I felt him take a deep breath. His skin felt invigorating.

I turned away and scanned for my clothes. I immediately found my thin short slip and pulled it over my head. Soon after, I found my gold-embroidered, silver cheongsam*, a gift from Masamune, near the futon. I quickly grabbed it, slipped it over my head and pulled it down to cover my slip. I looked around for my black over-knee stockings and I found it on the other side of the futon. I got up and walked around the futon to grab my hosiery. I pulled each stocking up my leg, over my knees and ended the systematic process with a deep prolonged sigh.

I needed to find my armor. Gently walking across the floorboards, I found my corresponding black shoulder plates and traced the gold dragon imprint onto the scarred black armor. As I remembered fond memories of the battle front, a smile escaped from my lips. I had no name, no family, nothing.

"Iisaka…"

I heard the name—a name he has given me—being called and with genuine happiness, I replied, "Yes, Masamune-sama." I continued to tie and fasten the armor plates onto my shoulders.

"Where are you going?" he grunted, as he sat up on the futon, ruffling his hair.

"Morning Patrol." I gathered my other belongings, such as my choice of weapon, my dual swords. I slung them behind my back and retrieved the remaining armor to Masamune. I set them next to his side of the futon and retrieved the rest of his clothing. I handed each garment to him and watched him as he clothed himself.

I heard a voice muffled by the closed tatami sliding door. "Masamune-sama. It's Kojyuuro."

There was a prolonged pause, Masamune then quickly finished dressing. "Enter."

The sliding door was opened and Kojuro entered the room.

I stood, immediately greeting him. "Good morning, Kojuro-san." We exchanged glances and I headed out of the room. I slid the door open, and said, "I'll leave you two alone to speak to each other, privately. Please excuse me." I closed the door and headed down the hall. Several corridors down, I arrived at the end of another hall. I kneeled before an illuminating paper tatami sliding door. "Date-ou*. Its's Ginryuu."

I heard shuffling within the room. "Enter."

I carefully opened the sliding door and saw an unfamiliar woman by his side. Part of her kimono was slipping off her shoulder, and her obi was tied in a rather slip-shod fashion. I saw Yoshihime-sama* nowhere in sight.

Terumune-sama* (Date-ou) interrupted my gazing observations. "Ginryuu, what is it?"

"Yes. I just wanted to inform you, My Lord that I will be headed off for morning patrol. I will be taking six men with me as usua—"

"Nonsense. three men will be just enough for patrolling."

I didn't agree with him, but what else am I supposed to do. I bowed my head in respect, and stated, "As you wish, Date-ou." I stood up and headed out the door. "Please excuse me." Then I closed the door, but lingered around and heard more shuffling noises and muffled moans within the room. I walked away. I didn't really want to remember what I saw nor what I heard.

I went outside and approached towards the horse stables.

"Where are you going?" a shrill voice cried.

I continued to attend my horse and fastened its saddle. "Morning patrol, Yoshihime-sama."

"Oh. Well then, when you get back I expect you to wear something more proper than your current attire, understood?"

I turned around and reluctantly gave a smile. "Yes, Yoshihime-sama." I bowed my head.

"Alright then." She turned to her court ladies with her head held high. "Let us go, ladies."

I watched them as they walked away until they passed around the corner of the estate. I sighed in relief. That woman…

I jumped onto my horse and gathered three men. We went out of the estate gates, and headed into town.

A/N: *cheongsam: it's a slim fit Chinese dress.

*_-ou: a particle attached to the end of a name to say "Lord _".

*Yoshihime-sama: Masamune's mother.

*Terumune-sama: Masamune's father (Date-ou).