Prologue
Seated on an upright stool, with a straight back and exquisite posture, the young girl looked curiously at all the make up carefully set out on the desk in front of her. Looking into the mirror at the reflection of the older girl behind she wanted to ask so many questions to understand what her future would be. Seeing the curiosity radiating from her young green eyes, the elder of the two started to speak. "Don't worry Sakura, you'll be trained soon. Then you'll be doing your own hair and won't need me." "But I'm nearly eleven, I was told I wouldn't attend school until at least twelve." "You've been living here with us for nearly nine years now and have been able to observe our lives a lot more than any others would get to do, even when they do turn twelve. Plus, you've learnt all the traditional song and dance. Your playing needs a bit more work but I'm sure you'll be chosen for your dancing. Mother will let you start early as you are already so far advanced. It will come off well on her behalf. Do you want me to show you the make up?" The beaming smile was all the encouragement needed as the white powder box was opened and brushed onto the already pale skin of the child. Waiting patiently to see the finished result, the girl shut her eyes as eyeliner and eye shadow was applied. When she next opened them, she was finished and stared in amazement at the reflection she saw. Pale face, dark eyes, red lips. "Perfect, now you look the part. My own personal little geisha." Hearing these words spoken by the woman she admired filled with joy knowing she would soon be just like her. This was the only life she knew and was so excited to soon be allowed to perform like those older than her. Rising off the chair, she turned and bowed, palms together, before starting to skip and dance around the room with the steps she knew so well that her body flowed so naturally. Looking on from the door, 'mother's' face formed a smile, both from pride and happiness. The girl was so mature for her age, yet still as innocent and vibrant as a young child ought to be. It was true that she was ready for training.
Seated on an upright stool, with a straight back and exquisite posture, the young girl looked curiously at all the make up carefully set out on the desk in front of her. Looking into the mirror at the reflection of the older girl behind she wanted to ask so many questions to understand what her future would be. Seeing the curiosity radiating from her young green eyes, the elder of the two started to speak. "Don't worry Sakura, you'll be trained soon. Then you'll be doing your own hair and won't need me." "But I'm nearly eleven, I was told I wouldn't attend school until at least twelve." "You've been living here with us for nearly nine years now and have been able to observe our lives a lot more than any others would get to do, even when they do turn twelve. Plus, you've learnt all the traditional song and dance. Your playing needs a bit more work but I'm sure you'll be chosen for your dancing. Mother will let you start early as you are already so far advanced. It will come off well on her behalf. Do you want me to show you the make up?" The beaming smile was all the encouragement needed as the white powder box was opened and brushed onto the already pale skin of the child. Waiting patiently to see the finished result, the girl shut her eyes as eyeliner and eye shadow was applied. When she next opened them, she was finished and stared in amazement at the reflection she saw. Pale face, dark eyes, red lips. "Perfect, now you look the part. My own personal little geisha." Hearing these words spoken by the woman she admired filled with joy knowing she would soon be just like her. This was the only life she knew and was so excited to soon be allowed to perform like those older than her. Rising off the chair, she turned and bowed, palms together, before starting to skip and dance around the room with the steps she knew so well that her body flowed so naturally. Looking on from the door, 'mother's' face formed a smile, both from pride and happiness. The girl was so mature for her age, yet still as innocent and vibrant as a young child ought to be. It was true that she was ready for training.