Disclaimer: We don't own Memoirs of a Geisha or Twilight. Their respective authors own them. We do own this plot and all original characters.
A/N: We plan to alternate chapters from our character's point of view. This is not, though, a self-insertion story. Our characters do have flaws and you will see them, even if it's just how they think of other characters.
Chapter 1: Ruri's point of view.
"Onesan, what is the Baron like?"
I looked up from my makeup stand. "Sayuri, I've met the Baron only a couple of times and he was very nice both times I entertained him. Beyond that, all I know is from Mameha-san has said to me. He's her donna, and if you're lucky, you might secure a donna as wealthy as he is. Mameha-san said that he like beautiful women and often will give kimonos to them. She was able to become independent because of that." I hesitated, then continued with a piece of advice, "You must be careful, Sayuri. Mameha feels, and I quite agree, that the Baron might try something to have his way with you. Remember, a maiko on the point of having her mizuage is like a meal served on the table. No man will wish to eat it, if he hears a suggestion that some other man has taken a bite."
Sayuri nodded at this and we went back to finishing our makeup. I was grateful in a way that Hatsumomo wasn't there. When we'd left the previous afternoon, she was pouting that she wasn't requested to entertain at the party. Of course, Pumpkin wouldn't be allowed to come without her older sister, Mother said, and so they stayed. The conversation, if you could call it that was something to listen to, not that we had any choice. Hatsumomo's hissy fit could be heard throughout the entire okiya, if not the hanimachi. She finally shut up when Auntie asked if she could yell louder. Auntie's exact words were, "Hatsumomo, could you yell any louder. I don't think our neighbors in the next hanimachi heard you."
Pulling myself out my reverie, I stood up from my makeup stand and put on my kimono ensemble, which included a kimono that started with a light pink color, finishing with a dark purple, with a flower and leaf design and an underrobe of red. The artist who had made my kimono had the sense to make the obi out of the same material as underrobe-that is, they are both red with the same design of white threads.
After putting on my kimono, Mr. Bekku helped Miyoko, a fellow geisha, put on her kimono, followed by Yukiko, Miyoko's younger sister, and then Sayuri. We thanked Mr. Bekku and headed out to the motorcar that the Baron was kind enough to send to the inn.