War Paint: Drabble No 5

by Gretchen Amy

There has been some debate and criticism as to why Carrie Fisher's make-up was nearly perfect throughout her portrayal of Princess Leia in the Original and Sequel Trilogies. Was it just a by-product of 70's film making? Were cosmetics in the GFFA truly sweat, snow, sand, and Han Solo kiss proof? Or did Leia's flawless lipstick have a greater meaning and symbolism?

Cloud City directly after refreshments with Vedar.

War Paint

The Baron-Administrator's apartment is just another prison cell; the dusky simmersilk crumpled beside me is another smeared, blaster scorched uniform; the cosmetics in my hands are another illusion of …

"No," I proclaim and begin.

First apply the tinted ointment to hide bruises; then the kohl, black as deep space, to line fierce brown eyes; blushing powder to highlight once plump cheeks, finally color to kiss swollen lips, red like blood, like lazer fire, like molten transparasteel straight from the forge.

My war paint now applied with precision and prayer, a promise I am ready for the battle to come.

Author's note: Please check out The Lore of Face Painting by Mark Latham and Women-in-War-Woman-In-Sport and the American Polearmball Association for an excellent brief history of face-paint and female warriors.