PAINTED LIPS , the slight sway of silks ( ornamented with trim of golds and flowering spring blooms ) , and the breath of fragrance reminiscent of autumns past -- a DREAM for men after living with only the comfort of merciless steel for weeks . they have found shelter , a temporary paradise shrouded in the smoke of opium , a sanctuary for the wicked . bathed in the blood of countless friends and foes alike , they seek relief , to forget the burden of their sins momentarily .
and among men , a “ DEMON ” , a beast seemingly born from wicked iron ( blood and blade alike ) rests in a corner of the room . alcohol swirls in his cup , though slowly , in comparison to those of his comrades , whom he watches down the bittersweet rice wine , shouting in a forced mirth . ( perhaps they yell to wash out the cries of the dead ? if that is the case , takasugi chooses to listen , to hear every bone crack and heartbeats cease . ) but amidst the chaos of inebriated soldiers and chirping of courtesans , his ears follow the ebb and flow of the song , a requiem born from nimble fingers striking silk strings .
perhaps it is the painted crimson bow of her curved lips , the feathered lashes extending slyly from burnt amber eyes -- it remains a true wonder that the rowdy men are not entranced with the musician . perhaps he’s shameless , for speaking up in the middle of her performance , but it’s not as if anyone can hear her over the commotion , anyways .
‘ a somber song for a night of celebration ? ’ little care in his voice , he hardly addresses her , drawing smoke from his pipe and remaining seated , a few feet away from her . ‘ is it ignorance , perhaps ? or are you trying to say something -- even when no one would bother to listen ? ’ @bellidyr