Disclaimer: In case you've skipped these before--and I hope you haven't, 'cause they're a beyotch to write differently every time--this is an adaptation of a work by Hans Christian Anderson. Yeah, he wrote "The Little Mermaid", too, and I'm sure one of us will rob that grave as well. Just lettin' ya know in advance. Okay, on with the show!
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Chapter 5 - The Best Gift
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The sound of laughter coming from her sister's quarters brought a smile to Song Mei's face. Hearing Zhen Mei eased her troubled mind a bit; she herself might not have been a free bird anymore, but at least her sister was happy in her new life, and that made things all the more bearable. Song Mei allowed the laughter to die down before knocking on the door.
"Who's there?" two voices rang out in unison.
"It is I, Sister! I wish to speak to you." More giggles erupted from the room, and Song Mei placed an ear to the door. The sound of scurrying feet brought an even broader smile to the singer, who had a pretty good idea of what she had been interrupting. "I can come back at a more convenient time if you wish."
"No, it is alright! I'll be right--stop that!--I'll be right there!", her sister's muffled voice answered.
Soon the door opened, and the beautifully beaming face of Zhen Mei appeared, her long black hair tossed asunder. "Sister! Please come in!" Zhen Mei grabbed her sister's arm and practically dragged her through the door before giving her a hug. "It is always nice to see you! I have been so busy, but it is because of you that I have such a great life now! Oh, thank you!"
Song Mei returned the hug, but her heart wasn't totally into it.
"Sister, what is wrong? Are you not happy here?"
"What matters is your happiness. I wish only the best for you." Song Mei did her best to keep up a smile, but to no avail.
"You are troubled, Sister! Is something wrong?"
"I cannot lie to you, Sister," Song Mei replied. "I never could. I am.......content." She let the word hang for a moment before continuing. "I miss my forest dearly. I miss being able to come and go as I please. And as much as I love her Royal Highness, her love for me is something entirely different."
Zhen Mei led her sister to a small but ornate table, tea at the ready. Two cups had already been set out and used; further evidence that Zhen Mei was not alone.
"Sister, you have company. Please, do not let me bother you with my troubles. There will be time enough for that." Song Mei got up to leave, but her sister wouldn't allow it.
"Nonsense! You will stay and have tea with us, and I will listen to you!" Zhen Mei turned her head to look to a side room. "You can come out now!"
Song Mei sad expression lifted when she saw her sister's companion slowly creep out of the adjoining room, dressed only in a silk sheet. "Ah, Fa Ling! My biggest admirer is also an admirer of my sister, I see!"
Fa Ling shuffled across the room, falling to her knees before the singer. "It is an honor and a privilege to finally meet you, Lady Song! I have long admired your voice--"
"So much so that you mock me in public!" Song Mei stern interruption made Fa Ling look up and take a defensive pose.
"I mean you no disrespect, Lady Song! As they say, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'. It is but my way of honoring you!" Fa Ling's rambling was halted when Song Mei placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Do not worry," she said with a smile. "I have heard of your act, and I must say, I am quite honored. And your performances always bring great pleasure to your audiences."
Song Mei's snickering made the copycat singer blush. "Yes," Fa Ling replied. "But for the wrong reasons!"
The three women laughed loud and heartily. Song Mei turned to her sister with a smile. "So I see the rumors are true. I am happy for you, Sister. She is indeed beautiful, and you both make a wonderful couple!" Both women blushed at the compliment. "Fa Ling, you make my sister happy, and that is all I wish for. Please continue to do so!"
"Oh, I will, Lady Song!" Fa Ling took Zhen Mei's hand and kissed it, as if to prove her willingness.
"But what of you, Sister? What can we do to make you happy?"
"For right now, just to be happy yourselves. I will be alright.". She rose and bowed to the two women. "For now, I must leave. There is to be a ball soon, and I must prepare for it."
"I have heard!" Zhen Mei jumped out of her chair. "I have been ordering all kinds of food and beverages to prepare for it! Some things I have never seen were requested! Thankfully I have great chefs and the best wine stewards to care for all of those things!"
"Can I come?" Fa Ling meekly asked.
"Of course," Song Mei replied. "As long as you do not sing!"
The sisters' laughter at her expense was answered with a huff by Fa Ling, but she too joined in the mirth.
In minutes, Song Mei left the lovers to pick up where they left off. Her burden was no lighter than it was before she knocked on the door, but she took some solace in her sister's happiness.
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"Ah, Kage...thank you for coming."
Mistress Ng led the tall man and his companion into her chambers, but not before whispering to the guard. "You will not speak of this meeting, or it will be the last thing you speak of." The guard nodded fearfully and left.
The man scanned the room, eyeing this painting or that trinket with the skill of an appraiser. In a sense, that was his job. He was known as Kage the Procurer, the man who could get anything from anywhere for anyone, as long as his price was met. The Empress herself had used his services to attain rare flowers for her garden, and now Mistress Ng was about to close a deal on his latest procurement.
"May I take a look at the...merchandise?"
"You may," the man's cool voice replied. It was refined, with a bit of a hiss to it. "Please be gentle with it though, for it is a one-of-a-kind..."
Mistress Ng moved closer to the man's cloaked companion, and slowly lowered the hood. What she saw almost took her breath away.
"She's so..." Mistress Ng couldn't find a word strong enough to describe what stood before her. It was all she could do just to tear herself away and settle her deal with Kage, who stood admiring her wonderment. "Well, Kage, your reputation is well-earned. How ever did you find her?"
"I had heard of the Empress' love of beautiful things. When you called for my services, I knew of a team of magical artisans in the Eastern Islands who dabbled in...this sort of work." His eyes shifted to the woman standing next to him, still draped in her cloak. The woman did not move one inch since coming into the room. "Trust me when I say, your Empress will be well pleased by this one. She is well-versed in the areas you desired, and has the capacity to learn quickly. Yes, it was hard to come by, but I'm sure your payment will be well worth the effort, yes?"
Mistress Ng grinned at the man, before turning and walking towards a small cabinet. A few unseen movements, and she returned with a small but heavy pouch. "You will receive the other half of the payment upon completion of her task." She sized the other woman up; even under the drab cloak, she knew this woman was beyond beautiful. "I usually would not overpay for anything, but I believe this to be well worth it. Is there anything else I should know about her?"
The man took his payment without so much as a hint to its amount, for he knew the weight of gold by instinct. "There is but one thing you need to know," he said before leaving. "Call her Lady Nightingale."
Left alone with her new possession, Mistress Ng sat the woman down at the side of her bed. "Lady Nightingale, is it?" She undid the belt of the other woman's robe, and slid the garment off of her shoulders. She marveled at the softness of skin, the fullness of lips, the depth of eyes, and even the woman's ample breasts. "You will do nicely, Lady Nightingale."
A whirr and a few small clicks, and the other woman's eyes met Mistress Ng's and held them in her deep gaze. "I will do as you ask, my Mistress. Whatever you desire, I will fulfill."
For her plan to work, Mistress Ng had to be sure. "So be it," Mistress Ng whispered, just before sampling the merchandise for herself.
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Fa Ling was in complete awe of the overall beauty that surrounded her. The handsome gentlemen, all important in their own lands. The pretty women, either companions to the gentlemen or daughters of royalty. The food and drink, prepared and displayed with an artist's eye by her own lover. The ballroom itself, draped in silks and satins to offset the smooth marble and porcelain. "Even the orchestra is beautiful!" she said with a smile. She weaved her way through the dancing portion of the crowd, and parked herself next to Zhen Mei, who had just finished setting out yet another tray of fine delicacies.
"Have you ever seen such a sight in your life!" Fa Ling mused. "This is what every girl dreams of...to be at a ball such as this, and to be swept away by a handsome prince!"
"Or princess!", corrected the Royal Cook. The two laughed as Fa Ling tried to drag Zhen Mei into the sea of dancers. "I cannot! I still have so much work to do!"
Despite her protests, Fa Ling managed to wrap the shy cook in her arms and into the flow of traffic. "One dance will not cost you your life, my love!" she whispered into the cook's ear.
"Fine. One dance." She let go of her duties and fell into step as the mid-tempo song helped to move the crowd about.
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The Empress had been watching the proceedings from her throne, and was enjoying every minute of it. Not a dancer herself, she was content just to sit and watch, and to be surrounded by such beauty. She turned to give Mistress Ng a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lady Ng, for giving me such a beautiful birthday present!"
The advisor blushed at the use of the title "Lady"--it had been a good while since her Empress had so called her. "No, thank you, my Empress, for giving me the opportunity." She glanced over to the orchestra and gave them a nod, which signaled the end of the current song. "I believe it is time, my Empress," she said, prompting the Empress to stand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, invited guests, friends and acquaintances. I, Empress Reina, fifteenth ruler of the Yi Dynasty, wish to officially welcome you to celebration of the day of my birth! I thank you for the wonderful gifts you have all bestowed upon me, and now I wish to return the favor.. As some of you have heard, there is one in my palace who possesses the voice of a goddess. Now, I wish to share with all of you what I have had the pleasure of enjoying with a full heart. Ladies and gentlemen, my birthday gift to you--the Lady Song Mei!"
The crowd's loud applause faded into a hush as the plain-looking woman entered from behind the throne. Wearing a simple green cheongsam, and her hair done up in a plain bun, she walked to her appointed spot below the throne without so much as a glance to the audience. Her attention was fixed on the Empress, who smiled down at her and gave her a nod. Song Mei waited for the murmurs of the crowd to die down. She then faced the crowd and began to sing.
From the very first note, the crowd was stunned. Not a sound was uttered, lest they interrupt the wondrous melody that sprang forth from Song Mei.. As usual, her song had no words, but everyone could tell that she sang of being free and playing in the forest like a child. They could almost smell the freshness of trees in the singer's key, and her playful voice reminded them of the carefree joys of childhood. She didn't move an inch from where she stood, other than to wave an arm here or there to emphasize a note or two, but even so, the crowd watched her intently--those who had their eyes closed were lost in the song of their youth.
Suddenly she had stopped singing, and bowed to the Empress. The crowd, finally realizing she was done, roared its approval. Cries of "More! Again!" could be heard among them, but Song Mei waited for her Empress to give her own judgment.
"Have I not told you all? Is she not truly a goddess?" The Empress gave Song Mei a big smile, and beckoned her to stand closer to the throne. "Would you like to bless us with another song?"
"Thank you, Your Highness, but I cannot at the moment. To entertain such a crowd is quite taxing on me. I will need to rest for a bit."
Those in the crowd close enough to hear the conversation groaned, as did the rest of the group when the news flowed toward them.
"Not to worry, I am sure she will sing for us again shortly. Now if you would--"
"Pardon my intrusion, my Empress," Mistress Ng interrupted. "Your entertainment will continue. I have yet to give you my gift."
"Is this so? Well then, let me see what you have given to me, Lady Ng!" The Empress' eyes lit up like a child awaiting a Christmas present.
"As you command, my Empress." Mistress Ng gave Song Mei a malicious smile, then faced the crowd. "Honored guests, please accept my gift not only to her Royal Highness, but to you all. I give to you, Lady Nightingale!"
The sound of the ballroom doors opened, demanding everyone's attention. Two large men unfurled a long red carpet toward the throne, onto which two beautiful young girls then walked, tossing cherry blossom petals into the parted crowd. In their wake, seated on the shoulders of two more men, rode Lady Nightingale. She practically oozed beauty, dressed in brightly colored silk robes with flowing sleeves and belts. Her porcelain skin needed no make-up, as her features seemed to be perfectly placed, right down to the ruby-red lips. Her hair flowed freely behind her, adorned only by an extremely ornate jeweled comb on the right side of her head. She waved to the crowd with a delicate hand, and smiled warmly to them. To the gathered throng, it was almost as if the Empress herself had entered the room.
As for said Empress, nothing else existed save for the newcomer. The room itself seemed to fall away, as her focus sharpened to examine every detail of Lady Nightingale's features. She hadn't noticed until Mistress Ng mentioned it, but the procession had parked itself right in front of the throne. It was then that the Empress remembered herself and where she was.
"Lady Ng! Have you called down a goddess to visit me on my birthday?" the Empress cried with excitement. "How did you manage such an amazing feat?"
"No, my Empress. She is not a goddess, but a singer from the Eastern Islands. A most extraordinary one, I assure you." Mistress Ng's grin spread from ear to ear, happy in the notion that her Empress was taken with her 'gift'. "If you so wish it, she will perform for you now."
"I do!" The Empress beckoned for the new singer to be lowered from the shoulders of the men, and to approach the throne. Upon closer inspection, she had seen just how remarkably flawless the beautiful newcomer was. "If she is half as talented as she is beautiful, we are all in for a treat, indeed!"
Song Mei eyed the new girl with confusion. "Why have another singer when I am already here?" she asked.
"Oh, do not be petty, Song Mei!" the Empress chided. "Besides, you yourself said you needed some rest. Now, sit with me and listen."
Song Mei did as she was told, albeit begrudgingly. Mistress Ng did all she could do not to burst out in sadistic laughter. She composed herself, and nodded to Lady Nightingale.
"My Empress, I am sure you will find this particular performance most enlightening!" The men who had carried the new singer in had vacated the area in front of the throne, leaving plenty of room for Lady Nightingale. Mistress Ng nodded to the orchestra, and they began to play.
Arms spread wide, as if she would fly, Lady Nightingale twirled slowly in place, humming along to the tune. She whirled along the length of the carpet, and then back to the front of the throne, coming to a stop with a deep bow. The orchestra had stopped for a moment, and Lady Nightingale began to sing.
The crowd gasped in amazement, and Song Mei nearly jumped out of her skin in shock and disbelief. It was Lady Nightingale who was singing, but it was Song Mei's voice that had come out of her beautiful throat! Song Mei herself put a hand to her own mouth, to be sure that it was not her who was singing. Somehow, this newcomer had stolen Song Mei's voice, and was singing the very song she had sung not minutes earlier!
Lady Nightingale then flitted around the room, twirling and jumping with each swell and trill of the song. Her beauty captivating the onlookers, and her grace and balance keeping them hypnotized. It was like watching a spirit move, her feet barely touching the floor before she was off in another direction, or draped around this partygoer or that one. She had not only sung Song Mei's tune, but made it her own, and incorporated an intricately delicate dance routine with it. Those who were not touched by Lady Nightingale's silks desired to be, and leaned forward as she passed--only to be left behind for some other part of the room.
As a finale, Lady Nightingale leapt the length of the ballroom and landed daintily on one foot, before bowing in front of the clearly enthralled Empress. The orchestra sounded a final flourish, and the piece was done.
The Empress stood, teary-eyed, and stepped down to the performer. "I..." she stammered. "I cannot find the words..." She then turned to Mistress Ng, who followed her down. "This is truly the most wondrous thing you have ever given me; save my throne!" She took Mistress Ng in a long, warm hug. "Thank you, thank you so much!"
"You are very welcome, my Empress, but there is more!" Mistress Ng watched her empress' eyes grow in size. "Unlike Lady Song, Lady Nightingale will not tire, and will sing and dance for as long or as often as you wish. She is yours to command, and will fulfill your every wish." She leaned closer to the Empress' ear. "And I do mean, -every- wish!"
The Empress never blushed in public, for she had no reason to...until now. "Is this...is this so?"
Mistress Ng simply nodded, which brought a loud laugh to the Empress. Upon hearing her laughter, the crowd cheered and laughed it's approval, and called for Lady Nightingale to sing again. With a nod from the Empress, the singer complied--this time without the dance routine--and the crowd did its best to sing along.
Three figures did not join in the overall merriment of the moment. Zhen Mei, was much too stunned to believe what she had seen. Fa Ling did her best to bring her lover out of her near-catatonic state, but was failing miserably. And then there was Song Mei.
Unnoticed by anyone, Song Mei had simply disappeared.
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End of Chapter 5
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