"Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice."

[goddessnanshe.livejournal.com]

Morning of Monday, 3rd May
The Boy

It has been a strange time, living at the abbey, but better for me than the carnival, I think, grateful though I am to Syl for her hospitality. The peaceful industry of the place has helped me grow calm again. Calm, and determined to find a way back to what I was, so I can once again be what I should be to this community of good people.

Nanse-kam told me about his meeting with Miao, and I am very sorry I had not realised she'd carried her wound into the waking world. Such things happen rarely, but it should have occurred to me that it might have done in this case.

I have been wearing abbey robes, but I think that would look strange at the brothel, so I wear a sari that Nanse-kam kindly bought for me at the market. The drapes remind me of the robes I used to wear long ago, and it seems respectful to wear pretty clothes when visiting a friend.

The house is quiet when I arrive, and the receptionist tells me they're not yet open for business.

"It's just a friendly visit," I say. "If Miss Lei is available, tell her an old friend is here to see her." I give the name Noma, because that is what I'm using in town. My face isn't at all like the one Miao has seen, but I wonder how long it will take for her to recognise me. She's perceptive, after all.

[open to Miao]

Comments

[lei-miao-shan.livejournal.com]

Sophie comes in as I am brushing my hair, and tells me that someone has come to see me. An old friend, she says, though the name is unfamiliar to me. But then, I have met so very many people in the course of my travels...I tell Sophie that I will see this woman, this Noma, and to please make sure that she is comfortable. I have only just risen, so I finish brushing my hair and slip on a simple silk dressing gown (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KfcLkayV3zM/SvW6FSIj_DI/AAAAAAAAAbU/D3vwWfn-CkU/s1600-h/1930%27s+Chinese+Silk+Dressing+Gown+1.jpg) and come downstairs.

I see that Sophie has settled Noma in the parlor with tea and a plate of fruit, and I am very pleased. "Please, forgive me for the delay," I say as I enter. The woman...I do not know her...her face is not familiar...but something about her is, yes? "Good morning, and welcome...please, forgive my rudeness...." I do know her, I am certain of it. "...but I cannot recall where it was that we met."