[Saiunkoku Challenge #8] One Moment Without Longing

[runiclore]

One Moment Without Longing
Author: Amber Michelle
Rating: T
Genre: introspective
Warnings: mature theme, I guess.
AU/Canon: canon.
Pairing/Characters: Senka
Words: 100

Prompt: illusion (100 words exactly)
Summary: n/a, this isn't really plot-centric, in my opinion.

Notes: 'hinano' = pandanus flower, apparently a 'first class aphrodisiac.' :p



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Senka chooses his sixth concubine on the merit of her beauty. The resemblance is striking. Her hair is perfect when arranged just so, her face a reasonable facsimile when made up. When he goes to her on their wedding night, the haze of hinano incense and the lamp, shuttered with red silk, veils her just enough to wake a shadow of passion.

He leaves her in the morning before sunrise. The illusion is spent, the sweetness of tropical blossoms faded to powder and charcoal. He wonders sometimes: would she think less of him, or simply laugh?


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This was inspired by at least five Ono no Komachi poems. Together they'd comprise more words than this drabble. >_>;