Chapter Text
"We are to attend an evenings shamisen show-"
A flyer is set atop the bonded tatami below and Leonardo's gaze wanders its colored inkings and associating calligraphy.
"-I have heard word that one of the kagema's playing is a spectacle to behold. The sound of a goddess they say-"
Leonardo's sights rose to hers as her voice spoke of clear doubt and skepticism. His onee-san's features wrinkled, a scoff on her lip.
"-For one in such an unsavory occupation and without mentorship, it is a title forged. Nonetheless, our attendance is in line with the daimyo's recommendation. After your shameful display its to be expected that desperate times calls for such."
Hands knuckled tight atop his patterned kimono thigh, jaw locked and set at the remembrance of his earlier failure. A practice of errors that follow him into his second year. One which furthers to weight the expectations from those above and drives him into cycled self-hatred, an emotion rooted only months into his geisha training.
Upon perfecting in all other requirements to gain the status of geisha within a year's time, he is young, seen as a promising addition to their daimyo's collection, a position he believes a worthy conclusion. Yet what holds him stagnant and continues to elude him, the reasoning for his training to be stretched into its second year. He glances at the instrument's casing.
"He has allowed for a meeting after the showing with one Raphael and there we are to humor this kagema before returning to our much-needed practice. Understood?"
Leonardo's powdered features lower, sealed painted lips giving way.
"Hai."