The Mansion

[darkwarrioress57]

A few days have passed. My newest guest and his companion are installed upstairs. I haven't seen much of Shifu lately, just flashes of fur. The pieces of fruit I leave him on the island counter are always gone. I know he must be off exploring the mansion and its many secrets.

This morning is the beginning of a lovely day. The sun is rising in the east, spreading it's rays across weary soil. The winter has been harsh but the promise of spring is strong. My tulips have wasted no time at all in letting their shoots of green spring upward from their hiding place in the earth. How can I help not standing, with both feet slightly spread on the earth and inhale deeply? Feeling the connection to the earth. Its roots and mine connecting somewhere along the way until I feel I am one with the earth. My spirit soars skyward, connecting with the heavens and my heart sings. Spring. Renewal. Rebirth. I still live and breathe. For all that, I am thankful.

As I stand in my kitchen, softly humming some tune, I am making waffles from scratch. Cinnamon rolls are already cooling on the island, waiting to be frosted with a cream cheese frosting. Bacon is cooking in the oven. The coffee maker stands ready to make another cup of coffee. My first is clearly close at hand. A bowl of fruit, a small vase of bamboo shoots are standing in water, waiting for my furry friend. My male guest is somewhere. Maybe the smell of food will lure him out on this fine day.

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

It's been a few days, the Mansion is filled with the scent of food being cooked. Shifu has found something to take his attention for the time being. I roll out of my hammock, the sun still warm on my clothes. I skip the sandals and head downstairs searching the Lady of the house. I see a flash of red tells me Shifu has found something tasty and doesn't want to share. I roll into the kitchen, leaning against the island. Lazily tasting some of the leftovers. I pull a pen form my pocket, something I always try to keep on me, finding a blue posted note I scribble my message.

"Sorry I've been away, I've got my things under heel now. I hope you enjoy the post that I gave you. I'll see you soon. It's almost warm enough to explore the labyrinth. "

Smiling as I take a bit of food back with me, I wander to the great room, finding a seat near the window to wait and enjoy the world outside.

 

[darkwarrioress57]

The Mansion is an interesting place. I, who conceived it, built it, is even surprised by what I find from time to time. Mostly though, I simply accept it as it is, a breathing, living thing. There are worm holes all over the place and I stepped into one and find myself in my study but it’s time to find my guest. I leave the study and start to head into the kitchen once more but spy Kama in the Great Room. I deter my route and head into the Great Room, pausing in the entry.

“What are you thinking about?”

 

[darkwarrioress57]

I hated to interrupt his enjoyment of the day. The sun's rays felt wonderful as they streamed in through the windows. I felt a need to enjoy them as well. To feel them touch my skin and warm it as only the sun could.

"May I join you?"

At the moment, Shifu appeared before them. His eyes dazed with confusion, which made me laugh with delight.

"Oh dear, Shifu. You've been dabbling with the worm holes, haven't you, you little mischief maker?"

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

My eyes focusing on my host, enjoying the warmth of the sun filtered through the window as it lay across both of us. Seeing Shifu appear so suddenly. The little birds that showed confusion in cartoons almost visible above his head as it lolled back and forth made my smile widen as I moved my legs to the side, offering her a perch.

"I'm sorry dear, I thought I answered you a moment ago. It must have gotten trapped in an internal monologue. I'm simply enjoying the space, and thinking of new adventures and the excitement to come in some existing ones, such delicious thoughts to be had."

A smirk telling you that you perhaps have some inside knowledge about those adventures takes over as I pat the seat.

"Please sit, share the day with me and tell me something new, something wild, something you"

 

[darkwarrioress57]

My eyes focusing on my host, enjoying the warmth of the sun filtered through the window as it lay across both of us. Seeing Shifu appear so suddenly. The little birds that showed confusion in cartoons almost visible above his head as it lolled back and forth made my smile widen as I moved my legs to the side, offering her a perch.

"I'm sorry dear, I thought I answered you a moment ago. It must have gotten trapped in an internal monologue. I'm simply enjoying the space, and thinking of new adventures and the excitement to come in some existing ones, such delicious thoughts to be had."

A smirk telling you that you perhaps have some inside knowledge about those adventures takes over as I pat the seat.

"Please sit, share the day with me and tell me something new, something wild, something you"

I walked across the room and sat beside him, smiling with pleasure simply because it is so me to want my guests to feel so much at home and he is doing just that. Glancing over at you, my smile widens because I know some of what he refers to.

"Let's see.... what shall I tell you? My day has come and went. Nothing special to speak of really. It's amusing that you use the word 'wild' in relation to me. Shall I confess that there is a streak of wildness within me? Sometimes I don't always stop to think before I do. I "feel" and do instead of "think" and do. Does that make any sense to you?"

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

Laying the book down on my chest,the pages open, a thought paused to explore a new avenue.

"I could believe that, sometimes giving in experience vs expecting is the way of the day. Too often we limit ourselves and those around us to the mundane. "

I smile as shift climbs between us. Curling himself in cuch a way he touches bout of us without neglecting either.

"Like this little one. A whim of creativity, nothing more than thought given fur, but he is a bit of me. A mix of Western thought through a eastern lens. All the impetuous excitement of the west. Exploring, claiming, boasting. Filtered through calmer, deeper, balanced understanding. He seeks the hidden places so he can say he has been there, done that. But he holds the reality of it for himself. He wants to be part of it all. To feel it, everything this world has to offer in case the next lacks as much flavor."

I smile, looking at you as my hand hesitates to pet my familiar or reach for yours.

"I fear, I may have gotten a bit deeper than my words again. I'm often talkative in my paradoxical position in life when I've been thinking. Paradox, my favorite word."

I relax into my seat. Lifting the book of my chest. The page illustrated in a scene out of film noir. A bearded man counts silver coins on the table. Two women sit beside him as thugs surround the room. One with a gun cockily drawn at the bearded man. My finger traces the gun as I speak.

"Do you believe that dreams can give us insight into knowledge locked in our own minds? This one ...this dream here. It was a interesting one."

 

[darkwarrioress57]

"Do you believe that dreams can give us insight into knowledge locked in our own minds? This one ...this dream here. It was a interesting one."

Indeed. *I incline my head slightly*

I believe a great many things where dreams are concerned. What is that dream?"

*I lean over Shifu, all the while petting him as I try to see his book page*

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

*I tilt the book for you*

I was counting silver, a common thing in my job. I was flanked by two women. Both are important to me, though neither are who they seem to be. The men, are angry, violent, toxic. They barge in demanding to be served. I tell them no. They repeat, I refuse. The one with the gun, threatens me. I don't back down. I move toward him. he shoots me in the neck. One round through the meaty part. I don't flinch, he unloads. The gun clicks as the brass clangs on the floor. He's afraid, he runs. I clench my neck as both women come to help me. It doesn't hurt, it doesn't bleed, it just is. That was my dream. I have some understanding of it, I think I know what it means, I just don't like it's implication.

 

[darkwarrioress57]

I glance at the picture he is showing me then lean back into my space beside him.

"Sometimes, dreams are weird things. They never seem to mean what we see. For me though, sometimes, they are exactly what I see and it depends on my dream. Why do you defy him? It seems to me that being shot in the neck is not worth whatever it is they want. Or.... it could mean something totally different. It would be a guess on my part. I use to read tarot and runes. Dreams were always complicated for me to try and interpret. Tell me what you think it means. "

I gently pet Shifu as I speak. I offer you a soft smile before my hand reaches over to squeeze yours.

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

I sigh, relaxing into my chair. The book lazily rested on my lap. My hand joins yours on the furry beast sharing our space.

"I resist, because that is what I am. Rebellion. Not for some childish cause, but I do not stand fools. Men with guns, men who think they have the right push someone because of position, power, fear. They are the biggest fools. That strength is fleeting, there is always someone who will push back. I fancy myself that man. I resist those, I make my life harder so someone else doesn't have too. I don't think this is the meaning of the dream however, just that I know I would resist. Because if I didn't someone else could have gotten hurt."

I sigh, my eyes lose focus before sharpening in thought.

"The man in my dream..I don't know what role he plays. He represents the challenge I guess, his companions represent each issue perhaps? The location of his shot, the lack of blood. That tells me that my mind and heart are separated. They are out of sync, the lack of blood tells me that my mind has made a decision and doesn't feel the pain. Me resisting tells me my heart hasn't. It wants to continue the fight, that it isn't ready to end it just yet. The two women are easy, they represent my current life and the one I might have. The silver, most likely represents the cost. It just happened to take that form due to my profession. The man wanted the coin. He wanted to take his payment. If I had given him the coin, perhaps it would mean I've made a decision. But my mind gave itself a situation it knew I wouldn't back down in. So perhaps my mind isn't as decided as it would seem."

Closing my eyes, I try and relax the obvious tension in my neck. Rolling my head side to side.

"Dreams, and trying to determine meaning in them, is a difficult at beast and impossible most times. I doubt if you had been in the same dream the meaning of each piece would be the same. I have a good grasp on what it meant to me because I know myself, I'm aware of my issues in the waking world. My mind just couldn't shut it off once I drifted off...."

 

[darkwarrioress57]

"It is easy for me to sit here and speak on the things you share. Right or wrong, I hope you don't mind. I merely speak out of concern and caring. "

The room grows quiet for a moment or so. It is not an uncomfortable or tension filled quiet.

"I have given your words thought. They are noble. I am sure your actions are as well. There is strength in you. Like anything else in the world, it can be used wisely or foolishly. I would not see you harmed for trying to live up to your principles. To face a man with a gun, in that moment of heat, in my mind, is foolish. Yes, it's about not letting them feel superior. Not about letting others be hurt and that by the way, is an assumption that anyone else in the room with you would be hurt. Who would protect the others if you are fatally hurt, hm? Time and place for anything, including lessons. I am by no means a pacifist. Well, " I laugh, "I can be if need be but I didn't come by this red hair for nothing. It doesn't take much to set my temper off for sure. Even though, now days I am a lot more discerning about fools and the need to set them on their tails."

My fingers disentangle from yours and reach for the back of your neck, gently massaging.

"However, I speak of the practical and your dream is not about that. You have the way of things, it looks like. As for the two women, " I lightly shrug, " It looks like you will come to a time in your life when you are at a crossroads. A decision to be made but that one is down the road a bit, I'd say. What I can share with you is that when that time comes for you to decide, you'll know it. Decisions like those are never easy.

Bring what you will from the waking world, darlin'. I like sharing things with you. I like listening. Even those who are strong, strong for others, need to lean somewhere. Need to lean on someone else from time to time."

I glance in your direction with a soft smile on my lips.

"I am sorry. I prattle. You can stop me at any time and no offense will be taken."

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

I roll my head against you touch, the tension there fading away slowly.

"to prattle would imply you have nothing of import to say. I find your words to be valuable and with merit. To quote a conversation I had to day. Honor in life and life before death. I think you should seek to live the best life you can, sometimes that requires you to be the martyr. But, see to prolong your life as far as possible. Like you said, a corpse protects nothing but the scavengers from hunger. "

I settle into the chair and your hand a bit more. My eyes closing as some relaxation finds me at last. Closing the book I enjoy the moment of reprieve as we relax as the rooms space closes in around us.

"To not let it seem as I overlooked your words, I enjoy your outlook and making use of your ear. I have some choices ahead of me, the same I've made before. But, who knows the outcome this time. I'm older than I seem and younger than most. I have some time to make a few more mistakes I guess."

 

[darkwarrioress57]

I roll my head against you touch, the tension there fading away slowly.

"to prattle would imply you have nothing of import to say. I find your words to be valuable and with merit. To quote a conversation I had to day. Honor in life and life before death. I think you should seek to live the best life you can, sometimes that requires you to be the martyr. But, see to prolong your life as far as possible. Like you said, a corpse protects nothing but the scavengers from hunger. "

I settle into the chair and your hand a bit more. My eyes closing as some relaxation finds me at last. Closing the book I enjoy the moment of reprieve as we relax as the rooms space closes in around us.

"To not let it seem as I overlooked your words, I enjoy your outlook and making use of your ear. I have some choices ahead of me, the same I've made before. But, who knows the outcome this time. I'm older than I seem and younger than most. I have some time to make a few more mistakes I guess."

My fingers move to one side of your head. To your temple and rub gently.

"Thank you. I appreciate your words and your truths...…"

Again silence envelops us. The friendly sort. The kind and generous sort.

"Let me ask you something if I may. Totally unrelated but I come to you today with it, because it is in my mind and maybe it makes me look shallow and vain.... do you ever feel invisible? And if you do, does it always bother you?"

Tipping my head back against the back of the sofa, I glance up at the ceiling.

"I feel that way sometimes. Unwilling to butt into conversations that surround me and yet, sometimes, I feel... overlooked when I do say something. Nothing profound, mind you. I suppose.... it is simply a need to exist and to know that, that existence is acknowledged."

Turning my head slightly, I gaze at your profile with a slight smile.

"I have other such questions. Think you might have a few words for me?"

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

Tilting my head back, I smile up at you. My mouth in a crooked grin

"I often feel that way, maybe it's insecurities, maybe its actually happening. I'm never sure to be honest. I'll join a conversation and be swept aside from the flow, but it's clear people heard me speak. It always rattles me, I'm never sure how to react. Ignoring someone who is speaking just isn't something I'm capable of doing. Not intentionally anyway. I grew up listening and talking with many types of people, they all had something to say and I felt it was part of my duty to listen and learn, even when the information presented wasn't the best or wrong."


I roll my head in between your hands, enjoying the touch and guiding your fingers to areas in need of it. My eyes close and a content sigh escapes me.

"Sometimes, I think the world just moves to quickly for it's own good. So to counter my small part, I always have time to sit, listen, and share my own word. I find it quite enjoyable most days. Especially when the conversationalist is as intriguing as you."

I open my eyes, staring up at you as I adjust slightly, shifting my weight. Shifu scampers off into the hallway to explore once more. The room settles into a peaceful quiet once more. The light filtering in from the windows is warm even as the wind outside shakes the spring born trees.

 

[Light Ice]

A small collection of flowers left scattered on the stairs, spring colors. There is no note. There is no greeting. Each time the door swings open the wind would push them across the stairs, scattering them further.

 

[darkwarrioress57]

Shifu abruptly jumps off the couch and scampers off. I smile and call after him...

"Stay out of the worm holes!"

I know the warning falls on deaf ears. He's a curious critter. The peace is disturbed by a gentle shiver down my spine. I know that shiver. I gently ease away from you and interrupt the quiet with a few soft words.

"Excuse me a moment. I need to check on something. I'll return shortly."

Getting up, I pad across the floor into the hallway that leads to the stairs and there I see the scattering of spring flowers. They bring a smile to my face. A promise kept. Gathering them up I head back into the Great Room and set them on the coffee table. Glancing over at you, my smile widens.

"A dear friend from my past in this world. He and Dryfter are the only two I have allowed to follow me from this world into the world beyond this one."

He has come and gone without a word. That is his way. My eyes soften as they fall on the flowers, the gift he has left behind. He hasn't forgotten me but I knew that. We seldom speak in the world beyond this one but I keep my eyes on him. He is one of the few in my heart that means something to me. We have weathered many things together. There is trust. Friendship. Caring. I am grateful beyond words.

"So, where were we?"

One of the maids brings in a vase with water for the flowers. I thank her and dismiss her for the evening. I set about arranging them in the vase.

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

"Aye, I felt the presance. The flowers are beautiful. It's good when we get feelings reafirmed, even when we know they haven't changed. It's a quick of the heart. I think I was trying to be clever as usual and you were entertaining the attempt "

I smile at the maid as she scampers off into the heart of the mansion. A thought crosses my mind if Shifu has harassed them at all

"I'm writting a story now, it involves a maid like character. She is a slave willingly and "works" while her Daddy is away. On a unrelated note, did I tell you I've been strongly suggested to publish a story I wrote? A children's tale no less "

 

[darkwarrioress57]

Resuming my place on the couch, my smile remains in place.

" No, you did not. Share with me. What is it about?"

I hear a girlish shriek somewhere in the mansion. It makes me laugh.

"I think Shifu is playing with one of the maids."

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

"As long as the poor girl doesn't run she will be fine. One should not trigger Shifu's predator instinct. He goes for the panties."

Chuckling, I settle in, pulling a worn notepad out of my pocket. It's small and the writing goes in random directions on every page.

"It's about a mouse, the prince of mice, before humans were here, and his adventures with the Goddess of the jungle. I'll let you read the entire thing. I have to put it down in a more permanent format soon."

 

[darkwarrioress57]

"As long as the poor girl doesn't run she will be fine. One should not trigger Shifu's predator instinct. He goes for the panties."

Chuckling, I settle in, pulling a worn notepad out of my pocket. It's small and the writing goes in random directions on every page.

"It's about a mouse, the prince of mice, before humans were here, and his adventures with the Goddess of the jungle. I'll let you read the entire thing. I have to put it down in a more permanent format soon."

"Oh dear! I didn't realize Shifu was such a pervert. I should probably send out a memo to the maids. Your book sounds interesting, dear. I'd love to read it. "

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

"Well, he is part of me and while we both try to behave, on occasion our perversions do take a drivers seat. I think a memo wouldn't be to bad, it doesn't help that he is so damn cute. I swear he gets away with too much. Wish I was that cute sometimes."

*I break into a hearty laugh as I stand and stretch, offering the crook of my right arm I hold out my left to help you stand*

"Care to join me for a stroll? I feel the sun could do us both good."

 

[darkwarrioress57]

With a smile and a soft shake of my head, I stand, slipping my arm into yours.

"I'd love to. There's always something so... soothing. Calming about the sun, at least for me. Almost as good as getting on my hands and knees and getting my hands into the soil of the Earth."

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

"Connecting with the Earth is a good experience to those that know it."

As we approach the door, I slip my sandals off, wiggling my toes before stepping over the threshold, my hand resting on yours. A content look comes over my face as I take in the grounds and turn my face toward the sun.

"A beautiful day and a beautiful woman, I am a wealthy man "

 

[darkwarrioress57]

I can't help it. I simply don't smile, I laugh, squeezing your arm with my hand.

"You, Milord, are incorrigible. So, tell me.... other than spending time here, with me, do you have any plans away from here? As for me, the RW will call upon me soon enough," my words are softly spoken as I lift my face to the sun, enjoying the warmth that radiates across my face, "by the way, I loved your posts. All of them. I shall dig deeper into our girls' minds to find a response but since I am off today and tomorrow, I'm sure I can handle that."