It was then that I noticed a beautiful geisha walking toward us . She was stunningly attractive ; beyond any geisha I had seen before . Her hair was a deep black that shone like polished onyx . Her almond-shaped dark eyes were breathtakingly set at the perfect angle . The kimono she wore was of a deep blue , a silver dragon and gold tiger , stitched with exquisite care , were capering from along the hem all the way to her slender hip . The jade combs and dangling sakura blossoms in her hair were a magnificent accent to her beauty . I stopped and stared as she floated closer , unable to imagine anyone more dazzling . She looked up briefly then turned her head toward the river , only to stop and slowly turn her eyes back to look at my father .
“ Akito-sama ?” the geisha asked in surprise . As she walked toward us , she looked from father to me and stopped , bowing to us . The geisha stood upright again , but now she had a strange look in her eyes . When I looked at her more closely , it seemed as if I had met her before , but I could not recall ever being introduced to her .
“ Kozue-san ? How are you this fine day ?” my father asked her graciously , bowing as was custom .
“ I am well . I did not mean to stop you on your travels with this pretty young lady . I will perhaps speak with you another time .” She moved to continue on her way .
My father raised his hand to halt her , “ There is no need Kozue-san . I can surely spare a few minutes to speak with an old friend .” Father glanced down at me for a moment , looked up at the sky and then back at the geisha before us . “ Kozue-san , this is my daughter Ayaka . Ayaka-chan , this is an old friend of mine , Kozue .”
“ Hello .” I said staring at her ; but remembering my manners I quickly bowed my best . “ I am Ayaka Kobayashi , daughter of Akito Kobayashi . I am ten years old and very pleased to meet you .”
She smiled a sad sort of smile at me , then said , “ Hello Ayaka-chan . I am called Kozue . It is my pleasure to make your
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