Obscurity, Inc.

[Lucietta Havelock]

Everything had come together just beautifully. It was even better than Lucietta had imagined during the past two weeks of planning. It had been a giant pain to get permission to build a little pond in the school’s gardens, but eventually all people involved had given in, and she knew even the stuffy old headmaster had to admit that it added a certain something to the surroundings. A little gazebo-hut with a pagoda roof and an arched bridge was placed smack in the middle of the pond, what would become a nice relaxation area with padded benches inside. Paper lanterns were hung on wires and off grounded poles all over, and hundreds of floating candles and tealights in paper boats and on lilypads lit up the pond itself.

There were several round tables set up in the grass, with four to six chairs at each, as well as two long, low rectangular tables around which were eight feather cushions to sit or kneel upon. One of these tables was reserved for Lucietta Havelock, Camryn Corbett and the closest of their brood; the rest of the tables were up to each guest’s preference.

There was a long table at which “munchies” were set up as well as various drinks, and the Teppanyaki table was just warming up. Light classical music flowed through the air, more atmospheric than party-style, at first, coming from speakers set up around the party area. There was a slightly raised stage set up, where a local band would begin playing their well-known hits once the party got into full swing. The music would be a contrast to the fully Oriental theme of the party, but this was supposed to be fun, not just a stuffy tea-ceremony.

The finest sushi chef in America – who just happened to own the best Japanese restaurant in Hollywood – had been hired to cater, and everyone who opted out of the Teppanyaki dishes had a varied menu of other Japanese cuisine to choose from – both including and excluding uncooked fish.

Finally, a notice had gone out asking people to at least try to fit in with the Japanese theme and surroundings. Of course, kimonos and the like weren’t expected; but she didn’t want people showing up in leather micro-minis and silver halter tops…

Everything was perfect, just perfect.

Lucky herself had dressed in one of her mother’s prized Kimono, which depicted a scene with a pink-hued sky with wispy clouds, and several cherry blossom trees with petals falling to the ground. She had always wanted to wear it; but there was never an appropriate time to. Likely, by the end of the night the kimono would be discarded for something breezier and more.. well, summery. She knew that herself and Camryn would likely be the only ones dressed up in such a way, but as Cam had said; the hostesses were allowed – no, expected – to dress up moreso than the rest of the party. She wore her blonde hair in an elaborate up-do, with complimentary makeup in various shades of neutral pinks to match the lightweight and delicate kimono she wore.

Stepping into the realm of the party, Lucky grinned widely, and wandered over to where the Japanese chef was laying out the final appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, greeting him with a small bow when he smiled at her appraisingly before wandering back to the kitchen as Lucky sampled a piece of sushi roll. He was an old friend of her parents, and often catered her mother’s parties.

This was going to be fantastic.

[Sabrina Mansfield]

When Sabrina had heard of a Japanese-themed garden party, she was thrilled and called home to have one of her yukata sent over at once. She had to ask Namida to help her with the obi, but it looked divine just the same. The lightweight fabric was perfect for summer and it was without all of the layers and trimmings of a traditional kimono. After all, it was meant to be worn in summer. The rich red, handmade silk was especially flattering to her hair and eyes and there was a gilded golden phoenix embroidered into the fabric twisting up her body. Sabrina felt glorious in it and as if she was back at home.

Tucking a handkerchief and a fan into her obi and smoothing out the material, Sabrina made her way to the party, zori silent on the grass. When she arrived, she looked around, her red hair pinned up in an elegant knot decorated with tortoise shell combs and a hair ornament with topaz stones decorating it to bring out the golden tones in her hair. It's lovely. I feel as though I've traveled back to Japan...she thought with a smile and stepped inside, making sure to follow the stone pathway since it was only polite to do so. Walking over to Lucietta and Camryn, she bowed politely at the waist as a proper Japanese woman would do.

"Kobonwa, Havelock-san, Corbett-san. Thank you for inviting me to this gathering. The atmosphere is lovely. It reminds me of back home. It's a shame there are no sakura trees here...but it is wonderful nonetheless."

[aislyn havelock]

Aislyn had stayed in her room as long as she dared. She had promised Lucky to at least show up for the party. She smoothed down the pale green kimono of her mother's that she had borrowed at Lucky's suggestion. At least it didn't show her belly. Lucky kept telling her that she wasn't showing, but Ais knew better.

And she wasn't looking forward to nibbling on sushi. She hated raw fish. Dutifully she had tried everything whenever it was put in front of her, but that was only grudgingly. Now the dumplings were a different story. Steamed was the best. She hoped Lucky had included those.

She wound her hair in the hairpiece and criss-crossed the chopsticks holding it up while lightly hairspraying it in place. Her hair was too fine for some of the fancier hair-do's but this was simplistic enough that she could handle without an extra hand or two. Then she went down stairs, carrying the matching fan. At least she had an excuse for fanning her face if she got too hot.

Downstairs she found Lucky surrounded by a few girls, Camryn notibly and a freshman whose name eluded her for the moment. "Hello, Lucky, Camryn!" she said brightly. She had too much honor to ruin Lucky's party with rudeness.

[Camryn Corbett]

Camryn surveyed the stupendous scene for what was probably the fiftieth time. She must have looked like a strange sort of owl with her eyes and head shifting so often from side to side, but she could not help but admire the scene. All the features which had blossomed in her head so long ago now stood before her, like a painting that had suddenly plastered itself on the real world. The pond drew her eye for the longest, as that idea had been mainly hers, though hers and Lucky's fathers had really pushed forward the building. She had already sampled some of the sushi, complimentary from the chef, and could not wait for the full spread to be revealed.

For the occasion, she had borrowed a beautiful blue kimono from Lucky's mom, who loved the style and had generously offered it. Delicate Japanese flowers paraded across the hem and a swiftly flowing river snaked around the front of the kimono, lined with soft gray rocks and green river reeds. Blue butterflies winged their ways along the riverbank and through the wispy white clouds that peppered the blue sky. The butterflies matched the butterfly comb that protruded from Camryn's neat bun. She felt wonderfully beautiful and dignified in this dress; why couldn't she wear one of these every day?

"Lucky, this is perfect," she cooed for the fiftieth time. "I can't believe everything came together so well. Now I just hope that people get the hint and dress properly." Like Lucky, she was also fearful for the leather-skirt-wearing minority that might crash the event with their crass, whorish style. Also known as Summers and her pathetic wannabes. Even if they did, Camryn had the idea that it would not matter. Nothing was about to ruin this event, especially not a few skanks who lost their ways.

"Kobonwa, Havelock-san, Corbett-san. Thank you for inviting me to this gathering. The atmosphere is lovely. It reminds me of back home. It's a shame there are no sakura trees here...but it is wonderful nonetheless."

Sabrina Mansfield. She was in Camryn's dorm group, and she was a rather nice girl. With a broad smile, Camryn bowed in the same fashion, actually looking rather graceful for once, and pressed her hands together. "Kobonwa," she said, not quite knowing what it meant except that it was a greeting. "I do wish we could have gotten the trees, but we had enough trouble getting them to sign off on the pond. At least the trees here aren't too disasterous. By the way, I love your outfit. Is that authentic?" She was so happy that someone else had gotten the memo and dressed traditionally. Sabrina looked quite at home in her garb.

Just then Aislyn appeared. "Hello, Lucky, Camryn!" Her kimono, also from the Havelock closet, looked beautiful on her. "Ais, you look wonderful!" she crowed, giving Aislyn a bow as Sabrina had done. "By the way, this is Sabrina Mansfield. She's in my dorm. Sabrina, this is Aislyn Havelock."

[aislyn havelock]

"Ais, you look wonderful!"

Aislyn smiled, but she didn't feel wonderful. It was hot and she wasn't feeling too good. But she smiled at Camryn and Sabrina anyways, fanning herself lightly. She gave the bow back to the two of them.

"Sabrina, its good to meet you. Lucky told me about you," she said politely, while looking around for a chair to sit in. She hoped Lucky would catch the hint. The aroma of raw fish wafted to her nose and she almost lost the contents of her stomach right then and there. She controled it though and walked further away from that table pointedly and waving the fan across her face.

[Sabrina Mansfield]

When Sabrina was introduced to Aislyn Havelock, she recognized her as Lucky's younger sister and bowed to her politely.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Havelock-san," and she turned back to Camryn with a smile. "Yes, this was handmade by Yamamori Akira, the famous kimono maker over in Japan. My father ordered it for me a while ago for my birthday when we first moved back to the United States. We lived in Japan for the first ten years of my life and I speak the language fluently."

When she noticed Aislyn fanning herself and sweating, Sabrina inclined her head and excused herself. Normally she wouldn't be so...polite...but the familiar atmosphere was sending her back to her time in Japan with rigid manners and even more rigid people.

"Perhaps Aislyn-san will be more comfortable over here..."

And she began to lead Aislyn over to a bench that was near the trees, and far away from the table with the raw fish on it.

"You don't look so well, perhaps it's best you rest a little while. I'm sure your sister will understand."

[Lucietta Havelock]

Among the first to arrive were some of Lucky’s favourite people in the world. Camryn Corbett and her little sister Aislyn, as well as Sabrina Mansfield, the Japanese-bred girl she’s met in her English class. She grinned widely at everyone, trying to contain her happiness and excitement and failing miserably. Everything had come together exactly the way she had imagined it, and she knew it would just look better and better as the sun continued to set and left the candles and paper lanterns as the only light in the immediate vicinity.

Lucky looked at her sister appraisingly and smiled, noting the slight pink flush of her cheeks. Her heart really went out to The Littlest Havelock girl, and it was all she could do to keep from hugging her at every available oppourtunity. Still, she was happy that her mother had spoken to the headmaster and everyone had allowed Aislyn to stay at the school. She didn’t know what any of them would do if Angelique had dragged her back to Havelock Manor…

”Hey Ais, you look great. Don’t worry, we’ve got stuff that isn’t raw here too.”

"Lucky, this is perfect. I can't believe everything came together so well. Now I just hope that people get the hint and dress properly."

Lucky smiled warmly at Cam and nodded emphatically. ”I know, I mean I thought this whole thing would be so difficult and it wouldn’t quite turn out the way we expected it to. But Gods, it’s even better than I imagined it when we came up with the ideas!”

"Kobonwa, Havelock-san, Corbett-san. Thank you for inviting me to this gathering. The atmosphere is lovely. It reminds me of back home. It's a shame there are no sakura trees here...but it is wonderful nonetheless."
"Kobonwa. I do wish we could have gotten the trees, but we had enough trouble getting them to sign off on the pond. At least the trees here aren't too disastrous. By the way, I love your outfit. Is that authentic?"

Lucky bowed back, smiling primly at Sabrina before her grin blossomed out again. ”Thanks for coming, Sabrina. I’m glad you like it. If anyone would be difficult to please with this theme, you’re the one!”

Introductions ensued and Lucky watched as Aislyn wandered away from the food tables, and Sabrina wisely followed her. Lucky nodded in understanding and winked at Camryn. ”Let’s just hope Summers and her crew know the meaning of the words “dress classy”. Hangon, I’m going to grab Ais something to eat.” With that, she grabbed a white porcelain square plate with delicate flower blossoms hand-painted around the edges, and placed a few tempura shrimp on it before grabbing a small fork and napkin and wandering over to Sabrina and her sister. ”Here Ais, you want some shrimp?” Upon closer inspection, her sister looked rather… well, ill, and Lucky could guess why. She’d never had the stomach for sushi, and now that she was quite pregnant, her heightened sense of smell would be kicked into high gear. ”If you’re not feeling so well, don’t feel bad if you have to head back in early. I don’t want you getting sick, baby bear.”

[Camryn Corbett]

"Yes, this was handmade by Yamamori Akira, the famous kimono maker over in Japan. My father ordered it for me a while ago for my birthday when we first moved back to the United States. We lived in Japan for the first ten years of my life and I speak the language fluently."

Camryn had never known this fact about her dormmate. Her eyes opened widely with shock and she smiled broadly. "Oh, that's amazing! I would have loved to live in Japan. I've visited several times, but never for very long. My family spends much more time in Italy and France." She basked in the glow of Lucky's words as she described how succesful the party had been. It was true, she'd had her doubts about whether they could pull it off. But now she realized how wonderfully they had transformed the grounds into the Japanese garden, and she could not help but beam.

It was just then that she started noticing something was wrong with Aislyn. She looked rather pale and greenish, and not quite stable, as though she had heatstroke or something. She was about to ask Aislyn if she was alright when Sabrina led her away from the food tables towards the secluded bench. She followed the pair with her eyes, darkly clouded with concern and worry. "Yeah, I don't want to see any Asian-print lingerie sets," she joked, but there was no real heart in the humor. Her focus was still on the small redheaded girl on the bench. "Lucky, is Ais alright? She looks really sick." She shadowed Lucky as she prepared a plate for Aislyn and followed her over the bench, trying to force herself to smile and look bright so as not to worry Aislyn with her own worry. "Definitely," she agreed, smiling even wider at Aislyn. "If you don't feel well, we can help you back up to your dorm. You don't have to stay if you're miserable." There was still a little furrow in her forehead that she could not dispel. What was wrong?

[aislyn havelock]

"Perhaps Aislyn-san will be more comfortable over here..."

Sabrina had followed her and that made Ais a wee bit uncomfortable. She didn't want people fussing over her, least of all somebody she had just met. But wisely, she kept her mouth shut for now.


"You don't look so well, perhaps it's best you rest a little while. I'm sure your sister will understand."


She gave a wan smile at Sabrina. "I'll be ok. I just can't handle the heat sometimes. My red hair and pale skin," she smiled ruefully. Ais hoped the girl wouldn't fuss too much longer.

”Here Ais, you want some shrimp?”

Ais suspiciously looked at the profferred shrimp on the plate and then up at her sister. She sat down and took the plate. At least they were cooked ones. She skewered one with the little fork and and blew on it cautiously.

"Thanks, Lucky. I should have eaten something earlier. It's a wee bit too hot today." She looked around at the spread. "As usual, you've knocked yourself out." This time her smile was genuine. She bit into the shrimp daintily and nodded. "This is really good!" She beamed.

”If you’re not feeling so well, don’t feel bad if you have to head back in early. I don’t want you getting sick, baby bear.”

She glared lightly at Lucky and blushed at the nickname being used in front of Sabrina. As much as she loved it, she didn't like it being used in public, or at least in front of someone she just met. Then she overheard Cam's remarks.

"Lucky, is Ais alright? She looks really sick. If you don't feel well, we can help you back up to your dorm. You don't have to stay if you're miserable."

Great, more people talking about her! Ais fought off the surge of anger by first glancing at Camryn and then back down at her plate. She shrugged a little. "I'll be fine. Jeez, I get dizzy from the sun and not eating enough and everybody wants to rush me to the emergency room," she kept her tone light, but there was a small strain in her voice as she kept from exploding. Damn those hormones from the baby! She had to watch it more carefully.

[Sabrina Mansfield]

Seeing that Aislyn would be all right with her sister and Camryn looking after her, Sabrina had excused herself and made her way over to the food. She had taken a little longer than usual getting ready and had forgotten to eat. So she went over to try the sashimi and some of the onigiri. Talking politely with the sushi chef, Sabrina sampled a bit of what caught her eye and settled down to eat.

"Itadakimasu," she said and with that, began her meal.

Aislyn looks a little peaky. And she seemed temperamental...hmmmm...but it was none of her business and Sabrina was just concentrating on enjoying herself at the party. Usually there wasn't anyone to talk to so she wound up causing a fight just for kicks. Not this time though...this time she would do her best to keep her temper in check and behave like a "proper" Japanese woman.