25. Underneath the Cherry Blossoms

Underneath the cherry blossoms is where we used to play. In their rose tinted shade, I first learned the touch of love. Even today, our initials intertwine where she boldly carved them into the bark. Here, I thought nothing could ever hurt me again.

Underneath the cherry blossoms is where I laid her to rest.

These ashes are not Nandie. Part of her lives in the Heart of Gold and her people there. Gently whispering in their ears . . . suggesting which caress brings the most pleasure . . . imbuing the rooms with the spirit that transforms a building into a home. Part of her still runs through the halls of House Madrassa, singing off key at the top of her lungs. Simultaneously disturbing and exciting the clients with the shear force of her personality.

Part of her will always live in me.

The family bought Nandie as a graduation gift for him, but he never wanted her. I always did. I wanted to see her, touch her. Her laughter made my dead house come alive. I would spend hours following her from room to room. Standing in the shadows, I tried imitate her movements, her voice, her gestures. I wanted to be her.

Nandie warned me. The night before they took her away from me, she held me as I begged her to stay. “Be careful Pina. It’s not right . . . the way he looks at you . . .it . . . it’s just not right. If you ever want to leave go to House Madrassa on Sihnon. Oh mei-mei, if you ever need me I will be there.”

And she was. Less than a year later, I stood shivering at the gates begging for entrance. The High Priestess heard my name and was ready to turn me away, give me to the authorities. Nandie ran to fetch Ishtar, Shen Sheng Wuh de Ma of the Guild.

“Holy Mother, I met this girl while I was on Londonium. I promised her the protection of the Guild, now the High Priestess want to send her away,” Nandie rushed.

“This ‘girl’ is a curse,” Jie Shan Li hissed.

Ishtar held up her hand, silencing her. “I know what she is. What bring