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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-S

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 6 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the Lord Jesus, I think you're wrong, Pilot,\" Vinck said. His toothless grin was wide and obscene. \"If you can put up with the swill they call food, it's the best place I've been. Ever. I've had two women in three days and they're like rabbits. They'll do anything if you show 'em how.\"\n\n\"That's right. But you can't do nothing without meat or brandy. Not for long. I'm tired out, and I could only do it once,\" Maetsukker said, his narrow face twitching. \"The yellow bastards won't understand that we need meat and beer and bread. And brandy or wine.\"\n\n\"That's the worst! Lord Jesus, my kingdom for some grog!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baccus van Nekk was filled with gloom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked over and stood close to Blackthorne and peered up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was very nearsighted and had lost his last pair of spectacles in the storm. But even with them he would always stand as close as possible. He was chief merchant, treasurer, and representative of the Dutch East India Company that had put up the money for the voyage. \"We're ashore and safe and I haven't had a drink yet. Not a beautiful drop! Terrible. Did you get any, Pilot?\"\n\n\"No.\" Blackthorne disliked having anyone near him, but Baccus was a friend and almost blind so he did not move away. \"Just hot water with herbs in it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They simply won't understand grog. Nothing to drink but hot water and herbs—the good Lord help us! Suppose there's no liquor in the whole country!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyebrows soared. \"Do me a huge favor, Pilot. Ask for some liquor, will you?\"\n\nBlackthorne had found the house that they had been assigned on the eastern edge of the village. The samurai guard had let him pass, but his men had confirmed that they themselves could not go out of the garden gate. The house was many-roomed like his, but bigger and staffed with many servants of various ages, both men and women.\n\nThere were eleven of his men alive. The dead had been taken away by the Japanese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lavish portions of fresh vegetables had begun to banish the scurvy and all but two of the men were healing rapidly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These two had blood in their bowels and their insides were fluxed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck had bled them but this had not helped. By nightfall he expected them to die. The Captain-General was in another room, still very sick.\n\nSonk, the cook, a stocky little man, was saying with a laugh, \"It's good here, like Johann says, Pilot, excepting the food and no grog. And it's all right with the natives so long as you don't wear your shoes in the house. It sends the little yellow bastards mad if you don't take off your shoes.\"\n\n\"Listen,\" Blackthorne said. \"There's a priest here. A Jesuit.\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus!\" All banter left them as he told them about the priest and about the beheading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why'd he chop the man's head off, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"We better get back aboard. If Papists catch us ashore...\"\n\nThere was great fear in the room now. Salamon, the mute, watched Blackthorne. His mouth worked, a bubble of phlegm appearing at the corners.\n\n\"No, Salamon, there's no mistake,\" Blackthorne said kindly, answering the silent question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said he was Jesuit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ, Jesuit or Dominican or what-the-hell-ever makes no muck-eating difference,\" Vinck said. \"We'd better get back aboard. Pilot, you ask that samurai, eh?\"\n\n\"We're in God's hands,\" Jan Roper said. He was one of the merchant adventurers, a narrow-eyed young man with a high forehead and thin nose. \"He will protect us from the Satan worshipers.\"\n\nVinck looked back at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about Portuguese, Pilot? Did you see any around?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. There were no signs of them in the village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They'll swarm here soon as they know about us.\" Maetsukker said it for all of them and the boy Croocq let out a moan.\n\n\"Yes, and if there's one priest, there's got to be others.\" Ginsel licked dry lips. \"And then their God-cursed conquistadores are never far away.\"\n\n\"That's right,\" Vinck added uneasily. \"They're like lice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Jesus! Papists!\" someone muttered. \"And conquistadores!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we're in the Japans, Pilot?\" van Nekk asked. \"He told you that?\"\n\n\"Yes. Why?\"\n\nVan Nekk moved closer and dropped his voice. \"If priests are here, and some of the natives are Catholic, perhaps the other part's true—about the riches, the gold and silver and precious stones.\" A hush fell on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you see any, Pilot? Any gold? Any gems on the natives, or gold?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. None.\" Blackthorne thought a moment. \"I don't remember seeing any. No necklaces or beads or bracelets. Listen, there's something else to tell you. I went aboard Erasmus but she's sealed up.\" He related what had happened and their anxiety increased.\n\n\"Jesus, if we can't go back aboard and there are priests ashore and Papists... We've got to get away from here.\" Maetsukker's voice began to tremble. \"Pilot, what are we going to do? They'll burn us! Conquistadores—those bastards'll shove their swords...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're in God's hands,\" Jan Roper called out confidently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He will protect us from the anti-Christ. That's His promise. There's nothing to be afraid of.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne said, \"The way the samurai Omi-san snarled at the priest—I'm sure he hated him. That's good, eh? What I'd like to know is why the priest wasn't wearing their usual robes. Why the orange one? I've never seen that before.\"\n\n\"Yes, that's curious,\" van Nekk said.\n\nBlackthorne looked up at him. \"Maybe their hold here isn't strong. That could help us greatly.\"\n\n\"What should we do, Pilot?\" Ginsel asked.\n\n\"Be patient and wait till their chief, this daimyo, comes. He'll let us go. Why shouldn't he? We've done them no harm. We've goods to trade. We're not pirates, we've nothing to fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very true, and don't forget the Pilot said the savages aren't all Papists,\" van Nekk said, more to encourage himself than the others. \"Yes. It's good the samurai hated the priest. And it's only the samurai who are armed. That's not so bad, eh? Just watch out for the samurai and get our weapons back—that's the idea. We'll be aboard before you know it.\"\n\n\"What happens if this daimyo's Papist?\" Jan Roper asked.\n\nNo one answered him. Then Ginsel said, \"Pilot, the man with the sword? He cut the other wog into pieces, after chopping his head off?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ! They're barbarians! Lunatics!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginsel was tall, a good-looking youth with short arms and very bowed legs. The scurvy had taken all his teeth. \"After he chopped his head off, the others just walked away? Without saying anything?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus, an unarmed man, murdered, just like that? Why'd he do it? Why'd he kill him?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Ginsel. But you've never seen such speed. One moment the sword was sheathed, the next the man's head was rolling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God protect us!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dear Lord Jesus,\" van Nekk murmured. \"If we can't get back to the ship... God damn that storm, I feel so helpless without my spectacles!\"\n\n\"How many samurai were aboard, Pilot?\" Ginsel asked.\n\n\"Twenty-two were on deck. But there were more ashore.\"\n\n\"The wrath of God will be upon the heathen and on sinners and they'll burn in hell for all eternity.\"\n\n\"I'd like to be sure of that, Jan Roper,\" Blackthorne said, an edge to his voice, as he felt the fear of God's vengeance sweep through the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was very tired and wanted to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can be sure, Pilot, oh yes, I am. I pray that your eyes are opened to God's truth. That you come to realize we're here only because of you—what's left of us.\"\n\n\"What?\" Blackthorne said dangerously.\n\n\"Why did you really persuade the Captain-General to try for the Japans? It wasn't in our orders. We were to pillage the New World, to carry the war into the enemy's belly, then go home.\"\n\n\"There were Spanish ships south and north of us and nowhere else to run. Has your memory gone along with your wits? We had to sail west—it was our only chance.\"\n\n\"I never saw enemy ships, Pilot. None of us did.\"\n\n\"Come now, Jan,\" van Nekk said wearily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Pilot did what he thought best. Of course the Spaniards were there.\"\n\n\"Aye, that's the truth, and we was a thousand leagues from friends and in enemy waters, by God!\" Vinck spat. \"That's the God's truth—and the God's truth was we put it to a vote. We all said yes.\"\n\n\"I didn't.\"\n\nSonk said, \"No one asked me.\"\n\n\"Oh, Christ Jesus!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Calm down, Johann,\" van Nekk said, trying to ease the tension." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're the first ones to reach the Japans. Remember all the stories, eh? We're rich if we keep our wits. We have trade goods and there's gold here—there must be. Where else could we sell our cargo? Not there in the New World, hunted and harried! They were hunting us and the Spaniards knew we were off Santa Maria. We had to quit Chile and there was no escape back through the Strait—of course they'd be lying in wait for us, of course they would! No, here was our only chance and a good idea. Our cargo exchanged for spices and gold and silver, eh? Think of the profit—a thousandfold, that's usual. We're in the Spice Islands. You know the riches of the Japans and Cathay, you've heard about them forever. We all have. Why else did we all sign on? We'll be rich, you'll see!\"\n\n\"We're dead men, like all the others. We're in the land of Satan.\"\n\nVinck said angrily, \"Shut your mouth, Roper! The Pilot did right. Not his fault the others died—not his fault. Men always die on these voyages.\"\n\nJan Roper's eyes were flecked, the pupils tiny. \"Yes, God rest their souls. My brother was one.\"\n\nBlackthorne looked into the fanatic eyes, hating Jan Roper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside he was asking himself if he had really sailed west to elude the enemy ships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or was it because he was the first English pilot through the Strait, first in position, ready and able to stab west and therefore first with the chance of circumnavigating?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jan Roper hissed, \"Didn't the others die through your ambition, Pilot? God will punish you!\"\n\n\"Now hold your tongue.\" Blackthorne's words were soft and final.\n\nJan Roper stared back with the same frozen hatchet face, but he kept his mouth shut.\n\n\"Good.\" Blackthorne sat tiredly on the floor and rested against one of the uprights.\n\n\"What should we do, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait and get fit. Their chief is coming soon—then we'll get everything settled.\"\n\nVinck was looking out into the garden at the samurai who sat motionless on his heels beside the gateway. \"Look at that bastard. Been there for hours, never moves, never says anything, doesn't even pick his nose.\"\n\n\"He's been no trouble though, Johann. None at all,\" van Nekk said.\n\n\"Yes, but all we've been doing is sleeping and fornicating and eating the swill.\"\n\n\"Pilot, he's only one man. We're ten,\" Ginsel said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've thought of that. But we're not fit enough yet. It'll take a week for the scurvy to go,\" Blackthorne replied, disquieted. \"There are too many of them aboard ship. I wouldn't like to take on even one without a spear or gun. Are you guarded at night?\"\n\n\"Yes. They change guard three or four times. Has anyone seen a sentry asleep?\" van Nekk asked.\n\nThey shook their heads.\n\n\"We could be aboard tonight,\" Jan Roper said. \"With the help of God we'll overpower the heathen and take the ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Clear the shit out of your ears! The pilot's just got through telling you! Don't you listen?\" Vinck spat disgustedly.\n\n\"That's right,\" Pieterzoon, a gunner, agreed. \"Stop hacking at old Vinck!\"\n\nJan Roper's eyes narrowed even more. \"Look to your soul, Johann Vinck. And yours, Hans Pieterzoon. The Day of Judgment approaches.\" He walked away and sat on the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk broke the silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything is going to be all right. You'll see.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Roper's right. It's greed that put us here,\" the boy Croocq said, his voice quavering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's God's punishment that—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boy jerked. \"Yes, Pilot. Sorry, but—well...\" Maximilian Croocq was the youngest of them, just sixteen, and he had signed on for the voyage because his father had been captain of one of the ships and they were going to make their fortune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he had seen his father die badly when they had sacked the Spanish town of Santa Magdellana in the Argentine. The plunder had been good and he had seen what rape was and he had tried it, hating himself, glutted by the blood smell and the killing. Later he had seen more of his friends die and the five ships became one and now he felt he was the oldest among them. \"Sorry. I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"How long have we been ashore, Baccus?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"This is the third day.\" Van Nekk moved close again, squatting on his haunches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't remember the arrival too clearly, but when I woke up the savages were all over the ship. Very polite and kind though. Gave us food and hot water. They took the dead away and put the anchors out. Don't remember much but I think they towed us to a safe mooring. You were delirious when they carried you ashore. We wanted to keep you with us but they wouldn't let us. One of them spoke a few words of Portuguese. He seemed to be the headman, he had gray hair. He didn't understand 'Pilot-Major' but knew 'Captain.' It was quite clear he wanted our 'Captain' to have different quarters from us, but he said we shouldn't worry because you'd be well looked after. Us too. Then he guided us here, they carried us mostly, and said we were to stay inside until his captain came. We didn't want to let them take you but there was nothing we could do. Will you ask the headman about wine or brandy, Pilot?\" Van Nekk licked his lips thirstily, then added, \"Now that I think of it, he mentioned 'daimyo' too. What's going to happen when the daimyo arrives?\"\n\n\"Has anyone got a knife or a pistol?\"\n\n\"No,\" van Nekk said, scratching absently at the lice in his hair.\n\n\"They took all our clothes away to clean them and kept the weapons. I didn't think anything about it at the time. They took my keys too, as well as my pistol. I had all my keys on a ring. The strong room, the strongbox, and the magazine.\"\n\n\"Everything's locked tight aboard. No need to worry about that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like not having my keys. Makes me very nervous. Damn my eyes, I could use a brandy right now. Even a flagon of ale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Jesus! The sameree cut him into pieces, did he?\" Sonk said to no one in particular.\n\n\"For the love of God, shut your mouth. It's 'samurai.' You're enough to make a man shit himself,\" Ginsel said.\n\n\"I hope that bastard priest doesn't come here,\" Vinck said.\n\n\"We're safe in the good Lord's hands.\" Van Nekk was still trying to sound confident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When the daimyo comes we'll be released. We'll get our ship back and our guns. You'll see. We'll sell all our goods and we'll get back to Holland rich and safe having gone round the world—the first Dutchmen ever. The Catholics'll go to hell and that's the end of it.\"\n\n\"No, it isn't,\" Vinck said. \"Papists make my skin crawl. I can't help it. That and the thought of the conquistadores. You think they'll be here in strength, Pilot?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I'd think yes! I wish we had all our squadron here.\"\n\n\"Poor bastards,\" Vinck said. \"At least we're alive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maetsukker said, \"Maybe they're back home. Maybe they turned back at the Magellan when the storms scattered us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you're right,\" Blackthorne said. \"But I think they're lost with all hands.\"\n\nGinsel shuddered. \"At least we're alive.\"\n\n\"With Papists here, and these heathens with their stinking tempers, I wouldn't give an old whore's crack for our lives.\"\n\n\"Goddamn the day I left Holland,\" Pieterzoon said. \"Goddamn all grog! If I hadn't been drunker than a fiddler's bitch I'd still be heads down in Amsterdam with my old woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn what you like, Pieterzoon. But don't damn liquor. It's the stuff of life!\"\n\n\"I'd say we're in the sewer, up to our chins, and the tide's coming in fast.\" Vinck rolled his eyes. \"Yes, very fast.\"\n\n\"I never thought we'd reach land,\" Maetsukker said. He looked like a ferret, except he had no teeth. \"Never. Least of all the Japans. Lousy stinking Papists! We'll never leave here alive! I wish we had some guns. What a rotten landfall! I didn't mean anything, Pilot,\" he said quickly as Blackthorne looked at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just bad luck, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later servants brought them food again. Always the same: vegetables—cooked and raw—with a little vinegar, fish soup, and the wheat or barley porridge. They all spurned the small pieces of raw fish and asked for meat and liquor. But they were not understood and then, near sunset, Blackthorne left. He had wearied of their fears and hates and obscenities. He told them that he would return after dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shops were busy on the narrow streets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found his street and the gate of his house. The stains on the earth had been swept away and the body had vanished. It's almost as though I dreamed the whole thing, he thought. The garden gate opened before he could put a hand on it.\n\nThe old gardener, still loinclothed although there was a chill on the wind, beamed and bowed. \"Konbanwa.\"\n\n\"Hello,\" Blackthorne said without thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked up the steps, stopped, remembering his boots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took them off and went barefoot onto the veranda and into the room. He crossed it into a corridor but could not find his room.\n\n\"Onna!\" he called out.\n\nAn old woman appeared. \"Hai?\"\n\n\"Where's Onna?\"\n\nThe old woman frowned and pointed to herself. \"Onna!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, for the love of God,\" Blackthorne said irritably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's my room? Where's Onna?\" He slid open another latticed door. Four Japanese were seated on the floor around a low table, eating. He recognized one of them as the gray-haired man, the village headman, who had been with the priest. They all bowed. \"Oh, sorry,\" he said, and pulled the door to.\n\n\"Onna!\" he called out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old woman thought a moment, then beckoned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed her into another corridor. She slid a door aside. He recognized his room from the crucifix. The quilts were already laid out neatly.\n\n\"Thank you,\" he said, relieved. \"Now fetch Onna!\"\n\nThe old woman padded away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat down, his head and body aching, and wished there was a chair, wondering where they were kept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How to get aboard? How to get some guns? There must be a way. Feet padded back and there were three women now, the old woman, a young round-faced girl, and the middle-aged lady.\n\nThe old woman pointed at the girl, who seemed a little frightened. \"Onna.\"\n\n\"No.\" Blackthorne got up ill-temperedly and jerked a finger at the middle-aged woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is Onna, for God's sake! Don't you know your name? Onna! I'm hungry. Could I have some food?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rubbed his stomach parodying hunger. They looked at each other. Then the middle-aged woman shrugged, said something that made the others laugh, went over to the bed, and began to undress. The other two squatted, wide-eyed and expectant.\n\nBlackthorne was appalled. \"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"Ishimasho!\" she said, setting aside her wide waistband and opening her kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her breasts were flat and dried up and her belly huge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was quite clear that she was going to get into the bed. He shook his head and told her to get dressed and took her arm and they all began chattering and gesticulating and the woman was becoming quite angry. She stepped out of her long underskirt and, naked, tried to get back into bed.\n\nTheir chattering stopped and they all bowed as the headman came quietly down the corridor. \"Nanda? Nanda?\" he asked.\n\nThe old woman explained what was the matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want this woman?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked incredulously in heavily accented, barely understandable Portuguese, motioning at the naked woman.\n\n\"No. No, of course not. I just wanted Onna to get me some food.\" Blackthorne pointed impatiently at her. \"Onna!\"\n\n\"Onna mean 'woman.'\" The Japanese motioned at all of them. \"Onna—onna—onna. You want onna?\"\n\nBlackthorne wearily shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. No, thank you. I made a mistake. Sorry. What's her name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please?\"\n\n\"What's her name?\"\n\n\"Ah! Namu is Haku. Haku,\" he said.\n\n\"Haku?\"\n\n\"Hai. Haku!\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, Haku-san. Thought onna your name.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man explained to Haku and she was not at all pleased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he said something and they all looked at Blackthorne and tittered behind their hands and left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Haku walked off naked, her kimono over her arm, with a vast amount of dignity.\n\n\"Thank you,\" Blackthorne said, enraged at his own stupidity.\n\n\"This my house. My namu Mura.\"\n\n\"Mura-san. Mine's Blackthorne.\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\n\"My namu. Blackthorne.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! Berr—rakk—fon.\" Mura tried to say it several times but could not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually he gave up and continued to study the colossus in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first barbarian he had ever seen except for Father Sebastio, and the other priest, so many years ago. But anyway, he thought, the priests are dark-haired and dark-eyed and of normal height. But this man: tall and golden-haired and golden-bearded with blue eyes and a weird pallor to his skin where it is covered and redness where it is exposed. Astonishing! I thought all men had black hair and dark eyes. We all do. The Chinese do, and isn't China the whole world, except for the land of the southern Portugee barbarians? Astonishing! And why does Father Sebastio hate this man so much?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because he's a Satan worshiper?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wouldn't think so, because Father Sebastio could cast out the devil if he wanted. Eeee, I've never seen the good Father so angry. Never. Astonishing!\n\nAre blue eyes and golden hair the mark of Satan?\n\nMura looked up at Blackthorne and remembered how he had tried to question him aboard the ship and then, when this Captain had become unconscious, he had decided to bring him to his own house because he was the leader and should have special consideration. They had laid him on the quilt and undressed him, more than just a little curious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His Peerless Parts are certainly impressive, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura's mother, Saiko, had said. \"I wonder how large he would be when erect?\"\n\n\"Large,\" he had answered and they had all laughed, his mother and wife and friends and servants, and the doctor.\n\n\"I expect their women must be—must be as well endowed,\" his wife, Niji, said.\n\n\"Nonsense, girl,\" said his mother. \"Any number of our courtesans could happily make the necessary accommodation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head in wonder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never seen anything like him in my whole life. Very odd indeed, neh?\"\n\nThey had washed him and he had not come out of his coma. The doctor had thought it unwise to immerse him in a proper bath until he was awake. \"Perhaps we should remember, Mura-san, we don't know how the barbarian really is,\" he had said with careful wisdom. \"So sorry, but we might kill him by mistake. Obviously he's at the limit of his strength. We should exercise patience.\"\n\n\"But what about the lice in his hair?\" Mura had asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They will have to stay for the time being. I understand all barbarians have them. So sorry, I'd advise patience.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you think we could at least shampoo his head?\" his wife had said. \"We'd be very careful. I'm sure the Mistress would supervise our poor efforts. That should help the barbarian and keep our house clean.\"\n\n\"I agree. You can shampoo him,\" his mother had said with finality. \"But I'd certainly like to know how large he is when erect.\"\n\nNow Mura glanced down at Blackthorne involuntarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he remembered what the priest had told them about these Satanists and pirates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God the Father protect us from this evil, he thought. If I'd known that he was so terrible I would never have brought him into my house. No, he told himself. You are obliged to treat him as a special guest until Omi-san says otherwise. But you were wise to send word to the priest and send word to Omi-san instantly. Very wise. You're headman, you've protected the village and you, alone, are responsible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes. And Omi-san will hold you responsible for the death this morning and the dead man's impertinence, and quite rightly.\n\n\"Don't be stupid, Tamazaki! You risk the good name of the village, neh?\" he had warned his friend the fisherman a dozen times. \"Stop your intolerance. Omi-san has no option but to sneer at Christians. Doesn't our daimyo detest Christians? What else can Omi-san do?\"\n\n\"Nothing, I agree, Mura-san, please excuse me.\" Tamazaki had always replied as formally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Buddhists should have more tolerance, neh? Aren't they both Zen Buddhists?\" Zen Buddhism was self-disciplining; it relied heavily on self-help and meditation to find Enlightenment. Most samurai belonged to the Zen Buddhist sect, since it suited, seemed almost to be designed for, a proud, death-seeking warrior.\n\n\"Yes, Buddhism teaches tolerance. But how many times must you be reminded they're samurai, and this is Izu and not Kyushu, and even if it were Kyushu, you're still the one that's wrong. Always. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me, I know I'm wrong. But sometimes I feel I cannot live with my inner shame when Omi-san is so insulting about the True Faith.\"\n\nAnd now, Tamazaki, you are dead of your own choosing because you insulted Omi-san by not bowing simply because he said, \"... this smelly priest of the foreign religion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even though the priest does smell and the True Faith is foreign." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My poor friend. That truth will not feed your family now or remove the stain from my village.\n\nOh, Madonna, bless my old friend and give him the joy of thy Heaven.\n\nExpect a lot of trouble from Omi-san, Mura told himself. And if that isn't bad enough, now our daimyo is coming.\n\nA pervading anxiety always filled him whenever he thought of his feudal lord, Kasigi Yabu, daimyo of Izu, Omi's uncle—the man's cruelty and lack of honor, the way he cheated all the villages of their rightful share of their catch and their crops, and the grinding weight of his rule. When war comes, Mura asked himself, which side will Yabu declare for, Lord Ishido or Lord Toranaga?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "We're trapped between the giants and in pawn to both." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Northwards, Toranaga, the greatest general alive, Lord of the Kwanto, the Eight Provinces, the most important daimyo in the land, Chief General of the Armies of the East; to the west the domains of Ishido, Lord of Osaka Castle, conqueror of Korea, Protector of the Heir, Chief General of the Armies of the West. And to the north, the Tokaidō, the Great Coastal Road that links Yedo, Toranaga's capital city, to Osaka, Ishido's capital city—three hundred miles westward over which their legions must march.\n\nWho will win the war?\n\nNeither.\n\nBecause their war will envelop the empire again, alliances will fall apart, provinces will fight provinces until it is village against village as it ever was. Except for the last ten years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the last ten years, incredibly, there had been a warlessness called peace throughout the empire, for the first time in history." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was beginning to like peace, Mura thought.\n\nBut the man who made the peace is dead. The peasant soldier who became a samurai and then a general and then the greatest general and finally the Taikō, the absolute Lord Protector of Japan, is dead a year and his seven-year-old son is far too young to inherit supreme power. So the boy, like us, is in pawn. Between the giants. And war inevitable. Now not even the Taikō himself can protect his beloved son, his dynasty, his inheritance, or his empire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps this is as it should be. The Taikō subdued the land, made the peace, forced all the daimyos in the land to grovel like peasants before him, rearranged fiefs to suit his whim—promoting some, deposing others—and then he died. He was a giant among pygmies. But perhaps it's right that all his work and greatness should die with him. Isn't man but a blossom taken by the wind, and only the mountains and the sea and the stars and this Land of the Gods real and everlasting?\n\nWe're all trapped and that is a fact; war will come soon and that is a fact; Yabu alone will decide which side we are on and that is a fact; the village will always be a village because the paddy fields are rich and the sea abundant and that is a last fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura brought his mind back firmly to the barbarian pirate in front of him. You're a devil sent to plague us, he thought, and you've caused us nothing but trouble since you arrived. Why couldn't you have picked another village?\n\n\"Captain-san want onna?\" he asked helpfully. At his suggestion the village council made physical arrangements for the other barbarians, both as a politeness and as a simple means of keeping them occupied until the authorities came. That the village was entertained by the subsequent stories of the liaisons more than compensated for the money which had had to be invested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Onna?\" he repeated, naturally presuming that as the pirate was on his feet, he would be equally content to be on his belly, his Heavenly Spear warmly encased before sleeping, and anyway, all the preparations had been made." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" Blackthorne wanted only to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But because he knew that he needed this man on his side he forced a smile, indicated the crucifix. \"You're a Christian?\"\n\nMura nodded. \"Christian.\"\n\n\"I'm Christian.\"\n\n\"Father say not. Not Christian.\"\n\n\"I'm a Christian. Not a Catholic. But I'm still Christian.\"\n\nBut Mura could not understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither was there any way Blackthorne could explain, however much he tried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Want onna?\"\n\n\"The—the dimyo—when come?\"\n\n\"Dimyo? No understand.\"\n\n\"Dimyo—ah, I mean daimyo.\"\n\n\"Ah, daimyo. Hai. Daimyo!\" Mura shrugged. \"Daimyo come when come. Sleep. First clean. Please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Clean. Bath, please.\"\n\n\"I don't understand.\"\n\nMura came closer and crinkled his nose distastefully.\n\n\"Stinku. Bad. Like all Portugeezu. Bath. This clean house.\"\n\n\"I'll bathe when I want and I don't stink!\" Blackthorne fumed. \"Everyone knows baths are dangerous. You want me to catch the flux? You think I'm God-cursed stupid? You get the hell out of here and let me sleep!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bath!\" Mura ordered, shocked at the barbarian's open anger—the height of bad manners. And it was not just that the barbarian stank, as indeed he did, but he had not bathed correctly for three days to his knowledge, and the courtesan quite rightly would refuse to pillow with him, however much the fee. These awful foreigners, he thought. Astonishing! How astoundingly filthy their habits are! Never mind. I'm responsible for you. You will be taught manners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will bathe like a human being, and Mother will know that which she wants to know. \"Bath!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now get out before I snap you into pieces!\" Blackthorne glowered at him, motioning him away.\n\nThere was a moment's pause and the other three Japanese appeared along with three of the women. Mura explained curtly what was the matter, then said with finality to Blackthorne, \"Bath. Please.\"\n\n\"Out!\"\n\nMura came forward alone into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne shoved out his arm, not wanting to hurt the man, just to push him away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Blackthorne let out a bellow of pain. Somehow Mura had chopped his elbow with the side of his hand and now Blackthorne's arm hung down, momentarily paralyzed. Enraged, he charged. But the room spun and he was flat on his face and there was another stabbing, paralyzing pain in his back and he could not move. \"By God...\"\n\nHe tried to get up but his legs buckled under him. Then Mura calmly put out his small but iron-hard finger and touched a nerve center in Blackthorne's neck. There was a blinding pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good sweet Jesus...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bath? Please?\"\n\n\"Yes—yes,\" Blackthorne gasped through his agony, astounded that he had been overcome so easily by such a tiny man and now lay helpless as any child, ready to have his throat cut.\n\nYears ago Mura had learned the arts of judo and karate as well as how to fight with sword and spear. This was when he was a warrior and fought for Nakamura, the peasant general, the Taikō long before the Taikō had become the Taikō—when peasants could be samurai and samurai could be peasants, or craftsmen or even lowly merchants, and warriors again. Strange, Mura thought absently, looking down at the fallen giant, that almost the first thing the Taikō did when he became all powerful was to order all peasants to cease being soldiers and at once give up all weapons. The Taikō had forbidden them weapons forever and set up the immutable caste system that now controlled all the lives in all the empire: samurai above all, below them the peasants, next craftsmen, then the merchants followed by actors, outcasts, and bandits, and finally at the bottom of the scale, the eta, the nonhumans, those who dealt with dead bodies, the curing of leather and handling of dead animals, who were also the public executioners, branders, and mutilators." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, any barbarian was beneath consideration in this scale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Captain-san,\" Mura said, bowing low, ashamed for the barbarian's loss of face as he lay groaning like a baby still at suck. Yes, I'm very sorry, he thought, but it had to be done. You provoked me beyond all reasonableness, even for a barbarian. You shout like a lunatic, upset my mother, interrupt my house's tranquillity, disturb the servants, and my wife's already had to replace one shoji door. I could not possibly permit your obvious lack of manners to go unopposed. Or allow you to go against my wishes in my own house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's really for your own good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, too, it's not so bad because you barbarians really have no face to lose. Except the priests—they're different. They still smell horrible, but they're the anointed of God the Father so they have great face. But you—you're a liar as well as a pirate. No honor. How astonishing! Claiming to be a Christian!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately that won't help you at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Our daimyo hates the True Faith and barbarians and tolerates them only because he has to." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But you're not a Portuguese or a Christian, therefore not protected by law, neh? So even though you are a dead man—or at least a mutilated one—it is my duty to see that you go to your fate clean. \"Bath very good!\"\n\nHe helped the other men carry the still dazed Blackthorne through the house, out into the garden, along a roofed-in walk of which he was very proud, and into the bath house. The women followed.\n\nIt became one of the great experiences of his life. He knew at the time that he would tell and retell the tale to his incredulous friends over barrels of hot saké, as the national wine of Japan was called; to his fellow elders, fishermen, villagers, to his children who also would not at first believe him. But they, in their turn, would regale their children and the name of Mura the fisherman would live forever in the village of Anjiro, which was in the province of Izu on the southeastern coast of the main island of Honshu. All because he, Mura the fisherman, had the good fortune to be headman in the first year after the death of the Taikō and therefore temporarily responsible for the leader of the strange barbarians who came out of the eastern sea." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as James Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu hurried away to the jetty where Omi would be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When, earlier, he had left Hiro-matsu to his bath, he had walked up the track that meandered past the funeral ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There he had bowed briefly to the pyre and continued on, skirting the terraced fields of wheat and fruit to come out at length on a small plateau high above the village. A tidy kami-shrine guarded this tender place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An ancient tree bequeathed shade and tranquillity. He had gone there to quell his rage and to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not dared to go near the ship or Omi or his men for he knew that he would have ordered most, if not all of them, to commit seppuku, which would have been a waste, and he would have slaughtered the village, which would have been foolish—peasants alone caught the fish and grew the rice that provided the wealth of the samurai. While he had sat and fumed alone and tried to sharpen his brain, the sun bent down and drove the sea mists away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clouds that shrouded the distant mountains to the west had parted for an instant and he had seen the beauty of the snow-capped peaks soaring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sight had settled him and he had begun to relax and think and plan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Set your spies to find the spy, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing that Hiro-matsu said indicated whether the betrayal was from here or from Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Osaka you've powerful friends, the Lord Ishido himself among them. Perhaps one of them can smell out the fiend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But send a private message at once to your wife in case the informer is there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What about Omi? Make him responsible for finding the informer here? Is he the informer?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's not likely, but not impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's more than probable the betrayal began in Yedo. A matter of timing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Toranaga in Osaka got the information about the ship when it arrived, then Hiro-matsu would have been here first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You've informers in Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let them prove their worth.\n\nWhat about the barbarians?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now they're your only profit from the ship. How can you use them?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wait, didn't Omi give you the answer?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could use their knowledge of the sea and ships to barter with Toranaga for guns. Neh?\n\nAnother possibility: become Toranaga's vassal completely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Give him your plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ask him to allow you to lead the Regiment of the Guns—for his glory. But a vassal should never expect his lord to reward his services or even acknowledge them: To serve is duty, duty is samurai, samurai is immortality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would be the best way, the very best, Yabu thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Can I truly be his vassal? Or Ishido's?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, that's unthinkable. Ally yes, vassal no.\n\nGood, so the barbarians are an asset after all. Omi's right again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had felt more composed and then, when the time had come and a messenger had brought the information that the ship was loaded, he had gone to Hiro-matsu and discovered that now he had lost even the barbarians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was boiling when he reached the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi-san!\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bring the barbarian leader here. I'm taking him to Osaka. As to the others, see that they're well cared for while I'm away. I want them fit, and well behaved. Use the pit if you have to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever since the galley had arrived, Omi's mind had been in a turmoil and he had been filled with anxiety for Yabu's safety. \"Let me come with you, Lord. Perhaps I can help.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, now I want you to look after the barbarians.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please. Perhaps in some small way I can repay your kindness to me.\"\n\n\"There's no need,\" Yabu said, more kindly than he wanted to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered that he had increased Omi's salary to three thousand koku and extended his fief because of the bullion and the guns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which now had vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had seen the concern that filled the youth and had felt an involuntary warmth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With vassals like this, I will carve an empire, he promised himself. Omi will lead one of the units when I get back my guns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When war comes—well, I'll have a very important job for you, Omi-san. Now go and get the barbarian.\"\n\nOmi took four guards with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Mura to interpret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne was dragged out of sleep. It took him a minute to clear his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the fog lifted Omi was staring down at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the samurai had pulled the quilt off him, another had shaken him awake, the other two carried thin, vicious-looking bamboo canes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura had a short coil of rope.\n\nMura knelt and bowed. \"Konnichi wa\"—Good day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Konnichi wa.\" Blackthorne pulled himself onto his knees and, though he was naked, he bowed with equal politeness.\n\nIt's only a politeness, Blackthorne told himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's their custom and they bow for good manners so there's no shame to it. And nakedness is ignored and is also their custom, and there's no shame to nakedness either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin. Please to dress,\" Mura said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjin? Ah, I remember now. The priest said they can't pronounce my name so they've given me the name \"Anjin\" which means \"pilot\" and this is not meant as an insult." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I will be called \"Anjin-san\"—Mr. Pilot—when I merit it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't look at Omi, he cautioned himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not yet. Don't remember the village square and Omi and Croocq and Pieterzoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One thing at a time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's what you're going to do. That's what you have sworn before God to do: One thing at a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vengeance will be mine, by the Lord God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne saw that his clothes had been cleaned again and he blessed whoever had done it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had crawled out of his clothes in the bath house as though they had been plague-infested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three times he had made them scour his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the roughest sponge and with pumice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he could still feel the piss-burn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took his eyes off Mura and looked at Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He derived a twisted pleasure from the knowledge that his enemy was alive and nearby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed as he had seen equals bow and he held the bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Konnichi wa, Omi-san,\" he said. There's no shame in speaking their language, no shame in saying \"good day\" or in bowing first as is their custom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi bowed back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne noted that it was not quite equal, but it was enough for the moment.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin,\" Omi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice was polite, but not enough.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Blackthorne looked directly at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their wills locked and Omi was called as a man is called at cards or at dice. Do you have manners?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san,\" Omi said at length, with a brief smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne dressed quickly.\n\nHe wore loose trousers and a codpiece, socks and shirt and coat, his long hair tied into a neat queue and his beard trimmed with scissors the barber had loaned to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, Omi-san?\" Blackthorne asked when he was dressed, feeling better but very guarded, wishing he had more words to use." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, hand,\" Mura said.\n\nBlackthorne did not understand and said so with signs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura held out his own hands and parodied tying them together.\n\n\"Hand, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Blackthorne said it directly to Omi and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not necessary,\" he said in English, \"not necessary at all. I've given my word.\" He kept his voice gentle and reasonable, then added harshly, copying Omi, \"Wakarimasu ka, Omi-san?\" Do you understand?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi laughed. Then he said, \"Hai, Anjin-san. Wakarimasu.\" He turned and left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura and the others stared after him, astounded. Blackthorne followed Omi into the sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His boots had been cleaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he could slip them on, the maid \"Onna\" was there on her knees and she helped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Haku-san,\" he said, remembering her real name. What's the word for \"thank you\"? he wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked through the gate, Omi ahead.\n\nI'm after you, you God-cursed bas—Wait a minute!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remember what you promised yourself? And why swear at him, even to yourself?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hasn't sworn at you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swearing's for the weak, or for fools. Isn't it?\n\nOne thing at a time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is enough that you are after him. You know it clearly and he knows it clearly. Make no mistake, he knows it very clearly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four samurai flanked Blackthorne as he walked down the hill, the harbor still hidden from him, Mura discreetly ten paces back, Omi ahead.\n\nAre they going to put me underground again? he wondered. Why did they want to bind my hands?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Didn't Omi say yesterday—Christ Jesus, was that only yesterday?—'If you behave you can stay out of the pit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you behave, tomorrow another man will be taken out of the pit. Perhaps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And more, perhaps.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isn't that what he said? Have I behaved? I wonder how Croocq is. The lad was alive when they carried him off to the house where the crew first stayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne felt better today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bath and the sleep and the fresh food had begun to repair him. He knew that if he was careful and could rest and sleep and eat, within a month he would be able to run a mile and swim a mile and command a fighting ship and take her around the earth.\n\nDon't think about that yet!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just guard your strength this day. A month's not much to hope for, eh?\n\nThe walk down the hill and through the village was tiring him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're weaker than you thought... No, you are stronger than you thought, he ordered himself.\n\nThe masts of Erasmus jutted over the tiled roofs and his heart quickened. Ahead the street curved with the contour of the hillside, slid down to the square and ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A curtained palanquin stood in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four bearers in brief loincloths squatted beside it, absently picking their teeth. The moment they saw Omi they were on their knees, bowing mightily.\n\nOmi barely nodded at them as he strode past, but then a girl came out of the neat gateway to go to the palanquin and he stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne caught his breath and stopped also." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A young maid ran out to hold a green parasol to shade the girl. Omi bowed and the girl bowed and they talked happily to each other, the strutting arrogance vanishing from Omi.\n\nThe girl wore a peach-colored kimono and a wide sash of gold and gold-thonged slippers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw her glance at him. Clearly she and Omi were discussing him. He did not know how to react, or what to do, so he did nothing but wait patiently, glorying in the sight of her, the cleanliness and the warmth of her presence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered if she and Omi were lovers, or if she was Omi's wife, and he thought, Is she truly real?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi asked her something and she answered and fluttered her green fan that shimmered and danced in the sunlight, her laugh musical, the delicacy of her exquisite. Omi was smiling too, then he turned on his heel and strode off, samurai once more.\n\nBlackthorne followed. Her eyes were on him as he passed and he said, \"Konnichi wa.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san,\" she replied, her voice touching him. She was barely five feet tall and perfect. As she bowed slightly the breeze shook the outer silk and showed the beginnings of the scarlet under-kimono, which he found surprisingly erotic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girl's perfume still surrounded him as he turned the corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the trapdoor and Erasmus. And the galley. The girl vanished from his mind.\n\nWhy are our gun ports empty?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where are our cannon and what in the name of Christ is a slave galley doing here and what's happened in the pit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One thing at a time.\n\nFirst Erasmus: the stub of the foremast that the storm had carried away jutted nastily. That doesn't matter, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We could get her out to sea easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We could slip the moorings—the night airflow and the tide would take us out silently and we could careen tomorrow on the far side of that speck of island. Half a day to step the spare mast and then all sails ho and away into the far deep. Maybe it'd be better not to anchor but to flee to safer waters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But who'd crew? You can't take her out by yourself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where did that slaver come from? And why is it here?\n\nHe could see knots of samurai and sailors down at the wharf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sixty-oared vessel—thirty oars a side—was neat and trim, the oars stacked with care, ready for instant departure, and he shivered involuntarily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The last time he'd seen a galley was off the Gold Coast two years ago when his fleet was outward bound, all five ships together. She had been a rich coastal trader, a Portuguese, and she was fleeing from him against the wind. Erasmus could not catch her, to capture her or sink her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew the North African coast well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been a pilot and ship's master for ten years for the London Company of Barbary Merchants, the joint stock company that fitted out fighting merchantmen to run the Spanish blockade and trade along the Barbary Coast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had piloted to West and North Africa, south as far as Lagos, north and eastward through the treacherous straits of Gibraltar—ever Spanish patrolled—as far as Salerno in the Kingdom of Naples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Mediterranean was dangerous to English and Dutch shipping. Spanish and Portuguese enemy were there in strength and, worse, the Ottomans, the infidel Turks, swarmed the seas with slave galleys and with fighting ships.\n\nThese voyages had been very profitable for him and he had bought his own ship, a hundred-fifty-ton brig, to trade on his own behalf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had had her sunk under him and lost everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had been caught alee, windless off Sardinia, when the Turk galley had come out of the sun. The fight was cruel and then, toward sunset, the enemy ram caught their stern and they were boarded fast. He had never forgotten the screaming cry \"Allahhhhhhhh!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "as the corsairs came over his gunwales. They were armed with swords and with muskets. He had rallied his men and the first attack had been beaten off, but the second overwhelmed them and he ordered the magazine fired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ship was in flames and he decided that it was better to die than to be put to the oars. He had always had a mortal terror of being taken alive and made a galley slave—not an unusual fate for a captured seaman.\n\nWhen the magazine blew, the explosion tore the bottom out of his ship and destroyed part of the corsair galley and, in the confusion, he managed to swim to the longboat and escape with four of the crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those who could not swim to him he had had to leave and he still remembered their cries for help in God's name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But God had turned His face from those men that day, so they had perished or gone to the oars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And God had kept His face on Blackthorne and the four men that time, and they had managed to reach Cagliari in Sardinia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And from there they had made it home, penniless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was eight years ago, the same year that plague had erupted again in London. Plague and famine and riots of the starving unemployed. His younger brother and family had been wiped out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His own first-born son had perished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in the winter the plague vanished and he had easily got a new ship and gone to sea to repair his fortune." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First for the London Company of Barbary Merchants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a voyage to the West Indies hunting Spaniards. After that, a little richer, he navigated for Kees Veerman, the Dutchman, on his second voyage to search for the legendary Northeast Passage to Cathay and the Spice Islands of Asia, that was supposed to exist in the Ice Seas, north of tsarist Russia. They searched for two years, then Kees Veerman died in the Arctic wastes with eighty percent of the crew and Blackthorne turned back and led the rest of the men home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, three years ago, he'd been approached by the newly formed Dutch East India Company and asked to pilot their first expedition to the New World." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They whispered secretly that they had acquired, at huge cost, a contraband Portuguese rutter that supposedly gave away the secrets of Magellan's Strait, and they wanted to prove it. Of course the Dutch merchants would have preferred to use one of their own pilots, but there was none to compare in quality with Englishmen trained by the monopolistic Trinity House, and the awesome value of this rutter forced them to gamble on Blackthorne. But he was the perfect choice: He was the best Protestant pilot alive, his mother had been Dutch, and he spoke Dutch perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had agreed enthusiastically and accepted the fifteen percent of all profit as his fee and, as was custom, had solemnly, before God, sworn allegiance to the Company and vowed to take their fleet out, and to bring it home again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By God, I am going to bring Erasmus home, Blackthorne thought. And with as many of the men as He leaves alive.\n\nThey were crossing the square now and he took his eyes off the slaver and saw the three samurai guarding the trapdoor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were eating deftly from bowls with the wooden sticks that Blackthorne had seen them use many times but could not manage himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Omi-san!\" With signs he explained that he wanted to go to the trapdoor, just to shout down to his friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only for a moment. But Omi shook his head and said something he did not understand and continued across the square, down the foreshore, past the cauldron, and on to the jetty. Blackthorne followed obediently. One thing at a time, he told himself. Be patient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once on the jetty, Omi turned and called back to the guards on the trapdoor. Blackthorne saw them open the trapdoor and peer down. One of them beckoned to villagers who fetched the ladder and a full freshwater barrel and carried it below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The empty one they brought back aloft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the latrine barrel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There! If you're patient and play their game with their rules, you can help your crew, he thought with satisfaction.\n\nGroups of samurai were collected near the galley. A tall old man was standing apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the deference that the daimyo Yabu showed him, and the way the others jumped at his slightest remark, Blackthorne immediately realized his importance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is he their king? he wondered.\n\nOmi knelt with humility. The old man half bowed, turned his eyes on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mustering as much grace as he could, Blackthorne knelt and put his hands flat on the sand floor of the jetty, as Omi had done, and bowed as low as Omi.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Sama,\" he said politely.\n\nHe saw the old man half bow again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now there was a discussion between Yabu and the old man and Omi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu spoke to Mura.\n\nMura pointed at the galley. \"Anjin-san. Please there.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go! Now. Go!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne felt his panic rising. \"Why?\"\n\n\"Isogi!\" Omi commanded, waving him toward the galley.\n\n\"No, I'm not going to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was an immediate order from Omi and four samurai fell on Blackthorne and pinioned his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura produced the rope and began to bind his hands behind him.\n\n\"You sons of bitches!\" Blackthorne shouted. \"I'm not going to go aboard that God-cursed slave ship!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Madonna! Leave him alone! Hey, you piss-eating monkeys, let that bastard alone! Kinjiru, neh? Is he the pilot? The Anjin, ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne could scarcely believe his ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boisterous abuse in Portuguese had come from the deck of the galley. Then he saw the man start down the gangway. As tall as he and about his age, but black-haired and dark-eyed and carelessly dressed in seaman's clothes, rapier by his side, pistols in his belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A jeweled crucifix hung from his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore a jaunty cap and a smile split his face.\n\n\"Are you the pilot? The pilot of the Dutchman?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Blackthorne heard himself reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Good. I'm Vaseo Rodrigues, pilot of this galley!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to the old man and spoke a mixture of Japanese and Portuguese, and called him Monkey-sama and sometimes Toda-sama but the way it sounded it came out \"Toady-sama.\" Twice he pulled out his pistol and pointed it emphatically at Blackthorne and stuck it back in his belt, his Japanese heavily laced with sweet vulgarities in gutter Portuguese that only seafarers would understand.\n\nHiro-matsu spoke briefly and the samurai released Blackthorne and Mura untied him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's better. Listen, Pilot, this man's like a king. I told him I'd be responsible for you, that I'd blow your head off as soon as drink with you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues bowed to Hiro-matsu, then beamed at Blackthorne. \"Bow to the Bastard-sama.\"\n\nDreamlike, Blackthorne did as he was told." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do that like a Japper,\" Rodrigues said with a grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're really the pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"What's the latitude of The Lizard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forty-nine degrees fifty-six minutes North—and watch out for the reefs that bear sou' by sou'west.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the pilot, by God!\" Rodrigues shook Blackthorne's hand warmly. \"Come aboard. There's food and brandy and wine and grog and all pilots should love all pilots, who're the sperm of the earth. Amen! Right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said weakly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I heard we were carrying a pilot back with us, good says I. It's years since I had the pleasure of talking to a real pilot. Come aboard. How did you sneak past Malacca? How did you avoid our Indian Ocean patrols, eh? Whose rutter did you steal?\"\n\n\"Where are you taking me?\"\n\n\"Osaka. The Great Lord High Executioner himself wants to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne felt his panic returning. \"Who?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranaga! Lord of the Eight Provinces, wherever the hell they are! The chief daimyo of Japan—a daimyo's like a king or feudal lord but better. They're all despots.\"\n\n\"What's he want with me?\"\n\n\"I don't know but that's why we're here, and if Toranaga wants to see you, Pilot, he'll see you. They say he's got a million of these slant-eyed fanatics who'll die for the honor of wiping his arse if that's his pleasure! 'Toranaga wants you to bring back the pilot, Vasco,' his interpreter said. 'Bring back the pilot and the ship's cargo. Take old Toda Hiro-matsu there to examine the ship and—' Oh yes, Pilot, it's all confiscated, so I hear, your ship, and everything in it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Confiscated?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may be a rumor. Jappers sometimes confiscate things with one hand, give 'em back with the other—or pretend they've never given the order. It's hard to understand the poxy little bastards!\"\n\nBlackthorne felt the cold eyes of the Japanese boring into him and he tried to hide his fear. Rodrigues followed his glance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, they're getting restless. Time enough to talk. Come aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned but Blackthorne stopped him.\n\n\"What about my friends, my crew?\"\n\n\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne told him briefly about the pit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues questioned Omi in pidgin Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says they'll be all right. Listen, there's nothing you or me can do now. You'll have to wait—you can never tell with a Jappo. They're six-faced and three-hearted.\" Rodrigues bowed like a European courtier to Hiro-matsu. \"This is the way we do it in Japan. Like we're at the court of Fornicating Philip II, God take that Spaniard to an early grave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way on deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Blackthorne's astonishment there were no chains and no slaves.\n\n\"What's the matter? You sick?\" Rodrigues asked.\n\n\"No. I thought this was a slaver.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They don't have 'em in Japan. Not even in their mines. Lunatic, but there you are. You've never seen such lunatics and I've traveled the world three times. We've samurai rowers. They're soldiers, the old bugger's personal soldiers—and you've never seen slaves row better, or men fight better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues laughed. \"They put their arses into the oars and I push 'em just to watch the buggers bleed. They never quit. We came all the way from Osaka—three-hundred-odd sea miles in forty hours. Come below. We'll cast off shortly. You sure you're all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Yes, I think so.\" Blackthorne was looking at Erasmus. She was moored a hundred yards away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot, there's no chance of going aboard, is there? They haven't let me back aboard, I've no clothes and they sealed her up the moment we arrived. Please?\"\n\nRodrigues scrutinized the ship.\n\n\"When did you lose the foremast?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just before we made landfall here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There a spare still aboard?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Where's her home port?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rotterdam.\"\n\n\"She was built there?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been there. Bad shoals but a piss-cutter of a harbor. She's got good lines, your ship. New—haven't seen one of her class before. Madonna, she'd be fast, very fast. Very rough to deal with.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues looked at him. \"Can you get your gear quickly?\" He turned over the half-hour glass sand timer that was beside the hourglass, both attached to the binnacle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" Blackthorne tried to keep his growing hope off his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There'd be a condition, Pilot. No weapons, up your sleeve or anywhere. Your word as a pilot. I've told the monkeys I'd be responsible for you.\"\n\n\"I agree.\" Blackthorne watched the sand falling silently through the neck of the timer.\n\n\"I'll blow your head off, pilot or no, if there's the merest whiff of trickery, or cut your throat. If I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I give you my word, pilot to pilot, by God. And the pox on the Spanish!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues smiled and banged him warmly on the back. \"I'm beginning to like you, Ingeles.\"\n\n\"How'd you know I'm English?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne asked, knowing his Portuguese was perfect and that nothing he had said could have differentiated him from a Dutchman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm a soothsayer. Aren't all pilots?\" Rodrigues laughed.\n\n\"You talked to the priest? Father Sebastio told you?\"\n\n\"I don't talk to priests if I can help it. Once a week's more than enough for any man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues spat deftly into the scuppers and went to the port gangway that overlooked the jetty. \"Toady-sama! Ikimasho ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ikimasho, Rodrigu-san. Ima!\"\n\n\"Ima it is.\" Rodrigues looked at Blackthorne thoughtfully. \"'Ima' means 'now,' 'at once.' We're to leave at once, Ingeles.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sand had already made a small, neat mound in the bottom of the glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you ask him, please? If I can go aboard my ship?\"\n\n\"No, Ingeles. I won't ask him a poxy thing.\"\n\nBlackthorne suddenly felt empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And very old. He watched Rodrigues go to the railing of the quarterdeck and bellow to a small, distinguished seaman who stood on the raised fore-poop deck at the bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, Captain-san. Ikimasho? Get samurai aboard-u, ima! Ima, wakarimasu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\nImmediately Rodrigues rang the ship's bell loudly six times and the Captain-san began shouting orders to the seamen and samurai ashore and aboard. Seamen hurried up on deck from below to prepare for departure and, in the disciplined, controlled confusion, Rodrigues quietly took Blackthorne's arm and shoved him toward the starboard gangway, away from the shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a dinghy below, Ingeles. Don't move fast, don't look around, and don't pay attention to anyone but me. If I tell you to come back, do it quickly.\"\n\nBlackthorne walked across the deck, down the gangway, toward the small Japanese skiff. He heard angry voices behind him and he felt the hairs on his neck rising for there were many samurai all over the ship, some armed with bows and arrows, a few with muskets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to worry about him, Captain-san, I'm responsible. Me, Rodrigu-san, ichi ban Anjin-san, by the Virgin! Wakarimasu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "was dominating the other voices, but they were getting angrier every moment.\n\nBlackthorne was almost in the dinghy now and he saw that there were no rowlocks. I can't scull like they do, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't use the boat!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's too far to swim. Or is it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated, checking the distance. If he had had his full strength he would not have waited a moment. But now?\n\nFeet clattered down the gangway behind him and he fought the impulse to turn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sit in the stern,\" he heard Rodrigues say urgently. \"Hurry up!\"\n\nHe did as he was told and Rodrigues jumped in nimbly, grabbed the oars and, still standing, shoved off with great skill.\n\nA samurai was at the head of the gangway, very perturbed, and two other samurai were beside him, bows ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The captain samurai called out, unmistakably beckoning them to come back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few yards from the vessel Rodrigues turned. \"Just go there,\" he shouted up at him, pointing at Erasmus. \"Get samurai aboard!\" He set his back firmly to his ship and continued sculling, pushing against the oars in Japanese fashion, standing amidships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me if they put arrows in their bows, Ingeles! Watch 'em carefully! What're they doing now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The captain's very angry. You won't get into trouble, will you?\"\n\n\"If we don't sail at the turn, Old Toady might have cause for complaint. What're those bowmen doing?\"\n\n\"Nothing. They're listening to him. He seems undecided. No. Now one of them's drawing out an arrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues prepared to stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Madonna, they're too God-cursed accurate to risk anything. Is it in the bow yet?\"\n\n\"Yes—but wait a moment! The captain's—someone's come up to him, a seaman I think. Looks like he's asking him something about the ship. The captain's looking at us. He said something to the man with the arrow. Now the man's putting it away. The seaman's pointing at something on deck.\"\n\nRodrigues sneaked a quick look to make sure and breathed easier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's one of the mates. It'll take him all of the half hour to get his oarsmen settled.\"\n\nBlackthorne waited, the distance increased. \"The captain's looking at us again. No, we're all right. He's gone away. But one of the samurai's watching us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let him.\" Rodrigues relaxed but he did not slacken the pace of his sculling or look back. \"Don't like my back to samurai, not when they've weapons in their hands. Not that I've ever seen one of the bastards unarmed. They're all bastards!\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They love to kill, Ingeles. It's their custom even to sleep with their swords. This is a great country, but samurai're dangerous as vipers and a sight more mean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know why, Ingeles, but they are,\" Rodrigues replied, glad to talk to one of his own kind. \"Of course, all Jappos are different from us—they don't feel pain or cold like us—but samurai are even worse. They fear nothing, least of all death. Why? Only God knows, but it's the truth. If their superiors say 'kill,' they kill, 'die' and they'll fall on their swords or slit their own bellies open. They kill and die as easily as we piss. Women're samurai too, Ingeles. They'll kill to protect their masters, that's what they call their husbands here, or they'll kill themselves if they're ordered to. They do it by slitting their throats. Here a samurai can order his wife to kill herself and that's what she's got to do, by law. Jesu Madonna, the women are something else though, a different species, Ingeles, nothing on earth like them, but the men... Samurai're reptiles and the safest thing to do is treat them like poisonous snakes. You all right now?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you. A bit weak but all right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How was your voyage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rough. About them—the samurai—how do they get to be one? Do they just pick up the two swords and get that haircut?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got to be born one. Of course, there are all ranks of samurai from daimyos at the top of the muckheap to what we'd call a foot soldier at the bottom. It's hereditary mostly, like with us. In the olden days, so I was told, it was the same as in Europe today—peasants could be soldiers and soldiers peasants, with hereditary knights and nobles up to kings. Some peasant soldiers rose to the highest rank. The Taikō was one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's he?\"\n\n\"The Great Despot, the ruler of all Japan, the Great Murderer of all times—I'll tell you about him one day. He died a year ago and now he's burning in hell.\" Rodrigues spat overboard. \"Nowadays you've got to be born samurai to be one. It's all hereditary, Ingeles. Madonna, you've no idea how much store they put on heritage, on family, rank, and the like—you saw how Omi bows to that devil Yabu and they both grovel to old Toady-sama. 'Samurai' comes from a Jappo word meaning 'to serve.' But while they'll all bow and scrape to the man above, they're all samurai equally, with a samurai's special privileges. What's happening aboard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The captain's jabbering away at another samurai and pointing at us. What's special about them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here samurai rule everything, own everything. They've their own code of honor and sets of rules. Arrogant? Madonna, you've no idea! The lowest of them can legally kill any non-samurai, any man, woman, or child, for any reason or for no reason. They can kill, legally, just to test the edge of their piss-cutting swords—I've seen 'em do it—and they have the best swords in the world. Better'n Damascus steel. What's that fornicator doing now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just watching us. His bow's on his back now.\" Blackthorne shuddered. \"I hate those bastards more than Spaniards.\"\n\nAgain Rodrigues laughed as he sculled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the truth's known, they curdle my piss too! But if you want to get rich quick you've got to work with them because they own everything. You sure you're all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thanks. You were saying? Samurai own everything?\"\n\n\"Yes. Whole country's split up into castes, like in India. Samurai at the top, peasants next important.\" Rodrigues spat overboard. \"Only peasants can own land. Understand? But samurai own all the produce. They own all the rice and that's the only important crop, and they give back part to the peasants. Only samurai're allowed to carry arms. For anyone except a samurai to attack a samurai is rebellion, punishable by instant death. And anyone who sees such an attack and doesn't report it at once is equally liable, and so are their wives, and even their kids. The whole family's put to death if one doesn't report it. By the Madonna, they're Satan's whelps, samurai! I've seen kids chopped into mincemeat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues hawked and spat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even so, if you know a thing or two this place is heaven on earth.\" He glanced back at the galley to reassure himself, then he grinned. \"Well, Ingeles, nothing like a boat ride around the harbor, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne laughed. The years dropped off him as he reveled in the familiar dip of the waves, the smell of the sea salt, gulls calling and playing overhead, the sense of freedom, the sense of arriving after so very long. \"I thought you weren't going to help me get to Erasmus!\"\n\n\"That's the trouble with all Ingeles. No patience. Listen, here you don't ask Japmen anything—samurai or others, they're all the same. If you do, they'll hesitate, then ask the man above for the decision. Here you have to act. Of course\"—his hearty laugh ran across the waves—\"sometimes you get killed if you act wrong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You scull very well. I was wondering how to use the oars when you came.\"\n\n\"You don't think I'd let you go alone, do you? What's your name?\"\n\n\"Blackthorne. John Blackthorne.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you ever been north, Ingeles? Into the far north?\"\n\n\"I was with Kees Veerman in Der Lifle. Eight years ago. It was his second voyage to find the Northeast Passage. Why?\"\n\n\"I'd like to hear about that—and all the places you've been. Do you think they'll ever find the way? The northern way to Asia, east or west?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. You and the Spanish block both southern routes, so we'll have to. Yes, we will. Or the Dutch. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you've piloted the Barbary Coast, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Why?\"\n\n\"And you know Tripoli?\"\n\n\"Most pilots have been there. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I'd seen you once. Yes, it was Tripoli. You were pointed out to me. The famous Ingeles pilot. Who went with the Dutch explorer, Kees Veerman, into the Ice Seas—and was once a captain with Drake, eh? At the Armada? How old were you then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Twenty-four. What were you doing in Tripoli?\"\n\n\"I was piloting an Ingeles privateer. My ship'd got taken in the Indies by this pirate, Morrow—Henry Morrow was his name. He burned my ship to the waterline after he'd sacked her and offered me the pilot's job—his man was useless, so he said—you know how it is. He wanted to go from there—we were watering off Hispaniola when he caught us—south along the Main, then back across the Atlantic to try to intercept the annual Spanish gold ship near the Canaries, then on through the Straits to Tripoli if we missed her to try for other prizes, then north again to England. He made the usual offer to free my comrades, give them food and boats in return if I joined them. I said, 'Sure, why not? Providing we don't take any Portuguese shipping and you put me ashore near Lisbon and don't steal my rutters.' We argued back and forth as usual—you know how it is. Then I swore by the Madonna and we both swore on the Cross and that was that. We had a good voyage and some fat Spanish merchantmen fell into our wake. When we were off Lisbon he asked me to stay aboard, gave me the usual message from Good Queen Bess, how she'd pay a princely bounty to any Portuguese pilot who'd join her and teach others the skill at Trinity House, and give five thousand guineas for the rutter of Magellan's Pass, or the Cape of Good Hope.\" His smile was broad, his teeth white and strong, and his dark mustache and beard well groomed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't have them. At least that's what I told him. Morrow kept his word, like all pirates should. He put me ashore with my rutters—of course he'd had them copied though he himself couldn't read or write, and he even gave me my share of the prize money. You ever sail with him, Ingeles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. The Queen knighted him a few years ago. I've never served on one of his ships. I'm glad he was fair with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were nearing Erasmus. Samurai were peering down at them quizzically.\n\n\"That was the second time I'd piloted for heretics. The first time I wasn't so lucky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh?\"\n\nRodrigues shipped his oars and the boat swerved neatly to the side and he hung on to the boarding ropes. \"Go aloft but leave the talking to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne began to climb while the other pilot tied the boat safely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues was the first on deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bowed like a courtier. \"Konnichi wa to all sod-eating samas!\"\n\nThere were four samurai on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne recognized one of them as a guard of the trapdoor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nonplussed, they bowed stiffly to the Portuguese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne aped him, feeling awkward, and would have preferred to bow correctly.\n\nRodrigues walked straight for the companionway. The seals were neatly in place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the samurai intercepted him.\n\n\"Kinjiru, gomen nasai.\" It's forbidden, so sorry.\n\n\"Kinjiru, eh?\" the Portuguese said, openly unimpressed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Rodrigu-san, anjin for Toda Hiro-matsu-sama. This seal,\" he said, pointing to the red stamp with the odd writing on it, \"Toda Hiro-matsu-sama, ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Iyé,\" the samurai said, shaking his head. \"Kasigi Yabu-sama!\"\n\n\"IYÉ?\" Rodrigues said. \"Kasigi Yabu-sama? I'm from Toda Hiro-matsu-sama, who's a bigger king than your bugger and Toady-sama's from Toranaga-sama, who's the biggest bugger-sama in this whole world. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ripped the seal off the door, dropped a hand to one of his pistols. The swords were half out of their scabbards and he said quietly to Blackthorne, \"Get ready to abandon ship,\" and to the samurai he said gruffly, \"Toranaga-sama!\" He pointed with his left hand at the flag which fluttered at his own masthead. \"Wakarimasu ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai hesitated, their swords ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne prepared to dive over the side.\n\n\"Toranaga-sama!\" Rodrigues crashed his foot against the door, the latch snapped and the door burst open. \"WAKARIMASU KA?\"\n\n\"Wakarimasu, Anjin-san.\" The samurai quickly put their swords away and bowed and apologized and bowed again and Rodrigues said hoarsely, \"That's better,\" and led the way below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus, Rodrigues,\" Blackthorne said when they were on the lower deck. \"Do you do this all the time and get away with it?\"\n\n\"I do it very seldom,\" the Portuguese said, wiping the sweat from his brow, \"and even then I wish I'd never started it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne leaned against the bulkhead. \"I feel as if someone's kicked me in the stomach.\"\n\n\"It's the only way. You've got to act like a king. Even so, you can never tell with a samurai. They're as dangerous as a pissed priest with a candle in his arse sitting on a half-full powder keg.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you say to them?\"\n\n\"Toda Hiro-matsu is Toranaga's chief adviser—he's a bigger daimyo than this local one. That's why they gave in.\"\n\n\"What's he like, Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Long story, Ingeles.\" Rodrigues sat on the step, pulled his boot off, and rubbed his ankle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I nearly broke my foot on your lice-eaten door.\"\n\n\"It wasn't locked. You could have just opened it.\"\n\n\"I know. But that wouldn't have been as effective. By the Blessed Virgin, you've got a lot to learn!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will you teach me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues pulled his boot back on. \"That depends,\" he said.\n\n\"On what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll have to see, won't we? I've done all the talking so far, which is fair—I'm fit, you're not. Soon it'll be your turn. Which is your cabin?\"\n\nBlackthorne studied him for a moment. The smell below decks was stiff and weathered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks for helping me come aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He led the way aft. His door was unlocked. The cabin had been ransacked and everything removable had been taken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were no books or clothes or instruments or quills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sea chest too was unlocked. And empty.\n\nWhite with rage, he walked into the Great Cabin, Rodrigues watching intently. Even the secret compartment had been found and looted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They've taken everything. The sons of plague-infested lice!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you expect?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I thought—with the seals—\" Blackthorne went to the strong room. It was bare. So was the magazine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The holds contained only the bales of woolen cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God curse all Jappers!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went back to his cabin and slammed his sea chest closed.\n\n\"Where are they?\" Rodrigues asked.\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your rutters. Where are your rutters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked at him sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No pilot'd worry about clothes. You came for the rutters. Didn't you?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Why're you so surprised, Ingeles? Why do you think I came aboard? To help you get more rags? They're threadbare as it is and you'll need others. I've plenty for you. But where are the rutters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They've gone. They were in my sea chest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not going to steal them, Ingeles. I just want to read them. And copy them, if need be. I'll cherish them like my own, so you've no need to worry.\" His voice hardened. \"Please get them, Ingeles, we've little time left.\"\n\n\"I can't. They've gone. They were in my sea chest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wouldn't have left them there—not coming into a foreign port. You wouldn't forget a pilot's first rule—to hide them carefully, and leave only false ones unprotected. Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're stolen!\"\n\n\"I don't believe you. But I'll admit you've hidden them very well. I searched for two hours and didn't get a fornicating whiff.\"\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are you so surprised, Ingeles? Is your head up your arse? Naturally I came here from Osaka to investigate your rutters!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've already been aboard?\"\n\n\"Madonna!\" Rodrigues said impatiently. \"Yes, of course, two or three hours ago with Hiro-matsu, who wanted to look around. He broke the seals and then, when we left, this local daimyo sealed her up again. Hurry up, by God,\" he added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sand's running out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're stolen!\" Blackthorne told him how they had arrived and how he had awakened ashore. Then he kicked his sea chest across the room, infuriated at the men who had looted his ship. \"They're stolen! All my charts! All my rutters! I've copies of some in England, but my rutter of this voyage's gone and the—\" He stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the Portuguese rutter? Come on, Ingeles, it had to be Portuguese.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and the Portuguese one, it's gone too.\" Get hold of yourself, he thought. They're gone and that's the end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who has them? The Japanese?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or did they give them to the priest? Without the rutters and the charts you can't pilot your way home. You'll never get home... That's not true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can pilot your way home, with care, and enormous luck... Don't be ridiculous!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're halfway around the earth, in enemy land, in enemy hands, and you've neither rutter nor charts. \"Oh, Lord Jesus, give me strength!\"\n\nRodrigues was watching him intently. At length he said, \"I'm sorry for you, Ingeles. I know how you feel—it happened to me once. He was an Ingeles too, the thief, may his ship drown and he burn in hell forever. Come on, let's go back aboard.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Hai?\" Blackthorne swooped out of a deep sleep.\n\n\"Here's some food. And cha.\"\n\nFor a moment he could not remember who he was or where he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he recognized his cabin aboard the galley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shaft of sunlight was piercing the darkness. He felt greatly rested. There was no drumbeat now and even in his deepest sleep, his senses had told him that the anchor was being lowered and his ship was safe, near shore, the sea gentle.\n\nHe saw a maid carrying a tray, Mariko beside her—her arm no longer in a sling—and he was lying in the pilot's bunk, the same that he had used during the Rodrigues voyage from Anjiro village to Osaka and that was now, in a way, almost as familiar as his own bunk and cabin aboard Erasmus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erasmus! It'll be grand to be back aboard and to see the lads again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stretched luxuriously, then took the cup of cha Mariko offered.\n\n\"Thank you. That's delicious. How's your arm?\"\n\n\"Much better, thank you.\" Mariko flexed it to show him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was just a flesh wound.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're looking better, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Yes, I'm better now.\"\n\nWhen she had come back aboard at dawn with Toranaga she had been near fainting. \"Better to stay aloft,\" he had told her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The sickness will leave you faster.\"\n\n\"My Master asks—asks why the pistol shot?\"\n\n\"It was just a game pilots play,\" he had told her.\n\n\"My Master compliments you on your seamanship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We were lucky. The moon helped. And the crew were marvelous. Mariko-san, would you ask the Captain-san if he knows these waters? Sorry, but tell Toranaga-sama I can't keep awake much longer. Or can we hove to for an hour or so out to sea? I've got to sleep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He vaguely remembered her telling him that Toranaga said he could go below, that the Captain-san was quite capable as they would be staying in coastal waters and not going out to sea.\n\nBlackthorne stretched again and opened a cabin porthole. A rocky shore was two hundred-odd yards away. \"Where are we?\"\n\n\"Off the coast of Totomi Province, Anjin-san. Lord Toranaga wanted to swim and to rest the oarsmen for a few hours. We'll be at Anjiro tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fishing village? That's impossible. It's near noon and at dawn we were off Osaka. It's impossible!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, that was yesterday, Anjin-san. You've slept a day and a night and half another day,\" she replied. \"Lord Toranaga said to let you sleep. Now he thinks a swim would be good to wake you up. After food.\"\n\nFood was two bowls of rice and charcoal-roasted fish with the dark, salt-bitter, vinegar-sweet sauce that she had told him was made from fermented beans.\n\n\"Thank you—yes, I'd like a swim. Almost thirty-six hours? No wonder I feel fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took the tray from the maid, ravenous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he did not eat at once. \"Why is she afraid?\" he asked.\n\n\"She's not, Anjin-san. Just a little nervous. Please excuse her. She's never seen a foreigner close to before.\"\n\n\"Tell her when the moon's full, barbarians sprout horns and fire comes out of our mouths like dragons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko laughed. \"I certainly will not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed to the sea table. \"There is tooth powder and a brush and water and fresh towels.\" Then said in Latin, \"It pleasures me to see thou art well. It is as was related on the march, thou hast great bravery.\"\n\nTheir eyes locked and then the moment was allowed to pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed politely. The maid bowed. The door closed behind them.\n\nDon't think about her, he ordered himself. Think about Toranaga or Anjiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why do we stop at Anjiro tomorrow?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To off-load Yabu? Good riddance!\n\nOmi will be at Anjiro. What about Omi?\n\nWhy not ask Toranaga for Omi's head? He owes you a favor or two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or why not ask to fight Omi-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How? With pistols or with swords? You'd have no chance with a sword and it'd be murder if you had a gun. Better to do nothing and wait. You'll have a chance soon and then you'll be revenged on both of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You bask in Toranaga's favor now. Be patient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ask yourself what you need from him. Soon we'll be in Yedo, so you've not much time. What about Toranaga?\n\nBlackthorne was using the chopsticks as he had seen the men in the prison use them, lifting the bowl of rice to his lips and pushing the tacky rice from the lip of the bowl into his mouth with the sticks. The pieces of fish were more difficult." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still not deft enough, so he used his fingers, glad to eat alone, knowing that to eat with his fingers would be very impolite in front of Mariko or Toranaga or any Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When every morsel was gone he was still famished.\n\n\"Got to get more food,\" he said aloud. \"Jesus God in heaven, I'd like some fresh bread and fried eggs and butter and cheese... \"\n\nHe came on deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost everyone was naked. Some of the men were drying themselves, others sunbathing, and a few were leaping overboard. In the sea alongside the ship, samurai and seamen were swimming or splashing as children would.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Konnichi wa, Toranaga-sama,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga, quite naked, was coming up the gangway that had been let down to the sea. \"Sonata wa oyogitamo ka?\" he said, motioning at the sea, slapping the water off his belly and his shoulders, warm under the bright sun.\n\n\"Hai, Toranaga-sama, domo,\" Blackthorne said, presuming that he was being asked if he wanted to swim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Toranaga pointed at the sea and spoke shortly, then called Mariko to interpret. Mariko walked down from the poopdeck, shielding her head with a crimson sunshade, her informal white cotton kimono casually belted.\n\n\"Toranaga-sama says you look very rested, Anjin-san. The water's invigoration.\"\n\n\"Invigorating,\" he said, correcting her politely. \"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you—invigorating. He says please swim then.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga was leaning carelessly against the gunwale, wiping the water out of his ears with a small towel, and when his left ear would not clear, he hung his head over and hopped on his left heel until it did. Blackthorne saw that Toranaga was very muscular and very taut, apart from his belly. Ill at ease, very conscious of Mariko, he stripped off his shirt and his codpiece and trousers until he was equally naked.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga asks if all Englishmen are as hairy as you? The hair so fair?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some are,\" he said.\n\n\"We—our men don't have hair on their chests or arms like you do. Not very much. He says you've a very good build.\"\n\n\"So has he. Please thank him.\" Blackthorne walked away from her to the head of the gangplank, aware of her and the young woman, Fujiko, who was kneeling on the poop under a yellow parasol, a maid beside her, also watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, unable to contain his dignity enough to walk naked all the way down to the sea, he dived over the side into the pale blue water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a fine dive and the sea chill reached into him exhilaratingly. The sandy bottom was three fathoms down, seaweed waving, multitudes of fish unfrightened by the swimmers. Near the seabed his plummeting stopped and he twisted and played with the fish, then surfaced and began a seemingly lazy, easy, but very fast overarm stroke for the shore that Alban Caradoc had taught him.\n\nThe small bay was desolate: many rocks, a tiny pebbled shore, and no sign of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mountains climbed a thousand feet to a blue, measureless sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lay on a rock sunning himself. Four samurai had swum with him and were not far away. They smiled and waved. Later he swam back, and they followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was still watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came up on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His clothes were gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko and Mariko and two maids were still there. One of the maids bowed and offered him a ridiculously small towel, which he took and began to dry himself with, turning uneasily into the gunwale.\n\nI order you to be at ease, he told himself. You're at ease naked in a locked room with Felicity, aren't you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's only in public when women are around—when she's around—that you're embarrassed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why? They don't notice nakedness and that's totally sensible. You're in Japan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're to do as they do. You will be like them and act like a king.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says you swim very well. Would you teach him that stroke?\" Mariko was saying.\n\n\"I'd be glad to,\" he said and forced himself to turn around and lean as Toranaga was leaning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was smiling up at him—looking so pretty, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way you dived into the sea. We've—we've never seen that before. We always jump. He wants to learn how to do that.\"\n\n\"Now?\"\n\n\"Yes, please.\"\n\n\"I can teach him—at least, I can try.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A maid was holding a cotton kimono for Blackthorne so, gratefully, he slipped it on, tying it with the belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, completely relaxed, he explained how to dive, how to tuck your head between your arms and spring up and out but to beware of belly flopping.\n\n\"It's best to start from the foot of the gangway and sort of fall in head first to begin with, without jumping or running. That's the way we teach children.\"\n\nToranaga listened and asked questions and then, when he was satisfied, he said through Mariko, \"Good. I think I understand.\" He walked to the head of the gangway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before Blackthorne could stop him, Toranaga had launched himself toward the water, fifteen feet below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The belly flop was vicious. No one laughed. Toranaga spluttered back to the deck and tried again. Again he landed flat. Other samurai were equally unsuccessful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not easy,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It took me a long time to learn. Give it a rest and we'll try again tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga says, 'Tomorrow is tomorrow. Today I will learn how to dive.'\"\n\nBlackthorne put his kimono aside and demonstrated again. Samurai aped him. Again they failed. So did Toranaga. Six times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After another demonstration dive Blackthorne scrambled onto the foot of the gangplank and saw Mariko among them, nude, readying to launch herself into space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her body was exquisite, the bandage on her upper arm fresh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait, Mariko-san! Better to try from here. The first time.\"\n\n\"Very well, Anjin-san.\"\n\nShe walked down to him, the tiny crucifix enhancing her nudity. He showed her how to bend and to fall forward into the sea, catching her by the waist to turn her over so that her head went in first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Toranaga tried near the waterline and was moderately successful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko tried again and the touch of her skin warmed Blackthorne and he clowned momentarily and fell into the water, directing them from there until he had cooled off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he ran up to the deck and stood on the gunwale and showed them a deadman's dive, which he thought might be easier, knowing that it was vital for Toranaga to succeed. \"But you've got to keep rigid, hai? Like a sword. Then you cannot fail.\" He fell outward. The dive was clean and he trod water and waited.\n\nSeveral samurai came forward but Toranaga waved them aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held up his arms stiffly, his backbone straight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chest and loins were scarlet from the belly flops. Then he let himself fall forward as Blackthorne had shown. His head went into the water first and his legs tumbled over him, but it was a dive and the first successful dive of any of them and a roar of approval greeted him when he surfaced. He did it again, this time better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other men followed, some successful, others not. Then Mariko tried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw the taut little breasts and tiny waist, flat stomach and curving legs. A flicker of pain went across her face as she lifted her arms above her head. But she held herself like an arrow and fell bravely outward. She speared the water cleanly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost no one except him noticed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was a fine dive. Really fine,\" he said, giving her a hand to lift her easily out of the water onto the gangway platform. \"You should stop now. You might open up the cut on your arm.\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you, Anjin-san.\" She stood beside him, barely reaching his shoulder, very pleased with herself." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was dying now, the shadows long, the sea red, and a kind wind blowing.\n\nBlackthorne was coming up the path from the village toward the house that Mariko had earlier pointed out and told him was to be his. She had expected to escort him there but he had thanked her and refused and had walked past the kneeling villagers toward the promontory to be alone and to think.\n\nHe had found the effort of thinking too great. Nothing seemed to fit. He had doused salt water over his head to try to clear it but that had not helped. At length he had given up and had walked back aimlessly along the shore, past the jetty, across the square and through the village, up to this house where he was to live now and where, he remembered, there had not been a dwelling before. High up, dominating the opposite hillside, was another sprawling dwelling, part thatch, part tile, within a tall stockade, many guards at the fortified gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai were strutting through the village or standing talking in groups." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most had already marched off behind their officers in disciplined groups up the paths and over the hill to their bivouac encampment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those samurai that Blackthorne met, he absently greeted and they greeted him in return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw no villagers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stopped outside the gate that was set into the fence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were more of the peculiar characters painted over the lintel and the door itself was cut out in ingenious patterns designed to hide and at the same time to reveal the garden behind.\n\nBefore he could open the door it swung inward and a frightened old man bowed him through.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\" His voice quavered piteously—Good evening.\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he replied. \"Listen, old man, er—o namae ka?\"\n\n\"Namae watashi wa, Anjin-sama? Ah, watashi Ueki-ya... Ueki-ya.\" The old man was almost slavering with relief.\n\nBlackthorne said the name several times to help remember it and added \"san\" and the old man shook his head violently. \"Iyé gomen nasai! Iyé 'san,' Anjin-sama. Ueki-ya! Ueki-ya!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, Ueki-ya.\" But Blackthorne thought, why not \"san\" like everyone else?\n\nBlackthorne waved his hand in dismissal. The old man hobbled away quickly. \"I'll have to be more careful. I have to help them,\" he said aloud.\n\nA maid came apprehensively onto the veranda through an opened shoji and bowed low.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he replied, vaguely recognizing her from the ship. He waved her away too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A rustle of silk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko came from within the house. Mariko was with her.\n\n\"Was your walk pleasant, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, pleasant, Mariko-san.\" He hardly noticed her or Fujiko or the house or garden.\n\n\"Would you like cha? Or perhaps saké? Or a bath perhaps? The water is hot.\" Mariko laughed nervously, perturbed by the look in his eyes. \"The bath house is not completely finished, but we hope it will prove adequate.\"\n\n\"Saké, please. Yes, some saké first, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko spoke to Fujiko, who disappeared inside the house once more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A maid silently brought three cushions and went away. Mariko gracefully sat on one.\n\n\"Sit down, Anjin-san, you must be tired.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nHe sat on the steps of the veranda and did not take off his thongs. Fujiko brought two flasks of saké and a teacup, as Mariko had told her, not the tiny porcelain cup that should have been used.\n\n\"Better to give him a lot of saké quickly,\" Mariko had said. \"It would be better to make him quite drunk but Lord Yabu needs him tonight. A bath and saké will perhaps ease him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne drank the proffered cup of warmed wine without tasting it. And then a second. And a third.\n\nThey had watched him coming up the hill through the slit of barely opened shojis.\n\n\"What's the matter with him?\" Fujiko had asked, alarmed.\n\n\"He's distressed by what Lord Yabu said—the promise to the village.\"\n\n\"Why should that bother him? He's not threatened. It's not his life that was threatened.\"\n\n\"Barbarians are very different from us, Fujiko-san. For instance, the Anjin-san believes villagers are people, like any other people, like samurai, some perhaps even better than samurai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko had laughed nervously. \"That's nonsense, neh? How can peasants equal samurai?\"\n\nMariko had not answered. She had just continued watching the Anjin-san. \"Poor man,\" she said.\n\n\"Poor village!\" Fujiko's short upper lip curled disdainfully. \"A stupid waste of peasants and fishermen! Kasigi Yabu-san's a fool! How can a barbarian learn our tongue in half a year? How long did the barbarian Tsukku-san take? More than twenty years, neh? And isn't he the only barbarian who's ever been able to talk even passable Japanese?\"\n\n\"No, not the only one, though he's the best I've ever heard. Yes, it's difficult for them. But the Anjin-san's an intelligent man and Lord Toranaga said that in half a year, isolated from barbarians, eating our food, living as we do, drinking cha, bathing every day, the Anjin-san will soon be like one of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko's face had been set." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at him, Mariko-san... so ugly. So monstrous and alien. Curious to think that as much as I detest barbarians, once he steps through the gate I'm committed and he becomes my lord and master.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's brave, very brave, Fujiko. And he saved Lord Toranaga's life and is very valuable to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I know, and that should make me dislike him less but, so sorry, it doesn't. Even so, I'll try with all my strength to change him into one of us. I pray Lord Buddha will help me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko had wanted to ask her niece, why the sudden change?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why are you now prepared to serve the Anjin-san and obey Lord Toranaga so absolutely, when only this morning you refused to obey, you swore to kill yourself without permission or to kill the barbarian the moment he slept?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did Lord Toranaga say to change you, Fujiko?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Mariko had known better than to ask. Toranaga had not taken her into this confidence. Fujiko would not tell her. The girl had been too well trained by her mother, Buntaro's sister, who had been trained by her father, Hiro-matsu.\n\nI wonder if Lord Hiro-matsu will escape from Osaka Castle, she asked herself, very fond of the old general, her father-in-law. And what about Kiri-san and the Lady Sazuko? Where is Buntaro, my husband? Where was he captured?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or did he have time to die?\n\nMariko watched Fujiko pour the last of the saké. This cup too was consumed like the others, without expression.\n\n\"Dozo. Saké,\" Blackthorne said.\n\nMore saké was brought. And finished. \"Dozo, saké.\"\n\n\"Mariko-san,\" Fujiko said, \"the Master shouldn't have any more, neh? He'll get drunk. Please ask him if he'd like his bath now. I will send for Suwo.\"\n\nMariko asked him. \"Sorry, he says he'll bathe later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Patiently Fujiko ordered more saké and Mariko added quietly to the maid, \"Bring some charcoaled fish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The new flask was emptied with the same silent determination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The food did not tempt him but he took a piece at Mariko's gracious persuasion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not eat it.\n\nMore wine was brought, and two more flasks were consumed.\n\n\"Please give the Anjin-san my apologies,\" Fujiko said. \"So sorry, but there isn't any more saké in his house. Tell him I apologize for this lack. I've sent the maid to fetch some more from the village.\"\n\n\"Good. He's had more than enough, though it doesn't seem to have touched him at all. Why not leave us now, Fujiko? Now would be a good time to make the formal offer on your behalf.\"\n\nFujiko bowed to Blackthorne and went away, glad that custom decreed that important matters were always to be handled by a third party in private. Thus dignity could always be maintained on both sides.\n\nMariko explained to Blackthorne about the wine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long will it take to get more?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not long. Perhaps you'd like to bathe now. I'll see that saké's sent the instant it arrives.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did Toranaga say anything about my plan before he left? About the navy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I'm sorry, he said nothing about that.\" Mariko had been watching for the telltale signs of drunkenness. But to her surprise none had appeared, not even a slight flush, or a slurring of words. With this amount of wine consumed so fast, any Japanese would be drunk. \"The wine is not to your taste, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Not really. It's too weak. It gives me nothing.\"\n\n\"You seek oblivion?\"\n\n\"No—a solution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anything that can be done to help, will be done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must have books and paper and pens.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow I will begin to collect them for you.\"\n\n\"No, tonight, Mariko-san. I must start now.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga said he will send you a book—what did you call it?—the grammar books and word books of the Holy Fathers.\"\n\n\"How long will that take?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But I'm here for three days. Perhaps this may be a help to you. And Fujiko-san is here to help also.\" She smiled, happy for him. \"I'm honored to tell you she is given to you as consort and she—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga asked her if she would be your consort and she said she would be honored and agreed. She will—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I haven't agreed.\"\n\n\"Please? I'm sorry, I don't understand.\"\n\n\"I don't want her. Either as consort or around me. I find her ugly.\"\n\nMariko gaped at him. \"But what's that got to do with consort?\"\n\n\"Tell her to leave.\"\n\n\"But Anjin-san, you can't refuse! That would be a terrible insult to Lord Toranaga, to her, to everyone! What harm has she done you? None at all! Usagi Fujiko's consen—\"\n\n\"You listen to me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne's words ricocheted around the veranda and the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell her to leave!\"\n\nMariko said at once, \"So sorry, Anjin-san, yes you're right to be angry. But—\"\n\n\"I'm not angry,\" Blackthorne said icily. \"Can't you... can't you people get it through your heads I'm tired of being a puppet? I don't want that woman around, I want my ship back and my crew back and that's the end of it! I'm not staying here six months and I detest your customs. It's God-cursed terrible that one man can threaten to bury a whole village just to teach me Japanese, and as to consorts—that's worse than slavery—and it's a goddamned insult to arrange that without asking me in advance!\"\n\nWhat's the matter now? Mariko was asking herself helplessly. What has ugliness to do with consort? And anyway Fujiko's not ugly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can he be so incomprehensible?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she remembered Toranaga's admonition: 'Mariko-san, you're personally responsible, firstly that Yabu-san doesn't interfere with my departure after I've given him my sword, and secondly, you're totally responsible for settling the Anjin-san docilely in Anjiro.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'I'll do my best, Sire. But I'm afraid the Anjin-san baffles me.'\n\n'Treat him like a hawk. That's the key to him. I tame a hawk in two days. You've three.'\n\nShe looked away from Blackthorne and put her wits to work. He does seem like a hawk when he's in a rage, she thought. He has the same screeching, senseless ferocity, and when not in a rage the same haughty, unblinking stare, the same total self-centeredness, with exploding viciousness never far away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. You're completely right. You've been imposed upon terribly, and you're quite right to be angry,\" she said soothingly. \"Yes, and certainly Lord Toranaga should have asked even though he doesn't understand your customs. But it never occurred to him that you would object. He only tried to honor you as he would a most favored samurai. He made you a hatamoto, that's almost like a kinsman, Anjin-san. There are only about a thousand hatamoto in all the Kwanto. And as to the Lady Fujiko, he was only trying to help you. The Lady Usagi Fujiko would be considered... among us, Anjin-san, this would be considered a great honor.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because her lineage is ancient and she's very accomplished. Her father and grandfather are daimyos. Of course she's samurai, and of course,\" Mariko added delicately, \"you would honor her by accepting her. And she does need a home and a new life.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"She is recently widowed. She's only nineteen, Anjin-san, poor girl, but she lost a husband and a son and is filled with remorse. To be formal consort to you would give her a new life.\"\n\n\"What happened to her husband and son?\"\n\nMariko hesitated, distressed at Blackthorne's impolite directness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she knew enough about him by now to understand that this was his custom and not meant as lack of manners. \"They were put to death, Anjin-san. While you're here you will need someone to look after your house. The Lady Fujiko will be—\"\n\n\"Why were they put to death?\"\n\n\"Her husband almost caused the death of Lord Toranaga. Please con—\"\n\n\"Toranaga ordered their deaths?\"\n\n\"Yes. But he was correct. Ask her—she will agree, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"How old was the child?\"\n\n\"A few months, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranaga had an infant put to death for something the father did?\"\n\n\"Yes. It's our custom. Please be patient with us. In some things we are not free. Our customs are different from yours. You see, by law, we belong to our liege lord. By law a father possesses the lives of his children and wife and consorts and servants. By law his life is possessed by his liege lord. This is our custom.\"\n\n\"So a father can kill anyone in his house?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then you're a nation of murderers.\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"But your custom condones murder. I thought you were Christian.\"\n\n\"I am, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the Commandments?\"\n\n\"I cannot explain, truly. But I am Christian and samurai and Japanese, and these are not hostile to one another. To me, they're not. Please be patient with me and with us. Please.\"\n\n\"You'd put your own children to death if Toranaga ordered it?\"\n\n\"Yes. I only have one son but yes, I believe I would. Certainly it would be my duty to do so. That's the law—if my husband agreed.\"\n\n\"I hope God can forgive you. All of you.\"\n\n\"God understands, Anjin-san. Oh, He will understand. Perhaps He will open your mind so you can understand. I'm sorry, I cannot explain very well, neh? I apologize for my lack.\" She watched him in the silence, unsettled by him. \"I don't understand you either, Anjin-san. You baffle me. Your customs baffle me. Perhaps if we're both patient we can both learn. The Lady Fujiko, for instance. As consort she will look after your house and your servants. And your needs—any of your needs. You must have someone to do that. She will see to the running of your house, everything. You do not need to pillow her, if that concerns you—if you do not find her pleasing. You do not even need to be polite to her, though she merits politeness. She will serve you, as you wish, in any way you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can treat her any way I want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I can pillow her or not pillow her?\"\n\n\"Of course. She will find someone that pleases you, to satisfy your body needs, if you wish, or she will not interfere.\"\n\n\"I can treat her like a servant? A slave?\"\n\n\"Yes. But she merits better.\"\n\n\"Can I throw her out? Order her out?\"\n\n\"If she offends you, yes.\"\n\n\"What would happen to her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally she would go back to her parents' house in disgrace, who may or may not accept her back. Someone like Lady Fujiko would prefer to kill herself before enduring that shame. But she... you should know true samurai are not permitted to kill themselves without their lord's permission. Some do, of course, but they've failed in their duty and aren't worthy to be considered samurai. I would not kill myself, whatever the shame, not without Lord Toranaga's permission or my husband's permission. Lord Toranaga has forbidden her to end her life. If you send her away, she'll become an outcast.\"\n\n\"Why? Why won't her family accept her back?\"\n\nMariko sighed. \"So sorry, Anjin-san, but if you send her away, her disgrace will be such that no one will accept her.\"\n\n\"Because she's contaminated? From being near a barbarian?\"\n\n\"Oh no, Anjin-san, only because she had failed in her duty to you,\" Mariko said at once. \"She is your consort now—Lord Toranaga ordered it and she agreed. You're master of a house now.\"\n\n\"Am I?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, believe me, Anjin-san, you have privileges. And as a hatamoto you're blessed. And well off. Lord Toranaga's given you a salary of twenty koku a month. For that amount of money a samurai would normally have to provide his lord with himself and two other samurai, armed, fed, and mounted for the whole year, and of course pay for their families as well. But you don't have to do that. I beg you, consider Fujiko as a person, Anjin-san. I beg you to be filled with Christian charity. She's a good woman. Forgive her her ugliness. She'll be a worthy consort.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She hasn't a home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. This is her home.\" Mariko took hold of herself. \"I beg you to accept her formally. She can help you greatly, teach you if you wish to learn. If you prefer, think of her as nothing—as this wooden post or the shoji screen, or as a rock in your garden—anything you wish, but allow her to stay. If you won't have her as consort, be merciful. Accept her and then, as head of the house, according to our law, kill her.\"\n\n\"That's the only answer you have, isn't it? Kill!\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. But life and death are the same thing. Who knows, perhaps you'll do Fujiko a greater service by taking her life. It's your right now before all the law. Your right. If you prefer to make her an outcast, that too is your right.\"\n\n\"So I'm trapped again,\" Blackthorne said. \"Either way she's killed. If I don't learn your language then a whole village is butchered. If I don't do whatever you want, some innocent is always killed. There's no way out.\"\n\n\"There's a very easy solution, Anjin-san. Die. You do not have to endure the unendurable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Suicide's crazy—and a mortal sin. I thought you were Christian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've said I am. But for you, Anjin-san, for you there are many ways of dying honorably without suicide. You sneered at my husband for not wanting to die fighting, neh? That's not our custom, but apparently it's yours. So why don't you do that? You have a pistol. Kill Lord Yabu. You believe he's a monster, neh? Even attempt to kill him and today you'll be in heaven or hell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at her, hating her serene features, seeing her loveliness through his hate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's weak to die like that for no reason. Stupid's a better word.\"\n\n\"You say you're Christian. So you believe in the Jesus child—in God—and in heaven. Death shouldn't frighten you. As to 'no reason,' it is up to you to judge the value or nonvalue. You may have reason enough to die.\"\n\n\"I'm in your power. You know it. So do I.\"\n\nMariko leaned over and touched him compassionately. \"Anjin-san, forget the village. A thousand million things can happen before those six months occur. A tidal wave or earthquake, or you get your ship and sail away, or Yabu dies, or we all die, or who knows? Leave the problems of God to God and karma to karma. Today you're here and nothing you can do will change that. Today you're alive and here and honored, and blessed with good fortune. Look at this sunset, it's beautiful, neh? This sunset exists. Tomorrow does not exist. There is only now. Please look. It is so beautiful and it will never happen ever again, never, not this sunset, never in all infinity. Lose yourself in it, make yourself one with nature and do not worry about karma, yours, mine, or that of the village.\"\n\nHe found himself beguiled by her serenity, and by her words. He looked westward. Great splashes of purple-red and black were spreading across the sky.\n\nHe watched the sun until it vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you were to be consort,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I belong to Lord Buntaro and until he is dead I cannot think or say what might be thought or said.\"\n\nKarma, thought Blackthorne.\n\nDo I accept karma? Mine? Hers? Theirs?\n\nThe night's beautiful.\n\nAnd so is she and she belongs to another.\n\nYes, she's beautiful. And very wise: Leave the problems of God to God and karma to karma. You did come here uninvited. You are here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are in their power." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But what's the answer?\n\nThe answer will come, he told himself. Because there's a God in heaven, a God somewhere.\n\nHe heard the tread of feet. Some flares were approaching up the hill. Twenty samurai, Omi at their head." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Story collab\nMe: Opening\nYou: two sentences more, James Clavell-style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maid brought in the covered dish. She held it high above her head as was custom, so that her breath would not defile the food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anxiously she knelt and placed it carefully on the tray table in front of Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On each little table were bowls and chopsticks, saké cups and napkins, and a tiny flower arrangement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko and Mariko were sitting opposite him. They wore flowers and silver combs in their hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko's kimono was a pale green pattern of fish on a white background, her obi gold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko wore black and red with a thin silver overlay of chrysanthemums and a red and silver check obi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both wore perfume, as always." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Incense burned to keep the night bugs away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had long since composed himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that any displeasure from him would destroy their evening. If pheasants could be caught there would be other game, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a horse and guns and he could hunt himself, if only he could get the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko leaned over and took the lid off the dish. The small pieces of fried meat were browned and seemed perfect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to salivate at the aroma.\n\nSlowly he took a piece of meat in his chopsticks, willing it not to fall, and chewed the flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was tough and dry, but he had been meatless for so long it was delicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another piece. He sighed with pleasure. \"Ichi-ban, ichi-ban, by God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko blushed and poured him saké to hide her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko fanned herself, the crimson fan a dragonfly. Blackthorne quaffed the wine and ate another piece and poured more wine and ritualistically offered his brimming cup to Fujiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She refused, as was custom, but tonight he insisted, so she drained the cup, choking slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko also refused and was also made to drink. Then he attacked the pheasant with as little gusto as he could manage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The women hardly touched their small portions of vegetables and fish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This didn't bother him because it was a female custom to eat before or afterward so that all their attention could be devoted to the master.\n\nHe ate all the pheasant and three bowls of rice and slurped his saké, which was also good manners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt replete for the first time in months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the meal he had finished six flasks of the hot wine, Mariko and Fujiko two between them. Now they were flushed and giggling and at the silly stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko chuckled and put her hand in front of her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I could drink saké like you, Anjin-san. You drink saké better than any man I've ever known. I wager you'd be the best in Izu! I could win a lot of money on you!\"\n\n\"I thought samurai disapproved of gambling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh they do, absolutely they do, they're not merchants and peasants. But not all samurai are as strong as others and many—how do you say—many'll bet like the Southern Bar—like the Portuguese bet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do women bet?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. Very much. But only with other ladies and in careful amounts and always so their husbands never find out!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gaily translated for Fujiko, who was more flushed than she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your consort asks do Englishmen bet? Do you like to wager?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's our national pastime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And he told them about horse racing and skittles and bull baiting and coursing and whippets and hawking and bowls and the new stock companies and letters of marque and shooting and darts and lotteries and boxing and cards and wrestling and dice and checkers and dominoes and the time at the fairs when you put farthings on numbers and bet against the wheels of chance.\n\n\"But how do you find time to live, to war, and to pillow, Fujiko asks?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's always time for those.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their eyes met for a moment but he could not read anything in hers, only happiness and maybe too much wine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko begged him to sing the hornpipe song for Fujiko, and he did and they congratulated him and said it was the best they had ever heard.\n\n\"Have some more saké!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, you mustn't pour, Anjin-san, that's woman's duty. Didn't I tell you?\"\n\n\"Yes. Have some more, dozo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd better not. I think I'll fall over.\" Mariko fluttered her fan furiously and the draft stirred the threads of hair that had escaped from her immaculate coiffure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have nice ears,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So have you. We, Fujiko-san and I, we think your nose is perfect too, worthy of a daimyo.\"\n\nHe grinned and bowed elaborately to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed back. The folds of Mariko's kimono fell away from her neck slightly, revealing the edge of her scarlet under-kimono and the swell of her breasts, and it stirred him considerably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saké, Anjin-san?\"\n\nHe held out the cup, his fingers steady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She poured, watching the cup, the tip of her tongue touching her lips as she concentrated." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko reluctantly accepted some too, though she said that she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Her quiet melancholia had gone tonight and she seemed young again. Blackthorne noticed that she was not as ugly as he had once thought." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around eight sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell.Produce eight sentences using the prose and structure of James Clavell every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attacking five hundred galloped over the lip of the hill in a haphazard pack, down onto the rock-strewn valley floor where the two thousand \"defenders\" were drawn up in a battle array. Each rider wore a musket slung on his back and a belt with pouches for bullets, flints, and a powder horn. Like most samurai, their clothes were a motley collection of kimonos and rags, but their weapons always the best that each could afford. Only Toranaga and Ishido, copying him, insisted that their troops be uniformed and punctilious in their dress. All other daimyos considered such outward extravagance a foolish squandering of money, an unnecessary innovation. Even Blackthorne had agreed. The armies of Europe were never uniformed—what king could afford that, except for a personal guard?\n\nHe was standing on a rise with Yabu and his aides, Jozen and all his men, and Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first full-scale rehearsal of an attack. He waited uneasily. Yabu was uncommonly tense, and Omi and Naga both had been touchy almost to the point of belligerence. Particularly Naga.\n\n\"What's the matter with everyone?\" he had asked Mariko.\n\n\"Perhaps they wish to do well in front of their lord and his guest.\"\n\n\"Is he a daimyo too?\"\n\n\"No. But important, one of Lord Ishido's generals. It would be good if everything were perfect today.\"\n\n\"I wish I'd been told there was to be a rehearsal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would that have accomplished? Everything you could do, you have done.\"\n\nYes, Blackthorne thought, as he watched the five hundred. But they're nowhere near ready yet. Surely Yabu knows that too, everyone does. So if there is a disaster, well, that's karma, he told himself with more confidence, and found consolation in that thought.\n\nThe attackers gathered speed and the defenders stood waiting under the banners of their captains, jeering at the \"enemy\" as they would normally do, strung out in loose formation, three or four men deep. Soon the attackers would dismount out of arrow range. Then the most valiant warriors on both sides would truculently strut to the fore to throw down the gauntlet, proclaiming their own lineage and superiority with the most obvious of insults." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Single armed conflicts would begin, gradually increasing in numbers, until one commander would order a general attack and then it was every man for himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Usually the greater number defeated the smaller, then the reserves would be brought up and committed, and again the melee until the morale of one side broke, and the few cowards that retreated would soon be joined by the many and a rout would ensue. Treachery was not unusual. Sometimes whole regiments, following their master's orders, would switch sides, to be welcomed as allies—always welcomed but never trusted. Sometimes the defeated commanders would flee to regroup to fight again. Sometimes they would stay and fight to the death, sometimes they would commit seppuku with ceremony. Rarely were they captured. Some offered their services to the victors. Sometimes this was accepted but most times refused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Death was the lot of the vanquished, quick for the brave and shame-filled for the cowardly. And this was the historic pattern of all skirmishes in this land, even at great battles, soldiers here the same as everywhere, except that here they were more ferocious and many, many more were prepared to die for their masters than anywhere else on earth.\n\nThe thunder of the hoofs echoed in the valley.\n\n\"Where's the attack commander? Where's Omi-san?\" Jozen asked.\n\n\"Among the men, be patient,\" Yabu replied.\n\n\"But where's his standard? And why isn't he wearing battle armor and plumes? Where's the commander's standard? They're just like a bunch of filthy no-good bandits!\"\n\n\"Be patient! All officers are ordered to remain nondescript. I told you. And please don't forget we're pretending a battle is raging, that this is part of a big battle, with reserves and arm—\"\n\nJozen burst out, \"Where are their swords? None of them are wearing swords! Samurai without swords? They'd be massacred!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be patient!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the attackers were dismounting. The first warriors strode out from the defending ranks to show their valor. An equal number began to measure up against them. Then, suddenly, the ungainly mass of attackers rushed into five tight-disciplined phalanxes, each with four ranks of twenty-five men, three phalanxes ahead and two in reserve, forty paces back. As one, they charged the enemy. In range they shuddered to a stop on command and the front ranks fired an ear-shattering salvo in unison. Screams and men dying. Jozen and his men ducked reflexively, then watched appalled as the front ranks knelt and began to reload and the second ranks fired over them, with the third and fourth ranks following the same pattern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At each salvo more defenders fell, and the valley was filled with shouts and screams and confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're killing your own men!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen shouted above the uproar.\n\n\"It's blank ammunition, not real. They're all acting, but imagine it's a real attack with real bullets! Watch!\"\n\nNow the defenders \"recovered\" from the initial shock. They regrouped and whirled back to a frontal attack. But by this time the front ranks had reloaded and, on command, fired another salvo from a kneeling position, then the second rank fired standing, immediately kneeling to reload, then the third and the fourth, as before, and though many musketeers were slow and the ranks ragged, it was easy to imagine the awful decimation trained men would cause. The counterattack faltered, then broke apart, and the defenders retreated in pretended confusion, back up the rise to stop just below the observers. Many \"dead\" littered the ground.\n\nJozen and his men were shaken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those guns would break any line!\"\n\n\"Wait. The battle's not over!\"\n\nAgain the defenders re-formed and now their commanders exhorted them to victory, committed the reserves, and ordered the final general attack. The samurai rushed down the hill, emitting their terrible battle cries, to fall on the enemy.\n\n\"Now they'll be stamped into the ground,\" Jozen said, caught up like all of them in the realism of this mock battle.\n\nAnd he was right. The phalanxes did not hold their ground. They broke and fled before the battle cries of the true samurai with their swords and spears, and Jozen and his men added their shouts of scorn as the regiments hurtled to the kill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The musketeers were fleeing like the Garlic Eaters, a hundred paces, two hundred paces, three hundred, then suddenly, on command, the phalanxes regrouped, this time in a V formation. Again the shattering salvos began. The attack faltered. Then stopped. But the guns continued. Then they, too, stopped. The game ceased. But all on the rise knew that under actual conditions the two thousand would have been slaughtered.\n\nNow, in the silence, defenders and attackers began to sort themselves out. The \"bodies\" got up, weapons were collected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was laughter and groaning. Many men limped and a few were badly hurt.\n\n\"I congratulate you, Yabu-sama,\" Jozen said with great sincerity. \"Now I understand what all of you meant.\"\n\n\"The firing was ragged,\" Yabu said, inwardly delighted. \"It will take months to train them.\"\n\nJozen shook his head. \"I wouldn't like to attack them now. Not if they had real ammunition. No army could withstand that punch—no line. The ranks could never stay closed. And then you'd pour ordinary troops and cavalry through the gap and roll up the sides like an old scroll.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thanked all kami that he'd had the sense to see one attack. \"It was terrible to watch. For a moment I thought the battle was real.\"\n\n\"They were ordered to make it look real. And now you may review my musketeers, if you wish.\"\n\n\"Thank you. That would be an honor.\"\n\nThe defenders were streaming off to their camps that sat on the far hillside. The five hundred musketeers waited below, near the path that went over the rise and slid down to the village. They were forming into their companies, Omi and Naga in front of them, both wearing swords again.\n\n\"Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Yabu-sama. I please.\"\n\nMariko corrected him automatically. \"I am pleased.\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry. I am pleased.\"\n\nJozen took Yabu aside. \"This is all out of the Anjin-san's head?\"\n\n\"No,\" Yabu lied. \"But it's the way barbarians fight. He's just training the men to load and to fire.\"\n\n\"Why not do as Naga-san advised? You've the barbarian's knowledge now. Why risk its spreading? He is a plague. Very dangerous, Yabu-sama. Naga-san was right. It's true—peasants could fight this way. Easily. Get rid of the barbarian now.\"\n\n\"If Lord Ishido wants his head, he has only to ask.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ask it. Now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the truculence. \"I speak with his voice.\"\n\n\"I'll consider it, Jozen-san.\"\n\n\"And also, in his name, I ask that all guns be withdrawn from those troops at once.\"\n\nYabu frowned, then turned his attention to the companies. They were approaching up the hill, their straight, disciplined ranks faintly ludicrous as always, only because such order was unusual. Fifty paces away they halted. Omi and Naga came on alone and saluted.\n\n\"It was all right for a first exercise,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire,\" Omi replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was limping slightly and his face was dirty, bruised, and powder marked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jozen said, \"Your troops would have to carry swords in a real battle, Yabu-sama, neh? A samurai must carry swords—eventually they'd run out of ammunition, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Swords will be in their way, in charge and retreat. Oh, they'll wear them as usual to maintain surprise, but just before the first charge they'll get rid of them.\"\n\n\"Samurai will always need swords. In a real battle. Even so, I'm glad you'll never have to use this attack force, or—\" Jozen was going to add, \"or this filthy, treacherous method of war.\" Instead he said, \"Or we'll all have to give our swords away.\"\n\n\"Perhaps we will, Jozen-san, when we go to war.\"\n\n\"You'd give up your Murasama blade? Or even Toranaga's gift?\"\n\n\"To win a battle, yes. Otherwise no.\"\n\n\"Then you might have to run very fast to save your fruit when your musket jammed or your powder got wet.\" Jozen laughed at his own sally. Yabu did not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi-san! Show him!\" he ordered.\n\nAt once Omi gave an order. His men slipped out the short sheathed bayonet sword that hung almost unnoticed from the back of their belts and snapped it into a socket on the muzzle of their muskets.\n\n\"Charge!\"\n\nInstantly the samurai charged with their battle cry, \"Kasigiiiiiii!\"\n\nThe forest of naked steel stopped a pace away from them. Jozen and his men were laughing nervously from the sudden, unexpected ferocity. \"Good, very good,\" Jozen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached out and touched one of the bayonets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was extremely sharp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps you're right, Yabu-sama. Let's hope it's never put to the test.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi-san!\" Yabu called. \"Form them up. Jozen-san's going to review them. Then go back to camp. Mariko-san, Anjin-san, you follow me!\" He strode down the rise through the ranks, his aides, Blackthorne, and Mariko following.\n\n\"Form up at the path. Replace bayonets!\"\n\nHalf the men obeyed at once, turned about, and walked down the slope again. Naga and his two hundred and fifty samurai remained where they were, bayonets still threatening.\n\nJozen bristled. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"I consider your insults intolerable,\" Naga said venomously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's nonsense. I haven't insulted you, or anyone! Your bayonets insult my position! Yabu-sama!\"\n\nYabu turned back. Now he was on the other side of the Toranaga contingent. \"Naga-san,\" he called out coldly. \"What's the meaning of this?\"\n\n\"I cannot forgive this man's insults to my father—or to me.\"\n\n\"He's protected. You cannot touch him now! He's under the cipher of the Regents!\"\n\n\"Your pardon, Yabu-sama, but this is between Jozen-san and myself.\"\n\n\"No. You are under my orders. I order you to tell your men to return to camp.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not a man moved. The rain began.\n\n\"Your pardon, Yabu-san, please forgive me, but this is between him and me and whatever happens I absolve you of responsibility for my action and those of my men.\"\n\nBehind Naga, one of Jozen's men drew his sword and lunged for Naga's unprotected back. A volley of twenty muskets blew off his head at once. These twenty men knelt and began to reload. The second rank readied.\n\n\"Who ordered live ammunition?\" Yabu demanded.\n\n\"I did. I, Yoshi Naga-noh-Toranaga!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Naga-san! I order you to let Nebara Jozen and his men go free. You are ordered to your quarters until I can consult Lord Toranaga about your insubordination!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course you will inform Lord Toranaga and karma is karma. But I regret, Lord Yabu, that first this man must die. All of them must die. Today!\"\n\nJozen shrieked, \"I'm protected by the Regents! You'll gain nothing by killing me.\"\n\n\"I regain my honor, neh?\" Naga said. \"I repay your sneers at my father and your insults to me. But you would have had to die anyway. Neh? I could not have been more clear last night. Now you've seen an attack. I cannot risk Ishido learning all this\"—his hand waved at the battlefield—\"this horror!\"\n\n\"He already knows!\" Jozen blurted out, blessing his foresight of the previous evening. \"He knows already! I sent a message by pigeon secretly at dawn! You gain nothing by killing me, Naga-san!\"\n\nNaga motioned to one of his men, an old samurai, who came forward and threw the strangled pigeon at Jozen's feet. Then a man's severed head was also cast upon the ground—the head of the samurai, Masumoto, sent yesterday by Jozen with the scroll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The eyes were still open, the lips drawn back in a hate-filled grimace. The head began to roll. It tumbled through the ranks until it came to rest against a rock.\n\nA moan broke from Jozen's lips. Naga and all his men laughed. Even Yabu smiled. Another of Jozen's samurai leaped for Naga. Twenty muskets blasted him, and the man next to him, who had not moved, also fell in agony, mortally wounded.\n\nThe laughter ceased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi said, \"Shall I order my men to attack, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been so easy to maneuver Naga.\n\nYabu wiped the rain off his face. \"No, that would achieve nothing. Jozen-san and his men are already dead, whatever I do. That's his karma, as Naga-san has his. Naga-san!\" he called out. \"For the last time, I order you to let them all go!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me but I must refuse.\"\n\n\"Very well. When it is finished, report to me.\"\n\n\"Yes. There should be an official witness, Yabu-sama. For Lord Toranaga and for Lord Ishido.\"\n\n\"Omi-san, you will stay. You will sign the death certification and make out the dispatch. Naga-san and I will countersign it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga pointed at Blackthorne. \"Let him stay too. Also as witness. He's responsible for their deaths. He should witness them.\"\n\n\"Anjin-san, go up there! To Naga-san! Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-san. I understand, but why, please?\"\n\n\"To be a witness.\"\n\n\"Sorry, don't understand.\"\n\n\"Mariko-san, explain 'witness' to him, that he's to witness what's going to happen—then you follow me.\" Hiding his vast satisfaction, Yabu turned and left.\n\nJozen shrieked, \"Yabu-sama! Please! Yabuuuuu-samaaaa!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write five sentences sentences in the style of James Clavell spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne waited in the garden. Now he wore the Brown uniform kimono that Toranaga had given him with swords in his sash and a loaded pistol hidden under the sash. From Fujiko's hurried explanations and subsequently from the servants, he had gathered that he had to receive Buntaro formally, because the samurai was an important general and hatamoto, and was the first guest in the house. So he had bathed and changed quickly and had gone to the place that had been prepared.\n\nHe had seen Buntaro briefly yesterday, when he arrived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro had been busy with Toranaga and Yabu the rest of the day, together with Mariko, and Blackthorne had been left alone to organize the hurried attack demonstration with Omi and Naga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack was satisfactory.\n\nMariko had returned to the house very late. She had told him briefly about Buntaro's escape, the days of being hunted by Ishido's men, eluding them, and at last breaking through the hostile provinces to reach the Kwanto. \"It was very difficult, but perhaps not too difficult, Anjin-san. My husband is very strong and very brave.\"\n\n\"What's going to happen now? Are you leaving?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga orders that everything's to remain as it was. Nothing's to be changed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're changed, Mariko. A spark's gone out of you.\"\n\n\"No. That's your imagination, Anjin-san. It's just my relief that he's alive when I was certain he was dead.\"\n\n\"Yes. But it's made a difference, hasn't it?\"\n\n\"Of course. I thank God my Master wasn't captured—that he lived to obey Lord Toranaga. Will you excuse me, Anjin-san. I'm tired now. I'm sorry, I'm very very tired.\"\n\n\"Is there anything I can do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What should you do, Anjin-san? Except to be happy for me and for him. Nothing's changed, really. Nothing is finished because nothing began. Everything's as it was. My husband's alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't you wish he were dead? Blackthorne asked himself in the garden. No.\n\nThen why the hidden pistol? Are you filled with guilt?\n\nNo. Nothing began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Didn't it?\n\nNo.\n\nYou thought you were taking her. Isn't that the same as taking her in fact?\n\nHe saw Mariko walk into the garden from the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked like a porcelain miniature following half a pace behind Buntaro, his burliness seeming even greater by comparison." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko was with her, and the maids.\n\nHe bowed. \"Yokoso oide kudasareta, Buntaro-san.\" Welcome to my house, Buntaro-san.\n\nThey all bowed. Buntaro and Mariko sat on the cushions opposite him. Fujiko seated herself behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nigatsu and the maid, Koi, began to serve cha and saké. Buntaro took saké." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So did Blackthorne.\n\n\"Domo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Ii. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Ii. Kowa jozuni shabereru yoni natta na.\" Good. You're beginning to speak Japanese very well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon Blackthorne became lost in the conversation, for Buntaro was slurring his words, speaking carelessly and rapidly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Mariko-san, I didn't understand that.\"\n\n\"My husband wishes to thank you for trying to save him. With the oar. You remember? When we were escaping from Osaka.\"\n\n\"Ah, so desu! Domo. Please tell him I still think we should have put back to shore. There was time enough. The maid drowned unnecessarily.\"\n\n\"He says that was karma.\"\n\n\"That was a wasted death,\" Blackthorne replied, and regretted the rudeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He noticed that she did not translate it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My husband says that the assault strategy is very good, very good indeed.\"\n\n\"Domo. Tell him I'm glad he escaped unharmed. And that he's to command the regiment. And of course, that he's welcome to stay here.\"\n\n\"Domo, Anjin-san. Buntaro-sama says, yes, the assault plan is very good. But for himself he will always carry his bow and swords. He can kill at a much greater range, with great accuracy, and faster than a musket.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow I will shoot against him and we will see, if he likes.\"\n\n\"You will lose, Anjin-san, so sorry. May I caution you not to attempt that,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne saw Buntaro's eyes flick from Mariko to him and back again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Mariko-san. Say to him that I would like to see him shoot.\"\n\n\"He asks, can you use a bow?\"\n\n\"Yes, but not as a proper bowman. Bows are pretty much out of date with us. Except the crossbow. I was trained for the sea. There we use only cannon, musket, or cutlass. Sometimes we use fire arrows but only for enemy sails in close quarters.\"\n\n\"He asks, how are they used, how do you make them, these fire arrows? Are they different from ours, like the ones used against the galley at Osaka?\"\n\nBlackthorne began to explain and there were the usual tiring interruptions and probing requestionings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By now he was used to their incredibly inquisitive minds about any aspect of war, but found it exhausting to talk through an interpreter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though Mariko was excellent, what she actually said was rarely exact. A long reply would always be shortened, some of what was spoken would, of course, be changed slightly, and misunderstandings occurred. So explanations had to be repeated unnecessarily.\n\nBut without Mariko, he knew that he could never have become so valuable. It's only knowledge that keeps me from the pit, he reminded himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that's no problem, because there's much to tell yet and a battle to win." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A real battle to win. You're safe till then. You've a navy to plan. And then home. Safe.\n\nHe saw Buntaro's swords and the guard's swords and he felt his own and the oiled warmth of his pistol and he knew, truthfully, he would never be safe in this land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither he nor anyone was safe, not even Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, Buntaro-sama asks if he sends you men tomorrow, could you show them how to make these arrows?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where can we get pitch?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\" Mariko cross-questioned him on where it was usually found and what it looked like or smelled like, and on possible alternatives. Then she spoke to Buntaro at length. Fujiko had been silent all the while, her eyes and ears trained, missing nothing. The maids, well commanded by a slight motion of Fujiko's fan to an empty cup, constantly replenished the saké flasks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband says he will discuss this with Lord Toranaga. Perhaps pitch exists somewhere in the Kwanto. We've never heard of it before. If not pitch, we have thick oils—whale oils—which might substitute. He asks do you sometimes use war rockets, like the Chinese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But they're not considered of much value except in siege. The Turks used them when they came against the Knights of St. John in Malta. Rockets are used mostly to cause fire and panic.\"\n\n\"He asks please give him details about this battle.\"\n\n\"It was forty years ago, in the greatest—\" Blackthorne stopped, his mind racing. This had been the most vital siege in Europe. Sixty thousand Islamic Turks, the cream of the Ottoman Empire, had come against six hundred Christian knights supported by a few thousand Maltese auxiliaries, at bay in their vast castle complex at St. Elmo on the tiny island of Malta in the Mediterranean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knights had successfully withstood the six-month siege and, incredibly, had forced the enemy to retreat in shame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This victory had saved the whole Mediterranean seaboard, and thus Christendom, from being ravaged at whim by the infidel hordes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had suddenly realized that this battle gave him one of the keys to Osaka Castle: how to invest it, how to harry it, how to break through the gates, and how to conquer it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were saying, senhor?\"\n\n\"It was forty years ago, in the greatest inland sea we have in Europe, Mariko-san. The Mediterranean. It was just a siege, like any siege, not worth talking about,\" he lied. Such knowledge was priceless, certainly not to be given away lightly and absolutely not now. Mariko had explained many times that Osaka Castle stood inexorably between Toranaga and victory. Blackthorne was certain that the solution to Osaka might well be his passport out of the Empire, with all the riches he would need in this life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He noticed that Mariko seemed troubled. \"Senhora?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, senhor.\" She began to translate what he had said. But he knew that she knew he was hiding something. The smell of the stew distracted him.\n\n\"Fujiko-san!\"\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shokuji wa madaka? Kyaku wa... sazo kufuku de oro, neh?\" When's dinner? The guests may be hungry.\n\n\"Ah, gomen nasai, hi ga kurete kara ni itashimasu.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw her point at the sun and realized that she had said \"after sunset.\" He nodded and grunted, which passed in Japan for a polite \"thank you, I understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko turned again to Blackthorne. \"My husband would like you to tell him about a battle you've been in.\"\n\n\"They're all in the War Manual, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"He says he's read it with great interest, but it contains only brief details. Over the next days he wishes to learn everything about all your battles. One now, if it pleases you.\"\n\n\"They're all in the War Manual. Perhaps tomorrow, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted time to examine his blinding new thought about Osaka Castle and that battle, and he was tired of talking, tired of being cross-questioned, but most of all he wanted to eat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san, would you tell it again, just once, for my husband?\"\n\nHe heard the careful pleading under her voice so he relented. \"Of course. Which do you think he'd like?\"\n\n\"The one in the Netherlands. Near 'Zeeland'—is that how you pronounce it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he began to tell the story of this battle which was like almost every other battle in which men died, most of the time because of the mistakes and stupidity of the officers in command.\n\n\"My husband says it's not so here, Anjin-san. Here the commanding officers have to be very good or they die very quickly.\"\n\n\"Of course, my criticisms applied to European leaders only.\"\n\n\"Buntaro-sama says he will tell you about our wars and our leaders, particularly the Lord Taikō, over the days. A fair exchange for your information,\" she said noncommittally.\n\n\"Domo.\" Blackthorne bowed slightly, feeling Buntaro's eyes grind into him.\n\nWhat do you really want from me, you son of a bitch?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Story collab\nMe: Opening\nYou: 5 sentences more, James Clavell-style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night their sleep was disturbed.\n\n\"What is it, my love?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Mariko-chan. Go back to sleep.\"\n\nBut she did not. Nor did he. Long before she had to, she slipped back into her own room, and he got up and sat in the courtyard studying the dictionary under candlelight until dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the sun came and the day warmed, their night cares vanished and they continued their journey peacefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon they reached the great trunk road, the Tokaidō, just east of Mishima, and travelers became more numerous. The vast majority were, as always, on foot, their belongings on their backs. There were a few pack horses on the road and no carriages at all.\n\n\"Oh, carriage—that's something with wheels, neh? They're of no use in Japan, Anjin-san. Our roads are too steep and always crisscrossed with rivers and streams. Wheels would also ruin the surface of the roads, so they are forbidden to everyone except the Emperor, and he travels a few ceremonial ri in Kyoto on a special road. We don't need wheels. How can you carry vehicles over a river or stream—and there are too many, far too many to bridge. There are perhaps sixty streams to cross between here and Yedo, Anjin-san. How many have we already had to cross? Dozens, neh? No, we all walk or ride horseback. Of course horses and palanquins particularly are allowed only for important persons, daimyos and samurai, and not even all samurai.\"\n\n\"What? Even if you can afford one you can't hire one?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not unless you've the correct rank, Anjin-san. That's very wise, don't you think? Doctors and the very old can travel by horse or palanquin, or the very sick, if they get permission in writing from their liege lord. Palanquins or horses wouldn't be right for peasants and commoners, Anjin-san. That could teach them lazy habits, neh? It's much more healthy for them to walk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Also it keeps them in their place. Neh?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. But that all makes for peace and orderliness and wa. Only merchants have money to waste, and what are they but parasites who create nothing, grow nothing, make nothing but feed off another's labor? Definitely they should all walk, neh? In this we are very wise.\"\n\n\"I've never seen so many people on the move,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Oh, this is nothing. Wait till we get nearer Yedo. We adore to travel, Anjin-san, but rarely alone. We like to travel in groups.\"\n\nBut the crowds did not inhibit their progress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Toranaga cipher that their standards carried, Toda Mariko's personal rank, and the brusque efficiency of Akira Yoshinaka and the runners he sent ahead to proclaim who followed ensured the best private rooms every night at the best inn, and an uninterrupted passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All other travelers and samurai quickly stood aside and bowed very low, waiting until they had passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do they all have to stop and kneel like that to everyone?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san. Only to daimyos and important persons. And to most samurai—yes, that would be a very wise practice for any commoner. It's polite to do so, Anjin-san, and necessary, neh? Unless the common people respect the samurai and themselves, how can the law be upheld and the realm be governed? Then too, it's the same for everyone. We stopped and bowed and allowed the Imperial messenger to pass, didn't we? Everyone must be polite, neh? Lesser daimyos have to dismount and bow to more important ones. Ritual governs our lives, but the realm is obedient.\"\n\n\"Say two daimyos are equal and they meet?\"\n\n\"Then both would dismount and bow equally and go their separate ways.\"\n\n\"Say Lord Toranaga and General Ishido met?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko turned smoothly to Latin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are they, Anjin-san? Those names I know not, not today, not between thee and me.\"\n\n\"Thou art correct. Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"Listen, my love, let us make a promise that if the Madonna smiles on us and we escape from Mishima, only at Yedo, at First Bridge, only when it is completely forced upon us let us leave our private world. Please?\"\n\n\"What special danger's in Mishima?\"\n\n\"There our Captain must submit a report to the Lord Hiro-matsu. There I must see him also. He is a wise man, very vigilant. It would be easy for us to be betrayed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Team writing exercise. I start, you do 6 sentences in James Clavell style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko was delighted to be home again in Mishima among her girls and ledgers and bills of lading, her debts receivable, mortgage deeds, and promissory notes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've done quite well,\" she told her chief accountant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wizened little man bobbed a thank you and hobbled away. Balefully she turned to her chief cook. \"Thirteen silver chogin, two hundred copper monme for one week's food?\"\n\n\"Oh, please excuse me, Mistress, but rumors of war have sent prices soaring to the sky,\" the fat man said truculently. \"Everything. Fish and rice and vegetables—even soya sauce has doubled since last month and saké's worse. Work work work in that hot, airless kitchen that must certainly be improved. Expensive! Ha! In one week I've served one hundred and seventy-two guests, fed ten courtesans, eleven hungry apprentice courtesans, four cooks, sixteen maids, and fourteen men servants! Please excuse me, Mistress, so sorry, but my grandmother's very sick so I must ask for ten days' leave to... \"\n\nGyoko rent her hair just enough to make her point but not enough to mar her appearance and sent him away saying she was ruined, ruined, that she'd have to close the most famous Tea House in Mishima without such a perfect head cook and that it would all be his fault—his fault that she'd have to cast all her devoted girls and faithful but unfortunate retainers into the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't forget winter's coming,\" she wailed as a parting shot.\n\nThen contentedly alone, she added up the profits against the losses and the profits were twice what she expected. Her saké tasted better than ever and if food prices were up, so was the cost of saké. At once she wrote to her son in Odawara, the site of their saké factory, telling him to double their output. Then she sorted out the inevitable quarrels of the maids, sacked three, hired four more, sent for her courtesan broker, and bid heavily for the contracts of seven more courtesans she admired.\n\n\"And when would you like the honored ladies to arrive, Gyoko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the old woman simpered, her own commission considerable.\n\n\"At once. At once. Go on, run along.\"\n\nNext she summoned her carpenter and settled plans for the extension of this tea house, for the extra rooms for the extra ladies.\n\n\"At long last the site on Sixth Street's up for sale, Mistress. Do you want me to close on that now?\"\n\nFor months she had been waiting for that particular corner location. But now she shook her head and sent him away with instructions to option four hectares of wasteland on the hill, north of the city." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But don't do it all yourself. Use intermediaries. Don't be greedy. And I don't want it aired that you're buying for me.\"\n\n\"But four hectares? That's—\"\n\n\"At least four, perhaps five, over the next five months. But options only—understand? They're all to be put in these names.\"\n\nShe handed him the list of safe appointees and hurried him off, in her mind's eye seeing the walled city within a city already thriving. She chortled with glee.\n\nNext every courtesan was sent for and complimented or chided or howled at or wept with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some were promoted, some degraded, pillow prices increased or decreased. Then, in the midst of everything, Omi was announced.\n\n\"So sorry, but Kiku-san's not well,\" she told him. \"Nothing serious! It's just the change of weather, poor child.\"\n\n\"I insist on seeing her.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Omi-san, but surely you don't insist? Kiku-san belongs to your liege Lord, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know whom she belongs to,\" Omi shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to see her, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry, of course, you have every right to shout and curse, so sorry, please excuse me. But, so sorry, she's not well. This evening—or perhaps later—or tomorrow—what can I do, Omi-san? If she becomes well enough perhaps I could send word if you'll tell me where you're staying... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told her, knowing that there was nothing he could do, and stormed off wanting to hack all Mishima to pieces.\n\nGyoko thought about Omi. Then she sent for Kiku and told her the program she'd arranged for her two nights in Mishima. \"Perhaps we can persuade our Lady Toda to delay four or five nights, child. I know half a dozen here who'll pay a father's ransom to have you entertain them at private parties. Ha! Now that the great daimyo's bought you, none can touch you, not ever again, so you can sing and dance and mime and be our first gei-sha!\"\n\n\"And poor Omi-san, Mistress? I've never heard him so cross before, so sorry he shouted at you.\"\n\n\"Ha! What's a shout or two when we consort with daimyos and the richest of the rich rice and silk brokers at long last. Tonight I'll tell Omi-san where you'll be the last time you sing, but much too soon so he'll have to wait. I'll arrange a nearby room. Meanwhile he'll have lots of saké... and Akiko to serve him. It won't hurt to sing a sad song or two to him afterwards—we're still not sure about Toranaga-sama, neh? We still haven't had a down payment, let alone the balance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, wouldn't Choko be a better choice? She's prettier and younger and sweeter. I'm sure he would enjoy her more.\"\n\n\"Yes, child. But Akiko's strong and very experienced. When this sort of madness is on men they're inclined to be rough. Rougher than you'd imagine. Even Omi-san. I don't want Choko damaged. Akiko likes danger and needs some violence to perform well. She'll take the sting out of his Beauteous Barb. Run along now, your prettiest kimono and best perfumes... \"\n\nGyoko shooed Kiku away to get ready and once more hurled herself into finishing the management of her house. Then, everything completed—even the formal cha invitation tomorrow to the eight most influential Mama-sans in Mishima to discuss a matter of great import—she sank gratefully into a perfect bath, \"Ahhhhhhhhh!\"\n\nAt the perfect time, a perfect massage. Perfume and powder and makeup and coiffure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "New loose kimono of rare frothy silk. Then, at the perfect moment, her favorite arrived. He was eighteen, a student, son of an impoverished samurai, his name Inari.\n\n\"Oh, how lovely you are—I rushed here the moment your poem arrived,\" he said breathlessly. \"Did you have a pleasant journey? I'm so happy to welcome you back! Thank you, thank you for the presents—the sword is perfect and the kimono! Oh, how good you are to me!\"\n\nYes, I am, she told herself, though she stoutly denied it to his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon she was lying beside him, sweaty and languorous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Inari, she thought bemused, your Pellucid Pestle's not built like the Anjin-san's but what you lack in size you surely make up with cataclysmic vigor!\n\n\"Why do you laugh?\" he asked sleepily.\n\n\"Because you make me happy,\" she sighed, delighted that she'd had the great good fortune to be educated. She chatted easily, complimented him extravagantly, and petted him to sleep, her hands and voice out of long habit smoothly achieving all that was necessary of their own volition. Her mind was far away. She was wondering about Mariko and her paramour, rethinking the alternatives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How far dare she press Mariko?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or whom should she give them away to, or threaten her with, subtly of course—Toranaga, Buntaro, or whom? The Christian priest? Would there be any profit in that? Or Lord Kiyama—certainly any scandal connecting the great Lady Toda with the barbarian would ruin her son's chance of marrying Kiyama's granddaughter. Would that threat bend her to my will? Or should I do nothing—is there more profit in that somehow?\n\nPity about Mariko. Such a lovely lady!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My, but she'd make a sensational courtesan!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pity about the Anjin-san. My, but he's a clever one—I could make a fortune out of him too.\n\nHow can I best use this secret, most profitably, before it's no longer a secret and those two are destroyed?\n\nBe careful, Gyoko, she admonished herself. There's not much time left to decide about this, or about the other new secrets: about the guns and arms hidden by the peasants in Anjiro for instance, or about the new Musket Regiment—its numbers, officers, organization, and number of guns. Or about Toranaga, who, the last night in Yokosé, pillowed Kiku pleasantly, using a classic \"six shallow and five deep\" rhythm for the hundred thrusts with the strength of a thirty-year-old and slept till dawn like a babe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's not the pattern of a man distraught with worry, neh?\n\nWhat about the agony of the tonsured virgin priest who, naked and on his knees, prayed first to his bigot Christian God, begging forgiveness for the sin he was about to commit with the girl, and the other sin, a real one, that he had done in Osaka—strange secret things of the \"confessional\" that were whispered to him by a leper, then treacherously passed on by him to Lord Harima. What would Toranaga make of that? Endlessly pouring out what was whispered and passed onward, and then the praying with tight-closed eyes—before the poor demented fool spread the girl wide with no finesse and, later, slunk off like a foul night creature. So much hatred and agony and twisted shame.\n\nWhat about Omi's second cook, who whispered to a maid who whispered to her paramour who whispered to Akiko that he'd overheard Omi and his mother plotting the death of Kasigi Yabu, their liege lord?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ha! That knowledge made public would set a cat among all the Kasigi pigeons!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So would Omi's and Yabu's secret offer to Zataki if whispered into Toranaga's ear—or the words Zataki muttered in his sleep that his pillow partner memorized and sold to me the next day for a whole silver chojin, words that implied General Ishido and Lady Ochiba ate together, slept together, and that Zataki himself had heard them grunting and groaning and crying out as Yang pierced Yin even up to the Far Field!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko smiled to herself smugly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shocking, neh, people in such high places!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What about the other strange fact that at the moment of the Clouds and the Rain, and a few times before, the Lord Zataki had unconsciously called his pillow partner \"Ochiba.\" Curious, neh?\n\nWould the oh-so-necessary-to-both-sides Zataki change his song if Toranaga offered him Ochiba as bait? Gyoko chuckled, warmed by all the lovely secrets, all so valuable in the right ears, that men had spilled out with their Joyful Juice. \"He'd change,\" she murmured confidently. \"Oh, very yes.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Nothing, nothing Inari-chan. Did you sleep well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled and let him slide back into sleep. Then, when he was ready, she put her hands and lips on him for his pleasure. And for hers." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next one sentence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was kneeling in front of her polished metal mirror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked away from her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In her hands was the dagger, catching the flickering oil light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should use thee,\" she said, filled with grief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes sought the Madonna and Child in the niche beside the lovely spray of flowers, and filled with tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know suicide's a mortal sin, but what can I do? How can I live with this shame? It's better for me to do it before I'm betrayed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room was quiet like the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was their family house, built within the innermost ring of defenses and the wide moat around the castle, where only the most favored and trusted hatamoto were allowed to live." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Circling the house was a bamboo-walled garden and a tiny stream ran through it, tapped from the abundance of waters surrounding the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She heard footsteps. The front gate creaked open and there was the sound of servants rushing to greet the master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly she put the knife away in her obi and dried her tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon there were footsteps and she opened her door, bowing politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In ill humor, Buntaro told her Toranaga had changed his mind again, that now he was ordered to Mishima temporarily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll leave at dawn. I wanted to wish you a safe journey—\" He stopped and peered at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you crying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me. Sire. It's just because I'm a woman and life seems so difficult for me. And because of Toranaga-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a broken reed. I'm ashamed to say it. Terrible, but that's what he's become. We should go to war. Far better to go to war than to know the only future I've got is to see Ishido's filthy face laughing at my karma!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help. Would you like saké or cha?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro turned and bellowed at a servant who was waiting in the passageway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get saké! Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro walked into her room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko closed the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he stood at the window looking up at the castle walls and the donjon beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please don't worry, Sire,\" she said placatingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bath's ready and I've sent for your favorite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept his eyes on the donjon, seething." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he said, \"He should resign in Lord Sudara's favor if he's not got the stomach for leadership anymore. Lord Sudara's his son and legal heir, neh? Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Or even better, he should do as Zataki suggested. Commit seppuku. Then we'd have Zataki and his armies fighting with us. With them and the muskets we could smash through to Kyoto, I know we could. Even if we failed, better that than give up like filthy, cowardly Garlic Eaters! Our Master's forfeited all rights. Neh? NEH?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whirled on her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me—it's not for me to say. He's our liege lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro turned back again, brooding, to stare at the donjon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lights flickered on all levels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Particularly the sixth. \"My advice to his Council is to invite him to depart, and if he won't—to help him. There's precedent enough! There are many who share my opinion, but not Lord Sudara, not yet. Maybe he does secretly, who knows about him, what he's really thinking? When you meet his wife, when you meet Lady Genjiko, talk to her, persuade her. Then she'll persuade him—she leads him by the nose, neh? You're friends, she'll listen to you. Persuade her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think that would be very bad to do, Sire. That's treason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I order you to talk to her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will obey you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, you'll obey an order, won't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he snarled. \"Obey? Why are you always so cold and bitter? Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He picked up her mirror and shoved it up to her face. \"Look at yourself!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me if I displease you, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her voice was level and she stared past the mirror to his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't wish to anger you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched her for a moment then sullenly tossed the mirror back onto the lacquered table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't accuse you. If I thought that I'd... I wouldn't hesitate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko heard herself spit back, unforgivably, \"Wouldn't hesitate to do what? Kill me, Sire? Or leave me alive to shame me more?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't accuse you, only him!\" Buntaro bellowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I accuse you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she shrieked in return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you did accuse me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold your tongue!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You shamed me in front of our lord! You accused me and you won't do your duty! You're afraid! You're a coward! A filthy, garlic-eating coward!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sword came out of its scabbard, and she gloried in the fact that at least she had dared to push him over the brink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the sword remained poised in the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I... have your... I have your promise before your... your God, in Osaka. Before we... we go into death... I have your promise and I... I hold you to that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her baiting laugh was shrill and vicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, mighty Lord. I'll be your cushion just once more, but your welcome will be dry, bitter, and rancid!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hacked blindly with all his two-handed strength at a corner post and the blade sliced almost totally through the foot-thick seasoned beam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tugged but the sword held fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost berserk, he twisted it and fought it and then the blade snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a final curse he hurled the broken haft through the flimsy wall and staggered drunkenly for the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The quavering servant stood there with the tray and saké." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro smashed it out of his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly the servant knelt, put his head on the floor, and froze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro leaned on the shattered door frame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait... wait till Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He groped out of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a time, Mariko remained immobile, seemingly in a trance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the color began to return to her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes focused. Silently she returned to her mirror." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She studied her reflection for a moment. Then, quite calmly, she finished applying her makeup." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "three sentences sentences in James Clavell style, continuing user's bit" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Yabu returned to his house it was late in the day. Servants took his sweat-soiled clothes and gave him a fresh lounging kimono and put his feet into clean tabi. Yuriko, his wife, was waiting for him in the cool of the veranda with cha and saké, piping hot, the way he liked to drink it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saké, Yabu-san?\" Yuriko was a tall thin woman with gray-streaked hair. Her dark kimono of poor quality set off her fair skin nicely.\n\n\"Thank you, Yuriko-san.\" Yabu drank the wine gratefully, enjoying the sweet, harsh rasp as it slid down his parched throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It went well, I hear.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How impertinent of that ronin!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He served me well. Lady, very well. I feel fine now. I've blooded Toranaga's sword and made it really mine.\" Yabu finished the cup and she refilled it. His hand fondled his sword hilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you wouldn't have enjoyed the fight. He was a child—he fell into the first trap.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She touched him tenderly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm glad he did, husband.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but I hardly got up a sweat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu laughed. \"You should have seen the priest though! It would have made you warm to see that barbarian sweating—I've never seen him so angry. He was so angry it almost choked him to hold it in. Cannibal! They're all cannibals. Pity there's no way to stamp them out before we depart this earth.\"\n\n\"Do you think the Anjin-san could?\"\n\n\"He's going to try. With ten of those ships and ten of him, I could control the seas from here to Kyushu. With only him I could hurt Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and smash Jikkyu and keep Izu! We only need a little time and every daimyo'll be fighting his own special enemy. Izu would be safe and mine again! I don't understand why Toranaga's going to let the Anjin-san go. That's another stupid waste!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bunched his fist and slammed it on the tatamis." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maid flinched but said nothing. Yuriko did not make the slightest move. A smile flickered across her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did the Anjin-san take his freedom, and his vassals?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was so happy he was like an old man dreaming he had a four-pronged Yang. He—oh yes... \" Yabu frowned, remembering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But there was one thing I still don't understand. When those wako first surrounded me I was a dead man. No doubt about it. But the Anjin-san stopped them and gave me back my life. No reason for him to do that, neh? Just before, I'd seen the hate written all over him. So naïve to pretend otherwise—as if I'd trust him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He gave you your life?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes. Strange, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Many strange things are going on, husband.\" She dismissed the maid, then asked quietly, \"What did Toranaga really want?\"\n\nYabu bent forward and whispered, \"I think he wants me to become commander-in-chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should he do that? Is Iron Fist dying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yuriko asked. \"What about Lord Sudara? Or Buntaro? Or Lord Noboru?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who knows, Lady? They're all out of favor, neh? Toranaga changes his mind so often no one can predict what he'll do now. First he asked me to go in his place to the wharf and told how he wanted everything said, then he talked about Hiro-matsu, how old he was getting, and asked what I really thought about the Musket Regiment.\"\n\n\"Could he be readying Crimson Sky again?\"\n\n\"That's always ready. But he hasn't got the Fruit for it. That will need leadership and skill. Once he had it, not now. Now he's a shadow of the Minowara he was. I was shocked at how he looked. So sorry, I made a mistake. I should have gone with Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you chose correctly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"First have your bath, then I think I have a present for you.\"\n\n\"What present?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your brother Mizuno is coming after the evening meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a present?\" Yabu bristled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What would I want with that fool?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Special information or wisdom, even from a fool, can be just as valuable as from a counselor, neh? Sometimes more so.\"\n\n\"What information?\"\n\n\"First your bath. And food. You'll need a cool head tonight, Yabu-chan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu would have pressed her but the bath tempted him, and in truth, he was filled with a pleasing lassitude he had not felt in many a day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Part of it was due to Toranaga's deference this morning, part to the generals' deference over the last few days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But most of it was due to the killing, the ripple of joy that had rushed from sword to arm to head. Ah, to kill so cleanly, man to man—in front of men—that's a joy given to so few, so rarely. Rare enough to be appreciated and savored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he left his wife and relaxed further into his joy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He allowed hands to tend his body and then, refreshed and renewed, he went to a veranda room. The last rays of sunset bedecked the sky. The moon was low, crescent, and thin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of his personal maids served his evening meal delicately. He ate sparingly and in silence. A little soup and fish and pickled vegetables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl smiled invitingly. \"Shall I turn down the futons now, Sire?\"\n\nYabu shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Later. First tell my wife I wish to see her.\"\n\nYuriko arrived, wearing a neat but old kimono.\n\n\"So desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your brother's waiting. We should see him alone. See him first, Sire, then we'll talk, you and I—also alone. Please be patient, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasigi Mizuno, Yabu's younger brother and Omi's father, was a small man with bulbous eyes, high forehead, and thin hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His swords did not seem to suit him and he could barely handle them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even with bow and arrow he was not much better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mizuno bowed and complimented Yabu on his skill this afternoon, for the news of the exploit had quickly spread around the castle, further enhancing Yabu's reputation as a fighter. Then, anxious to please, he came to the point. \"I received a coded letter today from my son, Sire. The Lady Yuriko thought I'd better give it to you personally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He handed the scroll to Yabu, with the decoding. The message from Omi read: \"Father, please tell Lord Yabu quickly and privately: first Lord Buntaro came to Mishima, secretly via Takato. One of his men let this slip during a drunken evening that I'd arranged in their honor. Second: During this secret visit at Takato, which lasted three days, Buntaro saw Lord Zataki twice and the Lady, Zataki's mother, three times. Third: Before Lord Hiro-matsu left Mishima he told his new consort, the Lady Oko, not to worry because 'while I'm alive Lord Toranaga will never leave the Kwanto.' Fourth: that... \"\n\nYabu looked up. \"How can Omi-san possibly know what Iron Fist said privately to his consort? We don't have spies in his house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have now, Sire. Please read on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fourth: that Hiro-matsu is resolved to commit treason, if necessary, and will confine Toranaga in Yedo, if necessary, and will order Crimson Sky over Toranaga's refusal with or without Lord Sudara's assent, if necessary. Fifth: that these are truths that can be believed. Lady Oko's personal maid is the daughter of my wife's foster mother and was introduced into the Lady Oko's service here at Mishima when, regrettably, her own maid curiously acquired a wasting malaise. Sixth: Buntaro-san is like a madman, brooding and angry—today he challenged and slaughtered a samurai purposelessly, cursing the name of the Anjin-san. Last: Spies report that Ikawa Jikkyu has massed ten thousand men in Suruga, ready to sweep across our borders. Please give Lord Yabu my greetings... \" The rest of the message was inconsequential." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jikkyu, eh! Must I go to my death with that devil unrevenged!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please be patient, Sire,\" Yuriko said. \"Tell him, Mizuno-san.\"\n\n\"Sire,\" the little man began. \"For months we've tried to put your plan into effect, the one you suggested when the barbarian first arrived. You remember, with all those silver coins, you mentioned that a hundred or even five hundred in the hands of the right cook would eliminate Ikawa Jikkyu once and for all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mizuno's eyes seemed to grow even more froglike. \"It seems that Mura, headman of Anjiro, has a cousin who has a cousin whose brother now is the best cook in Suruga. I heard today he's been accepted into Jikkyu's household. He's been given two hundred on account and the whole price is five hun—\"\n\n\"We haven't got that money! Impossible! How can I raise five hundred—I'm so in debt now I can't even raise one hundred!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire. So sorry, but the money's already set aside. Not all the barbarian coins remained in the strongbox. A thousand coins strayed before it was officially counted. So sorry.\"\n\nYabu gawked at him. \"How?\"\n\n\"It seems Omi-san was ordered to do that in your name. The money was brought here secretly to the Lady Yuriko, from whom permission was asked and granted before risking your displeasure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu thought about that a long time. \"Who ordered it?\"\n\n\"I did. After seeking permission.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mizuno-san. And thank you, Yuriko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu bowed to both. \"So! Jikkyu, eh? At long last!\" He clapped his brother warmly on the shoulder and the smaller man was almost pathetic in his fawning pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did very well, brother. I'll send you some bolts of silk from the treasury. How is the lady, your wife?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, Sire, very well. She asked you to accept her best wishes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must have food together. Good—good. Now about the rest of the report—what are your views?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, Sire. I would be most interested in what you think it means.\"\n\n\"First—\" Yabu stopped as he caught his wife's look, cautioning him, and changed what he was going to say. \"First and last, it means that Omi-san, your son, is loyal and an excellent vassal. If I had control of the future I'd promote him—yes, he deserves promotion, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mizuno was unctuously delighted. Yabu was patient with him, chatting with him, again complimenting him and, as soon as was polite, he dismissed him.\n\nYuriko sent for cha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were quite alone again he said, \"What does the rest mean?\"\n\nHer face mirrored her excitement now, \"Please excuse me, Sire, but I want to give you a new idea: Toranaga is playing us all for fools and has no intention, and never had any intention, of going to Osaka to surrender.\"\n\n\"Nonsense!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me give you facts... Oh, Sire, you don't know how fortunate you are in your vassal Omi and that stupid brother who stole a thousand coins. Proof of my theory could be as follows: Buntaro-san, a trusted intimate, is sent to Zataki secretly. Why? Obviously to carry a new offer. What would tempt Zataki? The Kwanto—only that. So the offer is the Kwanto—in return for allegiance, once Toranaga is again President of the Council of Regents—a new one with the new mandate. He can afford to give it then, neh?\" She waited, then went on painstakingly. \"If he persuades Zataki to betray Ishido, he's a quarter of the way to the capital, Kyoto. How can the pact with his brother be cemented? Hostages! I heard this afternoon Lord Sudara, the Lady Genjiko, and their daughters and their son are going to visit their revered grandmother at Takato within ten days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All of them?\"\n\n\"Yes. Next Toranaga gives the Anjin-san back his ship, as good as new, with all the cannon and powder, two hundred fanatics and all that money, surely enough to buy more barbarian mercenaries, wako scum out of Nagasaki. Why? To allow him to attack and take the Black Ship of the barbarians. No Black Ship, no money, and immense trouble for the Christian priests who control Kiyama, Onoshi, and all traitorous Christian daimyos.\"\n\n\"Toranaga'd never dare to do that! The Taikō tried and failed and he was all powerful. The barbarians will sail away in fury. We'll never trade again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. If we did it. But this time it's barbarian against barbarian, neh? It's nothing to do with us. And say the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and puts it to the torch—isn't Harima now hostile, and Kiyama and Onoshi, and, because of them, most Kyushu daimyos? Say the Anjin-san burns a few of their other ports, harries their shipping, and at the same time—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And at the same time Toranaga launches Crimson Sky!\" Yabu exploded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Oh yes,\" Yuriko agreed happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doesn't this explain Toranaga? Doesn't this intrigue fit him like a skin? Isn't he doing what he's always done, just waiting like always, playing for time like always, a day here a day there and soon a month has passed and again he has an overwhelming force to sweep all opposition aside? He's gained almost a month since Zataki brought the summons to Yokosé.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu could feel his pulse roaring in his ears. \"Then we're safe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but we're not lost. I believe it's no surrender.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hesitated. \"But everyone was deceived. Oh, he's so clever, neh? Everyone fooled like us. Until tonight. Omi gave me the clues. We all forgot Toranaga is a great Nōh actor who can wear his own face as a mask if need be. Neh?\"\n\nYabu tried to marshal his thoughts but could not. \"But Ishido still has all Japan against us!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Less Zataki. And there must be other secret alliances. Toranaga and you can hold the passes until the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ishido has Osaka Castle and the Heir and the Taikō's wealth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But he'll stay skulking inside. Someone will betray him.\"\n\n\"What should I do?\"\n\n\"The opposite to Toranaga. Let him do the waiting, you must force the pace.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How?\"\n\n\"The first thing, Sire, is this: Toranaga's forgotten the one thing you noticed this afternoon. The Tsukku-san's total fury. Why? Because the Anjin-san threatens the Christian future, neh? So you've got to put the Anjin-san under your protection at once, because those priests or their puppets will murder him within hours. Next: The Anjin-san needs you to protect and guide him, to help him get his new crew at Nagasaki. Without you and your men he has to fail. Without him and his ship and his cannon and more barbarians, Nagasaki won't burn, and that must happen or Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and the filthy priests won't be distracted enough to temporarily withdraw their support from Ishido. Meanwhile, Toranaga, now miraculously supported by Zataki and his fanatics, with you leading the Musket Regiment, sweeps through the Shinano passes down to the Kyoto plains.\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, you are right, Yuriko-chan! It has to be that way. Oh, you are so clever, so wise!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wisdom and Luck are no good without the means to put a plan into effect, Sire. You alone can do that—you're the leader, the fighter, the battle-general that Toranaga must have. You must see him tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't go to Toranaga and tell him I've seen through his ruse, neh?\"\n\n\"No, but you'll beg him to allow you to go with the Anjin-san, that you must leave at once. We can think of a plausible reason.\"\n\n\"But if the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and the Black Ship, won't they stop trading and sail away?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Possibly. But that's next year. By next year Toranaga will be a Regent, President of the Regents. And you his commander-in-chief.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu came down from the clouds. \"No,\" he said firmly. \"Once he has power he'll order me to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Long before that you will have the Kwanto.\"\n\nHis eyes blinked. \"How?\"\n\n\"Toranaga will never actually give his half brother the Kwanto. Zataki's a perpetual threat. Zataki's a wild man, pride-filled, neh? It will be so easy for Toranaga to maneuver Zataki into begging for the foremost place in the battle. If Zataki doesn't get killed... perhaps a stray bullet or arrow? Probably a bullet. You must lead the Musket Regiment in the battle, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why shouldn't I receive a stray bullet equally?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may, Sire. But you're not Toranaga's kinsman and therefore no threat to his power. You will become his most devoted vassal. He needs fighting generals. You'll earn the Kwanto, and that should be your only goal. He'll give it to you when Ishido's betrayed because he'll take Osaka for himself.\"\n\n\"Vassal? But you said to wait and soon I'd nev—\"\n\n\"Now I counsel you to support him with all your strength. Not to follow his orders blindly like old Iron Fist, but cleverly. Don't forget, Yabu-chan, during battle, as in any battle, soldiers make mistakes, stray bullets do happen. So long as you lead the Regiment, you can choose, too—any time, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said, awed by her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember, Toranaga's worth following. He's Minowara, Ishido's a peasant. Ishido's the fool. I can see that now. Ishido should be hammering at the gates of Odawara right now, rain or no rains. Didn't Omi-san say that months ago too? Isn't Odawara undermanned? Isn't Toranaga isolated?\"\n\nYabu pounded his fist on the floor with delight. \"Then it's war after all! How clever you are to have seen through him! Ah, so he's been playing the fox all the time, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, greatly satisfied." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide six sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still travel-worn, Mariko embraced Kiri first, then hugged the Lady Sazuko, admired the baby, and hugged Kiri again. Personal maids fussed and bustled around them, bringing cha and saké and taking away the trays again, hurrying in and out with cushions and sweet-smelling herbs, opening and closing the shojis overlooking the inner garden in their section of Osaka Castle, waving fans, chattering, and weeping also.\n\nAt length Kiri clapped her hands, dismissed the maids, and groped heavily for her special cushion, overcome with excitement and happiness. She was very flushed. Hastily Mariko and the Lady Sazuko fanned her and ministered to her, and only after three large cups of saké was she able to catch her breath again.\n\n\"Oh, that's better,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, thank you child, yes, I'll have some more! Oh, Mariko-chan, you're really here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes. Really here, Kiri-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sazuko, looking much younger than her seventeen years, said, \"Oh, we've been so worried with only rumors and—\"\n\n\"Yes, nothing but rumors, Mariko-chan,\" Kiri interrupted. \"Oh, there's so much I want to know, I feel faint.\"\n\n\"Poor Kiri-san, here, have some saké,\" Sazuko said solicitously. \"Perhaps you should loosen your obi and—\"\n\n\"I'm perfectly all right now! Please don't fuss, child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri exhaled and folded her hands over her ample stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh Mariko-san, it's so good to see a friendly face again from outside Osaka Castle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Sazuko echoed, nestling closer to Mariko, and said in a torrent, \"whenever we go out of our gate Grays swarm around us like we were queen bees. We're not allowed to leave the castle, except with the Council's permission—none of the ladies are, even Lord Kiyama's—and the Council almost never meets and they hem and haw so there's never any permission and the doctor still says I'm not to travel yet but I'm fine and the baby's fine and... But first tell us—\"\n\nKiri interrupted, \"First tell us how our Master is.\"\n\nThe girl laughed, her vivacity undiminished. \"I was going to ask that, Kiri-san!\"\n\nMariko replied as Toranaga had ordered. \"He's committed to his course—he's confident and content with his decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had rehearsed herself many times during her journey. Even so the strength of the gloom she created almost made her want to blurt out the truth. \"So sorry,\" she said.\n\n\"Oh!\" Sazuko tried not to sound frightened.\n\nKiri heaved herself to a more comfortable position. \"Karma is karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then—then there's no change—no hope?\" the girl asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri patted her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Believe that karma is karma, child, and Lord Toranaga is the greatest, wisest man alive. That is enough, the rest is illusion. Mariko-chan, do you have messages for us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry. Yes, here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko took the three scrolls from her sleeve. \"Two for you, Kiri-chan—one from our Master, one from Lord Hiro-matsu. This is for you, Sazuko, from your Lord, but he told me to tell you he misses you and wants to see his newest son. He made me remember to tell you three times. He misses you very much and oh so wants to see his youngest son. He misses you very... \"\n\nTears were spilling down the girl's cheeks. She mumbled an apology and ran out of the room clutching the scroll.\n\n\"Poor child. It's so very hard for her here.\" Kiri did not break the seals of her scrolls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know about His Imperial Majesty being present?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mariko was equally grave. \"A courier from Lord Toranaga caught up with me a week ago. The message gave no details other than that, and named the day he will arrive here. Have you heard from him?\"\n\n\"Not directly—nothing private—not for a month now. How is he? Really?\"\n\n\"Confident.\" She sipped some saké. \"Oh, may I pour for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\"\n\n\"Nineteen days isn't much time, is it, Kiri-chan?\"\n\n\"It's time enough to go to Yedo and back again if you hurry, time enough to live a lifetime if you want, more than enough time to fight a battle or lose an Empire—time for a million things, but not enough time to eat all the rare dishes or drink all the saké... \" Kiri smiled faintly. \"I'm certainly not going to diet for the next twenty days. I'm—\" She stopped. \"Oh, please excuse me—listen to me prattling on and you haven't even changed or bathed. There'll be plenty of time to talk later.\"\n\n\"Oh, please don't concern yourself. I'm not tired.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you must be. You'll stay at your house?\"\n\n\"Yes. That's where the General Lord Ishido's pass permits me to go.\" Mariko smiled wryly. \"His welcome was flowery!\"\n\nKiri scowled. \"I doubt if he'd be welcome even in hell.\"\n\n\"Oh? So sorry, what now?\"\n\n\"Nothing more than before. I know he ordered the Lord Sugiyama murders and tortures though I've no proof. Last week one of Lord Oda's consorts tried to sneak out with her children, disguised as a street cleaner. Sentries shot them 'by mistake.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How terrible!\"\n\n\"Of course, great 'apologies'! Ishido claims security is all important. There was a trumped-up assassination attempt on the Heir—that's his excuse.\"\n\n\"Why don't the ladies leave openly?\"\n\n\"The Council has ordered wives and families to wait for their husbands, who must return for the Ceremony. The great Lord General feels 'the responsibility of their safety too gravely to allow them to wander.' The castle's locked tighter than an old oyster.\"\n\n\"So is the outside, Kiri-san. There are many more barriers than before on the Tokaidō, and Ishido's security's very strong within fifty ri. Patrols everywhere.\"\n\n\"Everyone's frightened of him, except us and our few samurai, and we're no more trouble to him than a pimple on a dragon's rump.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even our doctors?\"\n\n\"Them too. Yes, they still advise us not to travel, even if it were permitted, which it will never be.\"\n\n\"Is the Lady Sazuko fit—is the baby fit, Kiri-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, you can see that for yourself. And so am I.\" Kiri sighed, the strain showing now, and Mariko noticed there was much more gray in her hair than before. \"Nothing's changed since I wrote to Lord Toranaga at Anjiro. We're hostages and we'll stay hostages with all the rest until The Day. Then there'll be a resolution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now that His Imperial Highness is arriving... that makes everything final, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. It would seem so. Go and rest, Mariko-chan, but eat with us tonight. Then we can talk, neh? Oh, by the way, one piece of news for you. Your famous barbarian hatamoto—bless him for saving our Master, we heard about that—he docked safely this morning, with Kasigi Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Oh! I was so worried about them. They left the day before I did by sea. We were also caught in part of the tai-fun, near Nagoya, but it wasn't that bad for us. I was afraid at sea... Oh, that's a relief.\"\n\n\"It wasn't too bad here except for the fires. Many thousands of homes burned but barely two thousand dead. We heard today that the main force of the storm hit Kyushu, on the east coast, and part of Shikoku. Tens of thousands died. No one yet knows the full extent of the damage.\"\n\n\"But the harvest?\" Mariko asked quickly.\n\n\"Much of it's flattened here—fields upon fields. The farmers hope that it will recover but who knows? If there's no damage to the Kwanto during the season, their rice may have to support the whole Empire this year and next.\"\n\n\"It would be far better if Lord Toranaga controlled such a harvest than Ishido. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But, so sorry, nineteen days is not time enough to take in a harvest, with all the prayers in the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko finished her saké. \"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri said, \"If their ship left the day before you, you must have hurried.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it best not to dawdle, Kiri-chan. It's no pleasure for me to travel.\"\n\n\"And Buntaro-san? He's well?\"\n\n\"Yes. He's in charge of Mishima and all the border at the moment. I saw him briefly coming here. Do you know where Kasigi Yabu-sama's staying? I have a message for him.\"\n\n\"In one of the guest houses. I'll find out which and send you word at once.\" Kiri accepted more wine. \"Thank you, Mariko-chan. I heard the Anjin-san's still on the galley.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a very interesting man, Kiri-san. He's become more than a little useful to our Master.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I heard that. I want to hear everything about him and the earthquake and all your news. Oh yes, there's a formal reception tomorrow evening for Lady Ochiba's birthday, given by Lord Ishido. Of course you'll be invited. I heard that the Anjin-san's going to be invited too. The Lady Ochiba wanted to see what he looks like. You remember the Heir met him once. Wasn't that the first time you saw him too?\"\n\n\"Yes. Poor man, so he's to be shown off, like a captive whale?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Kiri added placidly, \"With all of us. We're all captives, Mariko-chan, whether we like it or not.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~six sentences more. copy James Clavell's style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attack on the Browns' stronghold began in the darkest reaches of the night, two or three hours before dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first wave of ten ninja—the infamous Stealthy Ones—came over the roofs of the battlements opposite, now unguarded by Grays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They threw cloth-covered grappling hooks on ropes over to the other roof and swung across the chasm like so many spiders. They wore tight-fitting clothes of black and black tabi and black masks. Their hands and faces were also blackened. These men were lightly armed with chain knives and shuriken—small, star-shaped, needle-sharp, poison-tipped throwing barbs and discs that were the size of a man's palm. On their backs were slung haversacks and short thin poles.\n\nNinja were mercenaries. They were artists in stealth, specialists in the disreputable—in espionage, infiltration, and sudden death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ten men landed noiselessly. They re-coiled the grapples, and four of them hooked the grapples again onto a projection and immediately swung downward to a veranda twenty feet below. Once they had reached it, as noiselessly, their comrades unhooked the grapples, dropped them down, and moved across the tiles to infiltrate another area.\n\nA tile cracked under one man's foot and they all froze. In the forecourt, three stories and sixty feet below, Sumiyori stopped on his rounds and looked up. His eyes squinted into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited without moving, his mouth open a fraction to improve his hearing, his eyes sweeping slowly. The roof with the ninja was in shadow, the moon faint, the stars heavy in the thick humid air. The men stayed absolutely still, even their breathing controlled and imperceptible, seemingly as inanimate as the tiles upon which they stood.\n\nSumiyori made another circuit with his eyes and with his ears, and then another, and, still not sure, he walked out into the forecourt to see more clearly. Now the four ninja on the veranda were also within his field of vision but they were as motionless as the others and he did not notice them either.\n\n\"Hey,\" he called to the guards on the gateway, the doors tight barred now, \"you see anything—hear anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Captain,\" the alert sentries said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The roof tiles are always chattering, shifting a bit—it's the damp or the heat, perhaps.\"\n\nSumiyori said to one of them, \"Go up there and have a look. Better still, tell the top-floor guards to make a search just in case.\"\n\nThe soldier hurried off. Sumiyori stared up again, then half shrugged and, reassured, continued his patrol. The other samurai went back to their posts, watching outward.\n\nOn the rooftop and on the veranda the ninja waited in their frozen positions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even their eyes moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were schooled to remain immobile for hours if need be—just one part of their perpetual training." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the leader motioned to them and at once they again moved to the attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their grapples and ropes took them quietly to another veranda where they could slide through the narrow windows in the granite walls. Below this top floor, all other windows—defense positions for bowmen—were so narrow that they could not be entered from outside. At another signal the two groups entered simultaneously.\n\nBoth rooms were in darkness, with ten Browns sleeping in neat lines. They were put to death quickly and almost noiselessly, a single knife thrust in the throat for most, the raiders' trained senses taking them unerringly to their targets, and in moments the last of the Browns was thrashing desperately, his warning shout garroted just as it had begun. Then, the rooms secured, the doors secured, the leader took out a flint and tinder and lit a candle and carried it, cupped carefully, to the window and signaled three times into the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind him his men were making doubly sure that every Brown was quite dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leader repeated the signal, then came away from the window and motioned with his hand, speaking to them in sign language with his fingers.\n\nAt once the raiders undid their haversacks and readied their attack weapons—short, sickle-shaped, double-edged knives with a chain attached to the haft, weighted at the end of the chain, and shuriken and throwing knives. At another order, selected men unsheathed the short poles. These were telescoped spears and blow pipes that sprang into full length with startling speed. And as each man completed his preparations he knelt, settled himself facing the door, and, seemingly without conscious effort, became totally motionless. Now the last man was ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The leader blew out the candle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the city bells toned the middle of the Hour of the Tiger—four of the clock, an hour before dawn—the second wave of ninja infiltrated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twenty slid silently out of a large, disused culvert that once had serviced the rivulets of the garden. All these men wore swords. Like so many shadows, they swarmed into position among the shrubs and bushes, became motionless and almost invisible. At the same time another group of twenty came up from the ground by ropes and grapples to attack the battlement that overlooked the forecourt and garden.\n\nTwo Browns were on the battlements, carefully watching the empty roofs across the avenue. Then one of the Browns glanced around and saw the grapples behind them and he began to point in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His comrade opened his mouth to shout a warning when the first ninja made the embrasure and, with a whipping snap of his wrist, sent a barbed shuriken whirling into this samurai's face and mouth, hideously strangling the shout, and hurled himself forward at the other samurai, his outstretched hand now a lethal weapon, the thumb and forefinger extended, and he stabbed for the jugular. The impact paralyzed the samurai, another vicious blow broke his neck with a dry crack, and the ninja jumped at the first agonized samurai, who was clawing at the barbs embedded deeply in his mouth and face, the poison already working.\n\nWith a final supreme effort, the dying samurai ripped out his short stabbing sword and struck. His blow sliced deep and the ninja gasped but this did not stop the rush and his hand slammed into the Brown's throat, snapping the man's head back and dislocating his spine. The samurai was dead on his feet.\n\nThe ninja was bleeding badly but he made no sound and still held on to the dead Brown, lowering him carefully to the stone flags, sinking to his knees beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the ninja had climbed up the ropes now and stood on the battlement. They bypassed their wounded comrade until the battlement was secured. The wounded man was still on his knees beside the dead Browns, holding his side. The leader examined the wound. Blood was spurting in a steady stream. He shook his head and spoke with his fingers and the man nodded and dragged himself painfully to a corner, the blood leaving a wide trail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made himself comfortable, leaning against the stone, and took out a shuriken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He scratched the back of one hand several times with the poison barbs, then found his stiletto, put the point at the base of his throat and, two-handed, with all his strength, he thrust upward.\n\nThe leader made sure this man was dead then went back to the fortified door that led inside. He opened it cautiously. At that moment they heard footsteps approaching and at once melted back into ambush position.\n\nIn the corridor of this, the west wing, Sumiyori was approaching with ten Browns. He dropped two off near the battlement door and, not stopping, walked on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These two reliefs went out onto the battlement as Sumiyori turned the far corner and went down a flight of circular steps. At the bottom was another checkpoint and the two tired samurai bowed and were replaced.\n\n\"Pick up the others and go back to your quarters. You'll be wakened at dawn,\" Sumiyori said.\n\n\"Yes, Captain.\"\n\nThe two samurai walked back up the steps, glad to be off duty. Sumiyori continued on down the next corridor, replacing sentries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length he stopped outside a door and knocked, the last two guards with him.\n\n\"Yabu-san?\"\n\n\"Yes?\" The voice was sleepy.\n\n\"So sorry, it's the change of the guard.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you. Please come in.\"\n\nSumiyori opened the door but warily stayed on the threshold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu was touseled, propped in the coverlets on one elbow, his other hand on his sword. When he was sure it was Sumiyori he relaxed and yawned. \"Anything new, Captain?\"\n\nSumiyori relaxed also and shook his head, came in and closed the door. The room was large and neat and another bed of futons was laid and turned back invitingly. Arrow slit windows overlooked the avenue and city, a sheer drop of thirty feet below. \"Everything's quiet. She's sleeping now... At least her maid, Chimmoko, said she was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went to the low bureau where an oil lamp spluttered and poured himself cold cha from a pot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beside it was their pass, formally stamped, that Yabu had brought back from Ishido's office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu yawned again and stretched luxuriously. \"The Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"He was awake the last time I checked. That was at midnight. He asked me not to check again until just before dawn—something about his customs. I didn't understand clearly everything he said, but there's no harm, there's very tight security everywhere, neh? Kiritsubo-san and the other ladies are quiet, though she's been up, Kiritsubo-san, most of the night.\"\n\nYabu got out of bed. He wore only a loincloth. \"Doing what?\"\n\n\"Just sitting at a window, staring out. Nothing to see out there. I suggested she'd better get some sleep. She thanked me politely and agreed and stayed where she was. Women, neh?\"\n\nYabu flexed his shoulders and elbows and scratched vigorously to get his blood flowing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to dress. \"She should rest. She's got a long way to go today.\"\n\nSumiyori set the cup down. \"I think it's all a trick.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I don't think Ishido means it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have signed permits. There they are. Every man's listed. You checked the names. How can he go back on a public commitment to us or to Lady Toda? Impossible, neh?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Your pardon, Yabu-san, but I still think it's a trick.\"\n\nYabu knotted his sash slowly. \"What kind of trick?\"\n\n\"We'll be ambushed.\"\n\n\"Outside the castle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sumiyori nodded. \"Yes, that's what I think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He wouldn't dare.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'll dare. He'll ambush us or delay us. I can't see him letting her go, or Lady Kiritsubo, or Lady Sazuko or the babe. Even old Lady Etsu and the others.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you're wrong.\"\n\nSumiyori shook his head sadly. \"I think it would've been better if she'd cut deep and you'd struck. This way nothing's resolved.\"\n\nYabu picked up his swords and stuck them in his belt. Yes, he was thinking, I agree with you. Nothing's resolved and she failed in her duty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know it, I know it, and so does Ishido. Disgraceful! If she'd cut, then we would have all lived forever. As it is now... she came back from the brink and dishonored us and dishonored herself. Shigata ga nai, neh? Stupid woman!\n\nBut to Sumiyori he said, \"I think you're wrong. She conquered Ishido. Lady Toda won. Ishido won't dare to ambush us. Go to sleep, I'll wake you at dawn.\"\n\nAgain Sumiyori shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, thank you, Yabu-san, I think I'll go the rounds again.\" He went to a window and peered out. \"Something's not right.\"\n\n\"Everything's fine. Get some—wait a moment! What was that? Did you hear something?\"\n\nYabu came up to Sumiyori and pretended to search the darkness, listening intently, and then, without warning, he whipped out his short sword and with the same flashing, spontaneous movement, buried the blade into Sumiyori's back, clapping his other hand over the man's mouth to stop the shriek. The captain died instantly. Yabu held him carefully at arm's length with immense strength so that none of the blood stained him, and carried the body over to the futons, arranging it in a sleeping position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he pulled out his sword and began to clean it, furious that Sumiyori's intuition had forced the unplanned killing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so, Yabu thought, I can't have him prowling around now.\n\nEarlier, when Yabu was returning from Ishido's office with their safe conduct pass, he had been waylaid privately by a samurai he had never seen before.\n\n\"Your co-operation's invited, Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"To what and by whom?\"\n\n\"By someone you made an offer to yesterday.\"\n\n\"What offer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In return for safe conducts for you and the Anjin-san, you'd see she was disarmed during the ambush on your journey... Please don't touch your sword, Yabu-san, there are four archers waiting for an invitation!\"\n\n\"How dare you challenge me? What ambush?\" he had bluffed, feeling weak at the knees, for there was no doubt now that the man was Ishido's intermediary. Yesterday afternoon he had made the secret offer through his own intermediaries, in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the wreckage Mariko had caused to his plans for the Black Ship and the future. At the time he had known that it was a wild idea. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, to disarm her and stay alive, therefore fraught with danger to both sides, and when Ishido, through intermediaries, had turned it down he was not surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know nothing of any ambush,\" he had blustered, wishing that Yuriko were there to help him out of the morass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even so, you're invited to one, though not the way you planned it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In return you get Izu, the barbarian and his ship—the moment the chief enemy's head is in the dust. Providing, of course, she's captured alive and you stay in Osaka until the day and swear allegiance.\"\n\n\"Whose head?\" Yabu had said, trying to get his brain working, realizing only now that Ishido had used the request for him to fetch the safe conducts merely as a ruse so the secret offer could be made safely and negotiated.\n\n\"Is it yes or no?\" the samurai asked.\n\n\"Who are you and what are you talking about?\" He had held up the scroll. \"Here's Lord Ishido's safe conduct. Not even the Lord General can cancel these after what's happened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what many say. But, so sorry, bullocks will shit gold dust before you or any are allowed to insult the Lord Yaemon... Please take your hand away from your sword!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then watch your tongue!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, so sorry. You agree?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm overlord of Izu now, and promised Totomi and Suruga,\" Yabu had said, beginning to bargain. He knew that though he was trapped, as Mariko was trapped, so equally was Ishido trapped, because the dilemma Mariko had precipitated still existed.\n\n\"Yes, so you are,\" the samurai had said. \"But I'm not permitted to negotiate. Those are the terms. Is it yes or no?... \"\n\nYabu finished cleaning his sword and arranged the sheet over the seemingly sleeping figure of Sumiyori. Then he toweled the sweat off his face and hands, composed his rage, blew out the candle, and opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two Browns were waiting some paces down the corridor. They bowed.\n\n\"I'll wake you at dawn, Sumiyori-san,\" Yabu said to the darkness. Then, to one of the samurai, \"You stand guard here. No one's to go in. No one! Make sure the captain's not disturbed—he needs rest.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nThe samurai took up his new post and Yabu strode off down the corridor with the other guard, went up a flight of steps to the main central section of this floor and crossed it, heading for the audience room and inner apartments that were in the east wing. Soon he came to the cul-de-sac corridor of the audience room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guards bowed and allowed him to enter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other samurai opened the door to the corridor and complex of private quarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knocked at a door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san?\" he said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no answer. He pulled the shoji open. The room was empty, the inner shoji ajar. He frowned, then motioned to his accompanying guard to wait, and hurried across the room into the dimly lit inner corridor. Chimmoko intercepted him, a knife in her hand. Her rumpled bed was in this passageway outside one of the rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry, Sire, I was dozing,\" she said apologetically, lowering her knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she did not move out of his path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was looking for the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He and my Mistress are talking, Sire, with Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Achiko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please ask him if I could see him a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly, Sire.\" Chimmoko politely motioned Yabu back into the other room, waited until he was there, and pulled the inner shoji closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard in the main corridor watched inquisitively.\n\nIn a moment the shoji opened again and Blackthorne came in. He was dressed and wore a short sword.\n\n\"Good evening, Yabu-san,\" he said.\n\n\"So sorry to disturb you, Anjin-san. I just want see—make sure all right, understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you. No worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady Toda all right? Not sick?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fine now. Very tired but fine. Soon dawn, neh?\"\n\nYabu nodded. \"Yes. Just want make sure all right. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. This afternoon you say 'plan,' Yabu-san. Remember? Please what secret plan?\"\n\n\"No secret, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said, regretting that he had been so open at that time. \"You misunderstood. Say only must have plan... very difficult escape Osaka, neh? Must escape or... \" Yabu drew a knife across his throat. \"Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. But now have pass, neh? Now safe go out Osaka. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Soon leave. On boat very good. Soon get men at Nagasaki. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nVery friendly, Yabu went away. Blackthorne closed the door after him and walked back to the inner passageway, leaving his inner door ajar. He passed Chimmoko and went into the other room. Mariko was propped in futons, appearing more diminutive than ever, more delicate and more beautiful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri was kneeling on a cushion. Achiko was curled up asleep to one side.\n\n\"What did he want, Anjin-san?\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Just to see we were all right.\"\n\nMariko translated for Kiri.\n\n\"Kiri says, did you ask him about the 'plan'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But he shrugged the question off. Perhaps he changed his mind. I don't know. Perhaps I was mistaken but I thought this afternoon he had something planned, or was planning something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To betray us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. But I don't know how.\"\n\nMariko smiled at him. \"Perhaps you were mistaken. We're safe now.\"\n\nThe young girl, Achiko, mumbled in her sleep and they glanced at her. She had asked to stay with Mariko, as had old Lady Etsu, who was sleeping soundly in an adjoining room. The other ladies had left at sunset to go to their own homes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All had sent formal requests for permission to depart at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the failing light, rumors had rushed through the castle that nearly one hundred and five would also apply tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama had sent for Achiko, his granddaughter-in-law, but she refused to leave Mariko. At once the daimyo had disowned her and demanded possession of the child. She had given up her child. Now the girl was in the midst of a nightmare but it passed and she slept peacefully again.\n\nMariko looked at Blackthorne. \"It's so wonderful to be at peace, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said. Since she had awakened and found herself alive and not dead, her spirit had clung to his. For the first hour they had been alone, she lying in his arms.\n\n\"I'm so glad thou art alive, Mariko. I saw thee dead.\"\n\n\"I thought I was. I still cannot believe Ishido gave in. Never in twenty lifetimes... Oh, how I love thy arms about me, and thy strength.\"\n\n\"I was thinking that this afternoon from the first moment of Yoshinaka's challenge I saw nothing but death—yours, mine, everyone's. I saw into your plan, so long in the making, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Since the day of the earthquake, Anjin-san. Please forgive me but I didn't—I didn't want to frighten you. I was afraid you wouldn't understand. Yes, from that day I knew it was my karma to bring the hostages out of Osaka. Only I could do that for Lord Toranaga. And now it's done. But at what a cost, neh? Madonna forgive me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Kiri had arrived and they had had to sit apart but that had not mattered to either of them. A smile or a look or word was enough.\n\nKiri went over to the slit windows. Out to sea were flecks of light from the inshore fishing boats. \"Dawn soon,\" she said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Mariko said. \"I'll get up now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soon. Not yet, Mariko-sama,\" Kiri told her. \"Please rest. You need to gather your strength.\"\n\n\"I wish Lord Toranaga was here.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Have you prepared another message about... about our leaving?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mariko-sama, another pigeon will leave with the dawn. Lord Toranaga will hear of your victory today,\" Kiri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'll be so proud of you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm so glad he was right.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Kiri said. \"Please forgive me for doubting you and doubting him.\"\n\n\"In my secret heart I doubted him too. So sorry.\"\n\nKiri turned back to the window and looked out over the city. Toranaga's wrong, she wanted to shriek. We'll never leave Osaka, however much we pretend. It's our karma to stay—his karma to lose." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as James Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire?\" Fujiko was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're to go direct from here to Anjiro. I've decided to change the Anjin-san's fief from around Yokohama to Anjiro. Twenty ri in every direction from the village, with a yearly income of four thousand koku. You'll take over Omi-san's house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I thank you on his behalf, Sire. So sorry, do I understand that he doesn't know about this yet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I'll tell him today. I've ordered him to build another ship, Fujiko-san, to replace the one lost, and Anjiro will be a perfect shipyard, much better than Yokohama. I've arranged with the Gyoko woman for her eldest son to be business overseer for the Anjin-san, and all materials and craftsmen will be paid for out of my treasury. You'll have to help him set up some form of administration.\"\n\n\"Oh ko, Sire,\" she said, immediately concerned. \"My time remaining with the Anjin-san will be so short.\"\n\n\"Yes. I'll have to find him another consort—or wife. Neh?\"\n\nFujiko looked up, her eyes narrowing. Then she said, \"Please, how may I help?\"\n\nToranaga said, \"Whom would you suggest? I want the Anjin-san to be content. Contented men work better, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Fujiko reached into her mind. Who would compare with Mariko-sama? Then she smiled. \"Sire, Omi-san's present wife, Midori-san. His mother hates her, as you know, and wants Omi divorced—so sorry, but she had the astounding bad manners to say it in front of me. Midori-san's such a lovely lady and, oh, so very clever.\"\n\n\"You think Omi wants to be divorced?\" Another piece of the puzzle fell in place.\n\n\"Oh, no, Sire, I'm sure he doesn't. What man wants really to obey his mother? But that's our law, so he should have divorced her the first time his parents mentioned it, neh? Even though his mother's very bad tempered, she surely knows what's best for him, of course. So sorry, I have to be truthful as this is a most important matter. Of course I mean no offense, Sire, but filial duty to one's parents is the corner post of our law.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Toranaga said, pondering this fortunate new thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san would consider Midori-san a good suggestion?\"\n\n\"No, Sire, not if you ordered the marriage... but, so sorry, there's no need for you to order him.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"You could perhaps think of a way to make him think of it himself. That would certainly be best. With Omi-san, of course, you just order him.\"\n\n\"Of course. You'd approve of Midori-san?\" \"Oh, yes. She's seventeen, her present son's healthy, she's from good samurai stock, so she'd give the Anjin-san fine sons. I suppose Omi's parents will insist Midori give up her son to Omi-san, but if they don't the Anjin-san could adopt him. I know my Master likes her because Mariko-sama told me she teased him about her. She's very good samurai stock, very prudent, very clever. Oh, yes, he'd be very safe with her. Also her parents are both dead now so there'd be no ill feeling from them about her marrying a—marrying the Anjin-san.\"\n\nToranaga toyed with the idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've certainly got to keep Omi off balance, he told himself. Young Omi can become a thorn in my side too easily. Well, I won't have to do anything to get Midori divorced. Omi's father will absolutely have definite last wishes before he commits seppuku and his wife will certainly insist the most important last thing he does on this earth will be to get their son married correctly. So Midori will be divorced within a few days anyway. Yes, she'd be a very good wife.\n\n\"If not her, Fujiko-san, what about Kiku? Kiku-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko gaped at him. \"Oh, so sorry, Sire, you're going to relinquish her?\"\n\n\"I might. Well?\"\n\n\"I would have thought Kiku-san would be a perfect unofficial consort, Sire. She's so brilliant and wonderful. Though I can see she would be an enormous distraction for an ordinary man, and, so sorry, it would be years before the Anjin-san would be able to appreciate the rare quality of her singing or dancing or wit. As wife?\" she asked, with just enough emphasis to indicate absolute disapproval. \"Ladies of the Willow World aren't usually trained the same as... as others are, Sire. Their talents lie elsewhere. To be responsible for the finances and the affairs of a samurai house is different from the Floating World.\"\n\n\"Could she learn?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko hesitated a long while. \"The perfect thing for the Anjin-san would be Midori-san for wife, Kiku-san as consort.\"\n\n\"Could they learn to live with all his—er—different attitudes?\"\n\n\"Midori-san's samurai, Sire. It would be her duty. You would order her. Kiku-san also.\"\n\n\"But not the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"You know him better than I, Sire. But in pillow things and... it would be better for him to, well, think of it himself.\"\n\n\"Toda Mariko-sama would have made a perfect wife for him. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's an extraordinary idea, Sire,\" Fujiko replied, without blinking. \"Certainly both had an enormous respect for each other.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said dryly. \"Well, thank you, Fujiko-san. I'll consider what you said. He'll be at Anjiro in about ten days.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire. If I might suggest, the port of Ito and the Yokosé Spa should be included within the Anjin-san's fief.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Ito just in case Anjiro is not big enough. Perhaps bigger slipways would be necessary for such a big ship. Perhaps they're available there. Yokosé be—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. An—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you been there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire. But the Anjin-san's interested in the sea. So are you. It was my duty to try to learn about ships and shipping, and when we heard the Anjin-san's ship was burned I wondered if it would be possible to build another, and if so, where and how. Izu is a perfect choice, Sire. It will be easy to keep Ishido's armies out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And why Yokosé?\"\n\n\"And Yokosé because a hatamoto should have a place in the mountains where you could be entertained in the style you have a right to expect.\"\n\nToranaga was watching her closely. Fujiko appeared so docile and demure but he knew she was as inflexible as he was and not ready to concede either point unless he ordered it. \"I agree. And I'll consider what you said about Midori-san and Kiku-san.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire,\" she said humbly, glad that she had done her duty to her master and repaid her debt to Mariko. Ito for its slipways, and Yokosé where Mariko had said their \"love\" had really begun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I'm so lucky, Fujiko-chan,' Mariko had told her at Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Our journey here has brought me more joy than I have the right to expect in twenty lifetimes.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I beg you to protect him in Osaka, Mariko-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So sorry, he's not like us, not civilized like us, poor man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His nirvana is life and not death.'\n\nThat's still true, Fujiko thought again, blessing Mariko's memory. Mariko had saved the Anjin-san, no one else—not the Christian God or any gods, not the Anjin-san himself, not even Toranaga, no one—only Mariko alone. Toda Mariko-noh-Akechi Jinsai had saved him.\n\nBefore I die I will put up a shrine at Yokosé and leave a bequest for another at Osaka and another at Yedo. That's going to be one of my death wishes, Toranaga-sama, she promised herself, looking back at him so patiently, warmed by all the other lovely things yet to be done on the Anjin-san's behalf. Midori to wife certainly, never Kiku as wife but only a consort and not necessarily chief consort, and the fief extended to Shimoda on the very south coast of Izu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you want me to leave at once, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay here tonight, then go direct tomorrow. Not via Yokohama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I understand. So sorry, I can take possession of my Master's new fief on his behalf—and all it contains—the moment I arrive?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kawanabi-san will give you the necessary documents before you leave here. Now, please send Kiku-san to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko bowed and left.\n\nToranaga grunted. Pity that woman's going to end herself. She's almost too valuable to lose, and much too smart. Ito and Yokosé? Ito understandable. Why Yokosé? And what else was in her mind?\n\nHe saw Kiku coming across the sun-baked courtyard, her little feet in white tabi, almost dancing, so sweet and elegant with her silks and crimson sunshade, the envy of every man in sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah, Kiku, he thought, I can't afford that envy, so sorry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can't afford you in this life, so sorry. You should have remained where you were in the Floating World, courtesan of the First Class. Or even better, gei-sha. What a fine idea that old hag came up with! Then you'd be safe, the property of many, the adored of many, the central point of tragic suicides and violent quarrels and wonderful assignations, fawned on and feared, showered with money that you'd treat with disdain, a legend—while your beauty lasts. But now? Now I can't keep you, so sorry. Any samurai I give you to as consort takes to his bed a double-edged knife: a complete distraction and the envy of every other man. Neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few would agree to marry you, so sorry, but that's the truth and this is a day for truths. Fujiko was right. You're not trained to run a samurai household, so sorry. As soon as your beauty goes—oh, your voice will last, child, and your wit, but soon you'll still be cast out onto the dung heap of the world. So sorry, but that's also the truth. Another is that the highest Ladies of the Floating World are best left in their Floating World to run other houses when age is upon them, even the most famous, to weep over lost lovers and lost youth in barrels of saké, watered with your tears. The lesser ones at best to be wife to a farmer or fisherman or merchant, or rice seller or craftsman, from which life you were born—the rare, sudden flower that appears in the wilderness for no reason other than karma, to blossom quickly and to vanish quickly.\n\nSo sad, so very sad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How do I give you samurai children?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You keep her for the rest of your time, his secret heart told him. She merits it. Don't fool yourself like you fool others. The truth is you could keep her easily, taking her a little, leaving her a lot, just like your favorite Tetsu-ko, or Kogo. Isn't Kiku just a falcon to you? Prized yes, unique yes, but just a falcon that you feed from your fist, to fly at a prey and call back with a lure, to cast adrift after a season or two, to vanish forever? Don't lie to yourself, that's fatal. Why not keep her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's only just another falcon, though very special, very high-flying, very beautiful to watch, but nothing more, rare certainly, unique certainly, and, oh, so pillowable..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you laugh? Why are you so happy, Sire?\"\n\n\"Because you are a joy to see, Lady.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Laura Joh Rowland.Produce three sentences using the prose and structure of Laura Joh Rowland every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Keeping his gaze focused straight ahead, Sano hurried along the street toward police headquarters and the haven of his own rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men passed him; he avoided their eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't stand the thought of talking to anyone or going to his office, where he would have to see Tsunehiko and the rest of his staff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not with his body still trembling with impotent rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He needed time alone to master his emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning, Yoriki Sano-san,\" someone called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano sped past without replying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he reached headquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he got to the barracks, he saw floor mats and bedding hung out to air on the veranda railings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard women's voices. All the doors stood open; in his room, a maid was scrubbing the floor. He'd forgotten that the barracks were cleaned thoroughly once a week at this time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frustration adding to his anger, he ran to the back garden. To his relief, it was deserted.\n\nSolitude brought him no peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeking to vent the anger he couldn't express to Magistrate Ogyu, Sano looked around and saw a fist-sized rock at his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked it up and hurled it into the pond with all his might.\n\nIt hit the water with a satisfying splash! Instantly he felt better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He chuckled wryly at himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a childish gesture! Just like one of his young pupils having a temper tantrum. He squatted beside the pond, gazing at the pine needles floating on its surface as he pondered his next move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that his rage had cooled, he could better understand Ogyu's position. Yukiko's and Noriyoshi's deaths had looked like suicide. The magistrate could hardly justify a murder investigation on the strength of a questionable bruise on Noriyoshi's head, or the fact that Noriyoshi hadn't liked women and had made enemies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano admitted the mistake he'd made by approaching Ogyu with such flimsy evidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't blame Ogyu for resorting to extreme tactics to avert what he considered a potential disaster. What he needed was to find indisputable proof of the murders. Proof that neither Ogyu nor the Nius could brush aside, and which they would ultimately be grateful to have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano rose with a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To find proof, he would have to disobey Ogyu's orders again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And perhaps, while seeking it, he would find evidence of the Nius' involvement in the crime, and Ogyu's collusion in covering it up. The prospect dismayed him, with its promise of danger for him and his family. But somehow, almost without his noticing, his sense of personal duty toward finding the truth had burgeoned until it rivaled the obligation he owed to his father, his patron, and Ogyu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Added to it was a vague but strong feeling of indebtedness toward Wisteria and Dr. Ito. Wisteria's testimony and lovemaking and Ito's dissection had cost them each something; he couldn't let their actions count for nothing. With a shock, he realized that he would risk almost anything to fulfill his personal duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His desire for the truth fueled an inner reserve of strength and daring he hadn't known he possessed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This frightened him more than the threat of losing his position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To depart from the Way of the Warrior, from its code of unswerving loyalty and obedience, must have consequences that he hadn't begun to imagine.\n\nHe headed for the stables, reassuring himself that this particular inquiry needn't cause him any ill consequences. Questioning Kikunojo should put him in no danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With luck, Magistrate Ogyu and Lady Niu wouldn't hear of his actions until he had some results.\n\nHe tried to ignore his suspicion that they would oppose an investigation no matter what proof he laid before them.\n\nSano's spirits rose considerably by the time he reached the Saru-waka-cho theater quarter near the city's Ginza district, named for the silver mint that the Tokugawas had built there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yesterday's balmy weather was holding, and the pleasant ride reminded him of childhood holidays when the whole family, along with various friends and relatives, would spend a day at the theater. They'd arrive when the performances began at dawn and stay until the last one ended at sunset. His father, who, like many older samurai, preferred classical No drama, would complain about the melodramatic Kabuki plays, even while enjoying them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano also remembered more recent excursions, when the theater offered a chance for him and other young men to flirt with the young women who also attended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, during the last five years, work had left him little time for such diversions. Now he studied the district with nostalgia.\n\nSaru-waka-cho sparkled with familiar color and activity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bright signs plastered over the walls of the four main theaters announced the current play schedules." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An occasional burst of song or cheering from the open upper-story windows signaled a play in progress. In square towers perched high on the rooftops, drummers beat a steady bass rhythm to summon theatergoers from distant parts of the city. People of all classes and ages crowded the wide streets, lining up at the ticket booths, seeking refreshment at the many teahouses and restaurants that occupied the spaces between the theaters, or pausing to exchange greetings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano knew some of them had waited all night to get a good seat to see their favorite actors.\n\n\"Where is Kikunojo performing?\" he asked the attendant at the public stable where he left his horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attendant pointed in the direction of the largest theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Nakamura-za,\" he said.\n\nSano made his way through the jostling crowds. When he reached the Nakamura-za, he saw signs posted across the front of the building: \"Narukami, starring the great Kikunojo!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his disappointment, there was no line outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The performance had already started.\n\n\"Can I still get in?\" he asked the ticket seller without much hope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Narukami—the story of a princess who saves Japan from a mad monk who has used magic to keep the rains from falling—was a popular attraction. And Kikunojo would fill the theater no matter what the play.\n\nBut the ticket seller nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took Sano's money and handed over a ticket, saying, \"There are seats left, sir. The play has been running for a month now; most everyone has seen it already.\"\n\nEntering the theater, Sano paused for a moment to get his bearings. The vast room, lit only by windows in the roof and along the upper gallery, was dim because fire laws prohibited the use of indoor lighting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, he could make out the unlit lanterns hanging from the rafters, each bearing the crest of an actor who had performed in the Nakamura-za. Women and commoners occupied the less desirable seats along the walls. Raised dividers separated the space before the stage into square compartments, where the shaved crowns and upright sword hilts of the samurai predominated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Refreshment sellers ran up and down the dividers carrying trays of food and drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The incessant chatter and restless movement of the audience almost drowned out the sound of the musicians' wooden clappers. Sano climbed the nearest divider and walked along it until he spotted a compartment near the front with an empty space. Kneeling on the mat with five other samurai, he turned his attention to the stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The play was nearing its end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Against a painted backdrop of mountains and clouds, the actor playing the mad monk Narukami sang about the havoc he would wreak upon the country by withholding the rains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exaggerated black eyebrows and whiskers gave him a demonic appearance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The brilliant red and gold cleric's mantle that he wore over his brown monk's robe caught the dim light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bellowed each word in a resounding voice designed to carry over the noise of the audience, stamping, pacing, and gesticulating to hold their attention. The musicians seated at the side of the stage played a cacophonous accompaniment on their clappers, flutes, and samisens.\n\nThe song ended, and the music with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A hush fell over the theater." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heads turned toward the back of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's coming,\" someone whispered.\n\nThe clappers sounded again, rapid, frantic. Sano felt a ripple of anticipation pass through the audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A woman was walking slowly and daintily down the gangway that extended from the back of the theater to the stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Princess Taema, dressed in a magnificent purple satin kimono printed with white chrysanthemums, was coming to free the rains and save her people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face was strikingly beautiful with its stark white makeup and scarlet mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long black hair, pulled back at the sides, hung down to her waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kikunojo.\" The name, spoken on a collective sigh, echoed through the room. \"Kikunojo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the audience burst into wild cheers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Princess Taema reached the stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The audience quieted as she began to sing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano sat transfixed. Although he knew that Kikunojo was Edo's foremost onnagata—specialist in female roles—he couldn't believe that the figure onstage was not a real woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Voice, posture, expression, and movements were all completely feminine. Not even the kerchief of purple cloth that covered the actor's shaved crown could detract from the illusion. Sano watched, fascinated, as Princess Taema began to seduce Narukami." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Any effeminate man could be dressed up to resemble a beautiful woman, but Kikunojo's genius lay in his ability to project emotion. Sano could feel the sexual current flowing from Princess Taema to Narukami, and he knew the rest of the audience could, too. How could Narukami resist her ploy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't. With much song and gesture, he yielded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Princess Taema cut the magic rope that held back the rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The musicians produced the sound of falling water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Japan was saved amid cheers, whistles, and clapping from the audience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano remained in his seat until most of the crowd had left the theater. Then he headed down the divider and onto the stage, where Kikunojo held court before a group of female admirers.\n\nThe onnagata was bigger than he looked from a distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood taller than Sano, head and shoulders above the women crowded around him. The actor who played Narukami must have worn high-platformed sandals to top him. As Sano moved closer, he spotted more signs of Kikunojo's true sex." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The long, graceful hands, white with the same powder that covered the onnagata's face, had large knuckles and bony wrists." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His features, though delicate, lacked the softness of a woman's. The tricks he used to disguise his masculinity were obvious: the long, trailing ends of the special sash that made him seem shorter, the way he kept his chin lowered to hide his adam's apple.\n\nBut none of this bothered Kikunojo's admirers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, the spectacle of male sexuality hidden beneath a woman's hairstyle and clothing excited them to a fever pitch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They flushed and giggled as they shyly advanced one at a time to offer tributes to him: a prettily wrapped package, a stammered compliment. Each of these Kikunojo accepted with an ethereal smile and a graceful bow. He placed the gifts on a small table evidently intended for that purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on! I dare you!\" The woman next to Sano nudged her companion, a grandmotherly matron.\n\nGrandmother darted forward and stood on tiptoe to touch Kikunojo's purple kerchief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her wrinkled face full of glee at her own audacity, she scurried back to her place. The other women howled with laughter.\n\nSano smiled. The government had tried to reduce the sexual appeal of onnagata by requiring them to shave their crowns, but many women found the kerchiefs just as erotic as a full head of hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited until the last admirer had departed, then introduced himself. \"Kikunojo-san, may I have a word with you in private?\"\n\nKikunojo produced a silk fan from the folds of his kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiding the lower half of his face with it, he murmured, \"Honorable master... my duties... errands... another performance soon... many apologies, but I have no time now... perhaps another day...?\" The gesture, the high, sweet voice, and the vague, trailing speech perfectly mimicked those of a noble lady.\n\n\"It's about Noriyoshi,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can either talk here, in public, or somewhere else. Your choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impressive though the act was, he didn't intend to let Kikunojo get away.\n\nAwareness widened Kikunojo's eyes before his lids slipped down again. He nodded demurely and said from behind the fan, \"Come with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano followed Kikunojo's stately figure through a door near the stage and down a dim passage to the onnagata's dressing room. They left their shoes outside the curtained doorway, and Sano noted with amusement that Kikunojo's were bigger than his own. In the tiny cubicle, bright kimonos hung from standing racks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five wigs on wooden heads occupied one shelf, while others held fans, hair ornaments, shoes, and folded undergarments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brushes, powder puffs, and makeup jars littered the dressing table; silk scarves were draped over the large mirror. A table held packages similar to the ones Sano had just seen Kikunojo receive, probably gifts from other admirers. Had Niu Yukiko been one of them?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The suicide note suggested a connection between her and the Kabuki theater, even if she hadn't written it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Lady Niu had commented upon the theater's bad influence on young girls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo knelt before the dressing table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano knelt, too, feeling awkward. True onnagata like Kikunojo never stepped out of their female personae, even offstage. They claimed that this allowed them to perform their roles more convincingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was he supposed to join in the charade by addressing Kikunojo as a woman? He couldn't forget that Kikunojo was a man. The actor's very male odor of sweat, easily discernible in such close quarters, served as a vivid reminder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his relief, Kikunojo dropped his act, either because he sensed Sano's discomfort or because he saw no need to waste his efforts on a yoriki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever you have to say, please make it quick,\" he said. He tossed aside his fan, lifted his head, and straightened his drooping posture. But his voice remained high and girlish, as if playing women onstage had somehow feminized him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have another performance this afternoon, and some very important business to conduct before then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such as paying someone like Noriyoshi to keep your secrets?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano asked, hoping to catch the actor off guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo just shrugged. \"So you've heard he was blackmailing me,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you won't mind if I undress? I'm in a bit of a hurry.\"\n\n\"Not at all.\" Sano watched, intrigued, as Kikunojo removed his purple kerchief to reveal his bare crown. The actor undid a complicated system of pins and knots that anchored the long black wig to his own hair, which was slicked back and tied in a tight knot at the nape of his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he picked up a cloth, dipped it into a jar of oil, and scrubbed the makeup from his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a startling transformation, the beautiful young Princess Taema became a man of regular but unremarkable features, long past his thirtieth birthday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Noriyoshi won't be troubling me or anyone else now,\" Kikunojo went on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's dead, and I must say I'm not sorry. The little weasel!\"\n\nYou wouldn't be so outspoken about your feelings if you knew you were a murder suspect, Sano thought. Kikunojo had just made his motive clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was he blackmailing you for?\" he asked.\n\nKikunojo stood and untied his sash. He shed his outer-and under-kimonos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath them he wore cotton pads over his chest, hips, and buttocks. These he removed to expose a slender but well-muscled body. Sano decided that Kikunojo would definitely have had the strength to kill Noriyoshi and Yukiko and throw their bodies into the river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's an odd story making the rounds,\" Kikunojo said. \"People are saying that Noriyoshi didn't really commit suicide. That he was murdered. Have you heard?\"\n\n\"I may have.\" Even as Sano decided that Wisteria must have spread the story, he could appreciate Kikunojo's trick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The actor had neatly avoided answering the question by throwing out an interesting fact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such quick thinking bespoke a man intelligent enough to plan and execute an elaborate murder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was he blackmailing you for?\" he repeated, refusing to fall for the trick.\n\nKikunojo took a man's black silk kimono decorated with gold cartwheels and blue waves from the rack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This he put on over a blue under-kimono, tying it with a plain black sash. \"I hardly think that's any of your business,\" he said.\n\nHe looked with feigned interest toward the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through a gap in the curtain, a portion of the stage was visible. The intermission entertainment had begun for those members of the audience who hadn't left the theater. An actor dressed as a samurai performed the yariodori, a comic dance that poked fun at the retainers of daimyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waved and flicked his plumed war staff in the manner of a woman doing her spring housecleaning. The cheers presumably came from the commoners in the audience; the hisses and catcalls from the samurai.\n\n\"It is if Noriyoshi was murdered,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikunojo gave an exasperated sigh as he pulled a black cloak over his kimono. \"I didn't kill him, if that's what you've come here to find out.\" When Sano didn't reply, he said, \"Oh, all right. Noriyoshi found out that I was seeing a married lady. Her husband would kill us both if he found out. You know how it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano did. Kabuki theater had been founded about a hundred years before by a Shinto priestess from Izumo Shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Kabuki had soon lost its religious associations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Courtesans took up the theatrics, and their lewd performances overstepped the bounds of propriety. Male admirers vied for their favors, often creating public disturbances. The government responded by banning female performers from the theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since then, all female roles had been played by men. But the troubles hadn't ended. Onnagata proved just as adept at creating scandal as the courtesans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They attracted both women who found their masquerade titillating and men who simply liked men. Kikunojo, with his clandestine affair, was part of a tradition.\n\n\"The shogun can do as he pleases—with the wives and daughters of his ministers, yet,\" Kikunojo continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But we ordinary adulterers get punished, if not by irate spouses, then by the authorities. What do you think of that, yoriki?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano thought that Kikunojo had once again tried to divert the conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rank commands privileges, Kikunojo-san. Now, about Noriyoshi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo shot him a look of grudging respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Noriyoshi kept asking for more and more money,\" he said. \"He bled me dry. Finally, about a month ago, I got to thinking: if he talked, who would believe him? It would be his word against mine, and who was he? So I took the chance. I said I wasn't going to pay anymore, and I told him why.\" Kikunojo took a white bridal kimono and red under-kimono from the rack and laid them on a square cloth with fresh socks and purple kerchief, the wig he'd removed, and a selection of makeup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should have done it a long time ago. Because he never talked, and he never asked for any more money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Kikunojo had really stopped paying, where had the money in Noriyoshi's room come from, Sano wondered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw a way to take advantage of the opening Kikunojo had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Suppose Noriyoshi was murdered,\" he said. \"Could you prove you were somewhere else when it happened?\"\n\nKikunojo laughed as he tied the ends of the cloth around his possessions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My good man, even if I'd wanted to kill Noriyoshi, I wouldn't have had the time. The night he died, I had a rehearsal until well after midnight. We're starting a new play tomorrow. After that... \" His smile eerily evoked the lovely Princess Taema. \"After that, I was with my lady.\"\n\n\"Would she corroborate that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The onnagata bent a pitying look on Sano. \"Of course not. Didn't I say she's married? And don't bother asking me her name, because I won't tell you.\"\n\nSano clenched his teeth together in annoyance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Getting facts from people during an unofficial murder investigation was proving difficult indeed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had no legal means of forcing them to tell him anything, and any illegal methods he used would undoubtedly attract Magistrate Ogyu's attention.\n\n\"Any more questions?\" Kikunojo asked.\n\n\"One. Are you acquainted with Lord Niu's daughter, Yukiko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although Sano watched Kikunojo's face closely, he saw no hint of uneasiness, only mild surprise at an apparently irrelevant question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yukiko,\" the actor said, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I think I've seen her. The whole Niu family attends the theater often.\"\n\nIf Kikunojo had killed Noriyoshi and Yukiko, his admission could be a clever way of implying that he had nothing to hide. Besides, Sano could easily have learned that the Nius were Kabuki enthusiasts, and a lie would have aroused his suspicion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano tried to imagine how and why the murders might have taken place. Maybe Kikunojo had killed Yukiko because she'd somehow witnessed Noriyoshi's murder.\n\n\"If you'll excuse me, I have to go now,\" Kikunojo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm late already.\" Then, very casually, as if the thought had just occurred to him, he added, \"If you think that Noriyoshi got killed by someone he was blackmailing, then perhaps you should talk to a certain sumo wrestler named Raiden.\"\n\nAgain Sano admired Kikunojo's quick intelligence. What better way to divert suspicion than to direct it toward someone else?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did Noriyoshi have on him?\" he asked.\n\nKikunojo shrugged. \"You'll have to ask Raiden.\" He slid open the dressing room's outer door, letting in a gust of cool wind from the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prospect of seeing an onnagata walk casually out the door in male attire drew Sano's interest momentarily from the investigation. \"I thought you always appeared in public dressed as a woman,\" he said.\n\n\"Sometimes I have to sacrifice my art for the sake of privacy,\" Kikunojo explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I were to venture outside in those\"—he waved toward his kimonos and wigs—\"people would recognize me. Some of my more persistent and adoring admirers might follow me. And I can't have that. Not today—I have a very personal matter to attend to. A pity, though. I'll have to get dressed all over again when I get there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slung the bundle over his shoulder.\n\nKikunojo was going to see his lady, Sano realized belatedly. Although why the actor needed to take along a bridal kimono was more than he cared to think about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lowering his eyes demurely, the onnagata smiled. \"Sayūnara, yoriki,\" he murmured, bowing low. Without makeup or costume, he became a woman before Sano's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the great Kikunojo turned and dashed into the street, a nondescript man quickly lost in the crowd.\n\nOn impulse, Sano followed him. Kikunojo had a motive for Noriyoshi's murder and a connection with the Nius." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also had the intelligence to plan and the strength to carry out the murders." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In male dress, he could move freely about the city without attracting attention. His presence at the rehearsal could be verified by the other actors, but had he really spent the rest of the night with a lady? Sano had to find out who she was. To do that, he could spend hours questioning the theater gossips—or let the onnagata lead him straight there." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write three sentences like Laura Joh Rowland would, using user's text as beginning" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu hesitated outside her son's door, holding a tray that contained a lacquer box, matches, a few long wood splinters, and a bay-bark candle. Anxious to see Masahito, yet dreading their encounter, she balanced the tray on her hip and knocked. No answer came. She heard only the distant chanting from the family Buddhist chapel, where the priests were holding a vigil over Yukiko's body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Lady Niu could sense Masahito's presence, as strongly as if she could see him through the translucent paper windows set in the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slid the door open and entered.\n\nAn icy gust of wind assaulted her, and she uttered an exclamation of dismay.\n\nMasahito knelt, his back to her, facing the open window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although the chamber was almost as cold as the garden outside, he wore only a thin white silk kimono. His feet were bare. When Lady Niu crossed the floor to stand beside him, she saw that his face wore the rapt expression of deep meditation—eyes half closed, lips parted, he seemed unaware of his shivering body, or that the cold had raised bumps on his bare arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His chamber reflected the austerity and lack of comfort he preferred in his surroundings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Plain white plaster covered the walls; a frayed tatami with its edges bound in common black cotton lay on the floor. He wouldn't allow her to supply him with furnishings more in keeping with the rest of the house. He slept on the same worn and flattened futon he'd had for years, and he used charcoal braziers only in the coldest weather." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite his father's wealth, Masahito lived like a monk, as if he wanted to see how much suffering he could withstand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fearful for his health, Lady Niu walked over to the window and closed it.\n\n\"Mother!\"\n\nShe whirled at the sound of his voice, almost dropping the tray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Masahito. I've come to give you your moxa treatment. We'll have to hurry; it's almost time for Yukiko's funeral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She and the other women had already put on their white mourning kimonos for the procession to the temple, but he still needed to change into his black ceremonial robes. She added, \"I wish you wouldn't leave the window open. The draft will give you a chill.\"\n\nHe regarded her with an unsmiling stare as frigid as the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you never to enter my chamber without my permission, Mother,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His disapproval gripped Lady Niu's heart like a physical pain. Masahito—her precious only son—had been born after years of hoping and praying for a child. She loved him more than she'd ever loved anyone else, showering gifts and attention upon him throughout his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But more often than not, he repaid her with hostility. She'd heard the servants whispering that she'd spoiled him because he'd been born with a crippled leg, and now his soul was crippled as well. Yet how else could she compensate him for being the youngest son—and child of a daimyo's second wife—excluded from the succession by birth and from his father's favor by his deformity?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even her position as a Tokugawa cousin and member of the Fujiwara family that had dominated the imperial court in ancient times couldn't give him the status he deserved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She suppressed the urge to fuss over him, to wrap him in warm clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To do so would provoke more harsh words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said cautiously, \"I am sorry. Does your leg pain you?\"\n\nAs soon as the words passed her lips, she regretted them. His leg did hurt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She, who knew him so well, should have seen the signs invisible to anyone else: the tension around his mouth, the faint shadows under his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even the room's icy discomfort should have told her. She remembered how, as a child, he would hold his hand dangerously close to a candle flame. When she snatched the hand away and demanded why he would do such a foolish thing, he said, \"It makes me forget my leg.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today other worries pressed in on her, and she hadn't observed him with her customary care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Masahito sighed impatiently. \"I'm fine, Mother,\" he said. But he carefully unfolded his legs and extended them straight before him in preparation for the treatment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although she knew the effort hurt him, his expression didn't change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He never betrayed his pain, making himself walk without a limp and without using a cane even when he thought he was alone. He drew his kimono back as far as his groin. The left leg was sturdy and muscular, its flesh smooth and unmarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The right was brittle and weak-looking, with healed scars and raw sores marring the withered thigh.\n\nAs usual, the sight of her son's bad leg caused a surge of tender anguish to engulf Lady Niu. She wanted to caress and coddle him, to ease his pain with maternal care." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Masahito's response to affection had always been unpredictable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During his childhood, he had sometimes returned her embraces, sometimes hit or kicked her. He'd hated to acknowledge his pain or accept comfort. Now he might tolerate her love or rebuke her with his sharp tongue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So instead she knelt, opened the lacquer box, and began to take out the eleven small gray moxa cones. Made of mugwort leaves gathered on the fifth day of the fifth month, ground in a pestle and rolled into shape, they were soft and flaky to the touch. She wet the base of each one with the tip of her tongue, then arranged them on Masahito's thigh, careful to avoid the unhealed sores left by previous treatments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unable to resist the temptation, she let her fingertips brush his skin as if by accident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Touching him gave her the most exquisite, heart-breaking pleasure... She lit the candle and used a wood splinter to transfer flame to the cones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon a thin smoke began to rise from them, and the mildly bitter scent of burning leaves mingled with the candle's fragrance. The priests' chanting droned on as they prepared Yukiko's coffin for transport to the temple, lending a mystical atmosphere to the treatment. Masahito seemed a living Buddha and she a worshipper burning incense before him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu watched her son's face for a sign that the treatment was draining away the distemperous vapors that caused his pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had much to discuss with him, but she didn't want to speak until relief made him more receptive to advice. The cones smoldered. The smoke thickened. Finally his face relaxed—though whether because the moxa was healing him or because the pain caused by the burning cones distracted him, she couldn't tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a critical time for our family, Masahito,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It demands discreet behavior from all of us. Even sacrifices.\" She paused, hoping she wouldn't have to continue. To say exactly what she expected from him would be to voice the unspeakable. The unthinkable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He regarded her in silence, his feverish eyes glowing in his handsome face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A faint, malicious smile played at his lips.\n\nFaltering, she said, \"Perhaps... perhaps it would be better for you to... refrain from certain activities.\" Her mind recoiled from the thought of those activities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Masahito's smile widened, but not with humor or warmth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head. \"Oh, Mother. For once in your life, why not say what you mean?\" he said. \"There's no one here but us. So come. Tell me what you want me to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He folded his arms, waiting in exaggerated anticipation. \"Well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was bullying her, Lady Niu thought miserably, just as he'd once bullied his brothers and sisters and playmates. Whether larger or smaller than he, it hadn't mattered; he could always drive them to tears or rage. The sheer force of his personality kept them from striking back and made them work harder to please him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sudden vivid memory surfaced: Masahito, aged nine, pitting his sisters, two of his older brothers, and all the retainers' children against each other in a violent reenactment of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, which had taken place five hundred years ago, and which had ended the emperors' effective reign and ushered in the era of military rule. The game had resulted in many injuries, some serious, and the destruction of a garden pavilion. Of all the children, only Yukiko had resisted him and tried to stop the debacle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu could still remember the horror she'd felt when she'd found her small general gloating over the burning pavilion and his sobbing, bloodied troops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, Masahito?\" she'd cried. \"Why?\"\n\nHe'd looked straight at her, his face radiant with triumph beneath the cuts and bruises. \"I wanted to change history, Mother,\" he said, \"and I did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His complete lack of remorse had chilled her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell Father that today the Taira clan have defeated the Minamoto.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tell Father. Those two words had given her the real reason for what he'd done. Her fierce, angry son didn't care about history. Unloved and ignored by his father since birth, he courted punishment because it was better than no attention at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loath to discipline him herself, Lady Niu had swallowed her grief and sent him to live with her husband in their provincial castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe now that Masahito was older and beginning to excel in swordsmanship in spite of his deformity, they could be father and son. Maybe, with masculine guidance, he would grow into an honorable, decent man. But her husband, still repulsed and shamed by his crippled child, didn't educate or reform Masahito." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A loyal servant sent word to her that Lord Niu had simply locked Masahito in a remote chamber to live like a caged animal—alone, unwashed, fed on scraps of garbage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sick with guilt, Lady Niu had him returned to Edo, where she struggled valiantly to tame his wild spirit. She would never again subject him to his father's cruelty, despite his excesses, which grew worse over the years. She'd managed to hush up all of them, often at outrageous cost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Lady Niu whispered, \"Please, Masahito.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All her love and money and scheming couldn't save him this time, if he didn't help himself.\n\n\"What you want, Mother, is that I should forsake my pleasures and my ambitions because Yukiko is dead and the police are nosing around. You think they'll learn things about me, even if they can't prove I killed anyone.\"\n\n\"Masahito—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sarcastic voice lashed her mercilessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want me to stay away from the summer villa in Ueno. You want me to—\"\n\n\"Stop!\" Lady Niu shrieked. She clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle more screams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How she hated him when he tormented her like this!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And how she loved him. His face seemed even more beautiful suffused with evil mischief than when he was in one of his infrequent kind moods. At times like this, she wished she loved him less." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That way she could control herself as she did with everyone else, could prevail as she did in every other situation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now she prayed for detachment and serenity. Only by putting aside her feelings for him could she bend him to her strong will, which he had inherited.\n\nHaving gotten the desired reaction from her, Masahito relented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand and said gently, \"Mother, you worry too much. There's nothing to be afraid of. The police will find plenty of other suspicious individuals in Yukiko's background. That actor she admired. The suitors whose marriage proposals were rejected. And anyway, with Noriyoshi dead, the danger is gone. In fact, our lives will soon be better than you ever thought possible. Believe me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu savored her son's rare affectionate gesture. She took his hand in both of hers and held it tight. She wanted to beg him to cease his dangerous activities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To do it for her, if not for himself, because her fear for him was tearing her apart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she knew he would only grow angry at her interference and begin tormenting her again.\n\nShe contented herself with saying, \"Sano Ichirō's visit disturbed me. I received him because I wanted to meet the yoriki who is officiating in the matter of Yukiko's death, but now I'm sorry I did. He is an intelligent, unconventional, and persistent man. You shouldn't have spoken to him the way you did—you only whetted his interest. Who knows what he might discover if he keeps prying into our affairs?\"\n\n\"Sano? Who is Sano Ichirō, anyway? Just an insignificant creature, not worth a moment's thought.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Masahito freed his hand from her grasp and let out a hoot of maniacal laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd slipped into the grandiose, reckless mood she feared most. His already bright eyes began to blaze; his body seemed to exude power. Now he would never heed caution or recognize his own vulnerability." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would court death as he had once courted punishment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would subject himself to agonizing pain and fear, recover, then seek more agony.\n\n\"I've already taken steps to keep him away from us,\" Lady Niu said, fighting to remain calm against her rising terror. What if he should die?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her own life would be empty without him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Magistrate Ogyu has agreed to restrict his interference. But there are limits to what I can do. I don't want to arouse suspicion by asking for too many favors, not when it would be so easy for you to maintain a low profile.\" She tried to keep the pleading note out of her voice, knowing it would only invite mockery. \"Just for a while.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Masahito sighed. \"Mother, I don't need you to protect me. I know what I'm doing, and I can take care of myself. If Yoriki Sano continues to be a problem—\"\n\nHe picked up a burning moxa cone. Ignoring her cry of protest, he crushed it between his fingers. He laughed again as it crumbled into ash and fell to the floor in a thin trail of smoke." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Laura Joh Rowland would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No!\" Sano cried.\n\nMoaning, he knelt beside Tsunehiko. He ripped off his robe and pressed it to the terrible wound, trying to stanch the flow of blood that had already ceased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slapped the boy's cheeks in a desperate effort to revive him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew in his heart that Tsunehiko was dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That first horrifying look had told him.\n\nNow he understood the significance of the intruder, the strange gurgle, and the departing footsteps. He hadn't dreamed them after all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half asleep, oblivious to the danger, he'd heard Tsunehiko cry out as his throat was cut, and let the murderer escape afterward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grief and rage exploded in Sano's chest as he thought of Tsunehiko's youthful innocence and cheerfulness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not bothering to dress, he seized his sword. He registered the open door and splintered catch in the moment it took to hurl himself outside. The murderer—was it the mysterious watcher?—had entered and killed without difficulty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he wouldn't get away!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A monstrous craving for vengeance howled inside Sano, one for which he hadn't known he possessed the capacity. He wanted blood for blood. He wanted to call down the wrath of the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Barefoot, clad only in his loincloth, he stumbled into the freezing darkness of the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thrashed his way blindly around the guest quarters, sword raised.\n\n\"Stop! Murderer!\" he shouted.\n\nAs if in reply, rapid hoofbeats pounded away from the village and into the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop! Murderer!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lights began to appear in the inn's windows as Sano charged past them. He heard the guests stirring inside their rooms, and heard excited voices asking, \"What is it? Who's shouting?\" But where was the nightwatchman?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having failed to keep the intruder away, he should now be summoning the checkpoint guards and village police with his clappers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano found no one lurking outside the guest quarters. Then, as he ran through the garden, his foot struck something. He tripped and went sprawling facedown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gasped as his body hit not cold, hard ground, but something warmer and more yielding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone rushed up with a lantern and began to scream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Righting himself, Sano saw an old woman standing over him, her face stricken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jihei!\" she screamed. \"My son!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She burst into sobs.\n\nSano looked at the thing he'd tripped over, and understood why the nightwatchman hadn't sounded the alarm. Gorobei's son lay motionless on his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His terror-filled but lifeless eyes bulged; his tongue, protruding from between clenched teeth, oozed blood. Dark bruises encircled his throat. He was dead; strangled—probably by the same man who had killed Tsunehiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano closed his eyes as the dizzying horror washed over him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman's sobs echoed his own anguish. He heard running footsteps and men's voices. He opened his eyes to see his fellow guests, the samurai and priests, gathered around him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay with her,\" he ordered the priests, pointing at the distraught woman. To the dazed, bleary-eyed samurai: \"Come with me! We have to catch the killer!\"\n\nWithout waiting for a response, he ran for the stables." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai, pudgy from easy living and the worse for tonight's drinking, nevertheless rose to the challenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In various states of undress, they panted after Sano, clutching their swords, bellies jiggling.\n\nBut although Sano and his helpers searched up and down the road and all through the sleeping village, they found no one. The killer had simply vanished into the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next few hours passed in a blur." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano endured them with every bit of the self-control and stoicism he possessed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He informed the grieving innkeeper that in addition to his son, a guest had been murdered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reported the murders to the guards, who summoned the village police, elders, and headman. Everyone trooped over to the Ryokan Gorobei to see the bodies.\n\n\"Are you sure he's dead?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the headman kept asking anxiously as he hovered over Tsunehiko's corpse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano knew that the death of an upper-class traveler meant much trouble and expense for a post town. It meant sending reports to the central highway administration in Edo, holding an inquest, notifying the next of kin, arranging for cremation of the body or its transportation home. But the headman's idiotic question made Sano's precarious self-control snap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course he's dead, you fool!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted, throwing on his cloak over his shivering body. \"So just forget about putting him in a kago and sending him on to the next town so he can die on someone else's hands!\"\n\nThe headman gaped at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he frowned. \"How do we know you didn't kill him yourself?\"\n\n\"This wasn't robbery-murder,\" one of the elders chimed in helpfully as he opened the cabinet and pawed through its contents. \"Look, the money's still here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held up Sano's and Tsunehiko's cash pouches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had occurred to Sano that the officials might suspect him of committing the murders. Now he said, \"Look at my weapons—there's no blood on them. Even if I'd wanted to kill my companion, I wouldn't have done it in our room. But if I had, I would have sneaked away instead of raising the alarm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wouldn't have needed to kill the nightwatchman, or to force the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we're to catch the killer, we must send a search party up and down the highway and out into the countryside. Now. Before he gets away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fortunately no one else took up the headman's argument—due, Sano guessed, more to his status as a yoriki than to his explanation. But they hesitated so long over the decision to send the search party that Sano despaired of ever catching the killer. Three of the elders wanted to wait until daybreak; it was so dark, they said, that a search would be useless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others thought it best to begin immediately—but they didn't want to risk disturbing important guests at the inns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The headman threw up his hands in confusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A young man who had only recently inherited his job from his father, he'd obviously never dealt with murder before. At last he announced that they would postpone the decision itself until he'd had more time to think about it.\n\n\"Then let me organize the search,\" Sano pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take full responsibility for any disturbance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the headman and elders refused. As an Edo official, Sano had no authority in Totsuka. He must remain at the inn; a guard would see that he did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must dictate a statement and sign many documents, just like anyone else whose companion had died on the highway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In addition, he must attend the inquest in the morning, arrange for the cremation of Tsunehiko's body, and promise to convey the ashes to the boy's family on his return trip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally they left Sano alone, in a spare guest room hastily prepared for him by Gorobei's weeping maid. Exhausted though he was, Sano didn't sleep. Instead he knelt on the floor and watched the windows gradually brighten with the coming dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The emotions he'd suppressed came flooding back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grief, anger, and horror sickened him. Although the room was warm, a violent tremor seized him, one that had nothing to do with physical cold. He clenched his jaws and tightened his muscles against it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The floor shuddered with his uncontrollable spasms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After what seemed an eternity, they subsided, leaving his body weak and drained but his mind sharply lucid.\n\nHe knew without proof, but also beyond doubt, that the man who had been watching him had killed both Tsunehiko and the innkeeper's son. But why? The answer came to Sano from some still, quiet place deep inside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He, not Tsunehiko, had been the intended victim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only his fortunate awakening and quick reflexes had saved him from a killer who, unable to tell them apart in the darkness, had meant to kill them both as a precaution and begun with the wrong one. As to why, he knew the answer to that, too. He was getting close to the truth about Noriyoshi's and Yukiko's murders, and someone wanted to stop him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who, then? Young Lord Niu or one of the countless Niu clan retainers, who would kill at their master's bidding?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo, with his intelligence and flair for disguise?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiden, of the great strength and violent tendencies? Sano could not dismiss them as suspects. Or perhaps the spy who had reported on his activities to Magistrate Ogyu and Lady Niu had had orders to kill him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a kind of desolate satisfaction, Sano pondered these questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd wanted proof that Noriyoshi and Yukiko had been murdered. What better than an attempt on his life? But any pleasure he might have taken from realizing his goal fell before his guilt over Tsunehiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shouldn't have exposed Tsunehiko to danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should have at least told him the real purpose of the journey. He should have recognized the threat posed by the watcher and warned Tsunehiko, protected him somehow. More to the point, he should never have undertaken the journey at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Magistrate Ogyu had ordered him to abandon the investigation, and he should have obeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't shift the blame to Ogyu for sending Tsunehiko with him. The boy's blood was on his hands.\n\nSano realized that he'd never seriously considered giving up the investigation, not even when his obligations to his father and Ogyu had held him back temporarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The part of him that yearned after the truth had always known he would continue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he did consider the alternative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cost of truth was too high. He couldn't pay it with more human lives.\n\nThen his desire to bring the killer to justice rose anew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His craving for vengeance came surging back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't let Tsunehiko's murderer go unpunished. His honor demanded satisfaction, his spirit a relief from sorrow and guilt.\n\nSano's hand moved to his waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slowly unsheathed the long sword and held it before him in both hands." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stayed like that, unmoving, for what remained of the night." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 2 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Magistrate Ogyu bent to examine the stone bench that stood outside his tea ceremony cottage. Although the morning sunlight revealed no dirt, he ran his finger over its surface." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the finger close to his eyes, frowning at the almost invisible film of dust on his skin.\n\n\"Clean this bench immediately,\" he said to the servant who hovered at his elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady Niu will be arriving soon. Everything must be perfect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, master.\" The servant began to sweep the bench with a small broom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu turned to inspect the garden. He needed to make sure the gardeners had cleared away the dead branches from the flagstone path and arranged leaves in an attractive pattern on the pond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But his movement crackled the paper tucked into his sash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unwillingly, but also unable to stop himself, he drew out Lady Niu's letter, which he'd received yesterday. He read it for what must be the twentieth time, skipping over the formal salutations to the heart of her message:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In view of recent events, I feel it is imperative that we meet and plan our strategy for dealing with their ramifications.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The \"events\" she referred to could only be Sano Ichirō's secret visit to the Temple of Kannon and the murder of the boy Tsunehiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu's spies had reported both to him, the only out-of-the-ordinary things to happen over the past three days. He wondered why Sano had told the seemingly pointless lie about Mishima." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But whatever the reason, it was a matter between superior and subordinate, best handled privately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tsunehiko's death was an unfortunate but all too common highway tragedy. What had these incidents to do with Lady Niu?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogyu could only guess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His uncertainty had kept him awake last night and soured his stomach; he still felt nauseated despite the infusion of bamboo ash he'd taken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Added to his worries was the disturbing news that one of his Edo informers had brought just this morning: Sano had not stopped investigating the shinjū. The day before he left, he'd interviewed both the actor and a wrestler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogyu didn't think Lady Niu had found out yet; his informers in those quarters were better than anyone's except the shogun's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew she soon would, and that she would blame him for not seeing that Sano followed orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thought of her displeasure worsened Ogyu's sickness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hot, acrid bile rose in his throat as he remembered how she could ruin him if she chose. A curse on Sano Ichirō, that stubborn, disobedient fool!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would that he'd never seen the man!\n\nCramming the letter back into his sash, Ogyu tried to dismiss his worries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could handle Lady Niu. He need only practice the skills he'd honed to perfection over the years. Manipulation. Verbal swordplay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spotting the advantage and seizing it before his adversary had even noticed. Using the adversary's own strengths and weaknesses as weapons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he could favor his triumph over Lady Niu by making sure the stage was properly set for their confrontation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned his attention to the tea ceremony cottage.\n\nThe small, boxy hut, with its thatched roof, rough earth walls, and bamboo mullions, looked like a farmhouse uprooted and transported to Edo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu usually enjoyed the contrast between it and his urban mansion. He enjoyed the effect of rustic simplicity, which he'd spared no expense to create." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Money, he often thought, could buy even peace and serenity.\n\nBut today, his apprehension wouldn't let him regard the cottage with his usual complacence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leafless garden seemed bare and unappealing. He'd planted cherry trees for spring, annuals for summer, and maples for autumn, but he'd neglected to include evergreens for winter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ancient stone lanterns looked dingy and worn instead of picturesque. He'd spent hours placing the stepping stones that led to the cottage in an artistically irregular line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he had a sudden urge to rearrange them. The cottage's design didn't meet his approval, either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kneeling entrance was too high, the windows too small. As the threat of Lady Niu's impending visit eroded his confidence, he saw the tea cottage for what it was: the second-rate creation of a dilettante who fancied himself a tea master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu felt a spurt of impotent rage toward Lady Niu and Sano Ichirō, both of whom had so seriously disturbed his tranquillity of late. He sought an outlet for his rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come here, you!\" he shouted to his servant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See this spot you missed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed to a tiny streak of dirt on one of the otherwise immaculate stepping stones. \"Attend to it at once, and if your work is not perfect from now on, I will dismiss you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, master. Right away, master.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The servant hurried to obey.\n\nThe fear in the man's eyes restored Ogyu's sense of power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he could picture himself emerging victorious from his clash with Lady Niu, just as he had from every difficult situation that had arisen in his long life. Smiling, he followed the stepping stones—which looked fine now—to the cottage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slipped off his shoes and slid open the door to the kneeling entrance that stood at thigh height above the ground, designed to induce humility in tea ceremony guests. Ordinarily he would enter the cottage through the server's door in the rear, which led to the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he wanted to view the cottage from Lady Niu's perspective. As he climbed inside, his smile widened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today this entrance would serve another purpose. Lady Niu must kneel when she approached him, as she never would on any other occasion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The opening advantage would be his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside the cottage, Ogyu cast an approving eye around the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flecks of straw gleamed in walls made of red-ochre earth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The central pillar was a slender tree trunk, irregularly shaped but polished to a subtle gloss. Rich woodgrain veined the unpainted rafters and columns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the alcove, a scroll bearing a winter haiku hung above a crude black vase made by a primitive Korean potter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, everything about the room met the highest standards of tea culture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu had added one special touch, though, which he considered an improvement over traditional tea cottage design. Hidden beneath wooden grills, three sunken charcoal braziers burned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogyu saw no reason to sacrifice comfort for rusticity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In winter, the heat from the hearth, a square burner set in the floor by the host's place, was hardly adequate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went into the tiny kitchen and took from the cabinet a tea whisk and bowl, a box of the finest powdered green tea, ladle, napkins, slop jar, and water vessel. He filled the water vessel from an urn that held his water supply, then carried it into the main room and set it on the hearth to boil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other items he arranged on a lacquer tray on the serving mat by the hearth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he knelt to wait for Lady Niu. As he often did before a tea ceremony, he relived his odyssey from his parents' country home to this cottage, just as rustic but far more costly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been born Asashio Banzan, son of a minor vassal of a minor Tokugawa ally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a province ravaged by civil war, he and his family had lived like peasants. As a precocious eight-year-old, he'd won the favor of his teacher at the fief's samurai school, and ultimately of the lord, with his scholarly aptitude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The prize: a job as page at Edo Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Edo Castle, he'd been physically the weakest and smallest of the hundred-odd pages, but by far the cleverest. His natural instinct for exploiting the weaknesses and desires of both his elders and his peers served him well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He traded help with work for protection against bullies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lent money, arranged liaisons with women, procured drink and drugs, and covered up his colleagues' mistakes and misbehavior. In return, the other pages did his drudge work, and castle officials rewarded him with bonuses and choice assignments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave friendship in exchange for information he could use against his enemies. In this way, he'd perfected the political skills for which he was now famous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The years had seen him rise quickly to chief page, then clerk, secretary, administrator. But a man of his low origin could go no further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then came his marriage to the only child of one of the shogun's chief retainers, achieved partly by flattering his prospective father-in-law, partly by conducting covert smear campaigns against his rivals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd taken his wife's family name, Ogyu, and become his father-in-law's adopted son and heir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd risen to the rank of councillor. When his father-in-law died, the family wealth came to Ogyu, along with the old man's position: north magistrate of Edo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his spy network for eyes and ears, he'd run the city for thirty years, exercising an iron control that he hid under a guise of elegant nonchalance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never had a hint of scandal stuck to him; he had always managed to hide the small acts of corruption he considered perquisites of his position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until recently, when one moment of carelessness and greed had brought him under Lady Niu's power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two years ago, the shogun had issued the first Dog Protection Edicts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Violators had begun appearing in Ogyu's courtroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most were poor peasants whose sentences he'd pronounced without a second thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then one day a well-dressed young man had come to see him.\n\n\"Magistrate Ogyu, I am the son of Kuheiji, the oil merchant,\" the man said, bowing as he knelt on the floor of Ogyu's office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My father has been arrested for killing a dog. Tomorrow he will be brought before you for judgment and sentencing. I'm prepared to offer you a large sum in exchange for his release.\"\n\nOgyu studied the merchant's son, noting the signs of fear that the man's businesslike manner couldn't hide: restless shifting one moment, followed by unnatural stillness the next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what makes you think I would be open to such an offer?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd accepted bribes before, but only when an offense was minor and the offender's guilt questionable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun had informed him—in person, yet—that the Dog Protection Edicts were to be enforced rigorously, with no exceptions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu could lose his position, or even his life for doing otherwise.\n\n\"I meant no insult, Magistrate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The merchant's son was trembling visibly now. \"As a dutiful son, I am pleading with you for my father's life and freedom. Here—I give you three hundred koban. And I swear on my own life that I will tell no one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu had started to wave his hand in dismissal. The hand stopped in midair as he stared at the gold coins the man spilled out of a bag and onto the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With this much money, he could build a summer villa in the hills. But woe on him if the shogun learned of the bargain!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he thought: how would His Excellency ever know?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The glitter of the coins helped him think of more reasons why he should accept the bribe. He began to rationalize." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog was already dead; punishing the merchant wouldn't bring it back to life. One small infraction of the law on Ogyu's part wouldn't jeopardize Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's chances of producing an heir." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well,\" Ogyu said, gathering up the coins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd freed the merchant, built his villa, and almost forgotten the matter. Then, last spring, he'd called on Lord Niu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu waylaid him in the corridor as he was leaving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After an exchange of pleasantries, she said, \"A fine oil adds much to the taste of food. Even the dogs whom the shogun protects would agree, I think. Would you not pay three hundred koban for the best oil a merchant has to offer?\"\n\nTo anyone else, her comment would have sounded idiotic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Ogyu realized with horror that it meant she knew about the bribe. He'd lived in fear ever since." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that fear prevented him from enjoying the memory of all his achievements." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't think of his spectacular rise to power without fearing that he'd reached the pinnacle of a mountain, only to find himself poised to tumble down its other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was this the day Lady Niu would finally use her dangerous knowledge?\n\nThe sound of voices outside interrupted his thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu had arrived; the servant was ushering her into the tea garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth dry with anxiety, Ogyu went to meet her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reassured himself that Lady Niu simply wanted a discussion, as her letter had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would talk her out of making trouble for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything would be fine.\n\nWhen he saw her sitting on the bench, he experienced another qualm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was dressed with impeccable correctness for the ceremony, as if she, too, saw an advantage in coming prepared to this meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her black outer garment, worn fashionably off the shoulders, covered a black silk kimono patterned with the traditional winter combination of plum blossoms, pine boughs, and bamboo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Regal and beautiful as always, she rose when she saw him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogyu greeted her in the prescribed manner, fighting uneasiness as he bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My lady, welcome to my humble residence. Your acceptance of my invitation to take tea does me a great honor.\"\n\nLady Niu bowed, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although she, as a daimyo's wife, outranked Ogyu, he was a man, a magistrate, and some twenty years her senior. Their bows reflected these considerations, with neither bending lower than the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd begun their sparring as approximate equals, a fact that pleased Ogyu.\n\n\"On the contrary, Ogyu-san. It is your hospitality that does me the honor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu's greeting also followed the conventional pattern. \"The tea ceremony offers us a haven from worldly cares. But havens can be temporary, or even illusory. Is this not so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her lips curved in a smile. The cosmetically blackened teeth, meant to enhance her beauty, made her mouth look like a fount of death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uh, yes. Quite.\"\n\nHer remark had no special significance, Ogyu decided as he left her at the cottage's kneeling entrance and went around to the server's door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wasn't warning him that this peaceful moment must give way to conflict, if it hadn't already." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With increasing trepidation, he passed through the kitchen and knelt in his place at the hearth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard the splash of water as Lady Niu rinsed her hands and mouth at the basin outside, and a rustle of silk as she removed her shoes. Then the door slid open, and she entered on her knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The humble posture failed to detract from her dignity, as Ogyu had hoped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor did her next comment relieve his nervousness.\n\nShe recited, reading the haiku on the scroll:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mountains and plains," }, { "from": "human", "value": "all are taken by the snow—nothing remains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed to the alcove and took the seat of honor in front of it. \"Ah, such poetry refreshes me. I feel a great sense of leisure, as though I need not hurry back to the bustle of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tucked her robes comfortably around herself, as if indeed preparing to stay a good while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The purpose of the tea ceremony was the ritual Zen purification of body and mind, in surroundings that affirmed man's oneness with nature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Ogyu had had another aim in mind when he'd invited Lady Niu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd hoped that the ceremony's rigid confines would somehow defuse a volatile situation. Lady Niu, with her refined manners, wouldn't speak of unpleasant matters within the sanctuary of the tea cottage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he realized that she was fully capable of using the ceremony for her own purposes. She'd already managed to gain an advantage over him by letting him know his scheme had backfired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caught in a trap of his own making, he was now unable to get rid of her without rushing the ceremony and appearing an ungracious host." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu's hands shook as he wiped the inside of the tea bowl with a napkin. \"A very astute observation, my lady,\" he said weakly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please, he thought, let something happen to end this farce of a tea ceremony! Ordinarily he would have taken his time wiping the bowl, enjoying its shape and texture; now, he gave it a few hasty swabs, barely conscious of his actions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let an earthquake bring down the roof!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The roof didn't fall. Instead Lady Niu said, \"The poem reminds me of a scene from a play that featured Edo's foremost onnagata.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paused, letting him absorb her words. \"The play may have also had a line about thunder and lightning. I expect you know it? If not, a certain member of your staff might.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Onnagata\": Kikunojo.\n\n\"Thunder and lightning\": Raiden, the wrestler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Member of your staff\": Sano Ichirō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu felt faint as he translated Lady Niu's oblique references, automatically scooping tea into the bowl. She was telling him she knew that Sano had persisted in investigating the shinjū, and even the identities of those he'd interrogated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I mean no.\" Ogyu ladled water from the simmering urn onto the tea, wondering how in heaven her spies had managed to glean that information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His only hope now was to placate her—fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please accept my sincerest apologies for... \"\n\nFor what? She hadn't actually accused him of anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't come right out and say, \"For failing to stop Sano like you asked me to.\" Not with Lady Niu maintaining the pretense that this was an ordinary tea ceremony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a gauche and vulgar violation of tea convention would lose him whatever advantage he still had.\n\n\"For my miserable performance as a host,\" he finished, hoping she would understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu did not acknowledge his apology. She was watching the stream of water splash into the tea bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good water is crucial to preparation of good tea,\" she remarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you get yours from the springs of Hakone?\"\n\n\"No, no, from Mount Hiei,\" Ogyu stammered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it sheer coincidence that she should mention Sano's destination? Picking up the wooden whisk, he began to beat the tea and water into a green froth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could feel nervous perspiration sticking his clothes to his skin. Now he wished he hadn't had the braziers lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My stepdaughter Midori recently entered the nunnery at the Temple of Kannon in Hakone,\" Lady Niu continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she shook her head, frowning. \"Forgive me. Of course you—and at least one member of your staff—know this already.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pause. \"Why else make such a long journey, in spite of a tragedy at Totsuka?\"\n\nBowl and whisk fell from Ogyu's hands as he grasped Lady Niu's meaning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Foamy green tea spattered the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moaning, Ogyu dabbed at it with his napkin. Midori was at the Temple of Kannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was why Sano had gone there: to question her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His lie made sense now, ideal as it was for disguising the real purpose of his journey. Such outrageous insubordination! Not even Tsunehiko's murder had stopped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how humiliating for Ogyu to learn of it this way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why hadn't his spies found out and told him? For what did he pay them?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't know your stepdaughter had become a nun,\" Ogyu babbled, clutching the fallen bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive me, I didn't know she was in Hakone. My apologies for my clumsiness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somehow he managed to clean up the mess. Under Lady Niu's bland stare, he prepared a fresh bowl of tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was angry, although she didn't show it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A fresh wave of nausea lapped at Ogyu's stomach. She would destroy him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clinging to the tea ceremony's false semblance of normalcy, he passed Lady Niu the tea bowl.\n\nShe turned it in her hands as she examined it in accordance with the ritual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a beautiful bowl,\" she said, stroking the rough glaze with a fingertip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I drink, I shall think of the potter who made it and those illustrious persons who have drunk from it before me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hearing her meaningless, conventional words, Ogyu went limp with relief. She'd finished what she'd come to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was satisfied with conveying her displeasure and wouldn't harm him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are too kind, my lady,\" he said gratefully.\n\nReleased from fear and uncertainty, he began to enjoy the ceremony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu drank and complimented the tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wiped the bowl where her lips had touched and passed it back to him, reciting a poem she had written." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu drank and capped her poem with one of his own. He poured the dregs into the slop jar, and they repeated the process again, then again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu's giddy relief raised him to new heights of eloquence. His conversation had never sparkled so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely he'd never before hosted the ceremony with such elegance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Lady Niu was the perfect companion: beautiful, literate, her manners unimpeachably proper. Ogyu could almost like her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing her out the gate, he gushed, \"Thank you, my lady, for honoring my poor cottage with your exalted presence. It would be more than I could hope for to have you come again. How can I secure your promise? Just name your request.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The pleasure and honor are all mine,\" Lady Niu answered, inclining her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is one thing you can do for me. If you will permit me to speak plainly?\"\n\nA pang of fear hit Ogyu's stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" he said, involuntarily hunching his shoulders and trying to smile. Nausea returned as he realized that she'd merely postponed the real purpose of her visit to avoid spoiling the tea ceremony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a fool he must have seemed to her, exuberant in his false sense of security! And now he'd played right into her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu's gaze turned cold and hard. All pretense at graciousness fell away as she said, \"Sano Ichirō's inquiries have aroused the interest of the metsuke.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The last word issued from her mouth like a drop of poison.\n\n\"The shogun's spies?\" Ogyu blurted, aghast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to the workings of his department. Who knew what might come to light? \"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have it from a very reliable source,\" Lady Niu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is more, they are entertaining the thought that my stepdaughter Yukiko and that man Noriyoshi were murdered, as your yoriki so obviously believes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then it was murder,\" Ogyu whispered, clasping his hands to still their trembling. How awful if the shogun should think he'd tried to cover up such an important crime!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would mean a reprimand at best; demotion at worst. Now he wished he had listened to Sano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had truly believed the deaths a shinjū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who could blame him for agreeing to spare the Nius the trouble of an inquiry?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one knew the hold Lady Niu had upon him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu shook her head impatiently. \"Do not be ridiculous,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was suicide. The metsuke, those despicable schemers, allow themselves to be carried away by the idea of a scandal in Lord Niu's house, and all the opportunities such a scandal would create. Why, imagine the wealth that would pour into the Tokugawa coffers if they could strip my husband of his fief!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her voice harshened with passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But they are about to begin their own investigation. This we must prevent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prevent,\" Ogyu repeated, amazed that a mere woman should presume to match wits with the shogun's men. \"But how?\"\n\nLady Niu gave a flat, humorless laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is for you to decide, Magistrate Ogyu-san,\" she said, emphasizing his title.\n\n\"Me? Why? How?\" Ogyu's queasy stomach churned at the thought of entering such a dangerous conspiracy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Imagining the ruin of his career and possibly even exile or death, he feared he would complete his disgrace by vomiting in front of her.\n\n\"Why should be obvious.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu opened the gate. \"And how is for you to decide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stepped outside. A maid came forward to help her into her waiting palanquin. Over her shoulder, she said, \"Just remember the oil merchant, and I am sure you will think of something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she was gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu closed the gate and leaned against it, eyes shut, as sour waves of panic and sickness weakened him. He took deep breaths through his mouth, fighting for control of his body and emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember who you are, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have triumphed before; you will again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered his rival for the position of chief page all those years ago; he'd framed the boy for thievery and secured the job himself. During his tenure as magistrate, he'd survived periodic attempts to unseat him; he'd used his connections and influence to have his detractors transferred to posts far from Edo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he tried to deny that Lady Niu's was a more serious threat than any other he'd faced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gradually strength returned. Ogyu opened his eyes and staggered toward the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered why Lady Niu was so anxious for him to prevent the investigation and so willing to take extreme measures to see that he did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then concern for himself overrode his curiosity. He must act now to avoid ruin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miraculously, though, he felt less fear than he had before the meeting. The threat, its size and shape now defined, began to seem more manageable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He actually smiled as he entered his mansion. He was no fool, but a cunning and powerful magistrate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He always knew when a situation required a bold stroke instead of circumspect maneuvering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This instinctive knowledge was another of the talents that had enabled him to rise to his present position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, as a man of refinement and fastidious tastes, he wouldn't dirty his own hands.\n\nTo the servant who met him in the entranceway, Ogyu said, \"Send for Yoriki Yamaga and Hayashi at once.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make story longer like Laura Joh Rowland would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Edo Castle dominated its wooded hilltop, a great fortified city-within-a-city that housed the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, his family, his closest allies, and a veritable army of soldiers, officials, and servants within its massive stone walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano walked up to the shimmering moat, gazing at the castle with the awe that this symbol of Tokugawa supremacy always inspired in him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time, he grasped the full extent of Lord Niu's madness. Who in his right mind would dare challenge this? The castle had stood for almost a hundred years, and it looked ready to stand for at least as many more, judging from the strength of its defenses. Countless samurai stood inside guardhouses that topped the walls, and more occupied lookout towers. Above the walls, the keep soared five stories high, a square white tower composed of many smaller towers. Its gables and barred windows provided lines of fire to archers and gunners; its plastered walls and tile roofs could resist both fire arrows and bullets. At ground level, a battalion of guards manned the iron-plated main gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Armed with muskets as well as swords, they controlled the heavy flow of traffic in and out of the castle.\n\nWatching the visitors, mostly samurai who presumably had legitimate business inside, Sano felt more than a little intimidated. He'd never been inside the castle; his family was too unimportant and his rank too low for him to have enjoyed the honor. But he knew that somewhere, deep inside the palace, were the headquarters of the Tokugawa spy network. There the metsuke collated and interpreted information gathered by agents and informers all over the country and distributed it to the shogun and his advisers. To them he must bring the news of the treasonous Conspiracy of Twenty-One.\n\nStill he hesitated, reluctant to cross the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except for Cherry Eater's word, he had no evidence that the conspiracy planned to kill the shogun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't know how, when, or where the assassination attempt would take place. His own conviction that the plot gave Lord Niu a motive for the murders wouldn't influence the authorities. After all, Raiden had been executed for Yukiko's and Noriyoshi's murders, and Tsunehiko's death officially ruled a highway killing. He would just have to tell his story from the beginning, present his conclusions, and hope that the metsuke would draw similar ones. Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and marched across the bridge.\n\n\"I would like an audience with the metsuke,\" he told the guards, after identifying himself.\n\nThey looked him over in a bored fashion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them said, \"Show me your pass.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have one. But I've come on a matter of extreme urgency.\" Sano had anticipated difficulty in getting past the castle's security, which protected its occupants not only from physical threats but also from callers who might waste their time. \"I bring news of vital importance to the shogun,\" he added. \"Please allow me to convey it to the metsuke.\"\n\n\" 'Vital importance,' eh?\" The spokesman leaned on his spear. \"Suppose you tell me what it is. I'll see that it gets to the right people.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Imagining how his story would be distorted as it passed through the castle's bureaucratic channels—possibly never reaching the metsuke at all—Sano shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must speak with them personally.\"\n\n\"Well, you can't.\" The guard shed his veneer of courtesy, his voice turning sharp. He was a Tokugawa foot soldier, one of a breed known for their arrogance and rudeness. \"Either leave a message, and if the metsuke want to see you, they'll send a summons. Or else get lost. We're busy.\" He turned to question an arriving party of samurai.\n\nSano had managed to extract one more piece of information from Cherry Eater before freeing the drenched and indignant shunga dealer: the identity of the metsuke to whom Noriyoshi had reported. But Cherry Eater wasn't sure whether the exact name was Jodo Ikkyu or Toda Ikkyu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking a chance, he said, \"Toda Ikkyu will have your heads if you don't bring me to him at once.\"\n\nThe guard's head snapped around. \"You're Toda's creature?\" His face relaxed from a scowl to a knowing smirk. \"Why didn't you say so in the first place?\" Banging on the gate with his spear, he shouted to someone inside. Another guard came out. \"Take this man to Toda Ikkyu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other guard gestured for Sano to follow him. Sano realized that they thought he was one of Toda's informers. Well, he was, in a way. And he'd learned that this was how the government bureaucracy worked: by manipulation of men through their fear of their superiors.\n\nInside the gate, more walls formed a square enclosure designed as a trap for invading enemies who managed to penetrate the castle's outer defense. At least twenty more guards stood watch, rigid and stern. They took away Sano's swords and searched him for hidden weapons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they swung open another gate that stood at right angles to the first.\n\nThis opened into a large courtyard bordered by long wooden sheds hung with red curtains. Inside them, Sano could see row upon row of weapons: swords, bows, spears, muskets. Hundreds of armored samurai stood in or in front of the sheds. Others, mounted on horses caparisoned with battle regalia, paced the courtyard. The odor of horses sharpened the air; the tramp of restless feet and the rumble of voices echoed off the walls. Beyond a second moat and bridge stood another wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The keep towered above it, looking grimmer and more solid than from a distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano felt tiny and insignificant in the presence of such military might." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Niu's madness must give him superhuman courage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once past another set of sentries and across the bridge, Sano entered another enclosure, with more guards and yet another gate. This gate led to a narrow, gradually ascending passageway full of turns and angles. Gun holes and arrow slits pierced the white plaster walls of enclosed corridors that ran along the high stone walls. At regular intervals, larger square openings in the corridors allowed the defenders to dump stones on anyone who tried to climb the walls. Sano spied more guards behind the openings. The other visitors he saw all had their own military escorts. Only samurai wearing the Tokugawa crest walked proudly alone and armed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano soon lost count of the number of checkpoints and gates he passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokugawa Ieyasu had built his fortress to withstand a siege, but were his descendants safe from treachery? Remembering the fanatical gleam in Lord Niu's eyes, Sano wondered. Perhaps the Conspiracy of Twenty-One planned to somehow ambush the shogun outside the castle walls, away from his legions of soldiers.\n\nThe final gate brought them at last to the castle's inner precinct. There bands of guards patrolled a formal garden landscaped with plane trees, pines, and boulders. A wide gravel path led to the palace.\n\nSano stopped involuntarily to take in this sight he'd never expected to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The low, vast palace had white plaster walls with dark cypress beams, shutters, and doors. Its heavy dark tile roof peaked in many high and low gables, each crowned with a gilt dragon. Serene and elegant, it drowsed in an oasis of tranquillity, far removed from the teeming streets of Edo. Only the faint strains of music and the muffled report of firecrackers disturbed its peace: Setsubun celebrations were going on within its walls and courtyards, or in daimyo mansions elsewhere on the castle grounds. Sano thought of Lord Niu's speech. He reflected that the Niu and other daimyo clans had indeed purchased a fine home for the Tokugawas.\n\nThe guard interrupted Sano's thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hurry up,\" he ordered.\n\nThey crossed the garden and gained admittance from the guards at the palace's carved door. As he removed his shoes in the spacious, echoing entry hall, Sano marveled that he should visit the castle at all, let alone for such a purpose.\n\nInside the palace, a labyrinth of corridors unwound before Sano, angling their way through the outer portion of the building, which served as government offices. Sunlight from the barred windows fell in bright lines across polished cypress floors. Wide halls led past airy reception rooms with daises, coffered ceilings, and lavish landscape murals. The narrower ones were lined with small chambers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There a few doors stood open to reveal an official dictating to his secretary, or a meeting in session. Twice Sano's escort saluted pairs of patrolling guards; once they both bowed to an official in flowing robes. Otherwise the palace seemed virtually deserted. An unnatural quiet pervaded the great complex that must normally buzz with the sound of officialdom in motion. The creak of the floor beneath their feet echoed through the empty corridors. Other soft creaks came infrequently from deeper within the building. Already quivering inside with tension, Sano started at each one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Setsubun,\" the guard grumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those office layabouts have all quit for the holiday already.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way down a very narrow, dim passage and through the only open door in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside, paper-and-wood screens divided a long, thin room into many small compartments, each with its own window. As Sano passed each one, he saw desks and shelves stacked with books, scrolls, message containers, and writing implements. Maps hung on the walls, some stuck with colored pins. So this was the castle's intelligence center. A heavy odor of tobacco smoke underlay the scent of the herbs used to freshen the room for New Year. But the metsuke whose pipes had permanently tainted the woodwork were not here now. The room was cold and silent and dim, with most of the windows shuttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No lamps burned, save in the very last compartment.\n\nThere a man dressed in black stood before a wall of shelves. At the sound of their footsteps, he paused in the act of straightening a row of books and turned.\n\n\"What is it?\" he asked the guard. \"Who is this man?\"\n\n\"One of your informers, Toda-san,\" the guard answered, looking surprised.\n\nSano gazed with curiosity at Toda Ikkyu, the first metsuke he'd ever encountered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seldom had he seen anyone so nondescript." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toda was neither tall nor short, fat nor thin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of indeterminate age, he had thick black hair that might have given him a youthful appearance, if not for the weary expression in his eyes. His regular features, without particular flaws or beauty, could have belonged to any of a thousand men. Although Sano studied Toda's face carefully, he doubted whether he would remember it when he left. Perhaps this utter lack of distinction was an advantage for someone in Toda's profession.\n\n\"He is not one of my informers,\" Toda was saying in a voice as tired as his expression, \"and I have never seen him before in my life.\"\n\n\"But—but he said—\"\n\nToda broke into the guard's blustering defense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't care what he said. Take him away. And see that I receive no more callers today. Can you manage that, or must I speak with your superior?\"\n\nThe guard's face darkened. \"Come on, you,\" he said, shoving Sano toward the door. \"I'll deal with you outside.\"\n\n\"Wait,\" Sano said. \"Toda-san.\" He bowed. \"Please allow me a moment of your time. I have important information for you. It concerns a plot against the shogun.\" Seeing the skepticism on Toda's face, he added, \"And it involves your informer, the late Noriyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A glimmer of interest enlivened Toda's eyes. \"All right,\" he said. \"But one moment only.\" To the guard: \"Wait outside.\"\n\nWhen they were alone, Toda knelt and gestured for Sano to do the same. \"First your name and antecedents,\" he said, \"in order that I may know with whom I am speaking.\"\n\nOr whether to believe me, Sano thought as he recited his name and lineage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his dismay, Toda frowned and said, \"Are you not the yoriki who was recently dismissed by Magistrate Ogyu?\"\n\nBad news traveled fast; there went all his credibility. \"Yes,\" Sano admitted. \"But I ask that you suspend any prejudice against me until you hear what I have to say. Then you can decide whether I'm telling the truth, and whether or not to relay my information to the shogun.\" Without waiting for permission, he plunged into his story, beginning with his assignment to the shinjū case.\n\nThe nondescript Toda did have one distinctive mannerism. With the tip of his right forefinger, he absently stroked each nail on his left hand, one after the other. He did this in silence while Sano spoke and for a small eternity afterward, his unwavering stare fixed on Sano's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From somewhere in the castle grounds came the rapid pop-pop of firecrackers and the more regular percussion of drums. Sano squirmed inwardly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally Toda said, \"So. You say that Niu Masahito—not the executed wrestler Raiden—killed Noriyoshi, to prevent him from exposing the Conspiracy of Twenty-One.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's correct.\" Was the metsuke convinced? His neutral tone conveyed nothing. Sano tried to draw hope from the fact that Toda had not thrown him out of the palace. Realizing that he'd forgotten the sandal and rope, he laid them on the floor for Toda's inspection, and explained their significance. \"Here is my proof.\"\n\n\"You think that young Lord Niu also killed his own sister, either because she, too, had discovered the conspiracy, or because she witnessed a murder. And that the murder of your secretary was actually an unsuccessful attempt on your own life, also perpetrated by Lord Niu?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toda nodded slowly as he began stroking his fingernails again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A most ingenious piece of fiction,\" he murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano's heart sank. \"You don't believe me.\" Silently he berated himself for his unrealistic hopes. High-ranking officials achieved their positions by flowing with the current, not resisting it. He should have expected this.\n\n\"My apologies if you think that I mean to question your veracity, Sano-san,\" Toda said. \"I do not. I can see that you truly believe your story. But your motives are clear to me, if not to yourself. First, you seek revenge upon the Nius for what you see as their part in your ill fortune. Second, you wish to prove that you know better than your former superior how to solve a murder case. And third, you wish to assuage your guilt over your secretary's death. Given your position, how can you expect anyone to believe you?\"\n\n\"No!\" The protest burst from Sano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't make this up, and you're wrong about—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught himself as he realized that Toda's mind had closed against him the moment he'd given his name. The injustice filled him with outrage. But he tempered his emotions, knowing that right now there were concerns more important than his hurt pride. He couldn't afford to alienate Toda further.\n\n\"Before you dismiss what I've said, at least investigate Lord Niu and his friends,\" he pleaded. \"For the shogun's sake. If there's even a chance of an assassination attempt, shouldn't you tell him so he can protect himself?\"\n\n\"The shogun is already well protected—against real threats. His military power is absolute, and a group of conspirators such as you describe—even if they do exist—could not hope to prevail. The days when uprisings like the Great Conspiracy had a chance of success are long past. Besides, I can assure you that the daimyo clans, Lord Niu's included, have a strong stake in maintaining the present regime. They command their provinces and a large proportion of the country's wealth. In a war against the Tokugawas, they could lose it all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a sense of irony that almost made him want to laugh, Sano countered the arguments that he himself had used against Katsuragawa under different circumstances. \"The conspirators are rash, ambitious young men who lack their elders' instinct for self-preservation,\" he said. \"And from what I've seen of young Lord Niu, he is not one to let logic govern his behavior. Perhaps because of the madness that runs in his family.\"\n\n\"We're well aware of young Lord Niu's tendencies. There is nothing you can tell us about him that we don't already know. He is not a threat to the shogun.\"\n\nIn spite of Toda's condescending tone and unchanged expression, a sudden tenseness about the metsuke told Sano that he'd scored a point. Maybe he could win another.\n\nHe said, \"Perhaps you underestimate Lord Niu because he's a cripple.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Toda just looked even wearier and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rising, he went to the shelf and took down a notebook. He knelt again, opening it upon his lap.\n\n\"Lord Niu Masahito.\" He ran his finger over the columns of characters as he read. \"Born with a deformed right leg, due to... \" He quoted the opinions of the doctors and astrologers who had attended the birth. \"Resides with his mother in Edo because his father hates the sight of him.\"\n\nToda turned a few pages. \"At age fifteen, he killed a rūnin in a duel which he initiated. In the same year, he led a gang that raided an eta settlement and killed ten people. At age sixteen, he beat to death a boy prostitute and was banned from Yoshiwara. Since then he has had boys brought to his family's summer villa in Ueno. Prefers masturbation and superficial mutilation of a drugged partner to actual coupling. At age seventeen... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The list went on and on. Incident after shocking incident, interspersed with the most personal details of Lord Niu's life. Appalled by Lord Niu's excesses, Sano was nevertheless impressed by the wealth of information that the metsuke had gathered. Had they managed to plant spies even among the Nius' servants and retainers? Maybe they did know everything worth knowing about Lord Niu. Maybe the plot was nothing but a game of make-believe played by a group of idle young men.\n\n\"All of these incidents were suppressed with the Nius' money and influence,\" Toda finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But that didn't keep us from learning of them. I think you can see that we have sufficient information by which to judge Lord Niu's character. We don't underestimate him—or overestimate him.\"\n\nOr maybe the metsuke assumed that, because Lord Niu hadn't yet injured anyone who mattered to them, he never would. That assumption, plus their faith in the Tokugawa omniscience, blinded them.\n\n\"Can you be sure that your spy network is functioning as it should?\" Sano asked. \"It seems to me that by hiring blackmailers as informers, you run the risk that they'll use the intelligence they collect for their own purposes instead of reporting it to you. As Noriyoshi did.\"\n\n\"Noriyoshi was not an informer.\" In response to the surprise that must have shown on Sano's face, Toda explained, \"You said so; I never confirmed it. He was merely an individual who came to our attention from time to time. We kept a watch on him, as we do upon all Yoshiwara inhabitants who deal with high-ranking citizens. But he was never in my employ. As you pointed out, blackmailers don't make the most trustworthy informers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His lips turned up in a humorless, insincere smile that didn't reach his eyes.\n\nSano stared at Toda in confusion. He was sure the metsuke was lying. But why? To save face? To protect the network? With Noriyoshi dead, what did it matter if anyone knew he'd been an informer?\n\n\"You granted me an audience because I knew Noriyoshi worked for you,\" he reminded Toda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't have been mistaken about that. But now he had the eerie sensation he experienced during minor earthquakes, when the subtle shifting of once-solid earth cast doubt upon his notion of reality. Toda's bland denial shook his belief in his own story. Had he indeed fabricated it, for the reasons Toda gave? Was he such a self-deluding fool? Magistrate Ogyu and Katsuragawa Shundai would agree. As would the Council of Elders, if he went to them without O-hisa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A growing sense of despair provoked him to speak more sharply than he'd intended.\n\n\"You were willing enough to listen before you found out who I was. Do you serve the shogun by dismissing the news of a plot against him without even checking to see if it's true?\" He stood over Toda as he gestured with the rope and sandal that his hands had somehow picked up from the floor. \"How can you fulfill your duties when you reject information that comes your way?\"\n\n\"I granted you an audience because it would have been negligent of me to overlook the possibility that you had something of value to us,\" Toda corrected him mildly. \"Contrary to your opinion, we welcome factual information from all reliable sources. We run an efficient operation that has served the Tokugawas well and helped keep them in power for eighty-eight years. We investigate whatever warrants investigation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now, Sano-san, I hope you will excuse me.\" He clapped his hands to summon the guard. \"Your moment is up. Good day.\"\n\nCold, hungry, and almost ill with fatigue, Sano slowed his footsteps as he approached his parents' district. Not wanting to face his father again, he still found himself drawn to the comfort and security of home. He couldn't face the cheerless impersonality of an inn; besides, he lacked the energy to walk to one. The physical exhaustion that drained his strength brought with it a sense of defeat just as enervating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He now had to admit that his own ambitions, for which he'd sacrificed his father's, had come to nothing. He'd learned the truth, but failed to elicit value from it. He had discovered that Lord Niu planned to kill the shogun, but how could he stop him? Further attempts to warn the authorities would likely turn out no better than today's. O-hisa's broken promise had destroyed his hopes for a successful end to the murder investigation. Without her testimony, the Council of Elders would never act against Lord Niu—not on the strength of unsubstantiated theories, with a shoe and a rope as the only evidence. Tsunehiko's death would go unavenged, as would Noriyoshi's and Yukiko's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano had already lost Katsuragawa's patronage for good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And today he'd lost his belief in his own power to realize his desires—to expose the truth, reclaim his status and self-respect, deliver the guilty to justice, and save his father's life. Standing outside the gate that led to the canal, bridge, and street he'd known forever, he faced the sum of his losses.\n\nIt can end here, he told himself. The danger, the frustration, the ambivalence, the uncertainty. All he had to do was go back to the life he'd lived before he'd become a yoriki. Let Magistrate Ogyu's version of justice suffice; the real victims—Noriyoshi, Yukiko, Tsunehiko, and Raiden—were beyond caring. Let Toda and his kind protect the shogun however they chose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such things need no longer concern him. But these consoling thoughts only increased his misery. His spirit sickened at the thought of giving up, even as reason told him it was his only choice. Bleakly he reflected that this episode of his life might end, but he would live with its consequences for the rest of his years. Then, because he had nowhere else to go, he passed through the gate and continued homeward. Maybe tomorrow he would think of a way to salvage his honor and make amends to his father—and somehow prevent the old man's death.\n\nAs he crossed the bridge over the canal, a furious barking from below caught his attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked beyond the railing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sluggish brown water flowed between short, steep, brush-covered banks crowned with high wooden fences. Downstream, three dogs snapped and lunged at one another beneath a straggly willow tree. The largest, a sleek black hound, seemed to be guarding something partially hidden by the willow's branches. Behind the branches and the dog, Sano could see a pale, indistinct shape. He started to move on, thinking that the starving animals had killed one of their own kind and were fighting over the carcass. The Dog Protection Edicts forbade him to interfere. But there was always a chance that a child had drowned in the canal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If so, he should chase away the dogs before they ravaged the body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should try to identify it and locate the family.\n\nSano ran to the end of the bridge and skidded down the bank. He picked his way over the strip of muddy earth between water and brush. Just short of the willow tree, he halted in his tracks. Horror and disbelief drove a shaft of ice down his spine. Exclaiming in dismay, he stood and stared.\n\nThe snarling black hound stood over the naked body of a small, thin woman with tangled black hair and round buttocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She lay facedown, one arm against her side, the other extended and bent at the elbow so that her hand would have touched her head—except that she had no hands. Both arms ended in bloody stumps, cleanly severed at the wrists. Her legs had suffered even worse damage: feet, ankles, calves, and kneecaps were missing.\n\nSano swallowed past a dry mass in his throat as he took in the extent of the mutilation. Deep gashes on her limbs and torso exposed bone as well as bloody tissue. Dark bruises covered her buttocks. And, as the wind lifted her hair, he saw another bruise around her neck, this one imprinted with the twisted pattern of the cord her killer had used to strangle her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Merciful Buddha.\" His lips moved in automatic prayer.\n\nThe black dog barked and suddenly lunged at Sano, stopping just short of actual contact. At this signal, the other two began growling. Sharp teeth gleamed in their red mouths as they pressed close to him, driving him away from their prize.\n\nReleased from his horror-stricken paralysis, Sano found his voice. \"Get away!\" he yelled. He aimed a kick at them. \"Go!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still growling, the dogs retreated. Sano knelt beside the corpse. After seeing Noriyoshi's dissection and finding Tsunehiko's body, he'd thought himself inured to further shock. But the dissection had had a purpose, and Tsunehiko's death, however terrible, had been caused by a single cut. This meaningless savagery shook him to the core. What kind of monster would do such a thing?\n\nSano looked back toward the bridge and the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should call the guard, and the police. But first he wanted to see the woman's face. If she was a neighbor, better that he should notify her family than some doshin or other official. Carefully positioning his hands on her hip and shoulder so as to avoid the worst gashes, he rolled her over onto her back. His stomach twisted when he saw that both her nipples had been cut off, leaving raw circular wounds. Nauseated, he looked at her face.\n\nHe saw bulging eyes that still held an expression of sheer terror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Swollen cheeks and nose." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A trickle of dried blood at each corner of her mouth. Familiar features, altered by death, but not beyond recognition.\n\n\"O-hisa,\" he whispered." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do two sentences in Akahige Namban's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bearers provided by the temple carried Rosamund the whole of the following day. Lulled by their peculiar smooth gait and cadence, Rosamund fell asleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her companions walked beside her palanquin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She woke as they crossed a river. Gangs of porters lolled, half naked, on a pebbly strand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As travellers and their baggage came up, they would hoist the traveller or his baggage indiscriminately, and wade across the wide, shallow stream. Palanquins were borne on small rafts by several porters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku rode a porter's shoulder unselfconsciously, and Rosamund could see her rubbing her thighs appreciatively on the porter's muscular back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peeking through the slats provided in her own closed palanquin, she admired the muscular play on the arms of her own porters. They seemed undernourished, but powerful shoulder muscles writhed under their skins, and as they climbed from the water she happily compared the muscles of their almost naked buttocks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wondered what those muscles were capable of, were they driving something before them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They bade farewell to their escort at the town of Okitsu, on the shores of a broad bay. They found a small inn off the highway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their room overlooked a pleasant pine wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku was happy. She was not used to travelling this way. Her new lover was wealthy enough to stay at inns, whereas she had become accustomed to staying out in all weather, or to finding an accommodating male—not too difficult but chancy—for her use during the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She watched the sunset glint off Fuji-san while waiting for the massage they had ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mountain never failed to intrigue and delight her, and she thought of her own mountain home. Having finished a plain meal, the four of them were relaxing on seat cushions, sipping tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goemon and Jiro were sprawled comfortably, their light cotton gowns open to the waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosamund tried to emulate Okiku, and sat upright on her knees. She had let her hair down in the privacy of their room, and Okiku felt the need to touch the smooth, soft, blonde curls, so different from her own straight black hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suiting action to thought she leaned forward and touched Rosamund's hair lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other girl smiled. Goemon watched them with half-closed eyelids." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku rose to her feet swiftly, and pressed the blonde back into the bedding behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly, she stripped Rosamund and herself. Goemon attempted to rise to his feet, but she quelled him with a raised hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So deliberate were her motions that no one dared move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spread Rosamund's legs, and then positioned her in various ways, raising her legs and then lowering them, pushing the girl's knees against her generous breasts, then slapping the rounded white buttocks until they flushed pink. She stood up and approached Goemon, whose erection was pushing out of his robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She flicked his cock with her fingers, and he gulped as a transparent drop flew away from the tip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stripped both men and made them stand side by side. Pulling them gently by their cocks, she compared them for her own and Rosamund's benefit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro was the larger of the two in all aspects." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He towered over Goemon, and his muscles were massive. His cock, straight and peculiarly pink in color, was also thicker than the other's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goemon was slimmer, with muscles that bunched only when he moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His skin was smooth, and unlike Jiro he was almost hairless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She turned them around, and Rosamund pleasurably examined the sight of their buttocks, recalling her thoughts of the afternoon.\n\nLetting go of Jiro, Okiku led Goemon, still by his cock, to Rosamund, who had laid herself on her back in anticipation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In annoyance, Okiku kicked the blonde girl gently until Rosamund assumed the position on her side Okiku wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pulled Goemon down and laid him so that his cock faced Rosamund's face. Leaning slightly forward, she could reach the tip with her mouth while she felt the muscles of his belly with the top of her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From his position, Goemon could see the length of her back, with the swelling buns at their bottom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku returned quickly to Jiro and guided him to Rosamund's other end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She raised the blonde's upper leg, and pushed Jiro's head between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He faced an erect clitoris hidden between fat smooth lips bounded with golden curls. Screwing his eyes upward, he could see the length of Rosamund's body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her full breasts lay one on top of the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goemon's legs, which he could see, were tense with anticipation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hurriedly, Okiku herself completed the square." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her back to Rosamund who was head to feet with her, she curved her body back while lying on her side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon's head fitted between her legs, a hard comforting bulk. Before her face Jiro's prick stuck out stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They sucked and nibbled on one another for many minutes, their movements becoming faster and faster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unable to stop themselves, the two men started coming in spurts. Annoyed, Okiku pressed her fingers hard into the base of Jiro's ball bag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His spasms diminished, but he kept on bucking into her mouth with a power she enjoyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund felt Goemon's starting spurts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Excited at the thought that her lover would finally come in her mouth, she pushed with her head at the erect male teat, butting like a calf she had seen. Her teeth, which she had forgotten to cover in her excitement, scraped Goemon's prick painfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His coming spurt was extinguished. Annoyed, he cuffed her shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When that brought no reaction but a second butting, he pinched her shoulder hard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She squealed lightly and loosened her bite on his precious prick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She licked it carefully for awhile, and suddenly the pleasure of the situation rose in her. She was pleasuring her lover in a way she had not done before, and she herself was enjoying the lingering licks and sucks of another delightful man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thought excited her so much, her insides melted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She jerked her cunt hard against Jiro's mouth, trying to force his tongue as deep into her as his prick would have gone. Divining her desire, Jiro rammed his tongue deeply into her sweet hole, tasting her musky salty insides, and sucking her soft lips as he did so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her climax rose like a storm, and she covered Jiro's mouth and tongue with her juices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time Jiro, who felt her coming, began desperately ramming into Okiku's mouth. She held his muscular ass in both arms and encouraged him into her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the first spurts of pearly come, she felt her own insides erupting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her juices covered Goemon's face as he frantically achieved his own climax, spurting a heavy load of come into Rosamund's welcoming mouth.\n\n\"Excuse me. The masseuse is here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A voice from the small ante-room broke into the fog of their lust. Goemon, writhing in orgasm, could only gasp as Okiku's lower lips filled his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro was in no better shape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku removed her mouth from Jiro's emptying prick, swallowed the come in her mouth and called out sweetly, \"Please come in.\" The other three froze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goemon restrained his twitching hips as the last of his come was swallowed by Rosamund." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The masseuse came in and paused by the sliding door. She bowed, but her face showed no emotion at the four bodies on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Over here, please,\" Okiku directed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku laughed at her companions' shock. \"Blind,\" she pantomimed with her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All masseuses were blind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That and lute playing were by tradition reserved for the blind alone. Goemon, who had forgotten, and Jiro and Rosamund, who had not known, relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's first?\" asked Okiku lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro and Goemon deferred to one another for a moment, until Okiku firmly pushed Jiro down on his stomach, and led the masseuse over to him. The masseuse was a muscular woman dressed in a plain robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had a pleasant face, but for her vacant staring eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She squatted before Jiro's supine body and began pressing and kneading his back, her dead eyes staring at nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku calmly pushed Goemon down as well. As the masseuse worked, she idly played with the man's flaccid prick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund looked at the sight for a moment, and then joined her friend on the man's other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Occasionally, one of them would bend down and kiss the prick's tip. Goemon stretched out his hands, intending to run them along Rosamund's breasts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku would have none of that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She firmly pulled the hand on her side down and sat on it. Rosamund saw her rocking slowly and copied the motion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They slid their cunts up and down the man's muscular forearms, while diddling him together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The masseuse ordered Jiro to turn around so she could work on his legs and thighs. Suddenly he saw what his friends were about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His prick thickened and climbed into the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The masseuse, bending over him, accidentally came into contact with his tool. She gave no sign of noticing but went on with her task." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro was about to reach for her, but was dissuaded by Okiku's menacing hiss and glance.\n\nThe two girls rode Goemon's forearms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stopped massaging his rampant weapon every time it threatened to explode." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They smoothed the muscles of his belly, and Rosamund twitched the hairs below it, pulling them painfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon's sensitive face contorted with lust and frustration.\n\nThe masseuse finished with Jiro and the two girls rolled Goemon on his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the masseuse worked over the slimmer man, the two girls repeated their previous actions with Jiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku introduced a new element: she slapped Jiro's erect prick, and it swayed towards Rosamund." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughing, she hit it back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro groaned with pain and excitement. Later Rosamund introduced a refinement and hit the erect prick with her full pendent breast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro smiled at her gratefully, and Okiku slid back, resting her cunt on his fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dug into the soft folds almost savagely, and Okiku began to come. Rosamund followed suit, and the two girls bucked and shook over Jiro's clutching and probing fingers, their lips meeting one another's, and then Jiro's in a double, then triple kiss." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The masseuse worked over Goemon's taut buttocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strands of hair had fallen from her hairdo and tickled his skin. She did not bother to move them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As her strong fingers dug into the hard muscles of his ass, the sweat ran down her back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an easy motion she dropped the robe from her torso, uncovering a muscled back and two pear-shaped, dark-tipped breasts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon rammed his frustrated member into the pallet beneath him as the masseuse continued her probing.\n\nFinishing with his back, she rolled the young man over, and started with his thighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goemon's breathing became harsh, his eyes stared from his head and his face twisted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His cock was red and angry, the flanged head staring upwards and outwards. His hands crooked like claws and he dug them into the masseuse's slim hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku leaped from her seat on Jiro's hand, her cunt streaming juices down her thighs, and stripped the gown and red underskirt from the masseuse's body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon drew the masseuse up by main force and held her cunt over the tip of his erect maleness. The tip searched between the lush hair growth until Goemon was certain he was nestling between the lips in the right position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lowering his hands, still clawing at her hips, he brought her to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slap of their two bodies was more than Jiro could bear, and he rose and shook Rosamund off, a wild look on his face. The masseuse dug her fingers into Goemon's chest as she continued her work, though her movements were less sure and more convulsive than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her blind face still betrayed no emotion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku turned and motioned to Jiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bent over the sweating girl who had straddled Goemon, moving her hips up and down his cock as she dug her fingers into his chest and the muscles of his side. Okiku sent her fingers from Goemon's cock, rooted in juice, up the crack of the other woman's ass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She found the small clenched hole of her anus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Using cunt juice, she lubricated the hole copiously, and then drove her slim finger up the masseuse's ass. The clenched muscles relaxed and she drew her finger out slowly, shoving in another one as soon as she could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The masseuse started a slow humming sound in her throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She drove her hips harder than her fingers, and drops of hot sweat spattered Goemon beneath her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku added another two fingers, and the fucked girl hummed louder and stuck her ass into the air. Jiro, tempted beyond reason, shoved Okiku aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kneeled between Goemon's legs and probed the masseuse's slim ass. The enormous head of his cock parted the brown half moons, and the girl gave an anticipatory shudder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro pushed the head of his cock forwards, and the anus, wetted by Okiku's attentions, parted reluctantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once the head was fixed, Jiro rammed himself home. The masseuse cried out in pain before he was halfway there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund smiled in recollection at the feeling, but to her regret, Jiro pulled himself slowly out to the head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then again, he thrust in, and once again. The masseuse did not stop working the while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Occasionally, she would give a shudder as the enormous prick probed her insides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aside from her shudders, and working arms and fingers, she seemed oblivious to what was being done to her.\n\nJiro felt his prick work its way up the slippery soft hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could feel Goemon's prick on the other side of a thin membrane, and the two vigorous young men pushed together, suiting their movements to one another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly the woman between them gave a massive shudder and came. Her hips gyrated on the two pricks, forcing them hard together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sighed happily, and continued her work. Held between the two men, she was entirely dependent on their movement for her pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Happily for her, having come just a short while before, they were as prepared to go on as she. Relaxed, she waited for another orgasm as the two cocks fenced in her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In her spasms, she raised her head, staring with blind eyes at the ceiling, perhaps at the gods who had afforded her such pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku motioned Rosamund over to her. The blonde girl stood, straddling Goemon, and presented her cunt, still dewy with her come, to the masseuse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blind girl had finished kneading Goemon's muscles, and she began on her new client. She gently wet the insides of the blonde's thighs with her tongue, and then dug her fingers into the magnificent thighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Using her mouth and fingers together, she massaged Rosamund's thigh muscles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The inner part of each thigh came first, then the lips between them. When Rosamund began jerking in passion, she moved to the blonde's curved belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, at Okiku's whispered suggestion, she had the blonde turn around. She licked the smooth expanse of the girl's ass, then separated the buttocks and sent a tongue messenger into the clenched muscular bud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tongue was soon replaced by strong fingers, and Rosamund shuddered again as she achieved another climax." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smooth probing did not stop. Okiku now made Rosamund kneel over Goemon's mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He commenced tonguing her happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tasted different from Okiku, with a stronger, earthier scent. The masseuse continued her work, her hands now kneading Rosamund's back, but her tongue met Goemon's occasionally, in between smoothing and pleasuring Rosamund's asshole, now completely relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okiku paused to examine her handiwork." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Concerned then with her own pleasure, she straddled the masseuse's body and pulled Jiro's head to her. He eagerly stuck his tongue into her wet twat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held his hands and led them to her breasts that were aching with desire, their nipples erect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She fumbled behind her and found Goemon's hands, still crooked into the masseuse's hips. He raised one of his hands and dug into her slim buttock then, at her urging, drove one finger into her ass, and she rode tongue and finger to her climax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last sight she saw before orgasm took them all was her perfect mountain of pleasure, with her at the top, and she smiled at the thought of achieving Buddhist paradise while still in life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came like an avalanche. The masseuse collapsed first, the throes of her coming racking her body." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku and Jiro fell on top of her, and Rosamund, cramped in her kneeling position, stretched out her legs as the final shudders took her. Goemon, bearing the weight of four bodies, shook them off, laughing as soon as he got his breath back. They lay there for some time, panting and idly fingering one another until Okiku rose to offer them more tea." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ one sentence more" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "... The swaying of the palanquin he rode on made Jiro nauseous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to sit up, but waves of pain lashed him from his head downwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt clumsily for his swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The long one was nowhere to be found." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The short one was reposing comfortably, as it should, near his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He groaned in relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai without his wakizashi—the shorter of his two blades—would be a laughing stock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father, he knew, laughed at these \"murdering heathen customs\" but he too was careful to carry both his swords, or at least the short one, in public." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A face appeared beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Squinting through the haze of pain Jiro could make out the headdress of a doctor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sighed in relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Goemon, are the girls well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A stranger's voice answered him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't try to speak. You are sick and wounded.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An evil tasting liquid was forced between his teeth and he lost consciousness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he awoke at last it was to the sound of soft high voices whispering and laughing around him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the distance he could hear the twanging tones of an expertly played lute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a room not far from him, a scar-faced young man, elaborately dressed, ignored the tableau before him and contemplated Jiro's fate with a crooked dreamy smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro's head throbbed when he tried to sit up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A soft hand supported him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned, hoping for Okiku or Rosamund." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A young woman, unknown to him and with peculiarly luminous eyes, was supporting him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bent her head at his glance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Oshin. Please do not try to rise. You must still feel sick, and you have not eaten for a day. I will call for food.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The food when it arrived was set in exquisite plates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time in his life, Jiro tasted delicacies such as hatahata fish from Ugo and fresh picked tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His strength returned with the food, which was served on trays near his pallet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oshin helped him eat and regarded his appetite with what seemed like awe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satisfied, he demanded his clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry. Clothes will be brought in a while. Your own have been lost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two young girls, their flowing hair gathered at the nape with a bow, brought him a suit of clothes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a snow white, silken loincloth, a silk under-kimono, a grey shot silk over-robe, and a black striped silk sash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood to put on the cotton bathrobe Oshin held out to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind a screen, thoughtful eyes roved over his form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scarfaced young man smiled hungrily as the tall young man left the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bath was as luxurious as the rest of the mansion's fittings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One side was open, and a small forest of dwarf bamboo in blue glazed pots invaded the bath and gave the atmosphere of bathing in a forest glen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It reminded Jiro of the circumstances of his meeting with Goemon, and his cock stiffened slightly at the thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two young girls who had brought his meal stripped him of his robe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them gasped at the sight of his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had felt the pain before, but had ignored it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor had treated the blow to his head, but the branch that struck him had tumbled him over the gravel of the river bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had saved himself by reflex action, curling into a ball, but his back and ass were covered with scrapes and abraded areas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two girls, under Oshin's supervision, gently bathed his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clean at last, he eased himself into the steaming water and allowed himself the luxury of a soak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oshin knelt on a seat at the corner of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two young girls, twins by their looks, knelt near the bath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro could see their immature young nipples, as they had divested themselves of their outer robes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They smiled at his look, and one of them rose to add a stick to the fire that heated his bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bath over, he was led back to his room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The corridors were deserted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soft ladylike snores from behind some of the sliding doors told Jiro that he was in the women's wing of the mansion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daimyo lords did not commonly allow low-ranking samurai lodging in their women's quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room was set for sleeping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pallet was remade on the floor, and several candles lit the scene." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sliding doors were painted with gilt-scenes representing pheasants in courting plumage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro felt uneasy in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two young girls stripped off his cotton robe and folded it beside his waiting new robes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they untied his sash and loosened the bathrobe, each of the young girls contrived to touch his quiescent prick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He struggled to hold his pose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oshin, on her knees near the pallet as she directed operations, ignored the stirring of his member." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the girls folded down the top coverlet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a warm night, and the coverlet was merely a light quilt without gadding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lay down, wondering if they would leave or join him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His prick gave another stir and began to stiffen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pretending to help him into bed solicitously, the two girls made sure to feel his cock again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It stood out from his body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oshin did not react visibly, though her eyes were directed intently at the sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a final flicker of their soft fingers and a giggle behind their hands, the two young girls left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro lay on his side in bed, watching Oshin and wondering whether she intended staying there the whole night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, she rose to her feet and then knelt at the pallet side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you very sore?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked in a colorless tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not too much. Merely uncomfortable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely a samurai should not mind some minor pain?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked suddenly. Her face, he noted, was lightly pocked, but her mouth was wide and pleasant looking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not stained her teeth black, a fashion that was catching on among upper class women, but which he, with his rural background, found odd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" he answered her question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am merely a bit stiff...\" He wondered if the imposing mansion had made his tongue stiff as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tended to speak much more formally than usual, he noticed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please lie on your back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared at her for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She repeated her request, touching him lightly on the hip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grunted slightly as he lay back, his head on a high pillow which kept his newly set and oiled topknot away from the sheet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without any visible change of expression, she stripped the cover from him and laid her hand on his prick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It gave a single throb and stood out the length of his belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stroked it gently with her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was dry and throbbing, and her smooth hand cooled his skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bent forward and ran her tongue from tip to balls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His prick glistened as it became covered with saliva." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rubbed the length of it again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tried to keep her expression neutral, but there was a slight gleam of satisfaction and interest at the length and breadth of the erect rod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stroked it again, then raised the tip and held the stiff length of meat perpendicular to Jiro's muscular belly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It looked as if she was shaking hands with another arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let the cock drop and it fell back tensely and slapped his muscular belly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro laughed silently. She then raised his ball bag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather than letting it flop Jiro tensed at the thought—she let it down gently between his legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached out and touched her breast through the thick fabric of her robe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She ignored his probing hands and continued playing with his prick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she raised it vertically, and then began a milking motion with both soft palms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled at her robe and the under-robes beneath until he could slip them off and bare her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since kimonos are untied except by the sash, this was easily accomplished without disturbing her own activities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had firm full breasts that swayed from side to side with the movement of her hands as she vigorously masturbated him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pinched her rather flat nipple with finger and thumb, and the fleshy bud rose under him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He squeezed the breast harder, but when he attempted to pull him to her, she wriggled her shoulders without ceasing the motions of her hands and his hands fell away from her body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried again, and again she evaded him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the time she concentrated on the huge prick before her, stroking it gently and firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes never left Jiro's crotch, and her lips pursed in concentration." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tiny drop of clear fluid appeared at the tip of his prick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a birdlike movement she bent forward and quickly sipped it up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her full breasts hung tantalizingly for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He allowed their full soft weights to push against the back of his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again, she gave no conscious sign that she noticed what he was doing to her body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flipped aside the skirt of her robe and slipped his hand into the opening to touch her thigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was warm and full." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt her from the knee up, through the folds of robe layers and petticoat until his probing fingers found a trace of rough hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His finger squirmed and scratched through her patch, looking for the spot that would make her react." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She still dealt with his prick impassively, now and again bending forward to capture a drop of fluid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he found her slit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tickled the lips softly at first, and when that brought no response, pushed harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally goaded, he shoved aside her robe and forced his whole palm between her legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In contrast to her cool expression, he found her cunt burning like a furnace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inside surface of her thighs was damp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pushed questing fingers deeper between rather thin lips and fingered the length of her cunt as Okiku had taught him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His fingers slid lubriciously through the overflowing moisture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to raise himself slightly and spread her thighs, but suddenly she was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With one motion she rose gracefully to her white-socked feet and slid the gown back over her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gave him one long sphinx-like look, bowed to him, and drew back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she blew out the candle that illuminated the room, he saw that her gaze had flicked to the screen at the other side of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sliding door sighed twice, and she was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As she stepped out, Jiro thought he heard a second sound echoing the sliding door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lay back on his pallet, frustrated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His erection throbbed and he stroked it savagely for awhile, thinking viciously of what he would do to the minx when she came to his bed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then a thought struck him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rose quietly in the dark, unsheathed his wakizashi, and stole carefully across the golden soft tatami mats to the gold lacquered screen at the other end of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind the screen was another sliding door, and a single rich sitting pad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the pad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still warm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Puzzled but still hopeful he returned to his bedding." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fell asleep still expecting to be awakened by a soft, curious hand. Before he drifted off he heard a burst of ragged laughter hidden by the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do 4 sentences in Akahige Namban's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The courtroom was a wide hall with a broad platform filling one third of it. At the back of the platform was a wide double sliding door. Guards armed with staves stood behind the prisoners. Two samurai knelt before the double doors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro knelt and considered his actions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had acted correctly, he knew. Revenge was a sacred duty, he was a samurai, and he had nothing to fear. He stole a look in Rosamund's direction. That was the problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though the punishment against foreigners travelling unlicensed through the empire was, for the present at least, loosely enforced, there might have been a change in policy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And she was most definitely a kirisitan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the mystery of Goemon intrigued him. What had the doctor done to be arrested with them in such a fashion?\n\nThe clerk, who was kneeling on the platform, an elderly samurai, called out \"Matsudaira Konosuke, Intendant of the Shogun in Miyako, will judge the prisoners.\" The guards growled at the prisoners and the three of them hastily touched their foreheads to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The double doors opened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Governor of Miyako entered. His long formal trousers trailed behind him on the floor, forcing him to walk in a shuffle that flipped them behind him like the tail of a fish. He wore a wide-shouldered overcoat of silk, and a colorful silk robe tucked into his trousers. The handle of his short sword was wound with white braid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His topknot divided his shaven pate like a sword blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may sit up,\" said the governor in a deep official voice.\n\nJiro's eyes travelled up the length of the figure before him. He noted the rich fittings, the official signs of power. His eyes reached those of the governor's and he froze in shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund looked at the governor and gasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Goemon. She started to rise, and the governor quelled her with a fierce look. She looked at him in adoration. He had never been so fierce, so glorious, as he appeared to her now.\n\n\"Miura Jiro, brawling in public streets is forbidden. However, since you are a samurai, and since I understand it was an affair of revenge, and since you have reported this revengeful act, and since the man you killed was a wanted robber, Hachiro by name, I merely sentence you to banishment from your home of Miura.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jiro looked at his erstwhile friend in bewilderment.\n\n\"The woman Okiku,\" continued Goemon implacably. \"It is unseemly for a woman to be without a guardian. You are hereby placed in the custody of a samurai, one Miura Jiro, who will be responsible for your conduct.\" Okiku bowed deeply in reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon turned to face Rosamund. His topknot flashed darkly in the light.\n\n\"The woman Rosamund. You are a foreigner who has been wandering through our provinces without official permission. You are to be incarcerated for that crime. The House of Matsudaira will be responsible for that incarceration, and for administering suitable physical chastisement whenever necessary.\"\n\nThe illustrious figure of the governor rose to its full height." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned with a flourish and kicked the long trailing lengths of his trousers behind him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The double doors opened before him and he stalked through. Rosamund, the only one who had not bowed deeply enough, was the only one to see the governor's quick wink as he turned." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nAkahige Namban" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei grunted as he rolled the last rock into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He straightened his aching back and wiped his face. Then he picked up his gun, cast one last look at the small mountain clearing, and turned to go. Above and around him the tall pines whispered to the wind the sorrow he himself could not express. Only the slight tightening of his face muscles betrayed the pain of leaving, the hurt of the mound that hid the last of his children and his woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He descended the mountain. Before nightfall he stood at the fringes of the cultivated fields of the tiny hamlet from where his woman had come. He turned and bowed to the mountain. The peak, white with snow, still shone a reflected red as the last rays of the sun touched it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not think he would see it again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the growing dark and cold Isei found a lair among the roots of an oak he knew well and curled up to sleep. He dreamt, terrifying dreams of pale-faced ghosts wailing at him from the dark. In the night, in the cold of his dreams, he finally wept for his family, taken from him by cold and disease. Behind the ghosts he could see the impassive face of someone--something that should have helped but didn't: that looked at the dying children impassively and studiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei clutched his gun to him and his shivering turned to a burning desire to know: how? why? The cold iron stuck to his clutching hand, and he fell into a deep sleep, his decision, unknown to him, already made.\n\nIsei woke with the dim memory of something calling to him out of a dream. He struggled with the memory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the face of his dead child that brought the dream back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over his child loomed a massive face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Calm, peaceful, inhuman. It looked at him, a gnat-like human, and the bow-curved lips seemed to move with laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rage seized Isei again as it had in his dream. He wanted to grab his child and run. He heard the child lisp \"Miyako, Miyako,\" and looking up again he knew that he was looking at the face of the Daibutsu. Very well, the omen was there, but what it meant, he had no idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked down the slope, heading south and west. Eventually, the path he followed, as paths will, reached a destination. The small clearing was well planted with sweet potato and radish, greens and a few small apple trees. It was being well tended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farmwoman looked up from her work. She was weeding a tiny plot of taro. The big leaves nodded above her. Isei studied her remotely for a moment, then stepped boldly forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up, startled, then straightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had a broad, red face half hidden by the kerchief she wore under her broad hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her torso was bare and she wore a ragged petticoat that might once have been red, but was now a faded and mud-stained brown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her breasts were erect and firm, stained and streaked with the sweat of her labors under the sun. He smiled slightly. He liked women with broad shoulders, the broader the better. And broad hips for the bearing of children. She made no move to leave when she saw him approach, merely gripping her small hoe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped before her and smiled shyly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smile, he knew, had won more than one heart before. At first she had seen only that he was a mountain man. His pants were coarse castoff weave, probably bartered from some farmwife like herself. He wore a doublet made from the skin of a black bear, the fur turned outwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It displayed his bronzed muscular chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hung from the vine belt that held the doublet closed were a number of baskets cunningly woven from akebia vine. A heavy woodsman's nata hung at his side. Its plain wooden handle and sheath were well polished with use. On the other side hung a flask of black powder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In one hand he casually held a long matchlock. A length of extra slow-match was looped around the slim stock. He was bare-headed and notwithstanding the long hair bound at the back of his neck and his unshaven jaw, she saw before her a man of uncommon facial beauty. His features were regular, cheeks high and smooth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piercing eyes under mulberry-shaped eyebrows complemented his hawk nose. Involuntarily almost, she smiled back.\n\n\"You have been working very hard,\" Isei said, stroking some of the sweat away from her breast.\n\nShe smiled but did not move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is plenty of work, and someone has to do it. My man is busy elsewhere.\"\n\nHe chose to interpret it in the way he fancied. \"Two can do more than one.\" He unsheathed his nata and bent to help her weed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his energetic help they were soon finished. She straightened up and smiled at him, wiping her sweaty forehead with the back of her hand.\n\n\"You are very sweaty,\" he said and deliberately, using his palms like sponges, wiped the sweat down her body to her waist.\n\n\"Mr. sanka, let us go to the shade,\" she said pragmatically as he unloosed the ties of her petticoat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My name is Isei,\" he said, almost primly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not like to be called by the epithet the lowland people used for his kind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They walked to the shade of the forest and she dropped her petticoat, then undid her hat and kerchief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dropped his own clothes while looking at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her figure was firm and blocky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her calves almost massive with muscle. She was slick with the sweat of labor and anticipation.\n\nShe lay down on the reddish cloth, her knees raised and her arms spread. For a brief moment he looked at her welcoming black thatch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was bisected by a long pink slit bordered by thinnish lips. He dropped to his knees beside her, kicked his pants off and moved his loincloth out of the way. His cock, thick and a bit short, jutted out of a nest of fine black hairs. He laid himself prone upon her and pushed mightily with his mantool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The breath went out of the farmwoman as she received his weight and she smiled happily at the treetops as he rooted between her legs. The smell of their sweat mingled with the salty female perfume and was borne away by the wind. The knob of his cock widened the dew-drenched orifice and Isei thrust in to his full length.\n\n\"That is good Isei, that is good!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mouth was fully open and her hips glued themselves firmly to his. Her full calves intertwined with his own. He rose somewhat and started jerking into her in a broken drumming rhythm which he knew women liked. She Oooed frenziedly and clutched at his ass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The speed of his motions increased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dug into him, biting at his sweaty shoulders frantically. Moaning incoherently he felt that her hips were triphammering back at him and his cock seemed to be swimming in a warm bath. He paused for a moment to savor the sensation.\n\n\"Go on, go on you beautiful cock; you mountain tree you. Fuck me, again, again,\" she cried, staring at him with eyes rounded with passion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He obeyed and his cock triphammered at her, his nuts slapping against her moisture with a strange sticky sound. At last he began to feel his sperm rising. He fell onto her, biting at her nipples and neck and clutching handfuls of her large and muscular behind. She urged him on inarticulately and clawed with blunt hard fingers at the muscles of his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei's juices exploded and he flooded her interior with his milky essence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The odor of male sperm was added suddenly to the breeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei lay on her, his cock still jerking, and she started rubbing a finger between his buttocks, trying to stimulate him to another trial. She smiled as he raised his head.\n\n\"You fuck good,\" they said simultaneously, and she laughed broadly, pinching his behind fondly.\n\nThere was a growl behind them and Isei pulled out of the woman and spun around, groping unsuccessfully for his matchlock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The huge brown bear rose to its hind feet and sniffed expectantly, then charged forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether they had disturbed the beast at its feeding, or whether the smell of the randy woman had excited it, Isei neither knew nor cared. He leaped sideways, groping now for his nata, the heavy square-ended knife-hatchet that all foresters wore as a matter of course.\n\nThe woman squealed and leaped for a tree. The bear passed Isei in his charge and the heavy blade sliced down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shock of the blow was greeted by a bloodcurdling roar. The bear spun and raked at his tormentor. Isei danced out of the enraged animal's way and chopped again. The blade sliced through softer belly flesh as the bear reared up for a crushing blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of his paws hung limply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei backed, fumbling in his pouch. He found the tiny clay shell that held his fire first, then the larger fire egg. The egg hissed ominously as he lit the match. The bear roared and charged again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei slipped the bomb into the beast's maw and danced away again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A long talon raked his side, a mere scratch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei turned and ran, the bear turned, though slower, and set off in limping pursuit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two steps and the obstruction in his throat grew into a painful volcano that blew his head off.\n\nIsei looked for the woman, then looked at the scratch on his side. He could barely believe what had happened. Few men had faced a brown bear and come through it alive." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly it was clear to him what he had to do. The capital of Miyako, where, as family legend had it, they had come from aeons before, would be his goal. There he would inquire of the Yakushi Nyorai daibutsu. His family dead of such a tiny thing as a sickness, whereas he, facing death, was still alive. Why? Resolutely he turned his face to the south." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 5 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Akahige Namban.Produce 5 sentences using the prose and structure of Akahige Namban every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Several days walking finally brought Isei out of the mountains onto the lush plains. He came to a small town as dusk fell. A rainstorm was on its way and he felt the need for some shelter in this strange land of sleek keen men and rounded soft women. People shied away from him and occasionally small children threw stones, at which he growled and they fled.\n\nHe was hungry and tired and the strange place made him nervous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He left the town hurriedly. Shadows were gathering in the eaves and lanterns, glowing like the more familiar fireflies, were being lit. At the edge of the town he stopped. A wonderful smell was coming to his nostrils. He sniffed with appreciation, then again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was coming from somewhere to his left, through a grove of pine trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He left the roadway and padded silently into the forest. The smell increased. He came to what appeared to him to be a magnificent structure. The house was large, constructed of well-planked wood. The eaves were not thatched but tiled: an innovation he had never seen before. The smell was coming from a semi-detached cookhouse, connected to the main building by a covered walk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei slavered at the smell, and wondered at the effect it had on him. There were sounds of movement from the house. Male voices and obedient female ones. He knew he should move on, but the smell drove him frantic with hunger and he crept closer.\n\nA woman was bent over the stove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pot of rice was simmering on one pot hole, another pot on the other. As she stirred the second pot a blast of the magnificent smell overwhelmed Isei. He fell to his knees beside the open doorway, his gun, forgotten, almost slipping from his hand. The woman turned, startled at his movement. Her hand flew to her mouth and she suppressed a shriek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had a pleasant, smoothly-rounded face and her hair was covered by a scarf. To Isei she was finely dressed, but he did not notice the patched condition of her kimono, her worn geta sandals, nor her simple hairdo.\n\nShe started to scream, then seeing his passive kneeling form she asked sharply, \"What do you want?\"\n\n\"Ah ... ah ...\" he stuttered, overwhelmed by the scent.\n\n\"Yes? What is it? We want no beggars here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Mistress ...\" Isei said miserably, \"What ... What is that thing?\" he waved vaguely at the pot.\n\nShe looked at him then laughed, not bothering to hide her mouth politely. \"A cooking pot, you fool. What are you that you don't know ...\"\n\n\"No, please. The food you are cooking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmf. A beggar. I thought so. And a dirty polluted sanka at that,\" she sneered. \"Haven't you ever seen soup?\"\n\n\"I am no beggar,\" Isei said proudly, rising from his knees. She retreated, and he fumbled behind him to produce the soft pelt of a fox. \"I will pay!\"\n\n\"For a bowl of soup? Of simple miso-shiru bean-paste soup? With a fox pelt!?\" She laughed incredulously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded dumbly, bowing to the floor again then raising the pelt in both hands. She snatched it greedily from his hands.\n\n\"Have you a bowl?\" she asked. He shook his head. She fumbled in the dark corners of the cooking hut until she found an old cracked wooden bowl and ladled the dark brown steaming soup into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei watched with bright eyes as she held it out to him with one hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and squatted by the door, ignoring her completely. He peered into the depths of the warm liquid. A reddish cloud floated in the transparent steaming liquid. Vegetables, known and unknown, a tiny fish, and squares of some unknown substance floated in the soup. It looked like something his grandfather had once described to him, having heard it from his grandfather." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei raised the bowl carefully to his lips and took a slow sip. His mouth was flooded with an exquisite sensation. He closed his eyes in appreciation, lost in the pleasure of the moment.\n\nHeavy footsteps and the smell of cheap stale liquor overwhelmed him suddenly. A blow sent him and the bowl flying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We want no beggars here!!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "a male voice broke into his pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Furious, Isei rose to his knees and started groping in the dark for his matchlock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He faced a large dark man holding a big wooden mallet, the kind used for pounding rice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out of here you lousy beggar!\" the man snarled. \"This is an inn, not a beggars' home.\"\n\n\"Hey, what have we here innkeeper?\" Three other male figures, reeking of cheap sake, staggered out of the inn's backdoor. One was in the act of exposing himself for a piss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Har, a mountain man, a sanka. What's the dirty one doing here? Class of the place going down, eh innkeeper?\"\n\nThe innkeeper raised his stick and took a furious step towards Isei.\n\n\"Having it off with your wife, was he?\" one of the men egged the innkeeper on.\n\nThe woman protested furiously, rebuking the man and cursing Isei in the same breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's have some fun with the dirty beggar!\" one of the men said. The five of them advanced on him in a group, and finding his matchlock, Isei took to his heels. The chase was short. Isei's pursuers would not venture into the trees, and his own woodcraft allowed him to speed silently into the welcoming darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He peered at the dilapidated inn from his shelter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the night wore on he brooded about the treatment meted to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of the drinkers at their cups came to him through the night and he mourned his lost soup, savoring the memory of the one sip he had gotten.\n\nFinally Isei's rage overcame his caution. He crept down to the building unnoticed. A tilted lantern, its sides torn and bearing letters he could not read, announced the name of the inn. Furiously he struck at it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lantern tilted further and the paper sides caught fire. The fire climbed to the wooden support. Isei opened his mouth to call out, then shut his mouth with a snap. His rage was fuelled by the laughter inside, and he watched curiously as the flames rose and started licking along the posts and lintels. He crept back into the woods, grinning like a wolf as screams suddenly erupted from the dilapidated building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More and more of the structure started glowing with the flames in the front." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the confusion, one of the drinkers must have dropped a candle, for suddenly there were flames bursting out of other corners of the inn. The handful of people inside fought their way out as best they could. Isei watched them, laughing. Then his eyes narrowed. One of the figures rushing out was trailed by a tail of sparks and a minor flame of its own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hurried after the figure through the woods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The figure screamed in a high-pitched female voice: it had noticed the flame on its tail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather then trying to take her clothes off and beat out the flame, the innkeeper's wife ran in panic through the woods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei caught up with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gripped the corner of her kimono and pulled it from her, stamping on the flames in the tail of her dress. She screamed mindlessly as he ripped it completely from her, leaving her in her red shift.\n\nShe cowered away from him, trying to cover her nakedness with her hands. \"Are you going to rape me?\"\n\nIsei stood there dumbly, only raising the burnt kimono to show her what had happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no. I'll not let you!\" she cried out hysterically. Her crossed forearms covered her breasts and she glared wildly about. \"Dirty sanka, I'll not let you. Rape! Help, rape!\"\n\n\"Shut up woman,\" he said fiercely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she did not stop, he reached for her and put a hand over her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She struggled furiously and his patience broke. He bore her back on a convenient fallen trunk. The rough bark scratched at her back.\n\n\"Stop your screaming!\" he hissed wildly, then released his hand. Perhaps misunderstanding his motives, perhaps not caring or scared out of her wits, she immediately started to scream again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isei's hand was back on her mouth in a flash. Then he became conscious of their situation. And of the fact that he had a painful and taut erection. He held her down wordlessly and began undoing his homespun trousers. She struggled, silently now, and the smoothness of her body excited him further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed her down on the log, straddling her thighs, then began biting--as softly as he could under the circumstances--at her nipples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were tight with the cool night air and his warm breath softened them somewhat. She peered at him fearfully over her breasts, her fears realized. He smiled back and she turned her eyes away, renewing her struggles. The motion of her hips on the log excited Isei further. Her pubic mound was raised high and he could feel its prominence rubbing against his stomach and chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lustful pictures filled his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had never taken a woman against her will before, had never needed to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mountain women welcomed male attentions, or simply ran off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they were never as soft and as helpless as this female.\n\nAt last she was spread over the log. Isei straddled her, then pulled his rough pants and loincloth off completely. His thick stubby cock sprang into the cool night air. He lowered his bottom between her splayed legs and directed the top of his cock to her entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She struggled at the pain of his insertion into her dry cunt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei pulled out and groped at his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured a small handful of oil from the tiny flask and applied it to her dark bush, then rubbed it in furiously. The pepper and roots he had macerated in the oil started taking their toll. She struggled less, not only resigned to her fate but realizing suddenly that there was pleasure in it for her as well. Isei's thick blunt cudgel sank smoothly into her and the oil started lighting a fire in her loins. The position was uncomfortable, and their combined weight dug splinters into her back, but the fire roused by the oil was unquenchable now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She mewed with relief when their hairs meshed together and the mountain man began rising and sinking into her helpless body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isei explored as much of her upper torso as he could with his lips and tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This plains woman tasted different from any other woman he had ever had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But her cunt was the same slick avenue of all the others. His movements became abrupt and he felt his climax beginning to rise. Beneath him, her mouth still shut by his palm, he could see that the woman was pleading about something. She too had noticed the impending climax. Isei slowed down, allowing her time to catch up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Muffled cries came from beneath his palm. Her eyes closed to slits and the whites showed. She seemed gripped by a palsy and Isei knew she was about to join him. He let himself go and they rocked together on the rough wood. She finally managed to raise her legs high, and as the volcanoes of their passion exploded, throw them over his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rolled off the log together, onto a bed of ferns. Through the trees Isei could barely make out the glow of the fire and the calls and cries of people around it.\n\nHe stood up over her, his shrivelled member cool, tucking himself into his clothes.\n\n\"You raped me,\" she said wonderingly.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said gruffly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt obscurely guilty. \"You were screaming so loud, so ...\" He threw his hands up.\n\n\"I've been raped before. By a samurai, before I was married. It was nothing like this.\" She was talking to herself, hadn't even heard him. She felt her cunt delicately with her fingers and a smile of bliss came to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up at him as he retied his belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hesitated a moment. \"Will you come again? Sometime? I won't scream ...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe,\" he said.\n\n\"We can meet here,\" she said eagerly. \"I'll ... I'll bring some soup!\"\n\nHe grinned and turned to go.\n\nShe watched his shadow slip between the trees, then searched for her scorched robe and slipped it on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mountain man had forced her and yet, ..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet it was the best fuck she had had. She puzzled over it, and over her lack of shame as Isei made his way into the wood and down the road, heading west and south." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~4 sentences sentences. Style: Akahige Namban" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosamund lay back on the bare tatami and parted her legs. She piled some flat zabuton seating pads under her head to raise her face. Matsudaira ignored her, engrossed in his reports. She pulled open her robes, but even the slithering sound of her stiff silk obi sash failed to rouse him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sent her hands down the length of her belly and stroked her golden bush.\n\n\"Goemon,\" she called softly.\n\nThe subliminal signal caused him to raise his eyes unwillingly. He caught sight of a pink slit being opened by long delicate fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A bright red tattooed rose glowed on the perfect white skin. Its stem was rooted deeply into the pink cunt hole that was now being opened for his gaze by her questing fingers. One of the tapering long digits insinuated itself into the slit, stroking the long inner lips, then twiddling the extraordinarily long clitoris that arched out to meet the finger. Rosamund smiled at him over the pink-tipped mounds of her breasts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to return to his reports, but the sight held him mesmerized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund wet her middle finger slowly, turning it about in her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She examined it for a moment, then, left-hand fingers holding open the rose pot, inserted her finger delicately into the depths. She moved the finger about while her hips began to squirm on the silk futon. A pearly sheen emerged on the inner recesses of the pink cunt. She jerked her hips violently, and when Goemon looked away, moaned loudly to accompany the motions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Goemon it sounded like the purring of a large cat. Her left fingers parted and Rosamund's exceptionally long clitoris, curved like a claw, emerged and was stroked carefully by her wet fingers.\n\nShe turned on her side and raised her thigh. Her hand went around her buttocks and exposed the entire juncture of her thighs to Goemon's gaze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gritted his teeth and returned to reading his report." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosamund stroked the entire length of her slash, from the top of the golden bush to her tiny pink anal entrance. Her fingers, first one, then two, then a third, dipped deeply into the waiting hole. Goemon's breathing quickened and his perusal of his papers became more perfunctory.\n\nRosamund rolled onto her stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reached back with both hands, parting the full, pale half moons and exposing herself fully to his gaze from another angle. \"Goemon,\" she called in a low voice, \"come and fuck me. Beat me lover, come on. Here it is.\"\n\nThe sight and the sound acted on Goemon like the smell of a bitch on a male dog. His breathing quickened and he rose from his seat, unconscious of his duty or anything else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosamund smiled into her pillow. She was tired of being ignored just because her man had to work, and her power over him proved to be greater than the power of duty.\n\nNot watching where he went, his shin smashed against the low table he was working on. The pain, and particularly the sight of the documents falling to the mat brought him back to his responsibilities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am busy,\" he said angrily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was a robbery of a sake merchant,\" he tried to explain. \"Three men forced their way in and stole his cashbox. They were armed. Now we have to look for them as well. I have two murders, one of which has no motive and the other too many and no murder weapon. What is the world coming to? ...\" He turned back to his desk and its reports.\n\n\"You're always too busy for me,\" she hissed, her face contorted in anger. \"You cockless bastard, I should take on one of the serving lads.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She picked up a hard ricebran filled pillow and threw it at his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaped to his feet, the pillow passing unharmed by his face. Taking one angry step towards her, he collided again with the corner of the desk, sending the papers flying. The pain spread a red sheet before his eyes.\n\n\"Stop that you ... you ...\" Losing control, his hand lashed out and he struck her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She yelled and clawed out at him. At first Goemon fell back, so unexpected was her attack. Then enraged by her curses and flashing hands he struck at her once, then again. She fought back and he hit her violently, his hands connecting again and again with her shoulders then with her large soft breasts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rolled onto her, forcing her body down while he pummelled at the soft flesh that struggled under him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tried to bite at his restraining arm and the sudden sharp pain of her teeth made him lose his reason completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced her down on her back, his hands punching mercilessly into her soft parts again and again. She started to cry in pain and he ground his body violently against her, discovering as he did so that his cock was in violent erection. He threw off his loincloth and parted her legs urgently. She fought him, drawing blood from rips in his skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His cock found her opening and he forced himself inside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She responded with a triumphant cry, pushing her hips up against him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rode her while slapping intermittently at her full breasts. They turned a flushed pink and the nipples came erect as if thirsting for more or clawing at his skin.\n\nRosamund started climaxing long before Goemon. Her heels locked against the small of his back and she scratched violently at his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lips fastened there as well and drew bloody marks as she alternatively kissed and bit him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sharp pain of her resistance drove Goemon to a raging frenzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His cock hammered into her and he tried to fend off her attacks and force himself on her. He knew that at that point nothing would stop him except his death or orgasm. He changed his tactics, pulling violently at her ass, he pulled the buns apart, causing her to shriek loudly as he buried two fingers in the resisting warm ring of her ass. At the same time he lowered his head to hers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Partly to defend himself, partly because he was impelled to do so, he forced her mouth open, then drove his tongue forward, raping her mouth. She fought the lingual member with her own, while at the same time sucking it in greedily. Bucking against him she felt her insides explode time after time. Gobs of her own juices inundated their joined pubic mounds and ran down between her buttocks to wet the torn entrance to her anus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon exploded violently too. His cock was searching out her inner recesses and he felt the spurts of semen whipping into her like gunshots. Feeling him climaxing Rosamund clenched her powerful well-trained cunt muscles. The sudden constriction hurt Goemon's cock as he was coming, and he forced another fraction of his fleshy man-root into her, mouthing her tongue and tearing at her ass as he did so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two figures lay as if dead." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally the darker one rolled off and collapsed on the mat, staring dully into space. She laid her golden head on his muscled chest and softly kissed the marks of her teeth and nails. Some were slowly oozing blood. She smiled happily. He looked fondly at the golden mass of hair on his chest, stroking it lightly. There was work to be done, but not just now." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Akahige Namban and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo and Momoe crept down the stairs hand in hand. The light was dim. Boards and various carpenters' paraphernalia lay about the large structure. Momoe sniffed the fresh cut wood appreciatively. It was a smell she associated with Saburo, and the feel of his large warm hand in hers was a comfort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The seated figure of a man loomed suddenly at them out of the dark as they turned a corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Momoe barely suppressed a cry. Saburo peered fearfully about, then grinned at her. She could see the flash of his white teeth in the dusk.\n\n\"Only statues,\" he whispered. He pointed here and there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were other statues sitting quietly on their dais, most of them unfinished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo suddenly froze in place. \"I thought ... yes ... there is a noise there.\"\n\nSome of the statues suddenly leaped to their feet. Saburo ran, pulling Momoe's hand. She slipped and rolled on some loose lumber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to see two large monks bearing down on him and took to his heels. Momoe found herself raised to her feet by rough hands.\n\n\"What are you doing here? Come here quick! A spy!\" The last was not for her as out of the gloom several of the statues resolved themselves into stern-visaged monks.\n\nOne of her captors lit a candle, another holding her roughly by her arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They moved aside as a short rotund monk in silk robes, his sash elaborate with gold, pushed his way through the monks, some of whom seemed armed in an unmonkish fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what do we have here, eh?\" The plump cleric peered at her in the candlelight. \"A spy is it?\"\n\n\"Oh no sir, no sir,\" the frightened girl protested. \"I merely came into the temple to seek shelter for the night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see. And didn't you know the temple is closed for repairs?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No sir, I didn't. I found out and a kind workman said he would show me the way out, then there was shouting ...\" She started to cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The abbot patted her shoulder softly. \"Don't cry my daughter. This temple is going to be the most magnificent in Miyako, in the whole of the country. Yakushi Nyorai himself has commanded it.\" His face was glowing with the sweat of emotion and Momoe found something frightening in the cleric's intensity.\n\n\"Here, someone fetch the girl a cup of tea. One of the workmen, did you say?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she sobbed. She grasped unsteadily for the cup someone shoved her way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through lowered lids she saw the round monk signal to some of the others who rapidly disappeared into the gloom.\n\n\"Did he tell you his name my dear? We should reward his helpfulness.\"\n\n\"No,\" she shook her head, hoping Saburo had made his escape. \"No. He was a carpenter I think.\"\n\nThere was a sudden shout from the direction of the exit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The burlier of the monks hurried that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chief monk stayed with her, as did two of his stronger henchmen.\n\n\"What will we do with her?\" One of the men whispered to the abbot.\n\n\"Hold her in the meanwhile,\" he muttered. \"I must know what she has found out. In any case, the neighborhood is full of the magistrate's men, and we cannot afford to draw attention to ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the monks who had been dispatched to the underground hall where the workmen were kept hurried back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of them has escaped!\" he said urgently.\n\nThe abbot's plump face firmed. \"Find him. Immediately. Take her and put her somewhere. I will decide what to do about her later.\" He chewed his lips anxiously.\n\n\"Should we run?\" asked one of the monks, his eyes darting uneasily around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fool!\" the abbot snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yakushi Nyorai Dai Bosatsu will not abandon us. I will go to divine the escapee's whereabouts. You two guard the girl.\" He motioned Momoe's two guards and they roughly hauled her to her feet. \"I am so sorry, my girl,\" the abbot said sweetly to Momoe. \"There is a necessity on us however, for the greater glory of the Dai Bosatsu. Follow these brothers please. They will see to your welfare.\"\n\nSubmissively, Momoe followed the two black-and-white-clad shaven monks across the fresh wood of the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They took her to a tiny cell deep in the interior of the temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no door but bolts of cloth showed that it was used for storing the great banners that were to be used for decorating the interior of the building. The two monks sat, staring eerily at her through the gloom. While maintaining a cowed expression, Momoe's mind was racing, looking for ways out. The two men were armed with short curved naginata: sword blades attached to long poles. They looked too alert to be fooled by anything, or to fall asleep on guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She moved restlessly and she noted that one of the guard's eyes were focused on the space between the hems of her kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hand moved to close the gap between the sides, and then a plan of escape occurred to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, she ran her hands around the base of her throat as if hot, and managed to expose her chest to the tops of her breasts. In the candlelight she could see the guard's eyes riveted to the V of her cleavage. She moved again, uncomfortably, and this time the other monk's eyes drew to her figure.\n\nInwardly she smiled. Perhaps she could get them interested in her. And after all, they were not ill-favored, though shaven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She lay back on a pile of rough woven cloth and closed her eyes. She was conscious of stealthy movement, then felt a large hard hand on her ankle. She opened heavy lids slowly and raised her knee slightly, affording the monk a better view of her cunt.\n\nMomoe opened her eyes fully in time to see the form of the monk crawl onto her. He held his stiff stander for her inspection, and she smiled ingratiatingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His strong teeth flashed in the dimness and he set the knob at the entrance to her pleasure hole, then pressed inwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her thighs rose to encompass his rough-clad back. He hammered his spike home to the root, grunting and licking with effort. His lust increased as he exposed her breasts, mauling them unthinkingly with his hands, squeezing the nipples in his lust.\n\nShe turned her head from the sweating face of the monk and smiled at the other one who was squatting beside them enjoying the show. She clutched with her legs at the man's bobbing ass while her hand searched the clothes of the other one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She found his erect fleshy pole and pulled slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed her lead and the pole of the naginata fell beside him as he knelt on all fours over her face. Like a calf come to its mother she sucked in the length of the monk's cock, laving it with her tongue and soft lips.\n\nThe suction and thrust of her loins did the job. Her mouth flooded soon with the second monk's discharge, and the first one to approach followed soon after, filling her willing vagina with his white discharge. Momoe did not want to give the men time to rest from their labors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reversed herself rapidly, forcing her mouth onto the shrivelling penis of the one who had been in her cunt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could taste the mixture of his milk and her honey, and her efforts were soon rewarded. The monk exclaimed in admiration as his member came fully erect. Momoe's hands had been busy with the other holy man. He rose onto her and she inserted his penis into her hungry vagina. The two bonzes grunted in double effort as they rammed the willing body of their woman captive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Momoe's reward was not far in coming." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She swallowed the poor offering of the man in her mouth, and rubbing furiously against the shaft with her hand, brought the other to a climax." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene, u do 8 sentences like Akahige Namban" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trying to get the aches of the journey out of his bones, Jiro opened the paper-glazed shoji doors and stepped out onto the veranda that ran the length of the nunnery building. The grounds were immaculate but for the bodies that lay grotesquely, covered and uncovered by moonlight as clouds swept across the crescent moon. Jiro removed the sheathed long sword out of his sash and sat down on the porch. He heard the sound of footsteps in the room he had just left. Yanagi and her helpers had returned. She stepped out onto the porch, followed by another nun, who bore a tray.\n\n\"Won't you sleep?\" asked Yanagi. The nun behind her handed her a pot of tea and a bowl of rice and pickled plums." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. There may be more of them. In any case, I will leave here in the morning, very early, to trace your novices.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We could stand guard for you,\" she offered.\n\nHe shook his head. \"No. Though I trust you, I would rather guard myself.\"\n\nShe handed him the rice bowl and a pair of chopsticks. He poured the green tea over the rice and pickles and wolfed them down. He handed the bowl back and had it refilled.\n\n\"You may go now,\" said Yanagi to the other nun. \"I will keep the samurai company.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The elderly nun nodded and scurried off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please do not disturb yourself. You may go to bed. I will be perfectly content to keep watch without you.\"\n\n\"Would you not care for a bath?\"\n\nHe grinned, and his white teeth flashed in the dark. \"I would very much like to have a bath, but it will have to wait.\"\n\nShe nodded. \"Forgive me, then, for leaving you for a while. There are things I must attend to. Since the prioress was murdered, I must deal with all matters here, and we must make ready to leave as you advised. Please rest comfortably.\" She bowed to the floor and left, her bare feet silent on the wooden boards.\n\nJiro relaxed against a pillar. It was a peculiar nunnery, he decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The number of nuns was small, but from what he had seen of the inside, the nunnery was very rich." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard sounds of movement inside the building, and these gradually died down as the inmates settled in for the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night was a balmy one. The courtyard, where the bodies of the intruders had lain, glowed with the white glimmering of the gravel that faced it. The gravel would make an effective alarm if someone tried to sneak up on him. He wondered how Okiku had arrived at this place. She had mentioned casually that she had stayed here a while while looking for him, when they had been on their way to Miyako.\n\nThinking of her, he felt a stirring in his loins. He settled back against the pillar more comfortably. It would be as good a way as any to pass the time, he decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rubbed the bulge in his trousers meditatively, thinking of Okiku, and of Rosamund, and somewhat of the Chinese girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of a sliding door broke into his reverie. He turned his head. Yanagi and three other nuns were approaching on bare feet. Their shaved heads seemed to glimmer in the dark, a complement to the courtyard. They knelt in a row before him.\n\n\"We felt that we should assist you to stay awake, since such is your wish,\" Yanagi told him.\n\nHe bowed, expecting some more tea. The quartet bowed back in unison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yanagi edged forward, still on her knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed once again and murmured, \"Excuse my clumsiness.\"\n\nHe wore loose trousers over a long, by now rather stained robe. The trousers were held by long tapes that wound around his middle and helped support his swords. Long slits on the sides of the trousers allowed for easy access when a man needed to piss. Her hand worked into his trousers, loosening the tapes slightly and gently extricating his man-pole, now in full glory. It burst from its confines, pointing defiantly at the audience. One of the nuns seemed to let out a sigh.\n\nYanagi leaned forward, and Jiro stirred uneasily, unsure of what was expected of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please do not disturb yourself from your watch,\" she said. Her companions waited silently. She lowered her head, and her breath wafted, warm and moist, over the quivering tip. Her tongue eased out from between her lips and flicked lightly at the plum-shaped head.\n\nShe nibbled lightly with her lips, then engulfed the head fully in her mouth. She sucked in the warm, fleshy shaft until he felt the tip touch the back of her throat. Well-trained muscles massaged the length, while her agile tongue pressed the shaft against her palate. She slowly withdrew her head, then sucked the length in again, bowing her body as she did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept up the exercise for a long while. Her tongue varied her movements, sipping delicately at the tip or laving the length of the shaft, while her lips held him firmly. Jiro's hips started jerking uncontrollably. Feeling his approaching climax, she withdrew her mouth. Skillful fingers pressed at the base of his balls, and the urge to spurt his seed into her waiting mouth passed with uncontrollable shivers.\n\nShe bowed to him again and withdrew, only to be replaced by another nun. She, too, used her mouth. Her plump cheeks bulged with the effort of containing his massive prick, but she persisted until she felt the squirming of his hips that proclaimed his approaching climax." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she, too, stopped the natural process with firm fingers.\n\nWhile she worked at him, Jiro tried to reciprocate, slipping a hand into her robes and squeezing a pendant breast. He tried to slide to the floor to reach the juncture of her legs with his mouth, but Yanagi stopped him.\n\n\"No, samurai-san. Please, it is not necessary. Please resume your watch. We will merely supervise your alertness.\"\n\n\"But I would like to reciprocate your kindness in some fashion,\" Jiro protested.\n\n\"There is no need,\" she answered firmly. \"We are rewarded, and gain merit, merely through attention to duty, yours and ours.\"\n\n\"However,\" she continued, \"if you feel the need to employ your hands, feel free to do so, provided, of course, it does not distract you from your watch.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add 5 sentences to continue story" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosamund smiled delightedly to herself in the dark. She loved the sense of adventure, and the slight touch of danger excited her so much that she rubbed her thighs together as she walked. Goemon, she decided, was going to have a difficult, if pleasant evening when they got back from this chore. Jiro, too, she decided generously. The entrance to the alley she sought was before her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around her rose the shuttered houses of the rich townsmen of Miyako." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Muffled sounds of music, an occasional bell, or the twitter of voices in the still night air reminded her that many of these imposing buildings were also places of business, some of which catered to night owls.\n\nShe opened her robe to expose more of her breasts. They shone whitely in the light of a lantern set before a modest wooden door. She parted the lower folds too so that when she walked her legs would flash free. That would be enough, she decided, to attract the attention of any guard and give Goemon his chance. She slid into the alley, her heart pounding with excitement." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do three sentences in Akahige Namban's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After his bath, Matsudaira Konosuke, governor of Miyako, known to certain intimates as Goemon, retired to a small enclosed room off his main bedroom. He unlocked a massive trunk and withdrew a long, silk-wrapped parcel. He unrolled the fabric and bowed reverently to the two swords it enclosed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laying them aside, he began dressing himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked quickly through the deserted corridors of his mansion. Oko, Rosamund's maid, was kneeling at the entrance to her mistress's private room. She bowed at her master's approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face, expressionless as usual, betrayed no surprise at his finery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the sliding door. The room was empty. Goemon spun around.\n\n\"Where is she?\" he demanded harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oko bowed. Face to the floor, she answered, \"Lady Rosamund went out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where to?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know. She was dressed in her nun's habit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon wasted no more time. Knowing his mistress, he feared the worst. He slipped out of the mansion by a side gate with a trick lock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Masking his face, he hurried through the streets, hoping to head Rosamund off." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Notwithstanding his warning, he knew she had headed for the Sanjo Inn." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~7 sentences more. copy Akahige Namban's style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satsuki straightened her torso. Obligingly, Rokuro stopped his pumping. His thick cock lay quiescent in her while his hands pinched her erect nipples. He nibbled gently at her ear while she arranged herself on his lap, careful not to disturb the wonderful instrument in her. He was her first client, and she wanted his time with her, short as it was to be, to be perfect. She reached carefully for the biwa and began playing softly. Her body swayed to the rhythm of the music, rubbing her inside tissues against his tumescence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled in delight and closed his eyes. She switched to a more rollicking tune, a country ballad, and the speed of her motions increased.\n\nFinally she started playing the music of the Awa dance. His hands beat the cadence on her thighs, her back, her buttocks, while her ass rose and bounced on his prick in ever-increasing tempo. He oofed every time she came down.\n\nNow the tempo raced. She closed her eyes to slits in pleasure and added a sideways shake to her dancing, just as the dancers did when aroused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt her nipples expanding, and her cunt opened, wanting to swallow more and more of the delicious throbbing length that ran up her almost to the full." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last they cried out together as the biwa sounded a triumphant chord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grasped her hips and shook her as a dog would shake a rag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She forced herself down on him, grinding every drop of come out of his spouting tube, pushing him down into the springy tatami floor until marks rose on the skin of his shins and knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spurt after spurt inundated her insides, and she felt herself melting onto his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She fell forward, and he let her go. His softening prick slid out of her hole with a barely perceptible plop. Their liquids ran down both their thighs. He was panting but still smiled sadly. He would have to leave her now, for a short while, at least. In time, he thought, he might come again—as a victor and lord, not a mere merchant. The pleasure of anticipation was almost as good as the pleasure he had got from the now shrunken prick that lolled exhausted and sopping on his thigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned on her side, then on her back, her legs to either side of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see the length of her warm slit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It oozed moisture, a combination of them both. The bushy mound was dripping, like a moss forest after the dew. Her dark nipples were flat with satiation, as her eyes half-closed in satisfaction.\n\n\"I must go,\" he mouthed.\n\nHer hands fell to the sides, still holding the lute and the plectrum. \"On me, once more. To feel again.\"\n\nHe grinned in triumph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To have a professional woman beholden to him would tickle any man's pride." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lunged forward and smacked his torso hard onto her, burying his mouth in her neck. The axhead-shaped plectrum of hard wood came up and drove deep into the back of his neck, severing the spinal cord. He was dead." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with eight sentences in the style of Akahige Namban." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes staring madly at his captive, Matsudaira Nobutaka poised his short sword before bringing it down on her spread body. There was a buzzing sound. A bright metallic star knocked his tanto blade away. A second cut raggedly into his wrist, forcing him to drop the dagger. With an effort he tore himself away from his captive's grip on him. The blonde woman yowled in anger and frustration and spat curses at him in a mixture of bad Japanese, English, and Spanish. He leaped back, and the sliding wall to his left burst apart. A giant samurai stood there, sword poised, his shoulders covered with tatters from the fusuma, his chest bloody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matsudaira spun around and rushed for the stage exit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ran onto the bridge and stopped. A figure stood there blocking his way. Matsudaira's nerve broke for a second.\n\n\"Who—are you? Wh-what is this?\" he stammered.\n\n\"Lights!\" commanded the figure before him. Behind Matsudaira someone quickly uncovered the lampions. Before him Lord Matsudaira of Yoshida saw the figure of a samurai. He was a short man, rather stocky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His topknot was newly oiled and lay across his shaved pate like a line of stiff ink. He was dressed in an expensive white silk robe dyed with a blue wave. His sash was a stiff gold brocade. In it were stuck two fine swords. Their cord hafts were pure white picked out with gold ornaments. The rounded sword guards were enameled in gold, and the sheaths were white as well. All the finery did nothing to hide the severity of the face. The samurai regarded Matsudaira with an unwavering gaze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you? What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "demanded Matsudaira with more strength.\n\n\"Lord Matsudaira Nobutaka of Yoshida, you who plotted against the shogun's government, you are about to die.\"\n\nMatsudaira gasped, more in surprise than in fear. \"Who are you who sneak through the night making accusations?\"\n\nIn a deep voice the man opposite him answered, \"I go by the name Goemon, but my name is Matsudaira Konosuke, and my title is governor of Miyako. My authority is... this!\" and he drew his great sword in its scabbard, turning it so that the flat of the guard would show.\n\nOn it, picked out in gold on the black steel, were three hollyhock leaves in a circle—the personal mark of the shogun.\n\nMatsudaira's eyes opened, but before he could formulate a response, a second voice came from behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsudaira Nobutaka. For killing the prioress of Dosojin-ji temple and violating its inhabitants, you shall die, as your men have before you.\"\n\nMatsudaira spun around. Behind him the giant samurai advanced onto the No stage, sword in hand.\n\nA third voice joined the other two, high and feminine this time. \"Matsudaira Nobutaka. For kidnapping and raping my friend, a foreign lady, you shall die.\" Lord Matsudaira searched the hidden eyes of the figure before him. It was that of a ninja spy, muffled in dark brown garments, straight sword held at the ready. He fell back a step, The ninja slashed twice, and Rosamund's legs fell to the ground. She breathed heavily, and the tableau held for a second; then, gathering her strength, she searched her scattered clothes and rose tottering to her feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an inarticulate scream she rushed at Matsudaira and swung a glittering weighted chain at his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His trained warrior reflexes took over. He ducked and then ran sideways, leaping over the low barrier that bounded the walkway from the stage.\n\nBefore he could cry out, he felt rather than saw Goemon's blade come at him. He turned and ran back to the stage; Rosamund swung wildly at him again. He saw his short sword on the boards of the stage and without pause scooped it up and stabbed upward at the ninja who was blocking his way.\n\nOkiku blocked the thrust with the side of her blade. Her foot lashed out in a roundhouse kick, taking Matsudaira on the chin. He spun away, then stiffened in pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro withdrew his sword from the daimyo's side, his face a glazed mask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Matsudaira raised his hand and took two paces back to the center of the stage. Before him he saw Rosamund's naked figure, her golden hair blazing. He raised his hand and brought it down at the shining beauty of it. This time she was more accurate. The weight on the end of her manryukusari flicked out and hit his fist, crushing the fingers and sending the blade spinning into the dark corners of the hall. He stood there for a second, trying to speak, trying to call the guards, trying to remember how he had got to that place at that time. He never noticed Goemon's sharp blade, poised in the air, which came with a rush at his neck.\n\nA heavy round object hit the boards of the stage and bounced once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matsudaira's torso followed, staining the floor like Chinese lacquer." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his left hand Matsudaira Konosuke, governor of Miyako, personal agent of the shogun and distant kinsman of the corpse, withdrew a handful of clean white paper from the bosom of his robe and wiped the length of his blade. It winked again in the candlelight.\n\nThe four agents turned silently to go. Bloodstained paper fluttered onto the headless corpse as the lights went out on the stage." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next four sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoshina grimaced. \"Ten years of that?\"\n\nSano marveled at the strength and longevity of this unrequited love. \"Such obsessive passion can be dangerous. Might it have somehow led to Left Minister Konoe's death?\"\n\nHoshina said, \"Kozeri left the palace a long time ago. Nuns cease all contact with their worldly lives when they enter the convent, and it sounds as if that's what Kozeri did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are no replies from her to Konoe,\" Sano admitted.\n\n\"Nor have we evidence of any relationship between Kozeri and the left minister besides the one that existed in his mind,\" Hoshina said. \"And remember, there were no outsiders in the compound on the night Konoe died. I can't imagine that Kozeri is relevant to the murder.\"\n\nSano again sensed the potential for trouble between himself and the yoriki, even as he concurred with Hoshina's logic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turning to the last page, he silently read more repetitive ramblings of love, lust, and rage that ended with a passionate declaration:" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Resist me, defy me, torture my heart all you wish, but we are destined for each other. Soon the forces of defense and desire will clash upon the lofty, sacred heights where spires pierce the sky, feathers drift, and clear water falls. Then you shall be mine again.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: seven sentences\nAuthor Emulation: Laura Joh Rowland\nGenre Classification: Sano Ichiro 5" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As her palanquin carried her through the labyrinth of the imperial compound, Reiko experienced an odd sense of moving far away from everyday life, into a place that existed outside time. The archaic costumes of the people who passed her in the narrow lanes, and the old-fashioned houses glimpsed through open gates, evoked ancient legends of emperors and empresses, princes and princesses, nobles and ladies. But the dark reality of murder overshadowed the romantic past.\n\nNow the old, white-haired courtier led her into a separate compound within the palace, to a large hall that presided over a quadrangle of connected buildings. The bearers set down the palanquin. Stepping out, Reiko saw curved eaves shading wide verandas and ornately latticed windows. Birds winged over trees visible beyond the horizontal ridge of the roofs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is this place?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reiko asked the courtier.\n\n\"It is the Palace of the Abdicated Emperor.\"\n\nReiko knew that emperors surrendered the throne for various reasons. Some did so because of old age or poor health; some preferred to let a successor take over the wearisome rituals while they managed court affairs from behind the scenes. Others entered monasteries. However, many were forced off the throne. Strife within the imperial family could depose weak emperors; bad omens unseated others. When the reign of Emperor Go-Sai had been plagued by natural disasters, the court had deemed these evidence of his unfitness as a ruler and ordered his abdication." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grandfather of the present emperor had clashed with the bakufu over the establishment of laws that limited his power; he'd resigned in protest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reiko couldn't recall why Abdicated Emperor Reigen, father of Tomohito, had retired.\n\n\"Lady Jokyōden spends most days here,\" said the courtier. \"She awaits your arrival.\"\n\nMounting the steps, Reiko pictured the emperor's mother as a frail, shy old woman who was hardly likely to possess the power of kiai. Reiko smiled to herself, recalling Sano's warnings about danger. At best, she hoped to clear up the mystery of Lady Jokyōden's whereabouts on the night of the murder and cross one suspect off the list.\n\nIn the hall's spacious, bare audience chamber, raised wall panels framed a view of a park outside, where maple and cherry trees created cool oases around a miniature mountain from which the former emperor could view the city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brightly dressed figures strolled; their laughter blended with the tinkle of wind chimes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the veranda overlooking the park, a man and woman knelt side by side, their backs to the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A line of seated nobles faced them; servants waited to one side.\n\n\"As you will note from these figures, the imperial budget for this year exceeds the funds provided by the bakufu,\" said a noble. \"Since we can't reduce expenses without degrading the emperor's manner of living, we recommend selling some more of his poems to the public. Do you approve, Your Highness?\"\n\n\"He approves,\" said the woman. \"Draft an order for all court poets to write verses for the emperor to copy and sign.\"\n\nA secretary wrote busily. The courtier led Reiko over to the group and said, \"Honorable Abdicated Emperor and Imperial High Council, please excuse the interruption.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Conversation ceased as Reiko knelt on the veranda and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The wife of the shogun's sōsakan-sama has come to see Lady Jokyōden.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abdicated Emperor Reigen gave a weary sigh. In his late thirties, he had a pudgy, placid face; his stout body sagged against cushions that propped him up. He regarded Reiko with calm indifference. \"Greetings,\" he said in a lethargic voice.\n\nReiko murmured a polite reply, her attention riveted upon the woman.\n\n\"How good of you to come, Honorable Lady Sano.\" In sharp contrast to her husband, Lady Jokyōden sat upright and alert; her cultured voice was brisk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some years older than the abdicated emperor, she had a smooth, youthful complexion and long, blue-black hair upswept with combs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was a classic Miyako beauty: slender, long-limbed, with thin, delicate nose and mouth, her eyes narrow ovals beneath high, painted brows. But Reiko detected strength in the body beneath the ivory and mauve silk layers of Jokyōden's garments. There was intelligence in those lovely eyes, and confident self-possession in the way her pale, tapered hands rested, fingertips together, on top of the ebony desk before her. \"Your attention is an undeserved honor for this humble woman.\"\n\nReiko's preconceptions about the emperor's mother shattered like the reflection in a pond when a stone drops on the surface. Flustered, she said, \"Many thanks for receiving me.\"\n\n\"Please allow me a moment to conclude my business,\" said Lady Jokyōden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was less a request than an order, given by a woman accustomed to commanding obedience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Jokyōden turned to the abdicated emperor. \"My lord, you will please sign the directive to the court poets?\"\n\nReigen sighed again. \"Well, if I must, I must.\"\n\nThe secretary handed over a scroll. Jokyōden inked Reigen's jade seal. Lifting his hand, she molded it around the seal, stamped the document, and gave it back to the secretary. Then she dismissed the nobles, who bowed and Reiko stared in awe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd thought herself daring and clever for helping Sano with his work, but here was a woman who did her husband's thinking for him and gave the orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Jokyōden performed the customary welcoming ritual of serving tea. In her curiosity about her hostess, Reiko forgot manners. \"How is it that you can conduct business that is usually the province of men?\" she blurted.\n\nFilling Reiko's tea bowl, Jokyōden looked momentarily startled. Then she eyed Reiko with heightened interest. The atmosphere between them altered subtly, lifting the social constraints that allowed only superficial talk during formal visits. Jokyōden answered with equal frankness: \"My husband has always been disinclined toward physical and mental exertion. He married me because he knew I could act in his stead. Abdicating relieved him of certain duties, but I continue to manage the household for him until our son is ready to do so. The court accepts the situation out of respect for my husband.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive my impertinence in asking,\" Reiko said, noting the parallel between Lady Jokyōden's situation and her own: Marriage had brought both of them the chance to exercise their particular talents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just so rare to see a woman in charge.\"\n\n\"It is also rare for the wife of an Edo official to travel to Miyako,\" said Jokyōden. \"May I ask how that came about?\"\n\nReiko experienced a stab of trepidation. Surely Jokyōden knew that Sano was investigating the death of Left Minister Konoe. Would she guess that Reiko was here on Sano's business? Now his warning didn't seem so groundless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband thought I would enjoy seeing the old capital,\" Reiko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed.\" Jokyōden sounded skeptical. \"And what is your impression of Miyako?\"\n\n\"I haven't seen much yet, but it's very different from Edo,\" Reiko said, glad that Jokyōden hadn't challenged her explanation. \"I'm particularly fascinated by the Imperial Palace.\"\n\nA wry smile touched Jokyōden's lips. \"You would find it less fascinating if you had spent your entire life here.\"\n\n\"You've never been outside?\" Reiko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On four occasions during my lifetime, when the court was evacuated from the palace because of fires. But I've not left the compound in sixteen years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reiko believed that she herself would go mad under such circumstances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you mind very much?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her expression serene, Jokyōden shrugged. \"Although I sometimes crave different scenery and a wider acquaintance, there's no lack of stimulation here. The palace is the world in miniature, with all the excitement of human drama.\"\n\n\"And crime,\" Reiko said, seizing the opportunity to turn the conversation to the subject of her interest.\n\n\"Then you know something about the murder that your husband is investigating?\" Jokyōden asked coolly.\n\nAware of a sudden tension, Reiko said, \"All I know is that the imperial left minister was killed by a spirit cry, in the Pond Garden. My husband prefers that I have nothing to do with his business here, but I can't help being curious. Did you know the left minister?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\" Abruptly, Jokyōden set down her tea bowl and rose. \"Shall we walk in the park?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They descended the steps from the veranda. Jokyōden was taller than Reiko, her stride quick yet fluid. While they strolled together along a path that wound between trees, Reiko conjectured that Jokyōden had disrupted their conversation because she needed time to think about what Reiko's interest in the murder meant and how to respond. Surely, Jokyōden was wondering if everything she said would be reported to Sano.\n\nFeigning chagrin, Reiko said, \"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up the murder.\" She must convince Jokyōden that she wouldn't tell Sano about their conversation. \"My husband would be very angry if he found out I distressed you by prying into matters that are none of my business.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Jokyōden walked in silence, contemplating a group of courtiers who had gathered for a picnic on the miniature mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no need for apology,\" she said at last. Perhaps she'd decided there was no harm in discussing the murder with Reiko, because she explained, \"I've suffered no personal loss. I frequently saw Left Minister Konoe when he was advising my son, and I often spoke with him about the administration of the palace, but our relationship was not close.\"\n\nReiko could detect no falseness in Jokyōden's neutral tone or manner, yet she understood that the sudden rapport between the two of them didn't preclude dishonesty. Just as Reiko was deceiving Jokyōden, so might Jokyōden be deceiving her.\n\n\"What kind of person was the left minister?\" In case her interest seemed too avid, Reiko said, \"I never knew anyone who was murdered. I'm interested to learn why someone could hate a man enough to kill him.\"\n\nAfter a moment's hesitation, Jokyōden replied, \"He was more respected than liked. Underneath his handsome looks and charm, he had a selfish, ambitious spirit and a great need for power over other people. He couldn't tolerate anyone defying him, or admit he was wrong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those qualities could have easily provoked violence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did you get along with him?\" Reiko asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We had no quarrels.\" As they passed under a vine-covered arbor, the sudden dimness obscured Jokyōden's face. \"I didn't always approve of the way he managed the palace finances or handled my son, but it wasn't my place to question his judgment. It was my duty to obey his orders.\"\n\nYet Reiko observed that Jokyōden's description of Konoe might very well fit Jokyōden herself. Had they clashed over control of the court? If so, Konoe would have won by grace of his rank and sex. Had Jokyōden then taken revenge by killing him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't the left minister mind having a woman in a position of influence?\" Reiko asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He tolerated the situation,\" Jokyōden said, \"because he knew it was temporary. When the emperor is mature enough to rule the court himself, my efforts will no longer be necessary.\"\n\nReiko recalled Jokyōden presiding over the meeting of the Imperial High Council. Maybe Konoe had viewed her as a threat to his own domination of the court. Had she sought to protect her position for however short a time that remained? How much had she gained by Konoe's death?\n\nThey emerged from the arbor into the open space around a pond. Jokyōden bent her shrewd gaze upon Reiko, who felt exposed and transparent in the hot sunlight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely, Jokyōden could guess what bearing her relationship with Konoe might have upon the murder case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Imperial politics can be brutal even though times have changed and courtiers fight over rank and privileges instead of control of the nation,\" Jokyōden said firmly. \"Left Minister Konoe had numerous enemies, including certain high-ranking nobles.\"\n\nBut they, along with almost everyone else in the court, had alibis for the night of Konoe's murder, according to Yoriki Hoshina's report, which Reiko had read yesterday evening. \"Who do you think killed him?\" Reiko asked.\n\n\"It's hard to envision any of one's associates as a murderer.\"\n\nReiko believed that Jokyōden must have some ideas about potential culprits—if she hadn't killed Konoe herself. As if in idle thought, Reiko said, \"The killer must be an expert martial artist, to have mastered the power of kiai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indeed he must,\" Jokyōden said, ignoring Reiko's unspoken invitation to speculate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You said 'he,'\" Reiko observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You believe the killer was a man.\"\n\n\"Only because men have the freedom to move about at will,\" said Jokyōden, \"whereas the imperial women are confined under strict supervision.\"\n\nAlthough Reiko saw the logic of this reasoning, she also realized that it benefited Jokyōden, as well as Lady Asagao, by eliminating them as suspects. And the lack of freedom also applied to the emperor, who would be constantly surrounded by attendants and seldom left the palace. That left the emperor's cousin as the killer. Of course Jokyōden would prefer to see Prince Momozono convicted of murder than herself, her son, or his consort.\n\n\"Who might have been in the Pond Garden with the left minister that night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reiko said, hoping that her interest would pass for natural curiosity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Left Minister Konoe had ordered everyone to stay away from the garden. There are very few people who dared disobey him and risk punishment.\"\n\nReiko noted Jokyōden's repeated evasion of questions. She realized that Konoe's orders had informed all the suspects that he would be alone in the garden. Had one of them taken advantage of the circumstances? She voiced another possibility: \"Perhaps the killer had arranged to meet the left minister for a private rendezvous.\"\n\n\"As far as I know, Left Minister Konoe never told anyone why he wanted the garden to himself,\" Jokyōden said, gazing at the circular green lotus leaves that covered the pond. She added, \"I didn't see him at all that night. The weather was very hot; I couldn't sleep. So I took a walk around the summer pavilion, which is north of the Pond Garden. I was sitting outside, watching the moon, when I heard the scream.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you see anyone else around?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though aware that these questions might give away her ploy, Reiko needed the answers.\n\n\"No. The area around the pavilion was deserted. And I didn't take any attendants with me or tell them I was going out because I desired solitude.\"\n\nThis story explained why Jokyōden hadn't been in her chambers and had no witness to give her an alibi. Still, Reiko found herself pleased that Jokyōden had no apparent motive for the murder. Meeting Jokyōden, she realized with concern, had altered her hopes for the investigation.\n\nShe'd come to the palace bent upon pursuing a killer, wanting it to be one of the suspects she interviewed. Now she didn't want Jokyōden to be guilty of murder because she felt a sense of kinship with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she couldn't let her feelings toward a suspect compromise her judgment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Jokyōden's cool voice penetrated her thoughts: \"Such a thorough discussion of murder is quite unusual during a social call. Perhaps I'm not the only wife who performs her husband's duties. And perhaps the sōsakan-sama need not bother interviewing me, because you've obtained from me the answers that I presume he would ask of me himself.\"\n\nAlarmed, Reiko was quick to protest. \"Oh, but I would never even try to do a man's work.\" Her earnestness sounded unconvincing even to her own ears. \"Whatever information my husband needs, he'll ask for himself. I don't know anything about detection. I just wanted the pleasure of meeting you.\"\n\nJokyōden watched Reiko's discomfiture with the amused air of an older sister observing the antics of a clumsy younger sister. \"Dare I suggest that you are still hiding behind the false pretenses under which you came here, Honorable Lady Sano?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed, a low, melodic sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But perhaps you're not the only one whose motives are ambiguous.\"\n\nToo flustered to think of a reply, Reiko wondered who'd been manipulating whom. Maybe Jokyōden had sinister reasons for welcoming Reiko and speaking so freely. Had Jokyōden intended for their conversation to be communicated to Sano, so she could plant in his mind the idea that she was innocent? Maybe she meant to prejudice him in her favor by befriending his wife.\n\nCertainly Jokyōden possessed a strong will, the foundation for the power of kiai. That she must have known all along that she would be investigated by Sano cast doubt upon everything she'd said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crunch of footsteps on the gravel path broke the silence between Reiko and Jokyōden. A maid came up to them, bowed, and said to Jokyōden, \"Please excuse me, but His Highness the Abdicated Emperor wishes you to come to him.\"\n\nGrateful for the chance to escape, Reiko said quickly, \"I mustn't impose on your hospitality or interrupt your business any longer. I'll go and pay my respects to His Majesty's honorable consort now.\"\n\nA ripple of mirth crossed Jokyōden's face, as if she knew what Reiko was thinking. After they exchanged bows, Jokyōden said, \"Thank you for a most interesting chat. Will you please visit me again before you leave Miyako? I should welcome the chance to improve our acquaintance.\"\n\n\"So would I. Yes, I'll come back.\"\n\nWhile glad of an opportunity to learn more about Lady Jokyōden's possible role in the murder, Reiko glimpsed new dangers ahead. If Jokyōden was the killer, might she perceive Reiko as an enemy to destroy?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by 8 sentences sentences. Replicate Laura Joh Rowland's style. Maintain Sano Ichiro 5 genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miyako's textile industry was centered in a district known as Nishijin—\"Western Camp\"—named for the army encampment located there during the civil wars. The main avenues of Kuramaguchi and Imadegawa on north and south, and Horikawa and Senbon on east and west, bounded a grid of narrower lanes that ran through Nishijin. Down these flowed stinking open sewers. Workers carried bolts of cloth and baskets containing silk cocoons. Women sprinkled water on thresholds to keep down the dust. Outside shops, hawkers invited customers to view shelves of bright fabrics. The rattle-clack of many looms resounded.\n\nA procession of imperial guards and Tokugawa troops escorting two palanquins halted in the middle of a block." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reiko stepped out of her palanquin and Lady Jokyōden from the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together they walked to a shop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike the establishments on either side, whose open storefronts were filled with customers, this one stood deserted, its tall wooden doors closed.\n\n\"What are we doing here?\" Reiko asked.\n\nJokyōden said, \"This shop belonged to Left Minister Konoe. He purchased it some years ago.\"\n\n\"What for?\" Reiko said, baffled. The noble class didn't engage in trade, and she couldn't imagine Konoe wanting quarters in the noisy, dirty, and bustling textile district.\n\n\"He wanted privacy that he couldn't get at home.\" Jokyōden unlocked the shop's doors, and Reiko followed her inside.\n\nHot, musty darkness engulfed them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jokyōden picked up a long wooden pole that stood near the entrance, pushed open the trap door of a skylight, then closed the doors. In the dust-flecked light from above, Reiko saw a room that had once been the display area of a textile business. It was empty, the floor littered with dead insects. She smelled mildew; sweat trickled down her temples. The ache of grief swelled in her. Would that she were here working with Sano instead of investigating his murder! She kept her misery at bay by speculating on why Left Minister Konoe had needed the privacy afforded by this shop.\n\nKonoe had been a metsuke spy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had he bought the shop because he needed a place from which to conduct espionage?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If so, he'd found the perfect location to live a secret life: conveniently near the palace, but on the other side of the class boundary, where he could be anonymous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And maybe this secret life was related to his murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the purposeful stride of someone who knew where she was going, Jokyōden walked through an open doorway at the back of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reiko joined her in a second room, where an abandoned loom stood, festooned with spiderwebs, faded threads clinging to its broken beams.\n\n\"How do you know about this place?\" Reiko asked.\n\nAnother door, this one closed, led to the rear of the shop. Jokyōden halted with her back against it and said, \"If I am to tell you, I must first have your promise that what I say will be kept in strict confidence.\"\n\nReiko hesitated, because although instinct told her that Jokyōden's answer might be important to her investigation, she didn't know whether she could honor such a bargain. Avenging Sano's death took priority over Jokyōden's wishes. If revealing later what Jokyōden told her would benefit her cause, then she must do it. Still, perhaps she could somehow manage to keep Jokyōden's secrets without jeopardizing her own mission." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I promise,\" she said.\n\nFor a long interval, Jokyōden regarded her in silence. The room was dim and Jokyōden's face in shadow, so Reiko couldn't see her expression. The incessant clatter of looms from the adjacent shops echoed through the walls. Then Jokyōden said in a tone devoid of emotion, \"Left Minister Konoe and I were lovers at one time. We used to meet here, where no one who mattered would see us together.\"\n\nSurprise stunned Reiko. When she and Jokyōden had talked about the left minister two days ago, Jokyōden had betrayed no personal feelings toward him. Now Reiko felt a stab of apprehension as she wondered what else Jokyōden had concealed.\n\n\"When was this affair?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before Left Minister Konoe's death, obviously.\" With her sarcastic reply and forbidding tone, Jokyōden proclaimed that she didn't intend to elaborate on the subject. She turned to open the door, then let Reiko into the shop's last room, which had once been the proprietor's living quarters.\n\nWhen Jokyōden opened the skylight and windows, Reiko saw a kitchen on one side, where a kettle sat on the hearth; shelves held a few pieces of crockery, parcels of tea, and dried fruit. On the other side, a charcoal brazier stood beside a dingy futon on the frayed tatami; a pine table held a lamp; an umbrella leaned against the whitewashed plank wall. The only item that reflected Konoe's noble rank was a desk made of dark teak with gold geometric inlays. The windows overlooked an alley whose privy sheds and garbage bins sent foul odors into the room. Reiko couldn't imagine the elegant Jokyōden lying on that bed, in this dismal place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the one place I can show you that might contain clues about what the left minister did during the days just before he died, who he saw, or why someone wanted to kill him,\" Jokyōden said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her dignified poise hid any shame she felt at bringing Reiko to the scene of her illicit romance. \"He sometimes kept personal papers here.\"\n\nHe'd kept very few things here, Reiko thought; hardly enough even for a quick tryst once in awhile. Then she noticed indented, rectangular shadows on the tatami where furniture had once stood, and hooks on the walls that might have held paintings or drapery. And she understood. The room had been comfortably furnished when Jokyōden and Konoe had come here together. Konoe must have removed unneeded furnishings because the affair had ended even before his death.\n\n\"We always traveled here separately,\" Jokyōden said. \"Sometimes he would be writing when I arrived, and he always put the papers away in the desk. Perhaps they're still there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even as Reiko knelt at the desk, questions burgeoned in her mind. Why had the affair ended, and when? Reiko remembered asking Jokyōden how she got along with Konoe, and Jokyōden's answer: \"We had no quarrels.\" But what if there had been a quarrel, one that had caused a breakup between Konoe and Jokyōden shortly before his death? Reiko thought about Lady Asagao's story of seduction by Konoe. If it was true, then perhaps his infidelity had angered Jokyōden. Earlier, Reiko had conjectured that the pair had clashed over imperial politics, but love gone bad was also a strong motive for murder.\n\nShe looked up at Jokyōden, who stood by the window, looking outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunlight slanted across her profile, glittering in her eye; a cold serenity masked her thoughts. Fear turned the sweat on Reiko's skin into a film of ice water as she remembered Jokyōden closing the front doors and sealing them both in the shop. Was it Jokyōden who had killed Konoe—and Sano? Had she arranged this trip for the purpose of eliminating a woman who sought to expose her guilt?\n\nThen Reiko dismissed her fear as ludicrous. She didn't really believe Jokyōden was a murderer, but even if she was, she wouldn't kill again here. There were people outside, including Reiko's guards; she couldn't get away with murdering Reiko. Still, Reiko's heart thudded as she examined the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A uniform coating of dust dulled the inlaid surface, and she hoped that this place had remained undisturbed since Konoe last came here. Her hands shook as she lifted the lid of the desk.\n\nInside, amid writing brushes, inkstones, and ribbons for binding scrolls, she found stacked papers, all blank. Disappointment crushed Reiko. She pulled everything out of the desk, searched for scraps she'd missed, or hidden compartments, without success. Konoe had apparently not left any writings here. As a metsuke spy, he would have taken care to conceal documents related to espionage for fear that his secret life would be exposed. Or had someone else removed things, careful not to leave signs of the disturbance?\n\nReiko looked up to see Jokyōden watching her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, \"Who else besides you and the left minister knew about this place?\"\n\n\"No one, as far as I know.\"\n\n\"When was the last time you came here?\"\n\n\"If you are asking if I have been here since the left minister died, the answer is no.\" Jokyōden turned back to the window.\n\nYet maybe she'd come back after the murder, to take away personal items she'd left behind or anything else that revealed her relationship with the left minister. Reiko knew that the Imperial Court viewed adultery in much the same way as did society in general: Married men enjoyed the freedom to have affairs, but women paid dearly for sexual dalliance. If Jokyōden's affair with Konoe had become public, the abdicated emperor would probably have divorced her; she'd have lost her authority over the court amid humiliating scandal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, Reiko saw another reason for Jokyōden to remove papers from the desk, if they could implicate her in Konoe's murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such an intelligent woman would recognize the need to destroy evidence against her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reiko wondered whether Jokyōden had brought her here while knowing she would find nothing. Had she pretended to help with the investigation so Reiko would think her innocent?\n\nPlagued by doubts, Reiko looked around the room for somewhere else to search. Her gaze lit on the charcoal brazier. Excitement quickened her pulse. She hardly dared to hope...\n\nShe hurried to the brazier, a square wooden box with multiple slots in the top and three sides. Kneeling, she peered through the grate on the fourth side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside sat a metal pan containing ash, sooty coals, and a wad of partially burned paper. Reiko's heart leapt. Opening the grate, she lifted out the paper, heedless of the ash that smudged her fingers. She peeled away delicate black layers. Only the innermost had survived the fire. Darkened at the edges, it was a fragment from a page of scribbled notes. An inked circle surrounded the name Ibe Masanobu. This, Reiko knew, was the daimyo of Echizen Province. Other notations read: \"Site surveillance? Watch night movements.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Arrived Month 3, Day 17.\" \"Eleven more inside yesterday.\" \"No outsiders allowed.\" \"Infiltrators?\"\n\nReiko sat perfectly still, nurturing a hope as thin and fragile as the paper she cradled in her hands. This could be notes on a metsuke job that Left Minister Konoe had been working on just before he died. Lord Ibe and whomever else Konoe had spied on could be connected to his murder. Among them might be his killer—and Sano's. Reiko allowed herself to believe this, because with the Imperial Palace closed to her and Lady Jokyōden unable to help her further, she had no other leads by which she might solve the case and avenge Sano's death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you found what you were looking for?\" Jokyōden asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Reiko said firmly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION REQUIRED:\nLength: 3 sentences sentences\nStyle: Laura Joh Rowland\nGenre: Sano Ichiro 5" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Kodai Temple, the afternoon had passed in its unvarying routine of prayers and chores; the nuns had returned from begging in the city, and evening rites had begun. While bells tolled across Miyako, the setting sun poured fiery light through the windows of the convent dormitory. There knelt the nuns, heads shaven, completely naked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In three rows, firm young bodies alternated with those of older women with sagging flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They faced the abbess, who sat upon a platform at the front of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Breathe deeply,\" intoned the abbess. She sucked air through her mouth. \"In. Out. Gather the energy within you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At her place in the middle row, Kozeri inhaled the musky smell of the women whose breaths echoed her own. She tried to let her mind drift and feel the energy kindle inside her. For fifteen years she'd practiced this exercise, designed to focus her mental power and bring spiritual enlightenment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Usually she slipped into a trance easily, but tonight the required concentration evaded her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun's sōsakan had disturbed her inner harmony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Scenes from the past invaded the darkness behind her closed eyelids.\n\nShe saw the garden of her family's mansion, the secluded paradise of her youth. Again she ran laughing through the spring rains, hot summers, autumn leaves, and winter snows with her favorite cousin and playmate, Lord Ryōzen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the years passed, Kozeri became a beautiful young woman, Ryōzen a handsome youth; friendship evolved into romance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their families approved of the match, which would strengthen the connection between two noble clans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At age fifteen, Kozeri and Ryōzen knelt before the Shinto priest and sipped the ritual three wedding cups of sake.\n\nKozeri spent happy days making a home for Ryōzen, while he worked as secretary to Left Minister Konoe. In the evenings they entertained themselves with music, poetry, and lovemaking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon Kozeri was pregnant. Then, five months later, things went suddenly, terribly wrong. Kozeri was resting in her room one afternoon when her mother entered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Daughter,\" said the older woman, her face woeful, \"I bring terrible news. Ryōzen is dead. Someone stabbed him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri shook her head in disbelief. \"But I just saw him this morning. There must be some mistake.\"\n\n\"There is no mistake,\" her mother said sorrowfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" Kozeri stumbled from the house and met servants bringing in a blanket-covered figure on a litter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tearing off the blanket, she saw her husband's still, pale face. She burst into a torrent of weeping.\n\nThen an excruciating cramp convulsed her stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri screamed and fell. More pains wracked her. She heard her mother calling, \"She's in labor! Fetch the doctor!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many agonizing hours later, Kozeri delivered a dead baby boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She lost much blood; fever followed the stillbirth. Ten months passed before Kozeri rose from her bed. She sat listlessly in the garden, pining for Ryōzen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then one day her father came to her.\n\n\"It is time to consider your future,\" he said. \"Left Minister Konoe has asked for your hand in marriage, and I have consented.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the sonorous voice of the abbess drew Kozeri back to the present: \"Feel the energy flow from your center to every part of your body. Let us seal the power inside us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri opened her eyes and saw the abbess holding a long strip of cloth. She picked up a similar cloth from the floor beside her. Imitating the abbess's movements, she wrapped it tightly around her stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other nuns did the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dying sunlight, their faces shone with a tranquillity she envied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lean forward, head and shoulders down,\" said the abbess. \"Align your nose with your navel. Relax. And breathe, slowly. One, two...\"\n\nWith the cloth compressing her muscles, Kozeri inhaled and exhaled, silently counting toward four hundred breaths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Briefly she resisted the memories, then let them come..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hadn't wanted to remarry, but it was her duty to obey her father, who craved the prestige the new match would bring to their clan. Hence, she wedded Left Minister Konoe. He was a virtual stranger; his rank and wealth awed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the ceremony, she dared not even look at him, and their wedding night proved an inauspicious beginning for the marriage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the bedchamber, Konoe tenderly undressed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, I'll be gentle,\" he said.\n\nKozeri knew she should show gratitude toward him for rescuing her from widowhood, yet she couldn't help recalling Ryōzen, and their happiness together. Tears burned her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feeling no desire for Konoe, she endured his caresses; she let him mount her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he pushed his erection against her womanhood, her inner muscles clenched shut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Konoe thrust and panted, but couldn't get in. Pain overcame Kozeri's self-control. The tears spilled.\n\nKonoe forced a smile and said, \"It's been a strenuous day. Let us sleep now, and begin over tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spent all his free time with Kozeri, and much money on gifts and amusements for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the palace ladies envied Kozeri, but the left minister seemed so grand that she couldn't get over her shyness. When he talked, she could manage only timid monosyllables in reply. Further attempts to consummate their marriage failed, and Konoe began to express his dissatisfaction in frightening ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every evening he would ask, \"What did you do today? Whom did you see?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and make Kozeri account for every moment of their time apart. He forbade her to go anywhere without him. He dropped in on her during the day, as if to catch her doing something wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would not allow her to receive guests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides Konoe and his staff, the only people Kozeri saw were her elderly music, calligraphy, and painting teachers.\n\nIsolated and lonely, she began to resent her husband. He sensed her antipathy and punished her with cutting remarks, violent acts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once, in a fit of rage, he tore up all her clothes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ungrateful wretch!\" he shouted, stripping her naked and throwing her out in the snowy garden. \"Freeze out there until you can show some affection for your husband!\"\n\nThe next day he apologized profusely and bought Kozeri a new wardrobe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her husband seemed to be two different people: his normal, public self, and the monster who ruled her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri's fear worsened their marital relations. She would have gladly let the left minister enter her, if only to pacify him, but her womanhood closed up whenever he tried. Furious, Konoe abandoned the gentle, patient approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He fed Kozeri aphrodisiacs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slathered oil on her crotch, prying at the threshold with wooden implements. Her pained cries further incensed him. Muttering curses, he drove his organ at her like a battering ram." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One night, after another failure, he said, \"It's no use. You don't want me. You don't love me. And you never will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rising, he donned his dressing gown and stood looking down at Kozeri, his face taut with angry frustration. While she cowered, he said, \"For love of you, I committed a heinous act. I risked my position and my honor, sacrificed my tranquillity and freedom. All for nothing!\"\n\nHe left the room, and a horrifying thought took shape in Kozeri's mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His words showed her the past in a different perspective." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Little things, hardly noticed at the time, now took on an ominous significance. She recalled Ryōzen remarking, \"The left minister enjoys hearing about how we play music together.\" Indeed he seemed eager for any information regarding their personal life, and Kozeri had been pleased by what she thought was his interest in Ryōzen, whose career would benefit from Konoe's patronage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She remembered the left minister's frequent visits to their home, and ceremonies where his brooding gaze followed them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Kozeri understood that she, not her husband, had been the real focus of Konoe's attention all along.\n\nHe'd fallen in love with her while she was still married to Ryōzen. The police had never caught Ryōzen's killer; they couldn't find anyone with reason to wish him dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Left Minister Konoe could have stolen Kozeri from Ryōzen by simply ordering them to divorce and commanding her to marry him; thus, no one had suspected Konoe of the murder, even though he benefited by her widowhood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Kozeri knew his jealous nature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wouldn't have wanted her first husband around as a rival for her love, so he'd \"committed a heinous act.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Left Minister Konoe had murdered Ryōzen.\n\nNow the four hundred breaths ended. The abbess began to chant: \"Namu Amida Butsu. Namu Amida Butsu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Namu Amida Butsu,\" Kozeri repeated along with the other nuns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their voices rang with joyous conviction; hers sounded hollow as she remembered the horror of her discovery, and the confusion that followed. Nobody would believe her if she accused Konoe of murder; he was too important and respected. The Imperial Court wouldn't let her go to the police." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her family wouldn't risk Konoe's disapproval by taking her side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri must hide her emotions and keep peace with the left minister.\n\nBut nothing she said or did pleased him. He grew more brutal in his efforts to penetrate her, and he watched her ever more closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, shortly before their first anniversary, Kozeri's samisen teacher died." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The new one who came to give her lessons was a courtier in his twenties, nicknamed \"Saru\"—Monkey—because of his talent for mimicry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his lopsided smile and bulging eyes, he wasn't handsome, but he was kind. Perceiving Kozeri's unhappiness, Saru made her laugh at his imitations of animals and people. For the first time since Ryōzen's death, Kozeri found pleasure in life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had a friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then one evening Konoe stormed into her chamber, his face livid with rage. He grabbed Kozeri and threw her against the wall.\n\n\"Adulteress!\" he yelled, slapping her face. \"Dirty whore!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kozeri cried, \"What are you talking about, husband?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't pretend you don't understand,\" he said. \"Every day you whisper and laugh with him. I know, because I've listened outside the door. He's your lover. Don't deny it!\"\n\nHe meant Saru! Kozeri was shocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had no romantic interest in the music teacher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides, Saru was happily married. \"No,\" she protested.\n\n\"Liar!\" Konoe kicked her stomach. She fell and curled up; he kicked her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard you two mocking me. I've thrown him and his family out of the palace. They'll starve to death in the streets.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri realized that her husband had eavesdropped on Saru's caustic imitation of him. \"I'm sorry!\" she cried. \"Please!\"\n\nHis fists battered her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood poured from her nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She screamed as Konoe ripped handfuls of hair from her head. Cursing, he picked up her samisen and beat her with it. At last he stood back, hateful triumph in his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I trust you've learned your lesson,\" he said.\n\nDespair emboldened Kozeri. She said bitterly, \"Why don't you just kill me, the way you did Ryōzen?\"\n\nFor a long, awful moment she and Konoe stared at each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw the truth of her accusation in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anger flared in them, and she braced herself for another attack. Then he shook his head, turned, and walked away.\n\nKozeri wept. When the tears subsided, a calm clarity settled upon her mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She understood that Konoe meant to continue trying to force her to love him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His cruelty would worsen until eventually he lost control and killed her. Kozeri's religious upbringing had taught her to accept fate; yearning for Ryōzen, she considered suicide to escape misery and hasten her reunion with him. But part of her didn't want to die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bruised, bloody, and aching, she packed a bundle of the new robes Konoe had given her. She fled to Kodai Temple, where her family had once taken refuge during a fire in the palace. The convent was a haven for maltreated women with religious leanings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nuns took her in, accepting her wardrobe as a dowry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kozeri imagined herself safe from the left minister forever.\n\nA month later, Konoe burst into the convent, interrupting the novices' prayers. \"I've searched all over for you,\" he shouted at Kozeri." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now you're coming home with me!\" He would have grabbed her, had not monks overpowered him. As they dragged him out of the temple, he shrieked, \"I'll get you. You can't hide!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came again and again, sending letters between visits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the nuns begged for alms in the city, Konoe accosted her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes he pleaded, apologizing for his behavior. Often he threatened to kill her if she didn't return to him. Sometimes Kozeri heard nothing from him for months; just when she began to believe he'd given up, he would reappear and the letters resume." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of her gentle nature, Kozeri hated the left minister." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd destroyed her life, driven her from home and family. Why couldn't he leave her alone? She longed for his death, and an end to her misery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd gotten her wish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now, worse troubles threatened. She was a suspect in Konoe's murder; sōsakan Sano's questions had made it obvious. What if he found out how the left minister had treated her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, arrest wasn't the only thing she feared from Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His coming to Kodai Temple had shattered the calm she'd achieved through prayer and meditation. He'd awakened old emotions, suppressed longings.\n\nIn seeking a religious life, Kozeri had fled not just the left minister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because her second marriage had overshadowed the happy memory of her first, she'd wanted nothing more to do with men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The need for peace outweighed all other desires. For years she'd been satisfied with having food, shelter, her faith, and the other nuns for company. But Sano had awakened a response in her; desire for him had stirred Kozeri's body to life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd aroused in her a powerful renewed need for the love of a man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wanted to know Sano and continue the lovemaking they'd begun by the river today; yet although she longed to see him again, she dreaded the prospect.\n\n\"Now stand,\" said the abbess, rising slowly. \"Mouth shut, chin drawn in, spine straight. Keep breathing; look straight ahead. Clear vision equals a clear conscience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nuns rose. Kozeri envisioned their consciences as clear water, hers as a dust storm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She possessed knowledge that could help Sano solve the case, but she also had dangerous secrets to keep. Telling the truth could jeopardize her life; love could destroy her hard-won peace. She'd not only lied to Sano, but this exercise she was performing had equipped her with a weapon that she'd used against him in self-defense." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nseven sentences\n\nStyle:\nLaura Joh Rowland\nGenre:\nSano Ichiro 5" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano wanted to rush off and confront Kozeri with Lady Asagao's allegations, but first he went to the imperial guardhouse to check the records of comings and goings at the palace on the dates of the two murders. Afterward he visited Kozeri's family, a noble clan who lived in the kuge district of the palace. He learned enough to convince him that he'd made a grave mistake that he must redress after the meeting he and Chamberlain Yanagisawa had scheduled to share the results of their inquiries.\n\nBy the time he arrived at Nijō Castle, the sun had turned orange over the western hills; gongs signaled the onset of Obon rites. The smoke from altars diffused the light, so that the air seemed filled with scintillating topaz dust. The gate sentry told Sano, \"The honorable chamberlain went out early this morning and hasn't yet returned.\"\n\nAcross the street, Sano saw Marume and Fukida loitering outside a teahouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd assigned them and some other men to spy on Yanagisawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he hurried over to the detectives. \"Yanagisawa's gone,\" he said.\n\nThe pair looked surprised. \"We never saw him come out,\" Marume said.\n\nSano and the detectives checked with the men assigned to watch the other gates, but none of them had seen Yanagisawa.\n\n\"He slipped right past everyone,\" Sano said in dismay.\n\nYanagisawa's disappearance was more trouble on top of the problem of Kozeri." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano didn't want to believe Kozeri had deceived him, although he knew she had. Nor did he want to think about what might happen when he saw Kozeri again. Would he bring a killer to justice, or make matters worse? What in heaven was Yanagisawa up to now?\n\nIn the barracks of Nijō Castle, the guard captain told Sano that the chamberlain had been detained.\n\n\"Where?\" Sano asked. \"By whom?\"\n\nThe captain looked nervous, as if wondering how much to tell Sano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh, I just received news that the honorable chamberlain is at police headquarters. I sent some men to fetch him. He was arrested.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baffled, Sano said, \"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano and his detectives rode to police headquarters. Around the main room, Yanagisawa's troops stood guard. A score of yoriki and doshin lay prostrated, hands extended. Shoshidai Matsudaira knelt before the clerk's platform, gazing fearfully up at the man standing there. With a shock, Sano recognized Yanagisawa. His clothes were dirty and disheveled. His bruised face wore a fierce scowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a gross insult!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he yelled at the shoshidai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If one of your yoriki hadn't recognized me, I would be in jail now.\" With scathing fury he chastised the assembly for treating him like a criminal.\n\n\"A thousand apologies,\" the shoshidai whimpered. \"Please forgive my staff's terrible mistake. They will be punished severely. I assure you this will never happen again.\"\n\n\"See that it doesn't,\" Yanagisawa said, \"or you'll lose your post.\" He added, \"And you'd better find Yoriki Hoshina by morning. Dismissed!\"\n\nThe police fled. \"He's in disguise,\" Fukida marveled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's how he got past us. Who would have guessed he'd do that?\"\n\nSano approached Yanagisawa and Shoshidai Matsudaira. \"Why were you arrested?\" he asked the chamberlain.\n\nAt the sight of Sano, anger darkened Yanagisawa's expression; he didn't answer. The Shoshidai said timidly, \"For attempting to rob a bank in the merchant district.\"\n\n\"I told you, I wasn't,\" Yanagisawa said with icy emphasis." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was walking along, minding my own business, when three thugs attacked me. The police took the word of the merchant who accused me of trying to steal his filthy money.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course,\" the shoshidai said apologetically.\n\n\"What were you doing in that part of town?\" Sano said. \"Why are you dressed like that?\"\n\n\"My mishap has nothing to do with the case,\" Yanagisawa said. \"I owe you no explanations.\"\n\nSano followed Yanagisawa out of the building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was that about finding Yoriki Hoshina?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sardonic smile came over Yanagisawa's face as they reached the street and his retainers helped him onto his horse. \"Your hostage has escaped.\"\n\nMore trouble! Sano hid his dismay. With Hoshina gone, he had no way to hold Yanagisawa to their deal. He'd better find the yoriki before Yanagisawa did. He and his men mounted their horses and rode down Oike Avenue alongside Yanagisawa. The sun's hazy crimson orb floated above hills obscured by smoke and mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ruddy light bathed the crowds. The heavy odor of hot grease from kitchens overlaid the suffocating atmosphere.\n\n\"Have you found the outlaws and weapons?\" Sano asked Yanagisawa.\n\n\"Not yet.\" Yanagisawa's voice was tinged with defensive annoyance.\n\nDisappointed at this news, Sano told Yanagisawa that Lady Asagao had retracted her father's alibi.\n\n\"So Right Minister Ichijo is looking to be a likely culprit, then?\" An enigmatic smile played over Yanagisawa's mouth. \"Interesting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That doesn't mean the other suspects are out of the picture,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thought of Kozeri festered in his mind like a wound. \"Lady Jokyōden refused to tell me where she was during Aisu's murder, and we still haven't connected Ichijo to the conspiracy.\"\n\n\"Not yet, anyway.\" Slapping the reins, Yanagisawa sped ahead of Sano.\n\n\"He wasn't just innocently minding his own business when he got arrested,\" Fukida scoffed.\n\n\"And he knows something he's not telling us,\" Marume said. Sano nodded in dismal agreement, thinking that he should have put Yanagisawa out of business when he'd had the chance. He gave Marume and Fukida new orders to deal with the problem, and then report back to him as soon as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where will you be?\" Fukida asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it was Sano's turn for evasion, because he hated to lose face by admitting his mistake with Kozeri. \"If you need to reach me, leave a message at Nijō Manor,\" he said, then rode away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story like Laura Joh Rowland would, staying true to the Sano Ichiro 5 genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going out now,\" Sano said to Reiko the next morning. When they'd returned to Nijō Manor last night, he'd found a message from Detective Fukida, alerting him to a matter that required action today. \"Will you be all right?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Seated by the window of their room in Nijō Manor, Reiko was immaculately dressed and groomed, her face pale and drawn but composed. She did not look at Sano.\n\n\"Are you sure?\"\n\nLast night he'd caught her as she ran from Gion Shrine, wild-eyed and breathless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hurried her back to Nijō Manor, where she'd calmed down enough to tell him that Kozeri had admitted being in the Pond Garden during Left Minister Konoe's murder, but claimed that she'd seen Right Minister Ichijo afterward. Sano didn't know whether to believe it, but he guessed that more had transpired than Reiko would say. In bed, she'd lain rigid and silent beside him, and this morning he'd awakened to find her brooding by the window. He desperately wanted to know what had happened between her and Kozeri, yet he was afraid to ask.\n\nNow Reiko said, \"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me.\"\n\n\"What will you do today?\"\n\n\"I thought I'd finish examining the papers from Left Minister Konoe's office. Maybe there are clues somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano welcomed her interest in the case as a sign that they still had common ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Always eager for the truth, he longed to break through her reticence. \"Reiko-san,\" he began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"\n\nHe heard apprehension in her voice; she still wouldn't look at him. Forcing her to talk now would only make things worse. He said, \"Marume has been questioning the associates of Yoriki Hoshina to find out where he might have gone, with no luck. Hoshina seems to have vanished completely. But Fukida had interesting news. He thinks Chamberlain Yanagisawa is on to something important that he doesn't want us to know about.\"\n\nRising, Reiko moved to the boxes of papers, knelt, and bent her head over them. \"I hope you find out what it is.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" Sano paused, then said, \"Good-bye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good-bye.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Things couldn't continue like this, Sano thought as he left the inn. Something had to break, and he hoped that when the air cleared, they would find happiness again." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! gimme five sentences more. stick to Sano Ichiro 5 pls" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A stunned silence hung over the courtyard, thick as the sweltering heat. Sano shook his head in confusion. This new development marked Emperor Tomohito as the instigator of the imperial restoration conspiracy, but what about all the evidence against Right Minister Ichijo?\n\nThe watchman said, \"The sacred sword is missing from the treasure storehouse. His Majesty's suit of armor is gone, too.\"\n\nA woman emerged from the mass of court ladies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first Sano didn't recognize Lady Jokyōden. She wore a dressing gown, no makeup, and her hair loose; in the crisis of the emperor's disappearance, she must have forgotten to dress. Instead of a youthful Miyako beauty, she looked like a middle-aged woman ravaged by horror.\n\n\"My rash, foolish son!\" Jokyōden cried, wringing her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chaos broke loose. Courtiers loudly disclaimed any involvement with the rebellion; sobs arose from the ladies. The whole group surged toward the courtyard gate. Sano understood their fear of being punished as unwitting parties to treason, but the last thing he needed was a disturbance in the court.\n\n\"Restrain them!\" he called to the bakufu officials. \"Put everyone in the palace under house arrest!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officials hastened to obey. Yanagisawa turned on Right Minister Ichijo. \"You're responsible for this. You put the emperor up to the revolt. You recruited the army and planned the siege!\"\n\nWith haughty dignity Ichijo said, \"I have no part in His Majesty's actions. If I had known of his plans, I would have dissuaded him from going.\"\n\n\"Don't lie to me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yanagisawa shouted. \"I saw you with those rōnin last night. They're your mercenaries. You paid them combat wages for the battle that the emperor thinks he's leading. Where will they launch the attack?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ichijo's face went ashen with shock. \"You... saw me?\" He staggered backward, leaning heavily on his cane. \"But my business with those men has nothing to do with the emperor, or a conspiracy against the Tokugawa.\"\n\n\"Lady Asagao has admitted that you weren't with her when Left Minister Konoe died,\" Sano said, \"and we have a witness who saw you in the Pond Garden immediately after the murder.\"\n\n\"Yes... I was there. But I didn't kill him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ichijo spoke in a distracted tone, as if he neither knew nor cared what he was saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, you did!\" Yanagisawa said. \"You murdered Aisu, and you tried to murder me, too. Confess! Tell me where the emperor is!\"\n\nIchijo's eyes were glazed as he murmured, \"Konoe... Merciful gods. I should have guessed...\" He swayed dizzily and collapsed in a faint.\n\n\"Wake up!\" Yanagisawa slapped Ichijo, but the right minister remained unconscious. The bakufu officials herded the court nobles and ladies away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yanagisawa glared at Sano." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What brilliant scheme do you propose now?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 2 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Palace of the Abdicated Emperor, Reiko sat on a veranda with Lady Jokyōden. They gazed at the sunlit park, where courtiers and noblewomen strolled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wind chimes tinkled; dragonflies hovered over fragrant flowers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything looks the same,\" Reiko said. \"It's as if nothing had happened to disturb the peace of this world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must devote more effort to preserving that peace,\" Jokyōden said, \"and more attention to His Majesty the Emperor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the only reference they made to the revolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reiko contemplated Jokyōden's hint that she would keep her son under stricter control. Men dominated politics and waged wars, but a woman working behind the scenes could accomplish much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reiko doubted if the emperor would dare defy his mother and misbehave again, and the Tokugawa regime was indebted to Jokyōden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many thanks for your help,\" Reiko said, bowing.\n\nWith dignified grace, Jokyōden also bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am honored to have been of service.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder—\" Reiko paused, eager to satisfy curiosity, yet hesitant about broaching a personal question. \"May I ask why you decided to help me, when your interests opposed mine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw myself in you,\" Jokyōden said with a wry smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Besides that, another woman aided me many times during my life. She is beyond my assistance, so I repaid her favor by helping you.\" As if to herself, Jokyōden murmured, \"May that deed compensate for those less virtuous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A chill passed over Reiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By now she'd read the metsuke dossiers that Chamberlain Yanagisawa had sent Sano. She'd learned of Jokyōden's rivalry with another court lady whose fatal fall over a cliff might not have been accidental." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even if Jokyōden hadn't murdered Left Minister Konoe or Aisu, even if she didn't have the power of kiai, she was still dangerous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Jokyōden gave Reiko a faint smile. As though aware of Reiko's thoughts all along, she said, \"Women are generally considered helpless, yet under the right circumstances, we are capable of great harm as well as good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reiko realized with an unpleasant shock that she herself was a dangerous woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the wife of the shogun's sōsakan-sama, she had more power than ordinary women, and she'd played a role in incriminating the innocent Lady Asagao. Would she, too, someday have sins to regret?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was another reason for this visit besides bidding good-bye to her friend: Sano had asked her to solve a minor puzzle in the case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Knowing that Jokyōden would see through any subterfuge she tried, Reiko said bluntly, \"I'd like to know what is your connection with the Daikoku Bank.\"\n\nJokyōden looked surprised, then recovered her composure and nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I trusted your discretion once, and you did not fail me, so I shall tell you. As you may know, the imperial family has financial problems. I sold my valuable kimonos and used the money to establish the Daikoku Bank. Through my agents, I issue loans and speculate on commodities. The profits supplement the court's income.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Astonishing,\" Reiko murmured. Surely Jokyōden was history's first noblewoman banker." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I made the mistake of telling Left Minister Konoe,\" said Jokyōden. \"He demanded a share of my profits in exchange for not revealing that I had crossed the boundaries of womanly behavior and trespassed on the purview of the merchant class.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure that if I tell my husband about your business, he'll agree to ignore it because you're doing no harm and you led us to the conspiracy,\" Reiko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would much appreciate his generosity,\" said Jokyōden.\n\nReiko suspected that Jokyōden had chosen to reveal her secret because she'd predicted this outcome." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The world of women wasn't so different from the world of men, Reiko observed. Favors were the common currency, and she owed Jokyōden a greater debt than she'd repaid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps she could pass along the favor by helping other women in need, and use her power to do good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rose and made their final bows of farewell.\n\n\"It may be that we shall meet again someday,\" Jokyōden said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of the distance from Miyako to Edo, Reiko had hopes that they might." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So many unimaginable things had already happened: the discovery of a man with the power of kiai; Sano's return from the dead; a war averted. Anything seemed possible.\n\n\"Perhaps we shall,\" she said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "help a writer out? 2 sentences more sentences, mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre thx" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you lost your mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro barely restrained himself until he and Father Mateo reached the street. \"What were you thinking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He won't kill me,\" the priest replied. \"I'm under the shogun's protection.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You forfeited special status when you offered to help the girl. How do you know her anyway? I've never seen her before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I met her a month ago, in Pontocho.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stopped short. \"What were you doing in Pontocho? I thought you didn't like women.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are other reasons for taking a vow of chastity,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro raised an eyebrow. \"Not in Japan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you must know, I went to Pontocho for the cherry blossom dances. I missed them last year and heard they were something to see. Sayuri danced her formal debut this year. She is a talented entertainer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And she talked to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro could hardly believe it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most entertainers only had time for paying clients." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have to look so surprised. But as it happens, I didn't talk with Sayuri at the dances. I ran into her on the street a few days later. She was going to have her hair styled, and I walked her there and back. Since then, we've met for tea several times. She became a Christian only a week ago.\"\n\n\"How convenient,\" Hiro said, \"just in time for you to defend her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She didn't do this,\" the Jesuit said. \"She wouldn't lie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All women lie,\" Hiro retorted, \"and she's not even good at it. That samurai was awake when someone killed him, and she couldn't have slept through it.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The blood on the walls all sprayed in the same direction, the one he was facing when someone cut his throat.\"\n\nThey had reached the Kamo River, but instead of turning homeward Hiro started across the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are you going?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoriki answer to the magistrate.\" Hiro paused and waited for the Jesuit to follow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As Nobuhide's superior, the magistrate can absolve you of liability. I'm going to see him and explain you have no part in this.\"\n\n\"But I do have a part in it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo caught up and fell into step." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going to help Sayuri prove her innocence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? You hardly know her!\"\n\n\"She is a member of my flock and my sister in Christ. Would you let your sister be wrongfully executed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro looked away at the mention of sisters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That topic ranked high on the list of things the shinobi did not discuss, even with friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hiro did not answer Father Mateo added, \"I cannot sit by and watch someone put an innocent woman to death.\"\n\n\"You can and you will, even if she is innocent, which I doubt. I swore an oath to keep you safe, and I don't intend to fail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm trying to save a woman's life and you're worried about your salary?\"\n\n\"Salary?\" Hiro made a sound, more bark than laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you die, it means my head.\"\n\n\"Shogun Ashikaga would understand that I acted on my conscience. I'll write a letter saying you were not to blame.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You overestimate samurai understanding,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Iga ryu sent me here, not the shogun, and Iga does not forgive failure.\"\n\n\"The shogun will make them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shogun controls Kyoto,\" Hiro said, \"but his reach does not extend to Iga Province. Even if it did, shinobi clans do not answer to warlords, including the shogun.\"\n\n\"Then you'll have to convince the magistrate some other way,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm helping Sayuri no matter what the cost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two samurai boys were sparring at the far end of the bridge. The crack of their wooden swords echoed off the buildings that lined the bank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The older boy stood half a head taller, but the younger one showed more skill. He ducked beneath his opponent's blade and brought his wooden bokken down on the tall boy's skull with a thump that rang across the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"AI!\" The younger boy yelled in victory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised his sword and stepped back, ending the fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The older boy bent double and rubbed his head. Hiro winced in sympathy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered the ache of bokken strikes, despite the many years since he felt a blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's got to hurt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better hurt than dead,\" Hiro replied.\n\n\"Why has the older one got a forelock?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo asked. \"I thought samurai shaved their heads at sixteen. He looks older than that.\"\n\n\"It varies,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A boy shaves his forehead after genpuku, when he receives his sword and also his adult name. Every father decides when his son is ready.\"\n\nThe boys gaped at the foreigner, mouths wide like gasping fish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo ignored their familiar surprise, but Hiro scowled and laid his hand on the hilt of his katana." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boys bowed low and returned to their sparring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro smiled to himself. A man didn't have to draw his sword to use it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men continued up Sanjō Road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro glanced down Pontocho as they passed. The alley looked dark and silent in the morning light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teahouses and brothels woke at sunset and slept at dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of blocks farther on they turned north and passed the walled police compound at the entrance to the administrative ward. The guards at the gate nudged one another and whispered at the sight of the Jesuit priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro also heard the word \"ronin,\" followed by snickering laughter. He was used to men mistaking him for a masterless samurai, or ronin, who served the foreign ghost because he had no other option." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most men would have found the disdain offensive, but Hiro considered it useful and slightly amusing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate's compound lay a short distance past the police." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two samurai in leather armor guarded the gates, and a small crowd of merchants and laborers had already gathered at the entrance to the compound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their expressions ranged from concern to nervousness. Most were men, but here and there a woman waited in her husband's shadow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one spoke.\n\nA sweaty smell rose from the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Normally people bathed enough to avoid offensive odors, but a visit to the magistrate inspired fear, even when men thought their causes just." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crowd stared as the foreigner approached. A child pointed but his mother hushed him before he made a sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards decided the order in which people pled their cases, and no one wanted to make a scene that might drop them back in the line.\n\nHiro put on a swagger as he approached the guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man on the right would not meet his eye, so he spoke to the one on the left. \"We wish to see the magistrate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The magistrate is sleeping,\" the guard said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back later and wait your turn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The matter cannot wait,\" Hiro said. \"It concerns a yoriki's murder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard blinked and stood straighter. \"Murder? What happened?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro glanced at the crowd of merchants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a delicate matter. Perhaps the magistrate would prefer to discuss it in private.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Comprehension dawned on the guard's round face. He nodded slowly. \"Yes, he may want to speak with you before the official hearing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard disappeared into the compound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His companion glanced at Hiro and looked away, trying not to stare at the foreigner. Instead he glared at the commoners, who shuffled a little farther away from the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Discomfort flowed through the social strata like water running down a hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few minutes later the guard returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Magistrate Ishimaki will see you at once. Follow me.\"\n\nHiro and Father Mateo followed the guard across the graveled court toward the wooden building that dominated the yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wide-spreading eaves overhung the weathered veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slatted covers barred the windows, allowing the passage of air but forbidding light, and a pair of dark stone lanterns flanked the doorway like tusks beside a gaping mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard led them through the entrance and into a wood-paneled room with a pit of white sand at the center." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind the pit sat a wooden desk on an elevated platform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even seated, the magistrate would look down on everyone in the room. Charcoal braziers and oil lamps provided a flickering light that dispelled the darkness but filled the room with a gentle haze of smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the sand for?\" Father Mateo whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard had left, but the dark, low-ceilinged room inspired respect.\n\n\"It represents justice and purity,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The accused kneels there while awaiting the magistrate's judgment. Don't stand in it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Won't we have to?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're here as informants, not supplicants.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A door to their left slid back with a soft rustle as the magistrate entered the room. His black kimono blended with the shadows, but his hair and forehead glowed pale in the dim light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment he looked like a ghostly head floating through the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His shape took on definition as he climbed the stairs to his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once seated, he looked at the visitors. His snowy eyebrows raised at the foreign priest, though not enough for real surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard must have warned him about the Portuguese.\n\nHiro bowed. Father Mateo followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Matsui Hiro,\" Hiro said, \"translator and scribe for Father Mateo Ávila de Santos of Portugal. Thank you for meeting with us in private.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate nodded slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A yoriki has been murdered? May I ask his name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Akechi.\" Hiro paused, suddenly aware that he didn't know the dead man's given name.\n\n\"Nobuhide?\" The magistrate's expression did not change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A pity, though murder is not unheard of in Pontocho. May I ask the circumstances of his death and why a foreigner is involved?\"\n\n\"Not Nobuhide,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His father. Akechi-san was killed last night in a teahouse across the river from Pontocho.\"\n\nThe magistrate leaned forward and placed his hands on the desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Akechi Hideyoshi was not a yoriki. He was a general, retired from the shogun's army.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His forehead wrinkled with concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You say he was murdered? In a teahouse?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro suddenly wished they had not come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This wasn't turning out as he expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is the foreigner involved?\" the magistrate asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is not involved,\" Hiro said. \"He is merely the spiritual counselor of the accused, an entertainer named Sayuri.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of the Sakura Teahouse?\"\n\nHiro struggled to hide his surprise. \"You know her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate nodded. His white pigtail bobbed gently atop his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am familiar with the house, though not personally acquainted with the girl. The priest is her counselor, you say?\"\n\n\"Yes, she has accepted the foreign god.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no harm in speaking. The damage was done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She sent for him this morning after the crime. Nobuhide arrived a few minutes after we did. He wanted to execute the girl at once, but Father Mateo intervened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked intently at the priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would he do that?\"\n\n\"His religion grants the accused an opportunity to exonerate herself. As an adherent, Sayuri has this right. In addition, the followers of the foreign god treat one another as siblings. Father Mateo considers Sayuri his sister, and on that basis he asked Nobuhide to give her a chance to prove her innocence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\" The magistrate leaned forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fascinating. I would like to hear more. Does he speak Japanese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A little,\" Hiro said. \"Not well.\"\n\nThe magistrate leaned back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A pity. I would have liked to discuss this law with him in depth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He folded his hands on his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I take it Nobuhide did not appreciate the finer points of foreign religious laws.\"\n\n\"Not exactly,\" Hiro agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate's joke suggested a possible ally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He granted the request, but intends to hold Father Mateo responsible if Sayuri cannot prove her innocence. He threatened to execute them both in two days' time.\"\n\nThe magistrate raised a hand and rubbed his chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most unfortunate indeed. I assume you came to ask me to intervene.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro nodded.\n\n\"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do. Had the murder occurred within Pontocho, I could order Nobuhide not to touch the foreign priest, but the Sakura Teahouse lies outside his jurisdiction. His authority there stems from his status as Hideyoshi's son. I cannot control his actions in that capacity, and, as you know, the law permits a samurai to avenge his father's death.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I also know that the death of a foreign priest could complicate the shogun's relations with the Portuguese,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magistrate nodded. \"I will speak with Nobuhide and see what I can do.\"\n\n\"You can do nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro spun around with his hand on his sword, chastising himself for letting down his guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobuhide stood by the supplicants' entrance, face and forehead red with ill-contained rage. He bowed perfunctorily to the magistrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have the legal right to avenge my father.\" Nobuhide pointed at Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This man inserted himself into a private matter. He chose to assist the woman. For all I know, he helped her commit the crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ridiculous,\" Hiro snorted. \"He was at home all night. I was there.\"\n\n\"He could have helped her plan, or given her the weapon,\" Nobuhide said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Doesn't the other Portuguese sell firearms?\"\n\n\"Enough!\" The magistrate thumped his hands on his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at each man in turn. His hand crept back to his chin, and he rubbed it as he thought his way through the problem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gesture suggested uncertainty, but when the magistrate spoke his voice conveyed both confidence and regret. \"If you cannot prove the girl innocent within the allotted time, I cannot stop Nobuhide from taking vengeance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shifted his gaze to the young samurai. \"But I can require you to cooperate with their investigation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may not interfere with their efforts in any way.\n\n\"Have I made myself clear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobuhide scowled but bowed in assent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he turned to leave, he pointed at Hiro and said, \"Sakura Teahouse, noon, two days from now. Make sure the priest is there.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stalked from the room, feet thumping the wooden floor.\n\n\"I wish I could do more,\" the magistrate told Hiro. \"Justice is in your hands now.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story like Susan Spann would, staying true to the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mayuri opened the door just as Father Mateo reached out to knock. He withdrew his hand awkwardly and lowered it to his side. Mayuri lowered her own hands even faster, but not before Hiro saw the dark smudges on her fingers and an angry burn on her left hand that hadn't been there earlier in the day.\n\nFather Mateo noticed too. \"Are you injured?\"\n\nMayuri pulled her hand into her sleeve. \"It is nothing. I burned myself lighting a fire. The servant ran away when she heard about the murder—superstitious little fool. Why do you think I've answered the door myself all morning?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She cast a harried glance toward the road as though hoping the servant would return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As her eyes shifted back to Hiro, she forced a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you forget something earlier?\"\n\nFather Mateo bowed. \"We hoped to speak with Sayuri.\"\n\n\"And also the other women who work in the house,\" Hiro added.\n\nMayuri's smile wavered. \"No one saw or heard anything. I spoke with each of them myself.\"\n\n\"Then it will be a short conversation,\" Hiro said. \"Thank you for accommodating us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will take some time,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are not prepared for company so early.\"\n\n\"We can talk with Sayuri while we wait.\" Hiro smiled pleasantly, knowing the teahouse owner could not refuse without bringing more suspicion on herself.\n\nWhen she realized Hiro had no intention of leaving, Mayuri tilted her head in consent and turned to lead the men into the house. Her kimono rustled slightly, like a mouse in a sack of grain.\n\nAs Mayuri turned, Hiro noticed a scrap of paper caught on the back of her kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The trailing end of her obi had trapped it just above the hem. Hiro bent and plucked the paper from her dress, slipping it into his sleeve as he straightened. He said nothing. Teahouse culture valued neatness and beauty above all else. Mayuri would have been mortified to learn she was trailing scraps, and, although Hiro didn't care about her feelings, he also saw no reason to cause her unnecessary embarrassment.\n\nMayuri led the men to the first door on the western side of the large common room. As she knelt she said, \"You may speak with Sayuri here, but please do not take too long. I have priests coming to purify the house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo entered the room as soon as Mayuri opened the door, but Hiro paused just long enough to ask, \"You will tell me when the other girls are ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mayuri's mouth pressed shut in a very thin smile. \"Of course.\"\n\nHiro stepped over the threshold and joined the Jesuit inside.\n\nThe room was identical to the adjacent one except for a welcome lack of blood and the absence of a corpse. An unspoiled vase of hydrangeas adorned the tokonoma. The flower arrangement showed more skill than the one in the room where the murder occurred. Hiro recognized it as a master's work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spoiled arrangement was likely the work of a student." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sayuri knelt in front of the alcove, facing the door, with her back to the vase of flowers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had bathed and changed into a simple kimono of patterned silk. Without her makeup, she looked younger than before, and also more beautiful.\n\nA shamisen lay on the floor to her right. The lack of ornate decoration suggested a practice instrument, something to pass the time.\n\n\"Make a useful comment,\" Hiro said in Portuguese.\n\nFather Mateo recognized the coded cue at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What something would you have me say? Do you need more than this or have I said enough already?\" He kept his voice even so the questions would sound like statements.\n\n\"That will do.\" Hiro turned. Mayuri knelt in the doorway as though she intended to stay.\n\n\"I apologize for the foreign exchange,\" Hiro said. \"Father Mateo does not know the proper words for his request.\n\n\"His religion has a rite called 'confession,' in which an accused person speaks confidentially with a priest. Father Mateo requests permission to have confession with Sayuri now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mayuri frowned. \"Is privacy required?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro nodded. \"A translator may assist if necessary, but no one else is permitted to remain.\"\n\nMayuri looked at Sayuri. To Hiro's surprise, the girl nodded in agreement.\n\n\"Very well.\" Mayuri sighed. \"I have business to attend to anyway.\"\n\nHiro remained by the door to ensure that her shadow disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sayuri burst into tears the moment the door closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry. This is my fault. I would not have asked you to come if I thought Nobuhide would kill you too.\"\n\n\"Don't worry,\" Father Mateo said. \"Hiro and I will find the real killer.\"\n\nSayuri stopped crying and looked up through her tears. \"Do you really think you can?\"\n\nHiro fought the urge to laugh at her attempt to manipulate the priest until he realized, with dismay, that it had worked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course we will,\" Father Mateo said, \"but we need you to tell us what really happened last night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I already did. I woke up and Akechi-san was dead.\"\n\n\"I don't think that's true.\" Father Mateo's unexpected firmness made Hiro wonder if the Jesuit saw through Sayuri's performance after all. \"Are you scared to tell the truth? Has someone threatened you?\"\n\n\"Of course not,\" she said, a bit too quickly for the truth. \"A shinobi must have killed him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who would want to assassinate Akechi Hideyoshi?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sayuri looked at him, wide-eyed. \"I don't know. Akechi-san was a good man. Mayuri says he always paid his bills.\"\n\n\"He was wealthy?\" Hiro asked.\n\nSayuri thought it over. \"He didn't buy me presents like the other girls get sometimes, but then, he wasn't my patron, just a regular visitor.\"\n\n\"Did he ever bring guests to the teahouse?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sayuri smiled. Her eyes sparkled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He brought his brother, Hidetaro.\"\n\nHiro found it curious that Sayuri's first genuine smile came at the mention of Hideyoshi's brother. Nothing in teahouse culture prohibited a girl from entertaining both a man and his relatives, though a girl who accepted a man as her patron would generally refuse separate visits from his brothers or male relations.\n\n\"Anyone else?\" Hiro asked.\n\nSayuri squinted at the ceiling. Her forehead wrinkled in thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A couple of months ago he entertained a cousin from out of town. Masuhide? No, but something like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't remember?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Entertainers were trained to remember names, to make a client's friends feel special on subsequent visits.\n\n\"No.\" Sayuri pushed a stray hair behind her ear as her cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. \"I got the impression they had only met a couple of times. They didn't seem close, and Hideyoshi said the cousin was just passing through on business. I didn't think I would need to remember his name.\"\n\n\"What about Hideyoshi's brother... Hidetaro? Did he visit you often?\"\n\n\"A few times, with Hideyoshi.\" Sayuri's radiant smile returned, but faded quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hidetaro can't afford teahouses. But he's very nice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When was the last time you saw him?\" Hiro asked.\n\nSayuri looked at the floor. \"Several weeks ago.\"\n\n\"What about Nobuhide?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"He's not allowed here anymore.\" Sayuri's eyes widened. She lowered her voice. \"He got drunk and forced himself on one of the girls. We're not that kind of house. It made Mayuri furious. She told Hideyoshi his son was not welcome anymore.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know the girl's name?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"Umeha?\" Sayuri shook her head. \"I think it was Umeha, but I'm not sure. She hasn't worked here in over a year. I think—\"\n\nThe door rustled open and Sayuri cut herself off midsentence.\n\nMayuri knelt in the doorway.\n\n\"I apologize for the inconvenience,\" she said, in a tone that said the opposite. \"My women cannot speak with you this morning. It appears you have waited for nothing.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story like Susan Spann would, staying true to the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you really think Hidetaro killed his brother?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think he's less than honest,\" Hiro said, \"which merits investigation. Speaking of which—where's Luis?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Probably napping,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think he finished his business for today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Exactly what we need to discuss.\" Hiro walked across the common room and rapped on the paneled door to the merchant's room. \"Luis? Are you awake?\"\n\nHe heard a rustling sound and a groan, followed by footsteps heading for the door. It rattled and Luis's face appeared in the opening. His eyes were misty with sleep and his long hair stood out around his face. \"No. What do you want?\"\n\n\"Information about the rice merchant you sold weapons to this morning. Was he from Nagoya, by chance?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Luis blinked and the sleepy look left his face. \"How did you know that?\"\n\n\"I think you may have done business with a murderer.\"\n\n\"All of my clients are murderers. What Japanese isn't?\"\n\n\"Luis.\" Father Mateo joined them at the door. \"I think I understand what Hiro means. A rice merchant from Nagoya visited the Sakura Teahouse last night. We think he may have murdered Akechi Hideyoshi. If he's the same man you met this morning, you may be able to help us find him.\"\n\nThe door slid open further and Luis stepped into the common room. He wore the same white shirt as earlier and a clean pair of dark-colored breeches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had taken off his tunic before his nap, and the end of his wrinkled shirt flapped loosely below his rounded belly. Hiro had rarely seen a less flattering costume.\n\n\"Akechi?\" Luis repeated. \"Is that the dead man's name?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Father Mateo nodded eagerly. \"Do you know him?\"\n\n\"It might just be a coincidence. These Japanese only have about twenty surnames between them.\"\n\n\"Anything you can tell us might help,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Luis scratched his chest while he thought. \"A couple of months ago I sold a hundred arquebuses to a samurai named Akechi, but not Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The given name was different. Miso-something, I think. He was passing through Kyoto on his way to join some warlord in the south.\n\n\"The rice merchant from Nagoya mentioned Akechi's name when he contacted me. Apparently they're friends or something. He thought it would get him a discount.\" The merchant looked smug. \"I raised all the prices by twenty percent and then gave him a ten percent markdown. He never knew the difference.\"\n\nHiro ignored his rising frustration and returned to the topic of interest. \"Who introduced the samurai to you? The one from the Akechi clan.\"\n\n\"I don't remember,\" Luis said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know several of the merchants, and most of them make introductions. It's a ridiculous samurai custom anyway, needing to know someone personally before you can do business. Normal people just find what they want and buy it.\"\n\n\"This is important,\" Hiro insisted. \"Who made the introduction?\"\n\nLuis thought for a moment. \"It must have been the tailor, Yaso.\" After a pause he added, \"Definitely Yaso. He set up this morning's meeting too.\"\n\n\"Did either man tell you where he was staying?\" Hiro asked. \"Did they have relatives in Kyoto?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Luis sneered and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We only talked about muskets. I could care less about their personal lives.\"\n\n\"Do you have records of the sales?\"\n\n\"I keep detailed ledgers, but you won't find what you're looking for. I list names, but no addresses or other information about the buyer.\"\n\n\"Good enough,\" Hiro said. \"Have you got the ledgers here?\"\n\nLuis turned back to his room and returned a moment later with a ledger, leather-bound in the Portuguese style. He flipped through the pages until he found the transaction he wanted.\n\n\"There.\" He pointed to the page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the first one, the samurai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took Hiro a moment to find the entry, and not only because it was written in Portuguese. The lines and columns made no sense until he realized that the merchant organized the pages horizontally, not vertically like a Japanese ledger.\n\nHiro examined the line Luis indicated. Everything except for the customer's name was written in the Portuguese merchant's even script. Hiro found it difficult to read but enjoyed the effort. Despite his irritating nature, Luis had beautiful handwriting.\n\nThe customer's name was far more legible, because that wasn't written by hand. Samurai and many merchants used a carved seal, or inkan, in place of a formal signature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The seals discouraged forgery and eliminated the need to carry a writing brush or ink. When pressed into a paste-like ink and then on a document or page, the seal displayed the characters representing the bearer's name.\n\nThe characters on this one read \"Akechi Mitsuhide.\"\n\n\"And the other?\" Hiro asked. \"The man you met this morning?\"\n\nThe merchant flipped two more leaves and ran his finger down the page until he came to the final entry. \"Well, that's interesting.\"\n\nHe tipped the book toward Hiro and Father Mateo. The column for the customer's seal contained an illegible smudge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He must have rushed the impression.\"\n\n\"Or deliberately marred it to obscure his name,\" Hiro said.\n\nLuis shrugged. \"That's going to make it difficult to track him, not that he's still here anyway. He left Kyoto as soon as he picked up his weapons and wanted to start early to get ahead of the traffic on the road. That's why I had to get up at such an abominable hour.\n\n\"Do you think this Akechi is related to your dead samurai?\"\n\n\"It would astonish me to learn otherwise,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Interesting that no one mentioned a relative in Lord Oda's service,\" Father Mateo mused." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not surprising,\" Hiro said. \"This also means Yoshiko was mistaken, or lied. Both Lord Oda and the shogun have reasons to want Hideyoshi dead.\"\n\n\"Mateo.\" Luis's face grew red. \"You need to leave Kyoto now. Don't martyr yourself for a prostitute.\"\n\n\"I became a priest because I believe in the truth,\" Father Mateo said. \"I will not run away to save myself and abandon an innocent woman to die. I fear God's judgment far more than any death.\"\n\nHiro excused himself and returned to his room. The priest would not leave Kyoto until the facts freed Sayuri or condemned her, no matter what Luis said. But the merchant's ledger reminded Hiro of the pages hidden in his sleeve, and he wanted to see what further clues they revealed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nAmount: 1 sentence\nVoice: Susan Spann" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize if my question held an inappropriate implication.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro dipped his head in humility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was not my intention.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko nodded acceptance, but her eyes narrowed suspiciously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo stood up and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for teaching me about your customs. May I pray again for your father before I leave?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would like that,\" Sato said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko's lips pursed in objection but she said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sato led them across the room and slid open the paneled door to Hideyoshi's armory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room looked almost exactly as it had the previous day, except that a bowl of cooked rice sat on the floor outside the coffin at the end nearest Hideyoshi's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A single chopstick stood upright in the rice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Hiro entered the room he noticed a second object beside the bowl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A thin vase held a single hydrangea blossom, the same type and color as the ones in the room where Hideyoshi died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coincidence seemed too great for an accident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro's new theory about the spy gained momentum in his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo knelt beside Hideyoshi and bowed his head in prayer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stood just inside the doorway and studied the room for anything out of place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw nothing else new or different." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze lingered on the tokonoma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The neko-te seemed to mock him from their semicircle of pegs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't shake the conviction that those claws had murdered their owner, despite Sato's explanation for the broken blade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest finished his prayer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Yoshiko led them to the door Hiro said, \"Your mother selected a fine set of funeral armor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai woman glanced at him from the corner of her eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My mother did not select the armor. Nobuhide did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you have done a fine job preparing him for...\" Father Mateo's voice trailed off uncertainly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cremation,\" Yoshiko said. \"My mother requested a Christian burial but Nobuhide insisted our father should not decay in the ground. I agree with that disposition, though not with the way my father appears.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paused as if consumed by an inner struggle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wondered what she wanted to say but felt that she should not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My father should have worn the armor he wore in battle,\" she said at last, \"not the ceremonial breastplate my brother chose.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last Hiro understood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai did not criticize family members, but Yoshiko wanted him to know that the inappropriate armor was not her fault." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wondered why she cared what he believed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Given her earlier comment about women's gaits, he sincerely hoped she didn't have an interest in him beyond the investigation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the time I returned from my morning ride and learned about Father's death, Nobuhide had already washed and dressed the body,\" she continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was too late to change it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro nodded. There was no point in platitudes or false reassurances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both knew Nobuhide had chosen wrong, and that further handling would only dishonor the corpse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some things could not be changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the entry they exchanged bows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I may ask,\" Hiro said, \"who knew about your father's will before he died?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only my mother,\" Yoshiko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She was there when he wrote it. I saw it for the first time yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yet you knew you were his heir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko smiled. \"My father has always favored me. I didn't need a will to tell me his intentions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who knows about the will now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobuhide, of course, and my uncle Hidetaro.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who told Hidetaro?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I did, yesterday, when he came to pay his respects and to pray for my father's soul. I do not believe in gods myself, though I understand that some people find comfort in faith.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long did he pray?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked up at the door frame, thinking." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Half an hour, perhaps? He may not have prayed the entire time. I left him alone with my father and saw him only when he left.\"\n\nHiro bowed. \"Thank you again for your courtesy.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like Susan Spann using my stuff as a starting point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four dōshin remained on guard outside the Sakura Teahouse, but they sat in a circle under one of the cherry trees instead of lurking by the path. As Hiro and Father Mateo approached, the youngest man startled and scooped something into his kimono sleeve. Dice, or possibly gambling sticks, unless Hiro missed his guess. Something to pass the time after the initial excitement of guarding a murderer died away, leaving only another routine wait.\n\nFaint chanting emanated from the house. It came from the direction of the garden, most likely due to an open veranda door.\n\n\"Are the priests still here?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\nHiro nodded. \"The purification will take almost a week, and Mayuri can't use the room until it's finished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That must be expensive,\" the priest said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have no idea.\"\n\nHiro knocked on the teahouse door. The chanting increased slightly as Mayuri opened the door. She looked irritated to see them, or possibly just irritated with all the inconvenience.\n\n\"We have come to see Sayuri,\" Hiro said.\n\nMayuri gave him a cold smile. \"There is nothing new for you to discover here and your presence makes the girls nervous.\"\n\n\"Are you refusing us admittance?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mayuri's smile widened and she opened the door a little more. \"Of course not. The Sakura is pleased to cooperate with your investigation. Please come in.\"\n\nThey found Sayuri in the same front room, wearing the same kimono she had changed into the day before. Her eyes seemed hollower, perhaps from lack of sleep, but she smiled when she saw the priest.\n\nFather Mateo started across the floor.\n\nHiro turned to Mayuri. \"Thank you. We will let you know when we have finished.\"\n\nShe nodded and closed the door without a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sayuri looked from Father Mateo to Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you found the killer? Will Nobuhide let me go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not yet,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I see your dagger?\"\n\nShe looked surprised. \"I don't carry a tanto.\"\n\nHiro wasn't fooled and he was finished playing. \"If you're an entertainer and not a prostitute, you have a weapon under that kimono. Produce it for me or I will find it myself.\"\n\nShe looked at him for a long moment, then reached her right hand into her left sleeve and withdrew a long, slender sheath. She snapped it open to reveal a painted fan with metal ribs connected by hand-painted paper panels that showed a city scene.\n\nSayuri closed the fan with a click and took the blades in her left hand. Her right hand drew the concealed dagger from the bottom of the sheath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The five-inch blade fit snugly in the largest rib of the fan. Its length and diameter were closer to a throwing knife than a tanto, or more properly a menhari-gata since it was concealed in a fan. Sayuri spun the knife in her hand so the blade lay across her palm and offered the hilt to Hiro.\n\nHe accepted the weapon and examined it carefully, paying special attention to the grooves where the blade met the handle and where the handle fitted the sheath. He saw no blood or suspicious marks. The polished metal shone like new, though the blade was not newly forged.\n\n\"Very nice,\" he said as he handed it back. \"A family heirloom?\"\n\nSayuri shook her head as she resheathed the dagger and returned it to her kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a gift from Mayuri. She carried it when she was an entertainer.\"\n\n\"Tell us again what happened the night Hideyoshi died,\" Hiro said. \"The truth this time.\"\n\n\"I told you the truth yesterday.\"\n\nHiro gestured to Father Mateo. \"Let's go. We can be halfway to Nagasaki by evening.\" He glanced at Sayuri as he started for the door. \"Good luck with Nobuhide tomorrow. I am sure Father Mateo will pray for your soul.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sayuri grabbed the Jesuit's arm as he began to rise." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, wait. I'll tell you everything.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro changed from his kimono into a set of baggy black trousers and a dark blue hooded tunic that tied in the front like a kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unlike a normal surcoat this one had narrow sleeves and was belted with a special girdle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of his usual obi, he used a long piece of cloth sewn into a tube. Concealed inside the tube was a kaginawa, a small grappling hook on a length of cord. Hiro tucked a second length of cloth around his waist and fastened it to the obi. It would serve as a mask when he reached his destination.\n\nHiro tucked his hood into the back of the tunic, where it disappeared inside a special pocket designed for that purpose.\n\nHe opened a wooden chest beside his desk and carefully removed the papers stacked inside. When the chest was emptied he pressed on the false wooden bottom to reveal a secret compartment where he stored special weapons. Shinobi weapons. They glimmered in the candlelight as Hiro selected the ones he wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five shuriken, or throwing stars, could serve as either projectiles or a fist load in the case of hand-to-hand combat. They went into the inside pockets of his tunic sleeves. A handful of four-pronged tetsubishi caltrops joined the shuriken, along with a pair of shuko, three-pronged climbing claws that fitted over the wrists for scaling walls. As Hiro knew from other occasions, they were also useful weapons at close range.\n\nHe bypassed the other weapons and replaced the false bottom of the chest, seating it carefully to ensure a proper fit. He returned the papers to their places, retrieved his swords and a pair of daggers from the holder on the wall, and fastened a small leather pouch around his waist. The pouch held fire tools, a length of rope, and a kairo, a piece of treated bamboo Hiro used for holding coals, heating water, or anything else that came to mind.\n\nHe checked everything twice to make sure he hadn't overlooked anything he might need." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As it happened, he doubted he would need the tools, but it was better to have them all than to die for want of any one of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then it was time to go.\n\nOutside, the moon looked like a giant golden koban, hanging high and full in the sky.\n\nHiro preferred to work in the dark of the moon, but he couldn't choose the timing of this assignment. He set off at the confident pace of a samurai on an evening errand.\n\nHe passed the temple, turned left at the Kamo River road, and walked south along the river toward Pontocho. He didn't see a single soul on the road, and only a few lights still glowed in the houses near the river. A breeze rippled the water and wafted a slightly fishy odor through the air. Hiro smelled the trees and some kind of night-blooming flower in the distance, along with a rancid undertone, probably from scrap and nightsoil buckets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he walked, he thought about Iga. Eighteen months was not very long, and also an eternity. He missed his friends and relatives there, and until a couple of days ago he had wanted only to earn his way home. That hadn't changed, exactly, but for the first time he saw his current assignment as something other than a punishment. Had he not been shinobi, Father Mateo almost certainly would have died.\n\nHalf a mile north of Sanjō Road, Hiro left the path and disappeared into the shadows beneath the trees. Most of the houses on this side of the river had walled gardens, and Hiro walked close to the wall to avoid being seen. When he reached the last house before Sanjō Road, he removed the cloth from his obi and wrapped it around his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled up his hood and climbed up into a cherry tree that stood by the wall with its branches growing over into the yard.\n\nOnce up the tree, Hiro removed his katana and tied it carefully to a branch where no one would see it from the ground. Although necessary to his disguise, the longsword was a liability to stealth.\n\nHis hands found the hidden drawstrings inside his sleeves and drew the cuffs tight around his wrists. He did the same with the cuffs of his trousers.\n\nWith his clothes secured, Hiro continued up the tree until he perched about three feet above the eaves of the house adjacent to the tree. Unlike the Akechis', this house lacked a careful gardener, and the cherry tree's spreading branches extended several feet over the roof.\n\nHiro stretched himself along a branch and slithered away from the trunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His weight lowered the branch until it rested against the roof. When the leaves touched the eaves, Hiro slowed his movements to ensure the limb would not rustle and alert the home's inhabitants.\n\nHe saw no lights, but that did not mean that everyone was asleep.\n\nWhen he reached the roof, Hiro stepped from the branch without a sound and slowly eased the limb back up to its original position. He didn't dislodge a single leaf.\n\nHiro squatted on the roof and listened. He heard no sound from the house below and saw no lanterns or other light. After a couple of minutes, Hiro climbed to the peak of the sloping roof." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept his body low to minimize his profile against the sky.\n\nHe saw no one in the street and no movement in the yard. The next house to the east had its shutters drawn. Its owners had also gone to bed.\n\nHiro jumped from the east side of the roof to a spreading pine in the neighbors' yard. The needles smelled sharp and fresh in his nose, and the bark felt reassuringly rough and stable under his hands after climbing the cherry tree. Pines were much easier to climb.\n\nIt took him only moments to traverse the pine and jump lightly to the roof of the second house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved more slowly up the ridge of the second roof because from its peak he would be able to see the Sakura Teahouse—and anyone in the teahouse yard would be able to see him too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He crouched low behind the ridgepole that ran the length of the roof." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rough thatch poked at the soles of his slippers and jabbed at the knees of his trousers.\n\nThe continuing smell of pine told Hiro that he had touched or rubbed some sap onto his clothes. In Iga, that would mean failure, but fortunately this was not a training exercise. The flowers and perfumes of the Sakura would more than overwhelm a spot or two of pitch.\n\nHe eased himself over the ridge of the roof and looked down at the teahouse.\n\nThe shutters were open and lights shone brightly in the windows of every room on the lower floor, though the windows of the upper floor were dark.\n\nHiro moved along the roof toward the pair of large, spreading cherry trees that grew beside the teahouse latrine. As he remembered, their questing branches reached over the wall, not quite all the way to the neighboring roof but close enough for his purposes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crouched and sprang. The six-foot gap opened wide beneath him but he kept his eyes on his target and a moment later he felt the prickly bark beneath his fingers. He grabbed hold, relaxing his muscles to finish the fall without breaking the branch.\n\nLess than a minute after he landed in the tree, a door slid open on the near side of the house and a portly samurai staggered onto the veranda. A tinkling female laugh followed him out into the night. It sounded like Riko, though Hiro couldn't tell for certain.\n\nThe samurai turned and laughed back into the room, then stepped off the porch and waddled toward the latrine. His gait wavered slightly, drunk but not quite beyond control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro watched him pass beneath the other side of the tree and enter the latrine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the samurai had gone, Hiro moved silently through the branches until he reached a place where the leaves grew thick enough to hide in.\n\nThere he waited.\n\nA few minutes later the drunken samurai finished in the latrine and returned to the teahouse. A feminine laugh greeted him and a kneeling figure slid the door closed behind him. Their shadows retreated farther into the room until Hiro saw only candlelight flickering on the paper panels.\n\nThe moon continued its circuit through the sky.\n\nSome time later Hiro heard a murmur of voices on the front porch of the teahouse, or perhaps out in the street. A woman called \"good night,\" and a lower male voice replied with indistinct words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone was leaving. The candles still burned in the samurai's room, so Hiro guessed another guest had departed for the night.\n\nMoments later a light flickered in the upstairs rooms. It was pale at first, but grew, like someone bringing a lantern up a flight of stairs. It extinguished itself before it grew distinct, suggesting that the bearer had come upon a room of sleepers and didn't want to wake them. Hiro waited but the light did not reappear.\n\nHe leaned against his branch and watched the lights in the samurai's room. He had only until dawn, but the moon was still high. He could almost hear his father's voice reminding him that impatience was the enemy of stealth—a lesson the bullies of Iga had taught him all too well, and that he had repaid in full once he had learned to master patience and surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another hour passed and the final visitor departed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro heard his drunken laughter in the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered what the neighbors thought about the teahouse's late-night revels and if they ever learned to ignore the raucous shouts of departing samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment later the last candle went out in the downstairs room. The ground floor faded into darkness. A minute later, a light bobbed into the upstairs window. It disappeared as quickly as the one before. Hiro barely saw a woman's form silhouetted against the paper panels before the entire house went dark. Only the lanterns outside the latrine still burned.\n\nHiro waited. He watched the teahouse and the moon. He listened to crickets singing in chorus and a frog burping at the edge of an unseen pond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A brave cicada hissed in a tree, too early and out of season for the fourth month of the year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cloud slid across the sky. A second one joined it, and they combined into a single mass of gray. As the cloud approached the moon Hiro flexed his muscles, limbering them to move.\n\nThe moonlight dimmed, then faded as the cloud slipped over the pale disc. Hiro slithered down the tree trunk and scurried across the yard, keeping low and moving fast to avoid detection. By the time the moon reappeared, the shinobi was gone.\n\nHiro crouched at the edge of the wall beside the back door of the teahouse. The paper panels were dark and opaque with no movement or light within." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laid a hand on the door, lifted slightly to reduce its rumble against the wooden tracks, and pushed it open just far enough to slip through." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once inside, he closed the door without a sound.\n\nTo his left, the now-familiar hallway led to the staircase and the second floor. To the right lay his objective: Mayuri's office." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, staying true to the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Mayuri said, \"sit down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro heard soft footsteps on the tatami and the rustling of a kimono as Okiya knelt on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hideyoshi's daughter found out about his interest,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You told me he kept it a secret, even from his wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Apparently not,\" Mayuri said, \"and it gets worse. I burned the ledgers the morning he died, because I was certain the prohibition on samurai owning businesses had kept him from telling anyone that he owned a third of a teahouse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You burned the books?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiya asked. \"What made you do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't think anyone knew about his interest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobuhide didn't mention it, and you know he would have demanded his rights at once if he had known." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought destroying the ledgers would protect us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the priest and his ronin dog started poking around, I worried that they might see the books and think we were involved in the murder somehow—especially given that mess with Hidetaro and Sayuri's contract.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you not to let Hideyoshi claim her,\" Okiya said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We agreed the girls would never be sold or treated as slaves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a mistake,\" Mayuri admitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right, I shouldn't have done it, but he threatened to force himself on every girl in the teahouse if I didn't give him Sayuri. Including you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiya laughed. \"I'd like to see him try it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not a problem anymore, but we have a bigger one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko is her father's heir and she knows about the teahouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was here last night demanding an accounting and wanting to know how much income she should expect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She demanded to see the books.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does she know the percentage?\" Okiya asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. I didn't ask. I was too surprised to learn that she knew anything. He always said he never told anyone, not even his wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not even his wife,\" Okiya repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long have you worked in the floating world, and you don't remember that men always lie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silence stretched out between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A page turned, and then another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a minute or so Okiya said, \"Worse things could have happened. We have another partner. At least this one won't be spoiling virgin girls like her father did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's one expense I'll be glad to do without,\" Mayuri agreed, \"and I suppose he did get his interest rightfully. I should have known that girl was an assassin. Her contract came far too cheaply.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was years ago,\" Okiya said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can forgive yourself now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It cost part of your interest as well as mine,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I regret.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All this talk isn't getting your ledgers finished,\" Okiya replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going to have some tea before I sleep. Would you like some?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A kimono rustled and footsteps approached the cupboard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll use the big pot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiya stood on the opposite side of the cupboard door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro heard her hand touch the panel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door rattled on its tracks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On second thought, I think I'll just finish these ledgers and get to sleep,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I stay up for tea, I won't be sharp tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure?\" Okiya asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you. No tea for me tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right.\" Okiya's voice moved away from the door. She yawned. \"I'll use the little pot in the kitchen instead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish Sayuri didn't have to take the blame for Hideyoshi's murder,\" Okiya added from the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure she didn't do it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better her than us,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better still to see real justice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room fell silent except for the rustle of ledger pages and, once, the grinding of an ink stick against the well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro sat on the blankets and thought through the facts again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reconstructed the night Hideyoshi died, placing each of the relevant suspects in their places." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly, the bits and pieces became a whole, though the answer was not the one he expected, or even the one that seemed so accurate earlier in the evening.\n\nBy the time Mayuri put away her ledgers, Hiro knew who killed the samurai." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with eight sentences in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He never told me.\" Nobuhide sounded miserable.\n\n\"He knew you couldn't keep a secret,\" Yoshiko said.\n\n\"Why did he tell you and not me?\"\n\n\"He didn't tell me.\" Yoshiko's voice softened. \"You know my lifelong habit of listening at doors. I overheard him talking with Mitsuhide when our cousin passed through Kyoto—the day he invited you to go along.\"\n\nHiro heard a thump as Nobuhide fell to his knees. A moment later Nobuhide asked, \"Akechi Yoshiko, will you act as my kaishakunin?\"\n\nIt was the formal term for the person who assisted with seppuku." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will,\" Yoshiko said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like me to bring the others back?\"\n\nHiro never heard Nobuhide's answer. He was already racing around the outside of the house toward Mayuri's office." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around seven sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Thomas Lockley in the history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Days later, Yasuke was on another damned boat. They journeyed up the coast in the middle of the night, navigating toward Arima and the young lord's Hinoe Castle. After their landing, they'd head into territory surrounded on all sides by troops who were expressly, even fanatically, anti-Catholic. If captured, they would face torture and probably death. It was only their first week in Japan.\n\nA sampan boat similar to the type used for coastal travel. Photographed and touched up with paint in the nineteenth century." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They traveled the seven miles in a tiny sampan boat, no more than a fishing craft, timing their arrival for the predawn hours hoping to avoid enemy discovery ashore or being intercepted at sea. The oarsman stood at the rear of the boat, handling the one huge oar. Valignano and a Japanese acolyte who'd accompanied him to interpret huddled under a primitive shelter. Yasuke stood guard. While he'd do his best to make sure everything went smoothly, too much of the day was out of his hands. All he could do now was safeguard against a pitch-black, barely visible shoreline. While he watched, whispered conversation slipped from beneath the small boat's awning. Valignano was taking the opportunity alone with a Portuguese-speaking Japanese person who he could communicate easily with, trying to gauge the mood and attitude of the local man who so dearly wanted to enter into the Catholic order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the short boat ride, they landed on a pebbly beach miles from any port." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There, several of Arima's soldiers waited and then sneaked Valignano, with Yasuke and the interpreter, silently up into the damp, fragrant, semitropical forests of southern Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along steep back trails into the mountains, then down to a river which they forded, and then up a mountain again on the other side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The darkness was filled with the universal sounds of unfamiliar birds, scratching rodents and unseen creatures of good size moving deep in the nighttime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether they were wolves, monkeys, bears or boar, Yasuke could not tell, but he much preferred such sounds to the slosh of water and creaking wood. He was on his guard. Enemy soldiers probably scouted the surrounding woods, and though he was prepared to fight to the death, he knew that only the abilities of Arima's warriors—men they did not yet know or entirely trust—would save them all from capture and a grisly end. Or would they fade into the forest at the slightest sign of danger?\n\nFollowing the narrow hidden mountain tracks, they finally reached the rear gate of Arima's castle just before dawn as planned, the locals delivering without a hitch. It was a promising, and comforting, start.\n\nHinoe Castle was, in reality, little more than a minor fort, but at least it was sturdy and defendable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The walls were stone, the gates of thick hard wood opened onto a path leading down the mountain to the river and, beyond, the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stronghold perched atop steep slopes and cliffs, almost inaccessible except from the mountainous rear approach, which was passable for a few dedicated souls such as Yasuke and Valignano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No army would ever venture that way. Arima had recently erected a large wooden cross in the enclosed courtyard and Valignano uttered a brief comment of approval. As the sun rose above the seascape spread out beneath them, Yasuke took in the striking view. The waters they'd traversed in the dead of night were revealed as speckled with verdant sand-framed islands, the sea a deep vivid blue. On the horizon was a huge hazy, smoking volcano, Mount Aso.\n\nThey were welcomed less jubilantly than on their first day in Japan, for Hinoe Castle was still under seige. An enemy army camped at the bottom of the hill and it was difficult to bring in supplies; access was available only through the mountain passes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus, Arima's staff was suitably fawning, but clearly reduced in size and quite ragged from the time spent under the partial blockade. His soldiers were equally weary and strained. But, Yasuke noted, war hardened. Men who would—despite their current state—still fight well, and to the death if necessary.\n\nYasuke was already getting a good sense of the existing Japanese hierarchy. Farmers, fishermen, artisans, merchants and priests were protected by citizen-soldiers and lorded over by professional warriors—of various degrees of influence—samurai. Lord, tono, was a loosely assigned title of respect (like calling someone sir today) and normally reserved for men of landed wealth or military authority, including some samurai and nobles in the imperial court at Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Arima was a moderately powerful lord, but with boyish dreams and aspirations of becoming a major force throughout the region.\n\nValignano and his small team were fed. Although highly irregular for the Jesuit, Valignano also asked if he might rest for a few hours before beginning serious discussions. After the hardships of their journey through the night, even Valignano needed respite, and he was given a room with a supple, sweet-smelling floor made entirely of tightly woven rice straw—tatami.\n\nAt midday, Valignano rose and they were fed again while silent, but attentive, servants brought them the kind of food which Arima and his steward presumed Valignano wanted to eat: meat (a rarity in Japan) with rice and some broth made from whitefish and vegetables. The meat, alas, had clearly been prepared by someone who'd little experience cooking meat. It was tough and very overdone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mountain boar, most likely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course, in a castle under continual siege, they were lucky to get anything at all.\n\nFollowing their second meal, Valignano was ready again for business and Yasuke stood guard while the interpreters struggled through the complicated and delicate exchange between the Catholic Visitor and the Japanese lord.\n\nYoung Lord Arima was in dire military straits—lacking munitions, under siege and ironically facing disunity in his domain due to his earlier persecution of Christians. (He'd previously been fiercely anti-Catholic; leading a youthful rebellion against his now-deceased Catholic father and forcing the apostasy of fifteen thousand of his father's subjects.) Now, several years later, as he was threatened each day with being overrun by the Ryūzōji clan, Arima welcomed Valignano—and God—with an open heart and empty arsenal.\n\nLike so many others, Arima had been won over by the guns and trade Jesuits always seemed to carry alongside their hymnals and rosaries. The lone Portuguese black ship a few miles away in his harbor transported a small fortune in lead, saltpeter and guns—more than enough to break the siege and give the Arima clan some breathing space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Valignano made assurances that more munitions were on the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One particularly juicy piece of ordnance Valignano suggested for the future was a pair of cannon which could be specially made to order in the Portuguese foundries of Goa in India." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These, Arima was assured, would seal a final victory against Ryūzōji and ensure dominance of the region for decades; no one else in Japan would be able to match their power. It went without saying, however, that such weapons would only be available to those Japanese lords best allied with the Church's ministry.\n\nArima requested the holy rite of baptism.\n\nAnd, to make the depth of his conversion perfectly clear to Valignano, the young lord also offered to host Japan's first Jesuit seminary and to destroy all Buddhist temples and shrines within the territory which he still controlled. \"Just as well.\" Arima grinned. \"I need materials to improve this castle. Look at it! It is nothing but a hovel. Imagine what it would become with the help of your God. I will make it a shrine to him and use the destroyed heathens' places of worship in its construction.\" (Archeologists have recently determined the steps leading up to Arima's remodeled castle were, in fact, made from the tombstones of Buddhist graveyards.)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before any of that, there was one more matter to attend to: the boy lord's not-so-secret mistress. Common knowledge to all, the girl was hidden away for the visit in the ladies' quarters. Valignano made his expectations perfectly clear. There would be no baptism, seminary or cannon unless the matter of this woman was settled. Monogamy and Catholicism were inseparable and Japanese customs of insouciant licentiousness and infidelity would not be tolerated by Mother Church.\n\nArima, all denials of any such wrongdoing spent, was heartbroken but understood this foreign custom was one that he would have to pay more than lip service to, and consented. He would marry the Jesuit's preferred wife in a Christian ceremony—they had a nearby lord's daughter in mind—which would, hopefully in the longer run, further his aims and forge a stronger Catholic alliance." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write three sentences more sentences? kinda like Thomas Lockley but in history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thirty miles north, near Nagasaki, another minor warlord sat in his castle being taught a lesson.\n\nLord Ōmura Sumitada had been the first high-level Catholic convert in all of Japan and was, by all accounts, sincere in his Christian faith; or, at least very very good at pretending to be. For years, he'd accepted the Jesuits' power—and large numbers of imported guns and munitions—and used both to help defend himself against rival family members (including the young lord, Arima) and far more powerful regional enemies like the Ryūzōji." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As with Arima, Jesuit military supplies, and a share of the Portuguese/Chinese trade profits, were Ōmura's hope and lifeline." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Valignano and his Portuguese ship were a true godsend in every possible way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the ship, and the most powerful European in Asia, were now moored a day's travel away with that child, Arima. And how, exactly, had Ōmura wronged the Jesuits that summer? His daughter had refused an arranged marriage—the one formulated and urged by the Jesuits—to Arima, and Valignano's potential alliance of \"Christian lords,\" schemed, theoretically at least, years before he even reached Japan, crumbled as Ōmura stood by his daughter's decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The setback was, to Ōmura anyway, sadly predictable. His whole life had been one long stream of small triumphs countered by larger new obstacles. Only his alliance with the Jesuits had safeguarded his survival and enough breathing room to make it through another year, but now even that was threatened to be snatched from him by his young rival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(Who, in this world of confusing alliances and warlord intermarriage, also happened to be his uncle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ōmura's daughter, if the Jesuits had their way, would be marrying her younger great uncle.) Unless he was to physically force his daughter, something he was unwilling to do, Ōmura would need to up the stakes to make amends with the Jesuits. He was already baptized, years before, along with every single one of his sixty thousand subjects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something somehow bigger had to be done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ōmura was angry and panicked, but in a proactive and innovative state of mind, so he boarded a ship for Kuchinotsu to pay his respects to Valignano in person. If his daughter's hand could not be offered to the Church, he had to proffer the next best thing: Nagasaki.\n\nAll of it. The whole port city, and the land around it besides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the true jewels in his territory's crown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until 1571, Nagasaki had been nothing but a few fishing huts, occasionally host to Chinese pirate bands, an insignificant part of Ōmura's domain. But, with a constant eye on the advantages he could win, Ōmura had given the Catholic foreigners permission to reside there in 1571. And it had grown as Christian merchants and those who were persecuted for their outlandish faith elsewhere in Japan, settled in large numbers while Ōmura retained legal control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was now one of the best harbors in southern Japan, a new and thriving Christian-only settlement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gift of a Jesuit colony in perpetuity!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That would, he believed, surely fix things between them. A substantial gesture to regain Valignano's favor and deny any other lord the rich taxes he'd lose if Kuchinotsu or another destination became the new port of call for the annual arrival of the Portuguese black ships. If the Jesuits agreed—and how could they not?—Ōmura would retain the benefits of the trade and still have Nagasaki as a safe retreat, should his enemies ever overwhelm him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Ōmura and Valignano met in the mission building in Kuchinotsu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, Valignano listened—Yasuke standing guard a few feet away—without comment as a second Japanese lord now made long-winded promises that were supposed to last generations. Ōmura's offer of Nagasaki was an enormous step toward that greater purpose.\n\nStill, Valignano did not accept Nagasaki straightaway, but instead sent Ōmura off with empty hands and an emptier war chest, while the Visitor feigned to consider the matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Valignano preferred to keep Ōmura on tenterhooks and thus he \"considered\" for weeks, which then became months." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor did he grant Arima's request for baptism until seven months later.\n\nFor now, the Jesuits could afford, simply due to their ready access to weapons and ability to gift the black ship's docking right, to keep both Japanese lords disappointed and nervous. All just a small part of the great game being played out across the entire country. And only a tiny taste of the drama that was sixteenth-century Japan." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI writing task: user input -> eight sentences sentences. genre: history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Months after its arrival in Japan, the Portuguese black ship prepared to depart at last, sailing back to Macao on the fall winds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A forlorn scene had presented itself as Yasuke accompanied Valignano to the docks to bid the vessel farewell when the last goods were loaded onto the departing nao.\n\nHuman goods. Children.\n\nMost less than ten years old, being herded aboard by the sailors. There was no resistance, their young faces bewildered or terrified. Yasuke wondered what would happen to them. The comments of other Jesuits around him made it all too clear. These were \"lucky\" ones, those who would have their souls saved. These children, orphaned or abandoned, the suteko (the \"thrown away\" kids), would grow to adults in good Christian households in Christian-ruled regions of China, India, Manila, and some would be transported as far as Europe and Spanish America." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fee those good Christian households would pay, and the labor the children would perform, including sex slavery, would become the compensation for their raising and delivery from paganism." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The children didn't yet understand any of this, of course, as they held hands for succor and the sailors herded them aboard the small craft to be transported to the waiting galleon at anchor in the harbor. There was no telling how far that ship would take them.\n\nThe scene would have brought back familiar memories for Yasuke." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Thomas Lockley in the history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pirates, or Sea Lords, of the Seto Inland Sea were known and feared throughout Asia as far away as southern China and even modern-day Cambodia, well over two-thousand miles away. So much so, they'd harmfully influenced mainland Asian views of Japan. Many Chinese and Koreans assumed all Japanese behaved like pirates—violent, cruel, greedy and vulgar. (As if all medieval Europeans were judged solely by marauding Vikings.)" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pirates had always been in these seas, but the breakdown in centralized political power during The Age of the Country at War meant there were no governmental forces powerful enough to control or suppress them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coupled with weakness in the defense of the Chinese coastal provinces, whose riches they plundered, they became ever more powerful.\n\nThe Sea Lords—similar to the more traditional territorial lords found on land in that they were often hereditary and clan based—were ruthless in their practices and often desperate, a powerful combination. They had the reputation of being fearless in battle, sometimes fighting to the death against forces ten times their size rather than concede.\n\nThe disorganized Ming Chinese soldiers and officials, expected to defend their coast, often fled in dread fear of these eastern \"demons,\" leaving the unfortunate fisher folk and farmers to face the onslaughts alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No wonder, then, that many of the maritime Chinese communities felt it better to make friends with these marauders than fight them, hosting their clandestine vessels and providing them with crucial intelligence on neighboring provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the pirates grew bolder, they ventured as far as Thailand and met, among others, English and Dutch sailors who also shared tales of their fearsome reputation. Their multicultural crews—including renegade Chinese locals, and Portuguese, African and other Asian mercenaries—often initially posed as legitimate merchants. And, indeed, some of them were. But if trade was refused, or terms were unfavorable, they would turn pirate again in a flash, looting the nearest coast to make good their losses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In Japanese waters, however, the pirates were somewhat less badly behaved, as long as they were treated with the right degree of respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While mainland Asia was typically offered no such protection, Japanese travelers and coastal communities could pay \"tolls\"—protection money—for security against \"those other\" nefarious, rival pirates. If the gratuity payments were not forthcoming, travelers, and coastal dwellers, faced an uncertain future.\n\nWhen not transporting travelers and cargo for a \"reasonable fee,\" these same men and women often acted as mercenary navies for one land-based lord or another. Only a few years earlier, a Seto pirate clan had constructed—for Nobunaga, no less—several of the world's first ironclad ships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These bore armor plating fastened across their hulls, and were loaded with small cannon and muskets." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to a Jesuit account, the ships were \"the best and largest in Japan, being about the size of [Portuguese] royal carracks\" which \"shocked the eyes and ears of those who came to see them.\" The pirate-built ships had devastated their enemies with ease." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration Request:\n- Sentence Count: 7 sentences\n- Genre Adherence: history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several days later, Valignano had his own official audience with Oda Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasuke was not present for this meeting, and remained back at the church. Valignano knew well what a hit Yasuke had been but didn't need the distraction for this first encounter.\n\nThe Italian first presented Nobunaga with a velvet-covered gilt chair, an ornate throne of state from Rome and then several sets of crystal glasses from Europe.\n\nHe also offered Yasuke.\n\nThe Jesuit Visitor was shortly to be returning to Goa and, he believed, thence to Europe, where he did not have need of a bodyguard, or could find a new one. He was unlikely to require Yasuke's intimidating presence in the meantime, especially if the Jesuits were now, more clearly than ever, under Nobunaga's protection. Placing his man, clearly a sensation, with Nobunaga would produce much long-term favor for the Jesuits, and perhaps even provide a valuable source of intelligence for them as well." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would have to talk to Yasuke about that.\n\nNobunaga agreed, delighted.\n\nIt was settled. Yasuke would join the powerful clan lord's immediate entourage as a weapon bearer and novelty. Any notion of him ever being anything more than that did not yet exist.\n\nIn a month, however, he would have servants of his own.\n\nProperty. Wealth.\n\nThe ear and trust of the most powerful man in Japan.\n\nIn a month, he would be samurai." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION REQUIRED:\nLength: 3 sentences sentences\nGenre: history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Emperor Akbar trains an elephant.\n\nAkbar's foot soldiers acted quickly, erecting a palisade to defend against missiles from the city, and then started to dig tunnels toward and beneath the city walls. As the weeks went by, Yasuke and the other defenders could hear the scraping as the miners' shovels grew nearer, the soil piling in huge telltale mounds outside the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The work had now advanced as far as the gates and the huge \"impregnable\" walls felt less and less secure to Yasuke and his comrades who manned them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were surely going to collapse imminently, either from the undermining of their foundations, or from the massive explosion Akbar's men would eventually set beneath them in the hollowed-out tunnels.\n\nBy February, Hamzaban and his Portuguese colleague Antonio Cabral (no known relation to the Jesuit superior who'd welcomed Yasuke to Japan, but the Cabral were a famous Portuguese noble family who got themselves all over the world) trapped with nowhere to go, despaired of assistance from other quarters. The walls would soon be breached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They surrendered and Akbar, in an unusually merciful gesture, agreed to spare their lives and send the besieged troops—Portuguese and African—back to Goa, having now established diplomatic relations with Europe for the first time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akbar was less merciful when it came to the commander Hamzaban. After the behind-the-scenes negotiations were concluded, Surat's leaders rode out under a flag of truce to offer their surrender before both armies. And Emperor Akbar had received them with the respect, dignity and pomp due to their station." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd even erected a gilt awning a short distance from the wall where he welcomed the enemy commanders and their official surrender in the heat of the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yasuke and his worried comrades had no choice but to watch impotently as the city, and perhaps their lives, were bargained away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As far as he knew, the besieged troops would be killed or handed over as slaves to a new master.\n\nAkbar was flanked by his lords and two huge African eunuch bodyguards clad in white with golden turbans. All seemed to go well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Portuguese commander remained with his head bowed to the ground, prostrated in defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hamzaban, however, seemed to be carrying on at length, giving an impassioned speech. Suddenly, Akbar motioned and the two Habshi bodyguards seized the prostrated Hamzaban and held him between them. With another Akbar command, a man walked from behind the awning with a large pair of tongs and yanked Hamzaban's tongue from his mouth by the roots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hamzaban collapsed forward, blood spraying the ground, as Akbar gestured that proceedings were at an end. Cabral raised himself quickly, walked backward out of the emperor's presence and, when he judged it safe to do so, turned and marched quickly back to the city gates. Inside, he gestured to his own men, and they raced to pack up and return to their waiting galleys; they were leaving posthaste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Word spread quickly. Yasuke and his African comrades were also free to leave the city, but had to depart immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all had one day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midday tomorrow, Akbar's men would enter the city and kill any soldier remaining; Akbar's mercy was clearly far from unconditional. One day was plenty but where should they go? They were masterless, their commanders killed or fled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rumor spread that the Portuguese were looking for rowers to replace some men who'd perished during the voyage from Goa, and many of the Habshi grasped desperately at this escape method.\n\nYasuke was one of them. He joined the Portuguese galley crew as an oarsman and rowed the four hundred nautical miles to Goa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The winds were weak in the spring, but the galleys propelled by their oarsmen sped through the waves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind them, thousands of soldiers had been stranded in Surat. Their end, he never learned.\n\nIn four days, Yasuke was in Goa on the west coast of India, starting a new life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Portuguese had conquered Goa in 1510 and the city quickly became a center of trade, missionary and military activity: the jewel of the Portuguese Indies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along with a majority Indian population of more than sixty thousand, Goa had a thousand civilian and military Portuguese inhabitants and some ten thousand slaves, most originally from Africa. Goa's lifeblood was trade—in Indian slaves, gold, silk, other fabrics and spices. The eventual exports to Portugal and the wider European market were paid for with the profits from the China-Japan silk trade, which was dominated by the Portuguese middlemen ever since the Chinese government had banned direct Chinese trade with Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While other forts and missionary stations also appeared along the coasts of the Indian subcontinent, Goa remained the key to Portuguese India." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many of the Portuguese emigrants settled and married in India outside of Portuguese-ruled areas. They were called casados, the married ones, long-term settlers who'd escaped the poverty of their European homes to make their fortune. Portugal was a hard land with few routes to riches outside maritime service, and conditions under Portuguese rule were harsh and pay was poor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Europeans had come east to sell their services as mercenaries, or deserted the Portuguese Crown permanently to the highest bidder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Local Muslim or Hindu rulers would often pay a premium for renegade casados, who brought intelligence about the infidel Catholic enemy and crucial military skills, such as gunnery. This pattern of desertion by the Europeans meant that Goa, and other Portuguese outposts, cried out for manpower and depended heavily on men like Yasuke, who were commonly seen as more loyal to the individual Portuguese officers and dignitaries who employed them than a European would be.\n\nYasuke and several of his comrades were happily employed by a Portuguese merchant who gave them food, shelter and additional training in combat and domestic service." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They worked in Goa in various merchants' homes as security and valets making a stable but meager living." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roughly a year later, Yasuke met a tall Catholic man named Valignano." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write two sentences sentences spawning from what the user wrote, within the history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga, Yasuke and the army pushed north through the mountains, past the ruined castle of Takatō, and onward to the town of Suwa, an ancient holy site that Nobutada had also reduced to ash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There, dozens of smoldering fires were still banked with charred bodies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunlight broke through the snow-swollen clouds, slashing over the corpses and the company of horses and armored men picking their way through the burned stumps of shrines and homes.\n\nNobunaga commandeered the only building left standing, a temple, and made it his provisional headquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The god of Suwa was called \"The Great Shining Deity,\" and devotees from across Japan had made pilgrimages to worship there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed apt for Nobunaga to appropriate the divine aura. The first thing he ordered was disposal of all the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was all very well leaving corpses strewn along the roadside, but he had no desire to share a town with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the next two weeks, Yasuke and Nobunaga remained within the smoldering village. Nobunaga would go no farther for now, trusting Nobutada, still encamped in Kofū to the south, to work independently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His first son had more than proven himself capable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Suwa, Nobunaga made good use of his time and held court. The turncoat lords flocked to him in droves to pay obeisance and swear allegiance to their new ruler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobutada subsequently presented himself to his father where Nobunaga officially passed command of the theatre of battle to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga then set to reorganizing the governance of the conquered territories by his terms. No longer would the peasants and townsmen be taxed to within an inch of their lives to raise a vainglorious ruler's new capital city—tax rates would be lowered; nor would customs be collected at the border as the provinces would now be unified with those of Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People were to be treated fairly and with respect and rewarded appropriately. Infrastructure was to be well maintained and criminals punished in accordance with the local legal penalties for their infringements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasuke listened carefully as Nobunaga proclaimed his edicts, setting new provincial regulations for the ruling samurai, a group of enemies turned allies, and newly appointed Oda men to replace those who had remained loyal to the Takeda and paid with their lives. He eliminated various tolls and taxes, established legal regulations, gave specific orders for establishing defenses and commercial infrastructure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His final pronouncement was: \"There must be no animosity. In case of an unsatisfactory resolution of a matter beyond what has been determined above, bring the case directly before me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasuke thought on Nobunaga's words, and contemplated what made his lord a great ruler, not just a great soldier.\n\nBattle and destruction were not everything Nobunaga was about, although it sometimes felt that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rule of law, and the welfare of his people were central to Nobunaga's concept for a New World. Farmers would farm in peace, merchants would create personal wealth, artisans could engage in industry and samurai could engage in cultural and martial pursuits while policing any wayward tendencies within the new society." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga was extending the economic policies that had been so successful in Azuchi, rakuichi rakuza, \"free markets and open guilds,\" cutting red tape he believed restricted economic growth. And it made a difference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As farmers, merchants and townspeople who had been under Takeda rule understood just exactly what this \"domination\" by the Oda would mean, they calmed down, accepted their defeat and looked forward to a brighter future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of this security was being built on the boxed heads of Nobunaga's enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If ever a ruler of people, Yasuke thought, would I follow my new lord's example?\n\nYasuke's imagining of a lordship of his own was not idle daydreaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been an offhand quip at first, his new comrades jesting, but as the months passed, the joke had spread into a rumor which soon transformed into genuine possibility. Seemingly already far beyond his wildest imagination, it was possible Nobunaga was only getting started with his plans for Yasuke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit Mexia reported that the rumor in Azuchi town was \"Nobunaga would make him 'Tono'\"—a lord in his own right.\n\nA fief as reward for his services." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taxable lands. Troops to deploy. His own samurai to command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anything was possible with Nobunaga, it seemed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The conversation around the campfires even turned to which specific fief Yasuke might receive; there were plenty to go around in these vast new provinces where the old enemies had been dispossessed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga had the right to go as far as he liked in doling out his spoils of war, and not waste opportunities to provide patronage and promotion to those who deserved it. How far would Nobunaga promote his new favorite?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a thing had never happened before, after all. Foreigners rarely had need of real estate; they craved rather money or goods, and then went on their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never had a foreigner been given a lordship or fief and the implied permanence and responsibility to the lower orders who lived there which such a designation entailed. A normal samurai lord would be bound to fulfill his social obligations to high and low, ensuring harmony in the land he controlled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A long-term and resource-intensive undertaking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasuke heard the rumors for weeks, dismissed them, but then started to seriously consider the implications as the gossip intensified. A fief meant glory, wealth and position, but it also meant the responsibility for hundreds or even thousands of lives, economic management, trade, swift responses to rebellion and playing at politics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tingle went up his spine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a position was unimaginable. A highborn wife, concubines and heirs would also have their part to play." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He imagined himself adjudicating legal disputes, dealing in vast sums and chastising wayward peasants for not seeing to their irrigation properly, and bowing as he entered the women's quarters to visit his wife and/or concubines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grinned at the image of himself charging through the woods to hunt a boar, then frowned as he realized his own retainers would compete in New Year calligraphy contests, perform noh dramas and serve tea correctly to his visitors, but, lacking the deep classical training, he himself would be unable to. At least not for a long time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How would he gain their true respect? Being a samurai lord was more than fighting; it implied an apprenticeship in the house of another samurai, a lifetime's education including a thorough knowledge of the Chinese classics and a true appreciation of the arts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How would he gain the respect of his neighboring lords? It was a maelstrom of competing bittersweet ideas, fears and jubilation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For several days, Yasuke held his expectations, dread and daydreams down. Still, he felt Nobunaga's eyes on him differently, more evaluating than even his first audience with the Japanese lord the year before; he told himself that was all in his imagination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, as if the universe had heard his thoughts, over the next few days, the rumors died down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Replaced with other camp gossip and groans about the cold and harsh living conditions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga doled out fiefs, of varying sizes and values—there was no set measurement—to his new followers and promoted his old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lands from which they were promoted went to new men. Nobunaga's teenage lover, Ranmaru, received two, even as Ranmaru's older brother was given four, with a castle, for his bravery and heroism in the taking of Takatō Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a reward for his long years of alliance and service, Tokugawa Ieyasu received the whole province of Suruga, encompassing the south of Mount Fuji. Ieyasu, from an old blue-blooded family, had been allied to Nobunaga for over two decades, and although an independent daimyō in his own right, not an Oda vassal, had consistently and loyally supported his Oda overlord, including sacrificing his own wife and firstborn son to maintain the alliance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rich and ancient province of Suruga was Nobunaga's gift in recognition of this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The matter of Yasuke, however, never came up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yasuke felt disappointment in his heart, but also surely breathed a sigh of relief." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A marriage first, perhaps. Then, Nobunaga might gift him a fief in the future to provide for his family; that was often the pattern.\n\nBut such ambitions would have to wait." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding six sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mount Fuji viewed from the sea. Hokusai, 36 views of Mount Fuji.\n\nAs they rode through snow-dusted forest, he daydreamed about buying a razor-sharp long-handled naginata when he got home to Azuchi. He'd never used one in battle, but he loved the look and feel. With one of those on horseback, especially for a man his size, a warrior might easily scythe his way through a group of enemies. The daydream was interrupted abruptly by cheers and whoops from those around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a mountain pass opened, the dazzling white snow-covered peak of the majestic Mount Fuji itself came into view, sparkling and haloed against the light blue sky in the brilliant winter sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was awe inspiring, and Nobunaga's party was in high spirits.\n\nMount Fuji was Japan's tallest mountain, some two-thousand feet taller than her closest rival, and an active volcano that had erupted throughout human history. The root of her name was lost to the mists of time, but it is thought she has been worshipped as a kind of mother goddess since the Japanese islands were first inhabited tens of thousands of years before. She rose gracefully far above any other peak, her silhouette viewable for hundreds of miles—a glowing, lingering visitor from the heavens.\n\nYasuke and Nobunaga approached Fuji from the north, and only her peak was visible, other lesser mountains obscuring her base. Still, their view encompassed the cone peak clad in the purity of icy-white snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With Fuji gleaming in the distance, they rode contemplatively through the ruins of Katsuyori's new capital, and then on to the traditional Takeda capital of Kofū where they were delighted to find Nobutada had built a temporary palace for his father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, they slept in warmth and comfort that night, toasting their victory and feasting on five hundred freshly hunted pheasants which arrived as a gift from Nobunaga's ally Lord Hōjō, Katsuyori's former brother-in-law. Nobunaga distributed them to his men, an unusual delicacy, fit for kings and conquerors.\n\nThe next morning, they moved into Suruga, the province which Nobunaga had just added to Ieyasu's growing collection of lands. Sunlight filtered through the swollen clouds above and they'd left the death and decay of the former Takeda battlefields behind. Now they were in Tokugawa lands, and Ieyasu—the Tokugawa lord—made sure Nobunaga's holiday was more of a luxurious pilgrimage.\n\nNew bridges were built to span rivers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their paths cleared of stones and drizzled with water to reduce the nuisance of dust; now that they'd left the mountains, the first balmy heat of spring was upon them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokugawa soldiers lined the route and trees were cleared on both sides of the road to create a broader highway, for ease of travel and to reduce the risk of hidden assassins. (There would be no repeat of the Iga ninja attack while Nobunaga was Ieyasu's guest.)\n\nOne afternoon, Nobunaga desired to climb a particular mountain, so Ieyasu had his men clear a path, felling trees and removing boulders just so the Oda lord could ascend unimpeded. The journeying became slower as Ieyasu took Nobunaga aside for visits to sites of legend and historical interest. For each site, Ieyasu had constructed a teahouse so that Nobunaga might contemplate the surroundings with refreshment and in suitable comfort and his host could impress with his tea implements collection. And all the while, the black-and-white goddess, Mount Fuji, grew bigger and then loomed over them as they approached and circled her lower slopes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As each day's ride ended, Nobunaga arrived at a newly constructed pavilion, complete with three defensive palisades and a teahouse. As many as twenty had been built along their intended path weeks before by hundreds of men in anticipation of Nobunaga's arrival. Here, he and his entourage were treated to magnificent banquets. Ieyasu made sure both high and low were provided for—respecting Nobunaga's troops showed reverence to their commander; hundreds of huts were constructed for Nobunaga's soldiers each day.\n\nThe first act of loyalty from the locals, Ieyasu's new subjects, to their new lord was to provide the troops morning and evening meals, the best food and drink they possessed. Rice, dried and fresh fish, hunted beasts, wild fowl, forest roots, dried fruits from the autumn, fungi, spring leaves, tofu, eggs, rough grain wine and perhaps even distilled spirits kept the soldiers going—far better and varied than their normal marching diet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For Nobunaga's banquets, Ieyasu provided nothing but the finest delicacies available in the land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Couriered sea fish and shellfish, plump freshwater fish and elvers from Fuji's streams; finely polished white rice; mushrooms; and wild fowl and game, euphemistically known as \"mountain whale\" to avoid religious scruples about consuming animal flesh. Only the finest of local foods, as well as those transported especially from distant Kyoto and Sakai graced Nobunaga's table.\n\nIeyasu himself was a noted gourmand, a rather large man, and had brought along master chefs, houchonin, from Kyoto to prepare the fine fare for his special Oda guests. Their performances of knife skill and delicate carving—one renowned houchonin was said to have been able to carve a carp a different way for one hundred days—were a highlight of the evening's entertainment as well as purifying and pacifying the spirits of the dead animals who formed the feast. Yasuke and the others marveled in respectful silence as the chefs' clever knife and chopstick work seemed to resurrect the lifeless fish so the light glinted off their silver skins as if they were darting through a stream. But the finale was a heron; the fowl had already been cooked and then reconstituted, feathers and all, and appeared to be alive once more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the houchonin had finished their ceremonies and the eating had begun, Nobunaga asked his host, Ieyasu, a hundred questions about the land." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was always more to learn.\n\nYasuke, too big to fit inside the teahouses, often ate elsewhere, away from the tiny rustic tea huts. Not without good-natured ribbing about his size from Nobunaga and the others, and apologies from Ieyasu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI writing task: user input -> five sentences sentences. style: Thomas Lockley. genre: history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thirty miles away, Nobunaga conferred in one of the larger audience chambers of Azuchi Castle, a wide tatami-matted room on the third floor with glorious vistas of Lake Biwa visible through the slats of the windows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warlord dispensed directions and orders to those he'd be leaving behind to defend his home, ladies and treasures while he went to battle. The orders were given out calmly and the soldiers went about their business with brisk efficiency. This had been done many times before and everyone knew their job. More harried were those soldiers arranging the hosting of the tired men who'd only just gotten back from the Takeda campaign, those returned to the countryside to see to their farms in the early summer. These men would take some time to marshal back to action, but the summons had gone out and they'd serve as ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasuke informed his own small staff of his imminent departure. His servants cooked rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves for the next day's journey, polished his armor, checked his straps and ties, and packed fresh supplies of sandals and underclothes and a change of formal clothing. He personally saw to his own swords and the naginata he'd purchased the previous week from the Azuchi armorers' showroom. He bade a cheery farewell to all, and as they knelt and bowed deeply to their African lord, he left the house to report to the stables at dawn on June 20.\n\nYasuke and another thirty pages were to accompany Nobunaga—with another thirty or so trusted servants in tow—through safe country to Hideyoshi's position in Takamatsu, some hundred miles away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There, they'd rendezvous with other forces—the armies of Takayama Ukon and Akechi—and then come to Hideyoshi's aid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All three armies would travel by similar routes, and Kyoto was the first stop on Nobunaga's journey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga planned to spend the night in his customary Kyoto residence, Honnō-ji Temple, where he'd use the time to pay his respects to some of the nobles of the imperial court prior to his planned conquests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd not visited the capital city for over a year, and to mark the occasion he brought along as gifts the most treasured tea implements from his personal collection. Among them a copper jar for waste water, a kettle named Otogoze, a tea leaf jar named Mikazuki, and several spoons, whisks and ladles, beautiful in their wabisabi, or contrived rusticity. With such souvenirs, the nobles would not soon forget their evening's entertainment with Nobunaga.\n\nYasuke was honored to be among those accompanying the warlord to Kyoto. It was a clear sign of just how far he'd risen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Afterward, he knew, would come weeks or months of war." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A perfect chance to truly prove himself, gain some spoils and maybe win that fief or further title the rumors hinted at." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Thomas Lockley and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga spent the early evening nearby in the Nijō Palace, a residence he'd had constructed for himself some years before, but later donated to Crown Prince Masahito, the heir to the imperial throne and eldest son of Emperor Ōgimachi. The prince, the governor of Kyoto Murai Sadakatsu, a rich merchant and old friend of Nobunaga's, Imai Sōkyū and his son Sōkun (the Imai family ran Oda's Sakai gun factory) and several other important guests graced the tea ceremony they held that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guests swooned over the tea implements, treasures the warlord had spent a lifetime collecting and brought along to honor them, and show off. They were spread on the tatami floor for the viewing and, as was proper, the guests revered each one slowly, turning it in their hands and admiring the specific inimitabilities of handcrafted wares and the beauty of the priceless pots, bowls and bamboo utensils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although it was not his residence, Nobunaga acted as the host, taking the prime position next to the kettle so he could symbolically serve \"his guests.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Prince Masahito, as the highest-ranking \"guest,\" knelt beside him.\n\nShortly, the pre-tea meal was served on brand-new lacquered trays in front of each guest, the food presented as an elegant feast for the eyes as well as the belly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first tray held a namasu dish of lightly broiled fish and ginger; a dark miso soup with delicately cooked radish, tofu and miniature mushrooms; a selection of pickles and a bowl of pure white rice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second tray held a lightly citron-flavored simmered fish with scrambled egg, a soup of crane in a light miso broth, and a grilled dish of salmon in a wasabi sauce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The third tray consisted of carp sashimi, another soup of grated yam and deep green laver, and a broiled duck on slices of tangerine. With the serving of each course the type of sake changed, but the sedate and reverent tone of the party did not alter, such was the \"Way of Tea,\" as the ceremony they partook in is called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having eaten the feast, the guests retired to wash and purify themselves before the main event, the preparation and drinking of the tea itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga used the time to symbolically clean all the utensils and sweep the tiny room in which they were to perform the ceremony.\n\nAt the sound of a gong, Nobunaga's guests reentered the room, sat in their places again and waited while Nobunaga prepared the tea, whisking it into a thick froth with his bamboo whisk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Oda lord then bowed to Prince Masahito and offered up the bowl of bitter, almost luminous, green tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heir to the imperial throne bowed back deeply before accepting the bowl, then bowing to the second guest to his left, rotated the bowl in his hands three times, and as protocol dictated he passed the bowl to the second guest to his left who then repeated the pattern, as did the final two men in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The last guest returned the bowl to Nobunaga and the evening continued with another serving of tea, this time a whole bowl for each guest. Finally, the post-ceremony meal was served." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cold noodles, spicy radish soup, rice, steamed dumplings, a pickled plum, diced conger eel, mushrooms and dried tofu. The whole process took around three hours, after which the guests took their leave, and Nobunaga bid his farewells and returned to his Honnō-ji Temple residence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The decorum and sophistication of his evening's entertainment served to prove the rightness of his mandate to rule the land." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile, after a meal with the other pages, spent mainly in the silence of the post-bath stupor, Yasuke enjoyed a rather more boisterous few drinks to finish off the day before the off-duty pages all retired to their futons for sleep. The next few days would bring more dusty roads and forced gallops before they reached Hideyoshi at the battle front. Some rest would do them all good." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a history, Japan, samurai, nonfiction 1500s thing. u write six sentences bits" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Akechi had set up his field headquarters in the house next door to the large residence from which his troops had gunned down Yasuke's comrades." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warlord sat on a raised dais, his legs crossed with his helmet beside him. His long sword rested in his lap.\n\nAs Yasuke waited to be seen, he could hear Akechi barking out orders as men bowed and rushed out on urgent commissions as others entered to report before just as swiftly departing. Akechi was fuming when he saw Yasuke, having little time to spare for niceties. He demanded Yasuke tell him where Nobunaga's head and sword were. The African samurai claimed he didn't know—not a complete untruth, for the temple and palace were now both consumed in flames." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akechi's face grew flush with anger and Yasuke held his breath, waiting for his death sentence.\n\nTo Yasuke's surprise, however, the usurper did not order his execution or seppuku. Akechi said wryly to the samurai beside him, \"This man is not Japanese and has no honor; otherwise, he would already be dead.\" Then, Akechi gestured with his fingers and shouted for his retainers to get the \"black beast\" out of his sight, to take him to the Temple of the Southern Barbarians, the Jesuit church.\n\nIt was the first time in all his years in Japan Yasuke had ever heard a Japanese use his skin color in denigration. His eyes narrowed at Akechi, challenging." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~two sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the vast, deep pond at Edo Castle's martial arts training ground, Sano Ichirō trod water furiously, trying to stay afloat. The two swords and full suit of armor he wore—tunic and shoulder flaps made of leather and metal plates, chain-mail arm shields, metal leg guards, helmet, and mask—threatened to drag him to the bottom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his left hand he held a bow; in the right, an arrow. His lungs heaved with the effort of keeping these and his head above the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Around him bobbed other samurai, fellow retainers of the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, attending this morning's training session to practice the skills they would need in case they ever had to make war in a river, a lake, or at sea. At the pond's other end, more men fought a mock battle on horseback." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their movements churned the pond. A big wave washed over Sano's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Water, foul with mud and horse droppings, gurgled into his helmet and mask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gasped, spat, and barely managed to gulp a breath of air before the next wave hit him.\n\n\"You, there!\" the sensei yelled from the bank of the pond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A long pole rapped sharply upon Sano's helmet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Body straight, legs down. And keep that arrow dry! Wet feathers don't fly straight!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mustering his strength, Sano gamely tried to follow the orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His legs ached from executing the circular kicks necessary for maintaining an upright position. His left arm, recently wounded in a sword fight, throbbed; the other arm had gone numb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each painful breath felt like his last. And he was freezing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The uncertain spring weather hadn't warmed away the pond's winter iciness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How much longer would this torture last? To take his mind off his physical distress, he squinted upward at his surroundings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Man-shaped straw archery targets dotted the grassy space beside the pond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Sano's right loomed the dark green pines of the Fukiage, the forested park that occupied the castle's western grounds and surrounded the training area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his left, he could see the stands of the racecourse, from which came shouts, cheers, and hoofbeats. In the distance directly ahead of him rose the high stone wall that surrounded the inner castle precincts, where the shogun, his family, and his closest associates lived and worked in luxurious palaces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano kicked harder to raise himself an infinitesimal distance higher above water level. The brilliant sunlight made dazzling jewels of the droplets that sprayed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blinked them away and tilted his head back to look up at the castle keep: five splendid stories of whitewashed walls and multiple gleaming tiled roofs and gables that soared against the blue sky. A visible symbol of the complete and overwhelming Tokugawa military power, Edo Castle filled Sano with awe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After two months of living within its walls, he still couldn't believe that it was home to him now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even less could he believe in the fantastic series of events that had brought him here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The son of a rōnin—a masterless samurai—he'd earned his living as an instructor in his father's martial arts academy, supplementing his family's meager income by teaching reading and writing to young boys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, just three months ago, through family connections, he'd attained the position of yoriki, one of Edo's fifty senior police commanders. He'd lost that position, suffered disgrace, dishonor, and physical agony, solved a puzzling murder case, saved the shogun's life—and ended up as Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's sōsakan-sama: Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The appointment was an undreamed-of honor, but Sano's move to the castle had created an enormous upheaval in his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cut off from everything and everyone he knew, he'd found himself adrift in a strange landscape filled with unfamiliar faces, swamped by new and confusing regulations and rituals. The training pond wasn't the only place where he had to struggle to keep his head above water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the changes in his life hadn't stopped there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father, whose health had been poor for many years, had died just fifteen days after Sano had left his family's house. With a sorrow still fresh and raw, Sano remembered his father's passing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kneeling before his father's bed, he'd pressed the old man's withered hand to his chest. Through the grief that swelled his throat, he tried to express the love and esteem he felt for his father, but the latter had shaken his head, demanding silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My son... promise...\" The cracked voice faded to a whisper, and Sano leaned closer to hear. \"Promise me that... you will serve your master well. Be the living embodiment... of Bushido...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bushido: the Way of the Warrior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The strict code of duty, honor, and obedience that defined a samurai's behavior, during battle and in peacetime, which he mastered not once and for all, but through confronting the innumerable challenges it presented throughout his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Father, I promise,\" Sano said. At whatever cost to himself, he would strive to mold his independent, unruly spirit to Bushido's tenets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This deathbed promise was the most serious obligation he'd ever owed his father; it must be fulfilled. \"Please rest now.\"\n\nWith another shake of his head, his father continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The aim of a samurai... is to perform some great deed of bravery or loyalty that...\" He took several slow, painful breaths. \"That will astonish both friend and foe alike, make his lord regret his death, and...\" A coughing spell stopped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And leave behind a great name to be remembered for generations to come,\" Sano finished for him. The lesson was one of the many aspects of Bushido that his father had taught him in childhood, indoctrinating him with this philosophy, which had evolved over the course of six hundred years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Promise...\"\n\nSano gripped his father's hand tighter, as if to physically keep death from claiming him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears stung his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew it grieved his father that the miraculous deed he'd already performed for the shogun must remain forever a secret. \"Father, I promise I will secure our family's name a place of honor in history,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satisfied, his father relaxed and closed his eyes. Shortly afterward, he lapsed into the final throes of death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano felt as though his father's passing had removed the foundation of his life, his link with his heritage, the font from which his strength and courage flowed, and the inner compass that guided him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bereft, unsure of himself, he longed for his father's presence. Still, the promises he'd made hadn't seemed rash or extravagant then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As sōsakan, he would have countless opportunities to distinguish himself.\n\nNow, however, Sano despaired of ever fulfilling the promise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the entire two months since his arrival at Edo Castle, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi had completely ignored him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano had seen his new master only from a distance during formal ceremonies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of solving problems of vital national importance, he was now a clerk in the castle's historical archives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spent his excess time and energy on the one avenue of Bushido open to him: martial arts training for a war that might not come in his lifetime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed destined to become one of the government's countless bureaucrats, who did trivial work in exchange for generous stipends—a parasite, fattening off the Tokugawa wealth.\n\n\"Ready! Take aim!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sensei's voice interrupted Sano's thoughts. At last the exercise was nearing its end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exhausted, Sano aligned his body with one of the straw targets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His heart hammered in protest inside his chest. His armor and weapons now weighed as much as the Great Buddha statue of Kamakura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every part of his body ached; his stomach churned, sickened from overexertion. He raised his bow and fitted the arrow to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite his frantic kicks, his head sank below the water. Blindly he aimed.\n\n\"Fire!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano let his arrow fly. Without looking to see where it landed, he swam to shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He no longer had the strength to care how well he'd performed the exercise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't determine how he might become the ideal samurai and confer everlasting honor upon his family name. All he wanted to do was rest, on dry land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dripping and shivering, he heaved himself onto the bank, where he lay motionless on his back, eyes closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was dimly aware of the men around him, some resting, others talking while they removed their armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sunlight warmed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard footsteps approaching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone stood at his feet, blocking the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Removing his mask, Sano raised his head, expecting to see the attendant who helped him in and out of his armor.\n\nInstead he saw two of the shogun's senior officials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dressed in colorful flowing silk robes, oiled hair tied in sleek looped knots, crowns freshly shaven, they gazed down at him in mild disdain.\n\n\"Sōsakan-sama?\" one of them said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano struggled to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes?\" Water ran out of his helmet and armor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bowed, feeling uncouth beside their elegance.\n\n\"The shogun wishes your presence at once, in the No theater,\" the other official said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano's heart leapt. After two months of silence, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi wanted to see him!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he say why?\" he asked eagerly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already yanking at the fastenings of his armor, he beckoned the attendant to come and assist him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both officials shook their heads gravely, bowed, then turned and walked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the attendant's help, Sano shed his armor. In the dressing shed he removed his wet garments, rinsed in clean water, and wiped himself with a towel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He donned his everyday clothing: long, full black trousers, a dark red kimono stamped in gold with the triple-hollyhock-leaf Tokugawa crest, and a black surcoat bearing his own family crest of four interlocked flying cranes. He sat impatiently while the attendant dried his shaven crown and reknotted his hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he fastened his two swords to his sash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe the shogun had a task for him to perform, Sano thought, one by which he could fulfill his promise to his father. Anticipation rose in his chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fought it down, cautioning himself that maybe the shogun, as a courtesy to the man who had served him well, merely planned to bestow a moment of attention on him before consigning him to oblivion thereafter. But he couldn't help hoping otherwise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his way to the gate that led from the training grounds to the castle's inner precinct, he glanced toward the archery targets. The other men had already collected their arrows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only his remained. Sano looked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sticking up out of the grass an arm's length short of the target, it did not seem an auspicious omen.\n\nA battery of armed guards recorded Sano's name in their log, examined him for hidden weapons, and finally let him through the inner precinct's iron-banded gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once on the other side, he followed a circuitous stone passage that ran between parallel stone walls topped with continuous lines of whitewashed guardhouses. He circled the perimeter of the inner precinct to its eastern side, where the shogun's palace lay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The passage gradually ascended, following the contours of the hill upon which Edo Castle perched. Every few hundred paces or so, Sano came to a checkpoint." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There other guards inspected him before letting him past yet another gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through the windows and gunholes of every guardhouse, he could see more men on duty; still more patrolled the passage or escorted visitors and officials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in peacetime, with the chance of a siege remote, no one moved unwatched through the castle. Sano couldn't get used to the constant surveillance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sometimes thought that Edo Castle, for all its splendor and elegance, was nothing but a huge prison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On a day like this, however, it was a beautiful one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A fresh spring breeze swept down from the mountains to whisper through the pines that swayed above the tiled roofs of the guardhouses along the inner walls. Through the windows of the outer ones, Sano caught occasional glimpses of Edo, spread across the plain below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A haze of pale foliage added brightness and life to the city's drab brown thatched or tiled roofs. Cherry trees, in full blossom now, spread rosy clouds over the banks of the many canals, formed solid bands of radiant color along the broad, muddy Sumida River, and turned the hills beyond the castle into a breathtaking wash of pink and green." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their fragrance scented the air with an elusive, poignant sweetness. In the distance, high above the city to the west, rose Mount Fuji's serene, snowcapped peak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano hurried on his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another time he would savor the beauty of the castle. Another day he might grow comfortable within its walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait, if you please, Sano-san!\"\n\nThe call, accompanied by hurrying footsteps, came from behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano turned and saw Noguchi Motoori, his immediate superior, huffing and puffing along the path." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited, then bowed in greeting when Noguchi reached him.\n\nNoguchi, Edo Castle's chief archivist, perfectly fit Sano's picture of the samurai-turned-scholar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His loose trousers and surcoat covered a short body gone soft and pudgy from lack of physical activity. The two swords at his waist seemed like unnatural appendages for a man so awkward and hesitant in his movements and so disinclined to quarrel, let alone fight, with anyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About fifty years of age, Noguchi had small, vague eyes set in a round, childlike face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he frowned, as he did now, the wrinkles in his forehead climbed all the way up to his shaven crown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano had liked Noguchi from their first acquaintance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man was kind, helpful, and tolerant, and shared his love of history. Yet Sano, upon assuming the position in which he hoped to make his fortune, had craved a harsher taskmaster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, my, I am glad I caught up with you,\" Noguchi said, panting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiding his impatience, Sano slowed his pace to match Noguchi's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must spare a few moments' courtesy for his superior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will be pleased to know that your marriage negotiations are proceeding quite satisfactorily,\" Noguchi continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Ueda have agreed to a miai—a meeting, so that you and Miss Reiko and your families can become acquainted.\"\n\nThe news did please Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your efforts on my behalf are much appreciated, Noguchi-san,\" he said, offering the formal but heartfelt expressions of gratitude dictated by convention.\n\nSano, single at the advanced age of thirty-one, yearned for a wife and family—especially a son, who would carry on his name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He also harbored a romantic, albeit unrealistic wish for the emotional intimacy that an arranged marriage might, but wouldn't necessarily bring. He hadn't yet married because his father, eager to improve the family's economic and social status, had refused to let Sano take a wife of their own class, instead sending proposals only to daughters of wealthy, high-ranking samurai affiliated with major clans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the proposals had been rejected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now, with his advancement, Sano found his prospects much improved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Noguchi, acting as his go-between—as a samurai's superior often did—had done well by him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ueda Reiko's family were hereditary Tokugawa vassals, her father the south magistrate of Edo and a very rich man.\n\n\"If all goes well with the miai,\" Noguchi said, \"why, then, very soon—after the period of mourning for your father is over, of course—I shall have the pleasure of attending your wedding. Oh, my.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled, but his frown-wrinkles slid higher on his head. Sano waited, sensing that the archivist had concerns unrelated to the marriage negotiations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally Noguchi said, \"Sometimes it is possible to convey, without actually saying in so many words, that although you would be glad to perform a task, your time might be spent more profitably otherwise.\"\n\nHe'd switched from direct speech to the circumspect style used by many members of the refined upper classes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Watching Sano closely, he continued circling his point. \"It is also possible to leave the impression that a task would be better given to someone else. Without, of course, casting any doubt upon one's own willingness or ability. Even not knowing the particular circumstances, I believe that a clever man might manage to bring others around to his own point of view, without risking censure or loss of face.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano was utterly mystified. \"Yes, I see,\" he said, but only because Noguchi was looking up into his face and leaning against him as they walked, the pressure of his body an unspoken plea for understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Noguchi bobbed his head for emphasis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And of course, you will remember that His Excellency is a very busy man. Small matters must inevitably slip from his memory now and then. But this is not an entirely bad thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His earnest gaze held Sano's as they reached the gate that led to the palace precinct." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now his meaning became clear to Sano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many officials, Noguchi included, were so afraid of disgracing themselves or getting in trouble that they went to great lengths to avoid doing anything, good or bad, that would draw the shogun's notice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wouldn't openly advise their subordinates to ignore a direct order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Noguchi, having evidently heard that the shogun had summoned Sano—although not the reason—was telling him to use every means available to escape whatever task given to him. Or, failing that, to wait before acting, in hopes that Tokugawa Tsunayoshi would forget about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano understood, but couldn't share Noguchi's attitude." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited until they'd cleared the checkpoint and entered the palace garden. Then he said, \"I appreciate your concern, Noguchi-san, but whatever our lord orders, I must do, without evasion or delay.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noguchi gasped at Sano's bluntness. \"Oh, no, I never meant to imply that you should disregard a command from His Excellency!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he blurted. Then he clapped a hand over his mouth and looked around to see if anyone was listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The palace garden wore its full spring glory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guards patrolled white gravel paths that wound through a fresh green lawn studded with flowering cherry and magnolia trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gardeners swept the paths and tended azalea bushes bright with red blossoms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Officials and their attendants strolled the garden, their brilliant garments adding more color to the scene. Still more officials lingered outside the palace, a low, vast building with whitewashed plaster walls, dark wooden doors, beams, and window lattices, and a many-gabled roof of gleaming grey tile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano knew why Noguchi feared eavesdroppers: even a hint of disobedience or disloyalty could be interpreted as treason and punished by exile or death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Edo abounded with spies and informers, many within the castle itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Any of those officials or servants could be a metsuke—one of the shogun's intelligence agents—or simply someone eager to advance himself by discrediting his colleagues.\n\n\"I was merely giving you the benefit of my experience,\" Noguchi finished in a loud whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano couldn't follow the advice, coming as it did from someone seeking only to live out his remaining years in peace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Noguchi meant well. \"Yes, I know. Thank you for your advice, Noguchi-san. I'll keep it in mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They reached the palace entrance. After they'd made their farewells, Noguchi shook his head and said in parting, \"Young men. You are all so rash and impetuous. I hope you will not come to regret your actions, Sano-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, more cheerfully: \"Well, gambatte kudasai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do your best, and good luck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano gained admittance from the guards posted at the palace's massive, carved door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he removed his shoes and hung his swords in the huge entry hall, he thought about Noguchi's warning and felt a twinge of trepidation. He had much to learn about life at the heart of the Tokugawa bakufu—the military government that ruled the land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would he be making a mistake by trying to do his duty to both his lord and his father?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The idea seemed fantastic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked along the polished cypress floors of the corridors that led through the building's outer portion, which served as government offices, trying to shed his unease." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But his heart was racing, and his hands turned clammy with nervous sweat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reaching the heavily guarded doors that led to the No theater, he paused, bracing himself for his encounter with the nation's supreme military dictator.\n\n\"Sōsakan Sano Ichirō, to see His Excellency,\" he said to the guards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed, slid open the doors, and stood aside to let him enter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Swallowing his apprehension, Sano went in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found himself standing on a veranda overlooking a huge gravel courtyard bordered by rows of pines. Ahead of him to his left stood the No stage, a raised wooden platform with a roof supported on four pillars, which faced right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seated at the rear of the stage, three drummers and two flutists played a solemn, archaic melody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under a small potted cherry tree at center stage lay an actor dressed in the striped robe of an itinerant monk, presumably asleep; the chorus and other actors sat in the wings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano turned his attention to the man he'd sworn to serve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sliding doors of the building opposite the stage stood open. Inside, Tsunayoshi, the fifth Tokugawa shogun, occupied a dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seated upon piled cushions, he wore an opulent silk kimono patterned in shades of gold, brown, and cream under a black surcoat with broad padded shoulders, and the cylindrical black cap that marked his rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held a closed fan. He was smiling, nodding his head in time to the music." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tsunayoshi, Sano had heard, enjoyed No above all the other arts he patronized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed unaware of the bored expressions of the ten retainers who, forced to watch with him, knelt on either side of the dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano felt a touch of surprise when he looked at Tsunayoshi, whom he didn't remember as looking quite so small or benign, or so old for his forty-three years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to remind himself that this was the descendant of the great Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, less than a hundred years ago, had triumphed over many warring clans to bring the country under his control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Tsunayoshi himself commanded the authority he'd inherited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His word was law; he held the power of life and death over his subjects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A young actor carrying a sword came down the bridgeway that led from the curtained door of the dressing room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore a long, flowing black wig, tall black cap, gold brocade robe, and broad, divided scarlet skirt. Taking up a position at the left front of the stage, he performed a slow, stylized dance and sang:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Driven by my worldly shame,\n\nIn ghostly guise I come" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the place where I died," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the shape I had\n\nWhen I lived upon the earth," }, { "from": "human", "value": "To tell this sleeping monk" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My tale of long ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano recognized the play as Tadanori, written almost three hundred years earlier by the great dramatist Zeami Motokiyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tadanori, lord of Satsuma, had been a poet-warrior of the Heike clan. When the Imperial House compiled an anthology of great poetry, they included one of Tadanori's poems unsigned, because the Heike were regarded as rebels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tadanori died in battle, lamenting the exclusion of his name. In the play, his ghost tells a traveling monk his sad story so that his fame as a poet need not be forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My poem, 'tis true, was chosen for the Great Book," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alas! Because of my lord's displeasure," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It does not bear my—\n\nThe shogun rapped loudly on the dais with his fan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The actor, halted in midverse, stumbled in his dance.\n\n\"Not like that,\" Tokugawa Tsunayoshi shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like this!\" He sang the lines himself, in a high, reedy voice at odds with his exalted status. Sano failed to see any improvement over the actor's rendition, but the rest of the audience murmured in approval." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind, ahh, you are dismissed. Next!\"\n\nThe actor slunk off stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The music resumed, and another actor started down the bridgeway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Sano understood that this wasn't a performance given by the shogun's troupe of professional actors, but an audition for amateurs, those among the Tokugawa vassals and daimyo clans—families who governed the country's provinces—who curried favor by catering to their lord's taste in entertainment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sudden awful thought occurred to Sano: Did Tsunayoshi want him to audition? His visions of performing some feat of great courage began to fade, and he took an involuntary step backward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the shogun beckoned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ahh, Sōsakan Sano,\" Tokugawa Tsunayoshi called. \"Approach.\" To the actors and musicians: \"Go away until I call you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men on stage bowed, walked down the bridgeway, and disappeared into the dressing room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano, self-conscious before the curious gazes of the watching officials, crossed the courtyard and knelt before the dais.\n\n\"I await Your Excellency's command,\" he said, bowing with his forehead touching the ground and his arms extended straight in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rise,\" the shogun ordered, \"and come closer.\"\n\nSano did. He locked his knees to still their trembling as Tsunayoshi studied him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Risking a direct glance at the shogun, he wasn't surprised to see lack of recognition in the mild eyes, or puzzlement creasing the thin, aristocratic face. If he'd forgotten Tsunayoshi's features, so must the great dictator have forgotten his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, ahh,\" Tsunayoshi said at last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You seem an able-bodied and able-minded samurai, just right for the task I have in mind. In fact, I cannot think why I have not utilized your services thus far.\"\n\nHe looked around at his attendants, who offered noncommittal murmurs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"However, I shall do so now,\" Tsunayoshi said. \"Kaibara Tōju was murdered last night. His head was severed from his body and mounted like a, ahh, war trophy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The nature of the crime shocked Sano, as did the victim's identity. The taking of trophy heads was a war tradition, not normally practiced in peacetime." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kaibara Tōju was a hatamoto, a hereditary Tokugawa vassal—one of many soldiers whose clans had served the shogun's for generations and held time-honored positions in his vast empire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But neither piece of news disturbed Sano as much as his heart-sinking realization that the shogun was going to ask him to investigate the murder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too many lives had been ruined or lost during his first and only other case. But Sano's interest stirred in spite of himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A not wholly unpleasant surge of fearful anxiety made him feel more alive than he had in months. Without his realizing it, his short-lived police career had given him a taste for danger and adventure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he'd always had a yearning to seek and find the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lately he'd had no chance to satisfy either desire. But now..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The bundori was found, ahh—\" The shogun paused, frowning in an obvious attempt at recollection.\n\n\"On a firewatch tower in the Nihonbashi pharmacists' district, Your Excellency.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silk garments rustled as the shogun and his retainers turned toward the sound of a man's voice that came from within the building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Following their gazes, Sano saw Chamberlain Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu standing behind the dais. His curiosity roused at the sight of this man, about whom he'd heard much but seen only once before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yanagisawa's combination of height, slimness, graceful carriage, and sharp, elegant features added up to a striking masculine beauty. The keen intelligence of his expression drew attention away from his brilliant, fashionable robes and kept it on his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rumor said that Yanagisawa, now thirty-two years old and Tsunayoshi's protégé since his twenties, had been and still was the shogun's lover. Whatever the truth, Yanagisawa supposedly had much influence over bakufu affairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Yanagisawa knelt beside the dais, in the place of honor nearest the shogun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The retainers' obsequious bows and the haste with which they made room for him testified to his power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your Excellency,\" he said, bowing to the shogun.\n\nTsunayoshi smiled in greeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ahh, Chamberlain Yanagisawa.\" His voice held a hint of relief, as though he welcomed the arrival of someone more knowledgeable than himself. \"We were discussing last night's unfortunate incident. I have decided to give the task of apprehending the, ahh, murderer to my new sōsakan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yanagisawa glanced at Sano. His eyes, large and liquid and enhanced with thick, slanting brows, looked black even in the sunlight, as if the pupils were permanently dilated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hostility in them pierced Sano to the core." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What could he have done to offend the chamberlain?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd sensed a heightened alertness about the others, including the shogun, when Yanagisawa appeared. Now the tension slackened as Yanagisawa said suavely, \"A wise decision, Your Excellency.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun seemed pleased to have his chamberlain's approval, and the retainers grateful that no conflict had arisen. Chests heaved sighs of relief; bodies relaxed more comfortably on the cushions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano's own uneasiness subsided. Yanagisawa sounded sincere, despite that first malevolent glance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He even favored Sano with a smile that lifted one corner of his finely modeled mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tsunayoshi turned to Sano. \"This murder constitutes an, ahh, act of war against the Tokugawa clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The offender must be caught and punished promptly. We cannot let him get away with such a heinous affront to our regime, or let the daimyo think us vulnerable to attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Therefore I am granting you the full cooperation and assistance of the, ahh, police force. All the necessary orders have been given." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In addition,\" the shogun continued, \"you will have the services of the castle's chief shrine attendant, a mystic who has the power to communicate with the spirit world. I have ordered her sent directly to your residence. Now, Sōsakan Sano, go and begin your inquiries at once. Report to me in my chambers this evening to inform me of your, ahh, progress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waved his fan in dismissal.\n\nSano bowed deeply. \"Thank you, Your Excellency, for the great honor of being allowed to serve you,\" he said, hiding his surprise and skepticism at the mention of the mystic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never had he heard of one assisting in a criminal investigation—it wasn't standard police procedure—but he couldn't challenge the shogun's decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I shall do my humble best.\"\n\nHe would have gone on to express his appreciation for the assistance granted him, but the shogun's gaze wandered toward the stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obviously he was eager for the auditions to resume." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many thanks, Your Excellency,\" Sano repeated, turning to leave the theater.\n\nHe fought to keep the bounce out of his step, and his exuberance from erupting in an unseemly smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Earlier this morning, his hope of distinguishing himself had looked minimal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he had a chance to prove himself a worthy practitioner of Bushido; to perform an act that could earn his family name a place in history. A chance to experience excitement and danger, and, even more important, to find truth, deliver a criminal to justice, and possibly save lives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Furthermore, with such a wealth of resources at his disposal, success seemed almost assured. Self-confidence flowed through Sano in a warming rush." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 5 sentences sentences in the style of Laura Joh Rowland spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cold spring twilight descended upon the Asakusa temple district in the north of Edo. The rooftops of the shrines and temples curved and peaked against a radiant cerise sky. Bells tolled, their harmonious music winging over the western hills, the river and the city. In the lanes that crisscrossed the district, paper lanterns glowed from the eaves of inns, shops, and food stalls, where pilgrims flocked, seeking food and shelter after their journeys and prayers. Orange-robed priests filed into the monasteries for their evening rites." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Voices and laughter rang out; a cheerful serenity reigned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through the rippling tide of humanity strode the Bundori Killer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Barely aware of his surroundings, he ignored the noise, the crowds, the welcoming lights. His fellow men threw him uneasy glances, perhaps frightened by his air of grim purpose. Well, let them look. Let them stand in awe of Lord Oda's war hero. He headed for the Asakusa Kannon Temple, which shone like an enchanted fortress amid the lanterns that blazed within its grounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first two murders had whetted his appetite for more, and made him yearn harder for the past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he would face another battle, and he must pray for victory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the sweltering confines of his lamplit field tent, Lord Oda Nobunaga paced before the generals summoned to this urgent night meeting.\n\n\"My traitorous brother-in-law, Asai, has allied himself with Lord Asakura of Echizen,\" he fumed.\n\nDuring the ten years since the Battle of Okehazama, Oda had risen to the forefront of military power. He had crushed many rivals and gained an important ally, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He'd seized the capital at Kyōto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At times he seemed invincible and his eventual subjugation of the country a certainty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the news of Asai's treachery, coming on the eve of his planned assault upon Lord Asakura's territory, drew murmurs of consternation from Oda's generals, among whom the Bundori Killer now numbered.\n\n\"Asai controls the passes of northern Omi Province,\" General Tokugawa Ieyasu said. \"He'll ambush our army there before we can reach Echizen.\"\n\nBravely the Bundori Killer said what needed saying. \"Then we must retreat now, so that we may live to triumph later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As all heads turned toward him, the young upstart, he added, \"I will command the rear guard.\"\n\nAnd pray that I can fend off Asai and Asakura long enough for my lord to reach Kyōto safely, even if I must die in the effort.\n\nOutside Asakusa Kannon Temple, pilgrims clustered around a huge stone urn full of smoldering incense sticks. Some pilgrims were lame, others diseased. Chanting prayers, they cupped their hands to capture the healing smoke that rose from the vat, applying it to the affected parts of their bodies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Bundori Killer marched past them to the temple's main entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Doves, heavenly messengers of Kannon, goddess of mercy, cooed and fluttered in the eaves. He entered the temple and crossed the hushed, cavernous hall.\n\nThe day's worshippers had deserted the temple. Two priests brushed past him, treading silently on bare feet, as he stood alone at the altar. He beheld the many-armed gilded statue of Kannon, the stalks of sacred golden lotus, the painted murals, the flickering candles and smoking incense burners that bathed everything in a shimmering golden haze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he bowed his head in prayer.\n\nO, Kannon, let my troops crush the enemy forces. Let my victories follow one after another, as a tribute to my Lord Oda.\n\nAnd then, because he was not so lost in the past that he'd forgotten the duties and dangers of his present-day reality:\n\nI pray, let me destroy those who must be punished for the evil they have done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And those who dare stand in my way—especially the shogun's sōsakan.\n\nHe dropped a coin in the offertory box to speed his prayers to the goddess, then left the temple. Outside, the sky had darkened; the crowds had almost disappeared. Only a few lanterns still burned in the streets. He joined the travelers on the road that led out of Asakusa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One hundred and nineteen years past, Lord Oda's army had clashed with Lord Asakura and the traitor Asai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in the here and now, would the man he sought to kill fall before his sword tonight?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would he win another trophy to satisfy the debt of honor that had gone unfulfilled for so long?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment, he pondered the practical difficulties of finding his next victim and avoiding capture. Then, with a giddy, ecstatic rush, he relinquished his hold on the ordinary world and slid into his dream realm.\n\nSpring had given way to hot, humid summer. Lord Oda's army had survived Asai's ambush and returned safely to Kyōto, thanks to the Bundori Killer's masterful deployment of the rear guard. Now the time had come to crush Asai and Lord Asakura for good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Oda's troops were on the march again, moving quietly by night, on horseback and on foot, beneath a swollen yellow moon, toward Asakura's headquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Bundori Killer led his unit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside his armor, sweat trickled down his back and chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scouts had just brought news that Asai and Asakura had marshaled twenty thousand troops across the Anegawa River." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His metal helmet amplified the pounding of his heart, almost drowning out the sounds of the army's hoofbeats and footsteps, and the insect chants from the woods around them. Under his command he had the troops levied from among Oda's conquered foes. Had they really transferred their allegiance to their new lord? Could he trust them?\n\nHe hid his doubt and his youth behind the imperious bearing of a seasoned general who expects and receives obedience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The army marched on toward glory, or death. The moon reached its zenith and began to descend.\n\n\"Listen!\" someone murmured.\n\nFrom a distance came the faint pulse of war drums. Oda's drummers struck up a thunderous counterthreat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The army increased its pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hooves pounded; thousands of swords rasped free of their scabbards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The troops took up positions on the riverbank, gunners and archers in the forefront, then swordsmen and spear fighters, with the generals in the rear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly the drumming stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the Bundori Killer gazed across the dark water at the waiting enemy host, his anxiety disappeared; he knew no fear or doubt. It was every samurai's duty to win his lord's battles, or to die trying. With stoic resignation, he awaited Lord Oda's command.\n\nThe menacing silence lasted an eternity. The hot night was perfectly still." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Lord Oda's cry shattered the calm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the river's opposite bank came Lord Asakura's answering challenge.\n\nAmid murderous shouts and deafening gunfire, both armies plunged across the water." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next eight sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Sano's mansion, the guards bowed and opened the gate for him. A yawning stableboy led his horse away. Inside, a lantern burned in the entryway, but the rest of the house was dark, silent. As Sano walked toward his bedchamber, carrying Tōzawa's swords to put away for safekeeping, the creak of the floor under his feet echoed in the chill, deserted corridor. Where were the servants? Not that he required their attentions; he wasn't hungry, and he could prepare his own bath and bed. But he always dreaded this solitary homecoming. And tonight his melancholy went deeper because of his disappointment over not seeing Aoi, which he tried to dismiss as purely professional." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't want to admit he'd been looking forward to her company all day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stopped when he reached the main reception room and saw its paper walls aglow with light. Curious, he slid open the door.\n\nInside, Aoi knelt before her altar, where candles burned and the smoking incense saturated the air with its musky sweetness. Sunken charcoal braziers sent up warm fumes. As Aoi returned his gaze with one solemn and serene, her odd beauty caught at Sano's heart. His depression disappeared; suddenly, he felt extraordinarily alive. A dark thrill of excitement prickled his skin. His house had been transformed into a temple, with Aoi enthroned as a living goddess ready to receive his prayers or offerings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His rational, intellectual self withdrew into slumber. He didn't question how Aoi had known to come to him, or how she'd gotten into his house. He simply responded to her implicit invitation.\n\nHe moved forward and knelt before the altar, placing Tōzawa's swords upon it. The world shrank to a hazy, glowing space that contained only this room, himself, and Aoi. Breathlessly he awaited her response.\n\nShe picked up the long killing-sword first, stroking its worn hilt and scabbard with gentle, probing fingers. Sano involuntarily imagined her hands caressing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she slowly unsheathed the blade, his manhood grew erect inside his loincloth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pulse of desire drove hot blood through his veins as she brought the sword to her mouth and licked the gleaming steel. She repeated the process with the short sword, and Sano stared. Eyes half-closed in concentration, throat arched, she looked as though she shared his pleasure.\n\nNow Aoi returned the swords to their scabbards and balanced them both on her palms. Her inarticulate moans intensified Sano's excitement. Then came laughter—hearty, male, and startling.\n\n\"By the gods!\" She stared from side to side. \"Yoshiwara is all they say it is. Look at those beauties in the windows!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything about her was completely samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her brash voice; the swagger of her shoulders as she pantomimed walking; the insolent leer she aimed at the imaginary courtesans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōzawa's spirit inhabited her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano could almost see the rōnin walking toward him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like an expert actor, Aoi somehow even managed to evoke the pleasure quarter's bustling gaiety.\n\nAoi laughed Tōzawa's laugh again. Her body jiggled like the stout rōnin's must have. \"Oh, yes, this is the right place for a man to end a long journey!\"\n\nLong journey: Tōzawa's trip from his native province to Edo. Aoi's evocation of the murdered man reaffirmed Sano's belief in her powers.\n\n\"And the woman I had in Yoshiwara was the right one to be my last.\" Aoi's face lost its masculine cast to take on a new and disturbingly familiar aspect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled in a maternal, yet flirtatious fashion. Her body seemed to gain a heavy ripeness of flesh. With a jolt, Sano recognized Sparrow, the prostitute he'd interviewed.\n\n\"You're troubled, aren't you? Would you like to tell me about it?\"\n\nGiven his past experience with Aoi's powers, hearing the words Sparrow had spoken to him shouldn't have surprised Sano. But the rational part of his mind rebelled against this new assault by the supernatural. The incense choked his lungs. Enough! he wanted to cry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi replaced the swords on the altar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cupping her bosom in both hands, she kneaded the full breasts; her fingers teased the nipples.\n\n\"Come,\" she murmured, smiling in fond encouragement. \"Suckle at my breasts, master. Take your pleasure and your comfort from me.\" Her kimono rustled as she parted her knees. \"Enter my heavenly chamber.\" Her voice dropped to a soothing, yet seductive whisper. \"Forget your cares for one night. Come to me now.\"\n\nA fresh onslaught of desire overrode Sano's urge to stop the ritual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As his carnal self goaded him to sweep aside the altar and take Aoi, he fought physical need and addressed the spirit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tōzawa-san. After you left Yoshiwara, what happened?\"\n\nSparrow's look left Aoi's face. Her hands dropped from her breasts and took up the swords again. Tōzawa's visage returned, distorted with anger and outrage.\n\n\"I started walking toward Edo,\" Tōzawa's voice said. \"I was tired. Drunk. He caught me while I was undoing my loincloth to make dung. I went for my swords, but that miserable thief at the Great Joy had stolen them from me. And then I—a poor, defenseless rōnin—lost my life, all that I had left in the world after my lord dismissed me.\"\n\nAoi's face crumpled, and her chest heaved with a man's wrenching, tortured sobs.\n\nHow could she speak of Tōzawa's loosened loincloth, confiscated swords, and masterless status except through a mystical bond with the spirit world?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awe and fear sharpened Sano's desire even as he recoiled from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His groin pounded with his need for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What must it be like to possess a woman of such powers?\n\n\"Did you see your killer?\" he asked.\n\nA shake of the head; more sobs. \"No. Too dark.\"\n\n\"Wait. Don't go yet!\"\n\nFor Aoi's sobs were diminishing, her face becoming once again calm, serene, and female as Tōzawa's spirit left her body.\n\nSano watched, disappointed but nevertheless relieved, as she laid down the swords. How undisciplined he was to experience sexual arousal when he should have been concentrating on the investigation! Now, remembering last night's debacle, he took the label from his sash and cautiously handed it to Aoi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the paper touched her palm, she closed her eyes; her body swayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she had herself under control." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see a five-petaled flower,\" she whispered. \"Painted on banners on the walls of a castle on a riverbank.\"\n\nFilled with awe, her eyes gazed into the distance. \"The castle is under siege. Bombs explode beneath the walls. The enemy troops fire guns from rafts on the river, from tall wooden towers on the banks. From inside the castle walls, the defenders shoot back, killing many.\"\n\nReflected in her eyes, the flickering candle flames mimicked the explosions and gunfires. \"But the enemy has blockaded the castle; they will starve the defenders into defeat. That night, a brave scout leaves the castle and swims the river to seek help. Will he succeed?\"\n\nEnlightenment burst upon Sano as he recognized the scenario as the Battle of Nagashino, and the five-petaled flower as Oda Nobunaga's crest. As one of Oda's trusted men, General Fujiwara had surely fought at Nagashino." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi's vision linked the murderer with him and that violent past, lending credence to Sano's theory.\n\n\"But that was long ago.\" Aoi's hand trembled beneath the label as if under a great weight. \"Now I see a man crossing a high bridge over a wide river. He passes great piles of wood, and canals with logs floating in them. He continues through fields and marshes. He carries a basket with a head in it. He reaches his house and goes inside. He washes the head, drives a spike through it, paints its face.\"\n\nSano realized with a flare of jubilation that she was seeing the Bundori Killer. \"Where is this house?\" he demanded.\n\nHer eyes scanned the distance. \"In the marshes. Where two canals meet. It looks... like a samurai's helmet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano saw her vision clearing, her trance dissolving. \"Wait!\" he pleaded. \"Is the killer there now? Can you see his face? Whose head is it?\" In his urgency, he leaned across the altar toward Aoi.\n\n\"Tomorrow...\" She spoke the barely audible word on a sigh. \"He will go to the house tomorrow night. At the hour of the dog...\"\n\nShe laid the label on the altar, and her own persona gazed calmly out from her luminous eyes. Sano sat back as his galloping heartbeat subsided. The hand he passed over his face came away damp with sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His loins ached dully with unsatisfied desire; his mind clamored with unanswered questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, he'd gained more facts to report to the Council of Elders tomorrow, and another lead to pursue.\n\n\"Hirata and I will search for the house and try to capture the killer there tomorrow night,\" he said, striving for nonchalance in the face of Aoi's aloof poise.\n\n\"Do you wish to discuss what you've learned about the murders today?\"\n\nAoi's husky murmur posed an irresistible invitation. Gladly Sano described his discoveries—as much to extend his time with her as to seek new insights. Her unwavering attention and apparently genuine interest drew every detail from him. And while his desire lost its edge as he warmed to his recital, he felt the current of attraction flowing between them.\n\n\"I think General Fujiwara's feud is the key to the murders,\" he finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I couldn't find a reason for his attacks on Araki and Endō, or any explanation why the killer should choose to satisfy a blood score after all this time.\"\n\nAoi interrupted eagerly on his last phrase. \"Kaibara was an old man, and the last of his family.\"\n\n\"So if the killer hadn't acted soon enough, Kaibara would have died a natural death, and the Fujiwara clan would have lost forever the chance to take revenge on the Araki. Then, having tasted victory, the killer took the next logical step by attacking the Endō clan.\" Sano followed Aoi's line of thought to its conclusion, once again impressed by her deductive ability. But for her, would he have ever seen the significance of Kaibara's age and status? Spontaneously he said, \"Thank you, Aoi. You're the best partner a man could ask for.\"\n\nTo his astonishment, she looked as though he'd hit her: hurt, and somehow ashamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed her head, and he felt her withdraw from him as before. What caused her strange mood shifts? Fearing that she would retreat farther into herself, he didn't press for an explanation. \"I think you were right when you said that the killer wanted to destroy both Kaibara and his ancestor,\" he said, eager to reestablish their rapport. \"If you have more ideas, I want to hear them.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, I have none.\" Aoi's low voice was strained. She removed the swords and label from the altar, placing them on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I go now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait.\" Sano sensed she was withholding something—and he didn't want her to leave him alone.\n\nShe stayed, but only out of obedience, he could tell, her reserve impenetrable in its polite blankness. He decided he'd wrongly perceived a mutual attraction between them. Out of pride—and respect for her wishes—he wouldn't force her to stay. But the late hour, the quiet house, and his own loneliness fostered in him an overpowering urge to confide in someone.\n\n\"Aoi. I need whatever help you can give. This investigation is important to me, and not just because the Bundori Killer must be captured and brought to justice.\"\n\nHe detected a glimmer of response in her eyes: She was not indifferent to his plight. Encouraged, he continued.\n\n\"Before my father died, I—\" His voice broke on the grief that always overwhelmed him when he spoke of his father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused while his tears blurred the flickering candles and he struggled to contain his emotions. \"I promised him that I would perform a heroic act that would secure our family a place of honor in history. But now I'm afraid of bringing disgrace upon our name, instead of glory.\"\n\nThen his face went hot with shame. A proper samurai stoically hid private thoughts. Somehow Aoi had inspired him to voice his, and how wonderful the release of it! But wouldn't she despise him for his cowardice? Yet the deep empathy he saw in her eyes surprised and warmed him.\n\n\"We make commitments that are hard to keep,\" she said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And sometimes the biggest obstacles are within ourselves. Can we ever be strong enough to overcome them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind her enigmatic facade, Sano glimpsed a woman capable of understanding the conflict between duty and self that warred in him. She'd experienced it, too. And the cautious wonder in her eyes mirrored his dawning recognition of a kindred soul. For a timeless interval, they contemplated one another in ishin-denshin: the wordless, heart-to-heart communication so prized in a society that left deep feelings unspoken. A wild mixture of elation and dread swelled Sano's heart. What he felt for Aoi, he'd never felt for any woman before. It went beyond sexual desire and inflamed his spirit with a fierce joy; it obliterated all considerations of rank and class.\n\nAnd terrified him. Because although love affairs were common for members of his class, he knew that many a samurai had let an unwise romantic infatuation wreak havoc with his finances, distract him from duty, and weaken his character, thereby ruining his future prospects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano thought of all the financial and political advantages of marrying into the Ueda family." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That these seemed less attractive than the thought of taking Aoi to his bed, of knowing her in every way, signaled the danger of giving his emotions free rein.\n\nThen Aoi stood. Before she bolted for the door, Sano saw her eyes turn glassy with horror. That she seemed to welcome their changed relationship even less than he both hurt and reassured him. For the sake of the investigation, he must see her again; but for his own good, they must never cross the boundary between work and love." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do two sentences. going for Laura Joh Rowland vibe" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One month after the Bundori Killer's capture, the shogun's banquet hall sparkled with noisy festivity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lanterns brightened the huge room and the garden, visible through sliding doors opened to admit the warm, summer night breeze. Beautiful attendants, both male and female, served refreshments to gaudily robed men who reclined on silk cushions in laughing, joking clusters, or moved about the room to pour liquor for one another in the customary social ritual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the veranda, musicians performed songs from the shogun's favorite plays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, seated on the dais, struck a dramatic pose and intoned:\n\n\"I am a wanderer in life's journey" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know not when it might end—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Occupying places of honor just below the dais, the Council of Elders, Chamberlain Yanagisawa, and the boy actor Shichisaburō laughed and applauded.\n\nSano sat alone in a corner, isolated by the terrible devastation that had followed Chūgo's capture and destroyed much of the pleasure he'd derived from succeeding in his lord's task." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing Tsunayoshi's quizzical glance at him, he forced himself to approach the nearest group of guests, which included Hirata—his former assistant and now retainer—his former superior, Noguchi, and Magistrate Ueda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured them a round of sake and joined in their conversation. He must show gratitude and pretend enjoyment, even though his spirit was dying inside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Silence!\" Tokugawa Tsunayoshi clapped his hands.\n\nThe music ceased; conversation halted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guests expectantly awaited their host's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you know, this, ahh, banquet is being held in honor of Sōsakan Sano,\" the shogun said, face flushed and speech slurred from the sake he'd consumed. \"Tonight we officially celebrate two momentous events in the life of this most dedicated retainer, the first of which is, ahh, his capture of the Bundori Killer, who, I am glad to say, no longer terrorizes the city.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone turned to Sano. Hirata beamed in vicarious triumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noguchi smiled and bobbed his head. Magistrate Ueda merely nodded approval, but Sano saw genuine admiration in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The elders bowed gravely; the other guests applauded. Only Chamberlain Yanagisawa made no gesture of respect or congratulation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yanagisawa, who Sano guessed—but couldn't prove—was responsible for his beating. Yanagisawa, the \"evil spirit\" he might eventually have to destroy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yanagisawa, powerless against him for only as long as he managed to retain the changeable Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's favor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From his place at the shogun's feet, he glared at Sano with undisguised hatred.\n\n\"Sōsakan Sano's deed required all the qualities most admirable in a samurai: courage, loyalty, intelligence, and, ahh, perseverance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun's eyes twinkled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Though I believe you had a little help from Chamberlain Yanagisawa?\"\n\nThe shogun laughed heartily at his own quip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd received the news of Yanagisawa's role in Chūgo's capture with great amusement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed unaware of the chamberlain's attempts to obstruct the investigation; Sano, prohibited from speaking ill of a superior, hadn't told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guests, except for the chamberlain, laughed too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yanagisawa's gaze shot pure venom at Sano. With a fingertip, he touched the scars on his lip and eyelid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now,\" continued Tsunayoshi, \"I shall perform a song I have composed, describing the trial of Chūgo Gichin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was during the time of the cherry blossoms" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That evil was vanquished—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The manner of Chūgo's demise had so tickled the shogun's fancy that he'd completely forgotten the doubts Chamberlain Yanagisawa had instilled in him and welcomed Sano back into his favor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd even come to the Court of Justice to watch Chūgo's trial. Now, as the shogun chanted his song, Sano relived the unforgettable experience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three days after the capture, Sano had appeared before Magistrate Ueda to present the evidence against the accused. While the shogun smiled delightedly and a curious crowd gathered outside the hall's barred windows, Sano described how he'd identified Chūgo as a suspect, then tricked him into revealing himself as the killer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A later search of Chūgo's house revealed a list of the names and whereabouts of Araki and Endō clan members,\" Sano continued. \"I also found the mate to the death's-head sword given me by the witness whose confidential statement you just heard. And I found deeds to three houses—one in Nihonbashi, the others near Yoshiwara and Zōjō Temple—all under different aliases. Chūgo's financial records prove that he bought them with money borrowed from Matsui Minoru. When I searched the houses, I found boards, spikes, face paint, incense, and traces of blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Magistrate Ueda, dignified in his black garments, sat upon the dais, flanked by secretaries who recorded the proceedings. \"The case seems sufficient,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the courtroom attendants: \"Bring in Chūgo Gichin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano heard Chūgo coming before the guard captain reached the hall. From the mob outside came angry calls for the Bundori Killer's blood, and above the commotion rose Chūgo's wild rantings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard captain had gone completely mad during his stay in Edo Jail.\n\nThe main door flew open, and the attendants dragged in the cursing, thrashing defendant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun, his retinue, and the rest of the audience gasped and murmured. Sano stared, amazed at the change in Chūgo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stripped of swords, armor, and Tokugawa crests, Chūgo wore a torn, filthy cotton kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His wrists were tied behind his back and iron shackles hobbled his legs. His eyes rolled; his teeth were bared in a fierce grimace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May demons destroy all you who would stop me from honoring my ancestor as a samurai should!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted, trying to throw off his escorts.\n\nThe attendants dumped him on a mat on the shirasu—the \"white sand of truth\" that covered the floor before the magistrate's dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not until they'd administered several hard kicks did he kneel and cease cursing, and even then, an angry, animal growl rumbled in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though Sano couldn't forget Chūgo's terrible crimes, he could pity the once proud warrior.\n\n\"Chūgo Gichin, you are charged with the murders of four men: Kaibara Tōju, hatamoto to His Excellency; the rōnin Tōzawa Jigori; the priest Endō Azumanaru; and an eta,\" Magistrate Ueda said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are also accused of ordering two attacks on Sōsakan Sano: one by a mercenary swordsman in Nihonbashi; the other at Edo Castle. What have you to say in your own defense?\"\n\n\"They were not murders,\" Chūgo snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They were acts of war. Of vengeance. The Endō and the Araki killed my lord Oda Nobunaga, and for that they deserved death by my hand!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obviously unable to distinguish his victims from the long-dead traitors or himself from General Fujiwara, he flung a wild glance at Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had to act before Kaibara, the last member of the Araki clan, died. Then I decided to kill every last Endō. That cursed sōsakan tried to stop me, so I hired an assassin to kill him. And if someone else hadn't already had him beaten, I would have!\"\n\nMagistrate Ueda frowned. \"Then you deny the last charge, but not the others?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Deny what I've done?\" Chūgo's laugh resembled a dog's howl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why? I want the world to know that General Fujiwara is at last avenging his lord's murder!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exclamations swept the audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano, though shocked by the extent of Chūgo's delusion, was relieved that his confession would shorten his path to justice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Silence.\" Magistrate Ueda's raised hand quieted the room. \"Then, Chūgo, you do not repent of the crimes to which you have confessed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Repent? Pah! A samurai doesn't apologize for doing his rightful duty by his master.\"\n\nThere was a fresh outcry from the audience, which Magistrate Ueda also silenced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then I am sorry to say that I must deny you the privilege of committing seppuku to which your rank entitles you. Instead you will be beheaded at the public execution ground immediately, and your remains displayed as a warning to would-be criminals.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano closed his eyes as the guards dragged Chūgo from the hall. The awful spectacle of disgrace poisoned his satisfaction at seeing his investigation successfully concluded, a killer brought to justice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through his horror, he heard the shogun's high, excited voice:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ahh. A marvelous show. Well done, sōsakan!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that same voice recalled Sano to the present. \"Yes, this is an accomplishment that must be entered into the nation's official history.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's face brightened with inspiration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since you are a historian, you yourself shall have the privilege of chronicling your, ahh, miraculous deeds for the castle archives.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heads nodded; murmurs of approval came from the guests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a great honor, and I thank you, Your Excellency.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano tried to infuse his voice with enthusiasm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here at last was the fulfillment of his promise to his father. Sano took pride in his deed; his samurai spirit basked in the shogun's praise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Sano still felt as though his heart had been torn from his chest, leaving behind a vast, aching emptiness that grew larger and hurt more with each passing day.\n\nAoi had vanished, apparently for good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After conveying Chūgo to Edo Jail, giving statements to the police and magistrate, and reporting the success of his investigation to the shogun, Sano had rushed to the Momijiyama to see Aoi—only to find another woman installed as chief shrine attendant and unable to tell him more than that Aoi had disappeared, leaving no explanation.\n\nFrantic with grief and bewilderment, Sano had spent the past month searching for her, to no avail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, this evening, as he dressed for the banquet, he'd found the note hidden among his ceremonial robes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My dearest,\n\nPlease forgive me for leaving without saying good-bye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had no choice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With each passing year, my enslavement to the Tokugawa has grown harder to bear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When we met, my spirit had been dying little by little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would have gone on dying, if not for you, who restored my hope, happiness, and desire to live.\n\nBut now Chamberlain Yanagisawa has ordered me to kill you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather than obey, I have fled, in the hope that I can join my family and escape with them before the troops come for us. Perhaps fate will spare your life and mine, even if we can't spend them together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I beg you not to pursue me, or tell anyone of our liaison. To reveal the full extent to which I've betrayed my master would only endanger me more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't be angry with me, or blame yourself for what is entirely my own decision. Instead, remember me as I will you:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With eternal love," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The message closed with the crude sketch of a veiled female figure facing a mountain range. Sano, remembering their conversation the night of his beating, understood that Aoi had taken the perilous step of making her dream a reality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Disguised as a nun, living on roots and nuts and the alms of strangers, she was making her way toward Iga Province." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite her attempt to absolve him of guilt, Sano knew he'd provided the final impetus for her action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd saved lives by stopping Chūgo's killing spree, but endangered the woman he loved by winning her affection and letting her forsake her duty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guilt embittered Sano's misery. Despite the ninja's renowned ability to survive, he pictured Aoi hunted down, tortured, slain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he could do nothing to prevent it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't even thank her for her help, to which he owed much of his success, or for the gift of his life, which she'd purchased with her own.\n\nThen Sano gasped in surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The characters of the note were fading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Written in magic ninja ink, they vanished, withdrawing from him as their writer had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon Sano held a blank sheet of paper.\n\nAs blank as his life was without Aoi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, as the shogun praised his courage, Sano faced the hardest task of all: to stay at his post instead of following his heart and going after the woman he loved but couldn't save." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to dash from the room, mount his horse, and gallop wildly into the night, shouting Aoi's name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to search every road, village, forest, and field between Edo and Iga Province until he found her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet her wishes and his own duty forbade him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his misery, Sano saw his life stripped of illusion. The castle was a luxurious prison." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun for whom he'd almost sacrificed his life, who now rambled drunkenly upon the dais, was merely the chamberlain's puppet. Bushido was cruel; a place in history an empty reward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heartbreak had shown him the truth of Dr. Ito's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun's high, merry voice cut into Sano's thoughts. \"Ahh. Let us also rejoice in Sōsakan Sano's engagement to Magistrate Ueda's daughter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for Chamberlain Yanagisawa, who narrowed his eyes and compressed his lips, the assembly cheered. Sano woodenly exchanged nods with Magistrate Ueda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His change in fortune had induced the magistrate to bestow upon him Reiko's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano valued the match that his father had desired for him, and an association with a man he respected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he would gladly give it up for one brief moment with Aoi, to again know the exhilarating joy of ishin-denshin—their precious, unspoken soul-to-soul communication.\n\nThe shogun spoke about the match's propriety and offered his blessings for its success." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he said, \"But enough of speeches.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed and clapped his hands. The music resumed. \"Come, ahh, let us enjoy ourselves!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano accepted a sake decanter from a servant and reluctantly rose to perform the courtesy he'd been avoiding all night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Approaching Chamberlain Yanagisawa, he knelt, bowed, proffered the decanter, and said, \"Honorable Chamberlain, please permit me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ritual dictated that the chamberlain raise his cup and bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This Yanagisawa did with characteristic elegance, but his expression was frigid, and as Sano poured the liquor, Yanagisawa's hand trembled as though he longed to throw it in Sano's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't forget, sōsakan,\" he said in a vicious murmur meant only for Sano's ears. He downed the sake, grimacing as if the taste sickened him, then bowed to the shogun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you will excuse me,\" he said, and swept from the room.\n\nSano knew the chamberlain would never forgive him for causing, albeit unintentionally, his terrifying abduction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor would he forget that because of Sano, the shogun had enjoyed a joke at his expense. Above all, Yanagisawa would never forgive him for witnessing his humiliation, or for rescuing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These last had won Sano the powerful chamberlain's permanent enmity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From now on, whatever he did, Yanagisawa would thwart him at every turn. With his spirit broken over Aoi's departure, this prospect was more than Sano could stand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His position had lost its meaning for him and presented a challenge to which he no longer desired to rise.\n\nThe party dragged on and on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano's face grew stiff from the strain of smiling; his throat ached with grief as he forced polite conversation and false laughter from his mouth. Not even drink could numb his emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took some pleasure from seeing Hirata, with an air of suppressed rapture, fill the shogun's cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bringing happiness to someone he esteemed didn't ease the howling anguish inside Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When dawn came, he could bear his pretense of enjoyment no longer. The shogun was snoring on the dais; the few guests not also asleep were engaged in drunken, senseless merriment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one would miss Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went home, got his horse, and rode out through the castle gate. Where was Aoi? To go to her now... Imagining the joy of seeing her again, he forgot the prohibitions that kept them apart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cry disturbed the summer morning's humid hush: \"Sōsakan-sama!\"\n\nSano turned and saw Hirata galloping down the promenade after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His senses returned. He couldn't leave his post, and he couldn't endanger Aoi further. Grief drew cords of pain tighter around his chest; the emptiness within yawned wider and blacker." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you all right?\" Hirata asked, catching up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are you going?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano rode faster to get away from him. \"I just need some fresh air,\" he lied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going for a ride—alone.\"\n\n\"I'll go with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hirata obviously sensed that something was wrong, although he couldn't know what." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he stuck by Sano, secure in his new status and concerned enough about his master's welfare to disobey an order.\n\nToo tired and dispirited to argue, Sano let him come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together they rode north out of the city, where the murders had ended with Chūgo's arrest, and the fire and riots in the accompanying storm. As they journeyed through the tranquil, awakening streets, Sano saw that the ravaged areas had already been rebuilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Bundori Killer might never have stalked the city." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Asakusa temple district, Sano dismounted outside a minor temple. \"Wait here,\" he told Hirata." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Entering the gate, he crossed the small precinct and passed through another gate leading to the cemetery, where the cherry trees were in full leaf now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sprinkling of dry, brown fallen blossoms mingled with the gravel on the paths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air was heavy with summer's rich, fecund fragrance, but underneath it, Sano smelled autumn's incipient decay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sounds of temple bells, priests' chants, and the clack of pilgrims' wooden shoes seemed muted, distant: part of the living world that encompassed this memorial to death.\n\nSano knelt before the grave monument, a square, upright stone shaft topped with a pagoda roof, where an urn hidden in the hollow pedestal held his father's ashes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Evidence of his own and his mother's faithful visits stood ranged around it: flowers; a decanter of sake and a bowl of dried fruits to nourish his father's spirit; prayers printed on wooden stakes. But even here, Sano felt no sense of his father's presence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his despair, he spoke aloud:\n\n\"Otōsan. I've done what you asked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice shook with his effort not to weep, but he didn't care; there was no one to hear him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why isn't the fulfillment of duty enough to make me happy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Footsteps crunched on the path behind him. Sano started, then turned and saw a strange samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" he blurted. \"What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai regarded Sano with a sad smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you recognize me, Ichirō?\"\n\nAnd now, with a staggering shock, Sano did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice—young and vibrant instead of old and quavery; the strong body not yet wasted by illness; the proud spirit not yet crushed under the hardship and shame of living as a rōnin. The features, so like his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This stranger was his father—not old, sick, and feeble as Sano had last seen him, but with his life still ahead of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Otōsan!\" Awed, Sano bowed. \"I've prayed so often for you to come. But you never did, until now. Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The spirit's warm, firm hands grasped Sano's shoulders, raising him to his feet. Of equal height, they stood face to face, and in his father's eyes Sano saw the look of forbearing patience he remembered so well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My son, I never left you,\" the spirit said. \"Haven't I spoken to you through the lessons you learned from me? Am I not present in your thoughts? Do I not live through you, my flesh and blood?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing the truth of his words, Sano had no answer. As they strolled the cemetery together, he again sought his father's wisdom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told the spirit about his successful murder investigation, and the loss that had robbed his achievement of satisfaction and his existence of all joy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Father, what will I do, how can I live?\"\n\n\"Your struggle is one that all samurai inevitably face, Ichirō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spirit's far-gazing eyes contemplated the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The struggle to understand right and wrong, good and evil. To do what is right and good and avoid doing that which is wrong and evil.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somewhere in that oblique remark, Sano knew from experience, there was a message for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And how does a samurai know what's right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked hesitantly, reduced to the role of ignorant young pupil by this spirit that appeared no older than he.\n\nThe spirit's reproachful glance told Sano he'd missed the point, as he had so often during childhood lessons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better you should ask how a samurai makes himself follow the path of right rather than the one that leads to wrong.\"\n\nSano waited, chastened but expectant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Although a samurai may at first be motivated to do right by the shame he feels when doing wrong, if he does that which is right often enough, then it will become a natural habit. In doing right, he will find the satisfaction of fulfilling his destiny, and of knowing he has mastered the most difficult part of Bushido.\"\n\nThey'd reached the cemetery gate, and the spirit halted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is where we part, my son. But I am always with you.\"\n\n\"Otōsan!\" Sano clutched his father's arm. \"Don't go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand closed on empty space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spirit had vanished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sōsakan-sama?\"\n\nSano turned to see Hirata standing in the open gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai—I'm sorry to bother you,\" Hirata said with a trace of his old hesitancy, \"but you were gone so long, and I was worried...\"\n\n\"I'm fine.\" Sano spoke the lie through the fresh grief at his father's abrupt departure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The combination of liquor, exhaustion, and longing must have produced his waking dream, but now it was over, and he was more alone than ever. \"Let's go.\"\n\nYet as they left the temple and mounted their horses, Sano felt more at peace than when he'd arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father's elusive spirit had finally appeared to him, when he needed it most. The encounter hadn't removed his pain, but had given him insight that illuminated this troubled period of his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He now saw the resemblance between his pledge to his father and lord and Chūgo Gichin's to General Fujiwara and Oda Nobunaga. Both represented attempts to do right, to embrace Bushido." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chūgo had avenged the betrayal of a ruthless warlord by committing crimes that had led to his own death. And Sano, who had risked his life serving a weak, self-indulgent despot, must continue to do so, no matter what the cost to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His own bundori—the war trophy he'd earned during the investigation—was his better understanding of what it meant to be a samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had struggled, and despite his anguish, could admit he'd found satisfaction in performing well, in doing right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must continue to do right—because the habit was already an integral part of him—until the act of doing right brought him happiness.\n\nSomeday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hirata was waiting beside him. \"Where are we going now, sōsakan-sama?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano sighed. \"Back to the castle,\" he said.\n\nThough his spirit might ache forever for Aoi and his thoughts range across land and water in pursuit of her, he must seek happiness in his work, his marriage, and his continuing loyal service to his lord.\n\nBecause someday began now." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a nonfiction, Japan, memoir thing. u write eight sentences bits" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I woke up early in the morning, just as I had when I lived with my parents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crows were cawing overhead. There were new green leaves on the maple tree in the garden.\n\nNo one was stirring, not even the maids. I pulled out one of my books, a present from my father. I had read it to myself so many times that I could recite the words by heart.\n\nIn Japan there is a long held custom that children destined for professional artistic careers officially begin formal training in their discipline on June 6 of the year they turn six (6-6-6). However, many children who wish to pursue a traditional art form begin lessons as early as three.\n\nThis early training is particularly characteristic of Japan's two great theatrical traditions, Noh and Kabuki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Noh drama, developed in the fourteenth century, is based on the ancient court dances that were performed as offerings to the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is aristocratic, stately, and lyrical." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kabuki theater, developed two hundred years later as entertainment for the common people, is more lively than noh and can be likened to Western opera.\n\nBoth Noh and Kabuki are performed exclusively by men. The sons of the lead actors begin training as children. Many grow up to succeed their fathers. A number of famous contemporary performers can trace their lineages back ten generations or more.\n\nOn my first day, I woke at dawn and impatiently waited until it was safe to awaken Auntie Oima. Finally the neighborhood \"alarm clock\" went off. There was a grocery store across from the okiya on Shinbashi Street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old lady of the shop sneezed three times every morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very loudly. At exactly 7:30." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I depended on her for years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nudged Auntie Oima awake.\n\n\"Can we go yet?\"\n\n\"Not yet, Mineko. There is something we have to take care of first.\"\n\nShe brought out a small tin bucket. Inside the bucket were brushes, a little broom, a feather duster, tiny floor cloths, and a miniature container of scouring powder. She had thought of everything.\n\nWe went into the altar room to say our morning prayers. Afterwards, she tucked up my long sleeves with a cord so I could work and stuck the feather duster in the back of my obi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she took me to the lavatory and taught me the proper way to clean a toilet.\n\nSince this is the first responsibility that a person gives to his or her successor, handing me the toilet brush was like passing me the baton. Auntie Oima's work was now done. Mine had begun.\n\nThe Iwasaki okiya had three lavatories, which was quite extravagant at the time. There were two downstairs, one for geiko and guests and one for the help. And another upstairs for the residents. All three had adjoining sinks and I was responsible for keeping those spotless as well.\n\nThe task suited me perfectly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was work I could do all by myself. I didn't have to talk to anyone else while I was doing it. And I felt very grown up and productive. I was very proud of myself when I finished. Kuniko made me a special breakfast for my big day. We finished eating at about nine o'clock.\n\nFollowing breakfast, Auntie Oima dressed me in a new practice kimono of red and green stripes against a white background and a red summer obi for my first meeting with my teacher. She gave me a colorfully printed silk bag packed with a fan, a (dancing) tenugui, or scarf, a fresh pair of tabi (fitted white cotton socks) wrapped in silk covers that she had sewn herself, a toy, and a snack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mistress Kazama was the name of the dance teacher who trained the Sakaguchi family. I had met her many times at Mother Sakaguchi's house. I knew she had taught both Yaeko and Satoharu, and assumed that she was going to be my teacher as well. Instead, Auntie Oima told me that we were getting ready to go to the house of the iemoto (grandmistress) the Kyomai Inoueryu iemoto, Yachiyo Inoue IV. She told me the iemoto was going to be my teacher.\n\nEveryone finished dressing in formal attire and we set off. Auntie Oima led the way, followed by Old Meanie, Yaeko, and myself. Kuniko was in the rear, carrying my little pack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We went to Mother Sakaguchi's house and she and Mistress Kazama joined our tidy procession." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only a few minutes' walk to the iemoto's studio, located in her home on Shinmonzen Street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We arrived at the studio and were ushered into a waiting room near one of the rehearsal rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The atmosphere of the rehearsal room was very quiet and very tense. I was suddenly startled by a loud sound. It was the distinctive noise that a closed fan makes when it is struck against a hard surface.\n\nI was watching the lesson when the teacher reprimanded one of the students by slapping her on the arm with her fan. I bolted at the noise, instinctively looking for some place to hide. I soon lost my way, and got stranded in front of the bathroom. After a few moments of panic, Kuniko found me and ushered me back to the others.\n\nWe entered the studio." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mother Sakaguchi had me sit down next to her before the iemoto in the formal posture of respect and bowed deeply. \"Ms. Aiko (her real name), please allow me to introduce you to this precious child. She is one of our treasures, and we pray that you take extraordinary care of her. Her name is Mineko Iwasaki.\"\n\nThe iemoto bowed in return. \"I will do my best. And so shall we begin?\"\n\nMy heart was beating fast. I had no idea what I was supposed to do and stood there, frozen to the spot. The iemoto came over to me and said, kindly, \"Mine-chan, please sit down on your heels. Straighten your back and put your hands in your lap. Very good. Now, the first thing we do is learn how to hold our maiohgi(dancing fan). Here. Let me show you.\"\n\nA dancer's fan is slightly larger than an ordinary one, with bamboo spines about 12 inches long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maiohgi is kept tucked inside the left side of the obi with the top facing upwards.\n\n\"Pull your maiohgi out of your obi with your right hand, and place it on your left palm as if you were holding a bowl of rice. Then slide your hand along the body of the maiohgi to the nib, and hold the end of the maiohgi with your right hand as though you were holding a bowl of rice. Holding the maiohgi with your right hand, lean forward and place it on the floor in front of your knees, like so, and, keeping your back perfectly straight, bow, saying 'Onegaishimasu.' (Please honor my humble request to be taught.) Is that clear?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Not yes. Yes.\" She used the Gion pronunciation hei instead of the hae that I had been taught. \"Now you try it.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was concentrating so hard on placing my maiohgi properly that I forgot to request teaching.\n\n\"What about 'Onegaishimasu'?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nShe smiled indulgently. \"All right then. Now stand up and we'll try a few steps.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You don't have to answer yes every time I say something.\"\n\n\"Uh-huh,\" I nodded.\n\n\"And you don't have to keep nodding your head. Now follow me. Put your arms like this, and your hands like that, and point your eyes over there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And that is how it began. I was dancing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Traditional Japanese dance looks very different from its Western counterparts. It is done in white cotton tabi socks rather than special shoes. The movements, unlike ballet, for instance, are slow and focus on one's relationship to the ground rather than the sky. Like ballet, however, the movements require highly trained muscles to perform and are taught as fixed patterns (kata) that are strung together to form an individual piece.\n\nThe Inoue School is considered the best school of traditional dance in Japan. The inoue iemoto is therefore the most powerful person in the traditional dance world. She is the standard by which all other dancers are judged.\n\nAfter an appropriate interval Mother Sakaguchi said, \"Ms. Aiko, that should be enough of a lesson for today. Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed like a very long time to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The iemoto turned in my direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, Mine-chan. The dance we have been learning is called kadomatsu. This is all we will do today.\"\n\nKadomatsu is the first dance taught in the Inoue School to children who are beginning their lessons.\n\nA kadomatsu is a decoration made out of pine branches that we display in our homes as part of the New Year celebration. They are festive and have a wonderful smell. I associated them with happy times.\n\n\"Yes,\" I said.\n\n\"After you say 'yes,' you should sit down and say 'thank you'.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" I said again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And then, before you leave the studio, you should say thank you one more time and then say good-bye and then make your final bow. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, I understand. Good-bye,\" I said and returned gratefully to the secure side of Mother Sakaguchi, who was grinning with delight.\n\nIt took a while before I connected understanding and doing, and even longer before I became comfortable with the geiko dialect. The version of the Kyoto dialect I learned at home was the dialect of the aristocracy. It was even slower and softer than the variation spoken in the Gion Kobu.\n\nMother Sakaguchi patted me on the head. \"That was wonderful, Mineko. You did such a good job. What a clever child you are!\" Auntie Oima's smile was barely hidden by her raised hand.\n\nI had no idea what I had done to receive such praise but was glad that they both seemed so happy." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "1 sentence sentences in Mineko Iwasaki style, continuing user's bit" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Iwasaki Okiya was one block south of Shinmonzen on Shinbashi Street, three houses east of Hanamikoji." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mother Sakaguchi lived on the other side of Hanamikoji, six houses to the west of us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The iemoto's dance studio was one block west and one block north on Shinmonzen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Kaburenjo Theater was six blocks to the south." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I was a child I walked everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elegant storefronts line the streets of the Gion, providing the services that the industry requires." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides the hundreds of okiya and ochaya, there are florists and gourmet shops, art galleries and fabric stores, hair ornament and fan emporiums." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The neighborhood is dense and compact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My life became much busier after 6-6-6." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I began to take calligraphy lessons from a wonderful man name Uncle Hori who lived two houses down and koto, singing, and shamisen lessons from his daughter, who was a master of a form of jiuta (a style of singing and playing the shamisen particular to the Kyoto area) important to the Inoue School." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The koto and shamisen are both stringed instruments that came to Japan from China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The koto is a large thirteen-stringed lute that rests on the floor when played." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shamisen is a smaller three-stringed instrument that is played like a viola." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is used to accompany most of our dances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides taking daily lessons, I also cleaned the toilets every morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I went to dance class every afternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that I was a big girl, I had to act like the atotori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't allowed to shout or use rude language or do anything that was unbefitting to a successor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Auntie Oima started to make me use the dialect of Gion Kobu, which I had been fervently resisting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now she corrected me all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't allowed to roughhouse or run around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People cautioned me constantly against hurting myself or breaking something, especially a leg or a hand, because it would impair my beauty and my dancing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Auntie Oima became serious about teaching me how to be her successor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until then I had played beside her as she went about her tasks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now she started explaining to me what she was doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started to understand what was going on and began to participate in the daily routine of the Iwasaki okiya in a more conscious way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My days began early." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I still woke up before the rest of the household, and now I had a job to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While I was working on the toilets, Kuniko got up to start breakfast and the maids got up to begin their morning chores." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The maids cleaned the Iwasaki okiya from the outside inwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, they swept the street in front of the Iwasaki okiya and then the path from the gate to the entranceway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They sprinkled water on the path and placed a fresh cone of salt next to the entrance of the house to purify it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next they cleaned the genkan(entranceway) and turned everyone's sandals around so that the shoes were facing the door, ready to be worn into the outside world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside the house, the maids tidied up the rooms and put away the items all of us had used the night before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything was back in place before Auntie Oima arose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally they prepared the Buddhist altar for Auntie Oima's morning prayers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They dusted the statues, cleaned out the incense burner, disposed of the previous day's offerings, and put new candles in the holders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They did the same for the Shinto shrine that sat on a raised shelf in the corner of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People who live in Gion Kobu tend to be very devout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our livelihood is fully vested in the religious and spiritual values on which traditional Japanese culture rests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Practically speaking, our daily lives are closely interwoven with the ceremonies and festivals that punctuate the Japanese year and we reproduce them as faithfully as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every morning, upon arising and washing her face, Auntie Oima went into the altar room and said her morning prayers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I tried to finish cleaning in time to say them with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is still the first thing I do in the morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, in the short time remaining before breakfast, Auntie Oima and I gave Big John a thorough petting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this time the apprentices were up and they would help the maids finish their morning chores." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cleaning is considered a vital part of the training process in all traditional Japanese disciplines and is a required practice for any novice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is accorded spiritual significance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Purifying an unclean place is believed to purify the mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the house was in order, the maiko and geiko began to wake up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They worked late every night and were always the last ones to arise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their income was supporting the rest of us, so they no longer had to do any housework." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aba arrived and we had breakfast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then everyone went her separate way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maiko and the geiko went to the Nyokoba for lessons or to the rehearsal hall if they were training for a performance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maids got busy with their remaining duties: airing the bedding, washing the laundry, cooking, shopping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until I began school the following year, I \"helped\" Auntie Oima with the morning's business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Auntie Oima and Aba spent the morning sorting out the schedules for all the maiko and geiko under their management." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They reviewed the tallies of the previous night's appointments, made notes of income due and income received, organized requests for appearances, and accepted as many engagements as the geiko's schedules would allow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Auntie Oima decided which costumes each maiko and geiko would wear that evening and Aba had to see to the coordination and disposition of the ensembles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Auntie Oima's desk was in the dining room on the other side of her seat at the brazier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a separate ledger for each geiko in which she kept a running account of each woman's activities, including which outfits were worn to entertain which clients." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Auntie Oima also noted any specific expenditure made on a woman's behalf, such as the purchase of a new kimono or obi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fees for food and lessons were fixed and deducted on a monthly basis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most tradesmen came in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men were allowed in the Iwasaki okiya after 10 A.M., when most of the inhabitants had left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The iceman brought in the ice for the icebox." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kimono salesmen, caterers, bill collectors, and others were greeted in the genkan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a bench they could sit on while conducting business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Male relatives, like my father, were allowed to come in as far as the dining room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only priests and children were allowed deeper entry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even Aba's husband, Auntie Oima's younger brother, was free to come and go at his own will." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is why the whole notion of \"geisha houses\" being dens of ill repute is so ridiculous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men are barely allowed inside these bastions of feminine society, let alone permitted to frolic with the inhabitants after they arrive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the evening's schedule was set, Auntie Oima got dressed to go out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every day she visited people to whom the Iwasaki okiya owed a debt of gratitude: the owners of the ochaya and restaurants where her geiko had performed the night before, the dance and music teachers who taught them, the mothers of allied okiya, the local artisans and craftsmen who dressed us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took the efforts of many people to present one maiko or geiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This informal visiting back and forth is pivotal to the social structure of Gion Kobu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is how the interpersonal relationships upon which the system depends are cultivated and maintained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Auntie Oima began to take me with her on her daily round of calls as soon as I moved in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew that the connections she was seeding in those meetings would serve me for the rest of my professional career, or my life, if I chose to spend the rest of it in the Gion as she had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the household gathered back at the Iwasaki okiya for lunch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We ate traditional Japanese fare (rice and fish and vegetables) and only ate Western food like steak and ice cream when we were taken out to a trendy restaurant for a treat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lunch was the main meal of the day, since geiko can't eat a heavy meal before performing in the evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maiko and geiko are not allowed to eat at a private banquet, no matter how sumptuous the delicacies displayed before them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They are there to entertain the guests, to give not to take." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An exception to this rule is when a geiko is invited to join a customer for a meal in a restaurant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After lunch Auntie Oima or Kuniko handed out the assignments for that evening to the assembled geiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the women \"got to work\" researching the people they would be entertaining that evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If one of her customers was a politician she studied the legislation he was sponsoring, if one was an actress she read an article about her in a magazine, if one was a singer she listened to his records." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or read his or her novel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or studied the country the guest came from." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We used all the resources at our disposal to do this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I spent many an afternoon, especially when I was a maiko, in bookstores, libraries, and museums." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Younger girls turned to their \"older sisters\" for advice and information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides doing research, the geiko had to pay their courtesy calls in the afternoon, in order to remain on good terms with the owners of the ochaya and the senior maiko and geiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If any member of the community was sick or injured, protocol demanded that they call on her promptly to voice their concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kuniko took me to my dance lesson midafternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In late afternoon the maiko and geiko returned to the Iwasaki okiya to dress, and the doors of the Iwasaki okiya were closed to outsiders for the rest of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maiko and geiko took baths, fixed their hair, and put on their highly stylized makeup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the dressers would arrive to get them into their costumes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of our dressers came from the Suehiroya." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most dressers are men, and they are the one exception to the no-men-in-the-inner-apartments-of-the-okiya rule." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were allowed up to the main dressing room on the second floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being a dresser is a highly skilled profession, one that takes years to master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A good dresser is critical to a geiko's success." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Balance is essential. When I debuted as a maiko, for example, I weighed 79 pounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My kimono weighed 44." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had to balance the whole getup on 6-inch-high wooden sandals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If one thing was out of place it could have spelled disaster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kimono are always worn with either wooden or leather sandals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okobo, 6-inch-high clog-like wooden sandals, are a distinctive part of a maiko's outfit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The height of the sandal is a counterbalance to the dangling ends of the maiko's long obi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okobo are difficult to walk in, but the mincing gait they ensure is thought to add to the maiko's allure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maiko and geiko always wear white tabi socks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The big toe of the tabi is separated, like a mitten, so that the toes can grip the sandal easily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We wear socks one size smaller than our shoe size, which lends a neat and dainty appearance to the foot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The otokoshi (dresser) I was given when I was fifteen was the male heir to the house of Suehiroya, an establishment that had been taking care of the Iwasaki okiya for many years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dressed me every day for the fifteen years of my career, except for the two or three times that he was too sick to serve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew all of my physical idiosyncrasies, like a displaced vertebra I acquired in a fall that made it painful for me to walk when my kimono and numerous accoutrements were not fitted correctly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whole point of the geiko enterprise is perfection, and the dresser's job is to ensure that perfection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If anything is missing, slightly out of place, or seasonally inappropriate, the dresser is the person who ultimately bears the blame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The relationship goes far beyond the external." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because of their intimate access to the internal workings of the system, the dressers have become the standard brokers of various relationships within the karyukai, such as the elder/younger sister pairings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They serve as escorts in appropriate situations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And lastly, they are our friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One's dresser often becomes one's confidant, a person one turns to for brotherly advice and counsel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the women completed their preparations and runners arrived with last-minute requests for appearances, the maids prepared the entranceway for the maiko and geiko's departure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They swept it thoroughly again, sprinkled it with water, and replaced the pile of salt next to the entry hall with a fresh one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the early evening the maiko and geiko, resplendent in their magnificent attire, left for their appointments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The house quieted down after they left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trainees and staff ate dinner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I practiced the dance I had learned that day, the koto piece I was working on, and my calligraphy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After I started school I also had to do my homework." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomiko practiced the shamisen and singing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She still had to squeeze in courtesy calls to the ochaya, to pay respects to the older maiko and geiko who would be guiding her later on and to curry favor with the managers of the teahouses where she would be working." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were over 150 ochaya in Gion Kobu when I lived there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These elegant, beautifully appointed establishments were busy every night of the week, preparing and serving the constant round of private parties and dinners scheduled by their select roster of customers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A geiko might attend parties at as many as three or four different establishments in an evening, entailing a great deal of coming and going." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went to sleep at a reasonable hour, but it was well after midnight by the time the geiko and maiko returned home from work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After changing out of their work clothes, the maiko and geiko might take a bath, have a snack, and relax for a while before going to bed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two maids who slept in the genkan woke up one after the other to take care of the geiko as they drifted in. They never lay down to uninterrupted sleep until well after two o'clock in the morning." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going 8 sentences at a time, also I'm going for a Mineko Iwasaki sorta thing in the nonfiction, Japan, memoir genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dance class was the high point of my day. I couldn't wait to get there and always dragged on Kuniko's sleeve to make her hurry.\n\nWalking into the studio was walking into another world. I was in love with the whispering of kimono sleeves, the lilting melodies of the strings, the formality, the grace, and the precision.\n\nThe genkan was flanked by a wall of wooden cubbies. I liked one box in particular and hoped it was empty so that I could put my geta (traditional wooden sandals) there. It was on the second to the top row, a little to the left. I decided that was my place and was out of sorts when it wasn't available." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I walked upstairs to the rehearsal rooms and got ready for my lesson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I first took my maiohgi out of its case with my right hand and tucked it into the left side of my obi. With my hands positioned flat on my thighs, fingers pointed inwards, I glided soundlessly over to the fusuma (sliding door). The tube-like fit of the kimono dictates a distinctive way of walking, cultivated in all well-bred women, exaggerated in the dancer. Knees slightly bent, toes come off the ground in a silent pigeon-toed shuffle that prevents the front fold of the kimono from opening and indecorously revealing a glimpse of ankle or leg. The upper half of the body is held still.\n\nThis is how we are taught to open a fusuma and enter the room.\n\nSit down in front of the door resting buttocks on heels, bring the right hand up chest high, and place the fingertips of your open palm on the edge of the doorframe or in the hollow, if there is one. Push the door open a few inches, being careful not to let the hand cross the midline of the body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bring the left hand up from the thigh and place it in front of the right. Continuing to rest the right hand lightly on the back of the left wrist, slide the door across the body, creating an opening just wide enough to pass through. Stand up and enter room. Pivot, and sit down facing the open door. Use the right fingertips to close the door to just left of midline, then, using the left hand supported by the right, close all the way. Stand up, pivot, and go to sit before the teacher. Take maiohgi out of obi with right hand and place it horizontally on the floor and bow.\n\nPlacing the maiohgi between oneself and the teacher is a highly ritualistic act, indicating that one is leaving the ordinary world behind and is ready to enter the realm of the teacher's expertise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By bowing, we declare that we are prepared to receive what the teacher is about to impart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Knowledge passes from dance teacher into the student through the process of mane, which is often translated as imitation, but learning to dance is more a process of total identification than one of simple copying. We repeat the movements of our teachers until we can duplicate them exactly, until, in a sense, we have absorbed the teacher's mastery into ourselves. Artistic technique must be fully integrated into the cells of our bodies if we are to use it to express what is in our hearts, and this takes many years of practice.\n\nThe Inoue School has hundreds of dances in its repertoire, from simple to more complex, but they are all composed of a fixed set of kata, or patterns of movements. We learn the dances before the patterns, as opposed to, say, ballet. And we learn the dances by watching. Once we have learned the patterns, however, the teacher will introduce a new dance as a series of kata.\n\nKabuki, with which you may be familiar, uses an enormous repertoire of movements, postures, mannerisms, gestures, and facial expressions to portray the kaleidoscopic range of human emotion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Inoue style, in contrast, condenses complex emotions into simple, delicate movements, punctuated with dramatic pauses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had the great privilege of studying with the iemoto every day. After giving me verbal instructions, she played the shamisen and I performed the piece. She corrected me. I went off to practice on my own. When I could dance a piece to her satisfaction she gave me another. Thus we all learned at our own pace.\n\nThere were three other instructors who taught in the iemoto's studio, all of whom were accomplished students of hers. Their names were teacher Kazuko, teacher Masae, and teacher Kazue. We referred to the iemoto as \"Big Mistress\" and the others as \"Little Mistress.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mistress Kazuko was the granddaughter of Inoue Yachiyo III, the previous iemoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes we had group lessons and sometimes I took a class with another teacher. I sat in the studios for hours at a time and watched intently as other dancers had their lessons. Kuniko had to tear me out of there when it was time to go home. And then I practiced for hours in the living room.\n\nThe Inoue School is, without question, the most important institution in Gion Kobu and the iemoto, therefore, the most powerful person. Yet Inoue Yachiyo IV wielded her authority gently, and, although she was strict, I was never scared of her. The only time I ever felt intimidated was when I actually had to perform with her on stage.\n\nThe iemoto was remarkably unattractive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was very short, quite plump, and had a face like an orangutan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet she became exquisitely lovely when she danced. I remember thinking that this transformation, which I witnessed thousands of times, was an eloquent statement of the style's ability to evoke and express beauty.\n\nThe iemoto's given name was Aiko Okamoto. She was born in Gion Kobu and began studying dance when she was four years old. Her first teacher soon recognized the child's ability and brought her to Inoue headquarters. The previous iemoto, Inoue Yachiyo III, was suitably impressed with Aiko's talent and invited her to join the main studio.\n\nThere are two separate curricula in the school. One trains professional dancers (maiko and geiko) and the other trains professional dance teachers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There is another set of classes for women who want to study on an amateur basis." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aiko was recruited for the teacher division.\n\nShe fulfilled her early promise and grew into a masterful dancer. At twenty-five, she married Kuroemon Katayama, Inoue Yachiyo III's grandson. Kuroemon is the iemoto of the Kansai branch of the Kanze School of Noh theater. The couple had three sons and lived in the house on Shinmonzen Street where I had my lessons.\n\nIn the mid-1940s Aiko was chosen to succeed Inoue Yachiyo III and given the name Inoue Yachiyo IV. (Mother Sakaguchi was on the board of regents that confirmed her selection.) She led the school until May of 2000, when she retired in favor of the current iemoto, her granddaughter, Inoue Yachiyo V." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Inoue School of Dance was founded by a woman named Sato Inoue around 1800." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was a lady-in-waiting in the inner apartments of the imperial palace, an instructor to the noble house of Konoe, who taught the various forms of dance practiced in court ritual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In 1869, when the imperial capital was moved to Tokyo, Kyoto was no longer the political center of Japan. However, it has continued to be the heart of the cultural and religious life of the country.\n\nThe governor of the time, Nobuatsu Hase, and the counselor Masanao Makimura enlisted Jiroemon Sugiura, the ninth generation proprietor of Ichirikitei, the most famous ochaya in Gion Kobu, in his campaign to promote the city. Together they decided to make the dances of the Gion the centerpiece of the festivities and they approached the head of the Inoue School for advice and direction. Haruko Katayama, the third iemoto of the school, put together a dance program that featured the talented maiko and geiko who were her students.\n\nThe performances were so successful that the governor, Sugiura, and Inoue decided to make them an annual event called the Miyako Odori. In Japanese this term means \"dances of the capital\" but outside Japan it is commonly referred to as the Cherry Dance, taking place as it does in the spring.\n\nOther karyukai have more than one school of dance, but Gion Kobu only has the Inoue School." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The grand master of the Inoue School is the ultimate arbiter of taste within the community, as well as the dance itself. The maiko may be our most potent symbol, but it is the iemoto who decides what that symbol will be. Many of the other occupations in the Gion Kobu, from musical accompanist to fan maker to stage hand at the Kaburenjo theater, take their cues from the artistic direction of the head of the Inoue School. The iemoto is the only person who is allowed to make any changes to the standard repertoire of the school or choreograph new dances.\n\nIt quickly became known throughout the area that I was taking lessons from the iemoto. A buzz of expectation began to form around me that kept growing until it peaked at the time of my debut ten years later.\n\nPeople talk to each other all the time in Gion Kobu. It is a bit like a small village where everyone knows everyone else's business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am by nature very discreet, and this is one of the things I found distasteful about living there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the fact is, people were talking about me. I may have been only five years old but I was already establishing quite a reputation.\n\nI was making rapid progress in my dance lessons. It ordinarily takes a student a week to ten days to memorize a new dance, but it took me, on average, three. I was galloping through the repertoire. It's true that I was very driven and practiced more than the other girls, but it did seem as if I was blessed with a good deal of natural ability. In any event, dancing was an apt vehicle for my determination and my pride. I still missed my parents terribly and the dance became an outlet for my pent-up emotional energy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I performed in public for the first time later that summer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The iemoto's nonprofessional students put on an annual recital called the Bentenkai. A child is not considered a professional until she enters the Nyokoba, the special school where we train to be geiko, after she graduates from junior high school.\n\nThe name of the piece was Shinobu Uri (\"selling ferns\"). There were six of us dancing and I was in the middle. At one point in the performance, all the other girls held their arms in a parallel position and I had mine pointed over my head in a triangle. From the wings, Big Mistress stage-whispered, \"Keep it up, Mineko.\" I thought she meant, \"keep going,\" so I continued, moving my arms into the next position. Meanwhile, all the other girls brought their arms up into triangles above their heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When we left the stage, I immediately turned on the other girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you know that we are students of the iemoto! We are not supposed to make mistakes!\"\n\n\"What are you talking about, Mineko? You are the one who was wrong!\"\n\n\"Don't try to blame me for your mistakes!\" I shot back. It never crossed my mind that I was the one who had messed up.\n\nWhen we got backstage I overheard Big Mistress talking to Mother Sakaguchi in measured tones. \"Please don't be upset. There's no need to punish anyone.\" I assumed she was talking about the other girls.\n\nI looked around. Everyone had left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did everybody go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They went home.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because you made a mistake and then yelled at them.\"\n\n\"I didn't make a mistake. They did.\"\n\n\"No, Mineko, you're wrong. Now listen to me. Didn't you hear Big Mistress talking to Mother Sakaguchi? Didn't you hear her tell her not to scold you?\"\n\n\"No, YOU'RE WRONG. She was talking about the other girls. Not me. She wasn't talking about me.\"\n\n\"Mineko! Stop being a stubborn little girl.\" Kuniko never raised her voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she did I paid attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did a very bad thing and you have to go apologize to Big Mistress. This is very important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was still sure I hadn't done anything wrong, but I heeded the warning in Kuniko's voice. I went to Big Mistress's room simply to pay my respects and thank her for the performance.\n\nBefore I could say anything, she said \"Mineko, I don't want you to worry about what happened. It's really alright.\"\n\n\"You mean, umm...\"\n\n\"That thing. It's not so important. Please just forget about it.\"\n\nThat's when I got it. I had made a mistake. Her kindness only intensified my shame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I bowed and left the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kuniko came up behind me. \"It's okay, Mine-chan, as long as you understand and do better next time. Let's put it behind us and go out to eat that custard.\"\n\nKuniko had promised to take us all out to Pruniet's for custard pudding after the recital.\n\n\"No. I don't want it anymore.\"\n\nBig Mistress, came up to us.\n\n\"Mine-chan, haven't you gone home yet?\"\n\n\"Big Mistress. I can't go home.\"\n\n\"Don't worry about it. Now, go on home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes. Didn't you hear me? There's nothing to worry about.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nBig Mistress's word was absolute.\n\n\"Then let's go home,\" Kuniko said.\n\n\"Well, we have to go somewhere. Maybe we should go and visit Mother Sakaguchi for a while.\"\n\nMother Sakaguchi already knew I made a mistake. So that might be okay.\n\nI nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We slid open the door and called out \"good afternoon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mother Sakaguchi came out to greet us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How nice to see you. What a good job you did today, Mineko!\"\n\n\"No,\" I mumbled. \"I didn't. I was terrible.\"\n\n\"You were? Why?\"\n\n\"I made a mistake.\"\n\n\"A mistake? Where? I didn't see any mistakes. I thought you danced beautifully.\"\n\n\"Mother, can I stay here with you?\"\n\n\"Of course. But first you have to go home and tell Auntie Oima where you are so she doesn't worry.\"\n\nI dragged my feet the whole way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Auntie Oima was waiting for me in front of the brazier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Auntie Oima's face lit up when she saw me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been gone such a long time! Did you stop at Pruniet's for a treat? Was it yummy?\"\n\nKuniko answered for me. \"We stopped in at Mother Sakaguchi's for a visit.\"\n\n\"How nice of you! I'm sure that made her very happy.\"\n\nThe kinder everyone was to me, the worse I felt inside. I was furious at myself and filled with self-loathing.\n\nI headed into the closet.\n\nThe next day Kuniko took me to the little shrine at the foot of Tatsumi Bridge where I always met up with the girls on the way to the studio." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were all there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went up to each one and bowed. \"I am sorry that I made a mistake yesterday. Please forgive me.\"\n\nThey were pretty nice about it.\n\nThe day after any public performance we are required to pay a formal visit to our teacher to say thank you. Accordingly, we went straight to Big Mistress's room when we got to the studio. I hid behind the other girls.\n\nAfter we bowed in unison and said our thanks, the iemoto complimented us on our performance the day before. \"You did a lovely job. Please keep up the good work in the future. Practice hard!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Teacher,\" everyone said. \"We will.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone except me, that is. I was pretending to be invisible.\n\nBig Mistress dismissed us and, just as I was about to heave a sigh of relief, she looked directly at me and said, \"Mineko, now I don't want you to worry about what happened yesterday.\"\n\nI was flooded with shame again and ran out into the waiting arms of Kuniko.\n\nIt may seem that Big Mistress was trying to comfort me. But she wasn't. She wasn't that kind of teacher. She was sending me a message, loud and clear. She was telling me that it was not permissible to make mistakes. Not if I wanted to become a great dancer." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY. PARAMETERS: five sentences sentences, nonfiction, Japan, memoir genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My life began to revolve around going to Shinmonzen and I tried to spend as much time in the school as possible. With each passing day I became more passionate about the dance and increasingly determined to become a truly great dancer.\n\nOne day I arrived at Shinmonzen and heard Big Mistress speaking with someone in her studio. I was disappointed because I liked to have the first lesson. When I entered the room I saw that the woman, though older, was stunning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was something about the way she carried herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was immediately intrigued.\n\nBig Mistress told me to join in the lesson. The older woman bowed and welcomed me. Big Mistress taught us a dance entitled Ebony Hair. We practiced it quite a few times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman was an exquisite dancer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first I felt quite self-conscious dancing with her but soon got lost in the flow of the movements.\n\nBig Mistress criticized my work, as always. \"That's too slow, Mine-chan. Pick up the tempo.\" \"Your arms are sloppy. Make them tighter.\" But she didn't say one word to the other woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After we finished Big Mistress introduced me to the guest. Her name was Han Takehara.\n\nMadame Takehara was considered one of the greatest dancers of her generation. She was a master in a number of different schools who penetrated to the core of the medium by pioneering an innovative style of her own. I was privileged to have danced beside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the time I was little, I loved to observe accomplished dancers and sought the opportunity to study with them whenever possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is one of the reasons I spent so much time at Shinmonzen, because dancers came from all over Japan to study with the iemoto. Some of the women whom I met in those early years are now the iemoto of their own schools. Of course, I also spent countless hours observing Inoue teachers and students at their lessons.\n\nA few months after my first (flawed) recital, I was chosen to dance a child's role in the Onshukai Dances that took place that fall. This was the first time I appeared on a public stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I danced in the Miyako Odori the following spring, and continued to dance children's roles until I was eleven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being on stage was a great education, because I got to feel and experience the dancers up close.\n\nUnbeknownst to me, Auntie Oima invited my parents to attend every one of my performances, and, as far as I know, they always came. My eyesight was so poor that I couldn't pick out individuals in the audience, but somehow I always knew they were there. Like little children everywhere, my heart cried out to them, \"Look at me, Mom and Dad! Look at me dance! Aren't I getting good?\"\n\nWe have school on Saturday in Japan, so Sunday was my only day off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of sleeping in, I got up early and ran over to Shinmonzen, because it was so much fun for me to check out what the iemoto and the little mistresses did in the morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some days I got there at six A.M.! (I said my prayers and cleaned the toilets after I got back from the studio.) Children's classes started at eight o'clock on Sunday, so I had plenty of time to follow the little mistresses and watch what they were doing.\n\nThe first thing Big Mistress did was say her prayers, just like Auntie Oima. While she was in the altar room, the little mistresses cleaned the school." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wiped down the wood surfaces of the stage and the long corridors with rags and scrubbed the toilets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was impressed. Even though they were my teachers they had to follow the same routine I did, because they were still disciples of Big Mistress.\n\nBig Mistress and the little mistresses ate breakfast together. Then Big Mistress gave lessons to the little mistresses and I got to watch. This was the highlight of my week.\n\nI also enjoyed the summers, which in Kyoto are hot and humid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As part of my training, every summer day I had to sit behind Big Mistress and cool her with a big round paper fan. I loved the job. It was a perfect chance to watch her giving lessons, uninterrupted, for long stretches of time. The other girls didn't like to do it much, but I was able to sit there for hours. Eventually Big Mistress would make me take a break." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other girls played paper/scissors/rock to decide who got the next turn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ten minutes later I was back to start fanning again.\n\nAlong with the dance, I was working hard on my music. When I was ten years old I put away the koto and began to study the shamisen, a stringed instrument that has a square body and a long neck and is played with a plectrum. Shamisen music is the customary accompaniment to Kyoto-style dance, including the Inoue School. Studying the music helped me understand the subtle rhythms of the movement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two words that mean dance in Japanese. One is mai and the other is odori.\n\nMai is considered sanctified movement, and is derived from the sacred dances of Shrine maidens that have been performed since ancient times as offerings to the gods. It can only be performed by people who are specifically trained and authorized to do so. Odori, on the other hand, is dance that celebrates the vicissitudes of human life; that commemorates joyous occasions and solemnizes sad ones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is the kind of dance commonly seen during Japanese festivals, and can be performed by anyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are only three forms of dance that are termed mai: mikomai, dances of the Shinto shrine maidens, bugaku, dances of the imperial court, and noh mai, dances of the Noh drama. Kyoto-style dance is mai, not odori. The Inoue School is specifically associated with noh mai and is stylistically similar.\n\nBy the time I was ten I was aware of these distinctions. I was proud that I was a dancer of mai and a member of the Inoue School." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was perhaps a little too proud. I became a real stickler for detail.\n\nOne cold winter day I arrived freezing at the studio and went to the hibachi to warm up. There was a teenage girl in the room whom I had never seen before. I could tell by her hairstyle and what she was wearing that she was a shikomisan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shikomisan is the term used for someone who is in the first stage of apprenticeship to become a geiko, specifically one who is under contract to an okiya. I, for example, was never called a shikomisan because I was an atotori.\n\nThe shikomisan was sitting in the coldest part of the room, near the door. \"Come sit next to the fire,\" I told her. \"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Tazuko Mekuta.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll call you Meku-chan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought she was probably five or six years older than I. But in the Inoue School seniority is determined by date of matriculation not biological age. So she was my \"junior.\"\n\nI took off my tabi. \"Meku-chan, my little toe itches.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stuck out my foot and she respectfully stroked it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meku-chan was sweet and gentle and had the most striking eyes. She reminded me of my older sister Yukiko. I instantly fell in love.\n\nUnfortunately, she didn't attend the school for very long. I missed her and was hoping to find another friend like her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I was excited, later that winter, when I went to the hibachi and saw a new girl about Meku-chan's age sitting there. But this girl was already nestled up to the brazier and ignored me when I came into the room. She didn't even say hello. Since she was the newcomer, this was inexcusably rude.\n\n\"You can't sit next to the hibachi,\" I finally said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And why not?\" she responded, indifferently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's your name anyway?\" I asked.\n\n\"My name's Toshimi Suganuma.\" She didn't say \"How do you do?\"\n\nI was annoyed, but I also felt it was my responsibility as her \"senior\" to make her a gift of my superior knowledge and explain how we did things here in the Inoue School.\n\nI tried to make a point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When did you start taking lessons?\"\n\nI wanted her to realize that I had been there longer than she had and that she was supposed to treat me with respect.\n\nBut she didn't understand. \"Oh, I dunno. A while ago, I guess.\"\n\nI was trying to figure out what to say to make her understand her deficiencies when she was called away to her lesson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a real problem. I would have to discuss it with Auntie Oima.\n\nI left school as soon as my lesson was over and accomplished my dog, flower, dashimaki routine as quickly as possible. I ran the rest of the way home.\n\nI gave the dashimaki to Auntie Oima." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked like she was about to sing, but I stopped her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't do suisui today. I have a problem and I need to talk to you.\" I explained my predicament in great detail.\n\n\"Mineko, Toshimi is going to make her debut before you, so she will be one of your big sisters one day. This means you have to respect her. And be nice to her. There is no reason for you to tell her what to do. I'm sure that Big Mistress will teach Toshimi everything that she needs to know. It's not your responsibility.\"\n\nI forgot about this incident until years later. Soon after my debut as a maiko I was called to entertain at a banquet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuriko (Meku-chan) and Toshimi, both of whom had become top-class geiko, were in attendance. They joked good-naturedly about how self-important I had been when I was a little girl. I turned bright red from embarrassment. However, they didn't hold it against me. Both became important mentors to me in the coming years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yuriko became one of my only friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Relationships in Gion Kobu last a long time, and harmony is prized above any other social value." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though characteristic of Japanese society as a whole, the emphasis on peaceful coexistence is even more pronounced in the karyukai. I believe that there are two reasons for this. The first is that our lives are so intertwined. People have no choice but to get along.\n\nThe other reason is in the nature of the enterprise." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Mineko Iwasaki." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't need the numbers to tell me that I had become the most popular maiko in Gion Kobu. I only had to look at my schedule. It was booked for a year and a half.\n\nMy schedule was so tight that a prospective client had to confirm any tentative booking a month before the engagement, and, although I always left a couple of slots open for emergencies, these were invariably taken a week in advance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If I did happen to have a few minutes open in my evening's schedule I would book them on my way home from the Nyokoba, promising five minutes here or ten minutes there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had Kuniko write down these extra jobs in my appointment ledger while I was eating lunch.\n\nBasically, I was booked solid for the entire five years that I was a maiko. I worked 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from the time I was fifteen until I was twenty-one. I never took a day off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I worked every Saturday and Sunday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I worked New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.\n\nI was the only person in the Iwasaki okiya who didn't take any days off during this time, and, for all I know, I may have been the only one in Gion Kobu as well. At least it was better than not working.\n\nI didn't really know how to have fun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes I went out with friends when I had a bit of free time, but I found being in public exhausting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment I stepped outside the door I became \"Mineko of Gion Kobu.\" Admirers surrounded me wherever I went and I felt compelled to act the part. I was always on. If someone wanted to take a picture with me I let him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If someone wanted an autograph I gave it to her. It never stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was afraid that if I didn't maintain the professional demeanor of a maiko at all times I would simply fall apart. In truth, I was much happier at home by myself, thinking my own thoughts, reading a book, or listening to music. That is the only way I could truly relax.\n\nIt's hard to imagine living in a world where everyone—your friends, your sisters, even your mother—is your rival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I found it very disorienting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't able to distinguish friend from foe; I never knew who or what to believe. Inevitably, all of this took a psychological toll and I began to experience emotional problems. I suffered periodic anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty speaking.\n\nI was afraid that if I didn't lighten up I was going to get sick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I decided to become funnier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I bought a bunch of records of comic stories and listened to them every day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I made up my own little routines and tried them out at ozashiki. I pretended that the banquet room was a playground, and that I was there to have a good time.\n\nIt actually helped. I began to feel better and was able to pay more attention to what was going on in the room. Dance and the other art forms can be taught, but how to make an ozashiki sparkle can not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is something that takes a certain aptitude and years of experience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each ozashiki is different, even within the same ochaya." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One can tell much about the status of the guests from how the room has been arranged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How valuable is the scroll hanging in the tokonoma?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What dishes are on the table? Where is the food from? A trained geiko grasps these nuances the moment she walks into an ozashiki and modulates her behavior accordingly. The aesthetic training I received from my parents gave me a head start in this direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next we must know how to steer the entertainment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Does the host enjoy watching dance, engaging in witty conversation, or playing amusing games? When we get to know a customer we commit his or her personal likes and dislikes to memory so that we can better serve him in the future.\n\nOchaya are not only used for entertaining. They are also used as venues for sensitive business and political discussions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An ozashiki provides a secluded environment where the participants know they will be comfortable and their privacy will be protected.\n\nAuntie Oima told me that the reason our hair ornaments have pointed ends is so that we can use them to defend our customers from attack. And that the coral ones worn in the colder months can be used to test the safety of the sake: coral breaks apart in the presence of poison.\n\nSometimes the most valuable service a geiko can perform is to become part of the wall, to become invisible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If appropriate, she will position herself near the entrance to the room and let the host know when someone is approaching by making a small signal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or, if asked to do so, she will inform anyone who is approaching that the guests do not wish to be disturbed.\n\nOne of the specialized jobs in the teahouse is that of the sake heater, or okanban. The okanban fills a flask with sake and places the flask into a pan of simmering water to warm it. It sounds simple, but each guest likes his or her sake served at a certain temperature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The okanban's skill is to calculate how many degrees of heat will be lost as the sake travels from kitchen to banquet room, so it is the correct temperature when it arrives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is no small feat. I liked the job of fetching sake because I enjoyed talking to the okanban. They were always full of interesting, behind-the-scenes information.\n\nAs I mentioned before, teahouses tend to have multigenerational relationships with their best clients." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the ways the ochaya engenders this loyalty is by hiring their client's progeny as temporary employees. Assistant okanban is a popular position.\n\nFor example, a young man starting college in Kyoto might apply for this job, on his father's recommendation, in order to help him meet expenses. Everyone benefits from this arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man learns how the culture of the ochaya functions from the inside out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sees how much effort is involved in even the simplest ozashiki and gets to know the local maiko and geiko. The father is helping to educate his son in the sophisticated ways of the adult world. And the ochaya is investing in a future client.\n\nI continued to devote as much energy as possible to my dance classes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that I was a professional dancer I felt like I was finally making real progress. So it came as a shock when I received my second otome.\n\nIt was during rehearsal for the Yukatakai, the summer dances in which all the Gion Kobu geiko participate. I was seventeen. We were rehearsing a group number." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly Big Mistress stopped the action, called my name and told me to leave the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't believe it. I hadn't made a mistake. The girl next to me had.\n\nI found Mama Masako and stormed, \"That's it. I'm quitting! I got another otome and this one wasn't my fault either!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without missing a beat, Mama Masako said, evenly, \"Fine. Go ahead. I mean, you didn't even make a mistake. How dare she embarrass you in front of everybody? You poor thing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was spurring me on. Boy, could she see right through me. She knew that I always did the opposite of what she told me to do.\n\n\"No, I mean it Mom, I'm really going to quit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That makes sense. It's exactly what I'd do if I were in your position.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if I do quit, then I lose face. Maybe I should fool everybody and keep on going. I don't know...\"\n\n\"Well, that is another option...\"\n\nJust then Yaeko walked into the room. She had been eavesdropping on our conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've really done it this time, Mineko. You have shamed us all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She meant that my disgrace would cause a loss of face for every geiko associated with our lineage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Mama Masako brushed her off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is none of your business, Yaeko. Would you mind going into the other room for a minute?\"\n\nYaeko's lips curled into a thin smile. \"Of course it's my business. Her bad behavior is an embarrassment to me as well.\"\n\nMama said flatly, \"Yae, don't be ridiculous. Would you please get out of here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since when do you boss me around?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is between Mineko and me. I want you to stay out of it.\"\n\n\"Well, if that's how you feel, I'm terribly sorry to have bothered you. Far be it from me to intrude on you and your 'precious' Mineko. Like she's worth it.\"\n\nYaeko huffed out of the room but her words lingered in my mind. Maybe I was so bad that I really should quit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive me, Mama, I'm really sorry. Perhaps it is better if I give up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever you decide to do is okay with me.\"\n\n\"But, what if it's like Yaeko says? What if I've brought disgrace upon the house?\"\n\n\"That's not a good enough reason. You said it yourself a few minutes ago. You might completely lose face if you quit. If I were you, I would talk to Big Mistress. See what she has to say. I bet she wants you to continue.\"\n\n\"You think so? Thank you, Mama. That's what I'll do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mama Masako called Mother Sakaguchi who came rushing over in a car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As usual, our contingent sat facing their contingent. Everyone bowed.\n\nI was waiting for Mother Sakaguchi to defend my innocence.\n\n\"Mistress Aiko, I must tell you how grateful I am that you scolded Mineko like that. This is the kind of censure she needs to become a true dancer. On her behalf, may I ask most humbly for your continued consideration and guidance.\"\n\nAs if on cue, the Iwasaki contingent bowed down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was a heartbeat behind, just time enough to think Whaaaats going on here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I got it. In a flash. Big Mistress was testing me again. Using the otome to push me forward. She wanted me to understand that the most important thing was to keep on dancing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An occasional reprimand was nothing in light of what I might be able to achieve, or what I stood to lose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My arrogance and schoolgirl superiority had no place in all this. And in that instant something changed. I started to see the bigger picture. I felt a new level of commitment to what I was doing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I became a dancer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have no idea what Mama Masako told Mother Sakaguchi when she called her, or how Mother Sakaguchi reacted, or what Mother Sakaguchi said to Mistress Aiko before we all met together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But, through her eloquent display of humility, Mother Sakaguchi was also sending me a crucial message. She was showing me how professionals dealt with their differences in a way that was nonreactive and beneficial for all concerned. I had seen countless examples of this before, but, until that moment, had never really understood it. I was so proud of the skillful way Mother Sakaguchi handled the situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Big Mistress may have given me the initial scolding, but the real lesson came from Mother Sakaguchi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I still had a long way to go before I was an adult, but I knew then that I wanted to be as good a person as the women who were in that room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Big Mistress thanked Madame Sakaguchi for coming and, with her staff in tow, accompanied Mother Sakaguchi to the entryway to bid her good-bye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Right before she got into the car, Mother Sakaguchi bent down and whispered quietly into my ear:\n\n\"Mine-chan, work hard.\"\n\n\"Yes, I promise.\"\n\nWhen we got home I went around the okiya and brought all the mirrors I could find into my room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I arranged them along the walls so that I could view myself from every angle and started to dance. From that moment on I practiced like a madwoman. I changed into dance clothes as soon as I walked in the house at night and rehearsed until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Some nights I only got one hour of sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I looked at myself as critically as I could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I tried to analyze every aspect of my movements, tried to perfect every gesture. But something was missing. Some element of expressiveness. I thought about it long and hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What could it be? Finally, it dawned on me that the problem was emotional not physical.\n\nThe problem was that I had never been in love. My dancing lacked a depth of feeling that would only come after I had experienced romantic passion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could I portray authentic love or loss when I didn't know them?\n\nThis realization was very scary, because whenever I thought about physical love I thought about the time my nephew tried to rape me and my mind stopped cold. I was still stuck in the terror of that moment. I was afraid that something was seriously wrong with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had I been so damaged that I would never be able to have a normal relationship?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And this wasn't the only obstacle standing between me and intimacy. There was something deeper, potentially more insidious.\n\nThe fact is, I didn't like people. I hadn't when I was a little girl and I still didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My distaste for other people hindered me professionally as well as personally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was my biggest shortcoming as a maiko. But I had no choice. I had to force myself to pretend that I liked everyone.\n\nI feel such poignancy when I look back and see this image of myself, this unworldly young woman, trying so hard to please, yet not wanting anyone to come near." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The relationship between the sexes, always a mystery, is confusing to most adolescents, but I was truly at sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had so little experience with men or boys that I had no intuitive feel for how to project warmth without inviting intimacy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was imperative that I be friendly to everyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if I was too nice, the customer got the wrong idea, and that was the last thing I wanted to happen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was years before I learned how to tread a middle path between making men happy and keeping them away. In the beginning, before I knew how to send the right signals, I made a lot of mistakes.\n\nOne time a customer, a very wealthy young man, said to me, \"I'm going abroad to study. I'd like you to come with me. Any objections?\"\n\nI was flabbergasted. He announced his plans for me as though they had already been decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't know what to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men who are familiar with the ways of Gion Kobu understand the unspoken rules and rarely break them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But sometimes, especially if the man is as naïve as this fellow was, one would misinterpret my kindness and take it too personally. I was left with no choice but to deal with him head on. I explained to him that I was just doing my job, and that, although I thought he was a nice man, I hadn't meant to give him the impression that I was interested in him.\n\nAnother time a young customer brought me an expensive doll from his hometown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was so excited about giving me the present that he couldn't wait until his next ozashiki. He brought it to the okiya and knocked on the door.\n\nThis was a total breach of etiquette but I felt sorry for him, even though it was kind of creepy. I couldn't believe he was naïve enough to think he had the right to come to my home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, I tried to be polite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you anyway, but I don't care much for dolls. Please give it to someone else who will appreciate it.\"\n\nA rumor soon spread among my regular customers that I hated dolls.\n\nOnce I was on assignment in Tokyo when my client took me to a shop that specialized in name-brand luxury items.\n\n\"Pick out anything you want,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I rarely accepted gifts from clients so I declined and said I was happy just to look around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I saw a watch that I liked and mumbled unconsciously to myself, \"Nice watch.\" The next day the customer had the watch delivered to my hotel. I returned it immediately. It was a good reminder that I could never let down my guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These incidents all happened when I was sixteen or seventeen and are testaments to my immaturity and inexperience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They show how much I still had to learn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes my innocence led to real embarrassment.\n\nThe first New Year after becoming a maiko I was invited to attend the Hatsugama (first tea ceremony of the year) at the Urasenke Tea School, the premier bastion of aesthetic correctness in Japan. It was an honor to be invited, and I was on my best behavior in front of the distinguished group of attendees.\n\nGeiko study the tea ceremony in order to absorb the graciousness that it imparts, but we also must be prepared to perform the ceremony publicly at the annual Miyako Odori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There is an enormous tearoom in the Kaburenjo that holds three hundred guests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On her appointed day, a geiko enacts the ceremony five times before each performance, at fifteen-minute intervals, to accommodate the 1,450 audience members. She herself only prepares tea for the two people who have been invited to participate as guests of honor. The other 298 people are served by serving women who have prepared the tea in an anteroom. Every geiko must study tea, and there is thus a close relationship between the Urasenke Tea School and the Gion Kobu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the Hatsugama, we were seated in a long row around a large room, and an attendant began passing an interesting looking cup from guest to guest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cup had a pointed stem and no base, like a golf tee or a mushroom. There was no way to put the cup down. You had to drink whatever was in it. \"What fun,\" I thought, and when it came to me I drank the contents in one gulp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was disgusting. I had never tasted anything so awful. I thought I was going to throw up. My face must have shown what I was feeling because Mrs. Kayoko Sen, the wife of the previous director of the Urasenke Tea School, who was always very nice to me, laughed and said, \"What's the matter Mine-chan? Don't you like the sake?\"\n\nSAKE? At first I grimaced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then I panicked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had just broken the law! Oh my god, what if I was arrested? My father had put such fear of the law in me that I was terrified of committing crimes. What am I going to do now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But then the cup came around my way again and nobody seemed to think anything was wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't want to make a scene in front of all these important people so I held my breath and gulped it down again. By the time the party was over I had had a lot of sake.\n\nI started to feel strange, but managed to perform my dance without incident. I attended my usual number of banquets in the evening and got through those as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the moment I returned home and walked into the vestibule of the okiya I fell flat on my face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone in the okiya made a big fuss as they helped me take off my costume and put me into my futon.\n\nThe next day I woke up at 6 A.M. as usual but was immediately overcome by an intense feeling of shame and self-loathing. What had I done last night? I couldn't remember anything that happened after I left the tea school." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I couldn't remember anything about any of the ozashiki I had attended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wanted to crawl into a hole and die but had to get up and go to class. Not only had I broken the law but maybe I had behaved disgracefully as well. It was almost too much to bear. I didn't want to face anyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I forced myself to get up to go to class. I took my lesson with Big Mistress, but was convinced that everybody was looking at me funny. I was unbearably uncomfortable. I asked to be excused from the rest of my classes and fled back to the okiya." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as I walked through the door I went straight into the closet. I rocked myself and chanted, \"I'm sorry. Forgive me. I'll never do it again,\" over and over again in my head, like a mantra.\n\nI hadn't taken sanctuary in the closet for quite a while and stayed there for the entire afternoon. I finally came out when it was time to get dressed for work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the last time I allowed myself the comfort of my childhood refuge." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never went back inside the closet again.\n\nI wonder why I was so hard on myself. It was something about my father, something about feeling so alone. I completely believed that the answer to everything was self-discipline.\n\nI believed that self-discipline was the key to beauty." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo reached the Yutoku-za as the sun disappeared below the horizon, leaving only smears of pink against the purples and blues of the evening sky.\n\nThe door to the house stood open.\n\nHiro entered without knocking. After a pause, Father Mateo followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They passed through the entry and into the giant common room beyond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Braziers burned in every corner, illuminating the space." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A paneled screen blocked off one edge of the room. Hiro didn't remember seeing it during his previous visit.\n\nA trio of men stood opposite the screen. The oldest looked about sixty and carried an hourglass-shaped ōtsuzumi at his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each of the younger men held a similar drum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do actors also play music?\" Father Mateo asked in Portuguese.\n\n\"Drums and flutes accompany nō performances,\" Hiro said. \"The musicians may, or may not, be members of the acting troupe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The older man turned at Hiro's voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before he spoke, Yuji emerged from behind the paneled screen.\n\nThe actor wore a gold surcoat atop an elaborate, patterned kimono. A pair of pleated pants peeked out beneath the kimono's lower hem, and though the young man wore no mask he moved with the practiced sliding step of a shite entering the stage.\n\n\"I thought the actors wore masks,\" the Jesuit whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not to practice.\" Hiro shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuji dropped out of character at the sight of Hiro and the priest. \"What are you doing here?\"\n\nThe elderly drummer gave Yuji a look of dismay and started across the floor. When he reached an appropriate distance, he bowed to Hiro and then the priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening, gentlemen,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize for the inappropriate welcome. How may we serve you?\"\n\n\"We have come to speak with Yuji.\" Hiro looked past the older man.\n\nYuji glanced at the other musicians, who suddenly seemed completely absorbed in their instruments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze returned to Hiro, and he bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. Please give me a moment to change my clothes. I would be honored to buy you a flask of sake at the restaurant up the street. I would not dare dishonor you by asking you to remain in a house of mourning.\"\n\nHiro considered a comment about the actor's rapid recovery from illness, but decided not to harass the youth as long as he cooperated. \"You may go and change.\"\n\nYuji bowed and disappeared through a sliding door at the back of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The elderly drummer turned to the young musicians." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Continue your practice in the garden. I will join you shortly.\"\n\n\"But, Master Tani,\" one of them said, \"the evening air will wet the drums...\"\n\n\"No more than it will in two days' time, when you perform outside at the temple.\" The old man made a dismissive gesture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Light the lanterns. I will join you soon.\"\n\nThe drummers bowed and left the room.\n\nTani turned to Hiro and bowed again. \"Forgive my presumption, but are you the men investigating the death of my grandniece, Emi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The magistrate has forbidden investigation,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The yoriki declared there was no crime.\"\n\n\"Of course, sir. Please forgive my error.\" Tani nodded deeply. \"I would never question a yoriki's word.\"\n\nSomething in the old man's tone made Hiro ask, \"If we did have an interest in certain events by the river, two nights past... would you have information to provide?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am only an elderly man, granduncle to a beautiful girl who died far younger than she should.\" Tani lowered his gaze to the ground. \"What could I know?\"\n\n\"Something you'd rather your students did not hear,\" Hiro countered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Otherwise, you would not have sent them into the evening air, where the dew might wet the ōtsuzumi skins.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tani looked up. \"Do you play the instrument, sir?\"\n\n\"I know the sound will suffer if the skin gets damp.\" Hiro paused. \"What do you know about Emi's murder?\"\n\n\"Nothing about the killing,\" Tani said, \"but a man who wanted to learn the truth might ask if anything else of value disappeared from this place the night that Emi died—or the night before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something of value,\" Father Mateo said. \"Like golden coins?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gold?\" The old man shook his head. \"Perhaps, to a priest, that seems a treasure. Sir, I speak of something irreplaceable—a mask. A sacred mask for nō, bestowed by the kami on the Yutoku-za as a sign of special favor.\"\n\n\"The mask disappeared—it was stolen?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"Unless the kami took it back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Irony weighted Tani's words. \"Or, possibly, someone sold it.\"\n\n\"Sold it? For what purpose?\" Father Mateo seemed confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tani looked over his shoulder, as if to ensure the room was empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A mask so important that only the head of the za is allowed to touch it? Sir, an object so important to us would never disappear, unless its owner needed the money for something... vital.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shoji at the back of the room rustled open, revealing Yuji. The actor now wore a light blue tunic and gray striped pants beneath a patterned kimono. He hadn't bothered to bind his hair, which flowed down his back like a waterfall.\n\nHiro silently cursed the young man's timing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted to learn more about the mask.\n\nYuji approached and bowed. \"I apologize for keeping you waiting. If you please?\" He gestured toward the exit and offered them a nervous smile.\n\nHiro nodded farewell to Tani and turned to Yuji. \"Lead the way.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION REQUIRED:\nLength: five sentences sentences\nGenre: mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bathhouse sat just east of the river, on a street whose businesses were closed and shuttered at this time of night. Despite the lack of passersby, Hiro and Satsu remained in the shadows as they carried the dōshin's body between them. Father Mateo followed with the head, holding it as far away from his body as he could manage.\n\n\"This way.\" Satsu turned into a narrow passage between the bathhouse and the business next door.\n\nA double line of trees separated the back of the building from the open common space at the center of the block." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In daylight the trees offered privacy and enhanced the lovely setting for bathhouse patrons. In the darkness, they provided perfect cover for three men and a samurai's headless corpse.\n\nSatsu paused in front of the undersized door that led to the bathhouse boiler room. \"Set him down for a minute.\"\n\nHiro helped the actor lower the body to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\" Father Mateo whispered as Satsu opened the little door and ducked inside. \"Isn't that where they...\"\n\nA rustling came from the boiler room, followed by a metallic creak. Sparks flared to life in the house's wood-burning oven as Satsu stirred the coals with a poker. The actor's silhouette blocked the glow as he tossed a handful of kindling into the oven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sparks grew into flames.\n\nFather Mateo's mouth fell open in horror. He shook his head, the motion barely visible in the shadows.\n\nSatsu returned to the yard. The orange glow of tiny flames emerged from the darkened room beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As I hoped, the fire was banked but came to life at once with a little kindling.\" Satsu extended his hands to the priest. \"We'll start with the head.\"\n\nFather Mateo backed away.\n\n\"This isn't the time for argument,\" Hiro whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have no choice.\"\n\n\"The bathhouse owners will find him in the morning!\" Father Mateo sounded close to panic. \"The flames may burn his flesh, but not the bones.\"\n\n\"The owners will bury the bones and ask no questions,\" Satsu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now hand it over.\"\n\nFather Mateo turned his face away and handed the dōshin's head to Satsu. When the burden left his hands, he made the sign of the cross and bowed his head to pray.\n\nSatsu ducked into the boiler room and tossed the head into the fire. He added another handful of kindling; moments later the air was filled with the odors of scorching hair and burning flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo coughed and retched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The smell will attract attention,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fortunately, this bath is known for its scented waters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satsu grabbed a fresh pine bough from a pile beside the boiler room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tossed it onto the fire, and though the smoke that rose from the oven didn't completely hide the acrid, fatty smells of burning samurai, it did reduce the stench to a level that wouldn't raise alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One more problem,\" Hiro said. \"The body won't fit in the oven in this condition.\"\n\nSatsu reached inside his tunic and withdrew a wicked-looking dagger. \"That's a problem I can solve. It's time for you to take the foreigner home.\"\n\nFather Mateo raised his head." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We cannot leave you here alone.\"\n\n\"With respect, you also cannot stay.\" Satsu turned to the priest. \"One of my duties in Kyoto is handling inconvenient corpses. This is not my first dead samurai. I am better trained, and better able, to address this problem. I appreciate your sense of honor, but I promise your concern is quite misplaced.\n\n\"Please bring my daughter's coin to Fushimi Inari tomorrow morning. After that, we must not ever speak again.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 3 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to stick to the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took well over an hour for Hiro and Father Mateo to reach Fushimi Inari Shrine, which lay southeast of the city proper and east of the Kamo River.\n\nHiro approached a bald-headed monk at the enormous torii gate that marked the entrance to the shrine. \"Good morning. Can you direct us to the stage where the nō rehearsal is taking place?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With respect, you've come too early,\" the monk replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The performance won't take place until tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Forgive me.\" Hiro bowed. \"We did not come to watch the show. The foreign priest is curious. He hoped to see the actors in rehearsal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah.\" The monk nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive my error. They finished setting up the stage this morning. The actors should be starting practice now.\" He turned and gestured to the east. \"If you follow the path in that direction, around the base of the mountain, you will find them. Or, if you prefer, I can escort you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Hiro said, \"but we can find the way ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk bowed. \"Of course, sir. As you wish.\"\n\nHiro and Father Mateo walked along the tree-lined path. The golden beams of the rising sun filtered through the branches as the scents of dust and pine perfumed the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo looked at the pine trees towering overhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a lovely place.\"\n\n\"Inari is one of the most important kami,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"The god of foxes, unless I'm mistaken,\" Father Mateo replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As well as rice, and tea, and sake,\" Hiro added, \"and other things.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder why the Yutoku-za is performing here, instead of in a private home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most likely, the samurai wanted to garner favor with Inari Ōkami as well as friends and family,\" Hiro said. \"That, or he lacked the space to host a performance in his home.\"\n\nA wailing chant echoed through the trees from somewhere up ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am a courtier in the service of Emperor Shujaku. You must know that the prime minister's daughter, Princess Aoi, has fallen sick...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo stopped walking. \"What is that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro smiled. \"Rehearsal has begun.\"\n\nThey continued along the path until they emerged from the trees and entered a clearing large enough to hold at least a hundred people. On the opposite side of the clearing, a trio of drummers knelt across the back of a large, raised platform, which served as a stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A line of men in matching blue kimono knelt along the right side of the stage, facing inward toward the platform's center. A masked performer wearing a white outer tunic knelt in front of the group. His face tilted downward, toward a folded gold kimono that lay near the front and center of the stage." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuji stood near the back of the stage, wearing a patterned surcoat over white hakama. He held a fan and wore a courtier's tall, cylindrical hat atop his head.\n\n\"Stop here,\" Hiro murmured. \"We don't want to interrupt.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 1 sentence, keeping within the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Hiro's relief, the house was empty except for Ana and Gato, and the housekeeper reported no visitors since Father Vilela left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro retrieved the priest from the yard, and they entered the house together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why make me wait outside?\" the Jesuit asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shinobi don't blow up bridges without a reason,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had to make sure whatever they're doing didn't include an attack on the foreign priests.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo nodded. \"That makes sense. Do you think it's safe to visit Botan this evening?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Hiro said, \"but we have to risk it if we want to solve the crime. Between now and then, I suggest you start packing for tomorrow's trip.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo sighed. \"I suppose I should, though I won't take much. I don't intend to stay away for long. Which raises another question—where will we go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Father Vilela suggested Iga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro smiled. \"Home is pleasant in the autumn, if a little cold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone pounded on the priest's front door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pounding continued as Father Mateo hurried through the common room, into the entry. Hiro followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ana's footsteps entered the common room behind them, but stopped as the housekeeper realized Father Mateo had reached the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She often reminded the priest that men of rank did not open the door themselves, but also wouldn't embarrass him in front of a guest by following him to the entry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo opened the door. \"May I help...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He trailed off at the sight of Yoriki Hosokawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro glanced up the street but saw no sign of the scruffy dōshin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yoriki must have ordered him to continue investigating near the bridge, or created another excuse to leave him behind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Either way, it did not bode well that Yoriki Hosokawa came alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want my money,\" the yoriki said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry?\" Father Mateo looked confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yoriki looked at Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Translate. Either the foreigner gives me gold or I will tell the magistrate that he—and you—are the ones who killed the girl by the river. I'll claim that you faked the investigation in order to blame the crime on someone else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro translated the threat into Portuguese to stall for time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the end he added, \"Pretend you're angry, so we can discuss this further without him understanding what we say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have to pretend,\" Father Mateo replied in Portuguese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't he do this when we investigated the brewery murder?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the problem?\" the yoriki snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro bowed. \"I apologize. The foreigner does not understand. In his country, the police are honest men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You lie.\" Yoriki Hosokawa looked at Father Mateo and shifted to simple Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You give me money or I hurt you badly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo feigned surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would you hurt me? What have I done?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You see?\" Hiro said. \"He doesn't understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He understands, and your lies will get you nowhere,\" the yoriki growled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need gold, for armor and weapons, to enlist in the shogun's army, and this foreigner is going to make that happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will try to explain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro shifted to Portuguese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now I know why he didn't try this during the other investigation. The shogun recently offered honor and status to any man who volunteers for the army before the war begins.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he already has a government position,\" Father Mateo replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A dead-end post in a low-ranking part of the government,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is his chance to elevate his status.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he took money from the actors—and, presumably, from others too—why doesn't he have the gold he needs already?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Armor and weapons are expensive,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With the shogun raising taxes, people haven't much gold to give. He probably believes you're wealthy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's got a rude surprise in store.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo switched to Japanese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have no gold. In my religion, priests must live in poverty. We take a vow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Again, you lie.\" The yoriki glanced at the roof above the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You own a house, and there's a stable around the back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo made an expansive gesture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These things belong to the church and to the merchant who shares this house, not me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be most unfortunate if this lovely dwelling burned to the ground while you were in prison awaiting execution,\" the yoriki said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro had an idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll get the gold, but we need time—a couple of days, at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have until tomorrow at sunset, not a minute longer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yoriki paused. \"And in return for my generosity, I want twenty golden coins. If you do not pay, I'll arrest you both for killing the girl. If you run, I will hunt you down and kill you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo drew a breath, but the yoriki barked, \"No argument! I have spoken. And I warn you, my dōshin will swear they saw the priest attack the girl.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both of them?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Both of them,\" Yoriki Hosokawa affirmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A moment later he narrowed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you ask that question?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I merely wondered if all policemen were as corrupt as you,\" the Jesuit said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could kill you right now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the yoriki yelled. \"Do not disrespect me again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you kill me, you will get nothing,\" the priest said calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And calling you corrupt is a statement of fact, not disrespect. A man who steals from the poor does not deserve to be called a samurai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know nothing of samurai,\" Yoriki Hosokawa hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get the gold, or your life is forfeit—and I will take pleasure in killing you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and walked away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo stood in the doorway and watched the yoriki stride away up the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he really just extort us—and threaten to kill me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Desperate men resort to desperate measures,\" Hiro said as they went inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was foolish of you to mention the missing dōshin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was trying to find out if they had found him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By asking a question that suggests he's missing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro asked. \"He could have killed you—would have killed you—if the body had been found.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But he didn't,\" Father Mateo said, \"so now we know they haven't found the body.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What body?\" Ana emerged from the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you investigating another murder?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" the two men said together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hm.\" Ana turned and went back into the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo drew the golden coin from his purse and examined it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why would he ask for gold? Most people in Kyoto trade in silver.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gold has higher value,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's easier to carry and conceal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo returned the coin to his purse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope Luis has the coins we need, or sufficient silver to trade for them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry about the gold,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the time the yoriki comes for it, we'll be out of Kyoto and far beyond his reach.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about Ana and Luis?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo frowned. \"He threatened to burn the house—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He will not bother Ana. She has no gold. The part about the house was an empty threat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least, he hoped so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe,\" Father Mateo said, \"but we need to be certain. Later tonight, we're going to see Botan. And now we don't need to worry about the yoriki. He won't arrest us before he gets his money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not unless he connects us with the missing dōshin.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even then, he won't arrest us,\" Father Mateo said. \"He'll kill us.\"\n\n\"Yes, but, as you already noted, not until he gets his gold.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with 2 sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they passed Okazaki Shrine, an enormous crow flew out through the torii, circled over the road, and landed on the shoulder of the white-clad temple maiden standing near the shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro looked at the priestess and suddenly realized she wasn't the woman who normally sold amulets at the entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she wasn't a stranger, either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman's face scarred Hiro's mind as surely as her hands had marked his shoulder and his inner thigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Neko?\" He choked on the name.\n\nHe didn't understand how this was possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She should have been older, by a decade—but Hiro could never forget that face, or the knowing smile that spread across it as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo looked confused. \"Cat? What cat?\"\n\nHiro barely registered the Jesuit's confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His heart beat fast, and his shoulder ached with the memory of a pain that cut far deeper than torn flesh and injured bone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The temple maiden bowed to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, sir. Neko does mean 'cat,' but in Japan it is also a name.\" She turned to Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"However, it is not my name. I am Mika. Neko is my sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro's thoughts began to clear, he noted subtle differences: the bridge of the nose, and the shape of the woman's ears. Even so... \"You look just like her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mika nodded. \"Everyone says that, but for the difference in age, we might be twins.\"\n\nA memory flashed through Hiro's mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw you in the street two nights ago, near Father Mateo's home. I did not see your face, but the shape was yours. You weren't alone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mika nodded and gestured to the torii.\n\nA pair of boys stepped out from behind the pillars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The skinny one stood as tall as Father Mateo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro recognized him also.\n\n\"You set the charge on the bridge,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skinny boy nodded.\n\n\"Ichiro!\" Father Mateo exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When did you return to Kyoto?\"\n\nHiro looked at the second boy and recognized him as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ashikaga Ichiro was the son of a murdered samurai whose killer Hiro and Father Mateo had brought to justice earlier that summer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cousin of the late Shogun Ashikaga, Ichiro had fled the city shortly after the shogun's death.\n\n\"Do not use his name,\" Mika said. \"It is dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've been following us for days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro lowered his voice and looked around. \"Is Kazu with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's not in the city.\" Ichiro extended his hand to the crow, which fluttered its wings and hopped across to the young man's arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hanzo sent us to you, with a message. You must return to Iga immediately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wondered when and where the young samurai had obtained a crow and trained it to follow him so well. Unfortunately, more pressing concerns prevented that particular line of questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has Hanzo terminated my assignment to guard the priest?\"\n\nHe hoped the answer was no, though he couldn't imagine another reason for the head of the Iga ryu to summon him home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mika shook her head. \"On the contrary, Hanzo says you must bring the priest and leave as soon as possible—today, if you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The order seemed legitimate, but Hiro found it hard to trust the girl. She looked too much like the woman who had betrayed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Hanzo sent you with a message, why did you wait so long to deliver it?\"\n\nIchiro stepped forward to answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hanzo ordered us not to approach, or reveal ourselves, unless we could speak with you alone. We tried...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were the beggar outside Pontochō.\" Hiro glanced at the crow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bird attacked the dōshin to protect you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ichiro looked at the crow with pride. \"He did.\" He gestured to the slender boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Roku tried to contact you at Shijō Bridge, but a yoriki reached you first.\"\n\n\"It looked like you were in trouble,\" Roku said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I planted a charge by the bridge to distract him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It worked.\" Hiro paused, remembering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw the crow in the Jesuit's garden also.\"\n\nIchiro nodded. \"I put him there hoping you would approach the wall, but you stayed too close to the house. I couldn't reveal myself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why make contact now? I'm not alone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've waited too long as it is. We had to risk it.\" Ichiro stroked the crow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It closed its eyes and ruffled its feathers in response." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only the priest is here,\" Roku added, \"and he's supposed to go with you anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro was almost ready to believe them, but not quite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why would Hanzo send such an important message with a group of children?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A test, to see if we're ready for bigger assignments,\" Mika said. \"If you don't reach Iga in time, we fail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo frowned. \"In time for what?\"\n\n\"Someone tried to kill Hattori Hanzo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tall boy sounded worried.\n\n\"Shut up, Roku,\" Mika hissed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hanzo told us to deliver the message and nothing more.\"\n\n\"Who tried to kill Hanzo?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A traitor,\" Roku answered, \"but he failed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Koga ryu is sending a delegation to Iga to discuss an alliance,\" Ichiro said. \"Hanzo wants two of his best shinobi to observe the negotiations and to protect him—and the visitors—from harm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's the other bodyguard?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro dreaded the answer because he suspected he already knew it.\n\nMika smiled. \"My sister, Neko.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course.\" Hiro wondered whether Hanzo remembered the last time his \"best shinobi\" had seen one another. Neko was covered in Hiro's blood—and Hiro had sworn to avenge the betrayal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood for blood. It was the shinobi way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanzo doubtless expected Hiro to put his personal issues behind him. Hiro wasn't certain he could... or that he wanted to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you go to Iga?\" Ichiro sounded hopeful.\n\nHiro nodded. \"We will leave this afternoon.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Ichiro bowed, causing the crow to spread its wings for balance. He looked at the others. \"We should go.\"\n\nMika and Roku bowed, and all three of them disappeared into Okazaki Shrine." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! gimme three sentences more. stick to mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo walked home together in heavy silence.\n\nHiro knew the Jesuit disapproved of death by suicide. He wondered if the priest would have preferred Chou die by public hanging, but didn't ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Words that could not help were often better left unspoken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they reached the bridge at Marutamachi Road, the samurai on duty stepped out to meet them. \"Heading home?\"\n\nFather Mateo bowed. \"I have finished my business.\"\n\nHiro sensed finality in the words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the samurai moved aside to let them pass, a voice behind them yelled, \"Stop those men!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro turned to see the yoriki approaching.\n\nThe guard looked wary. Hiro considered running, but it wouldn't solve the problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Better to talk their way out of this, if they could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is something wrong?\" the samurai asked as Yoriki Hosokawa reached them.\n\n\"These men are under arrest,\" the yoriki said. \"They failed to pay a fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fine is not due until later today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro gestured toward the sun. \"We still have several hours.\"\n\n\"The fine is overdue,\" the yoriki snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo turned to the guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please help me. I have committed no crime. This man abuses his power to steal from the innocent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How dare you!\" Sunlight flashed on the yoriki's sword as it flew toward Father Mateo's neck—and stopped with a clang as Hiro's katana met it in the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yoriki froze, stunned by the interference." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Step aside, ronin!\" he demanded.\n\n\"No.\" Hiro didn't lower his sword. \"I am saving you the embarrassment of killing a foreign priest and starting a war. Come to the foreigner's home. We will pay you in full.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro felt the pressure on his katana lessen slightly as Yoriki Hosokawa considered the offer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped the yoriki's greed would prevail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man wanted money badly, and Father Mateo would earn him nothing dead.\n\nHosokawa lowered his sword. \"Fine. But we're going immediately. No tricks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro sheathed his katana." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A samurai always honors his word.\"\n\nThe guard stepped away with visible relief as Yoriki Hosokawa returned his sword to its sheath as well.\n\nHiro and Father Mateo walked up the road with the yoriki between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Jesuit leaned forward and looked at Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you got the money?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked in Portuguese.\n\n\"Speak Japanese!\" the yoriki ordered. \"None of your foreign trickery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro didn't answer. He was working out a plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had almost reached the Jesuit's home when the yoriki stopped and demanded, \"What's going on here?\"\n\nA horse-drawn wagon stood in the road in front of Father Mateo's home. Straw-wrapped sake barrels filled the cart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man in an artisan's tunic and trousers stood beside the bony horses hitched to the front of the wagon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned, and Hiro realized with shock that the man was Ginjiro.\n\nLuis and Ana emerged from the house with woven baskets in their hands.\n\nThe yoriki turned to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were planning to flee the city!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached for his sword.\n\n\"Wait!\" Hiro raised a hand. \"We have the payment in the house, as you demanded. We would never leave without paying you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoriki Hosokawa looked suspicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why is the cart already here?\"\n\n\"Packing a house takes time,\" Hiro said. \"Please come inside.\"\n\n\"No tricks.\" The yoriki drew his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The foreigner goes first. Then you. Then me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo walked toward the house. Hiro followed.\n\n\"You stay here,\" the yoriki growled at Ana and Luis as he passed.\n\n\"Go to the kitchen and don't look back,\" Hiro whispered in Portuguese as they entered the common room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No foreign talk!\" the yoriki snapped. \"I told yo—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The final word became a gurgle as Hiro spun, wakizashi in hand, and opened a gash in the yoriki's throat.\n\nYoriki Hosokawa dropped his sword and clutched his neck. His eyes went wide with surprise and disbelief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crimson blood welled up between his fingers and spilled down across his tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flow pulsed with every beat of his heart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He choked and spat out blood.\n\nHiro stepped forward and thrust his sword through the yoriki's chest, using an upward angle designed to pierce the lungs and heart.\n\nYoriki Hosokawa fell to his knees and coughed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A rivulet of blood dripped off his lips and spattered on the wooden floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I promised you payment in full, and now you have it.\" Hiro withdrew the sword. \"A samurai keeps his word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoriki Hosokawa tried to speak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The effort sent a spray of blood across the floor. He choked and slumped over, dead. Blood drained from his mouth and pooled around his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wiped the blade of his sword on the yoriki's surcoat.\n\n\"Hiro,\" Father Mateo gasped, \"what have you done?\"\n\n\"What I had to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He returned his sword to its sheath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Luis has silver. We could have paid him.\"\n\n\"He would have killed you the moment he had it.\" Hiro looked down at the yoriki's body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He could not risk you telling Magistrate Ishimaki what he'd done.\"\n\n\"He didn't kill Botan or Jiro,\" Father Mateo objected.\n\n\"Commoners have no access to the magistrate, but Ishimaki would listen to you. He had no intention of letting you live.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro shook his head. \"The Hosokawa are mostly noble. The clan is better off without him in it.\"\n\nLuis walked into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We heard shouting.\" He noticed the body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now that's happened. Good thing I arranged for us to leave the city promptly. They would hang you both as murderers by nightfall.\"\n\n\"You arranged... How do you know Ginjiro?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"I don't, but I know you saved his life. And now he's saving yours. Let's go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Luis turned around and left the house, as if expecting the others to follow.\n\nThey did, though Hiro took the time to change his bloodstained clothes for clean ones. As he left his room, he regretted the loss of his favorite gray kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While this one was also gray, it was only his second-best." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside, Ginjiro let go of the horses' rope and bowed to Hiro. \"Please do not tell me what happened here. Some things, it is better not to know. I am glad to help you, but we should hurry. Get into the barrels now.\"\n\nAna had already climbed into the cart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held her basket in one hand and used the other to open a barrel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clasping the basket tightly against her chest, she climbed inside.\n\n\"We have an hour, at most, before they come,\" Luis said as he reached the cart.\n\n\"Before who comes?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Luis's cheeks flushed angry red." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Simão Duarte arrived this morning, earlier than expected. A few minutes after he reached the warehouse, a pair of samurai showed up and ordered me to go to the shogun's palace. Apparently, the shogun wants to revoke my license and our travel permit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He wanted to see you in person for that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo sounded suspicious.\n\n\"I didn't believe it either,\" Luis said, \"so I sneaked out the back of the warehouse and ran directly to this man's brewery.\"\n\nHiro eyed the merchant's bulging belly and puffy legs. \"You ran?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do possess the ability.\" Luis glared.\n\nGinjiro climbed into the back of the cart and sealed a lid on the barrel with Ana inside. \"Don't worry,\" he said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with 6 sentences more. Laura Joh Rowland vibes in Sano Ichiro 4 genre k?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Hirata rode across the Ryogoku Bridge, he divided his attention between steering his horse past a band of porters hauling wood from the Honjo lumber yards and studying the plan for his second interview with Lady Ichiteru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He mumbled the directions scribbled in the margins. \"Interview suspect at Edo Castle, not at the theater.\" \"Do not let suspect evade questions.\" \"If suspect makes lewd remarks, order her to stop.\" \"Do not think about sex while interviewing suspect.\" \"Above all, do not let suspect touch you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To fill a big hole in the fabric of the murder investigation, he must extract the relevant information from Lady Ichiteru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to correct his slip-up before Sano found out and lost trust in him. He wanted to rebuild his former image of himself as a good detective. And he desperately needed something to make up for the disappointing results of his other inquiries.\n\nYesterday the detective corps had failed to locate either the Indian arrow toxin or the elusive drug peddler, Choyei. This morning Hirata had sent them out to interrogate contacts within Edo's criminal underworld. He'd just revisited police headquarters, to no avail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seemed little hope of solving the case by tracing the poison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano didn't believe Lieutenant Kushida was guilty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Failure would bring severe punishment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything might depend on Hirata's handling of the interview with Lady Ichiteru.\n\nHe'd spent a restless night, alternating between vivid, erotic dreams of her and wakeful bouts of self-recrimination. What a fool he was to let her trick him! After the capture of Lieutenant Kushida, he'd given up on sleep and formulated his plan for the interview. Now he would continue the search for Choyei while memorizing the plan and strengthening his resolve to withstand Lady Ichiteru's charms.\n\nYet even as Hirata tucked the paper under his sash for later reference, he yearned for Lady Ichiteru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his memory, he heard her soft, husky voice, felt the warmth of her seductive gaze and the thrilling touch of her hand. Immediately a wave of heat swept his body. And beneath the excitement, he experienced the humiliating knowledge of his social inferiority, the helplessness of his desire.\n\n\"Watch out, master!\"\n\nThe warning, called out by a passing stranger, snapped Hirata out of his thoughts. He looked up and saw that he'd passed the end of the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His horse was meandering down the street, trampling wares set out for sale by itinerant vendors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quickly Hirata reined in his mount." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My apologies,\" he said, increasingly worried about the upcoming interview. How would he get the truth from Lady Ichiteru if even the mere thought of her ruined his concentration?\n\nReaching the Honjo Muko Ryogoku entertainment district, he found the revelry undiminished by the dreary weather. A theater troupe improvised comedies in the street, before a large, noisy audience; business flourished in the teahouses and restaurants. But the freak show was closed, its platform empty and sliding doors pulled over the entrance. A sign outside read, NO PERFORMANCE TODAY." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hirata's spirits fell. If the Rat was out roaming the town, he could be gone for hours, even days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much for leads on the poison dealer.\n\nThen, as Hirata turned his horse back toward the bridge, he spotted a familiar figure amid the pleasure seekers. It was the bald giant who served as the Rat's bodyguard and collected admission fees at the shows. He headed down the firebreak, past the gambling dens and curiosity shows. Hirata followed. Maybe the giant could tell him where the Rat was.\n\nThe giant vanished into a gap between the wild animal menagerie and a noodle stall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A mob of drunks reeled in front of Hirata, blocking his way, and by the time he reached the gap, the giant was nowhere in sight. Hirata dismounted and secured his horse to a post. He walked down the narrow passage, which smelled of urine and led to an alley that ran behind the buildings. Roars emanated from the menagerie; steam wafted from restaurant kitchens; stray dogs foraged in malodorous garbage bins. Otherwise, the alley was deserted.\n\nHirata hurried past the closed rear doors of businesses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard voices: the Rat's rustic accent, and someone else's muffled tones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came from the back room of a teahouse. Hirata peered through the barred window.\n\nCeramic sake urns lined the room. The Rat knelt on the floor, his back to Hirata, his shaggy head nodding as he listened to the woman seated opposite him. A cloak veiled her hair and body. In the faint daylight from the window, Hirata could just make out her face: plain and not young, with blackened teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The deal will benefit both of us,\" she said in a low, pleading voice. \"My family will have peace, and your business will prosper.\"\n\n\"All right. Five hundred koban, and that's my final price,\" answered the Rat.\n\nThe woman bowed her head. \"Very well. If you'll come with me, we'll get it now.\"\n\nHaving seen the Rat conduct this type of negotiation before, Hirata guessed what was going on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised a hand to knock on the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then a change in the atmosphere warned him of another human presence in the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whirled. Strong hands grabbed his shoulders, lifting him off the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found himself face to face with the Rat's giant.\n\n\"I'm here to see your master,\" Hirata explained, struggling in the man's iron grip. \"Put me down!\"\n\nAn evil grin split the giant's face. With dismay Hirata remembered that he was a deaf mute. He threw Hirata against the wall with a jarring crash. Hirata drew his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the door screeched open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\" demanded the Rat. Seeing Hirata facing off against his servant, he rushed outside, ordering, \"Stop, Kyojin!\"\n\nThe giant made gurgling sounds while pointing at the window, trying to say he'd caught Hirata spying.\n\n\"This man is police.\" Speaking with exaggerated lip movements, the Rat gestured in what seemed a private form of sign language. \"Lay off before he kills you and arrests me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Glowering, the giant retreated. Hirata relaxed and sheathed his sword. \"How nice to see you again so soon,\" said the Rat, with an insincere grin. \"What can I do for you today?\"\n\n\"Have you found Choyei, the drug peddler?\"\n\nGlancing nervously toward the open door, the Rat pawed at his whiskers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have time to talk now; I'm right in the middle of some business.\" He did a double take and rushed into the teahouse's back room, then came out muttering curses. \"She's gone—must have slipped out the other way.\" Then he shrugged. \"Oh, well. She'll be back. She's selling her deformed child to my freak show,\" he explained, confirming Hirata's guess. \"Poor thing was born with no feet. Who else would want it except me? Now what were you saying?\"\n\n\"The drug peddler,\" Hirata prompted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah.\" The Rat's sly little eyes gleamed through strands of long, untidy hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid I couldn't find him. Sorry.\"\n\n\"But it's only been one day,\" Hirata said. \"How far could you have looked in that time?\"\n\n\"The Rat has eyes and ears all over Edo. If they haven't picked up on Choyei by now, then either he's left town or was never here in the first place.\"\n\nIf his best informant couldn't find the possible source of the poison, then this lead was a dead end, Hirata thought. Disappointment turned to anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I paid you good money,\" he said, grabbing the Rat's collar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The giant moved toward him. \"Are you reneging on our deal?\"\n\n\"Stay, Kyojin! Oh, no. Not at all!\" The Rat quickly reached into the pouch at his waist and extracted a handful of coins, which he gave Hirata. \"Here you go. A full refund, with my apologies.\"\n\nSuspicion deepened Hirata's anger as he stuffed the coins in his own pouch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since when had the Rat ever voluntarily relinquished money?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you trying to trick me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook the freak-show proprietor until his head bobbled. \"Did Choyei pay you off?\"\n\n\"No, no! Honest!\"\n\nThe Rat struggled. The giant grabbed Hirata. A three-way tussle ensued. Finally Hirata gave up and let go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I find out you lied to me, you'll be arrested. And jailed. And beaten!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He underscored each threat by jabbing the Rat's chest with his fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stalked down the alley to retrieve his horse.\n\nIt was time to confront Lady Ichiteru.\n\nBy the time Hirata arrived back at Edo Castle, he was almost ill with eagerness to see Lady Ichiteru again. His skin felt feverish; his hands trembled as he rode through the main gate; anticipation evoked arousal. Realizing that he shouldn't face Lady Ichiteru alone in his condition, he stopped at Sano's mansion and fetched two detectives to accompany him. Their presence would ensure that he stuck to his plan and Lady Ichiteru behaved properly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But just as Hirata and the detectives were leaving the barracks, a servant hurried up.\n\n\"This came while you were gone, master,\" he said, proffering a small lacquer scroll case.\n\nHirata took it and withdrew a letter. As he read, his heart began to pound.\n\n'I have vitally important information relating to Lady Harume's murder. It is imperative that I speak to you—but not today, and not here at Edo Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the wrong people to overhear what I must impart would endanger my life. Please meet me tomorrow at the hour of the sheep, at the location described below.\n\nAnd please come alone.\n\nIt is with more than ordinary pleasure that I look forward to seeing you again.\n\n-Lady Ichiteru'\n\nA map followed, with directions written in the same elegant, feminine hand as the message." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The creamy white rice paper had the softness of living flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moistened by Hirata's suddenly sweaty hands, it gave off the scent of Lady Ichiteru's perfume." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impulsively he pressed it against his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the smell evoked erotic memories, he forgot the day's disappointments. Lady Ichiteru wanted to see him again! Did not her closing words imply that she shared his feelings? His spirits soared. He laughed aloud.\n\n\"Hirata-san? What are you doing?\"\n\nHirata looked up to see the detectives watching him with concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing,\" he said, hastily cramming the letter into the scroll case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are we going to visit Lady Ichiteru now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "asked one of the men.\n\nAll Hirata's police instincts told him to stick to the plan he'd devised and avoid letting a murder suspect manipulate him. She's up to no good, said his inner voice. Yet Hirata couldn't endanger Lady Ichiteru by forcing her to give evidence within hearing of spies. And he yearned to explore the full potential of an acquaintance with her—outside Edo Castle's confines, free from the constraints of duty and prudence.\n\n\"No,\" he said at last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm postponing the interview until tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he would decide whether to accept Lady Ichiteru's invitation. Deep inside Hirata, seven years of detective experience clamored in warning. \"Dismissed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 1 sentence continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Beverly Jenkins" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scrubbing sheets on an iron washboard, Teresa thought about her capture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although it had taken place three years ago, the memory felt like both yesterday and a lifetime." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wondered how Cloud was faring up in Kansas with her brother Neil and her sister-in-law Olivia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did the stallion miss her as much as she missed him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because musing on the past brought on a sadness she refused to acknowledge, she turned her attention back to the sheets she was supposed to be washing and stuck her red raw hands down into the hot lye-laced water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sheets piled on the ground beside her were waiting their turn on the washboard, and it would be dark before they were all done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But being a Black Seminole, she didn't mind the work; the necessity of living a hard life was in her blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What she did mind was that she was in prison in Pennsylvania." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because she'd chosen to stay on the wrong side of the law instead of turning herself in, as her brother had, Hanging Judge Parker wanted to teach her a lesson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd sentenced her not to a prison in her beloved West, but here, up North, where she'd had to suffer through cold, mean winters, was too far away for family to visit her, and where she knew no one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa wiped the sweat from her brow and looked out at the other women in the yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were about fifty of them, and they too were hanging laundry and standing over wooden barrels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd been sent here for everything from stabbing their husbands to picking pockets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were dressed in the same faded and worn blue sacks that passed for gowns, and prisoners wearing shoes outnumbered those without." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa transferred the wet clean sheets to the female prisoner operating one of the many ringers, then returned to her own vat to start on the next sheet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today's batch of linens had come from one of the area's hospitals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow's would be from the fancy Philadelphia hotels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Washing and hanging sheet after sheet, day after day, was mindless, back-breaking work, but at least they were outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the winter the prisoners were forced to stay indoors, which bred fights, petty thievery, and sometimes madness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By late afternoon she was tired, as they all were, and there was nothing to look forward to when the day ended but a plate of beans and salt pork that would be, and had always been, dinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a result, most of the women were thin and listless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa doubted she'd ever again fit the leathers she'd worn here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her once vibrant midnight skin was gray, her chopped-off hair matted and as full of lice as everyone else's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"July!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa turned. It was Mrs. Cassidy, a burly brown-skinned matron whose sour expression had never changed in the three years Teresa had been in residence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Warden wants to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Being summoned could be related to anything from a death in the family to punishments for infractions, real and imagined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa wordlessly dried her hands and followed the matron across the field to the buildings a few feet away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warden was a White man named Burns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rarely ventured out of his office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa had only seen him twice before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up at her, but his face gave nothing away as to what this grand summoning might be about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're probably wondering why you're here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's about that fight last month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fight had been between a surly prisoner named Ethel and the only matron in the place who seemed to care at all about the inmates, a woman named Doreen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Ethel had jumped Doreen, Teresa jumped Ethel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I submitted a request to the prison board,\" Burns said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ethel had been sent to another facility, and Teresa was certain they were about to do the same to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited, steeling herself for the blow to come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The board has decided to give you credit for your time served as a way of rewarding you for coming to the aid of the matron.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa blinked and her legs wobbled for an instant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a deep breath to steady herself, then met the man's emotionless blue eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This means that in two hours you will be free to leave here in the company of a charity representative who helps women like you readjust to the outside. You will be her ward for the next year. Any infractions and you will be returned here to serve out the rest of your five-year time. Is that understood?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa was so moved she couldn't speak, so she nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that a yes, July?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Cassidy will help you get prepared. Good luck, July.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, sir, and thank you to the board.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't make me regret this decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't. I promise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two hours later she walked out of prison and over to a wagon waiting by the side of the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An elderly Black man held the reins. \"You Miss July?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Mr. Boswell, I'm here to take you to Mrs. Nance. Crawl in the back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa complied and made herself as comfortable as she could amidst the straw and farming implements in the wagon bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We got about an hour worth of traveling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't care if the journey took six hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was free! \"Mind if I sleep?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not a bit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A weary but happy Teresa closed her eyes, and before he even pulled away from the prison walls, she was asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa didn't realize she'd slept through the entire ride until she was jostled awake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her slumber had been so sound that it took her a few moments to shake off the bleariness and focus on the stern brown face of the woman who was gently shaking her shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come,\" the woman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Boswell needs to get back to town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa grabbed the small bag holding her personal belongings and pushed herself up off the straw strewn wagon bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ignoring the stiffness in her legs, she slowly made her way to the ground, then dusted herself off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Much obliged, Mr. Boswell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded, repeated the same gesture to the woman at Teresa's side, then he and his horse-led wagon rambled off down the cobbled street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This way,\" the woman directed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa wasn't offended that the well-dressed lady hadn't introduced herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the woman turned out to be the wife of Satan himself, she wouldn't have cared; all that mattered to her now was being out of jail and never going back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The house was a fine two-story brick with pointed green roofs and gables up top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The short metal fence around the perimeter was also dark green, and the shrubs and trees inside the fence shaded the house from the sun and the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A neat cobbled walkway led up the steps to a wide sitting porch and the front door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside, Teresa looked around the fancy front parlor furnished with a blue brocaded sofa and matching chairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A large mirror hung over the big stone fireplace, and an ornate chandelier, complete with fat white candles, hung from the ceiling above her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whoever owned the place lived well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Paintings of landscapes hung on the elegantly papered walls, and plush carpets covered the floors. Real well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss July?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa turned and saw that the woman's sternness remained. \"Yes, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Molly Nance. You'll be staying here in my home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I appreciate you taking me in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been expecting a small room in a crowded boardinghouse somewhere, not this small, elegant place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just so you'll know, the last prisoner I took in ran off with everything of value she could carry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa refocused her attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry to hear that. Was she caught?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, and taken back to prison, but my things were never found.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa didn't like hearing that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, ma'am, I only stole from railroads and banks. Since you're neither, you're pretty much safe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The quip melted Molly Nance's sternness a bit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you and I should get along well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm hoping so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come. I'll show you your room, and where you may bathe. I should have some clean clothing that you may wear until we can get you properly outfitted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa dearly wanted to scratch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prison lice that had tagged along were plaguing her something fierce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not wanting to embarrass herself by scratching like a dog with fleas, she bit down the urge and followed Mrs. Nance through the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They passed a formal dining room with a polished, dark wood table surrounded by carved backed chairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were carpets on the floor, there, too and more framed landscapes hung from the green papered walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She caught a glimpse of a room filled with books that also housed a large black piano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reading had always been one of her favorite pastimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wanted to go inside and explore the book titles, but thought it best she keep up with Mrs. Nance for now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They entered the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa marveled at the large cooking stove and other modern appliances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wondered if all back East houses were this well equipped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It certainly wasn't the norm where she hailed from, or at least it hadn't been when she was sent to jail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tall, middle-aged woman wearing a black dress and white apron entered through the kitchen's back door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was carrying a wooden crate filled with groceries and other items." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Nance did the introductions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Emma Bailey, this is Teresa July. Emma's the cook here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pleased to meet you, Miss Emma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma set the crate on the counter by the sink, then nodded a short reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the outlaw woman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma didn't look real friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa wondered if she was comparing her to the last prisoner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cook told Teresa plainly, \"Make sure you treat Mrs. Nance with respect. Not everybody will take in a jailbird like you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a challenge in her voice and eyes, but Teresa bit back the urge to verbally retaliate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know that, so I'm real beholden to her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma studied her for a moment longer, then asked, \"You hungry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Considering the woman's no nonsense manner, the question was unexpected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am, but I'm more interested in a bath right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord, she wanted to scratch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back after you're done,\" Emma said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For the next couple days we'll feed you something light. Takes time for your stomach to get back on real food.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She asked then, \"Is there anything you don't like to eat or can't eat because it makes you sick?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not that I know of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right.\" And she began unloading the crate on the counter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Teresa said in parting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Teresa?\" Emma called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Touched by the unexpected kindness in Emma's tone, Teresa nodded, then followed Mrs. Nance down the hallway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they climbed the stairs to the upper floors, she wondered if she could be dreaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, her sentence had been commuted, and now she seemed to be in a household with fairly decent folks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If this was indeed a dream, she prayed she wouldn't wake up until after she had her bath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This will be your room.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was small and plainly furnished, but there was a grate in the wall to keep her warm during the fierce winters, and a glass-paned door that led outdoors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simple white eyelet curtains adorned the windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yellow quilt on the big four poster bed looked soft to the touch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All in all, it was the finest room Teresa had ever had the privilege of calling her own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is real nice, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm glad you approve. The bathing room is down the hall. Come. I'll show you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having washed up with either a basin or under a pump all of her life, Teresa found the newfangled indoor plumbing impressive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So I just turn this handle if I want hot water, and this one for cold?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The boiler only holds so much hot water, but there's usually enough to take care of your needs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa wondered if this indoor plumbing was common here too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thinking about the folks out West and their lack of amenities brought to mind her family and how they might be faring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It made her heart ache, so she stopped and paid attention to what Mrs. Nance was explaining." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are soaps and salts in that basket over there. I'll bring you some orange oil for your hair and a comb and brush.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa touched her short hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd kept it cut during her incarceration, hoping to head off the lice, but it hadn't mattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only way to escape the little beasties would have been to shave her head completely bald, something the matrons refused to allow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Mrs. Nance left, Teresa stood in the quiet room, looking around at the white cabinets and the large claw-foot tub." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She couldn't remember the last time she'd taken an actual bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the prison, they'd made do with hip baths and the long-handled pump in the yard behind their barracks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Walking over to the ivory colored tub, she placed the wooden stopper into the drain hole and turned the handle for the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sight of the clear stream spewing out filled her with delight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Holding her hand beneath the flow, she felt the temperature grow warmer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grinning like a child at the fair, she stripped off her faded prison gown and watched the water rise with sparkling black eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across town, Mrs. Nance's only child, Madison, stood before the mirror in his bedroom and adjusted his tie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The former gambler, now a banker, was dressing for Paula Wade's twentieth birthday party." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew Paula was a vain, social climbing nitwit, but had promised to attend, and he always kept his word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The party wouldn't begin for another few hours, but he was attending to his attire now because he wanted to stop by and check on his mother first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had taken in yet another prisoner, and he wasn't pleased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In light of the theft by the last convict she'd opened her door to, he thought he had good reason to be distrustful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mother had a crusading heart of gold, and he would not stand for it to be broken again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the hardscrabble world where Teresa grew up, fancy soaps and bath salts were usually reserved for sporting women and elegant ladies like her beautiful sister-in-law, Olivia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Women like herself, who robbed trains, slept in bedrolls on the ground, and ate beans out of a tin plate while hunkering next to a fire, rarely had the time or the inclination to soak in claw-footed tubs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as she playfully raised her leg and watched the water slide down her foot and off her ankle, she decided she could grow to enjoy this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warm water surrounding her, coupled with the sweet smells of the salts and her extreme relief at being free of the penitentiary was so relaxing, she wanted to lie there forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A soft knock on the door broke her reverie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Teresa? Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am. Doing just fine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I placed some clothing in your room along with the orange oil.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Appreciate that. Thanks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're welcome. Emma has some soup waiting for you when you're done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell her I'll be there directly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right.\" And she was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually, Teresa left the tub and dried herself on a soft bath sheet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wrapping herself in it, she padded barefoot back to her room and dressed in the muslin undergarments and plain white blouse and brown skirt lying on the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After putting the orange oil on her now clean hair, she picked up the hairbrush and walked over to the small mirror hanging above the fireplace mantel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she raised the brush and looked at her reflection, she stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The painfully thin face of the woman staring back at her belonged to someone she didn't recognize." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was age in her features that hadn't been there before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her dark skin was dull, lifeless, and the cocky eyes of her youth were now somber, older." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been three long years since she'd had access to a mirror, and seeing herself for the first time made her want to cry, but she didn't because she knew it wouldn't change things." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By not taking Hanging Judge Isaac Parker's offer back in '88 to turn herself in and do her penance working for the railroads, she'd brought the resulting consequences down on her own head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, here she stood, three years older and a lifetime smarter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She began to ply the brush, and swore on the memories of her Black Seminole ancestors that she would never run afoul of the law again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The price had been too dear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After going downstairs and consuming a steaming bowl of Emma's vegetable soup, Teresa excused herself from the kitchen table and headed back up, so exhausted that each step she took was a chore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was almost as if her mind had finally allowed itself to acknowledge the physical toll the years of imprisonment had extracted, which up till then she had refused to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To have surrendered to the fatigue of working sixteen-hour days scrubbing floors and doing laundry in vats filled with lye would have been to show defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was Black Seminole, descendant of a people who'd fought the United States government for thirty years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A people who on the Great Trek had walked from Indian Territory to the Texas-Mexico border." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely she could survive being in jail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And she had. But now, as she neared the top of the stairs, it seemed she had nothing left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A newborn prairie dog pup had more strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Deciding to take a seat on the stairs and close her eyes for just a minute, then get up and finish the walk to the bedroom, Teresa sank down onto the step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Laying her head against the carpeted edge, she closed her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Madison entered his mother's house, he found her seated on the chaise in the parlor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had her nose in a book, her favorite pastime." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Upon seeing him, she set it aside and greeted him smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My, don't you look grand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked over and planted an affectionate kiss on her soft cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm on my way to Paula's birthday dinner.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His black and white evening wear had been tailored by one of the city's finest, and the lines showed off his tall, lean form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The elegant silk topper in his hand added a crowning touch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How is dear Princess Paula?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sarcasm made him smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Paula Wade's desire to be his wife was no secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doing well, I suppose. I haven't seen her in a few weeks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell her I send my regards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop lying, Mother, before lightning strikes the house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I that obvious?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Transparent as a plate of glass, I'm afraid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then I shall try and do better next time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison loved his mother's wit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did your charge arrive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I meet her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As long as you don't lecture her on her conduct, yes you may.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just want to introduce myself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was skeptical and didn't bother to mask it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mustache twitched with humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know we disagree on her being here, but I'll be polite. I promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't look convinced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll go up and see if she's awake. She was rather tired when she arrived.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mother got up then, and exited, leaving him alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison's promise to her notwithstanding, he was still opposed to her having a prisoner in her home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fact that this newest project wasn't the average everyday female felon, but the infamous, train-robbing hellion Teresa July only added to his concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Newspapers all over the nation had chronicled her exploits, then her capture, trial, and imprisonment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Being informed by his mother a few days ago that the outlaw woman would be her ward for the next twelve months made him want to throw up his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Emma's entrance into the room brought him back to the present." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The worry on her face was plain. \"What's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your mother needs you upstairs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoping the July woman wasn't already causing trouble, Madison hurried to the stairway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no trouble, just his mother standing at the top of the stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lying at her feet was a sleeping dark-skinned woman wearing a simple skirt and blouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Poor thing,\" his mother said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was even more weary than Emma and I imagined. Will you pick her up, dear, and carry her to the room?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison was taken aback by the request, but upon realizing her suggestion was the only solution, he gently scooped the outlaw up and held her against his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Following his mother, he entered the room and softly deposited the sleeping woman on the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mother covered her with a lightweight quilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sleeping, she looks very innocent, doesn't she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison had to admit that she did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking at her now, a person might find it hard to believe her capable of all the bedlam she'd been convicted for." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew looks could be deceiving; she'd been sentenced for a reason." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was expecting a much larger woman,\" his mother said, keeping her voice low so as not to wake her charge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison agreed. If the press were to be believed, Teresa July should have been Amazonian in size." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, she was of average stature and painfully thin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faint traces of the scented soap and salts she must have used in her bath drifted up to his nose from the fabric of his coat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is the parole board going to let anyone know she's here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Other than the chief of police and the mayor, no. And they prefer the papers not find out either, at least not right away. They feel she'll adjust better if she isn't badgered by busybody reporters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison could hear July's soft snores." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the press found out she was here, there'd be no peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I still don't think this is a good idea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know you don't, dear, but I can make a difference in her life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison's sole concern lay with his mother's safety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Changing the July woman's life didn't matter to him one whit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's let her sleep,\" his mother said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Molly slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and he escorted her out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I appreciate your concern,\" she told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss July and I will do well, I can feel it, so you go celebrate with Paula and I'll return to my book.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A fascinating tale called The Time Machine, by Mr. H. G. Wells. I purchased it at a bookshop in London last year. It's all the rage. It's about a man who builds a machine that takes him back in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Interesting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were now downstairs and standing by the open front door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was time for him to depart, so he placed a quick peck on her cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll stop in and meet your ward tomorrow. Let's hope she and the silver are still here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Molly playfully pushed him toward the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Out. Let's hope Paula Wade doesn't have you fit for a nose ring by tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Touché, Mama.\" And with a grin he departed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside, Madison climbed into his carriage and headed the horses up the residential street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mother's parting quip had been rooted in truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were it up to Paula Wade, he'd have a ring in his nose large enough for a circus bear to perform in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he'd told her on several occasions that he had no intentions of marrying, and so far he didn't see himself changing his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only woman with the beauty and wit to propel him to the altar had been the lady gambler Loreli Winters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his disappointment, she'd fallen in love with a Kansas pig farmer named Jake Reed and was now happily living with him, their son, Jacob, and Jake's twin nieces, Bebe and Dede." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granted, Loreli was almost a decade older than he was, but he hadn't minded the difference in their ages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To him, the irrepressible gambler represented the kind of spirited, independent woman he'd envisioned spending his life with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't resent the happiness she had found with Reed, but he had yet to meet another woman with the same joie de vivre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Paula Wade was a beauty too, but she had no interests outside of shopping and gossip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing on earth would have compelled her to read Mr. Wells's Time Machine, unless there was a new hat in the balance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could tell you all about the newest fashions, but nothing about the myriad issues facing the race or the nation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The birthday party was being held at the home of Paula's aunt and uncle, Harold and Daphne Carter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The street outside the place was filled with carriages and fancy buggies of all kinds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed everyone in town was in attendance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harold Carter had been a business associate of Madison's late father, Reynolds, and ran a very successful teamsters service." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Based on the many luxurious coaches lining the curbs, many of Carter's well-heeled customers must have been invited to the celebration, along with Paula's own set of friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison planned to stay only long enough to be polite, then excuse himself for the drive over to the club owned by his childhood friend Ben Norton." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once there, he intended to while away the remainder of the evening playing cards and enjoying himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First, however, he had to survive the crush of the people inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his attempt to work his way through the throng, he nodded a greeting to those he knew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone had on their best dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The women were in expensive gowns, and their husbands were nattily attired in formal evening wear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uniformed waiters holding trays aloft moved expertly through the crowd, offering drinks and small pastries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rebecca Constantine, a friend of his mother, greeted him with the sly smile usually reserved for a woman twenty years her junior. \"Good evening, handsome.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head at her antics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Evening, Mrs. Constantine. You look very lovely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lovely enough for you to ravish in a dark secluded corner somewhere?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was one of the most audacious women he knew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, ma'am,\" he laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, what would your husband Miller say if he heard you propositioning me this way?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since he's deaf as a mailbox, probably not a word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are incorrigible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As long as I live.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled at him from beneath enough rouge and paint to outfit a convention of circus performers, but because he'd known her most of his life, he didn't find it strange." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, he placed an affectionate kiss on her cheek and promised to visit with her again later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After some searching and a few more stops for conversations with people he knew, he finally located Princess Paula and her aunt and uncle, holding court in the solarium." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room had been outfitted with enough flowers to fill Mother Bethel AME, but because of all the people, the fragrance of the blooms had to compete with the scent of heat and bodies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Paula's brown eyes lit up with delight when she spotted him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rising from her chair and showing off the beautiful lemon yellow gown seamstresses must have been working on for months, she walked over to greet him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You finally made it. I was worried.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I promised I'd attend, didn't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but you can be so unpredictable sometimes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She grabbed his hand and led him over to her aunt and uncle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison had known Harold Carter and his wife Daphne almost as long as he'd known Rebecca Constantine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Harold Carter and Reynolds Nance had been business associates and friends, their wives had never gotten along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Daphne considered Molly a snob, and Molly thought Daphne a social climber with too much money and too little sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Paula was Daphne's niece, and although she hailed from Memphis, she'd been living in Philadelphia for almost three years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison shook Harold's hand and greeted Daphne with a polite smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So glad to see you,\" Daphne gushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was brown-skinned and had a freckled face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gown she was wearing, while fashionable and expensive, would have fit her very well ten years ago, but because she was as vain as the day was long and apparently refused to consider the reality of how much she actually weighed now, she looked like a sausage in a casing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He withdrew the small jeweler's box from the inner pocket of his suit coat and handed it to Paula. \"Happy Birthday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes went wide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it what I've been hoping for?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked in her pronounced southern accent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With Daphne gazing on eagerly, Paula opened the lid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she saw the locket nestled inside, she didn't bother hiding her anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This was supposed to be a ring, Madison Nance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, really?\" he drawled, wondering just how ugly a scene this would turn out to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guests within earshot were staring and whispering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is my birthday celebration, and I hoped you'd come to your senses so we could announce our engagement this evening too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison hated being the subject of gossip and knew this incident would be talked about for weeks to come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've told you my feelings on the matter many times. Why would you believe I'd changed my mind?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could hear a pin drop in the crowded solarium." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Paula had never been one for logic, and true to that spirit, said, \"Because I'm twenty years old. How much longer do you think I'm going to wait for you to ask me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook his head at the ridiculousness of this encounter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather than give the gossips more fuel, he said, \"Happy Birthday, Paula,\" then turned to walk out." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Madison Nance! If you leave, I'll never speak to you again!\"\n\nSarcastically hoping she'd keep her word, Madison kept going until he was outside in the fresh night air." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: Generate five sentences sentences. Adhere to romance, historical fiction, 1890s, US, African American genre conventions." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa was seated on the library's carpeted floor, engrossed in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, when she heard the door pull chime. Irritated by the interruption because she wanted to read more about Kate and her nemesis husband Petrucchio now that they'd had their wild and crazy wedding, she got to her feet, went to the door and snatched it open. The sight of Madison standing on the other side of the screen instantly restored her mood. \"Well, hello.\"\n\nAs soon as he stepped inside, he brought her in against him and greeted her with a slow, dizzying kiss that proved far more moving than any words might have been.\n\n\"I like the way you say hello,\" she said from within her fuzzy world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's the day been for you so far?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Been interesting, but everything else pales when compared to you.\"\n\n\"You sound like Petrucchio.\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"Taming of the Shrew. He's the man Kate's parents paid to marry her.\"\n\n\"Ah. Shakespeare. You're reading Shakespeare now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wanted to know what that Mr. Strange fella was reciting last night at the Academy. Your mother has all the Shakespeare plays, but I don't know why I was surprised. She has every other book in the world, it seems.\"\n\n\"Strange was reciting from Othello last night. Did you read it?\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"The description said it ended with some man choking his wife to death. I can read about that back home, but the description for The Taming of the Shrew didn't sound too bad.\"\n\n\"Are you enjoying it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a struggle to read but I'm getting most of it, and some of the jokes too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\" Madison realized he was in danger of losing those two double eagles he'd bet his mother. Teresa wasn't exactly a lady yet, but Shakespeare? He was impressed.\n\n\"Are we still going on the boat ride?\" she asked.\n\n\"Yep. Unless you'd rather stay home.\"\n\nShe studied his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His meaning was plain and her nipples stood up. \"Let's take the boat ride first. I've never been on a steamship before.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\n\"Nope.\"\n\n\"Then by all means let's do that. Later, I've a bit more land-based entertainment in store.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Teresa wondered how she'd get through the rest of her life without him around. \"I can't wait.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stroked her soft cheek. \"I wanted to come over and see you as soon as my eyes opened this afternoon.\"\n\n\"You would have been welcomed. I wanted to see you too.\" Last night's lovemaking was still vivid, and no matter the future, she was enjoying her time with him.\n\n\"Well before this mutual admiration society turns into a mutual undressing society, we should go. They'll have box dinners for sale on the boat, so we can eat once we board.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sounds good.\" She rose on her toes to kiss him with as much potency as his kiss greeting her had held." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's to give you something to look forward to later.\"\n\nHe grinned and let her go so they could leave.\n\nAs they caught a street trolley, Madison enjoyed the sight of her in the snug leathers, and so did the other male passengers, but only he knew that she didn't have a stitch on beneath them. In place of the leather coat that she'd worn for the photographers and the press the day they descended on his mother's house, she had on a high-necked, long-sleeve blouse instead, and her black boots. He found the mix of primness and sensuality arousing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her attire made him eagerly anticipate being alone with her in the dark on the ferry ride." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the outing ran true to form, though, the vessel would be crowded and the chances for trysting in earnest slim, but he'd take what he could get. There would always be an opportunity for more kisses once they returned to shore.\n\nThere were quite a few people waiting at the Market Street dock for the evening's outing. Many in the crowd smiled Teresa's way as she and Madison got in line. In spite of Jim Crow, Philadelphia's Negro citizens enjoyed recreation just as much as their White counterparts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Church-and club-sponsored train and steamship excursions to Washington, Boston, and other cities along the eastern coast were common, especially among the elite who also had summer homes on the Jersey shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The common folk unable to afford pricey trips or summer homes took day trips to picnic groves or caught the ferries to New Jersey that left every fifteen minutes from the same docks where Madison and Teresa were waiting near now. One particularly popular place in New Jersey was the amusement park at Gloucester where there were rides and swimming. Another was Stockton Grove in the Black section of Camden, but because Teresa couldn't set foot on the soil of any state other than Pennsylvania, because of the conditions of her parole, she and Madison were content with tonight's excursion down the Delaware River.\n\nThe White captain of the vessel recognized Teresa from the newspapers and happily offered her and Madison free admission, just as Madison had predicted. Now, standing by the rail with him by her side, she looked out over the ink black water that was dappled by the moonlight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could smell the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a wonderful breeze, and even though the sound of the boat's engine seemed magnified against the quiet, she was enjoying the journey. Courting couples made up most of the vessel's passengers, and everywhere one looked there were lovers holding hands or sneaking kisses in the shadows. She and Madison had managed to steal a few that left them both dizzy, but they were content with each other's company and the time alone.\n\nMadison asked her, \"What's the first thing you want to do when you go home?\"\n\n\"Ride Cloud, and then find a good bottle of tequila.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tequila is a liquor, I'm assuming.\"\n\nShe nodded. \"Mexican made, from the agave plant. Some people like it, others don't.\"\n\n\"But you do?\"\n\n\"Is that disapproval I hear?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Liar,\" she chuckled. \"We treat things differently out West, so let's drop this subject before an argument breaks out. It's too lovely a night to fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree.\"\n\nShe looked his way and found his eyes watching her in the moonlight.\n\n\"What do you want to do after the tequila?\" he asked.\n\n\"See my mother Tamar. Then visit my brother and sister-in-law in Kansas. I miss them all so much it hurts sometimes.\"\n\nMadison couldn't imagine how hard it must be for her to be so far away from family and friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had the judge deliberately sent her east as further punishment for her crimes? He didn't know, but considered the sentencing fortuitous because if she hadn't been sent to Pennsylvania, the two of them would never have met, and he and his life would be poorer for it.\n\n\"You'd like the West,\" she said to him. \"It's open and you can see the sky. The water's clear. Game's not as plentiful as it once was, but there's plenty left to keep you fed.\"\n\n\"I haven't hunted since I was young. My father and I would go all the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked. \"You hunt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shrugged. \"Sure. Don't most men?\"\n\n\"Just never thought about city boys having to put meat on the table. I assumed you all used butchers.\"\n\n\"Most people do, but when I was growing up people hunted.\"\n\n\"Interesting.\"\n\nMadison wondered what the West looked like, and what kind of opportunities it might hold for a man like him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe Mother and I will train out and see you. I know she'd enjoy it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd love to show you around. We can see the mountains. I'll even show you how to shoot fish with a bow and arrow.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Many Native bloods fish with a bow and arrow like the Ancestors.\"\n\nMadison had never heard of such a thing. \"Does it work?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" she said with a soft laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who do you think is going to bring back the biggest catch—somebody sitting on a bank praying the fish will visit the hook, or somebody with a bow who's standing in the water watching the fish and ready to pounce?\"\n\n\"The person with the bow.\"\n\n\"Exactly.\"\n\n\"That has to be something to see.\"\n\n\"For us, it's how we fish. It's nothing special.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison was impressed. He wanted to go west just to see that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fishing with a bow and arrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found that amazing. She was pretty amazing too. Everything about her, from her colorful speech to her take no prisoners attitude toward life, could make him follow her to the Great Wall of China if it meant staying by her side. She and his old friend Loreli Winters Reed were the only women he'd ever wanted to keep in his life, but the fates had other plans, it seemed. He was destined to give up Teresa just as he'd done with Loreli." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Depressing thoughts, and he put them away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd have the rest of the year to enjoy Teresa's company. No sense in crying over milk that wouldn't spill until then.\n\nThey took a cab from the docks back to Madison's place. Unlike the vehicle they'd ridden in last night, this one had a privacy curtain that separated the driver from his passengers and shielded them from prying eyes on the street. When Madison drew the curtain closed, Teresa felt like she was in a cave surrounded by the black velvet darkness and by him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lowered his mouth to her lips and gently invited her to come play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first moments, they let the sensations rise, feeding on each other, coaxing each other with nibbles and lazy licks. Their tongues mated, then danced, and hands began to reacquaint themselves with the length and breadth of arms and backs. He skimmed a hand down her spine then up to the back of her head and pulled her closer.\n\nThe heat of his mouth on her throat, and the hands squeezing and moving her breasts, elicited a soft moan. Her head fell back on the warm leather seat and she let it brace her as the storm intensified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth burned her nipple through the thin white cotton of her blouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he took it in, then rolled his tongue around it, she arched so he could take more. And he did, gladly, wantonly leaving the fabric wet and the nipple beneath hard as a jewel. He raised his head to seek her lips, his fingers moving over the damp circles, and whispered, \"That's enough for now…we'll finish when I get you home.\"\n\nTeresa vaguely remembered leaving the carriage and walking up the steps to his porch and door. Her world was hazy from desire and the kisses and touches he'd gifted her with on the ride to his place, but the world became crystal clear when he ushered her inside, kicked the door closed behind him, and carried her upstairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She never thought she'd enjoy having a man carry her, but knowing that once they reached his room he would really treat her made her smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He set her on her feet, then lit a lamp. She could see the heat in his eyes and again wondered why the room hadn't already caught fire. He came back to her and after kissing her until her knees melted into her boots, made short work of the buttons on her blouse, which she tossed aside. The heat in his eyes flared at the sight of the black silk binding her breasts, and he ran a rough possessive hand over its wound and tied length.\n\n\"Lord, woman,\" he whispered thickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tugging the taut silk aside, he took the freed nipple into his mouth and placed his hand on her back to bring her forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon the silk was down around her waist and he was enjoying her fully with his lips and hands, and all she could do was stand there on shaking legs and try not to shatter.\n\nMadison straightened and put his hands to work on the placard of her leathers. Her passion-lidded eyes reflected every touch, kiss, and caress he gave her, along with a blatant hunger for more. He dragged the trousers down her firm dark legs then placed a bold hand between her thighs. Her core was hot and flowing, so much so that he wanted to give her the most carnal kiss of all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lie down on the bed for me, Angel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Complying, Teresa shuddered in response to his tone, words, and fevered touch. He pulled the leathers free. He touched that burning damp place and sat down on the bed beside her. His continued teasing made her spread her legs shamelessly, and when he lowered his head and flicked his tongue across the space, her hips lifted like a puppet on a string and she uttered a sharp strangled cry.\n\n\"Hold onto yourself, Angel, don't come yet…" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He commenced the wanton conquering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sensations were so staggering, she could hear herself gasping and whimpering. In spite of his caution, the orgasm was drawing near. She tried to master it, but all she could feel was his mouth, his wicked, wicked tongue, and herself starting to break apart. When he took the little pleasure bud into his mouth and sucked, then slid two long-boned fingers into her swollen breach, she came, screaming. He didn't stop. While she bucked and screamed and twisted he continued his erotic feasting; holding her hips so she couldn't get away, he branded her for eternity with a loving she'd remember for a lifetime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd never had so much pleasure in her life, and to keep him from stealing her soul, she growled and backed away, her hand covering herself to ward him off.\n\nHe grinned like a satisfied male. \"Is that Teresa July running away?\"\n\n\"You just stay over there,\" she warned with a laugh. She had no words for how well he'd loved her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took off his pants and said, \"But if I stay here, you won't get this…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa shifted her attention to the splendid-looking reward standing hard between his lean brown thighs, and she playfully beckoned him to her.\n\nGrinning, he grabbed a pillow from the bed and slipped it between her hips. In answer to her curious look, he said, \"You'll enjoy yourself better.\"\n\nTeresa doubted anything could be better than what she'd experienced with him so far, but he was the brujo, and she the woman under his spell. With the length of him encased in rubber, he slowly worked his way inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was right, being lifted by the pillow did affect the feel, and as he pushed home, she purred sensually." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I knew you couldn't resist.\"\n\nAnd he was right. No woman in her right mind would say no to this, to him. The pillow gave her just enough height for him to feel him fully, and the dance began.\n\nAs the night lengthened, they lost track of time and themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took her on the bed, on the chairs, and standing before the mirror so she could watch his hands teasing her breasts and sliding down between her thighs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took her in the shower, then against the wall of the washroom. They took another shower, this time under tepid water, and he finally carried her back to the room.\n\nWhile he stripped off the soiled sheets and quickly put on fresh ones, the boneless Teresa, throbbing and echoing, stood against the bedpost. When he finished, they laid down. He pulled her shower-fresh body in against him, kissed her one last time, then they both drifted off to sleep smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Friday. Mrs. Nance and Emma were scheduled to return on Saturday, so Madison and Teresa knew they had one last day of uninterrupted and unsupervised time together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wake up, lazybones.\"\n\nTeresa turned over, and the sight of him sitting on the edge of the bedside put a sleepy smile on her face. \"Morning?\"\n\n\"More like afternoon.\"\n\n\"What time is it?\"\n\n\"A bit after one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her earlier vow not to lie around like a lazybones and forget who she was had been forgotten in the aftermath of last night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was dressed, she saw. \"Are you leaving?\"\n\n\"Nope. Just came back. I went and got us something to eat.\"\n\nShe raised up and pulled the sheet up to cover herself. \"What a night.\"\n\n\"Indeed, it was.\"\n\nThe muscles in Teresa's back and thighs were tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her legs were sore and felt like they often did after a long hard ride across country, and she supposed their strenuous lovemaking qualified as that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the old western saying went, she'd been ridden hard and hung up wet. But she had no complaints. Not one.\n\nTeresa knew that the longer she stayed around him, the harder it would be to turn him loose. Common sense said to end this dalliance so that leaving would be easier when the time came, but the woman inside herself was selfish, and as long as he was near, she didn't care about the consequences, at least for now.\n\nMadison had been around her enough now to know when she was thinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached out and stroked her satiny cheek. \"What's going on inside that head of yours?\"\n\n\"Just thinking that a loving like last night might make it hard for a girl to leave.\"\n\n\"You could always stay,\" he countered quietly.\n\nHer smile was bittersweet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I couldn't live here. Too much missing.\"\n\nHe understood, but that didn't stop him from wanting to change her mind. \"Friend of mine is having a birthday party tonight. Do you want to go?\"\n\n\"Sure. What's your friend's name?\"\n\n\"Ben Norton.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can I wear my leathers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You really do prefer to wear them, don't you?\" he said, amusement threading his voice.\n\n\"Yes. The leathers make me feel more like me. Dresses turn me into somebody else, somebody who's soft and maybe can't take care of herself. Does that make sense?\"\n\n\"I suppose. Makes you feel vulnerable.\"\n\n\"That might be the word. I always feel like I need to have my Colt strapped on, and because I don't, I'm not comfortable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure Ben won't mind if you wear your leathers.\"\n\n\"What about you?\"\n\nHe shrugged. \"Me, I like you in whatever you have on—or not.\"\n\n\"The not's better, I'll bet.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teresa enjoyed him so much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what time does this shindig start tonight?\"\n\n\"Nine, ten. In the past, his parties have gone until dawn.\"\n\n\"What time is your mother due in tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Four o'clock.\"\n\n\"Gives us plenty of time for one last night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes it does, so let's make it a good one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unable to beat down his desire to touch her, Madison slid the edge of his finger over the point of her nipple poking the sheet. \"Maybe Ben will even have some tequila.\"\n\nTeresa's body began to coo. \"I dare him, although the parole agent did ask about my drinking liquor.\"\n\nHe transferred his hello to the other nipple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think one night of fun will land you back in the pokey. Besides, Ben's friends are select and discreet. No one will give you away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa liked the sound of that. Since her release, she'd been a very good girl. It would be nice to have a chance to kick up her heels at least once during her confinement, even if it was for only a few hours. The rest of her thoughts had trouble aligning themselves because of Madison's touches. When he freed the sheet from her hand and tasted the nubbins he'd been preparing, she had trouble breathing evenly as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder how these would taste with orange marmalade?\" he husked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa rippled with a response that flooded her core.\n\n\"Think I'll find out.\" He bit her gently, then left the room.\n\nWhen he returned with a small bowl of the orange sweet, he put a bit of it on his finger and with his eyes blazing placed the finger in her mouth. She took a few seconds to suck it clean, then he dipped up some more and coated first one nipple and then the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left her a moment to stand and remove his clothes, and when he joined her on the bed, he treated her to the most erotic afternoon she'd ever had in her life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison took her home. When he returned that evening to pick her up, the sight of her in the flowing black gown surprised him. \"I thought you were going to wear your leathers?\"\n\nThe black gown with its full skirt was accented with midnight blue threads. The deep cut of the neckline offered a sumptuous view of the soft tops of her onyx breasts, while long black evening gloves graced her arms and hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once again she'd stunned him with her loveliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa secretly enjoyed the approval in his gaze. \"Thought I'd wear this. In certain circumstances, gowns are more convenient, shall we say?\"\n\nMadison grinned. \"You're turning into a pretty naughty woman, Teresa July.\"\n\n\"I wasn't the one who brought marmalade to bed,\" she replied with knowing eyes. Just saying the word marmalade made Teresa's core pulsate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that a complaint?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, no. I love your games.\"\n\n\"And I love that you like to play.\"\n\nThe heat began to arch, and they both felt it.\n\nMadison said, \"We should probably get going.\"\n\n\"I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had to kiss her first, and she wanted to be kissed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After they'd shared enough kisses to hold them for a while, they left Mrs. Nance's house and walked down the path to his buggy.\n\nThe street outside Ben Norton's place in the Fifth Ward was so crowded when they arrived there was no place to park. Men and women dressed to the gills were moving up and down sidewalks toward the large row house, and Teresa was reminded of the scene outside of the Academy of Music.\n\nTo deal with the parking dilemma, Ben had hired men to be valets who would park the carriages and buggies a few blocks over. Every owner was given a ticket with a number so they'd be able to reclaim their vehicle when they wanted to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison placed the ticket inside of his suit coat and escorted the gown-wearing Teresa up the stairs and inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ben's live-in woman, Irene Garner, met them at the door. Madison had to shout over the din in order to introduce her to Teresa. The downstairs was packed with celebrants.\n\nIrene yelled, \"Nice to meet you, Teresa. Saw you in the papers.\" Turning back to Madison, she added, \"Take her upstairs. Quieter!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison nodded. Taking Teresa's hand, he cut a swath through the crush and led her up the stairway to the second floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was indeed much quieter there. He looked into the billiards room that was filled with cigar smoke and saw Ben hunched over the large table, cue in hand. Madison and Teresa waited until he made his shot, then entered the room.\n\n\"Mad. How are you?\" Ben said, setting down his cue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two friends shared a warm embrace, then Madison made the introductions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ben said to her, \"I was wondering if he was ever going to bring you by. I saw you in the newspapers.\"\n\n\"Seems like everybody has.\"\n\n\"Not often we get someone as famous as you around here, so welcome. Make yourself at home.\"\n\nTeresa eyed the pool table.\n\nBen asked, \"Do you play?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me finish whipping Clyde over there, and you can have the next game.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa's smile was appreciative.\n\n\"In the meantime, you all head down the hall. There's a buffet and a bar. Help yourselves.\"\n\nTeresa had a wonderful evening. She ate, played pool, watched Madison win a lot of money, then went back and shot some more pool. The men she beat were as surprised as Alvin Porter had been when she beat him at horseshoes, but none were as angry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, she ran into Alvin Porter, standing near the bar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd had a small glass of wine earlier and came back to see if the barkeep had found the bottle of tequila he swore was on the premises somewhere. No one ever asked for it, she was told, so he had to locate it. Locate it he did, and as he poured her a small shot, Porter, apparently still miffed about the horseshoes, sneered, \"Is that the swill you drink out West?\"\n\nThere were a number of men and a few women standing nearby, and they all went quiet in response to Porter's rude words. Teresa took a sip of her drink, and the familiar kick made her mentally sigh with satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Teresa said, turning and finally responding, \"but it's not for children.\"\n\nHe took offense at her jab and puffed up. \"You calling me a child? I can outdrink you any day of the week.\"\n\n\"Oh, really?\"\n\nHe looked her up and down. \"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd started buzzing and people began angling for a better view." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Teresa asked him, \"You sure?\"\n\n\"Yeah I'm sure. Are you stalling because you're scared?\"\n\n\"Not me.\"\n\n\"Then let's go.\"\n\nTeresa shook her head at this foolish young man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay.\" Tossing back the drink in her glass with one swallow, she told the barkeep, \"Pour him one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison was at the poker table when he heard a crowd of people roar. He looked up. Ben, seated at the table beside him, looked up too.\n\nIrene came hurrying in and said, \"Madison, you probably should come and get your lady, she's in a drinking contest at the bar.\"\n\nMadison lowered his head to the table and bounced it against the edge a few times.\n\nA laughing Ben tossed down his cards and backed his chair away from the table. \"Come on, Mad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madison got up reluctantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Ben behind him, Madison made his way to the front of the crowd just in time to see Teresa slam her shot glass down on the bar and demand, \"Hit me again, barkeep!\"\n\nThe mostly male gathering cheered as the grinning bartender splashed a brown liquor into her glass. She gave a cool smile to the red-eyed young man swaying on his feet, then tossed the drink back in one swallow before slamming the glass down again. The crowd roared.\n\n\"Your turn,\" she told her opponent, a hard challenge in her bright black eyes.\n\nMadison recognized her opponent as Paula's friend, Porter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man was a boastful lout who had undoubtedly stepped on one of Teresa's outlaw nerves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked drunk enough to tip over with the touch of a fingernail, but he picked up his glass, hefted it, then promptly keeled over backward like a felled tree. As he hit the floor, the noisy celebrants erupted.\n\nTeresa yelled over the din, \"Barkeep, drinks on me for everybody!\"\n\nMadison was so stunned, he walked up and studied her. On the outside she didn't look drunk at all, but the sparkle in her eyes gave her away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She drawled, \"Well, hello, city boy. How are ya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head. \"I'm well. You?\"\n\n\"Doing real fine. Had to teach that little varmint a lesson. He actually thought he could outdrink me. Me!\" she said, pointing at herself. \"Teresa July. I have drank tequila for three days straight and swallowed every worm!\"\n\nMadison didn't have a clue what swallowing worms had to do with anything, and told himself he probably didn't want to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did know this demonstration of hers was going to be all over town by dawn, regardless of the discreetness of the guests, and his mother was going to throw a fit when she found out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He needed to get her home.\n\n\"You know something?\" she said to him, grinning.\n\n\"What?\" He couldn't stop his answering smile.\n\n\"I just ordered drinks around and I don't have a dime.\"\n\n\"I was wondering about that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Guess I'll have to rob somebody, huh?\" She began laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madison shook his head at her antics. \"I'll take care of it. Where's your wrap?\"\n\nHe could see her mulling over the question.\n\n\"I don't think I have one.\" She turned to the bartender." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do I have a wrap?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bent down behind the bar and handed Teresa her blue wrap and handbag.\n\n\"Guess I do. Thanks.\"\n\n\"Are you ready?\"\n\n\"As a hog in heat.\"\n\nMadison shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She linked her hand into the crook of his arm and he led her away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, however, he had to endure the delay to their departure as every man in the place jockeyed to tell her good-bye.\n\n\"Good-bye, Miss July.\"\n\n\"See you again, Miss July.\"\n\n\"Hope to see you again, Miss July.\"\n\nMadison's quelling look kept most of them at bay, but Teresa didn't seem bothered by all the commotion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they finally got to the door, she held up her hand and called out, \"See you next time, boys!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then Madison walked her back downstairs and out into the night." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, Tiffany Patterson style, romance, firefighter genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This place serves a great breakfast,\" I say as I hold the door open for Nadine to pass through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yeah, I know it's not her real name but I don't press the issue just yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many?\" the hostess asks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nadine turns to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm hungrier than I thought I'd be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A hangover will do that to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She frowns. \"How do you know I'm hungover?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I give her a funny look. \"Aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Possibly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fact that you're nearly done with that second bottle of water says it all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I tilt my head to the bottle in her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one I'd brought over to her when I picked her up for our day out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I like water.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And maybe you're full of shit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those golden eyes of hers widen in shock, and I smirk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can already tell I'm going to enjoy keeping her off-kilter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I grin. \"Maybe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your table's ready. Right this way,\" the hostess interrupts before she can say anything back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After showing us to our seats, the hostess places the menus in front of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your waitress will be right with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been here before?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The day before yesterday,\" I answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you recommend?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had breakfast tacos with chorizo. They were pretty good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you getting that again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shake my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Variety is the spice of life. I'm going to get the veggie omelet with hash browns this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That sounds good. I'll get the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as Nadine says that, our waitress arrives, ready to take our orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once she leaves, I fold my arms on the table and lean in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Nadine, this is your first time in Mexico?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I question, staring directly into those golden eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her head dips slightly. \"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First time out of the country?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nods." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you decided to come by yourself. That takes some courage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shrugs as if it were no big deal, but a tiny smile crests her rose-colored lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's not wearing any makeup like she was the previous night, and yet, the dark brown skin of hers glows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose,\" she states." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't miss the shifting she does in her chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This topic makes her uncomfortable for some reason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And my first instinct is to wipe away the sadness I see appear in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lucky for you, you bumped into me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She raises both eyebrows. \"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I nod. \"Oh yes, butterfly. I'm a shit ton of fun, and you don't have to worry about getting hurt because, as I said earlier, I'm a—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Firefighter,\" she finishes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My grin widens. \"You're catching on. I like that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our drinks of fresh squeezed watermelon and orange juice are brought out and placed in front of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sitting back in my seat, I watch as Nadine takes a sip of her watermelon juice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her full, glossed lips look inviting as she swallows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I run my tongue along my own lower lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you come to Cabo looking for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I question, inching closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes narrow as if she doesn't understand the question. \"Looking for? Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bullshit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blinks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No woman goes on vacation by herself unless she's looking for something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Setting her glass down, her gaze lowers for a heartbeat before she returns it to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've already established that you don't know me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nod in concession." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know basic stuff like where you live, where you were born, etc. All of the unimportant things …\" I lean in closer, drawing in even more of her attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I carefully watch as the small vein in her neck quickens its pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A result of my nearness, I'm certain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I do know that you came searching for something. You got on a plane, flew from wherever you live in the States, all by yourself, to rekindle something you've lost. Or at least, something you think you've lost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She glances away, then toward something over my shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A second later, our waitress is placing our plates of food in front of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though I don't say anything, I continue to hold her in my gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And though she does her best to look everywhere but directly at me, I know she can feel the heat of my stare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many days do you have left in Cabo, Nadine?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I question as soon as our waitress walks away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give them to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those golden pupils of hers bulge at my request … no, not a request, a command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One I hadn't intended on giving until the words left my mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give them to you? What does that even mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It means, the women you were with have all gone, you didn't come with anyone else, and I'm guessing you're not expecting anyone else to be arriving. You're free to spend your time as you please. Give me your time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you're wrapped tighter than a spring coil. And with just the right amount of pressure you'll spring loose. You're just waiting for the right man to crawl in between those slick thighs of yours and show you exactly who you are. You're waiting for the right man to set you free, butterfly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shifts in her chair, gaze lowered to the table as she reaches for her half empty glass of juice again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once she swallows, she says, \"Do you use this type of pick-up line with all the women you meet in foreign countries?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only when the mood strikes me,\" I retort, grinning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My chest warms when her face again registers shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sit back and pick up my fork and knife, cutting into my omelet and taking my first bite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm confident before she even says anything that she'll be spending the final three days of her vacation with me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And to be totally honest, I don't know who is more surprised by this, her or me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not the committed type, nor am I the type of spend more than a day or two with the same woman while on vacation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you have planned?\" she finally questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A smile crests my lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's for me to know and you to find out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shakes her head and turns fully to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I'm going to give my final three days of vacation to a random man, I need to know what's on the agenda.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Agenda? I bet you're the type to plan out your entire vacation hour by hour.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong with that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crease in her forehead displays her genuine perplexity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shrug and lean in, letting my gaze travel over the smooth skin covering her collarbone and chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly, I let my gaze rise to meet hers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing if you want predictability. But if you want adventure you need to be amenable to change.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lips part slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's measuring her next words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm new to adventure, Emanuel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For some reason, my name on her lips pushes my heart against my damn ribcage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something hot stirs in my lower abdomen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm the perfect man to do some exploring with.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then what's on the agenda?\" she questions again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I let out a chuckle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What had you had in mind for the next few days?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not all that surprised when she pulls out a planner from the over the shoulder bag she's carrying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lists off a glass bottom boat tour, hike of a local canyon to a waterfall, and she even scheduled in \"relaxing time\" by the pool or at the beach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The hike and boat tour can definitely be added to the agenda. But let me surprise you with a few other additions to this list.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes narrow on me, contemplating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll have me back home by midnight?\" she teases." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shake my head. \"Hell no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She giggles. \"Okay,\" she finally responds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her agreeance settles something in my chest. As if I'd needed it to be able to fully enjoy the rest of my time here in Cabo before my cousin's wedding." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do 2 sentences in Tiffany Patterson's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I watch Angela expectantly once she hangs up the phone, but lift my eyebrows when she doesn't say anything at first, just a tiny smirk playing at her lips. I narrow my gaze on her, growing more pissed off by the second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She obviously has intentions of drawing this shit out.\n\n\"Well?\" I demand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You boys are so impatient,\" she giggles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My annoyance grows.\n\n\"She's on her way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I push out a relieved breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all you had to say.\"\n\n\"I know, but I wanted you to sweat it out just a little.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't sweat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rolls her eyes. \"I know, I know. You're a firefighter, used to the heat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn straight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave my wife the hell alone,\" Eric interrupts, coming up behind Angela and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.\n\n\"Lieutenant.\" I nod mockingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry, it's not your wife I'm after.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I toss him a wink as he growls angrily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chuckling, I walk off in the direction of the wooden booth toward the back of the bar where a number of other Rescue Four guys have gathered after our latest twenty-four hour shift.\n\n\"That school fire was brutal the other day. Lucky everyone got out all right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sean glances my way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fucking dumbass teens,\" he grunts, shaking his head.\n\nAfter an investigation, the police discovered some neighborhood teens had wanted to play a trick on the elementary school with smoke bombs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited until the weekend custodial staff was doing a deep clean to place chains around the doors to keep them from getting out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What the teens didn't know was that there was a play rehearsal going on that day. And that their smoke bombs would misfire, the sparks causing actual fires, and the chains trapping children inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The police were looking to charge the teens with some serious crimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You might be a real firefighter yet, Allende,\" Sean says, clapping me on the back.\n\nThe table laughs boisterously when I toss Sean a middle finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Play nice you two.\" Carter takes a sip of his beer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shit,\" he says, hopping up and heading off somewhere without another word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I follow his long strides, and am unsurprised to see him pull open the door, allowing his fiancée, Michelle, to enter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I watch for a second longer than I should, noting the look they share." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blinking, I let my gaze travel past the couple at the door, to see if another woman is on her way in, only to be disappointed when I don't see Janine. I glance down at my watch and realize it's only been five minutes since Angela hung up the phone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Waiting on someone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shifting my attention to Sean, I see his gaze intently fixed on me. Any other time, I would've tossed him a yeah, your mother's running late joke, but knowing his parents died tragically a few years prior, I forego the dark humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, I tell him, \"Mind your damn business.\"\n\nThere truly was no one nosier than a firefighter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You think your workplace is a destination for the rumor mill?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's got nothing on a firehouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A couple of the other guys get up to head to the bar for another round of beers, leaving Sean and I the only two at the table. He slides closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're waiting on Janine.\"\n\nMy brows pinching in confusion. \"How the fuck—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He begins chuckling. \"Angela is my sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told you—\"\n\nHe shakes his head before I can even finish the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nah, Janine was over Angela and Eric's yesterday when I stopped by to drop off Jeremiah. I overheard them talking about a guy. Then I watched you over there pressing my sister to make a call.\" He shrugs. \"I put two and two together.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't need your advice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. I'm not about to give you any. I'm the last fucking person to give another man advice on relationships. Not when the one with my son's mother is all fucked up.\" He shakes his head in disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will say I think Janine is good people, and if it works out between you two, I'm happy for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This conversation is way too fucking emotional,\" I grunt, picking up my half finished beer and chugging the rest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckles. \"Who says firefighters don't have feelings?\"\n\n\"Not anyone I know,\" Carter remarks as he interrupts the conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Emanuel, you've met my fiancée, Michelle,\" he introduces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please don't stand for me,\" Michelle insists, waving me off as I began to rise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good to see you again, Chaos.\"\n\nWe all laugh at my old nickname." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's Rescue Four treating you so far?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she inquires as she shifts down the inside of the booth, Carter taking his position on the outside and wrapping an arm around her.\n\n\"I haven't had to kick anyone's ass so far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch your mouth. You're in the presence of a woman,\" Carter growls.\n\nSean and I glance at each other and bust out laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd been told on more than one occasion how overprotective he was of his woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Speaking of which …\n\nMy gaze goes to the door again, and I sit up straighter when I see Janine coming through the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even bothering to end the conversation, or explain my necessary absence to the rest of the table, I stand and make a beeline for the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I head toward her slowly, letting Janine greet Angela who's behind the bar serving drinks.\n\n\"Thanks for the invite. I'm feeling a little less stressed already.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hear her sigh as she removes the bomber jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Let's see if we can move that process along. What're you drinking?\" Angela questions.\n\n\"How about a mojito?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I intercept. I'm pleased when Janine gasps as she turns to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I grin before glancing at Angela. \"Why don't you make it two mojitos?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I look back to Janine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For old times' sake.\"\n\n\"I didn't know you were going to be here,\" she says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew you would be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her perfectly arched eyebrows dip as she gives me a curious look. \"How'd you know?\"\n\nI glance at Angela, who is at the farther end of the bar retrieving the mixes for our drinks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who do you think requested Angela to call you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A surprised then angry expression covers her face. \"She didn't …\"\n\n\"You're sexy as hell when you're pissed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That seems to take some of the wind out of her angered sails. At that same moment Angela returns with our drinks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A fucking mojito,\" grunts someone behind me. It's another Rescue Four guy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fuck off,\" I growl back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckles and saunters off. I shake my head just knowing I'm going to get shit for this drink of choice at work in the coming week." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's well worth it as I face Janine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't believe you set me up,\" she's saying to Angela." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the music.\" Angela cups her ear as if straining to hear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She begins dancing to some Beyonce song, I think, as she moves down the bar, taking other drink orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should go home.\"\n\n\"You can't. You've been drinking. Might as well enjoy the evening with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I take her by the hand, pulling her away from the bar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I move closer to her until there is very little space between our two bodies. \"You know you don't want to leave anymore than I want you to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know what I want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's in your eyes, butterfly. They always tell on you.\" Wrapping my arm around her lower back, I escort her to an empty table, farther away from the bar, by the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pull out a chair, and she hesitates only for a moment before taking a seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sitting across from her, I watch her intently as she sips at the mojito." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How was your first day of work?\"\n\nHer eyelids cover her pupils for a half a second and her lips form into a tight line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her facial expression says more about her day than her any words she could speak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It sucked to be honest.\"\n\n\"What was so bad about it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I lean in, resting both elbows on the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just hate being the new person. You know what I mean? Everyone around you knows what's going on except you. And there's this guy who's supposed to be training me or whatever …\" She pushes out a frustrated breath.\n\n\"It's only day one. Being the new kid on the block is supposed to be tough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes bulge. \"That's right. I'm complaining about my new job and you've just started a new job, too. How's it going?\"\n\nI shrug. \"I'm not new to the job.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She swallows the sip of her drink she's just pulled through her straw and nods. A few strands of her straightened hair fall from behind her ear to the side of her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I get the strangest urge to push it back, wanting to see the entirety of her face. So I do.\n\nAt my gesture, her eyelids flutter and a small smile creases her lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not new to firefighting but it's a new station, right? That means new coworkers, new boss, new location, all of that. How's it going?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her genuine interest warms my chest. \"It's going.\"\n\nShe shakes her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no. You made Angela call me to get me down here, so you've got to give me more information than that. It's only fair.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I chuckle. \"It's going well. Most of the guys I've known for a while from being called on the same scenes from time to time. There wasn't much overlap between Station Two and Rescue Four, but it happens sometimes. And Carter and I go way back.\"\n\n\"I remember you saying that. The Army, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I nod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly, I get the urge to be closer to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To not have this wooden table, albeit small, separating our bodies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Being a man led by my instincts, I stand and move to her side of the table, holding out my hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dance with me.\" Grasping her hand, I pull her to stand.\n\n\"We can't dance here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\" I've already begun moving my hips in time to the Celia Cruz song that's playing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wrapping my arm around her waist, I bring our bodies together.\n\n\"Because there's no dance floor,\" she offers lamely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glance around. \"That's not stopping anyone else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's a small crowd developing around the empty spots in the bar, dancing. Angela's place, Charlie's, is well known among firefighters, and often a place first responders and young professionals go to let off some steam at the end of the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's it, butterfly. Just follow and let me lead,\" I say in a low tone, next to her ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That little vein begins pulsing rapidly at the side of her neck.\n\n\"I told you this couldn't work between us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her tone is soft as she says the words but she doesn't break away from my embrace.\n\n\"That's your fear talking, butterfly. And you should know something about me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pull back to stare into her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't listen to fear. Especially when it's contradicting what you really want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you know what I really want? Whoop!\" she yells when I suddenly spin her around before pulling her body back to mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I want the same thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I spin her again before she can respond. We continue to dance in silence for the rest of the song, Janine taking my lead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can tell she's not totally comfortable with dancing but she's doing it for me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wants to be more fluid and relaxed, but that overthinking mind of hers gets in the way.\n\nOnce the song is over, I wrap my arm around her waist from behind and tug her down onto my lap, taking a seat at the table we'd vacated to dance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go out with me this Friday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Emanuel—\"\n\n\"That's a yes, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sighs. \"What if—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, butterfly, no what ifs. No overthinking. Just go with your gut.\"\n\nShe looks back at me, square in the eye, and says, \"My gut says no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I begin chuckling. \"You're full of shit.\"\n\nShe giggles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See how much better your day just got with me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sobering up, she pushes her hair behind her ear. For the life of me, I work to contain myself from licking it and sucking her earlobe into my mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tension coils in my body remembering the way she shivered as she came when I did that in bed on our last night in Mexico." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you want this so badly?\"\n\nI frown, not at the question but at the suspicion in her voice that she tries to hide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's almost as if she needs to convince herself that a man would be truly interested in her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet that just can't be the case. Janine might be a little stiff and overthinks everything but she has to know how goddamn sexy she is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To give her that reminder, I lean over and whisper into her ear, \"Because I'm pretty sure you broke my cock.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can't help the grin that crosses my lips at her surprised reaction. She begins choke coughing, even though she hadn't been drinking anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" she blurts out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you need me to say it again? You broke m—\"\n\n\"No, I heard it the first time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, because I'm dead serious when I say it. You broke me for any other woman. It won't work for anyone else. I'm a firefighter, which means on any given night there are plenty of women throwing themselves at me. Before you I had no problem with it. Now, the only woman I want anywhere near my cock is you. You broke me after one fucking night. So all that bullshit about us not working goes in one ear and out the other.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Janine is speechless. Those golden eyes of hers halfway close as she sucks her bottom lip into her mouth. I know what she looks like when she's turned on, and this is it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And just to add more fuel to the fire, I lean in and say into her ear, \"And don't think I forgot about you lying to me about your name. You'll make it up to me eventually, on your knees in front of me, my cock sliding in and out of your mouth, tears of pleasure streaming down your face, your pussy soaking wet, and your belly filling from my come as you swallow it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She is stunned into silence. That's fine. I didn't need words right then. Having her in my lap, my arm around her waist, and those lips only a few inches from mine, is enough for the time being." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the romance, firefighter genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the hell crawled up your ass and died?!\" Don growls as I toss the truck's hose down the length of the garage.\n\n\"Nothing!\" I retort, kicking the kinks out of the hose so I can finish rolling it back up and sticking it into the truck where it belongs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh shit,\" Sean sighs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know this fucking look. Seen this shit with Carter when Michelle dropped his ass like a bad habit.\"\n\n\"I remember that shit,\" Don cosigns. \"What the hell did you do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My gaze bounces between Don and Sean, and I give them both them middle finger. \"I said, fuck off.\"\n\n\"Every relationship in this damn station house has to come with some form of drama,\" Sean sighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why you fucks will never know whether I'm in a relationship or not. I'll pop up with a whole wife on your asses and you'd never be the wiser. Keeping my business to myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don whistles. \"The single life is all I need. No woman can keep up with me anyway,\" he argues.\n\n\"You mean no woman can stand being around you for too long,\" Eric interjects as he enters the garage.\n\nEveryone in the garage gets a good laugh out of that, except for me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's a heaviness I've never known that's settled around me ever since Janine walked out of my door almost a week ago. Since then, she's refused to take my calls or answer her door. I only found out once when Janet answered the door that Janine had actually gone over to Angela and Eric's place to stay for a couple of days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My eyes narrow at the invite Janet gave me right after telling me her daughter wasn't home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever spat you and Janine had, I'm sure it'll work itself out.\" Don wraps his arms around my shoulders. \"Either that or you'll find someone else, right? There's plenty of fish in the sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get the hell off of me,\" I growl, throwing his arm off me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are no other fucking fish. And don't call her a goddamned fish. The hell is wrong with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I glare at Don.\n\nHis eyebrows slowly raise and he looks over my shoulder, his dark eye glinting with mischievousness. \"I fucking told you. He's gone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We already knew that,\" Eric asserts.\n\n\"Well you better win her back somehow,\" Don says.\n\nJust when I'm about to tell him to mind his damn business, Captain Waverly enters the garage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Allende! Upstairs. I need to speak with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And as is his habit, the captain doesn't wait for a response before turning and disappearing back into the station house, presumably heading up the stairs, assuming I'll be in right behind him.\n\n\"What'd you do this time?\" Carter questions.\n\nI shrug. \"Not a damn thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turning, I head in the direction of the captain, making my way through the station's entryway and up the stairs to the captain's office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Close the door,\" he says without peering up from his desk.\n\nHow the man managed to get up the stairs to his office so quickly and sit down to read over whatever papers are in front of him, looking like he's been in that position all morning, remains baffling to me. But Captain Waverly is one of the sharpest and quickest captains I've seen in all of my years with the Williamsport Fire Department." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wanted to see me, sir?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly, he lifts his head and pulls off his eye glasses. \"I don't like cops showing up at my station house.\"\n\nI move closer to his desk but don't sit down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My shoulders pull downward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I apologize for that happening. It was an honest mix up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A mix up?\" His thick, bushy eyebrows lift.\n\nI nod. \"Yes, sir. They had the wrong guy. Happens a lot apparently. You'd think in this day and age, cops would be more responsib—\"\n\n\"Cut the shit, Allende.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I close my mouth trying to hide the grin that wants to escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so full of shit. Like the rest of these clowns,\" he grumbles, shaking his head. He's trying hard to come off as pissed but I can hear the levity in his voice. \"Anyway, make sure the mix up doesn't happen again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will do, Captain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd hate to lose a great firefighter over some bullshit.\"\n\n\"It wasn't bullshit.\"\n\n\"What was that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about you and Don going to visit your old station.\"\n\n\"I don't kn—\" I stop talking when he holds up his hand.\n\n\"Sit down.\" He waves to the chair in front of his desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I move around the chair to sit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know you two went to Station Two, and I know why. Your former captain came to visit me, very pissed off that my guys would come questioning him.\"\n\nFirst of all, for my former captain to be thinking that I need to be handled like some kind of child having a temper tantrum annoys the hell out of me. Secondly, it leads me to believe even more that he's hiding something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My thoughts exactly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lifting my gaze, I see Captain Waverly sitting back in his chair, hands clasped over his abdomen as he watches me.\n\n\"I asked myself, why the hell would the captain of Station Two make it a point to come to me personally and order that I keep my guys in line? And then to discover that their grievous offense was to ask a couple of the squad members there about the circumstances of a fire that killed a little boy and nearly took the life of a firefighter … well,\" he sits back farther in his seat, \"that not only angered me, it made me curious as well.\"\n\n\"So you're saying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm saying I've given Don permission to keep asking questions, investigating, and looking into what happened the night you pulled that family out of that fire.\"\n\n\"You think the fire could be connected to what happened before?\"\n\nHe shakes his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know what the hell is going on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pitches forward, placing his clasped hands on his desk and looking deep into my eyes. \"What I do know is that I lost a hell of a firefighter when that beam fell on Corey. I know that I lie awake at night wondering if with every call I make, I'm sending my guys to their deaths. And I know I could never live with myself if that were the case. So …\" he pauses to stand, as do I, \"I gave Don the space he needs to work this privately with the full resources I can provide, until we have enough evidence to take this up with the brass. But for now, he's to do so quietly. That goes for you as well. You are to stay away from Station Two and Captain Rogers. And we never had the second half of this conversation. Understood?\"\n\n\"Loud and clear.\" I give him an affirmative nod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waves his hand toward the door, dismissing me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I exit, leaving the door open behind me, and head down to the main floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I find Don by himself in the kitchen.\n\n\"Everything good?\" he asks while looking over his shoulder from the refrigerator that he was peering into.\n\n\"Yeah. Let me ask you something,\" I begin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stands, closing the door of the fridge and turning to me.\n\n\"How do we know this guy, or whoever's behind those fires is still out there? There haven't been any similar instances in months. Since Corey, no one in Rescue Four has been hurt or even targeted, as far as we know. Do you think this person is still active? Maybe they've moved to a different city or stopped altogether … or hell, maybe they're dead.\"\n\nFolding his arms over his chest, Don begins shaking his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, the fucker is still alive and active. I can feel it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Feel it?\"\n\n\"Yes. So much so. I know he's planning something big. What? I can't put my finger on but I know he's out there.\"\n\nI don't want to ask my next question but I need to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think my former captain is behind this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don's face forms into an angry scowl. \"I've definitely considered the possibility.\"\n\n\"Me too.\" Ever since the day we visited my old squad and I caught Captain Rogers peering down at us from his window, after refusing to talk to us about that night, an eerie feeling crawls down my spine every time I think of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And to know that he came and visited Captain Waverly to warn us to stay off this investigation, well, that spoke volumes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What'd you do in the Army?\"\n\nI had an inkling of where this line of questioning was headed. \"Ranger. Forward observer. Was my job to be the eyes and ears of the team.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nods. \"That's what we need now. This investigation has to go underground and I'm going to need your eyes and ears.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nod. \"We'll get the son of a bitch.\"\n\n\"We damn sure will.\"\n\nBut before I can fully concentrate on helping Don there are a few things in my personal life I needed to clear up. Both of them center around the love of my life." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by five sentences sentences. Replicate Emma Linfield's style. Maintain historical romance, mystery, female protagonist genre." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide seven sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to go pet my pony.\"\n\nLucretia glanced up from her needlework, seeing Henrietta rise from her chair in the solar and walk to the windows. They overlooked the stable and its yard where grooms exercised the valued Breckenridge horses. Outside, the sun shone down brightly, yet she had seen the clouds on the horizon that indicated the rain sure to follow.\n\n\"Have you finished your poem?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"May I see it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Henrietta nodded, and, turning, picked up the piece of piece of paper where she had inked a short verse regarding a purple flower in the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With Lucretia offering encouragement, Henrietta had pursed her small rosebud mouth as she carefully wrote the words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The work had taken her more than an hour as she did not want to cross anything out and rewrite them. Lucretia read the poem, and smiled, taking the girl's hand.\n\n\"This is a lovely poem, Henrietta. I am very pleased.\"\n\n\"Can we go outside? I have not seen my pony for ages.\"\n\n\"Yes, you may.\"\n\nAccompanied by a liveried footman, Lucretia held Henrietta's hand as they made their way out of the house. \"Would you please ask a groom to bring out Lady Henrietta's pony?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bowing to them, the footman walked across the broad yard to the stable, spoke to a groom who currently did not have a horse in hand, then returned. The groom vanished into the huge stable.\n\nBowing, he said, \"He will return with your noble steed, Lady Henrietta.\"\n\nHe and Lucretia exchanged a small smile as Henrietta clapped her hands. \"Have you seen my pony, Luce?\" she asked, gazing up. \"She is white and perfect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not believe I have, Henrietta. Do you ride her?\"\n\n\"When Sampson is not too busy, he gives me lessons,\" she replied, watching the stable door avidly. \"But not since Mother died.\"\n\n\"Ah, that is too bad,\" Lucretia said. \"I do not know how to ride.\"\n\nThe little girl, her blonde hair tied with a pink ribbon, frowned slightly at this news. \"Perhaps Sampson can give you lessons, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sure your noble brother is far too busy to teach me how to ride a horse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The groom reappeared leading a small white pony on a lead, her short legs trotting to keep up with his long strides. Her thick mane fell almost to her shoulder while her long forelock hid her eyes. Even at that angle, Lucretia saw her tail dragged the ground behind her. \"Is she not beautiful?\" Henrietta asked, tugging on Lucretia's hand to urge her toward the approaching groom.\n\n\"Yes, she is indeed.\"\n\nReleasing her hand so Henrietta could hug and kiss the tiny mare, her small fists burrowing into the thick mane, Lucretia watched closely to make certain the pony was not the type to nip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The groom nodded to her respectfully as Henrietta talked to her special pony in an odd mixture of baby speech and words.\n\n\"As docile and kind as a spring mornin', mum,\" he said.\n\nLucretia smiled, and relaxed, taking the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine on her hair and skin. Sighing deeply, she gazed around at the fabulous beauty of His Grace's residence, the colorful flower beds, that apple trees in the orchard, and the rolling hills not so far away. Though she had dreaded to come here, into the unknown, she now felt so happy that she had. Silently blessing His Grace for bringing her here, she turned back to Henrietta, the footman, and the groom.\n\nThe footman stood several feet away, his back stiff under his livery, his powdered wig impeccable on his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes on Henrietta, she knew he guarded the girl even as much as she herself did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thinking to walk toward him and ask him his name, Lucretia's eyes chanced upon a horseman sitting atop his mount at right angles to the stable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From there, the grooms could not see him, nor did he seem to be exercising as the others were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What is that groom doing way over there? I did not think they are allowed to ride the Duke's horses.\n\nHer eyes widened. The rider lifted a long flintlock and set it to his shoulder, aiming. Straight toward them. And Henrietta.\n\nOh, good Lord, no!\n\n\"My Lady!\" Lucretia screamed, and lunged forward.\n\nGrabbing the child into her arms, Lucretia spun around, putting herself between Henrietta and the shot she feared would follow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pain burned through her upper left arm almost simultaneously with the sound of the flintlock's sharp bark.\n\n\"Get down,\" the footman yelled, pushing them both to the ground, his body atop theirs. The groom also shouted, but pinned as she was, Lucretia saw only the pony's dark hooves dancing away as the man dropped her rope and sprinted for the stable.\n\n\"After him, lads,\" the groom hollered. \"There, on the horse.\"\n\nLucretia heard more shouts and the sound of running feet. Under her, Henrietta cried, almost screaming in fear, trying to wriggle out from under both her and the footman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay still, sweetling. Please stay still.\"\n\n\"He is riding away,\" the footman said, rising, taking his weight off of them. \"The grooms will not catch him, but they chased him off.\"\n\nHis strong hands helped them both up from the ground, his face a mask of worry and concern. \"Lady Henrietta, are you all right? Are you hurt?\"\n\nThe hot pain lanced through Lucretia's arm, but she ignored it as she helped Henrietta to stand. \"My Lady, are you hurt? Are you bleeding?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still crying, her small face red, Henrietta shook her head and wrapped her arms around Lucretia's waist. As she and the footman examined her small body for injuries, they both sighed in unison when they found none.\n\n\"I think Lady Henrietta is all right,\" the footman said. \"But you, Miss Brent, are not.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nFollowing his gaze, Lucretia found the sleeve of her beige and cream gown soaked in blood. The light wool had been cut as though by a knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You saved Lady Henrietta's life, Miss Brent,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Had you not moved so quickly–\"\n\n\"I was going to speak to you,\" she said, dazed, \"and I saw the man on a horse. He aimed a flintlock right at her.\"\n\nGrooms without horses hurried toward them, their expressions anxious, worried. \"He be gone now, mum,\" the man who brought the pony out said to her. \"Is Her Ladyship hurt?\"\n\n\"No, no,\" Lucretia said, holding Henrietta tightly. \"Just badly frightened.\"\n\n\"We should return inside, Miss Brent,\" the footman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your arm should be seen to, and Lady Henrietta guarded.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course.\"\n\nThe groom picked up the little mare's rope, but the grooms accompanied them as Lucretia urged Henrietta to walk beside her, holding her hand. Who would want to harm this sweet little girl?\n\nShe did not dare ask the question aloud, for it would frighten Henrietta all over again. She had reduced her sobbing to short hitches of her chest and sniffles. But the footman caught her eye and shook his head, his face tense.\n\nThe grooms left them at the door, but two more footmen and Thomas, His Grace's butler, came out the door, drawn by the noise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss Brent?\" Thomas asked, glancing from her face to Lady Henrietta's still red cheeks to the footman and back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes widened upon noticing the blood on her sleeve. \"Is Lady Henrietta all right?\"\n\n\"She is unharmed,\" Lucretia answered, shaking her head to forestall any more questions that might frighten the little girl. \"My Lady, I will take you to your rooms. Would you like to lie down?\"\n\n\"No,\" she cried, holding onto Lucretia's arm as though drowning. \"I am afraid, Luce. I want to stay with you.\"\n\n\"But, sweetling,\" Lucretia said, \"Rosemary will protect you. As will His Grace's footmen. I promise, I will come see you quite soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Promise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do promise.\"\n\nNodding to the concerned Thomas, accompanied by the footman, Lucretia praised Henrietta's bravery and how wonderful her poem was as they walked through the huge house and up the broad staircase. Henrietta calmed further, her tears finally drying, and Lucretia suspected the girl would indeed lie down for a while. Like Thomas, Rosemary's eyes widened in shock as the pair entered Henrietta's rooms. But she had the good sense to not ask questions.\n\n\"Lady Henrietta is very tired, Rosemary,\" Lucretia said as the plump abigail took Henrietta's hand.\n\n\"Come, My Lady,\" Rosemary said, drawing the girl inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will look after you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I will be back soon,\" Lucretia called.\n\nHenrietta turned, and offered a sad, weary smile over her shoulder.The footmen closed the door behind them and took up stations outside her room like soldiers on guard. Her pain increasing now that her initial fears had vanished, Lucretia walked with the tall footman back down the corridor.\n\nI must be quite the sight, disheveled and bleeding. She smiled to herself at the thought.\n\n\"I will take you to His Grace's physician, Miss Brent,\" the footman said. \"He arrived to care for the late Duchess and His Grace kept him on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. This is all so strange. Who would want to kill His Grace's sister? She is but a child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you certain the flintlock was aimed at her?'\n\n\"Absolutely. There is no doubt in my mind.\"\n\nThe walk to the physician's room was a long one, and by the time they arrived, Lucretia felt quite ill, her stomach in turmoil. Black spots danced behind her eyes as her head spun slightly in dizziness. As the footman knocked on the door, she tried to distract herself from her pain and weakness.\n\n\"May I ask your name, sir?\"\n\nThe footman smiled. \"John Kelley, Miss Brent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kelley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The physician, Charles Kirkwood, whom Lucretia had only met a few times, answered the door. His brows rose upon seeing the blood on her sleeve as Mr. Kelley bowed and Lucretia curtseyed. \"In God's name, what happened?\"\n\n\"Someone tried to shoot Lady Henrietta, Mr. Kirkwood,\" Mr. Kelley replied. \"Miss Brent was injured saving her life.\"\n\n\"Good God. Come in, come in. Mr. Kelley, please send for hot water.\"\n\nUshered into his room, similar to His Grace's study, Lucretia glanced around before Mr. Kirkwood indicated she should sit in a nearby chair." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Team writing exercise. I start, you do six sentences in Emma Linfield style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia woke in her own rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For long moments she stared at the ceiling, trying to remember how she got there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her head felt puffed, like the dried flower of a dandelion, and her mouth was dry with a nasty taste in it. What happened?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Licking her lips did not help, and only made her thirst worse. Little by little, she recalled the horseman with the flintlock, Henrietta's terror, bleeding, and the visit to Mr. Kirkwood. Anything after that remained a blur.\n\n\"Rosemary, her eyes are open.\"\n\nTurning her head, Lucretia found Henrietta leaning over her, staring down into her face. \"Luce?\"\n\n\"Hello, sweetling.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind Henrietta, Rosemary got up from her chair and stood beside the bed, smiling. Her white cap had fallen to one side of her head, and she adjusted it absently. \"How do you feel, Miss Brent?\" she asked.\n\n\"Strange.\"\n\n\"That would be the laudanum Mr. Kirkwood slipped you. He washed and bound up your arm, he did. Then had that lovely young footman, Mr. Kelley, bring you up here.\"\n\n\"How long – have I been asleep?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, a good while now. Lady Henrietta had her supper, but insisted she come sit with you until you woke.\"\n\n\"Does your arm hurt?\" Henrietta asked.\n\nLucretia tried a smile, but it felt wrong. \"Not right now, sweetling. May I have some water?\"\n\nRosemary hurried to a sideboard where one of the maids had filled a pitcher of water, and poured some into a small goblet. Bringing it back, Lucretia lifted her head long enough to drink it down. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are most welcome. Mr. Kirkwood instructed me to bring you tea after you had awakened,\" Rosemary said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will fetch it now.\"\n\nAs the plump woman turned and bustled from the room, Henrietta took Lucretia's hand and held it. \"I am so sorry you got hurt.\"\n\nLucretia smiled. \"I am not.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"Because if I had not been hurt, you would have been.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without losing her grip, Henrietta sat gingerly on the edge of the bed, her fine brows lowered over her hazel-green in worry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was so frightened, Luce. I know you and Mr. Kelley saved me, protected me. Rosemary explained it after she talked with Mr. Kirkwood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am so very glad you are safe.\"\n\n\"Why did that man shoot at me?\"\n\n\"I do not know, Henrietta,\" Lucretia said, her tone low. \"It is all so strange.\"\n\n\"Mr. Kirkwood set the grooms and footmen to searching for him. But they did not find him.\"\n\n\"Perhaps he will be caught someday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then Sampson will hang him, I know he will.\"\n\nBefore Lucretia could reply to that, Rosemary returned to her room, carrying a tray with a steaming pot and cups. Setting it down on a nearby table, she bustled over to the bed. \"You should sit up, Miss Brent, to drink the tea.\"\n\n\"Please, call me Lucretia.\"\n\n\"She likes to be called Luce,\" Henrietta said firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well, then, Luce,\" Rosemary replied, \"I will help you to sit up. Here, lean on my arm.\"\n\nAs she carefully sat up, Rosemary plumping the pillows behind her shoulders, Lucretia expected the pain to hit. Yet, she felt only a dull throbbing ache that spread from her shoulder to her elbow. If she had been dosed with laudanum, then her pain most likely would not truly begin until it wore off. Cradling her injured arm with her healthy one, she accepted the hot cup of tea Rosemary handed her.\n\n\"Thank you so much for looking after me,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, I am happy to, Luce,\" Rosemary replied, her ruddy cheeks rounded as she beamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way you care for our lovely Lady Henrietta is the talk of the estate. And, of course, I can look after you as well as my lady.\"\n\nThe tea tasted delicious, yet held a hint of something Lucretia could not identify. She drank it all, and Rosemary poured her another cup.\n\n\"Are you hungry, Luce?\" Henrietta asked. \"Rosemary can get you something if you are.\"\n\n\"No, My Lady, I am not. The tea is enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosemary plucked her empty cup from her fingers. \"Mr. Kirkwood instructed that you have another dose of laudanum, and you are to sleep the rest of the night.\" Turning back to the sideboard, she picked up a small brown bottle and poured a dollop into a spoon.\n\nLucretia thought of the nasty taste. \"Must I?\"\n\n\"Yes, you must, Luce,\" Henrietta piped up. \"It will help make you well again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obediently, Lucretia accepted the spoon of thick liquid, and swallowed it down as quickly as she could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trying not to grimace in front of Henrietta, she did wrinkle her nose in disgust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She drank more water to rinse her mouth, then leaned her head back against the pillows with a sigh.\n\n\"Come, My Lady,\" Rosemary said, holding out her hand. \"We must permit Luce to sleep.\"\n\nBending, Henrietta planted a soft kiss on Lucretia's cheek. \"Good night, Luce.\"\n\n\"Good night, sweetling. I will see you tomorrow.\"\n\nRosemary turned out the lamps, and by the time they softly closed the door behind them, Lucretia was asleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around noon the next day, Lucretia made her careful way down the stairs with Rosemary's help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Washed, her hair brushed and coiled at the nape of her neck, and dressed in a clean gown, she felt well enough to eat a small lunch with her charge. Afterwards, she and Henrietta sat in the garden under a parasol to protect their skin, enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other's company.\n\n\"Do you like my brother?\" Henrietta asked.\n\nLucretia took a sip of her honey-laced tea and glanced over at her. \"Whatever do you mean?\"\n\n\"Do you like him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I cannot say I do,\" Lucretia answered slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know I do not dislike him. He is my employer. I do not know if I am supposed to like him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should,\" Henrietta said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is a good man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I realize that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When our mother died,\" Henrietta continued, her voice soft, \"he took her death almost as hard as I did. But being a man, and a Duke, he would not let his grief show.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are remarkably observant.\"\n\nHenrietta smiled. \"It is only because I know him. He buried himself in his duties so he would not feel the hurt.\"\n\n\"But in doing so, he left you utterly alone.\"\n\n\"True. But then he brought me you, you see. I needed another sibling more than I needed a governess.\"\n\nLucretia gazed out over the green hills. A hunting hawk screamed from on high, its voice drowned under the light wind that rustled through the hedgerows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expect I did not realize this,\" she said at last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would have happened, do you think, if we hated each other on sight?\"\n\nHenrietta shrugged. \"He would have dismissed you and tried another governess, I suppose.\"\n\n\"I am quite glad we did not.\"\n\n\"Me, too.\"\n\n\"So why is it so important I like His Grace?\"\n\nRather than answer, Henrietta drank her tea, and artfully changed the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you suppose he will do when he comes back and finds out that man shot at me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia stared down at her arm in its sling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am almost afraid to find out. He will be so angry.\"\n\n\"Why would he be angry?\"\n\n\"If you were my sister, I would be furious.\"\n\n\"You are like my sister,\" Henrietta stated, staring at her. \"Were you angry?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Lucretia turned in her chair and faced her fully. \"What gain would someone have by killing a ten-year-old girl?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Henrietta's lower lip trembled. \"I do not know, and it makes me so scared. I do not want to die!\"\n\nAs Henrietta sobbed, Lucretia knelt in the grass at her feet and held her against her shoulder. The girl wept as though her heart had broken, clasping her arms around Lucretia's neck like a person drowning. Stroking her hand down Henrietta's blonde head, she murmured nonsense words that had soothed the frightened, the bereaved, for time out of mind. Over her head, Lucretia eyed the footmen lounging nearby, watching over their lady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was it someone from this estate who wants this child dead?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia discovered that perhaps she should not be as naively trusting of everyone there as she had been. Any man's loyalty could be bought. Though many had served His Grace for many years, and freely gave of their loyalty, was there someone even now watching them with malice and evil intent?\n\nLucretia shivered." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by seven sentences sentences. Replicate Emma Linfield's style. Maintain historical romance, mystery, female protagonist genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia discovered having Mr. Kelley around to carry things made her feel very spoiled. With his assistance, she brought more books to Henrietta's apartments for her to teach from. She sent him on errands, and the Duke even permitted her outside in the garden again if Mr. Kelley stood by. Although she was not permitted to walk in the orchard, she hardly missed her free time in the afternoon there. With the footman waiting on Henrietta, Lucretia could spend an hour in quiet contemplation in another part of the house, and did not feel constrained.\n\nThe Duke had not yet lifted Henrietta's confinement to her chambers, despite the girl's complaints, and Lucretia spent her hour after lunch in the solar. A wicked storm had blown up through the morning hours, and as she sat in the solar reading one of the books the orphanage matron had pressed upon her at her departure from the Foundling Hospital, rain lashed the windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under the book, in her lap, sat letters from Mrs. Marsh and Willie, telling her how big Rose had grown and that she was learning to read Lucretia's letters to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thunder growled outside as lightning flashed, startling her from her reading. Lucretia gazed out through the glass streaming with water, thinking that the previous two days of high heat resulted in this heavy storm. Soon it will be winter with its snow and blizzards and deep cold. She shivered at the thought. Winter was never her favorite time of the year.\n\nThe door to the solar opened. Glancing up, she found the Duke peering around the edge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I might find you here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia leaped up, dropping her book, and curtseyed. \"Your Grace. I did not expect you.\"\n\n\"I like to pop in from time to time unexpectedly,\" he said with a smile. \"Keeps people on their toes.\"\n\n\"You are certainly keeping me on mine.\"\n\nThe Duke gestured for her to return to her chair, and he took one near her, facing the wind and rain-swept windows. \"Tell me, is my sister properly disciplined? Is it time for me to lift her chamber restrictions?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia nodded. \"I was hoping you would. She has become quite petulant and disagreeable. She also chafes at the lack exercise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaned back in his chair, putting his boots up on a footstool, watching the storm rage outside the house. \"I suppose it is time. It has been five days. Do you think she has learned her lesson?\"\n\n\"Can anyone properly know that, Your Grace?\" she asked with a laugh. \"Until she does it again or does not, I will presume she has.\"\n\n\"I fear her proclivity for breaking the rules is my fault,\" the Duke said. \"After our mother died, I let her have her way more often than not and spoiled her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is far from spoiled. A little headstrong, yes, but she is a kind and thoughtful child, not given to temper tantrums, asks rather than demands, and more prone to laughter than to tears. I do not believe there is a servant in this house who does not adore her.\"\n\n\"Indeed? That is good to hear. Then I will inform my sister she is free to resume her normal activities, and you can continue to educate her in here or anywhere of your choosing.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Lucretia said. \"I am certain Lady Henrietta will be overjoyed to hear it.\"\n\nThe Duke rose from his chair and paced to the window, staring out. \"I also wished to speak with you on the matter of this enemy who wishes the three of us dead. Have you any further thoughts, Miss Brent?\"\n\n\"I do not,\" she replied, eyeing his tall masculine frame now that he could not see her admiring him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have considered and rejected many potential suspects.\"\n\n\"Such as?\"\n\nThough he still had his back to her, Lucretia ticked them off her fingers. \"Very well. Let us consider your staff first. From the top we have James—absolutely loyal to you. And for argument's sake let us say he is feigning his dedication, but what reason would he have to harm you? Revenge? Money? Neither of those motives fit. Nor do they extend to either Lady Henrietta or myself.\"\n\n\"Very good. Please continue.\"\n\n\"Mr. Kirkwood, is next, I suppose. You hired him to care for your mother, thus his loyalty may be in doubt. He is a physician, and would know how to administer poison on the needle and to the horse. However, what does he stand to gain by your death? Nothing I can see.\"\n\n\"Very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The butler and housekeeper. Their loyalties are unknown, but their motives? Non-existent. They stand to lose more than they gain by killing the three of us. For who knows if your heir will keep them on after he takes over the estate after your death.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then shall we consider my cousin?\"\n\n\"Very well. I have asked a few discreet questions of both James and Mr. Kelley regarding the Viscount of Montrose. He is barely fifteen years old. James knows your aunt, and informed me she is in poor health. On your behalf, James has written discreet letters to Yorkshire.\"\n\nThe Duke turned suddenly. \"He has? Why did he not tell me?\"\n\n\"He is your steward, Your Grace,\" Lucretia replied. \"It is his duty to perform tasks such as these and leave you free to run your dukedom. If there were anything alarming in the letters he received, I know he would have told you.\"\n\n\"You are quite correct. What information did he receive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Viscount's father, your uncle, tends to both drink and gamble heavily. Rumors in Yorkshire speak of him wasting the family fortune.\"\n\n\"That certainly gives him motivation,\" the Duke said, pacing, his head down and his hair tumbling over his brow in that fashion Lucretia loved seeing. Her hands itched to push it back and run her fingers through its rich, glossy texture. When he suddenly turned again to face her, she glanced away, feeling her face flush. \"If he is indeed gambling away his son's inheritance, he might seek to expand it by ensuring my cousin inherits my wealth, titles, and estates.\"\n\n\"However, Mr. Bloom came from London, Your Grace,\" Lucretia continued, pretending to adjust the folds of her gown, \"not Yorkshire. The Breckenridge estate is closer to London, and it makes more sense that your enemy would hire Bloom there. In addition, Mr. Kelley's time in Tewksbury did not just find Bloom, but he also kept your Yorkshire relatives in mind during his investigation.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He did not hear rumors of anyone from the north hanging around the town, and Tewksbury is not large. People with Yorkshire accents are remarked upon. As are many from various parts of England, Scotland and Wales.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded. \"All true. However, I believe we should keep my noble uncle in mind as a possibility.\" Continuing to pace, his hands behind his back, he continued to speak, his tone thoughtful. \"Although he is a drunkard, and not reputed to be very bright, he may be capable of sending to London for a hireling.\"\n\n\"Of course, Your Grace.\"\n\nSmiling, he asked, \"Do we have any others in mind, Miss Brent?\"\n\n\"The only others to visit the estate are your friends, the Lords Egerton and Gillinghamshire,\" Lucretia said. \"I believe they are incapable of wishing you harm. And again, if they did, then why? They cannot possibly be after your inheritance as they cannot inherit your titles and estates.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite right. So where does that leave us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia gazed at him as he walked about, his head down and his hands behind his back. \"Then that leaves a political motivation, Your Grace. Perhaps you have made enemies among your peers in Parliament. Are there any controversial bills that you have introduced or are a party to?\"\n\n\"That would answer the London question, certainly,\" the Duke said, \"but no. There is nothing being discussed at the government level that would lead to murder, and Parliament is not even in session right now.\"\n\n\"Then I fear I have no other suspects in mind then, Your Grace,\" Lucretia said, shrugging. \"I fear there is a motivation we have not yet considered.\"\n\nThe Duke ticked off his fingers. \"Money, revenge, jealousy, politics, personal hatred of me are the only motives truly available. We have eliminated all but greed and personal hatred, and I cannot think of anyone who hates me enough to want both myself and Henrietta killed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe I was added to the list because I stand in the enemy's way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped his pacing mid-step, spinning toward her, his eyes blazing green fire. \"You are personally responsible for thwarting him. I agree with that assessment because you halted the attempt on Henrietta, and you halted her before the needle could scratch her, but how did our enemy know that you found the needle in time?\"\n\nFor once, Lucretia had no answers. Her mouth worked as she stared at him, but nothing cohesive emerged.\n\n\"I believe, Miss Brent,\" His Grace said, his tone hard, \"if we find the answer to that question, we have our enemy.\"\n\n\"Bloom would have seen me throw Lady Henrietta down, and thus report that to his master,\" she said slowly. \"But as to the other, I do not know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were not a target until after the poisoning attempt, is that not correct?\"\n\n\"I believe so, Your Grace. More to the point, your steward James believes it.\"\n\n\"If the staff did not know about the poisoned needle, then any possible spy in my household would not, either. Thus, he must be watching somehow.\"\n\n\"If I may suggest, Your Grace,\" Lucretia said, \"when the weather clears, send James out riding the surrounding hills. Ask him to seek out the best vantage point for watching the house with a clear view of the garden. Upon discovering the needle, I kept my movements hidden only from Lady Henrietta. A watcher with a spyglass might have seen me pluck it from the shrubs.\"\n\n\"A most excellent suggestion. I will certainly do so.\" He smiled at her, his body backlit by the lightning flashing through the window. \"I wish you to know two things, Miss Brent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Your Grace?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First, I trust you absolutely. You have been a solid rock throughout this entire affair.\"\n\nLucretia stared down at her fingers in her lap, blushing furiously under his praise. \"Thank you. I am not quite sure what to say.\"\n\n\"Then say yes to my other statement.\"\n\n\"What is that?\" she asked, glancing up at him.\n\n\"The second is that I would enjoy your company at supper tonight.\"\n\nHer face flushing hotter, Lucretia smiled, her heart beating faster with pleasure and delight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would enjoy that very much.\"\n\n\"Most excellent,\" he said, offering her a small bow. \"I must leave you for the time being. But I will release my sister from her captivity and send her here for her afternoon lessons.\"\n\n\"Very good, Your Grace. Then I will see you at supper.\"\n\nAfter he had gone, not giving her a chance to curtsey, Lucretia sat back in her chair, unable to halt the silly grin that his words and invitation plastered to her face. \"Invited to supper,\" she murmured, happiness filling her. He likes me enough to want my company even when he does not have to be in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What does this mean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia did not have an answer to that, but she felt content to let time show her.\n\nThe thunderstorm moved on by the time Lucretia, freshly dressed for supper in her best gown of pale rose and accented in gold, walked down the stairs. Her hair, carefully brushed and coiffured, trailed ringlets down her slender neck. Her only piece of jewelry, an inheritance gift from the Foundling Hospital's prior matron before she died, lay around her neck. It was a pearl pendant on a slender gold chain, and her most cherished possession.\n\nShe encountered James while descending the staircase, on her way across the house to the dining room, as he walked toward the front doors with a pair of identical-looking footmen. He paused, mid-stride, gazing up at her with a slackened jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia smiled as she reached the ground level, and dropped into a curtsey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dismissed the footmen, who bowed and continued on their way outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You look stunning, Miss Brent,\" he said, bowing over her hand and kissing it lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I were not so old and set in my ways, I would be honored to court you.\"\n\n\"You flatter me, sir,\" Lucretia said, smiling and feeling her cheeks heat under the admiration in his eyes.\n\n\"Indeed, I do,\" he replied, \"but it is well deserved. Are you dining with His Grace?\"\n\n\"Yes. He invited me.\"\n\n\"I am most pleased to hear that.\"\n\nCurious, she cocked her head to the side as she gazed up at him. \"May I ask why that should please you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckled, and winked. \"No, no, I will not answer that, Miss Brent. I will take my leave of you now, as I would not wish you to be late on my account.\"\n\nAfter another quick bow, James followed the footmen, leaving Lucretia to stare after him in confusion. He was not the only one who stared as she continued on her way-—no fewer than six footmen, three housemaids, and the housekeeper all gaped while offering her bows and curtsies as she passed.\n\nThey behave as though I were a lady. Why would they do that?\n\nYet, the servants' treatment of her gave her a giddy feeling, as though she floated on air rather than walked on tiled floors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Completing her journey to the doors of the dining room, she found the Duke waiting for her, watching her approach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore a tailed black coat over a snowy white shirt, light blue waistcoat, and dark grey trousers. She matched his smile before dipping low, her fingers holding her skirts wide even as he bowed, one hand behind his back.\n\n\"Miss Brent.\"\n\n\"Your Grace.\"\n\nTo her shock, the Duke took her hand in his to formally escort her into the vast dining hall. The same admiration in James' eyes lay in the Duke's emerald gaze. \"You honor me with your presence tonight,\" he said, smiling down at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is I who should be honored,\" she replied, dazzled by not just his smile, but his dashing good looks and powerful aura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thomas, ready to serve them, bowed as they entered, and it was the Duke who pulled her chair out for her and seated her at the candlelit table, not the butler. Thomas poured wine for them both before retreating, and Lucretia glanced around, observing an absent party.\n\n\"Your Grace, where is Lady Henrietta?\" she asked.\n\nThe Duke grinned mischievously. \"I tempted her with a rare opportunity,\" he replied. \"Supper in her rooms with Rosemary and Rosemary's daughter, Celeste. The two girls are close to the same age.\"\n\n\"I did not know Rosemary had a daughter,\" Lucretia said, astounded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is married to my gamekeeper,\" he replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thus, her husband and child reside in a cottage a few miles east of here, and Rosemary spends a few days off a month to be with them. Henrietta has so few opportunities to play with children her own age, I thought she might enjoy it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, Your Grace,\" Lucretia said, smiling, \"I do believe I have spotted a soft spot in your armor.\"\n\n\"Unfortunately for me,\" he said, lifting his wineglass, \"I have many of them. To you, Miss Brent.\"\n\nLifting her own glass, she clicked it against his, then took a sip. Though she had had wine on many occasions, this vintage tasted sweet with a faint smoky flavor that danced on her tongue long after she swallowed.\n\n\"This is delicious.\"\n\n\"It is one of my favorites,\" he said, sipping from his own crystal glass. \"Imported from the south of France. Quite expensive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe I understand why it is your favorite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They spoke easily and comfortably together as Thomas served them a succulent fish soup, followed by the main course of roasted hare, a pigeon pie, bread fresh from the ovens, watercress with nuts, and a haunch of fresh venison. Though she had often eaten what remained from the Duke's table, to have it served to her fresh by Thomas seemed the height of taste and luxury. Not even the other few times she had dined with His Grace did the meal seem so lavish to Lucretia.\n\nUnable to eat another bite, she patted her lips with her napkin, watching as the Duke completely cleaned his once full plate. \"That was delicious, Your Grace. You have an extraordinary cook.\"\n\n\"I do agree with you,\" he replied, sitting back in his chair. \"He is a rare treasure. Are you interested in dessert? I happen to know he made a very tasty bread pudding this day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, thank you,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have eaten far more than I am used to.\"\n\n\"Perhaps we might take a stroll around the garden, then.\"\n\n\"I would like that very much.\"\n\nOnce again, it was the Duke, not Thomas, who pulled her chair out for her, and he took her hand lightly in his. Thus escorted as though she were royalty, Lucretia walked beside him through the hall toward the doors that led to the garden. Over the hills, the storm clouds concealed the sun as it set, though a faint hint of red glowed upon its edge.\n\nThe air smelled sweet and fresh after the rain, and they stayed to the cobbled paths to avoid getting their shoes and clothes damp as they walked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Evening crept in, casting the last shadows from the dying day into invisibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though there was no moon yet, stars glittered in the inky pool of the night sky. Insects chirped from the shrubbery while an owl floated low over their heads, roosting in the trees at the far end of the garden.\n\n\"What was your mother like?\" Lucretia asked.\n\n\"A saint, in truth,\" the Duke replied. \"Kind, warm-hearted, would often feed poor peddlers who occasionally came by the house before sending them on their way with gifts of food and some coin.\"\n\n\"She sounds wonderful.\"\n\n\"Henrietta looks much like her,\" he went on, smiling fondly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her hair and her eyes, while I take after my father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are lucky to have known your parents,\" she said. \"I never knew mine.\"\n\n\"They died when you were a child?\"\n\n\"An infant. Their cottage caught fire. My father saved me at the expense of his own life.\"\n\n\"He sounds like a noble man.\"\n\nLucretia smiled. \"I hope I can live up to his sacrifice.\"\n\nThe Duke stopped walking, and Lucretia paused with him, gazing up into his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though they lay in shadow, she saw a faint gleam in them from the distant lights of the house." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His finger under her chin tilted her head up. \"I believe you already have.\"\n\nLucretia did not move away as his face bent toward her." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 2 sentences more sentences? in historical romance, mystery, female protagonist style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia, hearing shouts in the corridors, walked toward the doors to the solar, leaving Henrietta to gape at her back. Upon opening the door, she found footmen running past, their powdered wigs askew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she tried to stop one to inquire as to what was going on, the man all but tripped over his feet trying to stop, apologized to her, then ran on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Kelley,\" she shouted, seeing him hurrying toward her. \"What is happening?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Kelley skidded to a stop near her, his shoes sliding on the slick tiles. \"His Grace needs every hand to help move horses,\" he gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He fears someone may try to attack the stud farm and steal the stock.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia whirled, her hair streaming across her shoulders. \"Rosemary,\" she snapped. \"Take Lady Henrietta to her quarters, then bolt the door behind you. Do not open it for anyone save His Grace, myself, Mr. Kelley, or James. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, Luce,\" Rosemary said, her face pale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But surely you are not going—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am, Rosemary. Go now.\"\n\nAs Henrietta and Rosemary hurried past her, Lucretia nodded to Mr. Kelley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take me to His Grace.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure you should—?\" he began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" she growled, impatient. \"I can certainly lead a horse. Take me to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiking her skirts to give her legs room to run, Lucretia followed John Kelley down the stairs and outside the house where perhaps fifty or sixty servants—footmen, housemaids, kitchenmaids, the gardener and his assistants, the coachman, grooms—all assembled on the lawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In front of the assembly, the Duke sat his grey stallion, with James at his flank aboard a bay, facing them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke saw her amid the crowd, and dipped his chin once in a nod. Lucretia nodded back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everyone,\"he said, his voice carrying to the back. \"I am in need of your assistance. I have reason to believe my stud farm will be attacked and my horses taken. With your help, we can move the animals to a safe and protected location—Marbridge Castle, the old derelict castle of my ancestors.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Kelley bent to Lucretia's ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Marbridge lies three miles from here,\" he murmured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To the south. His Grace's ancestors refused to rebuild it, and instead built this house. The walls are mostly intact, and thus he can keep the horses safe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia grinned. \"Ready to walk a few miles, my friend?\"\n\nMr. Kelley looked affronted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you keep up, Miss Brent?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Watch me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As some of the older servants climbed into the carriages, Lucretia, with Mr. Kelley at her shoulder, hurried toward the Duke. The rest began the short trek to the stud farm, a mere half mile down the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke gazed down at them, his expression grave, and regretful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you up for this, Miss Brent?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She set her hands on her hips. \"If I was not, I would not be here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lack of his title was not lost on him, or on those nearby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "James grinned openly, while Mr. Kelley tried to hide his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke merely smiled, rueful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you ever ridden a horse, Miss Brent?\"\n\n\"No, Your Grace. My feet will serve me just fine. Your sister is safe, locked in her rooms with Rosemary. They are not to open the door to anyone save us four.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should have been a battlefield general, Miss Brent,\" the Duke said, smiling. \"Will you consent to ride in a carriage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will walk, Your Grace, thank you. Keep the carriages for those who are less hardy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive me, but James and I must ride ahead to the farm and start the proceedings there.\"\n\nLucretia waved them on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go. We will follow.\"\n\nThe Duke, James, and a dozen mounted grooms cantered their horses down the road as Lucretia and Mr. Kelley led the servants in their wake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Glancing behind, she noted that the younger, healthier servants walked a fast pace while other less stout crowded into the carriages." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can they walk leading a horse?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They may not have to,\" Mr. Kelley replied. \"They may only need to hold a lead rope while riding inside. The people in one carriage alone can lead more than ten horses. Perhaps a dozen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a rather extreme time to learn how to handle a horse,\" she muttered, walking quickly down the graveled road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you never handled a horse before, Miss Brent?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never. The London orphanage did not teach that among their education classes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you need assistance, I will be ready,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will also work to ensure you are given a docile one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia smiled up at him. \"You are a dear friend, Mr. Kelley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we are friends, then please call me John.\"\n\n\"Happy to meet you, John. I am Luce.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled. \"I like that. Luce.\"\n\nIt took almost thirty minutes for the crowd of servants to arrive at the farm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Covering several acres in size, it held more than a dozen stables, sheds, and outbuildings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A small cottage stood back from the stables where Lucretia assumed the stud manager lived. Lucretia stood upon a low hill, watching as the organized chaos commenced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Duke, the stud manager rushing to assist him, directed everything with shouted commands.\n\n\"Listen, everyone,\" he yelled from the back of his grey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen close, now. Experienced and mounted grooms only take the stallions. Keep them in the front of the group and start now. When you arrive at the castle, the stallions are to be quartered in the west wing of the keep. Go.\"\n\n\"Those in the carriages, you will be handed the ropes of the pregnant mares. Coachmen, travel slowly and keep a close watch on your horses, please. They carry very valuable cargo. The rest of you will be handed mares with foals. Fear not, for they are quite docile and will walk quietly with you. Does anyone have an urgent question I may answer now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia gazed around, but other than murmurs, she heard no questions raised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well.\"\n\nThe Duke gestured for the mounted grooms to be handed the leads of the prancing, proud-necked, high-spirited stallions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke himself and James each took the rope of a priceless Breckenridge breeder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They set off up the dirt track to the south, hooves kicking up clots of mud. The stud manager then organized the pregnant mares, perhaps thirty of them, to the hands reaching for ropes from the carriages." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone passed a lead rope attached to a fat-bellied chestnut mare to Lucretia, her equally chestnut baby frolicking in the stableyard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She eyed the mare with some trepidation, but felt reassured when the creature merely stood, patient, at her shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ready?\" John asked, his hand holding the rope of a roan, her udder swinging, as that one's foal attempted to rear and plant his hooves on his dam's rump. For his pains, he received a sharp kick from his dam, forcing him into submission with a snort and a rebellious shake of his head. Lucretia grinned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so,\" she replied, walking forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mare trod at her side obediently, occasionally snorting nasty stuff on her sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That practice offended her at first, but when she found John's sleeve damp and her friend not concerned, she decided a sleeve was not worth quarreling with her charge over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Especially when her charge outweighed her by a considerable amount.\n\nShe clicked her tongue. \"Behave,\" she murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The path they followed appeared little more than a dirt track, but it was smooth and Lucretia found walking along it easy. Fortunately, the afternoon had not grown hot enough to become uncomfortable, and she watched the young foals frisk and buck as they played while their dams plodded along at a steady pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The long line of people and horses wound their way into the hills, Lucretia following the horse in front." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How are you faring, Luce?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "John asked from behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite well, John, thank you,\" she said. \"This is something of an adventure for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope it does not prove to be too arduous for you, though.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How much of Marbridge Castle is still standing?\"\n\n\"It is only partly in ruins,\" he replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The outer walls are intact, as is the main castle itself. But much of the keep and the bailey have fallen stonework in them, blocking entrances. I believe, however, there is enough shelter for these horses to satisfy the Duke.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the outer walls will protect them.\"\n\n\"Yes, indeed. I will not be surprised if the stud farm is attacked this night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia shivered. \"Who do you think is behind all this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know. I do hope the Duke catches him soon, however.\"\n\nLucretia's feet were sore by the time they reached the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Horses, carriages, and people were wending their way amid the huge stone blocks cast everywhere on the grounds. The place was massive, set upon a hill, its outer walls ringing its base." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stone walls of the castle itself indicated it was easily twice the size of the Duke's manor house, and she wondered what it had looked like in its prime.\n\nJames, still on his horse, directed the servants to various places as they led their horses in through the massive gates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gazing around, Lucretia found grooms rushing to take the Breckenridge horses from the servants, tying them to rusted rings in the walls or placing them in rooms inside the lower level of the castle itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She suspected the grooms would have a very busy time caring for all of these horses without the convenience of stalls and a stable.\n\nAfter her mare and its foal were taken from her by a hurrying groom, Lucretia wondered what she should do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun would set within the hour, and she would not arrive back at the house until well after dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She no longer worried about monsters or wild creatures, but she was concerned about a turned ankle if she tripped on the path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Standing around, gazing at the servants and grooms hurrying amidst this chaos, she considered asking John to walk with her back to the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of hooves behind her made her turn. The Duke rode his grey stallion up to her, his expression grim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dropped low into a curtsey, then rose as he dismounted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hair tumbled forward over his brow again and once more her hands itched to rake it back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The grooms will have a hard time for a while,\" he said, gazing around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the horses are safe, at least. But they cannot stay here more than a few days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can I help in some way?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia asked, observing a carriage filled with servants departing through the gate to return to the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here, no,\" the Duke replied, also watching the carriage. \"But I would like you to return with Mr. Kelley. If my enemy were to learn that Henrietta is unprotected by anything save a door—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not complete his sentence, but Lucretia knew he did not have to. Even a stoutly bolted door could easily succumb to a blast from a blunderbuss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may stay the night here,\" the Duke went on, \"along with James, the grooms, and some of the footmen. Please, Miss Brent. Protect my sister.\"\n\nDisbelieving that she could ever be so daring, Lucretia took his hand and squeezed it, then let it go before anyone witnessed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will, Your Grace. Trust me for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled, his expression lightening as though a great weight had been lifted from him. \"I feel in my heart I did the right thing by moving the horses,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the thief thinks to ride into the stud farm with his henchmen, he will find nothing for his troubles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How will you catch him, Your Grace?\"\n\n\"I do not know. Yet. I do not have men enough to set a trap for him, and I must be here. So must James.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps if he knows you are prepared for him,\" Lucretia said, \"he will disappear into another district and leave your horses alone.\"\n\n\"That would be good, but catching him would be better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Duke blew out a gust of frustrated breath. \"But I cannot be in two places at once. Please return to the house and look after Henrietta.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will.\"\n\nShe had no opportunity to curtsey before the Duke wheeled, shouting orders, and vaulted atop his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reining the animal around, he kicked the stallion into a gallop. After she watched him vanish into the crowd of grooms and horses, she turned this way and that, searching for John." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Kelley,\" she called. \"Mr. Kelley!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Over here.\"\n\nTurning, she found John ducking around the rear quarters of a mare, her foal trotting away from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he walked toward her, she met him halfway. \"His Grace wants us to return to the house immediately,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded, adjusting his powdered wig, and grimaced at the stains on his once pristine livery. \"I expected as much. If we hurry, we might get back before dark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Side by side, they hurried through the broken castle, out through the main gate, following a small stream of servants already walking down the path toward home. They did not speak much, and Lucretia grew increasingly uneasy over Henrietta's safety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While she did not believe the Duke's enemy would be so bold as to walk straight into the house with a pistol in order to kill her, she could not truly discount it, either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His Grace was right,\" John said, his tone grim. \"Look there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they came out of the hills and neared the stud farm, Lucretia saw five riders galloping away from the group of stables, tiny with the distance. \"That cannot be,\" she exclaimed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can this thief be so audacious as to try to steal the horses in daylight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expect that when he discovered he did not steal a Breckenridge earlier in the day, he gathered some friends and thought to grab a bunch of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia stared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He tried to steal a horse earlier?\"\n\n\"You did not know? Yes, he set a diversionary fire by the stable, then when the grooms ran to put it out, he snatched one of the Duke's hacks instead of a Breckenridge.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God,\" Lucretia murmured. \"Could it be the same person who is trying to kill him and Lady Henrietta?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "John shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not see the connection. But these days, I feel anything is possible.\"\n\n\"It is getting dark,\" she said, stepping up her pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to get to Lady Henrietta as quickly as possible.\"\n\nFull dark had fallen by the same she and John, and many of the other servants, returned to the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tired, hungry, her feet hurting so bad she did not think she could remain on them any longer, she headed for the stairs. She planned to look in on Henrietta, then find food, and a hot bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thomas watched them enter, his normally placid face filled with consternation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is His Grace?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia left John to explain the Duke's whereabouts, and hurried up the stairs and down the hallways to Henrietta's suite of rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finding the door locked, she knocked. \"Rosemary, it is me. Open the door.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within moments, Rosemary, with Henrietta peeping around her shoulder, opened the door. \"Luce. What happened, dear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a bit of a story, Rosemary,\" she replied, entering past them. \"Have you eaten?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, we both have.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Henrietta wrinkled her nose. \"You do not smell very good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That I do not, sweetling,\" she replied, gazing down at the dirt and horse dribbles on her gown. \"Rosemary, would you be so good as to have food and a bath brought here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, love. But first tell us what has been going on.\"\n\nAs she stripped out of her shoes and soiled gown, and stood in her shift, Lucretia explained the theft of the horse, and how the Duke suspected someone might try to grab horses from the stud farm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thus, we helped His Grace move the horses to the old castle, and sure enough, we saw riders galloping away from the farm. Someone did plan to steal them, but the horses were not there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\"\n\nLucretia glanced up at the vehemence she heard in Rosemary's tone, surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The abigail nodded fiercely.\n\n\"No man should be stealing His Grace's fine horses,\" she snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is not right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucretia smiled. \"No, it is not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will see to food and a bath.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hustling out the door, she closed it behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia did not feel the need to bolt it behind her, and sat gratefully down in an armchair. Henrietta perched on a chair nearby, watching as she rubbed her painful feet with a sigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have blisters, Luce?\"\n\n\"Yes, I do,\" she replied, feeling every one of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I expect that the next time I go walking over seven miles, I should put better shoes on.\"\n\n\"What is the old castle like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have never been there?\"\n\nHenrietta shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My parents would never let me and Sampson is too busy to take me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she relaxed, waiting for the food to arrive, Lucretia described the ruins. \"Will the horses be safe there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the girl asked when she finished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. His Grace will stay for a while, but the wall will keep anyone out and the gate is still good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think someone would steal my pony?\"\n\n\"No, sweetling. She is still in the stable, very happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rosemary returned with a kitchen maid, who carried a huge platter, filled with bread, cheese, roasted chicken, fruit, and hot soup. As the maid brought more than she could eat, Henrietta and Rosemary joined her in a second supper as she waited for the bath water to arrive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hot bath came as heavenly luxury as Lucretia soaked many of her aches away.\n\nThus, exhausted, fed, and bathed, she had no idea she fell asleep in the chair while talking to Rosemary until she was awakened and sent to bed on her pallet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before succumbing to slumber, Lucretia touched the dragon secreted by her, reassured by its silent presence.\n\nThe next few days brought the Duke back but not the horses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though she did not witness it, John told her that His Grace roared with laughter upon being told thieves were seen riding from the stables mere hours after the stud had been moved to the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The grooms are working day and night to feed and water them up there,\" he told Lucretia. \"He does not speak of it, but I see he is dreadfully worried about them. They are almost like his children.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His Grace rode out, accompanied by James, on a daily basis to the old castle to join his small army of grooms caring for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the window in the solar, Lucretia gazed down, observing them ride out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She also noticed the blunderbusses and pistols they both carried. As she had not seen the Duke or James to ask if James found anything significant in the hills during his search, she asked John if he knew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Standing in the doorway of the solar, she glanced over at Henrietta speaking French to Rosemary, who nodded as if she understood while darning Henrietta's dresses. \"Did James find anything that day?\" she asked John." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He found the most likely hill, yes,\" John replied, his voice pitched low. \"It commands a clear view of the entire property, and, yes, with a spyglass our enemy can and did see straight down into the garden. While the rain washed away any possible tracks, he did find evidence our man brought food with him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So he did see me find the needle,\" she breathed, her heart hammering in her chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, indeed. And he may want you dead simply because you saved Her Ladyship not once, but twice. That may have made him angry enough to kill you, also.\"\n\nThat conversation made her wish she could carry the pistol around with her everywhere, for she no longer felt safe anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While she tutored Henrietta on warm afternoons in the garden, she could not help but continually glance up toward the hill. She often shivered, as though feeling his eyes on her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite John's comforting presence, she never truly felt comforted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not seen the Duke except a few times in passing, and longed for a chance to sit with him, or walk with him in the garden again. Lucretia found herself missing him, and chided herself for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he kissed me and held my hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Does that mean he is falling in love with me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Am I falling in love with him? While she did not know the answer to the former, she did know the answer to the latter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, she was falling in love with him.\n\nFour days after the adventure in moving the horses to the castle, Lucretia watched as Henrietta applied her Latin skills by reading from a book written in the language, one Lucretia found during a day spent in the Duke's library." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They both glanced up at the clatter of hooves on gravel, seeing both the Duke and James ride past the tall shrubs of the garden.\n\n\"I want to see my brother,\" Henrietta announced, rising from her chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knowing the girl had not been able to see the Duke lately, Lucretia allowed it, and followed her out to the front of the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled as he swung out of his saddle, his arms wide as he embraced his young sister. Lucretia hung back, not wanting to interfere with their reunion, but the Duke beckoned her forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curtseying to him, she glanced up to find he had a smile for her as well. \"I have not seen my ladies in far too long,\" he said, his green eyes warm as he gazed at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia blushed, lowering her face to hide it while shooting lightning glances at the grooms holding the horses' bridles and toward James. While James' half-smile and mild expression informed her of his approval, the grooms eyed her sidelong behind the Duke's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could not tell from their neutral expressions if they felt scandalized by his words or if they approved as James did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sampson, Luce is making me read Latin again.\"\n\n\"Well, good for Miss Brent,\" he replied easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For I certainly cannot teach you Latin. Maybe she should focus on your history lessons instead.\"\n\nHenrietta made a face with her arm wrapped securely around his waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"History is so boring. And Latin is ever so useless.\"\n\n\"Perhaps you can recite some French to me at supper,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Brent, I would greatly appreciate your presence at supper this evening.\"\n\n\"I would be honored, Your Grace.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excellent. You can inform me as to Lady Henrietta's progress with her studies.\"\n\n\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your Grace,\" James said, his eyes on the road behind them. \"Riders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke turned, Henrietta still clinging to his waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That looks like George and Oliver,\" he said. \"Seeking to cadge yet another meal off me along with decanters of brandy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia glanced at his face, wondering if he was annoyed, but his smile never wavered and his words sounded as though he spoke with affection. The two waved as they cantered closer, and grooms ran from the stable to take their horses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ho, Sampson,\" Lord Egerton called, swinging down from his saddle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We heard rumors of troubles here and thought to pay a call.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" the Duke replied, walking toward them, Henrietta at his hip. \"Thieves trying to steal my horses. George, how good to see you again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still mounted on his tall horse, Lord Gillinghamshire gazed around at the small cluster of people, his handsome face expressionless. \"Did you catch these thieves?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on down from there,\" the Duke said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let us retire to the library for a drink. I expect you also will stay for supper. Come.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gently disengaging Henrietta, he sent her back to Lucretia after a quick kiss to her cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl, her previous enthusiasm dimmed, went willingly enough. \"See you at supper, little sister,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Gillinghamshire finally dismounted, smiling as he shook the Duke's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have the best cook in the district, Sampson,\" he said. \"We do not come for your company, but his.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke laughed. \"And here I thought you came for my brandy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia curtsied as both lords passed her, and upon rising, she caught the Duke's eye.\" Your Grace,\" she said, diffident. \"As your friends have arrived, I will refuse your invitation to eat with you this evening. I am sure you would rather I not attend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Duke's smile faded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course you will attend, Miss Brent. I will not rescind my invitation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bent into a curtsey. \"As you wish.\"\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucretia glanced up, dismayed, at the venom in the Baron's voice. She looked first to the Duke, whose brows had lowered over his eyes and his lips thinned in disapproval." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "seven sentences sentences. fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling stuff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's been two weeks since my sister died.\n\nThat's the only excuse I have for letting Remy catch me off guard tonight.\n\nUsually, I pride myself on vigilance... but I'm two drinks in and still buzzing with adrenaline from the fire I set only hours ago, and I have spent the evening steadfastly avoiding looking at the front door of the tavern.\n\nWell, not the door, exactly. It's the empty barstool next to it, the one where Zaina used to sit, that I would just as soon never look at again.\n\nIt's bad enough that I can scarcely close my eyes without seeing my sister's perfect features and imagining the way they must have melted and twisted in the moments before the dragon took her.\n\nAt least here, I can escape all of that, losing myself in the drinks and the cards and the noise of the voices around me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am raking in my winnings from the previous hand, putting on a show of triumph, when the last voice I want to hear startles me from across the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Care for an actual challenge?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Celestial Hells." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It shouldn't be a surprise. The Drunken Pumpkin is close enough to King's Square that the guards come here often, and this guard in particular.\n\nHell, this is where I first met Remy.\n\nSeeing him again should feel minor in the wake of my sister's death and a subsequent slew of arson, but this tavern is as close as I come to a sanctuary. The room I keep in town is just upstairs, and Remy hasn't come around nearly as often since our... whatever we had over a year ago.\n\nApparently, Zaina's ghost isn't the only one that wants to haunt me tonight.\n\nMy mostly steady gaze drifts upward, scanning him from the black-and-crimson tunic that stretches across his broad chest to the unlikely dimple in his strong chin, the arrogant tilt to his full mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An answering smirk blooms on my lips, though it feels as hollow as the rest of me does.\n\n\"If only I knew where to find one.\"\n\nRemy doesn't rise to my bait. He only tucks a wavy strand of chestnut hair behind his ear and sinks into the half-broken chair across the table from me like he owns it.\n\n\"Deal me in.\" He's talking to the man shuffling cards, but his cinnamon eyes don't leave mine.\n\nThose were the first words I ever heard him say, back when he was just another mark and I was just a girl at the bar.\n\nI down the rest of my cinnamon-infused sake and signal for another before I speak again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Decide to crawl out of whatever hole you sank into and grace us with your presence?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Needling at him is the best distraction I've had all night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You sound sad.\" There's a serious undertone to his voice that puts me on guard, but his expression is perfectly neutral as he surveys the five cards in his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you miss me, Gemma?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't bat an eye at the sound of the fake name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of my many monikers, that one, the one that represents the card shark and pickpocket, is the closest to feeling like my own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, I can hardly go around telling people I have the same unusual name as Lady Delmara's stepdaughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I've been sad, it's only because no one was able to confirm your untimely demise.\" My voice falls flat on those last two words, too close to things I refuse to think about any more tonight. \"And now this.\"\n\n\"By this, I assume you mean losing at your favorite game.\" He flashes me an expression that makes my toes curl, but I stamp down the feeling as quickly as it came.\n\n\"This is hardly my favorite game.\" My savage grin is more a baring of teeth, and I dare him to dance a little closer to all the things we never outright talk about. \"And I wouldn't go right to losing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My knuckle raps on the worn wooden table, the signal for another card, while I rid myself of the four of diamonds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remy's smile broadens as he taps for his next card with a bit of flair. He has always enjoyed the show and entertaining the onlookers of our games, and tonight is no exception.\n\n\"No Lawrence tonight?\" I ask after his hulking fellow guard, mostly to avoid an outward tell that the six of spades the dealer gave me was worthless to my hand.\n\nI'll just have to bluff my way to a win.\n\n\"I'm sure he's around here somewhere.\" His tone is wry. \"But your friend, Leila? She's still not back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leila. It was the name Zai went by when she was here, and for a moment, I don't breathe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what I get for trying to misdirect him with idle chatter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoping he doesn't notice my lapse, I will my features into neutrality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" My tone is clipped, despite my best efforts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's not coming back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There is no conversation after that, something my expression probably helps along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I order yet another cinnamon sake, hoping that it will help dull the pain that always accompanies thoughts of Zai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pile in the middle grows as Remy and I throw in coins of increasingly high value." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I study his chiseled features, but they hold no clue as to whether he's bluffing the same as I am.\n\nHe returns my scrutiny. \"You have to know when to fold, Gemma,\" he taunts.\n\nI throw another silver on the pile in response, and he calls. Flipping my cards across my knuckles one by one, I lay out my pathetic hand.\n\nTwo pairs, threes and sevens.\n\nRemy tosses his head back and laughs, a full-bellied sound that mocks me before he splays out his royal flush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bloody hell.\" I scowl.\n\nI wouldn't be concerned about the loss if it were anyone else. The game is only part of why I come to the tavern. Primarily, I'm here for the same reason I do most things in my life.\n\nBecause Mother demands it.\n\nThis bar nestled near the mid-sector of town is the perfect place to gather information. At least, it was until Remy sat across from me in his very conspicuous blood-red uniform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now all of the chatter is centering around tired news stories." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, I'm not ready to call it a night, so I don't argue when Remy signals for another hand. I just order another drink and home in on the steady hum of voices around me.\n\nHalf of the bar is talking about the vigilante, which is what the newspapers have taken to calling the mysterious arsonist who is cleaning up the city, one criminal at a time.\n\nIf only they knew my reasons weren't half so noble.\n\nThe other half is talking about my sister and the ridiculous lie the Jokithan King spread about her death.\n\nI let the grating voices of the gossiping patrons fade into the background, focusing on my cards, which is difficult when most of the tavern has gathered around us to witness another one of our showdowns.\n\nOr on us, in the case of the barmaid who keeps \"accidentally\" falling into Remy's lap, something he is actively encouraging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some things never change,\" I mutter, grateful for the distraction from my darker thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least you'll make this one an easy win for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's not strictly true, when he is giving no discernible tells.\n\n\"Don't worry your pretty little head about that. I'm an excellent multi-tasker, or don't you remember?\" He's had several ales himself, and he practically purrs the words.\n\n\"I do remember. Multitasking with me and half the town, it seemed,\" I reply in an even tone. Not that I can judge him, much, but at least I waited until we ended things to return to my usual parade of unsuspecting marks.\n\nHe arches a dark brown eyebrow. \"Are you sure about that, Gemma? I'm surprised you can commit yourself to that accusation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I let out a soft snort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like the man would have been able to commit himself to anything besides his next drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remy has bet his entire pile of coins by the time I call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shows his hand first with a confident grin on his perfectly shaped lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can't help but taunt him a little in return, twirling each card between my fingers with a flourish before revealing them one at a time.\n\nRemy's grin falters a bit with each card, fading entirely when I slowly overturn my last one.\n\nI force my lips up in a show of triumph, though there's no real joy.\n\nRemy groans. \"One more round?\" he offers.\n\n\"And give you a chance to redeem yourself?\" I slide my winnings into my coin purse, securing it to my belt before getting to my feet. \"I think I'll pass.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Redeem myself?\" he scoffs. \"I won as many as you did.\"\n\n\"But I won the last one,\" I remind him. \"And you know only the most recent win counts.\"\n\nIt's a tired argument, but almost comforting in its familiarity. Or it would be, with someone less aggravating.\n\n\"Won't you at least buy me a consolation drink, then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remy stands as well, moving around the table and edging in close to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too close, but I'll be damned if I give him the satisfaction of moving away.\n\n\"Tempting as it is, that's a road I'd just as soon never travel again.\" Just one of many lies I've told tonight, but this one, by all rights, should be the truth.\n\nHe opens his mouth to respond when a man catches my attention toward the end of the bar.\n\nHe looks like half the people walking around the city of Bondé, his angular black eyes and obsidian hair nearly a mirror image of mine. But then, I was also chosen to blend in.\n\nAnd I'm positive this man works for Mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure enough, when the bartender passes the man a couple of chilled glasses with a copper-colored liquid, he slides one in front of me. \"A Widow's Kiss for the victor.\"\n\nThree cherries garnish the top, a sign that Mother needs me urgently. I'm torn between feeling grateful for the excuse to leave and frustrated that Remy will think I'm running away, but in the end, I lack the conviction to feel either for very long.\n\nI take the toothpick with the black, liqueur-soaked cherries from the glass and slide them off with my teeth before passing the rest to Remy.\n\n\"Looks like you got that drink after all. I'll see you around.\" With that, I grab the coin purse from the counter and stride out into the biting night air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zai's death has made Mother more volatile than usual." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she has summoned me to come quickly, even I am not brave enough to keep her waiting tonight." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: four sentences\nAuthor Emulation: Elle Madison\nGenre Classification: fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tavern is packed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smoke billows out from the doorway with each person who enters or leaves, ushering out sounds of the raucous celebration from within. Are they congratulating themselves on their latest haul of children? Anticipating the payoff that's coming?\n\nMy fingers itch toward my stars, but I remind myself we need something from them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We need them alive. For now.\n\n\"They almost look normal,\" Remy whispers next to me from our spot on the rooftop next door.\n\n\"What did you think they would look like?\" I shake my head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Were you expecting horns growing out of their heads? For some of them to have tails?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lifts a shoulder. \"I really wasn't sure what to expect from the kind of monsters that could work for someone like her.\"\n\nI have no response for that, because it's not unfair. At least I know what he would think of me if he knew the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This should be easy enough,\" I say, deliberately changing the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nods, staring down at the entrance of the tavern and counting the men entering under his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A few rounds of ale should loosen their tongues.\"\n\n\"We don't have time for that,\" I argue. \"Just follow my lead.\"\n\nRipping off my cloak and stuffing it into my satchel, I unlace the front of my undershirt before tugging it lower on my shoulders, imitating the style of the brothel girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remy stares as I unpin my braid and adjust myself within the corset, trying to amplify the small assets I have.\n\nSmall flecks of snow flutter through the air, the first sign of winter's approach. A shiver runs through me as I shake out my braid, pulling the long waves around my shoulders to offer some small protection from the cold.\n\n\"Are you coming?\" I ask, climbing over the parapet and down onto the ladder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remy curses under his breath before following me.\n\nWhen we're on the ground, I shove my satchel into his hands and motion for him to go around the back, but I don't turn to look at him. Right now, I need to fight down the sinking, twisted feeling gnawing at my gut at having to interact with one of the Pillagers, no matter how brief it will be.\n\nIf it weren't for Jessa, I would light the entire tavern on fire right now and be rid of the lot of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Schooling my expression, I straighten my posture and tug down my bodice as far as it will go, revealing as much skin as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Girls from the brothels walk these streets looking to lure customers back with them. All I need is to pass for one now.\n\nI walk straight up to the window and pretend to use it as a mirror, polishing my lips with the deep red gloss I keep on me at all times. The men at the nearest table turn to me, drinking in every inch of me from my head to my feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bile rises in my throat, but I swallow it down as I stare at them seductively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My gaze flits between the men before I land on the one who looks like he would break the easiest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's always the biggest men, the ones used to being in control, who flounder when it's taken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I follow the tattooed lines of his arm all the way up to his eyes and wink, hating myself when he responds with a feral grin. Maintaining eye contact, I gently bite the corner of my lower lip, then slowly make my way around the corner into the alleyway, knowing he'll follow.\n\nAfter all, money is no object when they have just secured another load.\n\nI make a mental list of all the ways I could kill the man to pass the time in the few seconds before he opens the door, whistling to beckon me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like I'm a dog.\n\n\"Over here,\" I say in the breathy tone of the pleasure-house women.\n\nHe enters the alleyway, and I'm suddenly grateful that wherever I wound up in life, it was not as a woman who actually would have had to put herself at the mercy of this barbarous man.\n\nNot that I would be at his mercy with my skillset." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reminder that Remy is watching in the shadows is all that stays my hand from attacking the man now.\n\nPlaying a part is one thing. If I take down a grown man three times my size, Remy is sure to start asking questions I can't answer. So, I keep a grin plastered to my face as the Pillager stalks closer, following me around the back of the building into the alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't tease me.\" His voice is higher pitched than I'd expect from a man his size.\n\n\"I wouldn't dream of it,\" I reply, running a hand through my hair.\n\nPausing, I allow him to come closer, to grip my waist with his calloused hands and pull me flush against him. His breath is rancid, heavy with the odor of spirits and tobacco, and it's an effort not to gag." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Self-loathing crashes over me as he roughly presses his mouth against mine. Every part of me rebels against the necessity of playing this role, but fortunately, Remy does his part quickly.\n\nI hear a thunk as the man's eyes roll to the back of his head and his massive body drops to the ground.\n\nRemy is standing behind him, face twisted in anger as he looks at the body in disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's next?\" he asks, wiping the stray specks of blood from the hilt of his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Next, we get our information.\" I start to head back the way we came when the banging sound of the door closing makes me curse under my breath.\n\nAll anyone would have to do is look around this corner to see their fallen comrade.\n\nI exchange a quick, alarmed glance with Remy, my hand already twitching toward my false pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze follows my movements before he pulls me around the corner and pushes me bodily against the wall, directly in the view of the newcomer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm torn between yelling at him and killing the man approaching us when Remy presses his body against mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leans down, pausing when he is close enough for me to smell the residual notes of sage and lavender from his shaving balm, close enough for me to feel his breath on my lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The split second is long enough for me to stop him, if I want to.\n\nBut I don't.\n\nInstead, I push up onto my toes to bring myself closer to him, the way I did a thousand times when we were together for reasons so much more complicated than an alibi.\n\nHis lips are soft and warm and gentle, but his kiss is none of those things." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's fire, powerful and all-consuming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even knowing that we hate each other, that there is death and torture in our very near future, and that there is nothing romantic about tracking down a revolting crew of slavers, my body reacts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lighting sizzles through every point of contact, my mouth molding against his like it was meant to be there. He makes a low, growling sound, moving his hands to the backs of my thighs as he lifts me, pulling my legs on either side of his waist.\n\nMy back hits the wall with an audible thunk, and I ignore it, fisting my hands in his hair.\n\nFor the show, I tell myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That also must be why his tongue grazes mine, why I open my mouth for him to explore more deeply. Why all I can feel is his rough stubble against my chin and his teeth on my lips and the ten points of his fingers digging into my thighs.\n\nVaguely, I register a sound that doesn't belong, but it takes me too long to place it as the voice of someone else.\n\n\"Hey!\" The tone makes me realize it isn't the first time someone has tried to get our attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I blink. Of course. The man from the tavern. The entire reason we entered this charade.\n\nRemy abruptly drops me, severing every point of contact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I barely catch myself from falling over before turning away like I'm embarrassed to be caught.\n\n\"Do you mind?\" Remy's voice is annoyed.\n\n\"Came out to see what all the noise was,\" he answers in an uncertain voice and I'm relieved to see that it's not one of the men who were ogling me through the window.\n\n\"As you see.\" Remy is still out of breath, and it does things to me that it shouldn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, take it somewhere else,\" the man says in a firmer tone. \"This is a business establishment.\"\n\nThat pulls me out of whatever stupor I have temporarily sunken into. Business. The business of trading children, you mean, you sick bastard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wish I had ignored Remy and gone ahead and killed him, but admittedly, this way drew less attention.\n\nBesides, there will be time enough for that later.\n\nRemy huffs out a halfhearted apology and holds my waist while he backs away until my feet are firmly on the ground. Only when the man goes back inside do I brave a glance at Remy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His lips are swollen, his eyes still slightly dazed, but all he says is, \"Guess it's a good thing we're both familiar with a good bluff.\"\n\n\"Yes, I'm glad I've gotten so good at faking it when we're together.\" I can do nothing about the redness that creeps so easily from my neck into my cheeks, but at least my tone is dry.\n\nWith that, I stalk past him toward the unconscious form of the man, stopping only long enough to pick up my cloak and tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remy's breathing is still ragged as he catches up to me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bluffing, my ass." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An unearthly scream wrenches me from a fitful sleep.\n\nI'm not sure what's worse these days.\n\nThe surreal dreams where Zaina's face looks at me with accusation as a collar snaps around her neck before she's dragged away, where I try to go to her, but my legs are chained to the floor.\n\nOr the reality I've been thrust into upon waking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's been three days since I set fire to the Pillagers and left Remy in an alley in the slums." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being stuck at Mother's estate was almost a relief, almost a peaceful respite from the events of that day.\n\nUntil now.\n\nAnother shrill scream rings out, and I recognize the voice as Mother's.\n\nDamn it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Throwing on my robe, I dash out of the room and down the marble staircase, heading straight toward her chambers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maids are scurrying away as quickly as possible, and I gesture for them to head toward the kitchens. They'll be safer there from whatever is going on in this room.\n\nI push open the door, my dagger at the ready as Mother screams again.\n\nMy eyes scan the room, desperate for any clues that might have caused this reaction from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I move closer to assess her for any sign of an injury. There's nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did something happen?\" I ask cautiously, preparing to subtly flee the room if she appears to be on the murder path again.\n\nShe turns on me, a letter in her hand, her violet eyes a tempest of fury so deep I'm not even sure she really sees me. Only Zaina's death has ever had the power to unhinge her this way. A dark thought crosses my mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it Mel?\" The words come out raspy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Of course not.\" Disgust joins her maelstrom of rage, like I should have known better than to think she would be upset by anything so trivial as her actual daughter.\n\nI hide the relief I feel knowing that my sister is still alive.\n\n\"It just doesn't make sense,\" Mother continues, her hand flying to her temple, her long, elegant fingers pressing in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How could all of them be cured? Where did he find the flowers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She appears to be talking more to herself, so I am contemplating creeping back out of the room when she finally, truly, notices me.\n\n\"When Einar gets here, I need you to find out everything you can about his visit, what he's here for, what he's brought with him. I need to know everything.\"\n\nI don't miss the oddly familiar way she says his name, but I give her the only response I can.\n\n\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mother has her hands in so many machinations, I don't bother to guess at what she's talking about.\n\nI'm not even sure I want to know what she's planning these days.\n\nI hide in my room for the rest of the morning, though I have to wonder if Mother's anger would be preferable to the time alone with my thoughts.\n\nMy mind whispers of every mistake I have ever made, slowly driving me mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I need a distraction, anything to keep me sane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What I stumble across next does the opposite.\n\nMy desk is covered with coded notes and missives about the royal family and their staff, but in between all of those is an envelope.\n\nA letter.\n\nI don't open it, but the words in Mel's elegant script have been branded on my mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I miss her, she had written." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And lately, I'm afraid I'm going to have to miss you, too. I'm afraid that you're losing yourself, that her death will only make that worse. Stay with me. We're all we have now.\n\nMy eyes close like I can shut out the words I'm reading by memory as easily as if I were examining the page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mel is brave. She doesn't hide from her feelings the way I do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The way Zai did. And maybe it's that kind of strength that makes me feel so weak by comparison.\n\nSands.\n\nI'm already headed toward the door when I answer my question from earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Facing Mother is a better alternative than sitting here with my own spiraling thoughts.\n\nShe is lounging in the main hall like nothing ever happened.\n\nAt her side is a team of seamstresses, carrying two trunks between them.\n\n\"Apologies,\" I begin, turning back toward the staircase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should go change out of my robe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nonsense, daughter. You would just be undressing again once you came back.\" Her expression is the picture of matronly perfection.\n\nI move to stand next to her, and she wraps her arm around me as the seamstresses begin to talk about their thoughts for my dresses and masks and what everyone else will be wearing so that we can avoid those styles.\n\nAll these years, even at court functions, I have dressed to blend in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dark shades of navy and emerald and even gray allowed me to move around without much notice.\n\nToday, though, the seamstresses parade bright, attention-grabbing hues in slinky fabrics that have iridescent shimmers or even outright sparkle in the bright light of the chandelier.\n\nShe's had a dozen dresses made to my measurements, though I only need a few. She is nothing if not excessive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We definitely want bold for the first night,\" Mother commands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ball is three nights, with the wedding taking place at midnight on the third one. Only serious contenders put their name in for consideration, since even volunteering is considered binding.\n\nIt wouldn't do for the prince to be turned down.\n\nAll of this so the spoiled halfwit can choose a wife the same way he would pick out the plumpest pheasant for dinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nearly scowl before I catch Mother scrutinizing me in the deep orange gown that's too fitted to fight in and the matching fox mask that interferes with my line of vision.\n\nI don't bother to give my opinion. If it were up to me, I would wear black and not remotely have to pretend to be mourning my impending marriage.\n\nWhen Mother told me I had to marry the prince, it felt removed from me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Temporary, somehow. But now that the masquerade is only three nights away, I have to wonder how I will ever find a way out of this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Does she intend for me to stay married to the prince forever? More likely, until she has me dispose of him. It shouldn't bother me, not when bloodshed and death are so common in my world.\n\nStill, I see Remy's bitter, disappointed stare when he came face to face with my life as the vigilante." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY. PARAMETERS: eight sentences sentences, fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jasmine.\n\nIt's in my hair, on my clothes, clinging to every inch of me and threatening to drown me in memories of my dead sister.\n\nWorse still, it's all I have to show for my ill-fated journey into the king's rooms.\n\nThat, and a heartbeat that still hasn't slowed from the near-death moment with the giant cat. I keep up a rapid pace all the way back to the estate, turning the encounter over in my head and trying to make sense of it.\n\nObviously, I was wrong about the king not leaving the beast in his rooms unattended. What was strange was the thing's odd cry at the end, like it was... sad.\n\nDoes it miss my sister?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did it somehow know I was connected to her?\n\nI head straight for the bathroom, determined to wash off the visceral reminder of memories that threaten to drag me under.\n\nZaina, coming to my room the morning after my virginity was sold, bringing a tonic and a warm compress.\n\nShe doesn't speak, doesn't iterate the helpless fury that burns in her gaze. She only sets the things on my bedside, then presses her forehead against mine in a rare gesture of affection.\n\nHer hair pools around me, shielding me from the room outside, and a waft of jasmine fills me with... something, too much, when I need to be numb and forget last night ever happened.\n\nI pull back, scoffing.\n\n\"You're so dramatic, Zai. It was hardly the worst night of my life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shakes her head, uncharacteristic melancholy passing into her gaze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That isn't better, A.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gives me one last look before leaving me with the solitude I desperately need.\n\nBut the scent of jasmine remains, and I finally put a name to the feeling it gives me.\n\nComfort.\n\nIt isn't comforting now. It's like torture, slower and more excruciating than anything my knife could exact.\n\nIt's like she's died all over again.\n\nWhat was I even expecting to find in that trunk? Some locked-away memory of how she spent those final months?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My sister herself popping out, alive and well and proclaiming the entire thing a huge joke?\n\nI scoff at myself. Zai was many things, many complicated things, but cruel was never one of them. If she were alive, she would have found a way to let Mel and me know.\n\nIf she were alive, Damian wouldn't have returned to Mother without her.\n\nLogically, I never really thought there was a chance otherwise. So why does it feel like I'm being crushed under the weight of a thousand corpses?\n\nI don't wait for the servants to heat up water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead, I let it run cold from the tap and grab my roughest sponge, already scrubbing harshly at my skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To hell with jasmine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the ten years since Mother plucked me off the streets to offer me a life and a family and a purpose, she has never once asked me to dinner.\n\nNormally, she eats alone in the vast room that feels more like a tomb, pristine to the point of being lifeless.\n\nBut nothing has been normal since Zaina died.\n\nThe hearth is empty when I reach the dining hall, the air frigid and stale, but Mother sits unperturbed in a sleeveless evening gown. Attendants stand at the ready around the room, eager to acquiesce to her every demand. Or terrified not to, anyway.\n\nA servant girl places an ornate plate in front of me with trembling fingers, either from the biting temperature or Mother's predatory gaze.\n\nI don't blame her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heartbeat stutters in my chest, and the muscles in my face ache with the effort of keeping my expression bland while I survey my boiled chicken and vegetables for any signs of poison." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room is heavy with the weight of expectation, like the tenuous seconds before the first strum of an instrument, but neither of us speaks.\n\nHas she found out I'm the vigilante? Is this punishment, or merely a test?\n\nIt's a gamble, like everything else in my life.\n\nBut only a fool would try to call Mother's bluff.\n\nSpearing a bite of chicken with my fork, I place it cautiously into my mouth, chewing slowly.\n\nShe doesn't move, doesn't touch her own food. Just as when I was standing off against the chalyx this afternoon, I am acutely aware that one wrong move may be my last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ignoring the way my blood roars in my ears, I make myself swallow.\n\nBut I don't breathe, not until she grants me an approving nod.\n\n\"You're less reckless than you used to be.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mother.\" I incline my head. \"You've taught me well.\"\n\nHer smile widens. \"Tell me what you learned today, daughter.\"\n\nJust like that, whatever twisted game she was playing has come to an interlude, leaving me to wonder if I imagined the entire thing.\n\nI take another breath before I recount my experience in the king's rooms, sticking closely to facts rather than revealing what effect the visit had on me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, you gleaned nothing from this?\" She grips her chalice in white knuckles, the only outward sign of her aggravation.\n\n\"No,\" I admit, swallowing down another wave of apprehension. \"I had to leave because of the beast.\"\n\n\"Odd that he left it alone…\" She trails off thoughtfully. \"In any case, I, at least, managed to gather some useful information. Einar is coming here tomorrow.\"\n\nIgnoring her jab, I take another bite of my bland chicken.\n\n\"And you would like me to be here to greet him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's the obvious choice, me playing courtier.\n\n\"No,\" she all but snaps.\n\nMy eyes fly to her face.\n\nSomething in her expression is off, so subtle that I almost miss it.\n\nIs that why she's called me here, to ensure I'm just distracted enough to miss whatever she's keeping from me about the king?\n\n\"You may casually acknowledge him,\" she allows. \"Speak with him in front of others, but that is it.\"\n\nNone of this makes sense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If she wants to know more about Zaina's time there, and what really happened, shouldn't she want me to get close to him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A breath later, she adds, \"The queen and I have an arrangement. It would do irreparable damage if she believed you had designs on the newly eligible king.\"\n\nI blink. Not because she has an arrangement with the queen — that much I had assumed. Otherwise, she would have no way of expecting me to marry the prince.\n\nBut the idea that I would wed the man my sister was forced to marry is unthinkable, even if it is a common enough custom here.\n\n\"I won't have Einar ruining my carefully laid plans.\"\n\nOnce again, I'm compelled to wonder if I'm reading too much into all of this, seeing things that aren't there when Mother is merely scheming the same way she always has.\n\n\"Of course.\" I keep my voice bland, though my mind is racing.\n\nMaybe she isn't hiding anything, but that doesn't mean the king doesn't have information I need." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should leave it alone, considering how close I have come to risking her wrath in the past few weeks, but I can't let it go." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have to talk to the king." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write eight sentences sentences in the style of Elle Madison spawning from what the user wrote, within the fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to tell Aika tomorrow night,\" I announce when Einar returns from dinner with the king.\n\nI haven't stopped thinking about my sister since I trailed her and Remy to her room above the bar.\n\nEinar massages the bridge of his nose, letting out a sigh. \"I still don't think the fact that she's burning buildings full of people is evidence enough that we can trust her.\"\n\n\"Buildings full of people who work for Madame,\" I clarify, my hands tightening around my teacup.\n\n\"Or people who crossed her,\" he argues, setting his crown on the table before sitting on the chair adjacent to mine. \"We don't know.\"\n\n\"You didn't see Aika at that fire.\" I shake my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That wasn't just a job for Madame. Besides, we agreed that arson isn't her style. It's too obvious.\"\n\n\"We made an assumption when we had no stake in this, and now you want to risk absolutely everything on a hunch.\" A muscle ticks in Einar's jaw, the only evidence of his frustration.\n\n\"Do you have a better plan?\" I try and fail to keep sarcasm out of my tone.\n\n\"I'll talk to her tomorrow at the ball, drop a few hints and see how she reacts.\"\n\nIt isn't the worst idea, giving ourselves an extra day to be sure we're doing the right thing. It wouldn't be unreasonable at all, except…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, your plan is to, what, use your wealth of insight on a woman you've met exactly one time to gauge her reactions?\"\n\nHis face darkens, because he knows where I'm going with this, but I forge ahead anyway.\n\n\"You don't know my sister, and you can't read her.\" My tone is insistent. \"Sands, I do know her, and I can barely read her, but it's better than nothing.\"\n\n\"You are not going to the masquerade,\" he says flatly.\n\nI bristle. \"Your permission is neither sought nor required, Einar. Besides, what happened to, I'm sure of you?\"\n\nI echo his words from the night of my coronation when he told me he believed we could defeat Madame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sure of you,\" Einar growls, leaning forward in his seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But our entire line of play depends on you staying dead. If Ulla discovers you're alive, you're risking everything we're trying to do and everyone we're trying to protect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even Madame won't be able to recognize me in a masquerade mask in a dimly lit ballroom with paint on my face.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Probably. \"I've been trained to do this, to stick to the shadows and remain unseen in a crowd. Aren't you the one always telling me she's only human?\"\n\n\"And what if you're wrong?\" he pushes, rising to his feet now. \"What if she does recognize you?\"\n\n\"We could drown ourselves in what-ifs.\"\n\nEinar raises his eyebrows, as cognizant as I am of the way I've avoided answering his question. I try again.\n\n\"We need Aika on our side.\"\n\n\"I am aware of that, but have you forgotten you took an oath to protect all of Jokith? You can't do that if you're dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hardly think a ball is a life-or-death situation.\"\n\n\"Everything that involves Ulla is a life-or-death situation, and it's not like this would be the first time you hurled yourself head-first into danger. There's no spring to save you here, Zaina.\" He's barely gritting out his words through clenched teeth.\n\n\"Is that why you made me Queen?\" I tilt my head in disbelief. \"To stay my hand?\"\n\nHis expression hardens and his jaw clenches several times before he responds.\n\n\"Of course not, but I certainly won't complain if it necessitates you to see past the handful of things you deign to consider important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fury floods my veins. \"So I should, what, hide in this room until you decide it's time to act?\"\n\n\"I'm just asking you to be smart about this and not go rushing into anything. We're here to play the long game.\"\n\n\"That was before the long game required standing by and watching my sister be forced into marriage with a complete stranger!\" I yell.\n\nHis expression shutters, his jaw slackening.\n\nWhen he finally speaks, it's in a deceptively quiet voice. \"You say that like it's a fate worse than death.\"\n\nSilence descends, heavy with the weight of everything we've said and all we haven't." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration Request:\n- Sentence Count: 3 sentences\n- Genre Adherence: fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bed is empty when I wake up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That isn't unusual. It shouldn't fill me with panic, but I can't seem to stop my mind from drifting to the first night I awoke to find her gone, and the hellish hours that followed.\n\nI creep into the sitting room to find Zaina on the sofa, sipping a cup of tea. She looks up when I enter, her features tightening at whatever she sees on mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I smooth my expression out, even if it is a heartbeat too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm surprised you didn't go after your sister.\" I'm not entirely joking.\n\n\"I wouldn't have left without telling you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zaina's tone is too neutral to be casual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I notice she doesn't bother to say she wouldn't have left at all, just that she would have done me the courtesy of telling me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I suppose that's something.\n\nSighing, I sink next to her on the sofa. \"Why didn't you?\"\n\nPart of me hopes she'll say she knew it wasn't worth the risk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a feeble hope, and one she quashes with her response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I'm trying to trust her to take care of it.\" That comment is definitely pointed.\n\nI'm debating responding when she clears her throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow will be our last chance to talk to her before the wedding, but we shouldn't tell her in a room full of people. So, I'll stay in the suites, and you can bring her here.\"\n\nI raise my eyebrows, wondering if I heard her correctly, and she shoots me a sideways glance. \"Khijhana was distracted by me yesterday, and I want her focused on protecting you.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do 6 sentences. going for Elle Madison vibe" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I step down from the carriage with all the grace I can muster, careful not to put too much pressure on the glass shoes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I suppose Mother could have been harsher with her punishment. I should count myself lucky when I could have been made to walk on knives instead.\n\nWith a stilted breath, I follow the women in front of me up the stairs. They're all clucking at one another and gossiping about how much time they spent with the prince last night, as if the others hadn't seen. Only one or two of them mention the girl who fled at the beginning of the night.\n\n\"What do you think he said to her to make her leave like that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "one of the women in a rabbit mask asks a doe beside her.\n\n\"Who knows? Perhaps she offended him. He was nothing but a perfect gentleman to me, so she must have brought it on herself.\"\n\nI roll my eyes and follow just behind them.\n\nEven if Mother didn't have a spy in place to watch my every move, the gossips would make sure to fill in any gaps for her.\n\nThe soles of my feet still burn from the adhesive, but so far, I haven't felt the slightest crack in my shoes. I can handle the burning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's the anticipation of when my shoes might break and what damage they might do to my feet that has me on edge.\n\nOne of the guards ushers us inside, handing each of us our dance card for the evening. Tonight is more structured after yesterday's introductions.\n\nI flip the card between my fingers, as if that will steady my frazzled nerves, imagining myself at a tavern instead of a castle.\n\nA round of cards is preferable to the gamble I have to make tonight.\n\nThe glowing chandeliers beckon us toward the ballroom in an array of blue and silver and purple light, and I follow the group of women around me, far less eager than they are for tonight's festivities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as I'm in the ballroom, I bow to the royal family before joining the other women lined up on the dance floor. Tension fills the air now that so many of them have danced with Remy and feel their chances improving or slipping away.\n\nWhat would they think if they knew the whole game was rigged?\n\nThe music slows as we wait for him to arrive. It's still another two minutes before he decides to grace us with his presence.\n\nTonight, when the prince enters, it's hard for me to look away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His onyx suit accented with small, glowing stars fits him better than anything I've ever seen him wear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mask is a smattering of silver constellations strewn across a black sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, we match again, if less obviously this time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am the moth to his night sky; though, we couldn't be more ill-suited for one another.\n\nWhile there is still an undercurrent of fear of him discovering me, it's drowning in the fresh wave of fury that washes over me when I see him here like this.\n\nI search what I can see of his face for signs of who he really is underneath all the lies. If anyone deserves this feeling, it's me, but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow.\n\nHe scans the group of courtiers with a bland smile until his gaze lands on me. Something sparks in his eyes, something I can't quite name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once again, he chooses me as his first partner for the evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a message the other ladies have no trouble decoding, but something in his narrowed eyes tells me there's more to it than that.\n\nI take his extended arm, following him to the center of the room.\n\n\"I must apologize,\" I begin, but he cuts me off.\n\n\"Not at all. Think nothing of it.\" His tone is off, shifted subtly from yesterday.\n\nIs he upset because I left him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I let it go without asking. If he's giving me an out, I'm going to take it, especially considering the stakes.\n\n\"Tonight's costume is rather clever. Did you choose it yourself?\" he asks, pulling me flush against his chest, his left hand resting low on my back while he holds my right hand in his.\n\nA quick glance around reveals couples positioned in a similar manner, though not nearly as close as we are. The ladies who watch us have their mouths parted in a scandalized O." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I look back up at Remy, there is a smirk planted solidly on his lips. The same smirk I've seen a thousand times over. It's a reminder of who he's always been, even if I allowed myself to forget that in his rare earnest moments.\n\nPart of me can't help but feel natural in his arms, but the larger part wants to knee him in his manhood for wantonly flirting with a stranger.\n\nAs far as he knows, anyway.\n\n\"My stepmother chose it,\" I respond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Though, I must admit it is rather clever. Look how well we match — again,\" I add, giving him a tight-lipped smile in return.\n\n\"That's how I knew it was you. Should I tell you what I intend to wear tomorrow so you'll be more prepared, or shall we leave it to fate?\" His deep voice rumbles from his chest to mine, and it's an effort to remember that I'm angry at him for lying just as much as I have.\n\nHypocrite that I am.\n\n\"Ah, yes. Let's see what the fates have in store for us.\" My tone is dry, and I remind myself that I'm supposed to be selling the idea of marriage to Lady Aika, or at least not deterring it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The music swells, and Remy leads us in the Starlight Dance, a slow, intimate one that I am grateful for, considering my fragile footwear. He sweeps me across the dance floor, making me feel lighter than air and angrier than a rabid crow.\n\nGet it together.\n\nIt's a good thing I'm quick on my feet, or I suspect the shoes would have splintered already. I can hardly make a show of wooing the prince if I'm hobbling, though, and Mother never would have ruined her own plan that way.\n\nShe is nothing if not exacting, so it must be possible to keep these more or less intact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like to get to know a little bit about you, considering our upcoming nuptials,\" Remy says smoothly, gently spinning me away from him and pulling me back in, closer than before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If we had danced this close the first time, I would have figured out who he was sooner. The faint, familiar scent of his shaving oil would have given him away.\n\n\"What would you like to know?\" I ask.\n\n\"What do you like to do for fun? We should get an idea of the kinds of... activities we'll be enjoying together.\" His words are laced with flirtation, and I would stomp on his foot if it wouldn't hurt me far more than it did him.\n\nInstead, I glance up at him through my thick, artificial lashes and pretend to swoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure there are many things we could enjoy together once we're married, Your Highness,\" I say in a coy voice that makes me want to stab myself.\n\nRemy's mask shifts upward as he raises his brows at my suggestive tone.\n\n\"Indeed. And I am sure there will be plenty of time for that, but I was hoping to have a better understanding of your hobbies,\" he says, clearing his throat.\n\nI feign a blush, taking the excuse to giggle into his muscled chest. \"Of course, my prince.\"\n\n\"Do you like to paint?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asks after the next spin.\n\nI blink. Does he actually want to know this? Hesitantly, I give him the standard polite answer.\n\n\"I do, but I need more practice.\" It's technically true. I do need more practice. I just don't care enough to get any." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nods his head as if he is only barely listening, which leads me to wonder again why he asked.\n\n\"How about embroidery?\" Is that amusement in his tone? Is he being boring on purpose? \"Many of the ladies at court seem to be taken with needlework.\"\n\nMeticulously torturing a man with a sharp blade counts as needlework, right?\n\n\"Sometimes,\" I allow. \"There's always so much to do during the day that I rarely seem to find the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of looking disinterested with my banal chatter like I expect him to, his features glint with interest, and I'm left feeling like I've missed out on the joke." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opens his mouth to ask something else when the music pauses, signaling an end to our dance. He looks up sharply, like he wasn't prepared for the song to be over.\n\nLike he doesn't want it to be, which makes one of us, because I need a moment to clear my head.\n\nOr at least to fetch a couple of drinks." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story like Elle Madison would, staying true to the fantasy, romance, fairy tales, retelling genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remy bows at the end of our dance, his eyes refusing to leave mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I return the gesture with a curtsy, pulling my dance card from where I had tucked it into my fan, handing it to him to sign." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his lips part, I wonder if he's about to begin another string of ridiculous questions, but whatever he was planning to say is abruptly cut off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My dance card is barely within my grasp when a throng of courtiers surround us, clucking at him like hens for their turn to dance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one with the mouse mask elbows me hard in the ribs, and I resist the urge to return the kindness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I flip the dance card irritably through my fingers and slide it back into my fan while Remy is accosted by the sea of women. The woman in the doe mask has convinced him that she should have the honor of the next dance, and the others slowly back away from the couple.\n\nMy anger with him is tinged with something more traitorous when he pulls her in close for their dance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's whispering into her ear, but he can't seem to tear his eyes from me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I should be glad that Mother's plans are working, that I am succeeding in capturing his attention enough to have him seek me out or to watch me while he's with someone else.\n\nBut everything is tainted here, with him and with me.\n\nWith us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I turn away and head directly for one of the waiters holding a tray of champagne. Eagerly, I take one and have barely pressed the glass to my mouth when a deep, familiar voice sounds behind me.\n\n\"I'll have one as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seven hells.\n\nI take a breath before turning to face him.\n\n\"It's lovely to see you again, Lady Delmara,\" Einar greets me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You as well, Your Majesty,\" I say, dipping into a curtsy, keeping my interactions formal for the sake of whoever is watching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I have this next dance?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asks, and I nearly spit out my champagne in response.\n\nSwallowing it down, I shake my head in disbelief.\n\nOf course, he would ask after Mother specifically forbade me to dance with him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She isn't wrong about appearances, given the number of women throwing themselves at the king and the assumption that Remy had made. Still, I wonder once more if there's something she doesn't want me to know, something I could learn from him.\n\nThen I'm reminded of the burning in my feet and how much we will all pay if my curiosity got the better of me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive me, but I think I need to sit this one out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I give him a terse nod." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you'll want to make an exception.\" His tone tells me there is more he isn't saying.\n\nBut I can't afford to find out what it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Already, heads are turned in our direction, people taking note of our interaction. Of course. Einar is even more eligible than their precious Prince Francis.\n\n\"You don't understand,\" I say, glancing toward the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Einar cuts me off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's where you're wrong. I think I do understand, more than you'd imagine.\" He takes a deep breath, morphing his features into something less intent. \"What if we grab a drink instead? Surely no one would think anything of that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I study his expression, turning over the curious emphasis of his words in my mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Regardless, he isn't wrong, and at the moment, we're drawing more attention standing here than we would if we both happened to be at the bar.\n\n\"All right. A drink it is.\" I nod tersely.\n\nHe follows me over to the less crowded bar, ordering a vintage scotch while I order yet another cinnamon sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stares ahead as he sips his drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think it's time that we talked.\" His face is relaxed, at odds with the tension in his tone.\n\n\"I'm not sure it is,\" I disagree, mindful of anyone trying to listen in on our conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not here, but maybe you'll find yourself venturing into my suites again sometime this evening. Maybe you could use the front door this time,\" he remarks casually.\n\nBut it's no casual thing he asks of me, and I sense that he knows that.\n\nAfter all, he is aware that I broke into his suites." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What else does he know?\n\n\"Tempting, but not worth my life,\" I reply, hiding.\n\nHe drains his glass before responding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what about the life of your sister?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asks, meeting my eyes for the first time since we came to the bar.\n\nMy grip tightens around the bladed fan at my wrist, and it's an effort to keep my features neutral with the threat looming over Melodi's life. I slowly turn to face the king, infusing my whispered words with as much venom as I possibly can." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She has nothing to do with any of this, and if you or anyone else harms a hair on her head, so help me, I will—\"\n\n\"You misunderstand me, Aika.\" Einar's words cut me off mid-sentence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not mean Mel any harm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mel? Aika?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since when does he feel so familiar with either of us?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His glacial-blue eyes stare back at me with a sincerity that I hadn't expected.\n\n\"Then what did you mean?\" I demand after a breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The music slows to a stop just as he nods, and he looks around the room as if he's searching for someone." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone applauds the latest round of dancers as I wait for Einar's reply, but the next voice I hear isn't his at all." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Cari Quinn in the romance, music, nsfw genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elle stayed up for the rest of the waning hours of the night, alternating between singing along to metal music set on scream to get out some of her aggression and dancing around the room to burn off some energy. When she lost interest in doing that, she dug her worn mini notebook out of her tiny clubbing purse and was about to scribble some random, disjointed lyrics that kept replaying in her head.\n\nThen she remembered, duh, right-handed. She tried to write a little, and managed it, but the second her nerves started to dance with irritation, she tossed aside the notebook and stubby pencil.\n\nShe'd only managed to decipher two words out of the jumble in her head anyway.\n\nBeautiful nightmare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did that even mean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nightmare worked for Mal, but beautiful he was not. His cock kind of was, although not physically—cocks as a rule were fairly ugly, even if they were sizable. His definitely qualified as that. Right now, she could barely remember her own cell number but the imprint of his dick on her ass earlier had made quite the impression.\n\nOf course, she'd also seen it naked in person. Multiple times. The guy had an exhibitionist side as long as her legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long, yeah. And wide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her thoughts were concentrated in one area, and that was nowhere good.\n\nShe grabbed the second pillow she'd attempted to do inappropriate things with earlier and shoved it under her head to join the first. They were both lumpy, and she was too wired to sleep. She still didn't fully remember taking the E earlier. It was as if she'd zoned out for the moments between walking down the hallway to the bathroom and returning to her table in the club. Teagan had been laughing, and she'd bought them a couple of drinks, though she'd been careful to ask, \"You sure this is okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elle had already been drinking it by then, and hell yes, it had been okay despite her usual disinterest in alcohol. But she'd been floating already, and nothing seemed as hard or scary with that cushion of chemicals between her and the world. She'd grown too used to having it, and then she'd grown almost as used to having nothing between her and life except the cold, rough ground of reality.\n\nBut within a few minutes, all of that had faded away into a blissful fog of nothing. Jules didn't hate her anymore. Nicky and Li weren't watching her like hawks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Randy wasn't dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shut her eyes as her throat grew tight and hot, then struggled up into a sitting position. No. Trying to sleep and failing was the worst thing she could do while she was crashing. Or on her way to crashing. She didn't even know anymore. She'd had a lot of alcohol. At least it had seemed like a lot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything was indistinct, except Teagan asking again and again, \"Is this okay?\"\n\nTeagan had been around when Elle had first started to spiral in high school. Back then, her friend was known as squeaky clean. The kind of girl you didn't party with, because she was too pure to taint. Elle had liked her a lot so she'd hidden some of the harder stuff she'd been doing. Teagan had figured some out as the years passed, and then she had moved away with her family for her senior year in New York and she'd never realized exactly how deep Elle had gotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God willing, she never would—because Elle wasn't going back to that place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't. One fucking slip wasn't going to define her.\n\nShe climbed off the bed and threw back her head as her stomach pitched. Christ, she already wanted more. Once the taste was in her system, she craved it like she'd never craved anything else.\n\nExcept love.\n\nHer head was still messed up, and her thoughts were all over the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She couldn't concentrate, couldn't settle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So she went back to the one thing that soothed her even in the midst of chaos.\n\nMusic. Always music.\n\nShe scrolled to a different playlist with thick, fumbly fingers. Her anger was gone now, drained into despair. She needed to sing and dance, to make this room disappear.\n\nTo forget that she'd shit where she ate, and now Mal knew she was a fucking junkie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he'd seemed as if he'd known before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd always acted as if he knew something.\n\nShe tried to line up her memories of Mal. The weird looks, the sly comments that were too knowing. But everything dissolved like sand under the wind. She couldn't hold on to anything but the R&B music coming through her headphones.\n\nThank God she had those with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She never left home without them. In case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of the songs were just right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They made her edgy too. She tried singing along with a few of them. Probably sounded like a dying cat. Maybe Mal's neighbors would get mad and kick him out. That made her smile. Almost. This was a rental, right? Had to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal wasn't a New York sort of guy.\n\nShe wasn't a New York sort of girl either, but she didn't know if she could ever go home. If she even had a home left.\n\nThe next song came on and she started to sing without thinking. When the smooth oldies R&B hit ended, she hit replay and sang through it again, stumbling over the words, making up new ones. Laughing a little with every mistake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you were a lifelong screw-up, you should at least laugh, right?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd been singing this one since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. Little Ellie who sang and played guitar like she breathed and was such a good girl until she was the motherless child who needed another fix.\n\nStill was. Would always be.\n\nBut she kept playing the music. She didn't know if he was listening. Didn't care if he was." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next seven sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When you took a shower with a guy, it tended to make things weird afterward.\n\nThis was not knowledge she'd had previously. Elle had never actually showered with a guy before, though if she had, she would've assumed sexual things would be involved.\n\nLike serious making out. Possibly oral for one or both parties. Penetration. The usual.\n\nMal had touched her hair and her scalp and her waist, and his arm had circled her belly. Otherwise, he'd touched no part of her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd saved his touching for himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shuddering, she gripped the microphone that felt foreign in her hand and sucked in a strengthening breath.\n\nShe'd taken about four hundred of those so far.\n\nThe only good thing about replaying what had happened earlier in the shower was that it kept her mind off the fact she was singing for other people. Later tonight, people would pay a cover charge to hear Dobby and his band, and instead they'd get her. Shaking and probably flashing back to the last show she'd played.\n\nShe couldn't even take anything to blunt her nerves. Not that she would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wouldn't. Not again. But it wasn't even an option when she was being watched by Mr. Clean's angry twin, who would lock her in his dungeon if she so much sucked on a Tic Tac he couldn't account for.\n\nShe should hate him for his high-handed ways. Locking her in a room. Dumping her in a shower.\n\nKeeping me alive.\n\n\"We gonna try this again?\" Scooby asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the lead guitarist for Venus Rising, and he was a bit of a prick. For one, he sneered a lot about his skills. If she'd been able to play, she would've happily smoked his ass and taught him some damn manners.\n\nBut she was having enough trouble holding on to the mic even with her good hand, so that was out. She was favoring her other arm too much. Mal was right. She was getting too used to not using her other side at all, because she didn't want to hurt it further.\n\nAnd if Mal was right about anything, she was clearly in an alternate universe and needed to get her head examined." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was probably watching him stroke his cock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd lost vital brain cells. Or no, she'd probably lost them after last night's bout of massive stupidity, which she was still feeling the effects from. Her head ached, her eyes were blurry and grainy, and her stomach still wasn't right. Maybe the crash accounted for her strange behavior that morning. Why else would she have encouraged him to shower with her anyway?\n\nBecause he's hot, duh.\n\nWhich was not a reason at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd never paid any mind to his purported hotness before.\n\nAnd because he keeps acting as if he cares about you, in spite of saying at every turn he doesn't.\n\nThat was just pathetic. She didn't even like the guy. She hadn't from the very first time they'd met. The jerk had picked her up and deposited her beside the bench she'd been sitting on, just so he could sit there instead. Though he'd called her Little Ricki even then, so somehow he'd known her even if the reverse wasn't true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably because of Lila." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So wild how she was his stepmother. Well, ex-stepmother. She and Mal were practically related, and that made showering with him epically wrong.\n\nIf only he had a small penis. That would make things much easier. But no. He had to have a motherfucking huge one that he liked to flash all over.\n\nHi, good morning, meet my penis. Oh, you already have?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not surprised. It fills out a pair of tight jeans quite nicely, doesn't it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, he'd strolled off without allowing her to see the big finish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not that she cared about that. If showering with him had made things strange, him coming all over her feet probably would've been worse.\n\nThen again, could anything be worse than the uncomfortable car ride she'd endured with Mal to Brooklyn? Unlikely. They'd gone to the shitty converted warehouse Venus Rising used to rehearse in, and Mal had not said a single word to her the entire way. That wasn't wholly unusual. Even their day in the park—yesterday, only yesterday—he hadn't said much of anything. But that silence had been comforting somehow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were used to each other after all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They lived together, for God's sake. She shared a stage with him—\n\nJust like she was sharing a stage with him right now. That it wasn't a real one didn't seem to matter. Even singing to the exposed rafters was daunting knowing he was behind her on his kit.\n\nAll of this was daunting. She wasn't a singer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Scooby, the self-appointed leader of Venus Rising since Dobby was home in his sick bed, wasn't missing an opportunity to let her know it.\n\n\"Ellen, I hope you're more prepared this time,\" he said, thumping his guitar with the flat of his hand. \"I know this material is all new to you, but—\"\n\n\"Her name isn't fucking Ellen.\"\n\nElle shut her eyes and clenched the mic so hard that pain sung up her arm. \"Don't,\" she mouthed, but he couldn't see her. No one could, since she faced ahead into an audience that didn't exist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pardon me,\" Scooby said. \"Ellie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's change the song. You said you guys cover different shit from all kinds of eras and genres, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elle whirled toward Mal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had he lost the last of his marbles?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe drained them into his hand when he'd gone into the other room to finish what he hadn't wanted her to see?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, but she'd heard him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd turned off the water just in time to listen to the slick sounds of him working his wet cock, following by the low groan that had made her grip the sink to stay upright.\n\n\"Yeah, sure, but Ellie needs to get this material down.\"\n\n\"She will. Later.\" Mal nodded at her. \"Sing what you kept singing last night.\"\n\nHeat climbed up her neck to blast her cheeks. She hadn't flushed when she'd stripped in front of him or when he'd done the same. She certainly hadn't when he'd fisted his dick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But knowing he'd heard her concert for one last night made even her toes hot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I sang a lot of things.\" It took effort to add that prim note to her tone. She felt a lot of things at that moment, but prim wasn't one of them.\n\nEmbarrassed as hell was leading the pack.\n\n\"The one you repeated over and over for a good hour.\"\n\nShe glared at Mal and wished one of the drumsticks she'd gotten him would accidentally flip out of his hand and poke out his eye. Or poke out his dick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would serve him right to rev up a girl so much then leave her hanging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In all fairness, she'd done the same to him. But she hadn't masturbated. That was taking things a wee bit far. Besides, they were in a band together. They lived together for half the year. Together was a part of many of their sentences, even if they rarely spoke to each other without a sneer.\n\nShe couldn't actually have sex with Malachi Shawcross." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not in this lifetime or any other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even if he was hot as fuck and growly in ways that made her tingle though she'd never, ever told a single soul.\n\nHell, she'd barely even told herself.\n\nNow they were all looking at her, waiting for her to answer. She'd have to kick his ass later, since leaping across his kit to do him bodily harm probably wouldn't help her injured arm.\n\n\"'If I Was Your Woman',\" she said in a low voice, slitting her eyes until Mal knew exactly her level of displeasure.\n\nThe bastard didn't so much as blink. \"Sorry? Didn't hear you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'If I Was Your Woman',\" she repeated through gritted teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I don't really think the guys know that song, or plays seventies' R&B in their sets—\"\n\n\"Gladys Knight and The Pips?\" Scooby was the most animated she'd ever seen him. \"That song's a classic. My dad used to play it and my mom would sing it when they had their old soul duo, Brother and Sister Sledge.\"\n\nElle wrinkled her nose. \"Your parents pretended to be brother and sister?\"\n\nShe hoped they'd only been pretending." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was a joke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed affronted. \"You know, as a homage to Sister Sledge? 'We Are Family'? They played that in their sets too, but my Dad would sing lead on that one and she'd back him up on the piano.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's get started,\" Mal said.\n\n\"Let's not,\" Elle shot back. \"You don't know that song.\"\n\n\"Sure 'bout that?\"\n\nShe had been, but now she wasn't. He was an excellent bluffer.\n\nSo she turned toward Jase on bass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was the only one of them with a normal name, though she wondered the name of the guy that Mal was sitting in for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Probably something crazy to match the others.\n\n\"You don't know it, right?\" she asked more than a little hopefully.\n\n\"He was too busy staring at your ass to know much right now.\"\n\nElle pinned Mal with a flat stare but Jase just jerked a shoulder. \"Nice ass. Can't blame a guy for looking.\"\n\n\"Oh really.\" She stopped death-beaming Mal to do it to Jase instead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So I can do the same to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure, if I wasn't afraid your boyfriend would try to rip my head off if I turned around to let you look.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His affable grin distracted her from what he'd said long enough for her delayed reaction to seem like…well, like a delayed reaction.\n\n\"He's not my boyfriend.\"\n\nGod, no. That thought was even worse than fucking him. To be honest, the fucking part wasn't all that abhorrent. Especially today.\n\nJesus, his body was ripped. And he was huge all over. And dear Lord, the strength she'd felt in his hands as he massaged her scalp…" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her panties went damp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again. It just wasn't fair.\n\n\"Tell him, M,\" she said, emphasizing his shortened name.\n\nMal said nothing. Just kept flipping his sticks as if he was a kid passing the time.\n\n\"Now would be good.\"\n\n\"You're wrong,\" Mal said finally, and her shoulders sagged with relief. \"There is no try. There is only do.\"\n\n\"I hate you.\" She turned her back on all of them and lifted the hand holding the mic over her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know what, from the top. Let's sing the song. Then when you hate how it sounds and lose all your fans, you'll regret listening to that heathen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From the top,\" Scooby echoed eagerly.\n\nSo she sang the words she knew by heart. She'd been listening to sixties and seventies R&B since she was a kid, since her mom had loved it. Her memories of playing her mom's old, scratchy records and singing along were some of her most treasured ones of all. Then reaching the end of the song and hearing applause, knowing when she opened her eyes, her audience would be beaming.\n\n\"That's my baby girl. Sings just like an angel.\"\n\nBut when she opened her eyes this time, no one was smiling. Silence reigned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Um, Ellen—Ellie,\" Scooby corrected with a sharp glance at Mal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe you could try facing us when you sing? I think you need to face your audience. Your voice is getting lost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scratched the back of his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said you do this, right? Like you're in a band.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You just have, like, zero stage presence. How is that even possible if you're used to the stage?\"\n\nShe wanted to rage at him. But she wasn't the type to fly off the handle—ever. Some creative type she was.\n\nBesides, she knew Scooby was right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sang for herself and no one else since her mother had walked away from her and Nicky and their dad when she and her brother were in second grade. She wasn't used to having to project her voice beyond what it took to harmonize with her band. And her stage presence was confined to hiding behind her guitar and jamming out while Michael handled most of the flourishes and he and Jules playfully flirted.\n\nHer band was full of big personalities. She didn't have to stand out at all, so she didn't.\n\nThe jerk who'd played his part flawlessly was one of those big personalities. He'd handled this song with aplomb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never showboating, just offering the steady rhythm the lyrics needed. Stoically perfect.\n\nMust be nice.\n\n\"Sing to me.\"\n\nShe whirled to face Mal, sure she'd misheard. Misunderstood. Mis-everything when it came to that man.\n\n\"Sing to me,\" he repeated. \"You feel plenty of things toward me. Use them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't need your help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even saying it made her feel small and petty, but then she remembered he'd dragged her into this mess for reasons known only to him.\n\nAsshole. He deserved small and petty, since he'd saved her life just to threaten to drown her.\n\nThat had probably been his plan. Saving her life meant he could lord it over her for the rest of her existence.\n\nNot that she'd know him for the rest of her life. Warning Sign wasn't The Stones. They wouldn't still be rocking out when they were almost old enough for the senior home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jerked a massive shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't need for him to say \"whatever\" for her to hear it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew him far too well. Just as he knew her.\n\nYou need that connection to get through the song. Normally, your guitar is your conduit.\n\nNow it would be him.\n\n\"Fine.\" She pulled on the mic, looping the cord around her wrist. Her head was pounding and her skin felt too stretchy and hot, but she didn't know if those were aftereffects of being hungover or sheer nerves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just being on this faux stage in front of three other people had made sweat pop out between her shoulder blades." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What would it be like to be on stage at the club tonight? Or to be back with her band on a much bigger one?\n\nShe was already braced and waiting, expecting that crack that had signaled all hell breaking loose around her. And then before she'd gotten her bearings, on top of her.\n\nThe pain and the fear had come just before the dark. But before it had closed in on around her, he'd grabbed her arm, those powerful fingers holding her in a grasp that seemed damn near unbreakable.\n\n\"I've got you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Mal said that to her before she'd passed out?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or was she filling in the blanks any way she could?\n\nWishful remembering.\n\n\"Ellie?\"\n\nMal again. Christ. She rubbed her forehead. He was becoming far too perceptive when it came to her emotional meltdowns, and she didn't like it one bit.\n\n\"I'm okay.\" She exhaled and opened her eyes to nod to Scooby. \"Let's do this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The music started off slow, Scooby and Jason playing with skill if not style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The melody really ached for a piano, but somehow Mal's metronome beat on the hi-hats beneath their strumming was all she could hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't think about what she was saying. The words were just consonants and vowels, strung together to sound pleasing to the ear. That she was staring straight at Mal while she sang about being what he needed though she was too afraid to show it meant nothing. She certainly didn't feel that way. And if she moved toward his drum kit as he played harder and faster and her heartbeat quickened, it wasn't because some part of her held a plea that could only be heard through lyrics she wasn't strong enough to write.\n\nShe wasn't a singer and this wasn't her song.\n\nWhen she couldn't look at his face, she watched his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The power of them as they held the sticks she'd chosen for him, never believing he'd care for them or even use them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd reminded her of him. So dark and unyielding with that brighter hint of gold laced though. Only catching the light now and then if you looked just right.\n\nThat was the last thing she wanted to do. If she looked, she'd see, and she wanted to stay secure in what she'd always believed about him. He didn't care about anyone but himself, and maybe his brother. In that, they were alike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The difference was she loved others too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal loved only himself.\n\nThen he lifted his head and caught her with his stare, and she could barely get out the words she knew by rote. Those dark eyes saw far too much.\n\nBeautiful nightmare.\n\nShe made it through the end of the song and bowed her head as the music stopped. This was why she didn't sing anymore. It pulled more out of her than she had left to give." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides, she was no match for Molly. Warning Side already had an amazing singer—two now with Luc. She was nothing but a harmonizer at best.\n\n\"That's what you should be doing every fucking day,\" Mal rasped. \"Not hugging the corners.\"\n\nShe didn't look at him. He didn't understand anything, least of all what it took to put herself out there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't suffer from stage fright like her brother, but the emotion of singing took more out of her than it put back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Playing the guitar was different. That was sheer joy and expression. Losing herself without thought.\n\nShe flexed the fingers on her injured arm and pins and needles prickled under her skin. Of course. Because she'd forgotten herself and clutched the mic too hard.\n\nScooby cleared his throat. \"That was amazing. I think even Dobby would agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gently, she rolled her neck." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was so tight, so stressed, and surprise, surprise, that morning's shower hadn't helped. \"What's next?\"\n\nScooby shot a glance at Mal. \"Maybe we can go back to one of ours? 'Chasing Shadows'?\"\n\nMal shrugged. \"Whatever.\"\n\nShe turned away, a smile twitching on her lips. That was the Mal she knew.\n\nSomehow it was easier trying to learn the next song, to make the material she didn't know work for her voice, knowing he was at her back.\n\nGlowering and steely-eyed, maybe, but he was there." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION REQUIRED:\nLength: seven sentences sentences\nGenre: romance, music, nsfw" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rehearsal lasted until about two hours before they were due to go onstage at the Purple Egg. After about five takes of \"Chasing Shadows\" and a few others they intended to play during their set, Scooby seemed to relax. The last couple of songs they worked on only required three run-throughs at most, though Ricki wasn't familiar with the material. But her confidence grew with every song, and everything else followed.\n\nThey went back to the rental to change and then grabbed a bite to eat on the way. Tonight's pick was pizza, which he only figured out she wanted because she clasped her hands together as they drove by the joint.\n\nShe was about as talkative as he was by this stage of the game." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grabbing a whole pie of pepperoni and sausage, she ate her requisite female two pieces, then surprised him by going back for two more. And eating the sausage off a fifth.\n\nCatching him staring, she raised her brows. \"What?\"\n\n\"Nice to see all your appetites are healthy.\"\n\nHe regretted the comment once it was out, not knowing how she would take it. They'd finally gotten some of their equilibrium back, if it was shaky. Last thing he wanted was to send it teetering again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, you don't even know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reached over and snagged a pepperoni off his plate, folding it in half before she popped it in her mouth.\n\n\"Something else you hide?\" He knew better than to go down that road. But he liked hearing the lilt of her voice, and the easiest way to get her talking was to insult her.\n\nBasically, he was a twelve-year-old boy. At least he hadn't resorted to kicking her chair.\n\nYet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not sure what you're referring to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can sing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So can you,\" she retorted. \"Don't see you prancing around as if you're in the Sound of Music either.\"\n\nHis mouth curved before he could stop it. She blinked before cocking her head.\n\n\"Did you just smile? At me? Voluntarily? This is a first.\"\n\nNow his ears were hot. Great. \"Technically, that wasn't a smile.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It sure was. Or as close as you can manage, Grouchy Pants.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed at him and he leaned back, feeling more than a little ridiculous. People were probably staring. \"You smiled.\"\n\n\"Doubtful.\" He picked up his pizza and shoved the rest of his slice into his mouth at once so he couldn't say anything further. Or smile again, because fuck, she was cute.\n\nOne side of many for her. She could be sexy as shit, or soft and cuddly and warm as she'd been in his arms for that second before she'd awakened this morning. She could also be mouthy, bratty, and combative." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She also was insanely talented on the guitar, every bit as much as his brother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could also sing. For real. Not at The Voice-wannabe tryout level, but well enough to warrant a stage of her own.\n\n\"You could challenge Molly.\"\n\nEvidently, he wasn't finished talking.\n\nShe stopped chasing a sausage around the pizza platter to frown. \"Only a moron would challenge Molly for anything. That's not my scene. She owns that stage.\"\n\n\"You could too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you kidding me? I was sweating and on the verge of shaking through half of rehearsal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"Don't bring up last night either. It wasn't that.\"\n\n\"I'm not bringing up anything.\"\n\n\"Oh, so you're just going to let it go now? So magnanimous of you.\"\n\n\"You warned me about your big appetite, so I'm sure that was nothing for you.\"\n\nShe swiped her tongue over her lower lip, blotting up a drop of grease. It was a damn miracle he didn't have to press his hand down on his cock to keep it from jumping to attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wasn't talking about that appetite and you know it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed his soda and washed down the cheese stuck in his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know much about you. We're practically strangers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Strangers who shower together.\" She snapped her fingers. \"I know, maybe that should be Warning Sign's next song.\"\n\n\"Doubtful,\" he said again. \"We both know you'd never want any of your little friends to know you got naked with me.\"\n\n\"'My little friends'? You mean like your bandmates and your brother?\"\n\n\"Sure. How about your brother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He toasted her with his half empty soda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We both know how much Nicky likes me, don't we?\"\n\nShe swept her hair over one shoulder, but he didn't miss how she grimaced and tried to hide it. She needed to get into PT sooner rather than later.\n\nYet another landmine of a subject he wasn't getting into tonight. Tomorrow, however, was a brand new day.\n\n\"My brother rarely changes his mind about people once he's made it up.\"\n\n\"Sounds like someone else I know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, that's rich coming from you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let out a brittle laugh and leaned forward, lowering her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the way, I heard you this morning. Loud and clear.\"\n\nBefore he could respond, she got out of the booth and pulled out her phone, texting away as she sashayed her way to the bathroom.\n\nHis balls tightened. Damn that woman.\n\nHe reached for another piece of pizza and had managed to eat half of it when his phone buzzed in his back pocket. He dug it out and swiped at Ricki's message. The only reason he had her number was because of work. She'd certainly never texted him before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd sent a screenshot of her phone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On it was a text to his brother.\n\nI took a shower with Mal. Now you know.\n\nMichael's response?\n\nYeah, right. Like you'd ever go there. How are you doing?\n\nIt was no less than Mal expected, and yet seeing the words in black and white pissed him off even more than he would've guessed.\n\nWhen she came back out a few minutes later, her hair was up in some kind of loop thing and her phone was nowhere to be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That rich, dark plum scent of hers wafted over him as she sat opposite him in the booth, layered over the faintest hint of peppermint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That shower was real. It had happened. Whether or not Michael believed it.\n\n\"Doesn't really count as telling someone if they don't believe you.\"\n\nShe picked up her soda and bit into the tip of her straw. Another of her habits he doubted she was even aware of. \"Should I have sent him pictures?\"\n\n\"Didn't take any.\" He pulled off the crust on one of the remaining slices of pizza and set it on her plate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was only when her eyes narrowed that he realized what he'd done.\n\nShowed your hand there, didn't you, jackass?\n\n\"But that's an option for next time, if that's your kink.\" He waggled his brows.\n\nIt took her a minute to recover. Even longer for her to pick at the slice in front of her. She had to be stuffed, but he'd acted without thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, I prefer guys who interact with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Interact. You mean like that loser you picked up who was banging some skank right on our bus while you were waiting for him in your skimpy lingerie at the hotel?\"\n\nHer eyes flashed and she dropped the slice, spraying cheese over the back of his hand. \"You know what? Just don't talk. Ever.\"\n\n\"That gets you off too? Strong, silent type who'll pick you up and fuck you against the wall with his hand over your mouth so you can't scream.\" Reveling in her flush, he licked the cheese off the back of his hand.\n\nAny other time, she would have rolled her eyes at him and flounced off, hair and tits bouncing.\n\nNot then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a fun fantasy, but actually, no. I prefer someone who won't ever keep me from screaming, because he doesn't care who knows we're together. I prefer not being the dirty little secret.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pulled out her phone and turned it toward him, saying nothing. There was still a message on the screen.\n\nReal funny about the shower. Mal asked for your address but he said he hadn't seen you when I texted him earlier.\n\nAnd then, another followup message from Michael beneath it.\n\nBetter for you. You don't need his shit right now.\n\nThe jab hit Mal square between the shoulder blades, though he handed back her phone without a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course she'd see it as him being ashamed to admit he was spending time with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not that he'd known damn well that his brother would think Ricki was slumming it with him out of gratitude.\n\nBut maybe that was another form of his shit too.\n\nHe grabbed the tray and carted it to the garbage, dumping out the last piece of pizza and folding his paper plate before shoving that inside too. He wanted to rip the unused napkins into tiny pieces, then slam his fist on the receptacle until it shook.\n\nInstead he walked out the car. She'd either come out when she was ready or she wouldn't.\n\nShe took her sweet time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she finally deigned to join him, he pulled away from the curb without a word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Back to their normal level of conversation. Aka none.\n\nOnce they reached the club, he parked and they used the side entrance for employees. Inside, they split up. Also without a word. He assumed she went off to do her thing in the ladies' room.\n\nUnless she'd gone off to find the same fuckers who'd fed her drugs the night before. If she'd even gotten it there. He didn't know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd taken three steps after her when he stopped and slicked a hand over his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Christ, he wasn't her keeper. He had to trust she'd make the right choices, and if she didn't, it wasn't his problem.\n\nHell, he was as much a form of poison for her as those substances. Ask anyone.\n\nSo he redirected toward the refreshment table set up backstage and chose a drink of his own.\n\nWater. Ice fucking cold.\n\nShe reappeared backstage a few minutes later, as bright-eyed as she'd been when she left. His heart stampeded for a full minute before evening out again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The relief was staggering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dangerous.\n\nIn no time, they were due on stage. He dropped down behind the kit and reached for the sticks she'd given him, running the pads of his fingers over the grips.\n\nAt the front of the stage, she greeted the crowd in a voice that quavered.\n\nNo one else would've noticed, because they hadn't shared a stage with her for more nights than he could count. She usually only said hello and maybe a quick line of banter with the crowd when prompted during Warning Sign's shows, but she was easy, natural. Not so now. Nerves made her posture rigid, and when she moved toward the microphone, her heel caught on the cord and she stumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughter rolled through the audience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't think. He just flipped one of his sticks and it nailed her in the back of the thigh. Okay, ass really. She picked it up and whirled toward him, flinging it back at him with an aim that caught him square in the chest.\n\nFitting.\n\nBut when she turned back, she wasn't shaky. More like annoyed. She spoke to the crowd again, talking about new shoes—and oh hey, look at the sling on her arm, clearly she was clumsy. Titters swept through the audience. She segued into mentioning new gigs and the sick Dobby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she motioned to Scooby, who moved toward her for a quick conference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to start with something different tonight,\" she said, and Mal knew he'd miscalculated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This woman would never need his help for long. But him? He was fucking sunk.\n\nDone.\n\nGone.\n\nEven prepared for it, he wasn't ready for her to turn toward him again as she started \"If I Was Your Woman.\" Because this time, she wasn't searching for her strength by channeling the anger she felt for him. Or perhaps she was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something had to be fueling the passion in her eyes, that trembled in her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not from weakness or fear. From a depth of feeling that made him grasp his drumsticks hard enough to cause a goddamn cramp. But he kept playing, needing to feel the familiar reverberation through the skins and the hi-hats while he fought not to look away from her.\n\nHe couldn't look anywhere else.\n\nShe should be facing the audience. He knew it. Scooby definitely knew it, because he kept tapping his pedals and jerking on his guitar cord to try to get her attention. She paid him no mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her focus was riveted on Mal with a precision that could have flayed the paint off the walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skin off his body.\n\nHe couldn't hear beyond the throb of his heartbeat in his head to follow the beat in his earpiece. Didn't really matter, since she dragged him through the song with her as if he was her captor. The spell she wove was more powerful than even his need to turn away.\n\nMaybe he just wanted to fucking believe that for one moment, just fucking one, she could be his.\n\nWhen she finished, she cupped the microphone in her good hand and shifted to face the eerily silent audience. Slowly, one by one, they started to clap and stomp their feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, there were a few grumbles—there always were—but overall, the response was overwhelmingly positive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind the kit, Mal wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He had to be smiling like an idiot. It was stupid to be proud of her, because she'd done all that without him. She had no clue of her own abilities.\n\nIn any way.\n\nHer stance relaxed and her smile returned as she glanced toward Scooby to confirm something, and Mal ducked his head before she saw his dumb grin.\n\nExcept he wasn't quick enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never was when it came to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shot him a look, her eyebrows pulling tight as she took in his face. He did his best to clear it, but after a second, she flashed him a dazzling smile that told him succinctly the game was over.\n\nAnd he'd won, because he'd just been serenaded by the sexiest goddamn woman he'd ever known. Even if she hated him.\n\nEven if he didn't blame her.\n\nWatching her for the rest of the set was torment like he'd never known. It wasn't as if he didn't know what it was like to be behind her every night for a couple hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was his life, and he derived a sick sort of pleasure from seeing her get really into playing her guitar, bending over it so her hair trailed almost to the floor while her head bobbed to the music." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was something else altogether." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was in a sort of command here, though this band was on loan. He never would've guessed it. She might've tripped at first, but she found her way.\n\nBy the end of it, he was the one who was lost.\n\nHe made it through the last couple of songs through sheer will. They were new to him too, obviously, since he'd only done a few gigs with Venus Rising. But that wasn't why he couldn't keep up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was addicted to watching her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was in her element. Those few moments she disappeared into the music enough to sway while she sang, and the little bits of laughter she gave to the audience—hell, even the irritated glance she flicked him when he fumbled a crossover during the bridge to \"Chasing Shadows\" and screwed up her entrance—were his undoing.\n\nIf he'd had to see her sing every night, he would've quit Warning Sign within the first month. There was only so much one man could take.\n\nYour fault. This was all your bright idea.\n\nAfter they took their bows and ran backstage, Mal headed straight for the men's room. He needed a piss and to splash his face with enough icy water to get his head straight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't going to have made it this many months—years now—and reveal everything without even making the choice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It just wasn't going to happen.\n\n\"What did you think?\"\n\nHer voice stopped him cold. He couldn't ignore the question.\n\nNot even if she figured out all he didn't have a way to hide.\n\nSwallowing hard, he turned back around. Her cheeks were ruddy with exertion, her huge eyes luminescent in a way he'd never seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More than anything, he wanted to keep that look on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And because he was a selfish, needy bastard, he wanted to be the one to put it there.\n\n\"You were magnificent.\"\n\nHer mouth quivered before her expression smoothed out into a smile. \"Thank you. You weren't though. So not like you. Normally, you're flawless. What happened?\"\n\nFor an instant, he was almost bold enough to tell her the truth—if only so he wouldn't have to carry it around alone anymore.\n\nI fell in love with a woman I can never have.\n\nBut telling her wouldn't change shit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Words didn't mean anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd learned that a long time ago. Actions were what counted, and words were lies.\n\nSo he gave her a pretty one so she wouldn't look too close.\n\n\"Must be because some hot chick hit me right here.\" He rubbed the heel of his hand over his chest, slow and sure. \"Some aim she has.\"\n\nHer grin spread and she wiggled her fingers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not the ones on her injured arm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She still wasn't using it for much. \"Guess you're not the only one who's good with his hands.\"\n\nHe waited until she went back to talk to Scooby before heading toward the men's room. Just before he left, he heard Scooby mention wanting to gig with her again the next time she was in town.\n\nHer laughter made it all worth it. And then some." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a romance, music, nsfw thing. u write 2 sentences bits" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been a long, rough day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the worst he'd dealt with in some time, and he'd had his share lately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But at least now Mal would find his bright spot. One of them anyway, and this one wasn't a killer blond—err, currently brunette—who could take him out at the knees with a flutter of her eyelashes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A killer brunette who had left him after the service to take off for parts unknown. But he was cool with that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't as if he'd anticipated them spending the rest of the day together.\n\nNah. He'd barely even thought about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, now he could talk to his niece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hope Shawcross had some attributes of her own, that was for certain. Like being ridiculously cute, though he hated that word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Also, she liked her uncle, which was a positive in Mal's book.\n\n\"Say hi to Uncle Mal, Hopie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The little blond girl's face filled the screen on Mal's MacBook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hair was spiky and wet and sticking out in all directions and her lashes were starred with water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore a duck towel robe thingy that Mal had gotten her, and the hood was cock-eyed so the duck bill sat on her shoulder. \"Hi, Unca Ma.\"\n\nNot exactly his name, but she was getting closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since she was still in diapers, he couldn't fault her much.\n\n\"Hiya kiddo. Were you good for your mom for your bath?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't the best at baby talk, mainly because he felt like a dumbass while trying to speak at a level she could understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hope was a fairly genius kid, though, so he was sure she got the gist of most of what he was saying without adding in goo-goo gaa-gaa.\n\nHope's response was just this side of intelligible, so Chloe stepped in to translate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She did great. Loves her bath time, though she likes it better when Daddy's here because he throws around the bubbles.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hope stuck her hand in her mouth, gnawing on her knuckles while she gazed up at her mom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal knew what was coming even before she voiced the question.\n\n\"Da?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll be home soon.\" Chloe's throat moved as she glanced at the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He went out with Ry and West after the service. Think they needed some time to relive their crazy college days or something.\"\n\nMal didn't know what to say to that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were times—few, granted—that he wished he and his brother were closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That if Mike went out with his friends, he might ask him to join them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course that went both ways, and it wasn't as if Mal had extended many invitations or even acted as if he wanted to receive any. So he couldn't fault his brother, since their lack of a relationship in recent years beyond basic communication had basically been Mal's doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lately, he was feeling the distance and regretting it. Randy's death was definitely part of why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal hadn't been tight with Randy, but there was no denying he'd been a good guy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kind who had no enemies and always did the right thing. He would've been a great father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like Mike was. And it wasn't as if Mike had grown up with any better role models than Mal had. Well, he'd had Lila, who apparently far excelled in the parenting realm compared to their biological parents. But still." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were teens when they met Lila, and Mike seemed to have a handle on the whole gig.\n\nHe also had a lot of friends, ones who were like brothers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Closer than his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mal?\" Chloe asked. \"You okay?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\" Mal cleared his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe I'll come over tomorrow. If that's okay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe's eyebrows lifted. He was pretty good about FaceTiming with the kids a few times a month, especially as Hope became more sentient." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also made sure to come by on major holidays for an hour or two, but he wasn't really one to stop by just to hang with the fam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So not his scene.\n\nAt least it didn't used to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe his scene was changing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure. Of course. We're not doing anything special. Might do some Christmas shopping in the afternoon, but then we'll be home. You're welcome to come over whenever you'd like. You know Axl's dying to spend more time with you too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chloe grinned. \"He's sure you're really secretly Bruce Willis from Die Hard. He caught part of that on cable the other night.\"\n\nOf course, since he and Ricki had watched that too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You kidding me? I work out all the time and get pegged as Willis? C'mon now.\" Mal balanced his MacBook on his thighs and kicked out his legs on the coffee table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every time he did so gave him a feeling of sick satisfaction thanks to the days growing up in his parents' house. His mom had a coronary every time his Adidas sneakers touched her precious furniture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I might bring someone with me tomorrow. Maybe. I dunno for sure. Might.\"\n\nJesus, now he was sounding all wussy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forget having more of a relationship with his brother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't even figure out how to have a girl—\n\n\"Elle.\" Chloe smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About time you did something about that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal cocked his head. \"Come again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been eyeing her for years. It was totally obvious. Ask Michael. I called that one a long time ago. He said I was nuts, that you don't pine for anybody without doing something about it. If you want someone, you go out and bag 'em.\"\n\n\"Like a buck?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe shrugged. \"Didn't say it was the most elegant way of saying it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal frowned as Hope picked up the mouse and started chewing on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She probably shouldn't be doing that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Spare one. I keep one up here she can chomp on when the urge strikes.\" Chloe lifted another mouse from the mouse pad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's completely fine if you bring Elle. Or not. Maybe. Might.\"\n\nHer teasing smile didn't get on his nerves like it would've a few years ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to be mellowing in his old age or something. \"Yeah, well, we'll see. She split after the service. Maybe went off with the girls.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had friends too. Definitely had family she cherished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meanwhile, he'd pushed everyone away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In retrospect, he wasn't even sure why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not like he'd ever analyzed it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't that dude to sit there and question his motives. He liked being alone, so he told people to fuck off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except he didn't much feel like having all that time alone anymore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now he had to eat crow and come crawling back.\n\n\"Maybe she's with Lo and Denver. Jules was with Tris, understandably.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"You could always text her to let her know you're thinking about her. Chicks like that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal stared at the screen until Chloe laughed. \"Okay, okay, not your style. It was just a suggestion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She knows I'm not one of those types.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What type is that? One who is kind and romantic and courteous?\" Chloe asked sweetly.\n\n\"I'm courteous. I held a door for her today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe fanned herself. \"Oh Lordy, I'm gonna swoon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Soon?\" Hope repeated in her own fashion, craning her neck to look up at her mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she threw the spare mouse at the monitor, somehow ending their connection.\n\nMal had to laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This FaceTime session was like his whole life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awkward, off-track, then abruptly over before he knew what happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of the door opening made him look up from his computer. A blond head poked in, and his heart stopped and restarted about three times in the space of a minute as Ricki peered toward the couch and gave him a tentative smile. \"Hey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey yourself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stepped inside and stood in the doorway, back to her glorious cornsilk blond. \"I followed someone into the building.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made a frustrated noise and he almost grinned. \"Can I come in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're staying with me. The place is yours while you are.\"\n\n\"Didn't see you give me a key,\" she muttered, shutting the door behind her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He frowned. \"You didn't say you wanted one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was about to say more when he got another FaceTime call from Chloe and Hope. He held up a finger to Ricki, who was already headed toward the couch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat beside him, then pulled her legs up and waited.\n\n\"Hey,\" he said to Chloe, clearing his throat. \"Technical difficulties?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You could say that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chloe laughed as Hope pinwheeled her arms and made a screeching noise before sitting still again and staring at the computer.\n\n\"Unca Ma?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey there kiddo. I'm back. What did you do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At his side, Ricki made some unknown sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't tell if it was a sigh or huff of breath or what, but he wasn't going to look at her to find out.\n\nHe was already embarrassed enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hope gave an exaggerated shrug. \"No-thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't seem like nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not so much. Think it's time I get this one to bed. Or try anyway. Still hoping one day she becomes a good sleeper like her brother.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But anyway, like I said before, feel free to bring Elle tomorrow. I think it's so awesome that you—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal cleared his throat loudly and shifted the screen. \"Look who's here.\" Great, now he was talking one step up from that goo-goo gaa-gaa stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey Elle. Whoa, hair change. Loved the brown but the blond is so much more you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ricki smiled and tucked her hair behind her ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks. It's fun to change things up but some people definitely seem to prefer the blond.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slid Mal a quick look before flashing another smile at Chloe.\n\n\"Some people, hmm? Wonder who those people are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe pursed her lips and made a face that caused Hope to start giggling madly and pulling on her mother's chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh my gosh, look at her. She's so beautiful. Missed seeing her at the service today. Though, obviously, I see why you didn't bring her. Not really the place for a baby.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ricki crowded closer to the screen. \"She's so precious. Her hair has little bits of red, just like yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, a bit here and there. I'm sure it'll darken up like mine did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chloe stroked Hope's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So he probably hasn't had a chance to tell you yet, but you and Mal are invited over here tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Oh really? How sweet of you, thank you. Is there a special occasion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chloe frowned. \"Um, that it's Sunday?\"\n\n\"Works for me.\" Ricki smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd be happy to come. Assuming I'm also invited by someone other than you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She slid Mal another look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, it was his idea. He mentioned bringing you first thing. Except I think he thought you may not be interested. You know how boys are. Never get our signals, do they?\" She winked and held up her daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say bye-bye to Uncle Mal and his girlfriend, Elle, Hopie.\"\n\n\"Ricki,\" Mal corrected before falling silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dumbass, that was not the part of that sentence you should have been correcting. She may not want to be your girlfriend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then again, if Chloe was right about missing signals…\n\n\"Ricki, huh?\" Chloe shifted toward Elle's side of the screen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you prefer to be called?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ricki exhaled. \"Well, I was always Ricki until I tried to change my image a bit, get away from the old crowd. You probably remember that, right? I mean, we didn't get to spend much time together as kids, unfortunately, but you knew my brother.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. Nicky was and is a good friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chloe continued on, recounting some of her old exploits with Ricki's brother, and Ricki smiled in a way he hadn't seen all day.\n\nIt made sense, of course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today—and the past few weeks—had been rough on all of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But listening to them talk reminded Mal exactly how many connections Ricki had with the important people in his life. Some, like Lila, he'd routinely disavowed, though he was starting to have a different view there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starting, mind you. Mountains might move, but only in their own time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Ricki also had a past with his brother's wife. Ricki had been a part of his life for a while even beyond the band, just outside the periphery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waiting for the time when they were both ready.\n\nHoly fuck, he hoped she was ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So yeah, please do come over tomorrow. We'd love to have you. And yay, now we can do couples' double date things,\" Chloe said, raising her eyebrows at the strangled noise Mal made. \"You okay there, Malachi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ricki reached out to rub his shoulder. \"Being introduced back into civilized society is going to be a process for him. Give him time. He'll get there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She moved closer and he draped his arm around her, pulling her closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Chloe's turn to sound as if she was having an attack.\n\n\"Wait, wait, you talk back to him and he likes it? I must have the wrong number. This cannot be my brother-in-law. Hopie, are we sure that's Uncle Mal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hope clapped her hands and laughed maniacally. \"Unca Mal!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure looks like him, all right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chloe smiled. \"Bruce's double.\"\n\n\"Say goodbye, Chloe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Goodbye, Chloe,\" she repeated, grinning as she held up Hope's little hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wave bye-bye to Uncle Mal and Ricki, sweetie. You'll get to see them both tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Bye-bye! Bye-bye! Bye-bye!\" Hope immediately began to try to scramble off Chloe's lap, only to be caught and righted once again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Goodnight, trouble. Sleep well for your mom and dad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he could catch himself, he gave Hope a little wave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tiny one. Barely noticeable.\n\nGod, he was officially dickless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have a good one, you two.\" Chloe's eyes were sparkling far too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nice chatting with you again, Ricki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He closed out the FaceTime call, well aware Ricki had gone quiet beside him. He wasn't sure which part had spooked her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe all of it. Chloe wasn't exactly subtle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then again, neither was Ricki, and except for a few notable moments, she seemed as if she was coming to terms with the idea of them as a thing. A couple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord help him.\n\n\"Look, if you're not happy with her calling you my girlfriend, I can make it clear you're not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ricki looped an arm around her knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I not? You mentioned the whole mine thing before, which was lovely, but a woman needs more. At least this one does.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, he closed the lid on his MacBook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was far better than throwing it across the room to release his tension, which was another option.\n\nThis whole talking about feelings thing? Royally sucked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" he said.\n\n\"Okay. So now this is where you tell me what you want from me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let his gaze drift over her, from the tips of her blond silky hair to her feet and over every curve in between." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much detail you looking for? Because I can get real specific.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Much as I love dirty talk, not exactly what I mean in this case. Though please save it for later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sighed. \"Are we just messing around? Because messing around is great. I like messing around. Just helps me to know if there's more gonna come of it, maybe, before I get too involved.\"\n\nHe nearly laughed. Christ, if she only knew how involved he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How much he'd been for so damn long now.\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tilted her head. \"No what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, we're not just messing around. At least I'm not. If you are—\"\n\n\"I've never just messed around. I was the girl who wanted commitment and a family. I always wanted that, so maybe I got some stars in my eyes and made some shitty people into more than they actually were to try to make them fit the pictures in my head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps that's what you're doing with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her laughter somehow soothed him. \"Are you kidding me? You're anti-everything how I thought my future would look. How I hoped it would anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She let out a long, slow breath as she met his gaze. \"That's how I know this is real. You're real. We're real. Because I never gave you any credit, never put any romantic notions on you. You just stormed into my life and now I don't want to live it without you glaring in the middle of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Throat tight, he grabbed her hip to haul her closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Onto his lap, to be precise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only place that was nearly close enough, and even that wouldn't do.\n\nInside her was where he needed to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't glare,\" he said, hovering his lips over hers. \"I intimidate in a silent manner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her giggle was sweeter than any music he'd ever heard, more erotic than the finest aphrodisiac." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the blue of her eyes was like the center of a fire, one he couldn't dive into fast enough.\n\nHe'd lied when he had told her he would be her addiction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been his from the very start." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait,\" she murmured as he tried to take the kiss deeper, harder. She sighed and gripped his shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talking to Chloe was really good and really not.\"\n\nMal tried to get his vocal cords working again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't like her? You seemed okay.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no, she's a sweetheart. She had a little thing for my brother a million years ago, and they had a super brief hookup before she moved on to Snake. At least that's how the story goes. I didn't pay as much attention as I should have to any of it.\" She stared off over his shoulder, fingering her newly blond hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hair he needed to show his appreciation for properly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like by fisting both hands in it as he fucked her from behind. With lots of pillows beneath her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eh, maybe better to save that for when her shoulder was better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was just fine with her riding him again, nice and slow.\n\n\"I think I saw him today,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't even the first time. And it doesn't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her gaze sharpened on his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me it doesn't make sense. Men don't just come back from the dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal shook his head, still caught up in fantasies of debauching Ricki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What the hell had he missed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People in general don't come back from the dead. Women either.\"\n\nShe released a frustrated sigh and shoved at his shoulder for good measure before climbing off him and pacing across the room and back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You didn't know Snake, so I know this is all going to seem like crazy talk to you. But you gotta know he was Chloe's guy, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal nodded. He still felt five steps behind. \"Axl's bio father.\"\n\n\"Yeah. He was a jerk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ricki's expression tightened. \"I used to like him once upon a time, back when he was in a band with Nicky and Simon and Deak. Real early days. Like Oblivion before Oblivion was actually them, if that makes sense. No Gray and Jazz. They actually replaced Snake when he was tossed out for his addiction to horse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal frowned. He fucking hated when she used drug terms. That was a common one, but still." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't help wishing she didn't know about any of that stuff. That she hadn't had to struggle so hard, even if those struggles had been part of what had shaped her into the person he loved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. I know some of that. Most of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You also know Snake was suing Oblivion when he died? Saying my brother and the rest stole his shit and recycled it into some of their biggest hits?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rubbed her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All crap, by the way. Nicky and Simon and Deak were writing longer than Snake was, and they were the ones who put together Oblivion's hits. Then Gray and Jazz came in and made the band complete. Snake was always a glory hound. Looking out for a payday that he wouldn't have to work for and using loyalty as a smokescreen.\"\n\n\"He was also an addict. So some additional considerations there as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal kept his voice quiet and even. He wasn't trying to twist any knives, just make sure she was considering all angles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, he didn't even know yet.\n\nShe nodded brusquely. \"Oh yeah, impossible to forget, especially with him. He was the meanest fuck when he was using. Sometimes when he wasn't too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bit her lower lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was Nicky's best friend, along with Simon. Maybe even before him. They went way back. As far back as blood brothers could go, and Nicky never forgot that. Neither did Snake.\"\n\n\"Wait a second, didn't you just say Snake was suing Nick's band? Seems like a weird way to repay loyalty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, well, that's just it. Even though Nicky didn't want to toss Snake out—in fact, he was the lone holdout for the longest time—eventually, he did for the good of the band. Snake just couldn't get and stay clean.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat on the edge of the coffee table. \"And he was bitter. Oblivion was on the way up with his replacements and he was working crap jobs, hustling to pay for him and Chloe with a kid on the way. She was working too, but I'm sure he had dollar signs in his eyes. If he'd won that lawsuit, they would've been set. The ironic part? After Snake died, Chloe came to Nicky for money and he helped her. I don't think huge amounts. Just enough to fill the gaps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was in a tough spot. Dead fiancè, pregnant.\" Mal leaned forward and rubbed his hands together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something was niggling the back of his neck. \"Wait, you did say dead? All the way dead. But you started this off saying you saw him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded, shutting her eyes. \"On the monitor during our big secret show. It didn't make sense so I was sure I was imagining things. But he was a unique guy. Big.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She cleared her throat. \"Bald.\"\n\nMal lifted a brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think not having hair makes all dudes look alike?\"\n\n\"No. I just said he was unique.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But then you looked at me as if we were twins.\"\n\n\"No. Not even close. His eyes—something was always off there. I wondered how Chloe didn't see it. Maybe didn't want to. She was so young.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ricki shuddered. \"The guy I saw on the monitor that night and the guy at the salon today, both had those dead eyes.\"\n\n\"Wait a second. The salon? You better back up and tell me everything. Step by step.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There isn't much. It all happened too fast. I was in the chair, foils in, dye on, and I glanced toward the picture windows. There was a big guy in a hoodie. He wasn't standing close to the salon, but by the curb. He was staring right at me, but the minute he saw me watching, he took off.\" Ricki gripped a strand of her hair, twisting it around her fingers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I chased him out of the salon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did what?\" Mal was halfway to his feet before he realized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think you spotted a dude who's supposed to be dead—which we'll be getting back to—and you took after him without a weapon?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hardly.\" She sniffed. \"I grabbed the hair dye bowl that had the rest of my color. That shit could burn his eyes and disarm him in seconds flat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It definitely was the most creative weapon he'd ever heard of, he had to give her that. He wasn't sure if it really would cause even temporary blindness, but the smell alone of some of that stuff could probably drop a dude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't do that again, you understand me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was I supposed to do? Sit there and watch him walk away? I grew up with this guy. He was in and out of my house, my bedroom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he ever spend time there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For once, he wasn't asking out of possessiveness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least not entirely.\n\nShe wrinkled her nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God, no. So not my type.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, you definitely hate bald guys. I've noticed that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't all look alike, remember? Besides, if you think it was your stunning physical gifts that got me in your bed, wrong avenue to drive up, bud.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rose and he tugged on her hand, bringing her back beside him on the couch.\n\n\"I don't know what it was and I don't care. I'm just glad it did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was quiet for a full minute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wow, that was almost a voluntary declaration. I'm impressed. Next week we can work on harder stuff. Like 'hi Ricki, I missed you. What did you do today?'\"\n\nHe didn't blink as he repeated what she'd said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hi, Ricki, I missed you. What did you do today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lips curved. \"Tried to track down a dead guy and stun him with hair dye. Oh, and I dyed my hair because I want to get back to me and also because my very hot, very alpha lover apparently likes it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though she was still smiling as she laid her head on his shoulder, he felt the tremor that went through her and drew her into his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If anything happened to you, I couldn't stand it,\" he said against her hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just the smell of her settled him in ways he didn't have words for. \"Do you understand?\"\n\nShe tilted her head, peering up at him under the fringe of her long bangs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I'm beginning to. But feel free to elaborate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will. After we talk about a few things.\" He blew out a breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Teagan knows how to use a gun. Do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't hesitate. \"Mmm-hmm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you consider carrying one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He almost couldn't believe what he was suggesting. He didn't normally advocate for people to carry pieces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But if she knew how and having one would mean she could better protect herself…\n\n\"You think he's alive, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her throat moved. \"You don't think it was a lookalike.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know what to think yet, except a lot of fucking weird shit is going on. And much as I hate it, I can't be with you all day and night.\" He stroked her cheekbone with his thumb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did it happen? His death?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He almost tacked on the word supposed. That was how much he was sure she was on the right track." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something was very off at Ripper Records right now, and he had a feeling Snake played a role. Somehow. In some way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Washed up at sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice was barely a whisper. \"Body badly decayed. I think there was an issue with the ID. I don't know for sure. I heard a few different stories.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal just bet.\n\n\"He was always on the beach too, wasn't he?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a leap, but not all that much of one. \"Born near it like you guys were.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Strong swimmer.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Deceitful, duplicitous guy who very well could've walked away from child support by pretending he was fucking dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't reply, but she didn't have to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her expression said volumes.\n\n\"How comfortable are you with a gun? Knowing how to shoot isn't enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nicky taught me years ago so I could protect myself. Comfortable enough. Do you really think that's necessary?\" She didn't even give him time to answer before nodding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Obviously, Donovan thinks it's necessary we have security out the wazoo, and we already lost Randy.\" Her eyes grew shiny before she cleared her throat and continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't take any chances with anyone else.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Especially not you.\" Mal gripped her chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You hear me? If anyone does anything you don't feel comfortable with, you do what you need to do and ask questions later. If this Snake asshole is involved somehow, he helped take away one of the fathers of Jules's baby. It wasn't enough for him to desert his own, he also harmed another child for life. Never mind Randy himself, and Jules, and Tristan. Never mind what he did to you. What he's still doing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lips trembled as she nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're right. Clearly, I'm not in the best shape right now to protect myself. But not a gun. Not yet. There has to be another option.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can meet with Donovan and see about providing you with some personal protection.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me and Teagan with our matching bodyguards.\" Ricki shut her eyes then opened them again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't love it, but I'm not going to be a jerk about it. My pride isn't as important as being safe.\"\n\n\"Damn straight it isn't. So I'll talk to—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She covered his lips with her fingers. \"We'll talk to Donovan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He removed her hand from his mouth. \"Yes. Didn't I say that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure you did. Not.\"\n\nHe buried his face in her hair, nearly shaking with the need to burrow inside her and never let go." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To shield her from the goddamned world if he had to. \"If I don't get inside you soon, I'm gonna fucking lose my mind.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" She quivered too as she climbed on top of him again. \"God, yes.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going three sentences at a time, also I'm going for a romance, music, nsfw genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Seriously, we'll find it.\" She patted his arm. \"Don't stress.\"\n\nHe truly didn't want to have his first fight as a committed couple this soon, but her relentless cheer in the face of the biggest fail of a proposal ever was…well, he loved her even more for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other women would be pitching a fit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait a second. Is that…\" She trailed off as she rolled on her back on a pile of snow, waving her arms in the classic shape of a snow angel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He might've growled if she hadn't dug for something among the thick flakes and held it up victoriously. \"Score!\"\n\nHe grinned. \"You drive me crazy, woman.\"\n\n\"You must like it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was about to put the ring on herself when he seized hold of her hand and pulled her up into a sitting position before kneeling beside her to do the honors himself.\n\n\"Oh,\" she breathed once he'd slipped it on. \"Oh, it fits.\"\n\n\"Of course. I checked with Lila and Nick about your size.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes popped wide. \"You told my brother you were going to propose?\"\n\n\"I asked his permission.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yeah, that wouldn't be a moment he wanted to relive either. But he'd been committed to doing this the proper way.\n\nThere would be no do-overs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And he gave it? Oh my God. Miracles never ceased.\"\n\n\"Not until I promised to always be faithful, no matter who propositioned me backstage.\"\n\n\"Oh Lord.\" She covered her face with her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And to always remember birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.\"\n\n\"He does have a point there. But I don't like white chocolate.\"\n\n\"Noted.\" Mal cleared his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He also warned me you would want children, so if I couldn't man up, step off.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gave him a cautious look, her eyes glowing from the sparkling lights all around them. \"And?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not letting anyone else plant a baby in you but me,\" he growled.\n\nAs for that three, four, or five year engagement? Fuck that. He'd marry her tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything else was just details.\n\nShe laughed and rose on her knees to hug him. And kiss him. And generally demonstrate that hey, life as an engaged man was pretty damn awesome." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I love you,\" she said between kisses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I love you too. Now let's go inside before my balls freeze off.\"\n\n\"Can't have that.\" Rising, she winked. \"I have plans for them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she glanced up at the snowy sky as she squeezed his hand, her ring a solid, comforting weight between their fingers. \"Merry Christmas to me.\"\n\nTurn the page for details on the FINAL book in the FOUND IN OBLIVION SERIES…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "FINDING FOREVER.\n\n⁂\n\n[ First Rhythm ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Around three years ago ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the darkness, all the women looked the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wavy hair, big eyes made up with too much eyeliner and shadow, slinky dresses intended to reveal more than conceal. Pouty lips that begged for something, whether it was alcohol, or pills, or a cock.\n\nAnother night, another party." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd been to so many of them that they blurred. But not here, not this area. His own playground was farther north, away from the glitz of LA and the seedy underbelly that crept in around the edges of Carson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a different dynamic altogether. The danger was hidden under booming music and fake smiles. And the weapons of choice were the kind that you armed yourself, intended for your own destruction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved to the closest corner and slouched against the wall as he scanned the crowd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His expression made it clear he wasn't looking for conversation—or more. But only an idiot would turn his back on these people.\n\nWithout looking at his phone, he hit the speed dial he'd set up just yesterday when she'd first called him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't as if they were close. In fact, it had been a long time since he'd spoken with Lila Shawcross—now Ronson, since she'd recently shed herself of her marital entanglements to his father. Then she'd broken that lovely streak by calling him out of the blue, and not for a social call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was one of the things he'd always disliked most about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was always searching for angles, always on the hunt to play the game.\n\nHe didn't fucking play. Money meant little to him, and fame and attention even less." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there were always other ways to barter. Other kinds of currency to trade.\n\nLila was a button-pusher from way back, and she'd known what screws to turn with him before she even picked up the phone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm here,\" he said without preamble. \"Now what?\"\n\n\"You know what. I laid it all out for you yesterday. Richelle used to date Vinnie Santorini, the guy who owns that building. My sources say he remains her main supplier.\"\n\n\"What's your point?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want you to scare him into dumping her. He's in deep, and she needs to make a clean break.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I give a fuck why? If she needs to make a clean break, that's on her. I have my own shit to handle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you do, and I promised to help you make that problem go away. Cassalia's parents want to sue you for negligence and civil responsibility in her death, Malachi. If you keep hiding your head in the sand, they're going to go to the media and you're going to be hit with a huge—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I'm guilty,\" he said flatly. \"Of course I'm guilty.\"\n\n\"You were her fiancé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We broke up. She wouldn't quit that shit, so I ended things.\" He lowered his voice when the guy in front of him shot a glance over his shoulder, his joint hanging out of the corner of his mouth.\n\nThere was no need to advertise his business here, even if half these people were too stoned to remember it tomorrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Still, she was a small-town girl before she met you,\" Lila went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your lifestyle helped introduce her to the drugs that ended her life. You were the one who broke her heart and sent her into a spiral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about my goddamn spiral? Does that matter? Christ.\" He stabbed his fingers into his eyes, the questions and comments he'd received over the last few weeks after every freaking race pelting his skull.\n\nIt must be difficult, losing the woman you love in such a public way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Cassalia always been suicidal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was she dealing with depression, or was it your breakup that sent her over the edge?\n\nAnd his favorite:\n\nHow can you continue to race after such a heartbreaking event?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could he was a good question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it was why he'd stopped doing the legit races that ended with questions and flashbulbs popping and turned to the underground ones where no one gave a crap why he did anything and just cared if he made them money. They were dirty, and dangerous, and just this side of legal.\n\nHe couldn't have cared less, if it meant he got to do what he loved outside the glare of the goddamn public eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now more conditions were being put upon that love." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More threats levied his way couched under concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's all kinds of ways to balance scales, Mal,\" Lila said softly, and for a second, he thought he heard genuine compassion in her tone. Then she cleared her throat and her voice hardened. \"Since you're there now, that must mean you agree to my terms.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said nothing. Just gripped his phone and wished he'd never picked it up yesterday. He might not be any further ahead, but he wouldn't be in this frigging untenable position of playing nurse-slash-bodyguard-slash-protector for a woman he didn't even know.\n\nDidn't want to know, if she was a fucking user like Cassalia had been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you convince Vinnie that it's in his best interest not to sell to Richelle anymore, certain stipulations of our agreement will come into play. If you bump it up a notch and join Warning Sign as well, your garage will be funded, your issues with the Franklins will go away, and the story will be buried, deep enough that you'll probably never hear the words Cassalia Franklin spoken aloud in your presence ever again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal cupped the back of his neck and squeezed. The pressure reminded him that this was a means to an end. The garage would be back in the black." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His men wouldn't have to worry about their jobs—not that he ever would've let it get that bad, even if he had to break his own moral code. Again.\n\nAmazing how flexible that damn thing could be when you were desperate enough.\n\nAnd he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was fucking desperate to make all of this go away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To stop looking back at the waste before he drowned in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This Richelle, why does she matter so much to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked, his voice close to a growl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ex-stepmother didn't step out the door without a payday waiting on the other side, usually in the form of an artist she could mold for the benefit of her bank account. So there must be a damn good reason she was sullying herself with concerns about some druggie chick.\n\nJust another one in a sea of them. Faceless, nameless, unrecognizable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does it matter?\"\n\n\"Yes, it fucking damn well matters. You're asking me to walk into a goddamn nest of drug dealers and who knows what else, and you won't even tell me why. Who is this girl to you, Lila? Some new commodity that went off the rails? Some investment that went bad?\"\n\nHer pause was so lengthy that Mal cursed, about to end the call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's the twin sister of the man I love. The only family he has left in this world. She's everything to him. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal narrowed his eyes, squinting into the smoky, shifting near darkness, lit only by the flickering Christmas lights strung along the eaves. The room throbbed with the bass from the music, something he'd never heard but would never forget.\n\nHe wanted to argue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So what? What the fuck does the man you love matter to me? Lila wasn't married to his dad anymore, and he wouldn't have felt more kindly toward her had she been. To his way of thinking, anyone who married his fuckwit of a father deserved whatever shit flowed their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But somehow her impassioned response stilled his tongue. He didn't know why. He didn't believe in love any more than he believed in anything else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Christ, he was jealous as fuck that she still did. That she could.\n\n\"Third floor,\" he said flatly, repeating the info she'd given him during their last phone call. \"That's his apartment.\"\n\nLila let out a long breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd been holding it, he realized, waiting for him to say no. Expecting him to.\n\nBecause Malachi Shawcross never did a damn thing for anyone unless there was something in it for himself. Just like good ol' Dad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Lila said. \"Vinnie lives upstairs with his brother Don.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal was already on the move, pushing his way through the dancing, laughing crowd and scanning the endless faces in the darkness. Lila had said yesterday that Vinnie and Richelle sometimes came down to the parties on the first floor when they weren't \"holed up.\"\n\nLila had refused to elaborate on exactly what that meant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Family affair,\" he said into the phone as he stalked through the writhing mass of people. His head was already a little buzzy from the scent of weed floating through the air. Just what he needed—a contact high." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Luckily, it took a hell of a lot more than their low-grade shit to get him lit.\n\n\"Yes. Though the woman they work with isn't family. She doesn't have any, from what I could find. Former foster child. She had previous dealings with someone else who is important to me.\"\n\nMal didn't know why Lila was playing share-and-tell hour, but that wasn't unusual with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd fill his head with useless crap so that he'd miss the salient points buried beneath her bullshit.\n\nHe wasn't falling for it this time.\n\nA woman toting beer in plastic red cups held high over her head bumped his shoulder and giggled as the liquid sloshed over his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oops, sorry.\" She stared at his chest then apparently realized his head was a few feet up. Tilting her own back, she frowned. \"You're a big one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't know the half.\" He wiped off his wet arm and smeared it on her jacket sleeve, making her giggle again.\n\nShe was still laughing when he moved past her. Damn stoners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's not here,\" Mal told Lila a few minutes later after making a full sweep of the first level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Unless she doesn't look like that picture you sent me. Was that recent?\"\n\nBlond hair, blue eyes, sweet smile. She looked more like a preschool teacher than a fairly hardcore user." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hardcore in frequency if not in selection, though as soon as someone messed with blow, he figured they were headed nowhere good. But his ex-stepmommy had been adamant that Richelle could be \"saved.\"\n\nSure, she could. Just like the rest of them could be too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, just a few weeks ago. She changes her hair color now and then. Sometimes she's brunette too. Hang on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He swallowed another curse as bubbles showed up on his screen, indicating another message was being sent. A moment later, he was staring at the same preschool teacher lookalike, except now she was vamped up. Hair so dark it was the richest color of oak, wet red lips, and still, those same innocent blue eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they had a hint of something else in them now. Mischief. Seduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sort of knowing that seared him right to the marrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Got it,\" he told Lila, making his way to the door to the central front hallway where you could choose which apartment to visit. \"I'm headed up. I'll get back to you.\"\n\nHe was about to click off when her words cut through the din around him. \"Mal, be careful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saying nothing, he waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's…fragile,\" Lila said. \"Women like her tend to bring out the desire to protect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal barked out a laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, you think I'll fall under her spell or something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He braced a fist on the inside door and shoved it open, stepping into the only somewhat quieter hall. A narrow stairway to his right led upstairs. \"Not gonna happen.\"\n\n\"Not you.\" Lila dismissed the possibility so succinctly that he imagined he could see her waving her pale hand in his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The man she's with. He might not want to let her go so easily.\"\n\n\"So I'm to fight to the death, is that it? I'm supposed to save someone who has two working legs and probably doesn't want to be fucking saved?\"\n\nJust as Cassalia hadn't wanted to be saved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, she'd talked a good game." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One he'd even believed for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she'd loved her addiction a hell of a lot more than she'd ever cared for him.\n\nShe'd proved that in the end.\n\n\"Be smart. And watch your back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lila clicked off before he could respond with a sarcastic remark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably why she'd hung up so fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd danced the same steps more than a few times, which was exactly why he didn't know why she'd called him. No matter her reasons—that he operated in the same sort of circles and had the muscle to take care of business—she was trusting him with something very important to her. Someone very important.\n\nHe climbed the first step and gripped the banister when the stair sagged under his weight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awesome. He chanced the next one, and the next, finally releasing the rail to bound up the stairs two at a time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he did the same on the next flight, stopping at the top to stare at the single door at the end of a dank hallway. The carpet was peeling up, revealing the stained floor beneath. Water spots—some small and some not—dotted the ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Welcome to the jungle.\n\nThe closer he walked to the lone door, the louder the music became. It was different than the kind downstairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was club music, the kind meant to screw with your mind as much as the cutesy mixed drinks served by the gallon. But there wouldn't be any of those drinks up on this level, he was sure. The party atmosphere downstairs hadn't reached this far." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was all business.\n\nMal stopped outside the door and pulled at the brim of the ridiculous baseball cap he'd pulled on over his shaggy hair. He was going to shave that shit off one of these days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd alternated between shaving his head and growing out his hair for a while now, but the time had come to make a choice.\n\nThis was another of those choices. Tonight, he was finally going to leave the past behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shifted so that he could feel the reassuring weight of the gun tucked against his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't intend to use it, but he knew how if he needed to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Walking into a situation like this unarmed could be a death sentence. He was a lot of things, but stupid enough to take that chance wasn't one of them.\n\nJust as he lifted his hand to rap on the wood, the door swung inward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tall, leanly muscular guy in jeans and a Raiders jersey cocked his head, his shrewd eyes narrowing on Mal. \"You must be Sampson.\" He glanced at his watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're late. I don't like to be kept waiting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Considering the story Mal had concocted thoroughly sucked—that he'd heard from a friend of a friend that Vinnie was the guy to see for some primo dope—he'd have to run with this one and see where it took him.\n\n\"Sorry.\" Mal gave a noncommittal shrug. \"Ran into some trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some trouble getting the money? I told you I don't do no holds on merchandise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced over his shoulder and said something in Italian to the guy behind him, then looked back at Mal with a smirk. \"Even if that merch is hot little blonds.\"\n\nMal's fingers twitched and it took everything he possessed not to plow his fist into this guy's cocky face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had another problem now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd brought enough money for a run-of-the-mill transaction. He hadn't brought enough cash to fucking buy Richelle—whatever that might cost. Unless this fuck was \"selling\" her cheap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somehow that was even worse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Assuming that the blond for sale was even Richelle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wouldn't know that until he got in the damn apartment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, I'll be straight with you. I didn't bring all the cash with me. This place looked sketchy and no way was I walking in here with a ton of money on me and no guarantee you've got the girl.\"\n\n\"Oh, I've got her.\" Vinnie gripped the door and licked his lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've both got her, right, Don?\"\n\nMal gave Vinnie a grim smile and wished he didn't have to play this the right way. This guy deserved a bullet between the eyes for even half of what he was insinuating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me see her first, then I'll give you a deposit and go to the ATM down the block. Pretty sure you don't take personal checks.\"\n\n\"You'd be right there, son.\" Vinnie moved farther into the doorway and braced his arms on the frame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didja miss the part where I told you no holds? Only reason I'm doing this is because Crowley said you were in a fix and good for the cash. She's untested, you feel me? Untrained. I know that goes for more, and I'm cutting you a deal because me and Crowley go way back.\"\n\nMal shoved all of it into the back of his head. He couldn't really think about the words, couldn't absorb them, or he'd be pounding this guy and his fucking creep brother into the ground before either of them had a chance to draw a breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And that wouldn't be good, even if it would be immensely satisfying.\n\nThis was supposed to be easy. Clean. In and out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These types of fucks never operated alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he got into it with them, guaranteed there would be more assholes where they came from, and they'd probably be eager to gun for him—and possibly Richelle too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had too much on the line with Lila to let this get out of hand.\n\nThe goal was to get Richelle out the door, nice and simple. Then he'd figure out what the hell to do with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she'd be safe, and this would be over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she was smart enough not to go back to the same bastards who'd nearly sold her. Sold her, for fuck's sake.\n\nEvery time he thought he'd seen the worst humanity had to offer, he hadn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm good for it,\" Mal said, voice low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll leave you what I have and be back in under fifteen.\" Less if he could help it, because he needed to get this done and Richelle and him gone before the real Sampson showed up. \"First I need to see with my own eyes that she's in good condition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words stung his throat, but all he was thinking about now was getting in, getting the girl, and getting the fuck out.\n\nVinnie glared at him for long enough that Mal braced, already judging height and weight. He could take out the wiry dude with no trouble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He just had no idea what was waiting behind him.\n\n\"Don, we're gonna let him see her, all right? Just a second. He wants some proof that she's ready to go.\"\n\nAn unintelligible grunt came from inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinnie stepped back, swinging the door wide as he made a c'mere gesture with his fingers.\n\nMal stepped into their apartment and barely resisted doing a double take. He'd expected the place to be just this side of habitable, and instead everything was black and chrome and modern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shades were pulled and tall thin candles were burning in a row in front of the TV where a movie Mal knew all too well was playing, set on mute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Godfather. Figured.\n\nThe guy stretched out on the long black leather couch never sat up. He just lifted his fingers as if he was cocking a gun and pointed to a hallway off the living room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"End of the hall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinnie jerked his chin at Mal. \"Go on. But be quick about it. You don't get gone and get me that money and I'll lower the price for the next guy who comes in here.\"\n\nMal nodded and was about to move past Vinnie when the other man held out a hand studded with gold rings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About time for that down payment, don't you think?\"\n\nMal fought not to smack the dude's hand away. Instead he pried out his wallet and withdrew the sheaf of bills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd been running low before this, and he'd refused his ex-stepmommy's offer to fund his excursion tonight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was Martin Shawcross's firstborn son, so of course he had money to burn. If he could spend it on racing and other unworthy pursuits, surely he could spare some for the philanthropic cause of rescuing a woman on the verge of being sold.\n\nHoly fuck, how was this his life?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal slapped the money in Vinnie's hand and lifted his brows. If he didn't brazen his way through this, the gig would be up. \"Remind me again how much we're talking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinnie was too occupied counting his current pile of green to answer at first. The figure he named would've made Mal rock back on his feet if he hadn't already been reeling from this whole damn situation.\n\nSo he nodded and sidestepped the guy to head down the narrow hall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Five minutes,\" Vinnie said distractedly, still flipping through bills. \"Long enough to check her over and no more. No funny stuff.\"\n\nCheck her over? Christ." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mal nodded, but Vinnie wasn't looking at him. He also didn't follow him down the hall. He might have, if a knock hadn't sounded at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bitch, you better have my money,\" a man shouted.\n\nMal rubbed the heel of his hand over his stampeding heart. Not Sampson then. Fuck, that'd been close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was still close if he didn't get his ass—and Richelle's—out of there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question was how.\n\nAs quietly as possible, he opened doors on the way down the hall. The bathroom had telltale steps outside, and Mal swallowed hard, leaving the door cracked as he turned to check out the other rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He needed to know the lay of the land if they were to have any chance to make it out of there.\n\nThe fire escape might be his only option. Possibly just for her, if he could shove her out and down the stairs before the assholes caught on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once he reached the last door, Mal gripped the knob. The yelling in the living room was escalating, and now came the unmistakable crack of a fist hitting an object. From the sounds of things, flesh would be next." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted them both out of there before that happened.\n\nTurning the knob, he pushed open the door and squinted into the near darkness. A lava lamp in the corner offered the only light, and tinny music came out of unseen speakers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was so low it had to be headphones maybe, or a phone. No, headphones definitely. Crashing drums, screaming guitars. The air reeked of pot and sickeningly sweet incense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some fruity scent—plums maybe—and the smells of smoke and weed swam in his head.\n\nHe pushed inside, his eyes finally adjusting to the low light. Disappointment surged through him. She wasn't here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he shifted his head and nearly staggered as a pale figure shifted in front of the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her long blond hair spun out as the woman danced. Moonlight caressed her almost translucent skin. She had long legs, capped by tiny shorts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A thin tank clung to her curves and magnified them as she moved just right, throwing back her head. She was lost to the music playing in her headphones, dancing in a way that leaned more on intrinsic rhythm than skill. Her arms rose above her head and her hips circled in figure-eights." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And her breasts bounced, causing him to stiffen no matter how he hated himself for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no time for looking and even less for touching.\n\nHe moved toward her, his footsteps hushed by the plush carpeting. Just as he reached out to touch her, her eyes blazed open and he steeled himself for her to scream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she just smiled at him, her big eyes hazy and unfocused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She kept dancing, her tongue tracing her lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though the gesture felt ridiculous, Mal lifted a finger to his mouth in the universal sign for silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded and kept moving, tilting her head so all that glorious blond hair spilled in every direction. She held out a hand to him, and he stared, on the verge of clasping it.\n\n\"Mal, be careful. She's…fragile. Women like her tend to bring out the desire to protect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook off the stupor that had infected him since he'd walked into this room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This wasn't happening now. Not with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you okay?\" he asked.\n\nHer smile fled. Her expression turned quizzical and she angled her head, waiting for an explanation he didn't have words to give.\n\nPointing at the wall, he lifted his brows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you okay?\" he repeated, keeping his voice as low as possible. \"They didn't touch you?\"\n\nShe ducked her head, and he decided that was probably a dumb question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lila had said Vinnie was Richelle's boyfriend at one time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cocked a finger under her chin and lifted it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he hurt you? Did he allow anyone else to hurt you?\"\n\nConfusion blossomed across her face. It wasn't conventionally beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her features were somehow at odds with each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her nose was upturned and dotted with freckles he could see even in this light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mouth was too wide, her brows too dark in contrast with her white-blond hair. Her scant curves and angular body and pale skin definitely weren't the standard California chic.\n\nBut she was arresting in a way he couldn't forget." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Her voice was a rasp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just…no. No one hurt me.\" That little half smile reappeared. \"Except me.\"\n\n\"Come on then.\" He grabbed her hand and tugged her forward, stopping at the soft giggle that tumbled from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't brittle and broken, a hysterical sound caused by the traumas she'd suffered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor was it hysterical and unknowing, more from whatever she'd taken than from her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, this sound was pure joy.\n\n\"Where are we—\"\n\nHe shook his head and slammed his finger against his lips again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hand curled into his in a gesture of trust as she nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A smile still danced in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was too dark to see their color or their expression, but he knew they'd be blue and mischievous behind the veil of whatever she'd shot into her system." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even beyond the pull still humming in his blood, he hated her for doing that to herself. For bringing them both to that point. At least she'd made the choice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hell, she'd fucking chosen for them both." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was the reason he was in that apartment, wasn't she?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dragged her to the door and pressed his ear to it, listening to the raised voices down the hall. There were no more sounds of fists plowing into walls, but the volume of their discussion hadn't lowered. If anything, the men were even louder since there were now three voices involved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind Mal, the tinny music in Richelle's headphones taunted him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was normal life. Music, freedom, going fast. Pushing the limits—for himself, always." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because he couldn't fucking trust anyone else.\n\nShe leaned her forehead against his back, and fuck, she was singing softly to whatever was blaring into her head. So soft it was almost a whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her fingers were twined with his like warm silk over steel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That grip was so much stronger than her ethereal appearance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Delicate outside, solid core." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She won't be broken by this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But you're already broke, aren't you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled open the door—carefully, so fucking carefully—and shifted to push her into the hall, caging her within the circle of his arms as if he could shield her from any possible threat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She giggled and gripped his biceps, looking up at him, eyes so vast and deep it was as if he was falling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too far, too fast.\n\nDeliberately, he turned his face away. It was too dark for her to make out much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that it mattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He never intended to see this woman again.\n\nHe nudged her forward, more roughly than was necessary. He didn't want to hurt her, but she was too close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too soft and needy, and shit, he didn't mess around with any of that anymore.\n\n\"Be careful, Mal.\"\n\nHe'd learned his lesson there. Never again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something crashed in the living room. Fuck, it was time to go.\n\nMal used his boot to push the bathroom door open wider." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drew her inside and into the tub, hauling up the cracked window in one smooth move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It groaned but not enough to make him pause. He followed up with the screen before taking a quick look at the fire escape. It appeared rickety, but it should get the job done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flipped the brim of his hat around to the back, then pulled her in front of him and lowered his face to her plums-and-smoke-scented hair. Now the incense didn't smell sickeningly sweet. On her, it was like fucking candy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything was.\n\nOr maybe that was her shampoo or lotion he was smelling. He didn't know. All he knew was that he'd never erase the scent from his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without searching for the source of the music, he hauled the headphones off her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you fly, little Ricki?\" he murmured against her ear.\n\nIf she'd giggled again, he might have happily wrapped his hand around her throat and squeezed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not because she was happy, whether that was from the chemicals or just complete naïveté about her situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But because she could be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would've taken any fucking pill or powder that gave him that option, no matter the consequences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But those highs were brief. Fake. And he'd had enough plastic to last a lifetime.\n\nShe turned her head and pinned him with desolate eyes, her laughter gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had vanished from her face as if it had never been there at all. \"I keep trying.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On her hip, his hand clenched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leaving bruises on fragile flesh. Purposely, so if she didn't have any other reminders of this moment, she'd have that for as long as the marks lasted.\n\nHe'd mattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pressed his mouth to the top of her head and sucked in a greedy breath. \"You're going down those stairs and you're going to run. Understand me?\"\n\nShe nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't look back, don't wait for me. Don't stop for anyone. Get help and don't ever fucking come back here, no matter what.\" This time her nod wasn't enough. He shifted to grip her chin, drawing her up on her tiptoes until her eyes met his. \"Promise me, Ricki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't know why he was calling her Ricki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lila had slipped and called her it once yesterday, but until two minutes ago, labeling her as Richelle in his head had been plenty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now the name tripped off his tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't reply right away, just stared up at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promise,\" she whispered, her chin trembling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't come back here.\"\n\nSatisfied, he shoved the headphones into her hands and gave her a boost out the window. Once her feet landed on the iron platform, his heart started beating again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was going to be okay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she didn't run. Unsteadily, she crouched down and grabbed a hank of the hair poking out beneath his cap. Too damn long. \"What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she mouthed, as silent as the moon bathing her in an unearthly glow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your worst nightmare. Now go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The corner of her lips lifted as she tugged on his hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Beautiful nightmare,\" she breathed, leaning forward. He figured she was balancing herself on the sill, so he wasn't prepared for her to dip down precariously to crash her mouth onto his.\n\nThe kiss lasted ten seconds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Less. Her lips were rough, not soft. But the sweetness lingered even as she drew back and lifted her shaking hand to her mouth. To seal in his taste or to wipe it away, he didn't know.\n\nThen she was gone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~five sentences sentences. Style: Emilia Finn" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Bonding ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She went down to the car!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as Kane walks into the garage I own and operate six days a week, I toss my shifter down with a clang and herd him toward the office. \"She went down. She looked.\"\n\nHe grins. \"Thanks, Sherlock. You solved the mystery of who the hell did I let into my garage last night. I knew someone was down there, but I couldn't figure out who owned all that blonde hair. Jess was with me, so I was clueless. Couldn't figure it out.\"\n\n\"Shut up.\" I flop into my chair, and leaning to a mini fridge beneath my desk, I pull out a Coke and pass it over as he sits opposite me. \"I didn't expect she'd go down so soon. I figured I'd have to rebuild half the engine before she gave in and checked it out again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's curious.\" He pops the can and takes a sip. \"How many times did you have to swoop in and save those girls from their own curiosity when they were kids?\"\n\nI laugh. \"You mean like the time they went to the old haunted house on the edge of town, but the floorboards and stairs were rotting. The twins got upstairs, but couldn't get down again.\"\n\nHe shakes his head. \"Yeah, that's what I figured.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was the time her brother annoyed her so much, Laine tore his bike apart. Piece by fuckin' piece. Laid them out like she was rebuilding it again, which, when her folks found out, she did. She knew how to break it down, and she laid each piece out in order, but she didn't know how to put it back together again. That was the first time we rebuilt an engine together, and though Luc was being a dick and deserved a kick up the ass, he ended up with a bike that ran better than ever.\"\n\nHe studies the can of soda in his hands. \"You've been watching this girl forever, huh?\"\n\nI ignore his question, because I'm not ready to admit that maybe he's right. Maybe I've been watching longer than I can even admit to myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then there was that time the girls went cow tipping.\"\n\n\"They did not!\"\n\n\"They did!\" Kicking my ankles up onto my already filthy desk, I picture it in my mind. \"The four of 'em got it in their heads to annoy old man Smythe, since he was a grumpy fuck and had a problem with female ankles showing. They'd wear perfectly modest skirts, like, an inch above the knee, and he'd call them whores. They were barely hitting puberty yet. They went down to his farm and tipped a cow. Britt ate the mud, they all ended up covered in cow shit, and Laine sprained her ankle.\"\n\nHe grins. \"What about Jess?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She smelled like the rest of them, so her claim of innocence wasn't complete truth.\" I shake my head. \"It's funny how life has worked out. Jessie was the serious one. She'd stand back and watch her sisters make fools of themselves. She was always there, but she was the dignified one. The girls wanna skinny dip? It was Laine that suggested it. They wanna climb trees? Laine. They wanna walk on the train tracks or steal rose bushes? Laine. Now our good girl is in love with a fuckin' thug, and our wild girl is scared of her own shadow.\"\n\n\"She's gonna be okay.\" He stretches back and makes himself at home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She went out to the garage last night all by herself. She was out there for ages, and before that, she caught me and Jess fooling around. It spooked her; Laine, that is. Jess and I were playing, a little rough, I guess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The expression on my face is enough for him to stop.\n\nLaughing, he sips more Coke. \"I won't paint a picture, but either way, it spooked Laine. Hearing her sister say no, watching Jess push me away…\"\n\n\"Jess was saying no and pushing you away, and you didn't stop?\" I sit forward and point a finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Motherfucker, I'll cut your nuts off.\"\n\nHe snorts. \"You need context. She wasn't actually saying no. She was saying 'run my ass upstairs now, Bish, before we get caught fuckin' in the kitchen.'\"\n\n\"Dude!\"\n\n\"I was giving you context, since you're set on making me the villain. My point is, Laine was spooked a little. She went back there in her head, but then she pushed it away. She might've even been a little envious that her sister could enjoy that and she couldn't.\"\n\n\"Dude! Fuck.\" I drop my feet to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do not get them both! I swear to Christ, you try it and I'll make you eat your own dick.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Laughing, he shakes his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't mean it like that. She's not jealous of my part in that transaction. She's jealous that Jess can be there and smile about it. That she wasn't scared. Laine doesn't realize that there are men capable of not hurting and abusing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sigh. \"I don't hurt and abuse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nods. \"I know. I saw you the other night with Graham, I know what you can do, and yet, I know you won't hurt her. So next time you wanna paint me with the villain brush, think about that. I can, but I won't. I won't hurt Jess. Never.\"\n\nAn hour after Kane leaves my office, I tell the guys we're closing up the garage and going home early. It's three in the afternoon, and we have no pressing deadlines coming up, so as soon as the floors are swept and the compressors switched off, I follow my youngest apprentice out and drag the chained doors down.\n\n\"See ya, boss.\"\n\n\"Catch ya tomorrow, Chuck. We gotta finish that truck, so be here at seven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The eighteen-year-old that chose trade school over college throws a leg over the dirt bike he pushed in here six months ago. He wanted a job. And he wanted a bike he could ride.\n\nI gave him access to my garage, and in lieu of a job interview, I watched him fix that bike. Not only did he nail it, but he impressed the fuck outta me so much that he got the job and possibly a place in my will, in case I never marry and have kids." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He can have my garage if there are no baby Alesi's to take over when I kick the bucket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I slide into my Charger and grin when Florida Georgia Line sing about love with the reverence only country music singers can manage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I move onto Main Street with the music on low enough I can still think, pull into a sub drive-thru on a whim, and grab a late lunch.\n\nI have a plan. And I have a rumbling stomach.\n\nTwo birds, one plan.\n\nI head across town with heaped meatball subs and orange sodas laying out on my passenger seat, and though the garage door is closed when I pull into Kane's driveway, I don't write it off yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have faith in my plan.\n\nAnd I'm hungry as fuck.\n\n\"Hello?\" I climb out of the car with my bag of food and make a bunch of noise. I won't ever be accused of sneaking up on her. I won't ever give her reason to turn around and scream bloody murder because she didn't know I was there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I tap on the sliding garage door and smile at the loud echo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anyone here? Do I need to go into the house first?\"\n\nI've worked with engines for longer than I've been wiping my own ass. When a kid has nothing but a yard full of junker cars to tinker with, he learns how to work them the way a regular toddler learns puzzles and TV remotes.\n\nWhich means I also know the sound of a socket wrench being laid against the frame of a car.\n\nAnd I know the sound of a scared woman moving closer on shuffling feet. \"Ang?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There she is. \"Hey, it's just me. Can you flip the lock?\"\n\n\"What are you doing here?\"\n\nDon't take it personally. This is about her, not me. \"I'm here to work on my car.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hold my breath at the seemingly endless pause that screams louder than any words, but when the locks click and the seal at the bottom of the door cracks, I glance down and grin at the sight of her feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her sweatpants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hips.\n\nHer trim waist and moving arms as they pull the chain and open the door.\n\nAny other girl, any other time, and I'd have ducked under the door to help with the chain. But not here, not today, and not Laine.\n\nLaine doesn't need a hero." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She needs to find that woman from before Graham walked in and broke her apart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She needs to find the cow tipping, two-hundred-and-fifty-pound fighter abusing, toe-to-toe going, skateboard-wielding spitfire she used to be.\n\nThat girl doesn't need a guy to hold a door for her.\n\n\"Hey.\" I duck my head a little lower to catch her eye. \"How's it going? What are you doing in here?\"\n\nWhen I step further into the garage, she steps back with a shrug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm checking out the Buick. Was curious.\"\n\nI knew she would be.\n\nI knew she wouldn't be able to help herself.\n\nSetting my bag of food on the leather backseat, I move toward the hood and peek at the missing battery and the disconnected fuel lines.\n\nShe already started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you don't mind; I was just messing around with it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She steps to a tap over a stainless-steel wash basin and pumps soap into her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's pushed her sleeves up to her elbows, so the white bandage smudged with black oil acts like a beacon that breaks my heart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I came down here after breakfast and saw the hood already open. I was just looking, then the lines started disconnecting themselves.\"\n\nI would laugh at her lies, I would smile that she's talking, but the violence with which she scrubs at her hands hurts me.\n\nWhy does she scrub herself raw? Why does she shake, just because I walked into her space?\n\n\"I'm done now,\" she distractedly murmurs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pumping more soap, she starts again, avoiding my gaze. \"I didn't mean to intrude. The hood was up and I was just curious, but it's yours.\" Finally, she stops scrubbing and turns back with her hands lifted and her arms bent, the residual water running down her arms and dripping off her elbows. \"I won't touch it again.\"\n\nI can keep my distance, I can make this as easy on her as possible, but what I can't ignore is the way my lungs collapse in my chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I grew up with this girl, but for the first time ever, she speaks as though we're strangers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have to stay away.\" I lean into the backseat and pull out a bottle of soda. Cracking it open and bringing it up to keep my hands busy, I nod toward the engine. \"You know what you're doing, so I'm not afraid you'll mess it up.\" I lean into the car a second time and pull out two footlong sandwiches wrapped in foil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm starving. I didn't get lunch yet, so I closed the garage early and got drive-thru. You want some?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes flicker between my hand and my face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your lunch? You just said you're starving, but now you're offering up your lunch?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I got double, because I figured someone would be here, and the meatballs smelled too good to only get one.\"\n\n\"Meatballs?\"\n\nCheckmate.\n\nShe takes a single step away from the sink. Then another. Like a scared little puppy, she edges closer to the other side of the Buick and watches my hand like it's some sort of trap. \"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\" Scoffing like my whole world doesn't balance on her accepting the damn sandwich, I toss it so she's forced to catch or let it splat to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Laine that dismantled her brother's bike would never let meatballs go to waste. The Laine that stepped up to a world champion fighter with fire in her eyes and none of the fear she wears today would never waste meatballs.\n\nPulling out the second bottle of soda, I barely register the soft strains of music coming from an old boombox I swear we owned back in middle school. Whether Jess brought this here, or Laine, or perhaps Kane owned one of those suckers too, I don't know, but the sweet ache of Alex & Sierra singing about love settles painfully right in the center of my chest.\n\n\"Drink?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Busy studying the sandwich, Laine's ocean blue eyes whip back to mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You got an extra soda, too?\"\n\n\"Uh-huh.\" Be cool. Be gentle. Placing it on the leather seat near her and stepping back, I move toward the door that leads into the house and sit on the step. \"I didn't wanna share mine, so I got extras.\"\n\n\"What if no one was here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She picks up the fizzy orange and hugs it to her chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your food would've gone to waste.\"\n\n\"Not waste. I would've just put them in the fridge. Cold meatballs taste even better than warm meatballs.\"\n\n\"Like pizza.\" Grinning foolishly, she hitches one leg into the car, then the second so she sits on the door frame with her bare feet on the leather. Sitting the soda back where it began, she slowly peels the foil back to expose piping hot red sauce and melting cheese. \"Mmm. I didn't eat lunch yet. This smells good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I bet she didn't eat anything yet today. She's too skinny, too pale. \"Tuck in.\" I nod toward the hood. \"Been out here long?\"\n\nBlushing, she drops her eyes to her sandwich and begins picking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Couple hours. I was just looking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doesn't bother me.\" I unwrap my sandwich and take a large bite that melts the roof of my mouth off. \"That's fuckin' hot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fan my mouth, but barely feel the sting when her melodic laughter floats across the car.\n\nShe nods toward the boxes stacked against the wall. \"How much are you spending on this?\"\n\n\"Couple grand. Not much. I got a good deal because I shop at the dealership a lot.\"\n\n\"How much do you expect to sell it for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I shrug, she adds, \"Because I looked it up on the net. I had a rough idea on value, but I wanted to make sure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay…\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All done up, they can go for fifty thousand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dollars?\" I choke.\n\nShe smirks. \"No, rubies. And in some rare occurrences, magic carpets.\"\n\nI never doubted she was in there. Not for one single second. \"Okay, smart stuff. Dollars. What's your point?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So, you know what it's worth. You sunk a few thousand in parts. Hell knows how many man hours you'll put into it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh-huh…\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You gonna repaint it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. I know a guy. I'm not sure what colo–\"\n\n\"Red.\"\n\nI bring my gaze up slowly and catch the reddening in her cheeks. \"I mean, red is how it came off the showroom floor.\" She nervously fusses with her meatballs, picks a little cheese off, and contemplatively chews on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just thought cherry red would be nice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you know someone didn't repaint it over the years? How do you know it started red?\"\n\nShe refuses to meet my eyes. She can barely lift her head. \"I scratched the paint back until I knew.\"\n\n\"You scratched my car? What the fuck, Lenaghan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wanted to know the color!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she begins rewrapping her sandwich, my heart races." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's a wild horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ready to dash. Scared of human contact. \"I only scratched under the hood, on the inside of the frame. Just enough to see. I didn't hurt your car.\" Her eyes finally lift and meet mine. Hers are redder than they were a minute ago. \"I'm sorry, Ang. I was just looking. I won't tou–\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey.\" With a frown, I lock my shit down and refuse my body permission to get up and go to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was just kidding. You've known me forever, I'm not mad. I never get mad, especially not about scraping back a car I already told you I was gonna repaint.\"\n\n\"I've seen you mad.\" She looks at me through her lashes. Unintentionally alluring. Unintentionally torturous. \"Remember that time we went to that party in senior year? Kari was already off at her first year of college, so it was just me, Jess, and Britt. You got hella mad that night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you were hella underage, acting like fools at that fuckwit's party. You called me, slurring your words, giggling like a bunch of hyenas, but you didn't say where you were. Remember what you said?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her bottom lip trembles with the ghost of a smile. \"I have not told half of what I saw.\"\n\n\"Fuckin' riddles.\" Sitting back, I run a hand over my face not unlike I did that night. \"I sat in my car on the edge of town and thought about it. You and your sisters were off getting drunk somewhere you shouldn't be, swimming, probably half drowned already, but you call me up, drop a cliffhanger riddle, then turn your phone off so I couldn't call back.\"\n\n\"Actually, Britt tackled me into the pool. I was gonna text you the answer after ten minutes, but the phone sizzled out and zapped my ass when I put it in my back pocket.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soft giggle that rolls up her chest, the fact she's right here in front of me, not drowned in that pool and no longer partying with fuckwits, allows me to chuckle.\n\n\"How'd you figure it out? You came to us an hour after I called. We looked like drowned cats, laughing like idiots, stumbling around and spraining ankles in hooker heels, but you put us in the Charger, sat us on towels so we wouldn't ruin the seats, and drove us home.\"\n\n\"Marc called me. To shoot the shit. To hang out.\"\n\nThoughtfully, her eyes narrow. \"Okay…\"\n\n\"Marco Polo. You were saying Marco.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her lips twitch. \"I was. And you were supposed to say…\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Polo.\" I shake my head. \"You were at Ricky Hernandez's house. Ricky Hernandez just so happens to share a similar name with a famous polo player. It was the vaguest fucking riddle I ever heard in my life.\"\n\nShe snickers. \"Well, I was gonna call you back to give you more, but like I said. Ass. Electrocuted.\"\n\n\"There was never a moment in my life that we couldn't count on Britt to nearly kill everyone.\"\n\n\"You were so mad,\" she laughs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unwrapping her sandwich again, she takes a small bite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get in the fuckin' car,\" she mimics in a low voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I oughtta beat your asses. You're lucky the guys don't know about this, or they'd beat your asses, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I remember every second of that night. Two blonde's and one brunette. All three in itty bitty outfits with smudged makeup. All of them too scared to call their brothers, too drunk to know to stop laughing like fools. \"I still didn't tell them about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No?\" Her eyes sparkle with something I haven't seen for at least two years. Fun, flirting, laughter. \"Why not?\"\n\n\"Because by that point, it was pretty much the equivalent to aiding and abetting a criminal. I didn't do the crime, but I sure as shit helped you idiots cover it up. I wasn't going down with that ship. You're lucky Kari wasn't with you, because Marc woulda been up your asses like sand at the beach.\"\n\nHer shoulders bounce with laughter. Even under the thick hoodie I suspect belongs to Kane, I see her delicate shoulder blades roll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ew. Now my ass itches with imaginary sand.\"\n\n\"Yeah, well…\" Now that my meatballs are a few clicks cooler than lava, I push half the sandwich into my mouth and take a chunky bite. Laine sticks to her girly picking, but she watches me with light eyes that don't show the fear they did when I got here. \"Anyway… Fine. You saw me angry that one time. A guy's entitled to one or two pissy days in his life.\"\n\n\"Then you had to do it again the next weekend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I laugh. \"Yup. Who's the idiot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I poke my chest. \"Angelo's the idiot.\"\n\nSomehow, for some reason, that group of girls chose me as their sacrificial lamb. They got me invested, turned me into an accessory to their crimes, until eventually, I became designated driver and traitor to my best friends.\n\nI had to play with the band every weekend at The Shed, so the girls knew where we were between the hours of nine to one every Friday and Saturday night. They knew their brothers wouldn't come looking until after that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd play my set, do my job, collect my cash, pack away the instruments, and the whole time, I'd think about the shenanigans the girls were getting up to in their brothers' absence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Magically, somewhere around one-thirty in the morning, soon after we'd packed up, I'd get a call from a particular blonde that liked to play with fire and ride around in a car that belonged to a guy that had no business driving her around in the middle of the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't as lewd as it might sound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything was made innocent by the girls' laughter as they came along for the ride – if you ignored the underage drinking thing – but still, it became a thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A secret I vow to keep from my brothers until my dying breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For years, I was her middle of the night call and friend in secret. Until I wasn't…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nat King Cole's voice slides from the boombox and sings of smiles and heartbreak. He makes me think of old diners and slow dancing. Flaring dresses, curled hair, heels, and a soft body pressed against mine.\n\nLaine creates this clear division between my heart, my body, and my brain. She's not underage anymore, and I'm not a hell of a lot older than her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she's been hurt…" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met in my life, but putting that aside, looking past her pretty eyes and inviting smile, her body does things to mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in a hoodie, she's alluring the way Eve was in the Garden of Eden. For a decade, I've wondered what it would feel like to slide my hands over her hips. Over her ass.\n\nHer breasts.\n\nInappropriate or not, I've fought back the million thoughts of the million different ways I could fuck Laine until I worked the incessant need from my veins. I've had to fight down a thousand inappropriate erections, and when they wouldn't be fought, I had to touch my cock while I thought of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only her.\n\nFor the longest time, she's been my every filthy dream. My morning savior when my dreams left me with lasting effects. My shower companion, when I had a hand full of liquid soap and barely enough time to get it done before I was officially late for work.\n\nLaine has been used, abused, broken, and tormented, and yet, I still have to fight back a twitching cock when she walks by and her scent wafts beneath my nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So fucking inappropriate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So coveted I could be sick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm a red-blooded male in the prime of my life, and the woman I crave sits barely ten feet away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oversized hoodie or not, I know what's beneath the black fabric." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Ang?\"\n\nI scrunch my lunch wrapping and toss it into the front seat of the Buick. \"Yuh?\"\n\n\"When you finish the car…\" She watches me with wary eyes. \"When it's done and you're thinking about what's next, can you talk to me first?\"\n\nInstead of a verbal 'huh?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I simply lift my brow.\n\n\"Before you whack a For Sale sign on it, can you offer it to me first? Maybe I'll be in a position to buy it. I have cash, that's no problem. But by the time it's done, maybe my life won't be so messed up and I'll be ready to drive something as pretty as this.\"\n\n\"Sure.\" It's already yours. \"You'll know when it's done, anyway. Especially if the engine continues to dismantle itself when I'm at work.\"\n\n\"Yeah…\" Chuckling, she drops her eyes and takes an actual man-sized bite of her sandwich." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A slop of sauce lands on her knee, and instinctively the way you do things without thinking, she leans forward and licks it up.\n\nHer face flares when she catches herself. Her eyes widen, and her cheeks turn beet red, but when I simply stand with a chuckle and walk to the open hood, she lets out a relieved breath and continues pulling the foil back to eat more.\n\n\"I got an entire new crankshaft. New counterweights. New wiring.\" I don't peek at her around the hood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I leave her be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"New headlights, too, since the set now are fishbowls.\"\n\n\"You were thorough.\"\n\nThough she can't see me, I nod. \"Uh-huh. I got new window wipers. I even found an original owner's manual on the internet. That's just for me, because I really, really wanted it.\"\n\nHer soft laughter warms me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It'll turn up in the mail in a week or so, as long as the guy wasn't bullshitting.\"\n\n\"How much did you pay for it?\"\n\n\"Ten bucks and post.\"\n\nShe snorts. \"Ten bucks says you never see that manual.\" I lean around the hood and watch her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were fleeced, Ang, because anyone that has the original knows it's worth more than that. Anyone that held onto it for this long knows what he's got. If I had that manual, you wouldn't be getting it for ten.\"\n\nI go back to my engine and pick up the socket wrench she laid in the bay when I got here. \"We'll see then. Ten dollar wager – I'm doubling down.\"\n\nThe loud fizz of soda competes with the click, click, click of my wrench and the soft strains of the radio. \"So you're looking to lose your original ten, and post, and the ten you bet me. Jesus, Ang. Times have changed. You're ballin' now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I laugh and catch the nut that almost slips through the engine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, I'm so much better off now than that punk in the Charger was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The car moves a little when Laine climbs down with a grunt, and when I peek around the hood to see where she's going, I watch her collect the trash and dump them in the bin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushing to the sink she started at, she pushes her black sleeves up to reveal that bandage, and pumps soap into her hands. Loose tendrils of her long hair casts shadows over her cheeks as she scrubs.\n\nAnd scrubs.\n\nFrowns, pumps more soap, and scrubs.\n\n\"Laine?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her breath comes faster as the bandage turns darker from being wet.\n\n\"Hey?\" I step back from the car. \"Laine?\"\n\n\"Hang on.\" She slides her nails up to the sleeves of her hoodie and scrubs so hard her flesh turns pink. Scratches line her delicate skin, and color rushes to her cheeks. She scrubs so hard, her entire body moves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anxiety leeches into the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From her body, like an invisible cloud, it pushes out until it settles deep in my gut and makes me sick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Laine?\"\n\n\"Wait!\"\n\nI step up behind her and lean around to flip off the taps, but the second my chest touches her back, she shoots forward and slams her hips against the sink. She cries out and spins. Tears track over her pale cheeks, and she holds her hands the same way she held them up when she first washed them, warily backing away from me until she can skim along the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jogging footsteps echo on the stairs, then Jess bursts into the garage with a pale face that matches Laine's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey.\" She grabs her sister and pulls her close, and as soon as Jess tucks her into her chest, Laine's breath explodes on an exhale. \"It's okay. Relax.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looks up at me with apologetic eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's okay. We're going to watch a movie. Catch you tomorrow, Ang.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost like she could hear everything I didn't say, within a minute of my inappropriate thoughts and Laine's resultant freak out, the garage door is closed and the girls are gone, tucked away in the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's their home, their sanctuary, and I'm not invited in.\n\n\"Ang?\"\n\nI spin to the re-opened door. \"What the fuck?\" I clutch a shifter in my hand and watch Kane close the door and step to the security panel. \"How can she stay here with you, with the fuckin' thug that looks like he's gonna rob her any minute, but she can't hang out with me when she knows me? She knows me, Bish! We're family, and I never say what I'm actually thinking, but I'm the creep that makes her hands shake? What the fuck?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not you.\" He turns and sits on the step I ate on earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's haunted, Ang. She has nightmares. It's like she has an internal clock, a tolerance level for men.\" He runs a hand over his face. \"You didn't do anything wrong. You just ran out her clock and now she's done. You get a clean slate tomorrow.\"\n\nWe both hear the unspoken maybe, but he doesn't dare say it.\n\n\"It'll be okay.\" Looking up, his eyes wait for mine before continuing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That clock timer went a hell of a lot longer than we expected. You had her for ages. You made her laugh. Tomorrow will be better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I point my shifter. \"That wasn't a strike.\"\n\n\"No.\" Chuckling, he rests his elbows on his knees and studies the concrete floor. \"No, that wasn't a strike, but I heard about you letting my girl party when she was underage. That's worth a fuckin' beatdown.\"\n\n\"I didn't let her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I turn back to the car and let my frustrations out on the engine block." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like rebuilding this thing will rebuild the girl it belongs to, I work faster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't let her party. I saved her drowning ass too many times to count.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you didn't tell her brother. You didn't dob them in and make it stop.\"\n\nStopping, I tilt my head. \"Dob?\"\n\nHe snorts. \"Like, snitch. My point is, you aided and abetted, motherfucker. In my courthouse, that's a punishable crime.\"\n\nI slam my finger between steel and let out a roar of frustration. \"Motherfuck! Slut of a fuckin' bitch!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I throw the shifter with a shout and take pleasure in the way it bounces off the steel garage door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stupid fuckin' c–\" I let out an angry growl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kane simply watches me with a lifted brow. \"Anger issues, brother? Need a Snickers?\"\n\n\"Fuck you, Bishop! Fuck your courthouse. Fuck you up the ass with a blowtorch until you breathe fire.\"\n\nHe chuckles and watches me pace the front of the car. \"You know how to paint a picture, man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I pick up a second wrench and toss it after the first, he stands and transforms from entertained to bordering on pissed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You need to cool your shit. I turned the feed off, they won't hear your words, but they're sure as shit gonna hear you throw tools. You're making it worse for her, so get your shit under control. You got to eat a meal with her. You made her laugh. Take your victory and walk your bullshit mood off.\"\n\n\"Fuck!\" My dad's raging eyes flash in my mind. His tantrums. His anger. His intent to make everyone else around him as miserable as he was.\n\nThen his eyes while he died…" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n6 sentences\n\nGenre:\nromance, drama" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Four Weeks Later ]\n\n\"Hi, Laine.\" Sonia stops at her office door with a smile. \"I'm ready for you now. Come on in.\"\n\nI stand from the waiting room chair and snicker when Jess slaps my ass. The loud crack echoes through the room and draws the attention of others that are waiting.\n\n\"Jessica.\" Turning, I lean forward and get in her face the way moms have been doing for all time; with a gritted smile and crazy eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do that again, young lady, and you're gonna be in a lot of trouble.\"\n\nShe pokes her tongue out. \"Go talk to your crazy doctor. Tell her I said hey. Tell her that thing we said and make sure she says it's okay.\"\n\n\"What if I don't? What if I ask her to sign something that says we're not allowed to hang out anymore? You're a bad influence on me, Jessie. You and your thug boyfriend are no good for me.\"\n\nShe scoffs. \"Me and my thug boyfriend are good for everyone. And it wouldn't be the first time you and I went against doctor's orders.\" Laughing, she turns me around and slaps my ass a second time. \"Ride on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonia watches us with a motherly smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her work is work, but her heart is invested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pass beside her when she steps aside, and the door closes with a soft snick as she follows.\n\nI stop beside the chair I've sat in countless times before and grin – at the cup of stinky tea, at the box of tissues. \"I don't think I'm going to cry today.\" I pick the tissues up and offer them. \"I'm taking a stand. No more crying.\"\n\nShe accepts the box with a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Alright then, sit down and tell me everything. It's so good to see you again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My life is changing; I'm smiling more, my hands don't itch as much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The world just doesn't seem as heavy lately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Freedom never felt so good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You look good.\"\n\nI grin. \"I feel good. I'm smiling more.\"\n\nShe places the tissue box on a little table to her left and sits back with an elegant cross of her ankles. \"That makes me happier than you know. Tell me what's happening. Our sessions are decreasing now, so I've missed you.\"\n\n\"The Buick's coming along. Not long till it's finished.\"\n\n\"Really?\" She sounds surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long have you been going? That feels like it happened really fast.\"\n\n\"It doesn't take so long when you're going eight hours a day. Even when it's just me, and Ang is at his garage doing actual paid work.\"\n\nHer lips turn up into a conspiratorial smile. \"Angelo's still helping?\"\n\n\"Yeah, it's technically his car. I'm just sticking my nose in places it wasn't invited. I've found a kind of utopia. A place to hang out all day, listen to music, use my mind, and because I always have some kind of heavy tool in my hand, I'm not scared anymore. Even if someone snuck up on me, I'd turn fast and whack them with a wrench.\"\n\nShe coughs nervously. \"You feel the need to carry a weapon?\"\n\nIt's been four weeks since Angelo took me to meet Spence, and since my therapy sessions have thinned out from daily, to weekly, to twice a month, those sessions have been replaced with hours at the gun range." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there's no way in hell I'm telling my therapist about that.\n\nI don't go there because I want to hurt people. I don't even go because I have the constant meltdowns I used to. Now, I simply go because independence and power surge through my veins and provide a boost that no medication could manage.\n\nAngelo insists on going, and when I go, he goes. When he goes, he holds my hips and steers me through the simulation yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brain says boys are bad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They hurt and control. They'll stop at nothing until you're a submissive mess lying on the bathroom floor with an aching body, a bleeding vagina, and a broken heart.\n\nBut this tiny little sliver of my heart says that's not who Angelo is.\n\nAnd that tiny little sliver encourages me to explore the hip holding.\n\n\"Laine?\"\n\n\"Hm?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Weapons?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! Right.\" I sit up taller and re-focus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not that I feel the need for a weapon. Kane's house is locked up like a fortress, and everything's on security camera. I don't need a weapon, but having tools in my hands makes me feel safer. Just in case, you know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nods yes, but she takes notes on that pad of paper. Crazy, crazy, crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How are you sleeping?\"\n\nAnd just like that, she wipes away my smile. \"I still dream.\"\n\n\"Every night?\"\n\nI nod. \"Most.\"\n\nCrazy, crazy, crazy.\n\n\"What do you dream about?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Restlessly, I shrug and sit back into my chair. \"A dark club. Fire. Men. Lots and lots of men.\" I swallow around the lump in my throat. \"Lots and lots of hands.\" I clasp mine together and rub one thumb over the other. \"Graham's in all of them. Ang is in some of them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does Angelo ever hurt you in your dreams?\"\n\n\"No. He's just kind of there, like he's disappointed in my choices. He wants me to leave, but he doesn't reach out, he doesn't do anything.\" My eyes water. \"He's a watcher. He watches the show.\"\n\nUnderstanding, she purses her lips and makes notes. \"Okay, he watches. How does that make you feel?\"\n\nI can't even laugh at her cliché question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It makes me feel foolish. Foolish that I got myself into such a mess. Foolish that I did something really dumb one time, so Graham had power over me that I wasn't strong enough to shake. And because I was weak, I still feel the consequences of that today.\"\n\n\"You're not angry that Angelo doesn't reach out? That he doesn't take you away?\"\n\n\"No.\" I lean across and grab a stupid tissue. Touché, Sonia. Touché. \"He didn't put me there. I put me there. Graham put me there. And now I'm living through the consequences of my actions.\"\n\nShe stops writing and looks up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You still blame yourself for what happened?\"\n\n\"Of course! Who else is there to blame? I walked into that club. I let them do those things to me. There is literally no one else to blame but me.\"\n\n\"Are you angry with Graham?\"\n\n\"In my dreams? Or real life?\"\n\n\"Both.\" She clasps her hands. \"Either.\"\n\n\"I dunno.\" I scrunch the tissue between my fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In my dreams, I'm afraid of him. When I wake up, I'm afraid and angry. It's really conflicting for me; angry and afraid, because if I stayed angry, I might be able to kick away the fear. You know? But I'm not quite there yet.\" A tear slides along my cheek. \"I'm afraid this time at Jess' place is a really long dream. I'm afraid that, in real life, I'm still with Graham and this is a dream. And how awful is it that this, this new world where I still cry every single day, is my hopes and dreams?\"\n\n\"Most people strive for better, Laine, but often, they're scared of getting it.\"\n\n\"Why?\" I dab the tissue beneath my eye. \"Why would someone be afraid of getting something they want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because when you don't have it, that's just your life, right? You're doing fine, you're coping, you're living your life. But when you do have that thing you dreamed about, that thing you so desperately prayed for… well, now you have something to lose. People are scared of getting something and losing it again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid of happiness.\" I draw in a long breath and hold it. \"Because right now, I have what I have and I'm coping. But if I become happy and then lose it…\"\n\n\"It's a painful thought, Laine, but a brave goal.\" She reaches forward and takes my hand. \"You're allowed to be happy. You're allowed to seek happiness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah.\" Pulling away gently, I swipe away a tear. \"I'm trying.\"\n\nShe smiles and nudges the tea forward. \"Does Graham still contact you?\"\n\n\"No.\" I pick the cup up, bring it to my nose, and push it away again. It reeks of flowers and dead pigeon. \"I got a new phone. New number. I haven't been back to my apartment once. Jessie gets me anything I need, so I don't have to go to the store. Unless he gets brave and rocks up to Kane's house, it's unlikely I'll run into him for a while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you're not back at work?\"\n\n\"No.\" I sigh. \"I don't know… I don't think I'm really in the right headspace to teach children right now. My school brought in a substitute, and she's been there for a while. It'd probably be more disruptive if I come back now when they're almost done their semester. I'll just let it ride and go back in August. Start the school year fresh.\"\n\nNodding, she takes a sip of her rodent tea. \"That sounds like a promising idea. Do you have plans for the summer? Something exciting?\"\n\n\"Actually…\" Jess' stupid grin flashes through my mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ask her! Tell her our plans, get your quack's permission or I'll tie you to the train tracks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. Maybe. I wanted to talk to you about that.\"\n\n\"Really?\" From heavy talk to playful smiles, Sonia sits forward in her chair. \"Go on.\"\n\n\"Ah… I think I'm going to buy the Buick. It's a genuine classic, and I'm in genuine love. I'm considering marrying it.\"\n\nShe snickers. \"The one you're building? Mr. Alesi will sell it to you?\"\n\n\"Yeah. He said he would, and since I'm with it every day, I'll know when to steal the keys so he can't drive it away and sell it to someone else.\"\n\nShe grins. \"Okay. New car, new beginnings. I like where you're going with this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Jess wanted me to talk to you about something. Like,\" I hesitate, \"I'm not sure if we need your permission to do it.\"\n\nShe tilts her head to the side. \"You don't need my permission for anything, Laine. You're a grown woman. These visits aren't mandated, and I don't hold your future in my hands. I'm just here to talk. You come because you want to. You come to see a friendly face and talk about some things you're not comfortable talking to your family about. I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy knowing you. I hope you always consider me a friend, I hope we can see each other in the store and you'll show me your beautiful smile, but you don't have to visit me. You can stop these sessions whenever you want.\"\n\n\"So I can leave the state and I won't get in trouble?\"\n\nShe laughs. \"You can move to Russia and you won't get in trouble. Though I hope you don't. I heard winters over there are brutal. And,\" she shrugs, \"put simply, I'd miss you.\" Re-crossing her ankles, she meets my gaze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me your plans.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah… while we're on that, I also have something else to talk to you about. It's a big news week.\"\n\nAn hour after walking into Sonia's office, a couple cycles through smiling and crying and a whole lot of 'but I can't' and 'isn't it weird' and 'am I a bad person for thinking this', I walk out again with pink eyes and a smile on my face.\n\n\"So?\" Jess tosses her magazine aside and jumps up. \"Did you ask?\"\n\n\"Yeah…\" Almost like I'm in shock, I look around the room in a daze. \"I asked.\"\n\nShe falls into step as I move toward the front door. \"And?\"\n\nFor the first time ever, I step out of Sonia's office in cutoff shorts, flip flops, and a tank top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun kissing my skin has never felt so good." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She said I better finish the Buick.\"\n\n\"Woooooo!\" Jess jumps into my arms with a squeal." } ]