Day 643,

Somehow managed to get up bright and early as planned.  I feel a little silly to admit it, but I’ve been looking forward to playing the role of “shade” all week.

Much as last equinox, Lin, Maiko, and I have retreated to the library for lunch following the dance of the “shades.”  No Vernon or Cass this time.  The last I saw them they were dancing with Tiaho and Xia respectively.  Meanwhile, the three of us have already had our fill of dancing for the day.

And, yes, that includes Maiko, much to everyone’s surprise, hers not least of all.

I’m told that Lin got caught by one of the lurking “shades” while turning a corner some half an hour before noon and, as per tradition, had to switch places and take on the veils herself.  By the time Lin had completed the awkward transfer of the costume Maiko was gone, leaving Lin to worry that the symbolic watching of someone getting taken had set her off in some way.

So, imagine my surprise being unaware of any of this when I run into the market forum at noon just as the music’s starting, tear off the last of my costume’s veils and see Lin halfway across the square picking off a black veil that had gotten stuck to one of Maiko’s horns while the two of them embraced.

Apparently Maiko’s instant reaction to seeing Lin “taken” was to find another “shade” to get herself caught in order to be with her during the first stage of the ceremony.  Truly a romantic gesture, particularly knowing Maiko’s discomfort with being the center of attention.

In a small break from tradition, Lin’s held onto that little scrap of black cloth she pulled from Maiko, instead of leaving it to be gathered up for next equinox’s costumes.  Knowing her, she’s probably planning on sewing it into some garment or another as a keepsake.  Or maybe refashion it into a neckerchief.  The question is, will the keepsake be for herself or Maiko?  I can equally well see it as something Lin would have on her discreetly or Maiko wearing openly.  I’m sure in either case whoever ends up with it will rarely go without it.

In the wake of the equinox telling, Vernon’s invited me to join him and some friends of his on the beach for some manner of party involving an impromptu bonfire.  To my own surprise, I’ll be taking him up on that offer.  Just taking a moment to jot down this quick note and tuck this journal away for safekeeping in the alcove bedroom before I head down.

   For once, performing in front of the entire Village hasn’t left me completely exhausted.  And Vernon was all dramatically coy about there being someone he wants me to meet.  If I didn’t know better I’d think he was trying to set me up with someone.