Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
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Turn 13: Arc 3-2
"A festival?" Ling Qingge asked, pausing in the act of setting down a plate of pear slices in front of Biyu.
"Mm, well that might be overselling it a little," Ling Qi admitted. "But it's the best word I can think of for gathering everyone together like this."
"Momma!" Biyu complained, reaching up to grasp fruitlessly at the plate from her raised seat.
Ling Qingge blinked and set down the plate, drawing a happy cry from Biyu as she grabbed at the the first slice of fruit. Ling Qingge patted her fondly on the head, even as she frowned thoughtfully at Ling Qi.
They were in the dining room, the door to the gardens open to let in the increasingly rare warm air. Mother and she had tea set out for them, while Biyu now had her snack.
"Why, if I may ask?" Ling Qingge said after a moment.
Ling Qi shifted under her mothers searching gaze. "Its for Zhengui. I don't know how much you ever learned of spirits,but he's growing. This is the kind of thing he needs."
"I will not pretend to understand completely, but I would have thought that it would just be Biyu and I," Ling Qingge said carefully. "He is… part of the family after all."
Mother sounded a little uncertain, but she was educated on how noble families worked Ling Qi supposed.
"Go see Big Turtle?" Biyu asked through a mouthful of pear, looking at her with wide eyes.
"Yes, you'll be able to see him soon," Ling Qi said. "Do you think Nanny and the others would want to see him too?"
Biyu frowned, contemplating her question deeply. "Scary. Big Turtle should be Little Turtle."
"We have considered that," Ling Qi said looking up at her Mother. "It would be voluntary. I do want you to make sure everyone understands that."
Ling Qingge merely furrowed her brow further. Ling Qi understood that such words held little meaning. When one who held so much power over you spoke of 'voluntary' actions who would really believe them, in their heart of hearts?
...That too was a consequence of power.
"I know I am not really involved with them, and they don't know me. But you do Mother, do you think they can trust you?" Ling Qi said.
"I know you would not put any of them in harms way on purpose, Ling Qi. I will do my best to convey that to everyone. You wish to do this next week?" Her mother said.
"That is the most time I can give for this, since the next day will be the tournament. I'm still not the best at making plans for other people," Ling Qi said wryly. "Ah, Even if they're not working please make sure they know their wages will remain the same."
The last thing she wanted was even a sliver of resentment infecting proceedings.
"Yes, of course," Ling Qingge said with a small sigh. She was smiling though. "Do you have any other surprises to spring on your old Mother?"
"Welll…" Ling Qi said drawing out the word, earning a look of mock horror from the older woman and a giggle from Biyu. "No… nothing else unexpected."
There were countless concerns that would be on her shoulders in the near future, but for now, she was pleased to just have a quiet tea time with her family.
But, as she left in the afternoon, she found herself standing outside the gates,looking up at the sky. They'd positioned and inscribed the sculptures Zhengui had already made, and twisted the flows of qi to thicken the mist about them cloaking their simple details, but there was still quite a lot to do.
Especially if they were accommodating twenty odd mortals instead of only a few.
"Are you really okay with that? It seems like a weird decision for you," Sixiang said.
Ling Qi hummed in agreement, strolling down the street toward the town's gate at a mortal speed. It was a strange decision, but it wasn't for her.
"Ah, I guess the little Big guy was really excited about more people huh," Sixiang mused.
His eyes, both sets had lit up when she announced her decision. She didn't truly understand it, anymore than she understood how Hanyi could be so irritable with crowds and yet so comfortable on stage, drawing energy from her audience to perform more smoothly than she ever did in their practices.
"There's a lot of power in an audience," Sixiang said quietly. "In any crowd really."
Ling Qi thought of roads carved in mountains, and and endless cities built in towering piles, descending beyond sight in the depths of dream. Small pieces, making something greater and greater still.
"I'm not one for the great crowds," she said quietly, passing down the slowly emptying streets. "But it seems my siblings are. That's fine I think."
...Trying to drag others along her Way was probably futile, wasn't it?
Yet, Ling Qi found, she couldn't yet come to a conclusion. She had seen a brief window of war. She had walked in the dusty streets of history and taken the tiniest measure. She had witnessed the adulation of a people over the course of a week long tour. What she was doing with Zhengui was another piece, she thought, perhaps the last one to find some satisfaction for the festering itch that had been in the back of her mind for months.
"Come on Sixiang," she said. "Zhengui's expecting us."
***
"Oh, Gui is so excited!"Her little brother said, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Foolish Gui is too undignified," Zhen hissed. "At least try to be serious!"
Ling Qi smiled faintly as Zhengui bickered with himself, looking out into the mist filled paths of the garden. They had finished the last of the wardings in good time, leaving the last few days to decide exactly how this all was going to proceed. She had tried to invite hanyi to participate as well, but her other spirit had taken one look at the garden and said it wasn't her place. That hadn't stopped her from hanging around and critiquing though.
Now, with evening falling on the last day, Hanyi was acting to guide her family and household to Zhengui's hill.
"I think Zhen is right this time," Ling Qi said. "It's important to be serious for the first part."
"Big Sister is right," Gui said stilling himself with an effort. "But its gonna be hard. Why do we have to wait at the center?"
There was a bit of childish complaint in his voice.
"Because you're the king of the garden. Sixiang and I are the guides," Ling Qi admonished gently.
"Obviously," Zhen hissed haughtily. He had been the one to insist most firmly on the idea. "Besides, foolish Gui will be busy controlling the trees! Do not be distracted and ruin Zhen's first festival."
"Gui is more worried about snotty Zhen scaring people and being mean," Gui grumbled. "Gui will do his part!"
"Hmph, do not imply that Zhen would be so careless around Little Sister," his other half hissed.
Ling Qi closed her eyes knowing that it was just his nerves that brought out his bickering side.
"They're almost here," Sixiang whispered.
"It's time Zhengui," Ling Qi said aloud.
"Okay Big Sister!" they said together, and for once she could hardly tell their voices apart.
Ling Qi dispersed herself into the shadows, traveling to the entrance of the garden.
She saw them belong, a dark patch on the green grass, snaking its way toward the hill. At the head of the line was hanyi, walking with her head held high. Just behind her walked her mother and holding Biyu's hand. Behind them was the rest of the household, escorted by a handful of the Sect Soldier's whose service she was still renting. Watching them, she saw in their faces and postures a mix of trepidation, wariness and curiosity. It was likely the first time that most of them had been out beyond the warding stones of a city or road.
She remained silent as they reached the base of the hill and paused, looking at the garden. From the outside it probably looked a little ominous a crown of pale trees atop an otherwise scrub free hill, shrouded in a low lying mist, the needles and leaves of the densely planted trees whispering in the wind. At the entrance of the garden where Ling Qi stood were two sculptures, the best Zhengui had managed yet. A pair of stout stone tortoises that rose to the height of Ling Qi's weight, recessed back into the treeline so that their silhouettes could loom in the mist.
Ling Qi stood still as they ascended the low incline of the hill, until at last Hanyi and her family stood before her, their household just a little ways behind.
"Senior Sister, I've brought everyone," Hanyi said formally in a sweet voice.
"Good job Junior Sister," Ling Qi said politely. "Mother, little sister, welcome to the garden."
"We are pleased to come, my daughter," Ling Qingge said. Biyu stayed quiet, looking up at the lights winking in the darkness behind Ling Qi with wide eyes.
Ling Qi turned her gaze to the other women, who had shuffled into loose order, keeping their heads bowed before her. "And to all of you, for easing the lives of my family and all of your work, know that you are safe and welcome here, under the protection of Ling. We are here to tour the gardens and honor the one who brings us safety this night. Each of you, take one of the lanterns I have provided and we will begin the procession."
She gestured to her right, where a low finely carved container held around a score of small wooden lanterns formed from naturally grown wood. She presented the first to her Mother, and to her credit Ling Qingge did not startle as a dull red light flickered to life behind the lattice of roots. The lanterns were simple things, inscribed with the character for light on the inside and infused with enough power for even a mortal to light them for a few hours. As the women of the household quietly shuffled forward to take their lanterns, dotting the growing darkness with lights of many colors, Ling Qi crouched down before Biyu and presented the special smaller lantern Zhengui had grown for her.
As warm yellow light bloomed inside it, and Ling Qi closed her little sister's hands around the handle, she smiled. "Hold on to this tight, okay? This first part might be a little spooky, but just remember, nothing will hurt you while Big Sister is here."
"Kay Siss-y" the little girl said in a small voice, holding tightly to her lantern.
Ling Qi looked up at her Mother and nodded, rising to her feet. She turned, dissolving into shadow and appeared once again on the path between the tortoise statues. She clapped once for attention. "Now, follow and remain on the path, and turn your thoughts to the future."
As Ling Qi stepped under the eaves, she released her grip on her domain, letting her spirit flow out to fill the space around her as her flute materialized in her hands. The mist thickened and rose swirling about at around the knee height, but the path remained clear to any following her, the lantern light, fueled by the qi she had infused in the wood cut through the darkness easily as she began to walk.
Her mother followed a step behind, hand in hand with Biyu and all the rest trailed behind, silent but for murmurs she was sure they thought were quiet. Ling Qi smiled faintly as she raised her flute to her lips and began to play. The sound of strumming strings joined the first notes of her flute thereafter, played on the wind by Sixiang.
It was a somber song, but to Ling Qi it felt familiar. Winter wind in dusty street, the scent of alleys and crowds. It was exhaustion and long days work, it was lingering hunger and aching muscles. It was hardship, and it was song everyone here knew save for Biyu.
The women here were not her family, it was unlikely she would ever look at them that way, but if Ling Qi closed her eyes and lost herself in memory, understanding was not so far out of reach. The first path in the garden wound leisurely through the perimeter, lined with pale trees whose eaves came together above. White and black flowers grew amidst their roots, the monochrome colors glittering under the light of the lanterns that cut through the mist.
The song continued all the while as they walked, and a cold winter breeze blew, causing some to shiver. She could feel spirits beginning to lower under the weight of the music.
As the misty path continued ahead, on the left a pair of thick dark pines groaned as they pulled apart, and Ling Qi turned into the resulting passage. Beyond was the first of the flowerbeds mist reflected off of petals of a dozen colors, lighting the way ahead even before the lanterns followed. A new part of the song began and the flute and the strings were joined by a heavy, regular beat that vibrated the earth.It was simple, Zhengui wasn't much of a musician after all, but the thump of the earth and the pulse of his qi changed the somber sound to something more upbeat. It was hardship rewarded and the hope of something better, a farewell to what had come before.
It was, Ling Qi thought not really her song anymore. As she strode into the flower field, following the narrow gravel path that wound through it, she observed her family and the servants. Biyu's wonder filled look warmed her chest as did the unstressed posture of her Mother's shoulders. The rest, brought her some satisfaction, but nothing more.
She was a cold person, and a selfish one. Her love was only for the ones closest to her.
Her little brother, however, was warm. Both expressions of his being were things of vitality and life. It had started to creep in on her when they interacted with Wang Chao and the others. Zhengui joined the other spirits cheerfully, he interacted willfully. He liked people.
Ling Qi was a cold person, but she coveted warmth, as surely as any wraith or Snow woman. Some part of her wanted to jealousy keep his affection for herself.
That was why she had decided to do this. She knew that the mere echoes of the war had been frightening for the mortals at its edge. She knew that there was uncertainty even now, and trepidation at the arrival of so many nobles. Raising the spirits of so many, of people whom she had no deep connection was beyond her.
It was not beyond Zhengui though. It was something only he could do for her.
As with the spirits of the valley viscounty, power was not enough.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
"Mm, well that might be overselling it a little," Ling Qi admitted. "But it's the best word I can think of for gathering everyone together like this."
"Momma!" Biyu complained, reaching up to grasp fruitlessly at the plate from her raised seat.
Ling Qingge blinked and set down the plate, drawing a happy cry from Biyu as she grabbed at the the first slice of fruit. Ling Qingge patted her fondly on the head, even as she frowned thoughtfully at Ling Qi.
They were in the dining room, the door to the gardens open to let in the increasingly rare warm air. Mother and she had tea set out for them, while Biyu now had her snack.
"Why, if I may ask?" Ling Qingge said after a moment.
Ling Qi shifted under her mothers searching gaze. "Its for Zhengui. I don't know how much you ever learned of spirits,but he's growing. This is the kind of thing he needs."
"I will not pretend to understand completely, but I would have thought that it would just be Biyu and I," Ling Qingge said carefully. "He is… part of the family after all."
Mother sounded a little uncertain, but she was educated on how noble families worked Ling Qi supposed.
"Go see Big Turtle?" Biyu asked through a mouthful of pear, looking at her with wide eyes.
"Yes, you'll be able to see him soon," Ling Qi said. "Do you think Nanny and the others would want to see him too?"
Biyu frowned, contemplating her question deeply. "Scary. Big Turtle should be Little Turtle."
"We have considered that," Ling Qi said looking up at her Mother. "It would be voluntary. I do want you to make sure everyone understands that."
Ling Qingge merely furrowed her brow further. Ling Qi understood that such words held little meaning. When one who held so much power over you spoke of 'voluntary' actions who would really believe them, in their heart of hearts?
...That too was a consequence of power.
"I know I am not really involved with them, and they don't know me. But you do Mother, do you think they can trust you?" Ling Qi said.
"I know you would not put any of them in harms way on purpose, Ling Qi. I will do my best to convey that to everyone. You wish to do this next week?" Her mother said.
"That is the most time I can give for this, since the next day will be the tournament. I'm still not the best at making plans for other people," Ling Qi said wryly. "Ah, Even if they're not working please make sure they know their wages will remain the same."
The last thing she wanted was even a sliver of resentment infecting proceedings.
"Yes, of course," Ling Qingge said with a small sigh. She was smiling though. "Do you have any other surprises to spring on your old Mother?"
"Welll…" Ling Qi said drawing out the word, earning a look of mock horror from the older woman and a giggle from Biyu. "No… nothing else unexpected."
There were countless concerns that would be on her shoulders in the near future, but for now, she was pleased to just have a quiet tea time with her family.
But, as she left in the afternoon, she found herself standing outside the gates,looking up at the sky. They'd positioned and inscribed the sculptures Zhengui had already made, and twisted the flows of qi to thicken the mist about them cloaking their simple details, but there was still quite a lot to do.
Especially if they were accommodating twenty odd mortals instead of only a few.
"Are you really okay with that? It seems like a weird decision for you," Sixiang said.
Ling Qi hummed in agreement, strolling down the street toward the town's gate at a mortal speed. It was a strange decision, but it wasn't for her.
"Ah, I guess the little Big guy was really excited about more people huh," Sixiang mused.
His eyes, both sets had lit up when she announced her decision. She didn't truly understand it, anymore than she understood how Hanyi could be so irritable with crowds and yet so comfortable on stage, drawing energy from her audience to perform more smoothly than she ever did in their practices.
"There's a lot of power in an audience," Sixiang said quietly. "In any crowd really."
Ling Qi thought of roads carved in mountains, and and endless cities built in towering piles, descending beyond sight in the depths of dream. Small pieces, making something greater and greater still.
"I'm not one for the great crowds," she said quietly, passing down the slowly emptying streets. "But it seems my siblings are. That's fine I think."
...Trying to drag others along her Way was probably futile, wasn't it?
Yet, Ling Qi found, she couldn't yet come to a conclusion. She had seen a brief window of war. She had walked in the dusty streets of history and taken the tiniest measure. She had witnessed the adulation of a people over the course of a week long tour. What she was doing with Zhengui was another piece, she thought, perhaps the last one to find some satisfaction for the festering itch that had been in the back of her mind for months.
"Come on Sixiang," she said. "Zhengui's expecting us."
***
"Oh, Gui is so excited!"Her little brother said, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Foolish Gui is too undignified," Zhen hissed. "At least try to be serious!"
Ling Qi smiled faintly as Zhengui bickered with himself, looking out into the mist filled paths of the garden. They had finished the last of the wardings in good time, leaving the last few days to decide exactly how this all was going to proceed. She had tried to invite hanyi to participate as well, but her other spirit had taken one look at the garden and said it wasn't her place. That hadn't stopped her from hanging around and critiquing though.
Now, with evening falling on the last day, Hanyi was acting to guide her family and household to Zhengui's hill.
"I think Zhen is right this time," Ling Qi said. "It's important to be serious for the first part."
"Big Sister is right," Gui said stilling himself with an effort. "But its gonna be hard. Why do we have to wait at the center?"
There was a bit of childish complaint in his voice.
"Because you're the king of the garden. Sixiang and I are the guides," Ling Qi admonished gently.
"Obviously," Zhen hissed haughtily. He had been the one to insist most firmly on the idea. "Besides, foolish Gui will be busy controlling the trees! Do not be distracted and ruin Zhen's first festival."
"Gui is more worried about snotty Zhen scaring people and being mean," Gui grumbled. "Gui will do his part!"
"Hmph, do not imply that Zhen would be so careless around Little Sister," his other half hissed.
Ling Qi closed her eyes knowing that it was just his nerves that brought out his bickering side.
"They're almost here," Sixiang whispered.
"It's time Zhengui," Ling Qi said aloud.
"Okay Big Sister!" they said together, and for once she could hardly tell their voices apart.
Ling Qi dispersed herself into the shadows, traveling to the entrance of the garden.
She saw them belong, a dark patch on the green grass, snaking its way toward the hill. At the head of the line was hanyi, walking with her head held high. Just behind her walked her mother and holding Biyu's hand. Behind them was the rest of the household, escorted by a handful of the Sect Soldier's whose service she was still renting. Watching them, she saw in their faces and postures a mix of trepidation, wariness and curiosity. It was likely the first time that most of them had been out beyond the warding stones of a city or road.
She remained silent as they reached the base of the hill and paused, looking at the garden. From the outside it probably looked a little ominous a crown of pale trees atop an otherwise scrub free hill, shrouded in a low lying mist, the needles and leaves of the densely planted trees whispering in the wind. At the entrance of the garden where Ling Qi stood were two sculptures, the best Zhengui had managed yet. A pair of stout stone tortoises that rose to the height of Ling Qi's weight, recessed back into the treeline so that their silhouettes could loom in the mist.
Ling Qi stood still as they ascended the low incline of the hill, until at last Hanyi and her family stood before her, their household just a little ways behind.
"Senior Sister, I've brought everyone," Hanyi said formally in a sweet voice.
"Good job Junior Sister," Ling Qi said politely. "Mother, little sister, welcome to the garden."
"We are pleased to come, my daughter," Ling Qingge said. Biyu stayed quiet, looking up at the lights winking in the darkness behind Ling Qi with wide eyes.
Ling Qi turned her gaze to the other women, who had shuffled into loose order, keeping their heads bowed before her. "And to all of you, for easing the lives of my family and all of your work, know that you are safe and welcome here, under the protection of Ling. We are here to tour the gardens and honor the one who brings us safety this night. Each of you, take one of the lanterns I have provided and we will begin the procession."
She gestured to her right, where a low finely carved container held around a score of small wooden lanterns formed from naturally grown wood. She presented the first to her Mother, and to her credit Ling Qingge did not startle as a dull red light flickered to life behind the lattice of roots. The lanterns were simple things, inscribed with the character for light on the inside and infused with enough power for even a mortal to light them for a few hours. As the women of the household quietly shuffled forward to take their lanterns, dotting the growing darkness with lights of many colors, Ling Qi crouched down before Biyu and presented the special smaller lantern Zhengui had grown for her.
As warm yellow light bloomed inside it, and Ling Qi closed her little sister's hands around the handle, she smiled. "Hold on to this tight, okay? This first part might be a little spooky, but just remember, nothing will hurt you while Big Sister is here."
"Kay Siss-y" the little girl said in a small voice, holding tightly to her lantern.
Ling Qi looked up at her Mother and nodded, rising to her feet. She turned, dissolving into shadow and appeared once again on the path between the tortoise statues. She clapped once for attention. "Now, follow and remain on the path, and turn your thoughts to the future."
As Ling Qi stepped under the eaves, she released her grip on her domain, letting her spirit flow out to fill the space around her as her flute materialized in her hands. The mist thickened and rose swirling about at around the knee height, but the path remained clear to any following her, the lantern light, fueled by the qi she had infused in the wood cut through the darkness easily as she began to walk.
Her mother followed a step behind, hand in hand with Biyu and all the rest trailed behind, silent but for murmurs she was sure they thought were quiet. Ling Qi smiled faintly as she raised her flute to her lips and began to play. The sound of strumming strings joined the first notes of her flute thereafter, played on the wind by Sixiang.
It was a somber song, but to Ling Qi it felt familiar. Winter wind in dusty street, the scent of alleys and crowds. It was exhaustion and long days work, it was lingering hunger and aching muscles. It was hardship, and it was song everyone here knew save for Biyu.
The women here were not her family, it was unlikely she would ever look at them that way, but if Ling Qi closed her eyes and lost herself in memory, understanding was not so far out of reach. The first path in the garden wound leisurely through the perimeter, lined with pale trees whose eaves came together above. White and black flowers grew amidst their roots, the monochrome colors glittering under the light of the lanterns that cut through the mist.
The song continued all the while as they walked, and a cold winter breeze blew, causing some to shiver. She could feel spirits beginning to lower under the weight of the music.
As the misty path continued ahead, on the left a pair of thick dark pines groaned as they pulled apart, and Ling Qi turned into the resulting passage. Beyond was the first of the flowerbeds mist reflected off of petals of a dozen colors, lighting the way ahead even before the lanterns followed. A new part of the song began and the flute and the strings were joined by a heavy, regular beat that vibrated the earth.It was simple, Zhengui wasn't much of a musician after all, but the thump of the earth and the pulse of his qi changed the somber sound to something more upbeat. It was hardship rewarded and the hope of something better, a farewell to what had come before.
It was, Ling Qi thought not really her song anymore. As she strode into the flower field, following the narrow gravel path that wound through it, she observed her family and the servants. Biyu's wonder filled look warmed her chest as did the unstressed posture of her Mother's shoulders. The rest, brought her some satisfaction, but nothing more.
She was a cold person, and a selfish one. Her love was only for the ones closest to her.
Her little brother, however, was warm. Both expressions of his being were things of vitality and life. It had started to creep in on her when they interacted with Wang Chao and the others. Zhengui joined the other spirits cheerfully, he interacted willfully. He liked people.
Ling Qi was a cold person, but she coveted warmth, as surely as any wraith or Snow woman. Some part of her wanted to jealousy keep his affection for herself.
That was why she had decided to do this. She knew that the mere echoes of the war had been frightening for the mortals at its edge. She knew that there was uncertainty even now, and trepidation at the arrival of so many nobles. Raising the spirits of so many, of people whom she had no deep connection was beyond her.
It was not beyond Zhengui though. It was something only he could do for her.
As with the spirits of the valley viscounty, power was not enough.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
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al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
Second is better lesson, but I dislike wording. Sometimes being powerful is worthy thing by itself or at least by things unremovable attached to it. Some people just like to be strong or be free of shackless of weakness - they are not wrong in that, it's other things that may lead astray in such situation. "Many roads" choice in first one is safer in that regard.
PS. It's also bad wording, but something like "power by itself is not worth sacrifices to acquire it" would be closer to me than "no meaning".
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NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
I need to think about the philosophical intent behind these options. Both seem interesting.
[X] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
[X] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
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- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
This was a really clear and impactful scene. Really fun to read.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
...
Ugh.
Honestly second clashes with LQ core even if she grew past it. While LQ don't seek power for power, opposite is not true. LQ expunges weakness for the sake of expunging weakness as she REFUSE to be weak.
First choice allows to nudge said core reducing chances of monomaniacal obsession, while second... I don't like it really even if it's a good lesson.
PS. Also lessons kinda clash with each other. First eventually means that Teamwork is power, Friendship is power and Family is also power. Which greeeeeatly clashes with "power by itself is worthless" of second - Family and Friendship have their own worth.
Ugh.
Honestly second clashes with LQ core even if she grew past it. While LQ don't seek power for power, opposite is not true. LQ expunges weakness for the sake of expunging weakness as she REFUSE to be weak.
First choice allows to nudge said core reducing chances of monomaniacal obsession, while second... I don't like it really even if it's a good lesson.
PS. Also lessons kinda clash with each other. First eventually means that Teamwork is power, Friendship is power and Family is also power. Which greeeeeatly clashes with "power by itself is worthless" of second - Family and Friendship have their own worth.
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- Location
- Elsewhere
I love this one, so my choice is pretty certain. The other is...okay. There's nothing wrong with it. But this one is actually amazing, so...
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Both options acknowledge that without power nothing can be done. And the first one affirms that there exists more than one type of power and that power can come from other places than personal might. The second one seems to be more inclined towards wariness against accumulating power and purposeless power. Both lessons that I like, but I'm not sure what is the one we want the most.
This ties to what do we want from LQ as a person and how she views things regarding her constant search for further power, be it for a sense of security, be it for a sense of satisfaction.
I personally think the first one leans more towards letting others grow and lean on others, considering that to be also power. While the second one being a sing to slow down and consider what are we doing things for, what is that power for
This ties to what do we want from LQ as a person and how she views things regarding her constant search for further power, be it for a sense of security, be it for a sense of satisfaction.
I personally think the first one leans more towards letting others grow and lean on others, considering that to be also power. While the second one being a sing to slow down and consider what are we doing things for, what is that power for
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- Location
- Czech Republic
Both are good and I believe she already realised them, but vote for
[x] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
it in my opinion better for her Way. So she will not grow just for sake of growing. Not gather power for having just more power. Without other purpose and direction. Just nudge to look for her Way little bit elsewhere.
In the other case, I am afraid that she would find new sources of power but she still would be without direction.
[x] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
it in my opinion better for her Way. So she will not grow just for sake of growing. Not gather power for having just more power. Without other purpose and direction. Just nudge to look for her Way little bit elsewhere.
In the other case, I am afraid that she would find new sources of power but she still would be without direction.
Definitely 1. I want a power hungry Ling Qi.
- Location
- UK
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
Oh no, they're both good...
I prefer the second option on its own, but the first option does seem like it would complement nicely our SCS insight about being unable to stop moving. On the other hand, combining second option with the SCS option may lead to LQ searching for a meaning for power, which may also help with the SCS insight.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
Oh no, they're both good...
I prefer the second option on its own, but the first option does seem like it would complement nicely our SCS insight about being unable to stop moving. On the other hand, combining second option with the SCS option may lead to LQ searching for a meaning for power, which may also help with the SCS insight.
The first one involves Ling Qi starting down a path that involves her realizing power can come from other sources, and that would certainly be useful.
The second choice is the crystallization of Ling Qi past musings over there needing to be something beyond power, and this makes me inclined to vote for it.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Love the way the kids are growing into their own but that even with the distinct divide we, our spirits, our human family and our household can still connect.
Definitely prefer the first with the more blurred definition of power. The second doesn't seem to add much to me, does power need meaning outside of the ability to accomplish goals? That's generally how I'd define it anyway...
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
Definitely prefer the first with the more blurred definition of power. The second doesn't seem to add much to me, does power need meaning outside of the ability to accomplish goals? That's generally how I'd define it anyway...
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
- Location
- the internet
Someone said this is solving the heart demon. I don't see how this vote alone can be solving the heart demon in one go. Its likely going to make progress, maybe big progress on the heart demon though. I think the first option relates to the problems of the heart demon much more, by acknowledging that her diff family members can be powerful in their own right rather than a weight around her neck and something slowing her down. The second option is... kinda vague? Meh.
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
There's a 2 hour moratorium after every update
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The entirety of the ritual was very nice, lots of delightful detail in presentation and aesthetic. I quite liked use of visual symbols -- the dark mists obscuring and depressing, monochrome flowers in the bleak beginning and then prismatic flowers when Zhengui comes in, the points of light in the lanterns -- as well as the audio symbols -- melancholy music becoming upbeat once Zhengui joined in. Makes the whole thing emphasize the idea that this is a religious ceremony for Zhengui.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Internalizes the idea of diversity of power -- the law of wealth, of cultivation, of society, etc. each can protect and harm. Probably directs Ling Qi's attention toward the idea that cultivation isn't everything, that her goal of protecting herself and her family completely can be accomplished by more than just her own personal cultivation. Given that this seems derived from the thoughts of Hanyi's performance hurting an unknown enemy and the power gained by the adulation of mortals, this turns Ling Qi's focus onto social power, and further development of the Power Concept would be along the same lines of working within society to attain safety.
Rather vote this. We voted to work within the Empire's institutions to investigate the sabotage, I'd like for Ling Qi to continue internalizing that it's the multitude that has power, that human civilization is powerful because there's so many of them.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
Internalizes the idea that might does not make right, that power is only substance without form. Probably directs Ling Qi's attentions on the specific methods to protect her family her cultivation grants her -- formations, personal lethality, etc -- with the other Concepts she's cultivating providing the form. Further development should be on what virtues give power meaning, I guess?
Mythologically speaking, winter in the guise of the Maiden of the First Snows guiding and presenting the mortals under her protection into the aegis of spring in the guise of Zhengui. (I wonder if we should try to have another ceremony where Zhengui or whoever to represent autumn leading a cult over into Hanyi's protection...?)
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Internalizes the idea of diversity of power -- the law of wealth, of cultivation, of society, etc. each can protect and harm. Probably directs Ling Qi's attention toward the idea that cultivation isn't everything, that her goal of protecting herself and her family completely can be accomplished by more than just her own personal cultivation. Given that this seems derived from the thoughts of Hanyi's performance hurting an unknown enemy and the power gained by the adulation of mortals, this turns Ling Qi's focus onto social power, and further development of the Power Concept would be along the same lines of working within society to attain safety.
Rather vote this. We voted to work within the Empire's institutions to investigate the sabotage, I'd like for Ling Qi to continue internalizing that it's the multitude that has power, that human civilization is powerful because there's so many of them.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
Internalizes the idea that might does not make right, that power is only substance without form. Probably directs Ling Qi's attentions on the specific methods to protect her family her cultivation grants her -- formations, personal lethality, etc -- with the other Concepts she's cultivating providing the form. Further development should be on what virtues give power meaning, I guess?
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- Pronouns
- He
Mmhm, the first one seems like it fits very well with the whole Family/Community thing we have going on.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
...
Speaking of heart demon second option may as well make it worse. Because for all the "oh, no, power by itself worth nothing" there is tiny scrawny street rat Ling Qi in the core of the soul who will object that no, she knew plently of people without cause, family, friends or goal... and who were still better than her simply because they had power - and she didn't.
And LQ can't let go of that girl as she's foundation on what everything else is built on. Not unless she would turn home of her soul in flying castle by going past White (which is waaaay beyond scope of this quest).
Speaking of heart demon second option may as well make it worse. Because for all the "oh, no, power by itself worth nothing" there is tiny scrawny street rat Ling Qi in the core of the soul who will object that no, she knew plently of people without cause, family, friends or goal... and who were still better than her simply because they had power - and she didn't.
And LQ can't let go of that girl as she's foundation on what everything else is built on. Not unless she would turn home of her soul in flying castle by going past White (which is waaaay beyond scope of this quest).
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- Location
- foraging for beans
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
What I like about option 1 is that it internalizes the idea that people beyond her family - her household, her fief, her commercial and political contacts, etc. - can be source of power. And in so doing makes her far more likely to view investing and growing these connections and people as a way to gain power. Obviously she can internalize this idea in a more human way if she doesn't pick it, but that will always be weaker than inscribing this idea into her very Self. Making building up the people around you (among other things, it doesn't specify people after all, but we'll likely get a chance to vote on that later) a core part of LQ's personal philosophy appeals to me.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
This is a sentiment I personally disagree with very strongly, if for no other reason than that it seems to hold self improvement for its own sake as inherently worthless. On a story level, LQ already has a bunch of insights that will push her to progress regardless, so this seems like a great way to kick off a "what is LQ's purpose in life(TM)" arc as a way to clear up that logjam. The thing is, I feel that helping CRX achieve her dream, improving her cultivation because she enjoys cultivating for its own sake, protecting her family in the present, and establishing her family's foundation for the future is plenty of purpose already. So this one leaves me cold on multiple levels.
What I like about option 1 is that it internalizes the idea that people beyond her family - her household, her fief, her commercial and political contacts, etc. - can be source of power. And in so doing makes her far more likely to view investing and growing these connections and people as a way to gain power. Obviously she can internalize this idea in a more human way if she doesn't pick it, but that will always be weaker than inscribing this idea into her very Self. Making building up the people around you (among other things, it doesn't specify people after all, but we'll likely get a chance to vote on that later) a core part of LQ's personal philosophy appeals to me.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
This is a sentiment I personally disagree with very strongly, if for no other reason than that it seems to hold self improvement for its own sake as inherently worthless. On a story level, LQ already has a bunch of insights that will push her to progress regardless, so this seems like a great way to kick off a "what is LQ's purpose in life(TM)" arc as a way to clear up that logjam. The thing is, I feel that helping CRX achieve her dream, improving her cultivation because she enjoys cultivating for its own sake, protecting her family in the present, and establishing her family's foundation for the future is plenty of purpose already. So this one leaves me cold on multiple levels.
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- Location
- United States of America
This festival needs a proper name!
Festival of Misted Gardens?
Festival of Secluded Shelter?
Festival of Darkened Lanterns?
I'm sure something will come up in the due course of time.
Festival of Misted Gardens?
Festival of Secluded Shelter?
Festival of Darkened Lanterns?
I'm sure something will come up in the due course of time.
kfrar
Aspiring Encyclopedia
Regarding this vote and the Heart Demon -
As for which I want, I'm far more inclined to pick the first. The second lesson, that Power is not an end unto itself, is cool and all, but I'd rather take the other approach to learning that lesson and further develop the concepts that we do want to treat as ends unto themselves. If we treat building a Family/Community as a goal unto itself and our preferred source of meaning, then it's not really an issue if we haven't specifically developed an anti-Power-monofocus-insight, because we'll have developed something else to focus on instead. Which we're going to want to do anyway. Plus, we already have an advanced insight around being mindful of our family's wishes, and we've just seen that our family wishes to be involved in a broader Community, right? So I think we've already got a solid foundation for avoiding unnacceptably antisocial behavior.
And back to the first insight, it ties in with our job as a diplomat, where face-punching cannot solve all of our problems; it ties into our side gigs with information gathering, where we're increasingly focusing on social or esoteric methods rather than raw larceny; it ties into the legal institutions of the empire that we'll be working with, which we're bound to through CRX; and it ties into the different directions our family is taking to pursue their own desires and goals, even if we pull ahead in terms of raw cultivation.
It ties into a lot of things that work for us! So unless anyone has a stellar argument for why option 2 is actually the play to resolve our heart demon, I feel like option 1 is an easy pick.
If this experience is perhaps the last thing we need to deal with the heart demon, I'd assume at least one of the two options will result in a resolution of the demon. Maybe they both do, maybe only one, but probably not neither.
As for which I want, I'm far more inclined to pick the first. The second lesson, that Power is not an end unto itself, is cool and all, but I'd rather take the other approach to learning that lesson and further develop the concepts that we do want to treat as ends unto themselves. If we treat building a Family/Community as a goal unto itself and our preferred source of meaning, then it's not really an issue if we haven't specifically developed an anti-Power-monofocus-insight, because we'll have developed something else to focus on instead. Which we're going to want to do anyway. Plus, we already have an advanced insight around being mindful of our family's wishes, and we've just seen that our family wishes to be involved in a broader Community, right? So I think we've already got a solid foundation for avoiding unnacceptably antisocial behavior.
And back to the first insight, it ties in with our job as a diplomat, where face-punching cannot solve all of our problems; it ties into our side gigs with information gathering, where we're increasingly focusing on social or esoteric methods rather than raw larceny; it ties into the legal institutions of the empire that we'll be working with, which we're bound to through CRX; and it ties into the different directions our family is taking to pursue their own desires and goals, even if we pull ahead in terms of raw cultivation.
It ties into a lot of things that work for us! So unless anyone has a stellar argument for why option 2 is actually the play to resolve our heart demon, I feel like option 1 is an easy pick.
Our current Insights and the intersections:
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
This links Sincerity as a source of Power.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Beauty and Desire as sources of Power.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
If Power has no meaning of its own, by what measure is stagnation?
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Stagnation is death, but growth and strength comes in many forms.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
This links Sincerity as a source of Power.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Beauty and Desire as sources of Power.
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power grants no meaning of its own.
If Power has no meaning of its own, by what measure is stagnation?
[] Power III: Without Power one can hold nothing and accomplish nothing, but power may spring from many sources.
Stagnation is death, but growth and strength comes in many forms.