[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
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[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
Snow
Doka
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[x] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
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This latest threadmark is labeled 'Turn 17' @yrsillar
Subject Matter Expert
@yrsillar [omake for the omake throne]
Words: 5989
Subject Matter Expert
"Madam Ling! Oh, Madam Ling, the Xuan scion is here!" The young servant girl blew into Ling Qingge's office like a whirlwind, wringing her hands.
Ling Qingge looked up from her accounting. "But Ling Qi is not here. Did he say what he required?"
"No, Madam. I didn't quite understand what he meant, but he wanted to talk to you? And apologized for the intrusion? I think?"
That made sense. Ling Qingge herself struggled to understand the young man's speech, no matter her daughter's familiarity and seeming ease.
"You allowed him into the courtyard?"
"Yes, Madam."
"Good." One does not leave ducal scions waiting in the street. "Go make some refreshments ready. Ling Qi made note of his preferences. No meat or animal products. The tea blend from last time is that-"
"The one in the dark green box, Madam. I remember." The young girl seemed relieved now that Ling Qingge had started giving orders.
The appearance of control is, itself, control.
The words echoed strangely in her mind, but she couldn't pay attention to them at the moment. She swept into the formal meeting room, giving it a brief inspection. Passable. No major or noticeable flaws. Ling Qi was informal with the Xuan scion, but that was her daughter, reckless and fearless in the face of spirit beasts and ducal families alike. Ling Qingge had yet to meet the Lady Bai who Ling Qi claimed as her best friend, but considering to that family's reputation, perhaps that was for the best.
Ah, the courtyard. He really was imposing, this ducal cultivator. His broad conical hat rendered no part of his face easily visible, nor was the skin on his hands where one held his staff. She remembered her daughter saying something about the Xuan family being "spirit-blooded"; that they had an actual spirit beast as one of their ancestors. Maybe there was some culture or tradition she didn't understand, a taboo against non-family members seeing them easily.
"Sir Xuan, welcome to my home. I hope whatever small hospitality I can provide is sufficient."
"This one thanks thee for thy welcome, Madam Ling." The hat tilted up slightly and she caught a sliver of light across something glossy and segmented. Cosmetics? Or piercings, like young Yu Nuan?
"Please, follow me. Some refreshments have been prepared. How can our house assist you today? I would have thought Ling Qi was in the south with the Lady Cai, and you with them." And you with HER, more specifically. Things not to say out loud, part the seventh. "If she has returned and set a meeting with you without telling me..."
"Nay. The ladies remain, toiling at an impossible goal, and this one is honored to assist them in assaulting the sky. Miss Ling continues to perform admirably under strain that would break those of greater talent, and many are brought to the table that would never otherwise consider it."
Ling Qingge tilted her head. "My daughter... is a diplomat?"
The hat inclined. "Indeed, and her voice is as the west wind over frozen fields."
That stumped her for a moment. West wind... Frozen fields... Spring thaw? That must be it. "I thank you for your kind words on my daughter's behalf. I never thought that my daughter would reach such heights at such an early age, but I am an old woman and a poor mother at that." The self-depreciation came easily, a former life's worth of lessons dictating each word.
She ushered him into the formal sitting room and settled herself at a seat. He took a moment longer, head turning to survey the room, before settling on the door to the panic room (shell vault, that was his term) that had taken such expense. He seemed to study it for a few long heartbeats, before nodding and settling himself opposite her.
"This one is pleased to see his work so successful and so carefully maintained." The instructions left for Ling Qingge had been clear and precise, in a handwriting that looked more like block-print than script.
"You honor us with your work. It has been invaluable in shielding us from the recent storms. There is even space for a few of our neighbors, at a pinch. May I serve?"
She saw his shoulders relax slightly and he inclined his head towards the tea tray. "This one's labor was not wasted then, to protect so many with so little."
She looked up after pouring his cup, teapot poised to pour her own. "So little? Sir Xuan, please, do not joke."
"This one does not jest. The formation work is not original, and while complex, is well understood and only modified for the space. The expense came from Miss Ling's insistence upon purchasing the required materials herself. And to shelter so many and so often...this one gains much satisfaction from that knowledge." The gauntlets of green ceramic had been tugged off and now undergloves of black leather (something with scales that fit together like puzzle pieces rather than overlapping) covered his hands as they wrapped around the teacup.
Time to get down to it. Ling Qingge steeled herself. "May I ask what brings Sir Xuan to us, if not seeking Ling Qi?" She guessed. It was obvious. Only one reason for a young man to visit the mother of a girl he was interested in.
He stiffened. She was right then. "This one has had cause to speak to Ling Qi on certain matters." Of course. Ling Qingge braced herself. "This one is... lacking in understanding. This one understands that the subject is awkward and embarrassing, however, there is no one else to ask, and the libraries on the subject are barren."
Ling Qingge blinked. She expected something strange and stressful, but this felt... not the kind of stressful she anticipated. "I hope this old woman can provide assistance."
The hat tilted down. Staring into his teacup. Doesn't he know I can't see his face anyway? "This one is aware that Ling Qi finds closeness, physical or otherwise... "
There it was.
Ling Qingge sighed, and twisted her cup. "I know you have feelings for my daughter, Sir Xuan." Best to just say it. He twitched, hard. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"This one endeavored not to be obvious."
"To another cultivator, maybe. Ling Qi herself was not aware until I told her of my observation. However, I am... well-versed in attraction." A delicate way to put it, she thought, mouth twisting into something akin to a smile.
"Ah."
Well. This was supremely awkward. The silence grew as they sat there. Ling Qingge made sure to keep her shoulders relaxed, her spine straight, and continued to sip her tea.
The appearance of control...
How to deal with this. He had yet to ask a question. She could assume, but somehow, that did not feel right. Ling Qi was... well, not un-afraid, but less wary of this young man, and spoke of him often and well in letters and conversation. Maybe...
"I can only answer questions which I am asked, Sir Xuan."
He hunched his shoulders, a tortoise retreating into its shell. That serious, was it? "How does one provide joy and comfort?" His voice was tiny.
That was not the question she expected. Not in any way. It felt like missing a step, the unfulfilled anticipation of answering questions that still filled her with despair. "I beg your pardon?"
"This one wishes to know how one would provide joy and comfort. From thy and thine household's reactions to this one's presence, this one gathered that many experiences were not so, however, this one hoped that thou wouldst have some explanation. This one apologizes for the discomfort-."
Oh. Is this what babbling looked like on this young man? The odd formality of his words suddenly flipping in her mind's eye from contempt to... insecurity? Caution? Perhaps something of both and something besides.
"Sir Xuan." He stopped talking. How had someone seemed so large a moment ago? Wasn't he two full cultivation tiers above her? He seemed to be shrinking in front of her eyes. "I am not going to reproach you, but is this not something you could ask of your parents?"
Oh, he could get smaller. "This one has never met them. This one's guardians are not ones who have such proclivities."
He had never met his parents. The scene changed again in her eyes. A young man who was interested in her daughter had come to her house, asking questions no young man should ask of anyone but family, because there was quite literally no one else to ask.
Ling Qingge wrapped her hands around her now-empty teacup to steady herself with the warmth and discovered all the heat had leeched from the pottery. And the iron teapot, mores the pity. She began to rise, to summon one of the house servants to fill it hot again, but the Xuan scion reached for the pot and held his hand against it until steam began to rise from the spout again.
"May this one pour for you, Madam Ling?"
"Oh, Sir Xuan, let me." A ducal scion performing such a task? Preposterous.
"This situation is adrift, and this one clings to the life raft of ceremony with both hands. Nobility sits ill at this time." He poured her teacup and slid it back across the table. She pressed the almost-too-hot pottery between her palms and breathed in, slowly. The scent of the tea had changed with the heat.
"Well, then. Thank you, Sir Xuan."
She looked at him over the top of her teacup, which caused him to somehow contract further. What to do..."This is not the discussion I thought I was having today. I will make arrangements to clear the rest of the day's schedule and have the servants include one more for supper."
"This one does not mean to upset the household-"
"This is a discussion that will take some time, and you are Ling Qi's... friend. She speaks of you highly and often. Whatever your relationship, you are dear to her in ways I do not fully understand. I want the best for my daughter, always. I do not know which among her many suitors that might be, however no one else has come to my door asking how to court her without frightening her."
She stood as gracefully as she could, taking the tea tray with her. Cultivation had taken care of a majority of the aches, but life would have its price. He rose to follow her.
"Come along, then. I will return the tray to the kitchen and then we may continue our conversation. The back garden would be a good place."
"Is that not part of thy family quarters?" Now that she had become accustomed to his voice and speech, he sounded insecure. "This one would not wish to cause discomfort."
"It is an open enough area and it is time for me to relieve the nanny of her responsibility for a few hours."
"Ah, Ling Qi's young sister. Zhengui has spoken of the "Littlest Sister" frequently."
Ling Qingge looked over her shoulder at him. "You speak to the Honored Spirit Zhengui often then?"
He nodded, hands vanishing back into his sleeves. "This one agreed to assist the young one in a small project related to a dream."
Well, that made no sense, but it was well. Higher cultivator matters were no place for one such as she. It was enough that her daughter's first spirit beast and this young man got along. Shared work and interests were often essential to maintaining good relationships, no matter their tenor.
Ling Qinnge handed off the tea tray to one of the girls at the kitchen door, the Xuan scion standing back a good ways and half-turning towards the back garden to wait. On a hunch, she reached out and took back a plate of mushroom and herb dumplings and the box of tea leaves. He hadn't eaten anything, after all, and what he didn't eat, Biyu would. A small snack wouldn't disrupt dinner too much.
"Anything else, Madam?"
"The water in the family quarters has been refreshed?"
"Yes'm."
"Then no, dear, and thank you."
Then they were turning into the back garden and settling on the cushioned benches on the veranda, a table between them holding the dumplings and a teapot from the local storage. The small waterfall that began as Zhengui's favorite burrowing place and eventually was formalized into a fishpond trickled merrily. Truly, she loved this little garden. Deep breath in.
"You asked for advice on joy and comfort."
The Xuan scion was overlooking the garden and flinched when the subject came back up, but he only nodded.
"I admit, I have little experience. As you know,-" Probably, nobles gossip like finches. "- I, and most of the servants in this house, were employed in a brothel before my daughter returned to bring us here. It was not a place for either joy or comfort. The only tale I have to tell of both or either of those things is that of Ling Qi's conception itself, and even that ended in disappointment."
His shoulders folded in on themselves momentarily, then straightened. "This one had noticed Miss Ling did not mention her sire, only her mother and younger sister."
She nodded. "I was once a member of a servant family to a minor noble house, and did not wish to marry as my family bid me. So, I ran away with some funds. I thought myself brave and craved the romance I had read of in books. The dream of a child. It is shameful, I know, but the past is the past and it cannot be changed. I had some skill with a flute, and through that skill I encountered Ling Qi's... sire. That would be the correct word, for a father assists in the child's education. Is it wrong of me to find relief in a simple word change? He is half of my daughter, but she is all mine."
"And thou art truly her mother."
She looked at him and squinted. An insult? Probably not.
"On joy and comfort itself... I do not believe you yet mean the marriage bed. Or lack thereof, for I have no room to judge. Though I would be displeased if such things came to pass."
The hat looked affronted. "Madam Ling-"
She waved him down. "It needed to be said. There is nothing I could do if such a thing were to come to pass. However, a mother's duty is to care for her children, even if she cannot protect them from everything the world has to offer."
This seemed to mollify him somewhat. "This one speaks only of becoming close to her, to have her lack fear in my presence." He seemed to turn a thought over in his head. "This one has no practical experience of 'love'. It is an emotion with as many definitions as grains of sand on the shore."
A sticky subject, and no mistake. "Love means different things to each and every person. People might even love some parts of a person and loathe others, craving the push and pull between jealousy and love. Rarely do such partnerships last."
The hat tilted again. How could slatted wood and hexagonal paint look so confused? "This one fails to see how that would even function. This one is familiar with the tides, and true art might express dichotomy, but relationships of that sort seem... unbalanced."
"It is well that you think so. I need not fear that scenario for my daughter then."
The hat turned towards her slowly, a touch of his power feeling like the eternity under a mountain, final and unbreakable. "Not ever."
Ling Qingge nodded once, sharply. "Good. Your question might be 'what emotions make up a balanced love, or relationship?' This varies from person to person. For some, it is protection. Many young ladies wish to feel protected by their partner. For others, it is spontaneity, or devotion, or finance. Think on what you know of my daughter, and what she surrounds herself with. What do you believe she would require? No-" she stopped him as he began to speak "-I do not need to know. This is merely advice. When you have a more formal question to ask, I will accept the answer then. Not before."
He nodded slowly, obviously digesting.
"Now. You are familiar with the physical aspects of "joy and comfort", as you put it?"
"This one has been supplied with relevant reading materials by this one's guardians." The hat, which had been regaining its more relaxed height, returned to being almost flat to his shoulders and his voice was very small.
"No practical experience." It was a skillset. Treat it like a skillset, not a vile collection of years that stole her vitality and drove her near to despair, if not for her daughters. "I am glad." That made him straighten a little, the hat tilting a question. "Ling Qi's sire was my first, and while it might benefit one to have a more experienced partner, the power balance is forever altered, the less experienced forever following the more."
He reached to reheat the teapot, then refill first her cup, then his own. When had she emptied it? "This one's first experience with Miss Ling was assisting her in her formations research. To learn together, to share knowledge discovered is a precious moment."
Ling Qingge smiled. "Precisely. I will provide no advice on the subject. Emotional joy and comfort, however." She tapped the rim of her warm-again teacup with her fingernail, grown long in her breakthrough. "To 'provide joy' means that the concept of debt and the exchange of favors no longer exists between you. You do things for each other for no other reason than to see them smile. I take it you have reached that point with her, but not she with you?"
"This one would have borne the costs of more than the shell vault with no complaint. Miss Ling was insistent."
"Of course she was. I would have expected nothing less. A young lady must remain on equal footing to have any power within her relationship and it avoids the appearance of scandal. Though the servant that surprised you two was certainly scandalized. She thought the room haunted."
He actually raised his hand to pull his hat down further. "Mine own cultivation leads to gloomy shores and dark stone under the mountain, and Miss Ling is known to summon dreams and phantoms with song. This one tenders his apologies to the young lady in question and begs her forgiveness for the discomfort. The work required Miss Ling to stand rather close to this one's side to hold the stencils, and her discomfort begat mine own. Such things are known to allow a cultivator's domain to express more easily."
That explained it. She would make the explanation less complex when she informed the servant of what had happened. "Comfort, then. A feeling of safety and a lack of stress, even without a purpose in the meeting. To exist in each other's space without tension or expectation. Does that help you?"
His shoulders had slumped again. "Indeed, thine words accurately describe it, but this one is nowhere close."
Ling Qingge raised both eyebrows. "You are not permitted to be maudlin or unrealistic, with me, young man. I will not permit it. She stood close to you, and continued to do so until the work was done. It is the reason you now sit in my garden, and not the formal sitting room as before. She did not flee, and still seeks you out to this day. You could be the most skilled formations expert in the empire, but if she was fearful of you, you would never see her again. Fear devours reason, if not withstood. We must encounter and overcome our fears, even as our mind is almost overcome. If she had truly not wanted to be there, she would have found another way, or let you complete the work alone." Goodness, she sounded like a grandmother.
The hat came up and she saw, at last, his eyes. They looked a little bewildered and a lot thoughtful, dark green on an odd slate grey. "This one had not thought... Of we two, Miss Ling is the swifter and more agile. This one could no more catch hold of her against her will than the wind, or moonlight."
She smiled. "And now you have finally met my eyes."
The hat dropped. "This one apologizes."
"For what, Sir Xuan? I do not know your traditions, but I had assumed your garb was cultural or a family policy, and there was some taboo against non-family seeing you easily." But if that were not true...
The scene changed yet again. The ducal scion, the young god, the cultivator powerful enough to conceal twenty people in a room from a storm that wrecked a quarter of the town, vanished and instead, a young man was seated on the bench across from her, someone no older than her daughter, who was ashamed of his appearance. Some things did not change, it seemed, with power or with station.
There is truth in one's perception, but it is not the whole truth.
"Nay, Madam Ling. Merely mine own choice. This one has been informed that his appearance is..."
"Understood. I will not ask more of you. It does me good to know that you do have eyes, however." The gentle poke was out of her mouth before she could think to stop it.
He met her eyes again, and she saw them curve and crinkle in what was quite obviously a smile. "And that, Madam, is why this one believes thou art thy daughter's mother entirely."
The earth seemed to settle under her. The anxiety she felt upon meeting such a vaunted person as a ducal family member did not vanish, but seemed to abate, and she took what felt like her first breath in an age.
She raised her eyebrows at him. "Any other uncomfortable questions? We seem to have made a good start on it today."
She saw his shoulders rise to answer, but a shriek from across the garden cut everything off. "Mama! " Her second hellion tore across the beautiful path, up onto the veranda, and into her arms in an instant, before noticing the company and sliding to the far side of her skirts. Ling Qingge hoped that her daughter chose calmer elements to cultivate than her eldest daughter, otherwise she would be run ragged.
Biyu shyly peeked out at the Xuan- no. He was Xuan Shi, now, if only in her own mind. Half her age, and worlds above her, this very young god had come to her asking for advice. There wasn't enough context in the world.
"Mama? Who's this?"
"Biyu, this is your sister's friend, Sir Xuan. Say hello properly."
"Hello, Sir Shu-an. 'm Biyu." Her voice was quiet, but she was watching him with growing interest and confidence. "Mama, does he not have a face?" She was twisting and tilting her head, trying to see beneath the hat.
"Biyu, that is not polite-."
"It is well, Madam Ling. Greetings, Ling Biyu. This one is honored by your attention." He held out both gloved hands, gauntlets on the bench beside him, for her to inspect.
"Mm. You have the shapes, like the ones on the wall." She pointed at the sleeves of his robe, then on his hat.
"Indeed, Young Miss. This one assisted thy sister in its creation."
"Huh?" Confusion. As expected.
"Sir Xuan made that room, Biyu."
Biyu gasped. "You made the turtle room!" Ah, the sudden confidence of a five-year old upon discovering a common interest.
"Just so, Young Miss."
"Turtles are the best! Do you like turtles too, Shu-an?" Biyu was now holding onto both of his hands and using them to hold her weight as she bounced. Ling Qingge rubbed her eyes. Her daughters....
"This one does. They are very strong creatures." At least Sir Xuan was an even tempered sort, even if he was looking a little tight around the shoulders at the attention.
"Uh huh! My Sis-y has one! His name is Chun-gway. But he's a special turtle! He used to be real lil' an' now he's super big! And part of him's a snake!" Biyu was now suspended completely from Xuan Shi's hands by her own grip and was twisting energetically, kicking her feet back and forth. Ling Qingge met his eyes and tried to silently apologize. She had known cultivators were strong, but to suspend a twisting child from one's hands alone...
"Fret not, Madam Ling, this one has younger cousins." Ah, so he was fine with allowing her little rapscallion to hang off his hands and talk his ear off. Something about the statement felt a little sad, though. Could he no longer see them for some reason?
"Sir Shu-an, why're you here? Mama said you were Sis-y's friend, but she's not here."
"This one wished for your mother's advice. She is very wise."
"Yeah! Mama's the best! And Sis-y too!" She seemed to be winding down a bit, returning her weight to the floor and leaning up to peer at the place where that high collar met his hat. Oh no... that wasn't good.
"Sir Xuan, please mind-"
Biyu pounced. Ling Qingge supposed he could have dodged, but was probably less certain of what would break if he did. The hat went flying, and two very small hands landed on his cheeks with a significant slap.
"You DO have a face!" Biyu crowed happily, now kneeling on his lap. He did, and she could understand why he would feel the need to conceal himself. His appearance was... unusual, perhaps disconcerting. His skin was dark, darker than her daughters, except where an almost complete band of plate-like scales of the deepest green she had ever beheld crossed his cheeks to stop on either side of his nose. Those eyes were so very strange, vibrant green on deep grey. His hair was short and a white ridge was almost subsumed under the glossy green-black fuzz. All in all, a very odd looking person.
But this person was the same one she had just been speaking to. Who, even now, was reacting to catch her too-energetic daughter before she even considered falling. No parents, and absent guardians. Ducal families were said to be strange, but she had thought that, at minimum, they would have put more care into their children.
He was watching her. Did he expect her to scream? Instead she put on a frown, though she hardly meant it. "Biyu. That was very rude."
Biyu looked a little contrite, but looked back into his face. "Sorry for the hat, but Nanny said that there are no-face monsters and I hadta check." They were almost nose to nose, with her hands still holding onto his face.
"No trouble, Young Miss." He reached up and moved her hands gently off his face, like she had seen people convince pet birds to step onto their hands. "This one was merely surprised. Does this one indeed have a face?"
Biyu nodded vigorously. "Uh huh! A good one!"
That seemed to shake him a little. Who had he been hiding from? And for how long?
"You have scales! And soft eyes!" Biyu leaned back a little, and tilted her head in consideration, then nodded firmly. "You're good. You can stay."
Those "soft eyes" looked at Ling Qingge for help. Not that familiar with children then. She almost let Biyu run him out, but decided to take pity. He already had one daughter of hers to deal with.
"Biyu, either sit quietly with Sir Xuan or go play in the garden."
"I stay." She turned and sat down, wriggling until she got comfortable. Ling Qingge reached to return his hat, which made Biyu frown. "No hat!"
"Biyu. That is enough." Her voice brooked no argument. That allowed the hat to successfully make it back to his head and was not removed again. Biyu pouted. Xuan Shi looked down at her, then unfastened his collar a little so only Biyu could see his face under his hat.
"Good." She settled in. After a beat, he pulled one of the gloves off of his hands and showed her the scales that ran up to his fingers. This seemed to amuse and delight the child as Ling Qingge and Xuan Shi continued talking. Eventually, Biyu nodded off, still holding his fingers.
Xuan Shi was watching Biyu, enraptured. "The fruit of the tree is true to the tree."
Ling Qingge was shaken from her small reverie. "Sir Xuan?"
"Uncommon bravery and acceptance is shown in both thy daughters. If it is no accident of fortune, then it must be because of thee, Madam Ling. This one has never felt the need to grow close to any before thy eldest daughter, nor an acceptance so swift as that of thy youngest." He seemed to be struggling with some immense emotion. "This one is grateful to know thy family."
"We are nothing special, Sir Xuan."
"Many would say so, speaking from high station. They say "family" and hide the word "prison" and "obligation" behind it. But those wishing to know what true family is should look no further than here." His hand turned around Biyu's much smaller, paler one, lining up her fingers with his much larger, thicker ones.
"Shu-an-ge, uncomfyyyyy." Biyu's small whine broke the tension as she shifted in his arms.
"This one apologizes, Young Miss. This one's robes hold many tools and armorings. It would not be comfortable to sleep on."
Biyu glared at him blearily. "Don't bring 'em next time, Shu-an-ge."
"Shi."
"Huh?"
"This one's name is Xuan Shi, Miss Biyu."
"Not Sir Shu-an?"
"Nay, Miss Biyu. 'Sir' is the title thy mother refers to this one as. Xuan is this one's family name."
Biyu squinted at him. "Shi-ge."
"Yes, Miss Biyu?"
"No armor next time."
"Yes, Miss Biyu."
He pushed at something in his robes and the sharp corner that had woken Biyu was either hidden or manipulated away. She fell back asleep swiftly and the quiet of the garden and the bustle of the kitchen persisted for a time. He seemed content to sit and allow her youngest daughter to drool on his robes and cling to his hand.
Eventually, a servant rounded the corner quietly to alert them of dinner. She seemed slightly bewildered at the sight of a Ducal family member and Green stage cultivator allowing a small mundane child to nap on him, which was reasonable.
Ling Qingge sighed. Peace was over. The War of Supper, also known as getting Biyu to eat everything on her plate, was nigh.
"Sir Xuan, I can take her."
Xuan Shi seemed a little reluctant to relinquish Biyu, but gently untangled his fingers and smoothly stood, only jostling the child a bit. "As you will, Madam Ling, but it is no trouble. Truly." He meant it, too.
"Mama?" Biyu woke at the sound of her voice, then looked up at his face. Her hands came up, and pulled his collar down. She stared into his face for a minute. "Face is still there. Don't worry."
This time, Ling Qingge was treated to the sight of his unsteady half-smile as Biyu let go of his collar with one hand and pointed toward the dining room. "Supper! Let's go!"
Xuan Shi was watching her over her daughter's head. How do you want to handle this?
"Biyu, Sir Xuan might be staying for dinner. You can sit with him, if you eat all your vegetables." Hook...
Biyu's face scrunched. "Ew."
Xuan Shi observed this byplay, then said, casually, "The dumplings were excellent, Madam Ling, and quite sufficient for this one's needs. It would be too much to ask to stay longer. This one would not wish to be an inconvenience." Line...
"I understand, Sir Xuan. You must be very busy."
The war of Vegetable vs. New Plaything warred out on Biyu's round face. "I'll eat 'em." Sinker.
"It is well then, Miss Biyu, for this one did not wish to eat all of the vegetables alone. Selfishness is unbecoming and a meal always tastes better when shared." Xuan Shi was meeting Biyu's eyes solidly, an unwavering and entirely trustworthy source of information.
Apparently, vegetables did taste better when shared. Biyu ate everything Xuan Shi placed on her plate, cut into pieces for her, and everything he ate, she tried. Hot and peppery dishes were still difficult and required rice.
"Miss Biyu, was dinner enjoyable?" Biyu was back in Xuan Shi's lap, half-asleep again.
"You were right about the vegetables. They do taste better when you share."
"Many things are better when shared." He was thinking hard about something, she could tell by the pitch in his voice.
"Shi-ge, you gonna go home now, right?"
"Yes, Miss Biyu. This one must return to thy sister in the south. Shall this one bear a message for her? A letter or a drawing?"
Biyu sat bolt upright. "Yes! I'll get it. Nanny drew with me today, and I'm real proud of it!" She bolted out the door, her once-again-but-slightly-less harassed Nanny trailing her at speed.
"This one apologizes for encouraging her energy."
"Sir Xuan, she would be energetic even if you were not here. And she ate all her vegetables, which means I am of a mind to be very forgiving."
That half-smile made a reappearance as they stood and made their way to the entrance to the family wing without rushing. Biyu met them as they reached it, a folded message sealed with rice glue and a pressed flower held in both hands.
"You gotta give it to Sis-y right away, okay? As soon as you get there. Promise, Shi-ge?"
"This one promises, Miss Biyu."
Biyu wrinkled up her nose as he tucked the letter into his robes. "Pinky swear?"
"Of course." He crouched, staff against one shoulder and spare glove and gauntlet in his other hand as he linked fingers with Biyu. "This one promises to deliver thy message with the greatest speed possible to thy sister, and to let none stop him in his task."
"Okay. You don't break promises." Biyu nodded with finality, then wrapped both arms around his neck. "Be good, Shi-ge. Come back soon."
"If that is an invitation from Young Miss Biyu, then this one will."
Biyu let go, face still scrunched up, and took off towards the family compound. Xuan Shi watched her go, face bemused.
"Five year olds are prone to large emotions. She wanted to be responsible and not cry when saying goodbye."
"Ah."
The silence stretched. She would never be able to be informal with this young man, but it was an easier silence than when he had arrived.
"This one thanks Madam Ling for her time. Her insights cleared this one's mind greatly on many subjects and provided an excellent example." He bowed deeply. Too deep, her formal mind shouted at her.
"You are most welcome, Sir Xuan, and I hope you come back soon, hopefully bringing my wandering eldest daughter with you."
"Madam Ling is most kind." He straightened and turned to the gates to the street. She supposed he didn't precisely need them, but it was polite. A thought snagged her mind...
"Sir Xuan, why did you come to me for advice?"
He turned from the gate and suddenly, the Ducal scion had returned in full force. It wasn't jarring, it simply was, like suddenly noticing the mountain you had been traveling towards looming overhead.
"Madam Ling, this one is afforded a craftsman of some skill. In any craft, approach with determination and respect. But first, seek a subject matter expert."
---
Many thanks to the Three I Inflicted This On Before Posting. You know who you are. Your patience is appreciated.
Words: 5989
Subject Matter Expert
"Madam Ling! Oh, Madam Ling, the Xuan scion is here!" The young servant girl blew into Ling Qingge's office like a whirlwind, wringing her hands.
Ling Qingge looked up from her accounting. "But Ling Qi is not here. Did he say what he required?"
"No, Madam. I didn't quite understand what he meant, but he wanted to talk to you? And apologized for the intrusion? I think?"
That made sense. Ling Qingge herself struggled to understand the young man's speech, no matter her daughter's familiarity and seeming ease.
"You allowed him into the courtyard?"
"Yes, Madam."
"Good." One does not leave ducal scions waiting in the street. "Go make some refreshments ready. Ling Qi made note of his preferences. No meat or animal products. The tea blend from last time is that-"
"The one in the dark green box, Madam. I remember." The young girl seemed relieved now that Ling Qingge had started giving orders.
The appearance of control is, itself, control.
The words echoed strangely in her mind, but she couldn't pay attention to them at the moment. She swept into the formal meeting room, giving it a brief inspection. Passable. No major or noticeable flaws. Ling Qi was informal with the Xuan scion, but that was her daughter, reckless and fearless in the face of spirit beasts and ducal families alike. Ling Qingge had yet to meet the Lady Bai who Ling Qi claimed as her best friend, but considering to that family's reputation, perhaps that was for the best.
Ah, the courtyard. He really was imposing, this ducal cultivator. His broad conical hat rendered no part of his face easily visible, nor was the skin on his hands where one held his staff. She remembered her daughter saying something about the Xuan family being "spirit-blooded"; that they had an actual spirit beast as one of their ancestors. Maybe there was some culture or tradition she didn't understand, a taboo against non-family members seeing them easily.
"Sir Xuan, welcome to my home. I hope whatever small hospitality I can provide is sufficient."
"This one thanks thee for thy welcome, Madam Ling." The hat tilted up slightly and she caught a sliver of light across something glossy and segmented. Cosmetics? Or piercings, like young Yu Nuan?
"Please, follow me. Some refreshments have been prepared. How can our house assist you today? I would have thought Ling Qi was in the south with the Lady Cai, and you with them." And you with HER, more specifically. Things not to say out loud, part the seventh. "If she has returned and set a meeting with you without telling me..."
"Nay. The ladies remain, toiling at an impossible goal, and this one is honored to assist them in assaulting the sky. Miss Ling continues to perform admirably under strain that would break those of greater talent, and many are brought to the table that would never otherwise consider it."
Ling Qingge tilted her head. "My daughter... is a diplomat?"
The hat inclined. "Indeed, and her voice is as the west wind over frozen fields."
That stumped her for a moment. West wind... Frozen fields... Spring thaw? That must be it. "I thank you for your kind words on my daughter's behalf. I never thought that my daughter would reach such heights at such an early age, but I am an old woman and a poor mother at that." The self-depreciation came easily, a former life's worth of lessons dictating each word.
She ushered him into the formal sitting room and settled herself at a seat. He took a moment longer, head turning to survey the room, before settling on the door to the panic room (shell vault, that was his term) that had taken such expense. He seemed to study it for a few long heartbeats, before nodding and settling himself opposite her.
"This one is pleased to see his work so successful and so carefully maintained." The instructions left for Ling Qingge had been clear and precise, in a handwriting that looked more like block-print than script.
"You honor us with your work. It has been invaluable in shielding us from the recent storms. There is even space for a few of our neighbors, at a pinch. May I serve?"
She saw his shoulders relax slightly and he inclined his head towards the tea tray. "This one's labor was not wasted then, to protect so many with so little."
She looked up after pouring his cup, teapot poised to pour her own. "So little? Sir Xuan, please, do not joke."
"This one does not jest. The formation work is not original, and while complex, is well understood and only modified for the space. The expense came from Miss Ling's insistence upon purchasing the required materials herself. And to shelter so many and so often...this one gains much satisfaction from that knowledge." The gauntlets of green ceramic had been tugged off and now undergloves of black leather (something with scales that fit together like puzzle pieces rather than overlapping) covered his hands as they wrapped around the teacup.
Time to get down to it. Ling Qingge steeled herself. "May I ask what brings Sir Xuan to us, if not seeking Ling Qi?" She guessed. It was obvious. Only one reason for a young man to visit the mother of a girl he was interested in.
He stiffened. She was right then. "This one has had cause to speak to Ling Qi on certain matters." Of course. Ling Qingge braced herself. "This one is... lacking in understanding. This one understands that the subject is awkward and embarrassing, however, there is no one else to ask, and the libraries on the subject are barren."
Ling Qingge blinked. She expected something strange and stressful, but this felt... not the kind of stressful she anticipated. "I hope this old woman can provide assistance."
The hat tilted down. Staring into his teacup. Doesn't he know I can't see his face anyway? "This one is aware that Ling Qi finds closeness, physical or otherwise... "
There it was.
Ling Qingge sighed, and twisted her cup. "I know you have feelings for my daughter, Sir Xuan." Best to just say it. He twitched, hard. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"This one endeavored not to be obvious."
"To another cultivator, maybe. Ling Qi herself was not aware until I told her of my observation. However, I am... well-versed in attraction." A delicate way to put it, she thought, mouth twisting into something akin to a smile.
"Ah."
Well. This was supremely awkward. The silence grew as they sat there. Ling Qingge made sure to keep her shoulders relaxed, her spine straight, and continued to sip her tea.
The appearance of control...
How to deal with this. He had yet to ask a question. She could assume, but somehow, that did not feel right. Ling Qi was... well, not un-afraid, but less wary of this young man, and spoke of him often and well in letters and conversation. Maybe...
"I can only answer questions which I am asked, Sir Xuan."
He hunched his shoulders, a tortoise retreating into its shell. That serious, was it? "How does one provide joy and comfort?" His voice was tiny.
That was not the question she expected. Not in any way. It felt like missing a step, the unfulfilled anticipation of answering questions that still filled her with despair. "I beg your pardon?"
"This one wishes to know how one would provide joy and comfort. From thy and thine household's reactions to this one's presence, this one gathered that many experiences were not so, however, this one hoped that thou wouldst have some explanation. This one apologizes for the discomfort-."
Oh. Is this what babbling looked like on this young man? The odd formality of his words suddenly flipping in her mind's eye from contempt to... insecurity? Caution? Perhaps something of both and something besides.
"Sir Xuan." He stopped talking. How had someone seemed so large a moment ago? Wasn't he two full cultivation tiers above her? He seemed to be shrinking in front of her eyes. "I am not going to reproach you, but is this not something you could ask of your parents?"
Oh, he could get smaller. "This one has never met them. This one's guardians are not ones who have such proclivities."
He had never met his parents. The scene changed again in her eyes. A young man who was interested in her daughter had come to her house, asking questions no young man should ask of anyone but family, because there was quite literally no one else to ask.
Ling Qingge wrapped her hands around her now-empty teacup to steady herself with the warmth and discovered all the heat had leeched from the pottery. And the iron teapot, mores the pity. She began to rise, to summon one of the house servants to fill it hot again, but the Xuan scion reached for the pot and held his hand against it until steam began to rise from the spout again.
"May this one pour for you, Madam Ling?"
"Oh, Sir Xuan, let me." A ducal scion performing such a task? Preposterous.
"This situation is adrift, and this one clings to the life raft of ceremony with both hands. Nobility sits ill at this time." He poured her teacup and slid it back across the table. She pressed the almost-too-hot pottery between her palms and breathed in, slowly. The scent of the tea had changed with the heat.
"Well, then. Thank you, Sir Xuan."
She looked at him over the top of her teacup, which caused him to somehow contract further. What to do..."This is not the discussion I thought I was having today. I will make arrangements to clear the rest of the day's schedule and have the servants include one more for supper."
"This one does not mean to upset the household-"
"This is a discussion that will take some time, and you are Ling Qi's... friend. She speaks of you highly and often. Whatever your relationship, you are dear to her in ways I do not fully understand. I want the best for my daughter, always. I do not know which among her many suitors that might be, however no one else has come to my door asking how to court her without frightening her."
She stood as gracefully as she could, taking the tea tray with her. Cultivation had taken care of a majority of the aches, but life would have its price. He rose to follow her.
"Come along, then. I will return the tray to the kitchen and then we may continue our conversation. The back garden would be a good place."
"Is that not part of thy family quarters?" Now that she had become accustomed to his voice and speech, he sounded insecure. "This one would not wish to cause discomfort."
"It is an open enough area and it is time for me to relieve the nanny of her responsibility for a few hours."
"Ah, Ling Qi's young sister. Zhengui has spoken of the "Littlest Sister" frequently."
Ling Qingge looked over her shoulder at him. "You speak to the Honored Spirit Zhengui often then?"
He nodded, hands vanishing back into his sleeves. "This one agreed to assist the young one in a small project related to a dream."
Well, that made no sense, but it was well. Higher cultivator matters were no place for one such as she. It was enough that her daughter's first spirit beast and this young man got along. Shared work and interests were often essential to maintaining good relationships, no matter their tenor.
Ling Qinnge handed off the tea tray to one of the girls at the kitchen door, the Xuan scion standing back a good ways and half-turning towards the back garden to wait. On a hunch, she reached out and took back a plate of mushroom and herb dumplings and the box of tea leaves. He hadn't eaten anything, after all, and what he didn't eat, Biyu would. A small snack wouldn't disrupt dinner too much.
"Anything else, Madam?"
"The water in the family quarters has been refreshed?"
"Yes'm."
"Then no, dear, and thank you."
Then they were turning into the back garden and settling on the cushioned benches on the veranda, a table between them holding the dumplings and a teapot from the local storage. The small waterfall that began as Zhengui's favorite burrowing place and eventually was formalized into a fishpond trickled merrily. Truly, she loved this little garden. Deep breath in.
"You asked for advice on joy and comfort."
The Xuan scion was overlooking the garden and flinched when the subject came back up, but he only nodded.
"I admit, I have little experience. As you know,-" Probably, nobles gossip like finches. "- I, and most of the servants in this house, were employed in a brothel before my daughter returned to bring us here. It was not a place for either joy or comfort. The only tale I have to tell of both or either of those things is that of Ling Qi's conception itself, and even that ended in disappointment."
His shoulders folded in on themselves momentarily, then straightened. "This one had noticed Miss Ling did not mention her sire, only her mother and younger sister."
She nodded. "I was once a member of a servant family to a minor noble house, and did not wish to marry as my family bid me. So, I ran away with some funds. I thought myself brave and craved the romance I had read of in books. The dream of a child. It is shameful, I know, but the past is the past and it cannot be changed. I had some skill with a flute, and through that skill I encountered Ling Qi's... sire. That would be the correct word, for a father assists in the child's education. Is it wrong of me to find relief in a simple word change? He is half of my daughter, but she is all mine."
"And thou art truly her mother."
She looked at him and squinted. An insult? Probably not.
"On joy and comfort itself... I do not believe you yet mean the marriage bed. Or lack thereof, for I have no room to judge. Though I would be displeased if such things came to pass."
The hat looked affronted. "Madam Ling-"
She waved him down. "It needed to be said. There is nothing I could do if such a thing were to come to pass. However, a mother's duty is to care for her children, even if she cannot protect them from everything the world has to offer."
This seemed to mollify him somewhat. "This one speaks only of becoming close to her, to have her lack fear in my presence." He seemed to turn a thought over in his head. "This one has no practical experience of 'love'. It is an emotion with as many definitions as grains of sand on the shore."
A sticky subject, and no mistake. "Love means different things to each and every person. People might even love some parts of a person and loathe others, craving the push and pull between jealousy and love. Rarely do such partnerships last."
The hat tilted again. How could slatted wood and hexagonal paint look so confused? "This one fails to see how that would even function. This one is familiar with the tides, and true art might express dichotomy, but relationships of that sort seem... unbalanced."
"It is well that you think so. I need not fear that scenario for my daughter then."
The hat turned towards her slowly, a touch of his power feeling like the eternity under a mountain, final and unbreakable. "Not ever."
Ling Qingge nodded once, sharply. "Good. Your question might be 'what emotions make up a balanced love, or relationship?' This varies from person to person. For some, it is protection. Many young ladies wish to feel protected by their partner. For others, it is spontaneity, or devotion, or finance. Think on what you know of my daughter, and what she surrounds herself with. What do you believe she would require? No-" she stopped him as he began to speak "-I do not need to know. This is merely advice. When you have a more formal question to ask, I will accept the answer then. Not before."
He nodded slowly, obviously digesting.
"Now. You are familiar with the physical aspects of "joy and comfort", as you put it?"
"This one has been supplied with relevant reading materials by this one's guardians." The hat, which had been regaining its more relaxed height, returned to being almost flat to his shoulders and his voice was very small.
"No practical experience." It was a skillset. Treat it like a skillset, not a vile collection of years that stole her vitality and drove her near to despair, if not for her daughters. "I am glad." That made him straighten a little, the hat tilting a question. "Ling Qi's sire was my first, and while it might benefit one to have a more experienced partner, the power balance is forever altered, the less experienced forever following the more."
He reached to reheat the teapot, then refill first her cup, then his own. When had she emptied it? "This one's first experience with Miss Ling was assisting her in her formations research. To learn together, to share knowledge discovered is a precious moment."
Ling Qingge smiled. "Precisely. I will provide no advice on the subject. Emotional joy and comfort, however." She tapped the rim of her warm-again teacup with her fingernail, grown long in her breakthrough. "To 'provide joy' means that the concept of debt and the exchange of favors no longer exists between you. You do things for each other for no other reason than to see them smile. I take it you have reached that point with her, but not she with you?"
"This one would have borne the costs of more than the shell vault with no complaint. Miss Ling was insistent."
"Of course she was. I would have expected nothing less. A young lady must remain on equal footing to have any power within her relationship and it avoids the appearance of scandal. Though the servant that surprised you two was certainly scandalized. She thought the room haunted."
He actually raised his hand to pull his hat down further. "Mine own cultivation leads to gloomy shores and dark stone under the mountain, and Miss Ling is known to summon dreams and phantoms with song. This one tenders his apologies to the young lady in question and begs her forgiveness for the discomfort. The work required Miss Ling to stand rather close to this one's side to hold the stencils, and her discomfort begat mine own. Such things are known to allow a cultivator's domain to express more easily."
That explained it. She would make the explanation less complex when she informed the servant of what had happened. "Comfort, then. A feeling of safety and a lack of stress, even without a purpose in the meeting. To exist in each other's space without tension or expectation. Does that help you?"
His shoulders had slumped again. "Indeed, thine words accurately describe it, but this one is nowhere close."
Ling Qingge raised both eyebrows. "You are not permitted to be maudlin or unrealistic, with me, young man. I will not permit it. She stood close to you, and continued to do so until the work was done. It is the reason you now sit in my garden, and not the formal sitting room as before. She did not flee, and still seeks you out to this day. You could be the most skilled formations expert in the empire, but if she was fearful of you, you would never see her again. Fear devours reason, if not withstood. We must encounter and overcome our fears, even as our mind is almost overcome. If she had truly not wanted to be there, she would have found another way, or let you complete the work alone." Goodness, she sounded like a grandmother.
The hat came up and she saw, at last, his eyes. They looked a little bewildered and a lot thoughtful, dark green on an odd slate grey. "This one had not thought... Of we two, Miss Ling is the swifter and more agile. This one could no more catch hold of her against her will than the wind, or moonlight."
She smiled. "And now you have finally met my eyes."
The hat dropped. "This one apologizes."
"For what, Sir Xuan? I do not know your traditions, but I had assumed your garb was cultural or a family policy, and there was some taboo against non-family seeing you easily." But if that were not true...
The scene changed yet again. The ducal scion, the young god, the cultivator powerful enough to conceal twenty people in a room from a storm that wrecked a quarter of the town, vanished and instead, a young man was seated on the bench across from her, someone no older than her daughter, who was ashamed of his appearance. Some things did not change, it seemed, with power or with station.
There is truth in one's perception, but it is not the whole truth.
"Nay, Madam Ling. Merely mine own choice. This one has been informed that his appearance is..."
"Understood. I will not ask more of you. It does me good to know that you do have eyes, however." The gentle poke was out of her mouth before she could think to stop it.
He met her eyes again, and she saw them curve and crinkle in what was quite obviously a smile. "And that, Madam, is why this one believes thou art thy daughter's mother entirely."
The earth seemed to settle under her. The anxiety she felt upon meeting such a vaunted person as a ducal family member did not vanish, but seemed to abate, and she took what felt like her first breath in an age.
She raised her eyebrows at him. "Any other uncomfortable questions? We seem to have made a good start on it today."
She saw his shoulders rise to answer, but a shriek from across the garden cut everything off. "Mama! " Her second hellion tore across the beautiful path, up onto the veranda, and into her arms in an instant, before noticing the company and sliding to the far side of her skirts. Ling Qingge hoped that her daughter chose calmer elements to cultivate than her eldest daughter, otherwise she would be run ragged.
Biyu shyly peeked out at the Xuan- no. He was Xuan Shi, now, if only in her own mind. Half her age, and worlds above her, this very young god had come to her asking for advice. There wasn't enough context in the world.
"Mama? Who's this?"
"Biyu, this is your sister's friend, Sir Xuan. Say hello properly."
"Hello, Sir Shu-an. 'm Biyu." Her voice was quiet, but she was watching him with growing interest and confidence. "Mama, does he not have a face?" She was twisting and tilting her head, trying to see beneath the hat.
"Biyu, that is not polite-."
"It is well, Madam Ling. Greetings, Ling Biyu. This one is honored by your attention." He held out both gloved hands, gauntlets on the bench beside him, for her to inspect.
"Mm. You have the shapes, like the ones on the wall." She pointed at the sleeves of his robe, then on his hat.
"Indeed, Young Miss. This one assisted thy sister in its creation."
"Huh?" Confusion. As expected.
"Sir Xuan made that room, Biyu."
Biyu gasped. "You made the turtle room!" Ah, the sudden confidence of a five-year old upon discovering a common interest.
"Just so, Young Miss."
"Turtles are the best! Do you like turtles too, Shu-an?" Biyu was now holding onto both of his hands and using them to hold her weight as she bounced. Ling Qingge rubbed her eyes. Her daughters....
"This one does. They are very strong creatures." At least Sir Xuan was an even tempered sort, even if he was looking a little tight around the shoulders at the attention.
"Uh huh! My Sis-y has one! His name is Chun-gway. But he's a special turtle! He used to be real lil' an' now he's super big! And part of him's a snake!" Biyu was now suspended completely from Xuan Shi's hands by her own grip and was twisting energetically, kicking her feet back and forth. Ling Qingge met his eyes and tried to silently apologize. She had known cultivators were strong, but to suspend a twisting child from one's hands alone...
"Fret not, Madam Ling, this one has younger cousins." Ah, so he was fine with allowing her little rapscallion to hang off his hands and talk his ear off. Something about the statement felt a little sad, though. Could he no longer see them for some reason?
"Sir Shu-an, why're you here? Mama said you were Sis-y's friend, but she's not here."
"This one wished for your mother's advice. She is very wise."
"Yeah! Mama's the best! And Sis-y too!" She seemed to be winding down a bit, returning her weight to the floor and leaning up to peer at the place where that high collar met his hat. Oh no... that wasn't good.
"Sir Xuan, please mind-"
Biyu pounced. Ling Qingge supposed he could have dodged, but was probably less certain of what would break if he did. The hat went flying, and two very small hands landed on his cheeks with a significant slap.
"You DO have a face!" Biyu crowed happily, now kneeling on his lap. He did, and she could understand why he would feel the need to conceal himself. His appearance was... unusual, perhaps disconcerting. His skin was dark, darker than her daughters, except where an almost complete band of plate-like scales of the deepest green she had ever beheld crossed his cheeks to stop on either side of his nose. Those eyes were so very strange, vibrant green on deep grey. His hair was short and a white ridge was almost subsumed under the glossy green-black fuzz. All in all, a very odd looking person.
But this person was the same one she had just been speaking to. Who, even now, was reacting to catch her too-energetic daughter before she even considered falling. No parents, and absent guardians. Ducal families were said to be strange, but she had thought that, at minimum, they would have put more care into their children.
He was watching her. Did he expect her to scream? Instead she put on a frown, though she hardly meant it. "Biyu. That was very rude."
Biyu looked a little contrite, but looked back into his face. "Sorry for the hat, but Nanny said that there are no-face monsters and I hadta check." They were almost nose to nose, with her hands still holding onto his face.
"No trouble, Young Miss." He reached up and moved her hands gently off his face, like she had seen people convince pet birds to step onto their hands. "This one was merely surprised. Does this one indeed have a face?"
Biyu nodded vigorously. "Uh huh! A good one!"
That seemed to shake him a little. Who had he been hiding from? And for how long?
"You have scales! And soft eyes!" Biyu leaned back a little, and tilted her head in consideration, then nodded firmly. "You're good. You can stay."
Those "soft eyes" looked at Ling Qingge for help. Not that familiar with children then. She almost let Biyu run him out, but decided to take pity. He already had one daughter of hers to deal with.
"Biyu, either sit quietly with Sir Xuan or go play in the garden."
"I stay." She turned and sat down, wriggling until she got comfortable. Ling Qingge reached to return his hat, which made Biyu frown. "No hat!"
"Biyu. That is enough." Her voice brooked no argument. That allowed the hat to successfully make it back to his head and was not removed again. Biyu pouted. Xuan Shi looked down at her, then unfastened his collar a little so only Biyu could see his face under his hat.
"Good." She settled in. After a beat, he pulled one of the gloves off of his hands and showed her the scales that ran up to his fingers. This seemed to amuse and delight the child as Ling Qingge and Xuan Shi continued talking. Eventually, Biyu nodded off, still holding his fingers.
Xuan Shi was watching Biyu, enraptured. "The fruit of the tree is true to the tree."
Ling Qingge was shaken from her small reverie. "Sir Xuan?"
"Uncommon bravery and acceptance is shown in both thy daughters. If it is no accident of fortune, then it must be because of thee, Madam Ling. This one has never felt the need to grow close to any before thy eldest daughter, nor an acceptance so swift as that of thy youngest." He seemed to be struggling with some immense emotion. "This one is grateful to know thy family."
"We are nothing special, Sir Xuan."
"Many would say so, speaking from high station. They say "family" and hide the word "prison" and "obligation" behind it. But those wishing to know what true family is should look no further than here." His hand turned around Biyu's much smaller, paler one, lining up her fingers with his much larger, thicker ones.
"Shu-an-ge, uncomfyyyyy." Biyu's small whine broke the tension as she shifted in his arms.
"This one apologizes, Young Miss. This one's robes hold many tools and armorings. It would not be comfortable to sleep on."
Biyu glared at him blearily. "Don't bring 'em next time, Shu-an-ge."
"Shi."
"Huh?"
"This one's name is Xuan Shi, Miss Biyu."
"Not Sir Shu-an?"
"Nay, Miss Biyu. 'Sir' is the title thy mother refers to this one as. Xuan is this one's family name."
Biyu squinted at him. "Shi-ge."
"Yes, Miss Biyu?"
"No armor next time."
"Yes, Miss Biyu."
He pushed at something in his robes and the sharp corner that had woken Biyu was either hidden or manipulated away. She fell back asleep swiftly and the quiet of the garden and the bustle of the kitchen persisted for a time. He seemed content to sit and allow her youngest daughter to drool on his robes and cling to his hand.
Eventually, a servant rounded the corner quietly to alert them of dinner. She seemed slightly bewildered at the sight of a Ducal family member and Green stage cultivator allowing a small mundane child to nap on him, which was reasonable.
Ling Qingge sighed. Peace was over. The War of Supper, also known as getting Biyu to eat everything on her plate, was nigh.
"Sir Xuan, I can take her."
Xuan Shi seemed a little reluctant to relinquish Biyu, but gently untangled his fingers and smoothly stood, only jostling the child a bit. "As you will, Madam Ling, but it is no trouble. Truly." He meant it, too.
"Mama?" Biyu woke at the sound of her voice, then looked up at his face. Her hands came up, and pulled his collar down. She stared into his face for a minute. "Face is still there. Don't worry."
This time, Ling Qingge was treated to the sight of his unsteady half-smile as Biyu let go of his collar with one hand and pointed toward the dining room. "Supper! Let's go!"
Xuan Shi was watching her over her daughter's head. How do you want to handle this?
"Biyu, Sir Xuan might be staying for dinner. You can sit with him, if you eat all your vegetables." Hook...
Biyu's face scrunched. "Ew."
Xuan Shi observed this byplay, then said, casually, "The dumplings were excellent, Madam Ling, and quite sufficient for this one's needs. It would be too much to ask to stay longer. This one would not wish to be an inconvenience." Line...
"I understand, Sir Xuan. You must be very busy."
The war of Vegetable vs. New Plaything warred out on Biyu's round face. "I'll eat 'em." Sinker.
"It is well then, Miss Biyu, for this one did not wish to eat all of the vegetables alone. Selfishness is unbecoming and a meal always tastes better when shared." Xuan Shi was meeting Biyu's eyes solidly, an unwavering and entirely trustworthy source of information.
Apparently, vegetables did taste better when shared. Biyu ate everything Xuan Shi placed on her plate, cut into pieces for her, and everything he ate, she tried. Hot and peppery dishes were still difficult and required rice.
"Miss Biyu, was dinner enjoyable?" Biyu was back in Xuan Shi's lap, half-asleep again.
"You were right about the vegetables. They do taste better when you share."
"Many things are better when shared." He was thinking hard about something, she could tell by the pitch in his voice.
"Shi-ge, you gonna go home now, right?"
"Yes, Miss Biyu. This one must return to thy sister in the south. Shall this one bear a message for her? A letter or a drawing?"
Biyu sat bolt upright. "Yes! I'll get it. Nanny drew with me today, and I'm real proud of it!" She bolted out the door, her once-again-but-slightly-less harassed Nanny trailing her at speed.
"This one apologizes for encouraging her energy."
"Sir Xuan, she would be energetic even if you were not here. And she ate all her vegetables, which means I am of a mind to be very forgiving."
That half-smile made a reappearance as they stood and made their way to the entrance to the family wing without rushing. Biyu met them as they reached it, a folded message sealed with rice glue and a pressed flower held in both hands.
"You gotta give it to Sis-y right away, okay? As soon as you get there. Promise, Shi-ge?"
"This one promises, Miss Biyu."
Biyu wrinkled up her nose as he tucked the letter into his robes. "Pinky swear?"
"Of course." He crouched, staff against one shoulder and spare glove and gauntlet in his other hand as he linked fingers with Biyu. "This one promises to deliver thy message with the greatest speed possible to thy sister, and to let none stop him in his task."
"Okay. You don't break promises." Biyu nodded with finality, then wrapped both arms around his neck. "Be good, Shi-ge. Come back soon."
"If that is an invitation from Young Miss Biyu, then this one will."
Biyu let go, face still scrunched up, and took off towards the family compound. Xuan Shi watched her go, face bemused.
"Five year olds are prone to large emotions. She wanted to be responsible and not cry when saying goodbye."
"Ah."
The silence stretched. She would never be able to be informal with this young man, but it was an easier silence than when he had arrived.
"This one thanks Madam Ling for her time. Her insights cleared this one's mind greatly on many subjects and provided an excellent example." He bowed deeply. Too deep, her formal mind shouted at her.
"You are most welcome, Sir Xuan, and I hope you come back soon, hopefully bringing my wandering eldest daughter with you."
"Madam Ling is most kind." He straightened and turned to the gates to the street. She supposed he didn't precisely need them, but it was polite. A thought snagged her mind...
"Sir Xuan, why did you come to me for advice?"
He turned from the gate and suddenly, the Ducal scion had returned in full force. It wasn't jarring, it simply was, like suddenly noticing the mountain you had been traveling towards looming overhead.
"Madam Ling, this one is afforded a craftsman of some skill. In any craft, approach with determination and respect. But first, seek a subject matter expert."
---
Many thanks to the Three I Inflicted This On Before Posting. You know who you are. Your patience is appreciated.
EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
[X] A full slate of the appropriate priests will be assembled here, to study the spirits in the borderlands and create a full slate of shared rituals which might be shared across the Embassy grounds and perhaps in the future, be applied to other border regions. -2 MoI favorability, -1 ES Favorability. +2 Pt Favorability, +1 WS Favorability)
Voting for max risk option
Voting for max risk option
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
- Location
- United States of America
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
The risk of Shenhua letting the treaty be broken due to MOI actions if we let MOI get to negative favorability is relatively low. As long as the treaty secured a flank against cloud Shenhua would never discard the treaty. But a successful treaty means nothing to us as long as it is not the CRX's project and losing it is a huge threat. Negative MOI favorability probably means more obstruction from MOI for every moving part of the treaty and they driving nobels against it. End result and our failure condition will be Shenhua taking away the project from us and giving it over to a bureaucrat from Xiangman as was the original plan if we stayed on sect. So the win condition for MOI or any other imperial faction with negative favorability will be to get Shenhua to dispose of us and appoint another leader better suited to their policies. But if we get to the end of the summit treaty itself will be ironclad and protected unless a force that can push Shenhua opposes it since Shenhua will obviously want the treaty to continue.
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[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
fictionfan
Please sir, may I have some Meows?
- Location
- Tempe, AZ
This is so great. Really puts him up the rankings.
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- She/They
This is insightful and wholesome and beautiful and I loved it. Thanks!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yeah this is really fantastic, I wish it was canon.
It's also criminal that this has not happened, and doesn't seem to have ever been brought up.
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I vaugly recall LQ mentioning wanting to give her mom some practice at the whole host thing before bringing a ducal scion home. That would have been not long after LQ's family moved to the sect village though, so it's way over due.
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
Very cute indeed. Biyu proving to be the wholesome little munchkin the Ling family and perhaps RXN need.
Very cute indeed. Biyu proving to be the wholesome little munchkin the Ling family and perhaps RXN need.
TimEd
Meteor maker
Man, this is great. The Ship Wars, begun they truly have.
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/They
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability)
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
[X] Priests and spirit speakers who work with the small gods of roads and hearths and wild places will be allowed to confer with each other, and arrange new rituals and methods to placate the spirits whose realms cross over the borders, as well as opening study into proper practice for travelers. (+1 PT, WS Favorability, -1 MoI Favorability