[X] Yes. Little enough is known, and the facilities at the capital are superior. She would like to get use out of any treasures sooner rather than later, but she would like to be certain of their safety even more. (Slower Turnaround on Labyrinth Loot, higher rolls for identification and safety. MoI likes this)
Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Uh, pal? That vote happened quite some time ago.
- Location
- FR
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Well, the only thing we can really do to get closer to increasing our chance of getting cultivators is seeing if the forest temple could do that for us, so doing that and the clay wouldn't be the worst (our third slot is taken up by the 2nd month of building Zhengui's spa)
- Location
- the internet
I personally like to see our Mistwater Collection thing develop sooner rather than later.
- Location
- FR
- Pronouns
- He/Him
We'd need a cultivation population that's not busy on the wall for that, and we're already scrabbling for the first one.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Well, hopefully the artisan(s) we'll pick up from this would qualify for that? As for what specifically we would use them for, I don't have much of a preference currently.
You bully Qi too much and her biggest defender Hanyi gets mad. And you don't piss off Mob Boss Hanyi
It's always sweet when we see how much Hanyi idolizes Qi now.
- Location
- Staring into the void
You play chase with them one time, and they adore you for life.You bully Qi too much and her biggest defender Hanyi gets mad. And you don't piss off Mob Boss Hanyi
It's always sweet when we see how much Hanyi idolizes Qi now.
Year 46, Month 1 Arc 1-4
New
"Well I guess, in the end, it's hard to be more excited about numbers and trade routes than it is about things you can hold in your hands," Ling Qi mused.
"You did, indeed, not argue very long," Xia Lin said, crossing her arms over her chest, looking up at the streamers of fragrant smoke that rose from the chimneys of the alchemical labs and workshops all around them.
Unlike the industrial workshops, the streets here were packed with passersby and the formations kept the air clear enough and more subtle, more a mild filter and manipulation of the wind than a grand vortex. The character of the whole place was brighter and more welcoming, with advertisements and storefronts clashing to draw the unwary and uninvested eye.
She had already almost stopped to sniffing after the pills and elixirs she'd caught wind of several times now. But her will was strong and that was not why she was here!
Yet.
Yet.
"I'd be a little surprised that there were several active venues for 'faires' but I guess I shouldn't be with so many noble families sending representatives."
"Indeed, we are hardly the only bored young misses out to scatter our stones like leaves," Xia Lin said wryly, tilting her chin up and looking around them.
There were actually quite a few gaggles of nobles their age around, huh?
"We're not here to frivolously purchase talismans. We're here to invest," Ling Qi sniffed
"After speaking to starry eyes young apprentices who will surely be… embellishing their accomplishments and ambitions for a few minutes or so."
"Who says I am going to pick someone right then and there? I could very well consider and come back after the ceremony and parties to make my decision."
Xia Lin stopped, turned to face her, and gave her an unimpressed look.
Yeah, I think she's got you there Qi.
"I could," Ling Qi insisted. "But I am, in fact, a very good judge of character."
She turned up her nose, Xia Lin sighed. Ling Qi smirked. Hard to refute her accomplishments!
"Let us go to the tradeshow. I do not want to be late and have to squeeze through the crowds to view the displays directly," Xia Lin sighed.
"Oh don't worry, it's just ahead there," Ling Qi dismissed, pointing ahead.
"Oh? Suprisingly plain, I passed over it."
Out of the many oddly built and structured workshops in the district, the tradehouse was a simple two-tiered building its curved roof of plain ochre tile and simple brightly lit lanterns a splotch of softer color among a riot. She supposed there were some benefits to not needing to build to the arcane specifications of different geomantic demands the way the craftworks did.
But she could sense the chaotic clash of energies from within it, the products of many of those workshops filling the air with mixed and confusing energies.
The fabric of her gown bunched a little at the shoulders, and she felt Qiyi's attention, so long turned inward, reaching into the market around her.
Friends?
Probably not for a long time. Ling Qi soothed.
Sad… Yummys?
…that was a good bit more likely. Maybe she would have to find a bolt of qi-infused silk to buy. She'd feel a bit guilty buying an actual dress, someone's work they had poured effort into, just to feed it to Qiyi.
Entering the trade house reception directed them to the rearmost showroom for the 'apprentice displays' the young crafters looking to move up and out and gain their first patrons.
"Shall we part for now then? I believe we are looking for different things," Xia Lin said."
"I suppose, Ling Qi agreed. Meet back by the entrance in an hour?"
"Agreed," Xia Lin said, nodding crisply. She set off toward the metalworks displays, and Ling Qi turned away, casting a curious eye over the crowd and the apprentices and their stands. She pulled her qi in, and slid between the press, easily fading from general notice. However she did notice a few eyes sharpen and turn her way briefly.
Good security that.
The first to really catch Ling Qi's eye though was a young woman in the heavy good display areas, where makers of furnishings and other larger projects were showing their works. Around the space set aside for her were hand-carved benches, tables, and chairs in many sizes and colors, though each showed a preference for austerity taking color only from the wood and varnish, and settings without any gaudy paints or polishes. What caught her eye, in particular, was a high, shrine cabinet cut from dark wood, its facing carved with meticulous and lifelike figures of people lined up and posed respect and celebration, toward the center. There split across the cabinet doors was a raised blank section, clearly meant to hold the characters of a clan name.
It made her think of the relatively plain cabinet that held the Ling family's few ancestral tablets right now. The formations work hidden in the cuts of the frieze and fittings was nothing amazing… she had seen masterworks beyond anything an apprentice could do, but they were solid work, almost flawless in their attention to detail.
The maker was a young woman with bushy tangled brown hair that looked like it had only recently had a comb dragged through it haphazardly, possibly for the first time in years. Her eyes were wide and owlish, giving her a sort of frazzled air much at odds with the austere theming and lines of her creations. Her gown was black and grey and cut very modestly, though Ling Qi could tell the woman felt a bit twitchy in it. She probably wore workman's clothes most of the time. Her name was Chun Huan, according to the makers marks on her things.
Chen Huan was glancing after another pair of young noblewomen who had passed her by with only a dismissive glance when Ling Qi approached her. "I particularly like the shrine cabinet. Do you do much work on spiritual furnishings, shrine gates, and decor?"
Ling Qi only realized she'd forgotten to release her hold on her Qi, which she'd been using to glide unnoticed through the crowd when the poor second realm in front of her almost literally jumped at the sound of her voice, spinning around to face her like she'd just been stung.
"Wh- What…"
She frowned, sending annoyance toward Sixiang. Why didn't they tell her?
"Cause this was hilarious and harmless."
"Apologies Miss Chen, I didn't realize how quiet I was being," Ling Qi said calmingly.
"Oh… I see… My deepest apologies, honored customer, it is my fault for being inattentive," the carpenter said, recovering herself and bowing swiftly.
"No, I promise you it isn't," Ling Qi said gently. "So shrines?"
Chen Huan straightened up, still smoothing her dress nervously, but didn't try to contradict her. "The Miss has good eyes, that is one of my finest pieces, though the final customizations need to be done. I have done a significant amount of work on spiritual pieces. My Master has been contracted to work on the gates, outer and inner of several shrines in the Cloud District as well as numerous ones in the trunk."
"I see, I see. Is that where the style comes from? I know the local spirits of Xiangmen tend to favor austerity in their personal shrines, at odds with more current fashions."
"The Miss is correct. I find there is much beauty to be found by working more with the natural lines and colors of the wood than pigments. These can be complemented with chasing or inlays, but a subtle hand here is also best," Chen Huan agreed, a note of excitement entering her voice.
"We are doing a great deal of work on our shrines at our settlement in the south," Ling Qi mused. "Do you have any experience working with higher realm materials?"
The woman peered at her curiously. Clearly trying to place her and failing. "...Some, Master has allowed me to work with some third grade woods in preparation for my breakthrough, and allowed me to observe his work on fourth grade ones."
"...Baroness Ling Qi. My apologies for not introducing myself."
Seeing recognition set in was oddly gratifying and with it surprise. She didn't know how to feel about the anxiety. "I see! Yes it beggars my imagination to think of how much work must be done in those chaotic lands."
Ling Qi tiled her head to the side. "I do not think it does. You are on the edge of a breakthrough, aren't you?"
"This one has made the attempt several times. I will not overestimate my chances."
Ling Qi nodded at that, she supposed that was all the more reason to be working hard for funding. "Then I will keep your name in mind, Chen Huan. I may have some things for you to do."
Cai Renxiang could certainly get more skilled carpentry on contract, but… there was some appeal to having in house skill. Which was the point of all this she supposed.
She stepped away, leaving the woman to speak to the next interested nobles, and drifted back into the crowd, letting her qi fade into the background once again.
It was ironically, the bright, vibrant colors that next drew her in for a closer look.
Oooooohhhhhh Yummys yummys Papa's dye pot yummys…!
Ling Qi cast an amused look down at her sleeves where ribbons of rustling lace were emerging like grasping fingers. No eating before she could buy anything.
Buuuuuut…!
She would buy something. Qiyi could pick any dye pot she liked.
Yay!
The young man here and there with all the glass and ceramic vials and swatches of color in cloth and other materials was as tall as her, surprisingly. Thine as a pole, and about as gangly, he worse a smudged and stained smock and bandana, and a pair of wide lensed glasses over his eyes.
"Ah, welcome, welcome Miss, this humble Leng Shui is pleased to have caught your eye," the man said as she approached, remembering to lose her hold on her qi before she came into his line of sight. "Ah! But I do not know that I do better than your current clothier. Such sublime work!"
Qiyi preened.
"I would not expect an apprentice to do better than Sir Lin," Ling Qi said casually. "You are an alchemist of… colors then?"
It was amusing to see that name work its way into his mind, glance off the obvious association, and go looking for another.
"Moons, getting bullied so much you feel like you gotta pick on small fry now huh?"
Shush Sixiang.
"That is a fine way to put it! I am in the business of tinctures, dyes and paints. I also work somewhat with resins and sealants. My works are not merely beautiful either, but can be mixed to imbue effects on even otherwise unenhanced materials… though I am still working on the lifespan of those effects."
"Naturally," Ling Qi said looking curiously. "Such a wide range of shades… I imagine some of these must be difficult to reach, I sense a few wisps of third realm qi in a few of these mixes."
"Oh yes, this one has not had the honor of working with more than the leavings of my master's materials, as I am now," he agreed. Like most of the apprentices here, he was only second realm, but she judged him younger than Chen Huan. Just by the feel of his spirit, she didn't think he had tried to break through yet. "But he has expressed satisfaction with my handling."
Importing paints for Biyu was a very small expense, and her sister sometimes ran out such as after the…. Incident.
"I thought the ceiling looked better like that."
Mother disagreed. That was a small consideration though. Who knew if her sister's interest would even continue? Still bringing a bit more color to Shenglu couldn't hurt.
"For now, I will take that pot of… Night horizon?" It looked purplish to her, and Qiyi wanted it.
"Of course Miss of course, should I package it…?"
"You needn't bother, it won't last long," Ling Qi sighed, passing over the yellow stones for it. Qiyi immediately rustled, extending a ribbon to pry off the wax seal and plunge into the pot while it was still in her hands.
Leng Shui's eyes bugged out. She stifled a laugh and swept back into the crowd.
She wandered the trade show for quite some time after that, browsing things. None other caught her eye the way those two had, though she did mark some few for maybe purchasing gifts and souvenirs until she found herself looking at Xia Lin's back, standing before a display of intricate sculptures and pottery. Ling Qi's eyes flinched off several of the vases, even knowing that they were practically mundane. She shook her head in annoyance as she approached Xia Lin's back, reaching out a hand…
"Ling Qi."
"Xia Lin."
"You would need to do better than that."
"I hardly want to actually startle a soldier in the middle of a crowded room," Ling Qi chuckled, brushing a speck of dust off her friend's shoulder before stepping up beside her.
"Honored customer…"
"My apologies. My friend was merely making herself a nuisance. Continue your presentation."
Ling Qi huffed indignantly. Qiyi's ribbons made a strange slurping side as they wriggled further into the dye pot.
"R-right. As I was saying, the loam from the Jing River is the most common clay used for preservatives, its sealant and purifying properties come from the spirit of the river infused into the surrounding earth. But it is not considered very valuable due to its availability and poor luster when fired, so…"
"But you are familiar with working on such vessels and linings, correct? I observe traces of this mixed in with the other clays and porcelains," Xia Lin said.
The girl winced. She really was a small thing, no bigger than Suyin, if perhaps a bit plumper, with her black hair tied back in a neat little bun. "These are only garnishes to allow the surface to take some of the glazes better. I would never dilute with low quality…"
"No one can hear us," Ling Qi said idly. "Which is why my friend is being so blunt, I assume."
"Yes. I am primarily interested in storage properties and utility over beauty," Xia Lin said plainly. "No other ceramics workers I have observed here have practical vessels on display, Lai Wan."
The girl slumped her shoulders a little. "... So that is… Jing River loam is not a poor material, it is very solid and mixes well with other clays, if used properly, the whorling pattern this produces can be enhanced well with glazes as you see here, and… Yes, it retains some of the properties if worked and fired correctly. I don't understand though, that sort of work is beneath the interest of noble customers is it not…?"
What Ling Qi heard in her words was that she was afraid because she wouldn't have learned to use an 'inferior' material if it wasn't needed. She supposed whatever Master Lai Wan had they were either poor or only giving the girl real scraps to work with.
She shared a look with Xia Lin, understanding what her fellow retainer was looking for. They did still need to work out the properties of that ice-aspected clay deposit they had found. "Perhaps most, but not all," she shrugged. "But regardless I see no 'dilution' here, do you, Xia Lin?"
"No," she replied shortly. "I will have work for you in the future."
Ling Qi shook her head as they stepped away, the girl behind them sagging in confused relief. "A little brusque, wasn't that?"
"Unlike you, I cannot flow like mist through a crowd," Xia Lin said sourly. "Nor filter out every vapid bray and complaint about being bumped into."
"Ah, sorry sorry. Still, did you find anything besides Miss Lai?"
"A few. We will see if the interest remains long though. You?"
Ling Qi hummed. She was still interested in…
[ ] Chen Huan, the Spirit Carpenter
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] Leng Shui, the Color Alchemist
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] Lai Wen, the Practical Potter
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] None of the above
You may vote for as many or as few as you like but please do so by plan.
"You did, indeed, not argue very long," Xia Lin said, crossing her arms over her chest, looking up at the streamers of fragrant smoke that rose from the chimneys of the alchemical labs and workshops all around them.
Unlike the industrial workshops, the streets here were packed with passersby and the formations kept the air clear enough and more subtle, more a mild filter and manipulation of the wind than a grand vortex. The character of the whole place was brighter and more welcoming, with advertisements and storefronts clashing to draw the unwary and uninvested eye.
She had already almost stopped to sniffing after the pills and elixirs she'd caught wind of several times now. But her will was strong and that was not why she was here!
Yet.
Yet.
"I'd be a little surprised that there were several active venues for 'faires' but I guess I shouldn't be with so many noble families sending representatives."
"Indeed, we are hardly the only bored young misses out to scatter our stones like leaves," Xia Lin said wryly, tilting her chin up and looking around them.
There were actually quite a few gaggles of nobles their age around, huh?
"We're not here to frivolously purchase talismans. We're here to invest," Ling Qi sniffed
"After speaking to starry eyes young apprentices who will surely be… embellishing their accomplishments and ambitions for a few minutes or so."
"Who says I am going to pick someone right then and there? I could very well consider and come back after the ceremony and parties to make my decision."
Xia Lin stopped, turned to face her, and gave her an unimpressed look.
Yeah, I think she's got you there Qi.
"I could," Ling Qi insisted. "But I am, in fact, a very good judge of character."
She turned up her nose, Xia Lin sighed. Ling Qi smirked. Hard to refute her accomplishments!
"Let us go to the tradeshow. I do not want to be late and have to squeeze through the crowds to view the displays directly," Xia Lin sighed.
"Oh don't worry, it's just ahead there," Ling Qi dismissed, pointing ahead.
"Oh? Suprisingly plain, I passed over it."
Out of the many oddly built and structured workshops in the district, the tradehouse was a simple two-tiered building its curved roof of plain ochre tile and simple brightly lit lanterns a splotch of softer color among a riot. She supposed there were some benefits to not needing to build to the arcane specifications of different geomantic demands the way the craftworks did.
But she could sense the chaotic clash of energies from within it, the products of many of those workshops filling the air with mixed and confusing energies.
The fabric of her gown bunched a little at the shoulders, and she felt Qiyi's attention, so long turned inward, reaching into the market around her.
Friends?
Probably not for a long time. Ling Qi soothed.
Sad… Yummys?
…that was a good bit more likely. Maybe she would have to find a bolt of qi-infused silk to buy. She'd feel a bit guilty buying an actual dress, someone's work they had poured effort into, just to feed it to Qiyi.
Entering the trade house reception directed them to the rearmost showroom for the 'apprentice displays' the young crafters looking to move up and out and gain their first patrons.
"Shall we part for now then? I believe we are looking for different things," Xia Lin said."
"I suppose, Ling Qi agreed. Meet back by the entrance in an hour?"
"Agreed," Xia Lin said, nodding crisply. She set off toward the metalworks displays, and Ling Qi turned away, casting a curious eye over the crowd and the apprentices and their stands. She pulled her qi in, and slid between the press, easily fading from general notice. However she did notice a few eyes sharpen and turn her way briefly.
Good security that.
The first to really catch Ling Qi's eye though was a young woman in the heavy good display areas, where makers of furnishings and other larger projects were showing their works. Around the space set aside for her were hand-carved benches, tables, and chairs in many sizes and colors, though each showed a preference for austerity taking color only from the wood and varnish, and settings without any gaudy paints or polishes. What caught her eye, in particular, was a high, shrine cabinet cut from dark wood, its facing carved with meticulous and lifelike figures of people lined up and posed respect and celebration, toward the center. There split across the cabinet doors was a raised blank section, clearly meant to hold the characters of a clan name.
It made her think of the relatively plain cabinet that held the Ling family's few ancestral tablets right now. The formations work hidden in the cuts of the frieze and fittings was nothing amazing… she had seen masterworks beyond anything an apprentice could do, but they were solid work, almost flawless in their attention to detail.
The maker was a young woman with bushy tangled brown hair that looked like it had only recently had a comb dragged through it haphazardly, possibly for the first time in years. Her eyes were wide and owlish, giving her a sort of frazzled air much at odds with the austere theming and lines of her creations. Her gown was black and grey and cut very modestly, though Ling Qi could tell the woman felt a bit twitchy in it. She probably wore workman's clothes most of the time. Her name was Chun Huan, according to the makers marks on her things.
Chen Huan was glancing after another pair of young noblewomen who had passed her by with only a dismissive glance when Ling Qi approached her. "I particularly like the shrine cabinet. Do you do much work on spiritual furnishings, shrine gates, and decor?"
Ling Qi only realized she'd forgotten to release her hold on her Qi, which she'd been using to glide unnoticed through the crowd when the poor second realm in front of her almost literally jumped at the sound of her voice, spinning around to face her like she'd just been stung.
"Wh- What…"
She frowned, sending annoyance toward Sixiang. Why didn't they tell her?
"Cause this was hilarious and harmless."
"Apologies Miss Chen, I didn't realize how quiet I was being," Ling Qi said calmingly.
"Oh… I see… My deepest apologies, honored customer, it is my fault for being inattentive," the carpenter said, recovering herself and bowing swiftly.
"No, I promise you it isn't," Ling Qi said gently. "So shrines?"
Chen Huan straightened up, still smoothing her dress nervously, but didn't try to contradict her. "The Miss has good eyes, that is one of my finest pieces, though the final customizations need to be done. I have done a significant amount of work on spiritual pieces. My Master has been contracted to work on the gates, outer and inner of several shrines in the Cloud District as well as numerous ones in the trunk."
"I see, I see. Is that where the style comes from? I know the local spirits of Xiangmen tend to favor austerity in their personal shrines, at odds with more current fashions."
"The Miss is correct. I find there is much beauty to be found by working more with the natural lines and colors of the wood than pigments. These can be complemented with chasing or inlays, but a subtle hand here is also best," Chen Huan agreed, a note of excitement entering her voice.
"We are doing a great deal of work on our shrines at our settlement in the south," Ling Qi mused. "Do you have any experience working with higher realm materials?"
The woman peered at her curiously. Clearly trying to place her and failing. "...Some, Master has allowed me to work with some third grade woods in preparation for my breakthrough, and allowed me to observe his work on fourth grade ones."
"...Baroness Ling Qi. My apologies for not introducing myself."
Seeing recognition set in was oddly gratifying and with it surprise. She didn't know how to feel about the anxiety. "I see! Yes it beggars my imagination to think of how much work must be done in those chaotic lands."
Ling Qi tiled her head to the side. "I do not think it does. You are on the edge of a breakthrough, aren't you?"
"This one has made the attempt several times. I will not overestimate my chances."
Ling Qi nodded at that, she supposed that was all the more reason to be working hard for funding. "Then I will keep your name in mind, Chen Huan. I may have some things for you to do."
Cai Renxiang could certainly get more skilled carpentry on contract, but… there was some appeal to having in house skill. Which was the point of all this she supposed.
She stepped away, leaving the woman to speak to the next interested nobles, and drifted back into the crowd, letting her qi fade into the background once again.
It was ironically, the bright, vibrant colors that next drew her in for a closer look.
Oooooohhhhhh Yummys yummys Papa's dye pot yummys…!
Ling Qi cast an amused look down at her sleeves where ribbons of rustling lace were emerging like grasping fingers. No eating before she could buy anything.
Buuuuuut…!
She would buy something. Qiyi could pick any dye pot she liked.
Yay!
The young man here and there with all the glass and ceramic vials and swatches of color in cloth and other materials was as tall as her, surprisingly. Thine as a pole, and about as gangly, he worse a smudged and stained smock and bandana, and a pair of wide lensed glasses over his eyes.
"Ah, welcome, welcome Miss, this humble Leng Shui is pleased to have caught your eye," the man said as she approached, remembering to lose her hold on her qi before she came into his line of sight. "Ah! But I do not know that I do better than your current clothier. Such sublime work!"
Qiyi preened.
"I would not expect an apprentice to do better than Sir Lin," Ling Qi said casually. "You are an alchemist of… colors then?"
It was amusing to see that name work its way into his mind, glance off the obvious association, and go looking for another.
"Moons, getting bullied so much you feel like you gotta pick on small fry now huh?"
Shush Sixiang.
"That is a fine way to put it! I am in the business of tinctures, dyes and paints. I also work somewhat with resins and sealants. My works are not merely beautiful either, but can be mixed to imbue effects on even otherwise unenhanced materials… though I am still working on the lifespan of those effects."
"Naturally," Ling Qi said looking curiously. "Such a wide range of shades… I imagine some of these must be difficult to reach, I sense a few wisps of third realm qi in a few of these mixes."
"Oh yes, this one has not had the honor of working with more than the leavings of my master's materials, as I am now," he agreed. Like most of the apprentices here, he was only second realm, but she judged him younger than Chen Huan. Just by the feel of his spirit, she didn't think he had tried to break through yet. "But he has expressed satisfaction with my handling."
Importing paints for Biyu was a very small expense, and her sister sometimes ran out such as after the…. Incident.
"I thought the ceiling looked better like that."
Mother disagreed. That was a small consideration though. Who knew if her sister's interest would even continue? Still bringing a bit more color to Shenglu couldn't hurt.
"For now, I will take that pot of… Night horizon?" It looked purplish to her, and Qiyi wanted it.
"Of course Miss of course, should I package it…?"
"You needn't bother, it won't last long," Ling Qi sighed, passing over the yellow stones for it. Qiyi immediately rustled, extending a ribbon to pry off the wax seal and plunge into the pot while it was still in her hands.
Leng Shui's eyes bugged out. She stifled a laugh and swept back into the crowd.
She wandered the trade show for quite some time after that, browsing things. None other caught her eye the way those two had, though she did mark some few for maybe purchasing gifts and souvenirs until she found herself looking at Xia Lin's back, standing before a display of intricate sculptures and pottery. Ling Qi's eyes flinched off several of the vases, even knowing that they were practically mundane. She shook her head in annoyance as she approached Xia Lin's back, reaching out a hand…
"Ling Qi."
"Xia Lin."
"You would need to do better than that."
"I hardly want to actually startle a soldier in the middle of a crowded room," Ling Qi chuckled, brushing a speck of dust off her friend's shoulder before stepping up beside her.
"Honored customer…"
"My apologies. My friend was merely making herself a nuisance. Continue your presentation."
Ling Qi huffed indignantly. Qiyi's ribbons made a strange slurping side as they wriggled further into the dye pot.
"R-right. As I was saying, the loam from the Jing River is the most common clay used for preservatives, its sealant and purifying properties come from the spirit of the river infused into the surrounding earth. But it is not considered very valuable due to its availability and poor luster when fired, so…"
"But you are familiar with working on such vessels and linings, correct? I observe traces of this mixed in with the other clays and porcelains," Xia Lin said.
The girl winced. She really was a small thing, no bigger than Suyin, if perhaps a bit plumper, with her black hair tied back in a neat little bun. "These are only garnishes to allow the surface to take some of the glazes better. I would never dilute with low quality…"
"No one can hear us," Ling Qi said idly. "Which is why my friend is being so blunt, I assume."
"Yes. I am primarily interested in storage properties and utility over beauty," Xia Lin said plainly. "No other ceramics workers I have observed here have practical vessels on display, Lai Wan."
The girl slumped her shoulders a little. "... So that is… Jing River loam is not a poor material, it is very solid and mixes well with other clays, if used properly, the whorling pattern this produces can be enhanced well with glazes as you see here, and… Yes, it retains some of the properties if worked and fired correctly. I don't understand though, that sort of work is beneath the interest of noble customers is it not…?"
What Ling Qi heard in her words was that she was afraid because she wouldn't have learned to use an 'inferior' material if it wasn't needed. She supposed whatever Master Lai Wan had they were either poor or only giving the girl real scraps to work with.
She shared a look with Xia Lin, understanding what her fellow retainer was looking for. They did still need to work out the properties of that ice-aspected clay deposit they had found. "Perhaps most, but not all," she shrugged. "But regardless I see no 'dilution' here, do you, Xia Lin?"
"No," she replied shortly. "I will have work for you in the future."
Ling Qi shook her head as they stepped away, the girl behind them sagging in confused relief. "A little brusque, wasn't that?"
"Unlike you, I cannot flow like mist through a crowd," Xia Lin said sourly. "Nor filter out every vapid bray and complaint about being bumped into."
"Ah, sorry sorry. Still, did you find anything besides Miss Lai?"
"A few. We will see if the interest remains long though. You?"
Ling Qi hummed. She was still interested in…
[ ] Chen Huan, the Spirit Carpenter
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] Leng Shui, the Color Alchemist
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] Lai Wen, the Practical Potter
-[ ] 1 green stone per month
-[ ] 2 green stones per month
[ ] None of the above
You may vote for as many or as few as you like but please do so by plan.
Last edited:
yeah, really like Chen Huan and we would have a lot for her to do.
- Location
- France
I think there's punctuation missing after "Some", and "Maste" should have an r at the end.
- Location
- the internet
I'm confused by this. It sounds like Xia Lin is going to be giving Lai Wen work no matter what. So even if we didn't end up voting for Lai Wen, she would still end up getting recruited by the Cai-- specifically from Xia Lin's funds?
Also will these artists be comig with us to the fief and living there to work? Or are we just buying work from now and in the future?
- Location
- Colorado
It's a neat gimmick that both our kids really want more of.