[center][b]Golden River Inn

[color=1a5653]Song Shi[/color][/b][/center]

A ceramic plate of antiquity was the only thing that could be seen. Not circular, but instead had round edges, four to be exact. The shape of a flower and lacquered on the edges and petal were floral designs etched with golden flakes. The plate was rather intricate and seemed quite expensive, but in reality it was just handed down to her. The plate was met with a cup that matched perfectly with the plate in design and pattern. Inside of it was a light green liquid, tea by the looks of it. The steam had all but left and there was maybe a sips worth left with a few minuscule chunks of dark green powder at the bottom. What was important was the hand attached to the cup, gentle and soft in appearance and grasp. Song Shi had been enjoying her morning tea in her chair waiting for her session to be over. Incense burners had littered the room and the distinct smell wafted through the air along with the smoke it produced. 

Her internal clock trembled as it was time for her to finish what she started. Rising from her chair she turned to face her patient who was decorated head to toe with needles. The needles were placed precariously eliciting no pain nor harm despite’s several being in orifices that would scare away the average novice. Like a machine she plucked every single one of the needles out of the human pin cushion with poise and grace. The last needle awoke the man lying before her in nothing but a towel, in a euphoric groan. 

“I trust everything went well then?” 

“Yes Shui Shan, I feel 20 years younger. Maybe if that were the case I would surely be one of your many suitors.” 

While she was used to the compliments and shallow attempts at flirting from her patients she still detested it somewhat. 

“Oh that’s kind of you, but I’m sure your wife was prettier than me at my age.” 

With that the man’s demeanor shifted quite immediately. He placed his clothing back on and left the approximate sum on the table. “I look forward to our next appointment.” 

Song shi nodded, eyes still shut, hearing the door close before her. She spent the next few minutes cleaning her station and closing down her tools and table her patients lied on. She left her clinic and walked the streets of Xincai, feeling and sensing all kind of people in this crowded street. Laughter, anger, the sound of youth stealing produce. Even the sound of scrolls falling with shuffling and a hint of sadness following it. Her eyebrows furrowed in response. Before she could walk over she heard another already on the scene to help. Comfortable in knowing whoever dropped their items was being helped allowed her to press on to the Golden River inn. 

The board inside had many a mission, sometimes even those that led her to unscrupulous people left over from the war. That was her main get, but it was very far and few between. Upon entering she would have made her normal stride to the board if it were not for the soft sounds of melodic notes touching upon her ears. This soothing falsetto tempted her away from her mission and had her walk to the front of the stage. She stood silently taking in every aspect of the somber and sorrow filled story, until it was over. 

“What beauty you play despite being so full of sadness. What do you call this one?”