Unlucky0013
Lord Zee
DracoLunaris
Frettzo
Vec
Eviledd1984
Kalmar
POOPHEAD189
&
The Learner, The Martial Dancer
&
boatgang
Qiang Yi, Zhen-zhen and Zeng En sat drinking happily around the water hole, cupping their hands into the still lake and slurping loudly as they marvelled in the odd sights of the continent. The first mate sat staring smugly as the quartermaster playfully chewed out the captain, who dove for cover behind his hands.
“Look, I respect your enthusiasm, cap’n, but you can’t make such decisions on behalf of the crew - we ain’t even landed for five minutes and already you’re sendin’ us out again.” He snickered and slapped the captain on his boney back, eliciting a dry gasp from Qiang Yi. The captain grimaced a little at the smirking two.
“It is a god-given quest - of course, I accepted! His Holyness K’nell won’t receive a ‘no’ from us little becks just because we’ve just set foot on land again! No… No, no, no, we are taking on this second quest - I will accept no--”
“My, always so serious, captain,” Zhen-zhen snickered. Qiang Yi deflated and rolled his eyes. “We will go, of course,” the first mate laid down in the pink grass and continued, “but there’s no need to hurry everything along. This is our first break since we left the ship - let us have it without thinking of what comes after, alright?”
Zeng En grunted in agreement and laid down, as well. Qiang Yi sat upright between them, eyeing the two with furrowed brows. “You two are much too relaxed. I know that’s what His Holyness K’nell ordered us to do, but--”
“The Sovereign of Sleep did not order us to do anythin’ except to never travel to the centre of the continent. You’re thinking too seriously again, cap’n,” Zeng En mumbled with a smile. Qiang Yi straightened his lips, shrugged and got up. “I will take a walk - gather some inspiration for the poetry I will write once my hands grow back.”
Zeng En waved and pulled his banana down over his eyes. Zhen-zhen squeezed Qiang Yi’s calf and clicked her tongue. “Have a nice walk, captain,” she said giddily. Qiang Yi looked down at her with a raised brow, blinked twice and slowly began to shuffle off towards the outer plains.
The servants had organised themselves into small circles around the water hole, occasionally being visited by curious trees or critters. Voices grew loud for a few seconds as one of the trees presumably tried to dig its roots into the body of one of the servants, but these shouts were quickly replaced with laughter as the trees were chased off. Some of the Noble had brought along their instruments and played soft tunes that complemented the dancing shine of Heliopolis across the rosy grasslands. A group of the Strong were practicing their martial arts in the caressing breeze, their gis and belts moving as much with their movements as with the wind. They jabbed, kneed and hammered at the air in front of them in a controlled and impressive dance. At the end of every fifth or so strike, they spun around and began boxing and kicking the shadows in the opposite direction. The Skilled had found themselves some sticks to whittle and mostly sat drawing schematics in the mud by the water hole. The captain scanned his crew with a content, wry smile before he strolled into the woods.
As Qiang Yi crossed into the wood border, he found himself under the assault of a flying piece of moss. At first, the captain nearly tossed himself to the ground to avoid it, but then found himself chuckling as the moss slapped against his arm and began to lick at his sandy skin. Qiang Yi pulled his moss off with ease and lobbed it aside, chortling to himself.
“Is anyone there?” came a feminine voice. Qiang Yi sucked in a silent breath and froze, rolling clumsily into a bush behind him. Footsteps approached. “Hello? Please, come out and show yourself. I mean you no harm.”
Qiang Yi peeked out slowly. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and stood up. When he opened his eyes, his jaw dropped. Opposite from his was none other than Xiaoli, her hands full of fleece and her eyes wide as saucers. The captain cast himself to the ground and Xiaoli felt her brow moisten.
“O holy First of the Court, this servants named Qiang Yi greets You with utmost humility.” Xiaoli blinked and bowed uncertainly.
“A-and I greet You with utmost respect,” Xiaoli returned, seemingly not quite over the initial shock. “H-has His Lordship sent you?”
“He did, My Lady. We came by ship, the Zhengwu, to deliver a most sacred gift to His Holiness K’nell.” Xiaoli nodded slowly. “The crew is currently resting on the plains beyond the woods.”
“The crew, huh… How many are you?” she asked carefully and adjusted the wool in her arms a little.
“We are thirty individuals on the plains, My Lady,” the captain said swiftly. Xiaoli gaped.
“... I see…” Xiaoli said and made a frown, mumbling something to herself. Qiang Yi blinked. “Forgive this servant, My Lady, it did not catch that last part.”
“What is your rank, Qiang Yi?” Xiaoli asked.
“This servant is the captain of the vessel, My Lady.”
“I see. Do you have any lieutenants, captain?”
“Three, My Lady: Zhen-zhen of the Noble, my first mate; Li Shan of the Skilled, the master carpenter; and Zeng En of the Strong, the quartermaster.”
Xiaoli nodded. “Bring those three here, please.” Qiang Yi looked up with a raised eyebrow, but was not about to question a request. He got up, bowed and set off into a sprint.
In mere moments, he was out of the woods again, charging towards the water hole with gasping breaths. Zeng En was the first to look up as he presumably heard Qiang Yi’s loud stomps. The quartermaster scratched the head under his bandana. “Is everythin’ alright, cap’n?” he asked uncertainly.
“Yes! I mean, no! I mean, absolutely! Have you seen Li Shan?”
The quartermaster made a face and pointed a finger to his left. “Y-yeah, he’s right over there. Did anythin’ happen--?”
“No time to explain. Wake up Zhen-zhen and head for the forest border! I’ll fetch Li Shan!” With that, Qiang Yi set off over towards Li Shan. Zeng En watched the captain zoom off and shook his head briefly. He poked the small, curled up girl, who only seemed to curl up tighter as a result. Zeng En grunted and jabbed his finger into her side.
“Ow!” Zhen-zhen exclaimed and nearly flew into the air. Zeng En squeezed her shoulder and stood up. “Cap’n wants us to head to the woods,” he rumbled. Zhen-zhen smacked her lips together and stretched. “Did he find a funny frog or something?” Zeng En shook his head and helped the girl to her feet. “Doubt it. This seemed to actually excite him.”
Zhen-zhen scratched the side of her face, which was covered in pink grass. “Frogs excite him, don’t you know? In a real funny way, too.” She gave him a smirk, which was returned with a frown. “I did not need to know that,” Zeng En muttered at Zhen-zhen’s smug smile. “Yes, you did,” she snickered as the two strolled off towards the woods.
Qiang Yi stood panting next to a ring of rather confused carpenters, among whom Li Shan sat sketching some sort of contraption that likely could not be realised.
“Li Shan,” he managed through his heavy breaths. “You must come with me.”
“Is-... Is anything wrong, captain?” said the carpenter
“No, nothing is wrong! Just come along now.”
Li Shan looked at the others and shrugged. He stood up and followed the captain towards the woods. “So… Captain,” he began, “care to share what’s on your mind?”
“Lady Xiaoli is here,” Qiang yi said quietly.
“LADY XIA--”
“SSSHHH! Be quiet! We cannot let the others hear. She only invited the officers.”
The carpenter nodded slowly. Soon, they came upon the already kowtowing Zeng En and Zhen-zhen and a smiling Xiaoli. “There you are,” she said softly. Li Shan gaped for a second before he, too, cast himself to the ground.
“Blessed Lady Xiaoli, First of the Court,” Li Shan said into the ground. Xiaoli nodded. “You must be Li Shan. The others have already presented themselves. An honour to meet you.”
The carpenter nodded. “Likewise, O sacred spirit.”
Xiaoli eyed the servants. “Well, it would seem that we are all here. Come along now. I’m certain you’ve missed the taste of food.”
The servants all looked at one another with wide eyes and suppressed their giddy giggles. They followed Xiaoli over stock and stone, under tree and branch, until they came upon a clearing broken apart by a tall wall. They marveled at the construction as Xiaoli turned the corner. When they followed suit, they were greeted by a colossal black obelisk. A small stone bowl had been placed in front of it, little colorful pebbles offered into it. The servants recoiled a bit upon seeing the menacing structure, but Xiaoli beckoned them along.
“They’re with me,” Xiaoli said to the obelisk. “Come on in. Mind your head in the doorway, master Zeng En.” She entered through the mansion gates.
There came suddenly the sound of a door closing shut and then, exiting the master house, came a girl of white light holding a basket full of clothes. She wore a simple white dress, fashioned by Xiaoli. Arya did not notice them at first and began to walk towards the gates before her eyes met Xiaoli and the strangers. Where then she stopped in her tracks like a statue. She did not move, nor blink, nor even breath (if she actually breathed at all). Zhen-zhen stopped in her tracks and looked back, inciting Zeng En, Li Shan and Qiang Yi to halt as well. Xiaoli slowed down a little ahead, eyed the four individuals and sighed.
After several moments of this, tears began to well up in her eyes and she dropped the basket onto a stone tile. The girl then fell to her knees and kowtowed towards the newcomers. She then spoke in a shaky voice, her words Shengese, ”This servant is so, incredibly sorry for what she did. She does not deserve to be in the presence of those whose kin she murdered without thought of consequence. This servant has shamed herself, and can only ask for forgiveness from those she hurt, if they have any to spare, oh the most noble servants of his Holiness. This servant apologizes profusely.” Arya finished, daring not to move.
Qiang Yi and Zeng En looked at one another quizzically. “M-my Lady, You may have us confused fo--”
“No… She knows who we are.” Zhen-zhen put on an uncharacteristic somber tone. “You three used to work in the palace before the Gift, right?” Qiang Yi nodded. “Well, technically, I worked in the larders,” Zeng En corrected. “Kitchens,” said Li Shan. Zhen-zhen grit her teeth and sucked in a deep breath.
“Few of us remember anything from before the Gift, My Lady,” she said as she squatted down in front on Arya, her arms leaning on her thighs. “It’s weird to think back on it, actually. It was like dreaming, but also a bit like being drunk…”
“We didn’t really have what can be called ‘minds’, you see,” Qiang Yi added. “We were more like one simple consciousness divided among ten thousand individuals, giving each of us very little actual cognitive ability.” He put his hands on his hips and looked at Zeng En. “... I cannot believe we used to explode upon standing still…” The quartermaster nodded with his arms crossed. “Was always a wet mess on the kitchen floor…” Li Shan mumbled with a headshake.
“Yeah, what he said.” Zhen-zhen thumbed over her shoulder. “Now, having said that, there is one thing I strictly remember - one event that shook the ship deck so severely that not even the individual servant could forget it.” She pointed a lazy, bent finger at Arya’s downfacing head. “That would be your tantrum,” she said flatly.
Arya's body visibly trembled as her worst fear began to realize. They remembered what she had done and the pit inside of her deepened.
“Zhen-zhen!” Qiang Yi exclaimed. “Be quiet! We are their guests!” Xiaoli crossed her arms over her bosom and frowned.
Zhen-zhen remained unmoving, though moisture had seemingly found its way into her eyes, condensing as tears in the corners. “A lot of good souls swam ahead that day… Simple souls, sure, but good. I reckon I'd be one of them if not for…” She scratches her chin and made a pensive face. “Huh… I don't even remember what kept me away from my post in the guestrooms. Probably some errand.” She shrugged. Qiang Yi stormed over and pulled Zhen-zhen to her feet, receiving surprisingly little resistance from her. Zeng En and Li Shan flanked them on each side.
“That's enough, Zhen-zhen!” he snarled at her expressionless face. “You have no right to scold our host that way. On your knees and apologise this instant!”
It was then that Arya spoke, not even lifting her head up to view them. Her voice was meek and strained, ”No. She has every right to scold this servant. For this servant is merely a guest in Lady Xiaoli’s house. This servant does not deserve an apology, for there is no offense.”
The captain blinked first at Arya, then at Xiaoli, who approached slowly with her arms still crossed. Zhen-zhen looked up at her, then glanced to the side. Xiaoli gave her a sad smile and squeezed her shoulder. Zhen-zhen looked back up, then turned to Arya and sighed. “You know, while you did almost kill me, I--... No, we actually ought to thank, no, be appreciative, no… Show some gratitude.” She smiled wryly, nearing her usual smirk. “Had it not been for your tantrum--” Zeng En poked her hard in the side. “... Apologies, your accident, His Lordship may not have given us the Gift before much later.” She hesitated. “... If ever.” Qiang Yi raised his fist, but Zeng En grabbed it and shook his head, joined by a frowning Li Shan. The captain backed away a little and muttered.
Arya looked up at Zhen-Zhen, black tears staining her face. With sad eyes she took a gasp of air and began to break down. ”I-I'm so s-sorry.” she cried softly, ”It w-was a m-mistake and I hate myself b-because of it.”
Zhen-zhen shrugged. “I once almost killed the whole crew because I was reading on steering duty.” She strolled over and sat down on her knees in front of Arya. “I haven't forgiven myself for that, either. I kind of hate myself for it, too.” She leaned forward and squeezed Arya's shoulder. ”Talking about it helps, though, so if you ever need to talk about what you did, I can be there for you to listen.” She smiled. ”I'd rather that happen than see you break down like this every time you'd lay eyes on my people. Seriously, stand up, it's weird for someone to kowtow to -us-.” Zhen-zhen stood up and reached out a hand.
Arya took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She wiped her tears away from her face and began to nod her head. ”O-Okay.” before taking Zhen-Zhen's hand. Once standing up she dusted off her dress. She then looked at Zhen-Zhen and then others with a soft smile in her eyes and said, ”Thank you. I...This helps, in more ways than you know.” Zhen-zhen gave her a wry smile.
A loud wail pierced the air followed by a second one and a very loud groan, “XIAOLI!”
Xiaoli winced and sighed. “Alright, you four can move to the dining hall. I'll be there shortly. Arya, dear, could you make them some tea? COMING, SWEETGRASS!” With that, the river girl jogged swiftly into the private house.
Arya composed herself then said, ”Please, follow me. Lady Xiaoli and Hermes are rather… occupied at the moment.” she finished with a smirk.
As the servants lined up to follow, they stared quizzically at the private house. “Forgive me for asking,” Qiang Yi began, “but what were those noises?”
Arya giggled, ”Why, they're babies of course! Lady Xiaoli and Hermes welcomed two baby boys not long ago. The first dreamers, twins! Wenbo and Chagatai are their names. They're quite healthy and precious little gems, but they're always fussing.” Arya mused.
“Oh, what a stellar miracle!” the captain exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air. “Congratulations are in order when the Ladies join us, for certain!”
“Babies already? My, eagerness if I ever saw it,” Zhen-zhen mused with a smirk.
“How did you even make it into the Noble, Zhen-zhen, I must ask,” Zeng En said with a snicker. Zhen-zhen shrugged. “No idea, but I've reasoned that His Lordship is secretly making a special impolite servant unit for those who cannot adjust to the Flow's ways.”
“Those exist?” Li Shan asked with a raised brow. Zhen-zhen nodded ominously. “Apparently so… Imagine that! Guests who don't want you to kowtow and obey their every order.” The other three shuddered. ”I'd rather not imagine that,” Qiang Yi muttere. ”Lady Arya, if I may ask, what is your perspective on all this, being a non-Servant student of the Flow?”
”Hmm,” Arya began, walking inside to the dining room, ”In my travels, I've met those that do not understand the Flows inner workings. What to do, what not to do, what to say, what not to say and the list goes on. Some gods prefer the politeness of servants, others do not, or care not for such things. As such, you learn quickly to do what you can to please others, even if it means going against the flow. Sometimes, you just have to imagine that you're talking to an equal. As we are, now.” she said softly before gesturing for the servants to sit.
”Make yourselves at home, I'll make the tea. Have you tried the sweetgrass yet? Just wait until you drink it.” she said smirking again.
The servants sat down in seiza positions. “No, I don't think so,” Qiang Yi said. ”Is it a local speciality?” Zeng En, Li Shan and Zhen-zhen all seemed to be waiting intently for something.
”You could call it that.” Arya mused. ”Here,” Arya began, walking over to the table with a handful of grass. ”Try it, it's very good.” before she went back to making tea.
The servants did not move, though they occasionally looked at one another, the grass pile, and then back to Arya. Zhen-zhen shuffled around her position a bit. Zeng En scratched his neck sheepishly and grunted. Li Shan and Qiang Yi both stared holes in the grass, yet none of them touched it.
Arya noticed the awkward silence in the room and the grass that still layed untouched. She squinted her eyes at the four of them before saying, ”What's the matter? Can't eat or something?” she said with a laugh, before it began to dawn upon her. Her laughing stopped and she suddenly sighed, ”You can't eat can you?”
All four of them make varying faces between frowns and smirks. “N-no, rest assured, we are perfectly capable of eating,” Qiang Yi said with a sheepish smile. “We do it all the time! Breaks up the monotonous taste of water,” Zeng En added.
Arya frowned, ”You'll have to forgive me, but what might be the problem then? Please speak freely.” she said crossing her arms.
“Well… As you are no doubt aware, having studied the Flow diligently, we may not begin to eat until the Ladies of the house arrive,” Qiang Yi explained. “Tea is fine, but the law dictates that we cannot eat until the most important individuals are seated.” The other three nodded.
Arya shifted her feet and said, ”Oh, of course. Silly me, I guess it slipped my mind.” she paused going back to making the tea, ”We’ve never had guests before, and I've always eaten with them. Thank you for the reminder. Now, let's get the tea then! I'm sure you'll love it.” she finished chipperly.
The servants all patiently waited as the tea first was poured through a makeshift filter into the serving cup, then from the serving cup into the drinking cups, the portions quite small. The four picked the cups up in unison, briefly wiffed the steam, hummed and took a sip. They rolled the tea around in their mouths and swallowed simultaneously.
“Quite good, lady Arya,” Qiang Yi said happily.
“I like the, the sweetness,” Zeng En said with a blush.
“Better than what Zhen-zhen makes, that's for su-Oof!”
Zhen-zhen shook the pain out of her fist and gave Arya a satisfied smile.
Satisfied with their compliments, Arya sat down as well. She poured no cup for herself but looked at them with curiosity. After a moment she said, ”So, tell me about yourselves. What brings you to Tendlepog?”
“A sacred mission, my lady. We were tasked with bringing a gift of wine to His Holiness K'nell. It's been a long and arduous mission, but we finally made landfall roughly a day ago.” Qiang Yi smiled proudly.
Zhen-zhen sighed and smirked. “Well, the whole story is a bit longer…”
Xiaoli pushed through the interior sliding door. Inside the room was messy, with a set of clothes on the ground and a few stained towels. Hermes sat on the edge of the bed in a wrinkled gown, a baby in each arm and all three of them crying. Hermes turned to Xiaoli, eyes red and the twins screaming, “I just got them to sleee…” she sobbed helplessly.
Xiaoli huffed and went over, taking Chagatai in her arms and rocking him gently from side to side. She hummed softly, if not a little pleadingly, to the screaming child. “Have they eaten?”
“Plenty,” Hermes sniffed, “They were just about to slip off when there was shouting outside.” She rocked Wenbo in her arms, the baby turning towards Hermes.
“One goes off and they both do,” Hermes used her shoulder to wipe the side of her face.
Xiaoli pursed her lips at the tiny baby in her arms. “D'aaaw, widdle Chaggy so angwy… Yesh, he is…” Chagatai paused momentarily, but then began to wail again. ”... So demanding…” Xiaoli muttered and leaned him against her shoulder and she bobbed her torso up and down.” Do you want me to get the flute?”
“Careful,” Hermes eyed the clump of clothes on the ground, “He's been very.. Spit-uppy.” Wenbo seemed to calm down, rolling close to his mother. Chagatai let out a scream and Wenbo seemed to respond with his own new flurry of wails, “Okay!” Hermes frowned, “Flute time.”
Xiaoli smirked and went over to deposit Chagatai in his crib. She wiped his mouth a little with the sleeve of her shirt and took a moment to smile at the confused little creature with a face like a red plum and wildly kicking legs. “Chagatai will be a runner, I'm sure of it!” she said happily and looked at Hermes. “Oh, right, flute.” She strolled over to her drawers, pulled out the top one and rummaged about. “Should be in here somewhere…”
“Back left,” Hermes peeked over, leaning to put the struggling Wenbo in his own crib. Xiaoli dug a little more to the left and eventually pulled out the silvery instrument. “Ah! Here it is!” She dusted off the top and blew some test breaths through it. “Alright, here goes.”
Xiaoli began to play a sweet lullaby, one that likely would have been sleep inducing even without the magical effect. The near liquid notes filled the room like a tranquilising fog, making limbs and eyelids heavy. A cloudling fell out of Hermes’ knotted hair and the screaming instantly stopped. A second later and there was a tiny chorus of soft baby breaths and sleeping pops. Hermes put her hands on her hips and looked to Xiaoli, ragged and worn, “Is this cheating?”
Xiaoli waved dismissively. “It's creative use of a sacred gift. The children should feel honoured!” She walked over to Wenbo's crib and stared affectionately at him. “Ooh… Look at his little hands… Can't stay frustrated at something like that…” she whispered with a grin.
“I guess not,” Hermes admitted with a exhale and plopped onto the bed, hands folded on her lap. She blew at a long strand of hair, “What was with the noise outside? Did you bring a tree-eater home with you or something?”
“Hmm? Oh! No, I found some Servants in the tree-eater fields and invited them home to have dinner with us. They found Arya outside and, well…” She sighed and folded her arms. “You know her story with His Lordship and the way she left…”
“Ohh,” Hermes whined as she rubbed her face, her tangled hair curtaining her visage, “Xiaoli your generosity stole my heart but I swear to you now I'm not putting on pants.” She sighed and looked up, “How's Arya?”
“She's better. The servant who remembered the incident the most vividly seems to have offered the cup of peace, so I reckon that they will be friends soon enough.” She gave Hermes a wry smile and eyes her up and down. “You certain you'd rather not be with us? The air in here is pretty close, and you…” She paused and sniffed the air. ”... Could use some time outside.”
“Fine,” Hermes poked a finger, “but no pants.” She stood up and shuffled over to her dresser, “Think anyone would notice if I just tossed my cloak over my gown?” She asked as she flicked through the woolen apparel.
“Why do you insist on no--... Alright, fine, just look presentable. I'll do your hair.” Xiaoli went back to the drawers and pulled out a stone comb.
“Says the River-Girl who never wears pants,” Hermes looked at Xiaoli's skirt and raised a brow. The dreamer pulled out a long fur trimmed dress and pressed it against herself “Pbbt, good enough,” she raspberried and threw it over her head, wiggling her arms through the elbow length sleeves. She pressed it over her lap, and presented it to Xiaoli, “And no more gown to be seen.”
Xiaoli eyed her up and down again and shook her head hopelessly. “Well, if you didn't care about appearances before… Well, it'll do for a crowd of lesser rank, especially this kind. Come on, they're waiting.” Xiaoli beckoned Hermes towards the door, which she slowly pushed open to avoid waking their sons.
Hermes tugged at a knot in her hair and narrowed her eyes at Xiaoli. She picked up the comb Xiaoli had discarded and made quick work of her tangled hair. When done she gently placed the comb back down. Her hair changed to the colour of midnight and her tired face magically changed to one of perky alertness, cheeks filled with a touch of color. She slipped out of the room, her hand catching Xiaoli's on the way out.
“Doesn't care,” She mimicked with a tiny teasing jeer.
Xiaoli rolled her eyes playfully. “Right, hair… Sorry.” They hurried over to the dining hall, mostly due to Xiaoli’s incessant pulling, and shoved the doors aside.
“... And that’s how we ended up here,” Zhen-zhen finished with a smile. Qiang Yi, Zeng En and Li Shan all blinked at the arriving two, shuffled away from the table and kowtowed. “Ten thousand years and more to the First of the Court and the Love of the River!” Zhen-zhen scrambled into a quick excuse for a similar position and echoed the words at a slight off-beat. Xiaoli blushed and scratched her head sheepishly.
“It’s… Really weird to hear that here… Not unwelcome, though,” she added with a grin.
“Oh for you,” Hermes nudged Xiaoli gently and smiled wide at her guests, “Did you all leave a pebble for the house guardian?”
“Pebble?” the captain blurted out quizzically
Xiaoli gulped and rubbed her face with her palm. “Right… Pebble… I’ll be right back.” She hopped out of the building again and headed for the gate.
“I was hoping it would catch on,” Hermes watched her partner hurry off and smiled to herself.
“If I may, Lady Hermes, is it there a question of a toll? If so, I’m certain we have brought stones along to offer,” Qiang Yi proposed. Li Shan stuck a hand in his pocket and pulled out a stick of charcoal with a shrug. Zeng En produced a shiny black grain with a grin. Zhen-zhen patted her dress with a frown.
“I like to think of it more as a gift,” Hermes explained, “To show appreciation to the guardian, give it something to wonder at.” She paused, “On your way out, maybe, to show thanks.”
“Oh, of course! Only natural for guests to leave gifts,” the captain said with a smile. “Oh, forgive these servants - we have yet to introduce ourselves. This one is named Qiang Yi; that girl is Zhen-zhen, my first mate; then we have Zeng En, the quartermaster; and finally, Li Shan, master carpenter. We are honoured to be invited to Your holy abode, lady Hermes.”
“It’s nice to have you,” She smiled and looked out to the door. Xiaoli stepped back into the house and dusted herself off a little.
“There, found some nice piece of granite for him.” She sat herself down by the table and let out a content sigh. Hermes pulled her dressed under and sat down next to Xiaoli.
“Oh good, I like to think he likes the shinier ones,” She mused. Xiaoli shrugged and smiled.
“He said it looked nice, at least. Now, uhm… Dinner, right!” Xiaoli got back to her feet and straightened out her skirt. “Oh!” She snatched a piece of sweetgrass and put it in her mouth. “Please! Feel free to try some!” The servants all grinned from ear to ear and grabbed varying amounts, from a single blade to a handful. They smelled them, licked them and tasted them respectively, all in unison like creatures of one mind.
“Mmm! Truly, your recommendation was warranted, lady Arya,” the captain said with a smile. Zeng En and Li Shan both helped themselves to some more. Zhen-zhen put some in her tea and slurped quietly. Qiang Yi’s eyes blinked suddenly. “Oh! Yes, this servant wishes to express its most joyous congratulations to the Ladies of the house on the birth of your children.” He bowed sitting.
“Oh, how kind! Thank you so much!” Xiaoli said with a grin as she peeled a radish with a stone knife. Hermes beamed.
“If they weren’t sleeping I’d say you should take a look at them, they are beautiful.”
“I have no doubts about that. The children of two pinnacles of beauty such as the two of you are bound to reach standards unequalled in other races,” the captain proclaimed proudly.
Zhen-zhen snickered. “Would you not agree, lady Arya?”
Arya had simply been sitting quietly, smiling as the servants chatted with Xiaoli and Hermes. Her mind however was abuzz with thought at the fact their ship had been attacked by a leviathan angler, one of the creatures her father had made. Kalmar had explained to her well enough what they were capable of. She was just glad they were fortunate enough to escape.
So when Zhen-Zhen spoke to her, Arya snapped back to attention suddenly and said, ”Beauty? Huh, I suppose they are. But their souls are far more beautiful, and pure. And that’s all that really matters.” she finished softly with a warm smile.
“Awh,” Hermes patted Arya’s hand, and gave her a smile “That’s so nice of you. I’m glad we have you around, too.”
”I'm just happy to be here.” Arya replied in a kind voice.
“You've been wonderful to have around the house lately,” Xiaoli giggled from the stove. “With the children having been born, having you do the laundry really frees me up.” She chopped up some cabbage and chives and lobbed them into the bubbling pot. “I hope it's not too much to ask.”
Arya turned to Xiaoli and said, ”Of course not Lady Xiaoli. Both of you took me in when I needed help. Helping the both of you, is the least I can do.” she paused then said, ”It's nice to be… a part of something.”
Qiang Yi slowly sipped his tea, eyeing Arya intently. “Say… Lady Arya, are you fond of adventures?”
Arya caught Qiang Yi’s gaze and giggled, ”Life is an adventure! It's been a journey just to get here and even that was an accident. You never know where it's all taking you. So yes I suppose I do.”
The captain nodded. They other sailors looked at him expectantly. “How stellar. You see, we have received another mission - one on which we would need to increase our numbers. Tell me, have You ever wanted to be part of something legendary? Something which will be remembered in poetry and songs until the end of time?” Hermes brow furrowed slightly and she looked over at Arya.
Arya looked at the captain quizzically, her mind abuzz with emotions and thoughts. She turned her head to look at Hermes, with a calm look in her eyes. She then turned away to look back at Qiang Yi and took a deep breath before saying, ”I'll do it.”
“Are you sure?” Hermes squeezed Arya's hand.
Arya returned Hermes squeeze and said, ”I'm sure.” she turned to look at Hermes, again saying, ”I need to do this, Hermes. If they need help, then who am I to refuse? Besides, I've always wanted to sail on the ocean.” a sad smile crossed her face but her determination was absolute.
“Alright,” Hermes resigned with a sigh, “Just don't forget to come home, okay?”
Arya scooted closer to Hermes and gave the woman a tight hug, ”Thank you. I won't forget, not ever.”
With a small smile Hermes wrapped her arms around the girl and gave her a loving squeeze, “Good.”
Xiaoli sighed into the casserole. “Are you certain you wouldn’t want more time to think about this, Arya? Life away from home can be quite daunting and… Well… Dangerous. Are you willing to risk your life bringing… What is it you’re bringing?”
“His Holiness K’nell did not specify and it was not this servant’s right to inquire further,” Qiang Yi answered diligently. The others nodded - as did Xiaoli.
“Naturally, yet the fact remains that lives will be at risk… Are you certain you’re willing to do that?”
Hermes seemed to pale slightly at the mention of risk and she looked over at Arya almost pleadingly.
”I know, perhaps we all do, that life is unpredictable and dangerous. But I'm willing to risk my own, in debt to those no longer with us and for those going. It’s the right thing to do.” Arya said passionately.
“Her life will be paramount, naturally,” Zeng En added.
“And please, do not consider it a debt to our people. Do not feel bound to join us if guilt is what drives you,” Qiang Yi insisted.
“It ain’t a good motivator,” Zhen-zhen said as she inspected her nails.
She listened to them speak and knew in her heart what they said was true. Her guilt was a driving factor, but that was not the only thing. The servants were but a group of mortals in a world with gods and dangers so great they could be wiped out in an instant. They needed her help, for Arya knew that quests gods gave, were seldom without challenge. Xiaoli and Hermes could not join them, not with the twins. It was up to her. She had to prove herself, and not just to them…
”Even without my guilt, I would join you, Captain. Quests are a challenge, I know all too well what they bring. It'll be fine. I'll be fine. “ she finally said.
“I guess we can't stop you, if this is what you want to do,” Hermes sighed, “I'm sorry, it's just -- you're like a daughter to me, and I'd hate for anything to happen.” She looked over at Xiaoli as if asking for help, “Maybe Arya can use the flute until she gets back, just in case?”
At the mention of daughter, Arya's eyes went wide and she attacked Hermes again with a hug, burying her face into the woman's chest, causing the Dreamer to give a startled yelp. Hermes brought her arms around Arya and gave her another squeeze.
”I'll be fine. I have something to come back too, after all.” Arya murmured.
“And you always will,” Hermes tightened her grip and then released the girl, “Right, Xiaoli?” She looked over at her partner with a mirthful grin.
Xiaoli faced away from the group, but could not help but let out a somber sniff. “Y-yeah, you always have a home here, dear…” Xiaoli turned around, revealing a pair of misty eyes, and fished the flute out from her dress. “Here… You’ll need this on the journey.” She sat down next to her and offered it with two open hands.
Arya tentatively reached out and took the instrument. It was smooth, she found, and light.
”Thank you, Lady Xiaoli. I will make sure to keep good care of this. It’s very beautiful.” she said with wide eyes.
“It will put dangerous beasts to sleep,” Hermes patted her partner’s back, eyes on the clearly upset Xiaoli, “Use it as often as you want, please. Better safe than sorry, too!” Hermes paused, “Oh no, I sound like…”
“A mother?” Xiaoli proposed with a sad smile.
“Yes,” Hermes gave a wink and looked back at her guests, “I’m sorry to put you all between family matters, uh.” She looked over at the casserole Xiaoli had been working on and slowly began to rise to her feet, but Xiaoli rose up faster.
“Don’t worry, dear, I’ll get it.” The river girl shuffled over to the casserole, grabbed a stone spoon and stirred around a little.
The captain waved in a friendly, dismissive matter. “Oh, no! Nothing to worry about. We hope we are not intruding.” He put his teacup down and smiled warmly at Arya. “We are more than grateful for your aid, my lady. Of course, Your quarters shall be the finest aboard the ship. Li Shan will personally make you a proper bed.”
With a happy heart, Arya turned to the captain and said, ”Though I have no doubt of Li Shan’s expertise, all I require is modesty. I do not need my quarters so fine, I’m perfectly happy making do with what you all use.”
Li Shan hung his head. Both Zhen-zhen and Zeng En made brief, slight frowns. Qiang Yi blinked at the carpenter and sighed. “W-well, if that is Your wish, then of course, you, too, shall have a hammock - though I estimate that you may be a little too…” He rubbed his fingers together pensively. “... Tall to fit.”
Arya flinched at their responses and mentally sighed. Right- Servants. ”Hmm, well, if that’s the case, then a bed will have to do.” she said looking at Li Shan with a smile.
The carpenter beamed. “It shall be a work worthy of Your holy being,” he said with a seated bow. Xiaoli by the stove snapped her fingers and bowls floated from the shelves on the walls over to the table and placed themselves comfortably in front of each seated guest. Xiaoli picked up the large casserole and patrolled around the table, serving a bowlful of a reddish-brown stew to each guest.
“Hermes, would you fetch a bottle of strawberry juice from the shelf over there, please?” She pointed to a shelf on the opposite wall crowded with bottles as she replaced the casserole on top of the dying embers of the stone hearth.
“Yup yup,” Hermes chimed as she rose to her feet and quickly swiped the bottle. She pinched a cluster of thin stone cups together and brought the entire assembly to the table. She passed everyone a cup and handed Xiaoli the bottle, “There you go!”
“Thank you, sweetgrass,” Xiaoli said with a loving smile and unwrapped the cloth cover around the mouth of the bottle. She poured everyone’s glasses approximately seventy percent full with mechanical accuracy.
“Oh, Hermes! We should begin to plan the wedding feast! We ought to start preparing food and drink.”
“O-oh,’” Hermes froze mid-sit and slowly descended, “Right…” She looked embarrassingly at the eyes that now bore into her. She weakly smiled and cleared her throat, “What, uh. What's it suppose to be like?”
“A wedding feast?!” Qiang Yi blurted out with a grin; Zeng En sighed happily; Li Shan joined in; Zhen-zhen smirked. “To think we would have the honour of hearing such--”
“Captain Qiang Yi,” Xiaoli said warmly, though her voice was tainted by a cold, stern tone. “If you and your lieutenants would be so kind and cooperative as to not share these news with anyone, we would be eternally grateful.”
Qiang Yi looked dumbstruck for a second. “B-but My Lady, tradition encourages--”
“One to invite peoples of all four winds - yes, I am quite aware of the tradition. However, we…” Xiaoli sat down next to Hermes and put her arm around her hip. “... Have our reasons to keep the guest list as short as possible. So we are thankful for your willingness to keep it a secret.”
Qiang Yi shook his head and frowned. “With all due respect, My Lady--”
“We are thankful - for your willingness - to keep it a secret,” Xiaoli said with ice in her voice. The captain gulped and put his teacup to his lips, his eyes darting all about to avoid the murderous stare of the river girl.
“N-naturally, My Lady,” he eventually mumbled. “Not a soul shall hear of it from our lips.”
Xiaoli smiled warmly. “Fantastic. So, Hermes, we, of course, need to provide wine and meats in great quantities. I reckon that if we set perhaps a few barrels of cider to brew over the next few months, we could have a decent tasting welcome drink for when the guests arrive - however, as the feast likely will last a day or three, we will naturally need much more than that…”
Hermes put her hands over Xiaoli's grasp and nodded, eyes still flecked with concern over the guests, “Hey Xiaoli?”
“Hmm?”
“Remember when I said food was stressful?” She mused with an overwhelmed sigh, “Maybe we can talk about it later, in our room. We do have guests.” She defended.
Xiaoli blinked over at the nigh-shivering captain and sighed. “Alright, you’re right. Forgive my tone, captain. I should not have brought it up.”
“Th-there is nothing to forgive! Th-this servant stepped out of line and inquired too much. It should ask for forgiveness.” He tipped forward curtly. Xiaoli nodded.
“Well, let us eat some, shall we?” she said and ate a spoonful of stew. Upon seeing her eat, the sailors all dug in with gusto. Hermes let out a relieved sigh and in tandem with Arya, they all began to eat.
