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Chapter 29: "Dinner Party"
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"Um, Miss Heav- uh Miss Shae?" The 'boy' caught up to her as she was leaving.
"Yes?" She stopped and looked up at the young man from behind the shop.
He was now properly dressed in a gray linen tunic and large beige robe. A dark red rope tied the assembly at the waist, but he wore it loose to reveal the tunic and pants underneath. "Old Cheng said you needed provisions for the caravan?"
"Yes please, though he did say spices and salt could work."
"Planning on hunting with that bow?" He pointed.
"Only if the animals hold still so I can land a lucky shot or two." She turned to the side and mimed drawing back a bowstring.
"Heh well, I'm picking some stuff up too, so I can ask for seconds. Could you come with, uh, to pay?"
"I sure can, Mister...?"
"Oh, sorry, I'm Don Flatao. Call me as you like."
"Alright mister as-you-like. Where-to, first?"
"Oof, only heard that one from old guys like Cheng."
"Well, get ready to hear it more if you keep saying that."
"Alright, just Don is fine. Not Just Don, just, ugh. Don is fine."
"Heh, quick learner, at least. Lead the way, Don."
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They found one shop on the way out of the market district, but their prices were too high according to Don. He said there would be a lot of places like that, but she should try them again tomorrow morning when they were on their last chance to make a sale.
Outside the market district, the places they stopped at were more similar to houses than shops. Don had a few bags packed into his own travel pack, and Shae had just one. She decided to ask a question. "This just normal grocery shopping for you? Seems like it is also traveling food."
"Uh, yes, it is traveling food. Um, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure!" Shae said, too excitedly.
"Uh, well, I'm leaving with the caravan too. Gonna make my fortune in the sect!"
"Oh! Congrats! You must look older than you are, didn't think they took many past twenty."
"Well, I am in my twenties. But I have it on good authority that I have good chances with whoever I choose!"
"Oh! You must have a high grade spirit root! That would be a ticket to anywhere, even with a late start."
"Err. No, low grade, actually." His head dropped. "But I have a bit of an affinity, if we can figure out what it is."
"Ah. Well. Don't let me pry if you don't want me to. Buu-ut, who said you have good chances?"
"Un-huh, that's the best part, it was Auntie Mei. She always knows what is best, and is always right about it too."
"And she specifically said that you would get into the sect?"
"Err, no, not exactly like that."
"Ugh, this is the issue with fortune telling, you tell people anything and they only hear what they want to hear. Please, Mister Don. What did she say, the exact words?"
"Uh, err, well I'm not gonna recall the exact words. Something like, there are three paths available to you. And, you will have a pleasant life with whichever path you choose."
Shae glared at him.
"What?"
"What are the three paths that you see before you?"
"Uh, well there's three cultivator groups here in town now, so, three paths!"
"Uuugh!" She shook her head. "Just like I said, you heard what you wanted to hear. Available, that is the key word. What paths are available to you. Did you ask the sect if they would admit you?"
"Well, no. They only accept those newly awakened at the harvest festival. Would be inappropriate to ask now. So gotta go to them first."
"Did they ask you to join back when you awakened? And what has changed since then to change their minds?"
He remained silent and looked away from her.
"Sorry to put this so bluntly, but why would they accept a low grade if they also turn away mid grades during the festival? All those people joining the military? Are you better than them?"
"Uh, well I'm more fit than most, so maybe! Why are you going? What grade are you?"
"I have a letter of introduction from one of their elders, and even then, I might not get in." She nearly yelled. Then calmed herself down. "Sorry. I shouldn't yell at you."
He grumbled something and shrugged.
"If I am still rejected, I will try another sect, or go to the monks. The monks will accept anyone, even low grade spirit roots. Especially those who are dedicated and show good work ethic. Like you." She poked him in his well-muscled bicep, she nearly couldn't reach it.
"If you're really set on it, go talk to the sect here in town, say I sent you if they don't listen. Find out if there really is a life for you there. It might just be a peasant's life in the nearby town. But it could still be a good life." She paused to let him think. "Staying here is also a valid path, you are clearly well known around town, you could have a great life here."
He grumbled noncommittally. "-kinda wanna be a cultivator."
"The military might also take you, might. But maybe you don't like that either, it's not as glamorous as cultivation. But you're big and strong already." She poked him in the bicep again and he tried to swat her hand away. "So, they might take you. But really, the Monkery is a clear and true path to cultivation for you. Have you talked to them about it?"
"Uh, not really, no. Didn't think baldness and vows of silence were for me."
She flicked his elbow. "It's not all like that. I'll introduce you to Wise Kwan or Yungfan. You'll like her. She might even help out at Master Cheng's shop once I'm gone. Why aren't you helping him out anyway?"
"He's angry with me."
"Angry enough to just be angry, but not make you chop wood?"
He nodded.
"Want to talk about it?"
He shook his head.
"Do you think you have no future here because of that?"
He hesitated, then nodded.
They were interrupted by arriving at their next destination. A few minutes later and a package of smoked sausage each later, they exited the small cottage.
"People get over grudges, especially if they have to. I think Master Cheng doesn't have many people, losing you won't help that. But if he is lucky, Miss Mei might be helping him forget his worries right now." She smirked.
Don blushed a dark red.
"Heh. I'd guess that you feel you are at a low point here in town, running away won't fix that. And you might be able to forget about it while cultivating, but probably, it will sit with you. Fester and become a blockage that you can't get past."
He paled as he understood what she meant. "That can really happen?"
"Talk to the monks. They will know better than I. They will not try to convince you, they will help you with what you need now, which is guidance. They'll do it far better than I ever could."
He remained silent until they reached the next house. Then after they came out of it. Shae with a bag of salt and a smaller pouch of spices. Him with a dense travel bread.
"Thank you Miss Heavenly Shae. You've given me a lot to think about. I think- I think I'll need... uhm-"
"To make the rest of the rounds alone? I agree, and this is a great opportunity for me to leave, especially to maintain my air of wisdom and mystery." She tossed him a silver tael. "In case you find others willing to sell more, I'm no picky eater. I'm staying at the Fragrant Glade, but I may be with the monks at the Silver Tortoise."
She looked at him and thought of one last piece of advice. "Think, find your real options, then feel. Feel what you really want to do." She then walked away, leaving him slightly stunned.
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Shae made a quick trip to the edge of the town. She had asked the guards if there was somewhere to practice her bow, and outside town was the only real answer she got. She expected them to have a range for the guards, but understood that it might not be open to the public.
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She passed by Auntie Mei's house, just because she knew the area. Noted that she was gone, then snooped around a bit to look for fresh planting. She only found two spots of dug up earth, but she could imagine them with huge golden larches. The mental image seemed to be quite remarkable, Miss Mei chose well. She wasn't sure they would last the winter, but if the rumors of Mei's fortune skills were as good as they said, they would be untroubled. Maybe that's why she only planted two?
She wandered around a bit more, seeing sights that she remembered from half a year ago. The changing season made it almost unrecognizable. When she found a good spot to fire a few arrows off, she had asked permission from the locals, no one seemed bothered by it. Her aim was worse than she expected, but she managed to get used to the weight and feel of the weapon before sunset. I'm still going to need tons more practice. And proper lessons.
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Shae left as the sun was setting and made it back to her inn, the Fragrant Glade, as the last rays were fading. She was looking forward to a warm meal but didn't make it to the door.
"Shea! Wise Shae!" Yungfan called as she ran up to the girl.
Shae smiled at the tattooed monk. "Wise Yungfan! Good evening."
"Have you eaten? Come-come, you must dine with us!" She grabbed her arm and pulled her along.
While dragging Shae off to their Inn, the Silver Tortoise, she explained, "The others wanted to thank you properly for your help with the enlightenment ritual."
She was introduced to the whole crew of Wise monks. The only one not overly thankful was Wise Kwan, whom she had met already.
"Sharing a meal is the least of our thanks." Kwan said. "There are gifts as well, since you will be leaving tomorrow. Just small things, I assure you. Kaiun has given us ideas on what you need."
Shae mock gasped. "Gah! Traitorous spy!" She called out dramatically. Then hugged the woman as revenge.
"After the meal, Wise Kwan. We agreed." Yungfan complained, but she was blushing and smiling.
Like at the other inn, the food was simple fare. Yet, here it was made extremely well, plated to look expensive even when it was simple ingredients. Shae thought it all tasted divine. Many of the monks had restricted diets, vegetarian or something like it, so the table had a variety of meals on it.
When the service staff noticed Shae had a bit more of an appetite, they brought her out larger portions and more daring dishes. With more spices and herbs to punch up the flavors.
Like any good feast she over ate, and was glad there was no dessert. Wise Kwan insisted on one final serving of tea that they could all share.
"This is a special blend using just one or two spiritual herbs. It is called a soul soothing tea. It is said that stronger brewings can bring one's soul into harmony with their body."
It was richly scented, with a strong yeasty aftertaste, like a pungent sourdough. Though, it tasted mostly of tea leaves and fruit. Mmm, peaches?
She found the monks drinking in silence, calmly reflecting to themselves and enjoying the tea. She waited for some of the conversation to start back up. When it did, she asked, "Is it rude to ask a philosophical question about gifts so generously served to you, Wise Kwan?"
"Heh, is philosophy ever not rude?" He joked and got a glare from one of the other monks.
"Wise Shae, I will field the question if you need someone more serious." The monk said after finishing their glare. It was the same one that had invited her to the enlightenment ceremony.
She smiled. "Thank you. I wanted to ask about Wise Kwan's description of the tea. If we are born with our souls, how can our bodies not be in harmony with them?"
The other monk actually froze up at the question. "Err, that's not exactly philosophy. At least not in the cultivation world."
Shae saw everyone shifting their gaze and acting reluctant to answer further. "Ah, right, and it's about souls so it's taboo. Hu-waaaah." She exhaled her exasperation.
"Truly the wisest of Shae's. What other un-answerable questions will you have for us tonight?" Yungfan snickered. She had loosened up a lot and this wasn't the first joke at Shae's expense tonight.
Shae didn't mind though, and gave her a wry smile back. "Well, it's not a particularly common name, so you might be correct."
"It is a strange name, does it run in the family?"
"No, and I suppose it is a nickname or childhood name, if anything." She saw the curiosity from the group so continued the story. "I had several siblings, younger and older, and when I was born I was named Chen-Ai. The kids couldn't pronounce my name so it became Shena, then Shae. I liked it so kept using it."
The table was calm, many of the monks bearing wide smiles at the warm story of family life.
Yungfan got a tear in her eye, then a spark and smirk. "Ah, so it is your given name. Well then, we must know your family name. Truly, we haven't been honoring you properly by using a nickname!"
Shae could tell it was teasing from just the tone, but the smirk was an early giveaway. "If you must know, I hail from the Zhi family." Her guard was up now.
"Then thank you again, oh Honorable Heavenly Wise Fai-"
Shae had been waiting for the F title to be used, and spiked her killing intent in response, causing Yungfan's words to cut off suddenly in surprise. Obviously she didn't want to kill Yungfan, so it was more of a wrathful-play-fighting-intent. It still worked quite well.
Kwan cut in, "I think she means, thank you deeply, Heavenly Zhi Shae. It is rare for us to find enlightenment in other's words, rarer from one so young. And rarest that we can repay them properly afterwards." He gestured to one of the monks who jumped up and presented Shae with a bundle of parchment and pamphlets.
The monk spoke. "From me, whom you have enlightened, a list of reading material that I found very helpful early on. Many led me close to enlightenment on their own. And something of more value, one of my personal techniques that I am able to give freely. I hope it serves you well. Thank you, Heavenly Zhi Shae." He bowed then set the top bundle off to the side indicating it was his contribution. Then the next monk approached.
"As one with a low grade root, I experienced much growth from these qi training exercises. I hope they can serve you just as well. Thank you, Heavenly Zhi Shae."
This continued through the remaining handful of monks, the gifts more similar to the second monk's simple training exercises.
When only Yungfan and Kwan hadn't given gifts, the pile was empty.
Yungfan approached. "I am truly sorry for my words-"
Shae waved her off, "Please don't be, you are forgiven. I was being as playful as you."
"True but you expressed your dislike of that title before and I should have remembered."
"I recognise that it is a commonly used title, and my distaste is rather odd. I hold no grudge for your teasing use of it."
"But you're intent, it was so... Sudden."
Kwan butted in. "I must agree, it was a rather precise use, impressive for one so young."
Shae waved it off. "I saw it coming a li away, and was ready for it. Funny enough that's only the second time I've had to muster intent, the last time was for a similar social ear flick."
Ear flick made Yungfan smirk. "That was an ear flick? I'd hate to see what happens when you get really angry."
"Oh, it's not that impressive, like any teenager I scream and rage and pout." She smirked back.
"Sorry to interject," a monk said, "but this title would be...?"
"Fairy." Shae said it with as much disgust as she could, but without intent. Then she shook it away. "It means something different to me, because of my roots. On multiple levels in fact."
Most of the monks shared surprised glances.
"Oh?" Yungfan asked. "Can't say I've heard of such things, could you elaborate?"
She shrugged. "Maybe later, in private. No offense intended, but there would be a lot of context to share. A long story if I had to explain it thoroughly."
She let the silence hang for a bit then cracked as she felt she had to say something. "Ugh, okay, if you must know, one meaning is similar to calling someone a Kitsune. The fox demon, or any sort of otherworldly trickster. And the other meaning is worse, though more of a nasty insult. Is that enough explanation?"
"Ah, sorry for prying."
"Stop being sorry, Yungfan. I count you a friend, and friends are allowed to pry and annoy if they want to." She smiled then leaned in to hug the older woman
The older woman hesitated only a little to sniff back a tear, then returned the hug, "Thanks, Shae."
Kwan waited until they seemed to be done. "We have a few more gifts, if you would like to take them now?"
Shae gave one last squeeze and broke away. "Yes, please! This feels like my birthday, but better! Because it's stuff I actually want!"
The joke didn't land particularly well in the room full of monks. Someone coughed.
"Actually, this is pretty close to my birthday, I'll have to count it as that if I get too anxious from all this cool stuff that I'm not sure I deserve."
"Heh, you deserve far more. The soldiers have yet to repay you. Yes?" The senior monk asked.
"Erp! Are they going to do this too? That's going to be much harder to get through. I don't know them that well."
"I'm sure you would do fine. But no, they usually go in for one large gift from the whole troop. Often the officers are the only ones with decent funds to splurge on a gift. So they do so for the group. Should be interesting to see what they get for a double."
Shae got nervous thinking about it. "Ahgh, and the corporal said they had something for me." She put her head on the table with an arm over top.
"How can you be so wise and so childish all the time?" Yungfan teased and pulled the girl upright.
Shae resisted, trying to squirm away. "Everyone is childish, they just pretend to be adults!"
One of the bearded monks inhaled suddenly and the whole room went still. Even the two wrestling women. He looked up at the candelabra above them, which flickered dramatically, casting an auspicious light down on the man.
Then he sneezed, and the room burst into laughter.
When the tea was cleared the other monks took the opportunity to exit with it, thanking Shae again as they parted.
"I will take my leave as well." Kwan said. "My gift is small, and I think Wise Kaiun's gift is not." He presented a small piece of paper with a complex green symbol on it. "It is an escape talisman. A small sample of my path that should keep you on yours."
"Master, this is not a small gift." Yungfan cut in.
"Of course it is. Look, it fits in my palm."
She glared at him.
"Heh, it is small, but some would say it carries great weight because of the power it makes use of. I hope you never need it, and if you don't, one day you may gain great insight by comprehending it."
Shae stared at the talisman. Taking it carefully from Kwan's hand. The green ink seemed to almost glow and pulse with energy. It reminded her of something. Well if it is his qi... she thought back to their time meditating together, just two days ago. Yes, it feels a bit like that, but this is so much stronger, so much denser.
"It's quite strong, isn't it?" She asked.
"Heh, yes. Wanting to use it should be enough to trigger it, but some people tear them to really get the intent across."
"Just intent? So someone could trigger it without touching it? Maybe trigger one someone else has?"
"Heh, dangerous thinking, but no, there are minor protections for that, mostly it will attune to your qi as you carry it, and then only respond to you. A neat feature of talismans that we don't really have to build in."
"That's convenient."
"Heh, yes, it is. Sometimes it isn't, but those times are rare."
"It feels a lot like when we were cultivating. Were you using your power then, too?"
"Hmmm, just a bit, but it affects people differently."
"Oh? Hmmm. I was meaning to ask. I mean, Elder Ghon said that cultivation is strange, it can distort our perceptions, but it really seemed like we cultivated for a lot longer than we did."
"Heh." He looked at Yungfan. "Be careful with this one, her intuition is quite sharp." He squeezed Shae's shoulder and moved to leave the room.
"So, when I asked about a space warping Dao the other day, you could have done it?"
"Hmm? Space? No, no. I do not deal with space. Just the one thing at a time." He smirked.
"Huh? Just that?" She could have said it, but decided to play along.
"What do you mean just? It's quite complicated as it is." He frowned and Shae thought he actually looked somewhat hurt by her words. "Why would you think it so simple that it needs more?"
"Err, well, sorry, I didn't mean- ah, I shouldn't say."
"No, no, you started already, get it out, in metaphor preferably. If you can't, still say it anyway, I won't shirk directness."
"Well, uhm, a blind man might think color a simple thing. It's just a different way of thinking about it, I guess. Just the way I was taught. I'd hate to have it color your own view."
"I've not lived hundreds of years with a Dao so fragile it can be shattered by a child." He did seem angry now, or maybe just impatient.
A part of Shae wanted to snark at him. Instead she stilled and felt a tear crawl down her face from his words. "Talk to Elder Ghon about that before you ask again, Wise Kwan. Goodnight and thank you for the gift, I will treasure it until the day it saves my life, then I will continue to treasure my life." She turned away from him, sitting at the table to let her tears out into a napkin.
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