un: qishan | audio (some time shortly after the cooking mishap)

[silverneedles]

Some among us, both living and not, have been reeling from complications induced by an unfortunate meal.

While there is little I can do to help Lord Arha and his men, I can offer medicinal teas, brewed with what herbs we have. Mazyar was polite enough to offer more herbs, and anything I brew will be free, as compared to his teas.

If you are not so indisposed, the soldiers accompanying us seem to benefit from conversation.

Comments

[binghua]

[Oh. She's thoughtful.]

You needn't go out of your way for me, just as long as I can hear you. I am Xiao Xingchen. You can call my name if you're unsure.

[In the meantime, he'll just be lagging behind the majority of the (healthy) group, mostly leading his horse by her reins; the jostling of his stomach from sitting in the saddle has...put his stomach in unfortunate situations more than once this trip. Walking is slower, but he's able to keep himself a little more steady that way.]

[silverneedles]

I will walk deliberately, then.

[ And she does, carrying a mug of steaming tea, faintly medicinal in scent, making noise as she approaches the rear of the caravan. It's not hard to spot him, considering the cloth wrapped around his eyes, but when she approaches, she still calls out, ] Master Xiao?

[binghua]

[And she'll find him leaning against his horse, paler than usual, and with a protective hand over his belly. Upon hearing her approach, he stands up a little straighter, though he looks pretty wobbly for it.]

That's me.

[He sounds wobbly, too.]

Thank you. For your trouble.

[silverneedles]

I am a physician, so it's no trouble. [ Even seeking out people to provide cures, rather than having them come to her.

It's good to actually feel useful.

She takes his hand so she can put the cup in it. ] The tea is still hot, so blow on it first. And drink it all, even if you dislike the taste.

[binghua]

[He gingerly takes the cup and wraps both hands around it to absorb some of the heat. She's right; it is hot, but that's comforting in its own right, too. He can't exactly say the same for the smell, but sometimes sacrifices must be made. After a moment longer he gently blows on it, as instructed, and takes a sip.

...Yeah, that's definitely medicinal tea. Some of the herbs offset the unpleasantness, but not enough. Xingchen isn't sure any medicine actually tastes good, though, so he swallows back his own misery as much as he can and takes another sip.]

We're lucky to have you. Thank you.

[silverneedles]

[ Most of her patients protest taking their medicine, and Wen Qing has long since perfected the ability to glare them into submission and make them take it. And while she knows it won't work on Xingchen, she still remains by his side, watching him drink. ]

You are a cultivator?

[binghua]

[He can sense her lingering, no doubt making sure he's a good patient and does as instructed. If he were feeling better he'd smile; Baoshan Sanren had to do the same for him when he was younger and before his Core formed. He learned quickly under her sharp gaze not to complain over that which helps in the long run.

This woman's question doesn't catch him off-guard, either. It doesn't seem like she recognizes him, but he's used to being seen as what he is. This is fine.]

I am.

[silverneedles]

[ Cultivators make her wary, considering her family, even if all the cultivators she's encountered here so far are ones she knows well. At least they're not at home. ]

I am, as well. Wen Qing, of sect Qishan Wen.

[binghua]

[Although Xingchen still isn't feeling his best, his mind, at least, hasn't left him. But, oh, what an unfortunate name to bear.

He takes another sip of the tea, wondering if he should say anything. After he and Wei Wuxian discovered discrepancies in their respective timelines, all kinds of possibilities swirl around him regarding this woman. She's a Wen, which means she most likely died in the Sunshot Campaign or in the aftermath, but does she know her fate? Did she escape somehow? Honestly, Xingchen doesn't particularly care, as long as she doesn't follow in the footsteps her sect left.]

Ah.

[...He should say more than a simple acknowledgment. Awkwardly, still holding the tea, he cups his hands as well as he can, and bows his head in her direction.]

Well-met, Lady Wen. And many thanks for your hospitality.

[silverneedles]

[ Just the acknowledgment would have been fine, but the bow has her shaking her head, a huff escaping her. ]

Finish your tea. I'll take the cup back when you're done.

[ If he isn't going to acknowledge her sect, then she won't either. She'd never wanted to follow in her uncle's footsteps, even less once the war ended. ]

I have been informed that Xie Lian will not be cooking for us again.