Light on my feet after a good night's rest, I stand tall as I make my way to the cooking fires for breakfast, so delighted by my newfound success that I can almost ignore the sharp, searing pain in my arm. Even with the new healing process, the newly grown nerves take ti to acclimate but that is a small price to pay for a brand new arm.
Arriving at the sa ti as Alsantset, I give her my best smile, arms open for our morning hug, sothing she insists upon. Most mornings, I find it mildly embarrassing, like being treated like a child, but I still enjoy them. Normally, it is a single arm slung around my neck for a brief second before we continue with our day, but today it is a full on bear-hug lasting for several seconds, with my feet dangling off the ground from Alsantset's over enthusiasm, making feel smaller than I am.
Ignoring my inquisitive look, she moves away to begin cooking breakfast, and I approach to help as best I can, silently puttering around with utensils and platters while Alsantset works quickly, humming as she prepares a lavish breakfast, everything I need to continue healing my arm. Despite being in charge of the entire camp while Akanai is gone, Alsantset seems none the worse for wear, even with cooking two full-course als a day for four people with limited cooking tools. Amazing what you can create with little more than a fire pit, a pot, and a ladle, every day cooking sothing a little different.
As much as I would like to take over so of her responsibilities, I'm mostly limited by my single arm, only capable of washing wooden plates or turning the at on a spit. Soon, that will change as now that I've co up with my new technique of healing, I am on track to finish fixing my arm in a month, give or take, a big step up from the previous estimate of 10 months. Taduk's beastly speed at regeneration shows that I still have a long way to go, and Tokta kept up for almost another hour after Akanai dismissed us, alternating between heaping praises on and sternly warning to never experint so recklessly again, but never actually delving into why. I should probably ask, but I was too tired yesterday and if it really was dangerous, it would make seem kind of stupid for not knowing.
When breakfast is almost complete, Alsantset going above and beyond this morning by making fresh bread buns from scratch in an impromptu stear, stuffed with assorted minced ats and veggies, Sumila and Song arrive, a little later than usual. Contrary to her normally ruffled and laid back look, today Sumila's hair is carefully brushed and done, with a tiny clip holding her bangs to one side, looking adorably neat and prim. There's sothing to be said about her usual, casual appearance, that she manages to look so attractive despite looking sowhat ssy, but she cleans up very well, giving a small, shy smile, another glaring difference from her normal, straightforward nod.
Li Song also looks lovely, her long, brown hair flowing down her back in a lovely single, neat braid. Her deanor seems unchanged but for the fact that her eyes are locked onto , a far cry from her usual, timid attitude. She isn't outright glaring at , but the way she stares at makes feel like a mouse before a cat. There is no hatred between the two animals, but the latter is hell-bent on killing the forr, almost an instinctual conflict.
After a short bit of preparation, we load the food onto the quins and head out, leaving wondering where we're going and wishing I could pet one of the quins. It takes a lot of ti and effort to get on a quins good side, and I have yet to make friends with Alsantset's new quin. Sumila has repeatedly asked to leave her quin Atir alone, as well as Li Song's, citing training reasons. I hate to admit it, but I actually miss Zabu, even if he did leave without any hesitation, carrying a stranger no less.
Feeling more than a little maudlin at the reminder of Adujan's departure, I continue after the ladies until we reach Akanai's tent, a larger than normal affair. I would almost call it a cloth hut, easily fitting ten people inside, the site of all of her etings. Inside, a small table and chairs are set up, and we begin setting the table, the sll of this remarkable breakfast making my belly rumble in anticipation.
After we are all seated, Alsantset raises her teacup and speaks, her smile almost glowing in the dimd interior of the tent. Rain, congratulations on your impressive discovery.
Is that what all this is for? You didn't have to do all this sister, thank you so much. I'm touched, especially knowing that food is running low, so she would have needed to trade dearly to obtain these ingredients. We all drink from our cups, and begin to eat, too intent on devouring the delicious al to make conversation. After a single taste of the food, even Li Song is too distracted to continue her quasi-glaring, her ears quivering in delight as she eats slowly and thodically, savoring each bite. When her plate is cleared, she sits still, staring at the rest of the food with undisguised gluttony, until Sumila urges her to take more. She's an odd mix of endearing and aloof, likely her real attitude overshadowed by her teachings, but I think Sumila is doing a great job at breaking down her walls and Li Song's real personality is slowly erging.
The four of us eat every scrap of food there is, my belly full to the point of distention, feeling ready to return back to my tent for an early nap. Tokta told to rest for the day and implented a strict ban on training and exercise, so I have little to do until Akanai returns for our training appointnt. As much as I complain about her, Akanai has always done right by and her training is top-notch, so I am looking forward to our first training session in months now. Waving goodbye to Alsantset, I watch as she leaves with Li Song in tow, while I help clean up with Sumila, stacking the platters in one hand and carrying them towards the river to be washed.
Our chores complete, Sumila surprises by gesturing to follow her, leading to the empty clearing I usually train in, sitting in the shade with to watch the beautiful scenery. Don't you have to go be a scribe for Alsantset?
I asked for the morning off so we could talk. She says the words with a feigned indifference, but it makes my heart skip a beat as my imagination goes wild, envisioning everything from a risqu morning tryst to a stern lecture about well anything, Sumila loves to lecture , and I actually don't mind too much, so long as it isn't regarding the morality of prostitution. After her declaration, she goes silent, staring out at the river while I watch her, waiting for her to gather her thoughts. It's not just her hair, her clothes are nicer than normal, a white-furred, black-leather vest that leaves her sun-kissed shoulders bare, looking lovely and inviting.
Without any preamble, she simply drops the news on . Last night, Mama made a formal offer of betrothal for .
A twinge of jealousy flares up inside , but I quickly swat it aside. She doesn't belong to , there is nothing more than friendship between us. Oh? Who's the lucky man?
You are. Her eyes flick over towards , shyly watching for my reaction.
I feel like I do an alright job hiding my panic, which quickly subsides and transform into indignation. Um... so... we're getting married? Do I not get a say in this?
Rolling her eyes in exasperation, she shakes her head. No, we are betrothed. Noting my confusion, she sighs, and explains slowly. We are promised to one another by our guardians and will marry when we are both twenty years of age, but it is contingent upon the agreent of both parties, aning if you or I disagree with the arrangent, then we can annul the proposal with a single word.
I see... So since we are still betrothed, that implies that you agree with this arrangent.
Maybe. Her impish smile makes think about kissing her, the idea of marriage to this lovely, red-haired panda-girl not so bad at the mont. I know about your feelings for Lin and Yan. Opening my mouth to object, she holds a finger up to silence . Allow to speak, just listen for now. I know you have your doubts but you love them both, despite your protests otherwise. I also know that you don't feel that way about , because even after I dressed up nicely today, you spent the entire ti ogling Song. Her frown deepens as she stares at , as if wondering why she even bothers. Even with all that said, I am not willing to annul our betrothal at this ti, for my own reasons. Now, you may speak.
This is our chance, brother. Push her down and take her, she will not refuse you, she is to be your wife. No more sad, lonely nights.
Silently banishing him back to his room, I take a mont of ntal effort and lock him away, hopefully keeping him away from this conversation. Usually, he's pretty good at keeping quiet, especially after I accidentally answered him out loud a few tis, but sotis he gets too excited. Taking so ti to put my thoughts into order, I finally start with an excuse. Um... I was just admiring how far Li Song has co in a short ti. That's all thanks to you. That was terrible. Clearing my throat, I add, I think you look very lovely today. Well, you always look lovely, but I did notice the extra effort, and it is very pleasing. God dammit, I should just tie myself to a rock and jump into the river.
Her face is full of pity at my ager attempts to complint her, and she shakes her head. Do you know why I don't want to annul the arrangent? For the past year, Mama has none too subtly been ntioning suitable partners for . If I annul this betrothal, she'll just move on to her next choice and I'll have to deal with that instead. I'm still young, but Mama thinks three and a half years is a short ti to plan a wedding. Ti passes differently for her and Papa.
Almost a little offended, I ask, So, I'm what? Your husband placeholder, here to keep 'Mama' off your back until you find soone you like?
Don't be jealous. She grins at my disappointnt, pinching gently on the cheek. I am considering the idea of marrying you. Your looks are passable, you are properly obedient, and I do like how sweet you are, but I have a few concerns about you that will need to be addressed. Pulling out a folder letter, she hands it to with a flourish. I wrote them down for you to read over.
Wait... how did this happen? I was trying to think of a way to let her down gently, but sohow, I am now reading a list of her demands. Topping the list is no more visits to prostitutes, followed by no more love interests besides Lin and Yan, large purchases must be discussed with her, I must be more loving and sweet, no more poop jokes while eating, etc. Looking her straight in the eyes, I keep calm and tear the remarkably long list in half, delighting in her reaction. It would have been more impressive if I didn't have to use my teeth. If I were to change, it would be by choice, and not due to emotional blackmail.
Her face darkens as she glowers at , her full lips in a pout. So you will annul the arrangent?
Maybe. The look on her face is priceless, throwing her own statent back at her. Giving her a smile, I decide to give her a taste of her own dicine. I do like you Mila, but I don't know about marriage. If you would like to keep this betrothal while I think it over, I want you to answer a question. Leaning forward, my voice drops down to a whisper. Exactly how far are you willing to go to secure my cooperation?
Her face turns a dark shade of red as she glares venomously at , and after a few seconds, I burst into laughter, unable to control myself. I couldn't help it, she approached this entire thing like a cold transaction, it's difficult to take this seriously. After I finally manage to calm myself, I wipe away an imaginary tear, imnsely enjoying how annoyed she looks, but if she truly were angry, she would have just left or punched , even odds on both. She mumbles sothing beneath her breath, and at my prompting she yells, I will allow you one kiss. Still blushing furiously, she stares at the ground, peeking up now and then to gauge my reaction.
Too adorable. Unable to resist teasing her so more, I move myself closer to her, our hips side by side, leaning in until her hands fly up to press against my face, forcing back while I laugh, too giddy to think clearly. You're horrible, a lecher and a pervert, taking advantage like this. Despite her words, she still remains seated, a clear sign that she isn't fully unwilling, only putting up the barest of protests. The realization washes over and I feel a little bad about toying with her emotions.
Backing off a little, I note the tiny slump of her shoulders when she realizes I will not press the matter, smiling inwardly to myself. Why push her away? I don't want to ss this up, have it end like with Adujan. I see no harm in this arrangent, like a trial period before marriage. I could see myself marrying her, it's her parents that give pause. In all seriousness, I am not sure about marriage and will need so ti to consider it. You are a wonderful person, and I respect and admire both your strength and your willingness to help so much. You're the first person besides Lin that I beca friends with and I cherish that friendship greatly. Even after we co to a decision about this, I hope that we will remain as such. Her ears flutter at my words as she tries to keep a smile from her face, nodding enthusiastically.
Smiling, I move to stand but she pulls back with her grasping hands. Um... The kiss. We made a deal, and I will stand by my word. She shyly closes her eyes and lifts her mouth, waiting for to act.
Seeing this charming, attractive, defenseless young woman, it is only by the barest of margins that I am able to resist taking the advice of other , to push her down and have my way with her. The fact that she can beat bloody with little effort helps, but not much. Giving her a light kiss on the forehead, I watch as her eyes open in surprise, flooded with equal amounts of disappointnt and relief. There, the bargain is struck, the deal is done. We are betrothed for the ti being. If I kiss you, it will be because you want to, not for your stubborn pride. As I straighten up and walk away, I can't help but add a playful, You're welco.
What? She leaps up and chases after , latching onto my arm. If anything, you should be thanking ! And let tell you, whether we marry or not, if you sleep with another woman without first annulling this betrothal, I'll have you naked and pulling a cart while I stand in the back, whipping you along. I will not be made a laughingstock, you will adhere to proper behavior, even if this is a farce.
Smiling to myself, I walk along the riverside, arm in arm with my betrothed, happily teasing her and enjoying her reactions. The thought of having Akanai and Husolt as my in-laws sends a shudder down my spine, but seeing Mila's carefree smile makes consider risking it.
I an, how bad could it be?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening finds kneeling in front of Akanai in the sa clearing where I had blackmailed her daughter into a kiss, my skin almost breaking out in nervous hives as Akanai paces back and forth slowly, her stare burrowing into my skull as if she can see my every thought. Why did I agree to the betrothal? The news that I have not rejected it seems to have her in a fury, ordering to kneel before her as she deliberates my fate. If she's so angry, why did she suggest the betrothal in the first place?
After sweating for several minutes, she finally stops in her tracks and turns towards , causing to flinch as if I were about to be hit. Who knows, I might be. Crouching down, she puts both hands on my shoulders, looking straight in the eyes. So, you are now betrothed to little Mila. You may call Mama. Her tone is neutral, her eyes hard, as if daring to do just that.
My mouth dry, it takes a few attempts to get my voice working. Oh, I couldn't do that Chief Provost Lieutenant General Ma'am. That would just be too informal.
Good, good. A hard clap on the shoulders sends a lancing pain through my stump, leaving with little choice but to grit my teeth and bear it. I was wrong... I think she's actually happy. What have I gotten myself into? Tell of your problems.
Hesitation grips , but at her impatient glower, the words explode out of my chest. Well, see, after the demon thing and the multiple illusionary lives, I'm having a bit of trou- Her upturned palm and frowning grimace stops mid sentence.
Your cultivation problems, boy. Speak to your sister about your personal problems, she is better equipped to handle those than I.
Ah. Right.
After detailing my issues and answering several of her questions, she gestures for to begin ditation while wearing the ring. After my lengthy preparation process, I fall into the State of Balance and imdiately the torrential downpour of Heavenly Energy surges through , taking by surprise. It's been too long since I've done this but even then, it feels as if it has gotten worse as I struggle for control, putting up barriers and attempting to divert all the energy away from , drowning in the deluge without any aid.
A sharp jarring wedge of chi interrupts , and as if I were thrown onto dry land, the cascade stops and I am left gasping as I collapse onto the grass, my chest heaving from my all too brief attempt. Akanai hovers above , looking down both literally and figuratively, as if disappointed by my failure. Silent and grim, she watches as I catch my breath, and I sit up gingerly, ready to try again.
That was only struggling, there was no surrender.
I noticed. It seems worse than ever, as if it were waiting for , ready to bring down. These fucking rings are a deathtrap, I should gut that stupid OuYang patriarch for giving away faulty goods. We should have just tossed those fucking jars into the sewers and taken a hamr to these damn rings for all the good they've done us.
I have a question for you. Why do you feel the need to control the Energy of the Heavens?
Snorting loudly, I reply, Because otherwise it will kill .
And that is what I am here to prevent. So again, why do you try to control it?
...So I don't die?
Is that not why I am here? Do you not trust ? Her words are spoken plainly, without accusation or anger, a questioning tone as she watches . Seeing that I have no answer, she asks another question. Do you fear the Energy of the Heavens?
The simple question causes to jolt upright in understanding, the lesson taught to so long ago by Charok fresh in my mind once again. From the very first ti I used the ring, I was afraid of what would happen. My lack of control over my fear caused to react instinctively each ti, pushing away the heavenly energy, breaking it apart so that I can control it, rejecting it even as it flows through . My eyes turn towards Akanai, and she nods once, understanding my unspoken question. She will offer protection, should I need it. I have nothing to fear.
This ti, Balance cos quickly and so too does the infusion of Heavenly Energy. Centering myself, I accept everything that cos, feeling my body heat up as the energy crashes violently against , forcing itself into my core as if it were a sinkhole waiting to be filled. Fear rises up in , but I let go of it, transforming myself into an anchor within the storm, a rock beneath the waves, battered but unmoved. The energy ebbs and flows, like the coming and goings of the tide, and I sink deeper inwards, with no thought of struggle or surrender, only acceptance.
Without noticing a change, the Energy of the Heavens now circles around and through , tempering in its embrace. A foreign energy tugs at my awareness and I detect it entrapping what I have already claid while also funneling more towards . Reassured by Akanai's presence, I sit in quiet ditation, my mind blank and without thought. No needs or wants, fears or joys, only emptiness within, and fulfillnt without.
My eyes open slowly and I note the position of the moon, soon to set and a new day almost upon us. Akanai's presence can be felt behind , her palms pressed against my back, leaning heavily upon after a long night of arduous effort, my shirt and brow dripping in sweat, the chill of the nights air causing to shiver. Her voice tired and strained, Akanai speaks in a slow, slurred drawl. Well done boy, you've finally Awakened. Now show what you have learned.
...
Um... sorry, but what?
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