Rumours speak of a voice on the wind, a wandering stranger. No one can agree on whether it is ghost or demon or something else - but definitely non-malicious, the stories agree. Very sad.
Whoever or whatever it is, it's most often heard by water, and under a sky full of stars. Does Yanli dare to seek it out?
Oh, she does. The water holds nothing she's ever had to fear. Water ghosts at worst, easily handled by Jiang sect cultivators, invaded Lotus Piers waters.
She was much more worried about the singer, the sorrow in the song. And not out of fear that the stories might have been wrong, but because she couldn't bear to know that such sadness was so close. Their Yunmeng, the Yunmeng she knew and loved and cherished, had always been one of happiness.
She set out with a purpose, following all the stories and what she could learn herself until she found the source of the song.
"You look like no demon or evil spirit I was ever taught about."
"Perhaps." She smiles, hands folded in front of her. "But a cruel heart would not wander foolishly into Yunmeng, I should think. Nor sing a song so full of sorrow. At least, not without the assurance of a swift victory over our cultivators."
She watches him, cautious but curious. So curious. He could use a good meal, she thinks, and a hot bath. Perhaps a clean set of clothes.
"I am Jiang Yanli, of the Jiang sect." She extends her hands and bows slightly. "What brings you so near to Lotus Pier?"
"You would bring down more than the Jiang sect on your head. Even if you were assured a victory over our sect."
But she smiles and shakes her head after a moment. Intruding? How silly. She moves to the waterside and steps in, making her way over to one of the lotus plants and plucks it.
"You're not intruding. You've earned the curiosity of many though, that word of you has reached most every ear. I believe each inn and tea house is filled with gossip of the spirit who sings by the water."
"That's not way to live." She says softly, finding a comfortable spot to settle and plucking out the lotus seeds, setting them neatly in her lap.
She's not at all concerned about her safety for the moment. Lotus Pier has never held any dangers for her. Especially with so many cultivators living and training there. And, even as the sect leaders daughter, she wasn't of great value for anything. What would anyone barter for from them?
"I wouldn't call it so. People are curious by nature, anything can spur on a bit of gossip when things are otherwise uneventful."
"Have you offended some sect and word has yet to reach us?"
She very much doubts that. Any serious threat to one of them would have reached all of them by now one way or another.
"I did but I'd hardly say my peace was disturbed. I am a weak cultivator, and so I keep to Lotus Pier. If anything, you have made my day more interesting." She turns slightly and smiles. "I've yet to learn your name, young master."
Consider her curious but she doesn't otherwise press. Instead, she finishes plucking out the seeds from the lotus and sets it aside, starting to peel one of them to eat.
"You might have fooled me. And anyone else for that matter." She laughs. "I'm pleased you meet you, Maglor. Would you like some of the seeds? It's probably the most popular 'treat' in Lotus Pier."
She gestures for him to help himself, not wanting to simply put them in the grass or anything. Even if they haven't been peeled yet, it's still not a pleasant sight to see something you mean to eat on the ground.
"I'm glad. If they're gone, then you should have no fears from anyone here. Yunmeng Jiang has few, if any, enemies. So no one should come looking for you here." She beams at the thought of music." "Only play if you'd like to, though I have no objection to hearing you."
She carefully plucks another from the edge of the water and starts plucking out and peeling more seeds. It's not a proper lunch at all but an afternoon snack can't hurt. And these aren't unhealthy at least.
"Then I would love to hear you play. You're welcome to join me back at Lotus Pier if that would be more comfortable to you."
"Lotus Pier always welcomes guests. We've had plenty of cultivators from all sects visit and stay with us. And it sits on the water just as we do now."
Well, more so since it's built over the water.
"There's nowhere in the world I love more than Lotus Pier."
"And why would that be? My cultivation may be weak but even I can see that you're no malicious spirit or demon. No armies have come to Yunmeng to claim your life. And you'd been pleasant with me. I see no reason not to welcome you to Lotus Pier."
And neither of her brothers would argue it. Her father likely wouldn't either. There was a small chance her mother might but she was a fair woman if hard on people.
"Am I not?" He raises an eyebrow at her. Child, I am a cursed soul whose hands are stained red with the lives of many. Just because I am no demon does not make me safe."
"I am not safe either. Nor my brothers or my parents." Especially not her mother. Fear her, Maglor. Fear her. "Do you think our hands always clean? It doesn't determined the strength of ones heart."
Admittedly, her hands were clean. And would likely stay that way with how weak her golden core was.
It had been a risk he'd been willing to take, after getting to know the young woman during the Sunshot Campaign. She was always kind and has a gentle nature that Nie Mingjue had never really expected would attract him.
But his brother's mother had been like her, and Mingjue is very much like their father.
Now she's visiting the Unclean Realm, and he'd heard her health has taken a hit from the journey. It concerns him enough to go to the kitchens himself and to make the one thing that had always made him feel better as a child when he wasn't feeling well.
A special soup that his mother had taught him. He ignores offers to help him, brushing them off with a curt word or gesture. And once it's done, he heads for the rooms set aside for her use, carrying a tray laden with the pot of soup, bowl, spoon, tea pot and two cups.
This wasn't how she wanted to spend her first couple days of the trip. Although, Yanli knew it was only her insistence that brought her here, insisting on fewer stops to rest that they might normally take just for her sake. It still make her cheeks heat up at the thought of just how excited she had been to arrive.
At first, when Jin Zixuan cancelled their betrothal, she had been devastated. Years of infatuation thrown in her face, her constant attempts to improve herself and prove herself to him. But as the days passed, it became easier to see just how much he'd detested her. All his cold glares, dismissals, it was clear as day. The realization hurt but she saw it really was just infatuation.
And she didn't let it stop her from improving herself, stop helping others. She was more dedicated, if anything. Meals were cooked, injuries tended, she even let others bend her ear if they just needed to get something out.
During the Sunshot Campaign, she'd done her best to ensure everyone got proper care. And Nie Mingjue was no exception. Some others might have avoided him, intimidated, but Yanli could be an equal force to be reckoned with.
She took to delivering meals to him, ensuring they we nutritious and filling. He was formidable, one of the strongest people she'd ever seen. Any injuries, she offered to tend to herself. And if he wanted no one near, she made sure to leave everything he'd need for his wounds and wrap it neatly so nothing would be contaminated.
And then there was his kindness when he let her close. He didn't see her as weak or lesser, he treated her like anyone else. His gaze was kind and he listened to her as they talked. Sometimes longer than they had meant to.
Slowly, she felt them get closer. She missed him on those days when he didn't want anyone seeing him, she worried if he didn't seem to eat enough. She even started adding a few sugar coated dried fruit as a treat, with some teasing from her brothers for it. Though that was all the trouble they seemed to give her.
And then came the proposal. She thought her heart might explode. However aware she might have been about her feelings, the proposal brought it right to her face. She didn't stop blushing for days after saying yes.
Until he arrived, she'd managed a comfortable spot on a couch to rest, blanket over her legs and a shawl around her shoulders. When she heard his voice, it was hard not to brighten up, glad for the company and even more for just who it was.
She'll have to be told about the Nie curse. Eventually. He hasn't even told his little brother yet.
Mingjue knows he can be very difficult to live with, or to be around at times. The worst are the days he pushes everyone away when he's aware he'd just make it worse to be around. Still, even on those days, he'd found little thoughtful packages waiting for him, and knew who'd left them for him.
To let her in, bit by bit, just felt natural. He respects her strengths - only her health is a weakness. And the additions of the sweets he'd discovered with his meals had brought smiles - his mother had once done that.
Hearing her invite him in, he manipulates the tray inside and closes the door quietly behind him. He marvels at how his heart races just seeing her, but also aches to see her not well. It just makes him more determined to make even those days pleasant for her. Carrying the tray to the table before her, he sets it down.
"I thought some soup might help. My mother taught me how to make this one - it always made me feel better."
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Whoever or whatever it is, it's most often heard by water, and under a sky full of stars. Does Yanli dare to seek it out?
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She was much more worried about the singer, the sorrow in the song. And not out of fear that the stories might have been wrong, but because she couldn't bear to know that such sadness was so close. Their Yunmeng, the Yunmeng she knew and loved and cherished, had always been one of happiness.
She set out with a purpose, following all the stories and what she could learn herself until she found the source of the song.
"You look like no demon or evil spirit I was ever taught about."
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The stranger's dark hair is long and tangled from lack of care, his grey eyes inhumanly bright. But his voice is gentle.
"Do I not? But fair face might hide cruel heart."
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She watches him, cautious but curious. So curious. He could use a good meal, she thinks, and a hot bath. Perhaps a clean set of clothes.
"I am Jiang Yanli, of the Jiang sect." She extends her hands and bows slightly. "What brings you so near to Lotus Pier?"
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"Perhaps I am so assured?"
He tips his head in answering bow.
"Lady." He murmurs. "I am only a curious wanderer. I did not mean to intrude."
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But she smiles and shakes her head after a moment. Intruding? How silly. She moves to the waterside and steps in, making her way over to one of the lotus plants and plucks it.
"You're not intruding. You've earned the curiosity of many though, that word of you has reached most every ear. I believe each inn and tea house is filled with gossip of the spirit who sings by the water."
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"I am accustomed to being hunted."
And then it disperses.
"Ah. So I have been intruding, else folk would not gossip. I suppose I should have been quieter, but I find that difficult."
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She's not at all concerned about her safety for the moment. Lotus Pier has never held any dangers for her. Especially with so many cultivators living and training there. And, even as the sect leaders daughter, she wasn't of great value for anything. What would anyone barter for from them?
"I wouldn't call it so. People are curious by nature, anything can spur on a bit of gossip when things are otherwise uneventful."
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He watches her curiously but does not step closer.
"Even so, but you followed those rumors. I apologise for disturbing the peace."
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She very much doubts that. Any serious threat to one of them would have reached all of them by now one way or another.
"I did but I'd hardly say my peace was disturbed. I am a weak cultivator, and so I keep to Lotus Pier. If anything, you have made my day more interesting." She turns slightly and smiles. "I've yet to learn your name, young master."
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And mostly long dead, thankfully.
He chuckles softly. "Young? Ah, little one, I am older than I look. I have had many names, but you can all me Maglor."
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Consider her curious but she doesn't otherwise press. Instead, she finishes plucking out the seeds from the lotus and sets it aside, starting to peel one of them to eat.
"You might have fooled me. And anyone else for that matter." She laughs. "I'm pleased you meet you, Maglor. Would you like some of the seeds? It's probably the most popular 'treat' in Lotus Pier."
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His lips twitch, amused.
"I do not age as you do." He eyes the seeds and dips his head. "I would not refuse a meal. I can play for you after, if you would like."
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"I'm glad. If they're gone, then you should have no fears from anyone here. Yunmeng Jiang has few, if any, enemies. So no one should come looking for you here." She beams at the thought of music." "Only play if you'd like to, though I have no objection to hearing you."
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"My thanks." He says gravely.
"Music is how I have always found my way - as thanks, it would be an honor to play for you."
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"Then I would love to hear you play. You're welcome to join me back at Lotus Pier if that would be more comfortable to you."
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"To your home? Ah, such places are not for wanderers like me. No, no. I am content enough to play out here, where the wind and water can listen."
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Well, more so since it's built over the water.
"There's nowhere in the world I love more than Lotus Pier."
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"I am glad you have such a home. Better by far that one such as I does not come to such a place."
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And neither of her brothers would argue it. Her father likely wouldn't either. There was a small chance her mother might but she was a fair woman if hard on people.
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Admittedly, her hands were clean. And would likely stay that way with how weak her golden core was.
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"Young one, you are a raindrop to the storm before me. The deeds I have done... rightfully indeed am I cursed."
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Jiang Yanli had accepted his proposal.
It had been a risk he'd been willing to take, after getting to know the young woman during the Sunshot Campaign. She was always kind and has a gentle nature that Nie Mingjue had never really expected would attract him.
But his brother's mother had been like her, and Mingjue is very much like their father.
Now she's visiting the Unclean Realm, and he'd heard her health has taken a hit from the journey. It concerns him enough to go to the kitchens himself and to make the one thing that had always made him feel better as a child when he wasn't feeling well.
A special soup that his mother had taught him. He ignores offers to help him, brushing them off with a curt word or gesture. And once it's done, he heads for the rooms set aside for her use, carrying a tray laden with the pot of soup, bowl, spoon, tea pot and two cups.
And a delicate flower in a small vase.
"My Lady?" He calls at her door. "May I enter?"
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At first, when Jin Zixuan cancelled their betrothal, she had been devastated. Years of infatuation thrown in her face, her constant attempts to improve herself and prove herself to him. But as the days passed, it became easier to see just how much he'd detested her. All his cold glares, dismissals, it was clear as day. The realization hurt but she saw it really was just infatuation.
And she didn't let it stop her from improving herself, stop helping others. She was more dedicated, if anything. Meals were cooked, injuries tended, she even let others bend her ear if they just needed to get something out.
During the Sunshot Campaign, she'd done her best to ensure everyone got proper care. And Nie Mingjue was no exception. Some others might have avoided him, intimidated, but Yanli could be an equal force to be reckoned with.
She took to delivering meals to him, ensuring they we nutritious and filling. He was formidable, one of the strongest people she'd ever seen. Any injuries, she offered to tend to herself. And if he wanted no one near, she made sure to leave everything he'd need for his wounds and wrap it neatly so nothing would be contaminated.
And then there was his kindness when he let her close. He didn't see her as weak or lesser, he treated her like anyone else. His gaze was kind and he listened to her as they talked. Sometimes longer than they had meant to.
Slowly, she felt them get closer. She missed him on those days when he didn't want anyone seeing him, she worried if he didn't seem to eat enough. She even started adding a few sugar coated dried fruit as a treat, with some teasing from her brothers for it. Though that was all the trouble they seemed to give her.
And then came the proposal. She thought her heart might explode. However aware she might have been about her feelings, the proposal brought it right to her face. She didn't stop blushing for days after saying yes.
Until he arrived, she'd managed a comfortable spot on a couch to rest, blanket over her legs and a shawl around her shoulders. When she heard his voice, it was hard not to brighten up, glad for the company and even more for just who it was.
"Oh, yes! Please do."
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Mingjue knows he can be very difficult to live with, or to be around at times. The worst are the days he pushes everyone away when he's aware he'd just make it worse to be around. Still, even on those days, he'd found little thoughtful packages waiting for him, and knew who'd left them for him.
To let her in, bit by bit, just felt natural. He respects her strengths - only her health is a weakness. And the additions of the sweets he'd discovered with his meals had brought smiles - his mother had once done that.
Hearing her invite him in, he manipulates the tray inside and closes the door quietly behind him. He marvels at how his heart races just seeing her, but also aches to see her not well. It just makes him more determined to make even those days pleasant for her. Carrying the tray to the table before her, he sets it down.
"I thought some soup might help. My mother taught me how to make this one - it always made me feel better."