A New Path of Humility <Fire Nation>

[mingzhu]

Travelling was something Mingzhu had always found pleasant, especially when it was from the comfort of her own carriage, along with her old servant to keep her company and her needs met. Travelling on foot with the bare minimum of items and only a single guard she found to be perhaps a little humiliating. But, this built up lifestyle of comfort and grandeur was the entire reason why the beautiful noble was walking outside in civilian attire and only the single guard to protect her. She’d read about the old master of fire bending, a woman of nearly 8 decades still in her prime.

Garbed in loose salmon-pink trousers, with a matching loose under robe with loose sleeves ending at her elbows, and a dark maroon sleeves robes worn over the top of her under robe, she bore only a single mantel. Her feet encased in black slippers, devoid of any decoration. She felt positively plain, almost begger-ish compared to her normal attire of rich silk and soft cottons. But at least her ‘humble’ clothing was breathable, as Mingzhu was finding the walking to be working up quite a sweat. Her footfalls were getting a little heavy now the sun was past midday, the heat of the day working on her. Mingzhu left all ornamentation behind her, incuding any gold hair clips or pins. Her hair had been swept up into large topknot, only simply wrapping of red gauze to keep it in place. A few tendrils had loosened themselves, framing her face as she walked along the dusty path.

Mingzhu was only glad that she didn’t have to carry a lot, poverty being once of the conditions she had to fill when meeting with a new master.

’Only when you experience the poverty of the working man and woman will you be able to find wisdom and solace in the simpler things. Her father had said to her once. It was true of this, after that hard year with the Sages, training hard to gain back her figure, and learn some of the scriptures when her pregnant state would not allow much exercise, she was able to come to terms with her desires and goals.

Mingzhu stopped suddenly, straightened up to her full height and gazed down at the village that had been growing in size as Mingzhu as her guard slowly approached it. She regretted slightly not getting the carriage to drop her off closer.

“Is there a problem milady?” The guard asked, stepping in a little closer to observe his mistress, to see if she was well. The guard, going by the simple name of Lang was a loyal guard, and has been in her service for nearly 5 years. If the man kept up his good work and looked after his tidy reputation, he was promotion material. Mingzhu loosened her grip on the paper parasol she was carrying, to keep the sun off her fair skin. She didn’t quite have the heart to go without some sun protection, that much of vanity was rooted deep in her personality. Lang was also dressed in normal clothing, lighter for the hot weather but well armed with a spear and a jian hanging from his left hip.

“No. Admiring the view. Lang, please pass me the water.” Mingzhu instructed, which Lang duly obeyed. She brought the canteen of water to her lips, trying to ignore the urge to gulp it all in one go, and instead took a few sips enough to quench her thirst. She handed it back to Lang. “Can you estimate how much longer it may take Lang?” She asked, glancing over only once to assess his demeanour.

“Only another hour at this pace milady, perhaps 45 minutes if you choose a faster pace.” He answered evenly. Mingzhu liked this in her attendants, quick and intelligent answers. She couldn’t stand for a bumbling fool. Patience was perhaps to be another trait to improve upon. This master know as Zhen was a fire bending prodigy in her youth, but had gathered many experiences during her long life time, and Mingzhu thought it again the right time to improve on her yoga techniques, and learn some wisdom off such an elder.

“Very well then.” Was all Mingzhu said, setting off at a slightly faster pace than was fashionable of the woman of the court. But she was no ordinary woman bound to strict gender rules as they would have in the Water Tribes; she had the power and money to move freely as a kite.

[zhen]

"Ah, a blessed day..."

Allowing the fresh air to fill her lungs, Zhen stood on her veranda. Today would be a day far from the ordinary, for it was the day she was to teach methods of yoga and meditation to a noble whose family was known far and wide - Lady Mingzhu Shihong Yubi. Zhen looked forward to meeting the woman, though she could only presume the woman would be fairly hardheaded and snobbish, as were most of her social class. It would be a challenge, but challenges were most always rewarding in their own way.

Walking by the edge of the pond in her front yard, where a few turtle-ducks swam about lazily in the morning light, a smile crossed her face. The everyday chore of feeding the small beasts was enjoyable, seeing them scoop up the tiny crumbs of stale bread and small pieces of duckweed and gobble them down. Such a peaceful existence led as much by the aged firebender herself as the turtle-ducks themselves.

Rising from her former kneeling position by the pond, she smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt before heading back to the veranda, an empty buff linen pouch now held in her hand. Her clothing that day was finely made, a hanbok with a bistre jeogori or top lined with Thulian pink, its bell sleeves adorned with hollow flame-like patterns etched in Thulian pink thread, while the floor-length chima or skirt was a rich crimson hue. Around her waist was a sash the color of persimmon fruit, binding the skirt and top while tying into a bow directly at her front. Her silken white hair was its usual topknot, and her pale skin bore the usual blush to her cheeks and lips.

Zhen was in excellent health in her twilight years, and was ready and willing to teach Mingzhu everything she knew. As she sat on a small chair on her veranda, long skirt spilling onto the floor and sienna eyes gazing across her front yard, the elderly woman could only wait until the fair Lady Mingzhu would appear. But she would certainly enjoy the weather and not sit still for too long in the meantime.

[mingzhu]

The sun beating down cast an parasol shadow on the busy street, attached to the feet of the fair, commonly attired noble. Many people went about their business, some people of similar class dressed in their fine robes, and Mingzhu found herself noticing the real difference between the commoners to the merchants to the very rich. It felt like this journey of more self discovery was working already, or perhaps it was that Mingzhu was feeling particularly vulnerable. As if sensing her slight worry, Lang moved in a little closer, but still maintained his position of an off right centre, only a pace or so behind her.

Mingzhu drew little attention with her parasol covering her eyes, and she felt the strange power of being almost no-one. Coming into the centre of the large town where a statue of Fire Lord Ozai stood, Mingzhu couldn’t help but let the barest of smirks grace her lips. The image was close, but the chin on the statue was far too long, and the eyes slightly too close together. The Fire Lord looked more regal and striking, the stone and stonemason had failed to capture his true self. This brought thoughts of her own vanity, she had posed for hours to have her image captured on paper, but nothing really pleased her. She was told she was beautiful, but the noble at times did not feel her looks gave her any power, power that she craved.

Her salmon pink trousers moved slightly in the breeze as she cast her gaze upwards, then turned to settle on Lang again. Wordlessly she nodded, and Lang quickly handed Mingzhu a small scroll, one containing the location of this Sifu Zhen. Mingzhu had not specified her exact time of arrival, and therefore could have time to browse the market for an appropriate gift for Zhen. Tucking the scroll into the confines of her robe, Mingzhu headed into the market, particularly towards the art stalls.

Mingzhu then found a particular treasure hidden away in the corner of the market-square. The air of the shop was cool, the board creaked under her feet as Mingzhu stepped lightly into the shop. Feeling out of place for mere seconds, Mingzhu eyed the wares that adorned the walls and nearly every available surface. It took her trained eyes only a few moments to pick the gaudy from the divine, the real from the fake. Quickly settling on a choice, she allowed Lang to take care of payment and requesting for the item to be wrapped. Lang placed it into his bag, then set off after Mingzhu.

A quick consultation with the address and picking out the street she had to head up, Mingzhu began the last leg of her journey, and towards what would be her new home for the next few days or weeks. The sounds of the market gradually slipped away as Mingzhu climbed a slight hill to be rewarded with an over view of the town. Her golden eyes squinted slightly in the sun, before turning back to the path and towards the home of Zhen.

“I hope that the Master is not expecting an escort and fifty serving girls; 4 houses would be needed to accommodate them.” A slight dry smile on Mingzhu’s lips. “I would not expect the Master to own that much.” Lang nodded his head, smiling a little at his mistress, and carried on behind her.

Gradually, the sight of a white haired woman came into view. Checking the address and then the name of the household engraved on the name stone on the boundaries of the property, Mingzhu stepped confidently forwards, giving the garden around the front an admiring glance. Closing her parasol and walking with as much control and humility she could muster, Mingzhu began her ascension up the steps to the veranda.

“I give greetings Honoured Mother, in the name of Agni and The Firelord’ Mingzhu said evenly, her voice pleasantly cool, yet unassuming. The most difficult was to come for Mingzhu, to bow to a woman, who should actually be lower than rather than higher. She gracefully dropped to her knees, placing her palms together flat on the wooden floor of the veranda, and lightly pressing her head to the floor, which smelt of sand and fresh grit. “‘I come in humble form to learn from your wisdom and take what guidance you may choose to bestow”

Then, withdrawing from her kneeling position and back to a standing position, Mingzhu takes the wrapped up package Lang was holding out. And with another bow, Mingzhu placed it on Zhen’s lap, and the barest of smiles, a mere twitching of the corner of her lips.

“A gift for the honoured Sifu. Said with stiff formality. This was going to be interesting for the both of them. The woman would find a beautiful hand carved opera mask from a classic well known to Mingzhu, one that has been poplar for many years.

[zhen]

When the noble approached, Zhen was standing atop the veranda front and center, perhaps making her seem more important than was actually needed. And while the honor and humility was nice, it was hardly what Zhen expected or even desired. Motioning for the noble of surprisingly plain dress to rise, she graciously held the opera mask in her hand. It was a fine gift and a thoughtful one at that. Very well-made, and suitable since Zhen fancied herself a fan of classic opera every now and then. "Please, rise. I am no greater than you, and do not need to be treated like a goddess." Punctuating with a slight chuckle, she continued; "As nice as that would be, I don't deserve all this formality."

Putting her hands behind her back, she looked the noble up and down. It seemed perhaps a deliberate attempt to be humble, but Zhen perceived the woman to be entirely sincere. "Lady Mingzhu Shihong Yubi. You have traveled from afar, here to be my student. I commend you."

Walking over to her door, a graceful hand motion told the noblewoman to follow. Opening and walking inside her humble yet large abode, she placed the opera mask on a small table by the door and walked ahead further. "Please allow me to change my clothing, and I will meet you and your attendant in the courtyard."

At that, she headed up her stairs and into her bedroom. Taking her time changing from her hanbok, she donned a white gi-like robe that reacher her mid-thigh, with long sleeves and a dark chocolate brown sash around her waist. She still wore her trademark white jade pendant, which rarely went without gracing her neck. On her legs, she wore mauve taupe pants, and her feet were covered with the same curly-toed black slippers she wore with her hanbok. She wouldn't keep her shoes on for long anyway. Overall, her clothes were very simple, but suited for training.

She next made her way down the stairs and into the backyard, calm but intrigued at the thought of training this woman. Zhen had instructed many in the art of firebending, and even the mastery of lightning, but this would be an interesting change. A non-bender desiring to be taught the finer points of yoga and meditation. She wouldn't be the first student of such things, but it was still not a common occurrence. As she stepped out her back door and into the back courtyard, she could only wonder what the training could bring. The noble had already fooled her once, after all.

[mingzhu]

Mingzhu hid her slight surprise at the earthness of Zhen, then found herself pleased that all of this up tight ceremony was not needed. The young noble left a small smile bare her lips, and gave a slight bow as Zhen excused herself.

“Of course, we’ll see you there presently.” Mingzhu waited for Zhen to disappear back into the house before turning to Lang, giving him the slightest motion of her head. Lang nodded understandingly, and followed presently after Mingzhu. Her golden eyes beheld a pleasant court yard, one of a decent size, and she imagined large groups of children to learn their bending here. The sun was still beating down with the same intensity as earlier, but Zhen’s house cast a nice cooling shadow over the majority of the courtyard. Mingzhu closed her eyes, and breathed in the warm air, letting her body relax. Heading down a few steps towards the wall that was connected to the house, most presumably the way Zhen would enter. Mingzhu found some large sized cushions, and slipping off the over robe, Mingzhu rolled up the sleeves of the simple under-robe.

Mingzhu, holding back the slight flourish, settled into the cushion to await Zhen, who had taken her time.

“Lang, you can maintain watch over me, or choose to be relieved for a few hours.” Mingzhu said, keeping her gaze straight ahead. Lang glanced down to his mistress, turning the decision over in his mind, then bowed quickly, though Mingzhu was not looking.

“If you do not mind milady, I choose to be relieved.” Lang replied, already letting his shoulders relax. “Shall I be back at sundown milady?”

“Yes, that would be suitable.” Mingzhu nodded, then with a motion of her hand, waved him off. “Please do not be late.” Mingzhu warned. Whilst she could accept human error occurred, being lax with servants and guards made them lazy, and she only expected the best behaviour possible. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d told Lang off.

“Good day then milady.” Lang said pleasantly, turned around then headed back out of the courtyard and back towards the market to browse some wares and enjoy a relaxing drink in a tea shop somewhere.

Mingzhu with her back straighted and unwavering body seemed almost as still as a statue, her soft features almost aglow. Feeling the presence of Zhen, and the beautiful atmosphere of the day and the cool shade of the veranda, Mingzhu spoke softly.

“I have often forgotten the beauty in simple things, just the warmth of the day is a blessing, when you stop and notice it.” Mingzhu said, perhaps bordering on poetic “It is always important to refresh the mind and body.”

[zhen]

Zhen knew well what the young noblewoman meant. Aglow with a gentle smile, the master of firebending kept a careful distance from Mingzhu. The day was indeed blossoming with beauty, even to those who had yet to stop and appreciate. Observing that the woman was now alone, presumably having dismissed her attendant, Zhen was relieved to know their training would have few obstacles that day. They would have peace, uninterrupted. As the lady spoke, Zhen's eyes seemed to gaze toward nothing at all, then shut completely. "Ah, my dear. That truth has guided my days."

Zhen's rich history had been molded, shaped by many truths. Even to present day had she led her life by strong principles, never letting a cherished moment pass by without gratitude. But the day was not to be taxed by heartful reminiscing, sweeping all intentions to the wayside. That day was about Mingzhu, not Zhen. Moving her hand toward the courtyard, the wizened woman ushered Mingzhu to follow. "Come, follow me."

Down the stone steps she went, silent footfalls ambling slowly across the yard to a grassy nook. Seating herself, legs crossed, Zhen took a deep breath. "Now shall we begin?"

[mingzhu]

Mingzhu rose up from her sitting position, the fabric of her trousers brushing against her legs, but unmoving anymore in the still heat of the day. As the young noble walked down the steps, she let her breath become relaxed and fill her body with positive chi. Whilst not a fire bender, she the power of controlled breath, and the same principle led her normal style of fighting. Mingzhu kept her head even and her shoulders dropping in the slightest, remaining still and composed.

Following as she did with each step, a layer of strict manners and equitte was shed like a snake’s skin. Mingzhu had to leave herself raw and exposed for new truths to enter her body, and then with skill and precise mediation, she would rebuild her self and raise from her old ashes a finer phoenix.

“Of course.” She replied, and felt no more was needed; Zhen would have to be the only one to speak from now on. It felt like a great relief she would not have to make idle conversation. The grass felt instantly cooler, and Mingzhu felt a great desire to take her shoes off, almost like an earth bender. But she was not a savage. Seating herself quietly, the composed Noble let her flexible legs cross themselves neatly. She rested her fine cream coloured hands on each knee. Keeping her back straight, but neck arched backwards slightly, Mingzhu breathed in the chi of the world, eyes closing in a moment of sublime joy.

She opened her eyes and looked at Zhen opposite her, a proud and well persevered woman. Studying the lines on her face that seemed so ready to smile with real emotion, Mingzhu replied.

“Please do, Master Zhen.” Her lips flinched, the barest hint of a smile, Zhen would no doubt pick up the satire of the last two words.

[zhen]

Zhen presented a smile in return, since she detected a small presence of irony in Mingzhu's edict. As much as those who were more or perhaps irreverant would have quipped right in return, the firebender glossed over the jibe with due haste. Putting her hands in her lap, she gazed at the well-kempt noble across from her in the grass. No doubt the young woman was eager to learn. As she looked to the sky once more, concluding the day would end with weather most kind, Zhen returned her thoughts to the matter at hand. "First things first. Close your eyes..." Zhen did exactly as she instructed, straight after her pupil did the same. "...and relax."

Feeling warm sunlight and gentle breeze, the elderly woman relaxed her muscles. "Allow yourself to drift from wordly concerns." Ah, how that was a difficult task for some, perhaps more so with the wealthy. Zhen herself had a humble upbringing, but was by no means a hypocrite for suggesting such a thing with the prestige granted by her status. One could burn down her home, everything she owned, but she would fail to dwell on such things. Zhen was far from absolute enlightenment, but she never allowed emotion to cloud her thinking. "Be at peace with yourself and all things around you..."

[mingzhu]

Soon as Mingzhu submitted herself to the instruction of Zhen, the young noble soon found herself within a warm sphere of contentment and focus. She let her hands rest in a more natural position in her lap, one laid gentle on top one, her breathing deep and slow. She had attainted a good level of control over her thoughts from many meditation sessions over the years. Slowly, thoughts of the days travel and some trivial matters with the servants at home, her father’s appetite for growth and power…..
Mingzhu took in a slow, control breath, feeling the chi in her body slowly balance itself. She became aware of the soft feel of the grass, the gentle breeze speaking in her ear, Zhen’s voice washing over her. The breeze teased at a strand of hair on her forhead, tickiling Mingzhu a little. She ignore the wish to sweep it away, instead submitting to the feeling, and letting it drift into the back of her mind.

Allowing her head to bend forwards, her slightly tense shoulders dropped a little, her chest puffing out a little more to take in deeper breaths. For Mingzhu, she felt like a small pocket of heat, which was slowly allowing the breeze to cool down until gradually she became equal with the entire hearing world around herself. She let her mind become blank; inwardly focusing on a single colour inside her mind, a soft pink, similar to the one Zhen was wearing earlier.

Holding back on any dry comments –self discipline and a clear mind were more important- Mingzhu nodded.

“Hmm.” A sort of soft sigh, one that was relaxed, but ready for the next step.

[zhen]

Sunlight on the grassy knoll found no interruption from the shadows of trees, since the wispy clouds dared not to venture before the mighty blazing sun. The sunlight on her shoulders felt so nice, relaxation provided to acheive the goals she held for her student. There was no need for complaints in the flawless weather of that day. Not too hot, not at all cold, the sky with just enough clouds to adorn the blue expanse with puffs of white.

Zhen herself was content, finding her center and helping another to do the same. It felt nice to help another person, if only for that short time. Breathing in and out, clean air filling her lungs, the elderly woman decided to carry out the next step. Perhaps not the conventional style of meditation, it proved somewhat of a deviation in ways. A method had been picked up here and there, but Zhen found the style worked for her. "Now focus. Let your mind settle on one thing."

With a deep but careful breath, so as not to pass out from improper oxygen usage. As a firebender, the control over her own breathing was highly valued for so many reasons. Knowing things of that sort had led to her mastery of firebending, which continued to improve down to that day. "Now drift away. Lose all haughty ambition, all selfish pride. Lose...your clothes."

As she saw, there was no reason not to inject humor into the situation. They were in no hurry, so Zhen saw little danger interrupting the focus Mingzhu was trying to acheive. Creaking her eye open, she smirked. She hoped the noble took the joke in the proper way.

[mingzhu]

Mingzhu could now find herself detecting a scent of flowers from somewhere, probably from the grass, it was a gentle fragence, mingling with the dewy scent of grass, and combined with the gentle heat, Mingzhu could happily be a hermit if every moment was like this.

Let her mind settle on a single thing? What could that be? She felt she could loose herself in trying to find a single thing to think about. The colour in her mind faded a little, forming itself into the shape of a bird soaring out against the blue sky. She knew exactly the shape of its wings, the soft movements as it dipped in the air. At the moment the bird in flight soared higher, Mingzhu took in bit of a sharp breathe, then let it exhale slowly, conctrating of it moving seamlessly out of her body.

Her centre felt calm and good, meditation did not always work perfectly, and yet Zhen’s laid back gentle teaching seemed to be reaping some benefits already.

"Now drift away. Lose all haughty ambition, all selfish pride. Lose...your clothes."

Haughty ambition? Dear Angi would this woman judge her by mere noble status? Mingzhu felt a little annoyance bubble, and then choosing to ignore, carried on focusing on the single bird. And yet, was she haughty? And selfish pride? Mingzhu brushed away the comments, her personality could be humbled, but she remained a noble woman of a great noble family, a mere teacher could and would not change that.

Her brow furrowed, the pearly skin of her cheeks taking on a slight pink shade at the clothes comment. Zhen had a great dry sense of humour, and despite the previous words, Mingzhu felt herself warming to the woman in a strange way. There was the odd feeling these pair could be good friends, if Mingzhu played the right cards to create that friendship, she was a rather good actress.

“I did say a humbled, not naked form Master Zhen.” She kept her eyes closed, but her neck tilted back, her back arched, her lips curved into a smile.

[zhen]

"But that was the highlight of my day!" Zhen said calmly, her wizened mouth curling into a grin. She was glad Mingzhu noticed her words were utter and complete irony, lest she have to spend the next few minutes explaining it. Zhen despised when jokes were ruined due to needing clarification. Closing her eyes, the firebending master resumed the lesson.

***

"That will be all for today." Hours later, Zhen was finished with her lessons for that day. She hoped she had done well teaching Mingzhu to relax, to meditate, but there was no way to tell. The noblewoman could have been excellent with guises and pretense, and nothing could possibly indicate to Zhen that Mingzhu hadn't been listening the entire time. There were a few telltale marks, but nothing definite.

It was the case with some of her students, sadly, even though Mingzhu outwardly seemed more disciplined than that. The majority of them were already somewhat advanced, all of them firebenders, but there seemed to always be that occasional problem student. Standing from that grassy knoll, Zhen loosely draped her arms behind her back. "Shall we go inside for tea? Perhaps we can share a tale or two."

[mingzhu]

Once finding her centre and the firm but gently guiding of Zhen allowed Mingzhu to glimpse some new emotions and thoughts locked away somewhere, but those had been brief, and she may have missed what Zhen was saying at some moments. Mingzhu didn’t want to pay too much time anaylsising these old emotions, probably locked up from her childhood.

Time had passed very quickly for Mingzhu, and it wasn’t until she realised she had a raging thirst, her last drink of water had been at about midday. Her liquid gold eyes finally peeled open, watching Zhen stand up and offer an invitation for tea. Mingzhu felt if she was denied refreshment any longer, she would happily drink water straight from a stream (and this shocked her a litte…was she a too humbled now?)

Easing her lips in a smile, Mingzhu rose up from her sitting position, relieved to stretch her back and get some blood flowing back into her legs. Slipping her hands into her sleeves, and inclining her head a little, her eyes looked very welcome to the idea.

“Yes, a little refreshment shall help the lesson to sink in.” She rather hoped Zhen had some ginger tea, she had always been very partial to that one. “A tale or two will be a fair price your hospitality and teaching.”

Sweeping out a graceful arm, Mingzhu gestured for Zhen to lead the way. Mingzhu was quickly thinking of some yarn to spin into a believable story. Or she could actually try and tell a real story.

"Please, lead the way."

[zhen]

Less than a minute carried on before Zhen was inside her home, where she sat across from the noble at a low table of fine ebony wood that glimmered with an even lacquer. The surface was painted with an intricate pattern of a phoenix and dragon entwined in dance, the latter perhaps representing Agni herself, in shades of red, orange and gold. Pillows of quality brocade fabric were where the two women sat, Zhen's a rich maroon and delicate lavender while Mingzhu's seating place bore hues of cordovan and pastel pink. Pretty flowers were embroidered into the heavy cloth, while braided cords and tassels edged the perimiter. Portraits and landscapes could be seen on the walls, particularly a large one of her late husband Quang-Thanh in plain view. It was so lifelike, and its frame of mahogany reinforced its value. Much like the white jade necklace she wore, it served as a fond memento to the elderly Zhen.

She had yet to change from her training attire to something more ladylike, but the humble garb Mingzhu wore gave leeway for a more casual look. Her ivory hair was still partially a high topknot, the rest unrestrained, but her face was the same placid smile she often bore. She soon emerged from her kitchen with a tray holding a pair of teapots and two matching teacups, one vessel filled with peach ginger tea while the other held a variety made from the petals of roses and cherry blossoms. The essence of heated water and floral aromas melded pleasantly, soon placed in the exact center of the rectangular table. Seating herself, Zhen crossed her hands in her lap, allowing Mingzhu the first selection. It was the polite thing to do. "So, shall I weave a yarn, or do you wish to start?"

[mingzhu]

Mingzhu let her gaze skim over the surroundings of the house, it was airy and comfortable, no doubt arranged with humility and some dashes of good taste, she wouldn’t expect anything less from Zhen now she’d spent a number of hours in her company. Mingzhu held her body with a proud elegance, the curve of her swan like neck bent forward a little, after all she was a guest. Her manicured hands were pressed against her stomach, safe in the confines of her sleeves.

She smiled the little hint of a smile, kneeling down gently on the carpet, delicately as if she might blow away if a the wind become too strong from the open windows. As elegant and lithe Mingzhu appeared, she knew she was made from stronger stuff. Sweeping away an ebony strange of hair from her face, Mingzhu stayed seated as Zhen went to locate some tea. She did how ever take a quick moment to smooth her hands over her hair and clothes. Her inner lady was screaming out for the attention of some hair wax and a comb, and silk cloth.

The smell of tea made her mouth water, and for a moment Mingzhu was tempted to request something like cool water. She inclined her head the slightest in gratitude to Zhen, the liquid gold of her eyes suddenly looking a little more refreshed.

Mingzhu reached out for the ginger tea, feeling the warmth of it spread to her fingertips. She placed one hand flat on the bottom of the cup, the other holding it in a delicate but firm grip. Lifting the hot cup to her lips, Mingzhu sipped the liquid carefully. She placed it back down on the table, smiling at Zhen. “Thank you, most refreshing.’

‘Please, allow my small tale. It is one you may enjoy.’ Mingzhu spoke, her cultured voice even. ‘It is a story that holds some personal significance to me.'

'There was a beautiful concubine, Ling Mei, who belonged to a General. She was never happy, and fell in love with a young man, but he did not know of her love. Each night, her sadness transformed her into a bird, which went to sing by his window every night. The young man loved the bird song, and was determined to know who owned it, followed the bird back to the house. Ling-mei transformed back into a bird, and the young man was memorized by her beauty and fell in love with her.’

Mingzhu remembered her mother telling her such stories as a child, including the ones she had read in secret when she should have been studying.

‘Unfortunatley the General entered the room and saw the young man with Ling mei, and struck him down dead. Upset because she had lost the man she loved, Ling-mei threw herself into a deep lake. The spirit of the man became a tree, and Ling-mei became a bird, sitting in the tree and singing to him all the time.’

Mingzhu finished, hoping Zhen enjoyed the little bit of folklore.