And I suppose I should thank you for what you do, as well.
[ Though, he doesn't believe it happens where he's from. If there were some kindness in death, he would have seen it. All he could do was bring them back from the brink, and then watch them walk right into it again. There were never any guarantees, any kindnesses in war. Just endless death.
Still, the way she answers does make him wonder. Perhaps, in some world, there lies the possibility of a personification of death itself, or the usher of such. Wouldn't that be a hoot. ]
Well, I haven't seen it directly myself, but from what I've heard, those that die find themselves in a garden. Miss Nene escorts them back here, but the Forest takes something as payment. A limb, a sense, a memory. I've heard a variety of things that have been lost.
[For a brief moment, that praise settles warmly into her chest. When reality sets in only seconds later, though, the feeling quickly abates. She knows that her influence over death was not nearly so far reaching. It only existed because of the circumstances of her creation.
Perhaps that's why her ears faintly droop, or why she only gives a faint nod of acknowledgement.]
A garden? [In some ways, this sounds familiar. In others... the description feels wrong. She shakes her head.] No, no. Forgive me for saying as much but. Death... should not work like that. It should be impermeable. One may be rescued from its doorstep, but never from beyond its true embrace.
[Perhaps, though, this is just another example of the myriad differences between her home and the universe at large?]
[ And now, she's starting to see what he's putting down. Jiaoqiu nods, turning his closed gaze back toward the forest. ]
Precisely. Death is a permanent state, not one that can be reversed. The fact that it can be in this place just goes to show how unsettled this place really is.
[ He frowns, eyes opening once more as he mulls over the details that he knows in his head. ]
Which brings me back to your original question. The one that resides in the forest is a fallen god. Our pain and suffering are his sustenance, and our deaths only make him stronger. There is some movement to stop him, but the last time an expedition attempted it, half returned to this place from the garden.
[Only one thing comes to mind when she considers powers greater than death. She cannot fight the shiver that reverberates through her at the thought, nearly a bodily shudder likely visible to her companion.]
Then this cannot be allowed to stand.
[She is no fool. If an expedition had been nearly destroyed, then she knows she cannot handle this on her own. Worse still, she does not know how her abilities might function within this world. But as the Servant of the Afterlife, even within a half-formed world like Amphoreus, her duty was to put right the rules of death.]
I must thank you, Mister Jiaoqiu, for informing me of the rules of this land. Even if my way forward is unclear, I know what I must do within this world. [At that, she pauses and looks away almost sheepishly.] Though... please allow me to assure you, I have no intention of making the mistakes of expeditions past. I have no intention of rushing into combat at this time.
[Righting the course of Amphoreus had taken millions of cycles, after all. It would not be so simple as a fight to the death.]
[ Visible indeed, especially for someone who seemingly has his eyes closed most of the time. Not that they are now, of course, but still. ]
Well, that's good to hear. There's certainly no need to rush, and that counts for a lot of things. Not just whatever you plan to do.
[ It's best not to rush learning about your surroundings, or settling in. And considering what he's seen, she has literally just arrived here. No one else has been victim to sudden freezing in place like that. ]
Here, why don't we go to the Inn? I can make you something to eat. A warm meal soothes the heart, after all.
[Given the tension and determination that had only just gripped her, the reminder is an important one. She tucks her head down, briefly feeling something close to shame for the abruptness of her declarations. It's a relief that, at the very least, Jiaoqiu doesn't seem keen to judge her outright.]
A meal... [At the mention of this, her stomach does indeed seem to rouse itself. How long had it been since she had eaten?] That would be most wonderful. I can assist you, should you require it.
[ Ah, there it is. The determination can stay, but the urgency of it needed to go. Thankfully, the promise of a meal seems to have helped. And, it's a confirmation to Jiaoqiu that she's mortal enough. ]
If you like. It isn't really needed - my method of medicine is cooking, so I'm pretty experienced - but I'm not going to say no to a little help.
[While wouldn't call herself the best cook (not when Mydei was around) given her independence, she'd learned to be functional, at the very least. If nothing else, she could take orders and chop veggies.
[ He will gladly lead the way to the Inn. It isn't far! ]
There isn't a broad selection of ingredients here, but you can always make something from practically nothing. That said, what sort of foods do you like, Miss Castorice?
[Her brows furrow. She would take whatever she could get, or she would make it herself. She'd eaten a great deal of different fare over her many years. There were dishes from cities that had long since been destroyed, cuisine that she nor anyone else would ever remember.
Or... maybe they would now. It's hard to say, with Amphoreus currently stitching itself back together. Maybe she could hope.
She shakes her head to clear her thoughts.]
I enjoy sweet foods, but that would not suffice for a proper meal. Generally, I take lighter meals, multiple times per day. It is easier to keep my energy up that way.
[ The hesitation is noted. What is the meaning behind it, he wonders? For a being such as Castorice, it could be anything. Not that he'll go as far as making assumptions, of course. It's best to find out directly. ]
A wise choice. Sweet is good in moderation, to harmonize the stomach. Maintaining a periodic light meal is good for digestion and avoids overloading the stomach with overly rich foods.
[ He hums as he walks, the tips of his ears very gently swaying with each step. ]
We'll do a soup, I think. Light, and easy to load with nutrients. How do you handle spice?
[Castorice nods along with his words. It sounds reasonable enough. Really, it had become a habit in her years of wandering — staying still for too long often felt like a risk. A smaller meal kept her energy up for long enough to keep moving, without making her feel ill from the continued effort.
As for the sweets...]
Yes I... certainly practiced moderation where I could.
[She did not. As a perpetual sad girl, she let herself indulge in sweets as much as she wanted, thank you. Hopefully he won't press, especially with the zeal in which she continues the conversation.]
Soup sounds lovely! Though... [A little more sheepish.] Perhaps not too heavy on the spice.
[ He will not press, thankfully! There's a hint of suspicion there, based on how she answers, but he won't say anything about it. He'll simply make sure that her serving of soup is chock full of veggies. It won't hurt either way. ]
Alright. I'll keep the spice to a minimum then.
[ Ugh. Though, he doesn't let that alter his tone. He can always spice up his own bowl a bit, if he has some. He can make a soup flavorful without it, even if it isn't his preferred method.
Luckily, the Inn isn't far. He will even hold the door open for her, once they get there. ]
[The good news is that she won't protest. Even if there are certain veggies that fail to appeal to her, she is far too polite to turn them down. If anything, she can spoon out what she does not prefer!]
Thank you. I hope it does not put you out too much.
[She knows everyone has their preferences. Really, she shouldn't protest when Jiaoqiu was going out of his way to make her food. But he did ask, and she couldn't simply lie to him.
She slips inside with a grateful nod, then reaches to hold to door in turn as he slips inside.]
Oh, not at all. I'd hardly be a healer worth my salt and pepper if cooking for someone else was a chore.
[ He passes through the door with a nod and a soft "thank you", then turns toward the kitchen, waiting until she's closed the door. ]
This is the Inn. You'll find accommodations here. They're private and fairly comfortable, in my opinion. And the kitchen is this way, if you're ever in the need.
[ And that's where they're going now! Off to the kitchens they go. ]
[Pausing briefly, Castorice stares down the hall toward the rooms. She isn't used to living in such close proximity to others, when she thinks about it. Does the idea excite her? Or fill her with nerves? Some part of her still isn't used to being close to others.
She swallows the thought down for now.]
It sounds wonderful.
[She finally trots after Jiaoqiu. Some part of her instinctively thinks to keep six feet back, before she remembers that it's no longer necessary. She speeds up just a little after that.]
Do you often cook for others then, Mr. Jiaoqiu? You make it sound... familiar.
[ For a moment, Jiaoqiu slows his pace a little, noticing that her footsteps aren't as quick as his own, or as close behind. But once she trots forward to catch up, he matches her pace instead. ]
All the time. As a healer, I heal through cooking. Cooking is medicine, after all. You can remedy a lot of conditions by consuming the right things. Of course, I practice other medical arts, too, but medicinal cooking is my specialty.
[ He could go into the details, but he'll save that for if she expresses interest. While he knows it forward and backward, to a lot of people, it's like wading into the weeds. ]
I also cook for my colleagues on a daily basis. As General Feixiao's personal healer, it is my responsibility to make sure she gets the nutrition she needs. And to make sure she has something in her stomach to counter the alcohol she drinks.
[The surprise is evident on Castorice's face at first. Indeed, the logic makes sense when she considers it. Certain foods were rich in nutrients, and those nutrients could properly heal the body. It went double when adding medicinal herbs, she imagined.]
It must have been a difficult talent to learn. Balancing medicinal need with flavor. Unless, of course, that isn't a factor?
[I mean, medicine didn't always taste good.
But that thought trails off. Something in Jiaoqiu's words stands out to her as familiar. Her brows draw together.]
Mister Jiaoqiu... if you will permit a personal question. Where are you from, exactly?
[ Jiaoqiu hums thoughtfully at that, as they finally arrive at the kitchen. It already smells like food - many use this place, so it stands to reason someone has probably cooked in here recently. In fact, there is already a pot on the fire, bubbling away. A good base for him to get started, providing it isn't a heavy broth. ]
Oh, it certainly took time. But no, medicines do not need to taste bad. In fact, the more palatable your treatment, the more likely you are to take it. Vegetables are good for the body in various ways, but if a child refuses to eat them, you can simply dice them into fine bits and hide them away in meatballs.
[ He's already moving around the kitchen, gathering supplies. But first, a glance at the pot. Yes, it seems to be a thinner broth. Chicken, perhaps, or some kind of fowl. It will do.
Castorice's question only makes him pause for a moment, turning to glance over his shoulder. His eyes are open this time. ]
The Xianzhou Alliance. More specifically, the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Why do you ask?
[The atmosphere of the kitchen alone — the scent of food wafting on the breeze, the warmth in the air — does wonders to set Castorice's nerves at ease. So, too, does the sound of Jiaoqiu's voice. He must be an excellent physician, to be able to calm someone so readily.
It brings a faint smile to her face, even as she reaches for some of what is pulled out. Noticeably, she avoids grabbing a collected carrot. Don't worry about it.
Of course - she very nearly drops the pilfered vegetable when she hears that name. Her head whips around, eyes briefly going wide. Even if she hadn't been the one to beg the Trailblazer and Dan Heng for stories, she had still heard the name float by. It was indeed why her suspicions had been raised.
An almost unprecedented wave of joy washes through her.]
Xianzhou - Are you familiar with the Trailblazer, then?
[ There are many things being gathered. Sparse, in the grand scheme of things - this place doesn't have nearly the level of spices and herbs as his own kitchen back at home - but many simple things. Vegetables. Aromatics. Flavorings. Carrots, but also other root vegetables that can add starch. A bit of dried meat, which can be rehydrated easily in the soup.
He's in the process of spooning broth out of the pot when Castorice asks, and to his credit, he doesn't drop his ladle. ]
The Trailblazer, huh? So you're familiar, then.
[ They sure do get around, don't they? It must be nice, to have that much freedom. ]
[Castorice's nod is an excited one. It isn't just that Jiaoqiu is familiar with the Trailblazer and their crew. This is someone from the world outside of her own — contained within her universe unlike the many others there, but still unfamiliar to her. A man like this was the sort of person that she and the other heirs once dared to dream of speaking to.
That dream had been delayed, given their circumstances. But now...]
It is an honor to meet you. The Trailblazer and Dan Heng told us many stories of their adventures. I never hoped to -
[She trails off, embarrassed, yes, but also unsure of how to explain her predicament.]
[ There's a lot loaded into those words. A lot of emotion, ones that Jiaoqiu can't read so much as surmise. "Us" is a curiosity in itself, and for a moment, he feels the urge to ask. But he will wait until she's done. He isn't rude.
Instead, as Castorice talks, he fills another, much smaller pot with broth from the bigger one, leaving the vegetables and meats there alone. He will replace the broth with some water once he's finished here. ]
Oh? I suppose I should ask which part you're grateful for, exactly.
[ It's good-natured and genuinely curious, as he turns to set the smaller pot on the stove. ]
It's no secret that the Trailblazer and their friends travel a great many places. Which one might you be from? I'd love to hear about your world, if you've already heard of mine.
[How does she explain this? Her hands fit together over her abdomen, fingers delicately picking at the fabric of her gloves as she mulls over the proper words. How far had the story spread these days? How much did anyone know?]
I suppose the best way to explain it is... the world that I am from is incredibly isolated. Until recently, the idea of meeting with anyone beyond the bounds of the sky was nothing but an impossible dream. It was the Trailblazer who showed us otherwise.
[Of course, the Trailblazer was also the one who would later prove that it still wasn't possible yet. But surely that was only a matter of time.]
My home is known as Amphoreus. I, specifically, call the city of Okhema my home.
[ Blazing trails wherever they go is what they do best, after all. Opening up an isolated world fits right in that wheelhouse. Jiaoqiu keeps his back turned to her as he continues fiddling with lighting the fire and finding a spoon for measurements.
But his mind is running as he does. Amphoreus, Okhema... Neither of those ring a bell. His tail waves behind him thoughtfully. Not that he's heard of all of the Trailblazer's adventures, of course, but. ]
Those names don't sound familiar to me, I'm afraid. But perhaps it's simply a matter of temporal distortion? This place seems to work oddly with time, so it's possible that the Trailblazer hadn't met you yet when they were visiting the Xianzhou Luofu for the Luminary Wardance. But, that means you get to tell me about it instead.
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sticksandbones2026-05-01 12:05 pm
no subject
[ Though, he doesn't believe it happens where he's from. If there were some kindness in death, he would have seen it. All he could do was bring them back from the brink, and then watch them walk right into it again. There were never any guarantees, any kindnesses in war. Just endless death.
Still, the way she answers does make him wonder. Perhaps, in some world, there lies the possibility of a personification of death itself, or the usher of such. Wouldn't that be a hoot. ]
Well, I haven't seen it directly myself, but from what I've heard, those that die find themselves in a garden. Miss Nene escorts them back here, but the Forest takes something as payment. A limb, a sense, a memory. I've heard a variety of things that have been lost.
no subject
Perhaps that's why her ears faintly droop, or why she only gives a faint nod of acknowledgement.]
A garden? [In some ways, this sounds familiar. In others... the description feels wrong. She shakes her head.] No, no. Forgive me for saying as much but. Death... should not work like that. It should be impermeable. One may be rescued from its doorstep, but never from beyond its true embrace.
[Perhaps, though, this is just another example of the myriad differences between her home and the universe at large?]
no subject
Precisely. Death is a permanent state, not one that can be reversed. The fact that it can be in this place just goes to show how unsettled this place really is.
[ He frowns, eyes opening once more as he mulls over the details that he knows in his head. ]
Which brings me back to your original question. The one that resides in the forest is a fallen god. Our pain and suffering are his sustenance, and our deaths only make him stronger. There is some movement to stop him, but the last time an expedition attempted it, half returned to this place from the garden.
no subject
Then this cannot be allowed to stand.
[She is no fool. If an expedition had been nearly destroyed, then she knows she cannot handle this on her own. Worse still, she does not know how her abilities might function within this world. But as the Servant of the Afterlife, even within a half-formed world like Amphoreus, her duty was to put right the rules of death.]
I must thank you, Mister Jiaoqiu, for informing me of the rules of this land. Even if my way forward is unclear, I know what I must do within this world. [At that, she pauses and looks away almost sheepishly.] Though... please allow me to assure you, I have no intention of making the mistakes of expeditions past. I have no intention of rushing into combat at this time.
[Righting the course of Amphoreus had taken millions of cycles, after all. It would not be so simple as a fight to the death.]
no subject
Well, that's good to hear. There's certainly no need to rush, and that counts for a lot of things. Not just whatever you plan to do.
[ It's best not to rush learning about your surroundings, or settling in. And considering what he's seen, she has literally just arrived here. No one else has been victim to sudden freezing in place like that. ]
Here, why don't we go to the Inn? I can make you something to eat. A warm meal soothes the heart, after all.
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A meal... [At the mention of this, her stomach does indeed seem to rouse itself. How long had it been since she had eaten?] That would be most wonderful. I can assist you, should you require it.
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If you like. It isn't really needed - my method of medicine is cooking, so I'm pretty experienced - but I'm not going to say no to a little help.
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Another nod is offered.]
Then by all means, lead the way.
no subject
[ He will gladly lead the way to the Inn. It isn't far! ]
There isn't a broad selection of ingredients here, but you can always make something from practically nothing. That said, what sort of foods do you like, Miss Castorice?
no subject
[Her brows furrow. She would take whatever she could get, or she would make it herself. She'd eaten a great deal of different fare over her many years. There were dishes from cities that had long since been destroyed, cuisine that she nor anyone else would ever remember.
Or... maybe they would now. It's hard to say, with Amphoreus currently stitching itself back together. Maybe she could hope.
She shakes her head to clear her thoughts.]
I enjoy sweet foods, but that would not suffice for a proper meal. Generally, I take lighter meals, multiple times per day. It is easier to keep my energy up that way.
no subject
A wise choice. Sweet is good in moderation, to harmonize the stomach. Maintaining a periodic light meal is good for digestion and avoids overloading the stomach with overly rich foods.
[ He hums as he walks, the tips of his ears very gently swaying with each step. ]
We'll do a soup, I think. Light, and easy to load with nutrients. How do you handle spice?
no subject
As for the sweets...]
Yes I... certainly practiced moderation where I could.
[She did not. As a perpetual sad girl, she let herself indulge in sweets as much as she wanted, thank you. Hopefully he won't press, especially with the zeal in which she continues the conversation.]
Soup sounds lovely! Though... [A little more sheepish.] Perhaps not too heavy on the spice.
no subject
Alright. I'll keep the spice to a minimum then.
[ Ugh. Though, he doesn't let that alter his tone. He can always spice up his own bowl a bit, if he has some. He can make a soup flavorful without it, even if it isn't his preferred method.
Luckily, the Inn isn't far. He will even hold the door open for her, once they get there. ]
After you.
no subject
Thank you. I hope it does not put you out too much.
[She knows everyone has their preferences. Really, she shouldn't protest when Jiaoqiu was going out of his way to make her food. But he did ask, and she couldn't simply lie to him.
She slips inside with a grateful nod, then reaches to hold to door in turn as he slips inside.]
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[ He passes through the door with a nod and a soft "thank you", then turns toward the kitchen, waiting until she's closed the door. ]
This is the Inn. You'll find accommodations here. They're private and fairly comfortable, in my opinion. And the kitchen is this way, if you're ever in the need.
[ And that's where they're going now! Off to the kitchens they go. ]
no subject
She swallows the thought down for now.]
It sounds wonderful.
[She finally trots after Jiaoqiu. Some part of her instinctively thinks to keep six feet back, before she remembers that it's no longer necessary. She speeds up just a little after that.]
Do you often cook for others then, Mr. Jiaoqiu? You make it sound... familiar.
no subject
All the time. As a healer, I heal through cooking. Cooking is medicine, after all. You can remedy a lot of conditions by consuming the right things. Of course, I practice other medical arts, too, but medicinal cooking is my specialty.
[ He could go into the details, but he'll save that for if she expresses interest. While he knows it forward and backward, to a lot of people, it's like wading into the weeds. ]
I also cook for my colleagues on a daily basis. As General Feixiao's personal healer, it is my responsibility to make sure she gets the nutrition she needs. And to make sure she has something in her stomach to counter the alcohol she drinks.
no subject
It must have been a difficult talent to learn. Balancing medicinal need with flavor. Unless, of course, that isn't a factor?
[I mean, medicine didn't always taste good.
But that thought trails off. Something in Jiaoqiu's words stands out to her as familiar. Her brows draw together.]
Mister Jiaoqiu... if you will permit a personal question. Where are you from, exactly?
no subject
Oh, it certainly took time. But no, medicines do not need to taste bad. In fact, the more palatable your treatment, the more likely you are to take it. Vegetables are good for the body in various ways, but if a child refuses to eat them, you can simply dice them into fine bits and hide them away in meatballs.
[ He's already moving around the kitchen, gathering supplies. But first, a glance at the pot. Yes, it seems to be a thinner broth. Chicken, perhaps, or some kind of fowl. It will do.
Castorice's question only makes him pause for a moment, turning to glance over his shoulder. His eyes are open this time. ]
The Xianzhou Alliance. More specifically, the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Why do you ask?
no subject
It brings a faint smile to her face, even as she reaches for some of what is pulled out. Noticeably, she avoids grabbing a collected carrot. Don't worry about it.
Of course - she very nearly drops the pilfered vegetable when she hears that name. Her head whips around, eyes briefly going wide. Even if she hadn't been the one to beg the Trailblazer and Dan Heng for stories, she had still heard the name float by. It was indeed why her suspicions had been raised.
An almost unprecedented wave of joy washes through her.]
Xianzhou - Are you familiar with the Trailblazer, then?
no subject
He's in the process of spooning broth out of the pot when Castorice asks, and to his credit, he doesn't drop his ladle. ]
The Trailblazer, huh? So you're familiar, then.
[ They sure do get around, don't they? It must be nice, to have that much freedom. ]
Yes, I know them. We have spoken several times.
no subject
That dream had been delayed, given their circumstances. But now...]
It is an honor to meet you. The Trailblazer and Dan Heng told us many stories of their adventures. I never hoped to -
[She trails off, embarrassed, yes, but also unsure of how to explain her predicament.]
I am grateful, is all I mean to say.
no subject
Instead, as Castorice talks, he fills another, much smaller pot with broth from the bigger one, leaving the vegetables and meats there alone. He will replace the broth with some water once he's finished here. ]
Oh? I suppose I should ask which part you're grateful for, exactly.
[ It's good-natured and genuinely curious, as he turns to set the smaller pot on the stove. ]
It's no secret that the Trailblazer and their friends travel a great many places. Which one might you be from? I'd love to hear about your world, if you've already heard of mine.
no subject
I suppose the best way to explain it is... the world that I am from is incredibly isolated. Until recently, the idea of meeting with anyone beyond the bounds of the sky was nothing but an impossible dream. It was the Trailblazer who showed us otherwise.
[Of course, the Trailblazer was also the one who would later prove that it still wasn't possible yet. But surely that was only a matter of time.]
My home is known as Amphoreus. I, specifically, call the city of Okhema my home.
no subject
[ Blazing trails wherever they go is what they do best, after all. Opening up an isolated world fits right in that wheelhouse. Jiaoqiu keeps his back turned to her as he continues fiddling with lighting the fire and finding a spoon for measurements.
But his mind is running as he does. Amphoreus, Okhema... Neither of those ring a bell. His tail waves behind him thoughtfully. Not that he's heard of all of the Trailblazer's adventures, of course, but. ]
Those names don't sound familiar to me, I'm afraid. But perhaps it's simply a matter of temporal distortion? This place seems to work oddly with time, so it's possible that the Trailblazer hadn't met you yet when they were visiting the Xianzhou Luofu for the Luminary Wardance. But, that means you get to tell me about it instead.
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