Grief in the Storm

"Do you have a large suite or any adjoining rooms, perhaps? The boy and I have been separated from the rest of our party and quite wary of parting company." She broke the silence when the innkeeper did not speak up after waiting for the large woman to continue with a sales pitch. However, when she failed to take up the conversation, Daiyu felt the need to prod things forward. Inhaling the distinct scent of wet earth mingled with the soothing aroma of sandalwood incense, creating a comforting ambiance amidst the tempest. The sound of rain pelting against the windows, an incessant drumbeat that punctuated their conversation.

"Certainly, Miss! Please excuse my rudeness from earlier, and welcome to The Crane and Pond. Rooms seven and eight are connected by a secure door. Both rooms have a lovely balcony view of the pond garden behind this beloved inn. Seven is our smallest luxury room yet still very spacious…." the innkeeper finally replied, her tone shifting from indifference to warmth. With a smile akin to the radiant sun, she began describing the rooms, her previous hostility dissipating like an ephemeral illusion. Se Mali sat the boy down on one of the soft white sofas positioned around the lobby. Unnoticed, the child took a deep breath of fresh air once the stale man had moved back toward the registration desk. His stomach instantly rumbled at the smell of cooked meat and sweet wine that drifted from the inn's dining patrons.

"That sounds lovely; I smell something delectable. Perhaps it would be possible to get food sent to the larger room. We will dine together after we have bathed and changed from our journey?" Daiyu inquired, her words flowing like a serene melody. The innkeeper nodded vigorously, her head bobbing like a chicken pecking at grain, her smile unnaturally wide.

"It's one silver gint per room, two copper for the meal, five for the in-room bath service…." Daiyu took a second gold gint from a pocket inside her sleeve and passed them both to the proprietress. The innkeeper stood there, gazing dumbstruck at the money in her hand, momentarily unable to articulate a response.

"Madam Tel, Sir Se Mali, I have a few things I desire your help with. First, the child and I are quite terrified that the people who attacked our group may attempt to track us down in order to prevent us from reporting them once we return to the Capital. So I do hope for your utmost discretion in this matter; they seemed to be well-prepared bandits," Daiyu revealed, her voice tinged with a sense of caution. Both the innkeeper and Se Mali nodded, their eyes widening like saucers, while Se Mali contemplated the number of coins he would receive and the remaining amount in Daiyu's possession.

"Second, We would like to book passage to the Ahsi Harbor near the Capital. Is it possible to find us passage on a ship?" She asked sweetly; as if a light had been lit, the woman blinked and moved, looking under the square-bordered desk that framed her bustling about until she found a small board with a piece of parchment attached.

"Fortunate indeed! In the face of stormy seas, two ships emerge as beacons of fortune. Because of the weather the past few days, we have had three ships unable to load the ore deliveries quickly and got a bit stuck. If you wandered in tomorrow, you might have been out of time. All three are scheduled to leave at shine the day after tomorrow; two have passenger spaces available for Ashi Harbor, and they require guests to be on board before glimmer the day before they depart. You have just enough time; the journey to the dock from here takes a good six hours," the innkeeper informed them, handing the board to Daiyu and reaching behind her ear to retrieve a short charcoal stick, freeing a few stray strands of her dark black hair from her high-top bun. The board contained information on cabin pricing, availability, sizes, additional amenities, and crew accommodations for those traveling with servants.

"I have it on good authority that the cabins on the Eating Fish are very cramped. The second class has no more than enough space to stand. Even though the Sailing Serpents is larger, its speed will get you to Ashi Harbor in the same four days as the Eating Fish. Captain Ai Akina is also very tight-lipped and won't tell a soul about the business of her ship or its passengers." The board presented details of the cabins, from the luxurious first-class to the two second-class cabins available on the Eating Fish, as well as the six rooms on the Sailing Serpent, including a Luxury Room, first-class, and second-class options.

"Very well, is it possible to contact them and request second classrooms two and three on the Eating Fish, with in-room meals and wash water? Also, we will need carriages and horses to transport us, of course." The innkeeper nodded enthusiastically again, setting her jowls jiggling.

"Thank you, one more thing, perhaps there may be a few young girls and strong men interested in employment? We will pay their way for crew accommodations and food for the journey, and if they wish to try their fortunes in the Capital or remain in our employ upon our arrival, we would be open to discussing future employment. We had two maids each and several guards when we started out. After the attack…." She let her words drift away, pretending to be distraught over the memory. Tel Ver MoLi reached over her counter and placed a warm thick hand atop the girl's stick-like fingers in sympathy.

"I'll spread the word and find a few individuals for you to consider by shine tomorrow. Our local girls may lack refinement, but they possess quick learning abilities, strength, and sincerity," the innkeeper assured Daiyu, her face growing gentler as she extended her kindness. Daiyu looked up, gently clasping the woman's hands in her own, her eyes shimmering with gratefulness, as she bestowed a traditional on the innkeeper.

"We have troubled you so much; the Maker blesses such kind and generous hearts. May you see all the joys the world has to provide in her grace." She showed the woman a sincerely thankful expression while whispering a traditional blessing. The woman lit up again, her face becoming more gentle.

"Very well, you should settle into your rooms, I'm short staffed but the rooms are easy to find just at the top of the stairs through the common room. You'll need to depart by midday tomorrow, and the morning will come early. The rooms are just up the stairs, to your left. Here are the keys. The smaller one opens the connecting door between the rooms. I'll have someone prepare the bathwater. I wish our doctor were here to attend to the lad, but he has gone to..." The innkeeper began to cluck like a protective mother hen, continuing to ramble for a while. Sensing an opportunity, Daiyu swiftly intervened.

"Guard Se Mali, I would be most thankful if you could assist us upstairs before you return to your duties? That is, if it is not too much of a hardship, you have been so accommodating I do not wish us to overuse your kind heart." She turned to give the man a bright gentle smile.

"Miss Yun, you have hardly imposed; it is my honor." Balam glared at his sister as the orange-bearded man lifted him up.

As Se Mali made his way towards the polished stone steps, situated to the left of the ornate reception desk, his disheveled appearance garnered disapproving glances from the patrons in the lively common room on the party's left side. It was at that moment that a disgruntled man stumbled forward from the comfortable seating area, deliberately intercepting their path. His deep green eyes narrowed with recognition, and a fleeting shadow of resentment danced across his weathered face, illuminated by the dim inn lighting. His sickly pale grey-blue skin momentarily disrupted his aggressive demeanor, giving him an eerie and unsettling presence.

"Se Mali, you are but a scoundrel with debts as heavy as the mountain, yet you dare to show your face here," the man snarled, his voice sharp as the blade of a polished sword. The room fell silent, captivated by the brewing conflict that unfolded amidst the fragrant haze of sandalwood incense.

Daiyu swiftly stepped forward, her presence commanding and ethereal, like a mythical phoenix soaring above mortal realms. She positioned herself between Se Mali and the irate patron, her damp robes rustling softly as she moved. Her tired sapphire eyes, as serene as a tranquil lake, met the accusing gaze of the patron, her voice cool yet infused with the wisdom of the sages.

"Sir, it is not in this bustling inn that one should settle old grievances. Let us seek a resolution befitting the harmony of our surroundings and honor the principles of The Maker."

"And who are you, girl, to meddle in affairs that do not concern you? This miscreant has brought nothing but trouble." The patron sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

"My surname is Yun, we are just wary travelers attempting to find refuge for the evening. Though Se Mali may have treaded a thorny path in the past, I believe there is more to his character and he can walk a road to redemption. However, at this moment it is in the interest of all present to foster an atmosphere of tranquility and let bygones be forgotten." Daiyu met the patron's gaze with unwavering determination, her eyes shining like polished jade in the flickering candlelight.

Se Mali's eyes widened as he listened to Daiyu's words, his heart stirred like a dormant dragon awakening from slumber. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope, as if someone believed in his capacity for change beyond the shadows of his past transgressions.

"And what do you propose, then? How shall we bring an end to this

discord?" The patron's visage softened slightly, his anger giving way to curiosity with a hint of greed.

"Let us settle this matter here and now, beneath the watchful eyes of the heavens. Accept this humble offering, a token of reparation for any lingering debts, and let harmony be restored among us." Daiyu reached into the folds of her robes, retrieving a small leather pouch embroidered with a red tiger. With a graceful flourish, she presented it to the patron.

The patron hesitated, his eyes shifting between the pouch and Daiyu's resolute countenance. The scent of magnolia blossoms hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of steaming tea. Finally, he reluctantly extended his weathered hand, accepting the pouch with a grudging nod.

"Consider this dispute settled, for the time being. But know this, Se Mali, I shall not let you stray far from my vigilant gaze," he warned, his voice laden with the weight of a thousand winters.

"Your vigilance is both admirable and prudent. Let it serve as a reminder to Se Mali, as well as to all who witness this day, that true redemption lies not in words but in actions." Daiyu stood tall, her bearing regal and resolute. Se Mali nodded, a mix of emotions in his eyes as he continued up the stairs.

Se Mali's slovenly appearance seemed to carry a glimmer of possibility, like a rough gem waiting to be polished into brilliance. As they entered the room, the ambient sounds of the bustling inn faded.

***

"Elder sister, did you need to give that terrible-smelling man so many coins, and you even paid off a debt for him?" Balam was asking while sipping his tea. His pale blue face tinted with a touch of lavender. His shoulder-length hair, ruffled by Daiyu's affectionate gesture, framed his youthful features, belying a wisdom beyond his tender years. The scent of rain mingled with the delicate fragrance of tea as Daiyu and her brother, Balam, found solace on the balcony of the small room, numbered seven, overlooking the inn's tranquil pond. The evening rain had mellowed, and the room's furnace emitted a gentle warmth, ensuring their comfort amidst the evening's chill.

"It's an investment and a smokescreen Turnip. The more they think they can get, the more likely they will keep our secrets while we are here. None of our pursuers will pay that much for the information, so stabbing us in the back would not be profitable. It's a good chance that anyone looking for us would assume we were destitute and looked like farmhands by now. However, it pays to be overly cautious." Daiyu, her gaze fixed on the rippling surface of the pond, smiled mischievously before she continued to explain.

"This is why we were two scared strangers traveling home to find out clans instead of brother and sister. Anyone looking will probably ask about siblings instead of simply inquiring about children in general. They won't even understand how their inquiry could be off. It is very similar to what happened in the lobby. After seeing the shine of gold, no one even asked your name or inquired deeply about what happened to us. They automatically gave us sympathy and focused on how to gain more of our goodwill." Balam listened attentively, his gaze revealing a maturity that belied his young age his eyes shining with pride over his sister's cunning tactics.

"That is why you paid the guard to book us passage on the Flying Serpent, even though you paid the innkeeper for space aboard the Eating Fish." She responded with a wink and a silent sip of her tea.

"The servants are also a 'smokescreen,' yes? Our original servants set us up and ambushed us. The parties behind will assume that we will enter the Capital alone and not with a group because we were robbed by those meant to protect us. They will look for us among the commoners, not those with status. By the time we are noticed again, we will be in a carriage bound for the palace." He spoke his thoughts out loud, marveling at his sister's strategic prowess.

"Absolutely correct; you're pretty smart for a turnip." She teased with a side smile reaching over the table to ruffle his shoulder-length hair once more.

"Elder sister, I am not a turnip!" A soft pink blush crept into his lavender-pale blue face. His two front white teeth peeked out as he bit his pale pink lower lip in embarrassment.

"You are when I have to carry you through the woods. You're a big bag of turnips, then!" She laughed at his shy expression leaning over the table to kiss the top of his head, causing his whole face to change to a near-red shade, and she laughed happily.

"Sister, will you do one more smokescreen? I mean, it would be safer if we were in one room…." His face burned; he always prided himself on his level-headedness and use of cold logic. This is why he felt a deep sense of shame, asking his sister to not leave him alone. He could not voice the fear of her not being near him after they had faced so much and were still far from safe.

"Of course, little turnip, I will be with you until we are safe with our mother again." She told him quietly, rubbing his head once more. They talked about the Capital, their journey, and their mother's treatment. As the conversation wound down, Daiyu carried her slumbering brother to his bed in room eight, tucking him in with motherly care.

Once she was done, she returned to her room with a fresh cup of tea and sat back at the balcony table. Then, she snuffed out the balcony lantern and watched the pond. Someone from the inn probably had braved the rain to light lanterns in decorative glass cases along its border.

Light flickered off raindrops making a few sparkle-like gemstones dropping into the beautiful deep water. The trees surrounding it and the inn swayed like hundreds of dark giant arms reaching for the heavens.

The surrounding trees swayed like colossal arms reaching for the heavens, their rhythmic dance accentuated by the ambient sound of raindrops falling on the foliage. Daiyu, enveloped in the soothing atmosphere, allowed herself to release the weight of her burdens. With each tear that streamed down her face, she released the pent-up stress, heartache, and bone-deep grief that had burdened her spirit sending it all into the storm. With a warm cup of tea engulfed in her delicate hands, she wept almost as hard as the Maker. She was grieving for her lost friends, her past life, her betrayal in this life, and the last. She released all the anger, pain, and uncertainty she had held deep inside while outwardly pushing and striving to keep the three of them safe.

Zalgras remained silent; she had, had similar feelings in the past few days. It knew this was an adverse reaction to an external stressor. However, it did not understand which negative emotion this was; it seemed to be all of them at once. The situation was also lasting much longer than the brief moments from before. It did not like this or its effect on its host body. She was getting physically weaker the longer this episode continued. It sensed a familiar, non-threatening presence not far away; should it inform her? Would it make her more emotional?

*Yun Val Daiyu, This one does not know how to assist in this; how do we make these emotions stop? It seems to be harming you!* Zalgras pleaded, its ethereal voice tinged with panic. It pondered whether a gentle intervention would prove beneficial or detrimental to Daiyu's fragile state. There was no wound it could heal, how was it supposed to fix it's broken host?

"Nothing, nothing can be done; I just need to cry; it will be better when I do." She spoke the words in a hoarse whisper, her voice cracking and stumbling in small sobbing gasps as she poured out two lifetimes full of stress, hurt, and anger into the rain and the deep night.

Zalgras remained silent, its presence offering silent support. As Daiyu's tears subsided, exhaustion claimed her, and she returned to Balam's side, her protective instincts guiding her every step. As she drifted into a deep sleep, Zalgras infused her with calming energy, allowing her tense muscles to relax, bringing gentle tranquility to her troubled spirit. A faint smile graced her lips, erasing the lines of worry etched upon her face.

Just as the deep sleep swallowed her whole, a shadow stepped into the room from the balcony. Its long black robes and dark face mask concealed all but his silver-blue eyes. Subconsciously its hand reached out, stopping just before touching a wayward strand of hair before retracting. Then, the shadow was gone in the next instance, leaving the curtains on the balcony swaying softly.

The night enveloped them in its mysterious embrace, the storm outside whispering secrets yet to be unveiled.