甲辰 003: 冬至

[singlemilletgrain]

[video transmission]

Greetings, Crimson Corsairs.

[As usual, the elegant woman appears with a beaming smile amidst the warm steam rising from bowls of... something or other in her kitchen.]

I understand you come from many winter traditions, both in this land and in your homes. If you would allow me a brief intrusion... In Yan, it is customary to celebrate the Winter Solstice, the 'dong zhi.' As it is the longest night of the year, we give thanks that the light will return and the days will soon grow long once more. In the depths of midwinter, it is a reminder that balance and yang will be restored, no matter how dark the nights may seem. For those of us in agrarian communities, we give thanks also to the animals who have brought us through the hard times.

[A mischievous glimmer shines in her eyes.]

Of course, it is also the day that the venerable master of the stove, Zao Jun, reports to Tian on whether or not your house hold has been 'naughty' or 'nice,' which I understand is a part of some other traditions as well.

Please allow me to offer prayers to Tian on your behalf. What is it that you hope for when the sun returns in its full splendor?

[in person, all around]

[Shu appears at your door on this cold, long winter evening, knocking politely and awaiting an answer. Whether she sought you out specifically or whether she's never met you at all, she stands and waits in her warm coat holding an extraordinarily large soup bowl in her hands. Somehow, it does not seem to trouble her.]

Comments

[purplexing]

[He'd been completely unprepared for any inquiry of that sort, almost looking startled at the question once asked.]

....

[The turtlekin looks away, unsure of how to answer, perhaps. It really should be a simple thing, to just go home...]

...I'm afraid of what I'll find.

Before, I was just afraid I might give the rest of them away, be followed and our home found out...

But what if they left? What if dad or my other brothers went to try finding me and...something happened to them? Or maybe they just felt they'd be safer moving somewhere else?

...it's probably stupid, huh? It sounds kind of dumb now that I've said it aloud...

[singlemilletgrain]

[He flinches every time something related to family is brought up. Anything that could conjure up a memory of something he keeps closely guarded, he keeps at bay. On the evening of the Winter Solstice, when one ought to congregate with their family... Naturally, it was not a tradition he knew, but she had seen the brief heartache in his eyes.

Perhaps that was why she had been so overbearing with the clothing. To compensate.]

Fear is rarely stupid. There is a reason it causes you such pain. It speaks to the depths of emotion you feel for those you love.

But...

Fear must also be overcome.

[She shifts her soup pot to one arm and reaches for his hand, if he allows.]

You do not need to face it alone. But... please think about it. I have a sister who... died some years ago. I would do anything to see her face again, no matter what mistakes she made, no matter how much time she stayed away. I would not think of anything else but sheer relief.

I am sure... your family feels the same way.

[purplexing]

[He doesn't pull away, his hand caught up easily, an almost hesitant look to follow as he reluctantly lifts his head.]

I...I guess so.

[He doesn't want to think of worst case scenarios, but he can't not consider all possible outcomes, that's just how his mind's always worked. Going back would prove something, whether he liked it or not. He's never lost anyone close and doesn't know if he'd be able to handle that knowledge if it turns out to be the case.

But Shu's right. If he never knows for himself, he'll regret it. If his family's there, if he can reassure them that he's okay, that he's still alive...

He swallows, managing a tight smile.]

I'll think about it. Maybe once the ship's ready and things have quieted down.

[singlemilletgrain]

[She nods, for there is no reason to press him on this tonight. She more than anyone else understands the importance of the time of dormancy once the seeds have been sown. Her hand squeezes lightly before she steps away.]

Please do.

Good night, Donnie. And a happy Winter Solstice to you. When we meet again, the sun will have risen from its torpor.

[She moves as if to leave, then pauses, turns back, and gives his pompom a few pats. It really is too cute.]

[purplexing]

Happy Winter Solstice, Shu.

[His smile softens a little, spoiled only by the pout as Shu pats his head, but even that's difficult to keep up.]