Shu (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
singlemilletgrain) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
vivalaethernet2024-12-24 08:59 pm
singlemilletgrain) wrote in vivalaethernet2024-12-24 08:59 pm
甲辰 003: 冬至
[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.]
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.]
no subject
She's been touched by so many others already-- that realization, those realizations, that there is more there than... Mere acquaintance.
And with it has come that nagging reminder: this will end in pain.
And the winter comes back, a late frost. "If I can say that, with a straight face, without equivocation-- yes."
no subject
"Then, I am sure you will succeed. One way or another, no matter what form that success takes."
She pats Natalia's hand and reaches back towards her own cup of tea, which might or might not be cold by this time. She downs it fluidly and elegantly.
"It is almost the New Year here. While I believe that there is never a bad time to seek out new opportunities, many believe it is lucky for a new venture."
no subject
"Not tonight, though." It's not that the cold got to her; a side perk of her affliction is that cold rarely bothers her. But after talking with so many people, going to so many get togethers, with Bluvink's shadow over her head...
Well. Not even her willpower and endurance are infinite. "To your health."
no subject
"To your perseverance and success."
And Shu will stand, bow to Natalia, and begin to collect her things.
"Yes, please do stay in tonight. You will only set yourself back if you catch illness. Would you like any more soup?"
no subject
Maybe, she thinks, she has weathered it, this imbalance, and it will be easier sailing from here on out.
She is wrong, extremely wrong, but she does not know it just yet.
"As for soup, no thank you. You have been most generous as it is. May your travels over the next few days be light."
no subject
Shu takes her things, and with one last bob of her head, exits back into the chilly night.