AUDIENCE FOR: su jiuqing

[saturations]

Comments

[saturations]

You asked for medicinal herbs instead of something to eat.

[that's pushing yourself.]

Maybe that's why. It feels strange not to be busy. It's good to have purpose.

[countermeasures]

[she smiles a little sheepishly at that, inclining her head; they've got a point.]

...that would make sense, yes. I don't really feel comfortable with idleness these days.

[saturations]

That makes sense. And for now, there's still a lot to do. But there's value in sitting for an hour and reflecting, too.

[sort of what they're doing right now.]

I'm not okay with letting people run around hurt, either. If anyone is really bad off, you can bring them here, and you and I can see what we can do. But until then, you can get some supplies from me. I'll keep you busy enough, if that's what you need to settle in.

[countermeasures]

Thank you... I appreciate that.

[hopefully no one will get really badly hurt! ...honestly, she's half-expecting garou to get into a dozen fights, but it's not like he's dropped dead or anything just yet, so it's probably fine.]

What sorts of things do you like? Have you always lived here? It's a lovely area, and you have a beautiful garden.

[saturations]

I haven't always lived here, but I've lived here as long as I can remember. It grew around me.

[they have to think about the question for a moment.]

I like plants. Like gardening, cooking, trying out tea. But I'm a bit like you. I like being able to help. Sometimes that means the body, but sometimes that means a conversation. For a lot of people, that works about as well as medicine.

[countermeasures]

That's true. Even scary things feel much less daunting when you're facing them with a friend.

[she takes another sip of her tea and smiles.]

You have a gift for helping people relax around you.

[saturations]

I think when you know who you are and where you fit in the world, it's easy for others to sense that peace.

[countermeasures]

That makes a lot of sense, too.

Not knowing where your place is or what your future will be is... daunting, to say the least.

[saturations]

Is that how it is, where you come from? Uncertain?

[countermeasures]

It's not entirely certain, but it's... more certain than it has been in the past.

[saturations]

You want to talk about that?

[countermeasures]

Well... my country is at war right now, so...

[saturations]

[they nod.]

And that's made things more certain? At least, more need for a doctor, probably.

[countermeasures]

Hmm... yes and no. It's dangerous, so in some ways, it's more uncertain. But if I prove myself in the war, that's one step closer to becoming such a respected doctor that none of my enemies will be able to so much as look at me wrong once I return to the capital.

[saturations]

Do you think that'll work?

[countermeasures]

If it doesn't, I'll find some other way to prove myself. I know I'm very skilled already - it's just a matter of making the right people realize it.

[saturations]

I meant getting your enemies to leave you and your mother be. Will proving yourself do that?

[countermeasures]

I think so. My master comes from a long line of skilled doctors that are honored and revered by the Emperor. If I were to achieve that same sort of recognition, my mother and I would be safe from anyone who would want to hurt us.

[saturations]

[hmm.]

I was starting to wonder why you weren't green like I am. I'm starting to see it. Interesting. You're close with your mother, huh?

[oh, but. while they talk, shale will put down the cup of tea, and get up.]

You want to pick out some things you need from my garden? If I give you too much, it's not going to work, but I can let you take about a handful.

[countermeasures]

Yes, very.

[her mother is the only member of her family worth acknowledging. jiuqing smiles, sets her cup of tea down, and gets up as well.]

I'd appreciate that. [time to look at the garden and see what she can get!] I'll try not to take too much of anything. Please let me know if I'm getting close.

[thinking about it...]

I don't suppose you have any willow trees, here...?

[saturations]

Willow trees, hmm.

[doesn't really look like it.]

No, not now, at least. Could be something I might try to grow. I don't like shortcuts with these things, so it'll be a while.

[countermeasures]

In Daxing, we can use the bark to treat fevers... it also acts as a painkiller.

[she smiles]

There are other options for that, too. It's just one I'm more familiar with.

[saturations]

If I plant it today, we'll only have to wait about a decade.

[countermeasures]

...well, it may not be bad for you to have it in the future, but I think I'll look for alternatives for now.

Willow trees do look really nice, though, so I don't think you'd regret planting it even if it was just for decoration!

[saturations]

It's a good idea. I feel like it'll really improve the atmosphere. Hey, thanks for that!

[they sound very enthusiastic.]