saturations | AUDIENCE FOR: su jiuqing

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.

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

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

You want to talk about that?

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

[they nod.]

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

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.

Do you think that'll work?

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.

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

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.

[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.

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...?

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.

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.

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

...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!

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

[they sound very enthusiastic.]

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it, once it grows in.

Hope you manage to find something useful anyway. If you don't mind some advice, a little chamomile, some turmeric?

I'm sure that I will. Chamomile and turmeric are good ideas. [she hums] I was thinking perhaps a little bit of peppermint, too... would that work, as long as I kept the total amount to about a handful?

[wandering over to another part of the garden. there we go, peppermint leaves.]

Yup. You go ahead and take some of that, too. We should be okay.

[done! she has one (1) handful of medicinal herbs.]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!

You're welcome.

[bending a little to say so with a the vibe of a friendly smile despite having no face.]

Come by any time if you need something, or if you just want to chat. I'm always around.

Of course! You can let me know if you ever want company, too. I'll come running.

[she smiles]

Now... I believe I said I'd help out in your garden as well as chat with you, didn't I? Which part of the garden is most in need of attention?

[we can

probably handwave her working in the garden though at this point]

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