The Serpent and the Lotus Blooms

A Fine Fall Breeze

Saalah arrived at the classroom, but there was no one to be seen. He frowned, stepping forward and opening the door to peak inside to see if Li Jun and Xiu Ying were there.

"Shidi!" Two voices chimed in unison from behind him. Saalah couldn't help the way he jumped, startled and his breath catching in his throat. His hand went to his chest in shock before he could gather his wits.

"Ah! Shidi, we're so sorry! We didn't mean to startle you," Xiu Ying spoke first, hovering a hand over his shoulder. There was no connection, but Saalah felt the warmth. He waved his hand slightly to reassure them as he caught his bearings once more.

"I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting you to be so close," Saalah's voice was a little wobbly, and he cleared his throat, standing straight and taking a deep, calming breath. He turned to the two who stood behind him, both looking concerned. He gave them a crooked smile and huffed softly. "I promise. I'm okay. Where were you?"

"A few of the junior disciples had a question about a stance they were practicing, so we went to help them out really fast. We hoped we would be back before you got here," Li Jun's hand went to scratch his head, and Xiu Ying caught him before he mused up his already wild hair. He looked guiltily to Xiu Ying before dropping the offending hand.

"I just put braids in your hair for you. Don't scratch," Xiu Ying huffed out, and Li Jun had enough sense to look guilty about almost ruining Xiu Ying's hard work. Saalah could see the two braids that were laying nestled on either side of his head, almost engulfed by the basken waves.

"Sorry, Shimei..."

"Not to interrupt, but why did you call me here?" Saalah asked, his heartbeat finally beginning to find a normal rhythm again.

"Oh!" Li Jun grinned brightly, his earlier embarrassment fading quickly. "We were going to have a picnic and thought you might like to come join us and just relax for a while."

"Yes, Shidi has been working nonstop since he arrived at JingShui. Let's go sit together and just enjoy the day before it gets too cold to sit outside." Xiu Ying was just as enthusiastic in her response. Saalah looked to the two and felt...touched. He had never made friends outside of his adoptive family and their strange assortment of acquaintances. None of them, however, had been Saalah's friend just...to be friends? He didn't want to say their relationships were forced. That wasn't quite right. But, with those relationships, it felt more...obligatory? He didn't doubt that every member of Serinity's bizarre family tree adored him. They doted on him. They brought him gifts from their travels. They listened to him when he spoke and asked after his wellbeing. But for once...someone had called for just him. Not for him and Serinity, or him and Kisho, but just him, Saalah. Someone had made the active decision to include him in their fun, and despite himself, Saalah found a smile brightening his features.

"I would like that, actually. Where did you have in mind?"

Saalah followed Li Jun and Xiu Ying through winding paths to a part of the temple grounds he had not yet explored. There were ancient arches and steps here, leading up further than the eye could see. Saalah could spy a few small offering alcoves along the path, and high up the mountain, a red roof peaked between the rustling leaves of the trees, looking much like a painting. The bridge they used to cross the creek looked just as ancient, and yet it was sturdy, built to last the ages and obviously well looked after. Xiu Ying took out a blanket and shook it out to lay it on the grass. She perched herself so sweetly and elegantly, already starting to take out the snacks she had prepared. Li Jun, however, plopped right in the grass at her side, stretching out his long legs and folding his arms under his head as he laid back.

"Shixiong!" Xiu Ying admonished, and Li Jun made a soft noise of apology. He sat up, still not sitting on the blanket. Xiu Ying pouted and reached out to pull the leaves out of his curly hair, straightening it back up. "You are so...so..."