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thanks for a good time, everybody! I really did enjoy my writing experience here. my discord is still available for anyone wanting to chat and I would be happy to stay friends with everyone. If you want to write, I am always around for 1x1s and may start an indie once I figure out how those work again. let's remember the happy times, lots of love ♡

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LORD JIAN:

(...) “i find it difficult to wield a polearm now, you see.” he blames it on his newfound exhaustion upon returning from the spirit world. he needed something lighter, in case his bending were to be… inaccessible, yet again. “i trust you would understand why.” he waited expectantly. often, for requests such as this, jian need only address a letter to lord and lady yue and it will be done with haste. but he often found little excuse to shirk from his duties, and it has been quite a while since he saw the younger lady. jian couldn’t quite admit it to himself, but he was happy to see her.

Early? No.

Lord Jian was kind for setting up the meeting at this hour, so Wanning could be spared of pretending to sleep when none would come to her.

Inside, the restlessness was growing. She did not know how to make it stop and thought perhaps it wouldn't, and this was simply how she must live from now on.

"Of course, my lord." Wanning nodded, noting down Jian's description. Her handwriting was still solid and her voice was steady. If nothing else, Wanning had ensured her full functionality as the eldest child of head of house Yue. "We can have this made for you. Material-wise, we will find something of lighter weight but just as sharp and durable. Perhaps we could-" She noticed the dark circles under Jian's eyes too.

"My lord..." She sighed, drawing away from the papers. "I've been meaning to apologize." The truth was, she intended to come forward with this sooner, but there were other pressing matters to take care of. If the household could become busy after a month and a half of her disappearance then surely it would be worse for Jian. With that thought in mind, Wanning waited. Now another moon has passed and she felt like she had prolonged this conversation long enough.

"Please forgive me for my behavior in the spirit world." She clasped her hands before her chest and bowed low. Wanning was referring to the fact that she yelled at Jian and shook him rather aggressively upon seeing him in the spirit world desert. As someone loyal to House Zhao, seeing their head of house trapped in the unknown with her was...beyond distressing. "I was not my best self in the spirit world." Though perhaps she was her most honest self. It was freeing to show some genuine emotions once in a while. Every so often, Wanning felt the urge to scream too.

#( t - wayward souls. ) #insouciont

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PRINCESS YURI:

(...) "are there other flowers that only grow in stonehelm?" the friendliness never wavered, nor was did the genuine curiosity that came with it. would it be foolish of her to talk about flowers, when the purpose of her visit is anything but? to anyone unaware of her fondness of them, it is undeniably suspicious. in fact, might even instigate something beyond her official business. yuri closes her eyes, and takes in a whiff, the sweet, earthy scent makes her heave a sigh. "swords endure, especially in capable hands, like that of your house's, flowers, however, do not. no matter the effort, they wither away." she was not fond of idle chatter, but the words flow like a river, wild currents taking her over. "it would be a shame, if i missed out to see them blooming, all for a weapon, don't you think?"

For a moment, Wanning was thrown.

Still, she answered the princess's question with full honesty. "The most beautiful flowers grow on that mountain." She pointed, just as the Yue staff returned from informing the household of the fact her grace had arrived at their back gate.

A quick look was exchanged between Wanning and the staff. The staff was nervous about the princess's request and it was absolutely fair. After all, should anything happen to the fire lord's daughter, house Yue would likely have to answer with their lives.

However.

"We can follow this path, princess." She gave the staff's hand a squeeze of reassurance before picking up her bow and quiver of three arrows from the ground where she'd left them in preparation for her dance practice.

The truth was, Wanning knew these woods like the back of her hand. She could probably find her way up this mountain with a blindfold on from all the times she practiced archery during the day and the night. There were no dangers along the quiet, scenic trail she intended for them to take for all the beasts in the area had been taught to fear the best hunters of the nation. And even if something unexpected was to happen, Wanning knew a dozen escape routes at least.

Perhaps the princess was weary from her journey and wished for a moment of simple relaxation before engaging in heavy conversations about weaponry. Who was Wanning to deny her?

"They grow by the cliff. Seemingly delicate but secretly full of strength." Wanning walked ahead, carefully guiding her guest down the most comfortable path. "They are not very fragrant, like the ones I find at the capital, but they are charming." Her eyes flickered towards Yuri as they reached an area where a bit of a leap must be made. Although the princess would likely have no trouble with this jump, Wanning still offered her hand. "The air here is fresher, isn't it, your grace?" There was a reason Hari Bulkan would never feel like home for her.

#wxldlfire #I am just going to start doing posts again even though it's not the 20th #( with - princess yi yuri. )

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(...) with a limpid smile she returns her gaze towards the sky, watching the clouds pass by in silence before speaking again. "wanning need not worry on my behalf. i may be not long for this world, but i can manage my own affairs." only desperate dogs would be so willing to seek as suboptimal a match as her. fortunately for yunxia, there are many desperate dogs in the world, and many more to come: she will have options. a breeze blows past them, the tinkling of her jade pendants ringing in the air even after its withdrawal. "the winds now blow within the city walls. this phoenix will find many willing tails still."

Not long for this world, Yunxia said so casually, in the same tone one would use when talking about the fragrance of tea. "A-Xia, please," Wanning sighed. "You must not speak this way about yourself. Have you been taking the herbal brew? Is it helping?" The brews she spoke about came from a recipe in old books. After seeing the benefit it had on her own health, Wanning asked for a bowl to be sent to Yunxia every night.

Wanning picked up her bow again. She chose the target that was the furthest away and absently loaded an arrow. "This conversation is an uncomfortable one, I understand. Don't see it as a push, only a suggestion to start thinking about what you like." The arrow shot out, guided by the wind, and hit the target straight in the center.

Wanning's eyes, however, remained on Yunxia.

"Mother and father love you. If there is someone you like or a type of person you prefer, they should be told so the necessary arrangements can be made. Ultimately, they wish to see you happy." Just as I do. "If you don't trust mother with your thoughts, father's always been kind."

Yunxia spoke of managing her own affairs, but in Wanning's eyes, such a thing would be impossible. Sure, some had more power than others in this nation, but ultimately no one had complete control over their lives. As part of House Yue, a lesser nobility, it was true that Yunxia had more freedom than those in the Great Houses and more options than commoners, but she still needed the support of her family. Lady Yue had difficulties displaying affection and consideration, but Lord Yue was a good listener. He also knew how to speak to his wife.

#nebvlous #( t - preference. ) #( with - lady yue yunxia. )

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Wanning clapped as her friend made quick work of her imaginary enemy. This situation reminded her pleasantly of their youth when they'd play pretend as children in the woods. With a smile curving her lips from the past memories, Wanning set her hand on Keran's head.

By the time her mind caught up and realized the inappropriateness of her action, it was too late, and she'd already run her fingers through the girl's hair twice. An apology was on her tongue, but Wanning swallowed it back down because she knew Keran would not want that. Her friend never seemed to like it when she deferred, perhaps because it would remind her of the natural distance that existed between them due to their Houses.

"Rubies?" Wanning searched in her box of gems for two round ones of equal size. She held them up against the bracelet and...Well, now it looked like it had eyes. What if they add a strip of ribbon in a place where it would not interfere with the blade? Pink ribbon, surely Lady Aera would like that...no. Now the bracelet looked like it had beady little crimson eyes and a weird, lopsided tongue. "I know! Why don't we just send it to Lady Aera as it is, and she can figure out how she wants it decorated?" This was Wanning's way of suggesting that they give up on trying to prettify something because it was clear neither of them had any talents.

"Besides, there is a more important matter for us to attend to." Wanning nodded seriously. "Your hair, my lady." It was in desperate need of some scented oil and a comb.

their friendship isn't built on wanning's ingenuity for weaponry, but keran can't deny that she admires that side of her. the younger woman is always impressed by the weapons her friend crafts, even though keran prefers to rely on her own flames and fists in a fight. what the archer shows off to her is a discrete solution for when those might prove too graceless, clearly made with sincere thought and their friendship in each carefully welded joint. "thank you, wanning!"

she grins big, teeth as sharp as the blade she's been given. her friend hopes she won't use it, but, "i would like to, though!" keran tosses up the bracelet, catching it from midair to reveal the dagger it turns into. swipes against an imaginary foe who would've certainly lost at least two fingers to her, and turns to wanning in her hypothetical victory. she hears nothing of wanning's self-effacing claims of unsightliness, a brilliant weapon in her hand to match her grin. "i'd be the talk of the town!"

and her best friend surely would too, though for much less heroic reasons—even keran can tell that this bracelet wouldn't match anything that aera owns. she suits softer colours and pretty embellishments, delicate and beautiful to keran's eyes. although she has no doubt that aera would still cherish such a present from them.

"perhaps we could tie ribbons to it," she suggests, scratching her head. "aera likes those...?" then keran imagines the blade getting caught up in the ribbons, a split second that could cost everything for flutters of satin. a frown turns her lips down, shaking her head, and she raises the bracelet up to the sunlight as it dapples through, thinking as hard as her head would allow for. "what about putting some gems on it?"

#flashflames #they are cute ; v ; #( with - lady zhao keran. ) #( t - a gift of resilience )

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LORD JIYU:

(...) “i heard you returned with my brother - i hope he treated you well.” because she’d mentioned it, he unconsciously reached up to touch his ear. the skin was, as it had been for a while now, unyielding and cool. “no, it doesn’t hurt. as long as i’m not sleeping on my side - it makes for an uncomfortable pillow.” his expression relaxed into a smile, an attempt at humour that he felt she might appreciate.

Wanning smiled back in appreciation of his effort. It was good to see that he was still capable of jest after the ordeal that he had undoubtedly endured.

"Yes, we also encountered lady Yura of House Choi on our journey through the spirit world." In a way, Wanning considered herself very fortunate to have discovered companions. The conversations they had and the stories they shared made the travel more bearable. "We were lucky to have all made it unscathed...physically, at least." Her gaze traveled across the courtyard as she recalled. "I am sure lord Jian had already spoken to you about what happened, but the effects still linger despite the fact half a month has passed since we woke up." This morning, she brought a flower to her nose and could not catch its scent. She drank her favorite tea and tasted none of its richness.

"Speaking of lord Jian, I am hoping for an audience with him eventually. Not an urgent meeting, but I should apologize." She wanted to wait because after the attack at the banquet, many Houses were left in a state of chaos. House Zhao, having lost its head of house for a month and a half, likely had work piled up. Wanning wanted to give Jian time to recover from the spirit world and settle his house affairs before she burdened him with her guilt. "I was greatly distressed when I saw him in the spirit world and may have raised my voice." Actually, she might have done some other things, too. Wanning definitely was not her best, most respectful self in the spirit world.

But first things first.

"Is lady Keran...alright?" That was her way of gauging Keran's mental state. Trying to see if her friend was well...or if she should expect a hug so tight that it could crush all her bones.

#tw: injury mention #afterburning #( with - lord zhao jiyu. )

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LORD ZHAO:

(...) still, wanning’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears. his resolve weakened as tears blurred his vision. “i am sorry about your friend. but unlike him, i have no parents to weep for me.” jian closes his eyes, the wind burning his cheeks, his voice softening in turn. “leave me be.”

Lord and Lady Yue were good people. Traditional. Loyal. Wanning was taught as a child when to demonstrate her strength by facing her challenges head-on and when it would benefit her more to simply bow her head. As the victor of his battle, Jian was the new head of House Zhao. Technically, she should do as she was told.

But there was pain in his voice.

Wanning had a heart that was soft towards those who were hurt, and her worries had rendered her feet stubbornly still. She was not leaving - no way.

"My lord has siblings. Young ones who would be lost without you." She imagined little Keran alone could cry enough for six people despite how tough she thought herself to be. "My lord also has friends. Those who care about you and would wish to walk alongside you for years to come."

The wind grew stronger - Wanning could tell by the movement of the trees in the distance. She really would like Jian to step away from the cliff's edge now but dared not push him too hard. Oh, how Wanning wished she had her father's silver tongue. Others always said she was like him, but when it came to effortlessly persuading people, Lord Yue was gifted in a way that nobody else was in their family.

"It is almost dinner time." Her eyes had followed his to study the setting sun. "On days like this, our cook likes to put an extra pinch of pepper into our broth. She believes it strengthens the spirit." That was Wanning's pitiful attempt at reminding Jian of something nice in this world. "Are you not hungry, Lord Zhao?" Because that was his title now. "Your family is waiting for you. They may be terribly worried, for their eldest brother had not returned despite being injured and weary." Wanning gently prompted. "Perhaps it's time to return home."

#insouciont #tw: mental health #( with - lord zhao jian. ) #( t - in the aftermath )

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LADY NARA:

(...) "i'm always happy to see you," she says, and it's true. they have enough similarities that nara is always comfortable around wanning. "but i'm guessing this isn't a social visit, right?"

"Thank you," Wanning said, gladly accepting the tea she was offered. She had already figured out how she would approach this conversation before coming and that was to be direct. "I will be honest, my lady," she started. "I came to ask you a question. Or rather, for a gift...of knowledge." Their friendship deserved to be honored, not marred by untruths and manipulation.

"I wish to learn lavabending."

There, she spoke the words that had sat heavily on her heart for months out loud. What she was asking for was forbidden knowledge, though, in her mind, it should not be. In the end, they all served the same nation, and the greater their collective strength, the more revered they would be by the rest of the world. This was why Wanning would not turn away anyone interested in archery, and taught everyone who came to her with an eagerness to learn regardless of if they had talent or not.

"I hope this request does not distress you, lady Nara." She set down her tea cup. "Our friendship is more valuable to me than this knowledge, and I understand the risk you would have to take, sharing what you know." Wanning paused there for a moment. "This is my personal interest. The rest of my house is unaware. No matter the outcome, this conversation will remain private between us." She looked down at her hands and suddenly smiled. "Who knows if I would even be any good at lavabending. I heard the techniques are quite advanced."

#watch nara teach her and she actually sucks #wvthering #( with - lady choi nara. ) #( t - a gift of knowledge. )

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PREFERENCE @nebvlous

The sky was a peaceful cloudless blue and the sun was casting down absolutely radiant golden rays. On such days, Wanning usually found herself in a good mood. Today was an exception, however, and she was...internally sweating.

See, the Yue children were at ages when marriage would become a topic of discussion. When asked about her interests, Wanning presented her parents with an unhelpful blank stare. Growing up, she had been kept busy with school, archery, and firebending, then with court etiquette and weapon crafting. Romance had always been the last thing on her mind, and though beautiful people could make her blush with a sprig of wildflowers, her affection for them had never exceeded that of friendship. Probably.

Anyway, when the topic of marriage was approached once again last night, it was not about hers. Lord and Lady Yue were considering suitors for their youngest daughter, the lovely Yue Yunxia. Wanning and her father played Pai Sho to decide who would have to approach Yunxia regarding the situation. Wanning won the first game but lost the next two when her father insisted on best two out of three. Argh.

Thus, she arranged for an archery practice session with her sister in the woods. Targets of different sizes were hung upon tree branches of varying heights. Wanning made casual small talk, but was at a loss as to how she should bring up the topic of marriage.

"My heron..." She pushed herself to begin during break time. Wanning would have started talking about the plants in these woods, and how there were wildflowers and bushes. Trees and vines. Compare them to people and eventually indirectly ask Yunxia for her preference. However, knowing Yunxia, a more direct method may be appreciated.

"Mother and father are considering suitors for you." Perhaps that was too direct. "I-Well, is there someone you are already considering?" Why did Wanning look more embarrassed talking about this than Yunxia herself? "Do you have preferences when it comes to personality...looks..." She wanted her sister to be happy and would assist to the best of her ability.

#nebvlous #( t - preference ) #( with - lady yue yunxia. ) #your older sister is trying her best

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winter ni

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ZIRUI:

(...) and perhaps zirui has grown overly exhausted of being sharp like he usually always is──to be unable to clearly differentiate between the living and the dead. yet splinters of hope lace themselves with tone of voice despite it all once more. “... are you real, or am i having the same dream again?”

Nobody enjoyed the sight of a beloved family member in distress. Others may see Zirui as a man of intelligence and talent, a capable young commander of the Fire Nation Navy. To Wanning, however, he'll always just be a boy, round-eyed and quiet in his defiance against their spirited mother.

With a hushed sigh, she closed the gap between them.

"I am real, my tiger." On another day, she would have perhaps teased him, but today, Wanning wanted only to comfort and reassure. "I'm home." She cupped his cheeks lovingly, the way she often did when they were younger. Granted, he'd grown enough so now she had to reach up, not down, but the effect of the gesture was hopefully still the same.

"I missed you," she said with a smile. "Mother and father too. Also Yunxia. Everyone." It has been a turbulent month-and-a-half. A part of Wanning wanted to tell her tale, but the other part did not even know where to start. She was a realist, always focusing on the matters at hand. The spirit world seemed so far away from her - a distant concept that her mind paid little attention to - until she became part of it.

Gentle thumbs rubbed circles against smooth skin. Could be her imagination, but it felt as if the little brother had lost some padding from his cheeks. "Have you not been eating properly?" Considering the circumstances, it was understandable, but as an older sister, Wanning was still concerned. "I will make you mung bean cakes," she said, drawing away. "Maybe noodle soup." It was close enough to dinner time...

#velnsia #( with - lord yue zirui. ) #( t - vague fractured hopes. )

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PRINCESS YEONGJA:

(...) with enough make-up and powder she was able to hide the lack of sleep well enough. she arrived to the yue household slightly early, presenting herself as confidently as she could with an arm still in the sling. the guards she brought with her announced her arrival, cueing that sweet, pleasant little fake smile of hers to form on her lips as she waited to be received.

"Brew white tea," she told the serving girl, rifling through her collection for a painted jar. "This." A tea that was greatly appreciated in this region and her personal favorite. From what she could recall from social gatherings, it also pleased the nation's sweetheart. "And ask the cook to prepare a light meal." Something easy on the stomach, suitable for those who have been traveling. Princess Yeongja might not want any food, but Wanning must be prepared, just in case she did.

Many in House Yue pondered the reason behind this royal visit. Wanning did as well. The princess mentioned replenishment and upgrades for the city watch, which was a reason that checked out well. But for her to personally visit, especially after the injuries she was rumored to have sustained from the banquet...

Wanning's brows furrowed as she added a cushion to the chair she intended to offer to her grace, but not too long later, she relaxed. Chances were, she thought, the princess wanted something made for her. Perhaps something more discreet in its deadliness. Such a weapon would be more useful if the rest of the world did not know about it and thus a personal visit would be warranted.

"Your grace," Wanning greeted later at the gate, meeting the princess's smile with one of her own. "It is an honor to receive you." She bowed. "Please forgive my mother for not being here herself. She is ill, and has been for the past two days." Wanning bowed again, this time to apologize. She spoke the truth - Lady Yue's fever left her unconscious for better parts of the day. Even if she was awake, she would likely be in no proper condition to converse with the princess. "My father has gone on a trip to gather materials a week ago and will not return for another." And thus, lady Yue Wanning, the eldest child of her house, was placed temporarily in charge.

"We have set out a great selection for your grace," she said, inviting in their guest. "There are many options for upgrades, including House Yue's latest innovations-" She caught herself before she went too far down the weaponry discussion. "But does the princess wish to sit first and enjoy some tea? Perhaps a meal?"

#( t - slings and arrows ) #( with - princess yi yeongja. )

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#Youtube #This is a really beautiful song #I’ve been listening to it nonstop lately #wanted to share it with you guys #Busy weekend replies are coming next week

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ONE NIGHT OF FREEDOM @asteredois

Just one.

All she wanted, all she needed.

Lady Yue Wanning was not the type to break the rules. She was also not the type to allow herself to have fun when tasks were to be done. However, after what happened at the banquet and the difficult time in the spirit world, she gained a new perspective. Life was short, she decided, and she should live with no regrets. Therefore, she took Meilin up on her offer and together, they sneaked away to a town dressed as commoners.

Wanning kept the hood of her cloak over her head but observed everything with wide eyes of curiosity. In a way, being out here did put her heart at ease. At least life was good for the common people still - what happened at the banquet with the nobles and the royal family did not change them.

"Yuexin," she called out softly once they settled down in an establishment that was much too rowdy to be a restaurant but did indeed serve food. A few ladies spoke loudly to one another and did not care to cover their mouths when they laughed, and some men were playing a game at the corner, betting away their copper coins. Wanning and Meilin each came up with an alias for this trip, with Meilin's being Yuexin and Wanning's being Miao Miao. Listen, she chose Miao Miao because it was a common name and meant seedling. It was a great name for a commoner's daughter, which was what she was internally projecting.

While Wanning was strangely excited, her companion was in low spirits and she knew exactly why. "Yuexin!" She raised her voice when she spoke again because their surroundings called for it. "I am well, truly." She took Meilin's hand and brought it right over her beating heart. "See? I promise." Wanning took a sip of the beverage she was served. It didn't taste like the spirits she typically had. This one was spicier and to be honest, she quite liked it. She waited for a few seconds before she took another sip. When there appeared to be no effects, she started drinking rather liberally, the way one would with water. "It feels so strange to not call you..." She lowered her voice again. "My lady."

#asteredois #( t - a night of freedom ) #( with - lady zhao meilin. ) #tw: alcohol

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FROM THE BLAZING SUN, TO THE GLOWING MOON & THE BRIGHTEST STAR

@insouciont and @stvrkfire

the story continues.

Everywhere she looked, the great sand sea stretched on. It was hot, the sun was heavy, and Wanning grew restless. She'd become quiet as the journey progressed, her thoughts scattered and sparse. Something ate away at her precious faith. Ah, that's right, it was despair.

She recalled the time when she was alone, walking for days in the desert. She must have collapsed at some point and woke up to Jian's voice. The sight of his familiar face sent Wanning's world spinning. Her eyes widened, lips trembled. When she reached out and grabbed a handful of his shirt, Wanning did so with panic. "What are you doing here?" Wanning demanded, fist tightening around the fabric in her grip. "What are you doing here?" She shook him. For the first time, Wanning allowed anger into her voice before Lord Zhao. She had always been gentle and soft-voiced around him, but this situation was unacceptable. The entire time she walked, she told herself that everything would be alright. Even if she didn't make it back, Lord Zhao Jian, who had convinced himself that he owed her a life, would surely take care of House Yue.

And now...

They continued their walk and not too long after, found another to join them. When Wanning saw Yura, her heart first lifted with joy, then sank with horror. Yura was running towards her, a little spring in her steps as she excitedly shouted her name. Wanning wrapped her arms around her dear girl but could not force herself to return Yura's smile because now there was another person she cared for trapped with her.

They came across a small fox spirit being attacked by dark wasps. Yura's footsteps slowed. She had always been weak for animals and the fox spirit had a pleading face. Wanning understood her kindness and appreciated it, but they were trapped in unknown territory, with their bending taken away. She had no arrows and even if she did, who knew if they would work on these creatures.

Perhaps this was the cycle of life in the spirit world. Maybe to interfere, they'd be going against the natural order.

"But the fox-"

Wanning tightened her grip on the Yura's hand and gently, but also firmly pulled her away. They must make it out alive. All three of them. Wanning would settle for nothing less and dared not to take unnecessary risks that could ruin their chances.

No food, no water. They shared stories to boost each other's spirits but Wanning knew deep down that they were running low on time. Jian was right - this desert did have a strange effect on the mind, and they needed to get out fast. Fortunately, they finally found a cave that could serve as shelter. Wanning thought she heard the sound of water flowing from deeper within the cave, but could not be certain if that was real or if she had imagined it due to desperation. As the group grew more agitated by the effects of the great sand sea, she suggested they explore deeper into the cave.

"I would like to go first, my Lord," she told Jian, in her my decision is made voice. "I'll be careful." And with that, she let go of Yura's hand.

#insouciont #stvrkfire #rs.thbw #and lovely lady yura shall finish off the story!

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PRINCESS YURI:

(...) then crackling sounds like that of broken bones follow suit, loud enough to disturb the placid groves. the forest bellows at its injury, the wind howls as the distant sound of birds beckoned her to hide. but she doesn't. yuri keeps her ground, calm and unafraid, flowers at hand. "a dance like that deserves applause, why allow only the trees to see?" her intrusion, perhaps, warrants more than a response or a conversation so she anticipates the worst by putting out the fire. the princess pulls off her hood back and flashes a well-crafted smile, her demeanor changes to one that is sublime and worn by the fire lord's comely daughter. "apologies for my... intrusion, i assumed house yue had their hands full with my request, i didn't need the unnecessary gathering to greet me out front."

Curious eyes greeted the princess, dark with unspoken questions. It was the first time Wanning saw a member of the royal family this close and her grace was not quite what she expected. For starters, the princess was not...intimidating. Her smile was kind and her features were soft. She reminded Wanning of a blaze lily, with orange-red petals that resembled tongues of fire and a golden center. A flower, but one that was bold and vibrant, unlike the delicate ones she carried.

Yet...Wanning also recalled the weapon they had crafted for Princess Yuri. She thought of the sharp blade and cold chain, remembering how it wrapped around a small tree and sliced it into pieces when they tested it.

The sword that was also a whip. A sprig of wildflowers. Which one was the more accurate representation of the princess? Which was more suitable for her lovely hands?

Wanning bowed.

Perhaps it was not her place to find out.

At the mention of the dance, a hint of scarlet found its way to Wanning's cheeks. "Your grace is too kind," she whispered. "The dance..." Wanning looked down, contemplating her next words. "It is...special. My mother was taught by her mother and she had performed it only once...for her beloved, my father." Wanning's father was handsome and grew up surrounded by looks of admiration. He was a kind man of few words and Wanning took after his gentleness. Her mother was also beautiful, just not like her father. She spent much time crafting weapons and had thick callouses on her hands.

One day, after acquiring a significant amount of liquid courage, lady Yue said blast it, I am just going to do it. I am going to make him mine! And off she went like a hawk descending upon her prey rabbit. She found the object of her affection and dragged him deep into the woods. It was the first time she wore a dress before him, and with her hair loose and cheeks rosy from spirits, she danced. You know the outcome. Lord Yue appeared to be dragged, but it would not be difficult to flee from a drunk woman's grasp. He actually followed quite willingly, with an amused gleam in his eyes.

"I have those too in a vase." Wanning wanted to distract from the embarrassing topic of the dance and shifted the focus to Yuri's flowers. "They grow in such abundance in these woods." And now. "Please come in, your grace. The weapon is ready for you." She led the way in. "It is one of the most beautiful pieces to ever come out of House Yue." There was a hint of pride in Wanning's voice. As always, she was proud of their work.

#wxldlfire #( t - the girl in the woods ) #( with - princess yi yuri. ) #wanning's mom was a go getter #( backdated. ) #tw: alcohol mention

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CHECK IN @afterburning

There between the bushes, a beautiful bird sat. Red feathers, intelligent eyes. It had discovered her but fearlessly refused to move from its resting spot. Must I shoot it, Mother? She asked. It is so pretty!

Yet that was precisely why that bird was selected for her archery practice. On the field, skill alone would never be enough.

Wanning let the arrow loose, just as a person suddenly emerged from the trees. She stepped between the bird and the arrow and blood splattered across the field of grass, coating vibrant green in sickening crimson. Wanning's hand flew to her lips, pushing back a scream. Deep down, she knew it wasn't reality, and this was yet another nightmare that had found her. Wake up! She willed herself, tears silently trailing down from the back of her hands. Wake up-

They say lady Wanning was recovering well. One of the nobles that had survived with the least amount of damage. Perhaps they were right, but at night, when no one watched, Wanning sometimes found herself fearful of what could have happened. She'd push herself into the very corner of the room, wrap her arms around her shoulders, and crumple up until she was small. One, two, three. She'd count until her eyelids fluttered shut from exhaustion. Count until her mind was empty.

Only once her mental state stabilized did she finally return to her people. A visit to the Zhao estate was necessary because she missed her friends and needed to reassure Keran of the fact she still breathed. Wanning practiced her expression, and rehearsed words of reassurance under her breath in hopes of maximizing comfort for her precious dove. But it was not Keran she saw first, but her older brother, Jiyu.

"My lord!" She did not expect to run into him but was glad she did. "You look-" Not well. Jiyu looked like he had not been getting enough sleep...and his ear. "I am...glad you made it back alright," Wanning whispered. This was a difficult time for many and at once she was ashamed of herself for having stayed away for so long. Mind over matter. She should have done a better job. "...Does it hurt?" She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Did the healers...I am sorry, you probably don't want to discuss this. Please just let me know if there is anything I can do."

#afterburning #( t - check in ) #( with - lord zhao jiyu. ) #tw: blood