ellipsanet | {Text; UN: orchid}

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I have a stomach ache. Does anyone have a good recipe for soup? Remember, I'm a flower, I can't eat meat. Usually. {She has had fish before.}

Should I put my cat on my belly? He has lost weight, but he might still be too big. I bet I can make him purr, though!

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I can bring some soup over for you.

As for your cat, you might try curling around him. His warmth and the vibration of his purr may help you.

You don't have to! But that would be nice.

Are cats magical? Are they healers?

No, I do not. But I would like to.

Try it and see for yourself. I am sure he would enjoy it even if it does not help you.

Daqiang does like to be held. He paws at me when I put him down.

Will you eat soup with me?

It would be my pleasure to join you. I will be there soon.

[ With soup, tea, and a toy or two for Daqiang. ]

Thank you, Lord Runyu! I'll open the door for you, but not too much or Daqiang will investigate the neighbors.

You are most kind.

[ It really isn't that long before Runyu knocks politely at her door, carrying a basket. The Dream Beast wiggles impatiently at his side, only going still at a chastising glance from the dragon. ]

{Soft footsteps answer the knock and Xiao Lanhua opens the door, a blanket wrapped around her. Daqiang meows loudly at her feet. Hello!}

Come in, come in! Don't mind my flowers. They might come out to visit you.

[ The Dream Beast prances in before Runyu, chirring playfully at the cat. Stifling a sigh at the silly little creature, Runyu inclines his head politely to the fairy and steps inside. ]

They need not be shy, I like flowers.

{Daqiang bumps his head under the Dream Beast's chin, purring like a motor boat. His grumpy face is very misleading! Xiao Lanhua leads Runyu to a table, setting down her blanket on the way. She smooths down her hair and smiles shyly.}

These are a little naughty. {There are giggles and a pair of little girls will dart into the room, wearing dresses that, of course, include their flowers!}

He's a god and a guest, be good!

[ Runyu ducks his head to try and hide the smile at the two animals' antics. Following Lanhua to the table, he sets the basket down before opening it and pulling out two pots - one of soup and one of tea. A gesture has cups, bowls, a ladle, and honey float over from their places to set themselves up on the table.

Taking a seat, he smiles softly at the flower girls. ]

I have found that a little naughtiness brings life to the room.

{The ease he shows with his powers leaves her gaping. Until she remembers to close her mouth. Oops.}

Lord Runyu, I ate something spicy yesterday. I didn't know it was connected to fire, but it must be. Master said I should stick with things of the Earth and Water.

{Now she knows why. She sits down and coaxes the little flower spirits into her arms, gently making sure they look their best.}

These two came from the plum blossom tree. That's why I named them Mei and Zi.

[ Well. He has had them for thousands of years at this point. And he never suffered the same sabotage that she had. ]

Aah. Yes. Knowing your element is important. Like us, we need to be mindful of spicy or fire power. Sometimes learning a lesson the hard way is the only way we learn it well.

[ Serving them each a bowl of soup and a cup of tea, he offers her some of the honey ~~from her own pantry~~. Smiling gently at the little sprites. ]

They are quite cute, and well named.

{She has had hers for at least a thousand years! ~~Actually much, much longer, but her memories are fuzzy.~~}

You remind me of my Master a little. {There is no higher compliment. The Lord Arbiter is no one to take lightly.} I wish I could be as wise as you and her.

{Xiao Lanhua sniffs the soup and takes a sip of it. The flavor is comforting and she smiles again.}

Mm, this is good! Did you make it? {Mei is following the Dream Beast around, trying to pet him, while Zi toddles up to stare at Runyu.}

[ ~~Pesky memories!~~

Runyu ducks his head at the compliment, humbled by it. ]

I think you are quite wise.

[ And so very kind. Seeing her smile at the flavor of the soup is a delight all in itself. ]

I did. I'm pleased you like it.

[ The Dream Beast wiggles its tail at Mei and cheerfully leads her around the room. Zi, however, gets a gentle pat to the head. ]

I don't know... {She pauses, a spoon halfway to her mouth.} Sometimes it feels like I learn things just by accident. Like Ellipsa, for example, isn't Shuiyuntian, but I thought for awhile it might be connected. The magic here is so strong!

{Mei hurries her little feet and ends up putting a flower on their tail! Zi grins from ear to ear and darts off bashfully.}

Mei and Zi wouldn't be able to show themselves this early otherwise. Not even in Shuiyuntian.

[ Runyu takes a sip of his soup, thinking over everything he's learned here as well. Stifling a laugh at the Dream Beast making a show of being tagged and racing over to him - that tail, though, is wagging even more! He tickles under the sweet creature's chin. ]

Go on, show Zi'er so she doesn't feel left out.

[ The Dream Beast wiggles and bounds off after the other flower with a soft churr. ]

The magic here is strong, and different from what I know back home. It suits this place, where it might not in other worlds.

{Mei claps her hands and ends up hugging the Dream Beast from behind! Zi gasps and stares at the adorable deer, her cheeks pinking. Is he like the kitty?}

Be careful or they will try to keep him.

{Xiao Lanhua giggles and stirs some honey into her tea.}

The magic makes up for centuries of cultivation. It happened with my plum tree and there was nothing special about it.

[ The Dream Beast hops around, careful with its new friends even as it cheerfully shows off. Runyu only shakes his head, watching them fondly. ]

He goes where he wishes. He knows who needs him and does his best to help them sleep well.

[ But always, always returns to Runyu, which will forever humble the god. ]

I believe all things are special, even if they might not seem to be.

[ Himself excluded. ]

{The two tiny Fairies giggle wordlessly and chase after him, leaving petals in their wake. Xiao Lanhua watches them too, her expression gentling.}

He must be as good as Lord Runyu or else they wouldn't want to play with him.

{She sips on more of her soup and lets the heat soothe the ache in her belly.}

I've never heard a god talk like that before.

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