[July 26] [Original] The Best Cure For Lovelorn Souls

[lilacfield.livejournal.com]

Title: The Best Cure For Lovelorn Souls
Day/Theme: July 26/and if I am four words than I am needing of your love
Series: Elegy of the Willow Sword (Original)
Characters: Bai Shi, Dong Yao, Qiu Heitong
Rating: G


"Nothing's on my mind," Qiu Heitong muttered as he poured for the three of them. "What would you think that, Brother Shi?"

Dong Yao sniffed at his cup. "Not that I don't appreciate you bringing us all kinds of exotic herbs every time you come home," he said to Qiu Heitong, "but this one smells like it can keep you going to the bathroom all night, if you're not careful."

"Oh, you're that old now, huh? Your digestion system isn't what it used to be?"

"I was talking about you." Dong Yao raised the cup and drained it at one toss.

Qiu Heitong managed an air of injured dignity. "Anything I serve at this table has already been personally tested. And my digestion system has always been iron-like, thank you very much."

"Brother Heitong," said Bai Shi, ignoring the exchange, "did you run into anyone before you arrived here tonight?"

With a defeated sigh, Qiu Heitong sank into his chair. "I met Chu Qingnian at the nearest town. She was just passing by - no intention of visiting you."

"Already had enough of him when they were married," Dong Yao commented. He started to reach for the teapot, then thought better of it. "Just in case, Brother Heitong, I'll take whatever this is in small doses. It tastes like nothing I've ever drunk before."

"You should have asked for her hand." Bai Shi looked at Qiu Heitong. "Like you always meant to do."

A muscle jumped at Qiu Heitong's cheek. "No," he said. "We grew up in the same village and my father was more or less her family doctor - to her I'll always be nothing but the boy next door." He paused. "And I'm still mad at you for knowing how I felt about her, so don't bring up the subject again, all right?"

Bai Shi wrapped his fingers around his cup. "If it makes you feel better, I think she isn't made for either of us. This is something I realized far too early, or far too late, depending on your point of view. Your health." He took a tentative sip.

Qiu Heitong opened his mouth, then closed it again with a snap. He turned to Dong Yao, who had his head cocked toward his chest and seemed to be listening to his own heart rate. "More, Brother Yao?"

"My stomach just gave this funny little rumble," Dong Yao murmured. "You should have given some of this to her, Brother Heitong, to see how strong her digestion system is."