Summary: You, a colleague of Jiaoqiu with backgrounds in both cooking and the Alchemy Commission, share a quiet evening with Feixiao, the Vanquishing General of the Xianzhou Yaoqing. As you present her with an experimental dish and share a heartfelt conversation, the imposing warrior reveals her softer side. Amid the tranquil setting of her garden, you find a rare connection in the simplicity of good food and shared silence.
The quiet hum of the Xianzhou Yaoqing's bustling cityscape faded as you entered Feixiao's private garden—a tranquil haven nestled amid the grand halls of the ship. A soft breeze rustled the delicate golden leaves of the woven bamboo canopy, carrying with it the faint scent of tea and herbs.
Feixiao sat cross-legged by the koi pond, her imposing figure softened by the serene surroundings. Her hair, tipped with teal, shimmered in the dim lantern light as she skillfully tied one of her ornamental teal orbs back in place. A faint smile curved her lips when she saw you, her eyes with their striking white rings alight with warmth.
“You’re late,” she teased, her straightforward tone laced with a playfulness you’d come to expect.
“Perfection takes time,” you replied, holding up a neatly wrapped parcel. “Especially when it’s Jiaoqiu's experimental recipe.”
Feixiao’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as you set the parcel on the small table beside her. She leaned forward, the fabric of her white trench coat glinting in the lantern light. “Experimental, you say? Should I be concerned?”
“It’s safe,” you assured her, laughing. “This one’s a twist on your favorite—braised phoenix talons, infused with spiritvine elixirs from the Alchemy Commission. But, full disclosure, Jiaoqiu insisted on adding a pinch of something...unusual.”
Feixiao raised an eyebrow. “Unusual? From Jiaoqiu, that could mean anything.”
Unwrapping the parcel, you revealed the dish—phoenix talons, lacquered in a golden glaze, their delicate aroma mingling with the earthy tang of spiritvine. Feixiao's nose twitched, her martial precision evident even in how she assessed food.
“I’m impressed,” she admitted, lifting a talon delicately with her chopsticks. “It looks like a meal worthy of the Arbiter-Generals.”
“Flattery won’t save you if it’s too spicy,” you quipped, taking a seat across from her. “Shall we?”
Feixiao nodded, her sharp features softening as she took her first bite. A brief silence fell, save for the trickling of water from the koi pond. Her expression shifted—a flicker of surprise, followed by appreciation.
“Spicy, yes. But balanced,” she said, savoring the flavor. “Jiaoqiu may be eccentric, but he outdid himself this time.”
You grinned, relieved. “High praise from the Vanquishing General herself.”
Feixiao chuckled, setting down her chopsticks. “You’re more than a worthy rival in the culinary arts. But I’d expect nothing less from someone with your Alchemy Commission background.”
“Alchemy isn’t so different from cooking,” you mused. “Both require precision, patience, and the willingness to experiment.”
Feixiao leaned back, her gaze turning contemplative. “True. But cooking carries something more—connection. It’s about sharing moments, even fleeting ones, with others. Like this.”
Her words lingered in the air, weighty yet comforting. You reached for the teapot, pouring her a cup of steaming herbal tea. “Then let’s share this moment.”
She accepted the cup with a nod, her teal eyes meeting yours. “Thank you, truly. It’s rare to find someone who makes me feel at ease. The battlefield demands strength, but moments like this remind me what we fight for.”
Your heart warmed at her honesty. Feixiao wasn’t just the fierce warrior admired by all; she was a person burdened by her own struggles, yet determined to embrace life’s simple joys.
“Anytime, Feixiao,” you said softly. “Whenever you need a reminder—or just someone to share a meal with—you know where to find me.”
Feixiao’s lips curved into a genuine smile, her usually commanding presence tempered by a rare tenderness. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The night deepened, the stars of the Xianzhou glinting faintly through the garden canopy. As the two of you lingered in comfortable silence, the koi pond’s gentle ripples mirrored the quiet understanding between you—a bond forged not in battle, but in the shared solace of stars, spices, and unspoken gratitude.
I want everything quiet and simple. For me: walking barefoot, sitting still, reading, listening to stories and now and then telling some myself. Eating fruit, drinking milk, longing to create, but with patience and many insights.
