what is that? Is it a- no, it can't be... I think it is... Oh my god! It's... An update! Merry Christmas, everyone ;)
Turns out, that huge if filled with nothing but sponge-cakes with fruit filling, to the brim. The crate was obviously specially designed to carry cakes or delicate objects because it had little chinks on the walls for fitting wood planks and making separations. The whole "cargo" was unloaded in your favourite pastry shop, being sold right off the crate. Each was already wrapped in a big leaf, steaming and ready to be eaten. You are reticent to try them at first since you are not at all fond of humid, spongy pastries. A tentative nibble reveals a honey-ish taste, deliberately sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Agreeably moist and slightly crumbly... Oh! Is that vanilla? Strawberry filling balances it out with the characteristic tangy flavour, deliciously creamy and light. Halfway through you remember to breathe. "I really must save some for father... Maybe one more bite... No, better not." After this brief internal struggle, you wrap the remaining treat in its leaf, now limp with steam, and sigh contentedly. These cakes are incredibly tasty. "I suppose there's not a chance of getting the recipe?"
"None at all." Gyatso winks, and his droopy moustache lifts on a smile. "I could, however, give you the marmalade how-to."
"That would be very nice." You think for a moment. "Up at the temple, do you keep large amounts of it, or do you make it only when you need it?"
"We have giant wooden barrels stored in the cool, underground rock. "A young monk walks into the store, answering before Gyatso can. "The whole caves smell of fruits and sugar, and we have a big load of trouble keeping the lemurs from gorging themselves silly on the stuff." He frowns momentarily, but a smile quickly cracks his face into a wide grin. "I'm Qì Liú. What's your name?"
"Ailimek. I'm from the south. As far south as you can go." Qì Liú is rather handsome, in the bald, blue- arrowed, grey-eyed airbender way.
"Nice to meet you" he flashes a brilliant smile. He's turns as if to talk to Gyatso, then seems to think better of it and asks you instead. "Are you a waterbender?"
"Yes, I am."
"Would you also happen to be a-"
"Healer? Yes, that too." You finish his sentence with a smile. Qì Liú looks relieved. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, this year we've been getting a lot of initiates, and they're still pretty young, and quite accident-prone. Our doctors do their best, but there are some things meditating and herbs can't cure. I've heard Waterbender doctors are among the best, so, of you're willing, would you... Um..." He rubs his neck, the motion of his hand making it seem like he's looking for hair to run his fingers through. "Maybe you could come for some time, to help us in the infirmary? I- I know that what I'm asking from you is a lot, but we really do need someone with your kind of skill."
Wait, you're actually being offered a chance to practice healing among the airbenders, learn about their lifestyle, and be a functioning, valuable piece of their society? Is he kidding?
"Are you kidding? I'd love to do that! I'd be an honour to be of such help to the air monks. I just need my parent's permission. Would you come to my house and explain this?"
"I'd love to, but I can't. I need to help get the bisons back at the temples." Qì Liú explains.
"I can come with you," Gyatso says. "Is there tea in your home?" The question surprises you.
"Well, I'm pretty sure there is, yes."
"Well then, it's settled. Qì Liú, you go back to the mountain with everyone else. I'll convince Ailimek's parents to lend us her marvellous talents." You smile. Gyatso's comments will never cease to amuse you.
look, I know this is really short, but this is my excuse: I forgot there was a chapter eleven half written out, so I skipped straight to chapter twelve. I worked double, but hey, you guys get TWO chapters! Merry crisis and a happy new fear! ;)