169 » close your eyes, clear your heart

[rainjade]

[It's a beautiful day in Liyue Harbor. The last several days have been overshadowed by sheets of rain; nothing so overbearing or dramatic as a thunderstorm, just steady, relentless, soaking rain. So this morning, Baizhu opened the doors and shutters of Bubu Pharmacy with a smile, letting in the soft breeze and the sunlight.

It also promises to be a warm day, so he sends Qiqi and Changsheng together into the city, to handle a list of errands. As long as the morning stays cool, Qiqi should be fine. He can't very well go himself - a line is already forming. Patients who haven't been able to make the trip in the rain, perhaps.

He's thinking about stopping for a bite to eat, and some herbal tea, when a shadow falls across his doorstep. Baizhu hums, turning carefully in his chair, pushing his spectacles a bit higher on his nose.]

Ah! Aether, what a pleasant surprise.

[While he wasn't expecting a visit from the traveler today, he would have to be in dire straits indeed to greet Aether with anything but a warm welcome.]

I sincerely hope you are here cordially, and not because you've been feeling under the weather.

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[ironwind]

[ The Traveler is alone today, it would seem — unaccompanied by his usual fairy companion, but of course there are myriad delights in Liyue Harbor, and the most likely explanation for this is that she has been waylaid by food. Nevertheless, this only means that the blond swordsman's quietude is more easily observed as he calmly saunters into Baizhu's study, his long braid swaying behind him like a cat's tail as he walks. Evidently, he has either waited in the line of patients or made some excuse to bypass it... ]

I'm fine, Baizhu. No illnesses to speak of whatsoever. [ A faint smile. ] Actually, I came because I was worried about you — though I suppose I'm a day late.

[ A day late? What he means by this, of course, is the weather — he waves his hand to indicate the sunshine and warmth around them. Excellent contrast to the preceding days characterized by grey skies and a distinct chill in the air. ]

I got held up on the road. But I thought that several days of rain wouldn't be very good for your constitution, so...

[ ...So he made a point of visiting Baizhu specifically. But he leaves the comment at that — open-ended — as he gazes at Baizhu warmly, inviting comment. Well, undoubtedly, the good doctor will say that he is fine, but... ]