(mostly) open journal post

[legbreakings]

Sender: Jiang Cheng
To: Everyone (except for Wei Wuxian)
Subject: A request for bow-makers

I have a question for the people of Songerein: Are you or anyone you know well-versed in crafting bows and arrows of good quality?

I'm seeking to commission the making of bows mostly to be used for hunting, though if they are sturdy enough to be suited to battle as well it would be all the better. We are currently using bows we found around town, which are serviceable enough but no permanent solution.

I can provide the materials and I will pay for your work in bartered goods or labor.

Comments

[legbreakings]

I won't blindly accept just any obligation.

[abyssbound]

Good.

In that case, I will hold you to it in case I need anything in the future.

Where and when do you want to pick up these feathers?

[legbreakings]

I can pick them up wherever suits you, I can come to your home. I won't bother you further.

Where do you live?

[abyssbound]

That's fine.

There's a small cabin out in the farmlands to the east of town, you may have seen it. That's my house. You can come by to pick them up any time around dusk or later. I'm usually away from home before that.

[legbreakings]

I have noticed this house before, it looks very nice.

I can drop by in the evening when I return from hunting in the forest. You don't mind me bringing my dog, do you? She usually accompanies me.

[abyssbound]

I'm okay with it, but animals tend to be scared of me. Just a warning.

text to action

[legbreakings]

She isn't easily scared, but I will be careful. I will see you tomorrow.


[ The next day, Jiang Cheng takes another path home, Blossom at his side and his bow hung over his shoulder, while he has a hare in the bag he carries.

He approaches the cabin slowly, mindful of the warning that Blossom might react badly. He gives a few short raps on the door, eyes on the dog who is indeed growing increasingly restless on her leash and whining. He reaches down to scratch her head soothingly. ]

Are you home yet? This is Jiang Wanyin, we conversed about goose feathers yesterday.

Re: text to action

[abyssbound]

[Apart from the cabin itself, there is also clear evidence of a small patch of worked farmland nearby, though with the weather still chilly, there's nothing growing in it at the moment.

A goose hutch at the side of the cabin explains the source of the feathers, and the geese are presently happily honking away at the nearby pond, which bears the winter-withered husks of lotus pads peeking above the surface.

Asura opens the door a few moments after Jiang Cheng knocks (and as per usual, is hardly dressed for the season), a large burlap sack in hand.]

There's tail and wing feathers in here. [He offers the bag, which is light despite its size owing to the nature of its contents.] I have another one with down if you know anyone who could use it.

[legbreakings]

[ Jiang Cheng gives a small smile in greeting as the door is opened, the man who must be Asura already well-prepared for the delivery. ]

Thank you, I...

[ He had been ignoring the restless dog at his side, who had gone utterly still as soon as he got his first look at their host. Now, as Jiang Cheng reaches towards the man, Blossom gives a terrified yowl. And then she leaps into motion, the leash Jiang Cheng had been loosely holding yanked out of his hand as the dog runs off in a mindless panic - unfortunately, right for the geese. ]

I'm sorry! I don't know... She never does this!

[abyssbound]

[Asura only spares the panicked dog a brief tired look before shrugging.]

I told you this tends to happen. [And the geese can take care of themselves, not that Blossom appears to have much interest in them over fleeing for her life (even if there's no real danger).

Asura steps outside the doorway (taking care to close it behind him) to peer out across the yard and make sure the dog doesn't hurt itself.] I've never had much luck with cats or dogs. Geese don't fear me, but geese fear nothing anyway.

[legbreakings]

I'm not surprised birds would be like that [ Jiang Cheng mutters darkly and shakes his head. ] They are either fearless or simply the most malicious creatures around.

[ He keeps a wary eye on his dog as well, but while he had initially startled the birds by storming right at them, they aren't actually scared. His dog is now sniffing around there, only occasionally looking nervously back at Jiang Cheng as if she worries for him.

He chuckles and shakes his head. ] You did say this would happen. I underestimated her reaction. She is a former stray, and usually fearless.