Pleasant Rain: Banquet

"It is a pleasure to travel in the honorable Guan Zhou's company." Yu bowed honorably and smiles. "Wherever one may go, one is respected." Yu's behavior showed respect and honor to superiors.

As preparations for the feast began, Yu took SWIOE aside. They walked the trimmed path around the house and he found a place where they would not be observed. "So far you have honored me well by your behavior. I know you will continue to do so."

He meditated quietly for a few moments, himself trying to focus on this he was learning. Yet he knew it was futile. Still, one must try.

"Perhaps you are ready for a new skill?" He said, cupping her hand in his own and slowly circling behind her. "Palms up and elbows in." He guided her arms with his own. "Elbow further in. When you fight you will forget some things so practice doing them as much as you can."

He did not notice, or did not say anything, when she leaned into him slightly. Nor could he see her face flush slightly at his touch.

"Feel the breeze in your palms." The gentle wind brought smells of food being cooked just right. "Elbows in." He squeezed her tight, pushing her elbows far in.

"This one hopes she pleases the master." Lao said quietly.

"You do." He whispered. Yu moved around to face Lao, his hands not losing contact. "Let me show you the strength you have so you can practice."

"Carry the weight of the world in your hands." He pressed down, increasing the pressure. "Do not use just your arms. Lock your elbow to your chest. Firm your dan tien to support your chest. Connect your hand down your leg and ground your foot solidly."

"Now, turn your palms inside. Use your body to connect your hands to your feet. Very good." He pressed against her palms with his own. "Now flow."

For a few minutes they stayed connected; hands moving back and forth slowly. Never losing contact though of course it was merely for training. Yu caught a glimpse or two of servants watching from the bushes and he regained propriety.

"When you stand, or sit, practice remaining connected to the strength of the ground." He held her hands for a moment, smiled, and let go. "Tomorrow we will practice in earnest. Tonight we will enjoy life!"

Yu changed into his nicer clothes before he and Lao joined the feast. The girl sat behind her master, as was appropriate. Yu never lacked for just enough chicken and his cup was never empty. As the other servant girls looked between Guan Zhou and Yu, Lao was frequently resting a gentle hand on her master's shoulder as she poured his wine or brought him a little more food.

Sometimes Lao pulled at the torn hem of her sleeve and tried to tuck it in. The other servants, even the lowliest, were much better dressed than she was. In Damei, Crane Backed Dao had taught her to dress lowly so she was not observed. Here she felt the difference strongly. Even her master's clothes were much better than hers, and his were nothing like Guan Zhou's or the hosts.

In days gone by she was swift enough to steal what she wanted. Her hands and feet were still fast enough yet in her heart she know he would not be pleased. How could she live if her turned his back on her? Would the temple family take her back at all or would they make assumptions about her?

Once in a while she would remind herself that his hands had not trained any of the servant girls. He had not told them to push their elbow in further. Yet then she would realize he could do so if he wanted! What if he helped another girl, a prettier girl, learn Foshan? Lao resolved to work twice as hard each night to ensure he saw her as the best student.

One of the girls, a pretty one of marriageable age, giggles as she looked in Lao's direction. Lao leaned back behind her master to hide the rising color in her cheeks. She knew they were making comments about her dress.

As the evening progressed Yu enjoyed himself without coming close to Guan Zhou's appetite. Occasionally he felt Lao's careful touch and he often saw the other girls looking at him. "They must want to ask me how their fathers should approach the honorable Guan Zhou." He thought to himself. "Certainly he is of a good age! Yet is that what he wants? Perhaps I should look into what he could to do help in that regard." Certainly Guan Zhou deserved a marriage up in station.

He felt Lao's breath on the back of his neck. "She is a good student." He mused into his cup as his elbow brushed her knee. He had lost count of how many times she had filled it. "I wonder where my new sister is? Perhaps she could advise me in this."