#jingcha

Vibrant gold meets soothing peridot.

This is the moment the threads woven onto their beings finally intersect. It was unpredictable. It was unexpected.

Around them, there is the gentle hum of the small ship’s engine. The cargo within the room barely shifts, its contents softly rattling at most as they ride along the smooth journey.

The young lady appears to be around his age, dressed in clothing he swore he saw some inhabits wear on the planet they just departed from. And as alert and alarmed as he is to stumble upon a stowaway, he couldn’t bring himself to point his glaive at her.

She is slender and pale, a little concerningly so (He swore he saw the tail end of some bandages as well hidden under the long fabrics).

As he opens his mouth to speak, he pauses as she lifted a finger before her lips as a gesture of silence. She speaks and he finds himself compelled to listen to her soft voice and gentle tone. “I mean no harm for I carry no malice, nor ill intentions. I am aware that I have trespassed, but if you are to turn me in, I will accept any punishment and abide by the laws of your home. However, all that I ask is to not be returned to my planet.”

He was struck silent, uncertain of how to act. He was merely a Cloud Knight. He was unsure of how to handle such an…odd circumstance.

He takes another evaluation of her clothing and deems that she must be no typical civilian. Possibly someone of a higher position. And the designs remind him of the ones he saw the planet’s people wearing near the church grounds.

Ah…he really hopes the Xianzhou isn’t going to end up unintentionally kidnapping a religiously important person such as a priest.

“…I apologize, miss. I’m merely a Cloud Knight. I cannot guarantee that your conditions will be met. That is for my superiors to decide.” He frowned a bit as he saw her somewhat dejected yet resigned expression.

Against his better judgement, he sighed before continuing. “However…I’d be willing to help keep your presence here undetected until the ship returns to the Luofu. From there, the best I could do is sneak you off & let you go. Whatever you plan to do from there is up to you.”

She looks at him with some surprise, and something in his conscience lightens at the grateful hope in her eyes. “Thank you. Any assistance is appreciated, and I’m aware I’m in no position to ask anything from you.”

“It’s fine.” (Hopefully.) He clears his throat.

“Ah, I’m Jing Yuan. May I know your name?”

“Ottilia.”

Curiously, he tests her name on his tongue, the sequence of sounds unfamiliar to him. She seems to take notice and smiled kindly. “…How about you refer to me with a name from your home?”

He blinks with surprise before considering it seriously. He eventually ends up thoughtfully mumbling a name to himself that seems to stick.

“That sounds fine.”

He startles out of his thoughts, not realizing he had spoken loud enough to be heard. “Ah, are…are you sure? You’re not worried it could mean something bad?”

“You seem rather genuine. So, I’ll trust your judgement.” She gives a pleased hum before meeting his gaze.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jing Yuan. You may refer to me as, Yi.”