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“It's good.” Yenisei commented, taking another sip of the liquor mixed with the utmost care. She doesn't particularly enjoy these drinks despite their relevancy back in the north, but here she is – defying what she thought she knew about herself in favor of seeing the smile on Jiu Niangzi’s face.
The lady dressed in robes was watching in anticipation, but her affirmation was enough to make her sigh out of relief.
They both held the expensive looking cups as if a speck of dust would be enough to diminish the quality permanently, pouring some of the liquid into their mouth every now and then. Truly, it's exceptional.
“Oh, thank you, I'm glad it's to your liking.” She finally responded, her eyes focusing on the tourist’s face rather than the variety of stars in the night sky. She could tell that she's still nervous. After all, who wouldn't be after what happened to their teammates?
It had only been a day, but the emotions Yenisei felt were too strong and too painful. She remembers the oddities of the landscape and the lake she couldn't sense, even with her arcane skill. She can't believe they really continued despite that. Even after the men drank out of the lake. Now they're nothing but an animal, something that can't communicate through human language. Neighs and thumps of their feet hitting the ground is all that comes out of them.
Yenisei allowed it to happen. It’s her fault, isn't it?
“Are you okay? You're shaking,” Jiu Niangzi brought her hand close to her face, the back of her fingers brushing against her cheek as if she was a cat. “Huh? … I’m fine, but what are you doing?”
“Nonsense, you're shaken up. Did you think I couldn't notice your behavior? Tsk tsk, you really expect less from me!” She attempted to express disappointment, but it came off as playful rather than anything. “But, I have just the remedy. If the liquor isn't enough to satisfy you, then a game surely can.”
“... A game?” The northerner’s head tilted to the side, but only by a bit. Her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes communicated confusion and intrigue. Her cheeks are still slightly flushed from the unexpected touch of her face, though. “Yes, yes. Just a children’s game. Don't worry.”
Yenisei wasn't sure what to expect, leaning against the bench which creaked the old wooden furniture. Back in St. Petersburg, they didn't play games very often. The most she can remember is a round of who can guess the amount of pieces shattered from a bottle of Vodka. Crude, yet challenging.
“This game… I forgot the name, haha. It's written down near the statue at the festival. On a paper slip. It's quite small so I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't notice it.” Jiu Niangzi moved her legs back and forth while she was in thought, idly swinging them under and in front of the bench.
“‘Guess what I'm thinking of’ is the game. Creative name, right?” “That's… just a description. You came up with it on the spot.” “Oh, silly you, sometimes a description is enough to make a good name. Wouldn't you like it if I called you Miss Redhead instead of my guest? How about Miss Tourist-Lady-With-A-Funny-Accent?”
Yenisei couldn't help but laugh. It was the first time since she came here. She hasn't felt this carefree in a while. Worry has been all she felt for what seems like forever. “Haha, my name is fine. No need to be so ridiculous.” “Speaking of, I don't even know your name.” “Did I not tell you? My name is Yenisei.”
“Yenisei…”
Hearing her own name leave the lady’s mouth left her flustered. The way she said it, with such care and slight surprise was so sweet it threatened to rot her teeth. It sounded almost as if she was saying an ancient word after learning its meaning.
“I don't hear names like that often. It's beautiful. So foreign…” Her eyes wandered off to the sky for a moment, before snapping back to reality and looking at Yenisei, only to be met by her warm face. “... And so cute. You could steal my heart if you kept looking at me like that, miss.” “That's…!” “Shh, back to what I was suggesting. The game.”
Yenisei was extremely embarrassed, however she pressed on forward and listened to what she had to say. “I'll give a hint as to what I'm thinking of, and you guess what it is. Easy, right? I hope I don't make it too difficult for you.” Her guest nodded in response, but the sudden feeling of weight on her lap left her startled.
Looking down, she sees Jiu Niangzi lying on her legs. Her head was on her thighs, and her eyes were closed shut. что?! This is way too intimate, isn't it? This is something only family, couples and best friends do! Yenisei can't help but stiffen up.
“Pay attention. I'm thinking of… a wise old man with a pale, long beard.” “... Hhm… That's, uh… Lizheng?” “Yes, well done!” She gave a cheerful smile.
“It's your turn now, Yenisei.” “Um… I…” She was really struggling to think in the position they were in. She's overthinking it. This isn't weird, it's just Jiu Niangzi placing her trust in her and wanting a nice place to rest. After her offer of letting both Yenisei and Bessmert stay in her tavern without a fee, the least she could do is let her use her legs as a temporary pillow.
“Alright. I'm thinking of a lady with a hat and bandages that cover her eyes.” “Hm, is that Lady Bessmert?” “Yeah, it sure is.”
She giggled at her correct guess, thinking of her next question. “I'm thinking of… a beautiful lady with hair colored a mature crimson. She thinks before she speaks, and is with Lady Bessmert.” “Beautiful lady…? Um… Is that me?” “And her name?” “Yenisei…?”
Jiu Niangzi suddenly sat up and nodded, opening her eyes and looking at the flustered woman with what could only be described as adoration.
“Beautiful lady… That can't be right. You're mistaken. I look like anyone else, I'm not special.” “Don't give me that. You are special. And it's not just your hair I'm talking about.” She couldn't help but joke around a bit, but the seriousness in her words set in when she continued speaking.
“Yenisei, beauty isn't just your looks. You're worth more than you think you are. I hope you know that.” She stood up, leaving the poor woman confused. “Wait, where are you going? I… I thought we were going to talk about my teammates!” “But we did. Do you want them back more than anything?”
“Yes. Of course I do. It's my wish to see them again, no matter what it takes. I can't bear the burden of knowing I steered them in the wrong direction and caused their misfortune.”
“... Consider it granted.”