Snake and Spider 14

The tradeoff in sensory accuracy versus defensiveness was an interesting consideration. Her typical garments, were by nature of the envenomed fabrics and embedded defensive arrays, something of a muffler for her tactile senses. She had of course engineered a degree of permeability into the talismanic arrays, but while resistance to qi and air flow could be engineered down, it could not be eliminated. Thus she had generally preferred to remove her gloves at least when given a chance to prepare for violence.

This snug thing was uncomfortably flush though, rubbing too much against her skin with basic motions. The defensive properties were heavily lacking as well, too thin with too many layers for a deep venom reservoir, too unsecured around her hips and legs. Shoes were also inefficient, raising her heels off of the ground altered balance and reduced the sensitivity of her ability to detect vibrations through the earth by some two or three percent.

Reversible with an array etched into the heel? Possible. Inefficient use of time.

Possible recreational use.

Bai Meizhen appeared to enjoy them.

Others did too. Annoying. She disliked being stared at, whispered at. The faces and qi signatures here were largely ones she had cataloged. Vassals and hangers on of her family. If she heard a single person refer to her as a ‘flower’ or ‘fairy’ she would ensure that they spent the days following this dinner feeling as if their organs were attempting to vacate through their anuses.

She was so foolish as to believe appearances did not drastically alter perceptions, but she would not stand for being condescended to by people who spent their days gossiping about ‘that’ daughter of the Bao.

At the top of the short steps to the dais that held the center table, she felt awkward, like a gangly giant, compared to the doll like Bai seated their, Bai Meizhen’s older relatives were no taller than she.

“Please, do not hesitate Lady Bao, you are deserving of a seat at our table, fine allies of the Bai clan that your people have proven,” the ambassador, a pale white blur streaked with hazy lines of toxic color in her senses said.

“Excuse my absent mindedness. I become lost in thought easily,” Bao Qingling replied tersely, resuming her walk. A servant pulled the chair beside Bai Meizhen out for her. She did not look at her companion as she sat down.

“The minds of crafts folk are always a awhirl with possibilities, this I know,” Bai Xilai said politely, swirling a cup of wine in her hand. Bao Qingling calculated the toxicity of the fluid would severely incapacitate over sixty percent of the guests present.

“I have many projects in mind.”

It was not even a strict lie. She settled down into her seat comfortably, straight backed, chin up. Her eyes may have been near useless but she gazed sharply down at her family’s vassals. One or two of these had even sought her hand before.

She didn’t need to perceive them as more than colorful blurs to feel, the nervous churn of qi, the way some flinched away from her. She supposed most were old enough to remember a child humiliating herself and family with her… deficiencies.

Spineless. She could at least hold some respect for those who didn’t flinch. “I am pleased that the venerable Bai clan has found some value in the Bao clan’s products and services.”

“My niece was the one who brought the notion to me, and though I was doubtful, I must admit that a reliable local supplier to service my embassy's needs has been excellent,” Bai Xilai said. “This gown for instance. I quite enjoy it.”

Bao Qingling tilted her head, her finger twitched tapping on the table, vibrations bouncing through the air. “My uncle’s work, there are no finer tailors in the Bao clan, or the province even, aside from Duchess Cai and her apprentice.”

“They are indeed excellent work, though I must compliment your own work,” Bai Meizhen said softly.

Ah yes, she had fabricated that one, hadn’t she?

It was irritating the way she felt her body trying to heat, to produce sweat on her forehead, seated beside Bai Meizhen, in front of so many.

“Yes indeed. It was that work which charmed my niece’s eyes,” Bai Xilai said airily. “You are as much a credit to your clan as your Uncle. A maker’s eye is sharper than any other in determining quality. I am certain I can trust you to inform us of where our coin is best spent, going forward, Lady Bao.”

Amusing, cringing sycophants eyeing her with a different sort of fever. She could not entirely hide the vindictive curve of her lips, and the narrowing of her eyes.

***

It was entirely unfair of Bao Qingling, to be so beautiful.

It was only her preparation and control of her own qi that kept her heart from pounding in her chest, seated beside the tall girl in her sleek and scandalous gown. That expression she wore, looking down on her lessers was… intoxicating.

“You appear distressed student,” the ambassador’s voice whispered, heard only by her.

“I am merely restless. Apologies, teacher.”

“Your composure is acceptable, only I have noticed, aside from the one sitting next to you.”

She cycled her qi, and kept her breathing even, spearing a sliver of meat on her utensils. There was that teasing lilt in her teacher’s voice again. To what end? She was an ally of Aunt Suzhen’s so she was not being blackmailed. Perhaps it was merely a warning for the future, a lesson that her secrets were not so easily concealed?

“I will ensure you receive the highest quality. The orders for the summit location are complete. Do you want modifications to the Xiangmen embassy?”

“Bold, but correct,” Bai Xilai said lightly. “I do find the decor somewhat dull. Of course I do not blame our gracious hostess for leaving us the chance to customize to our liking. Xiangmen is the city of Art, no?”

“Yes.”

Bao Qingling’s elegant appearance remained at odds with her dull, clipped tone and short way of speaking. Thankfully the Ambassador showed no offense, though she noted a few rapidly hidden frowns among the lower caste attendants.

Bao Qingling seemed to notice the hanging question though.

“There are countless types of art, in what category are you seeking decor? Furnishings, ceramics, painting, wall hangings, living art…?”

Bai Xilai tapped a sharp pointed fingernail against her chin. “I have a taste for watercolors, some local pieces might embellish my collection.”

Bao Qingling hummed, eyes blankly roving over the vassals conversing and eating below. “The Bao clan’s talents are elsewhere. We have talented vassals however. I would suggest the Ban, the brother of the current heir is a skiller painter.”

A small handful of people at the tables below visibly perked up, they were of this clan, she assumed.

“Oh I see, you will bring to me some examples, I am sure?” Bai Xilai said.

“It will be arranged.”

“So very stiff. Still… acceptable breeding and disposition, I think.”

Bai Meizhen couldn't help but turn an eye to her teacher, who raised an eyebrow.

“Do as you will, you are young. And… perhaps there might be a use, in the future.”

It was  very hard to not let her fingers dig into the wood of the table, or keep the color from rising on her cheeks.

What was she to do, if idle fancies really could become reality?