Fu-Shu Aoxian

Staring at their reflection in the mirror, decked out in some of their love’s best work to date, Aoxian couldn’t help but beam at it, restless pre-show energy surging through them like never before. It wasn’t quite nervousness or stage fright, but rather an anticipation too great to be contained within their body. In a moment of determination, they rose from their seat, turning their back on the dressing table and closing their eyes, before breaking into a dance.

Unchoreographed, their movements were wild and spontaneous, shaking their head in time with their limbs, swinging his hips and jumping on the spot to transform in mid-air, doing a little spin while screaming at bat-pitch before landing back on their feet, breathless, letting the finery jingle back into place around them. They’re startled by Lin’s voice as she pokes her head through the tent flap, checking in on her friend.

“Feeling ready? You’re almost up!”

Aoxian grins and charges at Lin to scoop her up, spinning the poor girl round in a tight embrace.

“I’m. So. Excited.”

She laughs, steadying herself as she is put back down. “I can tell.”

* * *

In the end, the night was a blur of lights and music, rich fabrics and lavish feasts, of singing, laughter, dancing, and many different kinds of theatrical feats. It was hard to keep it all straight in his mind, but more than anything, it is Congealia’s bright pink smile that keeps on flashing before their mind’s eye. The magnificence of what she wore – Aoxian can’t even begin to comprehend – the way she moved, enveloping him in sweet strawberry scent whenever she came close: and the way she looked at him, with so much loving care and happiness.

Aoxian hadn’t wanted a big party. Had put on an act for so many years that when he finally found love, it was quiet authenticity that he craved. But when all was said and done, and the weight of the world had finally been left at the door, she was his fuel, his fire, his reason to take the stage again. For her, he would do anything, because a love so deep, so true, so senseless, and so their own, demanded expression by whatever means possible.

—Written by Sophia dM.

[CW: Discussion of a funeral]

It has been many years since Aoxian left Kythara and retired as a Minister of Diplomacy. In that time, the Fu-Shu Tribe grew and changed. The influx of Vinefolk that joined the tribe alongside Congealia, as well as the typical effects of the passage of time, had ensured that. But Aoxian so too had changed and grown, cementing his love with Congealia by becoming Aogealia.

Being busy, however, remained a constant in Aogealia's life. The responsibility of both leading the Vinefolk and helping Yanchu lead the Fu-Shus were never ending tasks. But the time of helping Fu-Shu Yanchu of course did have an end time. Their funeral was a moving event with the circus performing a dramatized story of their life outside of their tent. It was such a big event that even Tori took time off from her busy schedule as First Wife to the Emperor to attend the celebration of life.

In the morning, everyone close to Yanchu prepares to take their body to the place where they can return to the land to honor their Za-Rin. Aogealia gets ready for the ceremony, picking out the perfect white outfit to wear. The day's ceremonies will be a bit more somber than the night before. A time for quiet reflection on who Yanchu was and the legacy they will leave behind. But it is also a time for looking forward. Just as Yanchu's body will nourish the land, so too will their soul nourish the future. This is a belief long held by practitioners of Za-Rin, even before the revelation that people do have souls and those souls will go on to give creativity to new people in the future.

At some point there is a knock on the frame of the tent. Young Fu-Shu Yansi waits patiently for Aogealia to come to the door.

“I was wondering if I could talk to you?” the young Dragonborn asks.

Aogealia nods and smiles in agreement. “Of course”.

“I am sad and worried. How will I live up to them? My parent was a great leader of the tribe. They led us through war and a great prospering of the tribe afterwords. I do not know if I can carry on their legacy.” Yansi rambles to Aogealia.

Aogealia pauses to think.

“It will be okay. It is not your job to live up to Yanchu's legacy. Your job is to forge your own path for the tribe and that path will be great. And you do not do it alone. I will be here to help and advise you, just as your parent advised me and then I advised them. The tribe is excited and ready to see what you can do” Aogealia responds.

“Thank you Aogealia. I am happy to have you to support me” Yansi says.

“Can you believe Congealia was a hands off mentor to her apprentice once upon a time?” Aogealia laughs.

Yansi laughs with them.

“Would you like help finishing getting ready?” Aogealia asks.

“Of course” Yansi responds.

With that Aogealia begins helping the new tribe leader get ready for their parent's funeral and so with beginning the process of helping them lead the Fu-Shu Tribe into the future. Tied bows and well placed accessories build up a strong future leader capable of taking on the challenges yet to come.

As the procession marches into the steppe to put Yanchu to rest so does the next chapter begin.