Heyu/Story: Difference between revisions

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When spring came, a new tale took root in the courtyard: the immortal had ascended and returned to the heavens.

|s3_title = Timeless Springs, Familiar Soul

|s3_text =

Business was booming at The Named Springs, whose fame had spread far beyond the neighboring hills. Quite fittingly, it had made a name for itself.

"You really have an eye for location," remarked one of the guests as he soaked in the steaming water. "That legendary garden where the immortals are said to dwell is just a stone's throw away. No wonder these springs have something otherworldly about them."

The proprietor flicked his fan and gave a derisive snort. "When I first came out here to make a living, I'd never heard a peep about that garden. These springs owe what they are to nature. Gods, immortals, and all that lofty nonsense have absolutely nothing to do with it."

Just then, an old melon farmer came hurrying in, his face creased with worry. He'd spotted some strange-looking thing lying by the entrance, he said, and couldn't tell whether it was dead or alive. But if it had even a breath left, surely they couldn't just leave it there.

The proprietor paused, pinched his fingers together in a swift divination, and clicked his tongue. Snapping his fan shut, he rushed toward the door, leaving behind a muttered, "Just my rotten luck!"

----

{{Neighbor Stories/Image|Heyu Timeless Springs, Familiar Soul Image 01|left}}

Wedged between the snowy rocks lay a ragged heap of torn clothing, with fallen red plum blossoms scattered all around.

The hot spring proprietor gave the... <i>thing</i>, which was presumably a person, a tentative nudge with his foot.

"Hey there. Still alive, sir? We're running a hot spring here, y'know. A place for rest and recuperation. We don't do burials. So wherever you came from, best head on back!"

The thing that was probably a person slowly raised its head. His face was deathly pale, his eyes as dull and vacant as a piece of shattered jade. Then, in a voice as cold as a ghost's, he said, "I have nowhere to return to."

----

The proprietor's eyes narrowed into a smile so forced that a vein throbbed visibly on his forehead. Grabbing the wretched lump by the collar, he dragged him inside and, with a casual heave, tossed him straight into the steaming pool.

"I couldn't care less if you have a home or not, just spare me the poetic nonsense!"

The ragged remains of his cloak slipped from him into the hot spring. Veiled in long white hair, the weakened young man fell to his knees, coughing uncontrollably until his palm was stained with blood.

----

{{Neighbor Stories/Image|Heyu Timeless Springs, Familiar Soul Image 02|right}}

The proprietor seemed to give in at last. His usual smile faded as he scratched ruefully at his ear and clicked his tongue once more.

"I see you've got rare aptitude. Fate must've put you in my path. And since you're here anyway... well, let nature take its course and see if you pull through."

On the path homeward, there stood a hot spring inn. Only upon sinking into its waters did he truly come alive.

}}

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