Sein's eyes followed the woman who had triggered her memories of Zeya, as she continued towards the village centre. Having been cocooned in a protective spirit bubble for some time, Sein was unprepared for the onslaught of mortal sensations bombarding her in that instant.
Previously, she spent her time idly watching people pass by, free from discomfort and intrusive thoughts. Now, she felt the gentle breeze caress her hair, the furious sun slap her delicate skin, and the tingling pins and needles crawling up her legs from sitting too long.
As physical sensations returned, she also rode the waves of emotional sensations. The more she remembered Zeya, the more her heart felt like a stone sinking in the depths of her chest, overwhelmed by a yearning so profound that it left her with an unshakable sorrow. As she was caught up in the turbulence of her thoughts, she didn't notice a young girl of about nine, studying her.
Seeing a stranger, especially one that didn't belong to the northern hills, was to be avoided. Times have changed and the villagers were wary of possible threats from outsiders. But the young girl continued to observe the unknown face because the woman was beyond beautiful.
She had rich chestnut brown hair with subtle golden amber and warm copper weaving through the layers like sunbeams filtering through autumn leaves. Her face was a classic symmetry with regal cheekbones, dark eyes and long lashes that could stir a windstorm.
However, despite being elegant and graceful, her face displayed the kind of bleakness that reflected the landscape. The long dry season had parched the earth: the grasslands were yellow, the fields looked lean, and the animals were skinny.
The allure of the beautiful stranger was too strong and it pushed the girl forward, courage welling up within her, as she finally asked, "Big sister, are you lost?"
Sein didn't attempt to answer at first as she thought it wasn't possible for mortals to see her. However, this young girl was speaking directly to her.
Is she a spirit? Sein wondered.
The girl was very slim, with big bright eyes shining between a long fringe. Her face was familiar, perhaps one of the villagers.
"Who are you?"
When Sein finally broke her silence, her voice surprised her; it felt unfamiliar after so much time unused. Her ears had grown accustomed to the local drawl, reflecting the easygoing lifestyle of the villagers. In sharp contrast, her accent carried a certain genteel tone, characteristic of nobility.
"I am Chit," the girl introduced herself, her face lighting up with a genuine smile that made Sein feel instantly at ease.
Though her clothes were simple, they were pristine and well-maintained. She was obviously a devotee of Spirit of Cloth.
"Where have you come from, Chit?"
"I live in the village," Chit replied, then asked, "Why are you so sad?"
Sein blinked, startled by the question's bluntness, like an arrow loosed without warning. In court society, meaning was layered and concealed; here it was delivered raw and unfiltered. How did this girl know how she felt? As Sein peered closely at the girl, she saw genuine concern in her eyes.
Sein softened her mouth, raising the corners up and said, "Why are you out, Chit? The midday sun is rather fierce. You ought to stay indoors or find shade."
"Yes, but I am looking for Bhell," Chit said, a gentle crease forming on her forehead, betraying her worry. "I cannot find him anywhere."
Sein had been sitting by the roadside for some time. Rising to her feet, she stretched her arms and legs, shaking off the stiffness as her muscles awakened once more.
Then she offered, "Shall I help you find Bhell? Where did you last see him?"
"He is always in our garden. In the pond. But the water has dried up so he is not there."
Sein smiled realising Bhell was definitely not a human.
"What kind of animal is Bhell?"
"He is my duck," Chit replied. "I raised him from a chick. He was really cute when he was little. He might get eaten if I do not find him."
"Alright," Sein said. "I'll help you look. Perhaps he has wandered off to find another pond."
Chit was upset by this suggestion.
"What's the matter, Chit?"
"There are no other ponds in the village. If Bhell has gone too far away, I will not be able to get him back. He will be lost forever."
"Before he is lost forever, shall we search for him?" Sein suggested, an amused smile creeping across her face. "Will you take me to where you last saw Bhell? Let's start there."
She gestured for the girl to lead the way.
Instead, Chit slipped her small hand in Sein's and gave a gentle tug. Her skin was warm and soft. That touch jolted Sein, as if a current of energy coursed through her, tethering her in the present moment and revitalising her. It made her feel alive again, properly human, as though she'd been brought back to the world.
Her fingers instinctively wrapped around the girl's hand. Chit stepped forward, pleased to have found a willing helper, her eyes turning into crescents as a wide smile spread across her face.
Sein and Chit wandered around the village, following the narrow dirt road flanked by low stone walls, passing many houses. The thatched roofs of the homes, once a rich golden hue, now appeared faded and dry under the unforgiving sun. The sturdy walls, painted a muted brown, blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
Gardens that once flourished with vibrant frangipani and jasmine now seem subdued, with the flowers withered and the leaves curled at the edges, preserving the last drop of moisture.
They persisted along the path that circled the village until Sein heard the unmistakable sound of a duck. Though the quacking was clear to her, Chit didn't seem to hear it.
Following the sound, Sein soon spotted a duck taking refuge under the sparse foliage of a bush, its iridescent feathers glinting in the sunlight.
"Bhell, you naughty duck," Chit scolded her pet.
Then like a flick of a switch, her face lit up with a broad grin, showing off a missing tooth. She reached between the leaves and scooped up the duck in her arms.
She turned to Sein and said, "You found him. How did you know he was here?"
"I guess it was luck." Sein shrugged.
Chit skipped and bounced around with joy, circling Sein, one arm flailing in exuberance, nearly dropping the duck from the other.
Once her celebratory jiggle was over, she pulled Sein's hand and said, "Come on, let's go home. Our house is not far away. I live with my mother, you know. And my two bossy sisters. It's nearly tea time, isn't it? My sisters are working in the fields so they're not home right now. I wonder what's for dinner. I bet it's steamed vegetables again. I like vegetables but I like fish better. You know, I don't eat meat. It makes me think of Bhell. My sisters eat meet though."
A string of words tumbled out in bursts as Chit led Sein to a house on the corner of a field.
Sein's mind was engaged in her own thoughts, fascinated that she was the only one who heard the duck from a distance. Come to think of it, her senses seemed extraordinarily heightened. She could hear the chatter of villagers from their homes, the voices clear enough that it felt as though she could almost make out every word seeping through the windows. Even her nose detected the whispering aroma of slowly simmering palm sugar from a hut across the field.
Clearly, this was proof she wasn't mortal but still a spirit. The old childhood tales flooded her mind; stories of children who spoke to wandering spirits and were coaxed away into the spirit realm, never to return. A sudden unease churned in her stomach, cold and hollow.
Could she herself be one of those spirits without even realising it? No. She could sense the prayers whispered in her name. And she had some power to grant them. Her intentions were pure, and she meant the little girl no harm.
"Mama," Chit yelled, flicking off her shoes as she stepped inside the house. "We've found Bhell. She helped me find him. Can she stay for dinner?"
Chit's home resembled the traditional single storey houses in the village, featuring a wooden frame and a thatched roof that had seen better days. The thick walls, constructed from natural materials, provided adequate insulation, and a wide veranda extending around the house offered a shaded deck.
Inside, there were three rooms: a large front area and two smaller rooms at the back, one of which served as a cooking space.
The familiar smell of steaming rice drifted in from the kitchen. Sein remained by the front door observing the sunlight streaming through the open windows, casting dappled patterns on the polished floor.
The front room was simple, with a low wooden table against one wall and a large bamboo mat spread out in the centre of the room. A modest shelf held a handful of clay jars and a vase with a single sprig of dried flowers, adding a delicate touch to the otherwise minimalist space.
It reminded Sein of Lan Shin's house she had visited with Zeya and Saw Win.
A woman who appeared to be nearing middle age emerged from the back room, still drying a pan with a cloth. Her face was kind, though worry lines on her forehead aged her beyond her years. She stared at Sein, dumbfounded. She'd never laid eyes on someone so refined and obviously from nobility. Confusion spread across her face then she pulled herself together.
She quickly bowed and said, "Welcome. Excuse our little house. We were not expecting guests."
"Your home is charming," Sein began, suddenly conscious of being an uninvited visitor. "I am merely seeing Chit home. I will not be staying."
What's happened? Sein wondered. Clearly people can see me now. What am I?
She felt both relieved and unsettled. Relieved that she wasn't one of those wandering spirits. But uncertainty lingered. Mortals ought not to be able to see her. Spirits drifted through every corner of the world, but they were never visible in the mortal realm... were they? Without a label to place upon herself, she'd no idea what was expected of her, let alone what she was meant to do next.
Before she could dwell on her thoughts, Chit made a lot of unhappy noises, wishing for her newfound friend to stay longer.
Her mother quickly said, "We would like for you to join us for tea. I am already making some. At least stay for a cup. May I know your name? I am Maiah."
Seeing the pleading look on Chit's face, Sein accepted. "Much appreciated, Maiah. I am Sein."
Discretely slipping off her shoes, Sein stepped inside. She was happy to have company. After such a long time without speaking to anyone, she craved human connection.
While Maiah returned to the kitchen to make tea, Sein sat on the bamboo mat with Chit, listening to the girl eagerly sharing her interests. As the youngest in her family, Sein had never been exposed to children before, so chatting with Chit, with her boundless energy and enthusiasm, was a revelation. It brought a sense of joy and lightness that soothed her heart, easing the weight of her memories.
"Why are you collecting sticks?" Sein asked a little puzzled, when Chit produced a pile of dried bark as if it were her prized possession.
Chit giggled and replied, "It's for my duck. I'm making a nest for him. I want him to find a girl duck and have a family."
The girl sorted numerous sticks of different lengths, laying them out in front of her. She was evidently at ease with Sein and her language reflected this.
Sein chuckled. "That would be lovely. Are there other ducks in the area?"
"I don't know. I want little ducklings. Bhell was so cute. He was a yellow ball of fluff. I really want little ducklings."
Chit grinned, getting caught up in the moment to stay still. She bottom shuffled closer to Sein, seeking her approval.
"That sounds adorable," Sein agreed. "I'm sure Bhell will find a lady duck one day and give you a family of ducklings."
Chit squealed with excitement and she was off, dancing around the room with mirth.
As anticipated, there were questions from Maiah about where Sein was from. What she was doing in Sagyo? Sein didn't wish to lie unnecessarily, so she answered vaguely, embracing Maiah's assumption that she'd run away from home and was passing through.
"If I may ask, where are you heading to?" Maiah enquired gently, refilling Sein's cup with more tea. "My next door neighbour has an ox and cart. He may be able to take you as far as the village of Yamayo."
"Your kindness is very much appreciated. I'm afraid I have not decided my path just yet," Sein said truthfully.
"Oh, then you should stay the night with us," Maiah offered, her forehead creasing with concern. "It is dusk soon and the roads are not safe at night. And the temperature drops dramatically after dark. It will be cold tonight."
"I will be alright," Sein said, moving to get up. "If I leave now, I will be fine."
"It would ease my mind if you stayed until the morning. Then you will have plenty of time to reach the next village tomorrow," Maiah continued to persist.
Chit put her hands together in a prayer and pleaded, "Big sister, stay with us. Stay with us for the night." Bhell quacked away outside. "See, even Bhell wants you to stay."
Sein let out a chuckle and surprising herself, she accepted the offer. Something about the effortless ease and genuine warmth radiating from Maiah and Chit, wrapped her like a comforting blanket, compelling her to linger.
Shortly after the sun dipped behind the trees, tinting the low lying clouds with the fiery hues of molten orange, Chit's two older sisters arrived.
Kin La was the eldest who looked to be around sixteen or seventeen years old. She was very slender with long limbs like a dancer.
The second daughter, Thiri, was the complete opposite. She had a sturdy frame and strong jawline, with a lot of growth left in her at thirteen. The three sisters all had straight brown hair, simply tied back.
"Girls, we have a guest," Maiah called out from the kitchen. She appeared at the doorway and made the introductions.
It was obvious Kin La and Thiri had been working in the fields. Their long skirts were rolled up at the waist, revealing their calves. Their legs were still damp from being washed before they entered the house, leaving wet footprints on the wooden floor.
They gaped at Sein who stood up to receive them with a greeting. Never had they seen anyone that resembled a goddess from stories of the old kingdoms.
Sein was taller than most girls, with a desirable pale complexion and beauty not seen very often in the village. However the casual manner and friendliness with which she addressed the girls, melted away any unease.
"What kind of crops are you planting at the moment?" Sein asked, feeling the need to make conversation as the girls dried their legs.
Kin La, being the eldest, replied, "We have not started planting yet. We have been preparing the rice fields for the wet season. We will plant the rice next month."
To fill an awkward silence, Sein continued her enquiries, "I am curious to know what kind of preparation is involved."
"Right now we have been working to construct and repair the dikes." Kin La remained formal, answering the questions in a polite tone.
"I have never heard of dikes. What are they?"
"They are like barriers to help hold water from the rain. Rice fields need a lot of water you see. And Thiri has been breaking up large rocks into small ones. Those we will use to build low walls to channel water."
"Really? This is what you've been doing all day?" Sein was beyond astonished.
"Yes. We will be doing the same tomorrow until the work is done. Then we will irrigate the field to help the soil become smooth and soft and ready for plowing."
"Sounds like a lot of work is involved in growing rice. I had no idea."
Sein had lived an extraordinarily privileged life, and shielded from the toil of manual labor and the trials of hardship. She was clueless and continued to ask more questions to satisfy her inquisitive nature. However she noted, despite scraping a living doing such arduous repetitive work, there was no trace of bitterness in Kin La's voice. It was their way of life. Sein only sensed contentment and purpose from the girls.
"That's just the start of getting rice to our table," Thiri said, gaining courage to join the conversation. She sat next to Chit on the mat. "Once the rice is harvested, there's loadsa work still. It's gotta be threshed to seperate the grains from the stalks."
"Thrashed?"
"Threshed, but I suppose it's kinda like thrashing it. You get a bundle of the rice and beat it. You know, against something hard. We use a wooden plank. But then there's the drying that needs to be done."
Kin La picked up the story and corrected her sister, "Actually the harvested rice is dried first. The stalks are spread out under the sun, and we turn them regularly so it dries properly and will not spoil. The rice has to last until the next growing season."
Thiri regained the spotlight and continued, "Then Mama and some of the other women dehull the rice 'cause you can't eat it with the husk on."
"Dehull?"
"Yeah like pounding it in a mortar and pestle, but in a huge one." Sein blinked blankly at this and Thiri explained, "You know, so the grains are pounded. It's tricky 'cause it needs to be done with just the right amount of force. Otherwise the grains will be crushed or broken. Mama knows how much. She's experienced. I'm learning how to do it."
Chit yawned loudly on purpose, diverting Sein's attention her way.
She moaned, "You're boring everyone, Thiri. Who wants to know about stuff like that."
This solicited a dagger-stare from her sister.
"I'm interested in hearing about your work. Really," Sein assured them. "It's just astonishing how much goes into producing rice. It's certainly opened my eyes. It will make me value each grain of rice from now on."
Maiah, overhearing their conversation, popped her head in from the kitchen and added, "We all chip in to make sure we have a successful harvest at the end of the growing season. We work together as a village. Some of us work the rice fields. Others tend the wheat fields."
"Yeah, Grandpa grows marrows and bitter gourds. Our neighbour grows lemons and oranges," Thiri said, matter of factly. "We give our marrows and bitter gourds to them. And they give us lemons and oranges."
"Yes, everyone helps each other out," Maiah stated.
"That is admirable. Your community is very kind and generous," Sein commented.
"Kindness and generosity are necessary. Without relying on one another, life would be difficult."
Sein thought back to the palace compound and realised the difference. The lords and ladies, whilst they had impeccable manners and displayed appropriate etiquette, were nothing more than actors in a play of self-interest, their empathy as fickle as a performance, changing with each scene. Wealth, it seemed, afforded them the luxury of focusing solely on themselves. They competed fiercely, each trying to outshine the other in the endless climb up the ladder of greater popularity and influence.
Then, a disturbing thought surfaced like a ripple on still water: what had she accomplished in her life? Kin La and Thiri's hands shaped something vital, something larger than themselves. Their sweat and labor poured into meaningful work, nourishing not only their family but the entire village, weaving them into the fabric of their community. By contrast, her mortal life had been a thread unconnected to any greater tapestry. Was that the void she felt gnawing at her soul?
As if on cue, the three girls jumped into action and cleared the bamboo mat. Kin La fetched a low wooden table and positioned it in the centre of the room. Thiri laid out some plates and Chit added cutlery.
Now the competition for Sein's attention was over, the sisters hummed in harmony to a tune as they worked. Shortly afterwards, Maiah brought in a steaming bowl of rice and a plate of fried marrows. Chit carried a jar of what looked like pickled vegetables.
"Take a seat, Sein," Maiah said, interrupting her dark thoughts.
The three girls sat on one side of the table, squished together. Maiah and Sein on the other side.
Four pairs of hands came together and they said in unison, "We are grateful for our food."
It was a prayer to Spirit of Sustenance as was the tradition of the Northern Kingdom. Despite being Central Plains people, influences from the north had seeped into the village life in the northern hills.
"Allow me to serve you," Maiah took Sein's plate and dished out rice and marrow. Then indicating to the jar, she said, "This is a speciality from this region. Pickled tea leaves. Give it a try."
Sein hadn't been hungry or thirsty since turning into a spirit. She'd eaten the offerings left for her only out of not wanting to waste food. Now she ate just enough to be a gracious guest. She noted the red coloured rice had a nutty flavour and was firmer than white rice she was used to. The pickled tea leaves were something of a surprise. It was slightly sour and astringent in taste, but it was moorish nonetheless when eaten with rice.
After the meal, the girls swiftly cleared the table, their coordinated movements clearly a nightly performance. While Kin La and Thiri washed the dishes, Maiah swept the wooden floor and Chit twirled into the back room and out again, playfully dancing with a pile of pillows and sheets. Sein had never observed housework before and she was fascinated.
Once everything was in order, Maiah announced it was time to prepare for bed, scattering the girls to the back room. Then she laid out padded mats and blankets. It was crude, simple bedding.
"The washroom is out back. Kin La will show you where to find things. Make yourself comfortable, Sein."
Once they had washed and changed clothes, the family settled down, reclining on their bedding.
"That boy with curly hair from Yamayo was here today," Kin La said to her mother, lying down next to her, who nodded in acknowledgement. "He really likes Thiri. Maybe even fallen in love with her."
"I am in the room, you know," Thiri muttered, glaring from across the mat.
"He was staring at you. Don't act like you didn't notice."
Thiri huffed. "I did notice. And it's rude to stare."
"It's ruder to pretend he doesn't exist," Kin La teased, her grin widening. "You should be a little kinder to him, Thiri. It wouldn't kill you to just smile a little."
"There's no way I'm smiling at him." Thiri flopped onto her back, folding her arms like a shield. "I hate boys! They're annoying."
"You hate boys? How 'bout our brother?" Chit spoke up, lying on her side and propping up her chin to look at Thiri. "He's not annoying."
"I think Thiri meant boys who fancy her, Chit," Maiah clarified, clearly amused. "A few years from now, you'll think differently, Thiri. And your sister has a point. It's best to be polite. Who knows what the future holds. One day you might find yourself falling for him after all."
Thiri groaned, dragging a hand over her face. "I'd rather eat an onion than fall in love with him."
Kin La snickered. "Don't worry, Thiri. I'll remind you of this conversation when you're fluttering your lashes and flicking your hair at him."
Sein listened with amusement. Having never had sisters, she wasn't used to this sort of banter.
"Will you tell us the tale of the love spirit, Mama?" Chit spoke up.
"Ok but it's getting late," Maiah responded. "I will tell you a very short version of it."
Chit was satisfied and lay flat on her back.
Maiah pulled a blanket over her daughter and began, "Long ago, in a kingdom of majestic mountains and bamboo forests, there lived a prince named Yasu, known for his wisdom and compassion. He was beloved by all, yet his heart carried a restless longing.
"One fateful autumn night, he met and fell deeply in love with Yin Cho, a humble herbalist with eyes like emeralds. Their secret love blossomed beneath the glow of the full moon, but their joy was short-lived. The King, Yasu's father, forbade their union and banished Yin Cho to the distant mountains, demanding Prince Yasu marry for the kingdom's sake. Heartbroken but determined to find Yin Cho, the Prince planned to defy his father.
"On his journey to search for his lover, bandits ambushed him, ending his life. The gods, moved by Prince Yasu's devotion, turned him into a spirit, a guardian of love. On nights when the full moon bathes the earth, it is said the Prince wanders the lands, whispering courage to those whose hearts longed for love.
"Yin Cho, years later, sensed his presence under the full moon where their love began. Desperate to reunite with him, she drank a fateful potion, surrendering her life to the hope of finding her prince once more.
"Legend has it that on nights of the full moon, you can hear the prince calling her name, his voice carried on the wind. Though they never reunited in life, their love became eternal—a reminder that true love endures beyond tragedies, living on as an unbroken bond between two souls."
Sein absorbed every word, a quiet empathy blooming within her as the ache of longing for love was all too familiar to her.
Was this the story of Spirit of Love and Marriage? she wondered.
"Did they ever see each other again?" Chit asked, rubbing her eyes then letting out a yawn.
"I hope so," Maiah answered. "Now, go to sleep my love. Sleep well."
That night Sein lay down, although she no longer required sleep, she closed her eyes. The simple pleasures of being in a warm home, tucked under a blanket, surrounded by a loving family was heartwarming. Her mind was able to let go.