Dissolving Reality

Before the smell of blood had even left the air, I fell into the darkness once more. Exhaustion, pain, the warm embrace of blood, depleted I lay on the ground amidst the mangled corpses. The dance was finally over and at that moment, I was in control of my destiny.

I slowly came to, my head pounding and my mouth dry with blood. It took me a few moments to remember where I was and what had happened. The battle, the soldiers, the darkness. It all came back to me in a rush, and I sat up, taking in my surroundings. The pain came back like a tidal wave crashing down on a broken shore.

I was in the small, cramped wagon, surrounded by boxes and bags. Wúlài was sitting at the front, all as it should be.

"Guǐzhěn, are you finally back amongst the living?"" His jovial tone apparently unchanged by our recent ordeal.

"We've been traveling for a day now. Let's stop and have lunch now that you are awake." He turned to me with a harrowing smile on his face.

I looked at him, still trying to wrap my head around everything that had happened.

"Where are we?" I asked, with a hoarse voice and a fit of painful coughs. Blood spills on to the already red bandages. Master has once again tended to my wounds.

"Just inside the border," Wúlài replied, pulling the horses to a stop.

"We made it. We're on our way home, little Guǐzhěn." The harrowing smile is still there.

I was still a bit disoriented, my hands shaking, my head pounding in rhythm with my heart. Wúlài dismounted the wagon and started to prepare lunch. I tried my best to follow, propping myself up with my staff and anything else in reach.

The small step ladder, a familiar foe, only two steps but it feels like a daunting task in my current state. I stumble down the steps but manage to catch myself with my staff, an ever-present lifeline.

I slowly make my way over to the fire, coughing with each fragile step. as I cover my mouth blood begins to pool in my hand.

As I sat down Wúlài began to cook a hearty soup of roast chicken and vegetables, Wúlài began to tell me more about his home as he stirred the pot.

I notice his clothes, they are covered in dirt and grime, his hands blistered and red.

"No" The coldness of the word cut deep in my unguarded mind.

"Never speak of it" His eyes, dark and frightening.

Trying to speak, another bout of cough overcame me.

"Nothing happened" That rueful smile.

"Come now, stop coughing, let me change those bandages now that you are upright" Master leaves the simmering pot and goes into the wagon.

After he steps in, the moment of silence lingers. Soon broken abruptly by fabric being torn apart. Another silent moment lingers, decorated only by the simmering pot and crackling fire.

"We will have to make do with this, it seems I'm all out of bandages" Wúlài came out with torn strips of fabric from the clothes he had bought to restock on clothes.

"This will definitely add to your tab little Guǐzhěn." He remarked while stirring the pot.

"Yes Master." Was all I could muster before coughing.

"Now sit still as I change your bandages. Now where was I" He feigned contemplation.

"Ah yes, my home."He seemed eager to share.

"The Wandering Garden." His eyes lit up as he spoke.

"It's a beautiful place," A hint of pride was apparent in his voice.

"We've been tending the land for eight generations now, and every year it seems to grow more beautiful. There are gardens filled with herbs and flowers, orchards bursting with ripe fruit, and fields of grains and vegetables stretching out as far as the eye can see. It's a true paradise." He delicately redressed my bandages as he spoke.

I assumed Wúlài was spinning tall tales once again but I listened with interest, my stomach growling as I waited to dig into my meal. The thought of living on such a sprawling, idyllic estate was almost too good to be true if indeed it was true. I couldn't wait to see it for myself.

"I'm sure you'll love it," Wúlài said, smiling.

"And you'll be able to stay as long as you need to. My family and I would be happy to have you as our guest." He finished changing my bandages and walked over to serve me a bowl of soup.

I couldn't help but feel grateful as I struggled to eat my meal. We had been through so much in the past few months, and I was the cause of all of the struggle in getting over the border.

Yet Master still cared for me and the thought of finding a place where I could finally rest and heal was a welcome one. I couldn't wait to see The Wandering Garden for myself.

I looked at him in amazement. Was this the Wúlài I had gotten to know over these last few months? The carefree merchant who always had a joke or a story to tell? The man in front of me seemed like a different person entirely. After we finished our meal and cleaned up, Wúlài helped me return to the wagon.

"It's only a few days travel from here. So make yourself comfortable. We'll be home before you know it." Wúlài said, as we settled in for the journey.

As we rode along, Wúlài continued to tell me stories about his home. He spoke of the gardens and orchards, the fields and the forests that surrounded The Wandering Garden. He told me about his family, who had been tending the land for generations, and the close-knit community that had grown up around the estate.

I listened with fascination, my mind filled with images of this idyllic place that I was soon to call home. I couldn't wait to see it for myself and learn more about the life that Wúlài and his family led.

As the miles passed by, I found myself growing more and more excited. I was eager to reach The Wandering Garden and start this new chapter of my life.

"Guǐzhěn, wake up!" Wúlài called out.

"We're almost there. Just around this hill, you'll be able to see The Wandering Garden with your own eyes!" There was excitement in his voice.

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and peering out the frent of the wagon. Sure enough, I could see the hill that Wúlài had spoken of, and beyond it, a glimpse of something green and lush.

My heart raced as we crested the hill, and The Wandering Garden came into view. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined, with rolling fields and forests, gardens, and orchards, and a grand manor house nestled in the center.

The sun was setting in the sky as we approached The Wandering Garden. It was a beautiful sight, with the sprawling gardens and fields bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. I could see the main house in the distance, I couldn't believe my eyes.

The estate was massive, with a grand manor at its center and outbuildings scattered around the property, likely for the workers and servants to live in. The whole place had a sense of peaceful prosperity about it.

I couldn't believe that this was going to be my home for the time being. We have been on the road for so long. Staying in one place for more than a few days felt like an odd concept. I wonder if I will be able to sleep in a proper bed.

I felt a surge of excitement and gratitude, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure. As we drew closer to The Wandering Garden, I could see people moving about, working the fields and tending to the gardens. It was clear that this was a place of hard work and love.

As we rode past the flower-filled field the worker all stood up and waved to Wúlài before getting back to work with a song of cheers and laughter. A beautiful song, like the echoes of nature itself. The women worked the fields, traversing it with grace, swaying with the flowers in dignified beauty.

"Here it is, The Wandering Garden. My home." His words exude pride and longing.

As we rode through the gates and onto the main courtyard, I could see A beautiful woman playing the guzheng under a cherry tree, the soft notes of the instrument drifting through the air. Wúlài stopped the horses close to her. As soon as Wúlài stepped off the wagon, his demeanor shifted dramatically.

As he looks over to the woman so do I, She is nothing short of stunning, a vision that commands attention and ignites intrigue. Her long black hair cascades down her shoulders like a river of midnight silk, its glossy sheen catching the light and casting an enigmatic allure.

But it's her eyes that truly captivate. They're an enchanting complement to her gentle smile, offering a glimpse into the warmth and kindness that reside within her. Like pools of obsidian, her eyes possess a depth that's both inviting and inscrutable. Her smile, though gentle, carries a world of its own. It's a beacon of comfort, a silent invitation to share in the moment's beauty and to bask in the light she radiates.

As I observe her, I can't help but feel a sense of admiration for the way she effortlessly commands attention without demanding it. She's a living testament to the power of subtlety, proving that true beauty lies not just in physical features, but in the way one carries oneself and the energy one exudes. Wúlài's face lit up with a radiant smile to match hers.

I watched in amazement as he walked over to her, his steps full of purpose. This was a side of Wúlài I had never seen before - a man deeply in love, his heart open and unguarded.

"You have improved a lot this year, my dear," Wúlài said, his voice barely recognizable. It was unsettling to hear him speak in such a suave and warm tone.

The woman, who I assumed was his wife, gave a gentle smile and bowed her head. She continued to play the guzheng as if an immortal had descended just to play for Wúlài as he returned.

Two young girls around my apparent age, came running out of the house. They jumped and leaped into Wúlài's arms, giggling with delight as he caught them and spun them around before setting them down again.

"Girls, your dad is tired," Her words flowed like a gentle stream from her lips.

"Please let him rest." She gently placed her hands on the reverberating strings, lulling them into a quiet stillness.

Wúlài chuckled and ruffled the girls' hair before moving towards the woman.

I remained in the wagon, still feeling a bit out of place. I had never seen a family like this, and it was both unfamiliar and a little bit overwhelming.

But as I watched Wúlài interact with his wife and children, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever find it for myself.

"Haha, it's okay dear. I always have time for my girls," Wúlài said, a warm smile on his face.

"Little Guǐzhěn, come here. Let me introduce you all." My seclusion was exposed.

The girls and the woman, who had not noticed me until now, looked at me curiously, as if I had just suddenly appeared.

"Oh my, you should have sent word, husband," The woman said, slowly standing up and walking towards Wúlài.

"I was not expecting company." Her kind eyes glinted with curiosity as she looked over to me.

"Who is he?" The two girls asked in unison, one was frowning while the other was smiling.

Wúlài looked around at each of us, pausing for a moment before speaking.

"This is little Guǐzhěn, He's my son." He said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The woman froze in her tracks, and the girls' jaws dropped. After a moment of stunned silence, I spoke up.

"Master! Behave yourself!" I said, feeling a mix of confusion and anger, I couldn't think straight. Without thinking, I retrieved a cooking pot from the back of the wagon and hurled it at Wúlài's head. As it hit him with a loud clang.

I charged out of the wagon, my staff at the ready. Just as Wúlài bent over to rub his head I swept his legs out from under him with a well-placed sweep.

Pain surged through my body, and a few of my wounds opened up and blood seeped through the bandages.

Coughing I hesitated for a moment, my mind racing. Finally, I let out a sigh and helped Wúlài to his feet. I had a feeling that this was going to be a long and difficult conversation.

"I am Guǐzhěn," I said, feeling a little self-conscious after striking Master Wúlài.

"I have been traveling with Master Wúlài after a grievous injury. He helped me recover and is taking me back to Láokǔ gǔ beyond the mountain." I bit through the pain and spoke plainly.

There was a lingering silence for a while, and then soft giggling and laughter filled the air. It was as if a new season had swept in with a gentle breeze, carrying cherry petals and laughter on its wings.

Master Wúlài stood up, rubbing the back of his head with a mischievous smile.

"It is as little Guǐzhěn says," he said, his voice light and playful.

"But he is also my son, not by blood but by choice. And he will need to stay here for a while and recover, like my - our - son."

As I looked around at the smiling faces of Wúlài's family, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging. I began to feel this was where I was meant to be.

"That is fine, husband," the woman said, her soft voice trailing off in a soft laugh.

"I see your penchant for mischief has not gone away dear Husband" She shook her head knowing he would never change.

"But choose your words better next time, or it would seem that Guǐzhěn will scold you again."

She couldn't help but gently chuckle at her words. It was clear that she and Wúlài were meant for each other.

"But look at the state you have put Guǐzhěn in, send for a healer immediately" The sharp features on her face turn soft with concern.

The woman nodded and smiled at Wúlài, and the girls rushed over to me, introducing themselves and chatting excitedly. It was clear that they were happy to have a new brother.

We headed towards the house, and on the way, Wúlài asked one of the servants to send word for his cousin. He hoped that she would be able to take a look at the curse that was haunting me and offer a solution.

I was invited to stay at Wúlài's home until it was time for the next trade cycle to start, and my wounds had healed, I eagerly accepted. I was curious to learn more about my new family, and I was determined to find a way to lift the curse that had plagued me for so long. I will also fulfill my wov to save the boy's sister, but for now, I need to heal.

It was a truly magical place, filled with life and energy. I couldn't wait to explore it more and learn all its secrets. Wúlài led me through the courtyard and into the main house, where I was properly introduced to his wife 稀美丽 XīMěilì and daughters 暗花 Ànhuā and 白歌 Báigē.

Ànhuā, the older sister, embodies a captivating blend of wisdom that extends far beyond her years. Her physical resemblance to her mother is undeniable, with shared features that seem to bridge the generations. However, where her mother's countenance may have carried a softer air, Ànhuā's expression is adorned with a certain gravity. Despite the gravity of her countenance, Ànhuā radiates an aura of kindness that envelops those around her with her eyes, reminiscent of polished mahogany. Ànhuā's presence is a testament to the idea that true wisdom is not solely measured by the accumulation of years but by the depth of one's character and the capacity for empathy.

Báigē is a striking contrast to her counterparts. She reminds me of Wúlài, in every conceivable way. Her presence is like a burst of sunshine on a dew-kissed morning, an embodiment of boundless joy and a playful spirit that dances through life's intricacies. With an infectious laughter that spills from her mouth and a twinkle in her eyes that betrays her insatiable curiosity. Her attire is a reflection of her pragmatic approach to life, adorned in clothes that prioritize functionality over extravagance. The air around Báigē carries a unique scent, a delightful blend of rich soil and blooming flowers, reflected in the perpetual hints of earth and green that cling to her skin and clothes. Báigē is a testament to the beauty and authenticity of embracing the natural world wholeheartedly.

They were all kind and welcoming, and I felt right at home in The Wandering Garden. I spent the next few days after recovering, exploring the gardens and fields, learning about the various herbs and plants that grew there.

Wúlài's wife XīMěilì, is a skilled healer and herbalist. Taught me all about the medicinal properties of the plants and how to use them to treat various ailments.

Every day, I spent a few hours in the garden learning how to read. I was grateful to study along with Wúlài's daughters Ànhuā and Báigē, and even more so to be taught by XīMěilì. They were patient and kind, and they taught me more than just how to read. I learned about the importance of balance and harmony in the natural world from Báigē. XīMěilì taught me about the principles of Yin and Yang, and how to apply them in my daily life. Ànhuā a wealth of wisdom and knowledge taught me how to perceive life and its symbiotic relation to the world.

We would sit for hours each day in the garden, having long conversations about nature and natural philosophy. XīMěilì was a patient and kind teacher, and I found myself quickly picking up the skills of reading. Surrounded by the beauty of the herbs and flowers as we delved into our studies. I only knew basic names for herbs before, but with their guidance, my knowledge began to expand rapidly.

I felt truly blessed to be able to learn and grow alongside these wonderful people, and I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude towards them for their generosity and support.

I was even offered my own workspace out in the garden and an herbology station that I could use. It was in a small room, filled with old books and plants. There was a table in the center, covered in papers and jars of herbs. I felt like I was in heaven. I spent hours in there, pouring over the books and experimenting with different herbs. I thought that I might be able to find a cure for the curse on my own, and I was convinced that the answer lay within the walls of The Wandering Garden.

As the days passed, I grew more and more attached to The Wandering Garden, Wúlài's family and the people who worked there. I knew that I couldn't stay here forever, but for now, I was happy to call it my home.

I learned that Wúlài's cousin 天赋触摸 Tiānfù chùmō was a renowned healer and alchemist, known throughout the kingdom for her expertise in lifting curses and curing even the most stubborn of ailments. She had spent years studying under the great sages, learning the secrets of herbs and potions that could restore health and vitality.

Wúlài had brought me to The Wandering Garden to introduce me to his cousin and the day had finally arrived, Tiānfù Chùmō arrived at the gate, and she had walked in on her own to see me in my new workstation.

"You mustn't be little Guǐzhěn are you? I received a letter from Wúlài to come and take a look at you" A regal dress adorned her figure, intricate patterns of gold covered her teal dress. The teal fabric drapes around her form with a grace that speaks of both comfort and sophistication. Her dress boasts long, extravagant sleeves that cascade from her shoulders like the wings of an Immortal being. Flowing red scarves accompany her attire. They trail behind her, following her every step with a mesmerizing dance. Her presence, exuberantly ethereal.

"littlen't Guǐzhěn…"

I dared not sully her presence with my breath and words eluded me, I felt the urge to kneel but I could only stand still in amazement. She was a living masterpiece that evoked wonder and admiration.

"Oh, I mustn't forget my manners, Itsn't been so long since I wasn't back here?" She looks at me confused.

"Weren't In't Guǐzhěn? ink word learnin't. Be goodn't for" She smiles inquisitively then her eyes turn to a sudden horrified concern.

She lunges over to catch me as I fall helplessly backward to the pull of darkness.

"I'm so sorry little Guǐzhěn, I thought you were someone else for a moment. Your safe! You will wake up soon" Her clear words reach my mind through the darkness like a sword cutting through the clouds.

I wake up sometime later in my bed. I see Wúlài, XīMěilì and Tiānfù sitting next to the bed.

As I look over to Tiānfù, something is amiss. Her radiance is gone, still, she is very beautiful, her eyes a deep hazel, lips like blooming forest flowers, her hair black as the midnight waterfall but the allure is muted, She has changed from her regal dress into more modest earth tone cloths but the red scarves still decorate her neck.

"What happened before?" I ask.

"Oh i'm sure you must've been exhausted, haven't sleepy much have you?" Tiānfù her smile was nervous and her eyes betrayed her tone clearly concerned and apologetic.

I glans over to Master, he subtly shook his head and told me to let it rest with his eyes.

"Who knows, maybe you caught a cold again little Guǐzhěn" Wúlài nodded with a calm tone.

"Yes, I must have caught a cold or something" I will let it rest for now.

"Oh, then why don't I start, examination now that that's settled" Tiānfù let out a subtle smile of relief as she began.

Tiānfù is curious indeed but if Master Wúlài trusts her so will I.

She took one look at me and knew that something was amiss. After examining me for a few more minutes, She could sense the presence of a curse that weighed heavily upon me, a dark and malevolent force that swirled around inside of me.

"Don't worry, young one, isn't over yet" she said, patting my head like a stray cat.

"I'll do everything, in my power, to lift this curse and restore your health. It isn't something done in a day, takes some time, but I'm confident that we'll find a way." She gave me another few pats on the forehead with her soft fingers tips almost squishing my nose with her palm.

She walked over to Wúlài and asked if she could look in the library, the two of them headed out before I could hear what they said. Before leaving XīMěilì came over and reassured me everything was going to be fine.

And so, I spent the next few days studying Tiānfù while she was observing me, learning all I could about the art of healing by observing her in turn. She eventually told me how to mix potions and brew elixirs in new ways, how to identify and gather some rare herbs. she also talked of ways to apply the ancient knowledge of Qi and Yin-Yang to restore balance to the body. Despite the circumstances, I was grateful for the opportunity to observe such a skilled healer.

And as the days went by, she declared that the curse was more powerful than anything she had ever seen. She needed to return to the temple and consult with her Masters to determine the best course of action.

She suggested that I return to the temple with her, in the hopes that the combined knowledge and resources of the temple could help lift the curse.

However, I decided to stay with Wúlài against her protest. I wanted to stay with his family for the time being. I was beginning to feel like I belonged here, and I didn't want to leave just yet.

Tiānfù chùmō left with a promise to return as soon as she had more information, and I settled into life at The Wandering Garden.

I spent my days learning about herbal medicine and spending time with my new family, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly happy and at peace.

One day I wandered through the herbal garden, carefully selecting the various herbs that I needed for my vitalizing tonic. As I bent down to pluck a sprig of lavender, something caught my eye. Next to the herb I was collecting was another plant that was unfamiliar to me. It had delicate, feathery leaves and a strong, unforgettable almond-like scent.

Intrigued, I carefully collected a small handful of the herb and brought it back to my workshop. As I sorted through my ingredients, I couldn't shake the feeling that this herb was somehow significant.

I thought back to the boy's memories, and the woman who had offered him a cup of tea. Could this be the same herb that she had used to brew her tea? I was curious to find out.

But how do I go about asking something like that? I wasn't sure if Wúlài would be willing to talk about the woman with the implications I had in mind, and I didn't want to pry into his past. Still, I knew that I had to find out more about this mysterious herb. Perhaps if I approached the subject carefully, Wúlài would be willing to share his knowledge with me.

I sat at my workbench, staring at the small pile of almond-scented herbs in front of me. I knew that I needed to ask Wúlài about the woman from the boy's memories, but I was worried about how he would react.

If he knew about the woman who had died in the boy's house, it would mean that he had some sort of connection to the boy. And if that was the case…

I took a moment to weigh my options, deliberating on the best approach to broach the subject. Striking the right balance was crucial, I couldn't afford bluntness, yet I yearned to extract as much information as possible about the herb. The delicate task ahead involved avoiding any potential distress for Wúlài and his family, even as my determination to uncover the truth remained resolute.

While the woman held no personal significance for me, she remained a fading memory in the boy's recollections. If her existence bore any connection to the curse, unraveling this link becomes imperative.

Summoning a deep breath, my thoughts divided. One perspective argued that Wúlài's potential involvement should hold no sway over me. His consistent kindness and benevolence, combined with his profound dedication to his family, spoke volumes about his character. After all, he had warmly opened his home to me and, on more than one occasion, rescued me from adversity. Yet, confronting him about such a grievous matter weighed heavily on my conscience, especially if it risked causing harm to his cherished family.

On the other hand, a persistent unease gnawed at me. The feeling that something was amiss refused to dissipate, persistently hinting at the hidden depths of this herb. The truth beckoned, but the challenge lay in unearthing it without inflicting further distress

.

I sat at my workbench, staring at the small pile of almond-scented herbs in front of me. I knew that I needed to find out more about these herbs, but I was worried about attracting too much attention to my research. If I focused too heavily on this one herb, it might raise suspicions and make it more difficult for me to get the answers I needed.

So, I decided to take a more subtle approach. I would read about this herb, of course, but I would also continue to delve into the medicinal properties of other herbs as well. That way, it would be less obvious that I was specifically interested in this one herb and its potential connection to the woman from the boy's memories.

I asked Wúlài If I could use the library in the house to do my research, he hesitantly agreed but told me not to go in the back room. I cautiously asked about the herb along with a few others but Wúlài simply shrugged and avoided further questions. He suggested a few books that might

I would find the answers on my own and I began my research, scanning the pages of old medicinal texts and making notes as I went. It was slow going at first, but as I delved deeper into the subject, I began to uncover some interesting herbs that were not in the garden. But I was determined to get to the bottom of this particular herb, and I knew that with enough persistence and hard work, I would eventually find the answers I was looking for.

I had been reading for hours, pouring over countless pages of ancient medicinal texts in search of any mention of the almond-scented herb that I had found in the garden. But no matter how hard I looked, I just couldn't seem to find any information about it, I could not even find the name of the herb. It was as if the herb didn't exist, at least as far as the written records were concerned. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about all of this.

Wúlài had always been so helpful and forthcoming with information, but lately, he seemed to be avoiding the subject of this herb. And then there was the locked section in the library, which had been off-limits ever since I first mentioned the herb to Wúlài. It was all starting to feel a little suspicious.

I spent days in the library, pouring over the texts and scrolls. It was frustrating, not being able to find any information about the mysterious herb that had been plaguing my thoughts.

It was as if the answers I was looking for had been erased from the texts. I couldn't understand why Wúlài would keep this information from me, especially if it could help with the curse. The only clue I could find was that of its absence.

I began hitting dead end after dead end. It seemed like my search for answers was fruitless, and I was no closer to finding an answer. But I couldn't give up, not yet.

After reading all the scrolls and books about the various herbs in the garden there was only one place left to look, the one locked behind a door in the library. The missing information about this herb had to be among the forbidden books.

I would find scarce opportunities to try and get into the forbidden section. I was determined to find out the truth about the mysterious herb that had been haunting me ever since I found it in The Wandering Garden. Despite Wúlài's reluctance to discuss it, I knew that the answers I sought were hidden somewhere within the locked section of the library.

Every night, when the rest of the household was fast asleep, I would sneak into the library and try my best to pick the lock. It was a difficult task, but my determination only grew with each failed attempt.

I spent every spare moment I had in the night trying to find a way in, even going so far as to search the gardens for hidden keys or clues during the day. I had searched every corner of the garden.

But no matter what I tried, I just couldn't seem to get past that locked door. It was like a puzzle that I just couldn't solve. The lock on the door seemed to be completely impenetrable.

Despite my efforts, the lock proved to be too much for my amateur skills. I spent countless hours fiddling with it, but I always ended up empty-handed.

I was beginning to lose hope. But something about the mystery of the forbidden section and the herb kept drawing me back, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the answers I was seeking were just out of reach.

Frustrated and exhausted I remained resolute in my quest, knowing that I would never give up until I had uncovered the truth.

I would have to ask Wúlài directly but first I had to give it one last chance. It was all or nothing at this point. I had gathered new tools from the alchemy station, knives, tweezers, teasing needles, forceps, anything that could be conceived as lockpicks.

It had been days since I first tried to unlock the door, I had established a routine of sorts. I sat in front of the locked door in the library, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, and lit a small candle. Placing my makeshift lock pick tools in front of me in a neat row. I was determined to find out what secrets it held.

I examined the lock that is on the handle carefully once more, searching for any weaknesses or vulnerabilities. I had become quite familiar with the lock. It was a complex mechanism, with several small moving parts that would need to be manipulated just right to unlock it.

I began by inserting a small knife into the lock to provide torque, I put the forceps in my mouth and began trying to feel for the tumblers with the teasing needles. It was a delicate process, requiring a steady hand and a lot of patience. I worked slowly and methodically, determined not to rush and make a mistake.

After the first tumbler got locked in place I needed to switch the knife for the forceps to provide torque in the other direction, so I put the knife down on the floor.

But in my focus on the lock, I accidentally shook the candle. I tensed up just for a moment but was relieved that it did not fall over. I let out a heavy sigh foolishly blowing out the candle.

It was however of little consequence I only needed to feel the lock not see it, I continued in the dark. I managed to get the second tumbler in place. Now I need to turn the face of the lock with the tweezer.

I reached down and grabbed the tweezers, holding the tools in place with my other hand, and turning the face of the lock to allow me to reach the third tumbler.

Carefully teased the third tumbler while holding the tweezers in my mouth, This is the second time I have gotten this far after all tumblers are in place. I just need to find the last mechanism that is keeping the door locked and I'm inside.

As I carefully searched for the final mechanism, I couldn't help but wonder what I would find on the other side of the locked door. Was it a rare herb that Wúlài had been keeping secret? Or perhaps it was something even more valuable, an ancient scroll with a powerful alchemical formula, or a secret formula for a powerful tonic. The possibilities were endless, and each one was more tantalizing than the last.

But there is only one thing I am truly interested in, information about the mysterious herb. I have no intention of uncovering Wúlài's hidden secrets but the herb pertains to my past and could give me insight into this curse. I need to find out the truth.

In my distraction, I lost grip of the tweezers and scrambled to catch it before it would clatter on the floor. I dropped the other tools as well, the tumbles fall into place once more I am locked out.

I managed to catch all the tools but cut my finger on the sharp delicate points. I put my finger in my mouth to stop the blood from dripping but I could feel that I had cut my hand as well and quickly wrapped my hand in my nightshirt.

I need to tend to my cut, I am done for the night I can not risk bleeding on the floor. I will have to confront Wúlài tomorrow. I'm out of options.

I collect my tools and prop myself up with the help of the handle and suddenly I hear a loud click and delicate mechanisms turning.

I heard another satisfying click as the lock tumblers fell into place. Not fully understanding what had happened I carefully turned the handle, I felt the mechanism give way. Let out a triumphant sigh, The door was finally unlocked, and I was free to explore the secrets inside.

I lit the small candle once more and could see that I had accidentally smeared the handle with blood, an unnerving revelation. I hesitated for a while, contemplating the sinister nature of the mechanism but I have come too far now. I need to find the book I'm looking for quickly, dawn is about to break.

I frantically searched for anything that could help me. Using the small light from the candle, not fully knowing what book I'm even looking for. There were rows of books as far as the small candle could reveal, old books and sealed scrolls, jars of strange herbs.

I could not examine them all, time was running out, I grabbed one of the old leather books bound together with a thick leather strap. It had an engraving of a root on the cover, it would have to do for now.

I put the book under my arm and hurried out of the forbidden section as I closed the door behind me. I wiped the handle to get rid of any remaining blood, it locked itself once more and I hurried to my room.

Panting and sweating, I hid the book under my bed and crammed my bloody shirt and tools in a drawer. I took a clean cloth and put some healing salve on my hand before wrapping it again. I had less than an hour before dawn so I took some rejuvenating tonic before I got into bed to hide my exhaustion.

Tomorrow I discover the truth.