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The sect’s gardens were usually a peaceful place, silent except for the sound of birds and the breeze through the trees, ideal for those seeking solitude and quiet contemplation. It was the last place Yin Yu, walking there in his free time after the evening meal, expected to hear the sound of splashing water and a child’s frustrated shouts.
Rushing around the corner of the path, he came upon the garden’s large central pond. The ancient willow trees dipping their long branches into the water obscured his view somewhat, but he was soon able to find the little figure standing there waist-deep, skinny arms submerged nearly to the shoulders as if reaching for something. Then, with another shout, the figure crashed into the water, startling both Yin Yu and the handful of birds that had been resting at the pond’s edge.
“Yizhen!” Yin Yu cried as the boy resurfaced, having recognized the head of curly hair, even sopping wet and from a distance. “What are you doing?!”
Quan Yizhen spun in Yin Yu’s direction, drops of water flying everywhere. His startled face broke into a bright smile. “I’m fishing, Shixiong!”
Gesturing to his shidi to quickly come out of the water, Yin Yu could only ask blankly, “Fishing? Why?”
“Because the frogs were too hard to catch,” Quan Yizhen explained as he tromped back onto dry land, dripping water on the gravel path and the surrounding stones and grass border.
Yin Yu sighed lightly, amused despite himself. “You shouldn’t be chasing frogs or fish. The gardens aren’t for playing in.”
“Then why are there so many fun things here?”
Stumped by that question, Yin Yu instead took out his handkerchief and wiped his little shidi’s face and hands dry. “Let’s get you back to the dormitories. You need to take a bath and get into some dry clothes before you catch a cold.”
“A bath?” Quan Yizhen pouted as Yin Yu ushered him along the path. “But I’m already wet.”
“That water isn’t very clean,” Yin Yu explained patiently. “It looks fine from a distance, and the frogs and fish don’t mind, but it’s not good for people.”
Quan Yizhen was quiet for a long moment. “Do you think a dragon would ever visit our pond?” he asked suddenly, looking back over his shoulder as they walked. “I really want to see a dragon.”
Yin Yu smiled. “Well, our sect is in a place with good spiritual energy, so that could attract a dragon,” he said thoughtfully. “But dragons also prefer peace and quiet, so they might stay away.”
“Because I’m too loud,” Quan Yizhen said, sounding dejected.
“No, Yizhen, I didn’t mean you…!” Yin Yu cried apologetically. “I meant because of the busy town outside. I think a dragon would like you.” He took his little shidi’s hand, squeezed it gently. “They appreciate strength and kindness and wisdom. You’re always asking questions and that’s the first step to wisdom.”
“I don’t feel very wise,” Quan Yizhen mumbled, eyes lowered.
“That’s because you’re ten,” Yin Yu replied. “Wisdom also takes time and experience.”
Quan Yizhen looked back up at Yin Yu, eyes suddenly bright. “I think a dragon would like you too, Shixiong,” he said.
“Thank you, Yizhen,” Yin Yu said, surprised by the warmth he felt from those sincere words. “I hope so.” Feeling only slightly silly, he added, “If a dragon does visit our pond, let’s be sure to greet it together.”
The eagerness shining on Quan Yizhen’s face was its own reward. “Okay, Shixiong!” he cried. Then he ran ahead. “I’m going to take my bath quickly, in case the dragon visits soon.”
If only it was always this easy, Yin Yu thought with a fond smile.