Festivities of a Feast

Fangsu was plunged into the embrace of abyssal darkness that was all too familiar to Fangsu. Luckily this relapse wasn't painful like the other times which was something that rarely occurred for Fangsu but the overwhelming fatigue caused her to be unable to move, unable to tell time. The darkness and the inability of telling time. It was lonely.

A bitterness entered her mouth, it was her medication. Her consciousness began clearing up as the effects of the medicine as she felt the sensation of being lifted and taken away to somewhere and as the person who was carrying her stopped for a moment before moving once again. Stopping at someone's tent presumably since people were mumbling which was most likely talking but Fangsu could not hear anything because her ears were ringing painfully. A soft warmth touched her forehead before Fangsu felt her body being settled down onto something pleasantly soft and she was being enveloped with warmth.

Fangsu could only lay in the darkness with her thoughts as she felt the occasional cool sensation on her forehead. Slowly but surely, Fangsu regained some strength, only enough to sit up as her eyes adjusted to the light. An elderly woman was beside her, "You're awake," Bring a cup of a warm concoction that had a slight herbal scent, "Drink this, it will help with your health even if only a bit," The elderly woman tenderly bought the bowl to Fangsu's lips only slightly tilting it to allow her to drink the herbal soup. As Fangsu drank the herbal soup which was so familiar in taste that tears fell from her eyes as she continued to drink the soup.

The elder woman was stunned by the girl's tear as she gently wiped the tear with a handkerchief, "What's wrong?" Her concern for the girl was heartfelt as she bought the girl into her arms, holding Fangsu close to her.

At first, Fangsu kept silent as she continued to silently weep, "I just miss home, my mum, nanny and my sisters," Snuggling against the warm embrace of the elderly woman. Spilling out what she had held for the past year. Like ice, her heart slowly melted for spring as the elderly woman held Fangsu so kindly. She could no longer hold the emotions that she held so tightly like a vice, unwilling to bother others. After so many years having to rely on others made Fangsu hate her incompetence.

She may put up a mask of independence and maturity but in reality, Fangsu was just a lonely girl who couldn't help but feel that she was useless.

The elderly woman brought the young girl's face to look at her, "It's okay to miss your family but know that there wouldn't want you to cry," Even though she didn't know the girl's situation she could tell the girl was homesick, "Life is short so just do whatever you like because you only have one," Wiping the tears away from the girl's sweet doll-like face. Fangsu sniffled as she roughly wiped away the remaining tears with her sleeve.

Seeing the girl's emotions had settled she gently led the girl out of the tent to sit with her at the venue where the ceremony was still resuming after the hunting competition. The feast was elaborate with various dishes that would take hours to make as the delicious smell wafted in the air comforting Fangsu's sore heart. The elderly woman kindly gave the girl some food encouraging her to eat so that she could recover some energy. Fangsu picked up her chopsticks, picking up a piece of lamb, biting into the tender meat that was smoky while it complemented the vegetables that gave some sweetness, "It's yummy," Finishing the meat, a dumpling was placed on her plate which Fangsu picked up bitty into the tender and chewy skin with shredded beef, cooked with onion, garlic and especially aromatic pepper filling.

As Fangsu was happily eating the food that was given to her, people including The chieftain, Ang Siu and Sim Siu came rushing into the venue carrying a whole roasted goat and Ang Siu began to proceed to cut the belly open to reveal onions and potatoes inside it which surprised Fangsu. However, the meaty aroma whetted her appetite to taste the unusual dish. The elderly woman beside her chuckled at the doll-like girl's appetite and got up to get a serving, "You three better get me the best part so I can give it to the girl," The elderly woman smiled as pointed at the direction of Fangsu who was still eating by herself. Ang Siu nodded as he began cutting into the loin chops of the goat before plating it, it was the most tender part of the goat. Sim Siu took out some of the softer potatoes from within the cavity of the goat's stomach, placing it on the same plate, "Oh my! You two are trying to get the best for the girl," Watching her grandchildren attentively looking for the best parts of the roasted goat and vegetable she could tell that they had a favourable impression on the girl.

Sim Siu playfully smiled at her grandmother, "Of course! Skinny Duck is the best person in the world!" She pushed her brother towards their grandmother so that he could escort her with the seemingly absurd amount of food the both of them were carrying, "I will come over to eat after I get my serving," Avoiding the crowds of people that were hurryingly trying to get a serving was difficult as Ang Siu carefully swerved through the crowds of people so that the tray of food so that none of it would drop.

Fangsu was mindlessly slurping at a delicious bowl of soupy noodles that had been garnished with vegetables, muttons and curds of yak milk. The chewy but elastic noodles were perfectly cooked through as the broth of the soup absorbed the aroma of the mutton. The soup broth was acidic which was perfectly balanced with curds of yak milk. Yet again the mutton was perfectly tender and Fangsu did not need her teeth to chew, simply using her tongue to separate the soft meat apart.

Three plates were placed on the table Fangsu was sitting at, "Here, the child has some of the roasted goat both my grandchildren prepared and cut it for you," The elderly gently pushed the plate in front of Fangsu who had just finished her bowl. Closing her eyes as Fangsu breathed in the scent of a roasted goat through her nostril which was blessed by the heavenly scent. Picking up a piece of the meat that was falling off the bone, Fangsu quickly devoured the piece of meat as a hum escaped as the lovely taste of goat enveloped her mouth. The juices and fat of the meat were simply divine that no words could be said about how delicious it was. She quickly picked another piece with some of the soft potato and a layer of an onion. Together it was simply an explosion of flavour. It was a very wholesome dish with a meaty aroma and flavour.

Unknowingly to Fangsu both the elderly woman and Ang Siu watched with tender expressions seeing her enjoy the food that was given to her, "Is the food to your liking?" Ang Siu placed another piece of toast goat meat onto Skinny Duck's plate who excitedly nodded her head before eating the piece of meat with such gusto, "That's good," Ang Siu would occasionally place more pieces of food into Skinny Duck's plate when the plate was empty.

After a bit of time, both the chieftain and Sim Siu joined the table with more dishes and delicacies, "Skinny Duck! Here have some sugared twisted bread!" Sim Siu held a fried twisted bread that was covered in sugar in front of Skinny Duck's mouth which automatically opened to bite on the crunchy exterior of the bread but the interior was soft and fluffy with a subtle hint of rich butter. Sim Siu could only smile at Skinny Duck eating right from her hand.

The chieftain has always wanted another daughter and could only enviously stared at his own family feeding the girl, "Here is some T-tea rice pudding," The chieftain could only stutter with his own words as he quietly pushed the bowl of tea rice pudding toward Skinny Duck. It would be too awkward for him to attempt to feed Fangsu as he wasn't close with the adorable Skinny Duck who was eating out of his own family members' spoons. Skinny Duck took the bowl with her tiny hands which the chieftain could only see at how her tiny hands held the bowl.

Taking a spoonful of the tea rice pudding, Skinny Duck took a bite of the sweet dessert, "Thank you," Her sweet voice struck the heart of an old man who longed for another daughter, "It tastes very delicious," The chieftain could only place his hand over his heart as tears fell from the corners of his aged eyes. This shocked Skinny Duck who could only panic at the sight of the chieftain placing a hand over his chest like he was having a heart attack but the other members of his family already knew the answer for his dramatic show of tears. Sim Siu assures Skinny Duck that her father wasn't having a heart attack but was just happy to hear the words that brought her father great joy.

The feast had loud music and laughter ongoing for the feast, as adults and children enjoyed the night of delicious food and festive music. Many of the adolescents went dancing around the bonfire and with Sim Siu's persistence and Ang Siu's reassurance. Skinny Duck joined the festivities; dancing and laughing. As they continued to dance for a prolonged period of dancing, "Both of you continue dancing," Skinny Duck's legs could no longer handle anymore dancing, "I'm going to go back to the table," she wobbly started to exit the dancing circle and Ang Siu went to accompany her and they both returned to the table to rest.

Fangsu was approached by some friendly strangers who were going around the venue serving alcoholic beverages. Ang Siu and herself were being offered by the elders with a cup of a milky liquid, which they both accepted before the server poured the drink which was accompanied by a pungent smell of alcohol which was made of rice. After they drained a couple of cups of rice wine, the alcohol began making her more relaxed as she laid on the pillows provided. Sluggish and warm in the stomach, Fangsu laid herself comfortably on the cushiony pillows.

A small child approached her, rubbing their tired eyes as he began to lay himself on Fangsu's body, snuggling against her bosom. Ang Siu was about to take the child away but Fangsu stopped him so that the child could rest. Honestly, Fangsu didn't mind letting the child lay on her as she gently combed the soft hair of the sleeping boy with her hands as she gently hummed a lullaby. The nasal humming was a pleasant tune to ear as nearby listeners and Ang Siu began to be lulled into a sleepy trance. A woman carefully approached Fangsu, apologising that her son had disturbed her, but Fangsu reassured the woman that her son was not a bother. The woman was grateful that Fangsu took care of her son and took her son back to rest for the evening.

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Sim Siu returned from dancing and sat next to her, drinking the alcohol that was provided. She leaned her head on the table facing Fangsu, "Skinny Duck, do you have a fiancé?" Giggles randomly erupted from Sim Siu's lips, "Because if you don't, will you marry one of our settlement's men because I want to have you as a sister," The thought of having Fangsu as a sister was something she hoped for.

Fangsu, paused as she pondered on the thought of marriage because giggling, "Me? Marry?" Draining the last on the bottle that was given to her, "There isn't much point in me marrying," The thought of marriage was something that she had dreamt of when she was little but as she grew up, the reality could not offer what she wished for. A happy marriage with a man that would always protect her, treasure her but most important build a family life. It simply wasn't possible. Ang Siu had awakened from his sleepy stupor because of his sister laughing but as the topic was marriage was being discussed. He silently listens in on the conversation between the two girls.

Sim Siu's mind was inhibited by the alcohol's intoxicating effects, "Why is there no point?" Questioning Fangsu without realising that her question would only sow melancholy within Fangsu, "Why don't you want to get married?" Many women had to get married at one point in their life or at least have a fiancé.

Fangsu stared at the night sky admiring the star only to come to realize that her dreams were like the stars, unattainable. But, she indulged in Sim Siu's curiosity, "Imagine knowing that you only had a short period of time to live," Fangsu began laying out a scenario for Sim Siu which reflecting Fangsu's own life, "If you get married, you can only hope that you can live long enough to be with your husband?" Fangsu directed the question to the drunk Sim Siu who was just confused.

Sim Siu tilted her head, "Why does this sound like you are telling your own story?" Sim was slowly sobering up from her drunken state as she began realising that Fangsu was telling her that marriage isn't a possibility for her.

Fangsu nodded as she continued to talk, laughing at herself, "What the point of getting married if you can't watch your child grow up let alone grow old with your spouse who is meant to be with you, " The words that spewed out from Fangsu's lip gave some insight for Sim Siu.

Sim Siu slapped her cheek to wake herself up from her drunken stupor, "No matter how short your life is!" Clasping Fangsu's hand tightly with both hands, "You can still have fun! Find love! Have friends! Do dumb things! Whatever you want! You just have to live your life!" Sim Siu's passionate speech filled Fangsu with undeniable happiness.

Fangsu slumped her body, trembling. Laughter soon came erupting from her plump pink lip, "That is what I plan to do, " Taking another jar of wine and popping off the seal, "Let's drink ourselves silly tonight in toast of our new founded friendship!" Pouring a cup for Sim Siu and herself, quickly draining the wine down her throat as she expressed a smile from the wonderful taste of the alcohol. Unfortunately, the effects of heavy drinking could only result in a painful hangover.