TRIALS OF THE CHIPPED SPIRIT (3)

"This is a small area. I will let it snow for a few minutes," the snow deity gave an evasive reply.

Marshall hummed knowingly, "So you're breaking the rules..."

The snow continued to fall, covering the steps in a crisp layer of white.

"Ah, fine!" unable to resist the opportunity that had fallen into his lap, Marshall rose from the steps and left the porch.

The fresh snow crunched under his bandaged feet, melting under his steps.

He bent down, scooping up a handful and shaping it into a loose snowball. The cold, familiar texture brought a smile to his face anew.

Marshall tossed the snowball lightly into the air, catching it, the coolness melting against his skin.

"This is incredible," he said, his voice filled with wonder.

The disciple stole a suspicious glance in Wyn's direction. "Didn't you say you weren't granting wishes?" he joked. "I didn't even pray at your shrine."

Before Wyn could reply, he launched the snowball. It hit the snow deity's shoulder, scattering into a puff of white.

Wyn blinked in surprise, brushing the snow off with a bemused look. He looked back at Marshall with an arched brow, but there was no bite behind the stare.

"You," Wyn said, stepping into the falling snow, "are not getting away with that."

Marshall choked out a chuckle, stumbling back with his hands raised in surrender. "Eh-hey, wait! I didn't throw it too hard! Ah, ah, ah!"

The bandages had soaked wet under his feet, bringing a subtle sting to his unhealed wounds. It caused him to put the weight on the sides of his feet to speed up.

As Marshall hobbled away, giggling and wobbling in a comical fashion, Wyn crouched down and scooped up snow. He pressed it into a perfect ball, then paused.

The disciple had slowed to a stop, observing the whitening landscape. Wyn let the snowball fall down, then approached Marshall, stopping close by. 

As they stood there wordlessly, the earlier tension seemed to melt away, replaced by a quiet understanding.

"We can try again in a few days," the snow deity mentioned. "Focus on recovery in the meantime."

Marshall shrugged with a light smile, the snowflakes scattering from his shoulders. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

As they made their way back to the porch, the cold and crispness faded back into the summery humidity. Snow gave way to rain, melting away as if it was never there.

Once they stepped inside, Mei Lihua looked up from her seat, relief evident in her eyes as she saw the usual smile on Marshall's face.

"Feeling better, Marsh?"

He nodded, letting out an short chuckle. "Yeah, just had to cool off."

"Alrighty," Mei Lihua relaxed, stretching out her limbs before standing up. "I'll make us some tea."

The sound of rain outside, coupled with the dim light from the stormy sky, brought a sense of tranquility.

But before Marshall could get too comfortable, the physician Mrs. Mei passed by, stopping when she caught sight of the disciple.

"Marshall, why on earth are you standing?" she scolded. "Get off your feet, they haven't healed yet!"

The disciple pressed his lips together in a guilty manner, stealing away, but Mrs. Mei caught him by the collar like a cat, guiding him to a nearby chair.

"Sit down before you make your injuries worse," her tone was like an order.

Marshall gave up on trying to get away, and obediently sat down. "Yes, ma'am." 

Wyn chuckled quietly, amused to see him follow the directions without any bargaining or complaints.

Mrs. Mei sent Wyn a disapproving look. "Laugh, laugh, it's not you who has to deal with this mess," she chided, gesturing at the dirtied bandages.

The snow deity cleared his throat and wiped the amusement off his face, "My apologies."

Mei Lihua, who was bringing over a pot of hot tea, winced as she overheard the scolding remarks. "Ah, mom..."

"Do you want some tea too?" she interjected, distracting Mrs. Mei.

"Tea? I won't refuse. Pour me a cup while I fetch some fresh bandages."

Then Mrs. Mei got to her feet with an exasperated exhale and walked away with heavy steps, muttering under her nose, "Trouble after trouble. One would think staying still for a minute would kill him."

Mei Lihua tousled Marshall's hair, "Why did you walk in the rain? You know how my mom is. That's like asking for trouble."

After the disciple swatted her hands away, she flashed Wyn an apologetic smile, and moved to pour the tea into cups.

"The weather's making her grouchy," she explained, handing the snow deity a cup. "Don't take it to heart."

Wyn smiled lightly, taking the teacup with an appreciative "Thank you."

Marshall stared at Mei Lihua, waiting for his turn, but apparently she was too busy tucking her hair behind her ears to watch the snow deity sip his tea. 

"Hey! Me too! I want tea too!" the disciple exclaimed, impatiently waving a hand at Mei Lihua.

She blinked away an eye roll and turned back to the tea tray. "You won't die if you're not the center of attention for just one minute," Mei Lihua teased, handing Marshall his cup.

"Finally. Thanks," he sipped the bittersweet tea with a grin, then gestured at Wyn, "You may continue staring."

Mei Lihua's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She threw him a reproachful look and hurried off to bring the tea to her mother.

Marshall's grin widened as he looked up at the snow deity. "You know, you should show Mei-Mei your snow tricks. That would totally win her over."

Wyn shook his head, swirling the tea in his cup while subtly gazing at Marshall. "I am not interested in Mei Lihua romantically."

The disciple clicked his tongue in disappointment, "This is why you have no girls visiting your shrine."

"And you have no shrine at all," Wyn threw out a rare childish retort.

Marshall snorted, crossing his legs. "At least I'm good with the ladies."

Mei Lihua returned more composed, but laughed upon hearing him brag. "Says the guy who has never been in a relationship!"

Marshall spluttered, defending himself, "That's because I'm too busy training! I have no time for a proper relationship."

Mei Lihua leaned against the table with a smug smirk. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. If you wanted to find the time, you would."

The disciple huffed and muttered, "I just haven't found a girl who sparks my interest yet..."

Wyn, still sipping his tea, observed the interaction with a small smile behind his cup. 

The banter continued, escalating into a cat-and-dog fight, but as soon as steps thudded down the hall, both fell silent.

Mrs. Mei came back with a bundle of gauze and medicinal herbs, and Marshall uncrossed his legs, sitting up straight. 

Mei Lihua made faces at him behind her mother's back, knowing the disciple couldn't mock her back.