Xiulote stood quietly by the side, smiling as he watched the young girl dance. At that moment, he felt like he had become Zhuangzi, even his soul dancing with the butterflies, drifting into a dream where spirits intertwine.
It was a while before Alisa returned to him. Her face was flushed from exertion, her breath slightly ragged, yet her lips curved in a contented smile. The young man took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped her face. Then, Alisa gathered her courage and gave the young man a happy hug, sharing her body’s warmth with him.
Feeling the girl’s fiery temperature, Xiulote smiled softly, lowering his head to nuzzle her cheek. Afterward, the young man’s inquiring gaze shifted toward her.
"Alisa, what are the things you like? Are they flowers and dances?"
Alisa looked up, her eyes brimming with joy as she gazed at the young man.
"Yes, Xiulote. There’s been little I’ve been able to do since I was young. I like to look at mythological murals, but they are few. I enjoy playing the beautiful ocarina, but there aren’t many pieces I can learn. I love reciting poetry, feeling the imagery within the verses. I love dancing freely, soaring light as the wind.
But most of all, I love all kinds of beautiful plants. They come in different shapes, colors, and scents, and they all have different effects. The priests say they can be used to make potions for communicating with the gods, to make people happy and intoxicated..."
Xiulote listened with a smile. This was the first time the girl had expressed the joy and passion in her heart. The young man became pensive, lost in thought for a moment before asking uncertainly,
"Alisa, do you like plants and alchemy?"
Alisa tilted her head, thinking. Then looking at the young man, she nodded vigorously, affirming,
"Yes! I love beautiful plants and the wonders of potions. I can remember the characteristics of every herb and tree, and distinguish their scents... I want to create joyful potions to bring happiness to father and you, and to others as well."
Hearing her answer, Xiulote suddenly thought of the Chief Priest Quetzal, and the mysterious Holy Water he concocted, which could even bring a smile to Gillim’s face. After hesitating for a moment, the young man finally said,
"Alisa, the Alliance’s alchemy research is highly developed, and studying potions should help your future. I recall that in Kapana, there are plant diagrams and potion formulas left by the Chief Priest. Tomorrow I will go and ask Acap to retrieve these materials for you. In addition, the High Priesthood surely has old priests skilled in potions who could come to teach you. Of course, the ones with the highest mastery over alchemy would be the elders...
Alisa, promise me that you won’t use any potions you make on yourself, you can test their effects on rabbits, or even slaves. You must be especially careful with those potions that bring happiness, as they may have unpredictable side effects..."
Listening to the young man’s words, Alisa smiled happily. She nodded her understanding, albeit only half-grasping the implications, and moved closer to give the young man another bold hug.
So Xiulote embraced the girl tightly, looking into her pure eyes, remembering her endearing manners, and he nodded to himself, making a decision.
"My beloved, I shall let you stay away from the struggles and killings for power, and immerse yourself in studying alchemy and medicine. Perhaps, this is the path you were meant to take. Maybe, you will live even longer than I will in this lifetime..."
The sunlight spilled over the sea of flowers, within which the two held each other tightly. A gentle breeze blew, causing the blossoms to sway, and a silent petal fell, twirling down to the lake, drifting away with the ripples. In this world, no one could truly master fate, for fate always flows onwards, toward a distant and unfathomable beyond.