Hungry Ghost Festival: Dark Flute And Shining Blade

[elwendell]

Dark Flute And Shining Blade:
Author:Elwendell
100 words
Character(s):WeiYing LanZhan
Rating/Warnings:G/none
Summary:The quiet protectors
Author's Notes:none

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DARK FLUTE AND SHINING BLADE

He toed a dejected pile of sticks and soggy paper, exposing the stump of a candle. Inches away was another. Lanterns fared badly in mountain torrents but new students, used to meandering lowland rivers, still tried. The scent of burning paper was pervasive. A few night hunts would soon disabuse them of the notion that paper money and pretty lanterns could scare a hungry ghost. His flute would be busy tonight.

A glimpse of white robes among the bamboo to his right comforted. Smiling, he raised ChenQing. Tonight, dark flute and shining blade were stronger protection than paper and fire.

END

Comments

[hhimring]

I like that! You set it up well. The way you go from the wrecked lantern to the glimpse of Lan Zhan in the bamboo is almost cinematic. I'm feeling a bit sorry for the new students, but at least they are well protected.

[elwendell]

Thanks. It's a loooong time since I wrote anything.

[ranalore]

I really love how the few, specific details you mention here build a whole story of educational night-hunts with Wei-qianbei and Hanguang-Jun. They give such depth to the beautifully familiar image of the two of them playing a duet to lay ghosts to rest. I've missed your work.

[elwendell]

Thank you very much. I know it's been a while since I wrote anything.