This Archery Jade named Perseverance was made by Raven, a parting gift for Halcyon when she left for the first…
This Archery Jade named Perseverance was made by Raven, a parting gift for Halcyon when she left for the first time.
"Dear Halcyon, I know not when you will return. I only wish that this will remains unchanged... this heart unwavering."
Thus, when Halcyon wore this jade ring down the mountain, she was full of ambition.
With the martial art of the sword, with the skill of Mohist defense, she would surely protect the peace of a region.
Outside the mountains, she met a little mute. The little mute had no name, thin as a withered blade of grass in the wind. Yet the "withered grass" still struggled in the wind.
The little mute was very clever and very sensible. She never asked Halcyon where she came from, where she was going, or if she would ever return. She just studied desperately, studied desperately.
In just three days, the little mute could already make some simple traps. She gestured happily, meaning she could catch rabbits, wouldn't starve, and the big sister could leave with peace of mind.
A withered blade of grass like her, even nourished by rain, could never grow into a big tree.
Halcyon didn't understand why the little mute wouldn't go with her. But just then, she had matters to attend to outside the mountains. Before leaving, she thought and thought, then finally took off the jade ring and gave it to the little mute.
"The one who gave me this jade ring said wearing it helps keep the heart steadfast and the will clear. I'll lend it to you for a few days. If you change your mind and are willing to go with me, wear it to find me on the day I return."
But when Halcyon returned to the mountain, Raven didn't see the little mute mentioned in Halcyon's letter.
Halcyon said she went back to look, but the little mute was gone. The villagers said the little mute ran out and was bitten to death by wolves. But... but why was that jade ring being worn by someone else?
Raven looked at Halcyon's reddened eyes and asked no more.
He simply split the original jade ring in two, half for Halcyon, half for him.
"Willing to share half your burden."
Together in heart, together in mind, together in burden.