#((I had this half written yesterday before I died and tumblr of course didn't save any of it))

[crimsondragcn]

[RED ENVELOPES] The bright red envelope Moze holds out to her with both hands is strikingly barren. There is not a trace of gold lettering, of colorful motifs, or even a print or pattern lending depth to the stationary. It’s quite unlike all the other envelopes that locals and outlanders alike have passed the time with decorating, most of which wind up garish from their artists’ excitement. It’s almost as if the giver had forgotten that decoration was en vogue this year, or had been in too much of a hurry to add a little flair to the tradition. And yet, if one knew Moze, they would understand at once that this is the best reflection of his character.

It’s more likely that the envelope had once contained some minor, default decoration to encourage beginners with the craft, but that it had been carefully and painstakingly removed to create this clean, featureless gift.

”Jiaoqiu told me to give this to you,” he says in his usual monotone, staring intently at Lingsha as he does so. The doctor had ‘suggested’ it, really, and it hadn’t even been a conversation about Lingsha to begin with, but Moze had put the two together. One must show gratitude to those who have helped you.

Even if it’s a harried doctor fixing a patient who doesn’t get sick.

“I won’t get sick again,” he promises, as if it would ease some burden on her. And then, almost like an afterthought: “Happy Lantern Rite.”

Lantern Rite | Accepting!

Having given out envelopes of her own, Lingsha had seen the decorations that littered them by default. She was aware of what they were meant to look like and, as such, almost doesn't recognize the offering that Moze holds out to her at first. Almost. After a moment, dawning realization hits her, followed quickly by a surprise that is soothed by his own explanation.

"Did he, now?" Hearing that Moze had been essentially ordered into it greeting her doesn't bother her at all. If anything, he reminds her of an unhappy child, encouraged into presenting something to a disliked teacher at his parents insistence. She raises her fist to attempt to hide the twitching of her lips.

"Please be sure to give him my gratitude when you return to him then." Once the threat of laughter has passed, she takes the envelope from him. The diligence with which he stripped it bare is almost impressive. Who would have expected the shadowy crow to devote so much time to something gifted out of obligation?

Regardless of how genuine his promise is, she does laugh aloud at the determination with which me makes it. "For the sake of the Commission, I should hope not!" She quickly regains herself, though there is something different to her smile this time. "Should the unthinkable ever happen again, however, I would appreciate it if you simply came to me directly next time. Even if you there is no treatment to be had, we might at least find you somewhere to recover without the need for such a tantrum."

But obviously, she spoke of impossibilities now. Both him falling ill once more, and trust sprouting in what was clearly a barren landscape.

"Happy Lantern Rite, Moze. You are relieved of your obligation now."