It was only a week after the attack, but it felt like a world away. Meili sat next to Sofya in the garden of the Tan mansion.
The Tan family had a tradition of hosting an annual poetry composition contest for the young noblemen in the capital, just before the New Year. It was a famous event for its loveliness, and for producing some great works under the influence of good wine, natural beauty and stiff competition.
A small artificial stream wound its way around the garden, tinkling prettily while it carried along floating trays which held cups of tea or wine, depending on which side of the garden you sat.
The young men, of course, were partaking of the best quality wine. The young ladies sipped on the rarest of teas, nibbling daintily decorated water chestnut cakes.
