A trip to the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Literally. Meimei was very blunt about where we were going today. But first, we had to get there. Most of the beaches near the city were crowded and noisy, especially on this fine day; people were doing laundry, fishing, and generally just living their lives… but we weren’t looking for a crowded beach. We wanted some place quieter. So we got our trusted and reliable friends, the Azure Jade Trading Company, to loan us a boat, so we could take a mosey around the lake. We chose one of the smaller craft instead of the big-ass pleasure barge they had. She was small and swift, but still had some comforts. “Set sail!” Meimei cheered, pointing forwards, one leg braced upon the prow of our small ship. “Se! Saaaaaaa!” Zhuye shouted, his hands raised to the air. He bounced up and down where he was swaddled against Meimei’s back. The scene was so cute I couldn’t help myself. My recording crystal chimed, capturing the moment. “Aye, aye, captain,” Wa Shi declared, speaking normally now that there were less people around. He saluted with a flourish, then dove beneath the waves. The water around us swelled on its own accord, and the wind started blowing. There were certain benefits to knowing a prince of the storms, rivers, and lakes. Our ship slid out of its berth with impossible grace, then leapt into the waves. Meimei shouted (...)