Will | Huan
The lady who has been most aggressively addressing us gives the impression of a woman who is accustomed to wielding power rather than being subject to it. Unfortunately, people afflicted with an excess of pride often see more strength in being angry about such a situation than in facing it with reason and sense, so we are now obligated to manage her feelings while also attempting to manage the situation itself. It is trying, but nothing that Thurvishar and I are unfamiliar with. Both our worlds are littered with people who think that if they are simply clear enough about how important they are the universe must kowtow to them.
Has A-Xiang any favorite foods that he might be more tempted by? If so, I will arrange to have them presented. I share the tendency to fail to eat when overset, but certain dishes can overwhelm that tendency if I am not too deep into it. Sorrow is powerful, but so also is the lure of tangyuan. And I have been sensibly eating while you have been missing, though my brother has had to remind me when the time for dinner has arrived. I even tried something new yesterday: falafel, which is a fritter of chickpeas and spices and quite delicious. I can only expect I will enjoy it more when you are safely home - and in the meantime, I will accept that offer of chocolate.
Since no one has mentioned that you are all starving while fighting off evil books, I assume there is at least water and food enough to keep you all well. And when you return, I see no reason that you cannot have all that at once; I will be happy to abandon propriety and keep my arms around you while you have your tea and catch A-Xiang up on all your adventures. He is already jealous that he is not fighting any books, though he also seems a bit offended that books would commit such a betrayal.