Threads 465-Meng Dan 4

The Sapphire Sun Theater was at the far edge of the second western radial of the cloud districts. Unlike the more grounded structures that lay more trunkward, here, where the vast branches tapered, splitting off into sub-branches and twigs that were the size of ancient centennial trees themselves, the architecture was far more fanciful.

The Sapphire Sun Theater was no different. Built from what seemed to be a single massive sapphire geode, it was some hundred and more meters across, carved with outer balconies and delving tunnels, all alight with the entertainments within. The whole structure was suspended between two sub-branches by a web of glittering cables, and it rocked ponderously in the currents of air which blew through the high branches.

The narrow bridge they took to reach it, a construction of silver cable and luxuriously painted and polished tiles, was barely wide enough for three people walking comfortably abreast. That said a great deal about the more exclusive traffic it was expected to carry.

“A much higher end clientele for this group then?”

Meng Dan, who had not released her hand, nodded cheerfully. “Of course. As evening falls, the more experimental and high production shows begin.”

“Why?” Ling Qi asked. “I can’t imagine what difference the time of day would make.”

“Most cultivators at your level still like to sleep, Qi,” Sixiang deadpanned.

“Oh, right.” Ling Qi wrinkled her nose. “So, these performances are aimed more at higher realms?”

“Somewhat,” Meng Dan equivocated. “Spectacle is spectacle, and I do find some of the technical innovations on display in these productions to be absolutely fascinating.”

“You do like that word,” Ling Qi teased.

They were allowed inside with only a brief flash of the Cai clan’s insignia, provided for the day’s events. The winding halls into the center of the geode showed their splintered, gleaming reflections at all angles, a kaleidoscopic display that would have been very disorienting to a mortal.

“Only because the future shows so many possibilities,” Meng Dan enthused. “One might discover many threads to the future by studying what is being developed in workshops and alchemists’ halls.”

“I dunno,” Sixiang commented. “I think you find more innovation in people doing more with less.”

“Disagree. Cleverness is laudable, but it is more impressive to see what is done at the limits of what is possible.” Yinhui adjusted her satchel. “What is possible without sovereignty? These inventions can be improved for further spread after.”

“What is your opinion?” Meng Dan asked as they were waved through into the cavernous spherical theater hall, so full of light and sound before the show had even begun.

“I favor the lower powered effects. With enough power, one can make the senses experience almost anything. But this is not…” Ling Qi paused as they set foot on a chiseled path that defied the law of earth, carrying them vertical and then even upside down compared to what her senses told her should be the right way.

It wasn’t defying the Law of Earth, but the arrays in the geode were bending it slightly, so that in this space, wherever one stood in the hollowed sphere, that was down. This explained how the central stage was floating with so little energy. Because it was being pulled in every direction equally, it appeared suspended as it slowly rotated.

“It is not?” Meng Dan repeated, drawing her out of her thoughts.

“It’s just not widely applicable enough,” Ling Qi said.

Soon, they found their seating, a closed private balcony shrouded in thin silk hangings. These, too, were woven with a great deal of qi. Similar to the arrays which had allowed the audience clear sight of the arena for the sect’s New Year’s Tournament, these would ensure that no matter the turning of the stage, every viewer would have a clear view of it. If she was reading the arrays correctly, it was even reactive and would magnify whatever particular part the viewer was focused on.

“Yeah, this is cool and all, but can you really do it anywhere else?” Sixiang flopped into a seat beside her with a whirr and a clank. “Like, I could blow all of this outta the water if I took an audience on a trip home, but half of their brains would melt, so what’d be the point?”

“Facilities which could support higher level performances exist in the county capitals. Access to those of higher stations and influence has an outsized effect,” Yinhui countered. Unfolding her writing tray, her brush spun between her fingers as paper whispered out on its own, fresh and clean and ready for notes. “That said, the Baroness already has high access.”

“That’s my thought as well. I already have ways to get my words to most of the comital clans. If, for example, I wanted to talk to the Meng, all I need is to turn your way, after all.” Ling Qi shot Meng Dan a smile.

“But a dozen or a hundred barons and viscounts are rather harder to keep track of.” He sent a smile back. “And not half as handsome.”

“She does a good job trying! And making me try, too.” Sixiang gave her an amused look.

“My writing desk is a dull and dreary place without your best readings,” Ling Qi said sorrowfully.

Sixiang crossed their arms. “No fair making that kind of face.”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Interesting. I will have to make a note of this method for making a muse perform clerical work,” Yinhui said dryly. “Somehow, I doubt the general applicability.”

“Aw, you’re probably cute enough to get one of my little cousins to follow you around if you tried.”

Ling Qi let out a huff of laughter as the stage began to glitter with layers of illusion, casting a vision of the mountains of the Wall in the center of the theater.

“Don’t think I don’t appreciate this though,” Ling Qi said to Meng Dan. “What they’ve done to compose the opening score into minor art effects is an amazing bit of work.”

“You can certainly tell better than I,” Meng Dan replied. “Whatever pleasure we might take though, this is only work. Please look forward to a proper outing.”

She tilted her head as the lights dimmed and the first actors wreathed in qi-reactive costumes keyed to the arrays in the stage began to emerge. “Oh?” she asked coyly. “I wonder what you have in mind.”

“I am told Lady Ling enjoys her adventures, but is always the one bearing the burden of the host. Perhaps a guest pass into the Deep Library at Blue Mountain might entice?”