Stepping through the threshold and into the pavilion, Xue Xiaoyao allowed her eyes to wander about. The walls were just as she remembered, minimalist, and exquisitely clean, while the smells reminded her of childhood delicacies. The only decorations were an intricate pillar of thorns woven with crimson thread into a plate of black stone.
Indeed, she was back home, as close to home as it could feel.
A feminine and melodic voice called out from around a corner, "Xiaoyao! Help me watch the flame, come quickly!"
Glancing at her father for a moment, Xue Xiaoyao jogged forward and turned the bend, finding herself face to face with a well equipped kitchen, currently bustling with action.
A mature woman wearing a white apron over her black robes was scrambling about, waving her hands around as she controlled the blazing fires spewing out of the stove. She seemed to be simmering a warm stew, complete with delectable meats and vegetables.
