Chapter 7: An Entirely Visible Rope

Luo agreed to the paired trial after she had walked the course herself.

Ji waited beside the starting tub while her friend inspected the last slope.

Every answer Ji wanted to supply would have sounded helpful.

She kept them inside her mouth and adjusted her own sleeve instead.

The judge had made the conditions plain to both women.

They could share a rope, but both had to reach the far ribbon.

Their bowl still needed water across its bottom when the bell stopped.

A partner left behind meant neither received a place in the final demonstration.

Luo came back carrying a coil of ordinary hemp rope.

It had been hung beside the start for anybody who wanted it.

Most entrants had left it there and brought their own silk sashes.

Ji understood the preference until she imagined silk tightening around a wet wrist.

She accepted Luo's choice without suggesting a more attractive knot.

The coarse hemp scratched their palms even before they lifted it.

Shen sat on the grass outside the course with her shoes beneath her.

Shen and Ji had returned the borrowed stool before breakfast.

Its absence made Ji feel strangely guilty for standing up.

Her master waved away the concern before Ji could offer a seat.

"The grass has been holding people for years," Shen said.

The first pair finished with one graceful jump and one empty bowl.

Their senior disciple blamed his junior before the judge asked a question.

Ji felt Luo look toward her and deliberately loosened her grip on the rope.

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