So... how 'bout that 15_minute_fic? More 12K, because... uh... no reason.

Title: Object Lesson
Fandom/original: The Twelve Kingdoms
Characters: Taiki, Keiki
Rating: G
Word count: 106
Notes: Yes, this is the fan fiction equivalent to "Xe awoke in a white room." Also, apologies to Du Fu.

Taiki took a deep breath and raised his brush. All his tools were ready. The day's work was done, and any muddled passages were marked for review tomorrow. He shouldn't feel guilty for having some way of unwinding. Master Gyousou had his own pursuits, as did most of the court.

Most of the poems that Kei Taiho selected for these lessons were stern things written in past dynasties that talked about duty and loyalty. Kei Taiho insisted the characters would help in practicing a variety of strokes, but they both knew better. Sometimes, though...

In late sun, the river and hills are beautiful...

Taiki smiled and went to work.

15_minute_fic word: brush

The whole of the Du Fu poem I stole borrowed is here.