These medicines- [he indicated the ones left on the table.] -all have yin energy, though some are stronger than others. They will strengthen your own yin energy.

[Opening the kit, he pulled out a thick capped pen that proved to be a writer's brush when he took the cap off. A vial of watery black ink was opened and he carefully dipped the brush into it before pulling a sheet of paper in front of him. With both the paper settled and the brush ready, he held back his sleeve with his offhand and began writing in elegant (Chinese) calligraphy.]

This is a list of foods that should be available now that promote yin energy. Oranges remain a good choice, but you should also see out pears. Vegetables are more prevalent during this season, so mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, squash, and cucumber should be readily available from grocers. Meats are neutral but do not add spices or any foods that create a heat in the mouth. Those are yang, which you do not need right now.

[When he was done writing his list (all the foods he'd named plus a few others that were neutral), he set the brush down to drip dry on a pad and then handed the paper to her. He was trusting the translation magic to allow her to read it even if she wasn't familiar with his language.]

This venerable one must already care for a temperamental grass. Do not make trouble for this venerable one by making him care for you as well.

[She wasn't even his responsibility the way Orchid was.]