Lily

Lily (whose true name is Líng Lán/Lily of the Valley):

In the yellowed pages of an ancient compendium of legends compiled by a renowned explorer of old—though not as ancient as some other tomes and scrolls in the venerable Zhishi library—there is a story of a sanctuary, hidden somewhere north of the Grand Portal, where weary or lost souls can find solace. The guardian of this haven is said to welcome all creatures who seek refuge within its abundant life and nature. It is whispered that she possesses the power to soothe hearts and heal all manner of ailments. Yet, any who fail to respect the rules of her paradise are said to be irrevocably and immediately cast out forever.
But what if this legend were not a mere tale after all?

Indeed, such a place exists—unknown to those who have never set foot within it, and forgotten by most who have left. A lush paradise where animals, both magical and mundane, live in perfect harmony with shijis amidst unspoiled nature, far removed from the clamor of the world and civilization. Its guardian is none other than a Nature shiji known as Lily. She preserves this sanctuary with her apothecary skills, herbalist secrets, and magic, which allows her to make the haven utterly inaccessible whenever she chooses. Yet she holds no one captive; no shiji or creature is kept against their will. She generously offers asylum to anyone in need for as long as their hearts require.

Lily’s true name is another guarded secret. She is a shiji likely approaching a thousand years of age, with over five life cycles behind her. Beyond her secluded home, much about her is well-known to those willing to truly understand her. This lover of open skies and child of Nature has never felt aligned with civilization, nor comfortable in its proximity. Early-life experiences drove her to seek a remote haven where she could find true peace. Despite her past trials, her innately altruistic and generous spirit remains untouched. Lily is a vivacious, kindhearted shiji who gives selflessly and sees the beauty in all things, believing firmly in the potential for goodness in everyone.

However, while her kind heart will welcome you as you are—without judgment or bias—do not take her kindness for granted. If you abuse her generosity, the doors to her paradise will close as quickly as they opened. Lily is acutely aware that while shijis are capable of great good, they are also capable of harm. Though such decisions pain her deeply, she will not risk the safety of what she cherishes most. Never forget that while lilies and lily-of-the-valley symbolize hope and renewal, they can also be deadly. But there is no need for things to come to such regrettable ends. Lily’s first instinct is always to resolve matters through the language of the heart. Mother Nature and their beloved Tanlan would not wish to see their children at odds. <3

Lily is, above all, a pacifist who relies on her instincts and cherishes the precious gift of life. To her, as to Nature, all beings are equal. This belief drives her to care for both shijis and creatures in need with equal attention and tenderness. As for affection, Lily is far from stingy. She has no qualms about addressing natural needs as long as there is mutual consent. Yet, she has vowed to have children only with her soulmate—who is taking their time making an appearance, it seems. Can she blame them, though? After all, she chose to isolate herself from the world. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful that their paths will one day cross.