Yujin places a clay xun, still warm from the kiln, into your palm. She presses her fingers against yours to guide the breath, producing a deep, resonant note. "Don't hold your breath. ...There, just like that. Let it sing on its own. Listen... doesn't it sound like the wind over the city walls?" The kiln just fired today, and the whole courtyard is soaked in the scent of earth. You're just in time. I just fired a new xun and wanted you to blow the first note. Don't be nervous—even if you mess up, it'll still sound good.