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[ despite the early morning, there's an eagle call on the roof of a boulevard building, and up above is that daemon again, shuffling across the edge as it waits for xie lian to notice it.
baraqiel is below on the beach side of the building, arms crossed under their cloak, though they do straighten a little when xie lian is made aware of them being there. ]
baraqiel is below on the beach side of the building, arms crossed under their cloak, though they do straighten a little when xie lian is made aware of them being there. ]
[ well!!! calytrix gets a wave, first, as xie lian hears the cry - he gives the daemon a little bow of his head in greeting. san lang is still wrapped around xie lian's neck, though he also perks; and xie lian spots the other half of this little duo and scoots over, bowing to him as well. ]
Good morning, Baraqiel! Did you get my letter?
[ hello hello ]
Good morning, Baraqiel! Did you get my letter?
[ hello hello ]
[ xie lian will find rameel waiting for him at the cafe with a half eaten bar of candy in front of them. ]
Wow! I've never gotten such a polite and well articulated letter. It feels extra old fashioned than normal.
To answer the question—carefully. The night is very heavy.
Wow! I've never gotten such a polite and well articulated letter. It feels extra old fashioned than normal.
To answer the question—carefully. The night is very heavy.
Oh!
[ xie lian's not unused to people just randomly appearing in places where he needs to talk to them, so, suddenly seeing another masked cloaked person here is only a little surprising. he pauses in what he was doing, san lang standing up straight and at attention at his shoulder as a ferret, before he smiles and comes over to greet rameel! ]
Hello, Rameel. [ he gets a bow, even! fist to hand, very polite indeed. ] To say so is like one of those old parables my old tutor used to say. Would one have to simply persevere, and carry the night until the dawn?
[ xie lian's not unused to people just randomly appearing in places where he needs to talk to them, so, suddenly seeing another masked cloaked person here is only a little surprising. he pauses in what he was doing, san lang standing up straight and at attention at his shoulder as a ferret, before he smiles and comes over to greet rameel! ]
Hello, Rameel. [ he gets a bow, even! fist to hand, very polite indeed. ] To say so is like one of those old parables my old tutor used to say. Would one have to simply persevere, and carry the night until the dawn?
[ much like the day before, there's the low eagle cry to announce that baraqiel has arrived. but the daemon is on a bench, hopping, towards him and making soft chirruping noises. ]
The way that was phrased, you don't have to discuss it further. But I thought I would come with the offer regardless.
The way that was phrased, you don't have to discuss it further. But I thought I would come with the offer regardless.
[ xie lian is sitting, at the moment, cross legged and in his robes - he's at the edge of town, away from kids and other people here and just about anyone, staring out at the dilapidated buildings. san lang is still wrapped around his neck, as he has been all week, though he's hiding behind the curtain of xie lian's brown hair.
the eagle cry gets his attention; as he glances up, he notes baraqiel, and then looks back down at his lap, where the sword lays. it's currently unsheathed; the black of the blade is nearly absorbing any light available in the darkness of evening.
xie lian looks up at him for a moment - and then smiles, soft, though it does't reach his eyes. ]
You didn't have to come - though, I am glad to see you. [ and with that, he turns his eyes back down to the blade, and it doesn't seem like he's going to speak up again, for a long moment. ] ...Is there a reason, why I might have something that has not belonged to me?
the eagle cry gets his attention; as he glances up, he notes baraqiel, and then looks back down at his lap, where the sword lays. it's currently unsheathed; the black of the blade is nearly absorbing any light available in the darkness of evening.
xie lian looks up at him for a moment - and then smiles, soft, though it does't reach his eyes. ]
You didn't have to come - though, I am glad to see you. [ and with that, he turns his eyes back down to the blade, and it doesn't seem like he's going to speak up again, for a long moment. ] ...Is there a reason, why I might have something that has not belonged to me?
[ baraqiel will come to find xie lian, a little later than the message is sent, daemon absent at the moment in any form. it's strange to see, like the unsettling sense that the children of città gazze not having theirs, but he's perfectly at ease without, it seems. ]
You don't need to thank us, you know. But I'm glad we could find a resolution today.
You don't need to thank us, you know. But I'm glad we could find a resolution today.
Of course I do. Do helpful actions not deserve gratitude, no matter who they're from?
[ what a polite young man... xie lian is sitting at the dock where he threw the bottle in in the first place, feet dangling off of the edge, san lang in his lap as a ferret. his daemon sits up, and his ears twitch, looking confused, as xie lian matches the expression. ]
Is Calytrix not with you....?
[ what a polite young man... xie lian is sitting at the dock where he threw the bottle in in the first place, feet dangling off of the edge, san lang in his lap as a ferret. his daemon sits up, and his ears twitch, looking confused, as xie lian matches the expression. ]
Is Calytrix not with you....?
[ baraqiel: haha don't abuse your biased opinion
xie lian: of course not!
baraqiel: good
baraqiel: because i'm going to do that enough for the both of us
it's impossibly late at night, when baraqiel arrives in the hotel in a rustle of feathers. his daemon is in its weasel form, blood orange head poking out of his hood as he makes his way quietly across the lobby. his every intention is of just coming and going, once he's checked for himself just how xie lian is doing, now that he's freed from the mess of the day and what came after. xie lian doesn't even have to know he's come. ]
xie lian: of course not!
baraqiel: good
baraqiel: because i'm going to do that enough for the both of us
it's impossibly late at night, when baraqiel arrives in the hotel in a rustle of feathers. his daemon is in its weasel form, blood orange head poking out of his hood as he makes his way quietly across the lobby. his every intention is of just coming and going, once he's checked for himself just how xie lian is doing, now that he's freed from the mess of the day and what came after. xie lian doesn't even have to know he's come. ]
[ well, maybe unfortunately (or fortunately?) he won't find xie lian in the lobby this late at night.
instead, he might hear a few soft noises - and the one that might stick out immediately is a whimper of pain - coming from his bedroom.i'm pretending bert isnt here for the Thread okay thanks ]
instead, he might hear a few soft noises - and the one that might stick out immediately is a whimper of pain - coming from his bedroom.
[ nyoom goes the ferret
footsteps will warn xie lian of their approach. there's a squirrel riding on their shoulder. cute! ]
You know, as terrible as the events of last week were, I don't think one person should ever feel responsible for the actions of someone else. You aren't the one who made the choice, and I'm not the one who suffered for it.
[ a small smile. ]
Please don't believe you have anything to make up for.
footsteps will warn xie lian of their approach. there's a squirrel riding on their shoulder. cute! ]
You know, as terrible as the events of last week were, I don't think one person should ever feel responsible for the actions of someone else. You aren't the one who made the choice, and I'm not the one who suffered for it.
[ a small smile. ]
Please don't believe you have anything to make up for.
[ adorable
xie lian smiles at suriel when they approach - his ferret stands up on xie lian's shoulder, and gives a little bow at the same time his person does. hello! ]
That is very sweet of you to say - and true words, at that. Even still - the event as a whole was vile, and Sunday in particular was hard on the three of you, I noted. Or...at least, I was told after the fact. I could have... I don't know. I suppose I could have watched him closer, or at least tried to retain him before that night.
...So, maybe it is the case, that I don't have anything to make up for, but I would still like to, if I can.
xie lian smiles at suriel when they approach - his ferret stands up on xie lian's shoulder, and gives a little bow at the same time his person does. hello! ]
That is very sweet of you to say - and true words, at that. Even still - the event as a whole was vile, and Sunday in particular was hard on the three of you, I noted. Or...at least, I was told after the fact. I could have... I don't know. I suppose I could have watched him closer, or at least tried to retain him before that night.
...So, maybe it is the case, that I don't have anything to make up for, but I would still like to, if I can.
Edited 2021-10-05 01:51 (UTC)
[ there's a faint laugh on the other side of the door, low and deep, before xie lian will hear nothing, then rustling, then footsteps.
the door opens, and baraqiel is without his undercloak, again, moving to lean in the doorway. you know, like this is a romcom. ]
I see.
the door opens, and baraqiel is without his undercloak, again, moving to lean in the doorway. you know, like this is a romcom. ]
I see.
Edited 2021-10-10 01:45 (UTC)
[ you know, like this is a romcom!
i hope suriel and shamsiel are right there like OOOH behind him
anyway. xie lian tucks a lock of his hair behind his ear - even seeing baraqiel is putting him in a slightly better mood after all of that fuss. he's had time to calm down some, too, and time to talk to the others, and the smile he has for baraqiel is warm, if tired. someone hasn't been sleeping well. ]
...I hope you don't mind. You are always seeking me out - it seems rare that I get to find you, instead.
i hope suriel and shamsiel are right there like OOOH behind him
anyway. xie lian tucks a lock of his hair behind his ear - even seeing baraqiel is putting him in a slightly better mood after all of that fuss. he's had time to calm down some, too, and time to talk to the others, and the smile he has for baraqiel is warm, if tired. someone hasn't been sleeping well. ]
...I hope you don't mind. You are always seeking me out - it seems rare that I get to find you, instead.
[ the speed with which i whipped around to give you this audience while looking at you forlornly curled up in the chair.
baraqiel will come find xie lian, gently turning the brooch over in his fingers as he does. his daemon is currently weasel-formed and bounding ahead of his long stride, before it goes to run a circle around xie lian's feet (with enough space to not accidentally touch him). ]
While not good with his hands, His Highness does have an eye for gifts.
baraqiel will come find xie lian, gently turning the brooch over in his fingers as he does. his daemon is currently weasel-formed and bounding ahead of his long stride, before it goes to run a circle around xie lian's feet (with enough space to not accidentally touch him). ]
While not good with his hands, His Highness does have an eye for gifts.
[ stop im having a bad day
anyway, oh cute!!! xie lian is walking along the canals, just trying to get a feel for the new city itsel, balancing on the very edge of one of them. san lang is in front of him, in ferret form, walking on his back legs -- when he sees baraqiel's daemon, though, he squeaks and xie lian moves off so the weasel can successfully do his circle. ]
Oh! You got it so quickly. [ brightly!!! ] They are the remains from that crab's treasure horde! I did not want to steal, but... it seemed quite silly to leave it, and, besides, the crab itself stole first. [ a little laugh. playful! cute. ]
anyway, oh cute!!! xie lian is walking along the canals, just trying to get a feel for the new city itsel, balancing on the very edge of one of them. san lang is in front of him, in ferret form, walking on his back legs -- when he sees baraqiel's daemon, though, he squeaks and xie lian moves off so the weasel can successfully do his circle. ]
Oh! You got it so quickly. [ brightly!!! ] They are the remains from that crab's treasure horde! I did not want to steal, but... it seemed quite silly to leave it, and, besides, the crab itself stole first. [ a little laugh. playful! cute. ]
[ it's once his wings have been bandaged that he allows xie lian into where the celestials are currently staying in otamo - a gorgeous building whose interior reflects the same colors as the other stained glass, and has cozy quarters rather like the krankaz location. he doesn't shrug xie lian's fussing off, at least, but does keep giving him Looks through his mask any time he tries to push himself, too.
they can get the bandages and supplies xie lian needs, but he's coming back here. a predator ready to lick its wounds in the safety of its den.
but he does sit down on the bed that's his, reaching up to try and unclasp the undercloak that he wears with his thumb - since his fingers are busted, he improvises. ]
they can get the bandages and supplies xie lian needs, but he's coming back here. a predator ready to lick its wounds in the safety of its den.
but he does sit down on the bed that's his, reaching up to try and unclasp the undercloak that he wears with his thumb - since his fingers are busted, he improvises. ]
[ the Looks are completely fine, mostly because xie lian is also giving them right back, whenever baraqiel starts exerting himself, too - and, once he has bandages and everything, he sets about unpacking the little bottle of disinfectant, fussing his good hand over the supplies, and...
...just sort of pauses, for a long moment. facing away from baraqiel, composing himself.
(remembering the injuries of the others in the tunnel; remembering the terrified locals who refused to run; the victim of the plague, illusion or otherwise)
it's been such a long day.
by the time xie lian turns around, he sees baraqiel trying to unclasp his cloak, and makes a soft, fussy noise, making his way over to the bedside. ]
Baraqiel ah. [ quietly scolding, he reaches over to try and find the clasp with his good hand...frankly also a little clumsy, but he wants to help. ] You'll hurt your hands further.
...just sort of pauses, for a long moment. facing away from baraqiel, composing himself.
(remembering the injuries of the others in the tunnel; remembering the terrified locals who refused to run; the victim of the plague, illusion or otherwise)
it's been such a long day.
by the time xie lian turns around, he sees baraqiel trying to unclasp his cloak, and makes a soft, fussy noise, making his way over to the bedside. ]
Baraqiel ah. [ quietly scolding, he reaches over to try and find the clasp with his good hand...frankly also a little clumsy, but he wants to help. ] You'll hurt your hands further.
[ san lang will lead xie lian to the celestials' quarters, the same place he'd met with baraqiel just last night. suriel sits on a bed, crutch tossed on the mattress, and gives him a small smile when he enters. ]
Hello again. How are you feeling, after today?
Hello again. How are you feeling, after today?
[ suriel gets a little bow in greeting, as he approaches! how'd you know he met with baraqiel. (no im kidding).
xie lian smiles at her, though, and makes his way over. ]
I'm alright, all things considered. Someone has done me a very kind favor. [ considering... his heals! ] And... despite everything, we managed to catch someone.
I'd like to ask you the same question, though, Miss Suriel. How are you feeling?
xie lian smiles at her, though, and makes his way over. ]
I'm alright, all things considered. Someone has done me a very kind favor. [ considering... his heals! ] And... despite everything, we managed to catch someone.
I'd like to ask you the same question, though, Miss Suriel. How are you feeling?
Edited 2021-10-17 02:56 (UTC)
[ now that the other thread has gotten far enough along...
baraqiel's daemon will lead xie lian to the celestials' quarters, tiger-formed and chuffing quietly as it goes. it does seem a little cowed, a little repentant, every time it looks xie lian's way. it's also tired, as it moves a slower lope than usual. but it headbutts the door, nudging it open and slipping inside to bring xie lian with hit.
baraqiel hasn't unmasked, but is working on getting his cloak unclasped when xie lian is allowed in.
his daemon nudges the door shut again, where it clicks locked. ]
... Dianxia.
baraqiel's daemon will lead xie lian to the celestials' quarters, tiger-formed and chuffing quietly as it goes. it does seem a little cowed, a little repentant, every time it looks xie lian's way. it's also tired, as it moves a slower lope than usual. but it headbutts the door, nudging it open and slipping inside to bring xie lian with hit.
baraqiel hasn't unmasked, but is working on getting his cloak unclasped when xie lian is allowed in.
his daemon nudges the door shut again, where it clicks locked. ]
... Dianxia.
[ the smile that is definitely not a smile is not there, after all of that. xie lian follows baraqiel's daemon, quietly, and looks up. ]
Let me see.
[ it's weighty, and a little stern, but only because he's not entirely sure that baraqiel won't try to wiggle out of it again. ]
Let me see.
[ it's weighty, and a little stern, but only because he's not entirely sure that baraqiel won't try to wiggle out of it again. ]
[ of course, baraqiel is masked, to start with. but he comes to meet xie lian immediately after receiving the message, having removed his undercloak in the heat when it's just the two of them. better, this way, when he's not predisposed to it and has said as much in cigazze before.
but at least this is more familiar a place. you can decide if this is before or after the party i'm small brain. ]
I've traveled much outside of the central plains. I think I can at least say that I've been to both of those countries, without much issue.
but at least this is more familiar a place. you can decide if this is before or after the party i'm small brain. ]
I've traveled much outside of the central plains. I think I can at least say that I've been to both of those countries, without much issue.
[ after because stargazing!!! im going to bed after this anyway
xie lian smiles as baraqiel comes to join him. he's in his little getup from earlier - the white robes made for the desert and the straw hat, looking so much more like the picture of xie lian that perhaps baraqiel already knows, if it weren't for the still healing burns and the short pieces near his cheeks. ]
Baraqiel-gege is traveled! [ there's a beat as he says this, though, like he's
realizing something.
wait a minute. ] Wait - wait, you're -
[ . . . ] And I've been calling you gege!
[ HEY
wow his whole face turns red ]
xie lian smiles as baraqiel comes to join him. he's in his little getup from earlier - the white robes made for the desert and the straw hat, looking so much more like the picture of xie lian that perhaps baraqiel already knows, if it weren't for the still healing burns and the short pieces near his cheeks. ]
Baraqiel-gege is traveled! [ there's a beat as he says this, though, like he's
realizing something.
wait a minute. ] Wait - wait, you're -
[ . . . ] And I've been calling you gege!
[ HEY
wow his whole face turns red ]
Edited 2021-10-19 03:28 (UTC)
[ every day i come into this catch-all the shitpost brings me joy.
but anyway, shamsiel is here to meet xei lian at the market place. their arm still in a sling and cloak drawn nearly completely over their person. ]
I'm always here for talks. How are you this morning?
but anyway, shamsiel is here to meet xei lian at the market place. their arm still in a sling and cloak drawn nearly completely over their person. ]
I'm always here for talks. How are you this morning?
[ good im glad
xie lian looks quite happy to see shamsiel! he greets them with a little bow, fist pressed to his hand. ]
I'm doing quite well! I've come to enjoy this city very much - last night, I stayed out late and looked at the stars, and it was simply breathtaking, and the locals here are wonderful, too.
How about you, dear Shamsiel? Are you enjoying it here?
xie lian looks quite happy to see shamsiel! he greets them with a little bow, fist pressed to his hand. ]
I'm doing quite well! I've come to enjoy this city very much - last night, I stayed out late and looked at the stars, and it was simply breathtaking, and the locals here are wonderful, too.
How about you, dear Shamsiel? Are you enjoying it here?
| [ if only he could FUCKING WRITE, because baraqiel would write back to let xie lian know what's happening where the watcher's are staying. but, that's fine - his daemon arrives where xie lian is, eagle-formed at first and landing with a chirruppy cry, before shifting and circling around him as a tiger to corral him off. the abandoned mansion is their destination, but much like in otamo, xie lian is allowed in and brought inside the doors with no issues. the foyer alone is extravagant, and the open lounging itself is, as well. baraqiel will come to receive him, hood down and mask off, but cloak still layered on him. ] Coincidentally, Suriel and Shamsiel aren't here. [ rameel and yomiel are around somewhere, he guesses, but he doesn't care. ] If Dianxia would like, he could stay here tonight. |
[ hello daemon... cute....
xie lian follows behind his tiger with no issues! san lang happily leaps on his back as a ferret and makes himself settled there, riding his gallant steed all the way to the abandoned mansion. it is very pretty, isn't it? he finds himself looking around in the foyer, and then when baraqiel approaches, offers him a smile and a bow of greeting - then, looks a little surprised at the offer. ]
Are you sure, Baraqiel-gege...? I would hate to intrude.
xie lian follows behind his tiger with no issues! san lang happily leaps on his back as a ferret and makes himself settled there, riding his gallant steed all the way to the abandoned mansion. it is very pretty, isn't it? he finds himself looking around in the foyer, and then when baraqiel approaches, offers him a smile and a bow of greeting - then, looks a little surprised at the offer. ]
Are you sure, Baraqiel-gege...? I would hate to intrude.
[ AAAAAAA ]
Baraqiel-gege - [ xie lian is just a storm of emotions - he looks relieved to see baraqiel, briefly, but then afraid, and then angry, and then just emotional.
cutting to the chase, immediately: ] Three people are missing. How many of them are dead?
Baraqiel-gege - [ xie lian is just a storm of emotions - he looks relieved to see baraqiel, briefly, but then afraid, and then angry, and then just emotional.
cutting to the chase, immediately: ] Three people are missing. How many of them are dead?
| [ it's the eagle that comes to xie lian again, chirruping a little eagle cry to get his attention, before it's off again. it does lead him to the manor once more, but keeps flying up instead of changing into a tiger or going to the door. where it lands is baraqiel's outstretched arm, and he's already taken off his mask, looking down at xie lian. in his other hand is a bottle, loosely held between two fingers and uncorked. a message is rolled in it. xie lian should recognize it as the one he used. ] For you? Always. |
[ well
xie lian doesn't say anything for a long moment, just sort of looking up at him.
he takes a deep breath. san lang shifts, from qilin to ferret, and curls around his neck - and with that deep breath taken, xie lian takes to the side of the roof and begins to ascend it. he's quick as ever - moving from foothold to foothold with his usual strength and agility. a white clothed beacon of hope in the night, as bright as the stars overhead.
as he swings onto the roof, he stands, brushing himself off, and just looks at baraqiel for a long moment. the rush of need for affection of the week comes.
he takes a step forward. two. three.
and then faster, hurrying, until he lifts his arms and just throws them around baraqiel. ]
xie lian doesn't say anything for a long moment, just sort of looking up at him.
he takes a deep breath. san lang shifts, from qilin to ferret, and curls around his neck - and with that deep breath taken, xie lian takes to the side of the roof and begins to ascend it. he's quick as ever - moving from foothold to foothold with his usual strength and agility. a white clothed beacon of hope in the night, as bright as the stars overhead.
as he swings onto the roof, he stands, brushing himself off, and just looks at baraqiel for a long moment. the rush of need for affection of the week comes.
he takes a step forward. two. three.
and then faster, hurrying, until he lifts his arms and just throws them around baraqiel. ]
[ baby girl
brows knit together, caught somewhere between anger and compassion, he bites his lip as she approaches. ]
... [ it wasn't enough. he shakes his head. ] You can. You can ask me for anything you want, Miss Suriel, and I will try my best to provide.
[ softer; ] I'm sorry.
brows knit together, caught somewhere between anger and compassion, he bites his lip as she approaches. ]
... [ it wasn't enough. he shakes his head. ] You can. You can ask me for anything you want, Miss Suriel, and I will try my best to provide.
[ softer; ] I'm sorry.
| [ they dance again, of course. there are more weapons, more swords and sabers and scimitars that baraqiel could take to use, but still he uses the construct of starlight. now that they're both feeling more revitalized - nevermind the effect the two of them are under - it's easier, really, to commit to the dance without fear of aggravating something. but he really could spar with xie lian for hours. eventually, though, they have to relinquish the arena. that's just how it is. except, now, baraqiel is buzzing under his skin. ] You know, Dianxia, while we're here... we should make use of the arena. I don't think I can ever get enough of going toe-to-toe with you. |
[ ah, that was so fun. xie lian looks utterly exhilarated as their battle wraps up - he's sweating and flushed, his cheeks red as he sheaths fang xin at his side once more, beaming up at baraqiel. seeing him unmasked is so - wow, today it feels especially wonderful, and xie lian's gaze moves from the starlight sight of his constructed saber up to baraqiel's face as he beams at him. for once he looks a little out of order, hair a little messy from a fight well fought. ]
For more sparring? I would do so every day, if it wouldn't be a bother or a weight upon your duties.
[ please... that would be paradise...! ]
For more sparring? I would do so every day, if it wouldn't be a bother or a weight upon your duties.
[ please... that would be paradise...! ]
Edited 2021-10-26 20:54 (UTC)
[ ... baraqiel is a giant titty baby, but he's still going to come, because xie lian's not wrong.
tanhua lopes at his heels out of the library, tiger-formed, peering around the watcher as the two of them make their way down the hall to come and meet xie lian. ]
Of course, Dianxia.
tanhua lopes at his heels out of the library, tiger-formed, peering around the watcher as the two of them make their way down the hall to come and meet xie lian. ]
Of course, Dianxia.
[ well!!!! well.
xie lian is pink in the cheeks when baraqiel approaches, but, even still, he stands straight backed and tall in the castle hall, waiting. san lang is with him, in ferret form by his feet.
there's
a pause. ]
...Baraqiel-gege. [ the little nickname is tripped over, for a moment - the pink turns redder, and then, he shifts and abruptly bows, fist to hand. ] ... I am sorry that you were affected by a curse as well as I was.
xie lian is pink in the cheeks when baraqiel approaches, but, even still, he stands straight backed and tall in the castle hall, waiting. san lang is with him, in ferret form by his feet.
there's
a pause. ]
...Baraqiel-gege. [ the little nickname is tripped over, for a moment - the pink turns redder, and then, he shifts and abruptly bows, fist to hand. ] ... I am sorry that you were affected by a curse as well as I was.
[ the door opens easily enough after a moment - it's another case of baraqiel knowing who's on the other side - and tanhua peers around his legs as a tiger at the xie lian and san lang, waiting, somewhat patiently, for when it can change forms. ]
Come in, Dianxia.
Come in, Dianxia.
[ xie lian gives baraqiel a little bow of his head, and - despite the awkwardness of thursday, it all seems to have faded. he's got a tired smile for him, flushed cheeked and... a little sniffly? and has pulled his dark, still wet hair up into a big bun.
san lang is a qilin at his back - he makes a low noise and rumbles, pushing past xie lian's legs and rubbing up against baraqiel's once like it's nothing before making his way to tanhua. ]
I know you are all busy - I would not take up too much of your time.
san lang is a qilin at his back - he makes a low noise and rumbles, pushing past xie lian's legs and rubbing up against baraqiel's once like it's nothing before making his way to tanhua. ]
I know you are all busy - I would not take up too much of your time.
| [ a black nose on a black-brown and white snout pokes out first, sniffing, before tanhua slips out the door before baraqiel does. his hands are a little smudged, and there's some on his brow, as well - he's got an eyepatch on, today, so the right half of his face isn't completely obscured. not like usual. he's trying to clean himself up the good old fashioned way, without his cloak or mask, rubbing his hands on a cleaning cloth. ] I always have time for you, Dianxia. And you've caught me coming back. |
[ ! ]
Oh? Hello, Baraqiel-gege. [ xie lian is up on a ladder in the library, poking through the books and looking for something. but, the greeting of his favorite watcher catches his attention. his bunny ears perk straight up, and then his head tilts to the side. san lang, ferret form, wriggles out of xie lian's collar and hops down, clambering down the ladder and heading towards tanhua. ]
Coming back from where? Are you alright?
[ what are you smudged with sir ]
Oh? Hello, Baraqiel-gege. [ xie lian is up on a ladder in the library, poking through the books and looking for something. but, the greeting of his favorite watcher catches his attention. his bunny ears perk straight up, and then his head tilts to the side. san lang, ferret form, wriggles out of xie lian's collar and hops down, clambering down the ladder and heading towards tanhua. ]
Coming back from where? Are you alright?
[ what are you smudged with sir ]
| [ where is xie lian? hopefully somewhere private, because baraqiel comes up behind him in a crunch of snow under boots, tanhua loping ahead of him. but before xie lian can turn, the watcher wraps his arms around him from behind, wings slipping out from his cloak to wrap around him as well. careful, so as not to touch where he knows that he was bleeding, but - holding. ] Why is Dianxia apologizing to me..? My ire was not directed at him. |
[ it has been a very long day.
from helping with the roles to dealing with sholmes's... breakdown or whatever it was, to the bleeding injury in his chest that reminds him of a terrible time, to the town meeting, to watching baraqiel's fury and wondering if he was a part of that ire...
xie lian had stepped outside to the ice gardens for a moment of quiet to himself, to meditate. he'd just been standing here, sweater on but nothing else warmer, san lang wrapped around his neck - the sound of boots catches his attention, but, he can't look back.
he's being held, suddenly.
and despite everything, the feeling is one of safe. ]
I - [ he's not often one to stutter, but. xie lian shakes his head, after a moment, any tenseness just slowly starting to melt from his shoulders. ] ...I was one of the ones speaking of roles, after all. We have caused you all so much pain.
from helping with the roles to dealing with sholmes's... breakdown or whatever it was, to the bleeding injury in his chest that reminds him of a terrible time, to the town meeting, to watching baraqiel's fury and wondering if he was a part of that ire...
xie lian had stepped outside to the ice gardens for a moment of quiet to himself, to meditate. he'd just been standing here, sweater on but nothing else warmer, san lang wrapped around his neck - the sound of boots catches his attention, but, he can't look back.
he's being held, suddenly.
and despite everything, the feeling is one of safe. ]
I - [ he's not often one to stutter, but. xie lian shakes his head, after a moment, any tenseness just slowly starting to melt from his shoulders. ] ...I was one of the ones speaking of roles, after all. We have caused you all so much pain.
[ she'll meet xie lian in the chapel today, a little sluggish but smiling nonetheless. ]
I'm ready if you are. [ she hesitates for a moment before continuing. ] But first, I should tell you that I'll only be able to do one more exchange like this with anyone for the rest of the week, so I'm going to hold onto it in case anyone needs healing again.
I thought it was only fair to let you know first.
I'm ready if you are. [ she hesitates for a moment before continuing. ] But first, I should tell you that I'll only be able to do one more exchange like this with anyone for the rest of the week, so I'm going to hold onto it in case anyone needs healing again.
I thought it was only fair to let you know first.
[ oh, xie lian looks immediately fussy as he sees how tired suriel looks, reaching for her hands if she'll let him take them. ]
Oh - is that because... [ of the punishment? he doesn't say it, but. hhh. ] ...I can ask another Watcher, Miss Suriel - you don't have to use it on me, if you are limited...
Oh - is that because... [ of the punishment? he doesn't say it, but. hhh. ] ...I can ask another Watcher, Miss Suriel - you don't have to use it on me, if you are limited...
| [ of course baraqiel will let him into the room, sneaking him past the staff and everything. the horrible, horrible face will stare them down from the wall, but he's gotten to the point where he ignores it. especially since xie lian is here? tanhua immediately shifts to huli jing at the sight of him, jumping off the bed and going to greet him and san lang, all tails wiggling. ] I know it's colder than Dianxia is used to, still, but please get as comfortable as you can. |
[ you know it is... tuesday! so xie lian is already probably used to the horrible face on the wall. also this is a guy who had temples with his own face in them so it's not that weird.
anyway!! he smiles at baraqiel as he enters, and then nods his head, polite as ever. his furry scarf - oh, wait, no, san lang just unwinds himself from around xie lian's neck and hops down gracefully from his shoulder, moving quickly to just leap onto the huli jing. warm!
xie lian smiles at the daemons antics, and then up at baraqiel. ]
Thank you for having me once more, Baraqiel-gege. [ and then, with a little laugh - ] I don't mind too much; it has been quite exciting to see so much snow.
[ he is. not really well dressed for warmth, and there's a faint red stain at his stomach underneath all of his layers but that's okay. ] I hope your day has been better, today?
anyway!! he smiles at baraqiel as he enters, and then nods his head, polite as ever. his furry scarf - oh, wait, no, san lang just unwinds himself from around xie lian's neck and hops down gracefully from his shoulder, moving quickly to just leap onto the huli jing. warm!
xie lian smiles at the daemons antics, and then up at baraqiel. ]
Thank you for having me once more, Baraqiel-gege. [ and then, with a little laugh - ] I don't mind too much; it has been quite exciting to see so much snow.
[ he is. not really well dressed for warmth, and there's a faint red stain at his stomach underneath all of his layers but that's okay. ] I hope your day has been better, today?
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