off they go! to the beach (beach). san lang runs easily with the tiger, keeping pace and even dashing ahead at some points. what a powerful and graceful noodle.
xie lian clasps his hands behind his back as they walk. ] Well... they're a bit like prayers.
People often leave prayers for gods, no? Written, verbal - they toss them out to the Heavens, in hopes that the god they choose to pray for is listening. It feels a bit similar, is all.
[ fine, jesus, they're tall. the height difference between daemons is vastly appropriate.
baraqiel listens as the tiger alternates between racing after the speedy noodle, outpacing, or walking circles around san lang or their persons. this is mostly being ignored by the watcher, as per usual. ]
I see. Well, we're certainly no gods, here - though we're meant to be guardians that many people associate with a singular god. Suriel and Shamsiel know more about them than I do, but apparently they're guardian angels.
[ im kidding it said it on their profile i just had to scream
there's something about 'we're certainly no gods here' that makes xie lian's mouth twitch, a little, but he keeps it to himself, listening instead to the lore! at one point san lang decides to play keep away with this tiger, which is ridiculous because it is like a foot long. irrelevant. feisty. ]
I quite like your method, anyhow. Gods are not very good at communicating, sometimes. [ xie lian? there are a lot of layers to that statement.
anyhow! ] It is almost difficult, to imagine the world with only one god. Are you in contact with them? [ i dont think that's how this works bud ] And, to be a guardian... sort of like warriors - ah, well. I suppose, moreso like 'watchers'.
a moment, and baraqiel turns their head to watch their daemon bound after xie lian's like this difference in size is negligible. after he starts speaking, though, they look back at him. ]
The execution could use some work, but as long as it does its job I'm only complaining for the sake of complaining, at that point. [ an absent noise follows ]
Can't say I can imagine it, either. But, no, we've no contact with that god. [ beat, then, dryly: ] We also don't have contact with the higher power we're meant to be working under, but I can't say I was particularly optimistic about that. I will say I'm more used to the warrior role, rather than a watcher, but regardless.
Oh, how wonderful. I'd love to see your technique, sometime! [ even after everything that's happened to him, xie lian is a big fan of swords. and swordfighting. and martial arts in general. ]
I wouldn't mind. [ since xie lian seems so excited at the prospect. and it's not something that baraqiel hates the idea of. ] Though, we'll have to get your sword back, first.
...well, that does answer that question. [ xie lian frowns, a little, bringing his hand to his chin, thoughtful. san lang pauses too, ears flicking curiously from where he's probably climbing baraqiel's daemon like a tree now? i don't know his life ] I had thought that the name "Fang Xin" sound like it could be a blade, but... Baraqiel, that is not a blade that I have ever owned.
Not that I am complaining, of course, but, even before - when I was younger and had them all, I still knew the names of all of my weapons. I am hoping if perhaps I can see it, then I might recognize it.
[ a pause, and baraqiel comes to a stop, looking at xie lian and seeming to turn that over. their daemon approaches, making low, chuffing noises, head low and ears sideways as they look up at them with their eyes.
the silence before they answer stretches, before they finally come to something. ]
... that does make things interesting, when there's already so many complications. Hopefully we'll be able to get your things back to you, soon, so that's one less mystery in all of this.
It would be very nice to have my robes back. [ he laughs, at that, looking helplessly down at himself - white turtleneck, white cargo pants, and this truly incredible jacket. ] And a blade, as well. I hope it is an excellent one - I'm looking forward to seeing its construction, at least. There must be a reason why it came along with me.
[ there sure is! haha!
anyway san lang tapataps at the daemon with his little ferret paws - the sidewise ears! - and then starts trying to climb up its back. ] What happened to them, anyway...?
It's... definitely an interesting look. I don't think I would be able to pull it off, but this isn't my norm, either.
[ they extend a wing, actually, to lift their cloak up higher to display it. xie lian will get a better look at the limb in question.
it then lowers, and the tiger rumbles faintly, but does shift a little to make san lang's climbing easier as if it's just a natural motion. ]
I suppose we'll see. But we think something happened on your way in, that might have separated you from your things. [ beat ] Your clothes doing the same seems farfetched, and might have just been an excuse to put you in those joke clothes.
[ oh, wings.... xie lian comes to look, leaning in curiously to do so, though not touching! he is polite. ]
I've never seen someone with wings before. People can certainly fly [ ??? ] but not at all like this. That seems quite the norm around here, doesn't it...?
[ all these angels! ] They are very lovely.
[ san lang is now sitting on the tiger's head. yes. he's standing, actually, paws together, balancing. very cute. ]
As for our clothes - I suppose as long as we weren't just undressed by someone, and that they're returned at some point, that is alright. [ even if the material of the jacket and everything else is scratchy and uncomfortable, in ways he isn't really used to. it's fine. sometimes you were spoiled. ] Stranger things have happened...
I've seen my fair share of interesting people with interesting parts. [ they hold still long enough for xie lian to see, but then they're folded back under the cloak, practically blending in with the lining. ] But angels and flight are new. How, exactly, do people fly without wings for you..?
[ polite interest, though genuine. the tiger sits down on the sand, chuffing and seemingly settled in temperament again, with this ferret balancing on its head.
(their ears do flick back, briefly, but hard to say at what.) ]
Stranger things are always happening, but no, I'd hope that wasn't the case. Bad enough to be put into those getups in the first place.
On their swords, of course. [ like this is obvious? of course it is. that's just what people do, in his realm. ] Or sabers, I suppose. Or also, you can sometimes simply jump high enough that it feels as though you're flying, and use your spiritual energy to cushion your landing.
[ not that xie lian really can do that anymore.
... he falters just a little, but, recovers after a moment, fiddling with his long hair. san lang makes a little noise and decides to drape over the tiger's neck, instead, like a good noodle. ]
Certainly so. It could have been worse, I think. I may have gotten off lucky. [ he's really only saying this because his neck was covered, but, that's fine. picking a spot to stand on the beach for a moment, xie lian tucks his hands behind his back, looking up at his companion. ]
You know... I believe I heard you say that you chose to be here, a while before. Is that right...?
I. See. That's rather unconventional - the swords, not the jumping. [ not necessarily unkindly, but a touch bemused by it.
with the way that xie lian falters, baraqiel doesn't visibly react - but their daemon makes a soft noise, especially hearing san lang's, and tilts its head up at him. of course, it makes no move to come closer.
no further comment about the unfortunate wardrobe, it seems. still, they're quiet, with that question. ]
It is, yes. All of us were approached by the higher powers responsible for each side, and we agreed to their offers, for whatever reasons.
Wings are rather unconventional for us, you know. [ there's a little teasing in that sentence, but only a little - as if a playful teaching from an affectionate teacher.
san lang chitters and taps his paws against his daemon's head. patpat. patpatpat. it's okay, they're okay!
and then... that digs at his curiosity, so. ] ...Is it alright to ask what that reason was? It may be too personal - you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to.
Fair enough. [ faint amusement comes back. ] Although I find the idea of riding a flying sword something of a funny image.
[ a faint tease in return. at least their tiger returns to chuffing with the pats, and seems to accept san lang's reassurance. baraqiel, however, falls silent with the question - turning it over. ]
... the Celestials were told that if the Temporals were to win in this conflict, that terrible things would happen to these worlds we all come from, and the people within them. I don't tend to take much credence in those threats, considering I've heard them before and dealt with them with little issue, but I wouldn't have been able to help someone important for some time, and it would leave them to face a threat like that alone - this gives me the extra time to.
[ oh, he doesn't like that. xie lian frowns, reaching into his pockets to absently pull out the coin, turning it over in his fingers. that threat feels heavy, like blackmail - it sits wrong in his heart, and he feels for all of their celestials and temporals alike. ]
So... by participating, or, at least 'watching' in this conflict - it allows you to buy time, for someone important to you? Is that right? [ just to make sure he's understanding it correctly. ]
Something like that. You would have to ask Suriel and Shamsiel for their reasons, and I couldn't care less about what reasons the Temporals have.
[ it's blunt, because it's true. baraqiel seems to care only for the pair that flank him, and there's no love lost between him and the temporals, and they don't seem to care about this. ]
And in my case, I - [ am going to poof into dust, actually, and rather abruptly. it shimmers gold and in the general size of the watcher it once was, disappearing in some places with the glow of the morning sun, but suspended in midair. their daemon stands up abruptly, lips curling in a snarl. ]
[ this is IMMEDIATE genuine panic, as he reaches out hurriedly as if he can stabilize them with his bare hands?! hello?! san lang also puffs up and grabs on hard to their daemon, like he too can just hold them on this plane of reality. ]
[ it takes about a minute, give or take, but they do rematerialize. with a deep breath, they hold still, hold their breath, before exhaling it with something almost venomous underneath it.
the tiger's tail lashes, ears pinned back, less agreeable chuffs and groans coming out of it. ]
- I'm fine. Started to say too much for the moment, apparently.
[ when baraqiel re-materializes like that, xie lian grabs onto the front of his outfit, as if he could anchor them into existing with his bare hands, and looks up at them with big, worried eyes, still a little panicked and also maybe lecturing a tiny bit? it's fine. worry!!! ]
Please, don't say too much just because I am asking you questions...! If it's too much, tell me, and I won't press, I don't want to hurt you! Are you sure you're alright? That doesn't hurt, does it?
[ FUSSY!!! his daemon starts attempting to groom the top of the tiger's head, equally fussy. ]
[ the sound of feathers suddenly shifting can be heard under baraqiel's cloak as xie lian grabs hold of it, and there seems to be a moment of surprise, even if their eyes aren't visible. it also takes a beat, two, before they respond, as if taking in the fussing and trying to decide what to do with it. ]
Little more than an inconvenience and an interruption, to me. And something of a reminder to not speak out of turn when we're not able to offer further information. Please don't worry.
[ at least the grooming seems to calm the tiger down, though its hackles are still up it does quieten. ]
[ he is still very fussy even after that - xie lian chews his lip for a moment before brushing his hands where they’re sitting, like he could brush off any of that extra debris before he lets go. ]
Still… just deny me, alright? I won’t be offended. [ finally, he huffs and pulls his hands all the way back, folding them in front of himself. ] …it seems gods or higher powers are all quite similar no matter where they are.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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off they go! to the beach (beach). san lang runs easily with the tiger, keeping pace and even dashing ahead at some points. what a powerful and graceful noodle.
xie lian clasps his hands behind his back as they walk. ] Well... they're a bit like prayers.
People often leave prayers for gods, no? Written, verbal - they toss them out to the Heavens, in hopes that the god they choose to pray for is listening. It feels a bit similar, is all.
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baraqiel listens as the tiger alternates between racing after the speedy noodle, outpacing, or walking circles around san lang or their persons. this is mostly being ignored by the watcher, as per usual. ]
I see. Well, we're certainly no gods, here - though we're meant to be guardians that many people associate with a singular god. Suriel and Shamsiel know more about them than I do, but apparently they're guardian angels.
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there's something about 'we're certainly no gods here' that makes xie lian's mouth twitch, a little, but he keeps it to himself, listening instead to the lore! at one point san lang decides to play keep away with this tiger, which is ridiculous because it is like a foot long. irrelevant. feisty. ]
I quite like your method, anyhow. Gods are not very good at communicating, sometimes. [ xie lian? there are a lot of layers to that statement.
anyhow! ] It is almost difficult, to imagine the world with only one god. Are you in contact with them? [ i dont think that's how this works bud ] And, to be a guardian... sort of like warriors - ah, well. I suppose, moreso like 'watchers'.
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a moment, and baraqiel turns their head to watch their daemon bound after xie lian's like this difference in size is negligible. after he starts speaking, though, they look back at him. ]
The execution could use some work, but as long as it does its job I'm only complaining for the sake of complaining, at that point. [ an absent noise follows ]
Can't say I can imagine it, either. But, no, we've no contact with that god. [ beat, then, dryly: ] We also don't have contact with the higher power we're meant to be working under, but I can't say I was particularly optimistic about that. I will say I'm more used to the warrior role, rather than a watcher, but regardless.
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Oh - are you? What sort of warrior, Baraqiel? The martial arts? Do you do any swordsmanship or anything of the like?
[ sparkle sparkle sparkle ]
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baraqiel laughs, though. ]
Swordsmanship, mostly, but I'm not a slouch in martial arts when pushed and can handle most weapons well enough.
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the way he just brightens up even further ]
Oh, how wonderful. I'd love to see your technique, sometime! [ even after everything that's happened to him, xie lian is a big fan of swords. and swordfighting. and martial arts in general. ]
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...well, that does answer that question. [ xie lian frowns, a little, bringing his hand to his chin, thoughtful. san lang pauses too, ears flicking curiously from where he's probably climbing baraqiel's daemon like a tree now? i don't know his life ] I had thought that the name "Fang Xin" sound like it could be a blade, but... Baraqiel, that is not a blade that I have ever owned.
Not that I am complaining, of course, but, even before - when I was younger and had them all, I still knew the names of all of my weapons. I am hoping if perhaps I can see it, then I might recognize it.
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the silence before they answer stretches, before they finally come to something. ]
... that does make things interesting, when there's already so many complications. Hopefully we'll be able to get your things back to you, soon, so that's one less mystery in all of this.
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[ there sure is! haha!
anyway san lang tapataps at the daemon with his little ferret paws - the sidewise ears! - and then starts trying to climb up its back. ] What happened to them, anyway...?
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[ they extend a wing, actually, to lift their cloak up higher to display it. xie lian will get a better look at the limb in question.
it then lowers, and the tiger rumbles faintly, but does shift a little to make san lang's climbing easier as if it's just a natural motion. ]
I suppose we'll see. But we think something happened on your way in, that might have separated you from your things. [ beat ] Your clothes doing the same seems farfetched, and might have just been an excuse to put you in those joke clothes.
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I've never seen someone with wings before. People can certainly fly [ ??? ] but not at all like this. That seems quite the norm around here, doesn't it...?
[ all these angels! ] They are very lovely.
[ san lang is now sitting on the tiger's head. yes. he's standing, actually, paws together, balancing. very cute. ]
As for our clothes - I suppose as long as we weren't just undressed by someone, and that they're returned at some point, that is alright. [ even if the material of the jacket and everything else is scratchy and uncomfortable, in ways he isn't really used to. it's fine. sometimes you were spoiled. ] Stranger things have happened...
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[ polite interest, though genuine. the tiger sits down on the sand, chuffing and seemingly settled in temperament again, with this ferret balancing on its head.
(their ears do flick back, briefly, but hard to say at what.) ]
Stranger things are always happening, but no, I'd hope that wasn't the case. Bad enough to be put into those getups in the first place.
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[ not that xie lian really can do that anymore.
... he falters just a little, but, recovers after a moment, fiddling with his long hair. san lang makes a little noise and decides to drape over the tiger's neck, instead, like a good noodle. ]
Certainly so. It could have been worse, I think. I may have gotten off lucky. [ he's really only saying this because his neck was covered, but, that's fine. picking a spot to stand on the beach for a moment, xie lian tucks his hands behind his back, looking up at his companion. ]
You know... I believe I heard you say that you chose to be here, a while before. Is that right...?
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with the way that xie lian falters, baraqiel doesn't visibly react - but their daemon makes a soft noise, especially hearing san lang's, and tilts its head up at him. of course, it makes no move to come closer.
no further comment about the unfortunate wardrobe, it seems. still, they're quiet, with that question. ]
It is, yes. All of us were approached by the higher powers responsible for each side, and we agreed to their offers, for whatever reasons.
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san lang chitters and taps his paws against his daemon's head. patpat. patpatpat. it's okay, they're okay!
and then... that digs at his curiosity, so. ] ...Is it alright to ask what that reason was? It may be too personal - you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to.
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[ a faint tease in return. at least their tiger returns to chuffing with the pats, and seems to accept san lang's reassurance. baraqiel, however, falls silent with the question - turning it over. ]
... the Celestials were told that if the Temporals were to win in this conflict, that terrible things would happen to these worlds we all come from, and the people within them. I don't tend to take much credence in those threats, considering I've heard them before and dealt with them with little issue, but I wouldn't have been able to help someone important for some time, and it would leave them to face a threat like that alone - this gives me the extra time to.
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So... by participating, or, at least 'watching' in this conflict - it allows you to buy time, for someone important to you? Is that right? [ just to make sure he's understanding it correctly. ]
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[ it's blunt, because it's true. baraqiel seems to care only for the pair that flank him, and there's no love lost between him and the temporals, and they don't seem to care about this. ]
And in my case, I - [ am going to poof into dust, actually, and rather abruptly. it shimmers gold and in the general size of the watcher it once was, disappearing in some places with the glow of the morning sun, but suspended in midair. their daemon stands up abruptly, lips curling in a snarl. ]
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Oh - Baraqiel!?
[ this is IMMEDIATE genuine panic, as he reaches out hurriedly as if he can stabilize them with his bare hands?! hello?! san lang also puffs up and grabs on hard to their daemon, like he too can just hold them on this plane of reality. ]
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the tiger's tail lashes, ears pinned back, less agreeable chuffs and groans coming out of it. ]
- I'm fine. Started to say too much for the moment, apparently.
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Please, don't say too much just because I am asking you questions...! If it's too much, tell me, and I won't press, I don't want to hurt you! Are you sure you're alright? That doesn't hurt, does it?
[ FUSSY!!! his daemon starts attempting to groom the top of the tiger's head, equally fussy. ]
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Little more than an inconvenience and an interruption, to me. And something of a reminder to not speak out of turn when we're not able to offer further information. Please don't worry.
[ at least the grooming seems to calm the tiger down, though its hackles are still up it does quieten. ]
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Still… just deny me, alright? I won’t be offended. [ finally, he huffs and pulls his hands all the way back, folding them in front of himself. ] …it seems gods or higher powers are all quite similar no matter where they are.
[ he sounds? a little annoyed? :T ]
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