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| [ this is it. come thursday, hua cheng will lead them into the caves that they arrived in - but deeper, bringing a hand up to summon that hard starlight he's wielded for weeks now. his daemon leads the way, tails flicking, head moving, tracking down the direction that they're meant to go in. ] I'm not sure how time will pass for you, considering how your previous trips have gone, but you need to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. Ask questions, now, if you have them. This is it, until we see you on the other side. |
Edited 2021-11-15 17:24 (UTC)
[ and it's just you, and your daemons, and nothing else as you step through the window. there's a thick, cloying ash in the air to greet you, but something more oppressive, something that weighs heavier.
xie lian will recognize it as resentful energy. the land reeks of it, almost, as if it's soaked into the earth itself, but rolls down from the mountain that looms over the ruined city that you've found yourselves in. it's familiar, rin. you know this place, now, these buildings, the temple that the mural sat in, the shapes groveling and dying amongst the ash. the quiet whispers on the wind, picking at the back of the mind, just barely a breath in the ear, but somehow almost tangible.
but the destruction will be familiar to all. a civilization left to burn and decay under the weight of what feels like a divine punishment, nothing left of the glory it once held. a kingdom destroyed by calamity, its people lost, ravaged and torn asunder with nothing to save it. the evidence of failure, of what happens when the fires burn out of control, when you just can't stop a disaster even as its epicenter.
you're back in the city - or, newly arrived to the city, in the case of kaeya and xie lian. you've emerged at a different location than the last time, rin, but you would recognize it regardless. you can hear familiar skittering, the soft voices of despair in a language that you have to readjust to, that kaeya will take longer to understand, but that xie lian will know when he should not - but also the rumble of earth in the distance, the cacophony of howling, roars, screams, cackling laughter further beneath that.
welcome to the base of the kiln. how will you proceed? ]
xie lian will recognize it as resentful energy. the land reeks of it, almost, as if it's soaked into the earth itself, but rolls down from the mountain that looms over the ruined city that you've found yourselves in. it's familiar, rin. you know this place, now, these buildings, the temple that the mural sat in, the shapes groveling and dying amongst the ash. the quiet whispers on the wind, picking at the back of the mind, just barely a breath in the ear, but somehow almost tangible.
but the destruction will be familiar to all. a civilization left to burn and decay under the weight of what feels like a divine punishment, nothing left of the glory it once held. a kingdom destroyed by calamity, its people lost, ravaged and torn asunder with nothing to save it. the evidence of failure, of what happens when the fires burn out of control, when you just can't stop a disaster even as its epicenter.
you're back in the city - or, newly arrived to the city, in the case of kaeya and xie lian. you've emerged at a different location than the last time, rin, but you would recognize it regardless. you can hear familiar skittering, the soft voices of despair in a language that you have to readjust to, that kaeya will take longer to understand, but that xie lian will know when he should not - but also the rumble of earth in the distance, the cacophony of howling, roars, screams, cackling laughter further beneath that.
welcome to the base of the kiln. how will you proceed? ]
Edited 2021-11-16 15:00 (UTC)
[ here we are - the moment of expected challenge. xie lian has been waiting for this, hoping for this, and for it to finally come to fruition has him feeling more determined than ever. he stands in his white silks, bandages around his neck like always, his back straight, chin lifted, and san lang mirrors his posture - a powerful qilin, strong in the face of danger, hand around the hilt of fang xin at his side. there is nothing to be afraid of.
he's going home.
xie lian takes a deep breath. ]
We will be successful. [ he says, in a voice that allows no argument, glancing back to his two companions.
... and then, after a moment, xie lian turns his attention to hua cheng. ]
It will be home, Baraqiel. [ a little softer. ] Hua Cheng.
... May I ask you for one last exchange?
he's going home.
xie lian takes a deep breath. ]
We will be successful. [ he says, in a voice that allows no argument, glancing back to his two companions.
... and then, after a moment, xie lian turns his attention to hua cheng. ]
It will be home, Baraqiel. [ a little softer. ] Hua Cheng.
... May I ask you for one last exchange?
It's okay. Like he said, we'll make it. No matter what, we'll come out on the other side of things.
[Is he scared? Hell yes. But his want to help others is stronger than that fear, for now. Twice he's cone out of these things with deep scars on his heart, but he can survive a third. He's hopeful at least.]
...will we know, when we find what we need?
[Then he'll wait and let XL and HC be gay for a moment.]
[Is he scared? Hell yes. But his want to help others is stronger than that fear, for now. Twice he's cone out of these things with deep scars on his heart, but he can survive a third. He's hopeful at least.]
...will we know, when we find what we need?
[Then he'll wait and let XL and HC be gay for a moment.]
[ these bitches gay, good for them!!!!
but in all seriousness, kaeya moves to stand beside rin and let this exchange happen, polaris stood by his side in his white wolf glory, ears pricked forward at attention and blue eyes hard and focused. there's certainly fear here, but it's only fear of the unknown, fear of the deep and dark abyss. and to combat it, he simply sets a hand on his sword, resting it there. the three of them and baraqiel--hua cheng--have come so far, have they not? ]
Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best is what these past few weeks have taught us, isn't it?
We will return. Victorious. Failure is no option of ours.
This place... could you say anything of what awaits us here? Or would that just be too telling?
but in all seriousness, kaeya moves to stand beside rin and let this exchange happen, polaris stood by his side in his white wolf glory, ears pricked forward at attention and blue eyes hard and focused. there's certainly fear here, but it's only fear of the unknown, fear of the deep and dark abyss. and to combat it, he simply sets a hand on his sword, resting it there. the three of them and baraqiel--hua cheng--have come so far, have they not? ]
Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best is what these past few weeks have taught us, isn't it?
We will return. Victorious. Failure is no option of ours.
This place... could you say anything of what awaits us here? Or would that just be too telling?
| If it's the same as when they fell through in Ahnkeen... Rin's been there. Dianxia has heard of it. The Kiln of Mt. Tonglu, and one that is at a timeframe where it is opened from what Rin has told me, which means countless ghosts, demons, and monsters have been drawn to it and the resentful energy that roils off of the mountain. If it's still open, they will be hunting and killing one another and anything that found its way onto the mountainside. They will be in the thousands, if not the millions. I don't know what you're meant to be finding, but I can hazard a few guesses - and you'll know it when you find it, once you get through the numbers. I can't come with you. [ and he's clearly loathe to say it, a growl coming from the daemon ahead of him, all of its tails lashing, before it looks at the three of them. they continue deeper into the cave, following the trail discovered and left behind. ] I spent years in the Kiln. I know it better than most. But so long as you aren't separated, and you do not let yourselves get surrounded, you should be alright. Just try not to get caught in an eruption - they happen occasionally. [ hua cheng slows, to let kaeya and rin by, turning to look at xie lian. ] ... of course you can, Dianxia. |
[ even just the phrase feels ominous - the kiln of mt. tonglu. by now, he's heard the phrase a few times, and he knows what comes with it. the birth of a supreme ghost, like qi rong, like crimson rain sought flower (standing in front of him, now) and...
... like the white no face.
he's expecting it, almost. that is the only thing that could possibly give him any pause, or any fear. facing down a million ghosts is nothing. today, xie lian looks himself; he looks like the crown prince, like the god he was born to be.
he looks back to the other two, determination in his eyes, and nods. to rin, especially - who wanted a second chance, who confessed his fears and worries to xie lian not days before, who he will do everything to support, and to kaeya, who has done so much for him here. his right hand, his sword.
... and he looks, finally, to baraqiel, stepping up closer to him. xie lian's expression is hard to read, as he looks up at hua cheng, brows knitting together for a moment like he's deciding if he has anything else to say. words, ultimately, aren't going to be enough. ]
...To deal with the Kiln as I would at home. [ the best that he can, anyway. ] I would require one last exchange of spiritual energy. I still have some from this weekend, but I intend to use it not just to heal.
[ but -
to battle. to slay ghosts. to win, and to bring that item back home.
the god, rushing in to save his believer.
not for the first time, and not for the last. ]
... like the white no face.
he's expecting it, almost. that is the only thing that could possibly give him any pause, or any fear. facing down a million ghosts is nothing. today, xie lian looks himself; he looks like the crown prince, like the god he was born to be.
he looks back to the other two, determination in his eyes, and nods. to rin, especially - who wanted a second chance, who confessed his fears and worries to xie lian not days before, who he will do everything to support, and to kaeya, who has done so much for him here. his right hand, his sword.
... and he looks, finally, to baraqiel, stepping up closer to him. xie lian's expression is hard to read, as he looks up at hua cheng, brows knitting together for a moment like he's deciding if he has anything else to say. words, ultimately, aren't going to be enough. ]
...To deal with the Kiln as I would at home. [ the best that he can, anyway. ] I would require one last exchange of spiritual energy. I still have some from this weekend, but I intend to use it not just to heal.
[ but -
to battle. to slay ghosts. to win, and to bring that item back home.
the god, rushing in to save his believer.
not for the first time, and not for the last. ]
Edited 2021-11-15 20:56 (UTC)
[Rin doesn't look happy to be going back there. That place holds horrible memories for him, and was the start of a string of terrible luck and even worse tragedy. Rin would be happier if he could forget the kiln, honestly.
But he can't. Hua Cheng needs this. So he'll swallow down his fears and go back in, because that's what people do when they help others.
'May your heart be as still as water', he reminds himself. They can do this.]
I think I remember the way. And who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and our ghost friend will come back to help.
[But then there's talk of exchanges of spiritual energy and Rin is not at all prepared for how Gay things are about to get, so he just watches curiously.]
But he can't. Hua Cheng needs this. So he'll swallow down his fears and go back in, because that's what people do when they help others.
'May your heart be as still as water', he reminds himself. They can do this.]
I think I remember the way. And who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and our ghost friend will come back to help.
[But then there's talk of exchanges of spiritual energy and Rin is not at all prepared for how Gay things are about to get, so he just watches curiously.]
[ kaeya listens as xie lian speaks--to deal with the kiln as i would at home. so long as he does that and returns, then kaeya will have no qualms with what he does. that is, after all, part of reason he is so determined in this. to bring both xie lian and rin back to the others, to bring baraqiel's item back, to return everyone home.
glancing at rin, he offers a pleased look. ] Then truly you're a boon, Rin. And a brave boon at that. A brave friend as well, if you're here to walk through fire once more, so to speak...
[ though he does tilt his head at that, raising a brow curiously at ghost friend. ]
glancing at rin, he offers a pleased look. ] Then truly you're a boon, Rin. And a brave boon at that. A brave friend as well, if you're here to walk through fire once more, so to speak...
[ though he does tilt his head at that, raising a brow curiously at ghost friend. ]
| [ tanhua sniffs both rinkou and polaris as they pass, crimson orange fur bristled along the hackles, down the spine, but more at the knowledge of what they're going into rather than at either of them. rinkou gets her fur smoothed out on top of her head with a quick, quick licks from the daemon, before it turns and bites polaris on the ear. (not hard, mind, but a reminder. watch them.) then it moves to brush up alongside san lang, leaving them to discuss the ghost friend, tails lashing, as hua cheng regards xie lian. well, if anyone was going to go into the kiln on his behalf - he goddamn wouldn't pick any of them, because he would prefer going in himself, but at least he knows they'll take care of each other. they'll bring each other back. small mercies, he supposes, even if they aren't truly that merciful at the end of the day. he reaches up, wings twitching with restlessness - pauses, fingers curling - and then completes the path, cupping xie lian's cheek. ] I think the exchange for this would be for you to come back to me. Enough has happened in 800 years that I do not like that you go somewhere, again, that I cannot follow. |
[ san lang presses up against tanhua as it comes by, just once. reassuring and quick, a steady presence of white and gold as he always is.
and xie lian...
well. he lets hua cheng do whatever he likes. he doesn't need to see the flicker of his wings to know that he's worried. normally, he'd refer back to the other two - glance back, check on them - but right now, the whole world is narrowed down to the watcher in front of him. ]
...I will. [ a solemn promise, serious, as he meets his gaze. ] I'll live for you as you've lived for me.
and xie lian...
well. he lets hua cheng do whatever he likes. he doesn't need to see the flicker of his wings to know that he's worried. normally, he'd refer back to the other two - glance back, check on them - but right now, the whole world is narrowed down to the watcher in front of him. ]
...I will. [ a solemn promise, serious, as he meets his gaze. ] I'll live for you as you've lived for me.
[ kaeya's just grinning and rin then just. grabs his arm, so he swerves on a heel with a soft laugh. it doesn't take much to turn him around. even polaris will just pad close to his knee and sit, you know, just to be thorough. ]
You're right, you're right.
You're right, you're right.
| [ the other two are basically left on read for a moment. sorry, guys. i think you knew this was going to happen though. xie lian's promise makes him laugh, if only softly, and hua cheng inclines his head in the slightest of nods. ] That is all that I would ask, and all that I can, I think. You will already be looking out for one another. [ or else, but, you know. tanhua got the message out already. ] So I will accept this as payment, for now, and you can consider the exchange done. |
[ once again, people just be out here assuming this is gonna be gay ]
Alright. [ ... but, he smiles a little, too, warm despite the worry, despite the ominous feeling of what is to come. ] Then, whenever you're ready.
[ he'll lift his hand! ready for spiritual energy thank.
san lang makes a little noise from where he's qilin formed and nudges up against the back of kaeya's legs, then rin's, bolstering that warm feeling of trust. ]
Alright. [ ... but, he smiles a little, too, warm despite the worry, despite the ominous feeling of what is to come. ] Then, whenever you're ready.
[ he'll lift his hand! ready for spiritual energy thank.
san lang makes a little noise from where he's qilin formed and nudges up against the back of kaeya's legs, then rin's, bolstering that warm feeling of trust. ]
[gay gay homosexual gay
While their backs are turned and San Lang is rubbing against their legs, Rin will take this time to ask Kaeya something.]
Is it hard to date two people at once?
[They've got nothing else to do while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng make out or whatever, so.]
While their backs are turned and San Lang is rubbing against their legs, Rin will take this time to ask Kaeya something.]
Is it hard to date two people at once?
[They've got nothing else to do while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng make out or whatever, so.]
[ ah yes thanks for sharing the warmth dianxia, he's just hanging out here vibing with rin until the question happens and he sort of? blinks? curiously a moment. this is how we're spending our time? really? well, it's not actually that bad, he just kind of looks at rin with a slight lift of his brow. no judgement here though, rin. he looks like he's genuinely thinking about it. ]
Mmh... I don't believe so? And it's more like, perhaps, we're dating each other? [ hmmm. ] We spend a lot of time together between our work here and with one another in our spare time. So long as you talk with each other, then there shouldn't be a problem.
Speaking up is key, I think. Clear communication, patience in understanding, and mutual respect...
[ ah, love tunnel i guess. ]
Mmh... I don't believe so? And it's more like, perhaps, we're dating each other? [ hmmm. ] We spend a lot of time together between our work here and with one another in our spare time. So long as you talk with each other, then there shouldn't be a problem.
Speaking up is key, I think. Clear communication, patience in understanding, and mutual respect...
[ ah, love tunnel i guess. ]
]| [ anyways. hua cheng looks at the hand for a split second, and then takes it calmly, more for holding than anything else. because he leans in while kaeya and rin are distracted on this topic of conversation. as he does, his other hand moves from xie lian's cheek, to curl underneath his chin, and he steals another kiss from him. the spark of warmth, familiar and strong, is immediate. and he lingers, making sure that it's a double dose with an undercurrent of intent. devotion. adoration. ] |
[ oh. well! wELL this is happening
xie lian does in fact make a soft, surprised noise, barely loud enough to be heard. thankfully there's a conversation about respect and consent going on a little ahead so maybe no one will see the fact that his foot does a little disney princess pop. or that he returns the kiss?
...
the burst of spiritual energy was the point of this (and therefore the reason why it is totally, definitely, absolutely okay and not at all questionable on his cultivation path) so as it courses through his veins, he seems to remember himself and
takes a couple tottering steps backwards, wobbling now buzzing with spiritual energy and ready to go kick some ghost ass -] I'm.
[ ... ]
...My... where did San Lang go...
[ ...once he gets his brain back together again.
san lang is right behind him and sits patiently at kaeya's feet, swishing his tail. ]
xie lian does in fact make a soft, surprised noise, barely loud enough to be heard. thankfully there's a conversation about respect and consent going on a little ahead so maybe no one will see the fact that his foot does a little disney princess pop. or that he returns the kiss?
...
the burst of spiritual energy was the point of this (and therefore the reason why it is totally, definitely, absolutely okay and not at all questionable on his cultivation path) so as it courses through his veins, he seems to remember himself and
takes a couple tottering steps backwards, wobbling now buzzing with spiritual energy and ready to go kick some ghost ass -] I'm.
[ ... ]
...My... where did San Lang go...
[ ...once he gets his brain back together again.
san lang is right behind him and sits patiently at kaeya's feet, swishing his tail. ]
You're all dating each other? But like...what if like you liked Diluc and Yuri, and they each liked you, but they didn't like each other? What then?
[Rin just really needs to talk to people and see if that's even the case. But they need to avoid the gay smooching happening behind them, do not perceive Xie Lian's gay crisis. Ignore ignore ignore.]
[Rin just really needs to talk to people and see if that's even the case. But they need to avoid the gay smooching happening behind them, do not perceive Xie Lian's gay crisis. Ignore ignore ignore.]
[ we cannot perceive this, let xie lian have his weird little panic behind them. san lang is just chill here. happy big mans. kaeya just gives him an idle pat with where his hands are behind his back when he hears the little dazed where did san lang go? ]
Then we might be in trouble, or we might have to have a slightly different arrangement. Truthfully, I'm glad that's not the case. Diluc and I both happened to like Yuri a great deal...
[ just rubbing his neck a bit now. huh. ]
If you are feeling this way, then I'm sure the two you care about would want to know. Would like to hear your thoughts and feelings. Explain them truthfully, and be willing to listen to them if they have concerns or fears or doubts.
It certainly wasn't an easy talk to have, mind you. But I knew I couldn't quite wiggle out of it, not when I felt so strongly for the both of them, even if I was afraid. [ wow! it's not even honesty week! but he doesn't want to lie to rin, so? admitting nerves feels right. ] I had to lay my heart bare and trust that they lov... liked me enough to listen to me and tell me their truth, trust that I myself would accept that truth no matter what because I liked them too.
[ he just looks away. dianxia????? ]
Then we might be in trouble, or we might have to have a slightly different arrangement. Truthfully, I'm glad that's not the case. Diluc and I both happened to like Yuri a great deal...
[ just rubbing his neck a bit now. huh. ]
If you are feeling this way, then I'm sure the two you care about would want to know. Would like to hear your thoughts and feelings. Explain them truthfully, and be willing to listen to them if they have concerns or fears or doubts.
It certainly wasn't an easy talk to have, mind you. But I knew I couldn't quite wiggle out of it, not when I felt so strongly for the both of them, even if I was afraid. [ wow! it's not even honesty week! but he doesn't want to lie to rin, so? admitting nerves feels right. ] I had to lay my heart bare and trust that they lov... liked me enough to listen to me and tell me their truth, trust that I myself would accept that truth no matter what because I liked them too.
[ he just looks away. dianxia????? ]
| [ dianxia is fine. the watcher can hear what the both of them are saying, right now. it's all very comical. tanhua laughs a cackling fox laugh as xie lian does as xiei lian does best, brushing up against the back of his legs before coming around to rub up against san lang again. its tails twitch, and it seems that its hackles have gone down, at least a touch, so there's that. hua cheng smiles, mischievous as anything, before ducking in to kiss - xie lian's cheek. (face) ] And one for luck, Dianxia. |
[ hEY
HEY HEY HEY okay this is enough to snap him out of his stupor because xie lian's entire face turns scarlet and he splutters - ] Enough! [ and then puts his hand on hua cheng's face and pushes it away.
he will then turn around and start marching towards the entrance to this place and past the other two. san lang is also embarrassed and nudges at the cackling fox (and then licks tanhua's face, but thats irrelevant) but xie lian huffs. ]
We have no more time to waste.
[ hopefully this mortifying march is going in the correct direction please correct him if he's wrong ]
HEY HEY HEY okay this is enough to snap him out of his stupor because xie lian's entire face turns scarlet and he splutters - ] Enough! [ and then puts his hand on hua cheng's face and pushes it away.
he will then turn around and start marching towards the entrance to this place and past the other two. san lang is also embarrassed and nudges at the cackling fox (and then licks tanhua's face, but thats irrelevant) but xie lian huffs. ]
We have no more time to waste.
[ hopefully this mortifying march is going in the correct direction please correct him if he's wrong ]
[Rin listens to Kaeya's words, and he mulls them over for a few moments before he nods. Even if he's not looking forward to a talk like that, it should happen. It's only fair that they know.]
I guess I'll have to-
[Have to what? It's a mystery. Because when Xie Lian shouts 'enough!' Rin jumps and turns to look at the two. He knows they were smooching but he hadn't been expecting that loud of a reaction.]
Er...you okay?
I guess I'll have to-
[Have to what? It's a mystery. Because when Xie Lian shouts 'enough!' Rin jumps and turns to look at the two. He knows they were smooching but he hadn't been expecting that loud of a reaction.]
Er...you okay?
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