and then, eventually, xie lian's eyes flutter open when he's touched. san lang's do too - he squirms a little, and xie lian blinks up at his savior (?) ]
[ xie lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry.... this isn't even the first time, either, which is truly embarrassing. up he goes, though, taking the hand gratefully and pulling himself up to his feet. he is absolutely covered in sand; san lang, beside him, shakes himself off to send sand flying everywhere and then starts clambering up xie lian's leg. ]
Has it really been that long since we first arrived...? Thank you for your help, sir...
[ canopus returns to diluc's side, once the pair is both up and going. he gives the boy a once over, making sure there aren't any injuries on him. seems alright. ]
It doesn't feel like it has been, time doesn't feel the same here as it does back home. [ he nods, turning to look back towards the boulevard. ]
[ he is uninjured! well. maybe. except in his pride. it's a little injured.
with that, though, san lang hops up to curl up around xie lian's shoulders, snuggling up at his neck. he nods along to diluc's question, too, moving to gently wring some of the sand out of his own hair. ]
Mm. That would be good. I... can't say that the food here has been much to my taste... [ sometimes you have been spoiled, a little ] ...but, perhaps two heads will be better than one? Or, four, I suppose.
I'm sure we can find something, at least edible and not too terrible, Canopus has a good nose for it. [ the ginger cat meows from her place at diluc's feet. ]
Diluc. This may not be the most conventional first meeting, but it's nice to meet you all the same.
[ he cant help but worry about this child?? he looks younger and definitely acts it...please remember to eat next time. ]
xie lian is out at the beach, sitting crosslegged in the sand. he's been back to change clothes - his white robes are pristine - and he's holding what appears to be a few small sheets of paper in his hands.
there is a small fire burning in front of him, flickering light across the beach, and he is slowly dipping each of the papers into the fire, until they burn to ashes, saying something soft under his breath. he glances up, noticing someone else - and then offers a soft smile, nodding his head. ]
[ valid! xie lian does not seem to mind the company, at all, and nods to diluc as he gets settled, picking up another piece of paper to burn the corner of it, letting it catch and slowly turn to ashes. ]
...I'm alright. [ he appreciates the concern, too, and gives him a little smile, thankful. ] Thank you, for your help earlier. Both for volunteering, and for coming along - you were the whole reason we were even able to get another piece of evidence to catch him.
Are you alright, after all of that? I... am sorry, for all of the trouble that Qi Rong caused.
[ he really should have asked before he sat down, he usually has better manners! but it's soup brain hours, so it's fine.
he watches as xie lian offers the small pieces to the fire, nodding. ] Happy to help. And it did end up leading back to my room, so it was a good thing I did.
No need to apologize, it was clear that there was no wrangling him. He dug his own grave and now he will lie in it. [ there's a pause, diluc closing his eyes before speaking again. ]
I am still processing it all. [ canopus pokes her little turtle head out of his pocket, diluc looks down and removes her and sets her on the sand. she poofs into a mainecoon, settling onto diluc's lap and giving a meow at xie lian. ]
[ once all of the injured folks are taken care of, diluc may notice that xie lian, who is usually very involved in... everything, disappearing around a corner to go sit somewhere towards the perimeter of the bubble.
no particular place; he just stands there, staring off into the deep ocean, every inch of his posture stiff, and his daemon, once a great, terrifying qilin, now a tiny rabbit, curled up in a ball at his feet.
[ what an eventful friday! sighs...everything happens so much. and when diluc has done his rounds, checking to make sure the returned group is taken care of, he looks for xie lian. he'd noticed the stiffness from him earlier and was immediately concerned.
canopus catches sight of xl as he turns the corner, leading diluc in that direction. ]
How are you holding up? [ his voice is soft, as he quietly approaches, canopus by his side also looking concerned. ]
it takes xie lian a moment to even recognize someone is there. he glances up belatedly, and there's something just - haunted, in his golden eyes. ]
...ah. [ eventually, it clicks, though. he softens, a little, and attempts a smile. even now, his usual warmth seems a little dimmed. ] ... I am glad for the safe return, at least, of some of our comrades here. And you, Mister Diluc...?
xie lian's rabbit curls up a little further; he leans down for the distraction, picking san lang up and tucking him gently against his chest. ]
...It simply reminded me of something, is all.
[ the sight of the broken city underwater, devoid of life, juxtaposed against the screaming, crawling, rotten human flesh face - the scent of fire, as the group started to deal with it -- it was too familiar. too close to home. ]
[ as another week passes and new one arrives, diluc finds himself lost again. a new city, with new sights, and new people. his roommate is also different this week, unlike last...but that's not important right now.
he gets exploring, wandering the canals outside the mansion. canopus flies a bit ahead of him, finding a bench to perch on, as she's an owl right now.
this is where you'll find him, standing and looking at the litter of colorful glass. ooo shiny. ]
[ xie lian is doing the same as diluc this fine monday - exploring, getting a lay of the land. each new location brings new surprises, after all, and he wants to know the lay of the place.
he sees canopus first, and then tilts his head and spots diluc, brightening a little at the sight. his ferret chitters excitedly, leaping off of xie lian's shoulder, and transforms into a qilin so he can pad over to canopus faster and greet him. ]
Hello, Mr. Diluc! [ with a little bow. ] What've you found...?
[ you blink. in front of you are familiar faces, those of your fellow knights, regulars at the tavern, and most important of all, your father. you’re at Angel’s Share celebrating your coming of age! you’re an adult now, so surely you will want to have a drink or two to celebrate! but you politely decline, as you are still on duty, as calvary captain you must behave in a knightly manner! but you agree to have drinks sometime, in the comfort of your own home, which your father so generously offers.
it was a nice celebration, but Crepus calls out to you, the clouds are rolling in so it’s best to head home now, before the rain starts.
you’re steering the carriage, knowing the way back to the winery like the back of your hand, when your father peeks out from inside. he’s going on, again, about how he also wanted to be a knight when he was your age. but he failed in doing so, after all the gods had different plans for him. you keep your eyes on the road ahead, telling him not to belittle himself in that way, after all he does plenty for the knights and for the city!
then you’re struck with a warm feeling, as your father speaks again, I’m so proud of you, my son.
the next sentence Crepus speaks is deafened and soon after is when things take a change for the worse.
in a matter of seconds you find yourself thrown from your seat on the carriage. now faced with a great dragon, one that you immediately recognize as Ursa the Drake. you try to fight it off, with help from some of the winery staff that had come with you to town, but in moments they’re all lying on the ground. some unconscious and some...dead. you’re propped up against the back of the carriage, clutching your side, trying to numb the pain, stop the bleeding, anything. you’re staring death in the face and it’s staring back.
this may be your end, but then your father is there. he’s wearing some kind of strange glove, it’s something you’ve never seen before. what is it?
dark purple and red chains fly out of a glyph that appears around Crepus’ arm, shooting at Ursa and wrapping around him. what is this power? and how? you find yourself with so many questions.
there’s a sudden FLASH of light and the dragon begins to ROAR and thrash uncontrollably. your father is in front of you immediately, shielding you from any oncoming blows. there's a splash of crimson.
the rain is falling hard and everything is white noise. you’re on your knees, holding your father in your arms.
WHAT DO I DO!!?? you find yourself thinking frantically, as your hands shake, eyes wide and unable to look anywhere but your father. he speaks, thankful that you’re safe and he’s sorry. sorry to have to leave you like this. you are his pride and joy, he’s so proud of you.
you’re scrambling, telling him it will be okay, you’ll get him to the church where the healers can help. everything will be alright! don’t die don’t dieDON’T DIE
he’s slowly disappearing in your arms. his body seeming to turn to ashes and dissolve in the rain. he’s gone. your father has left you.
you stare down at your blood soaked gloves, hot tears streaming down your face as you try to make sense of it all.
[ xie lian is intensely, intensely empathetic, and coming free of a memory like this surprises him - he takes a soft, sharp breath as the vision and the music start to fade, and his heart just aches in his chest. there are many things he doesn't understand, about diluc and kaeya's realm, but the way diluc felt - the way xie lian felt - when his father defended him resonates so deeply that it leaves him momentarily stunned.
he thinks about feng xin, breaking his own arm.
the loss - and the feeling of helplessness, of being powerless- resonates like he's been punched in the gut.
(what's it like? to have a father who shows pride. xie lian isn't sure if he would've liked that more or less than his own - he and his father butted heads so often. still do, even now, but he's learned from the firebrand mistakes of his youth, and he's tried to understand, and seeing diluc's father die like that makes xie lian miss his own, almost desperately.)
after a long moment of processing, xie lian reaches out, fingers curling in the air, before he gently touches diluc's arm. ]
... Mr. Diluc. [ his voice is soft, as ever. ] ... It is a memory.
[ the music had long since faded and the memory gone, but he found himself stuck there, staring and...crying?? there sure were tears running down his face.
reliving the worst day of your life does that to you. ]
...OH [ xie lian's touch bring him back, he looks at him apologetically. ]
I'm sorry...I got caught up in it...
[ he rubs at his face, taking a deep breath to collect himself. ]
[ oh the tears make xie lian look so immediately worried. he fusses around in his sleeve for a moment as he pulls his hand back, and eventually offers diluc a small silk handkerchief. ]
Here - no, please don't apologize. That you have lost something so dear to you... I am sorry that you had to experience such a thing.
[ these words are very, very genuine and gentle, as he clasps his hands back in front of himself. san lang looks to canopus, immediately worried, too, hopping off of xie lian's shoulder and going to find his friend. ]
It was not your fault. But - to feel powerless and frustrated in such a situation... it is only natural to think that it is.
[ he takes the handkerchief and gets rid of the mess on his face. he doesn't tend to show emotion like that, these shards really are powerful. he takes a breath. ]
Thank you, Xie Lian. I greatly appreciate it.
[ canopus is at diluc's feet, greeting the ferret with a gentle head butt, she's thankful for the concern. ]
I spent 4 years searching for answers, saw many things during that time. Many lessons were learned along the way, shaping me as I am today.
[ xl has always been so easy to talk to? diluc is fond. ]
[ hello here is xie lian on this fine freezing cold afternoon! when he spots diluc, he brightens and comes trotting over to him, bundled up in a white sweater. san lang, ferret formed, is wrapped around his neck like a scarf. ]
Hello, Mister Diluc! Do you have a moment of time?
[ diluc's bundled up in his usual outfit, had to break out all of the layers for this week, definitely has an extra shirt or two on. he sees xie lian and smiles, canopus, in her cat form, meows up at him and san lang. hewwo! ]
The first is more serious. [ he dips his head, polite as ever, if very serious. ] ...I was wondering, if perhaps you would be willing to share your team with me.
[ he has to close his eyes for a moment, also not surprised by xie lian's answer.
he takes a deep breath. ] I can't say I'm surprised.
[ he means that in a lighthearted way. diluc remembers their slumber party and how xl managed to drag baraqiel along, still quite impressed by that to be honest. ]
You've proven how trustworthy you are and it is the least I can do, after all you have done for Kaeya. I truly am thankful. [ he offers a small bow, a smile on his face as he rises back up. ]
...you're not the first person I've heard that from...
[ xie lian says that a little sheepishly, reaching up to scratch his cheek. rip. ]
But - truly. Kaeya has done very much for me, as well; I cannot begin to fathom how lost I would be without him. Anyone who is as close and dear to him as you are is just as important and well-trusted to me.
[ he returns the bow! so polite, these two; and then, a little brighter, claps his hands. ]
Now! Beyond that, the less serious. I have been tasked with learning something new about people this week. Would you help me and tell me something of yourself, Mister Diluc? If you wouldn't mind. I'd be happy to return the favor.
He's very reliable and I'm glad he's by your side, and you by his. [ he smiles, a warm fondness filling his chest. ] You have my thanks and also my word, that I will not betray your trust and that I am here for whatever you may need.
[ the way xie lian brightens up puts him at ease, eyebrows raising at the curiosity, he finds it kind of cute? hello?? ]
Something of myself? Hm...as a child I was taught to play piano and violin. I don't play nearly as often as I used to, but both are a source of relaxation for me whenever I feel stuck. [ smiles ] I do hope that was to your liking. And what about you, Xie Lian?
Thank you, Mr. Diluc. I will take those words with care.
[ what an important thing to be trusted. xie lian nods.
but!! the story makes him smile, fond. he likes learning about others! and besides - after the town meeting this week, it seems that's what they're all supposed to do. ]
That's wonderful. Have you had the chance to play much, here? [ i just think a top level of diluc playing a violin would be very sexy ] It is wonderful - thank you very much for sharing that with me, as well.
As for myself... [ hmmmm... he taps his chin. what can he talk about that he hasn't yet - ah! ] I was raised in a palace, and rarely had the chance to interact with others until I began cultivating. When I finally was allowed to do so, I was introduced to the two people I consider my dearest friends. Feng Xin, first - a fine warrior, I have known since I was fourteen. I suppose he is my bodyguard, though really, he is my best friend. He is a truly good person, beyond anything, though he has a bit of a temper.... and a bit of a pottymouth.
And then - more recently, Mu Qing, who is my attendant, and also a fine warrior. He wields a saber like almost no one I've ever seen - a true and natural talent. [ ah... swords... ] To be honest, sometimes, I think you remind me of him a little.
I have not, maybe in the next world I will find the time. [ that would be very sexi of him. :writing_hand: ]
[ oh. oh no. diluc continues to be so fond. xie lian is too good!!
he smiles as he listens to xl speak of dear friends, diluc thinks about the ones he has back home and that makes him homesick. but he pushes it down, focusing only on the story being told now. ]
They both sound very dependable. [ oh? he blinks and tilts his head slightly. ] Is that so? What an honor that is, then.
[ it's nice to talk about feng xin and mu qing, but... admittedly, it makes xie lian feel a little homesick, too. his smile is very gentle, as ever, but a little sad. ]
They are - the very most. They have been through the worst of times with me, and never once strayed from my side. It's been strange, not to have them here, truthfully, but... to find true friends in such a situation of adversity is just as valued, and just as important.
[ and! yes!! friendship. he tips his head. ]
You two both use similar weapons, and have a similar fighting spirit. He can be taciturn, sometimes, and even brusque, but.. he cares very, very much. It's quite obvious.
[ somewhere mu qing just shuddered, in the void. ]
[ wherever diluc is... xie lian is there too now! he's hurrying to find him, and upon spotting his friend, offers him a smile and a bow. san lang is in ferret form on his shoulder; as usual, he bows too. ]
Mr. Diluc! May I borrow you for just a moment? I have something for you.
... Ah, it's - not just an orange. [ maybe you should have led with this xie lian. ] Um, if you give it to someone, they will heal as if I had used my spiritual energy on them - roughly the same equivalent. I'd like you to hold onto it for the next week, since I don't really need it.
I... there is something else I must ask you that is tangentially related, as well.
... There is a chance that I will have the ability to go and retrieve Baraqiel's missing anchor by slipping into the space between worlds next week. I have planned to do so for some time, but I cannot do it alone.
[ or well. he can. but, rochalizo might rise out of the graveyard and strangle him which would be fair. ] I know that it will be dangerous - it will be a journey similar to the ones many of us have been on, some twice, but I know the place that we are going, as it is my own homeland, and...
[ xie lian pauses for a moment and then - bows, respectfully, at a near ninety degree angle. ]
I would like to take Kaeya with me, but I want to ask your permission, first.
[ straightening again: ] He is someone that has earned my trust beyond all belief, but - I know how important that he is to you, Mr. Diluc. I would hate to put him in harm's way, but I know he is capable, and more so than anything, I will swear upon my own heart and soul that I would defend him with my life.
However, if you would prefer he wouldn't, I can try to find someone else.
[ he's a little taken aback by that, the sudden tone shift just leaves his face blank of expression for a moment.
so baraqiel must be...he pushes the thought away, that's none of his business at this moment. he thinks for a second and then nods, eyes shutting briefly, then opening to look back at xie lian. ]
I appreciate you coming to ask, you are very kind. [ he smiles reassuringly. ]
He would beat himself up about it for the rest of time, if he wasn't there to support you. And I couldn't deny him the opportunity.
I know you will take good care of him, you both will watch out for one another, and that puts me at ease. So please, by all means, take him on the journey with you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 0, tuesday
so
there's a person face down in the sand on the beach and not moving. ]
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approaching the person, cautiously, to see if there's any sign of life. thank celestia he's breathing, so not dead. ]
Not the best place to take a nap.
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breathing but he's not asleep??? and does not stir when talked to??? san lang is there, too, also passed out face first in the sand.
what do ]
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canopus goes and sniffs at the ferret, meowing and reaching out to gently bap with a paw. ]
Hey. [ calls out again, this time kneeling down to put a hand on the stranger's shoulder. ]
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and then, eventually, xie lian's eyes flutter open when he's touched. san lang's do too - he squirms a little, and xie lian blinks up at his savior (?) ]
...oh. Ah? Huh?
[ ?? ?? ] What happened...?
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I found you lying face down in the sand, unresponsive. Are you alright?
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but his stomach answers for him, because it growls, and loudly. ]
....oh.
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Passed out from hunger then? [ he offers a hand. ]
Let's find you something to eat.
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[ xie lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry.... this isn't even the first time, either, which is truly embarrassing. up he goes, though, taking the hand gratefully and pulling himself up to his feet. he is absolutely covered in sand; san lang, beside him, shakes himself off to send sand flying everywhere and then starts clambering up xie lian's leg. ]
Has it really been that long since we first arrived...? Thank you for your help, sir...
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It doesn't feel like it has been, time doesn't feel the same here as it does back home. [ he nods, turning to look back towards the boulevard. ]
Perhaps we can find something back in town.
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with that, though, san lang hops up to curl up around xie lian's shoulders, snuggling up at his neck. he nods along to diluc's question, too, moving to gently wring some of the sand out of his own hair. ]
Mm. That would be good. I... can't say that the food here has been much to my taste... [ sometimes you have been spoiled, a little ] ...but, perhaps two heads will be better than one? Or, four, I suppose.
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Diluc. This may not be the most conventional first meeting, but it's nice to meet you all the same.
[ he cant help but worry about this child?? he looks younger and definitely acts it...please remember to eat next time. ]
week 0 saturday
xie lian is out at the beach, sitting crosslegged in the sand. he's been back to change clothes - his white robes are pristine - and he's holding what appears to be a few small sheets of paper in his hands.
there is a small fire burning in front of him, flickering light across the beach, and he is slowly dipping each of the papers into the fire, until they burn to ashes, saying something soft under his breath. he glances up, noticing someone else - and then offers a soft smile, nodding his head. ]
Good evening, Mr. Diluc. Out for a walk...?
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he ran away as soon as he could, forgoing the hotel and instead going for the beach. it was the only real peaceful place in this god forsaken city.
he didn't expect to run into anyone else, but since he has, he's glad it's xie lian. he had been worried about him since earlier. ]
I am, needed to get away from all the madness. And you too, I see?
[ he takes seat next to xie lian, looking out at the small fire. ]
How are you doing? [ it's gentle and caring, genuine concern behind it. ]
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...I'm alright. [ he appreciates the concern, too, and gives him a little smile, thankful. ] Thank you, for your help earlier. Both for volunteering, and for coming along - you were the whole reason we were even able to get another piece of evidence to catch him.
Are you alright, after all of that? I... am sorry, for all of the trouble that Qi Rong caused.
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he watches as xie lian offers the small pieces to the fire, nodding. ] Happy to help. And it did end up leading back to my room, so it was a good thing I did.
No need to apologize, it was clear that there was no wrangling him. He dug his own grave and now he will lie in it. [ there's a pause, diluc closing his eyes before speaking again. ]
I am still processing it all. [ canopus pokes her little turtle head out of his pocket, diluc looks down and removes her and sets her on the sand. she poofs into a mainecoon, settling onto diluc's lap and giving a meow at xie lian. ]
week 1, friday night!
no particular place; he just stands there, staring off into the deep ocean, every inch of his posture stiff, and his daemon, once a great, terrifying qilin, now a tiny rabbit, curled up in a ball at his feet.
he's fine probably ]
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canopus catches sight of xl as he turns the corner, leading diluc in that direction. ]
How are you holding up? [ his voice is soft, as he quietly approaches, canopus by his side also looking concerned. ]
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it takes xie lian a moment to even recognize someone is there. he glances up belatedly, and there's something just - haunted, in his golden eyes. ]
...ah. [ eventually, it clicks, though. he softens, a little, and attempts a smile. even now, his usual warmth seems a little dimmed. ] ... I am glad for the safe return, at least, of some of our comrades here. And you, Mister Diluc...?
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perceived. ]
I am also glad for their safe return, some rest will do them good.
[ beat ]
You looked rather shaken back there, at the sight of that thing. How are you really feeling, Xie Lian?
[ casually frets over ]
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xie lian's rabbit curls up a little further; he leans down for the distraction, picking san lang up and tucking him gently against his chest. ]
...It simply reminded me of something, is all.
[ the sight of the broken city underwater, devoid of life, juxtaposed against the screaming, crawling, rotten human flesh face - the scent of fire, as the group started to deal with it -- it was too familiar. too close to home. ]
week 2, monday
he gets exploring, wandering the canals outside the mansion. canopus flies a bit ahead of him, finding a bench to perch on, as she's an owl right now.
this is where you'll find him, standing and looking at the litter of colorful glass. ooo shiny. ]
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he sees canopus first, and then tilts his head and spots diluc, brightening a little at the sight. his ferret chitters excitedly, leaping off of xie lian's shoulder, and transforms into a qilin so he can pad over to canopus faster and greet him. ]
Hello, Mr. Diluc! [ with a little bow. ] What've you found...?
[ hit me with that good good memory please ]
1/2
he returns the small bow. ] Good to see you, Xie Lian.
Canopus was attracted to these shards of stained glass [ he's reaching into his bag to pull one out when everything freezes and goes silent.
drum roll aaaaaaaaaaaaaand ]
2/2
it was a nice celebration, but Crepus calls out to you, the clouds are rolling in so it’s best to head home now, before the rain starts.
you’re steering the carriage, knowing the way back to the winery like the back of your hand, when your father peeks out from inside. he’s going on, again, about how he also wanted to be a knight when he was your age. but he failed in doing so, after all the gods had different plans for him. you keep your eyes on the road ahead, telling him not to belittle himself in that way, after all he does plenty for the knights and for the city!
then you’re struck with a warm feeling, as your father speaks again, I’m so proud of you, my son.
the next sentence Crepus speaks is deafened and soon after is when things take a change for the worse.
in a matter of seconds you find yourself thrown from your seat on the carriage. now faced with a great dragon, one that you immediately recognize as Ursa the Drake. you try to fight it off, with help from some of the winery staff that had come with you to town, but in moments they’re all lying on the ground. some unconscious and some...dead. you’re propped up against the back of the carriage, clutching your side, trying to numb the pain, stop the bleeding, anything. you’re staring death in the face and it’s staring back.
this may be your end, but then your father is there. he’s wearing some kind of strange glove, it’s something you’ve never seen before. what is it?
dark purple and red chains fly out of a glyph that appears around Crepus’ arm, shooting at Ursa and wrapping around him. what is this power? and how? you find yourself with so many questions.
there’s a sudden FLASH of light and the dragon begins to ROAR and thrash uncontrollably. your father is in front of you immediately, shielding you from any oncoming blows. there's a splash of crimson.
You defeated it...now we can-
Father?
the rain is falling hard and everything is white noise. you’re on your knees, holding your father in your arms.
WHAT DO I DO!!?? you find yourself thinking frantically, as your hands shake, eyes wide and unable to look anywhere but your father. he speaks, thankful that you’re safe and he’s sorry. sorry to have to leave you like this. you are his pride and joy, he’s so proud of you.
you’re scrambling, telling him it will be okay, you’ll get him to the church where the healers can help. everything will be alright! don’t die don’t die DON’T DIE
he’s slowly disappearing in your arms. his body seeming to turn to ashes and dissolve in the rain. he’s gone. your father has left you.
you stare down at your blood soaked gloves, hot tears streaming down your face as you try to make sense of it all.
Everything happened so fast…
Why…?
Why couldn’t I do anything to stop it? ]
Father...
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he thinks about feng xin, breaking his own arm.
the loss - and the feeling of helplessness, of being powerless- resonates like he's been punched in the gut.
(what's it like? to have a father who shows pride. xie lian isn't sure if he would've liked that more or less than his own - he and his father butted heads so often. still do, even now, but he's learned from the firebrand mistakes of his youth, and he's tried to understand, and seeing diluc's father die like that makes xie lian miss his own, almost desperately.)
after a long moment of processing, xie lian reaches out, fingers curling in the air, before he gently touches diluc's arm. ]
... Mr. Diluc. [ his voice is soft, as ever. ] ... It is a memory.
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reliving the worst day of your life does that to you. ]
...OH [ xie lian's touch bring him back, he looks at him apologetically. ]
I'm sorry...I got caught up in it...
[ he rubs at his face, taking a deep breath to collect himself. ]
Sorry that you had to see that...
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Here - no, please don't apologize. That you have lost something so dear to you... I am sorry that you had to experience such a thing.
[ these words are very, very genuine and gentle, as he clasps his hands back in front of himself. san lang looks to canopus, immediately worried, too, hopping off of xie lian's shoulder and going to find his friend. ]
It was not your fault. But - to feel powerless and frustrated in such a situation... it is only natural to think that it is.
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Thank you, Xie Lian. I greatly appreciate it.
[ canopus is at diluc's feet, greeting the ferret with a gentle head butt, she's thankful for the concern. ]
I spent 4 years searching for answers, saw many things during that time. Many lessons were learned along the way, shaping me as I am today.
[ xl has always been so easy to talk to? diluc is fond. ]
week 5, monday! smacks nina's work
Hello, Mister Diluc! Do you have a moment of time?
smacks work HARDER
Ah, Xie Lian. What can I do for you?
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The first is more serious. [ he dips his head, polite as ever, if very serious. ] ...I was wondering, if perhaps you would be willing to share your team with me.
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he blinks, takes moment and then nods. ] I would be. Of all the people left, you're one of the few I've been meaning to discuss this with myself.
[ he takes a quick look around, then turns to xie lian and says in a quieter tone. ] I belong to the Temporals.
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he laughs a little. ]
… you are the first that I have found. I am the opposite. [ with a smile. ] Though… I’m sure that is not hard to deduce.
[ sometimes you have your biases. sometimes your bias is baraqiel. ] I am thankful that you would want to share - you honor me, Mr. Diluc.
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he takes a deep breath. ] I can't say I'm surprised.
[ he means that in a lighthearted way. diluc remembers their slumber party and how xl managed to drag baraqiel along, still quite impressed by that to be honest. ]
You've proven how trustworthy you are and it is the least I can do, after all you have done for Kaeya. I truly am thankful. [ he offers a small bow, a smile on his face as he rises back up. ]
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[ xie lian says that a little sheepishly, reaching up to scratch his cheek. rip. ]
But - truly. Kaeya has done very much for me, as well; I cannot begin to fathom how lost I would be without him. Anyone who is as close and dear to him as you are is just as important and well-trusted to me.
[ he returns the bow! so polite, these two; and then, a little brighter, claps his hands. ]
Now! Beyond that, the less serious. I have been tasked with learning something new about people this week. Would you help me and tell me something of yourself, Mister Diluc? If you wouldn't mind. I'd be happy to return the favor.
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[ the way xie lian brightens up puts him at ease, eyebrows raising at the curiosity, he finds it kind of cute? hello?? ]
Something of myself? Hm...as a child I was taught to play piano and violin. I don't play nearly as often as I used to, but both are a source of relaxation for me whenever I feel stuck. [ smiles ] I do hope that was to your liking. And what about you, Xie Lian?
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[ what an important thing to be trusted. xie lian nods.
but!! the story makes him smile, fond. he likes learning about others! and besides - after the town meeting this week, it seems that's what they're all supposed to do. ]
That's wonderful. Have you had the chance to play much, here? [ i just think a top level of diluc playing a violin would be very sexy ] It is wonderful - thank you very much for sharing that with me, as well.
As for myself... [ hmmmm... he taps his chin. what can he talk about that he hasn't yet - ah! ] I was raised in a palace, and rarely had the chance to interact with others until I began cultivating. When I finally was allowed to do so, I was introduced to the two people I consider my dearest friends. Feng Xin, first - a fine warrior, I have known since I was fourteen. I suppose he is my bodyguard, though really, he is my best friend. He is a truly good person, beyond anything, though he has a bit of a temper.... and a bit of a pottymouth.
And then - more recently, Mu Qing, who is my attendant, and also a fine warrior. He wields a saber like almost no one I've ever seen - a true and natural talent. [ ah... swords... ] To be honest, sometimes, I think you remind me of him a little.
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[ oh. oh no. diluc continues to be so fond. xie lian is too good!!
he smiles as he listens to xl speak of dear friends, diluc thinks about the ones he has back home and that makes him homesick. but he pushes it down, focusing only on the story being told now. ]
They both sound very dependable. [ oh? he blinks and tilts his head slightly. ] Is that so? What an honor that is, then.
[ clenches fist. friendship. ]
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They are - the very most. They have been through the worst of times with me, and never once strayed from my side. It's been strange, not to have them here, truthfully, but... to find true friends in such a situation of adversity is just as valued, and just as important.
[ and! yes!! friendship. he tips his head. ]
You two both use similar weapons, and have a similar fighting spirit. He can be taciturn, sometimes, and even brusque, but.. he cares very, very much. It's quite obvious.
[ somewhere mu qing just shuddered, in the void. ]
w6 sunday before execution!
Mr. Diluc! May I borrow you for just a moment? I have something for you.
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Xie Lian, what is the matter?
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[ he starts rummaging around in his sleeves and pulls out
an orange! ]
Here. This is for you.
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blinks. xl how deep are those sleeves?? ]
Oh...thank you. [ this is pretty funny actually and he just smiles, amused. ]
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anyway ]
... Ah, it's - not just an orange. [ maybe you should have led with this xie lian. ] Um, if you give it to someone, they will heal as if I had used my spiritual energy on them - roughly the same equivalent. I'd like you to hold onto it for the next week, since I don't really need it.
I... there is something else I must ask you that is tangentially related, as well.
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he nods. ] I see, this is quite the item. Thank you so much, Xie Lian. I shall keep it close.
Oh? Please, ask away.
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... There is a chance that I will have the ability to go and retrieve Baraqiel's missing anchor by slipping into the space between worlds next week. I have planned to do so for some time, but I cannot do it alone.
[ or well. he can. but, rochalizo might rise out of the graveyard and strangle him which would be fair. ] I know that it will be dangerous - it will be a journey similar to the ones many of us have been on, some twice, but I know the place that we are going, as it is my own homeland, and...
[ xie lian pauses for a moment and then - bows, respectfully, at a near ninety degree angle. ]
I would like to take Kaeya with me, but I want to ask your permission, first.
[ straightening again: ] He is someone that has earned my trust beyond all belief, but - I know how important that he is to you, Mr. Diluc. I would hate to put him in harm's way, but I know he is capable, and more so than anything, I will swear upon my own heart and soul that I would defend him with my life.
However, if you would prefer he wouldn't, I can try to find someone else.
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so baraqiel must be...he pushes the thought away, that's none of his business at this moment. he thinks for a second and then nods, eyes shutting briefly, then opening to look back at xie lian. ]
I appreciate you coming to ask, you are very kind. [ he smiles reassuringly. ]
He would beat himself up about it for the rest of time, if he wasn't there to support you. And I couldn't deny him the opportunity.
I know you will take good care of him, you both will watch out for one another, and that puts me at ease. So please, by all means, take him on the journey with you.
You have my permission.