lightbearinglord: (qin & bunny)
Lan Wangji (蓝忘机) ([personal profile] lightbearinglord) wrote2024-03-08 08:16 am

[ open post: Lan Wangji and guests ]

In the wake of his disorienting and unpleasant stint in Gu Xiang's body, Lan Wangji has done his utmost to resume and enjoy all of his usual pursuits. He has, he believes, thoroughly made up for his lapse in his promise to Wei Ying. He has wielded kitchen knives, his ink brush, and Bichen with precision and enthusiasm. He has sunk into long, restorative shichen of meditation. He has, at Claudius' behest, thoroughly perused Emily Post's instructions regarding how to conduct oneself as the best man at a wedding.

There is the matter of his qin, too. The discovery of the spirit in Gideon's sword struck Lan Wangji with greater surprise than he might have expected. Such things were once commonplace for him; he hardly went two weeks, before he came to this place, without finding himself called to some night-hunt. He does not like to believe that he could become complacent, and he has always practiced diligently, but still.

The tableau is a familiar one: a certain parlor near the entryway of the mansion, one that often houses this particular cultivator along with his spiritual instrument. Wangji is balanced on a table at the center of the room, polished black wood gleaming and strings freshly tuned, and Lan Wangji sits cross-legged before it. He is not actually playing it at this precise moment, however, because he currently has guests. A small white rabbit sits next to the qin, munching his way through a piece of lettuce. An equally small brown rabbit is perched in the crook of Lan Wangji's elbow, eyeing his brother with some envy. Ostensibly, the rabbits are in trouble, because they have recently laid waste to Lan Wangji's copy of Emma. It is impossible to tell, because Lan Wangji is petting Danding's head with exactly as much solemn focus as always.
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire is walking by, passes the room, realizes what he actually saw in the brief glance as he walked by, and returns, standing in the doorway.

"Small friends?"
futaille: (smirk)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods and looks between the two. "I think Xiaoxue is quietly judging me." He sounds more amused by the prospect than anything, though.
futaille: (profile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods and enters the room, walking over. "I've never really interacted with rabbits." Or at least not living ones. "Is there anything in particular I should do to make their acquaintance?"
futaille: (smirk)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
He moves carefully over and takes the lettuce leaf, crouching down to look at Xiaoxue as he slowly extends the leaf to him, speaking quietly. "Monsieur Xiaoxue, I come bearing offerings."
futaille: (little smile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
He smiles a little. "Clearly a rabbit of discerning taste. Only the freshest of meals for you, I see. The crispiness of the leaf offers a refreshing feel on the palate. You are indeed ever so discerning."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ah, of course, sir. I see you are a gourmet of the highest order. It is truly a pleasure to see you enjoying your dining experience this afternoon. The cuisine is unparalleled and I will relay your compliments to the chef."
futaille: (bright)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 06:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire nods and lets Xiaoxue continue to snuffle at his fingers while he lifts his other hand and carefully strokes a fingertip between the rabbit's ears. "Impressively soft, young monsieur. You could almost certainly win awards for it, were there awards to be won."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 07:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"I can see it now," he says easily. "No cups of precious metal, of course, for they would hardly interest the participants. A luxurious spread of fresh fruits and vegetables for the winner, though, to browse at his convenience, arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. And slightly smaller ones for the runners-up, of course, for one would hardly wish to deprive other worthy competitors. Such a thought would be unfathomable."
futaille: (grin)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
The tone of his voice immediately brightens, although he still keeps his volume reasonably subdued in deference to the rabbits. "Melons! Well, that would certainly make for quite the colorful tableau, should a sufficient variety be obtained. Not that the reward would skimp on the leaves, one cannot subside on only sugar, even if one is a terribly soft and well-behaved rabbit. I can hardly fault your taste, though, small monsieur."
futaille: (snark)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire promptly gives Xiaoxue slightly firmer scritches, allowing another finger to stroke down one of his ears. "All things in moderation," he says with a nod. But, since he's, of course, himself, he makes sure to add, "moderation itself included."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"And all things in moderation for well-behaved rabbits. Except for pets, in which they can indulge all they like. Yes, small monsieur, I shall continue until you desire no more."
futaille: (snark)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course he does; I'm extremely likable," he says dryly, continuing to give Xiaoxue all the pets he deserves. "Or at least provide adequate enough head scratches."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire then risks carefully picking Xiaoxue up and holding him against his chest, continuing the scratches all the while. "Why yes, small monsieur. You are in fact due the lap of luxury, far more than any man ever has, possibly especially the ones who have received it. Greens and melons and affection for as far as your bright shining eyes can see. I would say recreation as well, but I know not what games rabbits play, and I know the ones I am most familiar with would not suit at all. But in my continuing education into entertainment, should I find one, I will most certainly come find you and tell you all about it. You seem a discerning individual, and would undoubtedly outstrip me at it in no time."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-08 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods sagely. "Ah, wood. Not my customary medium, although I could make an attempt. Poorness of form would I'm sure be forgiven by the distinguished recipient as long as the wood of choice was properly chewable. Clearly a soft wood, good for the lapine teeth."
futaille: (grin)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Oh and that is a challenge if he's ever heard one. He very briefly diverts his gaze from Xiaoxue to Lan Wangji, a mischievous grin spreading on his face. "Of course, it would be entirely irresponsible of me not to. Testing for splinters and the like, and exploring rabbit entertainment in my compilation."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
He continues petting Xiaoxue as he quite happily answers. "It's been a quite charming variety of old mainstays from back home, new variations on those old mainstays, and entirely new discoveries. The game room is certainly a multifaceted delight."
futaille: (smirk)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
Grantaire shrugs very slightly, in deference to the rabbit still against his chest. "That's fair. Not everything is going to be for everyone, obviously." He pauses. "Possibly except for making the acquaintance of rabbits, because I cannot fathom how that would not be beneficial for all mankind."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
His eyebrows rise curiously. "I have not. What is it?"
futaille: (bright)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not the most strategic1, but I'm intrigued. How do you play?"

1Technically true although he's selling himself short2, at least when it comes to game playing, as needed.
2I know. Shocking.
futaille: (profile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
Grantaire is of course still petting Xiaoxue in turn. "How large is the board? I imagine it must be sizable if it's particularly difficult."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm sure there are, but why use one of those and be intimidated anew every time you ascend to a larger one when you could instead be intimidated all in one go while you simultaneously manage to work through the phase of learning something where you're awful at it? There's efficiency to be found."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-09 06:34 pm (UTC)(link)
They would undoubtedly have the ability to talk even longer. Grantaire shrugs. "If it wouldn't take you away overmuch from the rabbit husbandry, I can probably attempt to learn. Although in return, I'd like to teach you a game as well."
futaille: (grin)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-10 03:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, there are a few good options." He contemplates. Dominoes is out, because matching one seated table game with another would just be redundant. Billiards is a reasonable choice, but... the contrast between Lan Wangji's entire demeanor and another option is just too good to resist.

"Pinball, I think."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-10 04:39 pm (UTC)(link)
He grins, lightly ruffling Xioxue's ears. "I didn't know of it until I got here either. It's from after my time, so it was novel to me. I liked it immediately, even before I figured out how it actually worked."
futaille: (bright)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-10 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
His grin somehow brightens. "It's a deal, then. I get to learn gentlemanly strategy and you get to the delight of a perfectly-timed multiball around all the bells and flashes. It should be quite the juxtaposition."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-10 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
He shrugs. "You have many more demands on your time than I do. Whenever you'd like, really."
futaille: (little smile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-10 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Soon, then." He absently scratches Xiaoxue's chin. "Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?"
futaille: (bright)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-11 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
"Having not much of either1, I'm likely doomed from the outset," he says with a barely suppressed laugh, "although I'll certainly try regardless. As for pinball, quick reflexes and the ability to focus around distractions."

1Citation needed.
futaille: (little smile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-11 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire has read Cultivation 101 from the welcome table, so even if the finer brushstrokes of that picture elude him, he knows what Lan Wangji means by that enough that it doesn't at all seem like a non sequitur. "Oh, there's little question in my mind that you'll do well once you understand how it works. I'm mostly curious to see how well."
futaille: (Default)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-11 05:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Good!" He looks down at Xiaoxue. "Do you have more lettuce, or would another leaf be too much right now?"
futaille: (little smile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-11 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank you." Grantaire promptly takes the lettuce and offers it to Xiaoxue. "More for you, monsieur. I hope you are delighted."
futaille: (profile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-12 03:09 pm (UTC)(link)
He looks over as Lan Wangji starts to play. It's a curious sound, not quite like any instrument he's heard before, either in tone or how the music itself sounds.

Now, of course he hardly hesitates to interrupt speech if he feels the need, but there's nothing to rebut or scoff at in music, so he just carefully shifts, mindful of the rabbit still in his arms, and stretches out comfortably on the floor, settling Xiaoxue on his chest and absently stroking his head with his fingertips along to the music.
futaille: (profile)

[personal profile] futaille 2024-03-12 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Grantaire lies there and listens. A few snippets of lyrics of his own invention flit through his head for a while, but they're hard to come by when he doesn't know the melody, so he eventually just listens.

He's not a man inclined to nap1 as a rule, but the slow and soothing notes of the qin coupled with the warmth of Xiaoxue on his chest are almost impossible to resist as his breathing evens out and he drifts off.

1Passing out drunk doesn't count.
Edited 2024-03-12 18:34 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (look down)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 05:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Galahad is used to finding Lan Wangji here, and indeed was planning on finding him here today. He has his sketchbook as usual, and he's wearing the cloud-soft, sky-blue sweater Magnus picked for him; he has to roll the sleeves up over his hands or they're too long, but there's something pleasing about the sensation.

He hasn't seen Lan Wangji since Enjolras' meeting. He comes in quietly and sits nearby -- at a respectful distance from the table and Lan Wangji -- and flips open his sketchbook. In the last two weeks all his drawings have taken on a blasphemous cast: he keeps adding hagiography to his portraits, lambs and doves, croziers and aspergillum, vestments and symbols (Laertes with a discipline, Gideon in her skull paint with her sword aflame; Tress holding spores in her hand the way St Lucy holds her eyes, Claudius with great angelic wings; all of them haloed). There's something soothing about taking this language that he knows so intimately and using it to write about the people here, knowing God would hate it.

The latest sketch is Lan Wangji. With the rabbits and the qin he already looks like a saint surrounded by his associated objects, the way St Cuthbert is always shown with the otters who warmed his feet while he prayed in the north sea at night.
Edited 2024-03-08 17:13 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
He looks up. He's noticed that Lan Wangji rarely changes his expression, and so he's given himself permission not to try to figure out what he should do with his own face when they speak; as a result, he doesn't smile, and his voice is as grave as ever, when he says, "Thank you." Still, Lan Wangji is a perceptive man, so perhaps he can tell how happy Galahad is.
onthewillowsthere: (look down)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 06:18 pm (UTC)(link)
It has the feeling of a benediction, and he crosses himself reflexively. "He said you'd be his best man."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Galahad nods; he knew this, but, even more, he expected it. Lan Wangji and Crowley are Claudius' best friends.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
After a few moments, he asks, "Do you love only Wei Wuxian?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods again. It's reassuring to think that, if it's strange of him to be in love with Claudius alone, it's a strangeness he shares with Lan Wangji. He glances back down at his drawing, where Lan Wangji holds Xiaoxue in the crook of one arm and lifts the other in a Christogram.

Half a year ago he can't imagine he would have found comfort in the idea of being like Lan Wangji. Now he's pleased by the symmetry between them.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-08 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Galahad looks at his drawing. Only Adam was made in the likeness of God, and only mankind may ascend to heaven and know life with the Most Holy Trinity: there is no place for rabbits in fellowship with Christ. He begins sketching a small halo around Xiaoxue's head.

"It's uncommon?" he asks Lan Wangji.
onthewillowsthere: (look down)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's a satisfying enough answer. Lan Wangji is uncommon, and so is Galahad. He shades the halo in.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
Galahad copies it as well, reflexively. "It's the name of Christ. Saints make it in pictures."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
"This is blasphemous," he says, touching the page very lightly. "God would be disappointed."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes. Because we ate of the fruit."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
"He is all-powerful."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes," quietly. "He is powerful, but even in scripture it is written: Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land. His chosen people are defeated by the God of the Moabites. I think He has power only over the people who worship Him." He pauses. "That is also blasphemy."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Galahad, for his part, does not drop his eyes from Lan Wangji's. He betrays no emotion. It feels like being tested on his catechism to be asked these questions, except that Galahad sees God differently from the way he did as a boy, and instead of reciting back the answers he learned and memorized he's telling Lan Wangji his own beliefs, citing scripture when it's relevant.

"Sometimes God tests our faith. The book of Job tells how God and His Adversary argued and the Adversary challenged God, saying that His faithful servant Job was only faithful because of the blessings God had heaped upon him. God allowed the Adversary to take those blessings -- to slay his livestock, blight his fields, murder his children, and steal his health, and leave only his life. Job's wife counsels him to renounce God. His friends tell him it must be his own sin that has led to his suffering. But Job tells how he is innocent, and good, and though he longs to confront God and speak on his own behalf, he will not curse God. Finally God speaks to him and tells him that he cannot understand God's reasoning because he is only a man. No man has the ability to know what God knows or discern why He chooses what He does. Job is humble and repents. God is angry with Job's friends for their presumptuous and ignorant counsel, but Job intercedes for them, and God chooses to spare them. He then gives Job back twice as much as he took from him before."

Galahad pauses.

"This story teaches us many things. It teaches that we cannot understand God's choices, and that He may inflict suffering upon us for reasons beyond our knowing. It teaches us that if we remain faithful in the face of suffering, we will be rewarded. And it teaches us that God is not unfeeling; He hears our intercessions and He may choose to be graceful with those for whom we plead.

"It also teaches us that God can be provoked by His enemy," he continues, as quiet and even as always. "He will permit misfortune to befall someone who loves Him if it proves his loyalty. He is easily angered, and changeable."
Edited 2024-03-09 18:05 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 08:19 pm (UTC)(link)
"We exist in communion with God, and are made in His image, but we cannot be the same. All things come from Him and are ordered by Him, and though He has set us in dominion over His other creations we are still subordinate to Him. He is perfect, and we are imperfect. We are sinful and He is without sin. We are mortal unless we are reborn in Him to life everlasting." He tilts his head very slightly. "And yet. Magnus's father is another kind of god. Gideon's order serves a god who can be killed by a special weapon. Claudius says there is a god here now. Even in scripture it is written thou shalt have no other gods before me. The church teaches that there is only one God, but I now believe that must be incorrect."
Edited 2024-03-09 20:20 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-09 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"What is that?"
Edited 2024-03-09 21:07 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Will you tell me more?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is a presence?" He doesn't entirely understand, but he sits attentively, back perfectly straight.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"That is like the Holy Spirit."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"The Holy Spirit is a presence that emanates from God. It is what allows men to perform miracles and be filled with charisms. The fire inside my body is from the Holy Ghost. It is of a substance with God and Christ."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
It makes him think of himself telling Gideon how he looked for small choices, small purposes. To be a life-giving force, in communion with all things, but to be equally very small, with no great desires -- it would be nice, to be holy, to matter, but for that mattering to be beneath the notice of most people.

"How is it honored?" he asks.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-10 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
These are teachings, not Lan Wangji's own words, Galahad thinks. He listens quietly. It feels important that Lan Wangji would share his own scriptures and rules, knowing that Galahad doesn't believe them -- it's important for him to hear.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
"Did you know him? Or was it before your time?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
"His cultivation partner?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is cultivation love?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"What is cultivation?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"If qi is like breath, how can it be refined?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-11 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is spiritual power what lets you fly on your sword?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Can a person like me learn cultivation?" It's not something he wants to learn: he's just trying to be clear on what kind of person can do so.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
"Then it's something that requires a long time studying?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 12:17 pm (UTC)(link)
"The ritual that brought Wei Wuxian back to life -- was that cultivation?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 02:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"Was it cultivation?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 03:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"He destroyed himself so Wei Wuxian could have his body?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Galahad considers. "That body he has isn't the one he was born with."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is it hard? Or does it not matter, because it's him?"
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Hearing Lan Wangji say so makes him think of Claudius in Aziraphale's body -- how he could almost immediately recognize Claudius' physicality in that body's movements, Claudius' inflections in that body's voice. He thinks of watching Claudius spread out those huge white wings and how it made heat tremble through him from his face to his groin. If Claudius were confined to that body forever, Galahad wouldn't love or want him any less. Lan Wangji is right: it would no longer matter.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 07:31 pm (UTC)(link)
In truth he's done with questions for the moment: Lan Wangji's answers have only solidified his feelings of similarity, and as he flips the sketchbook to a new page and begins to draw just the rabbits this time he lets that sameness rest in him.
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
It's at least twenty minutes before he looks up again. "Did Claudius tell you about Sir Lancelot?"
Edited 2024-03-12 20:18 (UTC)
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-12 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's all right between us," he says, picking his words carefully -- he remembers how Laertes reacted when he'd said he'd apologized to Lancelot. "He asked for my forgiveness and I gave it to him. He's choosing to be someone different."
onthewillowsthere: (contemplation)

[personal profile] onthewillowsthere 2024-03-13 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
He's glad -- as long as anyone dislikes Lancelot on his account, he feels some sense of responsibility towards him, and a little of that eases. He returns to his drawing.
kadewest: (GOBLIN MARKET.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-08 06:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade walks past! He's whistling a tune. Someone who knows something about music as a tool might be able to parse out that this tune is a communication, for all that Kade hasn't wanted--and therefore hasn't bothered--to look for the usual pan-pipes. (He's not actually talking to anyone; it's just a nigh-automatic recitation of one of the Court of the Rainbow Princess's ballads as he tries to excise it from being stuck in his mind.)

He's also still trying to be more present in this place. When he sees the open door, he pokes his head in.
kadewest: (Default)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-08 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"Lan Wangji," with a deep nod. "Cute bunnies."
kadewest: (Default)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-08 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, sure. Kade ducks into the room and kneels down, sinking back onto his heels. "Are they new?"
kadewest: (VIRTUE.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-08 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"I gotta admit," Kade says, extending a hand for the bunnies to sniff at, "I still haven't figured out how the calendar here works."
kadewest: (LOGIC.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-08 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"Short weeks, long months..." Kade holds very still, trying not to twitch at the feeling of whiskers against the side of his fingers. "I've been places with remarkably different... structures to the year, shall we say, but never long enough for it to really hit."
kadewest: (UNDERWORLD.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-09 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
"Yep." Kade slowly straightens his fingers, brushing the tips against the bunny's face. "What are their names?"
kadewest: (LOGIC.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-09 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Xiaoxue and Danding," Kade repeats. "They're real cuties."
kadewest: (MORTIS.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-09 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh yeah?" Kade smiles at the thought. "There's a lot of critters around my school, but not a ton of rabbits. Some of my students keep pets--ESAs, really. Emotional support animals." Carefully, carefully, he strokes Xiaoxue's ear. "Would you tell me more about your home?"
kadewest: (GOBLIN MARKET.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-09 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"Night hunts, musical communication with spirits, and addressing evil, right?" Kade remembers. He purses his lips. "The musical communication was specific to your sect."
kadewest: (GOBLIN MARKET.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-09 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Their little whiskers are so ticklish. Kade gently strokes Danding's ear, too. "How's that?"
kadewest: (UNDERWORLD.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-10 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
Kade closes his eyes, trying to parse through the sounds and see if he can pick up any phrasing, but it's pretty different to the pan music he learned in Prism, and he can only get the faintest suggestion of meaning. One thing is clear, though: "It does sound soothing."
kadewest: (REASON.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-10 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade's eyes fly open. "That phrase," he says. "The one you just played. It's a beckoning, yeah?"
kadewest: (FAIR VALUE.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-10 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade chuckles, partly in disbelief. "It's like you're speaking a totally different dialect from the pan-pipes," he says. "Same family of language, but not necessarily mutually intelligible. But some passages are still pretty close."
kadewest: (NEXUS.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-10 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hm? Oh, yeah. The dead are just dead, where I come from."
kadewest: (AUSTERITY.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-11 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
"Nope! Neither in Prism nor on Earth," Kade says, and then reconsiders. "I suppose sometimes the souls of the dead can be retrieved from Underworlds, if you have a Door and are singularly motivated." After all, that's how he and his friends had brought Sumi back. "But you'd need their body and their spirit, too, and if all that's left is bones, then that's all you have. Other Worlds have other rules."
kadewest: (COURT OF THE RAINBOW PRINCESS.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-11 05:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I'm not hungry," Kade jokes, even as he takes the leaf and tears it carefully in half.
kadewest: (Default)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-11 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade offers half the lettuce leaf to each of them, watching avidly as they start to eat.
kadewest: (TRUTH.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-12 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
"That's an interesting one," Kade observes, quietly, when the leaf is about half-eaten. "It reminds me of--" he trails off.
kadewest: (SACRIFICE.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-12 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade, of course, is remembering Nancy--once a first love, always a first love, or however the saying goes--but he shakes his head. "Hey, maybe this is similar," he says, instead: "My best friend had a bone flute made out of his ulna that only the dead could hear. He could call any skeletons to dance with it."
kadewest: (CONSEQUENCES.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-12 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"The dizi," Kade repeats. "Another instrument, I gather?"
kadewest: (RULES.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-13 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, so a regular flute then. It must be a difference in naming conventions. "And it works different in concert with your qin, huh," Kade says. "Is the effect additive, or multiplicative?"
kadewest: (FAIR VALUE.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-13 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Kade laughs, rueful. "It seems my knowledge of international woodwinds is sorely lacking."
kadewest: (CONFECTION.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-15 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Kade's eyes twinkle. "Okay," he says, and jokes: "What instruments do you not know about?"
kadewest: (DROWNED WORLD.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-15 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"Besides the panpipes? Not enough about enough, probably," Kade admits. "Lemme see... Guitar?"
kadewest: (GOBLIN MARKET.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-16 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
"It's a stringed instrument. I--have actually never had to describe one before. They're generally yay big," he gestures, "with long necks." He mimes playing one, fairly badly.
kadewest: (CONSEQUENCES.)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-16 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
"I wouldn't know how to play it if it did," Kade acknowledges. "But I could still name some things."
kadewest: (Default)

[personal profile] kadewest 2024-03-17 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
"Such as it is," Kade says. "Cool. I'm in."
rememberettersberg: (casual friday)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-08 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hanguang-jun, hello." Nightingale raises a hand in greeting as he passes by, then doubles back to look more closely at the scene. "New arrivals?"
rememberettersberg: (kinda suave)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-08 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"Very sweet." He smiles. "Another attempt at stage magic or were they more intentional?"
rememberettersberg: (casual friday)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-14 11:05 am (UTC)(link)
"That illuminates very little," he says with a laugh. "May I meet them?"
rememberettersberg: (sartorial excellence)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-18 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Nightingale sits with a nod and holds out his hand for some lettuce. "Hello there," he says very seriously to the young bunnies.
rememberettersberg: (casual friday)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-19 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"Xiaoxue, Danding." Nightingale bows to each of them as he repeats their names, presenting their leafy tribute with a flourish. "What charming little creatures they are. Have you had pets before?"
rememberettersberg: (casual friday)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-20 03:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"How wonderful." He wiggles his fingers a little as Danding snuffles them for more treats. "London is quite overrun with foxes but they tend to themselves for the most part."
rememberettersberg: (casual friday)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-23 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's not permitted under our laws." Nightingale touches a fuzzy little ear with a small smile. "Foxes are considered too wild, in spite of their propensity to trot around the city scavenging for fried chicken and chips. Though I think many people cultivate friendly relationships with foxes that have chosen their gardens to live in."
rememberettersberg: (kinda suave)

[personal profile] rememberettersberg 2024-03-25 11:48 am (UTC)(link)
"It's been on my mind, yes." He offers up another lettuce leaf. "I think it might turn out to be important for us to know exactly what we're capable of as a group."
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-08 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Upon seeing Lan Wangji in the parlor, Nina has decided to test out the name that Magnus told her he likes to be called. "Hi, Hanguang-jun, it's been a while since-- Who are these?" She immediately stops short upon seeing the two small rabbits, though, interrupting herself.
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-09 02:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina comes a step closer and crouches down to look at them. "They're so small! Where did they come from?"
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-09 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, that's right. I suppose he can do that, can't he," Nina says. She did get a display when she first met him, after all. But now it's time to coo at the rabbits. "Hi. Aren't the two of you the sweetest things?"
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-10 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course," Nina says, with a smile. "I'm the same way." She gently offers the lettuce to both Danding and Xiaoxue.
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-11 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"What he said," Nina says, then sits in silence and watches them for a short while. "They look so soft. I've never had any animals before."
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-12 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
Nina lightly strokes Danding on the top of his head with two fingers, since he seems the less nervous of the two. "Are they... angelic rabbits? Since an angel created them?"
ravkanwitch: (portrait)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-12 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"Except being exceptionally cute, of course," Nina says, giving Xiaoxue a gentle pet on the head as well. "It's been a while since we've talked. How are you? The switching of the bodies...?" She trails off slightly, bringing her gaze up from the rabbits to him. She fared fine but she doesn't want him to feel obligated to talk about it if he had a difficult time.
ravkanwitch: (solemn)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-13 01:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina's eyes widen slightly; she only spoke with Gu Xiang briefly at the birthday party but she knows that that wasn't a trade that was a good fit. "At least she's..." She searches for the correct word. Nice isn't quite it. Not responsible either. She likes Gu Xiang, so she feels bad that she's searching so much. "...Not terrible? She can be sweet."
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-13 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Good. I was a cat," Nina volunteers, petting Danding again. "Mothwing. I caught a fish in the pond for Drosera."
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-14 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
Presumably, Nina and Mothwing were very sensible and met up again at sunset as promised, to check in on the state of their own bodies. She nods with a little smile. "Yes, I think she really enjoyed it. Both Sagramore and Susan made her human food-- twoleg food, as she calls it."
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-14 06:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, okay, she pets Xiaoxue as well. "That's a good thing because they're perfect the way they are," Nina declares. "During the first body swap, I kept running up to someone only to discover that they were someone else. It was a little embarrassing." She doesn't seem too hung up on it, though. Even though she ran into Aleksander in Luo Binghe's body, it all worked out in the end.
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-15 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
“Oh, I did the same,” she says, with a little smile. “It was a little awkward at first but it was fine. I think I’m lucky in that I get along with most of the people here.” Nina sometimes wonders if she truly does or if there’s something in her that craves approval and belonging, enough that she turns on charm when she needs to. It’s almost conniving in a way. Kaz would be proud.

“Not that I haven’t had some false starts with people,” she confides. She thinks of Claudius — and Galahad too.
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-15 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"One of them was Claudius." Nina leans in closer, though it isn't much of a secret. She suspects Claudius wouldn't mind the retelling; it's water under the bridge at this point and much less touchy than her conversations with Galahad. She even gives Lan Wangji a small smile to note that it's not serious. "We were both in an awful mood when I first arrived. I was stressed. He was exhausted. I cried to get out of the telling him too much about myself."
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-16 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
"He was brewing something with a lot of herbs. It was a little creepy. And I was so paranoid, I briefly went by a different name when I first arrived." Nina laughs a little and gives both of the rabbits and extra little scritch on their soft heads. "I helped him pick out a watch for Galahad recently. We're fine now."
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-16 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
“That must have been really disconcerting. I’m glad he’s here now,” Nina sympathizes. She suddenly realizes something. “You know, the second before I came here I was actually in a different body. Slimmer. Blonde. Maybe that added to the disruption.”
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-17 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
Nina hesitates, just for a moment. “In my world, there are Tailors, who are able to change appearances a little bit little, using pigments and other supplies to help their work. I used to be able to do their work, even though I wasn’t trained in it — except under jurda parem, I was able to transform someone into someone else with what was basically the snap of two fingers.” She only hazily remembers that. Kaz’s request. Wylan’s agreement. His blonde hair darkening into Kuwei’s black hair.

“I was under cover before I came here. For my country and my King. I suppose I looked too Ravkan because they made me more Fjerdan to blend in — but when I arrived, the changes were gone.”
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-17 02:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"I like what I look like," Nina says, easily. "I wouldn't change it for the world.1"

1Some may say she eventually does rediscover "her world" and discover that staying in her Fjerdan form is worth it, but that's an alternate universe now.
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-17 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"No, though a cat is significantly different," she says, laughing a little. She considers telling him that Luo Binghe made her a delicious broth but does not, turning thoughtful instead. "At the end of the day, though, even though I prefer this body, I think if I found the right person or the right situation I'd be happy with a different one. Wylan-- the person that I transformed-- Jesper fell in love with him while he was transformed. He was eventually returned to what he looked like at the start, but it didn't really matter to either of them."
ravkanwitch: (chinhands)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-18 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I see," Nina says. It's mostly in earnest and only quite mildly in jest (with a dash of Nina picking up on the quirks of people she speaks with), but she does give him a familiar open look, as if to invite him to say more if he wishes.
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-18 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina frowns. "Saints, I'm sorry. But... you still love him. And he's here now." That doesn't take away the pain of it, she understands, but it's a balm at least.
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-19 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
"That makes sense," Nina says quietly, more subdued. "You're very lucky. I hoped the person I loved would come on the day of the visitors. He didn't. Now I'm afraid he'll come after I've finally..." She trails off. Gotten over him? Never. Recovered? Wrong word. Healed? ...Maybe.
ravkanwitch: (solemn)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-19 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina nods, understanding. "I think that's why I didn't see him on visitor's day. Maybe I'll never see him again, even here. It might not be right for me." She considers something for a moment before taking a sudden, different tack. "Do you... believe in gods? Or any kind of religion?"
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-20 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
"Magnus told me what gods are," she informs him. "We have Saints. My best friend Inej worshipped them, believed that if you did the right things, the Saints would bless you. I don't think I believe in anything." This does relate back to fate and winding up with who you belong with. A miracle. In the depths of her gut, though, Nina knows that she will most likely never see Matthias again; she has to control her own fate.
ravkanwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-20 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina fidgets with the hem of her dress for a second. "What about... helping others determine what's right for them?"
ravkanwitch: (portrait)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-21 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
Nina carefully tears the lettuce leaf in half, thinking. "The people of Fjerda... they're so frightened of the Grisha. And fear causes nothing but anger and hatred. Before I came here, I ...um, may have performed a little trick." She offers one half to Danding and one half to Xiaoxue. "I turned my friends into Saints. We did save a whole town," she says in a rush, as if to explain. "It wasn't unearned. The only extra thing I did was ...something with my abilities." Worship is better than death.
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-21 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
She gives him a bright smile. "I did. Now the residents of Elling will always give thanks to Sankta Leoni of the Waters and Sankt Adrik the Uneven."
ravkanwitch: (serious)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-22 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
"I think so. It's a shame I came here immediately afterwards and couldn't see what happened." She frowns slightly. "I hope Ravka is doing okay. And... and Fjerda, I suppose." After all these years, she's grown to love Fjerda. The cold weather, the language that she's fluent in only second to Ravka, and the people who live there. Even thinking about the smell of the fish markets on the docks and the way the citizens single-mindedly worship Djel sparks a sense of nostalgia in her rather than disgust.
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-22 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina lets out a short laugh. "I thought it would be Matthias or one of my close friends but instead, Kaz Brekker showed up that day. I wouldn't call him a friend but... he did help me work through some things. He has one of the most brilliant minds I know but he's an absolute bastard."
Edited 2024-03-22 22:00 (UTC)
ravkanwitch: (close-up)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-23 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
"Your brother!" Nina brightens. "You were able to go and see him? What's he like?"
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-23 02:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm glad you got to see him again," Nina tells him. "It probbaly gave you some sort of... closure, I suppose?"
ravkanwitch: (smirk)

[personal profile] ravkanwitch 2024-03-23 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Nina idly wonders if not seeing Matthias is a version of closure for her as well. She gives Danding a pet, just because that seems fair, but she's content to just sit and keep company with him and the rabbits.
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 04:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Sagramore is determined to stop being so miserable around everyone, and that includes Lan Wangji, who has had to listen to far too much pitiousness about Asmodean. As an apology for said pitiousness, he's brought spicy arugula for the rabbits, wrapped in a paper towel, and coffee for himself -- he knows Lan Wangji will have tea for himself.

"Good morning."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
He sinks down to the floor and takes a drink of his coffee. "You were playing that when we first met, I think."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Sagramore unwraps the paper towel, which is damp from washing the lettuce, and offers it to Danding. "How long has that been, precisely?"
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
At that he looks up and grins. "Oh, I'm only a year older than you. Thank you for not going on with young master Sagramore."
sagramore: (eyes down)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, is that what it is? Fair enough." He watches Danding munch on the arugula leaf for a few moments of uncharacteristic silence, and then says, diffidently, "If you like, you can call me by my title. Sir Sagramore, I mean."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Sagramore glances up. "Don't use all the titles, though. It'll get too long in a hurry."
sagramore: (j'adore)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's unwieldy," he agrees. "But your memory is excellent."
sagramore: (j'adore)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-13 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Be serious," Sagramore says, before he can stop himself. "--I'm sorry, I know you are. That's an incredible output."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
"Jesu Christ, I'd be out on my ear."
sagramore: (j'adore)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not surprised in the slightest." Carefully, he strokes between Danding's ears with two fingers. "What a man."
Edited 2024-03-14 03:04 (UTC)
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
Sagramore sits with the warmth of that love, so economically expressed and yet so obviously vast, for several long moments. "So guests get an exception to the rules?"
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 12:06 pm (UTC)(link)
He laughs. "I see. The power of good connections."
sagramore: (laugh)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"That wouldn't happen to have been your job, would it?"
sagramore: (laugh)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
He laughs. "That seems like an easy way to fall in love with someone, watching them make trouble."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you were used to rule followers and some dashing fellow came in and defied you and over and over you wound up together for his punishment -- Christ, it probably felt like flirting. It must have been maddening and delirious." He laughs. "I think I was someone else's Wei Wuxian from time to time."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I was horrible," laughing again. "I shouldn't even say was. I was such an impatient boy, and angry and stupid and looking for trouble. Not," he amends quickly, "that Wei Wuxian was angry or stupid. Just that I did like finding rules to flout."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Sagramore cocks his head in that doglike way, smiling.
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-14 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
There's something deeply pleasing about listening to Lan Wangji talk about Wei Wuxian, with all the subtle tells for warmth that show up in his face and voice. For once, Sagramore doesn't say anything: he's waiting for Lan Wangji to continue.
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-15 11:34 am (UTC)(link)
A soft laugh. "He must have made you mad."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-15 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"What made you realize you loved him?"
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-15 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
The only time anyone has ever written a song about Sagramore it was Dinadan, and the song was very rude, which as it turns out is sufficient to make Sagramore feel very sentimental about the idea. His smile gets softer and fonder. "Did you?"
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-15 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm honored that you played it for me when I was a stranger."
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-16 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
"You taught him the song? Or had he heard you play it?" He suddenly remembers the rest of the arugula and offers Danding another piece.
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-16 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Christ, that's beautiful," softly, holding another leaf in his other hand for Xiaoxue.
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-16 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
And, just as he did the first time, Sagramore listens quietly -- though the first time he was thinking of how he'd guard his heart against the trouble of love, and now he's thinking of his husband, and how he'd recognize him if had been lost. He thinks of the sicanje on Laertes' arm, and how it marks them as a family, with their fir trees and doubled stars; he thinks of the way Laertes looks when he's tousled and sleepy, when he's flushed with the pleasure of some new project, the light in his eyes when he looks at Szarka, the soft thoughtful face he makes while he's reading. He thinks of what an act of love it is for Laertes to be his master, and how much he wants to be Laertes' in return, and give him everything he needs or wants.
Edited 2024-03-16 04:27 (UTC)
sagramore: (tender)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-16 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
It's so different from listening to Asmodean play, and yet that does spring to mind, inevitably -- but there must be something about the love song, or Lan Wangji's calming presence, because instead of feeling pained by the thought he just thinks about how much he loves Asmodean too, how it felt that first day to lie on the blanket under the tree and listen to him play the harp, and to feel for the first time in decades as if something new and good had happened to him. Sagramore watches the rabbits eat and listens. Everything will be all right, he thinks. He will learn to hate himself less, and Laertes will wait for him to learn, patient and loving as he always is, and in the meantime it will be all right.
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-16 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
As the song ends, Sagramore smiles, watching the rabbits eat, before he glances up at Lan Wangji.

"In Camelot, I had a friend who played the rebec and wrote songs. His name is Dinadan. He's one of the only people I wish was here."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-17 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
He lets the ends of the arugula drop, and leans back on his hands. "I hope he doesn't. He was perfectly happy with his lot. I don't think his fate needs to be changed the way mine did, no matter how much I miss him."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-17 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I'm sure I was destined to die in the next few years if I had stayed. I was really miserable, and I was often alone. I always thought I'd be killed falling down the stairs drunk, or perhaps getting stabbed to death in some stupid quarrel, or-- something trivial, you understand. The man I loved most had done with me; I had nothing." He says it easily -- it feels bearable to say, now.
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-17 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
"So am I. I've never imagined being happy like this before."
sagramore: (Default)

[personal profile] sagramore 2024-03-17 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
There are things he's considered telling Lan Wangji, now that they're friends -- things about himself he rarely shares, but which he knows Lan Wangji is unlikely to repeat, things he would tuck away as if within his qiankun pouch and carry forever. But the moment is so pleasant that Sagramore can't bear to. Instead he's quiet, watching the rabbits, and letting his happiness rest.
temnota: (Default)

[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-13 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Out of curiosity, Aleksander peered into the room he was passing by and was delighted to spot Lan Wangji. His smile widened as he noticed there were two small guests. His heart was quite irrevocably given to Szarka but the rabbits were rather adorable in their own rights.

"Hello Hanguang-jun and friends," he said warmly. "Am I interrupting?"
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-17 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
Aleksander returned the bow elegantly then stepped inside. "I am glad to see you. No ill effects from the switch, I hope."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-18 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
Aleksander smiled wryly but said nothing as he took Lan Wangji's cue and sat down across from him. He carefully rearranged his kefta so it wouldn't bunch up uncomfortably. "I am very glad to hear that. The Mansion is capable of being kind, after all."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-18 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hello, lapushka1," Aleksander said to the braver of the two rabbits. He smiled and slowly held out his hand, not wanting to startle either, to allow for further investigation. "Who might you be?"

1Darling.
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-24 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hello, Danding," Aleksander greeted the rabbit with all of the deference one would give to an visiting dignitary. He looked over at Xioxue and greeted him just as deferentially. "It is an honor to meet the both of you."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-03-29 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Moving slowly so as not to startle either rabbit, Aleksander accepted the pieces of lettuce. He gently offered one piece to Danding, keeping his hand steady and once that had been gobbled up, he offered another to Xioxue.

"I did," he said, looking up with a smile. "Would this be a good time?"
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-01 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
That was answer enough and Aleksander sat back to listen, occasionally tearing off little bits of lettuce for the rabbits. Once the pieces were gone, he devoted his entire attention to Lan Wangji and his music. It was different then anything he'd ever heard before but he found it hauntingly beautiful.
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-03 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
Aleksander listened contentedly, absently petting Danding. The music reminded him of gently flowing water which in return reminded him of the streams and rivers of Ravka. He let the memories flow, something he hadn't done for a long time. And right up until he remembered Annika and the night at the lake, they were good memories.

He forcibly wrenched his attention back to the present moment, not wanting to dwell on the moment that had changed his path and that of Ravka's.

Once the song was done, he smiled warmly and applauded softly. "That was lovely."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-07 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Did you compose this yourself?" Aleksander asked curiously.
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-07 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Aleksander smiled ruefully. "I did say music was not one of my skills. I can say whether or not I enjoyed a piece but that is as far as it goes. I would like to hear something of your own if it would not be an imposition."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-10 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
The first piece was beautiful but this one moved Aleksander. The notes spoke to something deep inside his heart, as though they were aware he had been shattering the pieces of himself that were monstrous and broken in attempt to become someone new. His past has left scars, there is no denying that but it did not need to be all he was.

And if Danding's fur was wet and he had to turn his head to discreetly wipe away tears once the song was done, then that could be considered progress towards the change he was trying to make.
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-13 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
Once Aleksander had regained control of himself, he looked back at Lan Wangji. "I am not sure I have words to express my feelings," he said slowly. "That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with me."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-17 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
Aleksander nodded thoughtfully. "The feeling I had was of putting one's self together, of a change that redefined the world and needing to come to terms with it. I don't mean to say that was your intention, only that is how the music made me feel. Whatever the way of it, you have a wonderful talent."
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[personal profile] temnota 2024-04-21 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Aleksander was content to sit in silence and continue to contemplate the themes of the music and pet Danding in the bargain. The little rabbits were growing on him and it was calming to run his fingers through Danding's soft fur and imagine what life must be like as a much loved and cossetted rabbit.