[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A very different sight greets the network this time (as compared to his first recording). Xiao Xingchen gazes back at anyone watching with eyes. Said eyes are gentle and wise - if a tad shy.]

Greetings. [He bows respectfully, properly, smiling softly.] I was wondering if there are any gardens or...parks?...nearby? I miss the trees and the flowers.

[The next subject is less wholesome and he bites his lip, pausing, hesitating.]

I have heard certain things said about the dead. I beg of you to leave them in peace. Any spells that could awaken them should not be done by our hands. There will be a price to pay for those responsible and I would rather you be innocent.

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[Action]

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Being able to see Xingchen's eyes again is a blessing, and getting to talk to him with his own voice again is another! Today, this message has him hurry back to his soulmate from outside. ]

Xingchen. There is a beautiful...park, not far from here. Will you walk with me?

[ And a pretty stream there, too, but he wants to see Xingchen's expression when they find it. ]

[Action]

[gentledawn]

[Hearing Zichen's beautiful voice is just an added blessing to being able to see his handsome face! Xingchen flushes and reaches out, knowing that he has been spoiled by the contact Zichen has allowed.]

I will go anywhere with you.

[Though he has no need to hold onto his soulmate, he does it anyway, hugging onto one of Zichen's arms.]

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Only Xingchen. Zichen meets him half way, gently catching his hand as he steps closer than he would have before. The immediate agreement makes him smile a little, shyly. ]

Are you hungry? We could get some food to eat while there.

[ Even if he can't eat yet, they are working towards that goal. And he can keep his precious soulmate company. He turns, tucking Xingchen's arm close to his side, and leads him outside. ]

[gentledawn]

[The closeness brings more color to his cheeks, but his smile speaks for itself. Zichen is his precious one and he is determined to help bring him back to life fully. His soulmate deserves no less.]

I would like that. [One day, they will share a meal. He turns his head to kiss Zichen's cheek.] How do you feel? You've adapted well to the change.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ That smile gives him the courage to not pull away. If he can bring his soulmate even a little happiness...He will. The kiss to his cheek sends a shiver through him and he manages to lean just a little into it. ]

It is...strange. But nice. I am grateful to be able to speak again.

[ But his own comfort pales next to his Xingchen. ]

How about you? Is it still too bright for you?

[gentledawn]

[Zichen is his happiness! Xingchen feels a shy flutter in his belly when his soulmate leans into his kiss. He nuzzles his lips against the spot afterwards, following Zichen step for step.]

I like hearing your voice. I missed it.

[He smiles at the concern, warmed by it.]

I have been teaching myself. I sit by the window and let my eyes adjust. I'm not...confident...I can see very far, but it is getting better.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ He's constantly amazed by Xingchen's gift of compassion. Even the way Zichen is for now doesn't turn the other man away. ]

Good. The sky is a little overcast, so it is not as bright as it has been. And the shade in the park will help. Will you let me help you retrain your eyes?

[ He turns them in one direction, essentially retracing his steps from the morning. ]

Text | user name: crypt_thing

[bloodyroses]

DEAR GODS I WASN'T ACTUALLY GOING TO DO ANY NON-CONSENSUAL NECROMANCY

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[gentledawn]

You are not the first to broach the subject. It unsettles me.

[bloodyroses]

Wait


who else is talking about this shit?

[gentledawn]

I do not wish to gossip. But I assure you, you are not alone.

[bloodyroses]

Honestly, I guess it's not too surprising.

[gentledawn]

Considering our various backgrounds, there are bound to be some who have experienced death.

video | un: Default

[woodeneye]

[ Guy with two newly working eyes, meet guy with one wooden one! He doesn't know the first thing about trees or flowers, but... ]

What's people been sayin' 'bout bringin' back the dead?

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[gentledawn]

[That wooden eye is charming. Xingchen greets Ragetti with a small bow of his head.]

It seems to be...possible...

I feel it is unnatural and disrespectful.

[woodeneye]

[ Ragetti dips his head back in reply. He's still not a hundred percent on bowing etiquette, but he's getting there. ]

Well, yeah, 'course it's possible, I coulder told ye that. Both me captains used ter be dead, they did - helped bring one of 'em back meself.

[ He puffs his chest out a little, even though he didn't actually... do much as part of the quest to rescue Jack from Davy Jones' Locker. This guy doesn't need to know that. ]

How's it disrespectful if they wanter be back, though?

[gentledawn]

[All that matters is the intention. Xingchen is not strict or cruel.]

You did...? [His brows knit in concern.] Were they themselves? And their bodies... Were they whole?

[The very idea sends a shiver down his spine and he presses his lips together nervously.]

I suspect most of the dead wants to live again. But that goes against the natural order.

[woodeneye]

As themselves as they'd ever been, yeah. S'pose Cap'n Jack, he was actin' a little screwier than usual after he got outer the Locker, but ye would be, too, if ye had to live yer afterlife in a place like that. Nothin' but sand. Well, sand an' crabs.

[ The crabs bring a fleeting, enigmatic look to his eye. ]

Hey, mate, ye seen what I seen - not ter mention been what I been - ye wouldn't be talkin' 'bout the natural order. Far's I know, there's a lot worse things ye can end up as than a regular person what ain't dead no more.

[gentledawn]

I can understand it having an effect on him. [Xingchen doesn't know of the Locker, but he can imagine passing between worlds would be a harrowing experience.] Why is the afterlife so bleak?

[This man has his full attention and he considers those words with a faint hum.]

Bodies are treated with respect in my culture. Spirits are laid to rest if they become violent or unruly; that is one of my duties as a Cultivator. To bring someone back to life requires dark magic and I have never seen it bring any good into the world.

video | un: wwx

[diabolique]

(( Wei Wuxian feels called out by this relatable content. ))

Why do you bring this up, Uncle?

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[gentledawn]

[Nephew, why?]

I had a discussion with a young lady about the process of necromancy. And after speaking with Zichen, I understand the pain it can cause.

[diabolique]

Song-xiong is a rare case. A vast majority of those returned to life are just like the fierce corpses we fight... fought all the time.

(( Does he sound a little too authoritative on the subject? ))

[gentledawn]

I worry about their perception. [He frowns sadly.] Fierce Corpses must obey their Master, but it isn't as if they are empty dolls.

[diabolique]

(( Wuxian chews the inside of his cheek for a second. ))

And what of the feral ones that don't have masters? Do they seem particularly thoughtful?

[gentledawn]

I cannot say. [Xingchen pales and he shifts uncomfortably.] If some part of them understands, it's cruel.