{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{Guess what he located? A pipa. It isn't his pipa, but it is a pretty instrument, carved out of golden wood.

For the enjoyment of the network, he performs a piece. The name of the piece is ironic (and fitting). "Attack on All Sides" does nicely summarize his current predicament.

When the piece concludes, he looks into the communicator with a faint, sad smile.}

Any requests?

Comments

Video; un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

You play beautifully. I wish I could request but you're not likely to know the songs that I know. Perhaps I can request you play another you're familiar with?

[That sad smile... It's so like the one he wears most days these days. Though, he is doing what he can to hide that for now, wanting to offer this young man attention instead.]

Video

[thescorpionking]

Thank you. {Xie has been trained since he was a child. His pipa is dear to him, but he didn't come to this world with it.} How can I deny your request?

{He picks a happier piece, but one with plenty of movement as those distract him the most.}

[dragonrising]

[He smiles a little more and closes his eyes to listen to the music. This is clearly someone skilled with the instrument and he feels honored to be the audience for it.]

I never learned to play the pipa myself. I must say I admire your skill in it.

[thescorpionking]

{Music attracts people and it can be used to perform spells too. Xie likes useful talents and so he has spent years throwing himself into the art until the pipa's strings feel as familiar to him as his own fingers.}

I prefer it because I can carry it with me. When I was sent on errands or missions, it was easy to transport.

[dragonrising]

It's much easier to carry than some, it's true. And it takes a true master to be able to take such care of it too.

[Perhaps it sounds like flattery but he truly means the words.]

Where did you find it? I haven't been able to locate instruments like that here.

[Action]

[heartsgambler]

[ It's a few minutes before Qianqiao comes home, but she doesn't speak. Only goes to him and settles at his feet, leaning against him to listen to the song. ]

[Action]

[thescorpionking]

{Everything about him relaxes when he sees her and his music is gentler too. Between pieces, he pauses to caress her hair.}

Are you well, A-Qiao?

[heartsgambler]

[ Hearing the change in his music makes her smile, and the gentle touches to her hair helps her relax as well. ]

I am. You are safe and with me.

[thescorpionking]

{He bends down to claim a kiss, grasping her gently by her chin.}

How is Gu Xiang? I can't imagine you convinced her to stay in the hospital.

[heartsgambler]

[ For him, she's not wearing any mask or makeup at all. She willingly lets her face be tilted up for that kiss and relaxes into it, eyes fluttering closed. The question and comment has her open her eyes, though she nuzzles his hand. ]

She is recovering with Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu. None of us wanted her to stay in the hospital.

Wen Kexing will not take your life - for my sake. [ Yes, you idiot, she asked for mercy and Kexing had granted her wish because he cares about her. ]

video; un: geth

[agglomerate]

[ Don't mind the giant robot. ]

...we have never heard pipa music before. Our archived knowledge of such is very limited. This piece is about a war, correct?

video

[thescorpionking]

You have a fine ear. {Many pieces are about war as it turns out.} There are pieces about beauty too. Would you prefer one of those?

video

[agglomerate]

The Battle of Gaixia, if we are not incorrect. However...

We-- find that we would like to heart about beauty, yes.

video

[thescorpionking]

How is it that you know so much? {Xie is amused, nodding at the request. The next piece he performs is happier, but difficult. He seems to value difficult patterns.}

video

[agglomerate]

We have observed organics for over three centuries, and much of their history is downloaded into our platform hardware to facilitate better understanding of them.

[ Though they seem to say it as an afterthought, more concerned with the music. Listening so carefully that even the plates that shift around their optic grow still. ]

...Inquiry: Would it be acceptable if we archived this piece?

[Video; UN: Darknight_heir]

[reliesondirtytricks]

[ He listens as the pipa is played and gives a slight nod, more to himself than Xie. ]

That's pretty good. I'm sure it sounds better outside of a device, though.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

{Xie arches a brow and chuckles.}

I do, I'm sure. Are you saying you want a personal concert?

[Video]

[reliesondirtytricks]

[ He has no clue who this man is, but he twirls his xiao as he watches. It was obvious that this other enjoyed his instrument. ]

If it means I get to hear it personally, outside of this device, then yes.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

{His eyes follow that xiao and he understands that he is speaking to someone from a world like his own. Good.}

Where would you like to meet? Somewhere public would be my choice.

[Video]

[reliesondirtytricks]

[ He notices exactly what those eyes are following. ]

I'm normally found in the nearest park, up in a tree. So, wherever you're comfortable.

video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

You are a man of many talents.

video

[thescorpionking]

This is more an indulgence.

[theatrics]

One to which it is clear you've devoted time and energy.

[afoolshope]

If I play the song for you from a recording, would you be able to copy it by ear?

[thescorpionking]

I will have to listen to it multiple times, but it is possible.