{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

[thescorpionking]

I am the one who is blessed. I found her when I needed music most. {Which is...now.} We have not met yet, I don't believe? I am Liu Xie.

[dragonrising]

We haven't. I am Runyu. It is good to meet you Liu Xie.

[thescorpionking]

Hello, Runyu. Since you are a lover of music, I will perform for you when you like.

[dragonrising]

When I like? I will try to not be too demanding then. I would hate to lose this privilege you've extended me.

[thescorpionking]

Well if you called on me in the middle of the night, I would be cross with you. But I enjoy playing during the day.

[dragonrising]

[He laughs softly.]

As much as I'm used to being awake at all hours of the night, I will promise not to wake you unless you wish it.

[thescorpionking]

I am not alone in this apartment and my Beauty deserves her rest. {He looks amused, however, grinning after a moment.} I know music can be a comfort.

[dragonrising]

Your beauty? [An interesting way of putting it so he cannot help but to question it.]

Ah but there's not much for comforting me but I enjoy the melodies all the same.

[thescorpionking]

Yes, my Beauty is Liu Qian Qiao. {The Beauty Ghost as it turns out. But he finds her stunning outside of her paint and her lovely robes.}

Is it so bad to be here?

[dragonrising]

I see. I'm not familiar with this one.

And this place is well enough. However, there's other things on my mind that make it difficult for me to seek comfort. Perhaps, you could say, a lack of feeling I deserve such.

[thescorpionking]

I am a mass murderer. I wasn't remorseful about it either before I came here. But certain people have chosen to accept me, to give me another chance. I can't say why they made that decision, but it would be shameful to disappoint them.

[dragonrising]

[Mass murderer...if only his crimes were that small. But his list goes far beyond that unfortunately.] Have you? It seems there are many forgiving people here actually. It's been surprising to see.

[thescorpionking]

{It's a starting point? Which is sad to say...}

We must live together whether we like it or not. As foreigners, we should be able to rely on each other. Otherwise we are more vulnerable than ever.

[dragonrising]

That seems to be a common thread for what everyone is saying to me. It's a strange one for me though. I've never been able to rely on others in the past.

[thescorpionking]

Take small steps. No one is asking you to change your entire way of thinking.

[dragonrising]

I wouldn't mind changing my way of thinking. But breaking thousands of years in a habit can be challenging.

[thescorpionking]

Thousands! Have you achieved immortality, then?

[dragonrising]

I was born an Immortal actually. Or rather, I was born due to having a powerful Immortal father and achieved it very early in life.

[thescorpionking]

Impressive! What is it like? {Forgive him for his curiosity.}

[dragonrising]

Like? Considering it's all I've ever known I'm not sure I can properly tell you. But I can answer whatever questions you have for it.

[thescorpionking]

Well mortals have to suffer illnesses, weakness and so forth. {He shows his hand to make his point: his fingertips are red and indented from the strings.}

[dragonrising]

As do Immortals. Ours are just of a different variety honestly.

[He shifts his robes to expose a hideous looking edge of a scar on his upper chest over his heart.]

[thescorpionking]

Gods above, what happened to you? {Xie frowns and leans in closer, setting his pipa to the side.} Who would dare to strike an immortal? It seems foolish.

cw: mentions of self harm

[dragonrising]

[He replaces his robes and shakes his head.] Immortals would dare to strike each other. Though this was not caused by the hand of another.

[thescorpionking]

{He stiffens upon realizing what the other man means.}

Why? {It feels like a dangerous subject and he closes his eyes tightly.} I'd rather you didn't go to such lengths.