Video | un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

[He's been thinking about this for a few weeks now, dwelling on it as he continues to settle in here. It's enough that he feels he could ask about it. See how many have a similar connection...]

Good evening. I had a question I thought I'd like to present to you all. A curiosity really.

How many of you are familiar with those known as Immortals? It is alright if you only know of them through stories or myths. Largely I'm just wondering how much is known of them. What you know of them.

Whatever you wish to share, I will listen to. Thank you.


[ooc: Spoilers for like...almost the whole of Ashes of Love in the thread with Xingchen btw!]

Comments

[gentledawn]

Everyone has a path in life. If you were still filled with rage and eager to murder, I would do everything in my power to stop you. But the Runyu before me knows better.

[Knowledge is gained in so many ways. Runyu has taken the hardest path and it will leave him scarred for the rest of time. Why should Xingchen add to that pain?]

You were honest and that was no small task. What you told me stays between us, but I tell you now, even if you told Mingye, he would not abandon you either.

[dragonrising]

I've only wanted to find a way to help others here if I can. He's someone who feels like he's been hurt and I don't know why he attached so quickly to me but... But I want to protect his smile.

[Runyu lifts a hand to push away his tears. He'd thought he was done with these. Then again, he's never actually told his full story to anyone before. This is the first time he's had to really relive his pain and suffering.]

I would not have blamed you if you'd chosen to abandon me. It shocks me more that you refuse to.

[gentledawn]

He has been. He was missing his arm when he arrived. The wound was made by...lightning? [He is still fuzzy on what happened to poor Mingye.] His father was cruel to him. If you ever hear him refer to the Demon Lord or Lord Demon, that is his father.

[Xingchen rubs over Runyu's back, tutting softly.]

I left my Master's mountain to help others. Abandoning you would increase your pain and -

I don't wish to go.

[dragonrising]

[He nods as he listens and finds himself leaning into the touch. Though he won't ever admit that he's starving for it, he really is. Thousands of years with so very little affection and he can't stop gravitating toward any he might receive.]

...thank you. I don't know what else to say but that.

[And even that doesn't feel like enough.]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen has discovered how much he likes to touch and be touched. It's difficult not to notice when various spells are at play - and then the effects seem to...linger.

Seeing Runyu so upset has just drawn him nearer and since he can't undo the sad events of his past, he can at least help him relax. His hand is light and gentle, pressing a little here and there when he finds tense muscles.]

For what? I have gained a friend.

[dragonrising]

[Tension is apparently just part of his entire body. Even after the two massages he's had here that remains. Likely because he's never really released the pain he clings to.]

I can only hope to even be worthy of that for you.

[gentledawn]

Shouldn't I be the one to decide that? [He leans closer and rests their bodies together, one arm wrapped around Runyu.] You should come with me and see the little ones. I hold the babies that aren't thriving at the hospital a few days a week.

[dragonrising]

[The weight of another person against him is the most comforting thing he's ever experienced. Without realizing it, he finds himself leaning against him as his eyes close.]

You hold them?

[gentledawn]

I sit in a chair that rocks and hold them, yes. [He thoroughly enjoys the time he spends with the little babies.] I talk to them, tell them stories and let them feel my heartbeat. It helps them.

[dragonrising]

[He nods slowly to show he understands. Just holding a child can help them? He draws in a breath then...]

I'll go with you. Whenever you go.

[gentledawn]

Contact helps them know they're not alone. [He rests his cheek on Runyu's shoulder.] When they are born early I was told they miss the warmth and safety of their mother's womb. Volunteers are welcome since the healers are often busy with patients.

[dragonrising]

If it will help then that's enough. [He'll go with Xingchen every time he goes. If he can help them, if he can give them a chance... Maybe it can start to make up for his crimes.]

[gentledawn]

I find it very peaceful. [He smiles at the answer, tilting his head to see Runyu's face.] And they are sweet. The hardest part is leaving them behind.

[dragonrising]

[There's no hiding for him right now that this is the face of a broken man. Even with his eyes closed he's completely unguarded for a change, letting himself be comforted. After all it's not something he's ever really been given before and he craves it.]

I'm sure they're beautiful. Little ones usually are.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen is happy to stay close, gently stroking Runyu's back, brushing his hair to the side so he has a clear view of that handsome - though sorrowful - face.]

They are brimming with life. I use my golden core to strengthen them. There are those who already show promise. I feel their cores reacting to mine.

[dragonrising]

[He's not even realized that bits of his hair has fallen into his face. So he looks over at him when he feels the touch of gentle fingers.]

I could offer some of my energy too. I have more than enough to give them.

[gentledawn]

[He tucks those strands back and gives Runyu a happy smile.]

They would be grateful - as would their mothers and fathers.

[Considering their way of healing, he feels he should warn Runyu about the hospital setting.]

If the children are...attached...to strange devices, that's okay. Those devices help sustain life.

[dragonrising]

[He shakes his head.]

I don't mind. It's a place of healing. They are doing what they can for them with what they know.

[Better than anyone ever did for him when he was a child.]

If they need those machines then I'm glad they have them.

[gentledawn]

Just so. And they will show you how to hold the babies without disrupting the cords. I found I didn't even notice them after awhile.

[It's easy to focus on the tiny faces and the perfect hands and feet.]

You will do a lot of good for them.

[dragonrising]

I hope so. I've done so much wrong that I know I will never fully repent for it. But if I can do anything right in this world...

[Runyu sighs and closes his eyes, shaking his head.]

Perhaps it's selfish to want even that much but I long for it regardless. As much as I long for kindness and affection and so on.

[He looks down at the tea that he still hasn't sipped.]

I apologize. In the end, it seems I still often have these thoughts.

[gentledawn]

Think of it this way: each day is a new chance to do good in this world. It doesn't matter if the good is perceived as slight or especially generous.

[He squeezes Runyu's shoulder at the sigh.]

No, it's not selfish. You're alive. Every living person wants kindness and affection and a place to belong.

[With just a brush of his fingers, he reheats the teacup so the brew is steaming pleasantly again.]

I would be more concerned if you didn't.

[dragonrising]

[...That's...something his brother would have done for him once. He looks at the way the tea steams so pleasantly, unable to take his eyes from it.]

Yet, these days I always wonder if it's safer for me to not desire at all.

[Not surprising given everything he's done. He lightly strokes the cup.]

Perhaps I'm a better witness than participant so I won't hurt anyone ever again.

[gentledawn]

You have brought others a sense of belonging. If you ignore that, you continue to hurt those around you. Open yourself to those who care for you. It will be frightening, at first, but then you will find healing.

[His expression firms and he shakes his head.]

No, you must participate.

[dragonrising]

[He releases a soft laugh and looks over at him.]

You really care so much about me even after all that I told you. I matter that much to you.

[gentledawn]

I see...

Hope. I don't like to let go of hope. [It's the one thing that will sustain a soul for a lifetime.] Do your scars pain you? I am good at making salves.