jikan_network | Video | un: nightwanderer

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Video | un: nightwanderer

[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!]

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It can weigh heavily on one. Especially a mortal become an Immortal. To watch everything you know and love fade around you as you remain the same is not an easy burden to carry.

I think it would be easier to bear if not alone, as he is.

[ He pulls his thoughts back to Runyu, head tilting a little as he studies the immortal. ]

I am glad you were brought here, so you are not alone and so I could meet you.

[He blinks at that then smiles at him gently.]

Being isolated and alone in my world is a punishment I accepted. But I am glad to have met you as well.

[ He can't help the quiet chuckle at that. ]

Punishment is something I understand.

This world, imperfect as it is, has brought some joy though. I would like to show you some of what it has given me back.

[ An address pops up a moment later on Runyu's device. ]

You are welcome any time.

[The address surprises him and he watches it a moment before looking up at the video screen again.]

Show me what it has given you? I admit you have me curious.

[ He grins. ]

Come and see. I will tell you no more than that - other than a hope you will enjoy it.

[Runyu tilts his head and then decides that he'll take him up on that offer. So, he ends the call and in the blink of an eye he's brought himself right before the man with a brow lifted.

This is a powerful Immortal after all. Crossing distances by simply transferring his energy there is no trial.

[ The sudden appearance startles him before he relaxes and stands, tucking his device away. Afraid? No. Maybe he should be - but Runyu has only used his powers to help him so far. ]

This is a version of my home - the Four Seasons Manor.

[He looks around it, his gaze lingering on the plants. Slowly he turns to take in everything.]

It's beautiful here.

[ Zishu reaches out to tug on Runyu's sleeve, to lead him to another part of the grounds. ]

I had a small pool added. And there is space for you, if you want to live here.

[At the tug, he looks over then follows. Only to be shocked by the offer. It's enough to make him forget to keep walking.]

You're inviting me?

[It's been so long since he's really experienced so much open kindness that it's so much easier to believe it might not be real. A fantasy he's just wishing for but will never get.]

[ He gives that arm a little shake, turning back to face Runyu. ]

What about it? You helped me just because you saw me struggling to walk. You didn't have to. And I like you.

I apologize. It just...it didn't feel real. So much of my life for hundreds of years now hasn't been like this.

[He starts walking again as he keeps looking around.]

You would not mind if I was here?

You never need to apologize to me.

[ Zishu moves with him, he can't hope to fully understand what Runyu has been through. But he can try.

He smiles. ]

I would not offer otherwise. Enjoy your time here.

[He should refuse. Should isolate himself to his tiny apartment. It's what he deserves and where he belongs for all that he's done. Yet, there are words that ring through as he looks over at the man next to him.

Couldn't he try again here? Be a better person? At least until he's returned to his world where he can finish his punishment? Can't he do that?

He wants to believe...]

Thank you.

[He steps back so he can stop and offer Zishu a humble bow. Certainly not one typically made by an Emperor that is for certain.]

I will accept your kind offer.

[ His own punishment has taught him that living in the moment is sometimes all there is left to people.

The bow feels somehow far more significant than most, enough that Zishu accepts it with a lesser bow rather than just a nod as he might for most such gestures these days.

He smiles as he straightens and sweeps an arm out before them. ]

Each room is a little different, and I don't mind if you decorate to your own preferences. I want you to feel comfortable.

[Rising back up again, he offers him a little smile. A space to call his own? Surrounded by...]

Is there a room that looks out at the plants?

[It's probably too much to ask but he does so all the same.]

Of course.

[ He'll just not mention outright that said room might be really close to his own - they both like looking out over the gardens it seems!

Zishu leads the way to the room he now has in mind for the Immortal. It's a simple room, but clearly with comfort in mind. Each bedroom in this modernized version of his home has it's own bathroom, though there is only one kitchen. ]

[Runyu follows after him, still looking around at everything as they go. This place is truly so beautiful. Much like the Heavenly Realm used to be before all the plants died away, lost with...

Stepping into the room, he looks around it then looks outside at the gardens.]

Thank you. This is perfect.

[ Zishu has been working on the various murals here and there, as well as the gardens themselves. He'd left the actual building to the magics of this world, along with such delightful modern comforts as indoor plumbing.

He steps back to watch Runyu's reaction to this particular room and lets his smile widen a little. ]

Good.

There should be blooms in each of the seasons. [ He knows what blooms in each season, at least how they should bloom. ]

Flowers for ever season...

[Runyu smiles at that as he watches a gentle breeze move through the branches before sliding his attention to Zishu.]

How can I repay you? I'd like to.

[ He probably could ask for any number of things - but he hadn't offered this immortal a place to live for a reward. ]

Your company is enough.

It amazes me that you enjoy my company enough for that to be all to ask for.

[After all he's done? Even if the man doesn't know the severity of his crimes...]

Aah.

[ Runyu's past matters as much as Xie Wang's - not at all, as long as no repeats are done here. ]

I feel I am being selfish, bringing those I like here to fill the silence of this home. I used to think silence was what I deserved. Now I recognize it doesn't matter who deserves what.

Deserved? You make me wonder at your crimes in so short a life to feel you deserve something like that.

[But he knows that mortals can punish themselves far harsher than most due to their shorter lifespans.]

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Video | un: nightwanderer

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