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]

I hear it too. It has been...an adjustment.

[One that he is thankful to experience. Xingchen is the Bright Moon and the Gentle Breeze. Warmth comes to him naturally - never fire hot, but comfortable. He works his power into the pressure points, along Runyu's meridians, his hands sliding further down the man's back.]

I am happy to share what comes naturally to me. I'm not like the sun, but I can help you feel like Spring has come.

[dragonrising]

Spring has been lost to me, I'm afraid. But this is truly close enough.

[Breathing deeply as he feels his points cleansing, he finds his head falling forward. Not to sleep, he's not tired. Rather, because he feels safe and comfortable. Not having to be someone else or try to hide his crimes to keep from chasing others away.

It's...liberating.]

Your soulmate is lucky to have you. I've never had anything like this before.

[And he knows that Xingchen must be giving even more to this soulmate of his. Runyu doubts there will ever be anyone like that for him in any realm but he's glad to know that this man has found such a person.]

[gentledawn]

Not forever. I will pray for you to find your Spring again.

[His head is bowed as he works on Runyu's lower back and so he is able to hide his bright blush and the way the words touch him.]

I feel it is the other way around. [He leans against Runyu for a moment, saddened that anyone must live without love.] I cannot give you the same bond I share with him, but that does not mean my heart is shut to you.

[dragonrising]

[He sways gently from the lean but still stays balanced for him. But his eyes open as he speaks.]

Your friendship is already more than I deserve. I'd never dream to ask for more. From anyone.

[gentledawn]

[He pulls back a little, apologetic, moving to settle at Runyu's side again.]

Keep your heart open regardless. You don't know what tomorrow might bring.

[dragonrising]

[Before Xingchen can fully pull back, Runyu reaches back to catch him. It's an action that surprises him but he knows why he did it. Slowly he looks back at him.]

I'm sorry. I just... I loved so hard once that I confess I'm scared to do so again. The thought of hurting another as I did Mi'er...

[gentledawn]

[His eyes widen and he moves back to Runyu, ready to comfort, ready to reassure. He covers the hand that grabs him with his own.]

I lost my Zichen for a time too. We had a terrible argument and we parted ways. I didn't see him again for years. I was convinced he hated me.

I've never felt more lonely than I did then. I didn't care where I traveled.

[dragonrising]

She has the one she wants and I'm happy for them. Even if my desires cost her and my brother everything to get there.

But that darkness in me... The greed, the envy, the wrath... All of that is still there. I fear hurting someone new with my dark side simply by loving them.

Sometimes I'm frightened just for the friends I've made.

[gentledawn]

Do you think Mingye or I would stay quiet and allow you to tear yourself apart?

[His expression is stern and he squeezes Runyu's hand.]

I would be honest with you and we would seek a solution together. You wouldn't face your demons alone.

[dragonrising]

[Someone to help him face his demons. He laughs softly, sadly.]

Both are you are people I know I could fall for so easily were I not so fearful of myself.

[gentledawn]

Then let us care for you until that fear subsides.

[He has a similar relationship with Mingye, honestly.]

I don't expect anything in return.

[dragonrising]

[He gazes down at the hand holding his own.]

I don't wish to burden you with the weights I carry. I know how heavy the load is.

[gentledawn]

I feel no burden. [His hand is steady.] We all have memories we would rather forget.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu shakes his head at that.]

No. I never want to forget what I did and have been through. I've done that once and I never want to again.

[gentledawn]

It is best if we don't forget. All the same, the memories hurt and my natural inclination is to soothe the pain.

[He smiles sadly and reaches for his tea, sipping on it.]

[dragonrising]

There is some pain that it's best not to soothe. Otherwise lessons are never learned.

[He gently holds Xingchen's hand.]

But thank you.

[gentledawn]

You have learned. Perhaps some of the pain can be soothed now?

[He returns the gentle grip, his gaze lowering shyly.]

I am honored you gave me your trust.

[dragonrising]

I'm not sure how to soothe my pain honestly.

[It's not guilt he holds really. Rather it's just the weight of everything that he's done, the acknowledgement that he's been the evil he fought against.]

[gentledawn]

Then will you allow me the opportunity?

[Xingchen isn't bragging. If he fails, his friend will be no worse off. But if it he is successful...]

[dragonrising]

[He looks to him and almost refuses. Except that...well...Runyu doesn't really want to be in pain anymore. He's so tired of always hurting...

Can he even be helped? What would even work? He doesn't know.

In the end, he nods. Please, he'll let him try.]

[gentledawn]

[It takes courage to agree; he respects that bravery. Xingchen hugs Runyu to his side, smiling softly, unsure where to begin. Except... Maybe what Runyu needs is a good friend.]

You can call on me any time. I will come.

[dragonrising]

I keep such odd hours. I'd hate to do that to you.

[He sleeps, yes. But regularly? No, not really. Of course he's been sleeping better since Baku's been eating his nightmares but that's another story.

For now, he just finds himself leaning into the other man and closing his eyes. When is the last time anyone pulled him into an embrace? Have they ever?]

[gentledawn]

Odd hours do not bother me. Message me and I will hear.

[His ears are sensitive still - besides he isn't someone who sleeps deeply. Unless he is absolutely exhausted.

Xingchen holds Runyu against his shoulder, rubbing over his back slowly.]

I like being available for my friends.

[dragonrising]

To be honest, it's been hundreds of years since I've had anyone close to me at all. I may forget and get lost in my own head.

[He's not even trying to make excuses really. It's just that Runyu knows himself. He knows what his habits have been for hundreds of years now while he's been living his punishment.]

I will try to remember though.

[gentledawn]

I will remind you by checking on you now and then. [He sees good in Runyu and a lot of it. That good needs to be fostered. Punishment served its purpose, but now Runyu needs to move on from it.]

You're not alone.