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]

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.

[dragonrising]

I might start to wonder if you are friend or guardian at this rate. [Or both? He can't say he minds either way. Just having someone who knows his sins but is willing to touch him like this?

It's...it's honestly enough.]

[gentledawn]

Sometimes we need both. There is no shame in that. [He finds great comfort in touch and so he is always happy to give that feeling to others.] I do not believe you are the same immortal you once were.

[dragonrising]

I'm sure I'm not. Often I feel a shadow of myself. Passing through time as everything passes me by.

[A static figure in an ever changing landscape.] A sad thought, I know. I have a lot of those these days.

[gentledawn]

That is not what I see. You are filled with unlimited potential; potential that needs to be encouraged.

[Ghosts can't be embraced. He nuzzles Runyu to make that clear.]

[dragonrising]

[That actually makes him look up even if he hasn't stopped leaning against Xingchen yet. After all, he knows that's not something he's ever heard before.]

I have potential?

[gentledawn]

You do. [He meets that gaze, blushing faintly at the proximity of their faces.] You have a kindness about you that makes others feel safe and secure.

[dragonrising]

[The flush catches his attention. If only to note that Xingchen looks beautiful when he blushes...] The way you talk about me... At times it almost feels like it's someone else. Someone I always wanted to be but failed...

[gentledawn]

You are alive; you haven't failed. [He brushes a hand over Runyu's cheek.] You have lived in grief and remorse, but life has found you again. It would be a shame to run from it.