[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[He too heard the broadcast and he has questions he can't stifle:]

Please, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could someone give me guidance on what is expected of us? Releasing my...my regrets...

I'm not sure I...can.

[Just like that. In a blink. How can anyone? He closes his eyes, expression pained.]

As for being here before... Do you think that is true?

[His head aches and he rubs at his temple.]

Our lives are complicated enough, I think, without time misbehaving.

Comments

[dragonrising]

Happiness...

[He smiles a little but ends up nodding.]

I have. With Ye'er, with you and Zichen...and so many others. It's something I never thought I would ever be allowed to have.

[He looks up at him.]

I've known the agony of a broken heart. More than once. There is one who will save you. I believe that.

[gentledawn]

Yet you give happiness too. We can't help but open ourselves to you.

[That smile is all the repayment he needs. Runyu has a way of warming his heart - much in the same way as Mingye.]

My Zichen. [He whispers brokenly.] He will be my victim and then he will save me.

[dragonrising]

Because he loves you. Deeply. Some of the greatest pains we experience come from love but I've found that it's what we do at the end of the pain that truly decides our worth in the relationship.

[And it's why he'll never have Jinmi. He can only bring her pain.]

It will not be easy but just remember that he will save you. And I will find a way to reach across the realms to be there for you both as well.

[gentledawn]

I must...return to him. That is the only solution I can envision. But rebirth is out of my hands. I must prove myself worthy of that and with all the mistakes I make...

[His soul will be fractured too and contained in a spirit pouch.]

We would be indebted to you. All I ask is you help me bring my Zichen peace. If he wishes to be with me, give us a chance to make that happen.

[dragonrising]

I will do all that is within my power. Even if you two are unable to know that it is I aiding you.

[He knows he's not meant to interfere so heavily in mortal lives and yet... He loves them. Runyu knows he cannot avoid it. Will not.]

I will find a way so you are both happy.

[gentledawn]

I will find a way to thank you. [That is a promise. Xingchen doesn't take; doesn't expect. Runyu will be loved and appreciated by them and they will reach him. Somehow.]

To be safe, I feel we should remain close to the manor - unless we must work. What do you think?

[dragonrising]

I think that wise for now. If people are close to the manner I stand a better chance of creating a barrier to protect us if it becomes necessary.

[gentledawn]

Zichen and I will spend our time in the manor for now. We can place talismans around the perimeter, but I do not know if they will be of any use.

[dragonrising]

I do not know what use my abilities will be either. But I know that I can at least extend a barrier over the entirety of the manor to at least offer some protection to the residents.

[gentledawn]

We stand together, Runyu. I do not expect you to protect us single-handedly. Mingye reminded me that our strength lies in our bonds with each other.

[dragonrising]

[His mouth opens and then closes again. He's so used to having to do so much alone and yet he knows Xingchen speaks the truth.]

You are both right. Thank you for reminding me.

[gentledawn]

[He is guilty of the same thought process. But Mingye is right. They need to rely on each other. They need to treat each other as equals.]

Hold onto our hands. I won't let you go.

[dragonrising]

I feel that even if I were to let go then you two would cling harder.

[A fact that makes him smile.]

I'm grateful.

[gentledawn]

We are very stubborn. You would leave marks on your hands from our grip!

[He doesn't have talons, but he does have nails! And he will use them to hold on if he must.]

Runyu, I know this is cowardly of me, but will you...help...me if...

If my future is shown to me in full. I... I will need a friend.

[dragonrising]

I don't believe you are a coward. Call on me should you learn what happens to you. I will come without hesitation to your side. You have my word.

[gentledawn]

I know what happens. I...just have not seen it. I fear I will if time is manipulated.

[dragonrising]

And should that happen then I will hold true to my word. Call for me and I will be there in an instant.

[gentledawn]

I break.

I can't allow myself to break again.

[dragonrising]

I will do all I can to hold you together. You've done this for me so I will be there for you in return.

[gentledawn]

Thank you, my friend. That sets my heart and nerves at ease.

[dragonrising]

Let your heart be at ease. Let those of us around you hold you together. Because we love you.

[gentledawn]

Your love is returned, sweet dragon. You can rely on me for anything.

[dragonrising]

You have such an immense heart that sometimes you overwhelm me with it. You are truly very kind, Xingchen.

[gentledawn]

The warmth you possess feels like a thick cloak wrapped around my shoulders. I feel safe at your side and I know I'm not alone in feeling that way.

[dragonrising]

It's strange to have warmth associated with me at all. But thank you for the kind words.