Video | un: lordofluofeng

[lordofrebirth]

[An imposing figure appears on the screen looking annoyed despite the composed look on his face. He's not pleased by his new situation, not used to not having the power to simply leave a situation like this.]

I am the Lord of Luo Feng Pavilion, Xue Qianxun. It is my understanding that the Dragon King Yuchi Longyan is here. Should he have caused any sort of trouble here then I want to be informed of it immediately.

[A pause and then...]

Dragon King, I will be seeing you shortly.

[One more pause and then...]

Should there be a bird demon in blue here then she is to report to me immediately. She is my maid and is required to return to her duties.

[With that he ends the video.]

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[bythewaves]

You might find trouble with that second one, sir, for there are many creatures here that might fit that description, mostly natives.

[lordofrebirth]

I see. [He will take note of that.]

Her name is Qingqing. [...if that helps.] She has a fondness for jeweled headbands that would cover her forehead.

[bythewaves]

That name I do not know, but perhaps, it might do you better to ask for her by name.

[ Like a normal person ]

You may find that she has other duties that take precedence over you, however, in a place like this. Many of those who have been here longer seem to have... mm. Settled in.

[lordofrebirth]

She would not when she is bound to be for a hundred years. That is the agreement that was made between us.

[Agreement is a strong word when it's actually her punishment. But that part is not something he goes into. At all.]

Typically the description of her would suffice and her name wouldn't be required.

[bythewaves]

She might not have had a choice, depending on how long she has been here. If she has entered into employment with others to supply her needs, would you have her break that without any warning or time to arrange a replacement, simply to return to your side? That seems extremely rude. On your part, but also it might affect her own options, should you leave before she does and she needs to seek further employment.

[ Just saying ]

In a small place, perhaps! But there are many here, from many worlds.

[lordofrebirth]

I would not leave without her. Since she does not appear to be here that doesn't matter.

[So yes, he would literally do all of that and doesn't care if someone feels that it's rude. It's what he'd been in the middle of doing before he'd been brought here.]

[bythewaves]

Here, it is neither your choice, nor hers. The rules here care little for status, and I would warn you against making enemies of the locals, since we are but guests here.

[lordofrebirth]

Yet the locals, as you call them, have been more welcoming and helpful than you.

[bythewaves]

Because you had the fortune for her not be here. And if she had, then what? I have neither raised my voice, nor scolded you sir - only given you fair warning. If you consider that rude, that is on you.

[lordofrebirth]

A warning was not asked for. Her being here or not would not have changed that when the matter of her contract is between us. It is not your place to judge or warn when you are not familiar with the situation.

[Defending her when she doesn't require it. Ridiculous.]

[bythewaves]

[ He is not rolling his eyes, because Well Brought Up Princes of the Noldor Don't Roll Their Eyes In Public Makalaure, but he absolutely manages to convey the impression all the same ]

Ai! You are a stubborn one. Well, perhaps you are over used to having your own way. Suit yourself! You'll find such attitude wins you few friends, but if that is your choice, I have spent time enough arguing with stones with more flexibility than you.

[lordofrebirth]

Why would I require friends? I have never needed them before.

[bythewaves]

[ STARE ]

That is a terribly lonely way to live. [ You poor thing. Even grumpy Caranthir had... whatever strange frenemy relationship he had with Aegnor, right up until Alqualonde, and then afterwards he at least had the dwarves and Haleth. ]

[lordofrebirth]

It is the will of the Heavens that I should have the duties to handle rebirth. There is no time for friendship in that.

[More like it's his punishment but the Immortal is actually unaware of this.]

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor is wondering what exactly he did to piss of Lord Namo, this is true ]

There is always time for friendship - without it, what joy is there in life?

[ Admittedly, Maglor is being HIGHLY hypocritical here, as he's spent the last several centuries deliberately isolating himself. But that was also very much a self-inflicted punishment, and hardly his preferred state of being. ]

[lordofrebirth]

[There's genuine confusion that flashes across his face before he schools his expression again.]

I don't understand the question.

[bythewaves]

[ ................ WHAT IS IT WITH PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD AND NOT KNOWING SIMPLE THINGS LIKE FRIENDSHIP???

Also it is an EFFORT not to call this person Child or Youngling ]

Have you known no joy in your life? No friends to bear you up in your struggles?

[lordofrebirth]

My duties to move the mortal spirits to their next life doesn't allow me such luxuries. There is no one to lead Luo Feng Pavilion if I do not.

[This is what he's been led to believe.]

[bythewaves]

[ Internal screaming as Maglor rapidly changes his assessment of this new person from Rude Adult With Poor Social Skills to Who Left This Child Unsupervised Without Proper Socialisation Does He Have To Do All The Work Around Here

Gently ]

Friendship is a luxury without which life is barren and duty a burden that will break even the strongest back. While your dedication to duty is admirable, and doubtless to be praised, would not the work come easier if you had friends to share the load? There is always time for friendship, I have found, and the joy shared makes the work go the swifter.

[ Although maybe don't take to wine the way they did in Beleriand after the Tears ]

[lordofrebirth]

The Great Heavens have assigned those under me to guard the souls and the Pavilion. And I have my maid. I'm not alone.

[This...must not be what this man means though. Hm...]

Why would friendship make a burden lighter?

[He's at least sort of trying to understand.]

[bythewaves]

[ Internal weeping ]

While I am glad that you have some companionship, your maid, by your speech, is little more than another presence in your life, rather than a true friend.

[ How to explain something so fundamental ]

When the work drags you down, and the night closes in around you, and all the joy seems gone from the world... a friend will sit beside you and help you bear the burden. Sharing such woes makes them lighter - so it has always been. And when the work brings you laughter, being able to share it with friends makes the joy all the more greater.

[lordofrebirth]

[All of this is so foreign to him. Sharing woes to make them lighter. Laughter. Joy. He actually frowns as he looks down.]

I do not know how to laugh.

[bythewaves]

[ SCREEEEE ]

I am sorry. ] He says gently, and tucks all his fury at a world that would do something like this to anyone firmly away - it will not avail him now ]

And what of happiness?

[lordofrebirth]

That is not something I am familiar with feeling.

[His frown says he hates to admit to that fact but he also knows that he has to. There's no point in hiding it at this point given the line of conversation.]

I do not remember ever feeling this nor smiling nor laughing.

[Then he frowns more. Like for a moment he's not sure if that's correct. It seems accurate and yet it...doesn't...feel so?]

[bythewaves]

[ ......................... ]

Not at all? [ He can't quite hide his distress at that thought ]

I am sorry.