{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{He is busy, crushing ingredients, milking out their various properties into vials and jars. A blade is dipped into the concoction he makes - a set of arrows follows and then, strangest of all, a pen. Every piece is set aside before he draws forth...a metal, braided whip. He cocks his head as he runs his fingers over the weapon.}

Even knowing they exist, there is no defense against them.

{What is he talking about? The poisons? The weapons? Something else?}

How do you know when it is real? How do you know when it is worth dying over?

I'm bad at making such decisions.

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Video | un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

Are you having trouble making decisions?

[It's rather cryptic really. The best thing to do is to ask clarification. And Runyu, after all he's been through, knows better than to cast judgement just based on what he sees.]

Perhaps I can help. If nothing else I do not mind simply being someone for you to talk to.

Video

[thescorpionking]

{Revealing everything feels wrong, so Xie takes a breath and only speaks of his concerns.}

I'd rather not reveal all over the network. Could we meet in person? I promise I won't bring my work along.

[dragonrising]

If you would like to continue your work then I can come to you. But if you would feel more comfortable there is a lake in the forests which can offer us privacy. You can reveal as much or as little as you wish.

[thescorpionking]

The lake would be a better option. {Just for the sake of privacy.} Is it difficult for you to travel there?

[dragonrising]

Not at all. I can travel by will. If the distance is great for you though I can collect you and bring you there. You would only need to show me more exactly where you are.

[thescorpionking]

My strength has not returned to me fully. I am currently living with Ye Baiyi. {And just in case that isn't enough, he gives directions.} I can wait outside?

[dragonrising]

[He knows the man and has even spoken to him recently. He knows his friend didn't appreciate his advice but all he can say is that he tried. This must be one of his lovers.]

Of course. I am Runyu. I am friends with your lover. Please don't be surprised when I appear before you. I give you my word that I will bring you no harm.

[thescorpionking]

{Runyu is a good listener. Xie doesn't let himself open up to many, but he feels like he needs to.}

A pleasure, Runyu, I am Xie. {He chuckles at the warning.} You are a god, aren't you? I promise I won't scream.

[dragonrising]

[He smiles a little and nods.]

Where I come from I am the Emperor of the Heavenly Realm. Give me but a moment.

[He ends the call and uses his energies to teleport to Xie. What Xie will see is the dragon appear before him in a shimmer of blue light. The screen hardly hid his dragon features but standing before him puts them all fully on display. He smiles gently at him and offers his hand.]

Here. Take my hand and I'll take us somewhere private. I give you my word that anything you say to me will never be shared unless you allow it.

[thescorpionking]

{Emperor. Butterflies dance in his stomach, but Xie is decided. He stands outside, his pipa strapped to his back. He does want to repay Runyu for listening.}

You are a handsome dragon. {He takes the offered hand, his manticore tail waving behind him and his furry black ears swiveling against his braided hair.}

I just need someone to listen.

[dragonrising]

Then that is all I will do. I will listen.

[Runyu makes sure that Xie is near him then wills them to the lake. For Xie it might be a little dizzying at first but the world around him will settle soon enough. Letting the man's hand go, the dragon waves his hand to summon cushions and blankets for them to sit on.

With a wave of his hand, he beckons Xie to join him before sitting down quietly. From here on he allows the young man to decide when he's ready to speak.

He said he would listen. So he's going to do that.]

[thescorpionking]

{Runyu is true to his word and that resonates well with Xie. He joins the dragon on the cushions and gently brings his pipa into his hands. Holding the instrument settles his nerves; he likes the strings and the warmth of the wood.}

I was treated...poorly...by someone I thought I loved. This happened before I came here. {He adds the second part quickly so Runyu doesn't worry.} He used me and when I became too much of a burden - simply because I did what he said - he ordered my death. But before he went through with it, he did something I wanted all my life.

He named me his son. {His smile is broken.} In front of a crowd of nobles, too. I didn't care if I lived or died as long as he couldn't hurt me or anyone else anymore. I worked with Wen Kexing to silence him and it worked. I know I died on the mountain with him, but here I am, alive again.

{His voice takes on a sense of wonder.}

And someone loves me. Two men love me. I don't deserve it and I fear that's why they are at such odds with one another. Do you think... Is it possible I'm cursed somehow?

[dragonrising]

[Though he doesn't get the full story here he does get enough that he can understand there is a lot of pain and confusion for the young man. It can't be easy to be the other one who is witnessing the conflict of two people he loves. He can't take away the pain from, not without drastic measures that he refuses to use since he knows they only cause further pain.

So he listens and looks out over the water calmly.]

Is that how you feel, Xie? Like you are cursed?

[song_princess]

If you can touch and smell it, thnen it is real.

I think, if you cannot live without the thing dying for, then it is worth it.

[thescorpionking]

I fear emotions aren't that simple.

I wouldn't want to live without it.

[song_princess]

.... Is it love?

Then it is worth dying for.

[thescorpionking]

I think so.

That's all I need to know. {Even if he, technically, already died for a very misplaced love.}

[song_princess]

One or more? What happens when you think of them?

Just... Do not die recklessly, my friend.

[thescorpionking]

My heart feels lighter. One of them helps me forget my past; the other helps me overcome it.

I'm not planning on it.

[song_princess]

Then yes, it is love. Especially if their love helps you and you help them back.

That makes my heart glad to hear. I am sure theirs as well.

[thescorpionking]

I hope I help them. {Can he? After all he has done?}

You are too sweet to me, Leanne. Thank you.

[song_princess]

I know you can. [Yes, yes he can. She believes in you.]

I only speak the truth. No thanks is needed, Xie.

[thescorpionking]

How are you doing? Any better? {He doesn't want to be selfish and only take. That's thanks to the love he has been given.}

[song_princess]

I am well. Thank you for your kindness, Xie. The youths have been keeping me busy.

How about you? Besides the question you speak of.

[thescorpionking]

The youths? {He cants his head to the side.} I'm healing well and building strength daily.