Video | un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

[It's been quite awhile since Runyu last made a post of his own on here. But he's feeling the mood for it. So he turns on the video and offers a smile to the network as a whole before he starts speaking. His dragon features are on full display.]

You know, when I arrived here I had committed a great many evil deeds. I looked on this place as a sort of new location to finish out my years of isolation for all that I'd done. Yet as I've been here I've found friendship, love, and, most of all, healing. Though my crimes are still many and cruel, I've found that I can atone for what I have done here.

[He laughs softly and shakes his head.]

Yesterday I was blessed to witness two people I love so very much get married to each other. Something I never would have been able to be part of before through entirely the fault of my own. I'm grateful, to say the very least.

[The dragon lowers his head a moment with a soft smile.]

Forgive me, I'm rambling. Thousands of years of life will make you ponder a great many things, I suppose.

[Runyu lifts his head again.]

I wondered if anyone has found healing here as well. A chance to grow to be someone better than they were and to heal from the shadows of the past. I'd like to hear your stories if you are willing to share them. Thank you.

Comments

[dontbestubborn]

I wish to rule Heaven. {Wished would be the correct tense, but he wants to see Runyu's reaction.}

[dragonrising]

[He doesn't even blink. They're not of the same world and he feels no threat here. Instead, he's only curious.]

Would that somehow save the lives of your people?

[dontbestubborn]

{Interesting. He is more accustomed to Heavenly sorts coming at him with swords and spears.}

The fighting would cease. Less of my people would die unnecessarily.

[dragonrising]

Is that what is causing their shorter lives? Death in battle?

[dontbestubborn]

Death in battle and fate. It is the price we pay for our power.

[dragonrising]

And being the Emperor of the Heavens could change that...

[dontbestubborn]

Yes, it could. I achieved it once.

[dragonrising]

I'm understanding your goals more now, I think. They seem harsh at first but in truth there's a nobleness to them.

[dontbestubborn]

I am selfish. I am cruel. I don't like being told no. But it's not as if I don't care at all.

[dragonrising]

[He smiles and lowers his gaze.]

You and I are not so different. I have that nature in me as well even if I am in a place now where I can contain that side of me more.

[dontbestubborn]

Interesting. I suppose Heaven does have surprises. {He does have a soft spot for the Primordial Lord.}

I am Xuanye.

[dragonrising]

And I am the Heavenly Emperor as well. [So it's probably even more surprising.]

Greetings, Xuanye. I am Runyu.

[dontbestubborn]

{Awkward...? Yet he doesn't look ashamed.}

Yours is a name I do not recall. I probably won't kill you.

[dragonrising]

[He laughs at that but still isn't bothered.]

Perhaps we could be friends instead.

[dontbestubborn]

{That...takes him aback. For good reason.}

I think you would be the first.

[dragonrising]

[Despite his status, he cups his hands before him and offers a bow on screen.]

I would be honored to be the first if you will allow it.

[dontbestubborn]

{He mimics Runyu, smiling faintly, amused.}

I can't say this will help your descendant or ancestor.

[dragonrising]

I have neither. So I don't mind.

[dontbestubborn]

What is expected of a friend?

[dragonrising]

Much of what we're doing now. Getting to know each other. And, when each of us are ready, trust extended as well.

[dontbestubborn]

{Trust. Xuanye is like a wild thing where trust is concerned.}

...trust will take time.

[dragonrising]

That's alright. I can wait. We only just met.

[dontbestubborn]

My son is present. I will be happier if he is safe.

[dragonrising]

I can offer him my protection if you would like. I don't mind.

[dontbestubborn]

He might not thank you, but I do. His name is Yingyuan.