video | un: flowercrown

[floralias]

(( When the feed switches on there's a very giddy Fae on the screen. He's sitting on his couch, guitar in hand and cat in frame beside him. He pushes a hand through his dark hair to get it out of his eyes and grins at the camera. ))

This place has a neat way of getting things to us. First, all my precious pets were returned and now this.

(( He holds up the guitar, just beaming to have it back. ))

So I thought I'd celebrate by giving you all a song from my world. It doesn't have any particular meaning, I just like it.

(( He looks down and strums the guitar before his expression changes and he goes ahead with playing and singing for you all. ))

Comments

Re: action

[floralias]

(( Will is not-so-secretly a hot house orchid. He spent the better part of a century in tropical climates and he's more of a spring/summer Fae. So yeah, every degree below 70F is a personal slight against him. He hurries inside for the warmth and does, in fact, take off his coat and hoodie. ))

Oh, tea would be nice, thank you!

action

[thescorpionking]

{He arranges the tea on a low table surrounded by cushions. His pipa is resting on a chair, freshly polished and tuned. Xie pours the tea first and offers Will a pot of honey. He can use as much as he likes!}

I remember you wanted to meet the little scorpions too.

[floralias]

(( Oh, he can't help the way his gaze lingers on the pipa. He's never seen such an instrument before and this one? Absolutely lovely! Will can't wait to hear it played!

The mention of the scorpions has him wiggling where he sits. ))

I would like to meet them very much!

[thescorpionking]

{Xie disappears for a few moments and comes back with a large terrarium. He sets it in the middle of the table and gently takes off the top. Two scorpions eagerly crawls out, using a stick as a ladder. Xie catches them gently in his hands and brings them over to Will.}

These are the babies.

[floralias]

(( He claps a hand over his mouth to keep from squealing and potentially startling the scorpions. But his eyes go wide, so full of happiness and wonder at seeing them. ))

They're lovely!!

[thescorpionking]

{The scorpions seem to observe Will, balancing against Xie's fingers.}

They have gone through a few sheds. Before long, they will be big.

{He chuckles. A scorpion's idea of "big" is still rather small.}

[floralias]

(( Small, but deadly. That's still to be respected!

Will leans in to get a closer look at them, dark eyes shining and the smile never leaving his face. ))

Hello darlings. How are you?

(( Then he glances to Xie. ))

Did you give them names?

[thescorpionking]

{He runs a finger over the babies' backs, chuckling at how they stretch.}

They just woke from a nap, I think.

{Now comes the problem. Sighing, Xie places the little scorpions on Will's shoulder.}

As far as I can see, they are twin brothers. They don't have any distinguishing markings.

[floralias]

(( Will's lips bow thoughtfully. Being identical would definitely make calling them a name more difficult. He squeaks a little when Xie puts the scorpions on his shoulder and does his best not to wiggle in excitement, lest it startles the little ones! ))

But I'm sure you still talk to them sweetly. So they know you love them even if you don't have anything to call them.

[thescorpionking]

I would never be rough with them. {The pair are sweet and they lift up excitedly when they settle on Will's shoulder. Almost as if they are waving their claws.}

They have been so good. I had scorpions a long time ago and I don't remember them being this...cute. Of course I loved them all the same.

[floralias]

Maybe you had other things on your mind to distract you from noticing how adorable they were?

[thescorpionking]

...likely. Then my foster father killed them. {Zhao Jing had found them "disgusting" and a "waste of Xie's time".}

[floralias]

(( Now he frowns in earnest. ))

Uncalled for.

[thescorpionking]

He was a horrible man. {Who got what he deserved.} I won't let him hurt anyone if he shows up.

[floralias]

I will do everything in my power to protect you from him if he shows up.

[thescorpionking]

I don't want to involve you or A-Ley. He is a very manipulative man. He could hurt you.

[floralias]

I'm stronger than I appear, Xie. If I can help you, I will. You have my word.

[thescorpionking]

I believe you. I believe A-Ley is stronger than he knows, too. But I would feel guilty if either of you was hurt.

[floralias]

Imagine how we would feel if we didn't help you and something happened.

[thescorpionking]

Fair point. I forget... I don't mean to belittle your heart.