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[ With neither of them knowing the truth behind Jiang Cheng's capture, Lan Wangji can only simmer upon the information given: that he let emotion overwhelm him once again, that he did something reckless which not only endangered himself but more importantly, Wei Ying. ]
Foolish.
[Weigh the respect for parents and the desire to lay them to rest against infiltrating an encampment of Wen, possibly injured and at the very least exhausted, it is easy to see which side would win. Idiotic.
Wei Wuxian leans against him and Lan Wangji conforms to it, angling his body slightly to allow them to fit together with more ease and comfort, his body a sturdy pillar that can and will twist and bend to bear the presence of Wei Ying. As they stand there together he wonders— the question of why Wei Wuxian had offered up his core has been answered, the product of guilt thrust upon him, but he is yet to understand the why it came to be, or how. ]
...Jiang Wanyin was unaware. Of the transfer. How?
Foolish.
[Weigh the respect for parents and the desire to lay them to rest against infiltrating an encampment of Wen, possibly injured and at the very least exhausted, it is easy to see which side would win. Idiotic.
Wei Wuxian leans against him and Lan Wangji conforms to it, angling his body slightly to allow them to fit together with more ease and comfort, his body a sturdy pillar that can and will twist and bend to bear the presence of Wei Ying. As they stand there together he wonders— the question of why Wei Wuxian had offered up his core has been answered, the product of guilt thrust upon him, but he is yet to understand the why it came to be, or how. ]
...Jiang Wanyin was unaware. Of the transfer. How?
Thank you, I appreciate that. I have hope I will be able to do that one day as well, but I am not holding my breath considering our current circumstances.
I am glad to hear you have others in your life. I do not like the thought of my friends feeling alone. Though I will hold some hope for you that you can mend things with anyone else in your life you wish to.
I am glad to hear you have others in your life. I do not like the thought of my friends feeling alone. Though I will hold some hope for you that you can mend things with anyone else in your life you wish to.
Yes, I suppose I do, though I’m sure your life is not dull either. Most I have met here have led interesting lives.
[He wonders briefly if that is one of the reasons why those here have been selected to be here in the first place.]
I always look amazing, but thank you. It’s actually rather comfortable. That is not always the case with these things.
[He wonders briefly if that is one of the reasons why those here have been selected to be here in the first place.]
I always look amazing, but thank you. It’s actually rather comfortable. That is not always the case with these things.
[ The physical touch of being able to lean against Lan Wangji, of having their fingers entwined and his weight against him, it helps Wei Wuxian feel a little bit more grounded as he tells this story. It would be so easy to feel overwhelmed again, to let the story dominate his emotions and ruin his day. Instead, he feels quiet, calm, as he relays the facts as he knows them.
So, now, the next part. The lie he told to make sure Jiang Cheng never knew the truth. ]
I lied to him. I told him I remembered where Baoshan Sanren lived, that my mother told me and it was one of the few memories I still had of her. He thought that of all people — Baoshan Sanren would know how to bring his core back. Of course, why wouldn't she? She's the revered immortal. But I had no clue where she actually was. Still don't.
But Wen Ning and Wen Qing, they helped me spin the lie. I led him through the mountains of Yiling until we reached a place to separate. Told him to blindfold himself, to tell her that he was actually me and he needed help after his golden core was crushed. He believed me. He was so desperate for it to be real that he didn't question anything I said, only followed my instructions.
He didn't have to be awake for the transfer, so Wen Qing pretended to be Baoshan Sanren and met him while he was traveling through the mountains, blindfolded. Let him to the top of the mountains and drugged him unconscious. That's when I met up with her and Wen Ning and we got to work.
When Jiang Cheng came to, it was days later and we relocated his body to somewhere safe. He had my core, and he had no memory of what happened. So, he fully believed it was Baoshan Sanren that fixed his core.
[ It's almost a relief, to be able to lay it all out like this. To just matter of fact spill his lie. It's... oddly cathartic. ]
So, now, the next part. The lie he told to make sure Jiang Cheng never knew the truth. ]
I lied to him. I told him I remembered where Baoshan Sanren lived, that my mother told me and it was one of the few memories I still had of her. He thought that of all people — Baoshan Sanren would know how to bring his core back. Of course, why wouldn't she? She's the revered immortal. But I had no clue where she actually was. Still don't.
But Wen Ning and Wen Qing, they helped me spin the lie. I led him through the mountains of Yiling until we reached a place to separate. Told him to blindfold himself, to tell her that he was actually me and he needed help after his golden core was crushed. He believed me. He was so desperate for it to be real that he didn't question anything I said, only followed my instructions.
He didn't have to be awake for the transfer, so Wen Qing pretended to be Baoshan Sanren and met him while he was traveling through the mountains, blindfolded. Let him to the top of the mountains and drugged him unconscious. That's when I met up with her and Wen Ning and we got to work.
When Jiang Cheng came to, it was days later and we relocated his body to somewhere safe. He had my core, and he had no memory of what happened. So, he fully believed it was Baoshan Sanren that fixed his core.
[ It's almost a relief, to be able to lay it all out like this. To just matter of fact spill his lie. It's... oddly cathartic. ]
[ So that is how it was achieved. Deception.
And with that truth, clarity follows upon reminiscence of their conversations during the sunshot campaign and the discordance which arose. Lan Wangji had thought his advice valid, necessary, and he remembers the frustrations felt when Wei Ying would not listen, would not stop harming his core, would not return to Gusu to be cleansed.
Of course now he understands how self-serving the requests, the demands had been, but they must have seemed extra conceited when there was no core there to even damage. In the silence, his fingers clasp tighter to hold the hand within his own as Lan Wangji wonders just how much of Wei Wuxian's past rejection was due to his dislike of what was asked and how much was because he knew it ultimately pointless. How different would it have been, if he'd been worthy enough to let it be a secret shared? ]
That is why you renounced touch. Refused they playing of Clarity. Only let Wen Qing aid you in Yiling.
[ Yeah so maybe he held onto that smidgen of jealousy for a million years.. ]
And with that truth, clarity follows upon reminiscence of their conversations during the sunshot campaign and the discordance which arose. Lan Wangji had thought his advice valid, necessary, and he remembers the frustrations felt when Wei Ying would not listen, would not stop harming his core, would not return to Gusu to be cleansed.
Of course now he understands how self-serving the requests, the demands had been, but they must have seemed extra conceited when there was no core there to even damage. In the silence, his fingers clasp tighter to hold the hand within his own as Lan Wangji wonders just how much of Wei Wuxian's past rejection was due to his dislike of what was asked and how much was because he knew it ultimately pointless. How different would it have been, if he'd been worthy enough to let it be a secret shared? ]
That is why you renounced touch. Refused they playing of Clarity. Only let Wen Qing aid you in Yiling.
[ Yeah so maybe he held onto that smidgen of jealousy for a million years.. ]
[ At Lan Wangji's words, his own thoughts drift back to those days. The strife between the two of them, the distance. Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji. Anger towards each other that was so woefully misplaced. And then later — But I, Wei Ying, promise you I will never degenerate into demonic cultivation. A promise that could never be kept.
Wei Wuxian sighs and closes his eyes for a moment, before slowly nodding his head. ]
It was easier to be a pariah than have people know the truth. It's not as if I enjoyed it, of course, but I could take it. The rumors, the scorn, the insults. They were nothing if it meant that Jiang Cheng was safe and whole. That my sect could be rebuilt.
[ And then... and Wen Qing happened. Wen Ning. Seeing what was left of the Wens. Knowing his debt to them. Knowing he couldn't abandon them. So, no, he no longer had a clan after that. Then he was the Yiling Patriarch, he had a different family. ]
It was... easier, afterwards, in Yiling. Wen Qing and Wen Ning, they both knew the truth. I didn't have to hide. On the days it was bad — Wen Qing was able to help. If Clarity would have helped, I would have let you play it for me. But it wouldn't and then you would know and I was ... scared. To see your reaction to the truth.
Wei Wuxian sighs and closes his eyes for a moment, before slowly nodding his head. ]
It was easier to be a pariah than have people know the truth. It's not as if I enjoyed it, of course, but I could take it. The rumors, the scorn, the insults. They were nothing if it meant that Jiang Cheng was safe and whole. That my sect could be rebuilt.
[ And then... and Wen Qing happened. Wen Ning. Seeing what was left of the Wens. Knowing his debt to them. Knowing he couldn't abandon them. So, no, he no longer had a clan after that. Then he was the Yiling Patriarch, he had a different family. ]
It was... easier, afterwards, in Yiling. Wen Qing and Wen Ning, they both knew the truth. I didn't have to hide. On the days it was bad — Wen Qing was able to help. If Clarity would have helped, I would have let you play it for me. But it wouldn't and then you would know and I was ... scared. To see your reaction to the truth.
[ Lan Wangji wishes he could say with confidence what his answer back then would have been. To stand by Wei Ying's side, to fight whoever oppressed him, sullied his name, pinned crimes upon him.
Yet he knows in reality, he cannot. He did not know the truth back then, but still he repressed the whims of his heart, and could not go against the wishes of clan until it was too late. The one regret that hung around his neck more than any other.
At Nightless City, I was not at your side. ]
Wei Ying.
[He calls, gaze firmly fixed upon the other man. Never again. He knows now, with great certainty, that no matter what it is he shall stand at Wei Wuxian's side. Even if unaware of the situation, he trusts the other man enough to know that following him would be the right thing to do. ]
In the future, if you encounter trouble. Worries. Share them with me. No matter what is perceived as right or wrong, I shall stand beside you.
Yet he knows in reality, he cannot. He did not know the truth back then, but still he repressed the whims of his heart, and could not go against the wishes of clan until it was too late. The one regret that hung around his neck more than any other.
At Nightless City, I was not at your side. ]
Wei Ying.
[He calls, gaze firmly fixed upon the other man. Never again. He knows now, with great certainty, that no matter what it is he shall stand at Wei Wuxian's side. Even if unaware of the situation, he trusts the other man enough to know that following him would be the right thing to do. ]
In the future, if you encounter trouble. Worries. Share them with me. No matter what is perceived as right or wrong, I shall stand beside you.
[ At the sound of his name, he pulls his head back to look at Lan Wangji and it's after their gazes are locked that Lan Wangji says his piece. And it is... meaningful to hear it, even if he knew it already. Here he has confessed the details of his biggest secret and Lan Wangji's response is to recommit himself to Wei Wuxian's side, no matter what.
He is touched. ]
Okay. I will.
[ And then he smiles, wide and soft as he looks at Lan Wangji with such fondness. ]
Whatever is in my heart shall be known to you. I won't hide anything.
[ Except for one thing — which is his true feelings for Lan Wangji. But even he's not fully aware of that right now. ]
He is touched. ]
Okay. I will.
[ And then he smiles, wide and soft as he looks at Lan Wangji with such fondness. ]
Whatever is in my heart shall be known to you. I won't hide anything.
[ Except for one thing — which is his true feelings for Lan Wangji. But even he's not fully aware of that right now. ]
That is a shame. I suspect that it has been hidden away more thoroughly this time, but I wondered if you might be able to sense it on inspection.
I also had something else in mind, however. Upon one of my inspections of the basement areas, I once came upon an abandoned device. Something like the "pods" in Mating Season, if you have attended their dating services.
However, this one was labeled "punishment" something or other. I don't remember it well, because I was knocked unconscious by a strong force soon thereafter and reawoke in the 2nd floor hall.
I wondered if you might come upon it as well, and survive a little longer. Oh, well.
My turn. I'll take a truth.
I also had something else in mind, however. Upon one of my inspections of the basement areas, I once came upon an abandoned device. Something like the "pods" in Mating Season, if you have attended their dating services.
However, this one was labeled "punishment" something or other. I don't remember it well, because I was knocked unconscious by a strong force soon thereafter and reawoke in the 2nd floor hall.
I wondered if you might come upon it as well, and survive a little longer. Oh, well.
My turn. I'll take a truth.
[ he doesn't know what to say to that. truthfully, he didn't dig too deeply into the basement level because those voices came before he got too far in and then it just left him feeling miserable. so, he kind of just stopped in a corner and waited out the hour, eyes closed and breathing tight.
maybe he should have been more curious. ahhh, well, there's always next time. because, of course, there will be a next time. ]
why do you care about the malevolent energy surrounding me?
maybe he should have been more curious. ahhh, well, there's always next time. because, of course, there will be a next time. ]
why do you care about the malevolent energy surrounding me?
Why? Because it is my purpose, after all. Malevolence attracts malevolence. You are a danger to those around you if the riffraff that cause illness and disaster gather in your wake.
Normally such ayakashi happily gather together in crowds, but you are a strange and unfortunate situation wherein they may gather despite your sense of self. But interestingly, not unique. There is someone similar to you in this resort. I never would have expected that, prior to now.
Your turn.
Normally such ayakashi happily gather together in crowds, but you are a strange and unfortunate situation wherein they may gather despite your sense of self. But interestingly, not unique. There is someone similar to you in this resort. I never would have expected that, prior to now.
Your turn.
[ ... Yeah, he doesn't know why he expected Xue Yang to even slightly understand. His eyes close and he takes a breath, counts backwards from ten in his head before opening his eyes again. ]
I think the fish is done. You should eat some.
[ He'll even grab one for himself, taking it off the fire so it can cool down first before he goes for it. He uses his fingers then to gently pick off a piece and eat it, making a soft mm as he does. It's not bad. Could use some salt.
His mind is still going over the questions Xue Yang has asked. They're all things he expected from the man but it's been hard to keep up the act of trying to please him so he doesn't fly off the handle and keeping his own integrity intact. He doesn't know when it's going to happen but he's sure that eventually his answers will stop satisfying the other man. ]
I think the fish is done. You should eat some.
[ He'll even grab one for himself, taking it off the fire so it can cool down first before he goes for it. He uses his fingers then to gently pick off a piece and eat it, making a soft mm as he does. It's not bad. Could use some salt.
His mind is still going over the questions Xue Yang has asked. They're all things he expected from the man but it's been hard to keep up the act of trying to please him so he doesn't fly off the handle and keeping his own integrity intact. He doesn't know when it's going to happen but he's sure that eventually his answers will stop satisfying the other man. ]
[ When in doubt, cooperate. Okay. Good to know going forward. He doesn't know if he could stand having his chips taken away for such a petty reason. Stupid House...
But off they go into House Finch and they're ushered towards their room. Wei Wuxian is at least able to get in a word edgewise about wine so they give him a bottle of huangjiu and two cups by the time they're settled in the private room.
Full of ropes and cushions. Good god. ]
Okay... well, are there any instructions around here or do I just tie you up?
[ He's going to busy himself with pouring some more alcohol for himself however. ]
But off they go into House Finch and they're ushered towards their room. Wei Wuxian is at least able to get in a word edgewise about wine so they give him a bottle of huangjiu and two cups by the time they're settled in the private room.
Full of ropes and cushions. Good god. ]
Okay... well, are there any instructions around here or do I just tie you up?
[ He's going to busy himself with pouring some more alcohol for himself however. ]
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