un: dappled pearl of the parted seas [voice] - Your local Cassandra is back in town

[beitangmoran]

I know that ash is commonly used for cleaning, but I do not believe it is quite as effective on stone or hardwood floors. And if you'd like to burn something, the kitchen might not be the best place. We have room outside.

Also, I do believe there was talk about purifying the lake and the house after our... guests departed. Has more thought been put into that?

[And then, after a brief silence...]

Do we have a dog here?

((OOC: if you were in Moran's vicinity shortly before he made this post, congratulations, you were just treated to this light show.))

Comments

[beitangmoran]

When did I say that?

But I'm interested to see how they are made, what goes in them, and also how much she would think they are worth.

[And also he never said that was for himself, gosh, Xunxian.]

[topoiran]

[ Xunxian's lips thin, and he shakes his head slightly. ]

She is loath to part with answers to simple questions, such might be beyond what she's willing to share.

[ Then he lowers his eyes, swallowing down any more arguments. If Moran has decided, trying to say more would only make him dig his heels; if he hasn't, what Xunxian has said would be enough, he thinks, for him to be cautious. ]

Of course, it will be as my lord wishes.

[beitangmoran]

[he can tell you're unhappy, Xunxian, and he's going to tug at your sleeve.]

You're not thinking I would actually test those on myself, do you?

[topoiran]

[ Xunxian's eyes widen an the sleeve-tug, his gaze leaping up Moran's face, softening helplessly.

Still... ]

I would not think it good tested on any of us brought here. And the oddness might not happen to anyone of the locals. Because she knows it would be for one of us.

That is all.

[ But particularly Moran. ]

[beitangmoran]

Xunxian, you worry a lot.

... Anyway, it was a possibility in case someone decided to be stupid and go do something heroic. In an emergency, a sharp blow to the back of the hand will work just as well.

[So, don't worry too much.]

[topoiran]

Not usually, but this place is providing some very unique reasons to.

[ The words do relax him, at least. ]

Do you think I would try to do something heroic? I'd be just about last in line.

[beitangmoran]

[The grip on Xunxian's sleeves tightens, and Moran frowns.]

You'd better not.

[You would, howeverr, do something stupid to protect Moran. He knows that.]

[topoiran]

Moran...

[ Xunxian's eyes flit down to the hold on his sleeves, but he does nothing to loosen it, instead offering his arms more, hands open with palms up towards his...

His lord.

I'd rather have your hands on me in better ways than-- ]

I told you, I won't do something stupid again if I have any choice at all.

[beitangmoran]

[Here, let him grab you and hold you close for good.]

... That's not exactly a hard and fast promise given our circumstances, you realize.

[topoiran]

... Moran...

[ His breath catches, but he shifts to be held and hold back, with only a moment of, not hesitation but wonder. Is this really happening? ]

I would rather promise you what I know I can keep, rather than say what you want to hear but then... fail to uphold it. That's all.

[beitangmoran]

[Yes, it is. Now shut up and enjoy it.]

So what if you don't have another choice? Am I supposed to just watch you get hurt because of me again?

[topoiran]

[ Xunxian leans his head back to be able to look at him, even as his arms tighten slightly. ]

Moraaan. How would it be because of you?

[beitangmoran]

Because you would not put yourself in harm's way if it wasn't for me.

[Don't try and pretend otherwise. He knows you.]

I need you whole and by my side, Xunxian.

[topoiran]

Ah. You are thinking of me deliberately putting myself into harm's way... because then you would be right.

Meanwhile, I was thinking more about harm coming my way - and, after waking up in the mines, I cannot entirely discount - and that I might yet do something of an attempt to be heroic to get away. Then it wouldn't be your fault at all.

[beitangmoran]

[The hold on Xunxian tightens yet again.]

I don't want to play word games about this, Xunxian. I just want you to care for yourself as much as I do.

[topoiran]

Moran...

[ Xunxian hesitates, then keeps his voice light but also, just a little bit, he hides his face against the broad, strong shoulder. ]

You know that there is only one person I care for more than myself. And that is you.

[beitangmoran]

Then what if I ask you to care for yourself as much as you care for me?

[Don't get him started, Xunxian.]

[topoiran]

I would try, though it may be beyond me.

[ It's been most of their lifetime, and his love has grown and grown. He thinks his own care about himself is a reasonable, healthy amount; he has no idea of he can catch up with how he cares about Moran.

And no, he cannot point out that if Moran stays safe, this will make Xunxian safer, too. One, he is fully aware that can't be guaranteed, here. Two...

He can't give directives to Moran. He can't. ]

[beitangmoran]

... As long as you try.

[There's still so much that is heavy and hanging in the air unsaid between them, after all that happened. Moran is waiting for a good time for talking but... but given what is happening now, will there ever be a good time?]

[topoiran]

Whenever you ask... when do I not try, hmm?

[ Or even when he doesn't ask but Xunxian thinks he knows Moran wants it...

He raises his face to look up at his lord, his lips in a lopsided smile that holds... less pain than usual, merely a touch of self-mockery, and barely that. ]

This will add to not wanting to leave you again, so I should be safe enough.

[beitangmoran]

I won't fail to keep you safe this time.

[It's a promise. He cannot watch Xunxian be taken from him again.]

[topoiran]

[ Something burns in Xunxian's eyes as he wants to kiss that pain from Moran, to kiss his breath away so he doesn't think about it all.

If only it could ever be that easy... ]

You won't. I am right here.