un: absterge | video

[downswing]

( Behold the beautiful view of one [1] Lan Wangji, blood-drenched in one of the dusty, downtrodden streets of Hatthevar, while rains weep down — clear, for a change. In the hand that isn't holding his pendant, his sword's drawn, bloodied. )

Slave masters know little of the man Matthias. ( A pause, then almost sheepish: ) When they yet speak. Their victims recall with difficulty. Shall search the waters for signs of his whereabouts.

( Small chance of it, but carrying on ) Beware wish makers. They tempt with that which is not theirs to give.

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[matermali]

Duty is not what keeps me here.

[downswing]

That would be duress.

[matermali]

I simply have nowhere else to go.

[ Not so 'simply'. She also cares a lot about people and doesn't want to let them down, but saying that out loud is illegal. ]

But I am glad to help. Should this be my purpose in the end, then it is a better cause than anything that came before.

[downswing]

You have... no family?

[matermali]

[ That's sooo much luggage to unpack. ]

...For better or worse, this lot has become my family.

[downswing]

Deflection.

[matermali]

...

My mother and father have long passed. What family I found after that could not remain. They had their own pursuits and dreams. I hope they are well.

But I will not see them again.

[ And she's going to cry about it if she keeps talking about it. ]

[downswing]

You will make bonds new.

[matermali]

There will be nothing left for me once everyone has returned home. ...Perhaps I will finally be allowed sleep.

[ Don't daydream too big, now. ]

What would be your first act, on your return?

[downswing]

Fresh robes.

[matermali]

Will you be with family?

[downswing]

If they would have me. I return wedded without blessing.

Of no consequence.

[matermali]

I have hope that they will be only too glad to have you near. Blessings can still be given...and if not, you will yet have family beside you.

[downswing]

I have learned: family is as chosen.

[matermali]

...Yes. Something of a liberation for me, once realized. For me, it was where love would always wait.

Will you have another ceremony on your return?

[downswing]

You have no wife. ( Obv... iously. )

You learn upon wedding, the choice lies with the wife.

[matermali]

[ Not for lack of trying, but sapphic panic cursed that failure and subsequently the entire world. Take note! ]

Do you believe it could alter your path for the better, then? If you return, keeping to mind everything that you have seen and learned in Akhuras?

[downswing]

A life lived at all is well lived. Agreed?

[matermali]

Yes, for most.

[downswing]

Then, I wish it remembered. You?

[matermali]

I would wish to be remembered.

[ Is she going to have to say the thing? ]

I will be gone when this is over. I am...not as I was when first awakening in Akhuras, Wangji.

[ Maybe that much was obvious. ]

[downswing]

Elaborate.

{ private bc this always happens

[matermali]

After we were summoned to the House of Manouk, I was suddenly returned to London.

There were, perhaps...months left, at best. Yes? ...Time always ticked away differently within her heart, even where it was infinite. Endless. Now, it starts, and stops, and starts again...but it was never meant to start again. She bears it only for as long as she must.

[ The alternating pronouns carry on fluidly while speaking, normal as can be. ]

As I said... I have nowhere else to go.

idek if his first-arc bootleg pendant does private functions, but we rolling lmf

[downswing]

She?

whatever the pendant version of his inbox is?!

[matermali]

Vanessa.