un: absterge | video, might as well get a show with your wake-up

[downswing]

( The stage, set: pale dawns drowning fair maiden Emilia's boudoir, mid-invasion. The lady, aghast, but bravely holding back (onto?) Wrath — one of three gentlemen drenched in chimney soot for their orgy visit.

RIP: four porcelain bowls shattered on the floor, a wall stabbed with dining cutlery, a decapitated statue, inked parchment (protective, silent) littered on the balcony and ceiling spreads. A table broke its back to sweeten Jiang Cheng's fall. The man himself lies sprawled or scratching (unclear). Chimney bricks are still coughing down into the fireplace.

In the midst of the chaos, a dishevelled Lan Wangji — perched precipitously on the back of a chair — calls for silence. A heartbeat later, he sets the communicator closer to the balcony, so that everyone who neglected to turn off their device overnight can bask in the shouting and screaming of anti-Macaluso protesters outside.

Enjoy a minute of that. Violence is good for the ears. )

The lady's quarters — ( ...quite. ) ...lack vantage. What stokes their anger?

( And then, an awkward pause later: )

Morning's greetings.

( ooc: backdated to the first day of protests. Enjoy your 5:10am wake-up call, in between the ruckus of Jiang Cheng, Lan Wangji and Wrath slipping down the wrong chimney into Emilia's quarters, and Macaludo's protesters raising a storm. Just. Enjoy that. )

Comments

[downswing]

If so, not here.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven groans through a reluctant stretch, then stifles a final yawn]

I'll be around if anything happens.

[downswing]

( ...ah. What is this. )

You stir with difficulty, come morning.


( This is a perfectly acceptable hour. )

[bearshermark]

[It's really not]

Mmn. A lifelong grievance even road travel hasn't cured me of after more than a year.

[downswing]

Learn discipline.

[bearshermark]

[There's a good, long pause before he trusts himself to speak again, words chosen with care]

I'm perfectly serviceable in emergency.

[downswing]

But ill at ease. Routine brings comfort.

[bearshermark]

I'm doing as well as I can be, here.

[downswing]

You anger swiftly.

[bearshermark]

[It's true, and he hates that anyone's noticed. He breathes]

It's a work in progress.

[downswing]

'Do not succumb to rage.' Numbered, among our rules.

[bearshermark]

I have yet to lose hold of my temper.

[Though that feels like a matter of time, presently]

I've taken up meditation, and my evenings on the water are some solace.

[downswing]

You suit the practice?

[bearshermark]

I find it similar enough to prayer. It may be the only reason I can withstand court.

[downswing]

It taxes you so?

[bearshermark]

Of course it does. Everyone wants something, no one seems honest, and now I have to think of excuses just to talk to people I consider friends. It's exhausting.

[downswing]

Your heart beats too pure for these tumults.

[bearshermark]

..I just was raised differently.

[downswing]

I name no fault.

[bearshermark]

I'm trying.

[downswing]

Eleven. No enemies sharpen hidden swords in these words.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven inhales, then sighs before he can pull up another defense]

..Okay.