eastbound | [Text] un: live in the moment

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[Text] un: live in the moment

Before speaking with the healers of this fair city, I wish to reach out to my fellow travelers. It is a delicate nature, hence this missive instead of the other features I have been informed are available.

In short, I am in need of the arts of a master healer. Someone familiar with healing spiritual meridians. I have only just arrived, so am short on funds for the moment, but there is precious little time before it is too late.

My word is good. This is too important for me to lie about. In exchange for this service immediately, you may name your price and I will see it done in haste.

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[ Kexing enjoyed the game! But now, time is short. He's determined to give Zishu many reasons to fight to live. If that means being obnoxiously affectionate at every opportunity, so be it! He's not embarrassed or ashamed.

It's only because Eleven is a healer that he's not jealously watched or growled at, for how close he is to Zishu as he works on the physical injuries. Kexing squeezes Zishu's hand in answer, thumb rubbing soothingly over elegant fingers. He watches his husband intently for signs that it's too much.

The arm around his waist tightens a little too, at that admission. He knows how hard that was. ]

[Fatigue and dulled senses of taste and smell, coupled with his cool skin suggest illness. He frowns, but at least the man is breathing easier- that can only help]

Is it an effect of damaged spiritual meridians? I'd suggest ease, tea, and soup to help stave off further illness anyway as a precaution. But that pattern of injury seemed.. purposeful. Was it how they were broken?

[Zishu is ashamed to admit the truth, but it's necessary. His body isn't throbbing like it had been and so his speech is more level.]

I placed the nails inside of myself. I damaged my meridians on purpose. I know that I will lose my senses before I die. I've seen this...play out...in others.

[And...]

This is a punishment I created.

[ Kexing hears the difference in Zishu's voice and it helps him breathe a little easier as well. ]

I have some soup cooking, and I will brew some tea soon. A-Xu is being good about resting now, too.

[ As difficult as it is for his soulmate, he's relieved that Zishu is letting himself rest.

As for the injuries themselves...he lets Zishu answer, as he has before. Then huffs out a breath. ]

To escape. To be free. It was...worth it at the time, I just wish we'd met as we are sooner.

[Eleven's expression falls to that terrible truth. Not suicide, the man's husband clarifies at least, but a devastating risk]

You won't die. I may not be able to heal you much further, but I should be able to help for long enough to find someone that can. The healers in this city have considerable fees, but I have some coin saved even if no one among us can aid you.

[Wrinkling his nose, he huffs and elbows Kexing in the stomach.]

I'm not a dog or a child.

[The regrets further incense him, but he forces himself to realize that his anger stems from...well...not feeling the greatest. So he snuggles back against Kexing in apology.]

That's all I want. If I can live long enough to find a permanent solution...

[His eyes widen at the generous offer and he holds up a hand.]

Please look after yourself. I did this to myself; I must shoulder the effects. What you've done for me today is priceless - but you deserve payment. Once Lao Wen and I make enough money, it's yours.

A-Xu! [ Kexing winces dramatically, pouting, but doesn't budge from supporting Zishu. The pout remains until Zishu snuggles back against him - they both know where the burst of anger comes from. And that he can't stay upset at all, as the gentle squeeze to the other's waist indicates.

He lifts his gaze back to Eleven and shakes his head, agreeing with Zishu. ]

If we need to go that route, we will let you know. But please accept that we will pay you back when we can.

[ Not to mention Kexing's standing offer (now) to cook. ]

[Eleven mirrors the shake of his head with his own]

I haven't done much, so don't think anything of it. I don't make it a habit to charge anyone for healing. But if you do require coin, I will accept repayment. I only have it saved for emergencies, and life is infinitely precious in this world.

[He feels guilty automatically and he rubs the arm holding him around his waist. His Lao Wen understands him, thankfully, but he vows to try harder to be gentle with his soulmate. Even if his head aches and his body feels useless.]

You are incredibly kind. [Eleven is one of those Zishu wants to protect.] If you are ever threatened or in a fight, feel free to call on us. We will gladly assist you.

[ Kexing smiles softly and snuggles Zishu, silently reassuring his husband that he's not angry, or even hurt.

He lifts his head to gaze earnestly at Eleven again. ]

We will help you however we can. It doesn't matter what it is.

[Eleven ducks his head, fingers taking to fidgeting self-consciousness. The part of him accustomed to others doubting his abilities chafes, but it's clear they mean well by their offer]

I will keep that in mind, with hopes to never need it. Thank you. But before that, I'll do what I can to see you well.

[His cheeks color faintly and he glances back at Kexing, giving him a small smile.

Then he focuses on Eleven again.]

We all need help sometimes. [Isn't he proof of that?] Thank you. I hope this doesn't tire you.

It's natural to want to never need help. [ He adds along with Zishu's comment. He'd needed help with his revenge, after all. ]

If my energy can help, use as much as you need.

[A sharp nod, that brush of defensive pride softening. Given he'd attempted to lecture Archeval- and incidentally, everyone else- for that very thing not long ago]

I don't know how to transfer energy like that, but I should be all right. It isn't much, really- from here, I can only.. encourage life energies to resonate with the spirit. But I hope it will help a little.

It will. [Zishu sits up straighter and reaches out his hands to Eleven.] Lao Wen, if you wouldn't mind, send some of your energy into me while he works.

[If there is more life energy, that should help. Or so he reasons.]

[ Reluctantly, Kexing lets go of Zishu, in favor of kneeling behind him even as his beloved asks for just what he has in mind after Eleven's answer. He focuses, hands forming specific seals automatically before smacking into Zishu's back. He keeps tight control over just how much energy sinks into Zishu, not wanting to overwhelm and cause even more damage. ]

[Eleven settles on the edge of the bed and takes Zishu's hands between his own, loosely formed in prayer]

Don't overextend yourself; it's a bit like.. watering a plant or offering it sunlight- not to be rushed.

[And admittedly, not something he's had a great deal of practice with outside his own spirit and surrounding life. But the principles are similar enough and it's that spirit that he silently calls to now, eyes closing and centering himself with it as he feels out Zishu's energy and spirit along with the new influx from Wen Kexing.

The Luminary spirit in his chest attunes to the life energy with a familiar brush of warmth and a comfortable, subtle brightness that bleeds through to the life it's connected to and flows toward Zishu's own spirit in a slow coaxing of vibrant energy]

[He closes his eyes to center himself, his hands creating the seals that have stabilized him in the past. Then he settles, gritting his teeth, unsure what he will feel. The flow of Kexing's life force is welcome and it warms him. But there is more to it than that once Eleven goes to work. Zishu feels the broken pieces inside of him striving towards stability instead of the painful chaos he has been enduring. His head sags forward as he registers relief and he feels like curling up and letting himself sleep for a long, long time.]

Lao Wen... [He tries to warn them before he loses his ability to sit upright. To say his body has been pushed to the max is an understatement! Zishu doesn't even care what position he ends up in - as long as he can rest.]

[ With Eleven's added warning, Kexing is extra careful in just how much energy he lets seep between him and Zishu, keeping it a gentle trickle to warm and bolster whatever is done. He listens to the strange chant, feels out the effect it has combined with Eleven's energy. He's sent energy into his soulmate enough times to see the warning signs, so even as Zishu tries to verbally warn him, he's already easing back on the energy sent and wraps his arms around Zishu as that poor body goes limp.

It still scares him, face paling before he takes a breath and gives Eleven a grateful look even as he checks Zishu's pulse. ]

That's better. That buys us more time.

Sleep, A-Xu. I'm here. [ Just in case his beloved can still hear him. ]

[Eleven looses the man's hands as he begins to list, concern touching his brow as his husband catches him. He'd felt him ease, but hadn't expected sheer fatigue to follow.

He shifts up off the bed, hovering anxiously until Wen Kexing's own worry fades. He breathes and tries for a small smile]

I don't know how much- it's only strengthened his spirit a little- but it's all I can do to help until someone can heal him properly.

[ The worry remains, but it's lessened greatly as he adjusts their positions to give Zishu the best comfort he can manage. ]

Every little helps. You were able to do more than I could alone.

[Eleven ducks his head and inclines some of his upper body in a deferential gesture that isn't quite a bow]

If he weakens again or there's injury, feel free to call on me again.

[ Kexing immediately bows his head in answer, unwilling to sacrifice his position even to pay proper respect to someone who has helped his A-Xu. Later. Later he will give it. ]

I will. Thank you, Eleven.

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[Text] un: live in the moment

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