un: daozhang | audio

[binghua]

I have been thinking lately, perhaps too much, about forgiveness. Or, rather, resentment, especially with regards to these curses we've been gifted. I don't know what everyone else has to break, but mine involves jealousy and, thus, its own kind of resentment. I think most lingering cases such as these stem from unhappiness along a similar vein.

As a cultivator, it is my duty to cleanse such resentment from the dead so as not to affect the living in their wake. I am willing to help anyone else who may need it, though I fear I may not be as much help as others. I'm not sure I'm the best at forgiveness, either, even for myself...

[Xingchen's voice trails off, almost as if he forgets he's talking to anyone else, but he quickly recovers and clears his throat.]

I'm rambling. What I mean to say is I would like your cooperation if it's not too much to ask. As I said before my curse involves jealousy and words spoken in anger and dissatisfaction. I would like for as many of us to instead spread words of affirmation around the village. It might sound silly, and maybe it is, but I believe even something so small can make a difference. For example, last night I told one of the bartenders he had a pleasing voice. It doesn't have to be anything complicated, just kind.

Don't feel as if I'm forcing you, either. No one has to help if they don't want to.

Comments

[blackscales]

Ah, we are all our worst critics.

[ This person reminds him of someone he is fond of, and that is... disarming. A pause, before he offers: ]

It is not that you are poor at forgiveness, then. It is that you hold yourself to a higher standard.

[binghua]

[That...is certainly a new way to look at it, though not a new concept in and of itself.]

I know I am capable of better.

[blackscales]

I understand the sentiment entirely, I assure you.

[ Wrathion has become a professional at beating himself up over things he could have done better at. ]

Outside perspectives can be invaluable in making sure we do not measure to unreachable standards.

[binghua]

You speak wisely, my friend. This one thanks you for the reminder.

[blackscales]

[ ...

... Has anyone ever earnestly called him wise before?

He doesn't think so.

I mean, obviously he is wise, but you know. It's nice. To hear people say it.

... This person is his new best friend.

There's just enough pause to indicate this response is unexpected before he tries to carry on smoothly. ]

Of course. Thank you for explaining your work to me.

[binghua]

[Well. That pause is definitely noticed, though Xingchen says nothing of it. Perhaps he brought this man joy without really trying.]

I am Xiao Xingchen. If you ever have more questions, you may call upon me.

[blackscales]

Wrathion.

[ His name. This is a name exchange. He is being polite. ]

If you ever require more wisdom, you know who to ask.

[ Only partially joking, because he would offer assistance if he could.

The wisdom might just be questionable. ]

[binghua]

[That is quite a name, though Xingchen says nothing about what it sounds like in this shared tongue.

He does offer up a soft laugh at the joke, however.]

How very generous of you.