un: heart-fluttering hummingbird | audio (forward-dated: 24 May)

[downswing]

( A silence to his mouth, begrudging. The words, when he does speak them, gravel between teeth: )

...apologies. The blood in the northern halls will want more hands for the washing.

We made insufficient attempt.


( ooc: posted today for ooc ease, but assume this comes up after Sizhui/Eleven/Mingyu speak with the miners, around 24 May. Alina and Lan Wangji have given the miners their mercy kill, before they could fully transition, and removed the bodies from where they were kept... but clean-up. )

Comments

[somebadnews]

I'm not. [ Mostly. What can you say? They were going to die either way. ]

It was a mistake.

[downswing]

Culled cleanly.

[somebadnews]

[ The halls might say differently, but he's made a mess with quick kills enough not to bring it up. ]

That's at least something that comes with experience.

HE THINKS HE HAS IT

[downswing]

( This child, who speaks as no children do. A boy, enchanted by slaughter, finding all wanting. Who refuses the gift of a toy, the spirit aged past —

...measure.

No. And yet. Master Xiao Xingchen's sword could riddle the answer cleanly, but Lan Wangji alone has not exorcised for one lifetime to neglect the marks of possession, cruel and plain.

He hesitates. Considers. Then, pace measured: )

Do you wake at times without knowing your whereabouts?

[somebadnews]

[ What a bizarre question. Enough that he doesn't want to answer without knowing what he's getting at. (Is that somehow related to the murder they were just calmly discussing?) ]

Why are you asking me that?

[downswing]

( Pausing: )

A matter of study.

[somebadnews]

[ Just when he thought he had some normal qualities he could relate to... Why is everyone so weird today? ]

Study of what, exactly?

[downswing]

Sleep within this house.


( No lie. Only, one person's. )

[somebadnews]

[ HOW IS THIS RELATED. Why ask him of all people... unless... ]

Did you wake up in the woods?

[downswing]

...no. And you?

[somebadnews]

[ Sees that hesitance. ]

Of course not.

[downswing]

Do you hear voices?

[somebadnews]

[ This is getting uncomfortable, because yes, he still sometimes has conversations with Dolores when he forgets she's not really here. That's not strange, they were together for so long of course he'd still imagine what she'd say.

But he still thinks he's talking about the voices in the woods. ]

Is there a point you're getting to? [ Because if it's not that -- ] I'm not crazy, if that's what you're worried about. I can't speak for anyone else.

[downswing]

You shy from questions.

[somebadnews]

I could say the same to you. [ Seriously, like he’s the only one... ]

Do your study on someone else.

[downswing]

You are always agitated?

[somebadnews]

I can't imagine why I'd have a reason to be.

[ He shouldn't have said anything in response, but the nerve of this guy. Can't even stay focused on the two people he killed. ]

Are you listing symptoms now?

[downswing]

( What a thought. )

Of what condition?

[somebadnews]

You tell me. You're the one fixated on whatever this is.

[downswing]

I only ask your welfare.

[somebadnews]

Why do you care? [ Honest question. He was weirdly personal the last time too, asking how he slept. ]

I'm fine, but thanks so much for asking.

[downswing]

Men care for children and comrades.

[somebadnews]

[ This again. ]

Is that the lesson of the day?

[downswing]

The lesson of a lifetime.

( Learned, by some, late. )

[somebadnews]

[ That's what he thought. Still trying to impart wisdom on a man at least twice his age. ]

I could think of better ways to direct your attention.