un: blushing beads of heft and beauty | audio | After Sizhui and Eleven question the miners

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui hasn't spoken much over the network, but for those who know him, he sounds extremely subdued, though his words are clear and his voice calm. The execution has not happened yet, so. ]

This is Lan Sizhui. For those who might be curious, Eleven and I talked with the two miners that... were taken.

In short, their story started when they were snowed in - and iced in - for far too long inside the mine. They had not expected that, so there were no provisions. First one, then another of their number died of hunger, and then the two dead bodies reanimated and ... asked what they would give for the hunger to stop.

What they are becoming, they chose, under duress.

The two who had died first already became among Unhalad's soldiers. I do not know why the remaining six were asked to choose it, rather than waited out to be just taken. I don't think they know, either.

And if they remember what exactly was done to them after they agreed, they are not telling us.

I think this is more or less the information we found from them. Thank you for your attention.

Comments

[downswing]

( It... shames him, nearly, to have not pursued this. )

...no. ( But, from recollection: ) You were brought to assist a faction. Broken free, prior.

[paperbutterflies]

For the better... I don't think the factions here will let me continue on the path that is right.

[downswing]

Will that deter you?

[paperbutterflies]

If I am myself, no.

I don't know if what those who do become under Unhalad's control, or Anurr's, for that matter, remain themselves. Which is why I'd rather avoid both of those situations!

[downswing]

( A pause, softened: )

You fear we slaughtered living men.

[paperbutterflies]

There was a chance for those captured could still be recovered... Retrieving them made sense.

[ Although Sizhui also knows... ]

Whether the two of them live past the time when they lose themselves or not... I understand it is safer to not wait, when we are certain it cannot be reversed.

[downswing]

Sizhui. I do not wish your heart shrivelled.


( But perhaps, perhaps in the execution of duties — if there were a kinder way to lessen its breadth. )

[paperbutterflies]

... Hanguang-jun, is yours so?

[ Sizhui does Not Believe^TM ]

[downswing]

We are of different make.

[paperbutterflies]

[ Oh.

Sizhui stays quiet for a little while, but he knows better than to make the silence long. ]

As you say, Hanguang-jun.

[downswing]

You are better.

[paperbutterflies]

... how can anyone be of a better make than Hanguang-jun?

[ Still... quiet. ]

[downswing]

( And quieter still, for gossip is forbidden: )

What do disciples speak of the main house?

[paperbutterflies]

[ ... um.

Singing Hanguang-jun's praises? The day's lessons? Complaining about things? Singing Zewu-jun's praises? The latest night hunt? Each other? ]

... many things?

[downswing]

Of your grandfather.

[paperbutterflies]

... not much. He was gone before most of us were born, and our lessons on him in the succession of the Sect are not lengthy.

[downswing]

You are not of poorer make.

[paperbutterflies]

I... would have no way of telling.

[ Basis of comparison what.

But Hanguang-jun does, he has known them both. ]

[downswing]

Trust in me. ( Why do words forever haunt him? ) Uncle, Zewu-Jun, myself. You are our hope.