video: average sighren

[lanclan]

[ The scene is one of steam and muffled, echoing male voices from elsewhere, tiles covering walls. Xichen's face is in shot, hair unbound and soaked where it falls down his bare shoulders, pink from the hot water (no fear, he has a thin robe shrugged off but tied about his waist out of shot) where he is leaning over the edge of the bath. ]

This is rather unorthodox, in many ways, as first meetings go. Pardon my appearance, robes are somewhat contradictory to my surroundings. [ But he's out of seclusion, in a strange realm, and this is the only way he knows to prove the bathhouse is safe: by using it. ] Some of you already know my younger brother, Lan Wangji. You may call me Lan Xichen.

[ He sighs, nasal and soft. More of an exhale. His smile hitches back up. ]

I now live above the bathhouse. Technically, [ here he glances over blandly to a pair of guffawing sailors in the background, lips pursing as he holds back his real opinion, ] this is a private residence, but it would be rude to deny access to those who wish to use the downstairs, so I would like to invite over anyone who wishes to bathe in something other than cold lake-water — if my housemates wouldn't mind, I should like to meet all of you, too.

There is a separate area for women, of course. Please use the rinsing stations before entering the main baths and wear something discreet, for the sake of others.

[ Xichen glances around as someone calls his name and there is a momentary wider shot of him soaked to the waist as he straightens to nod in answer, raking back his hair so it isn't stuck to his chest you're welcome. He looks again to the video and smiles warmly, tilting his head in apology for the break in his attention. ]

It is seemingly busier in the afternoons.

Comments

[pathologise]

very convenient
how warm is it?

[lanclan]

Far hotter than I am used to, although that says little as I am from a mountainhome that remains cool in the height of summer. Quite hot in general?

[pathologise]

i like a warm shower
but baths are nicer when it's comfortable
though it still sounds nicer than river water

[lanclan]

You are welcome to attend any time.

[pathologise]

thanks
did you just get dropped here?
i don't know many people so i could be wrong
probably am

[lanclan]

Yes, although my brother has been here a while. You may know him.
I have never been tasked with a bathhouse before so I believed it appropriate to display a welcoming atmosphere.

[pathologise]

i don't remember the name

( they talked, she was very drunk )

it's a nice gesture whatever it is
and it'll get you meeting people since you want to

[lanclan]

It's for the convenience of all, there is no need to seek me out.

[pathologise]

maybe we'd want to

[lanclan]

In that case, once introduced, I can offer tea upstairs.

[pathologise]

coffee?
i'm adrienne

[lanclan]

I have never had coffee nor own any, apologies.
Hello, Adrienne, I look forward to meeting you.

[pathologise]

then i'll bring some over
it'll be a win for both of us

[lanclan]

Thank you, Adrienne that is most kind.
Shall we say an hour for decency's sake? I live above in the apartment and will be listening for the door.

[pathologise]

an hour it is
it'll be nice to chat

[lanclan]

Until then.

[ The tea table doesn't take long to set up, always somewhere perpetually between one use and another. Xichen is dressed properly in blue robes with a guan in his hair, tidied up from the mess he (thinks he) presented in the baths: his hair is a little damp when he goes to answer the door for his guest and there are some shadows under his eyes, but otherwise his smile is genuinely welcoming. ]

Lady Adrienne.

[ He steps back to give her a courteous, formal bow, because while he knows nothing of her standing or history, she is still a woman visiting his home unescorted and in his opinion requires the utmost manners for the sake of her reputation. Although, he suspects that may not matter in this realm as much as back home ... but he goes through the motions anyway. ]

[pathologise]

( to her he's giving her very high praise, calling her a lady, bowing, and she feels slightly embarrassed because that's not her. but she knows nothing about where he's from, that it's customary for him and when he looks back at her she's slightly surprised, not certain what to say for the moment )

It's nice to meet you. I brought the coffee.

( she's got it in her little bag, relaxing into a smile )

[lanclan]

Thank you. Please, come in.

[ He gestures toward the low table already set up with a steaming teapot. The tea cups are a little small for coffee, but he has no idea what to expect as he seats himself opposite her. ]

You must enjoy the flavour, to have enough in reserve to share with newcomers.