awashlogs | Event Seventeen.

So you know them, as well.

[ After all the tears I gave you, can I give you a fun conversation to smile about? I hope so. ]

What are your thoughts on them? [ While we look for books, let's gossip and forget the hurt that we're recovering from, okay? ]

[ What an easy question for her to answer, despite all the shit that is going on. ]

I love them. [ See? Simple. And it's easy for her to talk about people she adores, and as uncomfortable as she may have been when he first mentioned them to her... she can't remain that way when she thinks of how lovely they both are as people to her. Indeed her tears have all dried up at this point. ]

Xie Lian is an incredibly kind person, generous and compassionate, and one of the most graceful people I've ever met. He is... beautiful, everything about him is beautiful, his personality, his heart, his softness, his smile; he doesn't seem real at times, he's like a series of brush strokes upon a canvas that absorbs ink. [ She glances at him, giving him a small smile. ] If you've met him too, you know what I'm talking about.

And Wei Wuxian is... [ She pauses before coming up with a single word to describe him, a hand going to the crystal upon her chest. ] dazzling. The stars above envy his brightness, I think. His smile is infectious, and he is beyond clever... yet considerate in his own way. He comes off as mischievous, doesn't he? Yet how deeply he cares for others betrays that nature. He's someone who could and would fly too close to the sun, but still never be deterred. [ She covers a giggle with her hand, but there's something oddly melancholy attached to it. ] Or maybe he'd never notice how close he is to it in the first place. He's...

[ She seems to be about to go on about him, but then she appears to realize something then. ]

Having to describe them... It really is like they were made for each other.

Edited 2019-01-27 05:50 (UTC)

[ His heart immediately warms upon seeing her smile in the faint light. It no longer feels in a vice, it no longer feels like it is under water. After all the pain that he gave someone in such a short amount of time, he feels a sense of relief and gratitude that she can smile and speak so light. It makes him even happier that she has come to like those two cultivators so much, and he found a conversation topic that they both can enjoy. ]

This teacher is fond of them both, too. [ My turn, right? My turn! ]

Of course, his beauty is unparalleled. [ And mistook him for a her!! His head shakes at himself. Even if a person can say that it's understandable, that is hardly anything a man wants to hear. ] There is a great softness to him that makes one feel comforted in his presence. It also makes a person want to watch over him to ensure that the path ahead is roses. He thinks so much of everyone and is so courteous in all his actions... all that should be rewarded. [ After assuming a lot, he is wanting only happiness for Xie Lian. ]

As for Wei Wuxian. [ Dazzling? I can't call him that. He is my Frog-Bro so I can't bear him too much ill will. He's saved my life twice now, right? If he does it a third time without me showing any respect, I'll never be able to show my face to him, again! ] ... he feels a bit like an explosion when you are talking to him. That is, there is so much brightness to him, as you say, that a person can get blinded and wrapped up in his schemes easily. But he has a heart that is very good. He has a sense of duty and kindness to him that some may brush off as playing around, but I believe he is earnest in what he does. [ The man came back even though he raised all those death flags. I can't help but admire that a little! Given my shit luck, if I raised one death flag before going on a quest, I'd be dead before it even started.

But as much as Shen Qingqiu laments, he knows that he is the one that courts this sort of danger so can't complain too loudly about that point without being seen as foolish.

But what she said just now... ]

... I also agree that they seem like they are good together.

Edited 2019-01-27 06:21 (UTC)

[ --A kindred spirit! They like saying good things about good people, she's glad. It's been--... forever since she's had the opportunity to talk just about how amazing people are. ]

I did learn from Xie Lian, though, that their arrangement didn't have a proper ceremony-- there wasn't even a witness, as far as I'm aware.

[ That should probably get her to question it, but nawwww. ] I was thinking that it would be a nice gesture to give them one to celebrate their union. [ It's only right. ] Xie Lian would like white flowers... [ Something hurts. She's not sure what, but it does-- ah, the curse. ]

...You can't create them, can you...? [ Actually she's not sure what the exact extent of cultivation is. Otherwise she'll just make like paper-flowers or something. Hundreds of them. The god deserves it. ]

[ Ah, she does know!! Shen Qingqiu would never want to be mistaken as some BL fan! Trembling and crying over a gong and shou!! But he can honestly say that since he knows them both that he wishes them well and can't say that he worries deeply about them. They came back after saying a lot of death flags. I'm sure that they had a touching moment between one another and so now, nothing will break them up save some love rival.

That's that on that. ]

That does not surprise me too much. [ That there was no ceremony or witness. When love strikes, it strikes. What can anyone do? ]

Consider it eloping. [ He says this not lightly and dismissively, but gently and warm as a means to ease Pyra's heart about the matter. ]

Oh, an actual ceremony. That's quite an affair. [ He pinches his chin as he attempts to think of all the steps that they'd have to in order to go all out. Who exactly is going to be part of the procession? I guess, Pyra could do that for Xie Lian. And I could handle the "welcoming of the bride" portion for Wei Wuxian.

... That's such an awful lot of trouble for them to be worrying about when they're already married.

But he realizes that the two really went out of their way and risked their lives. He shouldn't be grumbling and bemoaning anything! So, if they agree, then he'll go all out with it! Why not? If they're sad that they felt all things were rushed and want to do it proper, then they can do it proper!

I don't have firecrackers but with talismans, I could make something impressive for them? Or I could leave that to Pyra. If we can find a guqin, I could play something. And, I recently met someone who owns a restaurant and may like to make a five course meal! I couldn't ask for more than that, but that should be fine. ]

White flowers shouldn't be difficult. I can't create them, no ... oh, I suppose I could with paper, couldn't I? [ Hm. ] But ... if I have it right in my head, they need only think of a wedding place and the rest should be simple even if it must be only you and me that work on the full ceremony.

Edited 2019-01-27 07:09 (UTC)

[ Oh her heavenly dead-beat Father, he is on her level with doing this wedding thing, this is all sorts of beautiful. ] Yes, paper flowers would work just as nicely.... [ This is probably blasphemous to say to a scholar, but: ] Maybe we can even use the pages of these books for that!

[ She laughs, the sound merry and light; she's a completely different person from the tearful woman who looked at him helplessly mere minutes ago. ] To celebrate two individuals' affection for each other becoming one...

[ A sigh. She's never gotten to read any romance stories, but she's see love grow between others. It's always fascinated her. It's always been something to be... envied, in a way, that a person can care for someone so much and know that their partner feels exactly the same way. ] Have you ever been in love, Shen Qingqiu? If you have, you must absolutely use it as inspiration for each flower we craft together.

I don't see why not. [ If there were books that had any importance to them, he would be taken out back for suggesting to use the pages for flowers. But since he's starting to get the feeling that whoever was the owner of the castle was some serial book hoarder, there's no issue with using them in that fashion.
...!! He understands what Pyra means. He absolutely knows what she means! She means that they'd be joining together officially to be husband and wife! Yes, he gets it! Isn't Wei Wuxian already calling Xie Lian "darling wife?" But she needs to work on that wording! Absolutely work on it!! But if he says that, it'll sound bad! When you talk to them... change that "becoming one" to something else!!

Shen Qingqiu continues to be pleased with how this boosts Pyra's mood. What is that saying? All girls love to talk about love? His head tilts a little as he wonders if that is a real one or not, but it seems true enough with how much brighter that she's shining. He can almost feel her happiness radiating off of her, and feels that he has paid her back some for her tears.

But he does almost choke at the question! How did it get back to me?! ]

This teacher has never been in love. So I fear I cannot pull from any inspiration. [ He still starts to pull down books that seem to be of little use to anyone, at least from the titles. If we make a pile while we're looking, we won't have to make a pile later.

To ask a young lady if they've been in love, but he remembers what he had just thought and how much happier Pyra now looks. Surely, she would like to talk about her love, too! ] But what of you?

[ Pyra is just going to look at him for a moment as he's gathering books; if he's already flipped them open and is tearing out pages to make flowers, she'll join him. In retrospect, she should have known that asking him a question meant that he has all the right to ask her one in turn. The exact same one, apparently.

...

Her answer isn't much of an answer at all: ]

Love is such a powerful feeling. It's a wonderful thing, to admire someone... [ Quietly: ] Even from afar.

[ A smile. ] Maybe one day you'll experience it. I'm rather surprised you haven't-- how old are you, again? [ And he's never loved someone?? It's almost the equivalent of admitting he's a virgin...... Way to go, SQQ. You fell right into that one. ]

[ Fuck!

It seems like she is in love with someone that she must love from afar! That kind of situation? Well, she's a saint and obviously a leading lady. He doesn't believe she'll have any problems in the way of love. It will start out as quietly pining and then the two will get together. I guarantee it! ]

It will not always be from afar. One day, it will come close for you. [ He smiles, warmly. I believe in you!! If it was not too OOC, he would have even given her a thumbs up to show how much he supported her in her endeavors. The person may not be here, but he knows she'll be reunited with them soon.
"Them," huh? I suppose this whole wedding revelation with Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian has really opened my eyes. That is, Pyra may love some beautiful lady rather than a handsome man. Okay! Stop, stop!! You're borderlining on being indecent!! Not so much the idea of it, but a straight man saying two ladies may have a romance -- that definitely comes off as some fantasy material that someone drools and pants over rather than wishing well!! He decides to just give his blessings for a happy future and not say more!!

He chuckles just a little as they give each other the same hope in so many and so few words.

And then he almost spits up at least four pints of blood at the question. He swallows what is in his mouth and runs his fingers over the spines of the books. No fucking idea, Pyra! No fucking idea! That Airplane-bro of mine never specified the original's age. I have no idea how old he could be! ]

This teacher has lost count of how many years he has been alive. [ Nice save! ] I did say that I was an immortal cultivator, did I not? Surprising, isn't it, that this young man is actually an old man?

[ Another soft laugh. Oh wait, she was asking about why I haven't experienced love and I got hung up on trying to figure out an age!! Well, too late now! But anyway! The answer doesn't change!! Pyra, he was an indecent individual!! He's never experienced love at all! But lust?! Absolutely!! ] But no... I have never experienced love before. Well ... I have experienced the warm and loving family that I have with my fellow sect brothers and sisters.

I have felt the love from my disciples and me to them. [ FUCK THAT'S A MINEFIELD! So he quickly moves on. ] But ... the love that Xie Lian and Wei Wuxian have ... I have not experienced that and that is fine. There is always time for that later.

Edited 2019-01-27 08:50 (UTC)

[ It will not always be from afar... what a nice thought.

But he's been dead for a while.

The light in her eyes seems to shift with a new layer of water, but she blinks and quickly breaks her gaze away from him.... She's only half-listening to him as he continues on, chipper and giddy with this talk of love, and by the end of this little spiel she doesn't even hear him mention either of the newlyweds. It's just like mentioning the sword from earlier; she's really regretting bringing up this topic of conversation.

Still, she smiles. ]

....Living with other immortals, being able to love them and have them with you as the millennia go by... you are lucky to have them. [ She knows she is old-- as old as when the new world was created. But she's quite fortunate that she has the luxury of not remembering those earlier eons in the form she takes now. ] It would get lonely otherwise, wouldn't it? Especially if you were to mingle with those who are mortal instead.

[ Ah?

Somehow, he cannot help but be a little worried about her. It comes from how she almost cried when he was wishing her well -- It really is going to work out! Shen Qingqiu wants to say that much but wouldn't that be exposing a maiden's heart that someone was able to guess her delicate thoughts on love? I already was a villain once. I'm going to take a hiatus on it! ]

It is. We are all part of the same generation. This to ensure harmony among us. [ His voice is a little strained, not so much that he disbelieves what he's saying, but because he knows this isn't really what Pyra is meaning. Could it be -- is Pyra in love with an immortal? Is that why she was so happy to hear about immortality that she almost was close to tears?! She wanted to be with the person that she loves and as a mortal, she has been separated from them!

He looks away.

No. She's the leading lady. The situation will have to change! Everyone would scream and cry if she didn't get a good ending!! Someone like this definitely deserves to experience the happy ending with all the bells!! It's only what's fair and right!

Shen Qingqiu clears his throat. ]

It would not be lonely to mingle with mortals. [ I believe in you! I absolutely believe in you! ] True ... we may outlive those that have shortened lifespans, but I could not call it lonely. We are able to spend our entire lives with the person that we love. We are able to comfort and be with them even at the time of their passing and offer them a tearful but loving farewell.

[ He smiles, still cheering her on, and decides to use the word "we" to pretend he is talking about himself and his immortal brethren rather than including the immortal that Pyra's hurting over. ]

True, where they go, we can't follow... not yet. And true, the pain of losing them would be difficult to bear, but ... it would be worth it. It would be worth it to suffer that pain, because it means that it meant something. It means that their life filled ours with something irreplaceable.

[ He pauses, thoughtful. ] It would not be lonely to mingle with mortals. [ Important things must be repeated three times. ] It would be scary and humbling to know that their lives can affect ours so much, but... it would be good and not something to avoid.

Edited 2019-01-27 09:46 (UTC)

[ He's a teacher that instructs others on their path to becoming immortal, his knowledge must be extraordinarily vast on the ways of the world. But here he's speaking about life and loss and love within the same breath, integrating all three together into a seamless portrait of grace.

She feels like her breath has been taken away as she listens to him, she's looking at him with wonder. He's saying everything she already knows-- it is worth it, that pain does mean something. But it's a pain that's truly difficult to bear. ]

...That was beautiful.

[ She inclines her head. ]

Are you sure you've never been in love before? [ She teases lightly, but it's meant as a distraction. ] With a mortal, even? You speak as if you know.

[ He offers a small laugh. ]

No, this teacher has never been in love. Not even with a mortal. [ His head turns away as he lets out a small sigh. A villainous person like me experiencing love, are you kidding? ]

I merely have a great appreciation and affection for those that are in love. I have seen how it blossoms in people. It's something that allows me to sound as though I know what I am talking about.

[ Honestly, he's read so many harem novels that he generally knows how those sort of things go! It isn't like he's a prude or anything, thank you. ]

But since I have seen it so often and so much, I can say that... I believe that love is something that you will be able to experience and hold onto... [ So don't give up on it!! ]

[ He's...! Definitely on her level! That whole thing about seeing others fall in love and being in love! She adores it, too, she believes it to be beautiful; she is always happy for those who have the chance to experience it.

But that last "you" he mentions... she's not sure if it's a general you, or if he's speaking of her specifically. So she adds: ] That includes you as well, I hope.

[ ....It's fine to hear his words and understand them as encouraging, even if the point of keeping hope is far past due for her. He probably believes that she still has someone back in her world that she pines for-- so what is something someone in that sort of situation would say?

Perhaps-- ] ...And we can't give up that sort of hope, can we? To find someone and connect with them so strongly, that it's being one with them, in body and soul. [ There it is, that sad look again. She's full of them today it seems. ] It'd be like finding your heart in another.

[ As soon as she says: "That includes--," Shen Qingqiu is loudly ripping pages out of a book that has to do about the various types of birdcages that exist and their origins. His eyes focus on the pile that he's ripped out to start folding into flowers. Haha! A scum villain hoping to find love! That's a good one! Everyone knows that as soon as any female shows up that they belong to the protagonist! I'm not an idiot! Even in this setting, I know my place. Don't go bullying me without knowing it! ]

It will be like finding your heart in someone. So, yes, hope is something to hold onto. If we do not hope for a better future for ourselves, what reason are we doing anything for? [ His head lightly tilts. Right! I'm still looking for the ending where I can just live through my story!!

He smiles even as he sees her sad look, because he feels like she is giving up now. Like she's the one giving up on something. So he has to be the one to pull her back and look forward. Because we're protecting each other, right? ]

[ She'll take a page from the book she's found, first beginning carefully tear the tops off in order to make squares from the rectangular pages. From there, she begins folding. ]

Well, since you know so much about love... why not be the one to officiate their wedding? [ He's an ~immortal cultivator~, he probably has the authority as much as anyone.

..... ] You would be a good counsel to them as well, since a wedding here of all places comes with its own hardships. [ Like not knowing when the ~love of your life~ might vanish and never return at any moment!! ]

[ Officiate the wedding? Hm! If it is as he thinks the wedding should go, there wasn't really a person to officiate. But he does realize that maybe they want to do it proper and have someone say they have their blessings. He is a Peak Lord and so can say that the two of them are welcome to be cultivation partners! ]

I would be honored to say that they have my blessings. [ He isn't their parent, but he does wish them happiness. If they have that, there should be more of a feeling like everything is official between them, too. Could it be that they only feel it is "real" in their hearts? That's nice, but sometimes a person wants everyone to see it as "real." ]

It's true. [ Lady Maribelle said that she wasn't about to look into love. Makes sense, but still is sad. That young lady is going to be become a spinster if she isn't careful! Pyra! You're joining her if you aren't careful, too!! ]

But no matter how tenuous and frightening that it may be, if it's love, it's love. I think there would be more regret felt if nothing was done at all ... to have the person leave and come to realize that you did not say anything and did not express all that you wanted to do, because you wanted to protect them.

[ A small sigh. ] That is why clear and honest emotions should be said so a person can have a conscience free of regret.

I whole-heartedly agree. [ She nods with a smile. Wow, wow, they really do get along! He shares so many of her opinions and views about the world, she wonders for a moment if it's possible that he's reading her mind.

Banishing the thought with a giggle, she places one finished paper flower between them. ]

But it's easier said than done, no? [ Like, ] Imagine... being in love-- admiring someone so much that they shine every time you see them, that they are beautiful no matter what it is they do. Your heart flutters, it's almost painful to be away from them, and sometimes it's painful to even be in their presence... But what if that person loves someone else, or you don't know if they feel the same way in return? [ General "you"s of course, of course.

She begins folding another flower. ]

There's a risk, to living without regrets. [ Ack, that sounds a bit like she's dismissing what he said. So: ] I mean, you are definitely strong enough to follow your own advice. But not everyone is...

[ Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian clearly are that strong, though, to have married each other already. ]

[ He pauses to look at her. The atmosphere feels pretty good and he thinks that he's reading the mood as being sparkling. Even in the gloom of the library. Even after having had a small cry session.

Shen Qingqiu closes the book on bird cages that have quite a few pages ripped out of it. His eyes close as he musters up his own courage. The book is lifted so that he can lightly bop it on top of Pyra's head. ]

It's not about strength. It is about wanting something for yourself that you can't give up on. [ You're the leading lady! You obviously are. The book lightly lifts to give another small bop. ]

This teacher believes in you.

[ There, he said it! ]

[ It's true, she had been absorbed in her thoughts that she wouldn't have seen him reach over with the book to bop her on the head before it's too late.

Pyra blinks just as she finishes the final fold of the paper flower, raising her eyes in surprise as he retracts the book.

...Also... she feels better than she did before? As if something has been lifted off of her. It's not so stifling anymore, and the crystal upon her chest is margin brighter. (Was the curse--...? Ah, well, she won't dwell on it.) ]

[ But, you know, she wonders if she should bring it up again that she's not his disciple, so why the book? She suddenly feels like a child. And, appropriately, there's going to be a small tinge to her cheeks as a result.

.... ]

Edited 2019-01-28 00:05 (UTC)

[ He's not going to get away with the head bop if she can help it, oh no. Now it's her turn to reach over to him and...

Tuck the paper flower just above his ear, pushing back some of his long hair with the gesture-- her equivalent of bopping him in return. ] Careful. [ She tells him, withdrawing her hand and settling back to resume her paper-folding. ]

Advice like that almost sounds scandalous. [ She's not going to pursue someone if they're in love with someone else! Let alone married like he was! Who does he take her for, Tristan?

But she's only joking lightly with Shen Qingqiu; from how softly she speaks, how gentle her smile remains, she clearly appreciates his encouragement and understands his point. ]

[ He looks up and wonders if, perhaps, she is going to pinch his cheek for being so cheeky with the book. But instead he has gained a new paper accessory -- he lets out a small, fond sigh. ]

This teacher would never!

[ There is a lightness in his words as he laughs just a little. But he does support her completely and hope that she isn't going to be dismissing this right now.

Well!! I said a lot of shit right now and so I'm not going to keep pursuing something! Don't think that you're getting off early, though! You deserve happiness, too. I'm adding that as a secret clause to our promise! What up!! ]

Just what do you immortals and cultivators do all day... [ She giggles lightly once more, focusing back on her task. ]

Xie Lian, Wei Wuxian... The lot of you. [ TSK, TSK. But her look is fond. Fonder, perhaps, now that she isn't focusing on what past love she may or may not have had. ] I'm imagining a long, idle life on some foggy mountain where you all enjoy your retirement from death by gossiping.

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