Who told you so, dilly dilly, Who told you so? ‘Twas my own heart, dilly dilly, That told me so.
ouch is one of the most intimate, romantic ways to be close to someone else. The Town knows this very well -- the Town wants everyone to be as close as possible.
Perhaps that's why this bonding is so...aggressive.
Because you're in for quite the shock on this otherwise peaceful day when you brush against the next person on your path.
Maybe you're going out of your way to touch people. Maybe you've got a terrible urge to just see what's lurking in someone's heart. Maybe you trip over a conveniently placed rock -- whatever the cause, you're getting an up close and personal look into someone else's heart.
Welcome to Awash's eighteenth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs and posts for this event!
If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!
[ Moments later, all of the other flowers wither, in a wave spreading out from where she stands. Dark, grey clouds move across the sky, blotting out the light. The air grows cold and is filled with the smell not of lotus flowers, but of something rotting.
Wei Wuxian collapses to his knees, his arms wrapped around his body, his face pale and twisted in pain. ]
[ The sudden shift in their surroundings, the flowers wilting, the clouds darkening, the very air becoming thick with a sick stench is all jarring enough, but it's when she sees him collapse to his knees that gets her to gasp. ] ---Wei Ying?
[ Her eyes widen and she crouches next to him, a hand going to his shoulders to support him, discarding the orb of light the lotus left behind. ] Wei Ying, what's wrong? [ She asks urgently, her eyes searching over him, looking for any signs of injury. ]
[ He knows this feeling. How could he forget? For two nights and a day, he had endured this sensation of his cultivation base being cut away. He looks up at Pyra and tries to smile and say: ]
Don't worry, I'm fine.
[ Except nothing comes out, and he can't make his face do anything except grimace. Still, the touch of her arm supporting him... it helps. He hadn't had anything like that the first time. Wen Ning had tried to help him, but he was too shy and they knew each other too little, at the time. Wen Qing had been too busy. He'd borne this agony alone. ]
[ Meanwhile the golden orb she discarded has followed her, fashioning itself into a princess crown and attaching itself to her head. Some of Chroma's stories have rubbed off on his psyche perhaps? As soon as it does so, enormous shadows rise out of the black water, all chanting. ]
Protect the princess! Protect her! One day, she will be queen! You are not the heir. Protect her! Your only purpose is to protect her! Protect her with your life!
[ The crown? Shadows emerging from the water? She isn't sure what's going on anymore, but she ascribes this change into something that Chroma is doing rather than Wei Wuxian.
Her attention remains focused on him regardless... She blinks and he seems even weaker than before, and her hand goes to brush a strand of his hair away from his pale cheek. What's happening to him? He can hardly speak! ]
[ The shadows are approaching, repeating their mantra of wanting to protect the supposed princess. Pyra frowns as she quickly looks around. Water, lilies, lotuses, and those creatures surround them, but there is still the wooden path that they're on; it must lead somewhere else.
--Shelter of some sort, hopefully, or another chamber of this realm. ] ...We cannot stay here. [ She stands, lifting him up with her. If he cannot walk anymore, then she'll carry him. ]
[ He walks with her, leaning on her, half-supported by her. The pathway curves through the water, eventually splitting into two paths. One is broad; the wood seems to be shining from below with an ethereal glow. The water underneath is an inviting blue. It leads back to the shore, where the dark clouds have broken up and sunlight is shining through in wide rays, like a ladder to heaven. The other path is a rickety single plank, half-rotted, through murky water.
He lifts his eyes to the two possible paths and chuckles, dryly. ]
Let's go that way!
[ He speaks with as much enthusiasm as he can muster, pointing towards the broad and shining path. But as soon as he does, a tall man appears, standing strictly upright, with a severe expression on his face. He is clad in white robes, with a goatee and a forehead ribbon embroidered with the pattern of drifting clouds. His gaze softens a little when he lays eyes on Pyra; but it soon reverts to an angry look when he sees Wei Wuxian.
[ She doesn't recognize the man or his robes, but she can guess that he belongs to Wei Wuxian's past. His gaze that is meant for Wei Wuxian, too, is enough to make Pyra stiffen beneath it.
Only righteous cultivators... What? They don't have time for this! Maybe he can be convinced; this is part of Wei Wuxian's mind-illusion-heart-whatever, after all. ]
I-- I don't know what's wrong with him... [ She pleads to the man. From what she knows about cultivation-- through him, Shen Qingqiu, and Xie Lian--... surely righteous cultivators would not turn away an injured? ill? afflicted--? They would not turn away a person in need! ] Please, he needs help!
[ The tall cultivator's eyes turn red. A vein pulsates at his temple. He's unable speak for a few moments. Finally, he sputters: ]
I tried to help that boy in every way I could! I taught him. When he wouldn't behave, I kicked him out of class. I made him copy the GusuLan sect rules every day for a month. I even asked my very best disciple to spend that time supervising him, so he might learn the meaning and the importance of restraint and self-regulation. How did he answer my efforts? How?
[ Her brow furrows when she watches the man's eyes turn red, demanding that Wei Wuxian tell her--... something.
A frown.
It's like he's implying that he's keeping something from her. (But isn't she the same?) She glances down to the man in question, but when Wei Wuxian chuckles she can only stand there, confused. Should she say anything at all? ] Wei Ying... [ She whispers, voice trying to convey that he should be cautious. Should he really be testing this man's temper? ]
[ He's actually starting to feel a little better, so he's able to balance better on his own two feet. He smiles; it's a genuine smile, because these are happy memories. ]
I got myself deliberately kicked out of class so I could go fool around. I copied the GusuLan sect's rules, but I spent the whole month teasing that perfect disciple of yours. I drew a picture of him—with a flower in his hair. I swapped out the book of verse he was reading with another book that had.......rather more interesting pictures hahaha! He was so angry, pffft! And then I tricked him into destroying the evidence, so he couldn't report me to you, so this is the first you're hearing about it. Hahaha! I sneaked out at night, breaking curfew, to buy wine and bring it back for everyone. And then I...
[ Back his smile comes again, as if that little break had just been a cloud passing through the sun. ]
And then I went back home and spent all my days catching pheasants and fishing and stealing lotus pods and making trouble at night! So everything worked out in the end! I got to go home and you didn't have to see me anymore, so I don't see why you're so upset!
[ ....W--w...wow, he was a little troublemaker, wasn't he? All of his antics-- yes, even drawing another disciple's picture with a flower in his hair, to getting kicked out of class, to bringing wine back... it just reminds her of how free-spirited he is. And he seems so proud of it, too.
[ She winces when the man shouts at him, but doesn't argue. ] Then, let's go...
[ Pyra's arm around Wei Wuxian adjusts to lift him a little bit more. If he can completely stand on his own by now, even better. If not, she's there to support him.
She looks down towards the other path. As terrible as it looks, looks like that's the only choice-- no. That's not right. They are consciously making this choice. ] This way...
[ He'd been about to argue with Pyra, when that voice makes his head jerk back around. The man standing in Lan QiRen's place is identically attired, with a similar bearing, but cleanshaven with light-colored eyes. Well... he would have been identically attired, if his white clothes weren't sopping wet, soiled, shredded, and bloody. Despite being in such a state, his face is serene and his voice is calm.
He's also, inexplicably, standing on top of an enormous tortoise. ]
[ --Oh, well, guess they'll linger at the crossroads a little more. She's fine with that, so long as Wei Wuxian is feeling well. Look at him, he's doesn't need her support anymore! ]
Lan Zhan...? [ She repeats, looking from Wei Wuxian to the other man now, smiling at him kindly. ] It's a pleasure to meet you, too. [ Oh, yes, this is probably just some figment-representation of the Lan Zhan within his mind, but still. She feels as if a greeting is warranted! Of course such a dignified and collected looking man would be the one to endure Wei Wuxian's teas...in..g..... ]
[ Lan Zhan only seems to notice Pyra when she speaks, and there's even a slight flicker in his eyes when she addresses him by his birth name. And then he seems to be at a loss, unable to answer her. He looks down. Of course he isn't all right, Wei Wuxian thinks. Back then, he was about as far from all right as I ever saw him.
But such a cold, proud person would never admit to that, so he immediately chimes in: ]
He'll be... fine. We were hunting... a tortoise... and it was difficult. Harder than we thought.
[ The words come out effortfully, but he's able to speak them. He's getting better at negotiating the borderland between partial truths and outright lies. Lan Wangji looks up again, with something like gratitude in his eyes. It makes Wei Wuxian feel a little strange, so he immediately cries: ]
Hey, hey, hey, why are there so many Lans in my heart? Shoo, shoo! Get lost!
[ He's joking. But Lan Wangji's face freezes; it's a subtle thing, as his features don't move very much normally. ]
[ The exchanges seems very surreal to her, and she doesn't know what to make of it. This Lan Zhan doesn't speak much, his expressions are subtle, but it seems that Wei Wuxian is able to read him as easily as if he were actually talking. She suspects nothing of Wei Wuxian, if he is withholding information.
His last expression, however, where he appears to freeze as Wei Wuxian tells him to leave, isn't lost to Pyra.
She glances at Wei Wuxian, smiling gently. ] H-hey, don't be rude. [ She chides lightly. ] Look at him, he looks like he could use a cup of tea and a hug. [ Okay, that last part is said sort of jokingly, but she's also not joking about the tea and the hug. ]
You... don't wish to speak with him more? [ He must be important to him, if he's in his heart. And unlike the last man who shouted at them, she's fine with staying here so long as this one remains civil. ]
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ouch is one of the most intimate, romantic ways to be close to someone else. The Town knows this very well -- the Town wants everyone to be as close as possible.
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Wei Wuxian collapses to his knees, his arms wrapped around his body, his face pale and twisted in pain. ]
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[ Her eyes widen and she crouches next to him, a hand going to his shoulders to support him, discarding the orb of light the lotus left behind. ] Wei Ying, what's wrong? [ She asks urgently, her eyes searching over him, looking for any signs of injury. ]
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Don't worry, I'm fine.
[ Except nothing comes out, and he can't make his face do anything except grimace. Still, the touch of her arm supporting him... it helps. He hadn't had anything like that the first time. Wen Ning had tried to help him, but he was too shy and they knew each other too little, at the time. Wen Qing had been too busy. He'd borne this agony alone. ]
Pyra...
[ That's all he can say. ]
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Protect the princess! Protect her! One day, she will be queen! You are not the heir. Protect her! Your only purpose is to protect her! Protect her with your life!
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Her attention remains focused on him regardless... She blinks and he seems even weaker than before, and her hand goes to brush a strand of his hair away from his pale cheek. What's happening to him? He can hardly speak! ]
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--Shelter of some sort, hopefully, or another chamber of this realm. ] ...We cannot stay here. [ She stands, lifting him up with her. If he cannot walk anymore, then she'll carry him. ]
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He lifts his eyes to the two possible paths and chuckles, dryly. ]
Let's go that way!
[ He speaks with as much enthusiasm as he can muster, pointing towards the broad and shining path. But as soon as he does, a tall man appears, standing strictly upright, with a severe expression on his face. He is clad in white robes, with a goatee and a forehead ribbon embroidered with the pattern of drifting clouds. His gaze softens a little when he lays eyes on Pyra; but it soon reverts to an angry look when he sees Wei Wuxian.
In clipped tones he says: ]
Only righteous cultivators can pass this way.
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Only righteous cultivators... What? They don't have time for this! Maybe he can be convinced; this is part of Wei Wuxian's mind-illusion-heart-whatever, after all. ]
I-- I don't know what's wrong with him... [ She pleads to the man. From what she knows about cultivation-- through him, Shen Qingqiu, and Xie Lian--... surely righteous cultivators would not turn away an injured? ill? afflicted--? They would not turn away a person in need! ] Please, he needs help!
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[ The tall cultivator's eyes turn red. A vein pulsates at his temple. He's unable speak for a few moments. Finally, he sputters: ]
I tried to help that boy in every way I could! I taught him. When he wouldn't behave, I kicked him out of class. I made him copy the GusuLan sect rules every day for a month. I even asked my very best disciple to spend that time supervising him, so he might learn the meaning and the importance of restraint and self-regulation. How did he answer my efforts? How?
Tell her yourself, Wei Wuxian!
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Lan QiRen, what are you doing here? You're the last person I'd ever expect to see in a place like this.
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A frown.
It's like he's implying that he's keeping something from her. (But isn't she the same?) She glances down to the man in question, but when Wei Wuxian chuckles she can only stand there, confused. Should she say anything at all? ] Wei Ying... [ She whispers, voice trying to convey that he should be cautious. Should he really be testing this man's temper? ]
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[ He's actually starting to feel a little better, so he's able to balance better on his own two feet. He smiles; it's a genuine smile, because these are happy memories. ]
I got myself deliberately kicked out of class so I could go fool around. I copied the GusuLan sect's rules, but I spent the whole month teasing that perfect disciple of yours. I drew a picture of him—with a flower in his hair. I swapped out the book of verse he was reading with another book that had.......rather more interesting pictures hahaha! He was so angry, pffft! And then I tricked him into destroying the evidence, so he couldn't report me to you, so this is the first you're hearing about it. Hahaha! I sneaked out at night, breaking curfew, to buy wine and bring it back for everyone. And then I...
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...fought with Jin ZiXuan, for insulting my sister. I got kicked out of school.
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And then I went back home and spent all my days catching pheasants and fishing and stealing lotus pods and making trouble at night! So everything worked out in the end! I got to go home and you didn't have to see me anymore, so I don't see why you're so upset!
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THAT'S WHY THIS PATH IS CLOSED TO YOU!
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That's probably why Mythra likes him, too. ]
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........Wait. ]
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...Yet as he continues to speak, maybe they don't actually need this man's help, and they shouldn't bother if he's just going to bar them. ]
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[ Pyra's arm around Wei Wuxian adjusts to lift him a little bit more. If he can completely stand on his own by now, even better. If not, she's there to support him.
She looks down towards the other path. As terrible as it looks, looks like that's the only choice-- no. That's not right. They are consciously making this choice. ] This way...
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[ He'd been about to argue with Pyra, when that voice makes his head jerk back around. The man standing in Lan QiRen's place is identically attired, with a similar bearing, but cleanshaven with light-colored eyes. Well... he would have been identically attired, if his white clothes weren't sopping wet, soiled, shredded, and bloody. Despite being in such a state, his face is serene and his voice is calm.
He's also, inexplicably, standing on top of an enormous tortoise. ]
That's not the reason.
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Lan Zhan!
[ And then, tilting his head to Pyra, he loudly whispers: ]
That's Mister Perfect Disciple there. Looking a bit worse for wear, but that's him. He's the one I used to tease. Pffft!
[ "Lan Zhan" can obviously hear such a loud whisper, but he doesn't respond at all. ]
1/2
Lan Zhan...? [ She repeats, looking from Wei Wuxian to the other man now, smiling at him kindly. ] It's a pleasure to meet you, too. [ Oh, yes, this is probably just some figment-representation of the Lan Zhan within his mind, but still. She feels as if a greeting is warranted! Of course such a dignified and collected looking man would be the one to endure Wei Wuxian's teas...in..g..... ]
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W-wait, oh no, [ Now her tone is concerned, and she's looking at Lan Zhan directly. ] ....Are you alright?
[ Also That's not the reason.-- sure, that's on the back of her mind. But first! Concern! About someone being injured! ]
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But such a cold, proud person would never admit to that, so he immediately chimes in: ]
He'll be... fine. We were hunting... a tortoise... and it was difficult. Harder than we thought.
[ The words come out effortfully, but he's able to speak them. He's getting better at negotiating the borderland between partial truths and outright lies. Lan Wangji looks up again, with something like gratitude in his eyes. It makes Wei Wuxian feel a little strange, so he immediately cries: ]
Hey, hey, hey, why are there so many Lans in my heart? Shoo, shoo! Get lost!
[ He's joking. But Lan Wangji's face freezes; it's a subtle thing, as his features don't move very much normally. ]
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His last expression, however, where he appears to freeze as Wei Wuxian tells him to leave, isn't lost to Pyra.
She glances at Wei Wuxian, smiling gently. ] H-hey, don't be rude. [ She chides lightly. ] Look at him, he looks like he could use a cup of tea and a hug. [ Okay, that last part is said sort of jokingly, but she's also not joking about the tea and the hug. ]
You... don't wish to speak with him more? [ He must be important to him, if he's in his heart. And unlike the last man who shouted at them, she's fine with staying here so long as this one remains civil. ]
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