[ After Sizhui realizes Xue Yang has joined them... he takes up making daily visits to Xiao Xingchen daozhang. It's not because he has any illusions that he can stop Xue Yang, but because he has thought about the story that Senior Wei told them, and a part of him is very sure that one of the reasons why it ended up so badly is because Xiao Xingchen daozhang felt alone and abandoned.
He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
[While everyone else may be walking on eggshells around Xingchen, or simply know more than he does, he's just happy to have one of his friends near again, even if he'd rather none of them get mixed up in all this trouble. He can handle falling into strange situations, but he worries about his wards, his closest companions being here.
All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
[Xingchen keeps finding reasons to be grateful toward Wei Wuxian, or rather just their conversation back in the farmhouse that brought to light how all of them could have been brought here from different times. Otherwise, some of the interactions he's had, including this one, would not have gone so smoothly.
Ah, but it's been a while since anyone really regarded him with respect. Not that the people of Yi City weren't good and kind to him, but after... Well, he's kind of faded out of society's sight. And why wouldn't he? While he goes on nighthunts with his friend, it's all more localized. He doesn't travel like he once did. To be honest, he wouldn't be surprised if the world had already started to forget about him.
This Lan boy hasn't, though. Xingchen smiles a little to himself. It's kind, so kind, but he's not the cultivator or the man he used to be, nor does he want to completely shatter the image Sizhui might have of him. He bows his head in Sizhui's direction.]
Daozhang, you wouldn't disappoint me! How could that be?
I know that hearing stories about someone and meeting them in person is very different, and I know to expect you to be... a person, not a legend? And that while the things you have done are true, some actions are not all that there is to a person.
You would not disappoint me, daozhang. I-- [ I don't think you've ever disappointed any decent person.
But saying that would open up questions that Sizhui isn't sure how to answer without bringing up other things that will be incredibly upsetting. This may not be the time. ]
-- promise you that. I just... know that getting to know the person behind the stories is a good thing, that I still have much to learn, and that in this strange place I have been lucky and have three of the people who raised me, but not everyone has that many people, and not being alone is better.
[Well. That wasn't the right thing to say. Now Xingchen is going to sit here and be embarrassed to death. But he listens to every word and accepts the younger man's passionate defense without interruption. It's refreshing, in a way, if he tries not to think about how all of this is directed at him. Sizhui feels strongly about this and doesn't seem to have any intention of backing down. In fact, Xingchen almost feels like he should apologize for offending him, as ridiculous as that would be!
He wonders how much of the world Sizhui has seen. He speaks with a rooted sort of wisdom, but also with so much hope and optimism. Xingchen can't help but think of himself when he was younger, when he was still on the mountain or when he had just descended into the cultivation world for the first time. He smiles, hopeful for this young man's bright future, but sad for his own rocky path.]
The people who raised you must be very proud. Lan-gongzi is a kind and sincere young man.
[He's not quite sure how to take that last comment, though, about being alone. Yes, Xingchen had been terribly lonely for the first few months here, but now he has his friend and that's already improved his mood so much.]
I'm glad you have loved ones here for you. I'm sure it makes all of this strangeness more bearable.
[Recalling he heard Sizhui pour some of the tea earlier, he carefully reaches out to search for the cup meant for him, but then freezes for a moment.]
Hanguang-jun? Might I presume he is one of the people who raised you?
[Xingchen, of course, has never met the man, except for a brief conversation over the quartz here, but he back home he didn't know too much about him, either. His name would come up often when stories were recounted about the Sunshot Campaign. People spoke highly of him, but then the Lan Sect is probably one of the more righteous sects, in Xingchen's opinion, so that's not too surprising.
He doesn't remember ever hearing word of Lan Wangji marrying, but that doesn't mean anything. And even if he didn't, would that stop someone so seemingly good from adopting a child? All the same, Xingchen ducks his head for a moment.]
I think I can understand the pressure you must feel. And yet, if Hanguang-jun is anything like the stories, then I imagine he wouldn't be disappointed by a genuine effort.
[Once again, he searches for that teacup!]
Of course, new friends can be made. I think it's necessary in our situation.
[ Sizhui gently places the teacup in the path of daozhang's hand, and keeps it steady so it doesn't get overturned, then removes his fingers when daozhang's wrap around it properly. ]
Yes. When... when everyone was gone, he found me and took me back to the Cloud Recesses.
[ Then there is a soft, adoring smile reflected in his voice. ]
As with everyone that people tell stories about, he is not exactly the same, of course. But he is strong, gentle, merciful, decisive. Normally, he is very kind, even if his quietness makes it a little hard to see, but when he is angry or determined, it would be difficult to stand against him.
[ ... which, admittedly, is not that difficult from Xiao Xingchen daozhang. And, perhaps, from Song Zichen daozhang, either. ]
[His fingers bump into Sizhui's and at first he wonders if he's somehow overreached and gotten the younger man's cup, but it's simply too close to him. So he takes it bows his head in thanks before taking a sip. It's good tea, or at least better than what he's had around here or even back in Yi City for a long time.
He continues to sip comfortably as he listens to Sizhui speak. So he is adopted, and if Xingchen is not searching too far into the wording, then it seems Sizhui was not from the Lan Sect at all, originally. Perhaps still in Gusu. Mostly likely still in Gusu, just for geographical simplicity. It doesn't matter, but it is a point of interest. He's still an extremely kind person.
The description of Lan Wangji from someone who actually knows him is not the most descriptive of who he is as a person, but Xingchen can form a clearer picture, all the same. It still matches what he's heard before, but now with a more fond tint, a more human touch. And yet, something in Xingchen's gut twists. Not from any sickness - physical, that is - but rather...
This description sounds so much like Song Lan. Over the past few years parting from Song Lan hasn't gotten easier, exactly, but Xingchen can make it through the day. Xingchen still thinks of him, and often, but these days it's more of a melancholic fondness, if also lonely. He wishes he could be in Song Lan's presence again, but he understands why that will never happen. It won't happen. They've both moved on. Apart.
He takes another sip; hopefully he hasn't sat there too long without responding. Hopefully nothing has shown on his face.
It probably has. He's never been good at protecting his emotions.]
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no subject
He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
no subject
All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
no subject
[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
no subject
Ah, but it's been a while since anyone really regarded him with respect. Not that the people of Yi City weren't good and kind to him, but after... Well, he's kind of faded out of society's sight. And why wouldn't he? While he goes on nighthunts with his friend, it's all more localized. He doesn't travel like he once did. To be honest, he wouldn't be surprised if the world had already started to forget about him.
This Lan boy hasn't, though. Xingchen smiles a little to himself. It's kind, so kind, but he's not the cultivator or the man he used to be, nor does he want to completely shatter the image Sizhui might have of him. He bows his head in Sizhui's direction.]
I'll do my best not to disappoint you, then.
no subject
I know that hearing stories about someone and meeting them in person is very different, and I know to expect you to be... a person, not a legend? And that while the things you have done are true, some actions are not all that there is to a person.
You would not disappoint me, daozhang. I-- [ I don't think you've ever disappointed any decent person.
But saying that would open up questions that Sizhui isn't sure how to answer without bringing up other things that will be incredibly upsetting. This may not be the time. ]
-- promise you that. I just... know that getting to know the person behind the stories is a good thing, that I still have much to learn, and that in this strange place I have been lucky and have three of the people who raised me, but not everyone has that many people, and not being alone is better.
no subject
He wonders how much of the world Sizhui has seen. He speaks with a rooted sort of wisdom, but also with so much hope and optimism. Xingchen can't help but think of himself when he was younger, when he was still on the mountain or when he had just descended into the cultivation world for the first time. He smiles, hopeful for this young man's bright future, but sad for his own rocky path.]
The people who raised you must be very proud. Lan-gongzi is a kind and sincere young man.
[He's not quite sure how to take that last comment, though, about being alone. Yes, Xingchen had been terribly lonely for the first few months here, but now he has his friend and that's already improved his mood so much.]
I'm glad you have loved ones here for you. I'm sure it makes all of this strangeness more bearable.
no subject
Sizhui immediately waves his free hand, no matter that it can't be seen. ]
Ah, I wouldn't dare, I try my best but I can only hope to do my best and not disappoint them. Hanguang-jun is not a name I can measure up to...
But also, daozhang, new friends can still be made, no?
no subject
Hanguang-jun? Might I presume he is one of the people who raised you?
[Xingchen, of course, has never met the man, except for a brief conversation over the quartz here, but he back home he didn't know too much about him, either. His name would come up often when stories were recounted about the Sunshot Campaign. People spoke highly of him, but then the Lan Sect is probably one of the more righteous sects, in Xingchen's opinion, so that's not too surprising.
He doesn't remember ever hearing word of Lan Wangji marrying, but that doesn't mean anything. And even if he didn't, would that stop someone so seemingly good from adopting a child? All the same, Xingchen ducks his head for a moment.]
I think I can understand the pressure you must feel. And yet, if Hanguang-jun is anything like the stories, then I imagine he wouldn't be disappointed by a genuine effort.
[Once again, he searches for that teacup!]
Of course, new friends can be made. I think it's necessary in our situation.
no subject
Yes. When... when everyone was gone, he found me and took me back to the Cloud Recesses.
[ Then there is a soft, adoring smile reflected in his voice. ]
As with everyone that people tell stories about, he is not exactly the same, of course. But he is strong, gentle, merciful, decisive. Normally, he is very kind, even if his quietness makes it a little hard to see, but when he is angry or determined, it would be difficult to stand against him.
[ ... which, admittedly, is not that difficult from Xiao Xingchen daozhang. And, perhaps, from Song Zichen daozhang, either. ]
no subject
He continues to sip comfortably as he listens to Sizhui speak. So he is adopted, and if Xingchen is not searching too far into the wording, then it seems Sizhui was not from the Lan Sect at all, originally. Perhaps still in Gusu. Mostly likely still in Gusu, just for geographical simplicity. It doesn't matter, but it is a point of interest. He's still an extremely kind person.
The description of Lan Wangji from someone who actually knows him is not the most descriptive of who he is as a person, but Xingchen can form a clearer picture, all the same. It still matches what he's heard before, but now with a more fond tint, a more human touch. And yet, something in Xingchen's gut twists. Not from any sickness - physical, that is - but rather...
This description sounds so much like Song Lan. Over the past few years parting from Song Lan hasn't gotten easier, exactly, but Xingchen can make it through the day. Xingchen still thinks of him, and often, but these days it's more of a melancholic fondness, if also lonely. He wishes he could be in Song Lan's presence again, but he understands why that will never happen. It won't happen. They've both moved on. Apart.
He takes another sip; hopefully he hasn't sat there too long without responding. Hopefully nothing has shown on his face.
It probably has. He's never been good at protecting his emotions.]
He sounds wonderful.