video; un: zewu-jun

[zewu_jun]

Name: Lan Xichen
Date: forward-dated! 2/20
Format: video


[ Lan Xichen is resting on a rock beside what appears to be a calm lake. For those that frequent the Forge, they might recognize it as a nearby landmark one can pass on the route. He greets the network with a seated bow. ]

I apologize for the interruption, but I wonder if I might ask some questions to those who have time?

If you have a Bond, what prompted your decision to choose that person? I know Bonding is highly encouraged, but finding a suitable match might be complicated, and one cannot necessarily be trained in choosing a good partner. With only my own experience, I must assume not many other worlds have a custom like this. It's not the same as choosing to marry or finding a cultivation partner.

How do you know if you have made the right choice? Or, if you choose not to Bond at all, what are your feelings on such a connection?

I'm afraid I have based most of my judgments on the partnerships I know from my own life. Up until now, perhaps I have misunderstood the relationship that forms.

Comments

[zewu_jun]

He did. Before coming here, I did not think I would see him again.

Coming here was my chance to change the past.

[deadvotional]

i see. and now that you have?

[zewu_jun]

I wonder if I have been doing the right thing.

[deadvotional]

i doubt anyone else can answer that

[zewu_jun]

Yes, I did, you're right. I should not be too impatient. It's just that the Bonds here are not so easy for me to understand.

[ He's totally not trying to scoot them closer together. Nope. Look at this innocent face. ]

It is an important choice that cultivators only make if they feel truly connected and wish to give their lives to. Creating a united technique to advance the skills of both parties lasts forever. Surely you have something like that?

[zewu_jun]

You are probably right. But I am currently without answers myself.

Things have changed too much. This is all I can do.

[deadvotional]

ask questions of strangers?

[zewu_jun]

Yes. That is all I can do.

[deadvotional]

hm. have you gotten what you're looking for?

[zewu_jun]

I don't know yet. But I have learned more than I knew before.

[deadvotional]

better than nothing

[zewu_jun]

Mm. And can I ask what Hua-gongzi looks for in a Bond? Just a means for survival? Something more?

[deadvotional]

i wouldn't know

[zewu_jun]

What is it you mean by bs? [This he pronounces "biss."] And... rando?

Is that some kind of Monster?

[zewu_jun]

Ah, do you think I should?

private;

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen had run off to the Wilde for a time to gain distance and clear his head, but he still doesn't feel calm about what transpired. He can't maintain a passive calm and he also can't seem to really hold onto righteous anger either. It would be easier, perhaps, if he could simply hate Jin Guangyao and cut ties with him. He had considered that during his time away.]

Yes, he- He would be defensive of his plans.

[There's a quiet chill in his voice. Lan Xichen had often thought his Bonded was clever and talented and he can't keep the deep disappointment out of his words.]

You think he wanted to keep you from danger? Forgive me for asking these questions, but could you tell me why you believe this was his intention?

[zewu_jun]

Trust.

[Oh, yes, that sounds so simple and straightforward. He wishes it could be that easy for him. But something like trust is hard-earned and harder kept when it comes to those he called friends. He had thought it was as easy as being honest and kind, but the reality never proved that.]

I suppose that trust must be present. You are right, trying to keep a Bond with no trust at all will only fail.

[But what can he do now? How is he going to fix this mess?]

Sometimes trust is not as sure as we believe. Are you certain if all of your Bonds?

private;

[faithlikeaseed]

Do you-- [Myr checks himself, considering what he knows and what he's been through. Harrowing as it was (is) it's likely only a sliver of what someone who'd Bonded the Naga felt to have been so-betrayed.]

I suppose it doesn't matter now what they were, but if you want what I've deduced, [he picks up,] I'd be--I'll tell you.

["Glad to talk of it," no, he would not be that, not when it twists his gut in knots to think of all that had come from his innocent trust.]

Because he said as much, after. Or--rather, intimated that he'd done something right by keeping me out of harm's way, when I confronted him about it. [Confronted. Yelled at him to go away. Same thing.

A breath out, and then lower,] I may be too generous to him still. I don't know.

[demonass]

[ Oh.

Oh.

Okay that's kind of funny. ]

yeah no
sorry
it's textspeak
bs = bullshit
rando = random person

text -> voice (private)

[moneytwin]

Impatient? About a bond? [squint squint] The word itself is almost inadequate for the concept, isn't it?

They seem a lot like contracts, though one person I saw asking questions made me think it seemed more like a form of marriage, almost.

The way you describe the partnerships you know from home remind me more of..something a cleric or priest would be involved with, when dedicating themselves to their God.

[ Still, something about this conversation, this line of questioning...there's something Vex'ahlia can't quite put her finger on about it.

So she switches tact, and gently flips the contact method over to voice. ]

What brought on this line of questioning? Has something happened, darling?

[gunsmithed]

Oh yes, I'm definitely the one to ask.

Why would you?

[zewu_jun]

Well, I have heard that some people have multiple Bond partners.

I wonder if it becomes easier if you have multiple Bonds?

[gunsmithed]

Easier to what, precisely?

[zewu_jun]

To understand Bonding. I think perhaps there is more to really master that we as Mirrorbound do not as easily grasp.

[zewu_jun]

Surely Hua-gongzi has given it some thought? Even if it were for someone else.