aefenglom | video; un: 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He should have trusted me.

[ It's an almost petulant, sour delivery when Lan Xichen says that. He's angry, wounded, and still not quite settled on what to think of everything that happened. Part of him knows that much of Jin Guangyao's actions are driven by fear. Another part insists that he's been patient enough and that this is beyond any reasonable doubt. Which makes him angry. How dare Jin Guangyao prove those around him right! How dare he act out, giving Lan Xichen no room at all to try to accept his perspective?! ]

He misled me. He lied and convinced me that he was doing no wrong, when in reality he was consorting with- with- [ He draws air through his teeth, remembering the haze he came out of and the rage that followed. His eyes close as he shakes the image away. ]

I should not trouble you with these matters. It's my mistake for not being prepared and allowing things to go so far. He has learned many bad habits by poor example and I forget sometimes that he's not always as calm as he says.

[ There's a faint cluck of her tongue, disapproving of this Bonded, before she huffs. ]

Of course you can trouble me with this. You're my friend. And it sounds like you need someone to listen to how you're feeling.

[ She can hear how he struggles with his emotions regarding this, with reconciling what has happened, how his trust has been betrayed. He may be a little petulant (just a little), but Vex can understand that feeling, and she would not fault any sourness on his part. ]

Why don't you come to my house? Sheva is out, and I picked up some nice floral tea from Dorchact this morning. It's meant to be quite soothing.

[ And you can rant to your heart's content within the safety of her walls, if you needed. ]

[ Lan Xichen at first looks down, responding to the disapproval as if it is embarrassing for him to have voiced his own complaints. Which, to be fair, he didn't need to do. Burdening others with his unchecked emotions. It's too late now, though, and when he looks up, it's out of surprise at the invitation. ]

Ah, I- I would like that. I'm afraid I have not been home recently, though, so I am... not as presentable.

[ He's been sulking out his feelings in the Wilde. But going home to clean up also seems like a bad option at the moment. ]

That's not a problem. [there's a hint of amusement. As if a ranger would be concerned by someone living an outdoors lifestyle.] You can wash up when you get here, if you like.

[ Vex would never chide someone for sulking in the Wilde. But she might scold to know he was alone. Hasn't she already lectured him about heading out alone, without telling anyone? ]

Bring yourself, and your troubles, and you can tell me more over tea. [and in privacy, where others are less likely to eavesdrop.]

[ He is used to worrying about his appearance and manners, ready to be scolded for what would essentially be running around getting dirty back home. But being admonished for not taking care of himself is something that should have belonged to his mother. And that was a role that was never really filled.

He would be surprised to have Vex give him that treatment now that he is so far beyond his childhood years. He never really gives those concerns enough thought. Even though he's retreating to her just like a kid now, to cry about his problems. ]

All right. Thank you for taking care of me. I will trouble you for a little while.

[ Because he still isn't ready to go home. He does show up at Vex's door, a little less pristine than usual, but still tidy in that fussy Lan clan way. ]

[ With Sheva having disappeared back through the mirror and her cats being collected by her former bondmate, Vex is now the sole occupant of her house. It's oddly lonely, something she hadn't expected to feel, so there's a welcoming smile for Lan Xichen when she opens the door to him. (Trinket is absent - currently spending time down at the forge, keeping an eye on Percy for her, or enjoying the heat? probably a bit of both, really.) ]

It's no trouble, darling. I invited you, after all. [she steps in, and gestures for him to enter] Please, come in.

[ As promised, there is tea waiting, pot steaming. There are couches to sit on, or large floor cushions, whatever the guest's preference. ]

You can use the washroom upstairs now, or after tea, if you like. It's the red door on the left.

[If there were cats, they might notice the small animal tucked away in Lan Xichen's robes. He couldn't very well leave A-Zhan behind with an angry, possibly hungry Naga, now, could he? So the squirrel comes along, safely hidden under his clothes when he shows up at Vex's door. He doesn't seem that messy, but compared to those of his sect, he's something less than presentable, with his hair not as neatly arranged and his robes a bit more weather worn due to the elements. He still isn't outright dirty--how could he possibly show up on her doorstep if he were?--but he's looking a bit uncharacteristically frazzled.]

Mm, I should visit it now then.

[And not sully her table, he thinks. At least he doesn't spend too long cleaning up and straightening his clothes. When he returns, he has that typical Lan air again, even if his expression is still frosty under the polite smile.]

Thank you for being so kind. I will remember this and be sure to repay you one day.

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