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

[glitzandglamour]

Hmm... Well. It sounds like he may have trusted you still. Why, even I would trust you! You sound very earnest, darling.

[(Monsters could be led to trust anybody they meet, this isn't difficult to do.)

But Mettaton doesn't have the whole story, nor does he understand what difficult means, or what deceit looks like here. But he continues regardless, spinning stories in his mind based on limited information.]

But! Did he ever give you reason to trust him, darling? I imagine that, if things were difficult before... he must expect that you don't. [Camera's off, but he snaps anyway.] Yes! This is where boldness steps in, darling. You should be forthright, and ask him what he wants!

[zewu_jun]

[ Did he trust Jin Guangyao? Once upon a time, he had given his friend more than trust. He had made excuses for him, indulged in his secrets and hid his crimes without asking why rumors spread around that the Jin Sect Leader was associated with terrible events. That had ended in tragedy, and after getting his second chance in Aefenglom, Lan Xichen had tried to be more aware and deliberate in his choices. He treated Jin Guangyao with open kindness, but trust was something that they both knew had been broken.

Well, as Mettaton says, maybe he really hasn't been forthright with his feelings. ]

He told me that he wants a new life here. Except that he continues to relive the past even when we are no longer held to it. I really don't know what to do.

[ There's a note of exasperation at the end of that statement. ]

I want him to trust me, but he keeps hiding from me and trying to mislead me. How am I supposed to make him understand that this is not the way to live?

[ Snakes are too stubborn! ]

[glitzandglamour]

Oooh, so it sounds as if you have reasons AGAINST trusting him. Telling you one thing, then doing the opposite? Outright secrecy, and misguiding youtoo?? He really is trouble, sweetheart!!

But for some reason, you just keep trying...

[Normally, the advice at this point might be to ask if this person's any good to have in Lan Xichen's life... But in Mettaton's mind, he can understand: some people are just worth it! It keeps things interesting, there's that much.]

He already seems to know it's not the way to live, darling. Didn't he say he wants a new life...? One he's not pursuing. Yes... I think you two lovebirds could do with setting the record straight. What good is a Bond that you can't indulge to the furthest degree? You're only tying your hearts together, after all! There's no room for secrets.