inbox | eastbound

[downswing]

lan wangji
missives | encounters

Comments

text | yiling laozu

[weifinder]

Five carries something of the dead on him. Based on past occurrences, and the increasing paranoia he's suffered over the past two years, I'd believe it's from Anurr rather than the dead body parts we, and he, are otherwise collecting. Some sort of favour, perhaps? Not sure if it's the only one, I'd suggest investigating with Xiao Xingchen and Xie Lian for their past relationship with Anurr's followers in Sa-Hareth, if that was in any way meaningful at that time or rebirthed when he came into his full powers in Taravast.

[downswing]

Do you believe he intends it ill used?

[weifinder]

I don't believe Five acts with ill intention. I also don't believe Five always acts with greater wisdom instead of frustration and fear.

I wanted you to know, now that I'm aware.

[downswing]

Do you fear him or for him?

[weifinder]

For him.

[downswing]

Wei Ying is generous.

[weifinder]

Do you say in honesty you don't fear for members of our number?

[downswing]

Five is... particular.

[weifinder]

He's too old for how young he is, and moves like he's never learned how to live in a world where war isn't crying for his family's blood.

[downswing]

Did you?

[weifinder]

Heart of my heart, did anyone in our generation?

[downswing]

Then, despair does not excuse him.

[weifinder]

Not excuse. Explain. He isn't motivated by cruelty or desire for power. To protect his family, yes, but not the rest.

[downswing]

You believe we should inquire.

[weifinder]

I've offered to help him gain better control over whatever curses have festered in him.

When it comes to the object, I believe we should be aware, and remind him if things feel dire that not every solution is in sheer power.

[downswing]

You think to create debt.

[weifinder]

... No, but it is fascinating that you did.

[downswing]

I cannot... find my heart drenched in sympathy for him, once more.

At each turn, he chooses cruelty.

[weifinder]

I don't ask for sympathy. I have little, beyond knowing what it is to be short in sight for what you wish you could control.

We do our best to guide. We can't decide for others, even when we feel we might know better. But this way, we know one of the tools he can call on, ah? We're prepared.

[downswing]

If you wish him assisted, I lend you my strength. Not him.

[weifinder]

That's all I would ask of you.

Thank you.

[downswing]

What spurs you to aid him?

[weifinder]

Safety of those I care for.

[downswing]

You see your face on his own.

[weifinder]

A shadow, yes. We don't think along the same lines in many things.