{Text; UN: scraps}

[disgracedprince]

Does anyone know how to forge swords? I have one, but he's old and I don't want to push him with magic he hasn't encountered. A new one would be nice; one forged in this world and attuned to its peculiarities.

But I'm not terribly picky. I like all swords.

Comments

[disgracedprince]

I had a lot of time to work it out. {Centuries.} I like entertaining people.

[hathasacat]

[ A lot of time to work out if he was breaking boulders on his chest- ]

Do you still do any performances now?

[disgracedprince]

{That too.}

It isn't necessary, but I guess I could?

[hathasacat]

Eheh, I don't mean to put any pressure on you to! But if you ever feel like doing one again, I'd love to watch.

[disgracedprince]

I would be happy to show you, little friend. I just need to gather enough boulders.

{But he can show him the sword dance, at least. Rising, Fangxin in hand, he begins to move gracefully, obviously acting out a story with his steps.}

[hathasacat]

Heheh, maybe we should take a trip out to where there are plenty of boulders.

[ But he falls silent once Xie Lian begins, watching the man move with earnest interest as he flows through his steps. ]

[disgracedprince]

We could. Are you up for a small trip?

{Xie Lian asks before losing himself in the steps he knows like the back of his hand. He remembers Xianle, his mother and his father; the happy, bright people of his kingdom and how they had believed in him. The dance illustrates a hero setting out to slay a demon. Of course he is triumphant and yet there is something sad and empty about there being no demon for him to slay. No opponent.}

[hathasacat]

[ He doesn't answer right away, his focus on the elegant moves of the other man as he takes in the dance performed. It's beautiful to witness, and in it there are inspirations that Lyney tucks away for his own stage performances. But he's careful not to interrupt, waiting until Xie Lian has fully completed his dance before speaking up again. ]

A trip sounds like it could be fun. And that was magnificent.

[disgracedprince]

{He finishes the intricate steps with a slash of his sword, defeating the "demon". Flicking his hair out of his eyes, he sheathes Fangxin and rejoins Lyney on the bench.}

Thank you very much! Are you free for a small journey now?

[hathasacat]

[ Well that catches him by surprise; he hadn't expected soon to be... so soon. ]

Right now? That would depend on how small the journey is.

[disgracedprince]

Boulders can't be far away. {Xie Lian shrugs a shoulder.} I think I know a place we can try?

[hathasacat]

Well, if we can take care of this in a couple of hours, it should be fine. I told my sister I'd only be stepping out for a bit.

[ And Lynette would get very mad at him if he was the reason they took dinner later than usual. ]

[disgracedprince]

We can surely find boulders in that amount of time! {He nods, determined and settles Fangxin against his back.} I will have you home in no time, my friend.

[hathasacat]

Heheh, then let's away to adventure!

[ He's admittedly excited to do this, with the danger of a cranky Lynette set aside. ]

[disgracedprince]

{Xie Lian will do what he can to soothe Lynette. Sorry, he had to show your brother something neat!}

This way! {He sets off in a general direction, eventually leading them to, yes. Some boulders. Amazing. Dusting off his hands, he lifts one up - a large one - and then lays down. Placing the boulder on his chest, he pauses and smiles apologetically.}

Someone would usually hit this with a hammer. But...

{He punches the boulder instead, breaking it into pieces. On his chest.}

[hathasacat]

[ Lynette will surely understand! There was adventure and cool things to be seen! ]

[ ... Really amazing things to see, apparently. His eyes widen in amazement at how easily Xie Lian lifts, then how easily he proceeds to break it into pieces. ]

Wh-Whoa-! That truly is amazing!

[disgracedprince]

{Brushing pieces of stone off of his robes, he gets up, smiling bashfully.}

It's...not much. Any god would be capable of it.

[hathasacat]

It's very much 'much' to me!

[ Don't discredit such work! ]

I may not know very many other gods myself, but I still think it quite impressive.

[disgracedprince]

{He blushes harder and dusts off his hands.}

Thankfully you aren't alone! Otherwise I might have starved.

[hathasacat]

I'm quite glad you didn't as well, otherwise I never would have had the pleasure to meet you.

[ And that would have been a true tragedy in his book. ]

[disgracedprince]

{He looks very pleased, glancing down at his feet shyly.}

I am the one who is blessed by meeting you. {Looking up, he smiles and starts back on the returning path.} Now let's see you safely home.

[hathasacat]

[ Xie Lian's bashfulness contrasted against the amazing feats he'd just pulled off is a charm point Lyney hadn't expected to learn about the other man, just strangers only an hour ago, but it amuses him all the same. He's quick to hop back to his feet and fall into step beside the other, chuckling lightly as they return. ]

I do suddenly feel much safer now.

[disgracedprince]

{He is a unique deity - a humble one. Ruoye pokes out of his sleeve and waves at Lyney. It's clear the little bandage and Xie Lian are eager to look out for their new friend's well-being!}

I won't let anything hurt you.

[hathasacat]

[ As they go, some movement catches Lyney's attention out of the corner of his eye, and a quick glance over makes him think it's simply Xie Lian's bandages waving in the wind. Except there's hardly any breeze around, and the waving seems almost... pointed? ]

[ Experimentally and subtly, in case he really was being a bit silly, he'll give a little wave of his fingers back. ]

That's reassuring then. Oh, though I'm not entirely helpless on my own, I must say.

[disgracedprince]

{It's very pointed. The tip of Ruoye's bandage curves into a knowing smile. Yes, he knows he's a surprise and he enjoys it.}

This is Ruoye. {Xie Lian introduces the silk bandage.} I'm sure you can take care of yourself! But I value my friends.