{Video; UN: scraps}

[disgracedprince]

{A strong light fills the screen and the sound of wind rushing announces the return (?) of a god. He is without his bandages and his robes are much nicer, featuring the soft hues of the sky. Once the elements settle, Xie Lian is smiling sheepishly, softly.}

Forgive me if I shocked you. {He touches a diamond ring resting against his chest, breathing deeply.} If we have not met, hello. I am Xie Lian, the Flower-Crowned Martial God. I hope you are well.

{He bows to the screen, to everyone.}

Comments

[disgracedprince]

I think it's very possible. He seemed like he was willing to try when you visited.

[roundandaround]

Yeah! He's gotten a lot better at meeting new people! It used to be he was scared of everyone, and then he was only comfortable with me and a few other people he saw all the time and people who were good with creatures like him.

[disgracedprince]

I am proud of him. It's difficult to overcome your fears, but once you do, it's a wonderful feeling.

[roundandaround]

...Does that mean you've also had stuff to get over being scared of, Xie Lian-san?

[disgracedprince]

Mm yes. Many things. Bad experiences can make you very frightened and trying again feels impossible.

[roundandaround]

Yeah... I've seen that kind of thing too.

[Kantera in her head, freezing up on stage, thinking of hell. Dick retreating from the lights and music, remembering raves thrown by criminals. MK recoiling and going unresponsive when she pushed him out of the way of a dart. More and more, over and over.]

I don't know how to help people like that.

[disgracedprince]

Do you know people struggling with their fears? {Is she one of them?} Time helps in its own way. But, in the end, they have to decide to either face their fear or avoid it. All a friend can do is be supportive.

[roundandaround]

Huh... I guess so. Lots of people around me have been scared and worried lately, and I wanna help. But all I can do is just be here?

[disgracedprince]

You are doing them a great service by being there for them. They know they aren't alone and that helps. Believe me, it helps a lot!

[roundandaround]

[Rinku ponders this with a nod.]

I really hope so. Everyone here deserves to get to be happy and have fun. Especially someplace nice like this.

[disgracedprince]

You're right. But remember, conflict is natural. Being upset is natural too. Everything has a time and place.

[roundandaround]

Huh... I don't really get it. So I shouldn't be upset when stuff goes wrong?

[disgracedprince]

It's normal for you to be upset, little friend. It's normal to worry for others too. But know that the bad times will pass.

[roundandaround]

Hm... I guess that's true too. But I also wanna make them pass. Like, make people happier and everything better. It's like how we were brought here to save Ellipsa, right? And we've made a lot of change so far!