[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen presents himself as neatly as he is able, his appearance immaculate right down to his horsetail whisk. Said whisk rests on his lap, his hands toying with it nervously.]

Greetings, fellow travelers. I am Xiao Xingchen. [He gives a small bow at the waist before straightening with a soft smile.] I am a Cultivator who is unaffiliated with any sect. For those who do not recognize the title, a Cultivator is one who can combat, silence or exorcise ghosts, demons or other monstrosities.

[Here, he pauses.]

I have heard that demons are present in our number. I mean you no harm as long as you remain peaceful.

Comments

[pureyang]

As am I. You are the first exorcist that I have met since coming here.

[Over the video, Chongyun gives a polite bow.]

I am Chongyun, an exorcist from Liyue. I come from a long line of exorcists, known as the Tianheng Thaumaturges, and have learned many great skills from my clan.

[slandering]

Why should I have to explain simple concepts to you?

[beginanew]

What if there's murderers here?

Video | UN: mayorinfan35

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata hasn't posted on the network so far (though he has lurked a good bit to put some faces to (user)names and read some discussions). When he sees Xingchen's post, though, he can't help but want to reach out to him. He most likely isn't from the same timeline as the Xingchen he met on Prismatica - he isn't wearing that white blindfold, for a start! -, but Hijikata can't help the fond feelings and memories from returning.]

It's good to have someone with your skillset around, and good of you to call for a truce right away, but be careful out there. Now they know you're here, and some may be more powerful or sneaky than what you're used to.

[He says that despite knowing that Xingchen's skills aren't to be underestimated and that he isn't the type to get cocky and careless. Still, he just wants him to be careful! A kind person like Xingchen shouldn't have anything bad happen to him.]

[gentledawn]

My simple concepts offend you. What is simple to one might be complex to another.

[gentledawn]

Fire is very useful! I would be incredibly uncomfortable on my journey from village to village without it.

[This boy was born during Winter (January) but he is far too gentle for all of that frost. The bright moon and the gentle breeze is his nickname.]

I was born in the Winter, but the frost doesn't entirely suit me. [The frost must begin to melt first.]

I do not recognize that title, but my duty is to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Cultivators are like Exorcists.

[gentledawn]

Cases can be solved and justice served.

[gentledawn]

I hope they cease their activities in this land.

[gentledawn]

[The bow is returned - just as politely.]

Well met, Chongyun. I hope your skills are not needed in this land, but I am relieved we could work together if necessary.

Video

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen is Xingchen, Hijikata will find. Only this Xingchen is less burdened, sad and scarred. He smiles at the warning, bowing to the other man out of gratitude. It's nice when someone cares about his well-being!]

I will keep my eyes open. Thank you for the reminder.

[His biggest weakness is his naivete. Without Zichen to watch his back, he will need to be vigilant.]

I am not alone, at least. Shuanghua traveled with me.

[erschlagen]

In my culture, Winter is known as "Geimhreadh" and it's probably the most miserable time of the year. It would be so cold that the entire island would be covered in sheets of snow and ice. Cattle would die and sickness would run rampant. Winter was never my favorite time of year, especially not back then.

[He just vaguely remembers his mother mentioning the birds were chirping when he first came into the world. As for an actual birthdate, he doesn't remember.]

I was born in late Spring, Earrach, despite my affinity for all things warm and hot.

[Rosen falls quiet for a time as he tries his best to describe what druids are. To be frank, he never liked druids much despite their lofty rank in society. Then again, the real reason he loathes druids is because he was betrayed by one.]

In my less than humble opinion, they're liars and cheaters in the form of lorekeepers and healers who often talk in esoteric riddles rather than answer questions honestly and truthfully. While some were probably noble, too many of them allowed their ambitions to cloud their better judgment as they stared at the stars above.

[Yeah, he hates them. That much is apparent.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Shuanghua?

[He knows that that's Xingchen's prized sword, but he doesn't want to confuse him, so he'll play dumb. Seeing him smile is really gratifying. He can't help but wonder if Xue Yang is here too... back on Prismatica that man always hovered around when he was trying to spend time with Xingchen, as if he felt possessive of him. It was annoying!]

[beginanew]

...Hopefully they will.

[pureyang]

I agree. Should you ever need, I have much of my clan's knowledge that I would be happy to share. And, if it's not too much to ask, I would be delighted to learn anything you are willing to offer as well.

[Despite his serious and polite demeanour, he does seem excited at the prospect of meeting another exorcist! Maybe they'll have knowledge he's never heard of before. Speaking of which...]

Actually, if I may, I was wondering if I could ask for your opinion on something.

[slandering]

Your "simple concepts" degrade and threaten entire species of beings. How is that not offensive?

[gentledawn]

If you are requesting that I look kindly on the demons I have encountered, I must disagree.

[gentledawn]

Winter isn't so different in my land. It was a miracle my Master found me in time. I do not think it would have taken me a full night to freeze.

[He had been found when the moon was bright, near dawn. Thus why his name literally translates to "dawn stardust".]

Perhaps we move forward from our births? We refuse to stay in the season we first know.

[Xingchen listens politely and then...nods. They sound a bit too like Cultivators. Unfortunately.]

I am honest. I do not lie. [Even if that gets him in trouble.] I use the stars to navigate; not to judge others.

[gentledawn]

I cannot ask for more.

[gentledawn]

I am always happy to share and learn! [That would be a pleasant way to pass the time.] What I know isn't secret. The more we know, the more good we can accomplish.

[Xingchen smiles encouragingly.]

Please. Ask.

[gentledawn]

My sword. [He pats the blade against his back.] I never go anywhere without them.

[As for Xue Yang...no. For the moment, he is free of him. That criminal is a handful!]

[slandering]

I am requesting you don't come barreling in like a newborn foal and accusing anyone outside of your strict set of beliefs is somehow awful and deserving of threats of violence.

[pureyang]

I understand we are from different worlds, but do you happen to know anything about suppressing Yang energy? You see, I was born with something known as a pure-Yang spirit, and such a constitution can sometimes get in the way of my exorcism training. I have ways of suppressing my Yang energy back home, but I might need some substitutes while I am here.

[mayoninofukucho]

[The longer Hijikata talks to Xingchen the more he notices how young he looks. Damn, this world really took him years before Prismatica did, huh? He feels a sense of protectiveness rise inside him. He knows he can't keep up with a cultivator - he can't fly on his sword, for a start -, but he still wants to at least let him know that he'll have his back if need be.]

I'm just an ordinary swordsman and would probably only slow you down, but if you ever want some backup on a mission don't hesitate to call on me. I've got some experience with monsters too.

[Oh right, he should introduce himself--]

My name's Hijikata Toshirou. Just Hijikata is fine.

[erschlagen]

You would've nearly frozen?

[Rosen can't help but frown a little once he learns of Xingchen's origins. While he knows fate is a cruel mistress, he honestly can't help but feel as if the gods are toying with him now. What were the odds of him meeting another child who was orphaned in the dead of winter? Just the thought of it makes his stomach turn since this reminds him so much of--her.]

That's...quite cruel. [He mutters quietly while scrambling to get control of his gloomy thoughts.]

I'm glad you were found, lad. In my world, most children aren’t so lucky.

[Rosen takes a moment to clear his throat a little.]

You don't lie? Well good! There's nothing worse in this world than a fork-tongued liar.

Video; un: shoto

[itsmypower]

[Xiao Xingchen? Xue Yang's Xiao Xingchen?]

I don't know how else to say this, but have you seen any other worlds before now? I can't help thinking I've heard your name before.