[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

[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.

[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.

[gentledawn]

Yes. [The snow and ice don't know empathy or the cries of a small child. His parents (?) had at least wrapped him in blankets, which kept him alive until his Master found him.]

I don't think my parents could help it. [And he doesn't blame them.]

I was blessed! I was told my Master spoiled me in those early days.

[He had drank goat's milk and slept in the same room as her.]

No, I would never be a liar. Even if I tried, I think I would fail.

[erschlagen]

Are you claiming your parents abandoned you because they had no other choice?

[That's a novel concept. It's a bit too kind in his opinion but won't voice it. Xingchen seems like a gentle soul. Therefore, it makes sense for him to assume the best in people rather than assume the worse like he does.]

You're too kind, you know that? Nevertheless, you deserved to be spoiled rotten after such a rough start in life.

[He finally lets out the tense sigh he was holding back. This conversation took a hard left he really wasn't ready for. However, he finds himself not hating exorcists as much because of it.]

Most folks when they lie, they can't look you in the eye. It's a dead give away for most people, including myself.

[gentledawn]

I believe so. They could have been Cultivators too and perhaps pursued by something dangerous.

[Maybe it is too kind, but Xingchen isn't the sort to think the worst of anyone. Unless they are obvious about it, of course. His naivete can only stretch so far.]

I was very small and demanding, I am told. She created a pouch to carry me while she did her other duties.

[That amuses him since Baoshan Sanren is such an independent soul.]

I can look you in the eye. [Every single time.] I'll remember that about you, friend.