[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.

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audio | un: vainglory

[erschlagen]

FIGHT ME!

[Yes, poor Xingchen just got screamed by the most malevolent spirit in human flesh according to the Veil's hierarchy. It seems not all the demons and monstrosities here are as peaceful as they seem.]

You're supposed to be some sort of demon hunter or whatever, right? Then how about we see what you can do?

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[gentledawn]

Do you intend to harm others? [He isn't just going to jump into a fight! Unless, of course, he is forced.]

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[erschlagen]

[Ah, good question. He falls silent for a brief moment, clearly weighing the pros and cons here. It's not like his master will know if he causes a bit of mayhem, right? Then again, that's a risk he really doesn't want to take.]

Well, I...um. Hm! I'm honestly not sure if I can--

[He pauses momentarily.]

For lack of a better word, I was contracted by my current master not to cause any harm to the living. However, she's not present here but the contract still stands.

[Another pause.]

I think?

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[gentledawn]

[That bit of information concerns Xingchen greatly. Demonic contracts rarely go well in his world. What sort of master does this demon have?]

If the contract is no longer applicable, you will be stopped by me.

[At least he will do his best and try.]

Cause no harm and we will have no need to fight.

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[erschlagen]

[Well, this demonic contract went as well as Xingchen expects if this menace is allowed to roam free now. Even so, Rosen is a hesitant to do anything to upset Luna even if she's not present. His summoner is a little pipsqueak in comparison to him but Luna is a cruel master when crossed.]

Don't tempt me with a good time, cultivator! I wouldn't mind testing out my strength against someone like you.

[Excuse him if he sounds a bit gleeful about this.]

In any case, you don't have to worry about me blindly attacking the masses! I just want a good duel.

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[gentledawn]

There is nothing wrong with sparring if both parties agree to it.

[See? He's not bent on ruining your good time, Rosen.]

I want everyone to be safe, that is all.

[And he doesn't mind putting himself in the line of fire to make a statement - he cares very much about the safety of his fellow travelers.]

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[erschlagen]

[An honest to god sigh of relief escapes Rosen. He's not the touchy-feely type. This old bastard only knows how to express himself with his fists. Whatever civility he has been pushed aside for something more feral over the long centuries. It's a miracle that he's still remotely sane.]

Very well, I can agree to such guidelines! Besides, I'm not looking to cause too much trouble.

[But he wants to cause enough trouble to make things exciting.]

My name's Rosenkrantz, by the way! Or rather that's what my master named me.

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[gentledawn]

[The sound is surprising and Xingchen feels guilty for making the...ah...demon?...feel tense. His head dips apologetically and he then he arches a brow, faintly amused.]

...only...enough trouble, is that it?

[Depending on what type of trouble, they could still have a problem.]

Hello, Rosenkrantz. [Boy does that sound odd with his accent.] I am Xiao Xingchen.

[erschlagen]

Yeah! Like the kind of trouble that causes sleepless nights. Nothing too serious!

[Listen, all he wants to do is cause a few nightmares and make people just a little more paranoid. That’s fine, right? Think of it as a prank.]

Eep! I might just have you call me “Rosen” instead, cause damn that was off.

[As if he can properly pronounce Xiao Xingchen’s name properly with that thick Irish accent of his. Every time he says the name “Xiao” it’s bound to sound like “Zao” or “Jao”.]

So Xiao, which season are you? I’m guessing you’re like a winter or autumn kind of fella.

[gentledawn]

I'm not sure I follow. [Does he mean nightmares or is he going to scare people who are trying to sleep in person? Er...demon. Both are not nice.

Xingchen's cheeks pink and he quickly apologizes.]

Forgive me. Your name is very foreign to me.

[Just as his is for Rosenkrantz.]

I am Spring and please call me Xingchen. [That is his first name. Xiao is the surname.]

[erschlagen]

Look, don’t worry about it! There’s nothing to worry about here. Nothing at all.

[Scaring people is his favorite pass time but then again, Rosen always had a twisted sense of humor. Nevertheless, he’ll go easy on the scares…for now.]

No sweat! I’m not the type to take offense. [Unless someone called him “ugly” or whatever.] So you’re in spring, huh?

Interesting~! I’m in the summer camp with all the other hotheads.

[gentledawn]

I hope that is so. [He will wait and watch. Xingchen won't act without a reason.]

I am grateful. I do not mean to offend anyone. [Unless they are truly evil then...why should he care? Then again, knowing him, he would probably still care to a certain degree. He's a naive man.]

Yes. I think I might be the part of Spring closer to Winter. [He chuckles. He intends to hold onto his connection with Song Zichen - who is represented by snow.]

So your season suits you?

[erschlagen]

I would think so because of my affinity to fire.

[Rosen is your quintessential summer baby despite being born in the middle of spring. His affinity for fire and his boisterous disposition are probably want got him into the summer court despite his appearance.]

So you're more of a Winter person, aren't you? I guess I can sorta see that, metaphorically speaking.

[Even so, Xingchen is much nicer than what he expected. He's not at all icy or cold. More like...disciplined, maybe?]

What's all this cultivator stuff, though? Are you like druid of some sort?

[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.

[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.]

[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.