ellipsanet | [Video] un: runyu

[ He gives the number he'd been told, and soon they go up the stairs - elevators are something he'll have to be talked around to trying more than once.

Runyu rubs over the Dream Beast's head and neck as he soaks in the creatures gentle peace. He smiles over his shoulder at Xingchen even as the Dream Beast peers at the man, wiggling as if to pounce to defend him before Runyu pets him in reassurance before standing. ]

This is my Dream Beast. My father gave him to me when I was young.

[ Looking down at the antlered little creature, he smiles again. ]

This is Xiao Xingchen. He is a friend. Behave yourself.

[ Another coo, and the Dream Beast's wiggling turns more playful before it bows its head. ]

[He can't blame him there. The elevator is strange! He doesn't like when it starts and stops.

Xingchen edges into the room carefully, aware that he might be seen as rude. But he can't help it! He kneels down in front of the Dream Beast and smiles softly at the cute defensive stance.]

Anyone who thinks of harming you and your Master truly is a monster. I wouldn't dare.

[He reaches out to stroke that cute face, grinning.]

When you say Dream Beast, what do you mean, Runyu? Does he create dreams?

[ Runyu doesn't mind Xingchen coming in at all!

He can't resist a quiet little laugh that he quickly hides behind a hastily raised sleeve. Then sinks back down beside Xingchen, feeling better having the Dream Beast with him even here.

The little creature coos at Xingchen and butts happily into the stroking, clearly deciding it likes Xingchen too. ]

He can observe dreams, and eat nightmares to sooth the one dreaming them. That is how he eats. It doesn't harm the dreamer. Through dreams, a record of potential memories can be gathered.

[ He hesitates, but the Dream Beast's obvious liking of the mortal meshes with his own. ] I have also used him to guide the stars' path. It is one of the tasks I most enjoy.

[His cheeks flush darker and he focuses on the cute Dream Beast because... Well, the little creature is less complicated. And less handsome. Runyu's voice seems to reverberate through him and he realizes that he wants this...man...this presence?...to be happy.]

Nightmares must be bitter! [He pouts at the little creature.] Don't let them give you a tummy ache.

[Xingchen touches a jade ornament at his waist and smiles a little.]

I fear my dreams would be boring. I'm blessed to have few nightmares.

[Oh that will change in his future. He is somewhat aware of that.]

You guide...the stars? [He stares in awe.]

[ Runyu might be enchanted by that flush! But he's trying not to stare. The Dream Beast is a very good thing to focus outwardly on, and he watches it with open affection. ]

He's rather spoiled, I'm afraid.

[ Lofty. But the smile remains as the little creature makes a sound of protest and prances over to rub against him just to earn another gentle stroke over those versatile antlers. ]

He likes eating nightmares because in doing so they help the dreamer, and they do him no harm. [ Because he finds he doesn't want Xingchen to worry about even a creature having a tummy ache. ]

It is good that your dreams are rarely darkened.

[ The Dream Beast peers at him, then looks to Xingchen before wagging its tail in encouragement. Of course it softens him into giving a little more information. ]

I have been called the Night Immortal in my world. I guide the constellations and make sure everything is in the order it must be. The stars give warning, and I ensure the warnings are headed.

[He is in the presence of a deity. Xingchen realizes this fact much - much - too late and he panics. His cheeks redden and then pale and then redden again. What should he do?

In all of his desperate - inward - scrambling, the worst happens.

He turns into a stag. To his credit, he is as white as the Dream Beast - though much bigger - and fluffy. He isn't sure at all how to bow in this form and so he...inclines his great antlered head.

Then he reveals that he can talk. Even like this.]

I... I hope I haven't offended you, my lord.

[ Oh it's much worse than that. But Runyu won't admit to exactly who and what he is. Not yet.

Especially as he watches Xingchen's rapidly changing color in a way that worries him. The sudden change has him gasp, and the Dream Beast's ears go forward. But rather tellingly, the smaller creature doesn't leap between Xingchen and Runyu.

Runyu can't resist looking over the stag, admiring the regal beauty of his new friend's form. The words ring hollowly in his heart as his heart sinks. His gaze moves back to the Dream Beast, who looks back to him and coos encouragingly, soothingly, at him. ]

Runyu. You have given me no offense to forgive.

[His fluffy ears shift bashfully, fluttering and pressing against his head. Xingchen is a very regal stag - just the sort a hunter would like to shoot. But he is still a humble man underneath his fur.]

I've never been in the presence of a... [He snorts instead of sighing, further embarrassing himself!] I'm just a humble Cultivator. I was raised on my Master's mountain. I only recently left that life in order to...to do good in the world and protect innocent people from monsters.

[ No hunter will even touch this stag. Runyu won't allow it. His fingers dig into the cloth at his knees before he forces them to relax - they itch to stroke those fluffy ears! Xingchen has beauty and grace no matter what form he's in. ]

If how you greeted me is what you show your world, you do very well. What I am...I do not need more followers. I need...I hope...for a friend.

[His ears straighten in surprise! Pleasant surprise. Xingchen lays down at Runyu's side and, tellingly, his tail is wagging.]

I want to be your friend. [He gives into the urge to press his nose against Runyu's cheek.] I feel that you're not like me. I just didn't expect for you to be a god! But you are a kind deity and...

I like you, Runyu.

[ He resists the stronger urge to stroke that fluffy fur. But there's a blatant misery around him now as Runyu gazes at Xingchen. ]

No. I'm not like you. I'm not nearly so kind or selfless as I sense you are. But I want to be better. I want to learn...

[ The nose to his cheek brings a flush to his cheeks and he has to pause, swallowing. Then confesses. ]

I have done horrible things, Xingchen. I am alone for a good reason. My wishes to have a friend are selfish, I do not deserve to be near someone as gentle-hearted as you.

[His fur is good to stroke! Xingchen has no issue with his friends enjoying the softness. But Runyu's misery worries him and he waits patiently for his new friend to explain.]

Be gentle with yourself. Everyone makes mistakes; I have and will continue making mistakes for as long as I live, I'm sure!

[His brown eyes gentle and he nods slowly at what he is told.]

Do you regret those deeds? Do you desire to be a better person?

[ Just having someone willing to listen is amazing. Xingchen has no stake in comforting him. No goal other than being a good, warm soul. Nothing ties them together.

Runyu isn't used to that, but he craves it all the more. ]

I have too much power to afford to be gentle with myself.

[ No one is above him. And so he has no one beside him.

He struggles to draw composure back around him, drawing strength from the gentle warmth of those brown eyes. ]

Yes. To both. I regret how I went about gaining my power. The people I hurt. I've tried to be better since it was all done.

[ Someone with more pride of self would writhe in agony over confessing to a mortal. ]

[It never occurred to him that a god might be lonely, yet it makes sense. They exist, don't they? Furthermore it can't be easy for them to see their creations suffering either.

This is giving him a lot to think about.]

Being strict with yourself isn't the same as being cruel.

[Xingchen nudges Runyu's chest with his nose.]

If your heart hurts, you are going too far.

[He nods again and closes his eyes, willing himself back into his...mostly...human form. The fuzzy ears remain.]

Then I am honored to be your friend.

[ The Dream Beast settles at Runyu's side, leaning his head on Runyu's knees with a sad sound that tugs at his heart. He allows himself to soften enough to stroke over the sweet creature's head.

His only real companion, whom he could trust completely. No machinations. Nothing but endless loyalty.

Now, maybe he doesn't have to stay alone. Xingchen is wise, mortal or human or not. And Runyu likes his voice, and the quiet warmth of the human's presence. And those ears are so cute and fuzzy! ]

I cannot trust my heart.

[His Master had warned him about depending only on his heart. There needs to be a balance between mind and heart and yet... Xingchen's heart is probably the strongest force in his body.

Ears fluttering nervously, sadly, he watches Runyu and the adorable Dream Beast.]

Our hearts need practice. I think they learn how to crawl, walk and run just like our bodies do. Have you had much chance to give your heart...ah...experience?

[ Xingchen's Master is a kind, good woman with a great deal of wisdom. There's much that Runyu could learn from her, and Xingchen by extension.

A bitter twist curls his lips at the question. ]

When I tried, I would be punished. So I learned to lock my desires away, until I met someone who'd been promised to me a long time ago. I fell in love with her, but she did not feel the same. Instead, she loved my younger brother. I went mad, and craved power just to make her marry me. I got the power I wanted...and she died, trying to stop my brother and I from killing each other.

[ Shame and grief bows his head and shoulders and the Dream Beast presses sadly close. ]

[Baoshan Sanren is a strong woman who has gone through grief of her own. She would understand Runyu far too well - better than Xingchen can, unfortunately, though he will always listen.]

Who punished you? [He moves to Runyu's side and offers his hand. Contact can be comforting.] Ah I'm sorry. Hearts are...stubborn. But, forgive me, I don't think you're mad. Maybe you were just in pain and looking for a solution?

[He closes his eyes sadly at the outcome.]

Poor lady. She must have cared for you too to go that far.

[ He'd like her, he's sure. Just as he likes Xingchen.

Runyu stares at this gentle, kind mortal in amazement as he isn't pulled away from in fear or disgust. No, Xingchen reaches for him instead. He has no defense against such kindness, and slowly takes that offered hand. And it does help ease some of the ache, at least enough to remind him he's not alone. That he has to be careful, mindful of his power. ]

My parents, and my mother though she did so to try to protect me. [ And he'd only caused her pain, hadn't he?

He shakes his head, drawing in a shaky breath. ] I'd have destroyed everything in Heaven and Hell, even the Mortal world, for her. I was on the way to doing just that when she got in the way.

[ He bows his head again, fingers twitching in Xingchen's grasp. ]

I...yes. She has been reborn, and my brother found her. They're married, and have a child. I have not been forbidden from visiting.

[The mountain would be a nice quiet place for Runyu to heal too.

Xingchen smiles gently, pleased when his hand is taken. He holds Runyu's fingers in particular between his palms, keeping them warm. While he isn't an immortal or very powerful at all, he can offer this.]

Your parents? [He is clearly conflicted by what Runyu says and he shakes his head.] Abuse is never acceptable. She might have meant well, but children should be cherished.

[The more he hears about Runyu's love, the more he thinks...] I don't think your love for her was good for you. I think it too became abusive. Love should be...selfless. And kind. I can't say for sure, of course, as I've never...

[He does have feelings for Zichen, but he has never acted on them.]

A child? I encourage you to spend time with that child especially. Let them love you as their precious uncle.

Edited 2023-05-25 07:59 (UTC)

[ Healing he needs, but would never let himself seek.

The warmth is offered so freely that it's almost like Xingchen holds the dragon in thrall. Runyu knows he's colder to the touch for most.

He listens, rather than letting himself leap to defend his mother. And he has to close his eyes at the words Xingchen offers. He hears truth in them, no matter how much it hurts. But he also hears how the sweet man pauses, trailing off to leave something unsaid. ]

It should be.

Yes. I visit as much as I can, and watch over the sweet boy. [ But there's still a wall between him and Jinmi and Xufeng. ]

[Maybe they don't need the mountain?

The chill of Runyu's skin is exactly why Xingchen automatically nestles his hand between his own. He rubs the fingers softly and feels...a little lost...on how to comfort Runyu regarding his mother. The truth is best, but it can be cruel to hear.]

I'm sure she loves you. Sometimes parents can be damaged and they might take that out on their child.

[He smiles and nods, reaching over to rub the Dream Beast's ears.]

He is a very lucky boy. [And that wall might always be there to some extent.]

[ Just the people.

Having his hand cradled between two warm palms has him sigh as Xingchen rubs his fingers. It's not too warm, for someone who craves heat but knows better than to seek it. ]

She did. She was treated horribly by Father. Eventually...she died to save me.

[ The Dream Beast coos at him, then again at Xingchen as it butts up into that affection. ]

He has a good heart.

[Then he will continue to encourage those fingers to warm! Xingchen sighs sadly and brings Runyu's hand to his chest.]

You are hurt, my friend. It will take time for you to mend, but I believe you can do it.

[He smiles at the cute sound and rubs the Dream Beast's cheek.]

As do you. Someone wicked wouldn't regret what was done.

[ A brittle, mocking laugh escapes, directed solely at himself. ]

Maybe here, though I know I do not deserve it. It doesn't change the fact I only have my Dream Beast and one attendant back home. No one else wishes to be near me if they don't have to be.

I isolate myself because it is my punishment.

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