Inbox: Eastbound

[paperbutterflies]

Lan Sizhui

missives | encounters

Comments

[paperbutterflies]

How could I fail to recall Jingyi's face, or the rhythm of his voice?

[downswing]

But Zewu-Jun and the grandmaster?


( Is............ this teasing? )

[paperbutterflies]

[ It's perfect, even if thinking of Zewu-jun brings sadness. ]

I remember! And the Songs they have taught me, too!

[downswing]

The cog creatures do not answer to song. Senior Wei is likewise

( Frustrated within an inch of his life. )

challenged.

[paperbutterflies]

[ Oh.

This is... Worrying. ]

The cog creatures might need different songs than the living ones, or those who need to be returned to rest.

And Senior Wei... What Song were you trying to play for him?

[ not that sizhui will be able to do much where his father did not, but he is curious. ]

[downswing]

No song. Senior Wei is challenged by the deathlessness of the grounds.

[paperbutterflies]

Oh!

He would be.

I wonder if any of the cog creatures can give some answers. Like, are there some with nothing to rot them, and if there are, what happens to them...

[downswing]

You wish to make the attempt.

[paperbutterflies]

Do you advise against it?

[downswing]

Some say to 'attempt the impossible.'

[paperbutterflies]

[ The one whom Sizhui has witnessed Hanguang-jun treat with utmost hostility for most of his memory.

But... ]

Yes, Hanguang-jun.

At worst, we will know no more, is that not so?

[downswing]

Do not attempt alone.

[paperbutterflies]

Would the cog sphinx hurt me for asking questions?

[downswing]

Do not.

[paperbutterflies]

Yes, Hanguang-Jun.

[downswing]

( WHEN YOU PUT IT LIKE THIS — )

It cannot be asked of you.

[paperbutterflies]

[ He was just agreeing to comply with what his senior instructed! ]

But...

Who should it be asked of?

[downswing]

...apologies. I speak as the father of a child.

You are a man.

[paperbutterflies]

[ Wait

No

... maybe? But no. ]

No apologies ever needed. A man or no, I would be guided by Hanguang-jun's wisdom.

[ Hence immediately confirming that he would comply! ]

[downswing]

It is not wisdom, but fear.

[paperbutterflies]

I would comply all the same!

[downswing]

One day, it shall not be so.

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui considers for a long moment. ]

Not without a very good reason, I hope.

[downswing]

In my youth, I did not await reason.