[The reappearance of the title is soothing, in a way, but it only lasts a moment.
Wei Wuxian.
Xingchen's smile slowly falls away. Never in his entire life would he have thought he'd be able to meet the feared and monstrous Yiling Laozu. The man has been dead for some time now, living on only in the tales mothers tell their children to scare them into behaving, or the so-called protective portraits sold in the streets. Xingchen remembers seeing them when he could see, and now he can still bring them to mind. A horrible face, grimacing, barely framed by untamed locks of hair.
This man's voice doesn't match the portrait.
Of course, Xingchen tells himself that stories of that nature often get blown out of proportion, but how much when it comes to someone who did such heinous acts? Is he not a monster among men?
And yet, he's spoken so...kindly to Xingchen and he can't sense any ill-intent. The man seems to know him, which makes Xingchen frown in confusion and a little bit of unease. But they're both standing out in the cold and the snow and Xingchen's feet are going to freeze off if he stands out here for too long. Besides, it doesn't feel right to have this conversation outside, with children having their fun and anyone else able to hear. Then again, should he really humor Wei Wuxian for a conversation at all?
He exhales.]
I am he.
[He doesn't move for a second, still deliberating, but then decides to take a risk.]
no subject
Wei Wuxian.
Xingchen's smile slowly falls away. Never in his entire life would he have thought he'd be able to meet the feared and monstrous Yiling Laozu. The man has been dead for some time now, living on only in the tales mothers tell their children to scare them into behaving, or the so-called protective portraits sold in the streets. Xingchen remembers seeing them when he could see, and now he can still bring them to mind. A horrible face, grimacing, barely framed by untamed locks of hair.
This man's voice doesn't match the portrait.
Of course, Xingchen tells himself that stories of that nature often get blown out of proportion, but how much when it comes to someone who did such heinous acts? Is he not a monster among men?
And yet, he's spoken so...kindly to Xingchen and he can't sense any ill-intent. The man seems to know him, which makes Xingchen frown in confusion and a little bit of unease. But they're both standing out in the cold and the snow and Xingchen's feet are going to freeze off if he stands out here for too long. Besides, it doesn't feel right to have this conversation outside, with children having their fun and anyone else able to hear. Then again, should he really humor Wei Wuxian for a conversation at all?
He exhales.]
I am he.
[He doesn't move for a second, still deliberating, but then decides to take a risk.]
Would you like to come inside?