lightamidchaos | [pfsb] practicing forms and signs

Lan Wangji blinks at him. "Of course he is."

He listens with interest to the explanation of the Latin names, then says, "I am not familiar with Latin. I apologize for my own ignorance. But I think Temeraire is a good name. Does it have a particular meaning?"

"I wish we'd had your knowledge when first we arrived in Scotland," Laurence tells him, a little wry. "It may well have staved off some of what happened thereafter. We had believed him to be an Imperial; it was not until his use of the divine wind that it became clear he was in fact a Celestial."

He's on firmer ground with his own choice of name, and smiles, brief. "Yes," he says. "It is a French word; it means 'bold.'"

Or 'reckless', but the young man clearly thinks well of Temeraire and Laurence does not wish him to be distressed over less flattering definitions. "When he first hatched and spread his wings, I could think only of a grand ship of the line I had seen once; she is named Temeraire, for a French vessel which had been captured earlier."

The faintest line creases his brow, below his forehead ribbon. "You have dragons in your world that you do not consider to be celestial beings?"

"It is a good name," he adds, as the rat arrives at the table.

Laurence holds his tongue at the slightly blasphemous idea that any flesh and blood creature, even one so spectacular as a dragon, could be celestial in more than name and attempts to explain.

"There is no doubt in my mind that dragons are an incredible species," he says, honestly. "Whether they are more of earthly or heavenly origin is a question beyond my own meager understanding. But it so happens that 'Celestial' is the name of Temeraire's breed; very rare and deeply cherished in China. In fact, only an Emperor or close kin are allowed to be companion to Celestial dragons... a practice which has caused no small amount of distress for Temeraire and myself."

Edited 2021-11-17 17:02 (UTC)

"It is more than rarity," Lan Wangji tells him. "If it is there as it is in my world, the connection between the Emperor's line and the tiānlóng is because the celestial ones are spiritual powers and guardians of the heavenly courts of the Jade Emperor. It is no accident that the Emperor on earth is known as the Son of Heaven."

He shakes his head. "There are different dragons in my world as well as yours, in the rivers and lakes and mountains and seas, but all are respected and greatly revered."

He nods to the rat and asks, "Would you prefer tea or wine?"

"Tea," Laurence says, grasping onto this one safe topic. "Thank you."

The extraordinary animal bows and scurries off, and Laurence considers Lan Wangji's words carefully before selecting his own. "Truthfully, I am not wholly familiar with the history of dragons in China," he says. "They have fiercely guarded the secrets of their dragons and breeding from the rest of the world. It may be as you say, though from what I have observed, dragons in China are respected and treated more as equals than as beings of any particular spiritual power. The Imperials and Celestials are a class above the rest, I grant you, intimately connected as they are with the Emperor and his family and court."

"They should be," he says, firmly. "At the very least equals, if not more revered. I know there are worlds where it is not so, but it is hard to comprehend."

He glances at the paper with Lung Tien Xiang's name written on it, considering, then looks back at Laurence. "Perhaps it may be that your Celestials and Imperials are earthly descendants of the tiānlóng," he offers. "And worthy of all honor as such."

Carefully, he adds, "Lung Tien Xiang mentioned that you were to be adopted into the Emperor's family."

There is no way to respond to this first statement which would not be either insulting to the Chinese view of dragons or traitorous to England, and so Laurence only gives a non-committal, acknowledging nod, shortly before he must ruthlessly push down his despair at Temeraire's relaxed attitude towards the absolute truth.

"It is a solution which has been suggested," he says. "And I believe the Emperor is amenable. But negotiations are ongoing, and it is by no means set in stone."

He smiles, slightly wry. "Temeraire is more optimistic than I in our ultimate success."

"Mn." The sound conveys a sense of understanding. "I gather the situation is complicated."

He is well aware that is likely to be a significant understatement. As the rat returns, bearing a large tray, Lan Wangji helps transfer everything to the table between them. In addition to the teapot, kettle of perfectly heated water, and cups, a selection of osmanthus cakes, fruits and nuts is arrayed in jade dishes to accompany the tea with light refreshment. He is grateful that after Lan Xichen's last visit and conversation with Geralt he had thought to arrange matters with Madam Bar for the next time he or his brother would be responsible for hosting a respected guest.

Lan Wangji prepares the tea for Laurence and serves him first, before pouring his own.

"Diplomacy often is, or so I have observed," Laurence says, a little rueful. "The negotiations are in the hands of those far better suited to it than I; I can only hope I will not, by some word or deed, give pause to the proceedings."

This is as far as he will allow himself to hint at any of his own misgivings; fortunately the odd waiter returns with a frankly astounding assortment of tea and refreshments. Even Laurence, who wishes heartily for black tea with milk and a scone with jam and clotted cream besides, must admit that the scents rising from the dishes are both delicate and delicious.

"Thank you," he says, accepting the cup. "What a handsome tea you have managed; you honor me, Hanguang-jun."

"The honor is mine," he says, setting his own cup down and indicating for Laurence to select what he prefers from the dishes.

"I am not very good at diplomacy," he adds. "But I hope for your success."

"Nor I," Laurence confesses, glancing over the food and selecting one of the small cakes and several fruits.

"I suppose Temeraire told you of my previous occupation – I was a captain in His Majesty's Navy. The nuances of diplomacy are sadly somewhat lost on me."

"The Reliant," he confirms, taking a sip of tea. "Although I confess I am unclear how to describe your occupation now."

He lets the cup rest in his fingers as he considers, then says, "My brother is the leader of Gusu Lan, my sect. He is exceptionally skilled at diplomacy."

"I am captain now to Temeraire's crew. It is like and also quite unlike my previous occupation," Laurence tells the younger man, after taking a polite bite of the cake. He does not have much of a sweet tooth, but the small pastry is quite good, especially with a draught of the tea.

"You and your brother must make a formidable pair. Perhaps, during our visit, I will learn to emulate you, a little, and in doing so make my own concerns at home somewhat easier to manage."

He puts Laurence's statement together with Lung Tien Xiang's previous observations to conclude that the dragon acts as a ship in the skies. Lan Wangji is not sure what he thinks of that, but if the war is so dire that the dragon wishes it, who is he to protest?

He refills Laurence's cup before the level gets too low, and observes, "If I may assist you in some way I am glad to do so."

"I thank you," Laurence tells him. "Your friendship with Temeraire is more than adequate. If you are willing and able to instruct or converse with him as he learns more of his heritage, I shall take it as a very great favor."

"Please rest assured. That would be an honor," Lan Wangji tells him.

"The honor is ours," Laurence tells him.

"I understand you can do some quite remarkable things yourself."

"I am a cultivator," Lan Wangji tells him. He neglects to mention that he is known as one of the two greatest cultivators of his generation - the other being Wei Ying. It is unnecessary, and would be prideful and boastful, both.

"Gusu Lan is one of the four great cultivation sects. I understood from Lung Tien Xiang that cultivation practice was previously unknown to him?" He looks to see if Laurence has any understanding of the concept, or if he needs to explain further.

"It is wholly alien to me," Laurence tells him, and gestures for the younger man to continue.

"But I would enjoy hearing more about it."

He nods. "One cultivates with qi, the life energy that surrounds and permeates all things. By gathering it from the world around them and allowing it to flow through the meridians, a cultivator may concentrate and refine qi in their dantian, forming a golden core."

He places one hand over the center of his body, indicating the location of his core as he continues.

"The duty of a cultivator is to protect," Lan Wangji tells him. "There are others, but this is paramount. To be righteous. To stand with justice."

He can still hear Wei Ying's voice, speaking their vow beside him.

"We use our skills to defend those who look to us from threats they cannot face alone."

"A noble endeavor," Laurence observes.

And one with which Temeraire would no doubt sympathize. "Are there a great many cultivators in your world?"

"Fewer than there used to be. But the sects are rebuilding, after the war."

He says it matter-of-factly, and pauses for a small sip of tea before continuing.

"There are more non-cultivators than cultivators. It is a path that requires discipline."

"I imagine so," Laurence murmurs, thoughtful.

"I wish that you and the peoples of your world might enjoy a long and fruitful peace during which to grow once more."

"Thank you." He dips his head in acknowledgment. "I likewise hope that soon your war may end, with peace to follow."

"Would you like me to demonstrate a cultivation technique? I do not mean one suited for battle, not here," he clarifies. "Gusu Lan is known for musical cultivation. If you wish, I could play for you."

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