Lan Wangji (
lightamidchaos) wrote2021-11-16 12:16 pm
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[pfsb] practicing forms and signs
He has much to do, much to consider, and at times like this he finds that it can be both useful and soothing to practice sword forms. In addition, he has been working on perfecting the Igni sign, and this will be an excellent opportunity to continue his practice.
As a result, Lan Wangji can be found near the lake at present, working with Bichen and with the occasional flicker of light from his hand.
As a result, Lan Wangji can be found near the lake at present, working with Bichen and with the occasional flicker of light from his hand.
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Not manipulation, perhaps. Guidance, rather. "And indeed they brought both."
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"I imagine so," he says. Peace. Impossible as long as Napoleon continues to crave more and more power and glory. He feels the familiar tug of guilt that reminds him his duty lies elsewhere; not in Peking, but in defense of the shores of his home. "I thank you for your demonstration, Hanguang-jun. It is a rare pleasure to observe such skill as yours."
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He nods at the way the instrument vanished. "Clever, that."
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He nods to the sword resting beside him.
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"A sight easier than requiring a sea chest to be brought along wherever one goes," he says, a little dry.
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"How long have you been far from home?"
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"And have traveled extensively as a necessity since. It has been a long while since I considered my parents' estate home."
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It would be impossible – and improper – to detail the complications of his relationship with Lord Allendale to a near complete stranger; Temeraire may be swift in his intimacies, but Laurence still finds himself reticent. "I visited Lord and Lady Allendale – my parents – whenever opportunity arose, though it did so rarely."
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"Mn," he says, with a tone of quiet understanding, and does not press. He himself would be reluctant to answer questions about either Qingheng-jun or his own mother's death.
"And now you are in Scotland," he says, instead. "I do not know Scotland."
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He sips at his tea and nods. "Yes," he says. "The Corps training grounds are in Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. A kingdom which includes England and Wales," he adds, unsure of how much Temeraire may have said.
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"I am somewhat familiar with London by name, and thus England," he adds, after a moment. "Not with the others."
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Curiosity sharpens his glance. "Through some relationship with your home, or because you learned of it here?"
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He knows Hammond hopes to invoke change in this arena, but it seems to him likely to be a slow process.
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"It must be very different for you. In the Emperor's court," he attempts.
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"But illuminating. And Temeraire now has the opportunity to associate with members of his own family and further his own education; his happiness at our stay brings me all the satisfaction I require."
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"Illuminating," he agrees. "I imagine so." His expression softens a little, then. "I am glad that he is happy."
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This he can say with all the heartfelt sincerity he feels; he himself has felt somewhat lonely, with Temeraire spending so much time in the company of his mother and Mei, but he cannot begrudge his dear companion even a second of the happiness he has found.
And he may take comfort that, should the worst happen, Temeraire will be able to live, if not happily for the first while, comfortably and in all likelihood contentedly as well. "Had his egg remained in China, his life would have been... considerably different. His curiosity and interest are more than understandable; they are right and natural."
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"Perhaps you may find this to be a place of respite. When needed."
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"Perhaps," he says. "But my crew cannot all join me through the door. It is my duty to remain with them so long as I am Captain."
To have a place of refuge solely for his own self feels like a luxury bordering on disloyalty. Naturally there are some discrepancies between the ranks, but he is reminded sharply of long days at sea, becalmed or hungry or cold or afraid, where every man aboard could be certain at least that he was not alone, that the whole of the ship's contingent shared these basic similarities with him.
And as Captain, of course, it is even more necessary that he show himself not above the small iniquities of their life in Peking. "But I will endeavor to join Temeraire when next he travels here."
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"I will be glad to see you both. As will Wei Ying."
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