I have to take care of personal business. An old friend from our world came, and I have to take care of him. [To do murder but] I might be away for a while.
Tell him I'll come back by the end of the day at least or by tomorrow.
[Seonho's not magical enough to be a mind-reader, but he does have SENSE... in that he's also someone who prefers running off and murdering people without telling his close friends that he's doing that.
Not that he thinks Song Lan is actually going off to murder someone..... deadeyes that "take care" though. This sounds like a Situation about to happen, but Seonho's aware that there is a line here he won't be able to cross. The most he can do is listen to Song Lan's request,]
...And if tomorrow ends and you do not appear? What should I tell him then?
[Seonho would absolutely understand, Song Lan?? be a bro and just tell him your murdering plans??
Otherwise, Song Lan's request hits him right where it hurts -- he knows that kind of desperation, he's intimately familiar with it. When you have no one else to turn to, and yet you yourself cannot know for sure if they will help... He can do his part here, at least, and relieve Song Lan of one burden. He inhales, and lets it out in form of a sigh.]
...I understand. [BUT HE WON'T LIKE IT!!!] I shall stay by Xingchen's side until you come back, which I will choose to believe will happen.
[if Song Lan will ask him this favor as a friend, then Seonho can do the same.]
Please take care of yourself, Song Lan. I will pray that your matters are settled to your satisfaction.
[And several hours later, by the end of the day when the deed is done and night has fallen, he gets a message from him again]
Seonho, are you there? I finished my business. I'll be staying at the clinic overnight. I got injured, but I'm all right. I should return back to the house shortly tomorrow, so you can tell Xingchen that.
I appreciated what you did. That meeting with the old acquaintance did not go well. [that's an understatement of the year but]
[is that all Seonho's going to say... does he sound equal parts relieved and also.... unhappy? yes, yes he does.]
I will inform Xingchen. [that his boyfriend probably did something stupid, but it's okay] May I ask whether or not I should expect a visit from your... acquaintance?
[is xue yang in the bed next to song lan's in the clinic]
[seanho, you're a lifesaver what a bro... ... ...oh god tHANKFULLY No...Xue Yang should wake up on the town square bench like a murderhobo he is
Upon hearing his question, sternly]
You stay away from Xue Yang if you're not well-versed in combat. That man is a criminal from our world. Today, I hunt him down to avenge for the death of my master and the disciples of the Baixue temple.
And you keep Xingchen away from him. As soon as I get up, I'll be with Xingchen shortly to keep him safe.
[as soon he can get up and the painmeds do the work while he has his stitches]
[okay but SONG LAN, WHY DIDN'T YOU LEAD WITH THIS??
Seonho had been kind of expecting the worst, but he didn't expect THAT... Is it a good thing this is over the phone so Song Lan can't see Seonho's startled expression? It probably comes through in his voice well enough,]
...I understand. [in that Seonho will stay away -- how can he even begin to understand Song Lan's rage?
Perhaps he can, to some degree. Rage is all Seonho's ever known, but the person who hurt the people he loves most in this life has only ever been himself.]
May your sword be swift, and your judgement resolute. I will stay by Xingchen's side in the meantime.
[he knows death isn't permanent here, but there's no stopping one's anger.]
[With a deep sigh, releasing the heaviness of his heart, he knew he is placing Xingchen under stress. It was selfish of him to ask him of this, it really was...
But he can't let the death of his Master and disciples slide while Xue Yang lives and breathes, calling the massacre and their torture "fun"]
...You have my thanks, Seanho. I know I'm asking a lot. I'll make it up to you somehow.
[His communication gave a soft click to disconnect. Space, he needs it right now...and time]
[ After their little encounter with the mirrors and all that jazz (which was surely fun and not at all bonding over trauma :^) ), Vangeance doesn't forget to press a small package into his hands on his way out. It's a slender box wrapped simply in red paper and a white ribbon, with a note attached, written in lovely, old-fashioned handwriting. Which is already addressed specifically to him, so there's no way he can turn it down. ]
Dear Seonho,
I wonder if Christmas is a holiday that's celebrated in Joseon? It isn't one that's known in the Clover Kingdom, so learning of it was certainly an interesting experience. However, it sounds to be a joyous day, so I hope that it has been treating you kindly and that this note finds you in good health.
Please consider this a small token of my appreciation. Perhaps you'll find a use for it someday. But more than its practical aspects, I hope you'll accept it as a symbolic gesture. I believe you're someone worthy of respect and protection, offered with care and consideration, and I hope that the coming year will grant you such blessings.
Wishing you good health and safety,
Yours humbly, William Vangeance
[ The box, when unwrapped, contains a little wooden dagger in a matching sheath, the perfect size for strapping to a belt or tucking inside a boot. The blade is surprisingly sturdy despite being made of wood, with a decently sharp edge; it won't be much good for self-defense, but it should serve as a utility knife in a pinch. (So now Seonho has no excuse for being unarmed in another flood situation.)
But more than the blade, it's the handle and sheath that are of note. It's a touch ornate, with decorative swirls and little vines built into the cross-guard; the sheath bears similar decorations, along with the carving of a three-leaf clover. It's ... nice. Made with care, just for him. Just like Seonho deserves. ]
every time i open this tag i get smacked in the face with the feels miru
[Honestly, Seonho doesn't get many presents, much less letters. He keeps up correspondence with exactly zero people back home, and he's valued by the same exact amount of people. Not that he blames them, and not that he, y'know, cares!!! Except maybe he actually cares a lot, why else would he be this astonished on upon reading this letter???
Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary with first few lines (also Vangeance's handwriting is really beautiful, wow. the letter itself is a work of art...), but the rest?
I believe you're someone worthy of respect and protection,
Seonho holds the dagger gently in his hands, tracing the carving of the clover on the handle. It really is fine work, very pretty -- and offered with such sincerity that the entire thing still rattles him even now, seated alone in his room. Looking at Vangeance's gift now, Seonho really might believe those kindly written words. No, he believes in them -- he believes in the knight's intentions, honest and freely offered -- it's just that...
Well. Seonho's been doing rather well, hasn't he? The front he puts on in while living in this town... Sometimes, he catches himself believing in it too. And how can he not, when surrounded by those with hearts as warm as Vangeance's? It makes for a treasured falsehood, and an even more painful truth. He stares at the keen edge of the blade for a long moment, then sheathes it.
He can't help wonder... If he keeps this with him when he goes to bed tonight, then will his dreams plague him a little less? Or will they torture him even more?]
[ In the morning of 1/1, when Seonho leaves his house for the first time, he would coincidentally run into Zhongli walking down the street along the rows of houses. He has a scarf on this time, so he is at least making an impression of being human. ]
Good morning, [ is what he says first, retrieving a small jade pendant from a pocket. The pendant is strung on a sturdy red cord, as is the custom in Liyue. ] This is for you.
[ He holds out the necklace to Seonho. There seems to be no way he can refuse this... ]
[Seonho comes to a stop when Zhongli appears, because how can he not? Zhongli has that sort of Presence about him that would be quite effective for "stopping people outside their homes with a single word" even if he hadn't told Seonho the truth, honestly.
...It doesn't explain this apparent gesture though?? Seonho looks at the pendant, one of his hands reflexively reaching out to take it (because that's manners!!), before he looks back up at Zhongli.]
...May I ask why?
[He can't recall anything special he did that requires a gift??? he almost got his ass murdered and Zhongli had to step him to save him??]
[ Zhongli's austerity usually lets him command people's attention... that is, until he has to do anything related to money. It is then that most people realize that he doesn't take money seriously at all.
But back to the issue at hand: ]
This is a talisman that will protect you. I have imbued it with an enchantment that will produce a shield if you ever happen to fall into danger.
[ The shield is durable enough to last half an hour once deployed, which gives ample time for Seonho to dial for backup on his smartphone. Zhongli considers this an excellent idea. ]
[when ur caught between a.) gratitude that Zhongli was thinking of him at all and b.) embarrassment that Zhongli was thinking of him enough to want to give him a way to ensure the safety of his ass --]
...Then I shall humbly accept, and put it to good use.
[he'll accept it with both hands as is proper, and incline his head in an attempt to be respectful and hide his EMBARRASSMENT!!!]
It is a very thoughtful gesture. [he can acknowledge that too,] I am sure the others you've met, or will meet today, will think so as well.
[zhongli please do not tell seonho that he is the only one who gets the emergency 'need ur life saved by zhongli' pendant]
[ Seonho is taking it quite well, given that he already knows Zhongli's true identity. There's no excessive prostration or show of unneeded respect, so he would only nod in acknowledgement of the man's thanks. ]
I would wish that it will remain unused for a long time. But, if it does expend itself, I will restore it as many times as it is necessary.
[ Zhongli would go around giving this to all the people whom he thinks need to be guarded from magic and can't use magic themselves... of which out of the people he knows, Seonho is the only one.
That being said:]
Happy new year. I hope I have not kept you from something urgent.
[ merry christmas from the jujuboys— albeit a few days late.
the delivery is done by none other than trustworthy, steadfast Nue... which is to say, it might actually be pretty fuckin terrifying to hear a knock at your window only to come face-to-face with a big lionbird monster??? where are your braincells, megloomy...
that said, Nue is a good bean. once it's let in, it'll bow its head to reveal a festive little package looped around its neck. free for Seonho to take, obviously.
with that done, Nue flaps away. Seonho will be left with his spoils of not-so-war, which is as follows: ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
un: bitter.snow
I know this is sudden, but can you come to the October house and keep Xingchen company?
Like right now please?
un: namseonho
I shall head on over straight away. [BUT....] Has something happened?
[song lan PLEASE THIS IS ALREADY ALARMING!!]
no subject
I have to take care of personal business. An old friend from our world came, and I have to take care of him. [To do murder but] I might be away for a while.
Tell him I'll come back by the end of the day at least or by tomorrow.
no subject
Not that he thinks Song Lan is actually going off to murder someone..... deadeyes that "take care" though. This sounds like a Situation about to happen, but Seonho's aware that there is a line here he won't be able to cross. The most he can do is listen to Song Lan's request,]
...And if tomorrow ends and you do not appear? What should I tell him then?
no subject
Then tell him I'll come back to him. If he goes searching for me, I'll come to him myself. Just keep him company until I do.
You're the only person I could only ask for this.
no subject
Otherwise, Song Lan's request hits him right where it hurts -- he knows that kind of desperation, he's intimately familiar with it. When you have no one else to turn to, and yet you yourself cannot know for sure if they will help... He can do his part here, at least, and relieve Song Lan of one burden. He inhales, and lets it out in form of a sigh.]
...I understand. [BUT HE WON'T LIKE IT!!!] I shall stay by Xingchen's side until you come back, which I will choose to believe will happen.
[if Song Lan will ask him this favor as a friend, then Seonho can do the same.]
Please take care of yourself, Song Lan. I will pray that your matters are settled to your satisfaction.
no subject
Seonho, are you there? I finished my business. I'll be staying at the clinic overnight. I got injured, but I'm all right. I should return back to the house shortly tomorrow, so you can tell Xingchen that.
I appreciated what you did. That meeting with the old acquaintance did not go well. [that's an understatement of the year but]
no subject
I see.
[is that all Seonho's going to say... does he sound equal parts relieved and also.... unhappy? yes, yes he does.]
I will inform Xingchen. [that his boyfriend probably did something stupid, but it's okay] May I ask whether or not I should expect a visit from your... acquaintance?
[is xue yang in the bed next to song lan's in the clinic]
no subject
Upon hearing his question, sternly]
You stay away from Xue Yang if you're not well-versed in combat. That man is a criminal from our world. Today, I hunt him down to avenge for the death of my master and the disciples of the Baixue temple.
And you keep Xingchen away from him. As soon as I get up, I'll be with Xingchen shortly to keep him safe.
[as soon he can get up and the painmeds do the work while he has his stitches]
no subject
Seonho had been kind of expecting the worst, but he didn't expect THAT... Is it a good thing this is over the phone so Song Lan can't see Seonho's startled expression? It probably comes through in his voice well enough,]
...I understand. [in that Seonho will stay away -- how can he even begin to understand Song Lan's rage?
Perhaps he can, to some degree. Rage is all Seonho's ever known, but the person who hurt the people he loves most in this life has only ever been himself.]
May your sword be swift, and your judgement resolute. I will stay by Xingchen's side in the meantime.
[he knows death isn't permanent here, but there's no stopping one's anger.]
no subject
But he can't let the death of his Master and disciples slide while Xue Yang lives and breathes, calling the massacre and their torture "fun"]
...You have my thanks, Seanho. I know I'm asking a lot. I'll make it up to you somehow.
[His communication gave a soft click to disconnect. Space, he needs it right now...and time]
delivery; 12/25
I wonder if Christmas is a holiday that's celebrated in Joseon? It isn't one that's known in the Clover Kingdom, so learning of it was certainly an interesting experience. However, it sounds to be a joyous day, so I hope that it has been treating you kindly and that this note finds you in good health.
Please consider this a small token of my appreciation. Perhaps you'll find a use for it someday. But more than its practical aspects, I hope you'll accept it as a symbolic gesture. I believe you're someone worthy of respect and protection, offered with care and consideration, and I hope that the coming year will grant you such blessings.
Wishing you good health and safety,
Yours humbly,
William Vangeance
[ The box, when unwrapped, contains a little wooden dagger in a matching sheath, the perfect size for strapping to a belt or tucking inside a boot. The blade is surprisingly sturdy despite being made of wood, with a decently sharp edge; it won't be much good for self-defense, but it should serve as a utility knife in a pinch. (So now Seonho has no excuse for being unarmed in another flood situation.)
But more than the blade, it's the handle and sheath that are of note. It's a touch ornate, with decorative swirls and little vines built into the cross-guard; the sheath bears similar decorations, along with the carving of a three-leaf clover. It's ... nice. Made with care, just for him. Just like Seonho deserves. ]
every time i open this tag i get smacked in the face with the feels miru
Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary with first few lines (also Vangeance's handwriting is really beautiful, wow. the letter itself is a work of art...), but the rest?
I believe you're someone worthy of respect and protection,
Seonho holds the dagger gently in his hands, tracing the carving of the clover on the handle. It really is fine work, very pretty -- and offered with such sincerity that the entire thing still rattles him even now, seated alone in his room. Looking at Vangeance's gift now, Seonho really might believe those kindly written words. No, he believes in them -- he believes in the knight's intentions, honest and freely offered -- it's just that...
Well. Seonho's been doing rather well, hasn't he? The front he puts on in while living in this town... Sometimes, he catches himself believing in it too. And how can he not, when surrounded by those with hearts as warm as Vangeance's? It makes for a treasured falsehood, and an even more painful truth. He stares at the keen edge of the blade for a long moment, then sheathes it.
He can't help wonder... If he keeps this with him when he goes to bed tonight, then will his dreams plague him a little less? Or will they torture him even more?]
1/1
Good morning, [ is what he says first, retrieving a small jade pendant from a pocket. The pendant is strung on a sturdy red cord, as is the custom in Liyue. ] This is for you.
[ He holds out the necklace to Seonho. There seems to be no way he can refuse this... ]
no subject
...It doesn't explain this apparent gesture though?? Seonho looks at the pendant, one of his hands reflexively reaching out to take it (because that's manners!!), before he looks back up at Zhongli.]
...May I ask why?
[He can't recall anything special he did that requires a gift??? he almost got his ass murdered and Zhongli had to step him to save him??]
no subject
But back to the issue at hand: ]
This is a talisman that will protect you. I have imbued it with an enchantment that will produce a shield if you ever happen to fall into danger.
[ The shield is durable enough to last half an hour once deployed, which gives ample time for Seonho to dial for backup on his smartphone. Zhongli considers this an excellent idea. ]
no subject
...Then I shall humbly accept, and put it to good use.
[he'll accept it with both hands as is proper, and incline his head in an attempt to be respectful and hide his EMBARRASSMENT!!!]
It is a very thoughtful gesture. [he can acknowledge that too,] I am sure the others you've met, or will meet today, will think so as well.
[zhongli please do not tell seonho that he is the only one who gets the emergency 'need ur life saved by zhongli' pendant]
no subject
I would wish that it will remain unused for a long time. But, if it does expend itself, I will restore it as many times as it is necessary.
[ Zhongli would go around giving this to all the people whom he thinks need to be guarded from magic and can't use magic themselves... of which out of the people he knows, Seonho is the only one.
That being said:]
Happy new year. I hope I have not kept you from something urgent.
belated xmas delivery; sometime after the 26th
the delivery is done by none other than trustworthy, steadfast Nue... which is to say, it might actually be pretty fuckin terrifying to hear a knock at your window only to come face-to-face with a big lionbird monster??? where are your braincells, megloomy...
that said, Nue is a good bean. once it's let in, it'll bow its head to reveal a festive little package looped around its neck. free for Seonho to take, obviously.
with that done, Nue flaps away. Seonho will be left with his spoils of not-so-war, which is as follows: ]
(click the letter for your present)