thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

[promittere]

NEW MOON ADAGIO

Between the constant requests from the North and the sense of tension that pervades the manor, Sage Tatara makes an executive decision: we're going North, baby.

Of all the things that have happened thus far, let this be the ultimate test of your magic. Even as we near summer, it's frigid. Protect yourselves and your allies from the cold. Protect yourselves while also fighting off monsters (or other territorial wizards, should you make the terrible mistake of wandering into another's territory), flying through the vast wilderness, or protecting the poor humans who need your help to survive. Time to blow off some of your steam. Just be sure to obey Tatara's one rule: don't kill each other.

One particular problem of note is in the Forest of Dreams. Without its guardian, many of these rogue monsters and dangerous predators, displaced from their normal habitats, have found their way into the forest. Many of them, however, are unable to survive against the fatal toxin, and there are plenty of animal corpses and mana stones that litter the forest. It might be best to clean these up before the forest guardian returns...

That said, the toxin is yet another thing you must protect yourself against in addition to the cold. While you can likely keep yourself from dying from the toxins, you may not be immune to its effects. This deadly toxin causes anyone who breathes it in to dream and hallucinate vividly, be it images of the past, imagined futures, thoughts of the present processed and warped...

Strangely enough, those nearby may end up sharing in your dreams... Did you want the darkest recesses of your thoughts, hopes, and fears unearthed for others to see?

Those who decide to venture far past the more populated (in relative terms) parts of the North may find themselves stumbling upon what looks to be an abandoned bandit hideout. It seems it's been abandoned for quite a while—nothing to loot here, sorry!—but there sure are a whole lot of monsters that have decided to make this hidden corner of the North their home.

While you're at it, you may find a nearby cave. Beautiful crystals dot the walls and the floors, and there are small pools of hot spring water free for relaxing. It seems to be relatively free of monsters, too. So maybe this wouldn't be a bad spot to relax, away from everything else?

However, there's one thing that makes this cave truly unique, and it isn't the vistas or the springs—it's the bats. These bats hear echoes of the past and replay them for visitors. Should you stay a while and listen, a bat may pay you a visit. And when it does, it may play for you the voices from the memories of visitors past, whose stories may hold a clue or two to your circumstances...

While the Forest of Dreams is a memory/dreamshare free for all, the aural memories replayed by the bats in the Cave of Time will come from one of the original wizards only. If you'd like an audio replay of a perhaps significant moment either in their personal life or a clue as to what happened to them (it will be randomized), then please reply to this comment!

JOB BOARD

Clean-up and repairs. While thanks to the hard work of your Eastern friends the worst was prevented, the City of Rain emerged from their short ordeal a little worse for wear.

Buildings need repair, blood needs to be cleaned off the streets, the injured need help. This is, perhaps, the only time you will be allowed to use magic openly in the city (you've been given permits and everything!), but you still are not allowed to talk outside of designated zones. Please, please don't get arrested...

As for the scrap that litters the streets? Unfortunately, you'll have to take it back to the scrapyard. But this time, there's a big, roaring bonfire out there. Just chuck all the scrap and debris in the fire. The city isn't taking any second chances—extreme situations call for extreme measures.

Reverence. Several Northern villages are currently outside the protection of a wizard, and have requested the sage's wizards' presence. They're terrified of the monsters and worried the barriers for their villages will fail sooner than later. They don't simply ask for help for free, however, and these smaller villages are steeped in their tradition—they'll pay you their respects, praying to you, offering you gifts, groveling at your feet, in hopes for a modicum of your time and protection. Do their offerings please you? Then assist them with what you deem appropriate for their worship to you: kill a few monsters for them, or a lot if you're pleased. Strengthen the barrier a lot, or not at all if you're displeased. It's up to you! You have the power here. What's it like to be a god for a day?

Ladies' night. The monthly lady officers' gathering is coming up in the City of Affluence—it's an exclusive meetup for the women involved in and related to Western military and bureaucratic affairs. Anyone is welcome, so long as they meet two requirements: they are outwardly presenting feminine, and they have an invitation to the gathering. Here's your chance to flex your transformation and glamour spells! Infiltrate the meetup with a disguise and a fake invitation, mingle, enjoy the drinks, the jazz, the entertainment, and find out what you can... What's the Western army up to? Be careful, though—don't get caught and kicked out!

The attendees seem to be excited about the new phantasmagoria technology and the upcoming display, and many whisper about the upcoming Venator meteor shower...

G'RAHA TASKS

Greetings, new friends! I am G'raha Tia, and while I hesitate to call myself a mentor or a replacement for the one you had, I am eternally grateful for the assistance I received and will do my best to help your cause in any way I can. To that end, I feel I may need to be caught up to speed on the events and get to know all of you.

We can have some tea and sandwiches and have a discussion! That's the best way to learn, sometimes.

TATARA ACTIVITIES

Even if we're not here for very long, I think we should leave our mark (not literally! Don't paint on the walls!). I got paint and big paper in the dining hall, but no brushes... Do you know what that means? Finger paint! Finger paint a portrait of yourself with your name and I'll hang it up in the library when they're all done!

Thanks to Cid and Khun, my camcorder works now. The thing is, what's the point of filming anything if we have no way to watch the film?! Could you guys work together to make some kind of projector? Or like...VHS player? We could have a movie night together!

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your fourth event! It's your dreamshare and memshare event! Ready to open up with your deepest and darkest secrets?
🌙 We're halfway through the game. How do you feel?
🌙 Back at the manor, Kurapika and Maya have set up a bulletin board! Leave comments, argue with your neighbors, have fun. Be nice. Don't set it on fire.
🌙 On the admin side of things, Lav has swapped out Wanderer for G'raha! Please say hello to your new mentor NPC.
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting to the post, and remember to check back frequently, since not everyone checks plurk or discord all the time.
🌙 The next country to go on their mission is North. Do you think a PVP-enabled mission will go well?

» NAVIGATION

Comments

[foresightis2020]

[ So it does.

Jing Yuan watches Solomon's tactics still with great interest, getting further insight as to what his battle tactics are like when he is truly unhindered. Notable is it that he doesn't advance upon those trying to pick up the dead because he can imagine how easily it'd be for him to do so. Kick them while they're down, so to speak.

It's impressive that he doesn't stop for nothing; but he never delights in the carnage he makes in his wake.

But, Solomon's questions also attract his attention, enough to briefly tear his eyes from the sight, even if he looks back to catch Solomon's start of exhaustion...

...Alone. How long has Solomon been at it all by his lonesome, he wonders...? And then there are his words, spoken with such conviction. So his smile is a little wry as he speaks. ]

Mm. I believe it too.

Even if it should not come at a great cost, it feels as if in your world this clash was bound to occur. If not by you, it could very well have been by whenever they decided it was time to try to reign over humans, if their hold was not already so tightly over them already.

And if that should be the case, I believe that humans would need a champion to defend them from that which would only continue to take from them.

Though, I wish you had others to have support your cause...I can see here that you are starting to tire.

[impacter]

[His exhale is slow at that. Yes, he can see it, too. He remembers this fight well enough. Even as it starts to draw to what he knows is its inevitable end, when the break between the waves has grown so great that he has time to pause and think out in the deadlands left behind from the carnage.]

They don't need a champion. [A quiet correction.] They just need each other.

If I can help make sure they can choose what way they wish to trace their lives, without something else guiding their hand without their direct request, then I can weather plenty of tiresome nights.

[It's as that reflection of Solomon retreats, out onto the valley, that he suddenly vanishes in a brilliant array. Starting from the point of his departure and spreading outward, the field blossoms in shades of green and vibrant red and deep, dark blues, of pinks and yellows - plants not of the human realm, but of somewhere else entirely, spreading out on the field of death like water finding it's way through a crack and soaking in.

Solomon hums at the sight, nostalgic, even as the colors start to fade, whiting out to snowy surroundings in swirls of color.]

They call this Victory Day in their kingdom. The day that the sorcerer, who fought seven days and nights, suddenly vanished without a trace.

[foresightis2020]

[ Inevitable it seems indeed, at least even to Jing Yuan who is merely a spectator to it all without having known the trajectory of the events in its end.

The correction only has him look back over at Solomon, but not offended by it at all. ]

...You truly do have great faith in them, don't you?

[ Others claiming to guide humanity would certainly show less faith in their independence. But, not Solomon. ]

It makes me have no reason to doubt your intentions.

[ Jing Yuan watches the sudden change though, a bit confused at how it even happens. That is not how he has been expecting it will end. Though, it seems also relatively ominous.

Even if it means it signals the end of it at all in the first place. For a moment they have a reprieve from the showcasing of memories playing before their eyes, even as, when he tears his gaze away from what had been shown, to Solomon, the surroundings seem to have begun to shift again. In preparation for the next, perhaps.

So, quickly, Jing Yuan asks: ]

...What happened? Why did you suddenly disappear?

[impacter]

[He doesn't respond at first, though there's a shift in his body language, in how tired he allows himself to look in the honesty of his smile. A strange moment of reprise, in hearing words like that from another without a caveat tacked on.]

Yes. I really do.

[Some might call it treating them like children or self-righteousness. Some might call him no better than a demon or a god. But to mitigate the unknown in his own ways, so that humanity could thrive in balance... it was a role he felt a purpose in playing.

At the final question, he lets out a bright laugh as he shakes his head.]

Frankly? I can't remember anymore.

Perhaps I thought my message had been made clear enough.

[Perhaps the carnage had a limit, when his goal was not eradication.]

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan watches the exhaustion etch itself onto Solomon's face with that honesty and there's a moment where he feels a little wrapped up in it. Just like how he had been when he spoke those words:

I believe that is something worth fighting for. ]

Perhaps so.

That is why I doubt you would have wished to cause mayhem simply for the sake of doing so, and would have endeavored to cause as less carnage as possible. I saw the way you strode through it all efficiently, yet not cruelly.

[ Jing Yuan says, and then there is a moment where he pauses, still glancing upon that face, with the hints of cold visited harshly upon it. He then raises a hand to aim to lightly rest it upon one shoulder. ]

Just remember:

The path you weave need not be a lonely one even here, Solomon.

I know that you certainly have been—

[ Whatever he is about to say is suddenly dulled with the sound of memories suddenly converging upon them, revealing some memories that begin light, and may be briefly alighted by fire and brimstone. Though, this time, there is nothing like the ability to move around so freely. Only just watch until the end has come to pass. ]

[impacter]

[He doesn't speak to Jing Yuan's words, past that same tired smile that loses some of its mirth, eyes that trace down slightly at the path this conversation seems to trend.

And then their space swirls up again in unfamiliar shades, and they are rendered into silence.

It's a familiar story. A crushingly unfortunate story. Cliche, perhaps, in beats, of the student who must fight the master. He sees the dedication to the craft, the admiration of his superior, the words that stuck like burrs to the fabric of his soul in the paces of his training. Feeling and focus in rotation, the highs of determination, the lows of hesitance. The hard lessons, and unfortunate truths exposed.

And, ultimately, the worst case scenario unfolding. Whether in his control or not, some things could simply not be undone. And to remember the wish of the ones so deeply cared for, above the wishes and sentiment of yourself... it shows a heart forged fully in those beliefs. To honor until the end, to show respect to what possibly could just be the corpse, the memory, the shadow, of that which he'd once loved.

...

The silence settles as the memory dies back to white. And Solomon has to take a moment, memories of his own so raw in the opposite direction that shake the exhale that pushes out of his throat, eyes settling closed to center himself with a tightened brow.

But it's a moment he needs, and only that, before he lifts a hand to meet the arm against his shoulder, a careful and chilled touch. Loose, gentle, the careful weight of condolence.]

...

She would have been proud of your choice.

[As a teacher himself... it would serve him no greater joy than to know his apprentice had so faithfully committed to not only his teachings, but their own strength of heart.]

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan is not the type of person who is easily surprised by much; even with the memories being put on display, he finds himself not inclined to feel like his world has been sent off-kilter. Instead, other emotions swirl up inside of him until they abruptly evaporate—the sort of startingly calm emptiness that seems to crawl in from a void.

There is a strange pain in his heart at his earlier memories being shown without his permission. It isn't like he has anything to hide, but he certainly doesn't go around telling personal things about himself.

(Is it a weakness, for someone to look upon, and see hints of his hesitance? To see any of that? He almost feels himself bristle at the thought. But, even that feels unreasonable with Solomon's actions, and he decides he simply feels tired.

Things will never turn to what they will be, and the void within his heart feels deeper for it. The warmth of that hand feels painfully dizzying even if he knows it will be temporary; and he thinks he might have simply smiled, in the past and agreed, moving past the subject.

For once, he feels himself lean tentatively into comfort, laid gentle upon him by Solomon's hand, by those simple words.) ]

Mm.

I suppose you would be correct.

[ Jing Yuan says, though it feels like he's a little distant from where he is when he does. The story doesn't end there. Because of course it doesn't.

Anyone he considered dear to him at that time had all been gone, and the weight of the remembrance of that loneliness feels suffocating. ]

It is a weight that seems inevitable. Perhaps...time and time again, given that it is my turn to pass onto teachings myself. Though, it might be unreasonable to hope that my own student might never have to face the difficult choice I had done so alone.

But, if he must, then so he shall.

...Even if it means that for certain, not everyone should have to walk along a path so solitary at every turn. That is what you have been doing even now, since you have been out here for quite awhile yourself, is it not?

[impacter]

[His smile in return just barely reaches his eyes. But he doesn't answer the question, politely turning his gaze away at the request.]

The most a master can do for their apprentice is lead them to become the best version of themselves, so that they may have as many tools as they can to forge the best of the life they've given.

It does not make the problems they face easier, nor does it help them avoid it entirely. All one can hope for is that their strength serves them in the moments it is needed.

[His own composure flickers - a tension at the brow, at the lips, downcast eyes deepening with a regret he just barely swallows down.]

We must trust them, no matter how we feel about our teachings. And we must accept what comes of their choices, good or bad.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan sees the way the man turns his gaze away, though he is wholly unsurprised. If it were that simple to get him to change his mind, to make a divergence from the path he has traveled for so long, he would have not been out here by his lonesome for however long, no?

So, at this, a slight smile comes upon his face all the same (tending towards more wry than not), and he moves a hand to reach into his pocket, bringing both hands back as he closes both around his own — as well as the materials.

But he waits until Solomon has finished speaking to say anymore, including the incantation under his breath. ]

I have already reconciled with myself the fact that there is no other option but to trust in the results of my teaching to who I choose to.

Such is the nature of this matter, despite what I ultimately desire to become of my own efforts.

It seems that I am not the only one who has experienced in teaching others, judging your own words, but I am not surprised, given what we have discussed previous. If there is something on the matter you wish to speak upon or hope to get off of your chest, I will not mind listening.

But, I will understand if you do not wish to impart such things either.

[ Jing Yuan has caught the bit of regret, though ultimately, even as he leaves that out there for the other to also potentially ignore, he circles back to something he has been wishing to address properly. ]

In that case, I would like to ask if you plan to stay even longer in this forest after the task has been finished for today?

[impacter]

You're right. I don't wish it.

[It's too raw, and he's too exhausted, and the poison of this place is too dangerous. It is not a place he wants to be emotionally vulnerable, taxed, outside of his control.

And yet, he still hesitates, reddened hands drawing up to his cloak to tighten it against the breeze that coaxes through the space. Almost a voice, almost, like the temptation of another memory to swirl to the surface.

...]

It never gets easier, to watch the paths an apprentice takes. That's all.

[He sees you asking the same question in a different fashion, sir...]

If there are no further mana stones, then no, I don't plan to linger any longer. Other things need attention.

[foresightis2020]

[ The chill is biting, even more than it has any right to be, even if it is some place in the North. It is now not unlike the frigid temperature of the Shackling Prison, and even Jing Yuan dislikes it this much. ]

I see...I understand the sentiment.

[ Unsurprising, considering what he himself said, or what he witnessed. But, in sharp comparison, even if another breeze arrives, Jing Yuan does not even shiver. Though he feels the sting of the cold all the same, but it feels like almost nothing; it is the internal whiplash that has him a little dizzy. ]

I have no intention of staying all that long here myself. As we have both witnessed, it is quite merciless to reveal to both of us what shouldn't...

[ ...He looks towards where they had come instead, before back at Solomon. ]

We should make our way back for the moment. But...

...it is likely that heading up to the North will not be a one-time event given where our tasks are centralized.

[ He has noticed, that while he has seen fit to cover his hands, Solomon hasn't done the same. Once his hands move from where they are settled, the material has been transformed into white gloves, and a white scarf, which he will hold out to him. ]

Which is why you should be more prepared. Otherwise, you'll give cause for others to worry about you.

1/2

[impacter]

I imagine not. But--

[...

He doesn't quite finish his thought as Jing Yuan holds out his hands. Ah... he'd thought the incantation had been for warmth. What in the world was he...]

/2

[impacter]

[He's hesitant. Another wizard's signature... would that shift anything? Would it be a benefit or a detriment? Another tracker, perhaps?? Maybe it could give him another chance to--

...

His thoughts fly, but only briefly. He is tired. So tired. And the act of chiding kindness puts a pin in the plans of his head.]

Mm.

[His demeanor deflates, just briefly. A look of shame, a momentary inner scolding, that has its place and fades into exhaustion.]

...Yes, I... suppose you have a point.

[He reaches over to take the winter wear from Jing Yuan's hands cautiously, the white stark against the cold bite of red from his skin. A sign he was not infallible. A sign he was human.]

I'm sorry, if that is what I've done for you as well.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan himself hasn't been out here all that long, but the toll of having one's personal memories, and certainly a number of vulnerable points alongside the pain of loss and uncertainty is indeed...something he is struggling with.

(Jingliu's situation is more complex than what can be revealed in even these memories. The final chapter left disturbingly open, to great consequence, or great benefit.)

But, he can't help himself, wanting to do what he did, and being able to still keep his heart open all the same. He smiles again when the other takes what he has to give, though it's a smaller, and weaker facsimile of his usual ones. Still, it is genuine all the same. ]

There is nothing to forgive.

...Though partially I say that because I am a rather forgiving man. [ His eyes twinkle a bit in mirth as he slides in a little tease. ] But, I can say for certain that my words are nothing less than the truth, as long as you remember to take care, that is. I will be rather cross with you otherwise.

...With that said, let us go make our walk back in earnest.

I can even tell you a bit more about my current student too, if you're amenable. We've seen much too many heavy things as of late, and I can assure you that you may find it to your interest.

[ Jing Yuan's tone is light, because he thinks it might benefit them. Or so he hopes. ]

[impacter]

[A smile quirks at his lips.]

With how often you outwit me in chess, I'd have to have some guts to underestimate you, wouldn't I?

[It won't turn him from his decisions, or from the fact that while he doesn't mind the time together, he cannot stay. But though he acts despite the negative reception, it's an important pause for him, to be kept accountable for his own well being.

It happens so rarely, to see it from another person... let alone one who has seen what Jing Yuan has.]

I would be honored to hear some stories from you. [A pause, his hands clenching at the fabric still between his hands. His fingers are stiff, and even maneuvering one of the gloves the right direction feels like a large task, his fine motor skills dampened by the chill.] Though, before that... If I could borrow of your generosity for a moment...

[He reaches up to pull the hood of his cloak down to his shoulders.]

May I ask that you make sure I put these on appropriately? I'm going to lose them in the wind, at this rate.

[It's a light and joking tone - alluding in jest to him being careless, to hide a request for help in his vulnerability.]

[foresightis2020]

[ At the question, there is...perhaps another twinkle in his eyes at that, even if his smile remains the way it does — no verbal answer required, but tacit agreement is verily there.

In the end, all he can hope is for Solomon to be safe. The man endeavors to work hard; he better heed his words, or he will have a giant lecture on his hands. Speaking of which, it appears that the other man will certainly have need for him to lend one (or two.) To which he is glad to leap at the opportunity. ]

Ah, but of course...I will be more than happy to assist you, Solomon.

[ Jing Yuan's voice is soft, but gentle as he reaches and then he adds, light-hearted: ]

...After all, it would be quite a shame if something were to happen to such skilled hands, would it not?

[ He thinks back to when he imparted to the man that baby grand piano, so it is not a comment that is unwarranted, he thinks. Jing Yuan is also pretty much indulging Solomon in the jocular tone with ease.

That said, Jing Yuan is careful in his assistance of helping ensure that those gloves are able to be slipped on in place. When it seems that Solomon's grip may falter, his own hand is there to steady it, or sliding over Solomon's fingers to assist in tugging along the glove so it settles snugly over each hand as it should. ]

That should do just fine.

[impacter]

Mm? Don't go complimenting me, now, Jing Yuan. It might all go to my head.

[It's nice, though. A little back and forth, the warmth that comes from it.

He lets his stiff and cracked hands stay pliant, letting Jing Yuan take the lead where his own strength is lacking. It's slightly embarrassing for something so small. But he lets his hands flex gently within the confines of the gloves, even as he slips the scarf around his neck and folds it just so, an easy means to cover his face in a pinch if needed.

It's strange, to have a signature that isn't his own so close to his face like this. But it isn't entirely bad, he thinks. It makes the memory easier to recall, with the trace of Jing Yuan's magic like a fragrance on the air. Like the scent of a loved one on a coat or a blanket.

Mm.]

...These are well done. You managed this with your magic while we stood here?

[foresightis2020]

[ Now that just makes something like a swirl of amusement rise up from within Jing Yuan. ]

Oh no, it appears I may have already just done so. So, indeed, I have to wonder...whatever shall I do?

[ Jing Yuan's tone is decidedly, unrepentantly playful. It's...almost strange he can even manage that, but somehow also freeing, and most certainly enjoyable. Feeling the way the other man's hands are against his even through the gloves feels like such a privilege, as silly as that might sound.

There is also a part of him that feels something like undeniable triumph for Solomon to be wearing clothes he made. ]

I certainly did. I have endeavored to practice magic every day, though it does help that this is something of a specialty amongst those assigned to the West.

[ Having more latent talent/skill in altering clothing via magic, transformation, and manipulation magic in general. He seems even more proud at hearing the compliment, however, rare as that is. ]

I am just happy that you like them, even if I had already thought that they would be quite suitable for you.

[impacter]

[Oh, Jing Yuan does have some sass in those old bones of his. Good to know. He chuckles lightly, pulling the scarf up slightly over his upturned lips, letting brassy eyes sharpen like that of a cat up to no good.]

What else, but to prepare for the consequences. [Consequences being: enabling him.] For Solomon the Wise thinks your efforts are commendable.

[He doesn't need to be dramatic. But the playful nature takes edge off the seriousness they had both dwelled in mere minutes ago.]

Do it too much, though, and I may start to wonder what your intentions are.

[foresightis2020]

[ Oh, Jing Yuan certainly does have sass. Boy does he have it in spades, reserved for only particular people and situations indeed. Though this is the far, far more pleasant type instead of the biting he reserves explicitly for his enemies — or those who earn themselves a rare spot on his bad side.

But, he most certainly likes the way those eyes look — mischievous and as if he is up to something oh-too-terrible. Perhaps that is in line with the core type of person he feels inclined towards — bad, bad boys who need to be punished. ]

Is that so? Well, my dear Solomon the Wise, you must know that The Divine Foresight always is prepared for the consequences of his actions.

[ He chuckles, even with the severity of what they had witnessed just scarcely at the edge of their fingertips, and not something that can be diminished even so, this is a moment in which can truly be still grasped. Hand in hand, even with the ultimate destination still an unknown with the future still only a cloudy one.

He steps closer, extending a hand to boldly reach for one of Solomon's briefly. ]

...To that end, I will invite you to discover thoroughly what those intentions are, as I also do not intend to pay you only one well-received compliment.

I have oft wondered as of late, what kind of expression might color your face when you are given what you deserve.

[impacter]

[Ah, honey and poison all at once, like the words of a servant of hell, bewitching and twisted. He can't help but take it apart in his mind, letting Jing Yuan take his free hand but leaving it pliant, as though testing him.]

Do you intend to find that out for yourself along the way?

I don't tend to care highly for the thoughts of the divine, after all.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan uses that opportunity to tug him even closer, fingers curling possessively around that hand so that when he steps forward, their faces are hardly that much farther apart. Solomon's words are like kindling, and the result of offering such temptation has ensured that it's been lit alight. ]

Such disrespect.

I'll be more than happy to alter that state of mind...

[ No uncertainties. His words are uttered with nothing but firmness. He remembers, still, that soon enough the others will be on their mission, will they not? And, of course, that if Solomon should perish...

...Jing Yuan will not leave anything to chance.

Fate has never been kind to him, and ever since that day wreathed in fire—or the one encased in frigid ice—he has not found himself hesitant in making himself clear what he wants, even if his heart has still yet to fully travel the end result of this trajectory. But he knows himself well. ]

...And make you only think of me, even when we are apart. So, if you are unafraid—if you still are as brave as I have witnessed you be, meet me the rest of the way there, Solomon. For then, after this little taste—this preview—there will be more.

[ With that said, Jing Yuan moves even daringly closer—if Solomon wishes to test him, if he wishes to provoke him, he will more than happily find out if he can meet him head on—and so aims to see if he is able to briefly press his lips against the other's. ]

[impacter]

[He lets himself be pulled in closer in the tense game of cat and mouse. But his head turns to the side when Jing Yuan gets too close, Solomon's gloved hand quickly raising to firmly rest against the other's lips. His smile has quickly vanished.]

I am not something to conquer.

[His line in the sand. Even though his pulse races a bit faster, and the space between them doesn't feel bad... there is still an air to the challenge that rubs at Solomon the wrong way, made raw by his exhaustion.

He exhales slowly, trying to settle his composure.

...]

Your soul is bold, Jing Yuan. But... this is neither the time, nor the place. You know that.

[A slight turn back. His hand still does not budge, but his eyes lid with exhaustion.]

...Collect your thoughts. Speak to me like a man first, unless you do not plan to treat me as one. Learn more of me than just a chess game or an unfortunate story, and let me hear your own.

But... please. Do not try to do this again. [Do not force this on him. If in this, only in this, let him stay human in his respect.] I've had enough unrequested advances for more than a lifetime.

[foresightis2020]

[ Well, this isn't exactly the first time he has managed to misread the kind of air or where things happened to be heading in terms of something as delicate as this.

Though, he certainly has a different approach to things that he is seeing has more or less ended up causing quite a bit of a misunderstanding. To the point where he thinks it is certainly upon him to clear it up right away.

He too does not quite move, just yet. ]

My apologies, Solomon.

I do want to make it clear that I do not merely see you as something to be conquered. I would also never wish to do something to you that you do not want.

I will confess that it was entirely on me for not being careful enough.

[ He certainly won't go ahead and try that again right now. He hopes Solomon can definitely believe that, even if it was definitely on him for mistaking that little test for him wishing to prove his interest to this extent. ]

I earnestly do and have enjoyed your company. This has not changed, even now.

[ To that end, the last thing he wishes to do is make him believe that he sees him as less than that. Or sincerely uncomfortable, though it is most certainly a bit too late for the latter. With this, he does gently let go out of his hand, and step back to give Solomon space. ]

With that said, if you are still amenable, my earlier offer remains, as it is, on the table.

[ He means in reference to the conversation about his student and the like; proving, perhaps his head isn't exactly in the clouds or otherwise empty. Though he will not begrudge Solomon for thinking otherwise of him. ]

[impacter]

[The space is welcome, if only for letting him unravel some of the tension he wasn't aware had climbed up his spine. Save for the escalation... it really had been a very exhilarating moment, and he can feel the slight heat to his face and neck left behind from it all. It's a shame.

He gives the apology its time and attention, hand idling against the edge of the scarf closest to his mouth as though he might be able to hide behind it. He lets it sit, lets it sit more, before finally letting out another sigh.]

Intentions or otherwise, your actions will speak louder. I will be the judge of that.

[So apology sort of... accepted. So long as Jing Yuan shows he means it? Maybe he can try that again, on a day that isn't quite so cold and poisonous.

...

He clears his throat, pulling his hood further over his head as he motions for Jing Yuan to follow him.]

Quickly, then. I'd rather not let this forest play any more tricks on our hearts.

You wanted to talk about your student, right? What is it that you teach?