Masks surprise at seeing his clothes and appearance yet approaches him and nods his head politely without letting him out of his sight and keeping his hand inconspicuously near his sword. "Greetings, warrior. May I ask who are you and.. whose kingdom is this?" (apologies, doesn't really count as an advice but: for the lolz XD)
As was his habit in these recent years, Lan Wangji traveled often alone to the furthest villages of the Gusu Lan Sect territory and assisted whenever they requested it. Travelers along the road were not an uncommon sight, especially leading to the port towns along the river that flowed downward to the sea. It was on his return journey to the retreat of his Sect in the heights of the mountains stretching above that he came upon a stranger.
This man is different than any others he had encountered, and Lan Wangji spares a glance his way even as he was still distant from him and walking his opposing direction on the road. He was imposingly tall with hair a shade he had never laid eyes on before and dressed outlandishly, and carrying himself in an impressive way. There was something about this man that Lan Wangji cannot place - but it is the same feeling he has around the Immortal ones, the cultivators who achieved such a strong cultivation base that they achieved the highly sought status of immortality.
Curious, but unwilling to disregard such a mysterious man as they cross paths, Lan Wangji calmly stops and steps to the side of the road to allow the man ample room for passage. He wears his sword at his hip even as he carries his own in his hand.
The question asked of him gives him plenty more of his own, but he does not ask them. His lack of common, customary greeting certainly marks him as a foreigner, and he cannot begin to imagine from where and what trade it was that brought him here. However, he is disinclined to make such corrections to a foreigner or hold it against him.
“Greetings,” he answers unobtrusively. “This is Gusu, of Suzhou. I am Hanguang-Jun, of the Gusu Lan Sect.” He pauses, watching the face and expression of the man before him. “You are unfamiliar with this region,” he conjectures. Even if he is lost, he seems like he could take care of himself. “What is your destination?”
The stranger’s face is indeed fair and speaks of nobility, the one given by more than blood, gold, and pride. In some odd way he’s almost reminded of a young Turukàno. A sharp lance of pain stings his chest at the memories that such a thought brings, yet he dispels them. Had not been for the man’s features, that remind Maedhros faintly of Bor’s people he might be one of the Edain. The white robes he wears are touched on the brim by fine embroidery and the sword he bears, even though its metal shines pristine, is clearly more well cared for than unused. This man might be weary, but is most definitely unafraid of him for good reasons.
While Hanguang-Jun speaks Maedhros concentrates as much on the smells carried by the wind as on his words. Still the breeze speaks of mountain air and something akin to the aromatic resin Bor’s people burnt during their rituals, albeit more refined. There is no sign of the sweetish decay that might accompany one touched by Morgoth or Thauron. Not that those are he only ones he should be wary of, as the last battle showed all too well.
Smiling faintly, more for politeness than to make this stranger at ease, Maedhros inclines his head once more. “A star shines on the hour of our meeting, Hanguang-Jun of the Gusu Lan Sect. Forgive me if I have mispronounced your name but, as you understood, I am indeed a stranger in this land. My name is Maedhros of the house of Fëanor.”
The words ‘Lord of Himring’ are almost on his tongue and they taste of bile as he swallows them. Despite his relaxed expression the Noldo’s eyes are focused on any flicker of expression or awareness that might show in Hanguang-Jun’s gaze. If this is an enemy of his it would mean that he is not far from Ossiriand and what is left of his people.
“I seek to reunite with my people in Ossiriand.” It would be unwise to let this stranger know how utterly lost he truly is.
