REN 仁

金人书 JIN RENSHU Ruling Lord of Sea Dragon Point. Knight of the North's Kingsguard. ( mobile navigation )

[jin-renshu]

♛ → YI TI / THE NORTH present YANG LI JIN RENSHU “REN”, the FIRST SON OF THE GOD-EMPEROR OF YI TI RULING LORD OF SEA DRAGON POINT, KNIGHT OF THE NORTH’S KINGSGUARD. when the dragons danced in the sky they thought the BLACKS would still fly, but in the blink of an eye, they would all die. the THIRTY-ONE year old MALE who was MERCIFUL & INTROSPECTIVE before they saw the first of the flames, is now SOLITARY & CONFLICTED after seeing the last. they’re often associated with an injustice that burdens with dishonor, the unlit candles of a quiet temple, and hidden amulets to remind him of a past he should never forget. ( ni han jin )  

GENERAL INFORMATION:

NAME: Jin Renshu "Ren" (Real name: Yang Li)

AGE: Thirty-one (Born May 7th, 113 AC)

STATUS: Ruling Lord of Sea Dragon Point, Knight of the Northern Kingsguard (First-born son of the God-Emperor of Yi Ti)

MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried

RELIGION: The YiTish faith (The Maiden-made-of-Light and the Lion-of-Night)

VIRTUES: Introspective, Merciful, Disciplined, Adaptable, Kind & Protective

VICES: Jaded, Conflicted, Secretive, Solitary, Guilty & Emotionally distant

BACKGROUND:

His real name is Yang Li. He was born the firstborn son of the 17th God-Emperor of the Yang Dynasty, the lineage of the Azure Emperors. Li was raised as a venerated member of the imperial family alongside his siblings: Shan, Kang, and Ran. As tradition would have it, his father also had relationships with imperial concubines. His father's favorite one was Kuang Lan Fan, the only woman with whom the God-Emperor had children besides his wife. And so Li also developed a close relationship with those half-siblings: Nuo, Xiuying, and Jing.

Bastard children are not frowned upon in YiTish culture as they are in Westeros. However, there was always a clear distinction between the imperial princes and princesses, and those children the concubine bore to the God-Emperor. Li and his siblings were treated as more sacred than anyone else, revered as those meant to continue the divine bloodline of the God-Emperor.

The three trueborn sons of the God-Emperor received the same formal training their father had before them. They were sent to master the art of combat and military strategy in Rongyao, the land that bred some of the best soldiers in the empire. They also had tutors to sharpen their minds in philosophy, religious practices, history, governance, and laws. It was seen as auspicious that Li would one day rise to succeed their father as God-Emperor, and that he would have his two brothers as his closest advisors. Li, Shan, and Kang would be the first triumvirate of brothers in many years, the last one when the Yang family rose to rule as the Azure dynasty. It was also deemed a sign of change and rebirth for the empire.

Li's younger brother, the second-born son named Shan, developed a particular affinity towards their father's spiritual advisor, Haoran. He was a man of the faith from the Shaonu region, one with the strongest of holds in the faith, and what the mythical past held for the future. For years, Haoran filled Shan's mind with tales of the glory of past God-Emperors as the true descendants of the YiTish deities. All of the God-Emperor's children grew up believing in their near divinity, but none held on to the idea of being a man close to godhood as much as Shan did. That was the beginning of the divide that began to form between the once-close brothers.

Despite the love the two brothers had, Shan couldn’t help but find shortcomings in Li’s behavior and personality, seeing in Li a crown prince who lacked the iron fist that a god walking on earth should possess. What Shan envisioned as a brighter, stronger future for the Golden Empire of Yi Ti, trumped the familial bond that once held tight between the two.

In the year 131 AC, as the God-Emperor sent his three sons to a military campaign against the Shizi dissidents, one son passed judgment against another when the oath to follow the God-Emperor's orders was broken. Li’s refused to burn the town of Ludi to the ground, seeing no reason to crush a town that had all but surrendered already. That was when Shan openly questioned the crown prince’s leadership. Brother fought against brother, first with words and then with swords. It has become one of Li’s greatest shames that he was defeated by his little brother that day, failing in more ways than one. He failed to live up to what he was meant to be. Strong, undefeated, steadfast. He failed to deliver a deadly blow, and that hesitation, that weakness in his heart, led him to be left for dead among the burning town of Ludi. He's carried in his conscience the hundreds of lives lost as Shan commanded the military forces that once served Li, to turn the whole town to ash.

Li was aided by Xue, a healer who remained loyal to him and helped him flee, and the handful of survivors from Ludi to find shelter in the monastery of Binan. There, Li convalesced for weeks. It was from Xue that he learned about the fate of Ludi and that his brother had falsely claimed Li’s demise in the attack, styling himself the new crown prince. It was said that God-Emperor mourned his firstborn son for nine days and nine nights, as was tradition, and didn't hesitate to anoint his second as his heir after that.

Li made Xue and as well as the priests and priestesses of the monastery swear secrecy about his survival, fearing they could jeopardize their safety if they spoke the truth. They vowed to remember the truth and to speak it when he commanded, when he could amass a following that could challenge his brother’s lie. However, the shame of his defeat, the guilt over the fate of Ludi, and the hurt over his brother’s betrayal had cut him too deeply to consider ever returning to claim his rightful place.

Li adopted the name Jin Renshu after that (often going just by Ren), and he crafted a version of his past in which he hails from the region of Wan rather than the imperial city of Yin. In Wan, he learned about the stories of YiTish folk going to Westerosi kingdom of the North, and the idea was planted in his mind to go there.

Ren moved about Essos for a couple of years, working as a soldier and as a bodyguard, earning enough to rebuild his life and be able to travel across the Narrow Sea. It was in the year 135 AC that he finally reached the Northern realm and was welcomed into the service of King Owen due to his combat and military skill. Slowly but surely, he rose in ranks and developed a bond of respect and trust with the Northern king and Prince Adam, becoming one of the Black cloaks: the members of the Northern Kingsguard.

Through the Yuan family, King Owen established a relationship of trade with the regions of Wan and Shizi over the past years. Northern soldiers began travelling to assist the two regions in upholding their independence against the centralized power of Yin. Through that connection, and some news he's heard from Yuan Anya, he's become aware that a stronger opposition has been rising against his family’s rule. Ren hasn't yet considered returning to his home; however, still weighed down by his past and holding his new responsibilities in the North: as Ruling Lord of Sea Dragon Point, many depend on him now. The region became a safe haven for many during the war against the Umbers and has continued to settle as an area in the North that welcomes all, but especially those with YiTish who have found themselves as outcasts in other places.

Ren's standing in the North became more uncertain after he killed Lady Meera Karstark née Umber while he believed he was protecting the late Queen Rosalyn Stark.

PERSONALITY:

Ren is a man who has been shaped by exile, by duty, and his inner fracture: he was once revered as near-divine, and his life experiences have humbled him, as he now quietly atones for his guilt, his shame, and dishonor. Beneath his calm, disciplined exterior lies a haunted soul wrestling with profound guilt, spiritual fear, and the crushing weight of a failed destiny. He fears his bloodline, and his greatest fear is becoming what his brother became: ruthless in his determination and blind in his faith. There is an instinct for justice and compassion that has existed within him since he was younger, which has been sharpened by his exposure to Northern lords and the King in the North. He is a principled individual that tends to consider the safety and wellbeing of many, though he is undeniably prone to secrecy and some hesitation. All in all, he exists in a liminal space: between the East and the West, between his past and his present, between the prince he was and the soldier he became. Ren ultimately has been searching for redemption and belonging, for a sense of serenity that has eluded him for many years.

[emberxwolf]

astrid’s mouth curved at his refusal, a flicker of something amused, and faintly disappointed, passing through her eyes. “no intention?” she echoed, feigning surprise. “how disciplined of you.” she tilted her head, studying him from beneath her lashes as if he were a puzzle she meant to solve before the night was through. “it’s a birthday, not a battlefield. i promise my brother won’t take your head off for sport. only your pride.” she gave a shrug of her shoulders, a teasing grin upon her face.

at his quiet insistence that he wasn’t brooding, her grin softened just a touch. “observing,” she repeated, rolling the word over her tongue. “that’s a kinder name for it, i suppose.” her gaze drifted briefly back to owen’s laughter, to the rush of bodies and cheers. astrid had never been good at sitting idly by and observing anything, except a hunt, but that was different. she didn’t much see people the same way. “well, as you can see, the north doesn’t observe very often. it throws itself in, breaks a rib or two, and calls it bonding.” she glanced at him again, sharper now but not unkind. “you stand like a man expecting judgment instead of joy.”

his suggestion that she expected amusement from him elicited a low laugh escaped her. “oh, i won’t deny that i enjoy a spectacle,” she said lightly. “but if i wanted simple entertainment, i’d wager on which clansman lasts longest against my brother.” her eyes held his then, clear and bright. “i asked because you look like you’re bracing for something that isn’t coming.” no tonight. astrid wasn’t privy to everything happening around her, but she knew that a night like tonight was not one for settling grievances. for the most part.

she stepped half a pace closer, not enough to crowd him, only enough to let her voice slip beneath the swell of cheers. “does it?” she murmured, one brow lifting faintly. “well, if you’re going to stand there and watch so closely, it’s only fair you give it a go.” her gaze drifted deliberately across the hall, lingering on the southern lords who had already thrown themselves into the ring and been soundly humbled for their efforts. her lips curved, faint and knowing. “there’s a different sort of strength in the north, after all.”

her eyes returned to him then, pale and sharp as winter light through ice. “perhaps i am bored of watching the same men fall the same way,” she admitted, tone edged with wry amusement. “or perhaps i do indeed want to be amused, my lord.” the faintest challenge flickered there, subtle but unmistakable. “either way, it would be a shame to let the night pass without discovering which.”

[jin-renshu]

The Lord of Sea Dragon Point remained silent when she spoke of his discipline. Somehow, her words didn't sound like praise, but neither did they ring like mockery. There was something subtle, almost self-conscious about the way he held her gaze. His discipline wasn't something he donned for the evening. It had been demanded of him since he could remember. It had shaped him long before he set foot in Westeros. As a soldier, it not only set him apart, but also gave him purpose when honor no longer did, for the latter had escaped through his fingers. If she meant it as a tease, he simply accepted it as the truth of what he was.

“It is not about that,” he said quietly. “It is not about pride”. The princess could easily dismiss the night's events as harmless sport and simple fun. His gaze briefly moved toward the ring where the Northern king laughed and wrestled with a clansman. Jin Renshu had been treated with a sort of polite neglect for the majority of his years in the North. That changed after Meera Karstark's death. He was now tolerated by some, judged by many, and accepted by very few. It was best to navigate the court undetected, without so many eyes on him, without the kind of whispers that also affected the people of Sea Dragon Point as a result.

The princess' demeanor intrigued him. In a way, Ren could tell she was challenging him not because he was weak, but because he was holding back. Was he that easy to read? Or perhaps Astrid Stark simply had a keener eye and paid enough attention tonight.

When she moved closer, he did not step back. Instead, he studied her with quiet curiosity and a small measure of caution. He wasn't quite sure what to expect from this conversation, what the princess wanted from him, or from the evening in general. Ren not only weighed the challenge, but also the person delivering it. For a moment, it almost felt he was speaking to someone he was more familiar with, for the hall roared around them, yet the space of their conversation felt oddly contained.

Ren looked beyond her, seeing how Owen Stark finished yet another match. The crowd erupted in cheers as their king amassed another victory for the night. Who else would step in to have a go? His gaze returned to meet Astrid's eyes. He didn't fully believe she was debating between boredom and amusement. He thought she did know exactly which it was that guided her actions. “I think,” he said, glancing down at the cup in his hand, “I need another drink before we discover which it is”. His guarded expression shifted slightly, something almost amused touched his features. “May I get you a drink as well, your grace? You may continue to convince me to step into that brawl afterwards”.

[emberxwolf]

setting: flashback to winterfell for the king's birthday ; starter for @jin-renshu

the great hall of winterfell roared like a living thing, heat and laughter crashing against stone, tankards slamming in rhythm with the king’s victorious grapple. owen had his opponent pinned, grinning like a wolf with a fresh kill, and the crowd surged with pride and mead-drunken delight. astrid stood cheering among them, the firelight catching on the dusk-blue silk and furs at her shoulders, a cup balanced lazily in her hand as if the frenzy around her was merely an amusing curiosity.

blue eyes soon drifted past the revelers, suddenly seeking not the loudest voice but the quietest shadow, and there he was. ren lingered at the edge of the hall, apart from the wild joy that swept through the north like a storm wind. he watched without joining, still and unreadable, as though he occupied a space slightly removed from everyone else. astrid knew that look, for she’d worn it often enough herself, belonging to a place and yet standing just outside of it.

with the ease of someone who moved through crowds like a blade through silk, she crossed to him, coming to a stop at his side without ceremony. she didn’t announce herself, didn’t soften her presence, she simply was there, a spark settling beside a banked ember. her lips curled, not unkindly, but with that familiar edge of challenge. “careful,” she drawled, lifting her cup in a loose salute toward the center of the hall, “if you stare too long, my brother might take it as a challenge and throw you into the ring next.” her tone was light, but the spark beneath it was lively, teasing. she tipped her chin toward the wrestling match where owen had another clansman in a brutal hold that looked half like combat and half like joy. “are you planning to join them, or do you intend to brood at the edge like some tragic northern ballad?”

she didn’t wait for an answer, just watched him with that sharp glimmer in her gaze, the kind that suggested she already knew he wouldn’t escape her commentary tonight. “you know, if you don’t step in soon,” she added, lips quirking, “the southerners visiting will start to think the north has gone soft, only one way to prove them wrong.” there was a hint of friendly challenge to her tone, if only to get a little reaction out of the lord.

[jin-renshu]

Ren stood more to the edges of the group that had gathered to see the wrestling matches between the King in the North and anyone who dared to engage in a brawl with him. It was the kind of hearty celebration one could expect of the Northern folk. It was the laughter and roar of the crowd that perhaps made Jin Renshu quietly stand out in his quiet demeanor. He appeared almost a shadow close to the hearth, donning the traditional black cloak of the Northern Kingsguard.

He had come tonight to celebrate his king not only because duty demanded it, but also because of the genuine trust and respect he had for Owen Stark. Much of the North had turned on him, judged his past actions, but the wolf king still vouched for him and trusted his heart remained in the right place. And so Ren's devotion for the man had only grown, and his continued service and support was shown in whichever way he could. Even if his presence on a night like this might draw some unease from other lords in the North. So he watched from a distance, cup in hand, content to let the night belong to others.

When the princess made her way toward him, her approach seemed quite deliberate, even if she didn't immediately state her intentions. Ren turned his head just enough to meet her gaze and inclined it in a silent greeting, politely acknowledging her without breaking the silence she appeared intent on keep. He took sip from his drink and continued to watch the king finish his match. It was then that Princess Astrid Stark spoke. Her words held the sharpness he'd come to expect from her. He followed her glance toward her brother’s triumphant grin. “I have no intention of fighting your brother tonight, Princess,” he said in a polite way. If possible, he'd do what he could to avoid having many eyes on him through the celebration.

At her next remark, comparing him to a melancholy figure from an old ballad, he looked back at the redheaded princess. “No, I... I wasn’t aware I was brooding. I was just observing”. His admission was honest, and he almost sounded hesitant for a moment. Perhaps in attempting to draw eyes to him, he was unknowingly obtaining the opposite effect. He raised his cup, taking a slow sip before his eyes found hers again. The Lord of Sea Dragon Point raised his eyebrows then, as she spoke again, giving the princess a curious look. The corners of his lips tugged up faintly, though not quite into a smile. “It almost sounds like you want me to fight in there, Princess,” he said. “Would that truly be to prove the North’s strength? Or perhaps you simply want me to amuse you,” he added in a more light-hearted manner.

[gcuienveres]

♝

the scent of lacquered wood and sweet plums hung faint on the summer air, curling about the stonework of the verdant concord like a whisper. guinevere lannister moved through the exhibitions with the unhurried grace of a swan drifting across still waters, her gown a muted gold that shimmered only when the light dared touch it directly. courtiers watched her from behind fans and goblets, their smiles respectful, their eyes wary—she was not a woman one could speak to without first rehearsing one's soul, as she so often rehearsed her own soul time and time again.

she said little. offered only nods, soft glances, the occasional incline of her head. each movement was measured, deliberate. she was not a creature of this place, not really—its wild bursts of ingenuity, its iron-forged dreams and layered noise belonged to minds eager to create. hers, though, had always been drawn to the sacred stillness between cathedral arches and the cool hush of polished marble. still, curiosity held her gently by the hand.

she found herself beneath a pavilion edged in red silk, the air here tinged with spices and lacquer, foreign tongues rising and falling like the lap of unfamiliar waves. she did not recognise the language that danced from the tongue of the short, spirited man at the centre, but it caught her attention nonetheless—sharp and melodic, with a rhythm unlike anything she had ever heard. her emerald eyes flicked toward him, feline and fleeting, only for their gazes to meet. immediately, she looked away.

she turned her head slightly, as though admiring one of the drawings displayed beside him, but her posture remained straight, chin high. she had no wish to seem out of place, though she felt it—like a porcelain figurine nestled amongst iron tools. her eyes lingered on the kites he gestured to: brilliant in design, their delicate limbs thin as reedgrass, but tethered now to talk of tunnels and siegecraft. even beauty was not spared from man's appetite for war. a man stood just ahead—taller than most, dark of hair and bearing that odd, open stillness of men who had travelled too far to be easily impressed.

guinevere did not speak to him yet, but her approach was slow and unhidden, a single thread woven into the broader tapestry of the crowd. she merely stood close enough to observe now, chin slightly tilted, as though she were merely another curious mind amid the sea of visionaries. though she wished to ask of him of the language he had uttered, she would not; not before being formally greeted first. and so she did nothing but continue to gaze, aware and oblivious of his presence opposite her all at once.

[jin-renshu]

“Such artistry,” Ren remarked, his gaze going from the intricate drawings to the aging face of the man who presented them. “A shame, is it not? That something so beautiful would be used in warfare. Though I suppose that is the fate shared by many great inventions.” His tone was even, and his expression did not betray what truly lay beneath the surface of those words. “I pray the Golden Empire has no need to keep investing in craftsmanship for war for much longer”. It was a statement laid out carefully enough, offering the man a chance to speak of the state of affairs of Yi Ti. “May the Maiden-made-of-Light hear you and aid our God-Emperor,” the man spoke in the YiTish tongue, a Wanese dialect noticeable in his voice. Those were cautious words, polite, yet spoken like a man with a knife at his throat. With that, Ren knew on which side of the divide the sage truly was, and that his inventions were not crafted because of devotion to a holy ruler, but due to something far simpler and far more complicated. Survival.

From the corner of his eye, Ren caught the presence of the Lannister princess before he turned to face her. She shone in her golden gown and moved about with deliberate grace. In Yi Ti, not daring to speak to a royal was to revere them. It was a show of humility and respect before the descendants of their gods. But here, silence could be disrespectful, mistaken for arrogance or disdain. And so the Lord of Sea Dragon Point inclined his head toward the Lannister princess when their eyes met. “Princess Guinevere,” he offered, his voice lacking the Westerosi courtly flare, but still rich with courtesy.

The Lord of Sea Dragon Point did not know if only silence would follow. He was more accustomed to keeping to himself, after all, and the Lannister princess had not seemed fully intent on engaging in conversation with anyone as she studied the designs with such interest. Some curiosity grew in him, however, wondering what a princess of the West saw in those designs. “What do you think of them, your highness?” he asked, his tone gentle, unintrusive. “I do not believe I have seen kites like this in Westeros. They are not common here, are they?”

[jin-renshu]

Open starter (1/2) Setting: The Verdant Concord in the Reach.

Artists, inventors, and scholars from all across Westeros had gathered in King Cedric's domain for this gathering that celebrated progress and the visionary minds of those who saw not just what was but what could be. There were even folk from further reaches of the world. Inevitably, Ren found himself drawn to those individuals, learning about what Essos and beyond offered.

He stood with a small crowd as a Xingese sage presented his craft. Kites were beautiful devices that Ren was already familiar with. He'd grown up seeing colorful figures flying during festivals to ward off evils and for celebrations to honor ancestors. Wasted potential, the short man had told him, and the others witnessing his presentation. “What are the different uses of kites you propose, zhìzhě?” the Lord of Sea Dragon Point asked with interest.

The presenter was quick to grab some drawings that showed different scenarios. “They can be applied for tactical purposes, of course. Kites can be used to measure the distance needed to dig a tunnel under enemy walls during a siege, for example,” the man said as his eagerness grew, and Ren's decreased. Of course, he should have expected that even something so beautiful could be transformed for a military purpose. That was the way of the Golden Empire. That was the way of the Azure dynasty.

[nasirofmanderlys]

✯

the distance that had been imposed between the lord of sea dragon point and the rest of the north by the king was a move that nasir did not entirely agree with; all for the reason of believing it ultimately went to undermine what owen had actually decreed. "it is long overdue on my own behalf." nasir admitted, his head nodding in response; the move of the hand to his chest drew his attention, if not for the familiarity such a move had within the halls of white harbour.

"i wanted to gather the facts before visiting you." because of them all, nasir understood the importance of grieving in a healthy manner - of not letting one become engulfed with a sense of vengeance, or marked by hatred. "any misinformation being spread is being reported back to me, and amply corrected." how false information instantly spread and flamed anger, and rumour…well, rumour were the true enemy of man. the long, patient enemy that had issue with taking years to bring one down.

the lord of sea dragon point had been granted a pardon and understood by the king in the north, enough to distance and isolate his longest, most trusted companion - the case against lady karstark was ample enough to grant that clemency. all the man before him was doing, was his duty; was what any guard would have been expected to do. gods knew, should anything have befallen the queen, it would be he who would be considered responsible - it would be ren who would be painted as negligent, and of a lazy work ethic.

targets of hatred, of otherness, or isolation. it made a slight look cross over nasir's features, and his voice cleared - he were not blunt enough to inform the man in question that if the manderlys were still considered the other, so would his people, and the yitish. such words were too cutting for them, and nasir could speak of much casually - not this. "there will always be an other." nasir spoke, in quiet agreement with the man. none wanted to see what happened to the communities surrounding white harbour to happen to others.

"i cannot promise you of the actions of other men…or women." gods knew, there were some women in the attackers. screaming. blaming. "but i can assure you that any spewing such filth, will be met with the full force of the king's justice. we are not new valyria; our realm is not built on race, or how one looks. i assure you, we will not be taken by surprise again. if i suspect that you need reinforcement, then manderly men will be sent to your door to support you."

[jin-renshu]

Ren had quickly been blamed and othered because of Meera Karstark's killing. The why behind his actions didn't matter to most. The only one who asked had been the King of the North himself, and even he didn't understand. The member of the Kingsguard had done what he thought right to protect his queen, driven by the grim whispers and images of a faith only those of the Golden Empire fully understood. Here in the North, no one would truly understand, of course. So he didn't excuse his actions, he only bowed his head and accepted the partial banishment decreed by his king.

Yet the Hand of the King was asking for facts coming from Renshu's own mouth. It puzzled him because of how unexpected it seemed. Perhaps he ought to have given Lord Manderly more credit, now seeing firsthand why the Hand had the illustrious reputation he had.

He thought he perceived a gleam of understanding from the man before him. The Lord of Seadragon gave a quick nod, acknowledging Nasir Manderly's comment about otherness. The two of them were not so different in that respect, unfortunately. Perhaps it was the fate of individuals like them, to forever be on trial in terms of a successful assimilation, proving they were more alike than they were different from those around them.

“I thank you deeply for that support, my lord. The people of Sea Dragon Point will be most grateful to know the Hand of the King looks out for them as well,” Ren answered, his words formal while his tone acquired a rare warmth born out of gratitude. As ruling lord, he'd done his best to convey a sense of security to the inhabitants of his lands. The Hailong legion —the military force born because of the Umber war— also aided in giving that sense of the people being protected, of having someone to keep them safe. It was meaningful to know that Sea Dragon Point didn't stand isolated in the North, that despite the negative perception of its ruling lord, there were some who did not cut ties with them.

“You said you wished to gather the facts,” Ren said then, showing he was willing to share his account of that fateful night with the Hand of the King. “Ask your questions and I will tell you everything, my lord”.

[eliaofdxrne]

had it been anybody else, any boyfriend who had come before, they might have dismissed her panic. ren did not do that, and elia felt a rush of affection for that. she'd been there before, feeling like everything she said and did or worried about was stupid, but in their last year together, he had never once made her feel that way. she breathed out a sigh of relief at the confirmation that the earring had in fact been in her ear when they got there, and nodded her head. "okay. okay, so it must be here somewhere." the former alumni were all wealthy people. there was no need for any of them to steal her earring.

where elia was hopeless in moments of disaster, ren always seemed to know what to do. his suggestion had been far more practical than anything she could have come up with. "oh! right, yes. that's a good idea," she nodded, unsure why she hadn't thought of it. briefly confused, elia merely watched as he stepped away, before it dawned on her what he was doing. after he made his announcement, it was not long before someone had tapped her on her shoulder, returning her lost diamond to the palm of her hand, and elia was smiling once more. "thank you," she looped her arm through his. "i was honestly about five seconds away from getting on my hands and knees and crawling through the tables."

[jin-renshu]

Ren was quick to chat with the DJ and a little after the music's volume decreased enough for him to make the announcement. He saw some people ignore him, but others did begin to glance down to look for Elia's missing earring. He was already making his way back through the crowd to reach his girlfriend when another woman was giving the lost piece of jewelry back to Elia. Ren gave a grateful smile and nod to the person who returned it, a person who had just ensured Elia did not go through the rest of the evening worried or saddened by the lost earring.

“Crisis averted,” he said with a grin. It all came down to him wanting Elia to be happy, after falling in love with that smile it would be insane of him not to do everything in his power to preserve it. He softly tapped on her nose before he leaned in to kiss her. “Here. Let me,” Ren said as he pulled away, taking the earring that had just been returned. He took the one he'd been keeping safe and went ahead to put them back in Elia's ears, once again completing the outfit she'd worked hard to put together for the event. “I'll keep an eye on them, I promise,” he teased.

[eliaofdxrne]

closed starter for @jin-renshu location: hollywood glamour party

"babe," elia's voice was panicked, and she grabbed renshu's hand in her own. her other hand was at her earlobe, now bare, a stark contrast to the pear-shaped diamond that glittered in the other one. "my earring is gone," she announced, dramatically. in the list of things that mattered, elia's lost earring was low on the list, but it was clear that to her, it was the most important thing in the world.

"do you remember if i was wearing it when i came in?" she took out the other earring, wordlessly handing it to him to keep safe. "here, i don't have pockets. will you help me look? if i had it when we got here, it's got to be somewhere in here."

[jin-renshu]

Ren cupped her cheek and took a good look at the earring that was still in place. The pear-shaped diamond. He did recall seeing her wearing the pair earlier when she was trying on her outfit, and asking for his opinion of which accessories looked better with it. “Yeah, you had both when we arrived,” he confirmed with a nod. He didn't dismiss her concern, Ren knew how much Elia loved those earrings, after all.

“We can also ask the staff to help us look for it,” he suggested, as he put the earring she handed over inside the breast pocket of his jacket. His attention went to the floor then, beginning to scan the area around them just in case he spotted the missing jewel close by. Ren turned around then, looking over to where the DJ was playing some music. He could also ask to borrow a mic and give a quick PSA, ask the other guests to turn in the earring if they found them. “I'll be right back,” he said, giving Elia a quick kiss on the cheek, and moving towards the DJ.

[jin-renshu]

Modern AU — Jin Renshu

GENERAL INFORMATION

NAME: Jin Renshu (金仁书)

AGE: Thirty-three (Born June 22nd, 1991)

BORN IN: Sha Tin, Hong Kong

CURRENT RESIDENCE: He has a home in Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong and another in London, England.

OCCUPATION: Professional Taekwondo fighter (Olympic champion)

ETHNICITY: Asian (Chinese/Singaporean on his father's side, Chinese/English on his mother's side)

BACKGROUND

Ren is the eldest of two sons, and from an early age, he displayed a great interest in martial arts. He began taking Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Kung Fu classes in his childhood.

He was sent to Vermont for his high school years but Ren decided to drop out in 10th grade to fully devote his time to his training, returning to Hong Kong. His teachers had always seen great potential in him to become an Olympic athlete and Ren wanted nothing more than to compete against the best in the world.

He first qualified for the Olympics in London in 2012 when he was seventeen. He didn't earn any medals then but was seen as a promising up-and-comer. It was an unforgettable experience to be able to compete against the very best in Taekwondo and it definitely lit a fire in him to keep pushing his limits.

For the Olympics in Rio in 2016, he earned a silver medal. In Tokyo 2020 he earned his first golden medal, and his second golden one just a few weeks ago in Paris 2024.

Ren is likely to retire soon from the competitive world, as he's at the height of his career and it's best to bow out now. He's in the early stages of setting up his own martial arts academy, helping train the younger generations, especially those who don't have the economic means to pursue their dreams.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY

He dated and slept around for some time in his earlier years. He's been in a happy relationship with Elia Martell for about a year now, his first committed relationship in a long time. The two of them met when Elia's brand worked in collaboration with the Olympics to provide opportunities for young POC athletes.

[nasirofmanderlys]

who: @jin-renshu when and where: on route to casterly rock for the presentation of prince arthur of house lannister, the hand of the king requests specifically to meet with the infamous lord of sea dragon point, the subject of much speculation and discussion as of recent months. the pair have a private conversation during a rest stop within the nasir's manderly tent, situated only some space away from that of the king's.

jin renshu was a name that nasir manderly did not hear all that often; a name that was often associated with some mystery considering his links across the narrow sea and the lack of details he shared with the northern court, but never that of cruelty or tyranny. and yet now, one of nasir's first cases was to overlook the evidence and speak to the king regarding ren's name being cleared of any charges; something the king had personally pushed for, and assured.

but what about society? how was he to save the man's reputation from being that of a bloodthirsty foreigner? he found a sense of responsibility for solving the case of jin renshu, perhaps because he again did not want to see the one with foreign blood go down in northern history as treacherous.

there was a sense of firmness that came from nasir, a world away from brandon's warmer, rougher around the edges approach of handling situations as hand - put him in a room with the other hands of the continent, and it would all make sense. still, he abstained from passing his judgement until speaking to the man, the myth and the legend himself on a one to one basis - taking the opportunity when the journey came to a rest stop.

it was sunset when the men agreed to meet, in the aftermath of food being shared amongst the camp; nasir had no issue with inviting the lord of sea dragon point to eat in his own tent. the flap of the tent closed behind him, and nasir gestured toward the empty chair, where the food was already laid out. "i thought it time i met you in person, rather than hear of you." nasir spoke, in his unique manderly accent - a blend of northern and that of the old way. he did not shy from it.

"sit, eat with me. whilst certain parts of the conversation may be hard to digest, the food should not." nasir's hands moved to some bread, tearing it apart as he looked at the man - it were no trap. "do you worry for your safety at all, or the safety of your own?"

[jin-renshu]

The Lord of Sea Dragon Point was to meet with the Lord Hand. Much of what was whispered about him would be set aflame by word of the Manderly lord or would perhaps be scattered. So much depended on what the other man thought of him, and there was some regret in Ren to not have built more of a closer relationship with the other before, so Nasir could have prior knowledge of his character. Keeping many at arm's length to secure his past had proved to be part of his downfall now. For what had the Northerners known about him beyond his origins and his position in the Kingsguard? Not much else.

“My lord,” Renshu greeted the other with a polite nod, the sort of bow that continued to hold traces of his YiTish origin. He could also detect in the lord before him traces that were not only of Northerner origin. “I thank you for the time,” he added, grateful for it, and somewhat hopeful that he might be heard rather than immediately judged.

The YiTish lord took a seat and thanked Nasir for the array of food that had been set up for them with another silent nod, a hand briefly going up to his chest. In his language there were many ways to say thank you, varying in situations and to those being addressed, and yet there were many more instances of body language becoming the way in which to show gratitude. “I do not spare much thought to my own safety if I'm honest. I've served to protect others for many years now,” he answered in truth. “I do fear for the people of Sea Dragon Point. I do not wish to see them become targets of otherness, isolation, or hatred”. Least of all, as consequence of an action he took.

[jin-renshu]

Closed starter @opheliafowler Setting: Casterly Rock, the Westerlands. Following Lann's Day festivities, Lord Jin Renshu begins to feel quite unwell. Being in a foreign land, surrounded by strangers, he goes to the only healer he trusts.

It felt like more than a regular cold, which Renshu would have usually treated with herbal teas, a nutritious meal, and some rest. His body felt weary in a way that was unfamiliar for one who had been a soldier for so long, a man who was keenly aware of how every muscle ought to feel and function. He had seen his reflection in the mirror, seeing a paler man staring back, someone who appeared much too tired despite the rest he'd gotten at night. Ren felt slower, bogged down; he moved about with the sensation of needing to give more energy for simple motion and getting a result that was only half of what it should have been. It was a malady that could not be remedied on its own, or with simple tea.

He knew how much of a persona non-grata he'd become since the killing of Lady Karstark, and the paranoid section of his mind led him to wonder if some sort of poison had reached his cup in last night's festivity. If someone had taken it upon themselves to rid the North of a man not even the majority of the Northerners liked. Whatever it was that began to afflict him, he knew of one person who might be able to treat him and restore his health. He had met Ophelia in Dorne when the attempt at peace treaties led most of the realms to the lands of the Martells.

“Lady Allyrion,” the Lord of Sea Dragon Point spoke as he stood by her door. Ren had known her as Lady Fowler then, but he was aware of her change of title after her marriage. “Apologies for not sending a note beforehand,” the YiTish man said, subtly bowing his head in respect for the healer, “but I'm in need of your help, my lady”.

[mountainvroyce]

.

axell was not a man of many words. at least not around those who he did not know. he didnt see the need to converse and chatter with the little lordlings running around playing knights at tournaments like this.there was little value in any of it. he had found his place in the world. he was lord commander of the vale. something he had dreamt about since he was a boy. he had a wife he liked by his side now, he had the other women in his life if he wanted. that was all he needed for now, there was no desire to engage in meaningless conversations with people he didn't care for. charming political words never suited him well anyways.

but there was the rare occasion when words were needed. seemed at least he needed to try to speak to this man beforehe went right for his sword. he was not here to cause a scene. at least not yet. not when he knew there were eyes watching him after what bullshit the dragon king pulled when he was in his kingdom. no, he needed to be on his best behavior. but he wanted some answers first. there could be an explanation to this all and maybe the man was just innocent in all of this.

seemed unlikely though.

“lord renshu” he greeted him. yes he remembered him. he also remember very well seeing his wife speaking with him. remembered that she smiled when talking with him. he had a good memory for those sorts of things. “will we be seeing you compete in any of these tournaments?i know the north has just emerged from another war, but surely you still have some fight left in you" axell inquired, a smooth smile gracing his face. speaking casually with him as if they had spoken before. if he could speak so casually to his wife surely then it would be no problem speaking with him.

[jin-renshu]

The lord before him had married a lady of YiTish origin, yet he had no idea how to properly address someone of the Golden Empire. Ren did not think too much about it, though, for everything in Lord Royce's demeanor indicated that matters like propriety and respect weren't on his mind. “I've not made up my mind on that matter yet,” the Lord of Sea Dragon Point replied calmly.

Tournaments drew attention and Ren had had enough attention upon him in the last months. He did not wish to be seen or talked about. He'd become rather good at being irrelevant, and a part of him craved for that sort of anonymity again. He'd not get it back, of course. “A man needs his rest too, Lord Royce. I would not mind being a spectator for these tournaments,” the YiTish man replied, wondering if the other lord would state his true intentions any time soon. Lord Axell Royce did not seem to be the kind of man to merely exchange pleasantries. “Will you be competing?”

[xialigreenleaf]

"you wouldn't be the first to do so." amused hum prefaces words in a similar cadence. many agreed with her departed sister over herself more often than not during her time amongst them. xia-li had too many questions, toed too many lines for those who shared their religion to see her as a voice of logic when it came to the deities. not when she was notorious for finding the smallest of loopholes to excuse whatever indiscretions she couldnt bury. theres no secrets to hide on this visit to pray to her favored figure. in fact, she finds herself searching for the truth behind the events that took place that fateful day. but she wont press for it. maiden willing, he'd find his way to her understanding on his own. "she is more than the flicker of a flame, my lord. she is within all of us and whether or not she lights your candles, she will make herself known to you."

the next inquiry causes a brief silence when she passes by him, kneeling to give life to the candles arranged before her effigy. "don't we all?" sad excuse for answer, but it'll have to suffice. she'd rather stray from the topic of her own worries than display the vulnerability it took to admit them. "it is a simply gesture of my solidarity as a descendant of yi ti as well a kindness that i believe you're being robbed of. i understand what they all speak of," gestures vaguely towards the threshold she passed on her way in that lead to the droves of gossiping mouths. "but i've yet to hear it your account firsthand.. and i'd like to. perhaps the maiden might come to listen to it as well."

[jin-renshu]

A sad smile crossed his lips for the lady, feeling for her and for the loss she'd endured. He hadn't known the late Mormont lady too well before her untimely death, sadly, but still, being where they were, he wished to honor her. Ren pressed his hands together and bowed his head for a moment, uttering a prayer for Xia-Li's sister.

She is more than the flicker of a flame, the lady said. Renshu also believed his goddess was much more, of course, and yet he relied on the ancient ritual of Jin Qian-xun to feel the Maiden-made-of-Light around him. “I do not sense her presence,” he admitted in a low tone, words he'd not dared to utter despite having thought them numerous times. “I have not for many years”. Xia-Li's words were too kind, ringing with the kind of certainty he seemed to lack, for she sounded so sure that their goddess would make herself known to him eventually.

What she said next surprised him, and it was evident in the way he furrowed his brows slightly. His expression turned to some softness then, the harsher lines of his features adopting a gentleness that was more natural to him as a teen. “You see me in a more positive light than I deserve,” he said quietly. “I thank you for such kindness, my lady. I truly do,” Ren managed a subtle smile, though the gesture faded much too soon. His account of the events did not matter, for this was the North, as he'd been justly reminded. “I've no story to tell, or alternative account, my lady,” he replied, for it did not matter. Not here. But there was a small form of comfort in knowing that perhaps someone like Xia-Li could see things as he had seen them.

He pressed a hand to his chest and bowed his head for the Greenleaf lady with more reverence than any other time. “Xièxiè,” he said. Thank you. Even if he'd not spoken, not wishing to disgrace his king by doing so, the YiTish lord was immensely grateful for the empathy Xia-Li had offered.

[owenstark]

"Later, perhaps in the morning. It's better that way." If it were morning then he could see everything play out. He could see how the people around them interacted when they were working and carrying on throughout the day. For now they would need to focus, they would need to have a serious conversation and it would all be laid out. There was a problem and it started with Owen. The man before him was still too engrossed in his own ways. He had not adopted enough of the ways of a First Man. Nor had he appeared to assimilate if one asked Northmen who saw him.

"I believe you don't understand where you messed up. Lady Reed of House Reed was important to us. Important to Duke Karstark and more than him. The Reeds were a family as hold as House Stark. And next time, though I doubt there will be a next time, you will restrain a person that can be restrained. To drive a sword through a woman is barbery at best. And despite what some may say, Northmen are not accustomed to such things taking place in court."

Owen sighed, he didn't know where to go or end with this but he wanted to make it clear. There needed to be a requirement of people who joined the North. "I also don't wish to hear again how it would means something in Yi-Ti, that it is a reminder. This is not Yi-Ti. You work hard to stay in a place you've earned. And Seadragon will grow a result for your desire to see progress. The only way to move forward is to move forward. You're a Northman when you're hear. You and the Yi-Tish are of course allowed to celebrate your holidays, take part in your traditions. But understand that the ways of the North take precedence in many ways. And that include visions or reminders of dark times." Kings did not mince words. Starks did not speak in riddles. It was clear. Assimilate. The best way you knew how.

[jin-renshu]

Renshu nodded, quietly accepting the king's suggestion to see how Sea Dragon Point had flourished later on. Nothing would sway Owen Stark from addressing the urgent matter between them first and foremost, and Ren himself wished to have it all cleared out sooner rather than later too. The king, however, seemed to have a very clear and unshakeable idea of what transpired and what the YiTish man was in his eyes now. The King in the North did not need to say it, but the message was conveyed by his words. Barbarian.

He was YiTish by birth, and a Northman by choice. For years, nearly a decade now, he'd been within the court of the Stark king and had served him loyally. Ren felt the inescapable anxiety of it all beginning to crumble down now because of his actions during that fateful gathering with Queen Rosalyn and Lady Reed. “Please do not patronize me, my king,” Ren replied, still remaining respectful and polite, as the monarch stated he doubted the lord understood how he'd erred that day. “I understand”. He felt shame for what he'd done, of course. It was a terrible paradox, having his beliefs cloud his judgment while also following the deep drive to protect his queen when the ominous, threatening demeanor of the Reed lady manifested towards the woman he was sworn to protect. He could not deny he'd acted too quickly, too viscerally, however.

“I will atone for it in any way you see fit, your grace,” he added. And a part of that would include an emphasis on assimilation, that much was evident. This was not Yi Ti, that he knew all too well. And Ren did not wish to see Sea Dragon Point become Yi Ti either, for there was too much from his homeland that had turned rotten, particularly by the legacy of his family. He did not wish to have any of that here. But some of the beauty of the Golden Empire could flourish here, in terms of some traditions and their holy beliefs, and he was grateful Owen Stark allowed that. “What would you have me do?” he asked, wishing to hear what his king and the man he dared think of as friend in the past thought. “Any steps to take to lessen the damage I've caused, I shall take them”.

[jin-renshu]

THE GOLDEN EMPIRE OF YI TI — SHIZI

This region of Yi Ti mostly consists of forests and farmlands, which is why the Shizii people have developed the most efficient and ingenious methods for agriculture. The famous terraced rice fields of Shizi create a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources that create a stunningly beautiful view. The Shizii people have particularly good ties to the region of Wan and have a fruitful trading relationship with the Wanese. They are ruled by a feudal lord of the Qian family that resides in Shizi, which is often called the Jade City due to its lush vegetation and vast flora. Another reason for the moniker comes from the characteristic green clothing of their ruling family, who are called the start of the Jade dynasty by those who reject the God-Emperor’s rule. The ruling lord of Shizi represents the biggest threat to the God-Emperor’s rule since they descend from the same bloodline. Too many people believe he is rightfully descended from the Lion of Night and the Maiden-Made-of-Light, as all past YiTish emperors, thus there can be a rightful claim to become the new God-Emperor. Assassination attempts from the lord in Shizi to the God-Emperor and vice versa have taken place a number of times. However, rather than overthrowing the current God-Emperor, the Qian family aims to break from Yi Ti and begin a new empire along with their allies from Wan.

[jin-renshu]

Closed starter for @mountainvroyce Setting: Casterly Rock, the Westerlands.

He surprised himself with how little excitement he felt about leaving Sea Dragon Point to journey to the realm of the West. Before, he'd never had trouble leaving anywhere, he'd welcomed travel. This time, however, he felt some unease. He sensed his position in the North was precarious, and leaving his home behind manifested in a sense of fear about losing what he'd worked so hard to gain. Any semblance of restored honor was gone, any sense of respect or leadership when others looked at him had vanished. And worst of all, at the back of his mind, resided the fear of a second coming of so much darkness... It was a fear he could no longer voice out.

Had he acted the same way his brother did? That was another terrifying thought. He'd experienced firsthand what it was to let the strongest of beliefs lead his actions. Maybe Shan felt regret too, maybe he felt guilt and conflict in writing fate with a sword.

The man sat in silence, not even paying attention to the jousting and the games unfolding. He barely heard when someone addressed him. Ren turned to see who'd called until the second time his name was spoken —his false name. He was not too familiar with Lord Axell Royce, but he had seen him guarding his queen when Arryns and Starks gathered to mourn the loss of Queen Rosalyn. “Lord Royce,” the soldier greeted him politely, though still somewhat detached. He bowed his head in a respectful manner, a motion that was more YiTish than it was Northern.

[owenstark]

who: @jin-renshu summary: while traveling through the north, owen makes his way to sea dragon point to speak with renshu about changes he wants to make regarding the others position in his realm, and changes to rules and roles.

The population of Sea Dragon Point was experiencing a boom. He noticed it as travelled and made their way to meet with his Lord Commander and speak about what has transpired. The death of Meera Reed hung over the heads of the North and the council. There were men who sided with Duke Karstark and those courtiers took their leave when their Duke returned to his lands. The rift caused by the little King saw those who followed the and the First Men under Duke Manderly to take an equally hard stand on their beliefs. The North was fractured by everything and he needed to bridge those gaps.

"It's good to see there's been much progress. I heard tale war didn't reach the lands. Many of the wood cutters were able to continue their works as instructed." Owen walked with his Lord Commander through the apartments the King would be staying in until they reached his solar. He took a seat on one of the cushioned chairs over sitting behind the desk. This was going to be a long conversation.

"The death of Meera Reed has shaken the realm, disrupted the council. I 've made the decision to not take your head at the cost of my brother, the hand of the king. Nothing will change that, even if I changed my mind today the damage is done. I know you believed you were doing what you thought best. You did not." Owen leaned back in his chair. "Next time, you are not to make decisions based off what you know from Yi-Ti. You're in the North. Should there be a new queen and someone grabs her wrist, cut off their hand instead of cutting their throat." Owen didn't know how he felt about it all. He knew that it would set a bad precedent to kill the Lord Commander for doing his duty. The next person could take hold of his arm and the new lord commander could hesitate long enough for the King to die.

"Duke Karstark will not be returning to Winterfell, not for the moment. Perhaps one day." He doubted it. "For now we must discuss your place at court."

[jin-renshu]

Sea Dragon Point had grown significantly during the civil war. Refugees found a new home in this land as well as other Northern folk who descended from expatriates of the Golden Empire. Culture was blooming, commerce was linked to the trade routes, a regional military force had been formed in the hailong legion, and religiously inclined individuals began to lead the ancient practices of the Maiden-made-of-Light. It felt closer to home. It felt closer to what once had been home.

Ren felt so close to the edge of losing it. Twisted words, an ancient fear, and a swift sword. That was all it took for him to teeter to the edge of finding himself twice banished from a place he cherished. The King in the North did not banish him, however, and he did not execute him either. Renshu couldn't help but wonder if Owen's justice had been halted because the king knew who he would be truly killing if he gave his head to Brandon Karstark.

“The people have made it their home and wish to see this place grow,” he answered as he walked with the king. A local identity had begun to build itself here, which led the inhabitants of Sea Dragon Point to push forward. They devoted themselves to their work, to achieving each task they set for themselves for the sake of their community. “I'll gladly give you a more extensive tour of the town later if you wish, your grace”.

Ren took the next words of the Stark king with silent respect. To this day, he still debated whether or not what he'd done had been right even as the rest of the realm passed its judgment far quicker. Meera Reed's words had not been coincidental. Her frightening demeanor around Queen Rosalyn had been no small thing. He acted swiftly. Too swiftly. A decision made in split seconds was bound to haunt him, and he had to learn to live with that. The soldier bowed his head low, a gesture that was both respectful and apologetic. “Duì bù qǐ,” he said, for there was no equivalent in the common tongue to express that. I'm sorry. I'm unworthy. I owe you. All of those sentiments tied into one. “How may I continue to serve you, your grace?”