romaโ
izzy's playlists!
One Nice Bug Per Day
taylor price
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
trying on a metaphor
No title available
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
Discoholic ๐ชฉ
Game of Thrones Daily
@theartofmadeline
NASA
ellievsbear
oozey mess
hello vonnie
Origami Around
Kaledo Art
$LAYYYTER
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
RMH
seen from United States
seen from Italy
seen from Singapore
seen from Germany
seen from India
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Brazil
seen from Finland
seen from Denmark
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Tรผrkiye
seen from Malaysia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Netherlands
seen from Indonesia
seen from Japan
@oflunarflame
#OFLUNARFLAME โโ a study in the absolute destruction of body and mind, the battles between friends turned foes, && the drive to move forward even with the weights of wrong doing's halting the progress - a story told by prince/jehr
closed roleplay blog for jingliu of honkai star rail โโ affiliated with @gnostichymns
| RULES && MUN. | DOSSIER. | IMPORTANT HEADCANONS. | TALENTS. |
( DROPPED 11/19/2025 )
A Healer's Duty, A Soldier's Cause
It takes everything in her not to recoil at the warrior's explanation. No wonder everyone on the dock is terrified, no wonder the guards are still edging closer and closer, weapons raised. There's a third variable in her internal equation now; the duty of a healer warring with the cold pragmatism of a soldier warring with the visceral disgust at what the Borisin apparently do to those they capture.
Kokomi takes a breath, and pushes aside all emotion. She continues to work on the shipwrecked pilot's wounds, but shifts just enough that she can quickly react if need be. It's not right, to simply judge someone on their species, but she can't help the wariness, can't and won't stop herself from planning more contingencies in the back of her mind as she works.
"There," she says quietly to Yaruf. "I've healed the worst of the damage, you'll live." She turns her head slightly, just enough to glance at the warrior behind her while still keeping her patient in view. "They're stable. I leave their crimes, if any, to the hands of those with the authority to judge them. Ask what you will, but consider this - how do you plan to stop this war if you're not willing to listen to those who do want peace? I'm no pacifist, and I'm no stranger to justified war, but..."
She thinks of the broken ships and rusting blades littering the beaches, of the sounds and smells of the medical tents after a battle, of the smoke from funeral pyres staining the skies. Of her own increasingly-bloody plans for a war that could only end in the death of a god or the annihilation of a people, had a wandering star and a cunning fox not intervened. "...how far will you go, before you can see the end? And what will be left of all you swore to protect when you are done?"
Nothing is simple here. Nothing is ever simple, but what had seemed like a simple matter of rescuing a survivor from a lethal accident has instead gotten her thrown into the middle of a centuries-old war with what sounds like a very justified cause. Is this how the Traveler had felt, arriving in Inazuma and immediately getting dragged into the Resistance's affairs?
Gods, I'm so tired. For once, I wish things could be simple...
"Thank you. You've done more than enough."
Comes the borisin's voice as it shows its appreciation for the healer who gave him treatment without hesitation. The creature's tone and posture looks tense- possibly just sore from injuries- but they also appear rather.. relaxed? Jingliu doesn't see how, or why, as they're under such harsh scrutiny- not that she cares either way. A borisin is a borisin- even if she knows deep down that there is always a chance that one or two aren't as awful as the deep rooted hatred and fear go.
Even behind a blindfold, crimson never lets the beast leave its gaze- waiting for the slightest inkling that action need be made, waiting for an excuse to enact "justice" for the departed. Still, sympathy swirls endlessly in her chest- not for the borisin that looks only marginally better than when first encounter, but for the poor miss that looks just as exhausted as she appears frazzled by the knowledge of the creature's snack preference. Jingliu can understand the initial shock- who wouldn't? Even if deep down Jingliu knows no one is defined by what they are, some prejudices simply run too deep.
โ So then, borisin, tell me what brought you here in the first place. โ
The creature spares the frost a glance, only the slightest hesitancy in its maw.
"..I had heard of what occurred on the Xianzhou not too long ago. I wished to see for myself how.. bad it had been."
At that, Jingliu pauses, fingertips twitching ever so slightly where they press into her arms. She waits, wanting to see just how much Yaruf had been willing to divulge.
"Once I entered the Alliance's airspace, my craft became hard to control and not long after I crashed."
It certainly is an odd enough answer, and one the white haired woman finds hard to believe. Surely the borisin didn't come simply to "see the damages done" by its own kind- right? No, there has to be something else at play here. Though she does muse that the ship might have been shot down by one of the overseeing Commissions- especially since they just had that raid that left many citizens missing or dead ( or both ). It would make sense why they would be skeptical of any new aircraft coming into range of the Alliance after such a traumatic event.
Still, there is no sympathy etched into Jingliu's features- pure incredulity radiating off her ( and likely the other citizens [ both CloudKnight and civilian ] ) as she simply stares at the creature as she processes the answer given.
The Sword and the Shield
Commission: Preservation | Jingliu & Gepard
Gepard can feel his heart pounding in his chest as he sprints through the Administrative District. A handful of Silvermane Guard's closely following behind on his heels as they rush to the Golden Theatre. Having to dodge and weave through the obstructive crowd that were also rushing in the same direction. No less, already hearing about the incident just as he learned about it.
A crash. A fallen set piece that was reported by a panicked performer that was in full hysterics. Talking fast, and waving their hands around, not making much sense until they got them to calm down. Now, they were on route to assess the scene themselves for both any injuries, and for safety purposes to see if a Building Inspector would need to be notified. He hopes neither, but it was too soon to tell until they got there.
Nearing the entrance of the Golden Theater, there was a decent enough crowd outside that surrounded the front doors. Most people were trying to look through the windows and doors to see what the fuss was about. Paying them no mind, the Silvermane Guards quickly pushed their way through. The blonde turns his head slightly to the left, not even having to say anything before they nod and halt in the front of the crowd, yelling out orders to gain order.
"Everyone step back! We need space for medical personnel-"
Not stopping in their forward momentum, they make it through the foyer and burst through the doors of the Auditorium with a loud bang! that had heads shooting up. Gepard rapidly assesses the area, and the people that were in the theater. Letting out a sigh of relief when no major outward injuries were detected but not yet satisfied until they do a more thorough investigation.
He turns to address the Guards behind him, "Find out what you can about what happened here." His demeanor then softens, dropping his Captain persona for a moment to just be himself. Talking in a low voice as he chooses his words carefully. "Be sensitive and kind while doing so. They just went through something traumatic. No need to add to what they have already experienced."
Noises of agreement were heard before they fanned out. Approaching the victims with care and beginning their conversations. Not helping when a wince escapes once he finally was able to take in the full scope of the destroyed stage. Thank Qlipoth that no one got crushed under that piece. Shaking away the horrible thought, the blonde moves down the steps towards his co-workers and the victims, making it about halfway down until his eyes catch a woman with long white hair standing off to the side. Most of his colleagues kept their distance, giving her nervous side-looks before continuing on with what they were doing. Gepard also hesitates for a second but shakes his head to brush the strange sudden bout of nervousness he felt away. Not really sure why that feeling was there, but he ignores it to approach.
โI humbly apologize for what you have experienced today. My name is Gepard Landau, the Captain of the Silvermane Guards. I regretfully ask, if it is not too much, would you mind sharing what you have seen here today?"
@oflunarflame
Well that was... certainly a spectacle.
At first, Jingliu thought nothing of the fallen centerpiece of the stage- thinking it all part of the play. Only to then realize after watching the performers panic, far too genuine and frazzled to be an act. It's only after the fact that Jingliu really takes into account what she saw- what she thought she saw- that she ignored simply assuming it was what occurred within the story put to stage. She also wasn't entirely sure if it was what she truly saw, or if she was losing her grip over the mara for moments here and there.
Having already been witness to the crash, the bam of doors being forced open doesn't startle her in the slightest. If anything, the sheer urgency behind this new groups movements betraying how bad the situation really was. The snow haired woman assumes it was the local defense corps as they spread out, checking in with the attendees and even having some medial looking staff just outside the large doors that led into the auditorium.
A rather dashing young man approaches her with as much gentleness that Jingliu expects of him. Especially, since per her observations of the lad being the one to guide the others with directions and instructions, this young lion was the leader of the pack. Which he then confirms as he introduces himself as the Captain of the Silvermane Guards ( which she again assumes is the local law enforcers ).
โ A pleasure to meet you, sir. I don't mind providing what I can. Though, I can't promise it will be.. reliable. โ
She greets with a slight bow of her head, arms crossed in a rather relaxed posture despite the chaos that still taints the air. Jingliu doesn't elaborate on what she meant by reliable, as she doesn't need to confuse the poor lad with another planet's illnesses- nor to waste his time when the situation was rather tense.
โ I would be remiss to not suggest seeking out the two lead performers. I wonder if they have any.. what would you call them- underlings? Backups? Ones to take their place should they not be able to make it to the stage. โ
The swordswoman pauses ( not even making mention of what she had seen, like the poor Captain had asked ), a hand coming to hold her chin as she gets lost in trying to find the correct words. This area wasn't exactly one she was familiar with after all, so she is trying to skim through what limited knowledge she did know of.
โพ peony oh peony, where have you gone?
ใ preservation commission โโ the mysterious case of cheska && the bulb ใ
Why was there such an uproar? Surely theft and lost items were common enough, but these individuals behaved as if it were the last spec of food on the planet. Tensions between merging peoples appears to still be soaring high as folks bicker and yell, plead and defend- all of it colliding into one loud noise. How irritating. Jingliu can't say she isn't curious though, as she has to wonder what was so important about what was taken from the shop of some florist. She can't imagine it's anything too extravagant.. though, considering the reaction, perhaps she is wrong.
White hair catches her eye as the head makes it way around, glancing here and there as the light sets over the horizon. Perhaps she was looking for someone? A companion? Or perhaps was trying to find the culprit herself? .... something about such a small thing trying to go be a detective doesn't sit well in the frost's chest. She will ignore the way that long white hair changes shape between a familiar form of an apprentice of the past and of the small lady in the present.
Regardless why, Jingliu stalks the little miss from a distance- simply keeping an eye on a creature in a place she doesn't know. Jingliu doesn't know where they are now by the time the target stops and stands in the middle of a roadway. Did the lass forget something? Only a few steps are taken and the swordswoman can make out the faint sound of voices- likely the little girl's.. but who else was present..?
The snow haired woman only gets close enough to be able to understand the words spoken into the chilly night air- though just barely. She doesn't want to risk getting too close and spooking the poor thing- or whatever, or whoever, else was also in this random section of the city.
What did Jingliu walk herself into...
let us reminisce memories of eras long past, shall we @snowonaredcloak?
โพ all that she was...... and all that she left behind
ใ prompt-based non-commission โโ a HUG that settles the silence ใ
โYouโre late,โ she says. As if she really had been planning a meetup with โBaihengโ.ย Bronyaโs thoughts were a flurry, trying to draw conclusions from multiple possibilities all at once.ย
For one, it was possible that Bronya had simply looked like whoever โBaihengโ had been.ย Yet, asย Bronya stood in this cold embrace, scanning the crowd of other natives to the Xianzhou vessel,ย Bronyaย understood that she lookedย nothing like the majority of the natives here. There was also theย confusion in the voice of the moon that embraced her โbelovedโ. It was wrought with soft, gentle emotion, yet confusion stands out most of all.ย
Baiheng could be a former lover. Maybe this woman hasnโt gotten past that? It would explain the pain in her tone. It would explain the minutia of hesitationย Bronya had picked up on in the moonโs voice. It seemed as though she wasnโt willing to let go. Like doing so would be a more permanent thing, rather than a transient moment. Bronya utilized a free hand to pat the head of the moon that held her. It was gentle, it was patient, it was understanding. It was the warm embrace of Truth, even if that Truth masqueraded as a facade even she could never truly materialize.ย
Bronyaย whispers in return. Her voice is playful, despite her thoughts being anything but.ย โHehe, and just what is it that Iโm late for, exactlyโฆ?โ For now,ย Bronya would settle on this moon being a scorned lover. Though, the pain carried even in the most minute gestures gaveย Bronya doubt that that was the full story. She couldnโt directly ask, though.ย She could have a negative reaction from that.ย For now,ย Bronya needed to play the role of partner- or ex-partner, perhaps- for a woman she hadnโt even known the name of. She cannot ask for such information.ย She could have an even worse reaction from that.ย
โAndโฆ I'm gladโฆ Iโve missed you too, my dear~โย Bronya wondered if she had been doing this right. If she had been convincing in her role as โBaihengโ as she gently stroked the moonโs hair.ย Bronya was accustomed to the cold, for Truth had been considered cold, it had been considered as hard as ice, and those had been for good reason.ย
I need to find a way for her to open up more about Baiheng. I need to know what happened between them before I can continue further.
"What am I late for exactly?" What was She late for? What had they planned to do? Where where they supposed to go? Where had She gone? Wฬดฬอฬซฬhฬถฬฬออyฬตฬฬฬก ฬธอฬฬฏdฬตฬอiฬธฬฬชฬฆdฬตฬฬ ฬตฬออSฬทอฬคhฬดออeฬดอฬบ ฬธฬฬฟฬอlฬถฬฬผฬฏeฬทฬฬคaฬดฬฬฟออvฬตฬฬฬฑฬeฬทฬอ ฬทฬฬซhฬธฬฬซอeฬตฬฬฬ ฬฏrฬทฬฬฬฬบ ฬทฬฬฬผaฬตอฬฬฒlฬธฬพฬอฬoฬดฬออฬnฬถฬฬ ฬฬฌeฬตฬอฬ อ?ฬทฬออ
Her expression doesn't change despite the confusion hammering at her ribs, though her hands do grasp just a fraction tighter for the briefest of moments. Jingliu cannot let the turmoil take over- she can't let Her see her in such a state even if She wouldn't judge, even if She would easily offer understanding and salvation. Hands brushing against snow gives her momentary pause, slow blinking as she stares unseeing. The touch is so gentle, so warm- she missed it so.
โ .. you were supposed to accompany me to Aurum Alley. There was a shop that peaked our interest in that district. โ
The words fall out of her mouth before the swordswoman can even process them herself. Ah.. that's right. They were going to that store that specialized in antique repair. Yes, that was it- that's where they were planning to go. Jingliu had.. something she wanted to get fixed, and Baiheng had mentioned it to her, and even offered to take her there. Yes, it's all coming back now.
Jingliu's hands loosen their hold just enough for her to- ever so careful, ever so tenderly- turn the memory around by Her hips. Her hand swiftly returns to re-tangle their fingers, refusing to let go of something she so desperately craved and was offered so willingly.
โ ..Are you ready now, or do you have other things to finish up before we go? โ
With the blindfold gone, garnet eyes are unhidden from view, displaying the lack of light in them- displaying the lost mind of the host that carries the weight of Much, yet stands despite it all.
โพ DID SOMEBODY SAY BOOM?!
ใ destruction commission โโ investigate the crumble of empyrea ใ
โI donโt know, correct,โ He nods, fiddling softly with the dark guards upon his wrist, โI am a stranger to this world, unable to provide any more information than what I have already observed during my time upon it.โ
Part of Dainsleif thinks that he is often a stranger to Teyvat as well. A solitary wraith now only able to feel nothing but pain and anger, not truly belonging anywhere other than a place that was already long gone.
โI know all too well the weight of responsibility...โ Underneath a gauntlet, shackled tightly to a finger upon his right hand, is a ring given to him by an older brother he could not help but to loathe. In his youth, he had sought after it, poking and teasing Vedrfolnir to just give it to him already. When it finally fell into his hands, it only came with more pain, neither a blessing nor a curse. He had no longer wanted it at that point in his life, long having outgrown his childish need to covet everything his brother owned.
A mere piece of metal, now a tool to keep his body from rotting away, bearing a burden of fate that more often than not felt too heavy to carry alone. A gift from a sinner, once a brother, now no more than an enemy.
โIf I have not made it clear already, I have no wish for this to come to blows,โ A long weary sigh is drawn from the knight who has been so tired and worn down for so long, โI may tend to not meddle, but it still pains me to see places like this reduced to ruins as my own kingdom once was long ago. It doesnโt matter what plagues the land, only that something plagues it. I was a knight in the golden era of my homeland, I suppose some of that sense of justice must linger in me still, for I wish to help the people of this land with their troubles.โ
Her smile remains unguarded as something dangerously close to sympathy tugs at her heartstrings- the warmth of a commander that cares for her underlings, though this man obviously was not one under her command. The sentiment remains all the same.
Fingertips cover the amused snort at the man's insistence that he doesn't wish for this to turn into something physical- damn, and here she was getting her hopes up for a nice brawl ( what? it's been a while ). Yet, understanding flashes behind the self-imposed blindfold in garnet eyes.
โ Very well. You have my word as a swordsman that I shan't point my blade at you- not unless you give me reason to. โ
And her promise is true, she will not attempt to cross swords unless the man betrays her or shows malicious intent towards her.
Jingliu's movements betray nothing of her thoughts as she takes a few steps towards the side, turning to begin a decent down the hillside towards the devastation plaguing the local architecture.
โ Come along, then. We haven't all day to dally before we loose the light. โ
The woman commands in a partial tease, clearly leaving no room to reject the idea as she stalks onward- not even looking back to see if the man had actually followed or not.
Is this a bad idea?ย
Am I just leading her on?ย
Such questions stalked through the annals of Reasonโs mind, trying to unearth a Truth that not even she could properly realize despite all of her power to do just that. Bronya sighs as she walks through the Xianzhou Luofu, intent on once again grasping an old flame that she never struck alight.ย
In her hand, she carries a basket. It is a basket of treats brought from Earth, pleasantries to share between herself and Jingliu who, in the time spent masquerading as her former friend, partner, or whatever she and Baiheng had been in their time together, Bronya had grown to understand suffered in ways that the Herrscher felt guilt for. This day would be one of many birthdays spent without one that Jingliu cared about, however she may have lost her.
The thought of being unable to share a birthday with her friends, with Seele and the others crossed through Bronyaโs mind. The way in which such a feeling tugged at her heartstring allowed Bronya to move forward with pretending to be Baiheng just a bit longer, even if it meant potentially leading on someone who didnโt deserve it.
โJingliu!โ Bronyaโs voice picked up that same chipper tone when she caught a glance of Jingliuโs silver hair. That flame lit under the guise of the moon, one that โBaihengโ hadnโt lit with her own hands, yet one that Baiheng struck aflame with brilliant fervor. She held up a basket, a giggle escaping her lips. This facade will continue, and Truth will continue to lie in the name of the moon.
Maybe such a lie would build a new path towards uncovering a different sort of truth. โI brought some snacks. Happy birthday~ letโs have a picnic!โ
The winds smelled different this uneventful day, leaves of the local flora painting teardrops across the cloudless sky. Something in Jingliu's gut clenched uncomfortably at the strange atmosphere- like something was wrong, but the swordswoman just couldn't decipher what was misplaced. She had no plans, so perhaps she could spend her time investigating- one can never be too careful, after all. The Abundance never ceases, and neither does the Hunt ( or Destruction ).
A refreshing breeze pulls her from her lull, a soft grin etched over worn skin- frost cracking at the edges. A curious eye surveys what the sanctuary is offering, a basket unfamiliar to the swordswoman in design and ownership but filled with delights and a promise of companionship and time well spent.
โ A picnic, eh? โ
The tease is far too gentle for one so cold, mock-contemplation etched into each feature. Though it quickly returns to its warmer expression as she slips her fingers under the memories own, prying the basket from the woman with such tender care before turning in some random direction that leads towards their Usual Spot.
โ Very well. Come along- I've missed your cooking.. โ
Hm.. strange. How could she miss something she just had not too long ago? It was only sฬธeฬธvฬตeฬถrฬธaฬดlฬถ ฬดaฬธmฬตbฬถeฬถrฬถ ฬธeฬถrฬถaฬธsฬถ a few days ago..
Happy birthday, from Layla. Though she is often too busy to wish others a happy birthday in person, she made sure to send a letter wishing Jingliu another good year.
Receiving letters is a rather uncommon occurrence- primarily because Jingliu was never in one place for very long to establish a residency. However, it seems Lan THEMSELF made sure the swordswoman obtained the embellishment on this specific day. She hadn't the slightest idea who it could be from, and is only further confused when she reads the simple well wishes with a name the snow haired woman isn't familiar with. A Cloud Knight in training? A passing merchant? A historian, aware of her plight and downfall?
It isn't out of the realm of possibility, but an answer Jingliu won't receive- for now.
Still... Happy Birthday. Right- those existed.. how long has it been since she actually celebrated the occasion, her own or a companion's? How many amber eras has she crawled through? A puzzling question, and one she won't ponder over- Jingliu has better things to do.
However-
The note sits folded into squares in her pocket, a subtle warmth that sooths her joints as she continues about her day as if nothing had happened. Jingliu obviously can't hold onto the letter, as it is best to travel light and only carry necessities- but for now... it can stay where it is.. until she's ready to part with it.
โพ all that she was...... and all that she left behind
ใ prompt-based non-commission โโ a HUG that settles the silence ใ
The presence of a moon laden in frost embraced the gentle shoulder of Truth. The moment was instant, andย Bronyaโsย head turned in surprise as she walked through the Xianzhou Luofu.ย
Her silvery eyes fell unto those of a blood moonโs red. There is serenity as there is fear and confusion in those eyes, as Bronya considers the name this woman uttered before her sudden embrace.ย โBaihengโ, a name likely belonging to a native to the Xianzhou Alliance,ย Bronyaย thought. The embrace of the moon was cold, butย Bronyaย could withstand that much. The embrace of the moon was warm, wrought with a fathomless familiarity.ย
The moon found recognition within the eyes of Truth.ย
It was a fact. One that Bronya couldnโt deny, nor could she bring herself to reject.ย Something is wrong with her. Her expression became warm, to match that of the embrace this woman that held her.ย I shouldnโt act in confusion. I need to figure out whatโs wrong, first. She smiles, as her hands gently rest on those of the moon.ย She believes that I am this โBaihengโ, then I will indulge her for the time being while I find a way to help her.
A laugh escapes Bronyaโs lips. It is playful, indulgent in the moonโs desires. โYes? You speak as though youโre surprised to see me.โย
Bronyaย allows the embrace for a moment longer, before she breaks from the moonโs grip. Though, her hands remain intertwined with that of the moon that stood so clearly before her.ย Bronyaย looked up to face a moon that she would need to pretend is hers for but a moment. Acting wasnโt her forte, but maybe even such meager performances would appease the moon today.
โDid you miss your Baiheng?โย
โ I am.. โ
Surprised to see Her? Miss Her? Both?
โ Of course I missed you.. I've missed you so- โ
The words taste like bile on her tongue, throat clenching around the whimper that threatens to form. Why does it pain her so to speak the words..? She had just seen Her a few mฬตฬ ฬออiฬธฬอฬlฬทฬฬฬฎlฬถฬอฬeฬตฬฬณnฬดฬฬnฬธฬฬฬฬฉiฬดฬฝออaฬถออออ days ago.. so why-
โ Where- โ
The word cut through the choked silence, followed by a quiet hiccup before the shadow resumes speaking.
โ Where have you been? You're late.โ
Jingliu's voice is soft- scared, hesitant, confused- as she murmurs the inquiry into Her shoulder blade. The woman's arms curl tighter around the memory's form, ice coated fingertip pressing ever so faintly into her sun's sides- reluctant and refusing to let even air get between them. Nothing is permitted to get between them, nฬดฬอฬoฬธออฬปtฬดออฬฉ ฬถออ อฬaฬตฬฬฬกอ ฬตฬฬอsฬตฬฬฬงฬiฬถอฬฬฎอnฬตอฬพฬผฬฐgฬทอฬขฬฒlฬดฬฟออeฬดฬฬงฬฑ ฬทฬฬฬtฬทออ hฬตอ อฬณอiฬถอฬบnฬตฬฬฬผฬปgฬตฬฬฐฬฎ.
โพ DID SOMEBODY SAY BOOM?!
ใ destruction commission โโ investigate the crumble of empyrea ใ
โIโฆโ Dainsleif blinks in surprise at her words, standing for a moment stunned, โIt is somewhat more complicated than simply being uninterested. I do intend to help, I just needed to catch my bearings first. Keeping a watchful eye on you was a mere distraction at best.โ
Had he simply forgotten the weight of a human life in his endless years of torment? Had he forgotten that it would only take moments for an ordinary person to die when faced like a calamity like this?
Some part of him thinks it would be a mercy to them, to die quickly rather than to suffer for eternity. That was a liberty him and many of his countrymen would never get. But another part of him, that young and cheerful knight who had once had hope for the future, screams at him to stand up and be righteous, to save whoever he could before it was too late.
Dainsleif, since the day everything had fallen apart, kept himself wavering between two extremes - the man filled with nothing but pain and anger at their fates, and the hopeful knightย who only wanted to do what was right - never involving himself in the world more than he had to.
โI hardly meddle in my own worldโs affairs, outside of keeping what should remain buried in the dark where it is. I doubt anyone would blame me, were I not intending to help in the end, since I do not come from this place,โ The weary soldier lets out a long sigh, โHad you been a threat, I would have dealt with you beforehand, and then gone to help. Though, since you say you arenโt here to bring this place into further strifeโฆ nor do you want to help, as I have been putting offโฆ where does that leave us?โ
A mere distraction? Jingliu withholds a chuckle at the ( possibly unintended? ) "insult", simply letting the man speak as the snow haired woman absorbs the words offered. Yet, a smile- far gentler than it had any right to be- takes hold over her features, gaze as calm as her frozen heart.
โ .. I would not fault for you not desiring to meddle in other world's disasters.. there is only so much responsibility one person can bear before they crumble under the weight of it all. โ
Was this sentiment spoken for this strangers benefit.. or her own? Then, even at the active threat of clashing blades ( why not? it'd be.. an interesting turn of events, especially with the threat of those anomalies.. ), Jingliu remains unfazed, like a rock withstanding the river's flow. She wasn't one to boast ( too much ) about her prowess as a fighter, there are moments where she wished there wasn't the simmering itch of combat in her veins. A by-product of too many years served as a Captain and founder of a planet's defenses..
โ We are left where we stand.. two predators sizing the other up to see if its territory is being encroached- despite neither having claim to the land beneath our very feet. โ
โ Then, pardon my asking, but you know not what plagues the land, correct? That is my purpose for standing where I remain, and I shall not leave until I am provided answers- whether by you, or by the soil itself. โ
โพ all that she was...... and all that she left behind
ใ prompt-based non-commission โโ a HUG that settles the silence ใ
Days come and go, like water crashing against the shore- each wave a symphony of erosion. How long has it been..? Nearly.. seven- no, eight-hundred years since her heart broke last. Eight-hundred years of a balance between utter destruction and sanctuary. Where is She now..? What would She think of what the swordswoman had become..? Would She be disgusted? Supportive? No.. concerned, but willing to listen.
Mฬทฬฬฎoฬธฬอฬฒฬฐnฬดฬฬอsฬตออฬฐtฬธฬอฬปฬบeฬดอฬอ rฬทอฬฬซ.
How long has Jingliu listened to the voices of the lost..? How long has she had these shackles at her ankles, dragging her closer and closer to the brink of Destruction?
Tฬทอฬอฬrฬดฬฬนaฬดอฬนฬขiฬดฬ ฬขtฬธฬอoฬถอฬฅอrฬธอฬฑ.
How long has this torture gone on?
Mฬทฬฬฬuฬตอฬฬฐฬฑrฬทฬฬฬdฬถฬฬกฬชeฬถฬอฬrฬธออ ฬอeฬธฬอฬฆอrฬถอฬบ.
Even with the blindfold on, Jingliu can sense the presence of those hands- those purple luminescent limbs that threaten to claw apart her sanity. There seems there are more of them than normal.. an understandable change that she had expected to come eventually.
Feet move against her will, the soft clack of heels as they meet pavement drowned out by the whispers in her ears. Turn left. This is her comeuppance. Turn left. This is what she must bear as her sin. Turn right. The voices speak the truths of eras past and the future yet to come. Go straight. This is--
โ ........Baiheng? โ
Dฬดฬอฬบฬฉoฬธฬออฬnฬถอฬนฬช'ฬทอฬฆtฬทฬฬฬฬป ฬทออsฬตฬอpฬถอออeฬถฬออฬปaฬดออkฬทฬฬฬฏ ฬทฬฬhฬธฬฬญฬeฬดฬฬฬฉrฬทออฬฃฬ ฬดออฬ nฬตฬออaฬธอฬฬงmฬตอฬฉeฬถฬฝอ.ฬถฬอฬฃ
Time turns to ice much like her body, all things freezing in their rightful place as the blindfold slips- just as the name had slipped from her lips at the sight of familiar lilac. Though.. something seems a tad different than what she remembers. Who is she to second guess the visions? Who is she to rely on fleeting memories to authenticate what her heart has long forgotten?
Her body once more moves before her shattered mind can catch up, arms extending forward to pull that memory fragment closer. Jingliu's arms end up curled around the memory's waist, trembling limbs tugging it backward into her chest with a ragged exhale. Her face finds a slot to rest on the back of the memory's shoulder, the shadow's body leaving behind a weak trail of frost where its limbs cling to the memory- as if it will vanish if she lets go.
let us reminisce memories of eras long past, shall we @reachforthetruth?
โพ one bear, two bear ; white bear, ice bear
ใ destruction commission โโ unBEARable discovery ใ
Jarilo VI... Belobog. What a sense of nostalgia for a place she never knew. She had merely heard of the long-thought-perished planet centuries ago in passing news- of an exceptional fighter from some struggling planet that, despite the warriors win, hardly if ever took payment for their wins. Instead, they only wished to speak of their homeland, and how desperate they needed help to keep the planet from perishing. That had been over four-hundred years ago, and now the planet is on an incline to recovery and more.
So, of course when she hears of the planet's resurgence though word of mouth, Jingliu's interest is grabbed. It takes her longer than she expected, but the snow haired woman does find her way to Jarilo VI, and the little city of Belobog- far more bustling and lively than she could have imagined. But, that was the purpose of her trip after all, to see the state the planet had come to be in. She wonders if Jing Yuan knows of this.. surely he must already be aware.
However, she appears to have come at a rather inopportune time, as several guards ( which she assumes is the planet's [ or more specifically the city's ] equivalent of a defense force ) are swiftly patrolling the roads of the main street- seemingly on edge. Jingliu is tempted to ask one of them what the situation is for them to be in such a frenzy.. but as a former knight herself, she can't bring herself to interrupt a soldier on duty ( especially when the seem so.. uneasy ).
Perhaps there is another way for the swordswoman to find an answer.
A quick assessment allows Jingliu to notice another individual, whom she guesses was not part of the local law enforcement, standing just outside one of the plethora of shops littered along the main street. Cautious as ever, for both herself and for this stranger, the snow haired woman takes slow and calculated steps until she deems herself close enough to speak without appearing threatening while not having to speak too loudly.
โ Might you know what all the commotion is for? โ
let us reminisce memories of eras long past, shall we @icyqull?
destruction commissions
hella late but the new board kinda tickled the jingliu brain so here I is with my wife
A Healer's Duty, A Soldier's Cause
Kokomi's surprised, initially, by the sheer venom in the woman's voice, but it doesn't take her long to figure out why. The way the crowds fled from a single, dying individual, the woman's words and the suggestion of an interrogation, the guards she can see warily approaching - they're not merely enemies, but enemies on two different sides of a long and bloody war that has continued for countless years and cost countless lives. Perhaps, from the swift and vicious response, there had even been a recent attack on these very docks. What could drive someone to seek aid from their enemy in the midst of such a war - that, she's curious about too.
But it's no excuse to abandon all honor and reason.
"I don't know where this traveler stands in your war," Kokomi says, quietly but firmly. "I don't know what's been done to and done by their side, or by yours. I understand, believe me - I too have too much blood on my hands to sleep easily. But whatever their reasons for coming here, they're still a person. You know nothing about them beyond their species and the fact that they came in peace, asking for your help."
The white-haired woman's eyes are covered by a blindfold, but she looks up to meet them nonetheless, nothing but uncompromising steel in her gaze. "Besides," she adds, with the cold pragmatism of a general rather than the blazing determination of a healer, "you'll learn nothing from them if they bleed out right here. They might even tell you what you want to know without a struggle if you help them first. It's only practical."
And then, having said her piece, Kokomi returns to stabilizing her patient as best she can, keeping a careful ear out for any movements behind her. Yaruf seems to be healing quite rapidly, which makes her job easier, but not so quickly that they're anywhere near out of danger yet.
Jingliu's gaze doesn't falter in it's intensity, but a small breeze of something dangerously close to sympathy swooshes passed her at the notion that this outlander had apparently- by her own words of "having blood on her hands ( to sleep easily )"- seen her own share of war and bloodshed. Jingliu knows the sentiment all too well and one she wishes not for others to share.
Unconsciously, Jingliu extends her other hand outward- a signal to the approaching guards to halt their advance and wait for further orders. Ah.. so her instincts as a leader of the Cloud Knights remains. How.. bothersome.
โ While you may be right about needing them alive to get answers.. you, yourself little lady, do not know the sheer extent that this hatred runs- nor do you know for why. โ
Her attention focuses on the borisin collapsed to the ground, fighting back the way her blood boils at the sight. Justice served. Their kind hunted all kinds of prey, and even went after a close-relative species- the foxians. Oh how she recalls Baiheng's expression when they faced the creatures in a several fights- the way she trembled but pushed forward regardless her own fears. Oh Baiheng.. Don't you sully her name.
The snow haired woman takes a few steps forward, forcing the cold swirling her palm to dissipate as to not unintentionally go haywire onto any actual innocents- namely this lass who simply wants to help, like most medics she knows.. like one small purple haired Vidyadhara who would chase down those with mara and treat them..
Again that warmth of compassion reigns in too close.
โ While we may be species with long-lives, we are not immune to basic diseases and injures. So it goes without saying that we can die all the same- and are often used as food by beasts should they feel so inclined. โ
The swordswoman nearly spits out the words with venom, but manages to hold herself just so from completely snapping to push the lass aside and simply end it here and walk away with no regrets. She takes another few steps forward, still keeping several paces between the two and herself for the sake of all involved.
โ So then, borisin, let me ask- why should we aid you? How will we know that- should we offer up our kindness and treat you- that you won't simply find a "snack" amidst those who reside on the Xianzhou to regain your strength? โ
Yaruf seemingly remains silent ( for now ), turning its gaze away from the woman's wrath- possibly apologetic and hesitant to speak with the reminder of why their species was so detested by the residents of the Luofu.
โพ DID SOMEBODY SAY BOOM?!
ใ destruction commission โโ investigate the crumble of empyrea ใ
Dainsleif was simply trying to help. This wasnโt his place, this wasnโt his home. This wasnโt Khaenriโah. He couldnโt fix the past, it was five hundred years too late for that. His friends, his family, and all those that he had once known had already succumbed to their fate, cursed to forever wander the land without any respite from their pain and suffering. The best of them, were like him, not fully consumed but slowly being eroded nevertheless. And even he could not fully claim that. Not with the ring bestowed to him by that accursed older brother of his. He would always be more whole than any of his countrymen, his memories of Khaenriโahโs golden days clearer than theirs. He only had Vedrfolnir to thank for that.Someone he could never thank for anything again. Not when out of all of the Sinners, the one he finds himself hating the most is his own brother. For the sting of betrayal hurt more when it came from his flesh and blood.
His words are far more calm than his heart when the woman he had been observing idly calls out to him, โIโm not. I do not come from this world. Consider me nothing more than a concerned outlander who wishes to help with rescue efforts.โ
The guilt from the days of the Cataclysm overwhelms him even now, five hundred years later. The sight of this ruined resort now, and the sight of his kingdom falling to ruin before his eyes, blend in his mind.ย
But what survivors remained hereโฆ they were people that he could still save. They were not yet doomed, as he and his countrymen were forevermore.
Dainsleif watches this strange woman carefully, wary of the resemblance that she bears to a certain student of a former friend, keeping a distance of a few paces between them, ever the cautious soul.
โI must ask you of your intentions though. You have been standing here all by yourself, seemingly making no effort to help beyond your observation,โ Dainsleif himself easily could have done so much in the time that he had been watching her. He may have been a knight with no kingdom to protect now, but he had still once been a revered knight, captain of the Black Serpent Knights of the Royal Guard, in charge of men who still haunted this world as little more than husks of armor. He could be doing so much more. And yet, here he was, reminiscing on days long past, of horrors he wished he was able to forget, โI should hope that you do not wish to bring further harm to the remnants of the people of this world, that you instead desire to help them. I get the feeling that is not the case though; am I correct?โ
A smirk tugs ever so slightly at the edges of her mouth as she continues to keep her gaze out at the wreckage, a soft huff of amusement and her breathing remains steady.
โ Like yourself, I do not claim this place as home. So is it so bizarre that I- as a traveler- am captivated by the environment, and how it came to be in such a sad state? โ
Her expression returns to one of neutrality, as it is true that Jingliu holds no sort of hostility towards this new land, nor to her.. unexpected company. Though her senses focus on the landscape, getting a sense of forces unseen- a faint tremor beneath the dirt, the wind aggressive and filled with the scent of blood and chaos ( a scent she is far too familiar with as a former Cloud Knight ).
โ You are correct in your assumption, though there are a few faults in your guess. While I do not aim to bring about further chaos, I am not here to aid those left behind amidst the destruction. โ
The snow haired woman corrects, her voice mono-tone as if her words were something anyone would say so casually. She turns her head just so as to direct her words now back towards the gentlemen, uncaring of the distance that had been closed.
โ Would I be wrong in saying that you yourself weren't interested in aiding the survivors? You were keeping an eye on me far too long to be that worried over those in need of assistance. What would your reason be for coming here with the threat of disaster just below your feet..? โ
โพ let little wings carry us to our biggest dreams
ใ destruction commission โโ wind-gliders of teyvat ใ
Exploration.. is something Jingliu is rather unfamiliar with. Sure, she had fled from the Luofu after the atrocities she had committed, and after her student had believed to have bested her ( which, in a way.. that man had ), but actually adventuring out freely into a new planet was not something she would do so casually. What drove the swordswoman to this nation- Fontaine, as she recalls- even she knows not the answer. But my, what a spectacle.
Her senses note a presence aside from those of children and.. blue shaded children(?) roaming the streets of the main city, one similar to that of the Ditings she had been once familiar with- but nearly thrice the size. The metallic clank of feet(?) echo as a few stroll past where the snow haired woman is sat at one of the cafรฉs Jingliu had decided to stop at, her head following its footsteps as it continues on its patrol ( she assumes ).
She then turns her attention to the voices at another table, interest easily swimming from one sound to the next- like the ever steady crashing of waves moving sand. Now, Jingliu isn't one to really eavesdrop on personal conversations ( unless it's to help her ultimate goal- ), but when in a new land, one must gather all the information that they can before being able to conduct a battle strategy.
They keep saying something about "exams" and "gliding on the wind", and after a few other words she can't quite make out ( as she isn't putting in more than half-effort to zero in on the innocent civilians ), she gives up with an inaudible sigh before taking a sip out of her glass cup.
What an unfortunate time for her heart to skip several beats- for her chest to grow colder the longer as Jingliu had remained stationary for far too long. Appears she needs to conclude her business here and take her leave-
It's then she registers the sound of soft footsteps approaching her table in the corner of the store's outdoor seating area. Jingliu doesn't give much of a reaction, calmly enjoying her drink before setting it down against the wooden surface.
โ Is there something you need of me, little lady? โ
let us reminisce memories of eras long past, shall we @romaritime-flower?
โพ DID SOMEBODY SAY BOOM?!
ใ destruction commission โโ investigate the crumble of empyrea ใ
The sight of destruction.. devastating yet beautiful in it's power ( it's that very power that Jingliu hopes to steal when the time comes ) with structures of stone and wood reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye. The sight of stragglers of survivors is of no interest to the snow haired woman. Even if she "answered the call" for volunteers, her attention was focused on the chaos of the land- of dangerous bursts of Destructive energy that plagued the planet. This was supposedly a new development, as Jingliu cannot fathom a place designated as a vacation destination would have such a feature.
Curious indeed.
Upon hearing the call for volunteers to aid in rescue efforts, the swordmaster had not responded to the plea. No, she responded to the whispers of curiosity tugging at her mind at the mystery that resulted in the plea. Who knows, maybe she'll have a bit of fun being on her guard to such.. anomalies.
So it is of no surprise she stands there on Empyrea now amidst the rubble of a few of the previous disaster sights with her arms crossed- seemingly relaxed for one glancing out at the wreckage.
โ I would ask that you cast your gaze elsewhere. I am not one of the evacuees, though the concern if I were would be unnecessary- but appreciated. โ
The white haired woman calls out suddenly, making no other movement besides the ones required for breathing and balancing whilst standing. Of course having thousands of years of life experience meant that Jingliu would have noticed another individual nearby- possibly watching her out of curiosity ( not likely ) or similarly gazing out at the ruined lands.
โ You are not one of the survivors, I assume. Are you perhaps wishing to investigate the happenings that befell these unprepared hosts? โ
let us reminisce memories of eras long past, shall we @verkunder?
