[ So will Xingchen. He has learned much since waking in Duplicity.
He will never hold such a protection against another. And he realizes, distantly, that he's being honored just by Thranduil telling him. ]
But I would not break, should you decide to show me. I want you to be comfortable around me. This is your home while we are here and contracted, as much as it is mine. Even should we end our contract, should you wish to visit you would be welcome.
{His expression is sad, wistful, his smile fading to Winter sunlight.}
I am comfortable. {But he has no intention of burdening his host.} The only reason I tell you is so you feel safe with me. By the standards of Men, I am ancient. If I had not suffered some woe, I would be absurdly lucky.
{That protectiveness earns another kiss - this time to Xingchen's cheek.}
I would rather you save yourself, Xingchen. But since you now know...
{He lets the Glamor fall, purposefully preparing himself to move away if Xingchen shows any sign of discomfort or horror. He can easily understand both!}
It happened when I fought the Wyrms...or Dragons...of the North.
And he watches as the spell falls, awed at the trust Thranduil shows, in the honor given. But there's sympathy too, in seeing the horrendous damage the Elf has received. He doesn't pull away, only studies the other, brows knit in concern. ]
You survived. [ His voice is hushed. ] That speaks far greater of your will to live than anything I can imagine.
{As he is blind in the eye closest to Xingchen, he must turn more to look at the Man properly. He quickly brings the Glamor back into place, the horrible wounds - they will never be scars - disappearing under seemingly perfect skin.}
I did not want to at first. {The pain had been all-consuming.} But time showed me that I had a purpose.
[ Xingchen tugs Thranduil's hand up to press a kiss to the palm. ]
I understand some of that.
[ He remembers - vividly - his first few days in Duplicity. And again, after Huaisang had dunked far more brutal truth over him than he could handle. ]
[ No. Not disgusted. Not even a little. Xingchen dares to settle against Thranduil, ready to pull away if his assumption is wrong that when the glamour is in place, the wounds do not trouble him. ]
You're right. Every day I find something new to live for. When I came here, I had no desire to live. Now, I do not want to die.
{With the Glamor in place, Xingchen's assumption is correct: Thranduil feels no pain, but he cannot see, still, out of that one eye. The soft weight of the Man against him has him lifting his arm to accommodate him.}
Your husband would not be alone in mourning you. But I am relieved you have found your own reasons for living. Those are crucial.
{His robes are soft and he has a gentle touch when he isn't in the midst of battle. The scent of the forest - the wind through the trees, the hidden paths - will always emanate from his skin.}
What will you do with your future? What do you foresee for yourself and your husband?
[ He really likes how Thranduil smells - he can't help but take a deep breath. The questions have him think. There is no hurry before he answers. ]
For as long as we are here, we will learn all that the people here can teach us. Read. Relax into this peace we have managed to find for ourselves.
[ Another deep breath, and he reaches out with his mind to his husband's, sending him reassurance and love as he has started to. Just because. His mind turns often to Xiao Yang. ]
Should we succeed in returning to our world...alive...? We will travel together. There are many places we have not seen. And then we will make a home for ourselves to return to in between traveling. Maybe even form a sect our own...
{The scent shifts - just as the breeze through the trees does - but it is always pleasant. Thranduil would be honored if it brought Xingchen a sense of peace.}
I will gladly protect your serenity. Anyone who seeks to cause chaos in this house will be met with my blades.
{Xiao Xingchen's gift is returned with warm sleepiness. Xiao Yang is still dreaming, but he never hesitates, even in that state, to love his husband.}
A sect that will do much good for your world. Your husband knows of its Darkness and you are aware of the Light. I think your students would fare well.
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So will Xingchen.He has learned much since waking in Duplicity.He will never hold such a protection against another. And he realizes, distantly, that he's being honored just by Thranduil telling him. ]
But I would not break, should you decide to show me. I want you to be comfortable around me. This is your home while we are here and contracted, as much as it is mine. Even should we end our contract, should you wish to visit you would be welcome.
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I am comfortable. {But he has no intention of burdening his host.} The only reason I tell you is so you feel safe with me. By the standards of Men, I am ancient. If I had not suffered some woe, I would be absurdly lucky.
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I do. Even now, I believe I am safe with you. I like knowing you are near - is that disturbing?
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{He is not so free with his emotions or affection.}
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I am glad to have your friendship and affection.
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{He hesitates, his head tilting.}
Do not trust Dragons.
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Should any be brought here, I will be cautious should I meet them.
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[ There's a hint of a growl, finally, in his promise. ]
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I would rather you save yourself, Xingchen. But since you now know...
{He lets the Glamor fall, purposefully preparing himself to move away if Xingchen shows any sign of discomfort or horror. He can easily understand both!}
It happened when I fought the Wyrms...or Dragons...of the North.
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And he watches as the spell falls, awed at the trust Thranduil shows, in the honor given. But there's sympathy too, in seeing the horrendous damage the Elf has received. He doesn't pull away, only studies the other, brows knit in concern. ]
You survived. [ His voice is hushed. ] That speaks far greater of your will to live than anything I can imagine.
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I did not want to at first. {The pain had been all-consuming.} But time showed me that I had a purpose.
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I understand some of that.
[ He remembers - vividly - his first few days in Duplicity. And again, after Huaisang had dunked far more brutal truth over him than he could handle. ]
I am grateful to know you.
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What you have endured and overcome is only the beginning. Each day you will see new reasons to live and it won't feel like such a struggle.
{He bows his head, pleased.}
Thank you for finding me.
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You're right. Every day I find something new to live for. When I came here, I had no desire to live. Now, I do not want to die.
[ He smiles gently. ]
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Your husband would not be alone in mourning you. But I am relieved you have found your own reasons for living. Those are crucial.
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It is easier now, with this certain chance to stay with A-Yang, to look forward instead of just in the moment.
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What will you do with your future? What do you foresee for yourself and your husband?
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For as long as we are here, we will learn all that the people here can teach us. Read. Relax into this peace we have managed to find for ourselves.
[ Another deep breath, and he reaches out with his mind to his husband's, sending him reassurance and love as he has started to. Just because. His mind turns often to Xiao Yang. ]
Should we succeed in returning to our world...alive...? We will travel together. There are many places we have not seen. And then we will make a home for ourselves to return to in between traveling. Maybe even form a sect our own...
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I will gladly protect your serenity. Anyone who seeks to cause chaos in this house will be met with my blades.
{Xiao Xingchen's gift is returned with warm sleepiness. Xiao Yang is still dreaming, but he never hesitates, even in that state, to love his husband.}
A sect that will do much good for your world. Your husband knows of its Darkness and you are aware of the Light. I think your students would fare well.