[Nie Mingjue has never been effusive with his praise, but this statement is as true as anything. He is proud of Huaisang for surviving. Perhaps not of how he had to do it, but if his brother had died, if he had fallen to Jin Guangyao... That would be the worst thing he could imagine. Maybe he doesn't know the extent of everything, but he knows enough to pass that judgement, and he will never find his brother lacking again. The contrast between them is great, but the love is greater; clasping his hand like his, it keeps repeating in his mind, a relief when everything else could go wrong: Huaisang survived.
He nods once, believing him when he says that everything was taken care of. Huaisang might have lied to him about where he left his saber or how early he bowed out of practice or that he definitely didn't go drinking instead of studying, but Mingjue knows that he would never lie to him about something so important, about something that matters.] Thank you. [He says quietly, voice a little rough. It's been one of the more selfish worries, having heard that he was sealed in a coffin with Jin Guangyao's body. Not being able to rest. A worry that paled compared to everything else, but he is touched, that Huaisang would take care of him.] I already know much of it. You orchestrated his downfall. [An almost disbelieving huff of a laugh, and he thumbs over Huaisang's knuckles.]
If I had known, I would have set you to studying tactics long ago. Maybe you would have applied yourself to something that isn't saber practice. [Would things be different if he had found a way to let his brother shine at something he's good at, instead of pushing the family disciplines on him? Would he have been able to trust him with his own worsening condition, then? Maybe they could have found a solution together.] I am only sorry that you spent so many years alone. You will not be again, not while you're here.
[Reluctantly, he loosens his grip on his hand, exhaling heavily. It seems his brother hates Jin Guangyao as much as Jin Guangyao hates Huaisang (and Mingjue, but he thinks he hates his younger brother even more).] There are some things you need to know as well. He is changing into what they call a Monster here. Some kind of snake. [He's seen his eyes, slitted and reptilian, but not much else.] And while I do not imagine Lan Xichen would ever purposely harm you- have you heard of Bonding? It is a ritual people undergo here to open themselves to another person. They share feelings and possibly thoughts.
Xichen has Bonded Jin Guangyao. Just to be safe, do not assume that anything you say to Xichen will be kept secret from that snake. [From the irritable look on his face, this is obviously not a warning he wants to give, but he cannot take chances with Huaisang's safety. He will not fail him again.]
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He nods once, believing him when he says that everything was taken care of. Huaisang might have lied to him about where he left his saber or how early he bowed out of practice or that he definitely didn't go drinking instead of studying, but Mingjue knows that he would never lie to him about something so important, about something that matters.] Thank you. [He says quietly, voice a little rough. It's been one of the more selfish worries, having heard that he was sealed in a coffin with Jin Guangyao's body. Not being able to rest. A worry that paled compared to everything else, but he is touched, that Huaisang would take care of him.] I already know much of it. You orchestrated his downfall. [An almost disbelieving huff of a laugh, and he thumbs over Huaisang's knuckles.]
If I had known, I would have set you to studying tactics long ago. Maybe you would have applied yourself to something that isn't saber practice. [Would things be different if he had found a way to let his brother shine at something he's good at, instead of pushing the family disciplines on him? Would he have been able to trust him with his own worsening condition, then? Maybe they could have found a solution together.] I am only sorry that you spent so many years alone. You will not be again, not while you're here.
[Reluctantly, he loosens his grip on his hand, exhaling heavily. It seems his brother hates Jin Guangyao as much as Jin Guangyao hates Huaisang (and Mingjue, but he thinks he hates his younger brother even more).] There are some things you need to know as well. He is changing into what they call a Monster here. Some kind of snake. [He's seen his eyes, slitted and reptilian, but not much else.] And while I do not imagine Lan Xichen would ever purposely harm you- have you heard of Bonding? It is a ritual people undergo here to open themselves to another person. They share feelings and possibly thoughts.
Xichen has Bonded Jin Guangyao. Just to be safe, do not assume that anything you say to Xichen will be kept secret from that snake. [From the irritable look on his face, this is obviously not a warning he wants to give, but he cannot take chances with Huaisang's safety. He will not fail him again.]