Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

Down, Down, Down The group leaves on the morning of the 16th, a band consisting of Mirrorbound, Theodore and Sowilo from the Coven, and one of the two returned Wilders to lead the way. The latter three will only be present for the first leg of the journey: from the North Gate to the Northern Outpost by teleporter, then a few hours' hike to the site. A tunnel yawns open, fallen rocks built up around it in mounds. Everyone is offered enchanted lanterns to light the way, and their guide takes them perhaps a mile down before he and the pair from the Coven must part ways with the Mirrorbound. The poorly-lit tunnel leads steadily downward. The way is marked by their gracious hosts to be, with arrows drawn in softly-glowing algae painting the walls so there is no mistaking which way to go; a good thing, because the deeper the party goes, the more tunnels branch off of the largest one, twisting and turning into the dark. It takes some hours to reach a familiar cavern lit with algae and glowing crystals, a herd of the velvet wormipedes idly milling about the small lake and stream that led into town in the dream. Much nicer long boats are set up and waiting to take them deeper, along with respectfully quiet Monster guards to steer them. They take a slightly different route from the dream, but before long, they reach the curtain of grayish green moss that dangles down into the water, stretched across the wide tunnel exit like a membrane. It parts on its own as the boats pass, though beware if you are infected by the Cwyld - it will not allow passage, only reach out long, tough tendrils to try and envelop you, the touch of it burning acid-bright where it is harmless for those uninfected. Past the curtain of strange moss, the cavern city opens up before them, vast and spacious, dimly lit with more algae, crystals, and softly glowing orbs of magic. It's like being plunged into an eternal twilight, somehow soft, cast in gentle colors. The boats bypass the markets this time, drifting farther down a branching stream into the city proper, to dock next to stone platforms. The winding streets and flowing canals branch out all around them with no rhyme or reason, the city sprung up around the natural layout of the caverns rather than the other way around. Buildings are carved out of tall stone spires, the windows and doors covered in fluttering silk, many of which are pulled away so that fascinated locals can peer out at the scene unfolding. The Matriarch herself comes to greet the group, ringed at the back by spear-carrying guards, all Monsters. A tall, long-limbed Arachne woman bearing battle scars and stark white hair, she looks perhaps in her 30s, and speaks with a booming, commanding voice, amplified by a charm. As she speaks, ten Wilders are released from silk rope bonds and nudged to join the Mirrorbound; they're a little roughed up, perhaps, and shaken, but none are seriously injured. A few Monsters also make the rounds, placing copper tokens in the hands of ten individuals. "Welcome, travelers! This meeting was foretold and so it has come to pass. During your stay you will be treated as our honored guests. You may come and go as you please, but we ask that you use the same tunnel you entered through; we have not yet re-secured the other entrances from Cwyld nor the tribes. I would hate for danger to befall you while you are under my care." Her smile is wide, her eight eyes bright, and her teeth are very sharp. "We have prepared temporary residences for your use. I hope you will stay for the celebrations. I look forward to meeting with some of you very soon." Notably, she does not mention the surface where from the Mirrorbound came, and those around her do not ask.

I. The City The Mirrorbound receive mixed reactions from the Underground. Some are fascinated by these visitors personally invited by the Matriarch and allowed past the markets; others are wary and suspicious, believing them to be wolves in sheep's clothing. In the city proper, most passing Monsters are armed, but this doesn't seem to be anything new. Still, step cautiously - plenty do not take well to even unknowing offense and will pick a fight, or may see these guests as easy, weak targets to pickpocket or mug in the dark corners of the twisting streets. The guards only step in if things take a turn for the worse or if the fight is very obviously imbalanced - they step in more for Witches being attacked than Monsters, because they feel Witches require protection more. Still, not all are so unscrupulous: more citizens are delighted to talk, even if they still seem skeptical about a whole world up above. Mirrorbound, as guests of the Matriarch, are given nearly free run of the city, allowed to explore such locations as the marketplace, the library, the shops, the schools (the Arena for Monsters and the Academy for Witches), and the tunnels and caverns outside the protective moss barriers. The only places they (and most locals) are expressly barred from are the Matriarch's audience hall, the upper level of the library, and the guards' barracks. a. The Marketplace The marketplace is much larger than previously thought - it rings the entire city, and stalls spill onto the streets of the inner city as well in a lazy sprawl. There are some shops with actual buildings, but they're fewer and more expensive: alchemy and apothecary shops, a couple of restaurants, a weapons shop or two, nice clothing shops. Most, though, are independent merchants who set up and take down their stalls every day and night. Any number of Underground-sourced foods, clothing, weapons, trinkets, and more can be found at the stalls; they barter, or exchange chips of precious metals and gems, but they'll take cune coins with fascination. The marketplaces are the liveliest areas of the city with Monsters and Witches alike, from all walks of life, mingling and sharing gossip and idle talk. Those who lost items to the burrowing hyenas at the Northern Outpost some months ago should keep an eye out: the hyenas are fairly common down here, serving the roles of pets or working dogs for Underground citizens, and a few merchants deal in more interesting goods. The missing items can be found scattered across some stalls, and the merchants will gleefully tell perusers that these things come from the surface, aren't they fascinating? Don't you want to buy? Luckily, it shouldn't be too hard to get your things back. They'll take all manner of interesting trinkets in trade. b. Library The library is bound to be a popular stop. Monsters get some strange looks if they enter the spire just off the courtyard from the Academy, but they aren't barred from entry; most just feel that reading is for Witches. The building is only two levels - one closed off at the top, guards keeping everyone out, and the rest is just one very tall floor ringed with a spiral of platforms and stairs to access the honeycomb-shaped shelves built into the walls. All their books are written on scrolls of silk, and the librarians bark at patrons to be delicate with them, some are very old. If one has endless time, the scrolls can offer a look at life Underground: historical accounts of past Matriarchs, brave warriors and battles against nomadic tribes or hideous beasts, their history as they know it, scrolls on offensive and defensive magic for Witches, fighting techniques for Monsters, information on their unique flora and creatures that can be found outside the city, and even plenty of fiction - sword and sorcery novels all set in the tunnels and the city. It's just a bit difficult to find what, specifically, you're looking for, because if there's any kind of organization, it only makes sense to the deep-dwelling denizens. Maybe make it a team effort! You'll also need some simple translation spells, because their system of writing is quite different to the common system in Aefenglom; even then, it may not be accurate on older scrolls. c. The Guest Villa Those who choose to spend several days in the Underground are given modest accommodations in a tall stone building. These guest chambers boast gentle lighting, wide beds, backless sofas, potted decorative fungi, and stone furniture. It's... cozy, with humble individual rooms and larger common rooms for gathering. The algae grows in delicate patterns across the walls, pulsing in soft colors. They've gone out of their way to provide what comfort they can, but there aren't enough rooms for everyone to have their own - everyone will need to share with one or two others, so choose someone you can get along with.

II. The Tunnels Mirrorbound are not restricted only to the city. There are many entrances to the cavern where it resides, the openings all covered with sheets of that same gray-green moss; some wider tunnels obviously see more use than other, narrower ones, and the footpath of many Underground denizens is easy enough to trace, the stone worn smooth. The path to the velvet wormipede cavern is one of them; they're raised as livestock, all at once food, transportation, and producers of silk and hide for clothing. This is much the same as the dream. Another well-worn tunnel leads upward to an agricultural center, though, and still more lead out into the wild. They're warned, but not hindered, before they leave for anywhere other than the farms or the livestock cavern; dangers abound in the Underground. Those who do much wandering may notice something going on as well; the guards stationed at each tunnel mouth can often be found talking to each other in low voices about an unknown red algae that seems to be growing on the protective moss. It can be found primarily around the lesser-used tunnels so far, starkly bright against the dull green, and this seems to be a point of concern... a. A Botanist's Dream It's a short walk down a wide, inviting tunnel to reach the place where the city grows fungi and underground plants for food and medicine. Large rats and hyenas both are present to keep opportunist creatures and insects from demolishing the carefully-cultivated beds of rock and soil, and small blind fish swim about in the large pool of shallow water, in which grows something like seaweed. One of their primary sources of food, besides bug and rat, are mushrooms of many sorts - all the types that grow in the farms are edible, though some may be an... acquired taste. The Fauns and Witches who tend the beds are happy to offer samples of anything that can be eaten raw; they're most enthusiastic about a type of spherical mushroom whose cap opens up to reveal what tastes and feels like savory cotton candy, and a type of flat fungi that tastes sweet and fizzy and offers a heightened good mood for an hour after. b. The Wild Underground The lesser used tunnels are a different story. A mile out from the city, Cwyld runs in thick black veins through the stone walls, infecting the sparse plants and many creatures that live out there. Careful not to touch. Infected and uninfected creatures both are highly dangerous to explorers, including stone-burrowing moles with wicked teeth and claws that can cut through metal like butter, vicious white wasps that carry lethal venom, and berserker vampire bats that survive on the blood of other animals and people alike. Some infected fungi give off blindingly-bright flashes when disturbed, while others will cause rashes and blisters on contact. Explorers are warned not to touch anything if they can help it. As well, the nomad tribes roam the less-civilized tunnels and caverns. These are small bands of usually Monsters of different types in mixed groups, though some can be found dragging humans along with them. Nearly all of them are some degree of feral, and plenty bear Cwyld infections in different stages of seriousness. They don't stop to ask questions before they'll attack anyone, including each other, in hopes of robbing them blind and leaving them for dead. As vicious and quick as they are, perhaps it's no wonder they value strength in the city?

III. Graduation Day (21st - 23rd) The Underground does not have 'Litha' as Aefenglomites know it, but come the 21st, they do have a major celebration. They simply call it the New Year, or Graduation Day, depending on what festivities are asked about, because the three days serve as both. At this time of year, with more magic in the air, the algae and crystals glow much brighter, cycling naturally through different colors that cast beautiful rainbows across the imposing stone structures. This display is how they mark the start of a new year, and it coincides with the graduation of young Monsters from the Arena and Witches from the Academy. The New Year is a time to celebrate Bonding, partying, and showing off one's skills in the hopes of attracting a new Bondmate or romantic partner. Tensions can also rise high as rivalries are settled, and small brawls in the streets are common; the guards don't interfere, again, unless things get too dangerous. They're content to let citizens work out their own issues, but unfortunately, this means Mirrorbound may get dragged in on occasion! Small fights are also a tried and true tradition to show off one's abilities around this time of year. It serves multiple purposes: attracting a Bondmate, establishing a place in the unspoken hierarchy of the city, and working out problems with others. Monsters are more likely to start brawls than Witches, though it isn't wholly uncommon to bear witness to two rival Witches throwing spells at each other in an alleyway over their grievances. They're more likely to be stopped, as magic can be quite destructive. a. A Matching Pair The un-Bonded should take precautions during the New Year celebrations. These fascinating newcomers are bound to draw the eye of curious locals, and they may put on a violent or flashy show trying to draw your attention in return! The most common way to show that you're already taken during the celebrations is with face-painting: several stands set up around the marketplace with cosmetics and brushes, and two (or three, or more) people painting matching designs on their faces and bodies signify them as a set - either Bonded or intending to Bond. That doesn't mean there won't still be competition for your heart, but it will lessen significantly, especially if you're a Monster-Witch pair already. b. Exhibitions Primarily intended for the graduating classes of Monsters and Witches, the exhibitions are an official stage set for their coming-of-age; this year, however, the Matriarch has decreed that Mirrorbound may participate as well, in the interests of getting to know one another! They're interested to see what these strange travelers can do, especially against some of their own. Mirrorbound are encouraged by excitable locals if they seem reticent, but of course, no one is forced. (Just don't be surprised if you're called a coward for refusing!) At the Arena, a massive sunken ring with stone benches for spectators ringing the whole of it, young Monsters learn combat skills, with and without weapons, and how to harness their unique physiologies in the dangerous world of the Underground. Their yearly exhibition fights take place all through the three days of the New Year, and young Monsters battle each other til first blood to the cheers and jeers of citizens (and more importantly, Witches) come to watch. The longer the battle, the more impressive it is - and Monster Mirrorbound will have no shortage of eager opponents wanting to test their skills against the unknown. Generally, the fights result in bruises, small cuts, and little else, but rivals for the same Witch might take it farther on purpose before they're wrenched away from each other by the teachers. Meanwhile, at the Academy, the tallest stone spire building in the city, young Witches learn magic from a young age. It isn't exactly the same as magic taught at the Coven, but many concepts are similar - barriers, evocation, enchantments meant for weapons or shields, healing, most of the magic they're taught at this younger age is for combat, protection or practical purposes. They only learn more frivolous magics after graduation. Much like their Monster counterparts, they give solo or duet shows of their flashier and more impressive magical skills in the courtyard, with many citizens coming to watch and take stock of the new generation. Mirrorbound Witches may find themselves being cajoled into putting on a show of their own by curious locals wanting to know what kinds of magic are taught elsewhere.

IV. Aefenglom - Litha (21st - 23rd) Meanwhile, for those who have chosen to stay above-ground or those who have left early, Litha comes once more to Aefenglom, bringing with it beautiful pink and purple skies, a far departure from last year's red tint. It has the city in a much cheerier mood for the celebrations. While they know that several Mirrorbound left for a while, they don't seem too aware of the actual mission, and have very little to say on the matter - they'd rather have a nice Litha, after last year's bad omens! Many of the activities from last year return, better than before, including the brothels opening up their doors (showing off all the wonderful new styles in lingerie!), collecting flowers to put under one's pillow in order to dream of future partners, and wandering the hedge mazes that have been magically constructed in certain parts of the city. Seeing off ships happens regularly as well, citizens setting floating candles into the harbor and river to wish them luck. a. Love Boats A new attraction for Litha is being rolled out this year right on the River Temese! Near the gate, an enterprising Faun has set up a few small boats, each just big enough for two and shielded with fine gauzy curtains for privacy. Couples are invited to buy a ride down the river together, assured it will certainly set the mood. Those who have no partners are offered (or cajoled) to be randomly paired with someone, because perhaps it's fate! The boats drift lazily down the river and stop on their own next to a small dock right before they reach the Harbor. Unless you're willing to swim, hopefully you like your boat partner, because you're stuck with them the whole ride. b. Predictive Pools One bathhouse in the Entertainment District has laid an enchantment on one of their semi-public baths for Litha. When two people stand in the water together, bare, it will begin to glow and take on one of a handful of colors that they say will predict the pair's compatibility level! Sexually, romantically? Well, why not both? The only thing is, they've lost the instructions, and cannot seem to remember what color means "most compatible" and what color means "not compatible at all"... As a reminder, all sexual content should be clearly marked in comment headers, or else moved to a comm-locked log or personal inbox! Be good to each other.

Welcome to June's Event Log, What Lies Beneath! The Underground will be open until mid-July at minimum, and possibly longer. Characters can come and go if they're willing to make the trip multiple times. As always, please direct your questions here! The NPC threads will take place here. Aaand, the Action Tracker is right here! Make sure to let us know what your characters have been up to, good and bad, by July 7th, as this will help determine how Mirrorbound-Underground relations might proceed in the future!

Comments

[yesdoubt]

[Momo spots the trouble from some distance away, because that's a big clump of people for the marketplace. And the snatch of person he catches in the middle of it seems familiar.

It's his first run of this area of the market, thankfully, so nobody should recognise him just yet. It means he can duck quickly behind a tent and work a quick few bits of illusion magic before emerging just when the circle is about to close, gripping one of the monsters on the shoulder with a hand that now appears to have painted claws rather than painted nails. Though the claws do dig - he may have chanced a transformation spell on that one, because it was a rather simple change and one he's played around with a touch before.]

I'm sorry, I couldn't be seeing a pack of Monsters trying to make off with my Bonded, could I? [His tone is surface-level cheerful, but there's the undeniable air of a knife-edge underneath it, and there's an additional gravel to it that he's added with his handful of spells.

The reason for it is that Momo has elected to illusion himself into a Dragon, on the logic that it would be the kind of Monster those down here would have the hardest time identifying anything off with. So alongside those painted claws, he now carries antler-like horns, a thin, grey tail with fur and scales, and long wings folded such that they essentially look like a cape draping behind him, features that carry over to his shadow on the cavern floor. And the final touches, a full set of sharp teeth and thin pupils that focus on Xichen before offering a wink that would appear familiar to the surrounding Monsters, but is more of a "go with it" signal to the other man as Momo steps past the bounds of the circle.

With Dragons being an unknown value, and the rumours about them carrying Cwyld given how the ones of this society were supposed to have died, the entire circle takes a big step back, a few mumbling half-assed apologies. Momo, seemingly quite enjoying himself, offers a hand out to Xichen.]

I thought I'd lost you for a moment there. Let's go before anyone else gets the wrong idea, alright?

[The bonus voice gravel makes him sound a bit more imperious, even if he's only marginally heightened the formality of his speech.]

[zewu_jun]

[At first, Lan Xichen is bewildered at Momo's appearance as much as the Monsters. Thankfully, his reserved demeanor and general soft expression don't make that confusion carry as much, turning it instead to more of a gentle surprise that can be easily followed by relief. The Monsters, thrown by the sudden threat of Cwyld potentially being an issue and the impressive stature of a Dragon in their midst, are more affected by Momo's intervention and give Lan Xichen more breathing room -- so the relief is certainly genuine. He catches up quickly enough, smiling at the wink with a fond nod as he takes the offered hand. Luckily this friendly face arrived before he really did have to fight.]

I apologize. I was only looking around, but I am sure they were just trying to be helpful.

[He moves closer to Momo, acting the part of the faithful shadow and letting the "Dragon" shield him, while the gang of Monsters grumble and reluctantly echo his words that they were helping the lost Witch because he seemed lost. There's a bit of amusement in Lan Xichen's eyes as he stands by his ally and faces them, now more relaxed since they aren't eager to do anything.]

Take me home. I won't get distracted again.

[Although he maintains his polite voice, he is still eager to retreat. Once they manage to get some distance away from the Monsters, he does sigh audibly.]

Thank you... I'm sorry for bringing you into that.

[yesdoubt]

[Considering Momo's experience with acting and also just generally the fact that he makes himself the protector so often, he takes up that role quite easily, one of his "wings" shifting slightly to cover behind Xichen. The way the circle moved out helps a lot, because Momo's one worry was that someone might get close enough to him to realise that the extra features were illusions, but now everyone's far enough apart that he doesn't have to worry.]

I certainly hope not. [And off they go.

Momo doesn't drop the illusion outright when they're out of range, since he's kind of committed to this bit at least until they move to a completely different part of the market, but he does at least drop the vocal illusion so his voice returns to normal. It's not really necessary when he's not looking to intimidate, and maintaining this extensive of an illusion is going to be a fun time already.]

It's fine, it's fine! I've been dealing with that kind of stuff too, so it was kind of refreshing to get to swoop in as the Monster this time. [He grins a little mischievously.] You're Bonded to your sworn brother, right? Did he wander off to do some shopping? Or slither off, I guess.

[How do describe motions when legs aren't involved.]

[zewu_jun]

[Once they do get a safe distance away from the gang of Monsters, Lan Xichen relaxes marginally. He could probably have defended himself if he absolutely had to, but pursuing conflict isn't something he is comfortable with, and he has managed not to draw his sword on a living person since his arrival. That's a personal relief for him.]

Ah, yes, I'm Bonded to my sworn brother, Jin Guangyao.

[He shifts a little awkwardly at the question, eyes turning down toward the ground.]

I came on my own. There's no need to trouble him. I can conduct my business and he has his own matters to look into, so we won't always have the opportunity to travel together.

[His words trail off. He's actually a little uneasy and has been missing his Bonded since coming to the underground city, but admitting that seems excessive and he's been trying to work through his personal issues on his own. Chasing after Jin Guangyao would just be childish.]

We will meet again after the visit is over, I think.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo had heard a little bit from an unusually honest Guangyao around the Iunerberries that there was some trouble in that particular Bond, and it had slipped his mind to some degree. But now, looking at that reaction, it comes right back, and his brow arches slightly at that apparent degree of separation. He and Lio aren't with each other the whole trip, but he imagines they'll see each other at some point during it.]

Are you guys still having disagreements? I heard a couple of things from him earlier in the month when I was helping out with the Iunerberry harvest, but it was...

[How does he put "he was so cagey it was obvious he was trying to hide his actual involvement in the problems" nicely.] ...kind of sparse on some of the details.

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen continues to look uneasy, struggling with just how to address the situation between himself and his Bonded. He frowns slightly, but then shakes his head and evens out his expression.]

It is natural that we will disagree over some matters, but that is not why I decided to come alone.

[Well, not entirely the reason.]

This is a new life for us. I only wish to be able to support him without becoming a burden. I decided that I should be more willing to make my own decisions, even if they seem selfish. I think Jin Guangyao is worried for me, because in the past I have always had others around to support me. He worries too much.

[yesdoubt]

[The shift in facial expressions is somewhat telling, and the particular part about making his own decisions tracks with what he heard from Guangyao. It did sound very much like the other man was bothered by Xichen taking his own path, even if it sounded a touch more selfish to Momo in the moment.]

I mean, I'm always the type to support someone becoming more independent and doing what they want to do. If someone is worried about that, then they can be supportive without having to shove their own decisions onto you, right? Otherwise it feels kinda controlling.

[A brief pause, as if wondering how much to say, and then he continues.] He also mentioned an argument with your brother, but the way he talked about it felt kinda...accusatory? Definitely one-sided.

[The absolute lack of willingness to take any blame honestly smacked of Ryou to Momo, but he's not going to mention that just yet with how badly Xichen reacted to him in Momo's memories.]

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen knows that Jin Guangyao is a little upset that he's been misbehaving recently. Lan Wangji is equally upset, an ironic place where they both agree even if they wouldn't admit to it. But the two of them can't protect him forever -- and that is what it seems like they always do. All of his family, in fact, seem to protect and support him when he doesn't know where he stands himself. There's a soft sigh as Lan Xichen shakes his head.]

It isn't controlling. I know I am not as strong or as knowledgeable about certain things as others are. Our sect has always been withdrawn from the parts of the world that were seen as a hindrance, and I suppose I have indulged in that too much.

[His smile is still fond as he thinks about the situation.]

They both worry. I want to show them that it will be fine, but that can only come with time.

[That smile fades just a bit as he thinks about the conflict between Jin Guangyao and the others.]

Mm. Wangji does blame him for... many things. I am surprised he mentioned that. Usually Jin Guangyao dislikes talk of personal complaints.

[It's too close to gossip. What could have inspired that little conversation? Maybe he hurt his family even more than he thought by trying to go his own way.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's angle was more that wanting to impose their opinions on him is more controlling than just worrying, but he keeps that to himself for the moment. He has been meaning to ask one of the others from that world for a third party opinion, since he figures that both people actually involved in the bond are probably going to be a bit cagey about it.

Which is a problem for later. Momo's not surprised Guangyao isn't one to talk personally, and he can't help but grin a little self-consciously.]

We were picking Iunerberries earlier in the month. Apparently their fumes make people a little bit drunk and a lot more honest than usual, so it was a bit of a weird conversation. [Momo had said a few things he didn't necessarily mean to, but he'd managed to keep a lid on any particularly volatile opinions.] He definitely didn't say much about the blame stuff, though, unless you count not taking any of it as saying much.

[He will at least point that out. If Xichen is already aware to some degree that he's naive to certain realities of the world, Momo doesn't think sheltering him from it further is that great of an idea.]

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen will always be too forgiving and indulgent of those he loves. To Jin Guangyao, who is the most obvious issue, and to Lan Wangji and Nie Mingjue as well, because he wants them to be happy and doesn't always have the heart to be judgmental or strict even when he should be. He frowns slightly at the thought of Jin Guangyao in a drunken state, spilling out his thoughts to someone he isn't so close to. He really must have been upset to let go like that.]

It is quite a lot in his case. What did he say?

[Maybe it really was an enchantment. If that's true, then Jin Guangyao might have said something he didn't want to. Lan Xichen has to be sure, to avoid any conflict that might arise from secrets accidentally spilled. Although judging by Momo's reaction there weren't too many details let loose.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo considers that for a few moments, raising a hand as if to count off what he remembers. He has an excellent head for gossip, which means he's remembered the useful points and the things that struck him as particularly strange.]

He mentioned Bonding causes problems, then that your brother stormed out because he "touched your hand" at dinner - your brother doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who'd react like that to something minor? So that seemed off from the start. Then he mentioned your sect's 4000 rules, said some bitter thing about your brother breaking them, and then talked about you taking off your head ribbon and wearing clothes outside your sect robe...that was the main stuff. Oh, and he seemed to think your moving into new stuff was "choosing to be unhappy". That was another thing that seemed kinda weird.

[It may not be entirely hard to tell why Momo came into this conversation with the "people being controlling" perspective given what he'd heard previously. Though he's neglecting to mention the fact that the naga basically wound up his talking when Momo tried to present another angle instead of just agreeing.

That said, it's also probably not hard to tell Momo has heard enough to be suspicious, even if he's being gentle in his wording here.]

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen listens as Momo relates what Jin Guangyao said. He's definitely surprised, eyes widening as each new bit is mentioned. The Lan sect rules? That Wangji had been angry enough to leave when Jin Guangyao touched his hand? And the last part, a speculation of Jin Guangyao's it seems... Those are all things that were deeply personal and not at all what he would expect his Bonded to share with anyone.

He's silent for some time, eyes closing as he takes that in and digests it. After some long, deep breaths, he opens his eyes again with a calm, but steady look.]

Things are not well between my brother and Jin Guangyao at the moment. I hope you'll excuse his rambling. It seems he was quite out of sorts when he spoke to you that time. It's true that they are not getting along and that small gestures are taken very poorly between them.

[So much about the Gusu Lan from Jin Guangyao. He shakes his head, huffing with something that might be gentle exasperation covering something more solemn and hurt.]

I did not realize my actions affected him so deeply. I suppose I will have to have a talk with him. My decision to depart from the sect rules is... uncomfortable. The precepts of my clan have sustained me for a long time, and betraying them is betraying my blood. I am not proud of it. A-Yao- Jin Guangyao, I believe is shaken by watching me behave this way. I doubt he would believe any of us would be willing to abandon such things. They are not only our responsibilities and foundations of nobility, they are family and part of us. I just... recently have not been able to honor them the way I should. In that way, I suppose he might see this as a decision to be unhappy.

[There's a faint smile as he says that. This is an insight into his Bonded that he is going to have to examine. And strangely enough it does help.]

I'm sorry he was rude to you. I am not unhappy, but it is perhaps harder for him to watch than it is for me to act on.

[yesdoubt]

[This is just making Momo want to ask a third party what the hell is going on more, but he has the decency not to say that here. He might ask a certain puca if they cross paths again anytime soon, since he figures he'd probably know what the beef is, and Momo can be pretty nosy when it comes to the personal issues of people he's struck up a friendship with.

Xichen's explanation does give the whole thing a bit more context, though, which helps. While the rules and such have been mentioned to Momo before, the depth of what turning away from them meant hadn't exactly been laid out in full, and it hadn't been initially obvious to him considering the differences in time period.]

I don't mind, though I dunno that he was that rude to me anyway. [Momo would...probably care less if the issue was someone being rude to him, honestly, considering his garbage self-worth.] I can see why it'd be a hard thing to see you do, but...well, if you feel like you need a new perspective and more knowledge of the world before you can uphold those rules, isn't that just a different way of valuing it? No rules can be upheld forever in the same way. Things change, and traditions shifting with it, or the way you honour them shifting with it, isn't anything to be ashamed of.

[Though from how it's described, Momo would consider it less of a betrayal and more of a temporary change of perspective. If it's for the sake of better honouring them, he doesn't feel like it should be treated as just walking away from them frivolously and forever.]

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen smiles at Momo's much more reasonable and gentle perspective. If all sects thought like that, then honestly a lot of the issues that pained Jin Guangyao and drove him to become the man he currently was would have been avoided as well. It might be too late at this point to consider such things, but he appreciates that thought for himself.]

Sect law is strict. One does not merely depart from the precepts when it feels inconvenient. There are punishments for all misconduct, and I do not think many would agree with your view that temporary departure provides a better understanding. One must obey and value these things in the way they are given.

[There is very little reasonable compromise. The only reason Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji get away with as much as they do is sheer bias. They are already taking advantage of the system because of their inborn status, and Xichen does acknowledge that much. All the noble families use their power toward personal gain of some kind. He is no different.]

However, I do not wish to live that blindly anymore. It is a decision that should be punished. I should be disgraced and forbidden from being respected by anyone of the Gusu Lan or by any other sect. Abandoning one's virtues is not to be forgiven.

Yet I was forgiven.

[Despite everything, Nie Mingjue and Wangji had chosen to still accept him. Maybe that was their personal biases coming into play again, breaking the rules and defending him even if he didn't deserve it, but he clings onto that. And it's a bias he's wanted to pass on to Jin Guangyao, who only ever knew the opposite from others. It's the same principle applied in different ways.]

I did not realize that Jin Guangyao looked up to the Gusu Lan so much. I thought he would find this more acceptable, because my clan has always been considered distant and a bit too strict even by other sects. I have heard them talk.

["A bit" is putting things mildly for sure.]

If he can talk like that, perhaps he is learning to relax his usual nature as well. It must seem unpleasant to you, listening to a grown man complain that way, but actually I wish that he would behave that way before me more often.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo has trouble not pulling a tiny bit of a face at how rigid things are - it's not like he's unfamiliar with beliefs like that and that some people might adhere particularly strictly to them, but in his time even most religions have had to drop certain rules and learn to be more flexible with others. It just doesn't feel like a remotely sustainable way to live if they're that strict about it.

It is an interesting way to take it, as looking up to the clan. Momo wonders if it isn't more a case of regarding Xichen personally as "better than that", though he takes a moment to offer something of a pained smile at the idea that he thinks any differently on wanting people to be honest about their feelings.]

No, I actually wish some of the people I know would complain openly like that sometimes too. It makes things easier when everyone's honest about their problems, right? [Says one of the most rampant and stubborn liars in his friend group back home, because clearly that advice should apply to everyone but him.] But are you sure it's the sect he respects that much and not you? He might be taking it as...I guess you making a slight against yourself is the easiest way to put it. He might not think you're breaking the virtues to the same extent you think you are, so the choice to abandon them might have been taken differently? But that's just my guess.

[Momo might be good at reading people and gauging reactions, but he can't read minds. It is, in the end, something the two would have to discuss between themselves.]

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen of course does not dislike his sect, but he has known for a long time that it isn't as clear cut and perfectly righteous as it aspires to be. The treatment of his parents alone was enough to show him that, and then the way Wangji had to basically defy his own family to be with the one he loved showed him that even well-meaning rules didn't always achieve what they set out to do. He still follows them to the best of his ability. Even now, when he has chosen dishonor, he does it with love for his home. But he doesn't expect everyone else to look upon their ways with the same affection he does.

What does surprise him is how Momo refers to Jin Guangyao. That is more personal, and something he didn't consider.]

Me? If he believes that I am still worthy of such things, then I suppose, yes, he... might be upset with my choice.

[And it does match the way Jin Guangyao had basically begged him to reconsider when he had first made his decision. Calling it hasty and even trying to chase Lan Wangji back to him. Lan Xichen huffs quietly and smiles.]

He is generous despite himself.

[yesdoubt]

"Despite himself"? [Momo is a giving type of person himself, but he can think of a few ways someone could be generous without entirely meaning to be. He's curious which one applies here - he's only spoken to Guangyao so much, but he's gotten something of a political politeness vibe off him overall when he's not getting into the questionable details.]

It feels more likely to me than it being about the sect, I guess. I don't know all that much about your world and all this sect stuff, but if even you think it would've been a bit strange for it to have been about the sect, I think it's probably personal.

[There's a bit of self-deprecating humour in the way he mentions not knowing much about it, but at least he wasn't completely off-base.] It sounds like it's something that you'd need to talk about to get to the bottom of, but from what you said I'm guessing that's easier said than done with him.

[zewu_jun]

In the past, he was not always treated kindly.

[Lan Xichen is reluctant to say too much on that matter, since he doesn't want to touch on anything too awkward or personal. It's not the kind of past that should be spoken of, but he also doesn't want to leave things he says too open to misunderstandings.]

I believe he is sometimes cautious, reluctant to express his heart because of how it may be received. To hear that he spoke of my concerns with another is... unusual for him. But you are right. It may not have been purely about my sect as I first thought.

[He sighs a little and shakes his head, although it isn't really with a harsh expression.]

It is a serious matter for me, but not one that cannot be overcome. If he seems too easily upset by my decisions, it's not something that has prevented him from staying by me. Are you sure he hasn't said anything inappropriate to you? If so, I will make sure he is properly corrected.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo nods understandingly at that - he's worked with a fair few people who've dealt with a lot growing up, especially from their families. Some of them end up wanting to help others because of it, but others can let it get to them and sour their perception of everything else as well.

At the idea that he was told anything inappropriate, he lets out a slight laugh.] I've got pretty thick skin anyway, but he was mostly talking about other stuff. The only thing I think he even said about me was that I wasn't as good of a listener as you, but I think that was just because I wasn't only listening.

[He gives a shrug at that, as if it doesn't make much of a difference what anyone says about him. That remark in particular is something Momo had figured he'd prompted himself, since he's not unaware he can be nosy when it comes to personal matters and has difficulty withholding his advice.]

Either way, those berries must've been pretty effective. I didn't talk about as much as he did, but at the same time I seemed to be affected a little differently to others.

[Momo got honest but without the drunken aspect that made it even harder to stamp things down, so he often ended up getting halfway through saying something before shutting himself up, or giving himself a second to shove down the urge to say things he normally wouldn't have even considered saying out loud.]