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middaeg2020-09-19 04:38 pm
disasterstraight) wrote in middaeg2020-09-19 04:38 pm
[closed mingle] This is family business
Who: Basically the whole Untamed/MDZS cast
When: One Mid-Septeril evening
Where: The Jin/Jiang family household
What: It's Family Dinner Time (and also time to reveal the truth about what happened back on their world)
Warnings: Discussions of murder and death, infidelity, revenge, and a lot of general family drama.
There are so many Mirrorbound from their world, and almost all of them are related in some way, through blood, marriage, or sworn bonds. After discussing it with his wife, Jin Zixuan decides it's about time they all sat under one roof to share a meal. Sure, one third of their contingent is not exactly on speaking terms with another third, and the last third is caught in the middle trying to live their lives as quietly and peacefully as they can, but Jin Zixuan has frankly had enough. He's heard bits and pieces of the future that is waiting for him once he returns to their world, but he's tired of the pretty lies, half truths, and careful dancing around subjects that everyone seems to prefer when he is around. He knows there is more to the story, and he is determined to find out what it is.
The evening begins innocently enough, with Jiang Yanli preparing delicious courses of food in their well stocked kitchen, and Jin Zixuan making sure the dining room is set for the numerous guests they are inviting. There is plenty of alcohol for the adults who like to indulge-- both bottles of grape wine and jars of baiju-- as well as sparkling fruit juices for those who are underage (sorry, Jin Ling) or who would prefer not to partake. The table decoration is tasteful and elegant, a mix of the local style and whatever Jin Zixuan has been able to scramble together that is reminiscent of their own world back home.
When guests arrive, Jin Zixuan greets them at the door and shows them to their seat in the dining room, having carefully plotted out who will sit where so as to avoid any unnecessary conflict (a skill he learned at an early age from his mother). After a few short words of thanks for everyone who came, the meal begins. The food is delicious, of course. No one would expect anything less from a cook like Jiang Yanli. And the conversation is polite, sticking to current events and the trials and tribulations of witch- or monster-dom. Then, partway through the evening, when the main course has been finished but dessert has not yet been served, Jin Zixuan speaks up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming. You have all been a great help to myself, A-Li, and A-Ling as we attempt to find our ways in this world." A good start, neutral enough and gracious to boot. "However," he continues, his face losing its polite smile and turning gravely serious, "I know that there is much that you have been keeping from us. From me, in particular. We have both been made aware of our own deaths, and the many deaths that will follow. But the exact details of how and why those deaths occurred and who is really to blame have been conspicuously left out."
He turns his gaze to each guest seated at the table, each in turn. Everyone except Jin Ling and Jiang Yanli.
"I think it's time we were forthright with each other. Don't you?"
After that, all thoughts of dessert are forgotten. The table erupts into chaos. Guests can speak freely at the table, or pull individuals aside for more private conversations. Or, if the tense atmosphere is too much for them, they can simply choose to leave. But however the truth chooses to come out, Jin Zixuan is welcoming it. And keep in mind, he will know if you are lying.
When: One Mid-Septeril evening
Where: The Jin/Jiang family household
What: It's Family Dinner Time (and also time to reveal the truth about what happened back on their world)
Warnings: Discussions of murder and death, infidelity, revenge, and a lot of general family drama.
There are so many Mirrorbound from their world, and almost all of them are related in some way, through blood, marriage, or sworn bonds. After discussing it with his wife, Jin Zixuan decides it's about time they all sat under one roof to share a meal. Sure, one third of their contingent is not exactly on speaking terms with another third, and the last third is caught in the middle trying to live their lives as quietly and peacefully as they can, but Jin Zixuan has frankly had enough. He's heard bits and pieces of the future that is waiting for him once he returns to their world, but he's tired of the pretty lies, half truths, and careful dancing around subjects that everyone seems to prefer when he is around. He knows there is more to the story, and he is determined to find out what it is.
The evening begins innocently enough, with Jiang Yanli preparing delicious courses of food in their well stocked kitchen, and Jin Zixuan making sure the dining room is set for the numerous guests they are inviting. There is plenty of alcohol for the adults who like to indulge-- both bottles of grape wine and jars of baiju-- as well as sparkling fruit juices for those who are underage (sorry, Jin Ling) or who would prefer not to partake. The table decoration is tasteful and elegant, a mix of the local style and whatever Jin Zixuan has been able to scramble together that is reminiscent of their own world back home.
When guests arrive, Jin Zixuan greets them at the door and shows them to their seat in the dining room, having carefully plotted out who will sit where so as to avoid any unnecessary conflict (a skill he learned at an early age from his mother). After a few short words of thanks for everyone who came, the meal begins. The food is delicious, of course. No one would expect anything less from a cook like Jiang Yanli. And the conversation is polite, sticking to current events and the trials and tribulations of witch- or monster-dom. Then, partway through the evening, when the main course has been finished but dessert has not yet been served, Jin Zixuan speaks up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming. You have all been a great help to myself, A-Li, and A-Ling as we attempt to find our ways in this world." A good start, neutral enough and gracious to boot. "However," he continues, his face losing its polite smile and turning gravely serious, "I know that there is much that you have been keeping from us. From me, in particular. We have both been made aware of our own deaths, and the many deaths that will follow. But the exact details of how and why those deaths occurred and who is really to blame have been conspicuously left out."
He turns his gaze to each guest seated at the table, each in turn. Everyone except Jin Ling and Jiang Yanli.
"I think it's time we were forthright with each other. Don't you?"
After that, all thoughts of dessert are forgotten. The table erupts into chaos. Guests can speak freely at the table, or pull individuals aside for more private conversations. Or, if the tense atmosphere is too much for them, they can simply choose to leave. But however the truth chooses to come out, Jin Zixuan is welcoming it. And keep in mind, he will know if you are lying.
no subject
"Take your time," he says gently. Too often people only say what they want and ignore the voices of anyone else. Jin Ling had retreated from the dinner and been left to go, but had anyone asked him for his own opinion or feelings?
"Whatever you would like to say, feel free to say it. I would like to know."
If it is anger, he deserves it. If it is frustration, then he should do at least this much and lend his ear. If he has learned one thing since coming to Aefenglom, it's the pain of silence and being trapped in the paralysis of not being heard. He needs to do more to reach out, because those kinds of problems don't fix themselves. They have to be fixed from the outside.
no subject
Jin Ling is far from confident in his own, but now when his father is here, perhaps it's... something to learn, somehow. He's not entirely sure where he stands right now, and he's not sure if he's ready to talk about that kind of thing either, with anyone, really.
"It's just annoying." What, exactly, is? Well, most of everything's that's transpired. 'Annoying' might not be the best descriptor here, but it's Jin Ling's to go to word, and it's what he'll use.
no subject
But he does feel bad that his actions have in part led to this moment. To Jin Ling in his room, "annoyed" as he puts it, trying to make some sense of his emotions and those around him. He could have done more to help this young man. Hindsight is always perfect and regret is a staple, but he should have done more for him. So he tries to now.
"It's painful. I wish that those things had never occurred. I will try to ensure that nothing like that will happen again."
Even if he has to stand between people himself. That is what a leader should do, right? Stand up.
"You are brave."
no subject
But Jin Ling isn't annoyed because of Zewu-jun, not that he's good with words enough to convey that. He blinks a little in confusion at the other's words, though.
"Ah... I, you don't have to do that...?"
no subject
"I should at least do that. No matter what happens, I can promise to stand by you and make sure you have what you need. I think there are those who would be unhappy with me if I didn't do that."
He smiles, head tilting slightly.
"Is there anything you need, Jin-gongzi?"
no subject
"Thank you, then, Zewu-jun."
And then he shrugs, lets out a sigh. "I don't know. All of this... I would like to leave it behind me, if I could." But having his parents here is both good and, if he dares say it, turning his world a little upside down.