crescentview | Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

🌊Who: He Xuan, and anyone else.
🌊What: Things happening; they're self-explanatory.
🌊When: January.
🌊Where: Varies.
🌊Warnings: Kidnapping, mentions of suicide & forced induction into harems; involvement of violence/murder. Anything else that may occur will be added or adequately warned for in the thread. TGCF spoilers, but since this already deals with memories, that's a requirement, really.

i. gravitation

[ No matter where He Xuan finds himself, whereas it's on the beach or somewhere else, there seems to be some kind of nonsense afoot. Some...feline nonsense at that.

They're all congregating rudely around him and he is essentially helpless to their attacks (cuddles and piling around his feet.)

He practically glares at anyone who catches him in the midst of this. ]

What?

ii. displacement

[ Ghost kings do not get sick, not really. But it doesn't mean that coughing or sneezing is an impossibility for him.

It just so happens he had grabbed something spicy from a restaurant and for some reason found himself sneezing due to some kind of pepper and now he's in the middle of a lake. Soon enough, he's grumbling, extricating himself from the water. What a waste of food. ]

iii. uncharted waters

[ In addition to those, anyone is free to encounter someone who seems to, for all intents and purposes appear to look like He Xuan, and is essence definitely still him. Yet, his appearance clearly differs in subtle ways. His skin isn't so pale, and his ears are not so sharp and he appears a little lost. Feel free to run into him like this, though he will be scrutinizing most people, and there appears to be a sword at his hip, which his hand is hovering on the hilt of. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Self-explanatory...! Open to things that are also not necessarily the above. ]

If you would like to plot with me, I can be reached on plurk @ leyfi, discord @ seraphkingdhaos#8538 and my plotting comment will be here.

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[Sylvando lets out a hearty laugh at He Xuan's guess, but he's pleased by the vote of confidence on how the food looks nevertheless.]

It means "enjoy your meal" in my mother tongue. If you've ever heard the phrase "bon appetite", it's similar to that!

[He won't hold He Xuan up any further than that though, and lets him dig in while he takes a sip of wine. After tucking into his own portion, he smiles at how good it tastes. He'll have to give whoever wrote that recipe a 5-star review! Hopefully they'll see it if he posts it to the memo board...

As silence passes between the two of them, Sylvando finds himself glancing over to He Xuan often. Well, he certainly seems to like it too! That's a relief. At some point, he loses himself in just watching the other man go. Some things never change... He'll have to be prepared to be eaten out of house and home if this continues.

Mm. If this continues.]

[ As to be expected, He Xuan has never heard of the phrase, and perhaps what is indicative of that is maybe the slight tilt of his head when the word falls straight out of Sylvando's mouth. This is a result of spending a time in a region of a world with no contact thus far with certain cultures—even upon his arrival here, he hasn't heard it just yet.

Until now, evidently.

He Xuan, in this very moment, is also grateful for that recipe. Though he doesn't particularly usually pay too much attention to said memo board (but, perhaps he should.)

Soon enough, he's cleared his food. Though he has taken notice of the fact the other has been watching him as he's eating. ]

It's excellent. But, you seem more distracted by me than the accomplishment of your own cooking.

[ He Xuan points out straight-forwardly, moving to rest his chin against the top of his hand for a bit, and if his words seem said in something that can be deciphered as light despite the delivery, that isn't Sylvando's imagination either. Not that he will blame him, this is a private date night between the both of them, and he had been sure to take in the other's appearance closely when he originally arrived, after all... ]

[It's only when He Xuan speaks up that Sylvando seems to snap back at attention. Clearly, his mind had drifted elsewhere.]

Oh! I'm so glad to hear it! Really, it's the one who wrote the recipe that deserves the most praise...

[He finally starts scooping some more fish onto his fork, but then his brain seems to catch up with him and finishes processing all of what He Xuan said. A light laugh escapes him, but he doesn't acknowledge it until he has a bite. He has to act cool about this, clearly.]

Sorry, honey. I know it's rude to stare! [He Xuan didn't seem upset or anything, but it's still bad manners that need apologizing for.] This is a little embarrassing, but I simply couldn't take my eyes off of you.

[Even more embarrassing is how he's looking anywhere but He Xuan now. Sylvando, bashful? Perish the thought, surely!]

[ If it's drifted well into the realm of 'distracted by the pretty face', well, once again he is not about to blame him.

There is small life of an eyebrow when first Sylvando's comment arrives and he doesn't exactly address the fact he is distracted as of yet. But, he does wait patiently. For a man who has waited for his vengeance for centuries, he is one who isn't typically driven to immediately action due to impatience — usually, he prefers to go about things not too abruptly if he can help it. More planned, than anything. That doesn't account for unexpected reactions on his part...which, of course, there would always be reason behind it, and are few and few between, but anyway, there's the proper response that comes soon enough.

It's kind of amusing to see the other male seem so off-guard, and he does admittedly take what Sylvando has said as a compliment. ]

Stare all you like.

[ He Xuan simply says, food and drink already adequately consumed, watching the other man closely as he's still having yet to finish his own meal, but surely getting there. ]

It's not as if I have had much use for associating with others in a way that is considered socially acceptable in a long time. Of course, it also means that I've prepared properly for this private time of ours.

[That- That wasn't the sort of response Sylvando was expecting at all, and he can't help but laugh all over again.]

Well, I can hardly refuse such an open invitation.

[With a light breath, he returns to his occasional gaze toward He Xuan as he works on finishing up his portion of the meal. His mild embarrassment seems to have left him for the time being.]

Are you saying this is your first date on the island? I'm surprised! Surely other people asked you for one before me.

[He's prepared though, huh...? That certainly has Sylvando curious.]

[ Good, he should be laughing. Not that He Xuan is so normally good at making people do that, but it's not a bad thing, he thinks, when he can make it possible. They're also here to enjoy this time together, after all. ]

This is the first time I've been on a date here. As for if anyone else has asked me beforehand, no.

[ After all, the keyword is 'being asked on a date' in those exact words. He Xuan has spent a good deal of time with other people on this island; it's unavoidable, though only maybe ... one or two meeting up have been planned with the other person?? But nothing like an official date.

He doesn't elaborate further on the prepared portion, though, thinking it to be more of an obvious thing than not. But that can be a failure on his part due to his lack of certain social graces. ]

Not like I'm surprised. There are still a good number of people among our 'group', and simply just because someone may look attractive doesn't mean that their personality would be suitable for most.

[ He is well aware that he has a pretty face. He is also very aware he is an extremely difficult person. ]

[It's the exact opposite of a bad thing for sure! Sylvando absolutely loves it when the more stoic types show their sense of humor.

He is genuinely surprised to hear that he's the only one to have asked He Xuan out so far, though.]

Well, I'm honored to be your first.

[He takes a sip of wine.]

It's not a pretty face that draws me in...though I won't deny that it's certainly a bonus! [Wink!] I couldn't quite put it into words if you were to ask me now, but the way I look at you has changed as we've gotten to know one another. There's an allure that just...wasn't there before.

I know the two of us couldn't be any more different, but isn't there something charming about that contrast?

[ He Xuan, on the other hand, isn't so surprised. Though, that is not to say that those things aren't exactly subject to change. At this point in time, what with it still being relatively early on in the second month of their stay, there is certainly the opportunity for others to ask.

That being said, he's not expecting the other to say anything like those words. 'Charming', huh?

Well, that's certainly true. He's giving it some thought, this time he as the one given to distraction. ]

If we were too much of the same, I wouldn't find myself here. At least, in this case.

[ He stands up, hand lightly resting on the table for a moment as he considers where he is, before letting it fall back to his side. He Xuan's eyes also slide back over to check to see if Sylvando is finished with his food as of yet; after all, they still have yet to walk on the beach. ]

Perhaps, that is only natural. Whether one is immortal or mortal, we're looking for something or someone that would be different than what we're used to. Even if we're aware of it or not.

Someone who adds a little spice to our everyday lives...

[Sylvando follows that up with a thoughtful addition as he moves to finish off the rest of his plate. He Xuan rising all of the sudden makes him worry that he's holding things up. Fortunately he wasn't too far behind, even with the distracted daydreaming.

Once he's finished, he slides out of his chair.]

Ready to pay a visit to the beach? I can handle our dishes later tonight.

[ If he is or not, He Xuan doesn't complain despite the fact he certainly did rise up. Though, there is a small pause when the other man asks the question of him, eyes flickering over to the dishes on the table still.

He glances at the dishes, and without lifting a finger, they all just conveniently float up and over to the sink, resting where they were. ]

I'm ready now. Let's go.

[ He Xuan will guide them to the beach, perhaps wait whenever the other closes the door, but stick near him as the scenery in the middle of their surroundings which must have already darkened. His eyes even glance upward at the evening sky, with their stars foreign to what are likely either one of their worlds.

When their feet hit the stand, He Xuan heads further to the water, though he stops only when the water is ankle-deep, looking ahead at the horizon which is barely lit by the moon above. ]

How much have you thought about it? What things would look like, after the goddess has had her fill, but actually honored her word, and sends us all home.

[He Xuan you can't just magic the dishes away and act like it was nothing?! Sylvando gasps, looks between He Xuan and the floating dishes, then scurries to follow them to their resting place...

Well, He Xuan is going to get to listen to Sylvando's excited squees about how fun and amazing that was for a little bit, but he quiets down once they actually hit the beach. The sky is perfect for a quiet little walk, which is exactly what he was hoping for. He enjoys the scenery in peaceful silence alongside He Xuan, inwardly thinking about how it was right here on the beach that he first found out about He Xuan being a ghost king. It...makes He Xuan's sudden question all the more poignant.

There's a sound of shuffling and shoes dropping onto the sand before Sylvando steps into the water to join the other man. It's cold, but not terribly so.]

After we defeated Mordegon and Erdrea was on the mend, I'd been considering finally fulfilling my dream of building a theater. I'd still travel every now and then, but having a permanent place to call my own just sounds so magical, you know?

[With everything finally at peace, he could make it a reality without worry. But then he was brought here.]

I'd still like to do that once everything is said and done here, whether it's in Erdrea or somewhere else entirely. But if I were to marry by the end of all of this, I'd have to make sure my partner would be supportive of it.

[ Watch him do exactly just that, Sylvando.

...In the meanwhile, He Xuan doesn't mind listening to the squees from the other man. Some people might consider it overtly childish or something to that effect, but he thinks it's a legitimate reaction. And maybe he has a habit of humoring such behaviors even if he would never say he would. Part of it is that he's used to certain reactions and mannerisms for reasons.

Though, when Sylvando answers, he'll be turning his head to face him. ]

I can see the merit in having a place to call home.

[ He Xuan thinks he never thought about it all that much and its importance because he did have a manor, and his "henchmen", but it's different when there's someone there that adds a warmth to it. ]

...I hadn't been assuming that the goddess would be allowing those who marry to necessarily bring their intended with them. But if she does, it'd make sense. No point in having someone there who would not support your decision.

[ Or Sylvando's everything, really. ]

[It's true, Sylvando is a bit of a Force and there's a lot to commit to there.

He tips his head to meet He Xuan's gaze.]

I would certainly hope she'd allow couples to remain together, no matter where they wanted to go. It would be cruel to split them up, don't you think?

[It'd be invalidating everything that happened here on the island in a way!]

But what about you, darling? What...exactly were you doing before all of this, and did you have something to return to?

[Had He Xuan completed his revenge, or was there still work to be done?]

[ He Xuan can agree to that much with a nod. Though, he can't help but be cynical whenever there is anything having to do with gods and goddesses. ]

Not much. Though it is true I have my own domain, it is simple to take care of.

In that sense, that would be what I'd return to, should I decide to go back home for whatever reason.

[ Though, he's no longer interested in doing so. There's a reason for that, of course. ]

Many like myself have places simply where they are strongest. And most would not dare enter, lest they have a death wish, or already have reason to be there.

Oh...

[While he doesn't say it aloud, he's definitely thinking it: that seems so...lonely. But that would be just par for the course of being a ghost king, most likely...

Something occurs to him though, and he returns his gaze to the gentle ocean waves. It was similar to this when they met on the beach during the spring.]

Is your domain also near the ocean? I noticed that you seem to have a fondness for it.

You can say it's more a part of the ocean itself. It can only be reached if one sunk under a certain part of the water, and only in certain circumstances.

[ ... ]

Or, of course, someone transported themselves to it. But, even a god or goddess would have difficulty in reaching it as is.

[ In his domain, he can even simply strip such beings of their spiritual powers, and whatnot. That is not to say he couldn't eventually create a new one either. Probably definitely not here for obvious reasons, though. ]

[Certain circumstances, huh... That tracks to Sylvando. The ocean is chock full of mysteries and domains that most people have no idea about. The party certainly found their fair share of them on their travels.]

What's it like down there? I can't imagine I'd ever manage to reach such a place on my own without something terrible happening to me. I'm just a plain old human, after all!

A plain old human who helped save a world from a calamity.

[ He Xuan says simply, though he thinks he does agree. But... ]

Unpleasant, dark, and dreary for most. However, the manor that can be found within is splendid, on the level of what you would expect from a building normally visible in the realm of the gods.

Not a place for anyone living to take residence up in, though.

[ His 'henchmen' aren't exactly as opportunistic as Crimson Rain's, but he wouldn't exactly call them wonderful company to living people either. ]

[A startled noise comes from beside He Xuan before Sylvando turns his attention back over to him.]

Well, yes, but that doesn't mean I'd do so well in a place human bodies can't handle.

[Still, that does make him blush a little. So He Xuan remembers that story too, huh?

He watches on as He Xuan describes the domain. A majestic manor in a gloomy corner of the sea... He clasps his hands together and closes his eyes in an attempt to picture it.]

I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of knowing what a godly realm looks like, but I've had my fair share of amazing views on my travels so I think I can imagine how beautiful it must look in there.

[An earlier thought manifests once again, and this time he doesn't hold back from saying it aloud.]

Doesn't it get lonely, though? It sounds like you don't get a lot of company...

[ He Xuan blinks at the startled noise, but then realize it is his comment to blame. Though, not for the wrong reasons, it seems, judging by the way Sylvando's face looks right now, the slight change in hue visible to him as if the sun hung above them instead of merely the moon and the stars. ]

...A point.

[ He will concede to that, though, after a small pause. ]

There's a reason I don't. People don't tend to visit such a lair. And whether I was lonely or not never occupied my mind much. Not when I had my vengeance to take care of...then even after that, I wondered what else did I ever need?

Those pieces of trash who called themselves human were rightfully killed by my hand, and then that god who was the cause of it all, finally disposed of by me. [ ... ] I thought, 'what need would I have for companionship'? When I had achieved all that I had believed I'd been aiming for?

[ And anyone who got close to him always ended up dying or he hurt them. Now that he's here in this land that the goddess has pulled him to...

Well. Things might be steadily changing. But does that necessarily mean for the better? ]

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Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

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