[He and the Hua Cheng have never spoken to each other in great detail, but to be frank... he does expect the other to eventually seek him out.
Whether in fury or understanding, that remains to be seen, but when they cross paths, he will not attempt to run or hide. Instead he greets the other with a soft nod]
[ The PC gods have freed me to tag this so that I know where Hua Cheng's mindset of Chiron is. elmo.gif
Anyways. It is an eventuality, but there's... a lack of hostility. It's obvious that he's not at all happy, but considering how Thursday went - well, no one's very happy, today. ]
[He is a rather mild individual, and very little shows on his face besides attentiveness when addressed. He picks up on the lack of hostility, however, notes it while waiting patiently for a follow-up of whatever Hua Cheng might want to discuss.]
[ While they haven't spoken properly, he's gotten a look at Chiron's profile, and the previous investigation and trial gave him some measure of insight. So this conversation will happen and they'll be done with it, just like that. ]
It'll be quick - I'm not here to express any gratitude, save for bringing Dianxia back. But he's spoken highly of you, and what you've done, and were willing to do. [ Effectively, Xie Lian vouched for him - and that's why there's no hostility, just displeasure. ] He respects you, and I value that.
When we find ourselves having to deal with another death on our hands, I'm sure we'll all three find ourselves in a similar mindset on what we need to do.
[... Yes, Xie Lian would vouch for him, wouldn't he? A flicker of a smile crosses his expression and softens some of his neutrality.
In his eyes, it wasn't necessary -- Chiron had prepared for the inevitability of a fight if it had come to that, because he knows how those with many years to their name can be. Was there any in Greek lore that had gotten away with touching a god or deity's treasured person? He cannot think of any off the top of his head.
But he's not going to ignore the good fortune either, and returns Hua Cheng's words with a nod of understanding]
Yes... we have many young ones with us, in both age and temperament. I understand that those of us with more experience don't all want the burden of guiding them, but I am a teacher and prepared to guide them down the right path.
[ Hua Cheng would laugh, really, if he knew that this situation would be one to compare to the gods Chiron knows - but it wouldn't really be that farfetched. Through one god's good virtue, his kindness, the knowledge of the kind of person that god is...
Well, it isn't a Greek tragedy. There's that. ]
It isn't a particular strength, nor interest, of mine. [ ... and yet. ] But here we are, regardless. If they don't learn, they're at greater risk of facing trouble they're not prepared for - and that will affect all of us.
[They can be immortal beings all they want, but right now the majority of their fate will still be decided by the mortals... a fitting irony, Chiron would say.]
Do let me know if there is anything you require of me. As I said, my patience runs longer than most. It will not burden me to take up more than my share due, if it will allow others to focus where they must.
[ Considering the fact their powers are gone... hm, he's not interested in finding out if their immortality is, as well. ]
En, something to keep in mind. And should I learn something... [ mm, think of what gege would do ] It would do no good for it to be kept secret. I'll let you know.
Well, frankly, Chiron has had much worse, and it's why he doesn't break his routine for this sudden lack of vision. Perhaps he moves more slowly than before, his hooves having to test every patch of earth he walks on, but nothing in Chiron's manner suggests he's been inconvenienced.
In fact he tends to greet everyone he "sees" by their cadence of their footsteps, head tilted slightly to the ground before he speaks]
[ Luckily for Chiron, Hua Cheng comes with a very signature cadence! As he's wearing his boots that he came with at the moment, the chains, charms, and little bells on them jingle - he's not masking his steps by measuring them, either, so there's an extra advantage.
He watches Chiron for a bit as he's approaching, arms folded behind his back while considering him. This is... going to be a very difficult week. ]
Afternoon, Chiron. Lost your vision for the moment?
[Said with mild amusement, as if being struck blind is more a novelty than an inconvenience. For Chiron, perhaps it is. But regardless he greets his fellow immortal with a slight bow of the head]
[ He opens his mouth to answer - there's a breath, before he does - but then it's silent for a beat longer. The kind of silence that comes with an unfortunate realization.
It isn't a fashion statement alone, and it's not as if he can forget that he has no eye in the socket, but he's - ]
Ah, it was not. Not a thing in that side, I'm afraid - and not a particularly pleasant sight for anyone.
[CHIRON YOU ARE BLIND, STOP SHOOTING BULLSEYES EVEN BY ACCIDENT, I'M CRYING.
Regardless, Chiron notes the beat of hesitation... and he also knows his place in this regard. There is a hum, and then nothing more, for this centaur is not really one to pry into matters that do not concern him.]
Then I agree -- I am glad the Realm sought fit to let you keep your sight.
[... Added with a faint smile]
Though for ones as long-lived as we, I find we often have the experience to make up for any lacking senses. Do you agree?
[ CHIRON'S WEEK OF BULLSEYES, EXCEPT FOR WHEN MARIE WANTED HIM TO DIE.
Hua Cheng laughs a little, a rueful noise, as his mind works to find where the gap ends and begins. What's missing? What chunk of his memories does this correlate to? The before, the after - at least Chiron leaves it alone, which lets him turn it over and over. ]
I do, yes. I imagine I would be just as fine as you've been fairing, once I got used to the environment around me. Mildly inconvenient, vaguely obnoxious, but overall fine.
Indeed. Not even my arrows have strayed much without my sight.
[It'd been one of the first things he'd checked -- if he could properly defend himself -- and he really should have known that nothing short of carving off his arms would impede his skill with a bow and arrow. A small fact to take comfort in for the rest of the week]
[Backdating this to Tuesday so it doesn't conflict with the event, but--
Hello new roommate of his. Chiron has for the most part been absent in the bedroom, but he's made his reasons clear -- two tons of horse do not belong on a bunk bed, no matter if it's made for him, and so Hua Cheng is more than welcome to it.
But for once the centaur is in the room, rummaging through some of his belongings. The memory bubbles are not a new feature by this point -- but the fact that one manages to sneak inside their room is. There is no time to warn the other, either, before it pops against Chiron's side, and the scene shifts
And your entire body feels as if on fire.
It is the type of pain that only crescendos, and every moment you think you can learn to exist with it, it climbs higher, slowly but surely stripping you of your capacity to even think. A mortal would have succumbed immediately, is a stray, traitorous thought that manages to hold your attention, and oh how you envy them now, their wonderful privilege to die.
“What will we do? He’s tried for – it’s already been a year, he cannot keep on like this—”
Someone is talking nearby; a woman’s voice that is wet with tears, and a part of you wishes you could hold out a hand to her, free her from watching you break to pieces, but just the thought of moving makes your stomach coil with the need to vomit. A sheet of wool remains pulled over your shoulders, to catch the sweat dripping off of you, and you stare dead ahead while lying prone on the cave floor.
“… He could just – it’s because he’s immortal. If he were to give it away, somehow—”
“Is that even possible? What divine being would dare? And you think he would leave his children?”
Distantly you think you’ve heard this argument before, and maybe if you concentrate you could place all of the fevered, anxious voices deciding your fate. But... who are you, again? A centaur of great regard, you think. Someone who even the gods might mourn over. Someone who…
Who are you
Who are you
“Chiron… are you awake, love?”
The woman calls out to you, pleading and desperate. But you cannot answer. You simply lay as you continue to die without end.]
... Well. While I would not prefer to share that pain with others... [It's only because Hua Cheng is not mortal that Chiron's expression is level, though he exhales slowly as the pain leaves his body and the scene needs]
Nevertheless, forgive me for that... unpleasant experience.
[ As they've come to this arrangement, Hua Cheng has been utilizing the bunks more for storage than anything else - especially as he and Xie Lian have been enjoying sleepovers, in the manor. He comes and goes with frequency, sees people in the inn, does some of his drawings in the privacy of the room, so the fates aligned like this.
He's currently seated on what would be Chiron's bunk, sketching out the details of the manor on his makeshift scroll, when he freezes, startled by the bubble's pop and the wave that washes over him.
A mortal would have succumbed immediately is an echoing thought as the pain ricochets through the memory, and through his body. But it is a familiar weight, having the agony of what feels like being torn apart over and over and over again, and there is no crying out, no struggle against the sensation.
A mortal would have succumbed. Would have cried out. Chiron does not. Hua Cheng does not. But some part of his heart aches with the woman's voice, muted beneath the physical pain.
At the end, he closes his eye and laughs breathlessly, shaking himself out as the sensation begins to bleed from him, a ghost in and of itself. ]
I'm not - unfamiliar with it, so better that particular unpleasantness be mine than someone else's, yes. [ hoo ] We've no control over what memories the bubbles share. It's fine, Chiron.
... Well. That is not the admittance he expected to hear, and Chiron stiffens slightly at knowing someone else has suffered in such a similar fashion.
Really, is it such a surprise? Live long enough and you will be forced to experience many, many things that mortals can only hope to put song to, not even truly imagine.
Chiron glances at his hand before dropping it with a sigh, eyes shutting]
I would say we have poor luck, then, but that is probably just the fate of most immortals.
[ You don't become the Ghost King through sunshine and rainbows. Hua Cheng doesn't miss the way Chiron stiffens, but he doesn't comment, either, simply stretching his legs out on the bed and taking account of all his limbs.
Everything is fine. The pain fades, and it's back to being something of the past. But he's keeping watch for any bubbles now. ]
Walk the earth long enough, and you'll face most anything, for better or worse. Luck has nothing to do with it in the end.
[There is no denying the truth, even if there isn't anything particularly joyous in having to admit it, either.]
I suppose that is why so many of the children here seem so young to me, regardless of their age.
[Even the older humans are still... well. human. and more than once has Chiron had to adjust his way of thinking, his way of speech, to better communicate with those who will never understand what it means to watch the years pass by in a blur]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
antaressnipe) wrote2020-09-25 04:31 pm
W1 || Friday
Whether in fury or understanding, that remains to be seen, but when they cross paths, he will not attempt to run or hide. Instead he greets the other with a soft nod]
no subject
Anyways. It is an eventuality, but there's... a lack of hostility. It's obvious that he's not at all happy, but considering how Thursday went - well, no one's very happy, today. ]
I'd like to speak with you.
no subject
[He is a rather mild individual, and very little shows on his face besides attentiveness when addressed. He picks up on the lack of hostility, however, notes it while waiting patiently for a follow-up of whatever Hua Cheng might want to discuss.]
no subject
It'll be quick - I'm not here to express any gratitude, save for bringing Dianxia back. But he's spoken highly of you, and what you've done, and were willing to do. [ Effectively, Xie Lian vouched for him - and that's why there's no hostility, just displeasure. ] He respects you, and I value that.
When we find ourselves having to deal with another death on our hands, I'm sure we'll all three find ourselves in a similar mindset on what we need to do.
no subject
In his eyes, it wasn't necessary -- Chiron had prepared for the inevitability of a fight if it had come to that, because he knows how those with many years to their name can be. Was there any in Greek lore that had gotten away with touching a god or deity's treasured person? He cannot think of any off the top of his head.
But he's not going to ignore the good fortune either, and returns Hua Cheng's words with a nod of understanding]
Yes... we have many young ones with us, in both age and temperament. I understand that those of us with more experience don't all want the burden of guiding them, but I am a teacher and prepared to guide them down the right path.
[... Kicking and screaming, if necessary]
no subject
Well, it isn't a Greek tragedy. There's that. ]
It isn't a particular strength, nor interest, of mine. [ ... and yet. ] But here we are, regardless. If they don't learn, they're at greater risk of facing trouble they're not prepared for - and that will affect all of us.
no subject
[They can be immortal beings all they want, but right now the majority of their fate will still be decided by the mortals... a fitting irony, Chiron would say.]
Do let me know if there is anything you require of me. As I said, my patience runs longer than most. It will not burden me to take up more than my share due, if it will allow others to focus where they must.
no subject
En, something to keep in mind. And should I learn something... [ mm, think of what gege would do ] It would do no good for it to be kept secret. I'll let you know.
W3 || Monday
Well, frankly, Chiron has had much worse, and it's why he doesn't break his routine for this sudden lack of vision. Perhaps he moves more slowly than before, his hooves having to test every patch of earth he walks on, but nothing in Chiron's manner suggests he's been inconvenienced.
In fact he tends to greet everyone he "sees" by their cadence of their footsteps, head tilted slightly to the ground before he speaks]
Hua Cheng, yes? Good afternoon.
no subject
He watches Chiron for a bit as he's approaching, arms folded behind his back while considering him. This is... going to be a very difficult week. ]
Afternoon, Chiron. Lost your vision for the moment?
no subject
[Said with mild amusement, as if being struck blind is more a novelty than an inconvenience. For Chiron, perhaps it is. But regardless he greets his fellow immortal with a slight bow of the head]
Were you recently robbed of any sense?
no subject
That of taste, actually. It's more annoying than inconvenient, but we'll see how long it lasts.
[ ( spins wheel for what he loses wednesday ) ]
I've already lost one eye, though, so I'll take it over both.
no subject
[Listen, he's not one to make assumptions about how others want to dress themselves]
no subject
It isn't a fashion statement alone, and it's not as if he can forget that he has no eye in the socket, but he's - ]
Ah, it was not. Not a thing in that side, I'm afraid - and not a particularly pleasant sight for anyone.
[ congrats for accidental memloss find marie ]
no subject
Regardless, Chiron notes the beat of hesitation... and he also knows his place in this regard. There is a hum, and then nothing more, for this centaur is not really one to pry into matters that do not concern him.]
Then I agree -- I am glad the Realm sought fit to let you keep your sight.
[... Added with a faint smile]
Though for ones as long-lived as we, I find we often have the experience to make up for any lacking senses. Do you agree?
no subject
Hua Cheng laughs a little, a rueful noise, as his mind works to find where the gap ends and begins. What's missing? What chunk of his memories does this correlate to? The before, the after - at least Chiron leaves it alone, which lets him turn it over and over. ]
I do, yes. I imagine I would be just as fine as you've been fairing, once I got used to the environment around me. Mildly inconvenient, vaguely obnoxious, but overall fine.
no subject
Indeed. Not even my arrows have strayed much without my sight.
[It'd been one of the first things he'd checked -- if he could properly defend himself -- and he really should have known that nothing short of carving off his arms would impede his skill with a bow and arrow. A small fact to take comfort in for the rest of the week]
W4 || Tuesday
Hello new roommate of his. Chiron has for the most part been absent in the bedroom, but he's made his reasons clear -- two tons of horse do not belong on a bunk bed, no matter if it's made for him, and so Hua Cheng is more than welcome to it.
But for once the centaur is in the room, rummaging through some of his belongings. The memory bubbles are not a new feature by this point -- but the fact that one manages to sneak inside their room is. There is no time to warn the other, either, before it pops against Chiron's side, and the scene shifts
And your entire body feels as if on fire.
It is the type of pain that only crescendos, and every moment you think you can learn to exist with it, it climbs higher, slowly but surely stripping you of your capacity to even think. A mortal would have succumbed immediately, is a stray, traitorous thought that manages to hold your attention, and oh how you envy them now, their wonderful privilege to die.
“What will we do? He’s tried for – it’s already been a year, he cannot keep on like this—”
Someone is talking nearby; a woman’s voice that is wet with tears, and a part of you wishes you could hold out a hand to her, free her from watching you break to pieces, but just the thought of moving makes your stomach coil with the need to vomit. A sheet of wool remains pulled over your shoulders, to catch the sweat dripping off of you, and you stare dead ahead while lying prone on the cave floor.
“… He could just – it’s because he’s immortal. If he were to give it away, somehow—”
“Is that even possible? What divine being would dare? And you think he would leave his children?”
Distantly you think you’ve heard this argument before, and maybe if you concentrate you could place all of the fevered, anxious voices deciding your fate. But... who are you, again? A centaur of great regard, you think. Someone who even the gods might mourn over. Someone who…
Who are you
Who are you
“Chiron… are you awake, love?”
The woman calls out to you, pleading and desperate. But you cannot answer. You simply lay as you continue to die without end.]
... Well. While I would not prefer to share that pain with others... [It's only because Hua Cheng is not mortal that Chiron's expression is level, though he exhales slowly as the pain leaves his body and the scene needs]
Nevertheless, forgive me for that... unpleasant experience.
no subject
He's currently seated on what would be Chiron's bunk, sketching out the details of the manor on his makeshift scroll, when he freezes, startled by the bubble's pop and the wave that washes over him.
A mortal would have succumbed immediately is an echoing thought as the pain ricochets through the memory, and through his body. But it is a familiar weight, having the agony of what feels like being torn apart over and over and over again, and there is no crying out, no struggle against the sensation.
A mortal would have succumbed. Would have cried out. Chiron does not. Hua Cheng does not. But some part of his heart aches with the woman's voice, muted beneath the physical pain.
At the end, he closes his eye and laughs breathlessly, shaking himself out as the sensation begins to bleed from him, a ghost in and of itself. ]
I'm not - unfamiliar with it, so better that particular unpleasantness be mine than someone else's, yes. [ hoo ] We've no control over what memories the bubbles share. It's fine, Chiron.
no subject
... Well. That is not the admittance he expected to hear, and Chiron stiffens slightly at knowing someone else has suffered in such a similar fashion.
Really, is it such a surprise? Live long enough and you will be forced to experience many, many things that mortals can only hope to put song to, not even truly imagine.
Chiron glances at his hand before dropping it with a sigh, eyes shutting]
I would say we have poor luck, then, but that is probably just the fate of most immortals.
no subject
Everything is fine. The pain fades, and it's back to being something of the past. But he's keeping watch for any bubbles now. ]
Walk the earth long enough, and you'll face most anything, for better or worse. Luck has nothing to do with it in the end.
no subject
[There is no denying the truth, even if there isn't anything particularly joyous in having to admit it, either.]
I suppose that is why so many of the children here seem so young to me, regardless of their age.
[Even the older humans are still... well. human. and more than once has Chiron had to adjust his way of thinking, his way of speech, to better communicate with those who will never understand what it means to watch the years pass by in a blur]