jiaoqiu wanders up to him, and just sort of like... instinctively rests a hand on taair's back in greeting, as he stands next to him. he's wearing a red cardigan today. waow. ]
There's really nothing like the sensation of sand between your toes.
[ oh! he glances backwards - smiles, when he notes who it is, and at the little, affectionate touch. normally he might be a little catholic about this, but with it being affection week, he just sets both hands at his own heart and glances outwards at the ocean, then down at his feet again. ]
Yes - books really don't even begin to describe it. [ he wiggles his toes a little in the sand. wiggle wiggle. ] And the smell of the salt in the air is wonderful, too. Good morning, Jiaoqiu.
Pfft - do you think so? Then, you're welcome, though I am sure that wouldn't be the case! Though, I do think I'll find myself frequenting this place often.
[ his gaze tracks to the bonfire area, and then back to the water and then... to jiaoqiu! up to his ears, actually. ]
There's more than just hearing it, no? I think I may wade in. Would you like to join me?
[ he's happy to!! he's going to have to take off his boots and roll up his pants, which isn't very graceful, but it's alright. ]
I should accompany you, anyway. The undertow can be deceiving, if you're not used to it. I can't imagine we can die twice, but I'd like to save you the struggle.
Yes, let's avoid that! I'd like this to be a fine memory rather than a bad one.
[ conversations that will age like spoiled milk in a few days
but anyway - he does not judge the rolling up the pants because he has to do the same thing. being a fancy boy is hard work! and he takes his stupid little cape thing from behind him and slings it around his neck and his shoulders like a really big scarf so that it won't drag too much in the surf. ]
Do you know, it's been a long-running dream of mine to see the Iria River? To see the sea felt almost impossible.
[ he sees this - for not the first time, he feels the loss of his abilities very acutely. ]
Indeed - one that winds through all of Iria. [ as he straightens, he reaches out - sort of providing an extra hand if jiaoqiu needs it to steady him, because it's affection week. a little wince does not escape his sharp eyes. ]
I wish I could access my magic... are you alright, Jiaoqiu?
Of course, of course. [ he says, quickly. he'll take the help, because it's affection week and he's craving the touch, but he's insistent on not causing worry. ]
Death was not particularly kind to me, but I'll survive. [ mmf. ] I didn't know you had magic.
but once he's sure he's okay, he will actually address the question, nodding as he tugs up his pant legs proper and looks out at the water. ]
I do. Learning magic is a commonality in the Papal States - it was a part of my schooling. I could protect myself if I really needed to, but... I much preferred the aspects of healing. I studied quite a bit of supportive magic, in hopes I could utilize it if I ever traveled.
-- speaking of! Let's test out this water, shall we? I'm ready, if you are!
[ supportive magic, he means. this kid is so eager to help, it's kinda cute. and then there's the enthusiastic bid for the water, and jiaoqiu huffs in amusement, taking a step or two towards the water. ]
Ahaha... well, thank you. [ with it suiting him, at least - it's kind of him to say. ] I never had much chance to utilize it.
[ but we're moving on, after that. taair's warm, affable nature shines in moments like these - it makes it far easier to not think about the what ifs of his former life, to sidestep the yawning past.
so instead, he takes a few steps forward, the transition from dry sand to wet also giving him pause - taair makes a delighted noise, looking down at the ground around his very pale legs, before he steps up to the actual water's edge. there's a moment like a held breath, waiting - and then when the wave comes in and washes across his bare feet, he laughs, an exhale on the breeze. ]
[ jiaoqiu doesn't laugh very often, not genuinely, but the delighted nature taair gives off as he gets splashed with the waves is sweet. it's a gentle noise that he makes, but it's very real. ]
That's usually why I avoid wading in. The cold seeps right down to my bones. [ but he's still joking around, and he follows taair into the water easily enough, tail lifting so that it doesn't get wet. ]
The sand will stick to your feet like glue after this.
We will have to ensure we find you a very warm coat when we return, then.
[ taair turns his head to smile at him, face brimming with warmth and joy and - a little gratitude, too. that it might seep down to his bones but he joined him anyway... well, even if it was a joke, it means a lot. ]
So noted...! I suppose I'll be barefoot for a little while yet, then.
[ as the aves wash over him again, he adjusts, pulling the bottom of his vest up so it doesn't get soaked as he squats down, pulling his half glove back to run his fingers through the surface of the ocean water, to swirl it over the sand. ]
... It's in moments like these that I think this place does truly feel like paradise.
[ jiaoqiu stays standing mostly because if he crouched he would never get up again, but he keeps an eye on taair, tail swaying back and forth behind him. ]
I'm sorry that life's simple pleasures were withheld from you. [ he says after a moment. ] Your cage is open now, little hummingbird.
[ he of course doesn't know any specifics, but - he's very good at insight. he can make some guesses. ]
ah. it's a sweet, simple apology - and one that speaks volumes, both in its meaning and to jiaoqiu's observational skills. taair looks up at him, eyes slightly wide, scanning his face... before he huffs, and shakes his head, looking down. ]
...So it is.
[ but it's lacking all of that joy and delight from before, though he never stops smiling. there's something unmistakably sad, like a weight, that drapes over him more than any fabric, more than any cold from the water. the cage is open, indeed. ]
[ what an admirable life to have lived. there's some part of taair that aches for something similar - a vision of a future that could never come to pass.
the hand on his head settles, and he turns his gaze down to the water again, watching the waves come in and out, watching the sand swirl as the water moves it. up, and back into place. up, and back into place.
he's quiet for a long time. taair likes to talk - he's full of his stories, after all - but these thoughtful, reflective moments are commonplace, too. it is a weight he's accustomed to carrying, after all these years. ]
... I think that it is a long, sad story, but one that now has a bookend. There are far better things. [ things like these ocean waves. things like kindhearted company, and people to learn from. his head lifts up into the gesture, and this time, his smile is a little more genuine. ] There's no need to feel sorry, Jiaoqiu. But thank you.
You would berate me, I think, if I told you there was nothing to feel sorry about for the painful experiences of my own past.
[ just a guess, even if they've only know each other a few days. his expression is fond, though. he'll keep his hand where it is for a little bit, because the connection is nice. ]
[ taair says, with a laugh - even warmer this time. ] But I understand what you're trying to say - and I'm very grateful for your kindness.
[ he turns back to the water again, watching the waves roll in. ]
It's a funny thing for a historian to say, isn't it! I guess I do a bit of both. [ hehe. ] The best part of it all, you know, is that I have the opportunity to experience all these new things.
I'm glad that you do. I find myself in similar shoes, so to speak. An old fox, learning new tricks.
[ his tail sways happily behind him. ]
In any case. A historian, in my opinion, must be able to take value in all parts of history, future, present and past, in order to be worth their salt.
Then, my dear friend, let us learn many new tricks together.
[ this clearly makes him very happy. the tailwagging also makes him happy, but mostly because he's never seen it before and it's charming. cute! ]
And I agree full-heartedly! You are very wise, you know. [ he just has that aura about him...wise asian auntie fox. ] I've decided that I want to chronicle the lives of the people who are here, in our time in this place. Eight weeks should be plenty of time to gather everyone's stories, or at least enough that if we ever get a library, I can start to look into contextualizing them.
I hope you'll sit for interviews with me, Jiaoqiu.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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jiaoqiu wanders up to him, and just sort of like... instinctively rests a hand on taair's back in greeting, as he stands next to him. he's wearing a red cardigan today. waow. ]
There's really nothing like the sensation of sand between your toes.
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Yes - books really don't even begin to describe it. [ he wiggles his toes a little in the sand. wiggle wiggle. ] And the smell of the salt in the air is wonderful, too. Good morning, Jiaoqiu.
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Good morning. [ his hand slips off and settles behind his own back, folded with the other. ]
Is this your first stop of the day? I was surprised to see the train actually led somewhere.
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[ so technically, yes. ]
I've always wanted to see the beach - how lucky, to be able to have simple dreams made reality. Isn't it?
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[ he says, glancing out over the waves. ]
Perhaps you manifested it. In which case, thank you. I haven't heard the waves in a long time.
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[ his gaze tracks to the bonfire area, and then back to the water and then... to jiaoqiu! up to his ears, actually. ]
There's more than just hearing it, no? I think I may wade in. Would you like to join me?
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[ he's happy to!! he's going to have to take off his boots and roll up his pants, which isn't very graceful, but it's alright. ]
I should accompany you, anyway. The undertow can be deceiving, if you're not used to it. I can't imagine we can die twice, but I'd like to save you the struggle.
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[ conversations that will age like spoiled milk in a few days
but anyway - he does not judge the rolling up the pants because he has to do the same thing. being a fancy boy is hard work! and he takes his stupid little cape thing from behind him and slings it around his neck and his shoulders like a really big scarf so that it won't drag too much in the surf. ]
Do you know, it's been a long-running dream of mine to see the Iria River? To see the sea felt almost impossible.
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jiaoqiu pulls off his boots, only wincing slightly as he does. bending over sucks. his bandages are probably visible under this outfit, actually. ]
The Iria River? A famous one, where you're from?
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Indeed - one that winds through all of Iria. [ as he straightens, he reaches out - sort of providing an extra hand if jiaoqiu needs it to steady him, because it's affection week. a little wince does not escape his sharp eyes. ]
I wish I could access my magic... are you alright, Jiaoqiu?
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Death was not particularly kind to me, but I'll survive. [ mmf. ] I didn't know you had magic.
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but once he's sure he's okay, he will actually address the question, nodding as he tugs up his pant legs proper and looks out at the water. ]
I do. Learning magic is a commonality in the Papal States - it was a part of my schooling. I could protect myself if I really needed to, but... I much preferred the aspects of healing. I studied quite a bit of supportive magic, in hopes I could utilize it if I ever traveled.
-- speaking of! Let's test out this water, shall we? I'm ready, if you are!
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[ supportive magic, he means. this kid is so eager to help, it's kinda cute. and then there's the enthusiastic bid for the water, and jiaoqiu huffs in amusement, taking a step or two towards the water. ]
Yes, yes. Go on, then, I'm right behind you.
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[ but we're moving on, after that. taair's warm, affable nature shines in moments like these - it makes it far easier to not think about the what ifs of his former life, to sidestep the yawning past.
so instead, he takes a few steps forward, the transition from dry sand to wet also giving him pause - taair makes a delighted noise, looking down at the ground around his very pale legs, before he steps up to the actual water's edge. there's a moment like a held breath, waiting - and then when the wave comes in and washes across his bare feet, he laughs, an exhale on the breeze. ]
Oh - it's colder than I expected...!
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That's usually why I avoid wading in. The cold seeps right down to my bones. [ but he's still joking around, and he follows taair into the water easily enough, tail lifting so that it doesn't get wet. ]
The sand will stick to your feet like glue after this.
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[ taair turns his head to smile at him, face brimming with warmth and joy and - a little gratitude, too. that it might seep down to his bones but he joined him anyway... well, even if it was a joke, it means a lot. ]
So noted...! I suppose I'll be barefoot for a little while yet, then.
[ as the aves wash over him again, he adjusts, pulling the bottom of his vest up so it doesn't get soaked as he squats down, pulling his half glove back to run his fingers through the surface of the ocean water, to swirl it over the sand. ]
... It's in moments like these that I think this place does truly feel like paradise.
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I'm sorry that life's simple pleasures were withheld from you. [ he says after a moment. ] Your cage is open now, little hummingbird.
[ he of course doesn't know any specifics, but - he's very good at insight. he can make some guesses. ]
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ah. it's a sweet, simple apology - and one that speaks volumes, both in its meaning and to jiaoqiu's observational skills. taair looks up at him, eyes slightly wide, scanning his face... before he huffs, and shakes his head, looking down. ]
...So it is.
[ but it's lacking all of that joy and delight from before, though he never stops smiling. there's something unmistakably sad, like a weight, that drapes over him more than any fabric, more than any cold from the water. the cage is open, indeed. ]
Was that so obvious?
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[ he shifts a little, and rests a hand on taair's head, easy, gentle. that weight is keenly felt, and he thinks, you are too young for this. ]
I listen, when people speak. That's all. [ ... ] There's no need to go into detail if you'd prefer not to. For now, you should enjoy the waves.
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[ what an admirable life to have lived. there's some part of taair that aches for something similar - a vision of a future that could never come to pass.
the hand on his head settles, and he turns his gaze down to the water again, watching the waves come in and out, watching the sand swirl as the water moves it. up, and back into place. up, and back into place.
he's quiet for a long time. taair likes to talk - he's full of his stories, after all - but these thoughtful, reflective moments are commonplace, too. it is a weight he's accustomed to carrying, after all these years. ]
... I think that it is a long, sad story, but one that now has a bookend. There are far better things. [ things like these ocean waves. things like kindhearted company, and people to learn from. his head lifts up into the gesture, and this time, his smile is a little more genuine. ] There's no need to feel sorry, Jiaoqiu. But thank you.
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[ just a guess, even if they've only know each other a few days. his expression is fond, though. he'll keep his hand where it is for a little bit, because the connection is nice. ]
But you're right. We are always moving forward.
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[ taair says, with a laugh - even warmer this time. ] But I understand what you're trying to say - and I'm very grateful for your kindness.
[ he turns back to the water again, watching the waves roll in. ]
It's a funny thing for a historian to say, isn't it! I guess I do a bit of both. [ hehe. ] The best part of it all, you know, is that I have the opportunity to experience all these new things.
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[ his tail sways happily behind him. ]
In any case. A historian, in my opinion, must be able to take value in all parts of history, future, present and past, in order to be worth their salt.
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[ this clearly makes him very happy. the tailwagging also makes him happy, but mostly because he's never seen it before and it's charming. cute! ]
And I agree full-heartedly! You are very wise, you know. [ he just has that aura about him...wise asian auntie fox. ] I've decided that I want to chronicle the lives of the people who are here, in our time in this place. Eight weeks should be plenty of time to gather everyone's stories, or at least enough that if we ever get a library, I can start to look into contextualizing them.
I hope you'll sit for interviews with me, Jiaoqiu.
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My life is not so interesting, but if you insist. [ amused. ] You should speak with General Jing Yuan. His life is fascinating, and worth a chronicle.
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