return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

I really did try to go to sleep early, but it didn't work out.

The moon is almost as pretty as you are, Lan Zhan. But more importantly, you're still up?

[shangba]

Stirred in a cold, lone bed.

[emperorssmile]

That's right. You have a hard time sleeping alone.

I'm on the inn's roof, having a little wine.

I'm glad you're awake, Lan Zhan. Company always improves the taste.

[shangba]

The wine compares?

[emperorssmile]

To your company? Not a chance. It's not the best I've had, but it's the house brew. It's light and fruity.

How's your throat?

[shangba]

Hoarse. The bruising far lesser.

[emperorssmile]

Aww, it's affecting your voice, too? And I'm missing it?

Hearing it would make me want to coddle you.

[shangba]

What trapped my husband into wakefulness?

[emperorssmile]

Just one of those nights where every time I try to fall asleep, it feels like I'm falling. No, more like landing.

[shangba]

In the Burial Mounds?

[emperorssmile]

Sometimes. It feels like it's different every time I close my eyes.

I'm not going to be up too much later, though. I'll try again when my usual bedtime comes up. I'll keep you company until then if you think you'll be up a while.

[shangba]

You had hoped to drink yourself to sleep?

[emperorssmile]

Only if I still can't sleep next time I try.

Right now, I was just thinking.

[shangba]

Perhaps we should procure Wei Ying sleep potions.

[emperorssmile]

No need. Once we're together, I'll sleep like a baby.

Oh yeah, I was going to wear your robes tonight. I forgot until now.

[shangba]

Will you sleep then?

I do not see it done.

[emperorssmile]

It should help. I'll head back inside in a little while and change clothes.

What about you?

[shangba]

I yearn for my husband, but never into insomnia.

Assume the restlessness of the hunt. It will pass.

[emperorssmile]

We'll see what passes first then. Your restlessness or my wine.

Does it hurt to breathe? To swallow?

[shangba]

...no.

Foremost, the hurt is to my pride. I admit, freely: had believed myself above such wounding.

But I bear it, with a vulnerable husband, a young child, a son unwedded. Must settle your house. My affairs.

[emperorssmile]

I didn't help you keep a tranquil mind while you were working.

I'm not completely powerless and Sizhui's cultivation is progressing well. You're not alone, Lan Zhan. Let us carry some of the weight.

[shangba]

Wei Ying. I have seen a world whole turn fang on you.

I will not leave you undefended.

[emperorssmile]

You can still defend me. I'm just saying you don't have to do it alone.

You were scared when the attack got through?

[shangba]

Witless.

[emperorssmile]

And we hadn't been kind to one another beforehand, so that made it worse.

I always assume that nothing can stop Hanguang-Jun from coming home to me. It was a close call?