return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[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?

[shangba]

It must heal. Will heal.

[emperorssmile]

It will

I'll help you through it, too.

I really need to stop taking you for granted, Lan Zhan. Even if we're having an argument, let's always end it with 'I love you.'

[shangba]

'I do not like you on this day.'

Then, 'I love you.'

Unsure our quarrels would flow.

[emperorssmile]

Yeah, it probably would feel out of place at best and sarcastic at worst.

Did our argument distract you?

[shangba]

Unlikely.

It was chance. Pure chance. Even to me.

[emperorssmile]

You're not just saying that to make me feel better?

It's okay, I believe you.

Still, I don't like that you were hurt. You should take better care of my husband, Lan Zhan.

[shangba]

He will become stronger. That too, a lesson. Must provide better.

[emperorssmile]

Stronger, hmm? Hanguang-Jun is already so strong, if he becomes more so, I’ll swoon every time he holds me.