‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ⋆ 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡.

@sinoffIesh "You're inviting me?" A gracious smile and an equal bow. "I would rather enjoy that, I think! The weather is cool... ooh, maybe I could pick some things to make a lovely tea for us!"

@sinoffIesh — again."

@sinoffIesh — a kindred spirit so far from home is a blessing that you cannot begin to imagine. I await a call for permission to continue moving forward. Until then, my time here is... undisclosed, indeterminate." He smiles. "If you ran away, I probably would have struggled to find you —

adjusting his pack. another town. maybe this one's taverns will be more... well-kept than the last.

trust no one more than yourself.

He's sat on a small pillar in the middle of a lake beside the city. Deep inhales, deep exhales. Ripples of water ebb and flow, alive with qi.

@sinoffIesh — things then go. I do not have any other things I need to do. Please, if you'll let it, let my night be yours."

@sinoffIesh Wait—words almost found amongst his lips, yet in the moment they lie unspoken. Instead, his body acts. A hand which reaches firmly for her wrist and forearm. It takes him a moment further to conjure the words from the aether set before him. "Don't say such... wonderful —

@sinoffIesh — inexplicably authentic. A judgment of his character? Despite hardly knowing him? Was he worthy of such words? Was it right to take it? It was like verbal sunshine after a morning rain. "Tha... thank you."

@sinoffIesh Shen blinks a couple of times. He doesn't break that hypnotic stare that she grants him. The words, simple as they are, carry with them a force—an impact—that lingers within his chest; that forces the tipsy redness of his cheeks to brighten even more. The words seemed so —

* 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.

@sinoffIesh Her question is met with a reassuring nod. His thumb moves along her knuckles. "I would be a fool to say otherwise, I think." A gentle snicker escapes his lips. Confident, but... oddly soothing.

@sinoffIesh — hero like they write in the stories, but I hope in my heart of hearts that I am doing my part..." A flush on his face—"sorry, I'm rambling—, thank you. For letting me talk, I mean."

@sinoffIesh — way. That's all I ever wanted to do. See people happy, connect people, and unite them, near or far." He lifts his head, his fist pressing against his cheek. "With so much strife and chaos around us, people count on us to be faster than the dangers that come. I may not be a —

@sinoffIesh —!!! Shen eyes her nervous demeanor, giving a bright smile in response to her request. He takes her hand into his, attempting to ground her. "Of course. I think that would be wonderful."

— steps over towards her with a bow as she readies her last throws, holding his hand over his heart. "This looks like good fun. Mind if I give it a go?" he asks @silkengraces. "I promise to let you reap all the rewards if I succeed."

In the midst of the chaos, however, a chance encounter would make itself clear. He sees a woman struggling against a game of darts—he knows the charlatans who forge these tools do so in a way that makes them throw wide. Her technique seems... flawless, but...—with a smile he —

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗦: Prologue: Road to Vermillion Lanterns ——————————————————————— In a world known as Sihai-Tian, in the vast river-continent of Shanliu, a story begins to form within this "new world", ruled by a powerful and equally old imperial court.