Frankly, Lan Sizhui should've known better than to trust the old woman who had given him information. Nobody except her withholding particulars, waiting for the right moment, then divulging such details, especially pertaining to the oni's whereabouts? Someone who knew him, obviously. (He'll berate himself later when he isn't already focused on figuring out how to handle his current situation: luring said creature out of his home.)
He also should've been aware that approaching without at least setting a trap or two wasn't the wisest decision, but can he really be blamed if he wants to try something less aggressive first? He'd not drawn his weapon, he was staying in one place, and while it means he's quite easily crept up on, it also means he's shown some clear vulnerability here, which he hopes worked in his favor rather than against him.
Though his heart palpitates so hard, he can taste it, Sizhui's making no actual motion the moment he senses another's presence behind him, holding steady despite the urge to abruptly turn with sword brandished. Sizhui does take a slow, measured breath that he sighs right back out, his fingers cinching ever-tighter as he says first, “It depends, my lord,” and then his posture softens significantly, the fidgety hand at his side going motionless before tucking neatly behind himself, resting at the small of his back. “Do you need to be slayed?”
Or can they handle this differently, perhaps without violence? (Which, hey, he's hoping the whole ‘my lord’ thing and hand-behind-the-back gesture sort of add to his courteousness here!)
all brains *and* brawn, what a mix!
He also should've been aware that approaching without at least setting a trap or two wasn't the wisest decision, but can he really be blamed if he wants to try something less aggressive first? He'd not drawn his weapon, he was staying in one place, and while it means he's quite easily crept up on, it also means he's shown some clear vulnerability here, which he hopes worked in his favor rather than against him.
Though his heart palpitates so hard, he can taste it, Sizhui's making no actual motion the moment he senses another's presence behind him, holding steady despite the urge to abruptly turn with sword brandished. Sizhui does take a slow, measured breath that he sighs right back out, his fingers cinching ever-tighter as he says first, “It depends, my lord,” and then his posture softens significantly, the fidgety hand at his side going motionless before tucking neatly behind himself, resting at the small of his back. “Do you need to be slayed?”
Or can they handle this differently, perhaps without violence? (Which, hey, he's hoping the whole ‘my lord’ thing and hand-behind-the-back gesture sort of add to his courteousness here!)