Po Xiao can't remember how long ago he'd passed through the gate after his pardon, all he knows is that once he did, he hadn't stopped walking. Not even to take a break for drinking, which likely should've been done some time ago, but doing so means finding somewhere safe enough to stop and, from what he can hear, it doesn't sound like he's anywhere near a town yet. Only one(?) other person has passed him with a braying donkey who didn't say a word, though that's also fine with him because he'd much rather keep to himself.
While he's still adapting, paying attention to his surroundings is something he was taught from a very young age; it's why he's got the lingering feeling something is following him, yet won't realize it's some monstrous snake, and the sound of someone else's footsteps just so happens to be conveniently timed, he probably won't know unless whoever's shown up tells him.
Instinctively, he about-faces, swinging the bamboo rod he's been using in a wide, chaotic upward arc. Po Xiao's not sure what he's aiming for, but so long as he puts enough space between it and himself...
If Po Xiao's hearing is that good, he'll hear the sound of the blade
slicing through the air and the soft whisper of silk as Jingyu moves
through the path and moves around the traveller. He barely manages to move
out of the way of the swinging bamboo pole and gives a surprised laugh when
it connects with the beast and sends it flying upwards. The cultivator
calls for his sword, moving it so that it would slice through the snake and
behead it, letting the corpse fall to the side with a dying hiss.
Oh, his hearing is absolutely that good, despite the slight disorientation; there's a sword, the shush of fabric, another person (who laughs for some reason?), and then his stick connects with somethingβ something rather heavy, even, but it doesn't stop him from hucking it into the air with all his might. Another whiz of the blade, an audible thud and an unnerving hiss then, for a brief moment, silence.
For an excruciatingly long minute or two, Po Xiao stands there, head turning toward Jingyu's voice before he finally, breathlessly says, βYou're welcome.β Then, with a little more apprehension, βWhat... what was that?β
A what now? Po Xiao makes a soft, uncertain noise, relaxes his posture somewhat, lowers his left hand back to his side and shifts the rod in his right so it's entirely upright with the end resting on the ground between them.
The snikt of the sword has him slackening further, but as the male (he's guessing that's a safe assumption?) continues, his expression creases with lingering worry. Had it been bigger than him? While it doesn't matter now that it's dead, he can't help wondering, regardless. He's hesitant to answer initially, yet decides on, βAnywhere that isn't where I came from.β
βLotus Pier...β That doesn't sound familiar, though for all he knows, anyone could've mentioned it back in the last town he'd passed through and Po Xiao wouldn't have noticed. His mind is too clouded by recent events, it's a wonder he realizes anything at all; he didn't even notice the snake following him and that's saying something!
There's another hush of silk and ordinarily, he might ask, but Jingyu introducing himself answers his question: a greeting. Po Xiao's head politely inclines then he smiles and shifts the stick aside, a tentative show of trust. βNice to meet you. My name is Po Xiao and I'd greatly appreciate any help you could spare.β
βWith great skill and dexterity,β he jokes, even managing the faintest smile before he shifts his posture again, lightly tapping the rod against the ground about half a foot in front of him to make certain he won't run into his new companion while he follows.
βActually,β Po Xiao pauses briefly to adjust the bag at his side then moves a step or two closer before continuing, βI got this far by doing exactly what I am now: listening to your footsteps.β
"You must be very skilled if you're able to tell one person's steps from
another. There are so many who would take advantage of uh...your condition,
I guess."
βPeople move differently,β he explains. βThe way they carry themselves, how hard they step, their postureβ all things that matter when someone moves. And there are. Believe me, a few have already tried.β
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houseofsushi2021-04-19 12:15 am
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While he's still adapting, paying attention to his surroundings is something he was taught from a very young age; it's why he's got the lingering feeling something is following him, yet won't realize it's some monstrous snake, and the sound of someone else's footsteps just so happens to be conveniently timed, he probably won't know unless whoever's shown up tells him.
Instinctively, he about-faces, swinging the bamboo rod he's been using in a wide, chaotic upward arc. Po Xiao's not sure what he's aiming for, but so long as he puts enough space between it and himself...
no subject
If Po Xiao's hearing is that good, he'll hear the sound of the blade slicing through the air and the soft whisper of silk as Jingyu moves through the path and moves around the traveller. He barely manages to move out of the way of the swinging bamboo pole and gives a surprised laugh when it connects with the beast and sends it flying upwards. The cultivator calls for his sword, moving it so that it would slice through the snake and behead it, letting the corpse fall to the side with a dying hiss.
"Thank you for the help, gongzi," he says.
no subject
For an excruciatingly long minute or two, Po Xiao stands there, head turning toward Jingyu's voice before he finally, breathlessly says, βYou're welcome.β Then, with a little more apprehension, βWhat... what was that?β
no subject
"Measuring snake," he replies easily.
Jiangyu calls his sword back to his hand, wiping it on the fabric of his clothes, before sheathing it with a neat snk again.
"It rears up and, if it deems you smaller than it, will eat you. Where are you heading to?"
no subject
The snikt of the sword has him slackening further, but as the male (he's guessing that's a safe assumption?) continues, his expression creases with lingering worry. Had it been bigger than him? While it doesn't matter now that it's dead, he can't help wondering, regardless. He's hesitant to answer initially, yet decides on, βAnywhere that isn't where I came from.β
no subject
"Well...Lotus Pier is close by. There's a wonderful inn there that I would be happy to set you up in before you continue on your journey."
He gives a bow.
"Jiang Jingyu of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect."
no subject
There's another hush of silk and ordinarily, he might ask, but Jingyu introducing himself answers his question: a greeting. Po Xiao's head politely inclines then he smiles and shifts the stick aside, a tentative show of trust. βNice to meet you. My name is Po Xiao and I'd greatly appreciate any help you could spare.β
no subject
He beams.
"How have you been traveling this whole time if you are unable to see any danger that may come at you?" he asks.
Jingyus starts down the path toward Lotus Pier, making sure his steps are loud enough for his new friend to hear.
no subject
βActually,β Po Xiao pauses briefly to adjust the bag at his side then moves a step or two closer before continuing, βI got this far by doing exactly what I am now: listening to your footsteps.β
no subject
"You must be very skilled if you're able to tell one person's steps from another. There are so many who would take advantage of uh...your condition, I guess."
no subject