( though this man isn't terribly animated in character, xingchen is forming a decently strong impression of him regardless - thoughtful, warm, honorable (at least regarding the fair exchange of favors). perhaps even trustworthy. that said, his choice to allow most of his guard to drop has little to do with any of that, or any similar implication that xingchen retains even an ounce of trust in his judge of character. he doesn't. he's simply indifferent to whatever consequences come of such judgment proving incorrect.
and so he allows the man to assist him in sitting up, more attention paid to the information provided. zizhou... xingchen vaguely recalls that being the next destination the road which he had taken, though he'd thought it a good number of hours out still. had he misjudged the distance? or had this relative stranger carried him all that way? ) If you followed that same road, then Zizhou would be correct. ( but then, ) Have you already paid for the night? I can do so, if you haven't. Or- however long our stay has been. ( because it occurs to him now that he hasn't the slightest clue how long he was unconscious. what feels to him like less than a day may very well have been two or three nights, all passing in a haze. )
[perhaps po xiao should be warier; not everyone who helps a person has good intentions following that act, after all, but in xingchen's defense: he also believes not many people would willingly toss themselves into the fray as he'd done earlier with those bandits. not only this but, while he'd be embarrassed to admit, he does like the idea of having someone else around who understands what's going on. for now, all he can do is offer help and hope it's enough repayment for saving his life.
with the utmost carefulness, both his hands draw back again and lace together across his lap, head politely inclined while he waits. his thumb traces a line on his robe, but he's drawn back in by another question before he gets too distracted.] It was the same road, [he assures.] And yes, there is no need to worry about any of that. [the aforementioned madam has no qualms letting him stay as long as necessary, so long as whatever chores he's assigned get taken care of. kind though she is, he's well-aware he ought to leave sooner rather than later, lest any other assassins come looking when he least expects.] However, if you're curious to know, it's only been a few hours since you rescued me. [a brief pause then,] Ah... my name is Po Xiao, by the by. [just to get some basic formalities out of the way.]
( a few hours? that's quite a bit shorter than it felt, though he's hardly prepared to put any stock in his unconscious perception of time. and truly, the last couple of days in their entirety have felt like weeks all on their own (while also feeling very much like they've passed in a blur, much too quickly for xingchen to keep proper track).
'a few hours' means that it's nighttime now, or swiftly approaching it. this is the second night since he stumbled out of the coffin house, disappeared from the quite deliberate ring of talismans that xue yang had left him in. he likely should have stopped to assess them - to see precisely what it was that the murderer had intended to do with him. but he was in no state to consider it then, and he certainly doesn't intend to return and find out.
which just as certainly means that somewhere out there, xue yang is looking for him.
a moment belatedly, xingchen processes that his ally(?) has introduced himself - po xiao. ) Xiao Xingchen, ( he offers in return, and only afterward does it occur to him how foolish that probably was. xue yang is looking for 'xiao xingchen'. his next words are hushed (not that any of his words have been loud enough to eavesdrop, really), ) Do you know-... ( his lips press together a moment, and he tries again. ) I assume that others saw us arrive? ( witnesses, able to disclose his location to anyone with enough coin or threat. )
[whatever xiao xingchen has gone through before rescuing this boy, it's clear he's tired, and that's not just because he collapsed in the middle of the road either. there's also an unsettled air in the room despite the safety; it's palpable, electrified in an unexplainable sense, except for the fact po xiao can feel it, which discombobulates him somewhat. regardless, he's steady and undeterred, patient while his newfound company regathers himself.
the whole time, his head twists one way then the other, turning from the man to where he knows he'd set xingchen's sword. part of him insists he go collect it, return the weapon to its owner because one: it's his, and two: it'd do better there anyway in case something happens. (but wait, what's going to happen? nothing, of course, they're completely safe here for now.)
he does redirect again, right as xiao xingchen introduces himself, earning a warm, affirming hum.] Nice to meet you, [a moment's hesitation then,] Circumstances aside. Uhmβ [though he stops once more, contemplating, trying his hardest to remember if there had been anyone else they passed while on their way to the inn. nobody had tried to stop them and he hadn't heard any individuals following, so it feels safe enough to assume they are in the clear, but.] I cannot say if anyone saw us on the way. Nobody I could hear, that is, but I do know for sure the innkeeper's the only person who knows we're in this room right now.
[and so far, she's proven herself as po xiao's one ally during all his troubles. he sees no reason not to trust her.]
( the pleasantries, though well beyond xingchen's own capacity for normalcy at the moment, have a tired little smile curling the edges of his next exhale. the kindness barely warms the surface of him, a fleeting relief so deeply at odds with the death-chill still clinging to his bones, with the disquiet of his racing heart - but a fleeting brush of warmth is still better than none at all, better and perhaps even more grounding.
and then po xiao continues - he's circled back to the question that xingchen asked, albeit with a confusing lack of observational insight... at least until 'nobody i could hear,' at which point a number of things click into place. the care and precision in so many of his quiet movements, not unlike xingchen's own. the men on the road had said 'another blind man'.
this man, who carried him along miles of wooded road and then tended his wounds, can neither fight nor see. it's a fact which xingchen's next inhale carries all the way down to the pit of his gut, where it thickens, congeals in a way which turns his stomach.
(he wonders if a day will come in which he no longer needs to view others in terms of how easily xue yang might kill them.)
all of this has decided quite definitively that he needs to put distance between himself and this man as soon as he's physically able. he lets out his breath (he hadn't quite realized he was holding it), and with it comes: ) My sword? ( 'where is it?' sounds like the question at hand, though he's already casting his qi out to answer that very question for himself... all while he shifts again, scooting over to the edge of the bed and placing his feet on the floor. and oh, there's frostwork's energy just over there on that table - so he lifts a shaky hand toward it. ) Forgive me, I would just prefer to have it with me, ( he says, his words half-distracted as frostwork audibly scoots across the surface of the table in their direction,
and then clatters to the floor.
the next breath that xingchen lets out sounds just short of punched, in a way that he hides quite poorly despite his best efforts. it might seem at first like suppressed frustration, but in actuality, he's rapidly drained what little of his qi his body has not yet dedicated to healing his wounds - and he's dizzy. his free hand grips the edge of the bed for balance now, and the hand which presumed to summon frostwork now drops by necessity to do the same.
a slow and measured breath... and then come words. ) Po-xiong, I'm quite certain I owe my life to your kindness today, ( xingchen says, quiet but sure, ) And that's a debt which I'll be repaying summarily. You can't stay here. I'll pay you for the room, that's no trouble - but please, put as much distance as you're able between yourself and this place. ( and xingchen, is the true concern. he swallows hard, 'gaze' dropping to land on a nondescript bit of bedding beside where he sits. a bit apologetically, ) I would do so myself, were I able. ( but he can't even call back his blade, let alone stand up and leave from this inn. )
[although many people wouldn't deem it necessary for him to be so polite, po xiao knows manners are important, isn't one to abandon them just because he's in unfamiliar company; this man still rescued him, after all, the least he can do is show proper appreciation and help him with his wounds to the best of his ability.
allowing him somewhere safe to stay for however long he needs also feels right despite it simply coming alongside what's already been offered. (and po xiao would sleep on the floor if needed, he wouldn't mind whatsoever!) while no answer comes immediately, his first thought isn't worrisome, but the longer the silence stretches, the more he begins considering what sort of situation xiao xingchen's been drawn into that has him so concerned with wherever his sword might be. he knows weapons are an extension of a warrior, something he assumes this man is, and much like with feng ren, it makes sense they'd want those within arms reach in case something awful happens.
at least that way, should any of those foolish men attempt hunting them down again, they'll be made quick work of? and don't think for one minute po xiao's not wondering what exactly it is xingchen wants to get away from, either.
which is why he doesn't hesitate to avert his attention to where the sword lays, opening his mouth in response, only to come up short once he realizes the other male's moving.] No forgiving needed, really, I understand, but you shouldn'tβ [even if it's far too late to stop him. so, po xiao clamps his mouth shut and lets him do as he pleases, shifting back slightly, yet keeping himself close enough in case there's a chance xingchen needs help. the distinct sound of that same sword shifting of its own accord draws his attention again, has his eyebrows lifting with surprise as it rattles, slides over the table, then promptly hits the floor still some few feet away. that's more than a little intriguing and, fascination aside, he's pleased he'd guessed somewhat correct about him.
without missing a beat, his focus is back on xiao xingchen, on moving both his hands to his shoulders and gently urging him back toward the bed. βpo-xiong,β already so casual, it makes him smile though it won't last long following that remark. can't stay here? what does that mean?] Xiao-gongzi, you needn't fret about such things right now when you should be resting and regathering your strength. [clearly, he shouldn't have to point out how his failed attempt to retrieve his sword proves this.
he moves then, gathers up xingchen's sword and brings it over, crouching back down in front of him while offering it.] Afterward, we can leave this place, go our separate ways if necessary even. But until then, I assure you that we are safe here.
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houseofsushi2021-04-19 12:15 am
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and so he allows the man to assist him in sitting up, more attention paid to the information provided. zizhou... xingchen vaguely recalls that being the next destination the road which he had taken, though he'd thought it a good number of hours out still. had he misjudged the distance? or had this relative stranger carried him all that way? ) If you followed that same road, then Zizhou would be correct. ( but then, ) Have you already paid for the night? I can do so, if you haven't. Or- however long our stay has been. ( because it occurs to him now that he hasn't the slightest clue how long he was unconscious. what feels to him like less than a day may very well have been two or three nights, all passing in a haze. )
no subject
with the utmost carefulness, both his hands draw back again and lace together across his lap, head politely inclined while he waits. his thumb traces a line on his robe, but he's drawn back in by another question before he gets too distracted.] It was the same road, [he assures.] And yes, there is no need to worry about any of that. [the aforementioned madam has no qualms letting him stay as long as necessary, so long as whatever chores he's assigned get taken care of. kind though she is, he's well-aware he ought to leave sooner rather than later, lest any other assassins come looking when he least expects.] However, if you're curious to know, it's only been a few hours since you rescued me. [a brief pause then,] Ah... my name is Po Xiao, by the by. [just to get some basic formalities out of the way.]
no subject
'a few hours' means that it's nighttime now, or swiftly approaching it. this is the second night since he stumbled out of the coffin house, disappeared from the quite deliberate ring of talismans that xue yang had left him in. he likely should have stopped to assess them - to see precisely what it was that the murderer had intended to do with him. but he was in no state to consider it then, and he certainly doesn't intend to return and find out.
which just as certainly means that somewhere out there, xue yang is looking for him.
a moment belatedly, xingchen processes that his ally(?) has introduced himself - po xiao. ) Xiao Xingchen, ( he offers in return, and only afterward does it occur to him how foolish that probably was. xue yang is looking for 'xiao xingchen'. his next words are hushed (not that any of his words have been loud enough to eavesdrop, really), ) Do you know-... ( his lips press together a moment, and he tries again. ) I assume that others saw us arrive? ( witnesses, able to disclose his location to anyone with enough coin or threat. )
no subject
the whole time, his head twists one way then the other, turning from the man to where he knows he'd set xingchen's sword. part of him insists he go collect it, return the weapon to its owner because one: it's his, and two: it'd do better there anyway in case something happens. (but wait, what's going to happen? nothing, of course, they're completely safe here for now.)
he does redirect again, right as xiao xingchen introduces himself, earning a warm, affirming hum.] Nice to meet you, [a moment's hesitation then,] Circumstances aside. Uhmβ [though he stops once more, contemplating, trying his hardest to remember if there had been anyone else they passed while on their way to the inn. nobody had tried to stop them and he hadn't heard any individuals following, so it feels safe enough to assume they are in the clear, but.] I cannot say if anyone saw us on the way. Nobody I could hear, that is, but I do know for sure the innkeeper's the only person who knows we're in this room right now.
[and so far, she's proven herself as po xiao's one ally during all his troubles. he sees no reason not to trust her.]
no subject
and then po xiao continues - he's circled back to the question that xingchen asked, albeit with a confusing lack of observational insight... at least until 'nobody i could hear,' at which point a number of things click into place. the care and precision in so many of his quiet movements, not unlike xingchen's own. the men on the road had said 'another blind man'.
this man, who carried him along miles of wooded road and then tended his wounds, can neither fight nor see. it's a fact which xingchen's next inhale carries all the way down to the pit of his gut, where it thickens, congeals in a way which turns his stomach.
(he wonders if a day will come in which he no longer needs to view others in terms of how easily xue yang might kill them.)
all of this has decided quite definitively that he needs to put distance between himself and this man as soon as he's physically able. he lets out his breath (he hadn't quite realized he was holding it), and with it comes: ) My sword? ( 'where is it?' sounds like the question at hand, though he's already casting his qi out to answer that very question for himself... all while he shifts again, scooting over to the edge of the bed and placing his feet on the floor. and oh, there's frostwork's energy just over there on that table - so he lifts a shaky hand toward it. ) Forgive me, I would just prefer to have it with me, ( he says, his words half-distracted as frostwork audibly scoots across the surface of the table in their direction,
and then clatters to the floor.
the next breath that xingchen lets out sounds just short of punched, in a way that he hides quite poorly despite his best efforts. it might seem at first like suppressed frustration, but in actuality, he's rapidly drained what little of his qi his body has not yet dedicated to healing his wounds - and he's dizzy. his free hand grips the edge of the bed for balance now, and the hand which presumed to summon frostwork now drops by necessity to do the same.
a slow and measured breath... and then come words. ) Po-xiong, I'm quite certain I owe my life to your kindness today, ( xingchen says, quiet but sure, ) And that's a debt which I'll be repaying summarily. You can't stay here. I'll pay you for the room, that's no trouble - but please, put as much distance as you're able between yourself and this place. ( and xingchen, is the true concern. he swallows hard, 'gaze' dropping to land on a nondescript bit of bedding beside where he sits. a bit apologetically, ) I would do so myself, were I able. ( but he can't even call back his blade, let alone stand up and leave from this inn. )
no subject
allowing him somewhere safe to stay for however long he needs also feels right despite it simply coming alongside what's already been offered. (and po xiao would sleep on the floor if needed, he wouldn't mind whatsoever!) while no answer comes immediately, his first thought isn't worrisome, but the longer the silence stretches, the more he begins considering what sort of situation xiao xingchen's been drawn into that has him so concerned with wherever his sword might be. he knows weapons are an extension of a warrior, something he assumes this man is, and much like with feng ren, it makes sense they'd want those within arms reach in case something awful happens.
at least that way, should any of those foolish men attempt hunting them down again, they'll be made quick work of? and don't think for one minute po xiao's not wondering what exactly it is xingchen wants to get away from, either.
which is why he doesn't hesitate to avert his attention to where the sword lays, opening his mouth in response, only to come up short once he realizes the other male's moving.] No forgiving needed, really, I understand, but you shouldn'tβ [even if it's far too late to stop him. so, po xiao clamps his mouth shut and lets him do as he pleases, shifting back slightly, yet keeping himself close enough in case there's a chance xingchen needs help. the distinct sound of that same sword shifting of its own accord draws his attention again, has his eyebrows lifting with surprise as it rattles, slides over the table, then promptly hits the floor still some few feet away. that's more than a little intriguing and, fascination aside, he's pleased he'd guessed somewhat correct about him.
without missing a beat, his focus is back on xiao xingchen, on moving both his hands to his shoulders and gently urging him back toward the bed. βpo-xiong,β already so casual, it makes him smile though it won't last long following that remark. can't stay here? what does that mean?] Xiao-gongzi, you needn't fret about such things right now when you should be resting and regathering your strength. [clearly, he shouldn't have to point out how his failed attempt to retrieve his sword proves this.
he moves then, gathers up xingchen's sword and brings it over, crouching back down in front of him while offering it.] Afterward, we can leave this place, go our separate ways if necessary even. But until then, I assure you that we are safe here.
[βfor now,β is something he leaves unsaid.]