001. Video. Hi Ghosts, it’s me, ya boi

[inheritedpain]

[ Hi Prisma, have a frowning seventeen year old with way too much gold in his hair show up on your feed.

Now, Jin Ling has never bothered to introduce himself on the network. At first because the tech was completely foreign to him and then because it seemed like a hassle and let’s be real the boy has no manners.

But he’s on a Quest, now, so he’ll deign to speak to the common folk, for once.

.. ... ... it’s not like he’s desperate, or anything. ]

Alright, listen. I’m looking for a ghost. Any ghost. Or general undead, if we have to be picky, here. So if you or someone you know fits this description then you better tell me!! I’m going to help you get rid of some of your resentful energy!!

[ Jin Ling seems to think everything he just said is totally reasonable and makes sense. So he doesn’t even bother to explain before moving on. ]

If you aren’t a ghost but you’re in trouble you can tell me, too!! I need to help someone so that I— Look, it’s not important!! So don’t ask questions just let me help already!!

I’m good at helping, especially if it involves swords, archery, or dogs.

[ A pause, a deeper frown: ]

How do I turn this off any—-

Comments

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ ...Curse his slowly beating heart. ]

Would you like company while you look for trouble?

[ Because what are cultivators if not people looking for trouble to fix? He might prefer to walk with Xingchen, but his soulmate has his own work to do here. ]

[inheritedpain]

[ His cheeks tinted a little. ]

If Daozhang Song wishes to keep me company, of course I would not refuse.

But I... don’t really know whete to go, yet. I’m figuring that out.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ He lowers his gaze briefly along with his head in another bow. ]

I would only come along as a guide. If this is acceptable, we should begin with you deciding where to meet.

[inheritedpain]

O-of course! I would be honoured, Daozhang.

Ah— you can come meet me in the park on the first level?

I should introduce you to Fairy so she doesn’t try attacking you.

[tobrushawaysnow]

I am one level above, it will not take me long to reach you.

[ There's another flash of humor at the mention of an introduction to keep something from attacking him. Much as Daenerys had with Drogon. ]

She may smell a dragon on me, I have been training the mother of one and he comes to visit frequently.

[ Yup. Dragon. Zichen is visibly moving, heading for the way down. ]

[inheritedpain]

A dragon??

What kind of dragon? Where did you meet it?

You know a dragon’s mother?!

[tobrushawaysnow]

Small, but fierce. Drogon likes to land on my shoulders. [ w r y ]

His mother is Daenerys Targaryen, and she is a good friend. [ Maybe not on Xiao Xingchen's level, or even Xue Yang's, but a good friend none-the-less. ]

I would be glad to introduce you.

[inheritedpain]

Ah - sure!

[ Being introduced to Daozhang's friends... he's a little starry eyed right now.

Oh. Which reminds him-- ]

Ah - you know Daozhang Xiao is here too, right? He doesn't remember-- well-- I mean he seems to be younger, but I saw him when I arrived!!

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ He appreciates the mention, and nods. ]

Yes. We found each other on my first proper day here.

[ And Xue Yang even before that, but he has a feeling he shouldn't mention that to this young man... ]

He is still Xiao Xingchen, no matter what he remembers.

[inheritedpain]

[ He relaxes a little, then gives something that could almost be called a hesitant smile.

Good. Something right with the world, for once. ]

I'm - I'm glad to hear it.

We'll be here.