all.. will be revealed

Kokomi takes a breath, and pushes aside all emotion. She continues to work on the shipwrecked pilot's wounds, but shifts just enough that she can quickly react if need be. It's not right, to simply judge someone on their species, but she can't help the wariness, can't and won't stop herself from planning more contingencies in the back of her mind as she works.

"There," she says quietly to Yaruf. "I've healed the worst of the damage, you'll live." She turns her head slightly, just enough to glance at the warrior behind her while still keeping her patient in view. "They're stable. I leave their crimes, if any, to the hands of those with the authority to judge them. Ask what you will, but consider this - how do you plan to stop this war if you're not willing to listen to those who do want peace? I'm no pacifist, and I'm no stranger to justified war, but..."

She thinks of the broken ships and rusting blades littering the beaches, of the sounds and smells of the medical tents after a battle, of the smoke from funeral pyres staining the skies. Of her own increasingly-bloody plans for a war that could only end in the death of a god or the annihilation of a people, had a wandering star and a cunning fox not intervened. "...how far will you go, before you can see the end? And what will be left of all you swore to protect when you are done?"

Nothing is simple here. Nothing is ever simple, but what had seemed like a simple matter of rescuing a survivor from a lethal accident has instead gotten her thrown into the middle of a centuries-old war with what sounds like a very justified cause. Is this how the Traveler had felt, arriving in Inazuma and immediately getting dragged into the Resistance's affairs?

"Thank you. You've done more than enough."

Comes the borisin's voice as it shows its appreciation for the healer who gave him treatment without hesitation. The creature's tone and posture looks tense- possibly just sore from injuries- but they also appear rather.. relaxed? Jingliu doesn't see how, or why, as they're under such harsh scrutiny- not that she cares either way. A borisin is a borisin- even if she knows deep down that there is always a chance that one or two aren't as awful as the deep rooted hatred and fear go.

Even behind a blindfold, crimson never lets the beast leave its gaze- waiting for the slightest inkling that action need be made, waiting for an excuse to enact "justice" for the departed. Still, sympathy swirls endlessly in her chest- not for the borisin that looks only marginally better than when first encounter, but for the poor miss that looks just as exhausted as she appears frazzled by the knowledge of the creature's snack preference. Jingliu can understand the initial shock- who wouldn't? Even if deep down Jingliu knows no one is defined by what they are, some prejudices simply run too deep.

❛ So then, borisin, tell me what brought you here in the first place. ❜

The creature spares the frost a glance, only the slightest hesitancy in its maw.

"..I had heard of what occurred on the Xianzhou not too long ago. I wished to see for myself how.. bad it had been."

At that, Jingliu pauses, fingertips twitching ever so slightly where they press into her arms. She waits, wanting to see just how much Yaruf had been willing to divulge.

"Once I entered the Alliance's airspace, my craft became hard to control and not long after I crashed."

It certainly is an odd enough answer, and one the white haired woman finds hard to believe. Surely the borisin didn't come simply to "see the damages done" by its own kind- right? No, there has to be something else at play here. Though she does muse that the ship might have been shot down by one of the overseeing Commissions- especially since they just had that raid that left many citizens missing or dead ( or both ). It would make sense why they would be skeptical of any new aircraft coming into range of the Alliance after such a traumatic event.

Still, there is no sympathy etched into Jingliu's features- pure incredulity radiating off her ( and likely the other citizens [ both CloudKnight and civilian ] ) as she simply stares at the creature as she processes the answer given.

A crash. A fallen set piece that was reported by a panicked performer that was in full hysterics. Talking fast, and waving their hands around, not making much sense until they got them to calm down. Now, they were on route to assess the scene themselves for both any injuries, and for safety purposes to see if a Building Inspector would need to be notified. He hopes neither, but it was too soon to tell until they got there.

Nearing the entrance of the Golden Theater, there was a decent enough crowd outside that surrounded the front doors. Most people were trying to look through the windows and doors to see what the fuss was about. Paying them no mind, the Silvermane Guards quickly pushed their way through. The blonde turns his head slightly to the left, not even having to say anything before they nod and halt in the front of the crowd, yelling out orders to gain order.

"Everyone step back! We need space for medical personnel-"

Not stopping in their forward momentum, they make it through the foyer and burst through the doors of the Auditorium with a loud bang! that had heads shooting up. Gepard rapidly assesses the area, and the people that were in the theater. Letting out a sigh of relief when no major outward injuries were detected but not yet satisfied until they do a more thorough investigation.

He turns to address the Guards behind him, "Find out what you can about what happened here." His demeanor then softens, dropping his Captain persona for a moment to just be himself. Talking in a low voice as he chooses his words carefully. "Be sensitive and kind while doing so. They just went through something traumatic. No need to add to what they have already experienced."

Noises of agreement were heard before they fanned out. Approaching the victims with care and beginning their conversations. Not helping when a wince escapes once he finally was able to take in the full scope of the destroyed stage. Thank Qlipoth that no one got crushed under that piece. Shaking away the horrible thought, the blonde moves down the steps towards his co-workers and the victims, making it about halfway down until his eyes catch a woman with long white hair standing off to the side. Most of his colleagues kept their distance, giving her nervous side-looks before continuing on with what they were doing. Gepard also hesitates for a second but shakes his head to brush the strange sudden bout of nervousness he felt away. Not really sure why that feeling was there, but he ignores it to approach.

“I humbly apologize for what you have experienced today. My name is Gepard Landau, the Captain of the Silvermane Guards. I regretfully ask, if it is not too much, would you mind sharing what you have seen here today?"

Well that was... certainly a spectacle.

At first, Jingliu thought nothing of the fallen centerpiece of the stage- thinking it all part of the play. Only to then realize after watching the performers panic, far too genuine and frazzled to be an act. It's only after the fact that Jingliu really takes into account what she saw- what she thought she saw- that she ignored simply assuming it was what occurred within the story put to stage. She also wasn't entirely sure if it was what she truly saw, or if she was losing her grip over the mara for moments here and there.

Having already been witness to the crash, the bam of doors being forced open doesn't startle her in the slightest. If anything, the sheer urgency behind this new groups movements betraying how bad the situation really was. The snow haired woman assumes it was the local defense corps as they spread out, checking in with the attendees and even having some medial looking staff just outside the large doors that led into the auditorium.

A rather dashing young man approaches her with as much gentleness that Jingliu expects of him. Especially, since per her observations of the lad being the one to guide the others with directions and instructions, this young lion was the leader of the pack. Which he then confirms as he introduces himself as the Captain of the Silvermane Guards ( which she again assumes is the local law enforcers ).

❛ A pleasure to meet you, sir. I don't mind providing what I can. Though, I can't promise it will be.. reliable. ❜

She greets with a slight bow of her head, arms crossed in a rather relaxed posture despite the chaos that still taints the air. Jingliu doesn't elaborate on what she meant by reliable, as she doesn't need to confuse the poor lad with another planet's illnesses- nor to waste his time when the situation was rather tense.

❛ I would be remiss to not suggest seeking out the two lead performers. I wonder if they have any.. what would you call them- underlings? Backups? Ones to take their place should they not be able to make it to the stage. ❜

The swordswoman pauses ( not even making mention of what she had seen, like the poor Captain had asked ), a hand coming to hold her chin as she gets lost in trying to find the correct words. This area wasn't exactly one she was familiar with after all, so she is trying to skim through what limited knowledge she did know of.

Why was there such an uproar? Surely theft and lost items were common enough, but these individuals behaved as if it were the last spec of food on the planet. Tensions between merging peoples appears to still be soaring high as folks bicker and yell, plead and defend- all of it colliding into one loud noise. How irritating. Jingliu can't say she isn't curious though, as she has to wonder what was so important about what was taken from the shop of some florist. She can't imagine it's anything too extravagant.. though, considering the reaction, perhaps she is wrong.

White hair catches her eye as the head makes it way around, glancing here and there as the light sets over the horizon. Perhaps she was looking for someone? A companion? Or perhaps was trying to find the culprit herself? .... something about such a small thing trying to go be a detective doesn't sit well in the frost's chest. She will ignore the way that long white hair changes shape between a familiar form of an apprentice of the past and of the small lady in the present.

Regardless why, Jingliu stalks the little miss from a distance- simply keeping an eye on a creature in a place she doesn't know. Jingliu doesn't know where they are now by the time the target stops and stands in the middle of a roadway. Did the lass forget something? Only a few steps are taken and the swordswoman can make out the faint sound of voices- likely the little girl's.. but who else was present..?

The snow haired woman only gets close enough to be able to understand the words spoken into the chilly night air- though just barely. She doesn't want to risk getting too close and spooking the poor thing- or whatever, or whoever, else was also in this random section of the city.

What did Jingliu walk herself into...

For one, it was possible that Bronya had simply looked like whoever ‘Baiheng’ had been.  Yet, as Bronya stood in this cold embrace, scanning the crowd of other natives to the Xianzhou vessel, Bronya understood that she looked nothing like the majority of the natives here. There was also the confusion in the voice of the moon that embraced her ‘beloved’. It was wrought with soft, gentle emotion, yet confusion stands out most of all. 

Baiheng could be a former lover. Maybe this woman hasn’t gotten past that? It would explain the pain in her tone. It would explain the minutia of hesitation Bronya had picked up on in the moon’s voice. It seemed as though she wasn’t willing to let go. Like doing so would be a more permanent thing, rather than a transient moment. Bronya utilized a free hand to pat the head of the moon that held her. It was gentle, it was patient, it was understanding. It was the warm embrace of Truth, even if that Truth masqueraded as a facade even she could never truly materialize. 

Bronya whispers in return. Her voice is playful, despite her thoughts being anything but. “Hehe, and just what is it that I’m late for, exactly…?” For now, Bronya would settle on this moon being a scorned lover. Though, the pain carried even in the most minute gestures gave Bronya doubt that that was the full story. She couldn’t directly ask, though. She could have a negative reaction from that. For now, Bronya needed to play the role of partner- or ex-partner, perhaps- for a woman she hadn’t even known the name of. She cannot ask for such information. She could have an even worse reaction from that. 

“And… I'm glad… I’ve missed you too, my dear~” Bronya wondered if she had been doing this right. If she had been convincing in her role as ‘Baiheng’ as she gently stroked the moon’s hair. Bronya was accustomed to the cold, for Truth had been considered cold, it had been considered as hard as ice, and those had been for good reason. 

"What am I late for exactly?" What was She late for? What had they planned to do? Where where they supposed to go? Where had She gone? W̴̫̙̋̈́h̶͓͔̍̇y̵̡̛̟ ̸̯́̂d̵͔̂ȉ̸̪̦d̵̙̐ ̵͖̇̈́S̷̤̈́h̴͖̀e̴̺͑ ̸̜͇̍̿l̶̛̼̯ė̷̤ă̴͈̿͜ṽ̵̱̙̚e̷͙̓ ̷̫̊h̸̫͔̋e̵̛̠̯̔ŕ̷̞̺̍ ̷̼̀̆ȃ̵̲͝l̸͔̘̾̒ò̴͓̘͆ṅ̶̘̬̅e̵̠͎̓̓?̷͙̋͊

Her expression doesn't change despite the confusion hammering at her ribs, though her hands do grasp just a fraction tighter for the briefest of moments. Jingliu cannot let the turmoil take over- she can't let Her see her in such a state even if She wouldn't judge, even if She would easily offer understanding and salvation. Hands brushing against snow gives her momentary pause, slow blinking as she stares unseeing. The touch is so gentle, so warm- she missed it so.

❛ .. you were supposed to accompany me to Aurum Alley. There was a shop that peaked our interest in that district. ❜

The words fall out of her mouth before the swordswoman can even process them herself. Ah.. that's right. They were going to that store that specialized in antique repair. Yes, that was it- that's where they were planning to go. Jingliu had.. something she wanted to get fixed, and Baiheng had mentioned it to her, and even offered to take her there. Yes, it's all coming back now.

Jingliu's hands loosen their hold just enough for her to- ever so careful, ever so tenderly- turn the memory around by Her hips. Her hand swiftly returns to re-tangle their fingers, refusing to let go of something she so desperately craved and was offered so willingly.

❛ ..Are you ready now, or do you have other things to finish up before we go? ❜

With the blindfold gone, garnet eyes are unhidden from view, displaying the lack of light in them- displaying the lost mind of the host that carries the weight of Much, yet stands despite it all.

Part of Dainsleif thinks that he is often a stranger to Teyvat as well. A solitary wraith now only able to feel nothing but pain and anger, not truly belonging anywhere other than a place that was already long gone.

“I know all too well the weight of responsibility...” Underneath a gauntlet, shackled tightly to a finger upon his right hand, is a ring given to him by an older brother he could not help but to loathe. In his youth, he had sought after it, poking and teasing Vedrfolnir to just give it to him already. When it finally fell into his hands, it only came with more pain, neither a blessing nor a curse. He had no longer wanted it at that point in his life, long having outgrown his childish need to covet everything his brother owned.

A mere piece of metal, now a tool to keep his body from rotting away, bearing a burden of fate that more often than not felt too heavy to carry alone. A gift from a sinner, once a brother, now no more than an enemy.

Her smile remains unguarded as something dangerously close to sympathy tugs at her heartstrings- the warmth of a commander that cares for her underlings, though this man obviously was not one under her command. The sentiment remains all the same.

Fingertips cover the amused snort at the man's insistence that he doesn't wish for this to turn into something physical- damn, and here she was getting her hopes up for a nice brawl ( what? it's been a while ). Yet, understanding flashes behind the self-imposed blindfold in garnet eyes.

❛ Very well. You have my word as a swordsman that I shan't point my blade at you- not unless you give me reason to. ❜

And her promise is true, she will not attempt to cross swords unless the man betrays her or shows malicious intent towards her.

Jingliu's movements betray nothing of her thoughts as she takes a few steps towards the side, turning to begin a decent down the hillside towards the devastation plaguing the local architecture.

❛ Come along, then. We haven't all day to dally before we loose the light. ❜

The woman commands in a partial tease, clearly leaving no room to reject the idea as she stalks onward- not even looking back to see if the man had actually followed or not.

Her silvery eyes fell unto those of a blood moon’s red. There is serenity as there is fear and confusion in those eyes, as Bronya considers the name this woman uttered before her sudden embrace. ‘Baiheng’, a name likely belonging to a native to the Xianzhou Alliance, Bronya thought. The embrace of the moon was cold, but Bronya could withstand that much. The embrace of the moon was warm, wrought with a fathomless familiarity. 

The moon found recognition within the eyes of Truth. 

It was a fact. One that Bronya couldn’t deny, nor could she bring herself to reject. Something is wrong with her. Her expression became warm, to match that of the embrace this woman that held her. I shouldn’t act in confusion. I need to figure out what’s wrong, first. She smiles, as her hands gently rest on those of the moon. She believes that I am this ‘Baiheng’, then I will indulge her for the time being while I find a way to help her.

A laugh escapes Bronya’s lips. It is playful, indulgent in the moon’s desires. “Yes? You speak as though you’re surprised to see me.” 

Bronya allows the embrace for a moment longer, before she breaks from the moon’s grip. Though, her hands remain intertwined with that of the moon that stood so clearly before her. Bronya looked up to face a moon that she would need to pretend is hers for but a moment. Acting wasn’t her forte, but maybe even such meager performances would appease the moon today.

❛ I am.. ❜

Surprised to see Her? Miss Her? Both?

❛ Of course I missed you.. I've missed you so- ❜

The words taste like bile on her tongue, throat clenching around the whimper that threatens to form. Why does it pain her so to speak the words..? She had just seen Her a few m̵͚͎̅̀i̸̘̓̈́ĺ̷̮̑l̶͍̝̚e̵̳̒ṅ̴̟ň̸̗̩̍i̴͓͙̽a̶͖͇͛͝ days ago.. so why-

❛ Where- ❜

The word cut through the choked silence, followed by a quiet hiccup before the shadow resumes speaking.

❛ Where have you been? You're late.❜

Jingliu's voice is soft- scared, hesitant, confused- as she murmurs the inquiry into Her shoulder blade. The woman's arms curl tighter around the memory's form, ice coated fingertip pressing ever so faintly into her sun's sides- reluctant and refusing to let even air get between them. Nothing is permitted to get between them, n̴͚̟̋ö̸̻́͑t̴͈̩͗ ̶͙̟͊͠a̵̡̐̈ͅ ̵̞͎̐ş̵̘̊̉i̶̮͚͊̏n̵̼̰͌̾g̷̢̲͐l̴͕̿̈́ȩ̴̛̱ ̷̜̃̔t̷͘ͅh̵̳͉͂͠i̶̺͑n̵̼̻̂̍ḡ̵̰̮.

Had he simply forgotten the weight of a human life in his endless years of torment? Had he forgotten that it would only take moments for an ordinary person to die when faced like a calamity like this?

Some part of him thinks it would be a mercy to them, to die quickly rather than to suffer for eternity. That was a liberty him and many of his countrymen would never get. But another part of him, that young and cheerful knight who had once had hope for the future, screams at him to stand up and be righteous, to save whoever he could before it was too late.

Dainsleif, since the day everything had fallen apart, kept himself wavering between two extremes - the man filled with nothing but pain and anger at their fates, and the hopeful knight  who only wanted to do what was right - never involving himself in the world more than he had to.

A mere distraction? Jingliu withholds a chuckle at the ( possibly unintended? ) "insult", simply letting the man speak as the snow haired woman absorbs the words offered. Yet, a smile- far gentler than it had any right to be- takes hold over her features, gaze as calm as her frozen heart.

❛ .. I would not fault for you not desiring to meddle in other world's disasters.. there is only so much responsibility one person can bear before they crumble under the weight of it all. ❜

Was this sentiment spoken for this strangers benefit.. or her own? Then, even at the active threat of clashing blades ( why not? it'd be.. an interesting turn of events, especially with the threat of those anomalies.. ), Jingliu remains unfazed, like a rock withstanding the river's flow. She wasn't one to boast ( too much ) about her prowess as a fighter, there are moments where she wished there wasn't the simmering itch of combat in her veins. A by-product of too many years served as a Captain and founder of a planet's defenses..

❛ We are left where we stand.. two predators sizing the other up to see if its territory is being encroached- despite neither having claim to the land beneath our very feet. ❜

❛ Then, pardon my asking, but you know not what plagues the land, correct? That is my purpose for standing where I remain, and I shall not leave until I am provided answers- whether by you, or by the soil itself. ❜

Days come and go, like water crashing against the shore- each wave a symphony of erosion. How long has it been..? Nearly.. seven- no, eight-hundred years since her heart broke last. Eight-hundred years of a balance between utter destruction and sanctuary. Where is She now..? What would She think of what the swordswoman had become..? Would She be disgusted? Supportive? No.. concerned, but willing to listen.

Ḿ̷̮ȯ̸̲̰͝n̴͕̒̄ś̵̰͌t̸̻̺̊͘ë̴́̚ͅr̷̟̫̓.

How long has Jingliu listened to the voices of the lost..? How long has she had these shackles at her ankles, dragging her closer and closer to the brink of Destruction?

T̷͚̖̀̎ȓ̴̹á̴̢̹i̴̢̅t̸͎̆o̶̥͕͝ṟ̸͒.

How long has this torture gone on?

M̷̜̊̒ṵ̵̱̀̀r̷̖̀̉d̶̡̪̏è̶̞͛r̸̗͇͛͠e̸̦͖̔͝ŕ̶̺.

Even with the blindfold on, Jingliu can sense the presence of those hands- those purple luminescent limbs that threaten to claw apart her sanity. There seems there are more of them than normal.. an understandable change that she had expected to come eventually.

Feet move against her will, the soft clack of heels as they meet pavement drowned out by the whispers in her ears. Turn left. This is her comeuppance. Turn left. This is what she must bear as her sin. Turn right. The voices speak the truths of eras past and the future yet to come. Go straight. This is--

❛ ........Baiheng? ❜

D̴̺̩̐̓ố̸͚̜n̶̹̪͋'̷̦̀t̷̝̻̍̒ ̷͓̈́s̵͖̕p̶͓͂͂e̶͈̻̔͝a̴͑͜k̷̟̯̚ ̷̛̗h̸̭̟́e̴̩̊̌ṛ̷̜͑́ ̴̠͂́n̵͔̂̈́a̸̧͆̎m̵̩͗e̶͙̽.̶͙̣̃

Time turns to ice much like her body, all things freezing in their rightful place as the blindfold slips- just as the name had slipped from her lips at the sight of familiar lilac. Though.. something seems a tad different than what she remembers. Who is she to second guess the visions? Who is she to rely on fleeting memories to authenticate what her heart has long forgotten?

Her body once more moves before her shattered mind can catch up, arms extending forward to pull that memory fragment closer. Jingliu's arms end up curled around the memory's waist, trembling limbs tugging it backward into her chest with a ragged exhale. Her face finds a slot to rest on the back of the memory's shoulder, the shadow's body leaving behind a weak trail of frost where its limbs cling to the memory- as if it will vanish if she lets go.

Jarilo VI... Belobog. What a sense of nostalgia for a place she never knew. She had merely heard of the long-thought-perished planet centuries ago in passing news- of an exceptional fighter from some struggling planet that, despite the warriors win, hardly if ever took payment for their wins. Instead, they only wished to speak of their homeland, and how desperate they needed help to keep the planet from perishing. That had been over four-hundred years ago, and now the planet is on an incline to recovery and more.

So, of course when she hears of the planet's resurgence though word of mouth, Jingliu's interest is grabbed. It takes her longer than she expected, but the snow haired woman does find her way to Jarilo VI, and the little city of Belobog- far more bustling and lively than she could have imagined. But, that was the purpose of her trip after all, to see the state the planet had come to be in. She wonders if Jing Yuan knows of this.. surely he must already be aware.

However, she appears to have come at a rather inopportune time, as several guards ( which she assumes is the planet's [ or more specifically the city's ] equivalent of a defense force ) are swiftly patrolling the roads of the main street- seemingly on edge. Jingliu is tempted to ask one of them what the situation is for them to be in such a frenzy.. but as a former knight herself, she can't bring herself to interrupt a soldier on duty ( especially when the seem so.. uneasy ).

Perhaps there is another way for the swordswoman to find an answer.

A quick assessment allows Jingliu to notice another individual, whom she guesses was not part of the local law enforcement, standing just outside one of the plethora of shops littered along the main street. Cautious as ever, for both herself and for this stranger, the snow haired woman takes slow and calculated steps until she deems herself close enough to speak without appearing threatening while not having to speak too loudly.

❛ Might you know what all the commotion is for? ❜

But it's no excuse to abandon all honor and reason.

"I don't know where this traveler stands in your war," Kokomi says, quietly but firmly. "I don't know what's been done to and done by their side, or by yours. I understand, believe me - I too have too much blood on my hands to sleep easily. But whatever their reasons for coming here, they're still a person. You know nothing about them beyond their species and the fact that they came in peace, asking for your help."

The white-haired woman's eyes are covered by a blindfold, but she looks up to meet them nonetheless, nothing but uncompromising steel in her gaze. "Besides," she adds, with the cold pragmatism of a general rather than the blazing determination of a healer, "you'll learn nothing from them if they bleed out right here. They might even tell you what you want to know without a struggle if you help them first. It's only practical."

Jingliu's gaze doesn't falter in it's intensity, but a small breeze of something dangerously close to sympathy swooshes passed her at the notion that this outlander had apparently- by her own words of "having blood on her hands ( to sleep easily )"- seen her own share of war and bloodshed. Jingliu knows the sentiment all too well and one she wishes not for others to share.

Unconsciously, Jingliu extends her other hand outward- a signal to the approaching guards to halt their advance and wait for further orders. Ah.. so her instincts as a leader of the Cloud Knights remains. How.. bothersome.

❛ While you may be right about needing them alive to get answers.. you, yourself little lady, do not know the sheer extent that this hatred runs- nor do you know for why. ❜

Her attention focuses on the borisin collapsed to the ground, fighting back the way her blood boils at the sight. Justice served. Their kind hunted all kinds of prey, and even went after a close-relative species- the foxians. Oh how she recalls Baiheng's expression when they faced the creatures in a several fights- the way she trembled but pushed forward regardless her own fears. Oh Baiheng.. Don't you sully her name.

The snow haired woman takes a few steps forward, forcing the cold swirling her palm to dissipate as to not unintentionally go haywire onto any actual innocents- namely this lass who simply wants to help, like most medics she knows.. like one small purple haired Vidyadhara who would chase down those with mara and treat them..

Again that warmth of compassion reigns in too close.

❛ While we may be species with long-lives, we are not immune to basic diseases and injures. So it goes without saying that we can die all the same- and are often used as food by beasts should they feel so inclined. ❜

The swordswoman nearly spits out the words with venom, but manages to hold herself just so from completely snapping to push the lass aside and simply end it here and walk away with no regrets. She takes another few steps forward, still keeping several paces between the two and herself for the sake of all involved.

❛ So then, borisin, let me ask- why should we aid you? How will we know that- should we offer up our kindness and treat you- that you won't simply find a "snack" amidst those who reside on the Xianzhou to regain your strength? ❜

Yaruf seemingly remains silent ( for now ), turning its gaze away from the woman's wrath- possibly apologetic and hesitant to speak with the reminder of why their species was so detested by the residents of the Luofu.

His words are far more calm than his heart when the woman he had been observing idly calls out to him, “I’m not. I do not come from this world. Consider me nothing more than a concerned outlander who wishes to help with rescue efforts.”

The guilt from the days of the Cataclysm overwhelms him even now, five hundred years later. The sight of this ruined resort now, and the sight of his kingdom falling to ruin before his eyes, blend in his mind. 

But what survivors remained here… they were people that he could still save. They were not yet doomed, as he and his countrymen were forevermore.

Dainsleif watches this strange woman carefully, wary of the resemblance that she bears to a certain student of a former friend, keeping a distance of a few paces between them, ever the cautious soul.

A smirk tugs ever so slightly at the edges of her mouth as she continues to keep her gaze out at the wreckage, a soft huff of amusement and her breathing remains steady.

❛ Like yourself, I do not claim this place as home. So is it so bizarre that I- as a traveler- am captivated by the environment, and how it came to be in such a sad state? ❜

Her expression returns to one of neutrality, as it is true that Jingliu holds no sort of hostility towards this new land, nor to her.. unexpected company. Though her senses focus on the landscape, getting a sense of forces unseen- a faint tremor beneath the dirt, the wind aggressive and filled with the scent of blood and chaos ( a scent she is far too familiar with as a former Cloud Knight ).

❛ You are correct in your assumption, though there are a few faults in your guess. While I do not aim to bring about further chaos, I am not here to aid those left behind amidst the destruction. ❜

The snow haired woman corrects, her voice mono-tone as if her words were something anyone would say so casually. She turns her head just so as to direct her words now back towards the gentlemen, uncaring of the distance that had been closed.

❛ Would I be wrong in saying that you yourself weren't interested in aiding the survivors? You were keeping an eye on me far too long to be that worried over those in need of assistance. What would your reason be for coming here with the threat of disaster just below your feet..? ❜

Exploration.. is something Jingliu is rather unfamiliar with. Sure, she had fled from the Luofu after the atrocities she had committed, and after her student had believed to have bested her ( which, in a way.. that man had ), but actually adventuring out freely into a new planet was not something she would do so casually. What drove the swordswoman to this nation- Fontaine, as she recalls- even she knows not the answer. But my, what a spectacle.

Her senses note a presence aside from those of children and.. blue shaded children(?) roaming the streets of the main city, one similar to that of the Ditings she had been once familiar with- but nearly thrice the size. The metallic clank of feet(?) echo as a few stroll past where the snow haired woman is sat at one of the cafés Jingliu had decided to stop at, her head following its footsteps as it continues on its patrol ( she assumes ).

She then turns her attention to the voices at another table, interest easily swimming from one sound to the next- like the ever steady crashing of waves moving sand. Now, Jingliu isn't one to really eavesdrop on personal conversations ( unless it's to help her ultimate goal- ), but when in a new land, one must gather all the information that they can before being able to conduct a battle strategy.

They keep saying something about "exams" and "gliding on the wind", and after a few other words she can't quite make out ( as she isn't putting in more than half-effort to zero in on the innocent civilians ), she gives up with an inaudible sigh before taking a sip out of her glass cup.

What an unfortunate time for her heart to skip several beats- for her chest to grow colder the longer as Jingliu had remained stationary for far too long. Appears she needs to conclude her business here and take her leave-

It's then she registers the sound of soft footsteps approaching her table in the corner of the store's outdoor seating area. Jingliu doesn't give much of a reaction, calmly enjoying her drink before setting it down against the wooden surface.

❛ Is there something you need of me, little lady? ❜

The sight of destruction.. devastating yet beautiful in it's power ( it's that very power that Jingliu hopes to steal when the time comes ) with structures of stone and wood reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye. The sight of stragglers of survivors is of no interest to the snow haired woman. Even if she "answered the call" for volunteers, her attention was focused on the chaos of the land- of dangerous bursts of Destructive energy that plagued the planet. This was supposedly a new development, as Jingliu cannot fathom a place designated as a vacation destination would have such a feature.

Curious indeed.

Upon hearing the call for volunteers to aid in rescue efforts, the swordmaster had not responded to the plea. No, she responded to the whispers of curiosity tugging at her mind at the mystery that resulted in the plea. Who knows, maybe she'll have a bit of fun being on her guard to such.. anomalies.

So it is of no surprise she stands there on Empyrea now amidst the rubble of a few of the previous disaster sights with her arms crossed- seemingly relaxed for one glancing out at the wreckage.

❛ I would ask that you cast your gaze elsewhere. I am not one of the evacuees, though the concern if I were would be unnecessary- but appreciated. ❜

The white haired woman calls out suddenly, making no other movement besides the ones required for breathing and balancing whilst standing. Of course having thousands of years of life experience meant that Jingliu would have noticed another individual nearby- possibly watching her out of curiosity ( not likely ) or similarly gazing out at the ruined lands.

❛ You are not one of the survivors, I assume. Are you perhaps wishing to investigate the happenings that befell these unprepared hosts? ❜