#galactiicskies

And the Aeon has found himself enjoying a street performer's beautiful music. He has amassed quite a collection of records back home. Music is a way to share emotions that reach deeper than words. Along with books it's always been an interest of his. And seated before the musician, the songs of this world are truly something to behold.

Thank you for sharing. accompanied by several soft claps. Your song was lovely. Ah, if I may ask, what is the name of your instrument? I've never seen one like it.

~galactiicskies

& unprompted asks.

above all else, my dear son, you must cultivate inspiration and curiosity among the people you will one day be tasked with leading. you must captivate their hearts and capture their attention; you must be fearless in times of war and benevolent in times of peace. they must adore you --- and you must be someone worthy of being so adored.

even all these centuries later, xie lian can remember his mother's words as if she'd spoken them only yesterday; and, oh, what he wouldn't give to hear them once more ! he wishes he could tell her that he's trying --- that so much has happened, that he's risen so high and fallen so far ... that it's so lonely this far from home. and he wishes she could see how, even here --- halfway across the universe --- he can still coax out a smile or two from the strangers who pause to listen to him play his guzheng.

at the sound of soft clapping, xie lian looks up and smiles beatifically at the one individual who's stopped to listen today. "it's called a guzheng, xiānshēng. an instrument from my homeland. bringing a bit of home on one's travels can make any journey so much less lonely ... !" he replies, bowing his head a little, one hand reaching briefly for his chest as his heart cries out for jìtǒng. "i'm glad you enjoyed it, ah ! i learned to play when i was much younger."