#reversescale

@reversescale replied: slides him this photo

DH is itching to talk imagenae theory with him now... (<- has also been bingeing readables)

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@reversescale ❤'d~

" I doubt you would've liked Penacony much anyway, " the newer Trailblazer said to her companion. After all, Kira didn't like Penacony, and not for the obvious 'Order' reasons either. Penacony taught her that there was something she hated more than withholding the truth from the people: capitalism. And Penacony was filled with it. All of these advertisements, all of these stores with merchandise that only the richest of the rich could afford... It was all so ridiculous.

And Dan Heng seemed somewhat like Kira, at least compared to some of the other Trailblazers on the crew. If he were truly anything like her, he probably wouldn't have enjoyed it much either. If not for the capitalism part, then...for all of the other issues.

@reversescale:

"i might have a guest." for mythus!

The Aeon perks up to hearing this, the golden silhouette seeming to become clearer enough without straining the eyes that much. The neck tilts to one side, the shimmering colors hanging in the air mirror the motion curiously. Colorful tendrils hovering over the stranger, tempting to poke and prod at them to hear whose this guest would be.

...No comment-- (He still owes Dei a hair stick, too...)

A quick eye roams over the paper with an approving hum, until he pauses, eyes landing on one particular corner. Then, with the slightest edge of dismay creeping into his voice--

"...You don't like to eat?"

To meet another Vidyadhara off-world and completely cut off from his spiritual home had resonated achingly in Dan Heng's heart. Therefore, with his keen anthropological interest, he had taken the liberty of finding several books on the Vidyadhara's history and culture for Jiyan, perhaps as a way to wile away the long nights exacting his noble duty. "I hope... you have a Happy Lunar New Year, Jiyan."

It was surprising that, even if they belonged to different worlds and Solaris-3 was cut off from the rest of the universe, their celebrations didn't differ much. Holidays that involved family reunions, honoring ancestors, celebrating the new year... It shouldn't be that surprising. In the end, despite the distance and time, they were human.

The New Year in Jinzhou was slightly different from the celebrations happening in the rest of Huanglong. Visiting cemeteries and deceased family members were typically discouraged and considered bad luck in the rest of the nation. But, in Jinzhou, a land that intimately knows war, grief and death, besides its hospitality, it celebrates the deceased as much as the living. After all, how were they supposed to have family reunions if they didn't go to Knell Square? Perhaps one of the things that made Jinzhou 'strange', so he was thankful that the trailblazer still agreed to accompany him to pay his respects to his family.

Captain Beiwang never told him to call them 'dad', but the word had felt natural when they were the one who raised him and taught him the values that guide him. And next to Beiwang's grave was his mother's or, more precisely, his past life. It should be strange, to see a grave for 'yourself', a past one can't recall, but Jiyan never saw it that way. Beiwang and their common friends wished to honor and remember the medic and friend they knew and would never return, so he didn't question their reasoning. Besides, the woman in the pictures was similar to him in multiple ways, and it was easier to explain to a small child that the woman who often appeared in pictures and was mentioned by his father's friends was his 'mother' rather than a past life before undergoing molting.

Jiyan didn't know how vidyadhara typically mourned or honored their 'ancestors' or if that was a thing in the Alliance. But if Dan Heng had any questions, he would answer them to the best of his ability. He was grateful for their company and patience, as he understood that he must be... odd by vidyadhara standards. Back in the city, after seeing the lion dancers and fireworks to celebrate the New Year, it was time for the young general to return to the Norfall Barrens. But, before he could bid farewell to the trailblazer and tell them to enjoy the festivities, they surprised him with a gift.

Golden eyes widened slightly and blinked a few times as he alternated between staring at the books and the trailblazer. He couldn't say he was expecting it nor that he thought himself deserving. There was nothing more valuable than information so, for a few seconds, he said nothing. But, a moment later, the corners of his mouth curved upwards into a warm smile and his gaze softened. "Thank you, Dan Heng. I hope you have a happy new year, as well." Once he returned to the base, the first thing he would do is prepare his own selection of books for the trailblazer. Military books and historical tomes that have helped him think of new tactics and offered guidance to lead an army like the Midnight Rangers, books he goes back to when he finds himself unable to think of a solution, when he needs guidance.

" Ah ... " A moment of silence for the brain cells she had apparently lost. Now, Miya was no stranger to the nightlife of Planarcadia. While she hasn’t been here for long, the city bore a striking resemblance to the place she once called home—shady business and all. Regrettably, that seemed to do little to protect her from the thrall of a pretty face.

Oh, that man was a host. That makes a lot more sense!

" O-Of course ... I knew that!! " She didn't, but would she admit to that? Abso-fucking-lutely not. She had to maintain some semblance of pride (and not look like a desperate loser), so drastic measure were necessary. When in doubt, fall back on the art of bullshit.

" I have some money saved up, so a few drinks are no problem. " Probably. At least two or maybe three if the prices weren’t outrageous. Her financial situation was on a need to know basis. Don’t worry about it (worry about it)! The only problem that remained was—

" Umm, but, uh … " Her tone suddenly softens to barely a whisper. Teeth sink into her lips, eyes avoid his. Oh, someone's feeling shy all of a sudden. And of course she would! Bravado or not this was largely unexplored territory. She may be just a little apprehensive about going alone—just a little.

" Would you ... mind going with me? J-Just in case ... ? "