It tastes good... hmm... that would be the first medicine I've encountered that tastes good. [ Certainly the medicine the doctors back home give you tastes awful, and he has yet to see evidence of the Continent's medicine being any tastier. Still, anything will be better than the sun trying to gouge out his eyes with its far too bright rays so he brings the cup to his lips, only giving it a tentative sniff before taking a large gulp.
His eyebrows rise as he drinks it. It's actually... ] ...not bad. And it's sweet, too. [ He leans back against his pack, legs stretched out in front of him. His eyes linger on Jaskier, appreciating his cheer and smile even with the pounding headache. They don't have a whole lot of time together and he's determined to make the best of it. ]
I think I might have to introduce you to Lotus Pier's healers, maybe you can teach them a thing or two about tasty medicine... and you're certainly not asking A-Li for embarrassing childhood stories! [ Which Jiang Yanli would all too happily share, he's sure. The horror! ]
We drink a lot around here, hangovers are fairly common even among lords... especially among lords, in fact. So there's a lot of homemade remedies to fix them. Some even involve magic.
[ Jaskier is as magical as a potato sack, so helping Jiang Cheng like that is out of the question. But it doesn't matter, his friend seems to like the drink well enough and the bard's lips curl into a proud smile. It's very cute how Cheng smelled it first, like a cat unsure about the quality of the food he's been offered. ]
Do you like sweet things then? I'm a very good cook, I could make you some pastries. I'd like to meet them too but I don't think I'll be able to give the healers much insight. They know what is best for the health.
[ He would never assume he knows more, even if Jiang Cheng's complimenting him it's very nice of him. ]
I can offer embarrassing childhood stories in return! I mean, there aren't any, I was a delight, but I can come up with some of them for you.
I'm sure you were nothing but a delight. [ Amusement sparks in his eyes. The corners of his mouth curl. ] Just like you are nothing but a delight now. [ He may be teasing but in truth, there is a lot of truth to that. Jaskier is a delight to him, far more than he should permit himself. ] You leave nothing but charmed people in your wake wherever you go. [ No, but he got him charmed. ] I'll want to hear these scandalous stories about your childhood.
[ With the hangover cure imbibed, he is content to simply lay here and wait for his head to get better. There is nowhere they urgently need to be and the only person he really wants to spend time with in this foreign country is already at his side. Maybe they can actually take it easy today... a thought Jiang Cheng would never entertain back home in Yunmeng but Jaskier keeps bringing out new sides to him. ]
I would love to try your pastries, Jaskier. If you really want to cook for me. I mean. I would like that. [ He ducks his head, a tint of pink to his cheeks. The only one who has ever cooked for him just because they want to is his sister. ]
[ It's hard to tell if Jiang Cheng is mocking him or flattering him, and Jaskier finally settles for 'both' and laughs, accepting the teasing. ]
I know I can be a bit of a handful sometimes but I find ways to compensate it. [ He leans into the other mans' personal space to gently bumps their shoulders together. Not enough to jostle the drink Cheng's holding, he's careful about that. ] People, hm? Well now I only care about charming one single person. As for scandalous stories about my childhood, real ones, you will have to get me drunk first. I can't believe you went out drinking without me.
[ Seriously Jiang Cheng, he thought you were friends. Jaskier knows it was because the man wanted to drown his sorrows, but that's more reason to not do it alone. He wants to keep an eye on the dark haired man. ] I can tell you that literacy was beaten into me with a cane at my school.
[ Jaskier is silent for a few seconds too, not wanting to make Cheng's headache worse and just enjoying the peace and quiet of staying close. ]
I never offer things I'm not ready to give and I don't make promises I don't plan on keeping. So yes, I'd love to cook for you. [ The blushing doesn't go unnoticed and it makes something flutter on Jaskier's stomach, he smiles, looks around to make sure no one who might take offense is looking, and then leans in to kiss the other man's cheekbone. ] It will be my pleasure.
[ He makes a choked little noise at the casual display of affection and the slight blush turns into his entire face going bright red. The touching, the kissing, he is still very much getting used to public displays of affection which aren't coming from his siblings. But it's nice, and he reaches for Jaskier's hand, giving it a quick squeeze. ]
You could show me how to cook them, even. My sister is the only decent cook in our family but she taught me well enough how to stir and chop and follow instructions. [ Maybe he wouldn't have offered if he hadn't been desperate to distract Jaskier from his blushing but now that he has made the offer, he likes the idea. It's always enjoyable spending time with Jaskier, even when they are just doing regular everyday things. Maybe especially then. As much as exploring these kingdoms is a welcome distraction from his troubles back home, he's had enough of danger to last him a lifetime. ]
[ He looks down at the empty mug, rolling it around between his hands. He scowls at the mug, then looks up to meet Jaskier's eyes. His face is still pink. ] Did you really mean that? When you said that you only care about charming one person now?
[ Jaskier is an open and affectionate person, making it very obvious when he likes someone by reaching out to them to touch them in some way. Sometimes it's just a casual pat on the arm, a brush of fingers and sometimes he's more blunt and daring and goes for a kiss, like now. He only regrets it for half a second, wondering if he's gone too far, but then the other man is reaching for his hand and the bard all but melts. Seeing Jiang Cheng's blush so prettily is a plus and Jaskier has to smoother the urge to kiss him a second time, on the lips. ]
I've been on my own since I was eighteen, so I learned to cook my own food. Stirring and chopping help you with a lot of dishes so you already know more than certain people. [ That person being Geralt. Witchers are many things but good cooks are not one of them. The question catches Jaskier by surprise but he smiles and gives Cheng's hand a squeeze before answering. ]
Oh. [ He really does not know how to deal gracefully with being told nice things. If this were his brother during happier times he would have just scoffed and called him an idiot and maybe slapped him over the head but it's Jaskier and even he knows that's not how you react when someone tells you they like like you. He just doesn't know any better either. So he just sits there blushing and feeling as awkward as a teenage boy instead of the respectable Sect Leader he has grown into.
He peers down at his own hand which Jaskier has just squeezed, looking at it with great suspicion as if it might spontaneously transform into a snake from the sheer power of a touch with feelings.
Jiang Cheng fiddles with the ring on his finger - here in this country, he is rarely upset enough for Zidian to spit purple sparks, he just fiddles with it like with any other ring. ] I'm glad you're here. I wouldn't want you to be anywhere else.
[ And he's trying so hard not to let himself feel more than friendship and some vague fond affection, to remember that he is here for a few months at most and there is no point to getting attached. They can have a good time together, that's fine. But it's one thing to let yourself care for people who walk away, quite another to intentionally set yourself up for disappointment. ]
[ That's all right. Jaskier spent the last decade trying to befriend a Witcher, he knows it's hard for some people to accept that not everyone out there wants to cause harm or be rude to them. For all of Jaskier's energetic personality, he can also be very patient. The bard knows he's difficult sometimes, overwhelming. After so many years together, Geralt can't even admit that they are friends, so he doesn't expect Jiang Cheng to say anything back. They trust each other and they have fun, it's good enough for him.
Contrary to popular belief, Jaskier is able to read the atmosphere and he can practically hear the other man thinking, so this time he doesn't say anything about Jiang Cheng's blushing. Better to leave him as much time as he needs to figure out what he wants to say. When Cheng speaks, it's Jaskier turn to blush a little because people honestly liking him back doesn't happen every day. ]
Oh. [ He mimics Cheng's answer and then gives him another smile. ] Then we're both lucky that we got to meet. If you...if you were really serious about allowing me to visit Lotus Pier, I was thinking...I could come with your and your entourage when you go back home? If that's okay? It's totally all right if you don't want that.
[ It was the bard's turn to get nervous, he didn't exactly fumble but the fingers of his free hand started to move nervously. ] I was thinking that since you came all the way here it would only be fair that someone here did the same? and I know I'm just a bard but I'm also a Viscount, so that must mean something in terms of diplomatic exchanges, right?
[ For all his hopeful invitations and his clumsy insistences that Jaskier should indeed visit, Jiang Cheng didn't truly expect him to take him up on his invitation. The trip is long and arduous and even dangerous for someone who has to travel by horse rather than sword - all that for nothing but idle curiosity and to politely heed an invitation to a place that means nothing to him. Quite simply, he's never considered himself important enough anyone would take such hardships upon themselves to see him. If he wants exciting new sights, there are places closer to home.
Thus, Jiang Cheng is left speechless at Jaskier's question - his offer. Not even the vague promise of a visit years down the line but coming with him. Stunned as he is, he sits in silence through Jaskier's nervous follow-up babble and finally remembers to nod, at least, even if his throat still feels tight and his belly feels funny, too, in ways which have nothing to do with the mystery hangover cure. ]
That would mean a lot. A Viscount visiting. It would, yes. [ He looks up, gathering his courage and meeting his eyes. ] It would mean a lot to me when it is you visiting. [ He reaches for Jaskier's nervously restless fingers, trapping them in his grip and squeezing tight. His voice gains in strength and conviction with the touch, small and innocent as it is. They're probably being eavesdropped on by said entourage of his but he doesn't care. His disciples would have to be blind not to notice what's happening between them. ] I want you to come with me. I want to show you my home. My way of life. I... I want to see my sect.
[ But mostly, he just doesn't want to be parted from Jaskier. ]
[ Jaskier likes adventure and he's been traveling for years. Sometimes with company but also often alone, and he isn't scared of new places or foreign countries. He's an artist at heart and that comes with being curious about the whole world and its people. Not only that but he truly wants to get to know Jiang Cheng's home better, his culture and traditions. They're as fascinating to him as the man who introduced him to them. And so, he stops his nervous chatting when Cheng speaks up, first on alert at what the warrior might say and then smiling in satisfaction. ]
I'm glad you approve then. I..I'd love all that too. With you. [ It's not hard to meet Jiang Cheng's eyes but it's more difficult to keep himself from leaning in and kissing him a second time. The hands on his own help to keep his nervous habit at bay and Jaskier gives Cheng's fingers a gentle squeeze back. ] I hope I leave a good impression, I know I can be...a lot. Maybe you will have to give me some protocol lessons.
[ Jaskier will have to forgive him if he is left a little bit dazed from the kiss, just gazing into his eyes for long moments - feeling very sappy and very silly, but not enough so to stop himself. He brings his hand up to cup his cheek and gently runs his thumb over the lips he has just kissed before pulling away, bringing respectable distance between them again. There's another blush lighting up his face, it feels like he has barely ever stopped blushing since their paths crossed at Calanthe's ball. ]
I can do that. I can teach you. There is... a lot to learn, really. [ He bites down on his bottom lip, thinking about all the differences in etiquette. ] The manners in your lands are, well... They are something. Everybody is so blunt and forward here! [ He gives Jaskier a small smile. ] At least you're not from Cintra's court. Imagine inviting Queen Calanthe on a diplomatic visit! It would be a nightmare... [ His lips twitch. ] If hilarious. I would pay good money to see her clash with Jin Guangshan. But never mind that, we will have a long trip even on swords. There will be plenty of time to prepare you.
[ And if they aren't going to hide what is between them, then it will be important he does well. Jiang Cheng is pretty sure people would be forgiving of the oddities of a random foreign noble but what a guest of the Jiang does falls back on the Jiang. ]
Trust me. I won't let you embarrass yourself. My sister is better with etiquette than I am but I know how to behave myself.
[ Nothing to forgive. It's the bard's fault in the first place for not being good at self restrain. He needs to be more careful, being in public, even if everything around them looks quiet. His head tilts as he leans into the palm cupping his cheek, a soft hum playing on his lips at the soft touches to his mouth. He doesn't protest when Jiang Cheng pulls away but feels the loss like a missing limb. ]
I'm a good student, promise. Don't let my casual bard attitude fool you, I know all courts have their own set of complicated rules. I promise I'll try my best to avoid embarrassing you.
[ Hopefully, he won't offend anybody to the point they would want to kill him. It's sadly something that had happened in the past. He chuckles at Cheng being polite about the Continent people's manners, or lack of them. ]
We can act like savages sometimes, you don't need to try to sugarcoat it, I won't be offended. But I don't even carry a sword, you don't have to worry about me starting these kind of fights. Queen Calanthe is both very entertaining and intimidating, you never know what would happen with her around. Who's Jin Guangshan? She has no patience for moronic men who think themselves superior so if he's like that, it's for the better than I'll be visiting your land and not her.
[ Jaskier also has no patience for these kinds of men but he would soon sing an embarrassing song that ruins their reputation than grab a sword and try to skew them. ]
Once you feel better you can start giving me some protocol lessons. But first, you need to rest and get over your hangover.
I'm resting. Sitting here and talking to you is resting. [ He doesn't quite smile or reach for Jaskier again but he leans a little bit closer - and quietly wishes he were better at permitting himself public displays of affection. But it's a difficult thing to get used to. ] It's my own fault in the first place. We can cycle the alcohol through our golden core to keep from getting drunk, I should have done that. I thought the drink wasn't strong enough to bother with that hassle.
[ And now he knows better. Never underestimate the booze in this country. If there is one... well two things they can be trusted to know well, it's how to drink and fight. ]
Jin Guangshan is... [ He wrinkles his nose. ] He is the leader of the Jin sect of Lanling, one of the great four sects. After we defeated the Wen, his sect has been left as the wealthiest and most powerful, especially after putting our everything into the war effort decimated the rest of us. [ He falls silent for a moment as he fights with himself. But really, he has never been all that good at diplomacy and he trusts Jaskier with blunt truths. ] He is a cowardly and lecherous old man who cares only for gaining more power and his courtesans. But he has made himself our leader and nobody is in the position to oppose him so... [ He shrugs.] We can only appease him and make sure we don't misstep. But he sent me on this diplomatic mission, so I guess I owe him.
[ The quick answer is so sweet that Jaskier is sure his smile is now ridiculous. In his defense, he's never known anybody who got so enthusiastic about having him around. While he still had his clothes on, that's it. The bard leans into Jiang Cheng's shoulder, enjoying the comfort of being close, even if it isn't as close as both of them would like it. His eyebrows rise at the new information about how the golden core works and what it can do, it's never short of fascinating. ]
You can choose not to get drunk? Ah, if only I had that ability. But part of the joy of drinking is letting loose, don't worry too much about it. You need to call me the next time you decide to have some liquid fun, it's always better with company.
[ That way Jaskier can look after him and makes sure Cheng doesn't fall into a depressed mood or he could be there to take him back to his room to rest if he can't do it on his own. His hand squeezes Cheng's again once the man shares the truths about Jin Guangshan. Jaskier can't say he's surprised that power got to his head, it's what always happens, but more honorable men can usually control their urges and selfish tendencies better. ]
He sounds really unpleasant, I'm sorry. Around here we're not unfamiliar with unfair rulers. It's not Queen Calanthe's case, she cares a lot about her people, but in the south, the Nilfgaardian Empire is invading more and more territories in their hunger for power too. But you never know what might happen with the Jin sect, perhaps they will calm down once they strengthen ties with other kingdoms and realize it's better if they all work together.
Maybe. I can only hope. For all his faults, Jin Guangshan is trying to renew our bonds to other countries. He wants us to learn, and to let others learn from us, and not be afraid of new things.
[ Politically inexperienced as he is, Jiang Cheng has never questioned why Jin Guangshan wanted to first renew friendships with the part of the world with sorcerers whose extremely destructive powers are well-suited to warfare. Sorcerers who could, for example, fight off a horde of corpses commanded by a demonic cultivator. He hasn't really seen that side of them yet, having encountered mages mostly as court sorcerors providing that little bit of abracadabra to spice up a royal ball.
Telling himself to hell with it, he leans into Jaskier as well and loosely wraps an arm around his waist. He does want him at his side, terrifying as that thought still is - less terrifying now, though, with the promise of Jaskier accompanying him to Yunmeng. ]
I heard about Nilfgaard. [ He scowls, remembering these early days. ] Everyone keeps asking me what the cultivation world's political stance towards Nilfgaard is and at first, I barely even knew what they were talking about. I have to upset people whenever I tell them we are too far away to get involved or take sides. [ His frown deepens. ] That's actually part of why I was drinking last night. Hearing about your wars is a constant reminder of our own.
It's always better to have allies than possible enemies, so that's a good attempt. Not all Kingdoms are willing to do it. Perhaps with time, new trading routes might be established and it would be easier to visit each other.
[ To be fair to Cheng, it sounds like an honest try to get to know neighboring countries and strengthen political ties. It's not the first time he's seen it, Jaskier is from Redania and their main profits come from trade and agriculture.
The bard gives him a surprised look that morphs into a pleased one at the embrace and leans into Cheng's touch Quiet days are rare and all the more special for it. ]
They seem to be all people can think about these days, sorry that you get sucked into out political messes. I think you said the right thing, you shouldn't have to be involved nor you can have a clear idea of what is going on when most of us don't even know that. [ The way Cheng is frowning while thinking about his own home issue makes Jaskier concern show in his face. He's not worried about traveling to a dangerous place, he does it on the regular, but for his friend's safety. ] Is it that bad?
[ He shakes his head, giving him a small, taut smile to reassure him. ] No, no, I misspoke. The war itself is over now. I wouldn't have left if it was still ongoing, no matter who asked me. But... It hasn't been all that long since it ended. All that talk of war coming brings too many reminders.
[ He looks down, scowling at his own feet. ] It's not important. It's ridiculous. The situation isn't even similar. We were taken by surprise. There were no years of tense waiting. That is. We should have known. All the signs were there. But we didn't want to see because the Wen were the greatest sect of all. Wen Ruohan was our Chief Cultivator, the leader of the cultivation world. In hindsight... [ He rubs a hand over his face. ] We knew. But we didn't want to see. And we lost so much... You will understand when you come to Lotus Pier. When you see how many died... and it has never been the same as before. We only keep losing more things.
[ His sister married and living in another sect, his brother at the Burial Mounds and a public enemy. He had come here to escape all of that for a few months but this restless tension of a war to come is far too familiar. ]
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givingexposition) wrote2020-02-25 10:08 pm
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His eyebrows rise as he drinks it. It's actually... ] ...not bad. And it's sweet, too. [ He leans back against his pack, legs stretched out in front of him. His eyes linger on Jaskier, appreciating his cheer and smile even with the pounding headache. They don't have a whole lot of time together and he's determined to make the best of it. ]
I think I might have to introduce you to Lotus Pier's healers, maybe you can teach them a thing or two about tasty medicine... and you're certainly not asking A-Li for embarrassing childhood stories! [ Which Jiang Yanli would all too happily share, he's sure. The horror! ]
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[ Jaskier is as magical as a potato sack, so helping Jiang Cheng like that is out of the question. But it doesn't matter, his friend seems to like the drink well enough and the bard's lips curl into a proud smile. It's very cute how Cheng smelled it first, like a cat unsure about the quality of the food he's been offered. ]
Do you like sweet things then? I'm a very good cook, I could make you some pastries. I'd like to meet them too but I don't think I'll be able to give the healers much insight. They know what is best for the health.
[ He would never assume he knows more, even if Jiang Cheng's complimenting him it's very nice of him. ]
I can offer embarrassing childhood stories in return! I mean, there aren't any, I was a delight, but I can come up with some of them for you.
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[ With the hangover cure imbibed, he is content to simply lay here and wait for his head to get better. There is nowhere they urgently need to be and the only person he really wants to spend time with in this foreign country is already at his side. Maybe they can actually take it easy today... a thought Jiang Cheng would never entertain back home in Yunmeng but Jaskier keeps bringing out new sides to him. ]
I would love to try your pastries, Jaskier. If you really want to cook for me. I mean. I would like that. [ He ducks his head, a tint of pink to his cheeks. The only one who has ever cooked for him just because they want to is his sister. ]
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I know I can be a bit of a handful sometimes but I find ways to compensate it. [ He leans into the other mans' personal space to gently bumps their shoulders together. Not enough to jostle the drink Cheng's holding, he's careful about that. ] People, hm? Well now I only care about charming one single person. As for scandalous stories about my childhood, real ones, you will have to get me drunk first. I can't believe you went out drinking without me.
[ Seriously Jiang Cheng, he thought you were friends. Jaskier knows it was because the man wanted to drown his sorrows, but that's more reason to not do it alone. He wants to keep an eye on the dark haired man. ] I can tell you that literacy was beaten into me with a cane at my school.
[ Jaskier is silent for a few seconds too, not wanting to make Cheng's headache worse and just enjoying the peace and quiet of staying close. ]
I never offer things I'm not ready to give and I don't make promises I don't plan on keeping. So yes, I'd love to cook for you. [ The blushing doesn't go unnoticed and it makes something flutter on Jaskier's stomach, he smiles, looks around to make sure no one who might take offense is looking, and then leans in to kiss the other man's cheekbone. ] It will be my pleasure.
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You could show me how to cook them, even. My sister is the only decent cook in our family but she taught me well enough how to stir and chop and follow instructions. [ Maybe he wouldn't have offered if he hadn't been desperate to distract Jaskier from his blushing but now that he has made the offer, he likes the idea. It's always enjoyable spending time with Jaskier, even when they are just doing regular everyday things. Maybe especially then. As much as exploring these kingdoms is a welcome distraction from his troubles back home, he's had enough of danger to last him a lifetime. ]
[ He looks down at the empty mug, rolling it around between his hands. He scowls at the mug, then looks up to meet Jaskier's eyes. His face is still pink. ] Did you really mean that? When you said that you only care about charming one person now?
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I've been on my own since I was eighteen, so I learned to cook my own food. Stirring and chopping help you with a lot of dishes so you already know more than certain people. [ That person being Geralt. Witchers are many things but good cooks are not one of them. The question catches Jaskier by surprise but he smiles and gives Cheng's hand a squeeze before answering. ]
I did. There's no where else I'd rather be too.
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He peers down at his own hand which Jaskier has just squeezed, looking at it with great suspicion as if it might spontaneously transform into a snake from the sheer power of a touch with feelings.
Jiang Cheng fiddles with the ring on his finger - here in this country, he is rarely upset enough for Zidian to spit purple sparks, he just fiddles with it like with any other ring. ] I'm glad you're here. I wouldn't want you to be anywhere else.
[ And he's trying so hard not to let himself feel more than friendship and some vague fond affection, to remember that he is here for a few months at most and there is no point to getting attached. They can have a good time together, that's fine. But it's one thing to let yourself care for people who walk away, quite another to intentionally set yourself up for disappointment. ]
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Contrary to popular belief, Jaskier is able to read the atmosphere and he can practically hear the other man thinking, so this time he doesn't say anything about Jiang Cheng's blushing. Better to leave him as much time as he needs to figure out what he wants to say. When Cheng speaks, it's Jaskier turn to blush a little because people honestly liking him back doesn't happen every day. ]
Oh. [ He mimics Cheng's answer and then gives him another smile. ] Then we're both lucky that we got to meet. If you...if you were really serious about allowing me to visit Lotus Pier, I was thinking...I could come with your and your entourage when you go back home? If that's okay? It's totally all right if you don't want that.
[ It was the bard's turn to get nervous, he didn't exactly fumble but the fingers of his free hand started to move nervously. ] I was thinking that since you came all the way here it would only be fair that someone here did the same? and I know I'm just a bard but I'm also a Viscount, so that must mean something in terms of diplomatic exchanges, right?
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Thus, Jiang Cheng is left speechless at Jaskier's question - his offer. Not even the vague promise of a visit years down the line but coming with him. Stunned as he is, he sits in silence through Jaskier's nervous follow-up babble and finally remembers to nod, at least, even if his throat still feels tight and his belly feels funny, too, in ways which have nothing to do with the mystery hangover cure. ]
That would mean a lot. A Viscount visiting. It would, yes. [ He looks up, gathering his courage and meeting his eyes. ] It would mean a lot to me when it is you visiting. [ He reaches for Jaskier's nervously restless fingers, trapping them in his grip and squeezing tight. His voice gains in strength and conviction with the touch, small and innocent as it is. They're probably being eavesdropped on by said entourage of his but he doesn't care. His disciples would have to be blind not to notice what's happening between them. ] I want you to come with me. I want to show you my home. My way of life. I... I want to see my sect.
[ But mostly, he just doesn't want to be parted from Jaskier. ]
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I'm glad you approve then. I..I'd love all that too. With you. [ It's not hard to meet Jiang Cheng's eyes but it's more difficult to keep himself from leaning in and kissing him a second time. The hands on his own help to keep his nervous habit at bay and Jaskier gives Cheng's fingers a gentle squeeze back. ] I hope I leave a good impression, I know I can be...a lot. Maybe you will have to give me some protocol lessons.
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I can do that. I can teach you. There is... a lot to learn, really. [ He bites down on his bottom lip, thinking about all the differences in etiquette. ] The manners in your lands are, well... They are something. Everybody is so blunt and forward here! [ He gives Jaskier a small smile. ] At least you're not from Cintra's court. Imagine inviting Queen Calanthe on a diplomatic visit! It would be a nightmare... [ His lips twitch. ] If hilarious. I would pay good money to see her clash with Jin Guangshan. But never mind that, we will have a long trip even on swords. There will be plenty of time to prepare you.
[ And if they aren't going to hide what is between them, then it will be important he does well. Jiang Cheng is pretty sure people would be forgiving of the oddities of a random foreign noble but what a guest of the Jiang does falls back on the Jiang. ]
Trust me. I won't let you embarrass yourself. My sister is better with etiquette than I am but I know how to behave myself.
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I'm a good student, promise. Don't let my casual bard attitude fool you, I know all courts have their own set of complicated rules. I promise I'll try my best to avoid embarrassing you.
[ Hopefully, he won't offend anybody to the point they would want to kill him. It's sadly something that had happened in the past. He chuckles at Cheng being polite about the Continent people's manners, or lack of them. ]
We can act like savages sometimes, you don't need to try to sugarcoat it, I won't be offended. But I don't even carry a sword, you don't have to worry about me starting these kind of fights. Queen Calanthe is both very entertaining and intimidating, you never know what would happen with her around. Who's Jin Guangshan? She has no patience for moronic men who think themselves superior so if he's like that, it's for the better than I'll be visiting your land and not her.
[ Jaskier also has no patience for these kinds of men but he would soon sing an embarrassing song that ruins their reputation than grab a sword and try to skew them. ]
Once you feel better you can start giving me some protocol lessons. But first, you need to rest and get over your hangover.
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[ And now he knows better. Never underestimate the booze in this country. If there is one... well two things they can be trusted to know well, it's how to drink and fight. ]
Jin Guangshan is... [ He wrinkles his nose. ] He is the leader of the Jin sect of Lanling, one of the great four sects. After we defeated the Wen, his sect has been left as the wealthiest and most powerful, especially after putting our everything into the war effort decimated the rest of us. [ He falls silent for a moment as he fights with himself. But really, he has never been all that good at diplomacy and he trusts Jaskier with blunt truths. ] He is a cowardly and lecherous old man who cares only for gaining more power and his courtesans. But he has made himself our leader and nobody is in the position to oppose him so... [ He shrugs.] We can only appease him and make sure we don't misstep. But he sent me on this diplomatic mission, so I guess I owe him.
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You can choose not to get drunk? Ah, if only I had that ability. But part of the joy of drinking is letting loose, don't worry too much about it. You need to call me the next time you decide to have some liquid fun, it's always better with company.
[ That way Jaskier can look after him and makes sure Cheng doesn't fall into a depressed mood or he could be there to take him back to his room to rest if he can't do it on his own. His hand squeezes Cheng's again once the man shares the truths about Jin Guangshan. Jaskier can't say he's surprised that power got to his head, it's what always happens, but more honorable men can usually control their urges and selfish tendencies better. ]
He sounds really unpleasant, I'm sorry. Around here we're not unfamiliar with unfair rulers. It's not Queen Calanthe's case, she cares a lot about her people, but in the south, the Nilfgaardian Empire is invading more and more territories in their hunger for power too. But you never know what might happen with the Jin sect, perhaps they will calm down once they strengthen ties with other kingdoms and realize it's better if they all work together.
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[ Politically inexperienced as he is, Jiang Cheng has never questioned why Jin Guangshan wanted to first renew friendships with the part of the world with sorcerers whose extremely destructive powers are well-suited to warfare. Sorcerers who could, for example, fight off a horde of corpses commanded by a demonic cultivator. He hasn't really seen that side of them yet, having encountered mages mostly as court sorcerors providing that little bit of abracadabra to spice up a royal ball.
Telling himself to hell with it, he leans into Jaskier as well and loosely wraps an arm around his waist. He does want him at his side, terrifying as that thought still is - less terrifying now, though, with the promise of Jaskier accompanying him to Yunmeng. ]
I heard about Nilfgaard. [ He scowls, remembering these early days. ] Everyone keeps asking me what the cultivation world's political stance towards Nilfgaard is and at first, I barely even knew what they were talking about. I have to upset people whenever I tell them we are too far away to get involved or take sides. [ His frown deepens. ] That's actually part of why I was drinking last night. Hearing about your wars is a constant reminder of our own.
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[ To be fair to Cheng, it sounds like an honest try to get to know neighboring countries and strengthen political ties. It's not the first time he's seen it, Jaskier is from Redania and their main profits come from trade and agriculture.
The bard gives him a surprised look that morphs into a pleased one at the embrace and leans into Cheng's touch Quiet days are rare and all the more special for it. ]
They seem to be all people can think about these days, sorry that you get sucked into out political messes. I think you said the right thing, you shouldn't have to be involved nor you can have a clear idea of what is going on when most of us don't even know that. [ The way Cheng is frowning while thinking about his own home issue makes Jaskier concern show in his face. He's not worried about traveling to a dangerous place, he does it on the regular, but for his friend's safety. ] Is it that bad?
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[ He looks down, scowling at his own feet. ] It's not important. It's ridiculous. The situation isn't even similar. We were taken by surprise. There were no years of tense waiting. That is. We should have known. All the signs were there. But we didn't want to see because the Wen were the greatest sect of all. Wen Ruohan was our Chief Cultivator, the leader of the cultivation world. In hindsight... [ He rubs a hand over his face. ] We knew. But we didn't want to see. And we lost so much... You will understand when you come to Lotus Pier. When you see how many died... and it has never been the same as before. We only keep losing more things.
[ His sister married and living in another sect, his brother at the Burial Mounds and a public enemy. He had come here to escape all of that for a few months but this restless tension of a war to come is far too familiar. ]