[ 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
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[ 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. ]