[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[wisterin]

I wouldn't say he thought so. I would say he did.

[ How many times did he go back to get rotten potatoes? Fool him once, shame on the vendor. Fool him twice, shame on him. Fool him thrice or more? There's no helping him. ]

Please think about buying potatoes from someone else, no matter who's at fault.

[givethemhell]

But if I don't keep buying potatoes from him, I'll never get the satisfaction of finally getting a good one!

[WHAT A LOOK OF DETERMINATION... He fails to mention that this bartering (all One Single Instance of it) happened like, 13 years ago, and he's never been back to the city it occurred in since.]

[wisterin]

[ To lie so boldly and to spin a story so wildly in front of Shinobu is daring, but it's not like she can fact check or is a mind reader. ]

There is futility in some actions. It may serve you to learn about it.

[givethemhell]

[This is the only reason he's testing his luck. NOT EVEN LAN WANGJI COULD CONFIRM OR DENY only Wen Ning could, and he's too loyal to sell Wei Wuxian out.]

Mmm... I suppose I can spare a little consideration for your kind advice.

[wisterin]

It is your decision if you want spoiled potatoes or not, but I can think of someone who would be quietly concerned if you keep buying them.

[ Even if Lan Wangji can't speak to the veracity of Wei Wuxian's story, he would at least be concerned about Wei Wuxian getting multiple spoiled potatoes. At least, that's the feeling Shinobu gets when she seems them together from a distance and after talking to Lan Wangji once or twice. ]

[givethemhell]

[That gets another laugh for him because he KNOWS... God he knows right away. Who else could it be?]

Ah, Lan Zhan, that Lan Zhan. He worries enough to make up for anyone in the world who doesn't! I'll turn around one day and every single hair on his head will have gone grey.

[It's easy to tell he's fond in everything from his expression to tone to the actual words he speaks... Gross.]

[wisterin]

[ It makes her wonder the status of their relationship more than anything else. She notices the different name. If their fondness for each other doesn't cause harm to those around them, it's something that should be cherished. ]

That would be quite the stark contrast. [ She sounds amused. ] Wouldn't most of them be because of you?

[givethemhell]

Oh, of course not. That would be implying that I have a knack for getting into trouble or troubling the people around me!

[How he can even manage to say these bold and obvious lies with literally zero shame is a true feat in and of itself.]

[wisterin]

I would say you should feel ashamed for lying to me so easily when I've only been friendly to you, but I'll agree. It's more than a knack.

[ :) ]

[givethemhell]

[DRAMATICALLY PLACES A HAND TO HIS CHEST.]

Me? A lie has never blackened my tongue so much as even once in my entire life!

[wisterin]

[ Because his tongue is already black is at the tip of her tongue, but she will take the higher road here because she is mature (citation needed). ]

Of course, of course. You may continue to be like this at your own expense. I've received your insincere apology, and that will be enough for me today.

[givethemhell]

[CITATION NEEDED!!! SHE ALMOST MURDERED HIM WITH A SNOWBALL!! It's a moment he'll hold dear to his heart.

Either way, with a laugh and a wave:]

Thank you! This humble cultivator will remember your divine mercy for days to come!

[He's also immediately turning to flee after a polite little bow, just in case she changes her mind. MAKING A BEELINE FOR LAN WANGJI BYE.]

[wisterin]

[ is he really calling himself humble after the conversation they just had

the only thing that follows his retreat is this ]