[ gu yun shuffles over to nudge the door open when there's a knock! he looks... fine, for the most part, though if you've been paying attention, there's a tiredness to gu yun's eyes that isn't usually there. that, and the mole under his eye, which had faded to almost nothing by sunday, is now back to its usual bright, cinnabar red.
he's got a smile for primrose, though, eyes crinkling at the corners. ] My hero. [ with a nod to the glass. gu yun pushes the door open to let her in! ]
[ When is she ever not paying attention, is more the question-- though she chuckles softly and moves into the room, pausing only to press the glass into his hand. ]
I would never dream of referring to myself as heroic. And you look rather weary.
Just a terribly annoying conversation that led to a terribly annoying headache.
[ that smile stays; he reaches for the glass and takes it from her, taking a long drink and closing his eyes. ] That, and I suppose it's not a bad time to avoid others.
[ Primrose stands in a dimly lit but ornately furnished room, over the body of a man in dark clothing. She stares dispassionately down at him, before the sound of footsteps makes her tense and turn towards the noise.
"Ah, Primrose... fancy meeting you here." From the shadows melts an attractive man with silvery hair pulled back into a braid, his eyes kind. A dear person. Someone she cherishes. The affection that wells up within her, the breathless sort of delight, is genuine. As is the confusion, at his presence.
Primrose hesitates, then glances at the very much dead man near her feet. When she speaks, even her voice is reticent.
"What brings you to this... terrible place?"
"Ah, but of course... about that, you see... there's something I simply had to tell you..." He steps closer-- and Primrose, oddly enough, tenses. She shouldn't, of course she trusts him--
But then steel, sharp and lethal, slips into her flesh, as smoothly as buttering bread. Primrose staggers back, one hand pressed to the bloody wound, words sharp with disbelief and pain.
"Wh-what...? Simeon..."
Simeon casually slips the dagger into a pocket and shakes his head. "Oh, I'm sorry. I heard that you were looking around for my friend here. And you know what they say about birds of a feather..."
He turns, and as his braid moves, she sees it then-- the dark mark on his neck. And her blood, even as it spills down her front, runs cold.
"The mark-- of the crow-- but... but why? Simeon!"
"Do forgive me, Lady Primrose... there was just one thing I forgot to mention." His voice is little more than a croon, soft and playful. "The head of the Obsidians, the crow atop the roost-- and oh yes, the one who killed your dear, dear father? It was me."
Primrose shakes her head, despair leaking into her voice. Despite knowing better. Despite vowing to keep moving, to keep walking. But, Simeon, with his gentle eyes, his soft voice, his promise to stay by her side... all those years he'd been with her, he'd--
"No... it can't be...!"
Simeon regards her adoringly with a loud exhale, even as he steps away. "Bravo. Oh, bravo, Lady Primrose! I knew you had it in you. That was a virtuoso performance, my love!"
He gestures histrionically, ignoring her attempts to push herself upright as he speaks to the largely empty room. "The audience gasps! At long last, she tracks down the villain she's been hunting all these years-- only to find out it is her one true love. Look at the tears she weeps, the blood she spills... and pity her. Oh, the tragedy! It moves me to the depths of my soul!"
Simeon steps away, his shoulders shaking with poorly suppressed chuckles, before it turns into cackles. Wild, shrieking laughter.
"Fare thee well, my poor, poor love..." It's mocking at best, layered with a sickly-sweet affection that digs its claws into her heart even further.
And then Primrose's arms fail to hold her up and it all goes black as she topples forward onto the carpet.
(Also available in adorable sprite form and some wonderfully voiced monologuing.) ]
[ this man's dramatic monologue makes me want to punch him in the nose
when gu yun is released from the grip of the memory, almost instinctively, he reaches out, as if to catch the floor, or primrose, or both, and is left with his hands hovering. it sends a wave of fresh pain through his head, dizzying, and gu yun forces himself not to fall over, trying to cope with all of the memories of someone else that just flew through his head.
there's a pause. he looks down at primrose, again, and murmurs, ] What a terribly unpassionate evening.
[ like primrose had said, what felt like eons ago now - it wasn't at all fun, and she didn't win. gu yun can put together the pieces of what happened, and everything clicks into place.
he pauses, and amends his statement, with a derisive, more clearly mad - ] And what an obnoxious waste of air that man is.
[ This isn't the first time this has happened today, and Primrose can simultaneously focus a little better and feel it a little more acutely.
She hadn't wanted to relive it, not when she already had, so many nights of waking up with her jaw tightly clenched to keep from screaming and waking up anyone else. Worse, she hadn't wanted anyone else to see it. Hear it.
Gu Yun, especially. It's not a moment she's particularly proud of, and even as she reaches out to steady him in concern and apology, her eyes have grown dark and shadowed. The anger is still present when she thinks about it, but there's a weary edge to it. ]
He won't have much longer to waste that air, once I've returned.
But forgive me, for forcing you to witness such a thing.
Not your fault. [ because it's not - whatever blasted effect this place seems to have on all of them is taking itself out on all of them. he almost misses the lack of tolerance - at least that was easy to cope with.
head pounding from sharing someone else's memories, from the side effects of the medicine, he gives her a small, half smile.]
Besides, the plan is to go home and eliminate him, isn't it? [ and get out of here. ] Rightfully so.
[ It's the one thing pushing her forward, keeping her steps straight, no matter how much she's been shoved off her feet. ]
And that is why the dagger that accompanied me bears no threat to anyone here. It only needs claim one more life. [ But. That's a thought for much later and she shakes her head. ]
Might I sit with you?
[ Which is really "you look like you're in pain and I'm concerned but I can't just say that". ]
[ there's a beat before he answers, looking down at his glass. gu yun doesn't like to let people know when he's vulnerable, and right now, his medicine is kicking his ass, even more than usual. his stomach is churning with the kind of nausea he hasn't had since he was sick at the northern front, and the migraine feels like someone's taking a wind slasher to the inside of his skull. ]
I can't say I'll be the best company. [ comes his answer, which is almost a tentative admittance - yes. she can stay, if she wants.
so, with a slightly meaningful look, he makes his way over to the loft. the light up here is dim - she'll see today that the nightstand isn't as burnt as it is on tuesday - and gu yun makes his way to settle on the couch with the water in his hand, leaning back against the soft surface and letting his eyes close.
it is at this moment, however, that the universe decides primrose's kindness should be rewarded with a glimpse into someone else's head. ]
[ when the world around them disappears into the space of a memory... primrose won't be able to see anything.
you're wearing a blindfold and thick robes, nothing like your usual armor. you've been in disguise for the past several hours - acting as a fragrant master. your son stands beside you, and he holds your hand - he's been your "attendant" in disguise, writing the phrases people said out loud into the palm of your hand so you could respond to them. after all, you're supposed to be deaf and blind; you've snuck onto this ship with the goal of dismantling a smuggling operation by a group of men from dong ying, an enemy nation, masquerading as simple traders.
imagine your surprise, when you leapt into this situation, and found that the very person smuggling precious, precious ziliujin out of your country and into the hands of your enemies, is none other than master huang qiao, the commander of the jiangnan navy - one of the only people in your nation nearly equivalent in power to you.
nearly.
you smile, as you pull your hand out of chang geng's. it seems almost careless, and you feel chang geng twitch beside you as you reach up, and find the edge of the blindfold. ]
Master Huang. Commander of the Jiangnan Navy... what a shock. [ the blindfold slips free from your eyes, and the world is revealed to you in crystal clear, brilliant color - a ship's cabin, a room full of traitors, and you, the marquis of order, their worst nightmare.
the man before you is exactly who you said he was, and you watch recognition turn to fear on his face. ] Hey, Master Huang. That year, when I followed Old General Du to be his errand boy, weren't you just an ambitious soldier? Separated for many years - do you remember me?
[ huang qiao's expression changes to horror. "You...you are..."
you rip the blindfold free from your head fully - the motion's dramatic, a flash of black silk - and you pull it up to tie your long hair back into a ponytail. casual, easy, smiling. ] What an honor. It seems Commander Huang still recognizes me.
[ the room full of men in the cabin who were badmouthing great liang just minutes before hold completely still, as you casually pick up a dagger - dispatched from a man who tried to kill you, twenty minutes before - and test the weight of it in your hand.
the commander, dumbstruck, repeats like a broken record. "Gu...gu... gu..."
and that smile of yours takes on the sharpness of a knife. it's mean, because you've realized your victory. ] Mm. Gu Yun. Long time no see.
[ there's a clatter - one of the soldiers in the room drops his weapon in fright. ]
[ "impossible - the marquis of order was exterminating bandits in the northwest! how could--"
you cut that statement off, shaking your head, pityingly, bitingly sarcastic when you speak. mocking. ] If you're going to attempt to rebel, you should read more. Have you not heard of the Eagles in the East?
[ you are, of course, lying out of your ass.
but it doesn't matter, because your plan is in place. the first phase should be starting... and there's a scream from outside, and panic rings through the smuggling ship. "Black Eagles! There are Black Eagles!"
huang qiao's face turns to yours, again. panic crosses his face. "How can there be Black Iron Camp soldiers and the Marquis of Order in the Eastern Sea?! Impossible! Shoot the arrows! Use the Baihong arrows to shoot down these fakes!"
you tilt your head back - a man in black armor flies just over huang qiao's head, dropping a rain of arrows that fall onto the deck. he whips around to look, and then back at you, and you smile, further, fingers wrapping around the dagger in your hands.
(he's falling for it, you think. you know that huang qiao is not a smart man, at least, not as smart as you are. you know human nature. you know panic. you know fear. you know that the men outside are just wearing silver light armors, eagle class, and that their armor smells like fish - it's been dyed black with squid ink.)
"So- so what, even if Gu Yun is here, what could he possibly do?! I don't believe he could bring the entire Black Iron Camp from the desert! Kill him! Who else does this dog emperor rely on?! Come on!"
at once, every private soldier and traitor in the room draws their weapons. chang geng steps closer to you, but not a single one of them is brave enough to rush you.
you stride forward, unharmed, untouched, towards huang qiao. ] If I recall correctly, your teacher, isn't he an uncle of Wei Wang, of the palace? Why, that year when the former Emperor passed away, he wasn't able to use the imperial guards to start a rebellion. Is he trying to use the sea route, instead?
[ you've uncovered an entire conspiracy, and huang qiao knows it. the look in his eyes is desperate, a trapped, cornered animal.
(it's you, chang geng, and ge chen in here. you have no weapon besides this dagger. you can defend yourself - chang geng, you hope, has been training. you haven't seen him in nearly two years, now, and you can only hope. maybe he and ge chen both can wield weapons, against this group of trained soldiers. what's the best way to get them both out? can you get them both out?)
huang qiao screams, at the top of his lungs, and launches himself in front of you, as chang geng meets him there, steps out from behind your back and blocks his strike with his own sword. six iron puppets - robot like statues - screech to life around the room, armed, dangerous, descend, and the cabin descends into utter chaos.
and you are unflappable (except your heartbeat is going a hundred miles an hour as you tick down the moments mentally, trying to run through your plan and keep chang geng and ge chen alive and keep yourself alive), unstoppable, a whirl of silk and dark hair, as you disarm weapon after weapon, dong ying dagger in your hand, chang geng at your back. you fight your way out of the cabin and spill onto the chaotic deck outside.
you are the demon black crow - the head of the black iron camp. the marquis of order. great defender of great liang, and your reputation proceeds you.
when the fight finally fades, huang qiao and his conspirators are apprehended and tied up. reinforcements - real ones, not the false ones that held down the fort while you and your own uncovered the conspiracy - will be coming, soon. chang geng seems annoyed as he realizes that your elaborate story about the "eagles of the east" was a lie - and clearly one he fell for, too - but you don't pay it any mind, instead feeling the twinge of a headache.
the marshal should move inside the cabin and rest awhile, the monk liao ran (the donkey, really) had signed to you, once he was freed of the heavy armor you refused to help him out of because you like watching him struggle. he had a point - you can feel the ice pick edge of a migraine starting to creep up around the corner of your head, and you refuse to just prove the stupid monk right, so. you wave a hand, and turn.
and then, as you're walking to the cabin door, out of the corner of your eye, you see a glint of silver.
it feels like it happens in slow motion. the glint of silver is from an armed rebel from dong ying - he activates the wristbands on his light armor and shoots six xiu zhong si darts, all directly at you - a black eagle overhead roars, steam and ziliujin hot in the air --
you grab chang geng, first priority, and shove him behind you, then bring your arm up and throw the dong ying dagger into the path of the first three darts. it's not nearly strong enough to match the sharpness of the xiu zhong si - the dagger clatters to the floor, broken into three pieces, as you grab chang geng, drop, and roll.
the other three xiu zhong si shriek through the air - you feel the wind as one cuts through the ribbon holding your hair when you drop - and sail over your head, embedding themselves in the opposite wall. as you and chang geng hit the floor in a clatter, there's the thunk of an arrow embedding itself into the chest of the dong ying assassin, and he falls overboard with a splash, as the black eagle soldier safely eliminates the threat.
you exhale.
chang geng stares at you from where he's pinned, his eyes wide, breathing like a startled rabbit. you pat him on the shoulder, and keep your expression cool. ] Just a fish that escaped the net. It's nothing.
[ and, as you lean on chang geng, it all hits you - your artfully created plan, half bullshit, half truth, the assassins, three separate ones who tried to take you out, two when you were still pretending to be blind and deaf, the conspiracy, the realizations - and, as you try to stand, your legs give out.
the truth is that you've been terrified, this entire time, confident in your own bluster but keenly aware of what would happen if you failed. sweat pours down your back, down your neck - the migraine screams in your head, now, as if a great beast is rampaging in your skull, as chang geng catches you before you fall, his hand touching your back.
the pain of the headache is so violent, it makes you tremble. to anyone else, it'd be unnoticeable, but you know how clever your ward is, and you know that your bluff has been caught. right now, there's nothing you can do about it, though - it hurts so badly that all you can do is try and pretend you're fine. ]
[ It's a bit like whiplash, going from his room, to that horrible place, back to his room-- where she'd barely settled herself beside him on the couch before the memory strikes.
And she sees nothing, not at first. This isn't the first memory she's witnessed; she's learned to allow herself to merely spectate, accept the thoughts and the emotions and the physical nature of it as they come and sort through it later. And Gu Yun certainly gives her a lot to live through, even as she sees it through two lenses-- what they see, how desperately he's moving and acting, second to second, to protect his own. To keep up the facade, show no weakness, even if his heart hammers in his chest, even as his tone remains steady and he displays no vulnerability.
She knows, better than most, how hard that is. Even though her facade had been different. Even though she had sacrificed her honor, her purity, for such a terrible thing, she understands. This is simultaneously the strongest and the most human she's seen him.
The memory melts away, even as her hands drift up to rub at her temples. The pain is slower to leave, and she wonders if this is what he feels now. And finally, quietly-- ]
... This seems unfair. You see me crumpled on the floor and I get to witness just how incredible you are.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
femmefinale) wrote2021-02-06 09:02 pm
no subject
Well, no use responding to that when she can just go knock on his door, though she does bring a glass of water with her when she does. ]
no subject
he's got a smile for primrose, though, eyes crinkling at the corners. ] My hero. [ with a nod to the glass. gu yun pushes the door open to let her in! ]
no subject
I would never dream of referring to myself as heroic. And you look rather weary.
no subject
[ that smile stays; he reaches for the glass and takes it from her, taking a long drink and closing his eyes. ] That, and I suppose it's not a bad time to avoid others.
[ considering the whole memshare thing. ]
1/2
[ Well. Whenever he does open his eyes again, just as Primrose glances at him... ]
no subject
"Ah, Primrose... fancy meeting you here." From the shadows melts an attractive man with silvery hair pulled back into a braid, his eyes kind. A dear person. Someone she cherishes. The affection that wells up within her, the breathless sort of delight, is genuine. As is the confusion, at his presence.
Primrose hesitates, then glances at the very much dead man near her feet. When she speaks, even her voice is reticent.
"What brings you to this... terrible place?"
"Ah, but of course... about that, you see... there's something I simply had to tell you..." He steps closer-- and Primrose, oddly enough, tenses. She shouldn't, of course she trusts him--
But then steel, sharp and lethal, slips into her flesh, as smoothly as buttering bread. Primrose staggers back, one hand pressed to the bloody wound, words sharp with disbelief and pain.
"Wh-what...? Simeon..."
Simeon casually slips the dagger into a pocket and shakes his head. "Oh, I'm sorry. I heard that you were looking around for my friend here. And you know what they say about birds of a feather..."
He turns, and as his braid moves, she sees it then-- the dark mark on his neck. And her blood, even as it spills down her front, runs cold.
"The mark-- of the crow-- but... but why? Simeon!"
"Do forgive me, Lady Primrose... there was just one thing I forgot to mention." His voice is little more than a croon, soft and playful. "The head of the Obsidians, the crow atop the roost-- and oh yes, the one who killed your dear, dear father? It was me."
Primrose shakes her head, despair leaking into her voice. Despite knowing better. Despite vowing to keep moving, to keep walking. But, Simeon, with his gentle eyes, his soft voice, his promise to stay by her side... all those years he'd been with her, he'd--
"No... it can't be...!"
Simeon regards her adoringly with a loud exhale, even as he steps away. "Bravo. Oh, bravo, Lady Primrose! I knew you had it in you. That was a virtuoso performance, my love!"
He gestures histrionically, ignoring her attempts to push herself upright as he speaks to the largely empty room. "The audience gasps! At long last, she tracks down the villain she's been hunting all these years-- only to find out it is her one true love. Look at the tears she weeps, the blood she spills... and pity her. Oh, the tragedy! It moves me to the depths of my soul!"
Simeon steps away, his shoulders shaking with poorly suppressed chuckles, before it turns into cackles. Wild, shrieking laughter.
"Fare thee well, my poor, poor love..." It's mocking at best, layered with a sickly-sweet affection that digs its claws into her heart even further.
And then Primrose's arms fail to hold her up and it all goes black as she topples forward onto the carpet.
(Also available in adorable sprite form and some wonderfully voiced monologuing.) ]
no subject
when gu yun is released from the grip of the memory, almost instinctively, he reaches out, as if to catch the floor, or primrose, or both, and is left with his hands hovering. it sends a wave of fresh pain through his head, dizzying, and gu yun forces himself not to fall over, trying to cope with all of the memories of someone else that just flew through his head.
there's a pause. he looks down at primrose, again, and murmurs, ] What a terribly unpassionate evening.
[ like primrose had said, what felt like eons ago now - it wasn't at all fun, and she didn't win. gu yun can put together the pieces of what happened, and everything clicks into place.
he pauses, and amends his statement, with a derisive, more clearly mad - ] And what an obnoxious waste of air that man is.
[ if gy ever meets him its on SIGHT ]
no subject
She hadn't wanted to relive it, not when she already had, so many nights of waking up with her jaw tightly clenched to keep from screaming and waking up anyone else. Worse, she hadn't wanted anyone else to see it. Hear it.
Gu Yun, especially. It's not a moment she's particularly proud of, and even as she reaches out to steady him in concern and apology, her eyes have grown dark and shadowed. The anger is still present when she thinks about it, but there's a weary edge to it. ]
He won't have much longer to waste that air, once I've returned.
But forgive me, for forcing you to witness such a thing.
no subject
head pounding from sharing someone else's memories, from the side effects of the medicine, he gives her a small, half smile.]
Besides, the plan is to go home and eliminate him, isn't it? [ and get out of here. ] Rightfully so.
no subject
[ It's the one thing pushing her forward, keeping her steps straight, no matter how much she's been shoved off her feet. ]
And that is why the dagger that accompanied me bears no threat to anyone here. It only needs claim one more life. [ But. That's a thought for much later and she shakes her head. ]
Might I sit with you?
[ Which is really "you look like you're in pain and I'm concerned but I can't just say that". ]
1/2 for readability,
I can't say I'll be the best company. [ comes his answer, which is almost a tentative admittance - yes. she can stay, if she wants.
so, with a slightly meaningful look, he makes his way over to the loft. the light up here is dim - she'll see today that the nightstand isn't as burnt as it is on tuesday - and gu yun makes his way to settle on the couch with the water in his hand, leaning back against the soft surface and letting his eyes close.
it is at this moment, however, that the universe decides primrose's kindness should be rewarded with a glimpse into someone else's head. ]
[ when the world around them disappears into the space of a memory... primrose won't be able to see anything.
you're wearing a blindfold and thick robes, nothing like your usual armor. you've been in disguise for the past several hours - acting as a fragrant master. your son stands beside you, and he holds your hand - he's been your "attendant" in disguise, writing the phrases people said out loud into the palm of your hand so you could respond to them. after all, you're supposed to be deaf and blind; you've snuck onto this ship with the goal of dismantling a smuggling operation by a group of men from dong ying, an enemy nation, masquerading as simple traders.
imagine your surprise, when you leapt into this situation, and found that the very person smuggling precious, precious ziliujin out of your country and into the hands of your enemies, is none other than master huang qiao, the commander of the jiangnan navy - one of the only people in your nation nearly equivalent in power to you.
nearly.
you smile, as you pull your hand out of chang geng's. it seems almost careless, and you feel chang geng twitch beside you as you reach up, and find the edge of the blindfold. ]
Master Huang. Commander of the Jiangnan Navy... what a shock. [ the blindfold slips free from your eyes, and the world is revealed to you in crystal clear, brilliant color - a ship's cabin, a room full of traitors, and you, the marquis of order, their worst nightmare.
the man before you is exactly who you said he was, and you watch recognition turn to fear on his face. ] Hey, Master Huang. That year, when I followed Old General Du to be his errand boy, weren't you just an ambitious soldier? Separated for many years - do you remember me?
[ huang qiao's expression changes to horror. "You...you are..."
you rip the blindfold free from your head fully - the motion's dramatic, a flash of black silk - and you pull it up to tie your long hair back into a ponytail. casual, easy, smiling. ] What an honor. It seems Commander Huang still recognizes me.
[ the room full of men in the cabin who were badmouthing great liang just minutes before hold completely still, as you casually pick up a dagger - dispatched from a man who tried to kill you, twenty minutes before - and test the weight of it in your hand.
the commander, dumbstruck, repeats like a broken record. "Gu...gu... gu..."
and that smile of yours takes on the sharpness of a knife. it's mean, because you've realized your victory. ] Mm. Gu Yun. Long time no see.
[ there's a clatter - one of the soldiers in the room drops his weapon in fright. ]
no subject
you cut that statement off, shaking your head, pityingly, bitingly sarcastic when you speak. mocking. ] If you're going to attempt to rebel, you should read more. Have you not heard of the Eagles in the East?
[ you are, of course, lying out of your ass.
but it doesn't matter, because your plan is in place. the first phase should be starting... and there's a scream from outside, and panic rings through the smuggling ship. "Black Eagles! There are Black Eagles!"
huang qiao's face turns to yours, again. panic crosses his face. "How can there be Black Iron Camp soldiers and the Marquis of Order in the Eastern Sea?! Impossible! Shoot the arrows! Use the Baihong arrows to shoot down these fakes!"
you tilt your head back - a man in black armor flies just over huang qiao's head, dropping a rain of arrows that fall onto the deck. he whips around to look, and then back at you, and you smile, further, fingers wrapping around the dagger in your hands.
(he's falling for it, you think. you know that huang qiao is not a smart man, at least, not as smart as you are. you know human nature. you know panic. you know fear. you know that the men outside are just wearing silver light armors, eagle class, and that their armor smells like fish - it's been dyed black with squid ink.)
"So- so what, even if Gu Yun is here, what could he possibly do?! I don't believe he could bring the entire Black Iron Camp from the desert! Kill him! Who else does this dog emperor rely on?! Come on!"
at once, every private soldier and traitor in the room draws their weapons. chang geng steps closer to you, but not a single one of them is brave enough to rush you.
you stride forward, unharmed, untouched, towards huang qiao. ] If I recall correctly, your teacher, isn't he an uncle of Wei Wang, of the palace? Why, that year when the former Emperor passed away, he wasn't able to use the imperial guards to start a rebellion. Is he trying to use the sea route, instead?
[ you've uncovered an entire conspiracy, and huang qiao knows it. the look in his eyes is desperate, a trapped, cornered animal.
(it's you, chang geng, and ge chen in here. you have no weapon besides this dagger. you can defend yourself - chang geng, you hope, has been training. you haven't seen him in nearly two years, now, and you can only hope. maybe he and ge chen both can wield weapons, against this group of trained soldiers. what's the best way to get them both out? can you get them both out?)
huang qiao screams, at the top of his lungs, and launches himself in front of you, as chang geng meets him there, steps out from behind your back and blocks his strike with his own sword. six iron puppets - robot like statues - screech to life around the room, armed, dangerous, descend, and the cabin descends into utter chaos.
and you are unflappable (except your heartbeat is going a hundred miles an hour as you tick down the moments mentally, trying to run through your plan and keep chang geng and ge chen alive and keep yourself alive), unstoppable, a whirl of silk and dark hair, as you disarm weapon after weapon, dong ying dagger in your hand, chang geng at your back. you fight your way out of the cabin and spill onto the chaotic deck outside.
you are the demon black crow - the head of the black iron camp. the marquis of order. great defender of great liang, and your reputation proceeds you.
when the fight finally fades, huang qiao and his conspirators are apprehended and tied up. reinforcements - real ones, not the false ones that held down the fort while you and your own uncovered the conspiracy - will be coming, soon. chang geng seems annoyed as he realizes that your elaborate story about the "eagles of the east" was a lie - and clearly one he fell for, too - but you don't pay it any mind, instead feeling the twinge of a headache.
the marshal should move inside the cabin and rest awhile, the monk liao ran (the donkey, really) had signed to you, once he was freed of the heavy armor you refused to help him out of because you like watching him struggle. he had a point - you can feel the ice pick edge of a migraine starting to creep up around the corner of your head, and you refuse to just prove the stupid monk right, so. you wave a hand, and turn.
and then, as you're walking to the cabin door, out of the corner of your eye, you see a glint of silver.
it feels like it happens in slow motion. the glint of silver is from an armed rebel from dong ying - he activates the wristbands on his light armor and shoots six xiu zhong si darts, all directly at you - a black eagle overhead roars, steam and ziliujin hot in the air --
you grab chang geng, first priority, and shove him behind you, then bring your arm up and throw the dong ying dagger into the path of the first three darts. it's not nearly strong enough to match the sharpness of the xiu zhong si - the dagger clatters to the floor, broken into three pieces, as you grab chang geng, drop, and roll.
the other three xiu zhong si shriek through the air - you feel the wind as one cuts through the ribbon holding your hair when you drop - and sail over your head, embedding themselves in the opposite wall. as you and chang geng hit the floor in a clatter, there's the thunk of an arrow embedding itself into the chest of the dong ying assassin, and he falls overboard with a splash, as the black eagle soldier safely eliminates the threat.
you exhale.
chang geng stares at you from where he's pinned, his eyes wide, breathing like a startled rabbit. you pat him on the shoulder, and keep your expression cool. ] Just a fish that escaped the net. It's nothing.
[ and, as you lean on chang geng, it all hits you - your artfully created plan, half bullshit, half truth, the assassins, three separate ones who tried to take you out, two when you were still pretending to be blind and deaf, the conspiracy, the realizations - and, as you try to stand, your legs give out.
the truth is that you've been terrified, this entire time, confident in your own bluster but keenly aware of what would happen if you failed. sweat pours down your back, down your neck - the migraine screams in your head, now, as if a great beast is rampaging in your skull, as chang geng catches you before you fall, his hand touching your back.
the pain of the headache is so violent, it makes you tremble. to anyone else, it'd be unnoticeable, but you know how clever your ward is, and you know that your bluff has been caught. right now, there's nothing you can do about it, though - it hurts so badly that all you can do is try and pretend you're fine. ]
no subject
And she sees nothing, not at first. This isn't the first memory she's witnessed; she's learned to allow herself to merely spectate, accept the thoughts and the emotions and the physical nature of it as they come and sort through it later. And Gu Yun certainly gives her a lot to live through, even as she sees it through two lenses-- what they see, how desperately he's moving and acting, second to second, to protect his own. To keep up the facade, show no weakness, even if his heart hammers in his chest, even as his tone remains steady and he displays no vulnerability.
She knows, better than most, how hard that is. Even though her facade had been different. Even though she had sacrificed her honor, her purity, for such a terrible thing, she understands. This is simultaneously the strongest and the most human she's seen him.
The memory melts away, even as her hands drift up to rub at her temples. The pain is slower to leave, and she wonders if this is what he feels now. And finally, quietly-- ]
... This seems unfair. You see me crumpled on the floor and I get to witness just how incredible you are.