farsickness | (no subject)

WHO: xiao xingchen + open
WHEN: march
WHAT: a blind cultivator out and about
WHERE: around gazin
WARNINGS: none, will update if necessary

Gazin.

Xiao Xingchen's time since arriving in Gazin has been...turbulent. The change in location hasn't bothered him as much as it might some. He does still worry for A-Qing every day, but reminds himself that she's a clever girl. He can only hope that she doesn't find too much trouble.

The other member of their strange little family had arrived here with him, a great help and a comfort....until Xiao Xingchen finally found out who he really is, a question that he'd never asked. And that's when his heart had truly been unsettled for the first time in his life. His arm is still bandaged from the injury he received during a recent night hunt, bad enough to keep him from going on one since, though it's mostly healed now. It redirected him back to the other task that he needs to accomplish: finding a job.

It's not easy. For the most part people are nicer here, but they still doubt a blind man's abilities. Others are too wary of any man with two swords across his back now to take a chance.

He's discouraged, but he buys a small bit of bread in the marketplace, a piece of fruit. It's cheaper than the tavern nearby, and Xingchen just needs something to fill his stomach to fuel him forward. He finds an out-of-the-way place in the market to eat, listening to the sounds of life around him.

Returning home. (closer to dusk)

There were many days when he did not expect to ever return here, this place that his companion - that Xue Yang found for them. The man had been persistent after he left, making sure that Xingchen was taken care of even when all of his gifts were rejected.

His heart hasn't completely righted itself, but he knows one thing for sure: Xue Yang has killed no one here. He hasn't even attacked, and barely even has the means to do so after surrendering everything over to Xiao Xingchen. He'd like to think that he's been made less naive, but maybe he's not, because he keeps thinking that maybe he can keep the other man on the correct path, one of harmony with this new life. Xingchen's made it clear that he must submit himself to justice if and when they return, because those that he's murdered deserve nothing less. But for now..maybe he can be a sheath for that dangerous blade.

Xingchen steps up onto the small porch, pausing when he hears the first approach of footsteps.

"Is that you?"

He tilts his head a little more, waiting to hear if they're familiar or not.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Nearby, on break from working the tavern, is a Clark, wearing local clothes at this point, and smiling as he polishes off something vaguely like an apple, slowly, savoring it.

Spotting the other man, he raises a hand in greeting, a smile on his face. He's a fairly common sight around town, between working the tavern and wandering to check out local lands.

"Fine day for it, yes?"

Xingchen recognizes his voice, from visiting the marketplace nearby and even resting in the tavern a time or two, even if they've never spoken before. He lifts his head, the proximity of the man's greeting leading him to believe it was meant for him.

"The weather is very pleasant here." He smiles at him. "It sounds like you're enjoying it too. Are you working outside or simply finished for the day?"

"On break, currently. I'm working a long shift at the tavern today. Not that I mind, but it makes getting outside to breathe the air all the more important I think."

Clark smiles as he talks and his warmth and happiness, for whatever it is worth, likely shows in his voice. A simple life is no bad thing to him.

"How is the day treating you?"

"Hard work makes you appreciate such things all the more I believe." Xingchen slides down the wooden bench that he's sitting on, making room. "Please, sit and rest yourself. I have food to share if you're hungry."

He enjoys the simple life himself, though it's all he's ever really known. He had his chances though, when all of the Sects tried to recruit him for their own. His life could've been completely different. But he wouldn't have had it any other way.

"It's been long. I started early, but I haven't had much luck in my searching."

"It does, yes." Clark follows and settles next to the other man. "I have food, but thank you."

He smiles at he listens to the man.

"What have you been searching for?"

"Work, I'm afraid."

But Xingchen laughs despite his long morning.

"I understand. Hiring a blind man is a risk for many reasons." He takes a bite of his bread, smile still on his lips. "I'm fortunate that my friend keeps a roof over my head. But I'm not used to being so dependent on another."

Clark considers this.

"What do you know how to do? What are you used to doing?"

Because for Clark, it is as instinctive as drawing in air to help another, so... yes. Welcome to those who have been adopted by Clark, Xingchen.

"I was a cultivator. I protected people from monsters, the undead. I chased criminals. Anything that was for the good of all."

He technically didn't get paid for any of it either, but people were grateful for his help, and through their kindness, he always had all that he needed.

Xingchen smiles at him.

"I'm sorry, I feel like I'm troubling your rest."

"You are not at all bothering me." Clark considers what the man has said and nods.

"Maybe you could help form a watch, a group dedicated to protecting the area and the roads, from harm. "

"That is something I had not considered."

He considers it now. He's only worked with one other person at a time, never a group. But wasn't that always sort of his dream? To gather together others who had similar thoughts, regardless of bloodline.

He nods.

"I will try that, and do my best to prove myself to them. So they will be less afraid."

"I think that is a good idea. Let me know if I can help. Protecting others is a good thing, and while I do have a job, if there is ever need, I will be there."

Clark grins as he nods, smiling, glad he met this man today.