assortedsouls

[assortedsouls]

Hearing the chuckle, Mo Xuanyu knew he had been caught and a blush instantly spread across his cheeks. Without any of that ghostly make-up on, the blush was very clearly visible on his pale skin. Best to pretend it's not there.

Yes, he is indeed, exhausted. Bone tired. It had been a long day with many big surprises. Though he hadn't realised how tired he was until Hua Cheng mentioned it, too anxious to taking in what his body was telling him before that. Xuanyu nodded, yes to both questions.

Despite confirming that he had been shown a room, the Ghost King himself is showing him the way. Probably a good thing since Xuanyu has a horrible sense of direction and would probably have ended up on the opposite side of where his room was. "Yes, My Lord," the young man replied, his voice sounding less anxious now, but also tired. As they walk, he even yawns several times while trying to hide it by keeping his mouth as closed as possible. Otherwise, Hua Cheng might think he's boring him, which he isn't. Mo Xuanyu is just tired.

He gazed at the young man with no malice or disgust, his touch may be cool but there was a warmth in his eye. When Mo looked away he chuckled silently in amusement. Hua Cheng liked going without a disguise as he often had the most compliments with this face, how ghosts and mortals would swoon at him provided endless entertainment.

The ghost king helped the mortal to his feet, and gestured back to the food and drink. "You look exhausted, why don't you take what you want back to your room and rest? My servants did show you to a room, didn't they? I have a whole wing of the manor for their lodging." He said and decided to get up to show the mortal to a room himself. Gathering up some of the leftovers and had Mo follow him through the manor.

"Paradise manor is quite large, but there is always someone around so if you get lost just ask and they will guide you where you need to be. If you need me either I'm on the main floor where we just were or I'm up in my room on the third floor." He explained as they walked.

[assortedsouls]

Not insanity? Help him? The more Hua Cheng says, the more Xuanyu is starting to doubt that ghosts truly are bad, like he has always been told. Within a few hours, the Ghost King has shown him more care than his family has in a life time. Part of him feels like crying.

Wait! What? He prefers men? Shocked, he automatically raises his gaze, eye blown wide and mouth open. Laying eyes on Hua Cheng gave him a second shock, the man is the most handsome man he has ever seen. Like something out of a story.

Forcing himself to look away, he shook his head. There was nothing more. Then, he finally took the offered hand, it was gold, but surprisingly soft, and got pulled up on his feet.

Then his brain catches up to one other thing: did he just say that he might end up serving him as a consort?

He tilted his head curiously when the new servant was hesitant to take his hand and instead spoke of his own flaws. "Hearing and seeing things other's can't doesn't necessarily mean insanity or something wrong with your mind. If that is something you want help with then I can see if there is something I can do." Hua Cheng informed the young man and hummed thoughtfully at the following bit of information.

"Hmm. Interesting... I prefer the company of men myself. Maybe if you work hard you can serve your king as a consort." Hua Cheng said with a chuckle. Mo was definitely cute, he just needed to get to a healthy weight and stronger. "Is that all? Neither of those things will be an issue."

[assortedsouls]

Yin Yu gave him a knowing look. Heaven's love for drama and gossip was something he didn't miss. If he were to be honest to himself, he didn't actually miss Heaven, but he missed the feeling of accomplishment being a god gave him. it was the ultimate goal according to his sect. He tried his best to not think about it. It had been many years ago and his own sect was nowhere near as might now as it once had been, though, it did still exist. Barely.

"Your guardians will be glad to see you, Lord Black Water." They might be made of bones, but somehow they still had personality. Yin Yu found them a tad unnerving, but the creatures seemed to like their master.

A shadow of a smile appeared on the fallen god's lips. "Hua-chengzhu treats me well." And he did. The problem laid with Yin Yu. He did all his master's bidding, never saying no, even though he maybe should. Hua Cheng would never stop him from resting, he knew this, he just wanted to be useful and do a good job. It was also less likely to.. overthink things when you kept busy. The food part honestly was him forgetting and it wasn't always easy to find human food in Ghost City. At least paradise manor had a kitchen and Yin Yu was free to use it. He rarely did.

"Is there anything in particular Lord Black Water wishes to eat?" Not that he was a chef, but he could make some food quite well by now, but he wanted to know if He Xuan had any kind of current preference.

He Xuan grumbled something and tells Yin Yu to get back up from his deep bow. He would demand respect from others, but there were a few that he was alright with when they showed a bit less respect. Yin Yu and Hua Cheng were one of them and probably the only ones too. Mutual respect and all that.

“Bored… The information at this point is all about the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and there is nothing useful coming from them. Just drama and gossip…”

Because of his spying business, he kept a low profile, but that didn’t count when people entered his domain uninvited. But to hear that everything has been so incredibly quiet made everything even more boring. Well, at least he had the quiet of Nether Water Manor.

Black Water narrowed his eyes as he looked over at the other, it almost sounded like he was stalling? But what did he care, really? Yin Yu wasn’t the worst company, knowing how he came to where he stood today. He was a hard working one and his fall wasn’t entirely his fault, though He Xuan never brought it up.

“Yes, and make enough for you to join me… I swear… Hua Cheng is working you too hard and starving you…” His voice nearly toneless.

[assortedsouls]

The Ghost King did indeed seem calm and he was probably also very old. If he was easily insulted, things would be chaotic. Xuanyu isn't a smart man, but he's not stupid either. Yet, fear is hard to get past, but he does nod to show that he understands.

Looking at the offered hand, he wanted to take it, wanted to believe his words, but there are things with him that the other doesn't know that might change his mind. "My Lord should know two things," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper, like he's terrified for the words he's speaking. "This one is not right in the head. Xuanyu hears and see things that's not there and... and... this one is.. is also a... a cutsleeve..." Mo Xuanyu is indeed gay. It was yet another thing that had been used against him. Used to show he is unstable and unfilial. His attraction to men had never once stopped him from trying to do his best, to live up to everyone's expectations. He just wasn't skilled enough. Hadn't even managed to properly form a golden core. Everything he touched turned to ashes.

He watched the other straighten up and spoke honestly about why he was acting the way that he did. The ghost king nodded in understanding and took another sip of his drink. "It takes alot to insult me dear little Xuanyu. I also know when it is on accident, that would not bother me one bit." The ghost king set his drink aside and moved to sit on the edge of his lounging seat.

Reaching down he offered his hand to Mo. "You have shown you are genuinely grateful for what I can provide for you. As long as you don't try to steal from me and do your best to work then I promise you will never have anything to fear from me." Hua Cheng explained and hoped that his new servant would warm up to him. He didn't like the people in his house to fear him, that was reserved for his enemies.

[assortedsouls]

@sonofshin replied to your post “Gives Lan Xuan the empty burlap sack he cleaned...”:

Gasps at the bun. He loves those buns! Hayase gratefully takes it and stuffs it in his mouth. YUMMY!

​Xuan giggles and flaps his free hand happily, seeing his little friend enjoying the mantou. He'll try to take more next time. He wants to give his little friend all the mantou.

[assortedsouls]

Gives Lan Xuan the empty burlap sack he cleaned after dumping out all the onions. He's smiling very brightly. Now Lan Xuan can put new, exciting stuff in it! Like rocks! And carrots!

@sonofshin || gifts to Xuan!

Lan Xuan looks at the bag and then his friend. Picking it up, he investigates it thoroughly. Then he rummages around in his sleeve before taking out two rocks and put them in the burlap sack. Smiling, he holds up the sack with the two small rock at the bottom of it.

Putting his free hand into his other sleeve, he then takes out a mantou and holds it out for the little dragon to take.

[assortedsouls]

shaoxing, zhejiang province, china

[assortedsouls]

It wasn't all he knew, but it was what he knew the most. But what little kindness Mo Xuanyu had received in his life had been dishonest kindness. His mother had never truly loved him and his half-brother turned out to secretly despise him, all because he risked inherit the sect leader position. A position he had never wanted. His father's kindness had not been real either and when he turned out to not have talent for cultivation, he had soon mostly been forgotten. No one had ever truly cared for him. All he had ever been was a pawn. A failed pawn.

Slowly, he straightened up, but remained kneeling, hands fisting the fabric of his trousers. "N-no, that's not needed, My Lord. I-" He should be honest with the Ghost King. It seemed like he preferred that. "I just don't want to accidentally insult My Lord and... and it has been a long time since I had a conversation with someone else." Usually, his hallucinations were interfering too much, but no one in the Mo household wanted to talk to him anyway. That, plus the fact that he was rather shy and introverted, lead him to worry he might say the wrong thing. If Hua Cheng kicked him out or punished him, he would most likely die soon and Mo Xuanyu had come to realise that he didn't want to die. Not now when he had finally found some freedom and a chance at actually surviving.

"You've been mistreated, it's all you know. You just need some time to adjust." He said and arched a brow when the servant moved to the floor. A slight look of annoyance that he'd have to train the young man to act normally but this was far better than an unruly misbehaving servant that he'd have to actually punish. Mo will just need some extra direction.

"Would you prefer to be left alone while you eat? My presence seems to be causing you anxiety and I don't want you stressed when you should be resting."

[assortedsouls]

Hearing that, Mo Xuanyu almost raises his gaze, but he is still too timid to fully look at his new Master. Yes, he had indeed thought he'd be locked up. Not in a cage, but in a room and he now feels both surprised at the answer and ashamed about his assumption.

"Please, forgive this lowly one for asking such a question. This lowly did not mean to say My Lord treats his servants badly," he hurried to reply, now prostrating on the floor instead of eating by the table. Hua Cheng didn't sound angry, but neither had his half-brother and he still punished him.

He found the confusing look amusing and chuckled lightly. Grabbing himself a drink he moved back on the lounging area and got comfortable. "Well yes. There's only so much to do around here. There's rotating shifts of servants on standby if I need anything or new tasks that need done urgently, but for the most part when work is done then they can go and do as they please." The ghost king said with a shrug.

"I'm not going to force my servants to stay when there's nothing to do. What would I do? Lock them in cages?" Hua Cheng shook his head. "Many servants are lost souls, some mortals, banished gods. They serve me and I give them a home, I let them have their personal time and they always come back because I treat them well."

[assortedsouls]

Mo Xuanyu was about to continue eating when the warnings came. Of course the warning is so he won't lose his new servant, the young man knows that, but it still surprised him. No one had cared about him the slightest in many years, just waiting for him to die in one way or another.

However, what really surprised him came after that. He would be free to walk around outside the manor? Free to do what he wanted when not working? Surely he must've heard wrong? "Pardon me, My Lord, but... but did you just say that servants are free to roam as they want once their duties are done?" Would he truly have more freedom as a servant than as young master Mo? Not that he had ever truly been 'young master' and no one had called him that in more years than he could remember. "I'm not sure I'd make a good meal for anyone," he mumbled under his breath. He might be a bit insane, but he knows he's skin and bones. Wouldn't a monster prefer a plumper human?

An other thing that surprised him was how quiet his mind had become. There had been no accusing voices or ghostly visions, well besides the actual ghosts, since he ended up in the presence of the Ghost King. Mo Xuanyu had no clue that part of his insanity was due to a curse and that curses can be temporarily muted in the presence of the right energy, like that of a very powerful ghost.

The ghost king watches the polite headbow and complete obedience to him. Was it because he had Mo cleaned up and fed that the young man appreciated it so much to completely surrendered? Hua Cheng liked that. He liked being worshiped of course, but this was cute. Something so simple given literally meant the world to this poor mortal.

"That's a good boy. You just do your best to serve me and you'll keep getting treats, Xuanyu." Hua Cheng said sweetly and gestured for him to resume eating. "Ghost City can be dangerous for a mortal, do not eat anything that isn't prepared in the manor and for now don't leave the grounds without an escort. Servants are free to roam about when finished with their daily work and can roam about the city, but you're in no condition to defend yourself. Some monster might try to eat you."

[assortedsouls]

"Thank you, thank you. You are very kind, daoz- Xie Lian." Maybe the thanking was excessive? He doesn't know, but he truly felt very grateful for the others care. Many would just have left him standing outside and even fewer would offer him a towel and tea. Though, in his experience, the poorer people tended to be the kindest and this little village seemed to be rather poor.

Holding the cup, he let the heat seep into his cold hands, enjoying the warmth for a moment before taking a sip. "Yes, I am. I wander around the land and help where I'm needed. Collecting medicinal herbs and plants as I go. Most of my cultivation knowledge concerns healing, but I can defend myself when needed, even if I'm not a martial artist." Naizhu takes another sip of tea. "I also do some minor cleansings when needed, but anything a bit stronger is above my capabilities." It was rare for him to do this, but it did happen.

"May I ask about you? I assume you are the carer of this shrine?" He wondered who it was for. The image above the altar is not someone he recognises. Perhaps it is a local deity?

Xie Lian waved it off with a smile. “You are not a bother, not at all. Please, I’d be glad to help someone in need. You’re also not interrupting, so please just take a seat, get warm. There is no need for you to rush out, I don’t mind the company at all.” Giving the other a kind smile and heated up some water.

He looked at the other who was now sitting by the door and smiled lightly. He could sense this soul was very kind, cultivation very suiting and the healing aspect as well. Once the water was hot, he made a pot of tea and took two cups with him, sitting on the ground near Ji Naizhu.

“You are not interrupting me at all. Get comfortable, warm up. Rest your feet.” He poured tea in a cup and handed it to the other. “So, a healer? Could you tell me more about that?”

[assortedsouls]

Zhongxin chuckles. She certainly looks like a lady, but she is still a playful child at heart and he truly wishes for her to remain that way for as long as possible. No one should have to grow up too fast. He himself had been forced to grow up at the age of fifteen, when Lotus Pier burnt down and he had been left for dead. Thoughts he pushes aside as soon as they resurfaces. "I know you're trying and I think you are good just the way you are, Mulan. Not every girl needs to be a lady." One day, she will find someone who loves her and her untamed side.

"I know, I know. This old man will still worry." How could he not when she and Wanyin are going to a Cultivation Conference? Too many are just waiting for someone they can hurt or use to create chaos. Thankfully, few dares to risk angering Jiang Wanyin and with that comes injuring or upsetting the Jiang disciples. It's honestly funny how the outside world seems to think he's all anger and harsh words when he very much is not. Though, it did help protecting the sect.

Laughing, he can barely restrain himself from ruffling her hair. "Maybe a miracle will happen and I'll find a wife while you are gone." Zhongxin doubts it. He has little to give a wife. Yes, he is fairly wealthy and also the closest relative to Jiang Wanyin, but he is also getting old, he and Wanyin are the only ones in the sect who are over thirty and unmarried, and he isn't handsome. Not that he is ugly either, but he is fat with thick brows and a button nose and he also doesn't have a very masculine personality. Jiang Zhongxin is very much a lover and not a fighter, even if his cultivation is good. A carer and nurturer. Someone who would absolutely dote on his wife and children, had he had any.

"Hmm, why would I worry about that?" He very much is worried about Mulan flying. She is not one to take things easy. Without hesitation, she'd go all in and then risk falling from up high and die as she smacked the ground. "Let's talk about it when you return." He couldn't delay it. It is time for Mulan to learn to fly on her sword.

"Good. I will worry if I won't hear from you." Though, he wouldn't do anything rash, just in case she simply forgets to write.

          her cheeks slightly puffed as she pouted at his remark. though it was true, Mulan had been trying her best to become better, so that she could bring honor to her sect and be trusted more to go out into the world.      ❝  how could you say that, lǎo dàgē ? have i not been good as of late ?  ❞    her tone shifted as she glanced away, trying to give an air of indifference as she muttered,     ❝  you act like i have not been a young lady now for a few years... i have grown...  ❞    though she knew that some lessons never stuck well with her, she told herself at least she had not caused him to nearly grow gray.

          her eyes shifted back to meet with his own as he sighed, worry reflecting within her dark brown eyes as she reached out to tug upon his sleeve.    ❝  you once taught me that people are like, Yin & Yang. there are many in this world that will do good and there are some who will choose the darker path... but, it is important to look for the good in others and help guide them.  ❞    the young cultivator paused as she thought out loud,      ❝  i know there might be many who will have ill intentions, but, i am not afraid. i have Shifu with me and i have you. you both have taught me so much and i can only hope that i can bring good into this world.  ❞    smiling a little, she hoped her words could help bring him some comfort.

        ❝  i know there is much i still must learn. but going there, will i not learn more ? yes... my skills lack in the department of grace, but this is the perfect chance for me to practice and hone my skills.  ❞    her hand loosened off his fabric as she lifted her wrist to show her the holy white silk that transformed into a ribbon of power.     ❝  if i run into trouble, and Shifu is not present, i will be among other cultivators who i will rely upon and if i cannot... i have this.  ❞

          lowering her wrist, her eyes glimmered with an air of mischief, her mind already racing as she wondered if she could help find him a wife while in Gusu.       ❝  you are like a Bàba to me, you know this. i shall always be your Mulan, no matter how old i get. but perhaps it is time you found someone to love as a spouse and have siblings for me to play with and which of whom i can spoil.  ❞    she gave a nod,      ❝  i will write to you on my progress... though really, when are you going to teach me to fly ? i have been asking for years... it is almost as if you do not trust me to touch the sky...  ❞    she was already planning on bringing him back a few gifts, but felt no need to argue the matter further. instead she stepped closer and whispered.     ❝  do not worry, i will site see and write to you of it all. then, perhaps someday, we can return together so i can enjoy it with you.  ❞

[assortedsouls]

Even More Exhaustion Memes!

I just love doing these. let me rest | Deeply Exhausted Starters

"I fell asleep at my desk again..."

"I'm not laying down, I just have too much to do..."

"Oh, I... wobbled, didn't I?"

"I'm just leaning on the wall, it's fine..."

"Resting my ears. Eyes. I'm resting my... eyes."

"What? Yeah, I... I mean, I had at least an hour. Or two."

"I'm trying to sleep, I swear it."

"I'll rest when I'm dead."

"Sleep is for the weak, and brother, I am pathetic."

"Oh, my hands are shaking, aren't they?"

"I didn't mean to... drop that... oh..."

"I can't, I can't sleep, not yet, I'm sorry."

"Oh, I don't know why I'm crying. It's all just a lot."

"Coffee. Coffee. More coffee."

"How many of those energy drinks have you had?"

"You can't keep pushing like this, one day you're going to pass out."

"Did you drive like this!?"

"You worry me, you know. Avoiding sleep."

"You keep acting like it's no big deal but I know you're not sleeping."

"I want you to feel safe. You have to rest."

"Look, if I bring you a hot chocolate and a blanket..?"

"Do you want me ... to stay here? While you sleep?"

"Stop! Enough! You can't do this any more!"

"If you don't get some sleep, it's going to kill you."

"I want to help you, can't you see that?"

"I dosed your coffee with sleeping pills. Sorry."

"I'm going to make sure you sleep."

"You have to rest, end of story, zip, nothing else."

"Alright, I have you. Close your eyes, and take a deep, calm breath."

"I'm going to sing you a lullaby."

[assortedsouls]

༘⋆｡ where it hurts starters.

caretaker.

i'll  stay  until  you  fall  asleep.

you're  not  a  burden.  not  to  me.

you  don't  have  to  act  tough  with  me.

let  me  help.

if  you  need  to  cry,  i'll  look  the  other  way.

you  don't  have  to  talk.

let  me  handle  it,  just  for  a  minute.

rest,  i'll  watch  over  you.

i  don't  care  if  you  think  you're  fine.  i'm  staying.

deep  breaths.

just  lean  on  me.

you're  safe  now,  okay?  just  breathe.

i  know  it  hurts.  i'll  sit  here  as  long  as  it  takes.

i'm  not  leaving  until  i  know  you're  okay.

you  don't  need  to  hide.

let  me  take  care  of  you  this  time.

shh.  i'm  right  here.

you  don't  have  to  put  on  a  smile  for  me.

i  don't  think  less  of  you.

i'll  be  here  when  you  wake  up.

you're  allowed  to  lean  on  me.  that's  what  i'm  here  for.

you  don't  have  to  be  okay.

scoot  over,  i'm  not  letting  you  sleep  alone.

your  hair's  a  mess.  let  me  brush  it.

don't  apologize.

cared  for.

i'm  tired,  that's  all.

please  don't  go.

i  don't  know  what  i  need.

you  didn't  need  to  come.

you  shouldn't  have  to  see  me  like  this.

i  hate  feeling  like  this.

i  was  trying  to  push  through.  i  think  i  made  it  worse.

this  is  so  embarrassing.

can  you  just...  stay  a  little  longer?

i  didn't  think  anyone  would  notice...

i'm  not  safe  in  my  own  head  right  now.

why  are  you  being  so  gentle  with  me?

i  don't  want  you  to  fix  me.

today's  just...  one  of  the  harder  days.

i  didn't  know  i  needed  to  hear  that.

can  you  stay?  after  i  fall  asleep?

sorry.  i  didn't  mean  to  flinch.

i  don't  always  know  what's  going  to  help.

this  is  the  nicest  anyone’s  been  to  me  all  week.

i'm  sorry.  i  know  i'm  a  lot.

i  don't  even  know  why  i'm  crying...

i  think  i'm  broken.

you  didn't  have  to  do  all  this  for  me.

i  don't  want  to  be  a  burden.

i  didn't  think  anyone  would  stay.

[assortedsouls]

Shangque smiles brightly, looking much like a puppy who's master just told him he can keep him company. Bright enough that Xiao Xingchen probably sensed the smile. "Thank you, xiansheng, that is suitable."

Part of him wanted to tell Xiao Xingchen who he is, wanted to thank him for that first time he helped him, but he also knows the young man most likely wouldn't remember it. And what if he didn't want the company of someone of the dragon clan? On the other hand, Shangque's presences increases danger and didn't the man deserve to know that? No, he'll protect him if someone attacks and he'll hide his draconic features if he hears anyone approaching. The truth can be told later.

"Let me know if you need my help. I don't want to overstep, but I also want to help." Very straightforward of him and a less kind man might've bristled at the open way Shangque implied of the other''s disability, thinking that perhaps he was seen as less. Of course, the young dragon didn't think anything like that. There was nothing 'less' with Xiao Xingchen, he just wanted the young man to know he could freely ask for help should he need it.

As they begin walking, this time together, Shangque continues to smile, red eyes glittering. Finally, he had found the man who helped him and he was once again not alone.

       xiao xingchen surprised himself with a soft huff of a laugh that slipped from his lips, partially obscured by his hand as his shoulders hunched ever so slightly. what a precocious child. ah, to be so young and determined. he couldn't help but be endeared. part of him wondered if shangque was more perceptive than he seemed, and saw past the disconnection between the gentle breeze and the world around him. could he see the mortal cultivator so wounded by the past and desperately longing for the days where bitter frost walked by his side?

       ( perhaps traveling with this child will prevent him from feeling a ghost by his side. from feeling the phantom brush of dark robes against his arm. from the serious baritone of his most intimate friend. his beloved soulmate ).

       ❝ you're quite convincing, little one, ❞ he angled his head in acquiescence, ❝ in that case, it would be an honor to be your traveling companion. we can protect each other on the road, would that be suitable? ❞

[assortedsouls]

[assortedsouls]