demcngeneral

[demcngeneral]

Chinese traditional patterns. 🧶🧵

[demcngeneral]

“I’m not supposed to be here. If they catch me I’m in trouble!” (From Mei-Xing)

The shock that registered on his face said that he was surprised to see her this deep in the woods. He was here looking for an errant fledgling bird from his rookery that had escaped clumsily, and he held concerns the bird might have torn a wing. So, the presence of a familiar face was both surprising and of course welcomed.

"Oh." he stated as he turned to greet her. "Are you alright, has something happened in your Sect?" he had to ask his attention turned to her rather than the bird that had likely flown off into a tree. It was safe enough at its age it could rend with talons, and pierce with its sharp beak.

"In trouble with who exactly?" he asked as he moved closer to her side.

@enchantedxmuses featuring -Mei-Xing

[demcngeneral]

He glanced in the direction of the retreating person at first he had thought the person was just a visitor like he himself was. It was surprising to know that it was someone causing trouble. He could have nailed the person with a blast of energy even from this range. However, he had restrained himself as he did not know the full story and to attack a person for simply being present was not gentlemanly behavior.

He shifted his attention back to her when she made slight movement the curiosity of the situation in his eyes. Though he didn't give full voice to them save to make sure she was alright. "Many Sects can be violent, but this is ridiculous to come into your territory and wound you in such a manner." it was cowardly tactics to sneak into a place of peace to launch an attack. Others might not see it that way though.

"You should let me have a look at that." he stated holding a handout if she wished him to check for poison. He was immune to poisoning due to his very nature. "Are you about to be at war with them?" he inquired. Though realizing he had yet to introduce himself he did so promptly "I am Nitian ErXing I am the Sect Leader of the Cloud Bird Sect." he pointed upwards, his sect was known to live among the clouds, and they got around on large intelligent birds.

Often exclusive and kept to themselves but time to time Sect business brought him to mainland.

@enchantedxmuses

questions prompt // accepting

@demcngeneral asked: “ can i ask… what happened? ” (for Mei Xing)

The disciple huffed out in frustration as she watched the shadowy figure vanish around the corner, hearing the question that had been asked but choosing to ignore it for the moment, keeping her gaze fixated ahead.

As her anger subsided and her calm composure had been regained, Mei-Xing turned to the other, shaking her head in response at last.

"Just another sect giving me grief. They are called the Phantoms and...well..." She glances down at her arm, the fabric of her sleeve ripped and the edges stained with a light tracing of blood. "...they can be violent."

[demcngeneral]

Truly, he wished that he could say he was unused to such things. It was never to be. His people had been fighting a war with the Heavenly Court for so long and attacks and assassination attempts were a normal and common thing for him. She did not understand because this was not her world. He prayed she would never have to sully herself or get blood on her hands due to it. Just as he was sure it was terrifying to be the only person not knowing what was going on or how to protect herself in the room. All had roles to play with strength's and weaknesses.

He had not expected her to attempt to come into the Under-Realm, nor had he expected someone to want to kill her. He was sure that his people would have brought her to him immediately being a fairy, and not from the demon realm. However, the person who followed her had not had the flair of the heavenly courts, nor were they one of the Demon Tribes he ruled over. ErXing wondered why someone would wish to kill a fairy seamstress of all things. He had asked the man before he had killed him and had gotten the same pathetic answer most fools who believed their will to be strong would give. I'll never tell you; you will have to kill me. He had promised the first one was a moot point and the second he'd gladly do. The blade had told him once the soul had been consumed the man was seeking to lure out the current God of War and thought if the little fairy was around her sister would not be far behind.

So it had been an attempted strike to hurt the War God. Petty, and ever so stupid.

He snorted "It was more of a challenge gaining lunch than it was dealing with that fool." he answered her as he dipped his head in thanks for her making tea. "I would have been back sooner, but I had to jump to three different places to get the foods I wished for you to try." he said.

Moving to kneel on the pillows he smiled "It is good you can do so." he said "Many are kept in such a position they are bartering chips for their parents, or wed off to someone that will give the family prosperity or wealth or positions of power." he said "It is good to know yours view you as a person and care for your thoughts and dreams." he scooted the cup closer to allow it to cool. "I never thought about it." he stated swishing the liquid around the cup eyes thoughtful "My brother raised me and to he and I it was a game, something affectionate to share. I never imagined he was preparing me for his position, or that the game was lessons in self-defense and combat until I was older, by that point my people were in peril and had to be the ruler they needed much of what I have learned and do now is for my people. " a chuckle followed "I enjoy cooking for myself." he said "I am a crafter I make weapons and armors I enjoy the creation process."

He lifted the tea to smell the aroma and the slight movement of his head sent his long braid swinging over his shoulder. "It is an honor to be compared to your family." he said "I have longed fought for the rights of others, for the chance for people to be free." he stated softly. "It is something learned over the many years, if you fail to have compassion, perseverance and empathy for those who share a world with you. It is hard to consider yourself truly deserving of such things in return."

"I have trained many people of the middle kingdom their lives are so short the burn so bright that spark out." he said "Some gain a fraction of the immortality we have, and it is always something special. I am always proud when they learn from me." he said "I have trained abused woman how to fight, how to protect themselves and I have fought for those who cannot do so for themselves. " It was not the same as making the world beautiful. "You make the world prettier, and I do what I can to make it safe." he nodded to the food and took up his soup first.

He paused with the spoon on the way to his lips. "Eh, I believe the God of War would already know." he said seriously. "She is the War God, where conflict threatens, she knows. I am almost certain she would have you watched Xiu." emerald eyes rose to meet her own as he took a spoonful of soup. "If I had a little sister who was a lady, and who seemed to enjoy slipping off I would not stop her I would have her watched and protected from a distance, so she had her freedom but also safety." he stated "Does this sound anything like you sister?" a thin brow raised.

@antihxroiism

"I do not really like fighting. I much rather spend time with my needle and thread." ( from Hua Xiu @antihxroiism )

Why someone would want to send assassins after a young woman was beyond his comprehension why people did anything so devastating was to be fair to his train of thought. If they really thought, the Demon God was going to simply allow it to happen they were bigger fools for sending people into this territory. He was known here, and he had friends in this place.

He had dispatched of the would be assassin and taken everything they owned to be placed in his sleeve to examine later. Since he wanted to find out who was sending people after others. It was foolish to him these were people who would simply never return with information, nor would their souls be contactable through any means. His sword was a soul eater, when it came to the cruel and devious.

The silk wrapped boxes were sat on a table in the spacious tea house room. He had rented and he set about unwrapping the silk to set out the bento on the table. There was spiced beef with a chili sauce, spiced fish and vegetables, tempura vegetables & chicken and soup. Two large boxes of rice. "Did you put the tea on ?" he asked politely before he addressed her comment to him.

"You should be you, follow your own path." he stated " If the needle and thread are your calling do not relent, or compromise." he reach up to undo his mask and set it aside. "You are your own person, I am the opposite I am a warrior, I have always been so since I was a boy, and I will be so until I die again." he shrugged his chain armor over his head, leaving the simple leather set on.

"Have you considered doing commissioned work?" he asked He did not bother to speak of the assassin that would never trouble anyone again. It wasn't worth scaring her.

@antihxroiism featuring-Hua Xiu

[demcngeneral]

adversitybloomed asked:

“I prefer watching from the sidelines to participating.” (Masquerade Ball Starters ~ accepting)

He considered the comment as he looked at her and shook his head very faintly at that. " There is no sitting on the sidelines for me." he answered having taken a break from the manipulations on the dance floor. This person fluttering their eyes, that person mentioning her father was seeking a suitor for her. Then there were the bold ones who liked to touch and those were the ones that ErXing truly detested. He was fast though and could avoid the intent. He had learned that long ago.

"A field of battle is not the only place wars are waged, Mulan." he said seriously as he glanced out over the crowd of masked people, swaying and dipping and moving with the sounds of the skilled performers. "This is as much a battlefield; it is fought with words rather than blades, but both must be sharp." he avoided the punch completely he knew how many people had spiked it. "Alliances, are made, partnerships are made, enemies are made all here as well." he turned to look at her fully. "You should learn both." he mentioned "For the sake of not being thrust into a situation where fists or swords are not applicable." he stated as he tipped his head to the side.

"Watch people, watch their fans, the fans are a language of their own as much as the words being spoken, you can hide behind a fan, flirt with it, use it as an open invitation or a solid refusal by snapping it shut." he kept his firmly tucked into the wide belt at his waist.

"Though believe me the constant simpering, and flirting is deplorable to a man such as myself. These things are to endured rather than enjoyed for the most part. Though there is fun to be had, the dancing came be fun. Catching up can also be fun. " He shifted his gaze to her. "Of course, if one needs an escape there are balconies and gardens." he pointed with a gloved hand to the exits.

"I am curious why you chose to attend when you feel so strongly about such events."

[demcngeneral]

🎭 Masquerade Ball Starters 🎭

“Did you really think hiding your cheek bones was going to fool anyone?” “Do I…know you?” “Have we met before?” “Are you sure I don’t know you?” “Your eyes are absolutely captivating.” “I don’t think we’ve met yet.” “May I have this dance?” “You look positively enchanting this evening.” “I’d know those dazzling eyes anywhere.” “These skirts make it so hard to move.” “Some of these costumes are so extravagant. They must have cost a fortune.” “You look quite ravishing in that dress.” “You look quite handsome in that suit.” “Can I see your face?” “I don’t think you want to see my face.” “My God, you could fit an entire circus under her pannier. How’d she even fit through the door?” “Champagne?” “My feet are killing me.” “I never thought I’d see you in something so fancy.” “I feel like I’m rubbing elbows with the queen right now.” “Care to sneak away with me? I doubt we will be missed.” “Can you guess who I am under here?” “I’d compliment your beauty, but I can’t see it under there. You’ll have to accept my compliments to your mask instead, it’s quite lovely.” “I can’t hear you through that mask. Did you really have to choose one that covers your mouth?” “Do you know who I am?” “Do you know who she is?” “Do you know who he is?” “You’re very light on your feet.” “Ow! It’s like you have two left feet.” “I’m a terrible dancer.” “Who cares if you’re a good dancer? Have fun! No one will know it’s you anyway!” “No one’s asked me to dance all night…” “I feel like I’m in a dream!” “Can we please go home? This is torture.” “How did I ever let you talk me into coming here?” “I prefer watching from the sidelines to participating.” “You’ve spent the entire evening at the snack table.” “Can I cut in?” “I have to go.” “I’m not supposed to be here. If they catch me I’m in trouble!” “Please. What is your name? I want to see you again.”

[demcngeneral]

BURNING FLAMES, episode 20

“you’d better figure out whether you are holding the antidote or poison”

[demcngeneral]

He meant what he said.

It would be natural for someone who's experiences had given her so much trauma to not easily believe or to doubt. He didn't mind the disbelief he didn't believe in words being the only expression he would prove it with actions. That was how he also built rapport, actions and affirmation of what was being done so there could be no second guessing.

He had lost everyone dear to him over time. He had caused his brother to sacrifice his life to save his own. He knew about lacking trust in others. It was in part what Erxing was single to begin with. He had no crystal ball to say what the future held, he had no vision to grant him insight he had deeds and personality to see things through. He would not live a life of what ifs, or what will the future hold? Right now, was good enough let each day take care of itself.

You couldn't. You had to be careful with people because everyone was different, and everyone had different needs. It wasn't even about not offending people but rather making connections, which was hard sometimes.

Brows drew together at her silence and how she seemed to be searching for words. Was she thinking he was flirting with her ? Trying to worm his way into her heart ? He was just trying to establish a friendship that always had to come first. Maybe he'd broken her thought process that didn't bring much comfort either come to it.

"I don't expect an elaborate answer, I don't expect an answer at all. It was not said to make you respond, it was said as that is what I feel." he stated simply." Your right it isn't my fight." he said emerald gaze fixing on her. "However, I choose to make it so as your friend." he stated as though this was the most obvious answer in the world to him. "I am not being dragged into anything. I chose to help; I chose to befriend you and I choose to continue to do so." he shrugged his shoulders faintly. "I know your worried about me, and I can't say don't be because that's not human emotion. I can say I will be here regardless."

@evcryopeneye

@demcngeneral asked: ❝ i’m here for you. and i mean it. wherever. whenever. reach out. ❞

Here for her?

That didn’t feel true. Though he could tell her a thousand times and she still wouldn’t have believed it. For someone who considered herself a factual person, she has a hard time accepting anything that was supportive to her. Being independent was good, sure, but Feng Wu had managed cross that line into having to do and survive everything by herself. 

Why trust people…when you knew that eventually they would walk away. Even if he seemed dedicated right now, who was to say that it was going to be so in the future. After all, it was better to do without and struggle, than to get used to something nice and it it ripped out of your hands. 

The real question was how did she accomplish that without offending people?

She had a hundred things she could tell him that would cut this conversation dead, refuse help, and managed to put a brick wall in between them… Except she’d noted that when she did that, it seemed to upset people. They were hurt by it. That wasn’t what she wanted to do to people, so instead she was standing there in silence, thinking far too deeply and hard about the subject. 

She didn’t know what to say. How strange was it, that kindness seemed to be the one thing that rendered her stunned and quiet? “I know you are,” she she didn’t think he was lying. It wasn’t after all his intention to lie. It was her problem not his. “But you don’t have to be, this isn’t your fight, and it’s not…I’m starting to think it isn’t something I should be dragging people into either.”

[demcngeneral]

❝ How big will he grow? Do you know? ❞

He smiled as he glanced at the chicks that were currently underfoot, into everything and of course pecking at things that were not food. They were not the brightest at this age, but they gained intellect and wisdom as they grew older. He stopped to scoop one tine fluffy one. It had not shown its colors yet because it had not lost the chick down yet.

He placed it in her hands to pet. "Usually, they grow quickly and with enough years they might grow close to Garuda's size when she is in it." he stated idly plucking another and petting it. The little birds were excitable. Some screamed and ran, others gave chase. Some were trying to eat rock.

"They just have to survive this phase." he said with a small smile. He was the Sect Leader the Demon Commander, and the Demon God all rolled into one the birds even the small ones knew who he was. "Why do you ask?" he inquired

@adversitybloomed

[demcngeneral]

It was truly a beautiful sentiment and once he could share a nod of his head followed and his tone was almost wistful as he answered. "Is that not always the dream?" he asked softly.

"It is a case of making such a thing a reality, though it always seems to demand bloodshed, as though a sacrifice must be made." he took a seat close by without crowding the young woman.

@roscvcins

"Someday - when we are wiser, when the world's older, when we have learned - I pray some day we may yet live to live, and let live."

@demcngeneral liked for a lyric starter !

[demcngeneral]

“You call it a near-death experience; I call it a vibe check from God.” from Wei Ying for my side blog @soundingstars (I'm sorry about him lol)

He was amused and hide the smile under his mask as he glanced side long at Wei Ying. Green eyes glittered with the humor of the statement. He could understand the sentiments, he had spent time as a blade so he really couldn't dispute what the young man said.

"Yes, perhaps." he chuckled "But which god?" he inquired "There are said to be so many--of course there are demon gods, and devil gods, and the lords of hell." he ticked off on the fingers of one hand meanwhile his other rested lazily on the hilt of his blade.

"I can say, most of the time those who consider themselves gods are quite insufferable." he stated though curiosity got the better of him. "Are you heading to the next town?" the road here was long and winding he often walked it for the nature view. This was the first time he encountered a fellow traveler.

@soundingstars

[demcngeneral]

Xiu paused at one of the stalls, her eyes trailing along the goods being sold, before reaching out to let her fingers brush along the fabric, “how beautiful, do you not think?” She asked him, her eyes lifting to find his as she held up one of the dark blue silks towards him to see if it would work. “This would look lovely on you.” (From Hua Xiu @antihxroiism )

He was not sure how she had gotten him into the small bazaar since it was pretty obvious the young lady had been in a bit of trouble. Nitian ErXing was keeping his attention on the area and the people it wouldn't do for someone to get the drop on them here. Like people looking for an absent or missing fairy.

He turned at the tinkling sound of her voice and gave part of his attention to her as she spoke of silks and colors. Emerald eyes crinkled a little in amusement. "I don't know, I wear armor more often than I do silks." he was certain as he said it, this would not lay to rest the conversation. He extended the gloved hand and took the silk in it to examine it with a critical eye. "Do you not think it is an off shade for green eyes?" he asked out of curiosity before he returned the item to her hand.

If she thought, he would have an opinion on a fancy hanfu he would be a disappointment. "You do know I mostly wear armor and carry my blade. Lady?" still, he examined items on the table he preferred greens, golds and blacks. "My preferred colors are green, gold and black." he offered though maybe he should not encourage her.

[demcngeneral]

[demcngeneral]

"I do not really like fighting. I much rather spend time with my needle and thread." ( from Hua Xiu @antihxroiism )

Why someone would want to send assassins after a young woman was beyond his comprehension why people did anything so devastating was to be fair to his train of thought. If they really thought, the Demon God was going to simply allow it to happen they were bigger fools for sending people into this territory. He was known here, and he had friends in this place.

He had dispatched of the would be assassin and taken everything they owned to be placed in his sleeve to examine later. Since he wanted to find out who was sending people after others. It was foolish to him these were people who would simply never return with information, nor would their souls be contactable through any means. His sword was a soul eater, when it came to the cruel and devious.

The silk wrapped boxes were sat on a table in the spacious tea house room. He had rented and he set about unwrapping the silk to set out the bento on the table. There was spiced beef with a chili sauce, spiced fish and vegetables, tempura vegetables & chicken and soup. Two large boxes of rice. "Did you put the tea on ?" he asked politely before he addressed her comment to him.

"You should be you, follow your own path." he stated " If the needle and thread are your calling do not relent, or compromise." he reach up to undo his mask and set it aside. "You are your own person, I am the opposite I am a warrior, I have always been so since I was a boy, and I will be so until I die again." he shrugged his chain armor over his head, leaving the simple leather set on.

"Have you considered doing commissioned work?" he asked He did not bother to speak of the assassin that would never trouble anyone again. It wasn't worth scaring her.

@antihxroiism featuring-Hua Xiu

[demcngeneral]

serving concept this fine weekend are we?

[demcngeneral]

She paused and hunched down over his still form. A gentle poke of a finger followed. "A-Sang...A-Sang, did someone tell you, you had to do paperwork again?"

@cuckoo-among-beasts

Why is Huaisang lying on the floor like that? No one knows, not that anyone seems to be around. He is very still. Besides breathing, he doesn't seem to move at all.

[demcngeneral]

She would always be there to protect him to watch over him her life span was measured in a way even cultivators light dimmed and faded unless they found immortality, like Sizhui and possible Mulan. Her kind before the cure had watched many of the Clan members turn into statues and dust away, she feared she would have to face that as well with ErXing, she knew that his cultivations were powerful, but he also regularly used them to help others it was how he was. Huaisang was the first none Demon Clan member to ever receive one of her eggs. He had an understanding and an appreciation of birds she had not seen in any other man. She liked his company, and his gossip and how he could read a room and tell her what was going on. Coyly behind one of his fans.

The room smelled strongly of stale spirits, and so she knew it had been a bit. The human shaped bird considered "Well that is one good thing out of this." she stated "I would not want you to die." she was earnest in her words and serious in her expression.

Hands that could inflict damage like any predatory bird, is kind and soft with him. Her fingers trail through his hair and work out tangles she rubs spots that had been pulled taunt by his braids and how he had frayed them over time. She can hear the sobs but she doesn't stop him from crying not yet. He needs this release, this build up of pain this is how it gets out, for some its fighting, for some its one of the arts. Huaisang needed to understand he was allowed to cry, allowed to mourn, to be angry and to feel. He has often said he was sad he could not love her as a true wife…and this still baffles her. She believes that he loves her just fine, it doesn't have to be a sexual or romantic love to be a love. She has voiced this before she still feels this. He is her best friend, he is close to her. They will have little Nie's because this is important to the Sect, but they are not lovers, in the true sense of the word. It is a duty for him and a gift from her.

"How often must I tell you, that you are no trouble to me, that my love is unconditional that means fancy robes and parties, or in a room full of bottles where you've over indulged?" her smile doesn't waver, and it touches her eyes still. "You and I love each other just fine." she stated matter-of-factly. "Not all love has to be romantic love, your true love will find you, and I will be your best-friend for always." she stated it was as easy to her as this.

She allows him to cling as long as he likes he's not hurting her. She brought a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and a bottle of water from the other sleeve she heats the water lightly and begins to clean his face free of sweat, tears and snot. Gently her own expression intent on helping him feel a bit more human. Once she is done, she will help him to the bath she had already told the servants to draw. She could warm it with her fire powers. She didn't need to ask him if he felt better, he might feel less a mess though. "Let's get you in the tub, I will stay with you and tend your hair." she said calmly.

Garuda was happy to take care of him. "Then I will get you fresh robes and we can snuggle until you feel better or sleep."

@cuckoo-among-beasts

One of the things she admired about Huaisang was his emotions. She was still learning those and sometimes she wasn't sure what to do with them. Many who thought he was just a headshaker never got past the layers of him. He was guarded as any soul should be when they were Sect leader, and he used an illusion of the man others thought him to be to his advantage. It was admireable. He could be over stimulated via his emotions though. Garuda rarely argued with him, and locked doors were not even a challange.

He doesn't want to be seen like this but she wasn't just anyone, she was Garuda. This was the difference. He felt like he was the worst of the worst but she had seen him with the children of the Sect, of the man sitting in the kitchens with the servants feeding him and chatting, he saw it in how invested he was in art work, how he loved fans. While he was in the way…he could not see his own value or his own worth. It was not something that could be told to him either, until he managed to swim out of the wine.

She voiced the question "When did you last eat ?" her gaze was not harsh or demanding it was the soft voice of his best friend. Of the person who jumped into this at his side. "Don't worry I will tend you." she answered him softly. Her fingers still working on his hair to free it of the many braids that are as much a station as are a fashion statement. Fingers rake through freed hair and delicate fingertips massage his scalp.

She slides fingers from his hair to hug him closer and give him a gentle squeeze. "You are resilient in you pain, what you call vanity I call pride in appearance. You say Lazy, but I have seen you passionate about a project you dedicate blood , sweat and tears too." she countered and she clucked her tongue. "how many times have you saved me from being tossed in jail for walking off with something ? , How many times have I seen you care about the well being of people asking for help, where you have nothing to gain from it, but did it because the common folk needed the aid ?" she pointed out kindly. "Lucky you, I am immune to diseases and virus." her tone tipped upwards. "Your worth any pain though A-Sang…" she said with reassurance. She bumped her forehead to his and nose to his the way a bird would to show affection.

"Look at me. Do I look troubled in the least, the world has been around long before me and will continue to be around long after me. If the idiot cultivators full of themselves don't destroy it on the foolish search for power." she drew back a little to look at him. "You are my bestfriend, and there is no way in any of the hells I would ever leave you to rot, if you must do so I will be here to support you pull you out of the ground and help you to bloom again." she saw the same in Erxing he could be self loathing, keeping people at arms length, preferring his own company. She would drag his butt out of misery how could she do less for her sect leader ?

"Now, shall I get you some fresh robes ?" she asked "Warm soft ones for after your bath ?" she inquired. Though she had not pulled away or untangled him from the pile he was in yet. If he needed a little longer to be snuggled Garuda was happy to do so.

@cuckoo-among-beasts