This venerable one requests that you meet him in private to use lighting on him again. It is not a test as it was the last time nor is it for purposes of sparring, so it will not break the pact this venerable one has with Benedicta. However, it is important and it must remain secret.
When is the soonest you can meet this venerable one on Avaleci, in the sulfer fields?
[Daqiang is immensely relieved that Cid didn't try to ask about before agreeing to meet. Unfortunately, he knew Cid well enough by now to know that he wouldn't simply strike them and then ask what it was about: he'd have to be convinced to do it if he thought there was any sort of risk.]
This venerable one will be waiting.
----
[And he was. 'Daqiang' was in the sulfur fields, just far enough in that it would not be easy to see them from the hot springs, but not so far that the heat was overwhelming for Orchid's weaker body. Next to 'Daqiang' was a young woman who stood about half a foot shorter than the Moon Supreme and was dressed in an airy and pale dress that rippled with layered pastels that ruffled prettily in the winds. She stood as stiffly as Daqiang usually did and was about as expressive, too.
When she spotted Cid, before he managed to reach the two, she turned an leaned in to murmur to 'Daqiang',: "Call him Cid. He prefers that." then stepped forward to put herself between Cid and the Moon Supreme. Almost like she was... trying to protect him?]
[ 'Daqiang' nods once when the murmured information is given. Nor does 'Daqiang' protest when she steps in front to protect him, though he does reach out to gently take her arm. ]
Thank you for coming to meet us, Cid.
[They could keep up the act, but if Cid is to help them, then he must understand what has happened in the first place. If Daqiang trusts him enough to have him do this in the first place, then how could anyone else do any different? ]
[He may not have asked it then, but he is certainly going to be asking questions. He only decided to hold off on it until he was there in person as he presumes Daqiang wouldn't just ask him to strike him willy nilly.
But when approaches the meeting point...more questions beyond that initial request arise, and his steps slow as he tries to...process. There is a young woman who is reminding him more of Daqiang, and it seemed strange that she would step in front of the taller man like that. And then even stranger when he hears Daqiang speak and...
....take...her...arm...?
Something definitely doesn't feel right, and he doesn't need his Eikon to give him that bit of intuition as he glances from one and then the other.]
[The woman straightens her shoulders, but refrains from folding her arm behind her back because 'Daqiang' was holding it. She actually shifted slightly to make the hold easier for him. So he wouldn't have to hunch his shoulders quite as much. Daqiang didn't hunch.
She lifted her chin a bit so she could attempt to look down her nose at Cid - he was shorter than the other man currently, so it was not quite as easy to do as when they were of equal stature.]
We have been affected by a curse. It can only be reversed through a kiss.
[Though the voice was feminine, the tone was that familiar even and somewhat bored tone that Daqiang had most of the time.]
We must be struck by lighting during the kiss.
[Keep it as simple as possible. No need to go into the details that the curse was something not of this world. He trusted Cid to strike them, but he'd still prefer if Cid didn't realize this wasn't a one-off 'cure']
[ That slight shift to make it easier is noticed, even if it's to ensure that Daqiang doesn't hunch. It's appreciated all the same. This Cid person seems to be on friendly enough terms with Daqiang to know that something is wrong just from their body language and how 'Daqiang' spoke.
Normally, she would bow to Cid in greeting, but is aware that a certain someone wouldn't like that. So there is a simple nod of 'Daqiang's' head with a smile. ]
You can call me Orchid. It's a pleasure to meet you, though I would have preferred to do it in my own body.
[ She wants to make it clear that she is not being forced into this, but wants to swap back. ]
Again, Cid will just darting his eyes from "Daqiang" to "Orchid" and back again as he...]
...A curse.
[...slowly repeats the words while trying to...once again process this. On the one hand, he doesn't expect Daqiang to lie and...all right, part of it is seeing "Orchid" presenting Daqiang's original body in such a strange way, subtle as it is. It's clear she's trying to keep him to appear "normal" and...really it's the words. With that voice.
...]
And I have to strike you both with my lightning...while you're kissing.
[THIS IS SO BIZARRE, HE'S SORRY.]
I'll do it, you'll just have to forgive me if I find this quite absurd. [A small huff of laughter.] But suppose there are worse curses to share with someone.
[From what Daqiang understands of mortals (through the novels he's read), if this were the sort of curse that some magician were to cast - possibly to teach two people what it's like to live a life very different than their own - having to survive a lightning strike while kissing just to get their own body back would be cruel. Mortals could survive lighting strikes, but it was still a much bigger risk to their lives. For the two immortals standing in front of Cid, it wasn't so much cruel as it was an inconvenience. An incredibly problematic one, of course, but not potentially life threatening in and of itself. Daqiang supposes Cid must find that inconvenience humorous.
Cid found many things humorous that Daqiang did not understand.
With a huff, Daqiang turned his head and frowned. Took a breath.]
Fine. This venerable one will forgive you.
[Then he turned further and stepped back from Orchid, breaking her loose hold on his arm so they could face each other. He glanced up at her and then down. Despite her agreeing to this, he wasn't sure if she'd resist his advance or not. Even when wanting to change back, the only time she'd allowed them to do so without fighting him previously, was when she thought he was at risk of being killed by Changheng and that other man from Shuiyuntian. And even then, she had been the one to initiate.
Given those facts, he decided lift his chin, look back up at her in expectation, and wait. She couldn't say he attempted to force anything or fight him if she was the one who initiated the kiss, right? Right.]
[ While Orchid is not pretending to be Daqiang at this moment, she will spare him any of her usual antics that she does with her facial expressions in front of Cid. Except smiling, she will still smile with his face. Mostly because she can't help it, though smiling does make him look more friendly.
She will have to admit that it is amusing, and sometimes very useful - but right now, all she wants is to be back in her own body. That someone here can control the lightning to help them is much better than having to wait for a storm. ]
Thank you for agreeing to help us. I will find a way to repay you.
[ Make Cid some flower cakes or a meal. Help his flowers grow faster and healthier. Something thank him for his help today.
Then Daqiang is stepping away to turn towards her, she allows her hand to fall away. Orchid stares at him as he looks at her in such a way - expecting her to make the first move and initiate the kiss. There are many things about this that are awkward. Being in his body is one of them, having someone to witness it being another. The others all have to do with the fact that his memory does not match hers.
Still, it must be done so she takes that expectant face between her palms and leans down to kiss him. ]
He just smiles in return to Orchid's words as he waits for them to get to it...still feeling a bit. Awkward. It's one thing to just happen to see someone kissing, private or public, it's quite another when he has to wait. Perhaps there's some levity as he wonders if Daqiang knows how, yet there does seem to be some familiarity to this... ...And who is this girl, anyway? When did she show up? How does he know him?
Very juicy questions that he can't wait to ask, but for now it's the kiss and—ah, there they go.
Perhaps he should have asked if Orchid is an immortal or human, but it doesn't matter. Cid has masterful control over his element, and as destructive and deadly as it can be, he knows how lessen the force. So once they initiative the kiss...
...
He may give them a moment or two just in case there's something going on between time, but not too long where it would be too awkward if not. Might as well make the kiss counts as good and proper, eh? After that, there's just the snap of his fingers and a single lightning bolt rushes down from the sky, striking the two of them. It will certainly be felt, a strong, tingling, electrifying rush along with a noticeable heat, but it will not burn nor will they suffer much physical harm. Perhaps a few singed places here and there and a bit of smoke on their hair, but nothing worse for wear. It also will also be over in an instant so they won't have to wait too long.]
[Daqiang stands there, Orchid's arms at his side, staring open-eyed at his own face while Orchid presses their lips together. Controlling himself while in Orchid's body. Right up until the lightning strike, Cid would probably be left with the impression that the situation was entirely an annoyance to the Moon Supreme and he simply wants it over with.]
[However, that impression would not remain for long.
The exact moment the bodyswitch was complete, Daqiang's hand was in Orchid's hair, gripping the nape of her neck firmly and pulling her head backwards as he pressed forwards into the kiss, dipping her slightly. His other arm wrapping tightly around her waist to prevent her from pushing away while he all but devoured her lips. Any hesitation he may have shown while in her body was gone.
It may even have looked like he didn't care about the audience, but that, too, was untrue. He was very much aware of his audience and he was going to be damn sure Cid knew exactly who had a claim on Orchid before any other words could be exchanged.]
[ It is entirely a perfectly normal kiss up until that lightning strike happens. Then the swap happens and truthfully, it seems as if Orchid was expecting the change in Daqiang when he's back in his own body. She knows him very well, and this is the first time they have been in the proper bodies in front of someone. Orchid is also aware that Daqiang is a very jealous man - even if he isn't yet aware of that.
Another thing that Daqiang doesn't know, is that Orchid has already fallen in love with him. So it will be quite the surprise to him when she doesn't even make an attempt to pull away and lifts her hands to cup his face gently.
Really, though. She doesn't entirely understand why Daqiang is so jealous in front of a man she just met. ]
[Indeed, Cid wasn't sure how they would be once they swapped over, especially with how "Daqiang" was acting.
But—]
...Well, right then. Guessing it did.
[—when he sees Daqiang just going at it with that girl, his brows just shoot up before he tactfully looks away, arms crossed over his chest as he feels very much like a third wheel.]
You know the hot springs are right over there? Might be better than out here. In the sulfur.
[That also answers the idle question he had about the god. Good lord, man.]
[Orchid's complete lack of resistance caught him off guard enough that his grip on her eased. Enough that if she wanted to break the kiss, she wouldn't have to fight. His eyes blinked open to see if what he was feeling from her - her hands on his face, her leaning back into him, the seeming eagerness of it - was real. The softness of her lips and the gentleness of her fingers eased as he became the one to pull away in soft wonder, heart fluttering oddly and breath difficult to swallow without gulping it down.
While he had started the kiss with the intention of staking a claim, Orchid's response made him forget Cid was there for a few brief moments. So his statement about the sulfur and the smell that Daqiang had largely ignored had Daqiang's eyes slipping away from Orchid to find Cid with his back to them.
His eyes blinked a few times while he stared at Cid's back, knowing he should probably say something. But with Orchid's response to the kiss - and her still in his arms - his mind was having trouble coming back into focus. Had she really been kissing him back?]
[ That does seem to have done the trick, as Daqiang's grip loosens in surprise, and he's the one to pull away first. She has always been the one to pull away or attempt to push him away, which never seemed to have an effect on him. At least not to her knowledge, anyway.
Cid's voice is like dowsing herself in water - much like it had been when Shangque interrupted their last kiss. She turns in Daqiang's arms to hide her face from Cid, despite his own back being turned, hands coming up to cover her blushing cheeks. Yet she still doesn't move away from the stunned Moon Supreme now that she can. ]
My apologies! We aren't— [ Yet Orchid can't bring herself to finish that because it would be half a lie. She loves Daqiang and would marry him in a heartbeat, but he does not feel the same in return. The kiss to him was not entirely the same as it was for her. ]
I will make you a full meal in thanks. [ And as an apology for having to witness them "making out" in public. ]
["We aren't". He had imagined it then. He must have. Whatever had been in the willing return of his kiss was probably just relief at being in her own body once more. She had always been easy with her affections. Throwing herself at him for hugs when happy. Grabbing his arm and bouncing on her feet because she could not contain her emotions and did not bother to try. It was nothing more than joy at returning to herself.
His posture straightened as she turned in his arms, hiding from Cid in her embarrassment. Daqiang put one hand behind his back, but kept the one around her waist where it was. Then he shot Cid a glare for his attempt to tease when Orchid was already clearly distressed.]
Do not.
[Whether or not he trusted Cid and thought well of him, making Orchid unhappy was not acceptable. Waiting a moment to ensure his warning was acknowledged, then continued:]
If you wish to accompany us back to the hot springs, you may. This venerable one... thanks you, Cid, for your aid in this matter.
[ Cid is certainly half-right, as far as Daqiang is concerned - Orchid still has affections for someone else. He doesn't wish to know about his future, in which she has realized that it wasn't love and instead found true love with the man standing next to her. It's true that she has always been easy with her physical affections - not having many people outside her very few friends and Daqiang to share them with. It's not as though Orchid goes around kissing people!
She is a shy flower when it comes to truly being in love, but she does notice that one arm remains around her. Which is nice and does make her feel safe, so Orchid lays a hand on Daqiang's arm to try and return that feeling of comfort a little. ]
It's fine, it's fine! Don't be angry, Daqiang.
[ Orchid doesn't even need to look to know that Daqiang is glaring at Cid, that's a common tactic for the Moon Supreme. The only thing that is making her unhappy is something that can be resolved with time and his accompaniment. After taking another minute to collect herself, she turns back around to have a better conversation with their helper. ]
Is there a food that you enjoy, Cid? If I don't know how to make it, I will find a way to learn.
[Fortunately, he's fairly immune to glares. He has a certain bird that glares at him constantly so he just continues to smile in some amusement as he meets Daqiang's gaze before he hears those words of gratitude. Well look at that, he got a thank you from the Moon Supreme himself...! achievement unlocked
However, he knows better than to push it too much, not wanting to rile up his friend too much. So he just chuckles as he nods in understanding before he looks over at Orchid.
Curious...very curious...]
I am a bit curious about our young lady here, so if you don't mind me learning a bit more then I'll hang around for a bit. And I'm not really too picky, nor would I want you to go out of your way to make something you're not familiar with. [Hmmm.] However, if you so insist, I wouldn't mind trying something from your homeland.
[As Orchid turns around to face Cid, Cid would see the hand on her waist curl slowly into a fist before slipping down and away. When he began walking, putting himself subtly in front of her once more, the hand hung at his side, no longer in a fist. His gaze settled on a point in the distance, but he maintained total awareness of where Orchid was relative to him. Alert for potential threats.
Cid counted among them if Daqiang's body language was anything to go off of.]
Orchid is from the Three Realms and and under this venerable one's protection.
[He said simply, then fell quiet. Orchid was certain to fill in anything else. She was far more talkative than he was and so long as Cid understood that Daqiang took his protection of Orchid seriously, then Daqiang would be content to let them speak while he kept an eye them both. Unlike the situation at Silent Moon Palace, in this world he could not count on the loyalty of hundreds of guards to give their life to protect Orchid when he was not near.]
[ His fist goes unnoticed, but his protective positioning does not - not that it seems to matter because with some quick steps, she catches up to walk beside Daqiang. Orchid stays within arm's reach of him, even if it means having to walk a bit faster. It says that she is well-aware of why he's so alert and ready to protect her from harm, nor does she dislike it.
Not that she thinks Cid is a threat after he went through all this trouble to help them. ]
I am a... [ Here she pauses a bit, looking up at Daqiang. ] flower fairy from Shuiyuntian.
[ Orchid can guess what Daqiang will think about the pause, they have had a few conversations about this just from his last memory of home. Regardless of what she truly is and where she's from, Shuiyuntian has been her home. One of them. He isn't yet aware that Orchid has questioned everything about herself, which is the truth behind the pause. ]
My Shifu found me as a little orchid seed, she took care of me and taught me how to fix Destiny Books. I have fixed forty-two thousand, and seven hundred in my thousand years of cultivation. My cultivation isn't very good, but I have been getting better since meeting Daqiang. I can make flowers and other plants grow and bloom.
Before I met Daqiang, I had never left Shuiyuntian, but now I've been to all Three Realms and this far away place. [ So she is somewhat sheltered, and knows it. ]
[Cid will keep his own pace a little slower to better match hers, but he does notice not only that fist but Daqiang's protective stance. It makes him arch a brow, and almost wants to tease them.... But knowing Daqiang's disposition, he'll forgo that idea. Better to not rile up his god-friend's ire.
So he'll just look at Orchid with some curious interest. Damn that's a lot of years and a lot of books—but since he's already heard about Daqiang it's a little less surprising...if still something to try and comprehend.]
A flower fairy? Well can't say I've met one before, but I can believe it.
[And there's his natural charming smile....that he should probably do less of. Don't glare at him, Daqiang, he's not even trying anything!!]
But what is this "cultivation"? I take it doesn't mean agriculture.
[Daqiang's occasional disgruntled glare shot at him over the top of Orchid's head is something that Cid will simply have to weather for the time being. But he otherwise seemed fine in allowing Orchid to walk between the two of them. Protected on both sides despite how ready he was to grab the fairy and pull her against his side at a moment's notice.
Though he remained silent, allowing Orchid to speak with Cid without his own interruption (at least for now), his presence was noticeable in the distinct decrease of the heat around both Orchid and Cid. Taking it into himself now that he was back in his own body and could do something to keep her from wilting from continued exposure. It had been disturbingly uncomfortable to feel that kind of heat while in her body. He knew what it must feel like to her.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Text | Backdated to March 1st
This venerable one requests that you meet him in private to use lighting on him again. It is not a test as it was the last time nor is it for purposes of sparring, so it will not break the pact this venerable one has with Benedicta. However, it is important and it must remain secret.
When is the soonest you can meet this venerable one on Avaleci, in the sulfer fields?
no subject
text -> Action
This venerable one will be waiting.
----
[And he was. 'Daqiang' was in the sulfur fields, just far enough in that it would not be easy to see them from the hot springs, but not so far that the heat was overwhelming for Orchid's weaker body. Next to 'Daqiang' was a young woman who stood about half a foot shorter than the Moon Supreme and was dressed in an airy and pale dress that rippled with layered pastels that ruffled prettily in the winds. She stood as stiffly as Daqiang usually did and was about as expressive, too.
When she spotted Cid, before he managed to reach the two, she turned an leaned in to murmur to 'Daqiang',: "Call him Cid. He prefers that." then stepped forward to put herself between Cid and the Moon Supreme. Almost like she was... trying to protect him?]
Action
Thank you for coming to meet us, Cid.
[They could keep up the act, but if Cid is to help them, then he must understand what has happened in the first place. If Daqiang trusts him enough to have him do this in the first place, then how could anyone else do any different? ]
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But when approaches the meeting point...more questions beyond that initial request arise, and his steps slow as he tries to...process. There is a young woman who is reminding him more of Daqiang, and it seemed strange that she would step in front of the taller man like that. And then even stranger when he hears Daqiang speak and...
....take...her...arm...?
Something definitely doesn't feel right, and he doesn't need his Eikon to give him that bit of intuition as he glances from one and then the other.]
...All right, you have some explaining to do.
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She lifted her chin a bit so she could attempt to look down her nose at Cid - he was shorter than the other man currently, so it was not quite as easy to do as when they were of equal stature.]
We have been affected by a curse. It can only be reversed through a kiss.
[Though the voice was feminine, the tone was that familiar even and somewhat bored tone that Daqiang had most of the time.]
We must be struck by lighting during the kiss.
[Keep it as simple as possible. No need to go into the details that the curse was something not of this world. He trusted Cid to strike them, but he'd still prefer if Cid didn't realize this wasn't a one-off 'cure']
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Normally, she would bow to Cid in greeting, but is aware that a certain someone wouldn't like that. So there is a simple nod of 'Daqiang's' head with a smile. ]
You can call me Orchid. It's a pleasure to meet you, though I would have preferred to do it in my own body.
[ She wants to make it clear that she is not being forced into this, but wants to swap back. ]
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............
.....................
Again, Cid will just darting his eyes from "Daqiang" to "Orchid" and back again as he...]
...A curse.
[...slowly repeats the words while trying to...once again process this. On the one hand, he doesn't expect Daqiang to lie and...all right, part of it is seeing "Orchid" presenting Daqiang's original body in such a strange way, subtle as it is. It's clear she's trying to keep him to appear "normal" and...really it's the words. With that voice.
...]
And I have to strike you both with my lightning...while you're kissing.
[THIS IS SO BIZARRE, HE'S SORRY.]
I'll do it, you'll just have to forgive me if I find this quite absurd. [A small huff of laughter.] But suppose there are worse curses to share with someone.
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Cid found many things humorous that Daqiang did not understand.
With a huff, Daqiang turned his head and frowned. Took a breath.]
Fine. This venerable one will forgive you.
[Then he turned further and stepped back from Orchid, breaking her loose hold on his arm so they could face each other. He glanced up at her and then down. Despite her agreeing to this, he wasn't sure if she'd resist his advance or not. Even when wanting to change back, the only time she'd allowed them to do so without fighting him previously, was when she thought he was at risk of being killed by Changheng and that other man from Shuiyuntian. And even then, she had been the one to initiate.
Given those facts, he decided lift his chin, look back up at her in expectation, and wait. She couldn't say he attempted to force anything or fight him if she was the one who initiated the kiss, right? Right.]
This venerable one is ready.
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She will have to admit that it is amusing, and sometimes very useful - but right now, all she wants is to be back in her own body. That someone here can control the lightning to help them is much better than having to wait for a storm. ]
Thank you for agreeing to help us. I will find a way to repay you.
[ Make Cid some flower cakes or a meal. Help his flowers grow faster and healthier. Something thank him for his help today.
Then Daqiang is stepping away to turn towards her, she allows her hand to fall away. Orchid stares at him as he looks at her in such a way - expecting her to make the first move and initiate the kiss. There are many things about this that are awkward. Being in his body is one of them, having someone to witness it being another. The others all have to do with the fact that his memory does not match hers.
Still, it must be done so she takes that expectant face between her palms and leans down to kiss him. ]
no subject
He just smiles in return to Orchid's words as he waits for them to get to it...still feeling a bit. Awkward. It's one thing to just happen to see someone kissing, private or public, it's quite another when he has to wait. Perhaps there's some levity as he wonders if Daqiang knows how, yet there does seem to be some familiarity to this... ...And who is this girl, anyway? When did she show up? How does he know him?
Very juicy questions that he can't wait to ask, but for now it's the kiss and—ah, there they go.
Perhaps he should have asked if Orchid is an immortal or human, but it doesn't matter. Cid has masterful control over his element, and as destructive and deadly as it can be, he knows how lessen the force. So once they initiative the kiss...
...
He may give them a moment or two just in case there's something going on between time, but not too long where it would be too awkward if not. Might as well make the kiss counts as good and proper, eh? After that, there's just the snap of his fingers and a single lightning bolt rushes down from the sky, striking the two of them. It will certainly be felt, a strong, tingling, electrifying rush along with a noticeable heat, but it will not burn nor will they suffer much physical harm. Perhaps a few singed places here and there and a bit of smoke on their hair, but nothing worse for wear. It also will also be over in an instant so they won't have to wait too long.]
Hope that worked.
1/2
2/2
The exact moment the bodyswitch was complete, Daqiang's hand was in Orchid's hair, gripping the nape of her neck firmly and pulling her head backwards as he pressed forwards into the kiss, dipping her slightly. His other arm wrapping tightly around her waist to prevent her from pushing away while he all but devoured her lips. Any hesitation he may have shown while in her body was gone.
It may even have looked like he didn't care about the audience, but that, too, was untrue. He was very much aware of his audience and he was going to be damn sure Cid knew exactly who had a claim on Orchid before any other words could be exchanged.]
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Another thing that Daqiang doesn't know, is that Orchid has already fallen in love with him. So it will be quite the surprise to him when she doesn't even make an attempt to pull away and lifts her hands to cup his face gently.
Really, though. She doesn't entirely understand why Daqiang is so jealous in front of a man she just met. ]
no subject
But—]
...Well, right then. Guessing it did.
[—when he sees Daqiang just going at it with that girl, his brows just shoot up before he tactfully looks away, arms crossed over his chest as he feels very much like a third wheel.]
You know the hot springs are right over there? Might be better than out here. In the sulfur.
[That also answers the idle question he had about the god. Good lord, man.]
no subject
While he had started the kiss with the intention of staking a claim, Orchid's response made him forget Cid was there for a few brief moments. So his statement about the sulfur and the smell that Daqiang had largely ignored had Daqiang's eyes slipping away from Orchid to find Cid with his back to them.
His eyes blinked a few times while he stared at Cid's back, knowing he should probably say something. But with Orchid's response to the kiss - and her still in his arms - his mind was having trouble coming back into focus. Had she really been kissing him back?]
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Cid's voice is like dowsing herself in water - much like it had been when Shangque interrupted their last kiss. She turns in Daqiang's arms to hide her face from Cid, despite his own back being turned, hands coming up to cover her blushing cheeks. Yet she still doesn't move away from the stunned Moon Supreme now that she can. ]
My apologies! We aren't— [ Yet Orchid can't bring herself to finish that because it would be half a lie. She loves Daqiang and would marry him in a heartbeat, but he does not feel the same in return. The kiss to him was not entirely the same as it was for her. ]
I will make you a full meal in thanks. [ And as an apology for having to witness them "making out" in public. ]
no subject
What, not together yet?
[That grin turns into a mischievous smirk as he glances first at Orchid and then at Daqiang, a playful spark in his eyes.]
Could have had me fooled back there.
[Ooooh, he is so not going to let them off the hook for this. Least of all Daqiang.]
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His posture straightened as she turned in his arms, hiding from Cid in her embarrassment. Daqiang put one hand behind his back, but kept the one around her waist where it was. Then he shot Cid a glare for his attempt to tease when Orchid was already clearly distressed.]
Do not.
[Whether or not he trusted Cid and thought well of him, making Orchid unhappy was not acceptable. Waiting a moment to ensure his warning was acknowledged, then continued:]
If you wish to accompany us back to the hot springs, you may. This venerable one... thanks you, Cid, for your aid in this matter.
no subject
She is a shy flower when it comes to truly being in love, but she does notice that one arm remains around her. Which is nice and does make her feel safe, so Orchid lays a hand on Daqiang's arm to try and return that feeling of comfort a little. ]
It's fine, it's fine! Don't be angry, Daqiang.
[ Orchid doesn't even need to look to know that Daqiang is glaring at Cid, that's a common tactic for the Moon Supreme. The only thing that is making her unhappy is something that can be resolved with time and his accompaniment. After taking another minute to collect herself, she turns back around to have a better conversation with their helper. ]
Is there a food that you enjoy, Cid? If I don't know how to make it, I will find a way to learn.
no subject
achievement unlockedHowever, he knows better than to push it too much, not wanting to rile up his friend too much. So he just chuckles as he nods in understanding before he looks over at Orchid.
Curious...very curious...]
I am a bit curious about our young lady here, so if you don't mind me learning a bit more then I'll hang around for a bit. And I'm not really too picky, nor would I want you to go out of your way to make something you're not familiar with. [Hmmm.] However, if you so insist, I wouldn't mind trying something from your homeland.
no subject
Cid counted among them if Daqiang's body language was anything to go off of.]
Orchid is from the Three Realms and and under this venerable one's protection.
[He said simply, then fell quiet. Orchid was certain to fill in anything else. She was far more talkative than he was and so long as Cid understood that Daqiang took his protection of Orchid seriously, then Daqiang would be content to let them speak while he kept an eye them both. Unlike the situation at Silent Moon Palace, in this world he could not count on the loyalty of hundreds of guards to give their life to protect Orchid when he was not near.]
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Not that she thinks Cid is a threat after he went through all this trouble to help them. ]
I am a... [ Here she pauses a bit, looking up at Daqiang. ] flower fairy from Shuiyuntian.
[ Orchid can guess what Daqiang will think about the pause, they have had a few conversations about this just from his last memory of home. Regardless of what she truly is and where she's from, Shuiyuntian has been her home. One of them. He isn't yet aware that Orchid has questioned everything about herself, which is the truth behind the pause. ]
My Shifu found me as a little orchid seed, she took care of me and taught me how to fix Destiny Books. I have fixed forty-two thousand, and seven hundred in my thousand years of cultivation. My cultivation isn't very good, but I have been getting better since meeting Daqiang. I can make flowers and other plants grow and bloom.
Before I met Daqiang, I had never left Shuiyuntian, but now I've been to all Three Realms and this far away place. [ So she is somewhat sheltered, and knows it. ]
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So he'll just look at Orchid with some curious interest. Damn that's a lot of years and a lot of books—but since he's already heard about Daqiang it's a little less surprising...if still something to try and comprehend.]
A flower fairy? Well can't say I've met one before, but I can believe it.
[And there's his natural charming smile....that he should probably do less of. Don't glare at him, Daqiang, he's not even trying anything!!]
But what is this "cultivation"? I take it doesn't mean agriculture.
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Though he remained silent, allowing Orchid to speak with Cid without his own interruption (at least for now), his presence was noticeable in the distinct decrease of the heat around both Orchid and Cid. Taking it into himself now that he was back in his own body and could do something to keep her from wilting from continued exposure. It had been disturbingly uncomfortable to feel that kind of heat while in her body. He knew what it must feel like to her.]
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me not realizing it was my turn---SORRY
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