Who is pretending to be innocent? [Open]

[malicing]

WHO: Jin Guangyao & Open
WHEN: August 7-8
WHERE: Lady Odile's caravan and then Taravast!
WHAT: Eavesdropping and then assuming his role as a prophetic shepherd.
WARNINGS: TBD

[Caravan]

They said he had visited one of the hidden temples. They told him he was marked by his journey and he couldn't argue with them. Dust coated his robes and there was something like tar on the fabric too, ruining the fabric no doubt, though he rather hoped not. Robes of this quality were not easy to come by and he liked how they emphasized his beauty. But those were matters for another day. He was given other robes of lesser quality and accepted, warmly, into the caravan. Lady Odile did not seem to mind speaking openly before him either and he memorized what she said.

There was a suitor and...fears. Understandable fears. Guangyao comforted the lady with his unique, humble charm, soothing her of those fears. He knew, in a moment, if necessary, he could reawaken them. Noble ladies were so...useful.

Eventually, however, he left her side, peering around at his fellow travelers. A man like him had to be cautious and he touched Hensheng subtly, doing his utmost to seem...harmless. And lost. Awakening empathy kept him safe.

"Would you happen to have some water? I have been traveling for what feels like a long time!"

[Taravast]

His role was explained to him and he assumed it smoothly, dressing the part of a simple shepherd - though with a mask hiding his features. He grabbed a staff to further his act and walked into court as if he had always belonged there. Once he reached the most resonant part of the chamber, he pounded his staff against the floor and announced:

"Open your eyes! Can't you see it? The end is upon us!" he turned on any watchers, his voice passionate and breathy, "I have seen it..."

[Taravast, Part II]

After performing his act, he slipped into the crowd, losing the staff and using his height and build to his advantage. He could lose himself in crowds. Even the tone of his voice had changed; now softer, sweeter.

"Will we be fed soon? I do hope so."

That shepherd was a different person, surely. The one speaking was only a young man far from home.

Comments

Caravan

[beitangmoran]

The man that turns around might look... awfully familiar.

The robes he is wearing are of rich blue and silver silk. His hair is done up differently, pinned by a beautifully simple yet elegant silver and pearl pin. And while his face shows mostly kind yet vague disinterest, it seems quite obvious he is not used to being asked these types of questions.

It seems equally obvious, too, that Jing Guangyao is a complete stranger to him. There's no recognition at all in his eyes upon facing him.

"I'm sorry, I don't. Xunxian usually tends to those things for me. I do believe people by the transport carts probably have the food stores and water with them."

taravast ii }

[rumorate]

Allison does love an entrance.

Her eyes turned towards the sound of the voice when they make their presentation, as well as taking in the suitor that comes with the caravan. The girl isn't particularly impressive, but this is more about what she represents than who she is. Which is unfortunate for the girl. Good thing Allison is looking to intervene.

After the performance, she catches the voice of the other man, and offers him a small smile.

"Probably. The feast usually comes after the big performance."

[malicing]

Yes. Terribly, frightfully familiar. So much so that Guangyao loses all color and takes a step back on instinct. Even the lack of recognition doesn't comfort him. Wuxian had been a good actor too, hadn't he?

Running would be too rash, though it is terribly appealing! Swallowing his fear, he smooths a hand down the front of his robes. At least he is no longer covered in dust and tar. His smile is slow to come and he tilts his head, curious about that name.

"I have not met Xunxian." Guangyao fidgets awkwardly before smiling again, "I shall seek them out shortly. Thank you for your guidance, my lord."

[malicing]

"They will want to keep our interest." Guangyao replies, giving away that perhaps he knows a bit more about courtly politics than he had let on, "May I ask your name? Mine is Guangyao." he gives her a short bow - nowhere near his usual flourishes. But they are in a place where he doesn't want to stand out.

Not yet anyway.

Taravast (I dunno, so you get one of each?)

[thesuspense]

It's the voice he recognised first, then he just watched with amusement, which his mask didn't hide, as it only covered the top half of his face. He needed the lower half free, as he bit into a piece of fruit he'd picked up on the way, enjoying the sweetness as much as he was enjoying the show.

So he was here. Maybe it should surprise him more than it did, but with how strange everything about being here had been, he just took it in stride. Licking some of the juices off his lips, he took care to swallow before calling out a question. "What's it look like?!"

:D

[malicing]

His mask covered his entire face - for the sake of his safety. However, for anyone who knew him, his build was unmistakable. Guangyao was plagued with a delicate physique that mirrored his mother's. It seemed Meng Shi's blood ran stronger in him than Jin Guangshan's, though he chose not to pay that any mind.

That voice, however, was unmistakable and he tilted his head just enough to see...

A delinquent.

"Fire raining from the sky! Crops will be burned to ash..."

That...was prophetic, was it not? Xue Yang's appearance had thrown him off and he scowled at the man from behind his mask.

[beitangmoran]

Moran has been here long enough by now to know what those reactions are for. And it's always interesting to see how people react.

"... An acquaintance of Master Wei, I presume. Although you do not appear to be on the friendliest terms, if that's the case."

That seems to amuse him, though, and he does not object even a bit to being called 'my lord', either.

[rumorate]

She gives a small bow in return - more of a courtly curtsey, but she's nothing if not polite. Plus, he's supposed to be playing a member of the court, so she might as well make the most of her manners.

"Allison. A pleasure to meet you, Guangyao. Are you new to Taravast?"

Her own subtle way of asking of he was part of the caravan or a long-term local.

[malicing]

"I never had that honor." Guangyao replies sharply, smiling apologetically immediately after, his head nodding faintly, "He was known to me."

How much does this man know? Guangyao had made Wuxian a fine scapegoat, but will the story hold up in a new world? Well, why shouldn't it?

[malicing]

Allison, darling, he really must teach you how to curtsy. Or is that sexist? Guangyao was raised in a world with clear lines for the sexes; lines that were rarely pushed aside for anyone.

"I am." he steps closer to her so their conversation is even harder to hear, "Lady Odile found me in the wilds, covered in dust and tar."

She might know of the harpies and the hidden caverns.

[rumorate]

Yeah, her world doesn't have those delineations. And more to the point, even if they did, Allison wouldn't follow them. She's been doing her best to play along, but being the matchmaker does give her a certain amount of leeway.

She does know of those harpies. In fact, she was personally involved in making them angry. But the mention of Lady Odile does catch her attention.

"Ahh, yes. Our young potential bride to be. She seems like such a lovely girl."

[malicing]

He is only a simple shepherd who may or may not be seeing prophecies, so he has little say in courtly matters! Except, he had overheard something very useful for the matchmaker. He couldn't bear a lady entering an unhappy marriage.

"She is. I was present for her...misgivings...about her intended." he smiles as if all is well, but the way his dark eyes flicker from her face to the crowd says a great deal, "She isn't sure she believes the rumors about him."

[beitangmoran]

"We are aware of the resemblance, although we do not have an explanation for it. And for the people who knows us, we are not that hard to tell apart once you get used to it."

Starting with their clothes and mannerisms, which are entirely different. Where Wei Wuxian always seems to vibrate with some sort of unspent energy, this man radiates calm and poise.

Still that fear and step back upon seeing his face intrigues Moran, and he is definitely going to file this away for later observation. That being said....

"We have not been introduced, I believe."

And really, the person coming in should introduced themselves first.

[rumorate]

"Really?"

Now that is quite curious. She would very much like to question this further, but perhaps not in the middle of the crowd where other people might be able to hear it. After all, if she's going to thwart Malacuso's intentions, she probably shouldn't let other people hear it.

"Why don't you come sit by me? I would love to hear more about the Lady Odile."

[thesuspense]

All he had really been after was that scowl, which he noted with satisfaction, taking another bite of the fruit with an answering smile.

"Sounds hot." Not that he appeared overly worried at the prospect, that being his only comment. He sounded mocking, of course he did, and that probably lessened the impact of the performance a little.

Still, he took some steps back to lean against a wall nearby instead, deciding to leave him be, in case there was a point to the charade. However, he didn't move too far away. It could not hurt to reconnect. He'd missed his friend.

[malicing]

The way Moran speaks is clue enough, however, even so, it will take Guangyao time to not jump upon seeing his face. There is unfinished business between him and Wuxian, though he doubts the man has any clue. Or maybe that's just his pride speaking?

"I am Jin Guangyao, Your Highness." he notices that royal we, "Leader of the Lanling Jin sect." and not a man prone to wandering the wilderness aimlessly.

He has a place to be and people to serve. Being a proper Jin has been his dream since he was a child.

[malicing]

"As you wish." Guangyao is easy to persuade on this point. Once he is seated beside her, he smiles, glancing around for a moment before he continues:

"I reassured her, of course, but one can't be certain that rumors are true. Especially when they concern a public figure. Often those compliments are fabricated to suit the person's image."

[malicing]

Did they hunt demons or were they becoming demons, Chengmei? Sometimes Guangyao wasn't certain. He wrinkled his nose in disgust at the comment, wishing he could lob an apple at the man's head. But that would be seen as violent, no doubt, and he would be thrown out.

"Beware your actions lest you bring the apocalypse upon you sooner!" he slammed his staff against the floor aggressively, "Already it is in motion. Think about how you wish to spend your last days."

Frankly his own message disturbed him. He turned from the crowd, tossed the staff into a corner and eventually made his way to Xue Yang.

"How dreadful."

[beitangmoran]

Well, well, well... not only he noticed from Moran's speech patterns, he tried to use the correct from of address as well. It seems like it might be more of a benefit to not tell him to use it for now.

"And I am sure you will not be surprised to hear I am, unfortunately, unfamiliar with the Lanling Jin Sect."

He should probably introduce himself now but he's curious... what is this man going to do if he doesn't?

[rumorate]

"It's very true. People in politics especially are good at putting on their masks as far as what the people see." Allison settles next to him, considering as she moves through the conversation. "So Lady Odile is very invested in the relationship?"

[malicing]

"That does not surprise me." Guangyao finds himself in an irritating spot and he clearly battles with himself over a solution. If he asks for Moran's identity, he could offend the man and he makes a point of never offending royalty. However if he doesn't, Moran will remain mysterious and, to put it bluntly, haunting.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for asking, but may I know your name?"

[malicing]

"Extremely. As any lady would be. She wants to have a good marriage with an attractive, kindhearted man." Guangyao might be jumping to conclusions, though those qualities can hardly be seen as negative, surely? He turns towards Allison, his hands perched on his lap.

[beitangmoran]

"That is not my title", Moran chides gently. "It is that of my nephew. 'Your Highness will be adequate enough if you insist on using one, which, to be clear, I do not. Such titles mean nothing here."

But, for some reason, Moran feels like this man needs the information, not necessarily to do anything with it just yet, but maybe later. Too give it to him or not...

Well, it barely matters here anyway. And he has told a few other people in recent days, so it might very well come out from someone else, so he might as well.

"My name is Beitang Moran, Prince Chen and former Imperial Regent of Huangdao. His Majesty the Emperor is my nephew."

[malicing]

"Forgive me." Guangyao whispers immediately, smiling apologetically as he understands the connection. So he is speaking to the uncle of a emperor! While the titles may not matter in this world, it does tell him that Moran is, likely, a skilled politician.

"I would not say they mean nothing to me." he begins, "Your position has prepared you for the sort of tumult we may experience in court. Please do not keep quiet about your opinion. It could save us a lot of pain."

[beitangmoran]

"I am certainly planning to help out people who might not be familiar with such an environment if need be..."

Moran stops, and looks Jing Guangyao up and down.

"You'll probably be fine without my help, though."

[malicing]

"Don't be so sure!" his eyes widen, innocent and lost, "My experience as a leader can't match with what you have endured. I suggest..." Guangyao's eyes are suddenly lidded and his voice dips pleasantly, "We aid each other."

[beitangmoran]

Moran arches an elegant eyebrow, one side of his mouth quirking up.

"And what aid do you think you can give me, Jin-gongzi?"

Is he not using any title intentionally? Probably, but also he honestly doesn't know what all these 'sect' people call themselves.

[malicing]

He chooses to not take offense. Moran hasn't set himself aside as one of those who speaks to and of him poorly.

"I have been nothing more than a peasant. I understand that life and the trials it presents."

Unlike one who has likely been a noble his entire life.

[beitangmoran]

"... And what makes you think I don't already have someone like that with me, Jin-gonzi?"

He smiles to himself softly. He understands that people from the court are more sheltered than most, and that is why, sine very young, he was also adamant that Su Xunxian was going to stay by his side. not just for the instant connection they shared, but also for the way Xunxian could keep him grounded and in touch with the outside world.

"We are all in this mess together, and all need to help one another out. Any talent you possess is better offered to the community. Ask Su Xunxian for the logistics of the food and drink distribution."

[malicing]

Rejection is nothing new. The sting is hidden quickly, tucked neatly away behind a friendly smile. But Guangyao never forgets slights. He hoards them like a mutinous dragon.

"I see." he inclines his head politely, heart pounding in his ears, "I wish you well."

The words if you have need of me, only ask burn on his tongue and he swallows them. No, he won't grovel. Not even to a prince.

[beitangmoran]

"And you as well."

Moran is not a person who expects, or even likes, grovelling, and he did not refuse those advances with that goal in mind. Simply put, this type of weirdly secret dealings right now just strike him as... odd. There is no good reason to try and form secret alliances with only some members of their party right no, except as an assurance for the future... and none of them know what the future holds.

This Jin Guangyao certainly is an interesting character.

[rumorate]

"Well, I can't speak overtly to Lord Macaluso's character. We have only just made our acquaintance." And she shouldn't, given that she's here to work towards the best interests of Lady Vannozza, and it's inconclusive as to whether the marriage will help him or hurt him.

"But perhaps if she is so concerned with love, she should keep her options open. Ensure that she has the right man in hand."

soooo late, feel free to ignore

[thesuspense]

"The apocalypse or spending my last days here with you?" Xue Yang asked the question and then just grinned, seeing no reason to answer with anything other than that and the slightest shake of his head before taking another bite of his fruit. His eyes stayed on the other man, however, no sign of boredom there. Things never really got boring around him, after all, one of the reasons he liked him. "You get very into the role. Fun."