[ Atonement. Only, that suggests the method is certain, the outcome resolute. That he is correct in instinct and divination, and the drip of his back will drench southbound and that will be price enough, weighing down Five's hand. That it will suffice him.
There are no guarantees in this, between them. No certainties, no absolutes. He cannot presume. What has knelt one man need to raise patience within another. Wangji's hands bind, sternly splayed on hard ground, fit of his fingers turned claws — anchored. He thinks, he feels each spear of light that whispers obedience on his back, stirring the thought and silhouette of scars old, revelations new. ]
Asking adjudication.
[ Coaxing, if not Five's understanding, then — words whispered hard and thick, like blood slow to descend of a deep chest wound — then his justice. Let him choose, then, how he wishes this done between them: what amends will suit him, what words, what pledges.
The sinner cannot name the toll of the sin, cannot perform it unbidden. It is Five's to determine. ]
no subject
There are no guarantees in this, between them. No certainties, no absolutes. He cannot presume. What has knelt one man need to raise patience within another. Wangji's hands bind, sternly splayed on hard ground, fit of his fingers turned claws — anchored. He thinks, he feels each spear of light that whispers obedience on his back, stirring the thought and silhouette of scars old, revelations new. ]
Asking adjudication.
[ Coaxing, if not Five's understanding, then — words whispered hard and thick, like blood slow to descend of a deep chest wound — then his justice. Let him choose, then, how he wishes this done between them: what amends will suit him, what words, what pledges.
The sinner cannot name the toll of the sin, cannot perform it unbidden. It is Five's to determine. ]