[ She... speaks to herself, also, past her sickness. Mutters and mumbles, and it is not for Lan Wangji to question those stricken by madness or foolishness or haunting. He does not presume, but for the sun that blights his eyes, how it drenches her hair in unearthly pallor. No, there is physical affliction married to the spiritual, and if she requires — escort unto trustworthy company, he is tasked to deliver it.
Eased of her, his hand slaps at the lower curvature of his back, a sword seeking the natural hilt of thoughtless, time-honed forms. She speaks, and, head turned, gaze astray, he — does not listen.
Discretion is the better part of value. His hands will come empty, ill supplied, if he does not take this moment to exercise it. Leave the troubled girl her peace. Then, once the cadence of her speech has tired, and he seizes opportunity: ]
I travel south. [ Another eighth of a shi, to the village keep. To whatever depths of fresh-faced hell await him. ] If we may join path.
no subject
Eased of her, his hand slaps at the lower curvature of his back, a sword seeking the natural hilt of thoughtless, time-honed forms. She speaks, and, head turned, gaze astray, he — does not listen.
Discretion is the better part of value. His hands will come empty, ill supplied, if he does not take this moment to exercise it. Leave the troubled girl her peace. Then, once the cadence of her speech has tired, and he seizes opportunity: ]
I travel south. [ Another eighth of a shi, to the village keep. To whatever depths of fresh-faced hell await him. ] If we may join path.
[ Let him escort you, strange woman. ]