( One heartbeat, the second. Water thrumming and seeping through cracks and grazed fissures that do not unstitch into holes once more. Fine work, Magnus. Better, when Lan Wangji's cheeks colour, and he chances a glance astray. )
I have travelled passenger aboard a vessel before.
( ...yet never captained, nor steered, nor led maritime vanguard. His brother, perhaps — they are the people of streams, but not their masters. Perhaps, in Yunmeng — clutch of his hands tight like wound rope, grip indiscreet. Better not to injure the lacquer of Jiang Wanyin's dignity with silent brushes of Lan Wangji's tremulous thoughts.
Better still to fold himself, back softened in tepid increments, the start of a bow. )
We shall take the counsel of a captain.
( One barely wedded Lan Wangji, for all he failed each word and practice. He must excel in some skill, to have kept rank. )
no subject
I have travelled passenger aboard a vessel before.
( ...yet never captained, nor steered, nor led maritime vanguard. His brother, perhaps — they are the people of streams, but not their masters. Perhaps, in Yunmeng — clutch of his hands tight like wound rope, grip indiscreet. Better not to injure the lacquer of Jiang Wanyin's dignity with silent brushes of Lan Wangji's tremulous thoughts.
Better still to fold himself, back softened in tepid increments, the start of a bow. )
We shall take the counsel of a captain.
( One barely wedded Lan Wangji, for all he failed each word and practice. He must excel in some skill, to have kept rank. )