( A lesser man before him, he might wonder, shiver. Might question the strength of the blade or the resolve, the sharp edge of the proffered — but his eyes shutter, his brother's blade grazes. Blood rains down with naked, paramount finality.
In wake of death, anticipation — then, silence. He breathes.
Then remembers himself, bones and limbs and poise and posture, up where brother bids him, calm and straight-backed beneath Xichen's measure. Unassuming. Worn. He thinks — his brother is livened with the weary squalor of a man thieved of hope. Thinks too, Wangji is hollowed, selfish — content to have his brother present, for all the threat involved.
Bichen hisses, a cold weight in hand. He clasps her ready, then Xichen's bare hand with a tired squeeze, dragging his brother's corpse-bloodied knuckles to Wangji's headband in passing, familiar greeting. He releases after. )
Permit me to watch your back. ( Here, the truth between them: one is heir, the other spare. The sect cannot afford to lose its leader. )
: )
( A lesser man before him, he might wonder, shiver. Might question the strength of the blade or the resolve, the sharp edge of the proffered — but his eyes shutter, his brother's blade grazes. Blood rains down with naked, paramount finality.
In wake of death, anticipation — then, silence. He breathes.
Then remembers himself, bones and limbs and poise and posture, up where brother bids him, calm and straight-backed beneath Xichen's measure. Unassuming. Worn. He thinks — his brother is livened with the weary squalor of a man thieved of hope. Thinks too, Wangji is hollowed, selfish — content to have his brother present, for all the threat involved.
Bichen hisses, a cold weight in hand. He clasps her ready, then Xichen's bare hand with a tired squeeze, dragging his brother's corpse-bloodied knuckles to Wangji's headband in passing, familiar greeting. He releases after. )
Permit me to watch your back. ( Here, the truth between them: one is heir, the other spare. The sect cannot afford to lose its leader. )