( And yet, no time the better. Conversation is scarce in these parts, strategic. At least, now — pray, excuse him as he sinks down to a crouch to release diamond-powdered cutting wire in a noose and tighten it around the legs of incomers, severing them at the ankle — he is ensured the complete span of his brother's attention.

He rises up, dancing back against Xichen. They can juggle their scant talk and their tasks accordingly. )

A season. ( It chills him to know, to envision. Mere days, last he glimpsed his brother. An eternity, survived by his brother. ) You...

( Thrive? No. Never. Even the sturdiest plant falls before negligence. )

Are at ease?