Then let's start. {And that's all the warning Xie Lian gets before he snaps his arm forward, TianWen flying towards Xie Lian like an extension of the movement of his body.]
[Has this happened to him before? Maybe. The sudden start to their duel is a little surprising, though he manages to react in time--Xie Lian jumps back as soon as the whip flies out, skidding back a bit before he pushes off the ground again, flying towards his opponent with sword raised to strike.]
[They fight! And we're fading to black for this because I have zero idea how fighting with a soft weapon works!
Chu Wanning comes from a place where he's the strongest, where no one would ever agree to a spar so this? This is probably, in his opinion, the best thing about ending up in a place like this. They were testing the sword so he avoided using spells for now.
After they've exchanged some blows, his eyes are bright with challenge.]
Try channelling your spiritual energy into the blade. I want to see how it holds up.
It's very well-made. And its design is beautiful, too...
[He brushes a hand over the blade, appreciating the smooth feel of the metal beneath his fingers.]
You must be a master swordsmith, to have made something like this. I really am thankful to you! I barely know you, and yet you were willing to forge such a beautiful sword...
I don't believe I've ever heard of mechas, but those are your specialty then I can't imagine how amazing they must be in comparison!
[The guy might look embarrassed but that's not stopping Xie Lian from continuing his compliment barrage.]
I thanked Pyra just before coming here, actually--she was the one who gave me the sword, after all. [His smile softens with affection at the thought.] She's done a lot for me since I arrived here...really, I don't know if I could ever thank her enough for her presence.
A human shape...like an empty shell? Ah, I've seen Wei Wuxian control things like that before as well! They really seem quite useful.
[They're not really something he can do himself, but what else is new?]
I've met so many kind and talented people since arriving here--you and Pyra included. Strange as this place might be, I can't help but appreciate having managed to come here.
[No one has ever called him kind where he's from before. It's weird. And he's sure...he isn't the sort of soft person people here keep thinking he is.]
Well, you helped forge this sword, you seemed glad that I liked it, you haven't done anything yet to make me think you weren't kind...there isn't anything wrong with me calling you kind, is there?
Would someone normally put the effort required into a project this detailed for a relative stranger, without repayment, simply because they were asked to?
[A pause.]
Though I admit Pyra can be a very persuasive person.....er, but either way, I really am thankful for what you've done. The workmanship is beautiful, and I wish I had some way to repay you besides offering simple snacks.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Ah.
Ah!
Xie Lian's eyes brighten as well, once the man's words sink in.]
A spar? Alright! I'm ready whenever you are! [Already heading for the door!!]
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There wasn't another sword in there of the same quality as the one he made Xie Lian. Just practice ones made from melted down old tools.
Besides, if they're testing the ability of the sword then he can't just use those anyway.]
TianWen, come forth.
[A flash of golden light and there's a whip in his hand that looks like a willow branch.]
Any rules?
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No attempts to kill is a good enough rule for me, I think.
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[Who spars with the intent to kill...?]
Then let's start. {And that's all the warning Xie Lian gets before he snaps his arm forward, TianWen flying towards Xie Lian like an extension of the movement of his body.]
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[Has this happened to him before? Maybe. The sudden start to their duel is a little surprising, though he manages to react in time--Xie Lian jumps back as soon as the whip flies out, skidding back a bit before he pushes off the ground again, flying towards his opponent with sword raised to strike.]
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Chu Wanning comes from a place where he's the strongest, where no one would ever agree to a spar so this? This is probably, in his opinion, the best thing about ending up in a place like this. They were testing the sword so he avoided using spells for now.
After they've exchanged some blows, his eyes are bright with challenge.]
Try channelling your spiritual energy into the blade. I want to see how it holds up.
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Like this?
[Charging it up! The sword seems to be handling it just fine.]
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He's pleased, both as someone just...enjoying this spar, and as the creator of the sword, seeing it hold up to this. He comes closer to see.]
The metal is holding up well.
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[He brushes a hand over the blade, appreciating the smooth feel of the metal beneath his fingers.]
You must be a master swordsmith, to have made something like this. I really am thankful to you! I barely know you, and yet you were willing to forge such a beautiful sword...
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[He's...happy. But also a little embarrassed. He's never been thanked like this.]
...it was Pyra's idea. Your gratitude should be directed at her.
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[The guy might look embarrassed but that's not stopping Xie Lian from continuing his compliment barrage.]
I thanked Pyra just before coming here, actually--she was the one who gave me the sword, after all. [His smile softens with affection at the thought.] She's done a lot for me since I arrived here...really, I don't know if I could ever thank her enough for her presence.
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[He's still embarrassed but the look in his eyes softens a little.]
She's very kind.
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[They're not really something he can do himself, but what else is new?]
I've met so many kind and talented people since arriving here--you and Pyra included. Strange as this place might be, I can't help but appreciate having managed to come here.
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[He may have designed some dragon scale armour for those things.
But his smile froze because...kind? Him?]
...I'm not kind.
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[A friendly smile, to counter that frozen one.]
Do you not consider yourself kind?
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[No one has ever called him kind where he's from before. It's weird. And he's sure...he isn't the sort of soft person people here keep thinking he is.]
What part of me is kind?
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I already said I did it because Pyra asked, didn't I?
[And yet that really only explained half of it.]
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[A pause.]
Though I admit Pyra can be a very persuasive person.....er, but either way, I really am thankful for what you've done. The workmanship is beautiful, and I wish I had some way to repay you besides offering simple snacks.
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You don't need to repay me. It really...wasn't any trouble.
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[Friendship!!]
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[He says in the tone of someone who definitely isn't likely to ask for help even if he's dying.]