The Road that Goes Ever On and On

[Guest]

Xi'an. How long had it been since he had been here? 11 years? Something like that? It felt about right to the middle-aged man who strode into the inner city by the Imperial Palace from the outer rings, dust still clinging to him from traveling all the way from Xiqi to get here. The edges of his sleeves were touching as his hands were hidden from view, the embroidery still distinctive even if you could tell that his clothes were well-loved and old. They certainly weren't ragged, but they weren't brand new either. His hair was tufting in its own way though it was pulled back into a rather poofy ponytail, the color a brown that almost matched his tanned skin. His overcoat was a deep purple that hung open for the most part on his torso, revealing a wine colored shirt complimenting his color scheme beneath it. His black pants hung comfortably over his boots as he took long, easy steps that were at quite a relaxed pace, a breeze rustling against him as he breathed in the smells.

It wasn't like the markets further out where you could tell where the fish and fruits were being sold. Spices were still on the air with a hint of jasmine creating a calming under tone, closing his eyes as he took in this special potpourri. Roast pork and duck soon overcame the smells of seasoning making his mouth water a little as he could just picture the pig roasting over a fire, the skin a delicious crispyness exploding in flavor. Perhaps he should partake in some. Or maybe not, he did have a rather specific purpose here after all and those lovely farmers he met on the way here had given him plenty of food. So what did he do instead? He suddenly pulled his pipe out and lit it up carefully with a lighter, breathing in the tobacco with a light sigh. Mmm, it was oddly pleasant coming back here. He had heard that some of his clan that had left still resided here, one of them had even found themselves a high standing. What was their names? Mei and Jun Han? He had heard of their daughters name for sure when he inquired upon travelers back in his village, quite proud to say that their homes foreign ambassador hailed from his clan. Jeu-Hee. Yes, he was quite proud indeed. She was apparently a rather bright and cheerful girl who had done her part when it came to maintaining the strength of their nation. He should drop in on them sometime.

Ah but yes, he was here so soon after the battle with the full knowledge that Aerugese were possibly running about these streets. It made his lip twitch about the mouthpiece of his pipe as he took another puff, the smoke trailing up towards the sky as his hands swung at his sides. He still remained as relaxed and carefree as ever, his rather distinctive eyes looking with mild interest at some of the signs of battle that still remained in the streets. It was amazing that he could still smell the distinctive life of Xi'an above the death and blood that must have happened here. Maybe he should ask about and see if anyone needed his fireworks. If nothing else just to cheer people up. He slowed to a stop as he reached the steps that would lead him up to the palace, a hand coming up to remove the pipe from his mouth as he just stood there to stare at its magnificence. His one arm rested across his chest, his other elbow propped up in his hand so that his pipe wasn't too far from his lips despite its length. He was just picturing which of his stock would look fantastic bursting over the tiled rooftops, what colors would paint the sky to compliment their capital city. He should definitely talk to someone here about this happening because he was feeling that familiar rush in his blood that meant it HAD to happen.

[Guest]

It seemed the day was another one of which Lucrezia was in pain. She woke up in the streets as she always did, wishing for the ability to heal everyone at once. People told her to stay in the office so she could heal the people who came to her. What about those with broken legs?! Lucrezia was concerned for each and every of the people of Xing. Being the leading healer for the practice was a difficult job, a heavy burden that somehow she carried on her less than bright shoulders. Logic did not tell her that most of the people who didn't make it were dead, but she'd strive and try to heal each and every person anyways. She was okay with fighting losing battles.

Her skinny arms pushed above her head as she stretched. A particular crick in her neck caused her whole head to pierce in pain as well as the stabbing in her side. Beneath her usual outfit was the black and blue marks of that horrid Yeti that had flung her into a wall. It had been one of the most painful things she had experienced. Actually it was more painful that brainfreeze! She had never thought that possible. Pressing her tongue to the back of her teeth did not ease the pain of this sort. Oh well. Managing to pull herself to her feet, she looked around drowsily. She wasn't one hundred percent where she was specifically.

A man was standing outside the palace that she didn't recognize, but he looked nice enough. So contrary to popular belief, she ran over to him and waved eagerly. "HI HI! Can I help you, sir?"

OOC: Sorry kinda rushed gott ago >.<;;;

[Guest]

Maybe he should start making some mixtures here, he had brought along some of his supplies after all. Though then he would probably have to talk to some.. Aerugese... Ok so maybe he wouldn't then. It sent a twitch up his spine as he took another draw on his pipe just as a young girl came bouncing up to him, her hand waving quite energetically in greeting. The motion caught his eye and he raised his eyebrows, turning slightly to face the girl as she ran up to him. She certainly didn't look Xingese, but she must live in the city since she hardly seemed that lost. "HI HI! Can I help you, sir?" Uh-oh. That was a language he did not know. Uh... uh... Damn, this was going to be awkward for at least a moment or two.

He crouched down a bit so he was more on her level and smiled apologetically, letting his arms rest comfortably against his knee's as his blue-green eyes met her own. "I'm sorry little one, I don't speak that language. Do you speak Xingese?" He asked her gently, sliding his pipe back in between his lips as he tilted his head slightly, scratching the light stubble on his chin as he looked her over. She was certainly a bouncy soul considering how she had approached him, and rather trusting of strangers wasn't she? Well, at least it ha been him and not someone else, otherwise who knew what they might have done. "Maybe Aerugese? Perhaps Amestrian?" Yes, that awkward moment when you tried to find a common ground so you could communicate. But she was fascinating him. She spoke a foreign tongue that he had not heard before, and had such beautifully colored hair. He wasn't sure if it was natural or not, but he had certainly never seen another with pink hair like hers before.

[Guest]

"I'm sorry little one, I don't speak that language. Do you speak Xingese?" Lucrezia was a bit confused. How did he speak Xingese and not recognize Xingese? Her big blue eyes blinked once, then twice and simply took him in a minute. As she went to speak to him in response, he spoke in two other languages, one she recognized as Amestrian, the other she didn't know, but it sounded kind of SIMILAR to Xingese. She disliked talking in her Amestrian, so she tried again.

"Xingese! That one, that one!" Her voice cheered excitably. As soon as the words left she realized she had spoken in her native tongue and blushed in embarrassment. No wonder the man was looking at her oddly. Her eyes closed and she gave a sheepish grin. "A-Ah. S-sorry about that! I didn't even realize.. I... My friend says I get too excited and forget my sense!" Her face was beaming after the apology. "So let me try this again~! HI! I am here to help you- if you need it, that is!" She had no qualms with talking to the strange man that she didn't know. A boundless ball of energy as always, she nearly hopped on her feet to give her offer. He looked nice enough! His face was smiling and kind of rough. In a way, she could call him, handsome, but Luc liked everyone.. well.. all but that darned Yeti! The beast haunted her and for once Luc was terrified of someone.

This man was not a Yeti, though! He looked too nice! He also forgave her for speaking in the wrong tongue. Hopefully he didn't know the language, she might have been in trouble then. Her kind smile sat on him as she awaited his response. New people! She loved meeting new people. Her heart pounded with over excitement. A constant love for the world and the loneliness that had been eating at her like a hungry animal began to sink away if only for the time.

[Guest]

The little one seemed rather confused at what he had said, making him wonder if he had really heard her correctly before or not. No, she had definitely spoken something other than Xingese. So had he been mistaken then in thinking that perhaps she understood his native language? "Xingese! That one, that one!" Oh thank goodness, he wouldn't be cast adrift here. That would be rather terrible for his first time back in Xi'an since he graduated college years ago. Lordy he felt like an old fart sometimes haha. The girl in front of him blushed rather sheepishly as if she had a realization about something and so his expression softened, reminded rather strongly of some of the young ones in his clan back home. "A-Ah. S-sorry about that! I didn't even realize.. I... My friend says I get too excited and forget my sense!" Hah! He had been right! He chuckled a little, taking one last puff on his pipe before tapping the tobacco out on the ground, rather wishing that there was a trash can nearby (not that that was really safe though). "So let me try this again~! HI! I am here to help you- if you need it, that is!"

This one was quite full of life and pep wasn't she? He liked it honestly for it was quite refreshing, the pipe vanishing into his sleeves as he touched the edges together again, a big grin rising to his features as he pushed himself upright. "Hahaha! It is perfectly fine. I like seeing someone be so excited. Its a reminder of our youth and how excellent it is to be alive." Ahh he did like this girl, though he had to wonder just how old she was. "Greetings! I don't quite need help, but I certainly won't turn away some pleasant company." He had a fair idea of where he was going, and he certainly didn't need to take care of his business immediately. In fact, it was probably better to give some time before completing it, he had no doubts that some of the parties involved were rather busy with taking care of things after the war.

He extended a hand towards her as he bent down slightly, wanting to be more on her level while giving his knees a break from crouching. "My name is Wei Zhao Han, what is yours little one?"

[Guest]

"Hahaha! It is perfectly fine. I like seeing someone be so excited. Its a reminder of our youth and how excellent it is to be alive." Blink blink. Luc was a bit confused by his statement. "Greetings! I don't quite need help, but I certainly won't turn away some pleasant company." Blink, blink again. The man was really nice but something about him.. reminded her of her family. At least when they were still around. She had a question and she grasped it desperately, wanting to ask him and once he finished his last sentence, she blurted out words without time for him to exhale a breath.

"My name is Wei Zhao Han, what is yours little one?-" "My name is Lucrezia Marie Dorand. Why do you talk like you're old? You don't look old." She spoke the words like a race. Consonants and vowels all blurred together in a flurry of wild words. Did she even have time to breathe? Her eyes wide and blue rested on him. Blunt honesty, he barely looked 30 in her eyes IF that, but he talked so much older, then again, she was over twenty and she was on the intelligence level of some five year olds. Lilac hair that cascaded down past her waist. Her height was nothing to his, around five foot two at full feet, five foot four with her heels on. Those pure eyes simply wondering; curious and lost in his own.

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

[Guest]

"My name is Lucrezia Marie Dorand. Why do you talk like you're old? You don't look old." Well no hesitation there! She certainly didn't beat around the bush, though he certainly didn't mind. It was better to be direct when possible than be all extended and boring with words, or possibly underhanded. That was one thing that he disliked a lot. Smiling softly, he found himself ruffling her hair as easily as if she were one of the children in his clan, hoping that she didn't really mind the sudden physical contact. "I talk like an old man because I feel like an old man. And I am certainly not some spring chicken either, just a man enjoying the mid part of his life I suppose you could say." His laughter boomed out of him at that thought, his eyes meeting hers again as his hands went to his hips. "And what about you Miss Dorand, hm? How old are you? Normally I would say you seem like one of the bright eyed teenagers of my clan, but this is Xing and a persons age can be something quite different from what you'd initially expect."

He had to pause to think about that, a hand coming up to his scruffy chin to scratch it in a pondering fashion. "Yes... I've met a woman who looked no older than 30 and she was, in fact, 50! I'm sure you can only imagine my surprise at that!" He chuckled once more before falling quiet, looking down to the girl expectantly for her answer. He hoped that he wasn't being rude asking a young lady for her age, but it seemed like a safe question after the ones she posed to him. He certainly didn't feel like too old of a man, but he was no spring chicken either. Those days were long behind him since he took over the clan for his mother. And in all honesty, he wouldn't have it any other way.

[Guest]

(OOC: just go on as if she stated her name was Lian Dan XD sorry for that but.. yeahh stuff <3 anymore questions you can pm me ^^ )

"I talk like an old man because I feel like an old man. And I am certainly not some spring chicken either, just a man enjoying the mid part of his life I suppose you could say." Spring.. chicken? What was this phrase?! It made no sense!! Her eyes stared at him dumbly with her same smile. She didn't get it. What was a spring chicken? What made it different than a normal chicken- unless! Unless Spring chickens only came out during the spring and had berries growing from them! THAT WAS It! Another mythical beast to write up in her journal mentally. Magical chickens! Who knew?! Her eyes closed and she smiled warmly at the man. A happy glow as always sat on her face. There was no need to feel old, but maybe he wanted to feel old?

"And what about you Miss Dan, hm? How old are you? Normally I would say you seem like one of the bright eyed teenagers of my clan, but this is Xing and a persons age can be something quite different from what you'd initially expect." He scratched at his chin hair. He ruffled her hair. That chin hair! She wanted to- So she did. She reached out and scratched it. Of course it was kind of wrong and rude, but she HAD to. She wanted to know what it felt like. Her face lit up and she giggled in a sort of squee. "AH! You're like a puppy!" Her voice cooed out before she pulled back with a sort of hop. Her skirt seemed to sway a bit with her each movement as if it were almost weightless.

"Yes... I've met a woman who looked no older than 30 and she was, in fact, 50! I'm sure you can only imagine my surprise at that!" ..OH! Her age. She smiled shyly and looked away with blue eyes. "Ahm.. we-well. I'm 22..." She stammered in a spout of shyness. "Th-though I'm told I'm old in experience!" So proud, she seemed by this statement. Her whole being almost aglow with her eagerness and rampant excitement. "What about you! How old are you? I bet you can't be older than 25!" Okay she was flattering him, but it was what Lian did! She loved to make people feel good and smile. No malice was ever meant by her words. Eagerness was in her very being and a hope for a good friend.

[Guest]

While he scratched his chin as both a thoughtful thing and rather absentminded gesture, he was quite surprised when she suddenly reached forward and also gave it a little scratch. He couldn't help himself, he chuckled and hummed at the sensation of a pretty girl scratching his beard.... ACK NO. ANYWAYS. "AH! You're like a puppy!" He raised an eyebrow and burst out laughing from the whole moment as it happened and passed into the flow of time. Oh she was just an adorable one wasn't she? "Well thats the first time I've heard that!" He managed to get out once his laughter had calmed down, unable to NOT picture himself with droopy ears and a perky tail. Hmm... but that would be rather in the way with his experiments of fire and whatnot. Still, him as a dog..... It was just too amusing to him.

"Ahm.. we-well. I'm 22..." True to his word, as if he had said anything swearing so, he did not startle at all to find out that she was quite a few years older than he initially expected. "Th-though I'm told I'm old in experience!" Awwww she was so shy about it! She truly was an endearing child. He found himself smiling a smile that took over his entire being (as if he wouldn't do that naturally), his hands sliding into the pockets of his pants as he stood there comfortably next to her. "What about you! How old are you? I bet you can't be older than 25!" HAH!!! He snorted a little, coughing down another laugh as he knew that she had to be flattering him with such a low approximation. "Oh Lian dear, you are very sweet to say that." He chortled as he straightened back up, ruffling her hair again with a grin. "No, but in all seriousness I am a grand 35 years of age. Though I swear I feel much older than that usually." Hrm now there was something bothering him..... Oh yes! "I do hope I have not offended you by asking your age, I was merely curious since you are so youthful in your mannerisms. Sometimes ladies can be a bit twitchety about it and I certainly do not want to start us off on a bad foot!"

His grin became rather sheepish as he scratched the top of his head now near the spikey tuft of hair that was his ponytail, blue-green eyes settling upon her with a warmth to them. He had to wonder if maybe she could point him in the right direction of his first stop in his visit back in the capital city, but at the same time he was a little hesitant to ask. "Now I know this may seem rather random, but do you happen to know where Ambassador... er.... Ah! Yes, Ambassador Jeu-Hee Han happens to reside? It's alright if you don't, I know that kind of sounds rather suspicious now that I think about it." He asked her carefully, staring off for a moment as he analyzed his words. Aiya... hopefully Lian wouldn't take that a weird way and report him to the authorities. The last thing he needed was to be arrested on his first day back!

[Guest]

"Oh Lian dear, you are very sweet to say that. No, but in all seriousness I am a grand 35 years of age. Though I swear I feel much older than that usually. I do hope I have not offended you by asking your age, I was merely curious since you are so youthful in your mannerisms. Sometimes ladies can be a bit twitchety about it and I certainly do not want to start us off on a bad foot!" He spoke a lot of words there. Why did people get offended when their age was asked? It wasn't like he was calling them old? Or was he? Did he ask old people their age because he thought they were old? But-- wait if he thought he, himself was old then wouldn't they be the same age? Therefore they wouldn't be old- would they? Her brow furrowed as she thought this older. Like a complicated math problem that wasn't actually needed...

Meanwhile, the man had ruffled her hair again, which left the light purple locks a of a mess. She didn't really care if she had crazy hair, it wasn't something that she concerned herself with. After blinking twice, she smiled back at him, giggling a but. She wasn't used to having her hair ruffled. It was a neat sensation that she kind of enjoyed. It was like having an older brother around. Though she barely knew this man and he was kind of rough looking. It was okay, though! She could have a puppy-dog pseudo brother! There was nothing wrong with that. Puppy dogs were adorable and this one took care of himself mainly. There were no problems with this! So mentally, she placed the man as an older brother and blinked at him as he started speaking again, attempting to focus (which was not her forte).

"Now I know this may seem rather random, but do you happen to know where Ambassador... er.... Ah! Yes, Ambassador Jeu-Hee Han happens to reside? It's alright if you don't, I know that kind of sounds rather suspicious now that I think about it." Lian blinked twice. How did that sound suspicious? He was asking where some person lived. That wasn't creepy at all. It was a simple question or was she being 'naive' again? She still didn't know what that meant but it seemed she got called it frequently. Her hand raised to point in a direction. "Uhmm she lives down that way." Lian admitted, blinking a couple times and thinking it over. "I think.. I hope I'm not leading you astray!"

[Guest]

She certainly didn't seem to mind him asking her age, and instead seemed rather confused instead. Aiya, he hadn't wanted that either though he supposed it was better than offended. She also didn't seem to mind how he ruffled her hair so for it was a rather natural response for him. He was so used to ruffling the hair of the children of his clan that it was just something he did to certain people, and she happened to be one of them. It sort of made him wish he had a younger sibling to call his own for she would certainly befit the role rather perfectly. Hah! Who was he kidding? His siblings were his clan and they were enough to be his family. Did she have anyone like that? Even if she was 22, he couldn't help but worry a little about her. Did she have a family to return to?

Her hand was raising to point in a direction, his eyebrows raising as he had forgotten for a moment what the reason was. "Uhmm she lives down that way." OH RIGHT! Visiting the Han household here! His body turned slightly to face where she had pointed, humming softly to himself as he scratched his chin one more time. "I think.. I hope I'm not leading you astray!" He smiled softly at her nervousness, shaking his head as he patted her on the shoulder. "Now don't you worry your pretty little head about it. You've been extremely helpful already!" Sniffing the air, he hummed once more before a broad grin rose to his lips, an arm sliding around her shoulder with a brilliant thought! "Say, do you like melon buns? I can smell a vendor nearby and I would like to thank you for helping me so." He asked her with another sniff of the air. Someone watching may very well think that he was trying to woo the girl or something, but in reality he was just being quite friendly. He liked the girl and wanted to treat her to something, so why not something sweet?

[Guest]

"Now don't you worry your pretty little head about it. You've been extremely helpful already!" His hand slid around her shoulder warmly and a hug! Lian liked those very much, so she didn't fight his efforts and let him shoulder-hug her. To her, this wasn't odd at all. Though others were onlooking with weird expressions, Lian was oblivious to it all. Her own lala-land immune to scrutinizing stares and questionable glances. Instead, she was simply glad to be treated in such a kind way. Then he smelled the air. Lian copied, wondering what the puppy was sniffing out. "Say, do you like melon buns? I can smell a vendor nearby and I would like to thank you for helping me so." He was sniffing out vendors?! He really was a puppy! The scratching his scruffy chin, the sniffing. He knew of a vendor with bread. Maybe he was a dog in diguise as a man looking for a Miss Jeu-Hee? Wait... that didn't really make sense now that she thought about it. He just had a good sense of smell. That was her judgment, anyways.

Lian blinked and beamed. Melon bread was amazing! Her eyes lit up and she hopped a bit. "YES PLEASE!" Her voice elated a bit louder than expected. Excitement, always ever present in her very soul burned like a bright internal flame. This strange man wanted to take her for sweet melon bread. It wasn't something she'd argue with. Maybe she should think twice before going with some stranger.. Naw, she was fine, besides they knew each other's names. So there were no strangers amongst them (Other than the weirdos that were staring). She couldn't resist and full on hugged him, though semi-awkwardly due to her short stature. "Thank you!! I haven't had melon bread in weeks!" She'd forgotten it even existed truthfully. She was one to constantly make the oddest original concoctions inventable by a human mind.

[Guest]

Now just what would he do when he GOT to the Han household here in the capital? He hadn't honestly thought that far ahead, though he knew there were two subjects he wanted talk about. .... Ok maybe three. He did want to A) Catch up with Jun, B) Check in with the extended family, and C) Discuss the current situation with their country considering their current standing. If anything else happened, then he would certainly add that to his list! But that was besides the point, for now, he was spending time with the lovely Lian Dan! He positively adored how she lit up so brightly at the simple suggestion of some melon bread, unable to stop himself from chuckling at the sight of it. You could just feel the positive qi radiating off of her! "YES PLEASE!" He let out a whoop as an arm shot up into the air, sniffing the air one more time to confirm that he had, indeed, smelled things correctly. And there was no mistaking that warm bready smell that held just a hint of sweetness.

At the sudden hug, his eyes widened a bit, but he just chuckled some more and hugged her in return. Oh she was such an enthusiastic girl... He almost wanted to take her home with him to show her his family. But THAT would certainly be strange and probably unwelcomed by his new, young friend. So he made a mental note to find out if it was possible for them to meet again for maybe some more sweets or something. "Thank you!! I haven't had melon bread in weeks!" The clan leader beamed and kept his arm around her shoulder as he walked off after his nose towards where the street vendor must be. "Not a problem hun. One should never be denied melon bread!" He could only imagine the turmoil that might consume his clan if all the bakers suddenly vanished and the delicious treat could no longer be made. There would be riots. It would be terribly ugly. With the power of his sniffer and his new friend beside him, Wei Zhao sniffed his way down one street, then another and another until they came upon a small bakery whose doors were open to the world. "So where do you live exactly Lian? In an apartment, a boyfriend, family...?" He asked her as they strode up to the business with a twinkle in his eye. He too, absolutely adored the breaded treat.

"Two melon breads please." He told the cashier who nodded and wandered away to get it. He paid for them both, holding out one of the treats to her in its little half paper bag thing. "And there you are! To a new friendship." He did not care that these were not drinks, he would make a toast if he wanted to. And so he happily took a bite as he stepped off to the side with her, mosying slowly back towards the street. For now his brain was focused on the deliciousness that was in his mouth, chewing slowly and with an expression of having found ambrosia upon his features. Oh melon bread how he loved you so....

[Guest]

"Not a problem hun. One should never be denied melon bread!" Lian nodded. Brightly and with a hop in her step, she nodded to him. Melon bread, if she was recalling correctly was so amazing. She could barely contain the excitement she felt. A hop in her each step while she followed the man. Her head was kind of fool of static for a few minutes, until she found him asking another question. "So where do you live exactly Lian? In an apartment, a boyfriend, family...?" .Lian frowned. She didn't really LIVE anywhere. "I live in Xing." That, was of course her first reaction. "But, I just live on the streets." Her shoulders shrugged and a smile remained on her lips. "Everyone helps me out, so it's a lot of fun!"

At last the two had reached the stand for concessions. Her new friend walked right up, making an order. "Two melon breads please." He paused then took the order. A loaf was handed to her and he rose his own like a toast of sorts. It didn't bother her how odd that was. Lian simply rose her own and tapped it to his. "And there you are! To a new friendship." They were friends now! That made her so happy, words could not describe!! Lian didn't have too many friends, so having one in him, simply made her day.

[ehh,..... sorry short post..]

[Guest]

Wei was making a mental note to make sure to ask Vien's mother to make some more of her melon bread because that was, by far, the best melon bread he'd ever had and now he was craving it. Ah! Now there was an idea. Oh right, but he had other questions he had asked Lian that he hadn't quite gotten an answer for yet. "I live in Xing." He merely smiled softly as she frowned up at him, sensing that there was more of an answer than just that. "But, I just live on the streets." He slowed to a stop and raised an eyebrow, blinking twice as he stared at his new friend. She.... what? "Everyone helps me out, so it's a lot of fun!" And here he was still stuck on her answer even as they were now eating!

Well now he had to ask her. He resumed walking with her back through the streets at an easy relaxed pace, pausing before he took another bite of that delicious treat. "Would you like to join the Han clan Lian? Or, if not, would you at least like to come visit us sometime? There is a woman there who makes absolutely divine melon bread amongst other things." He knew that if she accepted, there may be some hesitance amongst some of the older population, but they accepted him didn't they? He wasn't technically of their blood either and yet he was leading them. It wouldn't make much sense to suddenly become prejudice to "outsiders" joining if they respected him so. Ah, but he was thinking too far ahead. Who knew if the girl would even accept his first offer? He was assuming far too much too quickly. He had to relax. If she did join his clan, he would certainly make sure that she had a place to live and got all the help she needed to. Lord, what was he even doing?! He wasn't her father! What if he offended her with his tendency to want to take care of people and keep them happy? But she said that everyone helping her out was fun so was he wrong to try to take her out of the situation she found herself in? Aiya... what had he stepped in this time....

[Guest]

Her new friend seemed upset, so Lian stopped and looked at him bashfully. What was the matter, she wondered. Bread hung still from her mouth, while she batted her eyes in a blinking notion. Had she said something offensive? The left hand of hers took the bread in mouth and lightly pulled it apart. Was it wrong, what she said? Concern flickered over bluish eyes as they gazed at him with a vague worry. After a moment, however, he seemed cheery again. Munching away at the bread as if it were nothing but air! Her own was swallowed in a matter of a few gulps and swallows. She'd been starved, she forgot about eating a lot of times. Even when she did eat, it wasn't like there was a whole lot of food to pick from.

"Would you like to join the Han clan Lian? Or, if not, would you at least like to come visit us sometime? There is a woman there who makes absolutely divine melon bread amongst other things." He had spoken to her. Lian wasn't sure how to respond. How did she just 'join' a clan. She thought clans were blood-specific. She had to think a moment. Did she just join the clan? What would her 'mom' think? Lian had so many confused questions in her head. The slight tilt of her head was followed by a release of a sound akin to 'eh?' Obviously, she had no idea what to say or even think. It would require some heavy debating to- "How do you join a clan? Is it by magic?" Well, okay so being spontaneous was kind of fun. She didn't like to debate heavily upon things, it normally hurt her head.

Blinking a few more times, she licked the bread crumbs from her hand, savoring the delightful pleasure that rolled on her tongue. Once done, she rubbed her hands together, getting rid of any pieces trapped in the crooks and crannies of her palms. A wide smile was on her face, while she giggled. "Of course I'll visit you even if I couldn't! You're my friend now, I won't just NOT talk to you! That would be so sad! I'd love to visit my friends!"

[Guest]

He almost hadn't been aware in the slightest of how concerned she had been when he suddenly stopped to think. And here he was worrying that he would offend her or something! "How do you join a clan? Is it by magic?" He blinked and burst out laughing, the sound raising to that of a lovely tenor. It wasn't malicious or anything, but rather mirth for that simple little question was somehow so very... Lian. He had just met the endearing child and he could already tell this. "I induct you into our ranks. I am Clan Leader after all, and frankly I think you'd make a fantastic Han. So in a sense, it is by my magic as Clan Leader." He explained, waving his hands like some street musician though he still had his melon bread between his fingers. Chuckling some more he bit down happily upon the remains of his melon bread, licking the crumbs and any lasting tastes from the tips of his fingers before sighing in content. Nothing was better than melon bread at random times.

It was her turn to giggle which made his smile soften and remain, his blue-green eyes looking down at her with a tenderness. "Of course I'll visit you even if I couldn't! You're my friend now, I won't just NOT talk to you! That would be so sad! I'd love to visit my friends!" She was truly a beautiful child, and he felt very honored to have run into her as he had this day. It was one of those chance occurrences that life throws at you, and they had managed to catch it. Although... he could just picture her getting confused with the train system or maybe a bus. Then again, perhaps she might walk all the way, or hitch hike. Oh dear... he wasn't sure if he liked any of that...."Excellent! It would be very sad this is true." He furrowed his brows for a moment and pulled up the sleeve on his left arm to expose his wrist, revealing that there was a watch there. AH! "Lian dear, would you care to join me? I have to go to the palace for a meeting and you are welcome to come. But if you have other things thats quite alright." He turned and faced her as he slowed to a stop and placed his hands on her shoulders. "It's truly been a pleasure Lian, I just want you to know that."

[Guest]

Magic! The man knew magic!! That was simply amazing and Lian's smile couldn't be wider. Excitement, happiness and all rolled in her veins as she hopped up and down, then twirled and hummed a soft a jaunty tune. Blue-purple eyes gleaming with happy fervor, pleased and over zealous, almost. Her hands clutched behind her back as she nodded twice. Yes please! That's what her mind thought and what she had wanted herself to say, but the words turned into "Okay!" It was similar, but not the same. Once they'd been released, she stumbled and fumbled for the correct answer. "I-I mean I would love to join your clan. More family, the better!" Oh how thoroughly she enjoyed loved ones. People she cared about and helped throughout her life!

A meeting at the palace? She could join?! Well.. she would have but- "Ah! I-I have some people to help. I should get back to work." Her apologetic smile was almost hinting sadness while his hand slid on her shoulder. Reassuring comfort, it made her smile widely. "Come and visit again sometime soon, okay?" She'd grasp him into a tight hug, then step back and smile. "I'll be here, so don't be afraid to come see me!"

[Guest]

He really was being so goofy right now, there was no way she would ever agree--"Okay!" Yeah see? She wasn't---WAIT WHAT?! Wei started at her in utter shock at her answer, not really believing that she had agreed. Blinking a few times, but his smile began to grow and grow. "I-I mean I would love to join your clan. More family, the better!" She meant it. She wanted to join his clan! Letting out a yell of a laugh, he was positively beaming as he suddenly picked her up and spun her about before placing her back down on the ground before him. "Thats fantastic!" Now he'd just have to take care of any formalities back home, and there wouldn't be any issues! Oh wait, he'd probably have to do something at the palace too--SHIT. THE PALACE. Arrrrgh, he almost forgot in his excitement!

"Ah! I-I have some people to help. I should get back to work." Eh? Then what did she do for a living he wondered. At her apologetic smile, his own expression seemed to calm, shaking his head as if it were no big deal for it truly wasn't. "Come and visit again sometime soon, okay?" He was then pulled into a hug by the small girl, blinking before a low chuckle rumbled out of him, resisting the temptation to ruffle her hair. "I'll be here, so don't be afraid to come see me!" "I'll be sure to. Ah! But first things first..." He suddenly grew more formal as he placed his right hand over his heart in a fist, bowing his head as his left hand placed itself on top of her head. "As the leader of the Han Clan, I welcome you, Lian Dan, to our family. From hence forth, you are Lian Dan Han." And with that, it was done. NOW he ruffled her hair affectionately before leaning forward to place a soft kiss on her forehead, his feet turning to start carrying him towards the palace. You really had to watch your feet sometimes, you never knew where they might go if you weren't in charge! "You'll have to come meet the clan sometime! Take care!" He called as he hurried onward, making a mental note to speak about what had just happened. After all, someone would probably have to change a record somewhere. But.... he had a new clan member, and he certainly couldn't forget her ever.

[END THREAD]

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