Nie Huaisang had reluctantly agreed when da ge said that there would be an arranged marriage. Nie Mingjue wouldn’t elaborate on his reasons but Huaisang had his thoughts on what the reasons might be — namely, Mingjue thinking he could never be strong enough on his own. Maybe this is a twisted way of trying to let Huaisang be allowed to continue being himself as much as was possible. There is still some bitterness. This is not the kind of marriage he’d wanted for himself but he was starting to understand that things couldn’t always go his way.
The way that it had been decided they would meet is with a dinner, a few servants and some guards nearby. Other than that they would be left alone. It’s just the secrecy about the identity of the other party he couldn’t understand but he guessed it didn’t matter all that much.
So, Huaisang knelt I’m a soft cushion exhaling as he nervously waited for the other party.
This was not even remotely what Billy had desired. But his grandfather had been adamant. There had to be a marriage treaty. The island nation of Genosha needed strong support from outside of themselves. Yes, they were a strong nation, with strong natural magic unlike that found in many other places in the world.
But there you have it. What grandfather demanded happened. And since Billy was the younger of two princes, and not even the sons of the crown prince...
Billy sighed. This was not what he had wanted. But still it had to happen. So he took a deep breath, waved for his guards to stand outside of the room, and let a servant lead him in.
William Magnus of Genosha had arrived. And he was trying to be polite. Just... someone promise him that he didn't have to marry a woman.
The Qinghe Nie Sect is one of the major cultivation clans and is powerful in their own right. The negotiations had landed that the other party would come to the Unclean Realm for the first meeting. The place isn't quite as gloomy as it looks upon approach, there is plenty of beauty and the closer to the arranged meeting site the more beautiful, the more colors. That is mostly to appease Huaisang.
Huaisang is dressed in off white robes with a subtle accent of tan showing. His hair had been braided carefully and the presentation had been put together with quite a bit of thought.
As the door opens, Huaisang snaps his fan shut and stands up quickly, not even getting a good look before cupping his hands in front of him and bowing. As he raises his head he does get a look. The other isn't from any clan he actually recognizes. By name he would know of Genosha but he had never met anyone from there personally.
"Welcome, young master..." he trips up as he doesn't actually know the other's name yet, flushing a little and bowing again before motioning toward the cushion on the other side of the table that is certainly more comfortable than the floor. He wouldn't sit again until the other had.
"I am Nie Huaisang."
It's awkward introducing yourself to someone you will wed soon. He's anxious by nature and he's soon opened his fan again, one side has lettering and the other side that he flips it to is a beautiful landscape of his own design.
Well, at least it's a man. A stranger. One whose language Billy had to teach himself through magic. And it is just a thing he had to make do with. This was what was needed of him, needed for his nation. So here he was.
Billy bowed back and tried to offer proper respects.
"I am Prince William Magnus of Genosha. Your welcome is kindly accepted in the spirit with which it is given."
So he moves to the cushion as gestured and carefully sits upon it.
"It is my honor to meet you," Billy says, carefully flicking his cloak back.
While Huaisang wore robes, Billy just wore the formal black and gold uniform traditionally used by the men of the House of Magnus. It was all he knew how to use when it came to formal wear.
Huaisang smiles at the formality and he appreciates it, bowing his head again before he does sit once the other sits. He had taken a good look at the outfit too, here, robes were the commonplace option, trousers beneath and he had always been interest in fashion and so this uniform is one that isn't something he would see every day. The other man looks quite handsome in it.
"The honor is mine," Huaisang returned, holding his sleeve back with one hand as the other grasps a small teapot and pours Billy some tea and then himself. "The food will be here soon," he assures. They wanted it to be hot and it hadn't been sure if the other would be exactly on time or not.
There are a lot of things that Huaisang isn't good at, namely any sort of martial arts but this sort of thing he can excel at when he has his mind on it. This, paperwork and magic that is more about astronomy and balance than violence. Unlike any other of the Nie clan that Billy would see that wasn't a servant, Huaisang doesn't carry his saber with him anywhere he goes. He barely touches the thing at all.
However, despite his general ability to entertain people, he feels awkward and the fall back to that is to admit he doesn't know. "I really don't know how this is supposed to go. My brother wouldn't tell me anything."
One can never been late when they're a teleporter. Actually, yes, they totally could be late, but Billy tried not to. Truth be told, though, Billy doesn't know the details of this culture very well. He's tried to study, but it's so new, it's so fast. The whole arrangement was so new, and he couldn't read as fast as Tommy could and it wasn't like a lot of etiquette books from here made it there and in German or Hebrew or English.
"You're not the only one feeling awkward," Billy admits, his voice soft. Nervous. "Except in my case, it was my grandfather. My brother tried to fight him over this."
Huaisang is a late a lot, he would be even if he could teleport. It's just part of his nature. His finally closes his fan again, he was just nervously messing with it and it was probably starting to show that what he was doing was a nervous tic just now. He takes his cup to sip before setting it down, his hands then resting in his lap.
"There is only Sect Leader Nie Mingjue," Huaisang said softly, at least for now. Soon, there would only be Reluctant Sect Leader Nie Huaisang. He didn't want it, because his brother shouldn't have to die so young. He shakes off the thought, it brings a heavy melancholy if he lets it linger and Zonghui is not there to help keep his spirits up and he wouldn't want this man to think that he is getting an overly emotional match -- which he is, but he doesn't need to see that yet.
"I'm sorry. I iknow you are probably troubled by this arrangement," Huaisang says and there's a small smile on his lips. Soon after the food would be delivered, plenty of meat, rice and some local vegetables, a few wine jars were delivered as well and Huaisang thanked the servants who bowed deeply before leaving.
Troubled? Oh, he's definitely troubled. This was the last thing he wanted in his life. He was, at best, fifth in line for the throne. This shouldn't have been his lot. But he supposes the younger sons are for marrying, just like the younger daughters. Not that Lorna had been married off.
It was maddening.
So mostly he feels awkward. And scared. What if he's not allowed to go home? A prisoner of politics.
"Are you not? Forgive me for being forward, but this wasn't what I expected of my life. Genosha is such a... young nation, in the grand scheme of things. I cannot fathom why ones such as your family would seek an alliance. Save for, you know, agreements to protect one another militarily."
Huaisang is quiet for a little after that. He reaches to pour wine and gestures with the jar in his hand in a silent question if the other wanted some poured to just drink some of the unease away or to go with the meal...both.
"In a way I am, but it is the right thing for my clan and it will give my brother some peace of mind that I cannot give him. I assume if you were agreeable to him you must have many strengths that will help lead the clan once..." he trails off and forces a smile. "He did this to shore up the weaknesses of his heir and it couldn't protect our clan if it was one of the other large cultivation clans and someone from a smaller one wouldn't be a powerful enough ally."
Nie Huaisang would hold the Sect Leader title but he's sure his brother intended the real leading to be done by someone else, someone who wasn't completely useless.
This entire thing is stupid and probably a terrible idea and Phillip doesn't know why he's here.
Well, he knows why, but he doesn't like it. Peace treaties, beneficial family marriages, blah blah blah. He would have thought being an only child plus his... unique abilities and somewhat dubious qualification as being 'human' would have meant he wouldn't be shoved into something like that. Apparently he was wrong.
He wonders vaguely on the trip over if anyone has bothered to tell this family anything about him, and how badly they would react if they found out. Oh well. Hopefully, his intended won't mind if he keeps a million secrets and is generally very cagey because like hell is he sharing said information. (Even Phillip knows that he'll probably mind.)
When he arrives, he's dressed sharply. Even if this is not something he wanted, he's not going to look bad. Time to see how this goes.
More than likely, Nie Mingjue knows quite a bit about Phillip but none of
that has been passed on to Huaisang. There had to be at least enough known
that it would mean that Phillip might be able to provide the Nie clan with
some strength where Huaisang is most definitely lacking. Huaisang doesn't
even know his name, knows nothing about the person he is to marry. He is
full of nerves by the time that the other arrives and is led into the room
where dinner is ready to be served to them both. Huaisang raises and he
cups his hands in front of himself to bow politely to him.
He was introduced as Young master Nie Huaisang and his stomach turns a
little as he raises to meet the other's eyes as Phillip is also introduced
to him then. Huaisang is dressed properly in fancy robes and his hair
braided carefully and precisely. There had been clear effort put into his
appearance and it's just as much a shield as his fan is as he spreads it
out as he settles back down after motioning for Phillip to take the other
side of the low table.
Once they're seated and the food and put down as well as plenty of wine,
the servants back out of the room, they're within calling range if either
of them raises their voice, just as the guards are close as well, though.
"Ah...welcome.. please eat," Huaisang says, a smile on his lips because a
smile is what's expected and he's good at putting his best face forward.
At bare minimum, then, Nie Mingjue would know that Phillip is an accomplished mage. If for some reason that wasn't enough, they might have let slip that he was beyond human in his capabilities. The fact that he is literally Death incarnate tends to be kept under wraps, whenever possible. Especially since that's not the sort of thing anyone would guess by talking to him.
This entire thing feels impossibly awkward to Phillip, a situation he undoubtedly doesn't help by glancing away to the side, breaking eye contact after a few seconds. (Staring down Death tends to unsettle people, after all.) Still, he's trying to be polite to start so he gives Huaisang a little smile in return as he sits at the low table. He's not sure if the atmosphere is better or worse without all the obvious watching eyes; he's sure they're still paying attention, after all.
"Thanks," he says, picking up the chopsticks because... seriously, what the hell else is he meant to do. He knows absolutely nothing about Huaisang in turn, so he doesn't know what to talk about. "So, uh... I guess... tell me about yourself?" Look, sometimes being straightforward works.
Huaisang holds his sleeve with one hand as the other reaches to pour them
both some wine. When he's done he takes a sip of his own, taking his time
when it comes to sipping at it. His eyes appraising the other and he should
try to make this less awkward for the other but honestly, he's not even
sure how he could do that. It's a difficult situation for them both he can
only assume and he feels vague annoyance at his brother for putting them in
this position There's no helping it though.
The question is as good as any place to start and he takes a small bite of
food as he contemplates where to start. He sighs, it's so much more
difficult when something like this is forced instead of getting to know
someone organically.
"Honestly, I don't know where to start," Huaisang admitted and gave up the
show that he had any interest in eating right then and took another drink
before his hands rested in his lap. Maybe he's thinking of it too hard but
there's the urge to say don't ask me, I really don't know. He has a
reputation for it.
Phillip is also inclined to try and make it less awkward, but... they're two people who have been thrown together without any prior interaction and are expected to spend the rest of their lives (or at least one of their lives) together. He's pretty sure there is no way to make it not even a little awkward.
He lets out a laugh when Huaisang puts words to it, surprised enough that he doesn't bother to hide it. "Yeah, can't blame you," he says, and even when he's not trying his grin is charming, "It's, uh. Hard to start from nothing." Since there is not a single thing they can build on.
Random facts are better than nothing. Phillip leans back a little, trying to think about what he can-- or should-- share about himself.
"Not much for blade training myself, honestly. I like theater... and dogs. If you hate dogs this might not work." He grins like it's a joke, as though they'd have any real choice in the matter.
"Lucky for you I like dogs as long as they leave birds alone." He would always choose birds over dogs. Huaisang is rather fond of most non-dangerous animals in any case. "Do you have one?"
It had been Xichen's idea when he and Mingjue had been talking about their brothers' futures. Xichen had seen how much Wei Wuxian's death had affected Wangji and hoped Huaisang could help. Mingjue wanted someone strong enough to protect Huaisang, and trusted Wangji was up to that task.
Not idea. But even Wangji could see the wisdom of the union, and so he'd not fought the plans placed. The ceremony itself was to be as elaborate as one would expect for two heirs to prominent clans. But before then, it was expected they have a quiet, private dinner to speak together and make sure the other wasn't too angry before they even started the rest of their lives together.
So Wangji makes his way to where his intended waits. Stepping inside, he bows, hands cupping formally before him, then quietly takes his seat across from Huaisang. His nerves keep his expression closed, but there's a flicker of turmoil and grief in his gaze if Huaisang looks hard enough.
By the time Huaisang is meeting Wangji for their private dinner, he's not
so angry. He's upset still, feeling that the marriage is rash and...this
isn't how he imagined it and Lan Wangji is not who he imagined marrying. He
knew the other is still stuck on Wei Wuxian -- it didn't take a genius to
figure it out when you could pay attention to the details, to expressions
and when you knew what people were up to over time. So there's plenty of
hesitancy.
"Hanguang Jun, welcome," Huaisang greets with a smile, he doesn't think
he's been quite so nervous around the other since he'd been in cloud
recesses. He's ever so grateful that the meal provided had alcohol even if
he'd be the only one drinking it. Maybe it'd be a bit rude but his nerves
were honestly a wreck. He met the other's gaze over the table being
observant as he tended to be he could detect what's going behind the
apparent impassiveness of the other's expression. He then lowers his gaze,
fingers gripping his fan tightly, fingertips rubbing over the design. "I'm
sorry you're in this position," he finally says and it all feels like his
fault that an arranged marriage would be deemed necessary.
He'd never expected to marry at all. A fantasy marrying Wei Wuxian aside, Lan Wangji is a reasonably realistic kind of man. No matter how he feels, once Wuxian died, he accepted he would be alone until Wuxian's return.
But it seems even that is to be nixed. Already has been. They merely have the formality of going through with the ceremony. Is it fair to either of them? No. But he has also accepted his brother's decision as what is probably best for all of them, even if he doesn't see it himself.
Sitting across the small table from Huaisang, hearing that soft voice speak his title feels...stilted. He inwardly chastises himself - he needs to make more of an effort to express himself now. Not everyone automatically understands him - very few do, really.
And then Huaisang seems to take responsibility for their situation, and he immediately frowns a little, shaking his head. "Not your responsibility. Our brothers are protective. Wish us the best."
Huaisang studies Wangji as the other speaks and he exhales softly and then focuses for a moment on pouring tea for the other and wine for himself, not waiting but a moment before swallowing the contents of the small cup. He needs to soothe his anxiety. His fan is set on the table as he looks over it again at Wangji.
"I'm not sure how this protects you," Huaisang says. Wangji is capable of protecting himself he doesn't need the Nie Sect or Huaisang.
He watches silently as tea is poured for him, and wine for Huaisang before the other man downs the small cup. It's tempting to pour a cup of wine for himself too, but he resists easily. He'll leave it to Huaisang, while he takes a sip of tea while his intended settles his nerves.
"Protecting you gives me purpose," he makes an attempt to explain. "An anchor." He shouldn't need it. He should be strong enough to weather even this.
But his brother is wise, and so he's chosen to listen.
Huaisang pours more wine and he listens. His brow furrowing. Huaisang had never been blind. He had figured out long before that it had been something more that Wangji had felt for Wei Wuxian and that this... He sighs to himself, staring down into his cup. It'd always been foolish of him but he'd believed he could marry for love, a happy loving marriage. This...
"Doesn't that just make marriage a task to complete for you?" Huaisang says and maybe that's the part that bothers him the most that whether this was truly right or not or whether they'd be happy didn't factor in. He knew Nie Mingjue probably wasn't thinking about it at all. He was thinking about the people of Qinghe and the fact that he believes that Huaisang is too weak to protect them. "Like another rule to follow."
Arha was dressed in red and gold, elaborate beads and cloth hiding her features as she moved to meet the man she was to marry. Her steps were so fluid it looked as if she were gliding as she came to a stop next to Nie Huaisang and bowed before kneeling herself. The beads swung, chiming gently and she, too, let out a soft sigh. Her red locks had been pulled back into elaborate twists and braids, some small, some thick, and beaded in gold, silver, and copper. Hair combs carved in white jade and touched with beads held the veiling beads and cloths in place. She settled quietly, her freckled, pale skin milky as she folded her hands.
It was not a terrible thing to do this but it was unusual. Her Order had said she was to marry and this was the time and the place, far different than anything she had thought it would be. That said, there were some things you could not argue about and this was one of them.
Huaisang stood to bow to the woman as she came in, dressed beautifully and he appraised her carefully before he knelt again. This is certainly a thing he can't really argue about even though he had tried, pushing his brother to the point where he knew he couldn't anymore. He smiles a little.
"Welcome," and how awkward this whole thing is. He fidgets, his stomach in knots and this situation is so abnormal that he's not sure how to even fumble his way through it.
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secureserver2020-08-19 02:14 pm
OTA
The way that it had been decided they would meet is with a dinner, a few servants and some guards nearby. Other than that they would be left alone. It’s just the secrecy about the identity of the other party he couldn’t understand but he guessed it didn’t matter all that much.
So, Huaisang knelt I’m a soft cushion exhaling as he nervously waited for the other party.
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But there you have it. What grandfather demanded happened. And since Billy was the younger of two princes, and not even the sons of the crown prince...
Billy sighed. This was not what he had wanted. But still it had to happen. So he took a deep breath, waved for his guards to stand outside of the room, and let a servant lead him in.
William Magnus of Genosha had arrived. And he was trying to be polite. Just... someone promise him that he didn't have to marry a woman.
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Huaisang is dressed in off white robes with a subtle accent of tan showing. His hair had been braided carefully and the presentation had been put together with quite a bit of thought.
As the door opens, Huaisang snaps his fan shut and stands up quickly, not even getting a good look before cupping his hands in front of him and bowing. As he raises his head he does get a look. The other isn't from any clan he actually recognizes. By name he would know of Genosha but he had never met anyone from there personally.
"Welcome, young master..." he trips up as he doesn't actually know the other's name yet, flushing a little and bowing again before motioning toward the cushion on the other side of the table that is certainly more comfortable than the floor. He wouldn't sit again until the other had.
"I am Nie Huaisang."
It's awkward introducing yourself to someone you will wed soon. He's anxious by nature and he's soon opened his fan again, one side has lettering and the other side that he flips it to is a beautiful landscape of his own design.
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Billy bowed back and tried to offer proper respects.
"I am Prince William Magnus of Genosha. Your welcome is kindly accepted in the spirit with which it is given."
So he moves to the cushion as gestured and carefully sits upon it.
"It is my honor to meet you," Billy says, carefully flicking his cloak back.
While Huaisang wore robes, Billy just wore the formal black and gold uniform traditionally used by the men of the House of Magnus. It was all he knew how to use when it came to formal wear.
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"The honor is mine," Huaisang returned, holding his sleeve back with one hand as the other grasps a small teapot and pours Billy some tea and then himself. "The food will be here soon," he assures. They wanted it to be hot and it hadn't been sure if the other would be exactly on time or not.
There are a lot of things that Huaisang isn't good at, namely any sort of martial arts but this sort of thing he can excel at when he has his mind on it. This, paperwork and magic that is more about astronomy and balance than violence. Unlike any other of the Nie clan that Billy would see that wasn't a servant, Huaisang doesn't carry his saber with him anywhere he goes. He barely touches the thing at all.
However, despite his general ability to entertain people, he feels awkward and the fall back to that is to admit he doesn't know. "I really don't know how this is supposed to go. My brother wouldn't tell me anything."
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"You're not the only one feeling awkward," Billy admits, his voice soft. Nervous. "Except in my case, it was my grandfather. My brother tried to fight him over this."
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"There is only Sect Leader Nie Mingjue," Huaisang said softly, at least for now. Soon, there would only be Reluctant Sect Leader Nie Huaisang. He didn't want it, because his brother shouldn't have to die so young. He shakes off the thought, it brings a heavy melancholy if he lets it linger and Zonghui is not there to help keep his spirits up and he wouldn't want this man to think that he is getting an overly emotional match -- which he is, but he doesn't need to see that yet.
"I'm sorry. I iknow you are probably troubled by this arrangement," Huaisang says and there's a small smile on his lips. Soon after the food would be delivered, plenty of meat, rice and some local vegetables, a few wine jars were delivered as well and Huaisang thanked the servants who bowed deeply before leaving.
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It was maddening.
So mostly he feels awkward. And scared. What if he's not allowed to go home? A prisoner of politics.
"Are you not? Forgive me for being forward, but this wasn't what I expected of my life. Genosha is such a... young nation, in the grand scheme of things. I cannot fathom why ones such as your family would seek an alliance. Save for, you know, agreements to protect one another militarily."
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"In a way I am, but it is the right thing for my clan and it will give my brother some peace of mind that I cannot give him. I assume if you were agreeable to him you must have many strengths that will help lead the clan once..." he trails off and forces a smile. "He did this to shore up the weaknesses of his heir and it couldn't protect our clan if it was one of the other large cultivation clans and someone from a smaller one wouldn't be a powerful enough ally."
Nie Huaisang would hold the Sect Leader title but he's sure his brother intended the real leading to be done by someone else, someone who wasn't completely useless.
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Good closing point?
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Well, he knows why, but he doesn't like it. Peace treaties, beneficial family marriages, blah blah blah. He would have thought being an only child plus his... unique abilities and somewhat dubious qualification as being 'human' would have meant he wouldn't be shoved into something like that. Apparently he was wrong.
He wonders vaguely on the trip over if anyone has bothered to tell this family anything about him, and how badly they would react if they found out. Oh well. Hopefully, his intended won't mind if he keeps a million secrets and is generally very cagey because like hell is he sharing said information. (Even Phillip knows that he'll probably mind.)
When he arrives, he's dressed sharply. Even if this is not something he wanted, he's not going to look bad. Time to see how this goes.
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More than likely, Nie Mingjue knows quite a bit about Phillip but none of that has been passed on to Huaisang. There had to be at least enough known that it would mean that Phillip might be able to provide the Nie clan with some strength where Huaisang is most definitely lacking. Huaisang doesn't even know his name, knows nothing about the person he is to marry. He is full of nerves by the time that the other arrives and is led into the room where dinner is ready to be served to them both. Huaisang raises and he cups his hands in front of himself to bow politely to him.
He was introduced as Young master Nie Huaisang and his stomach turns a little as he raises to meet the other's eyes as Phillip is also introduced to him then. Huaisang is dressed properly in fancy robes and his hair braided carefully and precisely. There had been clear effort put into his appearance and it's just as much a shield as his fan is as he spreads it out as he settles back down after motioning for Phillip to take the other side of the low table.
Once they're seated and the food and put down as well as plenty of wine, the servants back out of the room, they're within calling range if either of them raises their voice, just as the guards are close as well, though.
"Ah...welcome.. please eat," Huaisang says, a smile on his lips because a smile is what's expected and he's good at putting his best face forward.
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This entire thing feels impossibly awkward to Phillip, a situation he undoubtedly doesn't help by glancing away to the side, breaking eye contact after a few seconds. (Staring down Death tends to unsettle people, after all.) Still, he's trying to be polite to start so he gives Huaisang a little smile in return as he sits at the low table. He's not sure if the atmosphere is better or worse without all the obvious watching eyes; he's sure they're still paying attention, after all.
"Thanks," he says, picking up the chopsticks because... seriously, what the hell else is he meant to do. He knows absolutely nothing about Huaisang in turn, so he doesn't know what to talk about. "So, uh... I guess... tell me about yourself?" Look, sometimes being straightforward works.
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Huaisang holds his sleeve with one hand as the other reaches to pour them both some wine. When he's done he takes a sip of his own, taking his time when it comes to sipping at it. His eyes appraising the other and he should try to make this less awkward for the other but honestly, he's not even sure how he could do that. It's a difficult situation for them both he can only assume and he feels vague annoyance at his brother for putting them in this position There's no helping it though.
The question is as good as any place to start and he takes a small bite of food as he contemplates where to start. He sighs, it's so much more difficult when something like this is forced instead of getting to know someone organically.
"Honestly, I don't know where to start," Huaisang admitted and gave up the show that he had any interest in eating right then and took another drink before his hands rested in his lap. Maybe he's thinking of it too hard but there's the urge to say don't ask me, I really don't know. He has a reputation for it.
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He lets out a laugh when Huaisang puts words to it, surprised enough that he doesn't bother to hide it. "Yeah, can't blame you," he says, and even when he's not trying his grin is charming, "It's, uh. Hard to start from nothing." Since there is not a single thing they can build on.
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That's what you get from the no nothing headshaker of Qinghe. Huaisang smiles more at the other's expression and he nods his agreement.
"I like art and fans...and birds. I can't stand blade training and it drives my brother crazy."
Some random facts but it's somewhere to start right?
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"Not much for blade training myself, honestly. I like theater... and dogs. If you hate dogs this might not work." He grins like it's a joke, as though they'd have any real choice in the matter.
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"Lucky for you I like dogs as long as they leave birds alone." He would always choose birds over dogs. Huaisang is rather fond of most non-dangerous animals in any case. "Do you have one?"
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Not idea. But even Wangji could see the wisdom of the union, and so he'd not fought the plans placed. The ceremony itself was to be as elaborate as one would expect for two heirs to prominent clans. But before then, it was expected they have a quiet, private dinner to speak together and make sure the other wasn't too angry before they even started the rest of their lives together.
So Wangji makes his way to where his intended waits. Stepping inside, he bows, hands cupping formally before him, then quietly takes his seat across from Huaisang. His nerves keep his expression closed, but there's a flicker of turmoil and grief in his gaze if Huaisang looks hard enough.
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By the time Huaisang is meeting Wangji for their private dinner, he's not so angry. He's upset still, feeling that the marriage is rash and...this isn't how he imagined it and Lan Wangji is not who he imagined marrying. He knew the other is still stuck on Wei Wuxian -- it didn't take a genius to figure it out when you could pay attention to the details, to expressions and when you knew what people were up to over time. So there's plenty of hesitancy.
"Hanguang Jun, welcome," Huaisang greets with a smile, he doesn't think he's been quite so nervous around the other since he'd been in cloud recesses. He's ever so grateful that the meal provided had alcohol even if he'd be the only one drinking it. Maybe it'd be a bit rude but his nerves were honestly a wreck. He met the other's gaze over the table being observant as he tended to be he could detect what's going behind the apparent impassiveness of the other's expression. He then lowers his gaze, fingers gripping his fan tightly, fingertips rubbing over the design. "I'm sorry you're in this position," he finally says and it all feels like his fault that an arranged marriage would be deemed necessary.
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But it seems even that is to be nixed. Already has been. They merely have the formality of going through with the ceremony. Is it fair to either of them? No. But he has also accepted his brother's decision as what is probably best for all of them, even if he doesn't see it himself.
Sitting across the small table from Huaisang, hearing that soft voice speak his title feels...stilted. He inwardly chastises himself - he needs to make more of an effort to express himself now. Not everyone automatically understands him - very few do, really.
And then Huaisang seems to take responsibility for their situation, and he immediately frowns a little, shaking his head. "Not your responsibility. Our brothers are protective. Wish us the best."
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"I'm not sure how this protects you," Huaisang says. Wangji is capable of protecting himself he doesn't need the Nie Sect or Huaisang.
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"Protecting you gives me purpose," he makes an attempt to explain. "An anchor." He shouldn't need it. He should be strong enough to weather even this.
But his brother is wise, and so he's chosen to listen.
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"Doesn't that just make marriage a task to complete for you?" Huaisang says and maybe that's the part that bothers him the most that whether this was truly right or not or whether they'd be happy didn't factor in. He knew Nie Mingjue probably wasn't thinking about it at all. He was thinking about the people of Qinghe and the fact that he believes that Huaisang is too weak to protect them. "Like another rule to follow."
Re: OTA
It was not a terrible thing to do this but it was unusual. Her Order had said she was to marry and this was the time and the place, far different than anything she had thought it would be. That said, there were some things you could not argue about and this was one of them.
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"Welcome," and how awkward this whole thing is. He fidgets, his stomach in knots and this situation is so abnormal that he's not sure how to even fumble his way through it.