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Who ⬤ Artemy Burakh and you!
What ⬤ All around the place.
When ⬤ Throughout the month.
Where ⬤ Lots of places.
Content Warnings ⬤ Drug use. Will add as needed.

i. dumpster diving;

[ Despite not having to struggle so much for coin and food, Artemy still can be found buried halfway in garbage cans throughout the city. He digs around to see if there is anything particularly useful in the trash or even if there's half-eaten or thrown away scraps to eat.

Pulling himself free, he does not seem at all embarrassed or troubled to have been caught. Instead, he hesitantly holds out what he's found. The hesitation is that he isn't sure he wants to give it up, but he also finds no worth in being too greedy. ]

Would you like some?

ii. high definition;

[ He has tested out his own medication on himself so it doesn't seem strange to him that others request help in the same manner.

If it will benefit the population in some way, he is willing. Of course, he wonders how effective the drugs can be to someone who is relatively healthy. Relatively being the key term.

He is still recovering from twelve-days of exhaustion, starvation, dehydration, and a wide variety of issues. So, actually, maybe these drugs are good to try on him.

'Course he ends up feeling more like he has downed multiple bottles of twyrine. His senses both feel deadened and awakened; he feels like he can actually hear the city around him. It leaves him speechless that to come with the awareness that the city is just as alive as his town once was. ]

It's calling.

[ It's what he says as he staggers around the streets. ]

The city is calling.

iii. kappa kappa;

All right!

[ It is what is heard before his hand snaps out to grab the back of the shirt of someone sneaking around the tunnels. ]

What are you doing here?

[ Artemy draws himself up to his full height; his arms cross as he stares at the person with a look of absolute disappointment. Didn't the Sutoku Alliance say that this area is closed off? ]

A group asks to be left alone and you have to come bother them? Where are your senses?

iv. wildcard;

[ Throw whatever. I don't mind. If you want to check with anything, you can PM me. No worries. ]

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I hope you will be willing to tell me of some of your clan's beliefs.

[ Artemy pauses to stare at the impressive menu. His eyes looking over every item; he feels shock run through him at just how much food that they actually have in the establishment. But he is already present, if he makes a fuss it would only cause embarrassment to the person who brought him. ]

A bread bowl? A bread bowl. [ He points at the item in question. His eyes become round and filled with a little bit of wonder. Who wouldn't want something like that? ]

Something like that will hold me down for hours. [ This is said with a great amount of awe. ]

Yes, of course, but please don't get your hopes up. Not to imply the ideals aren't noble, but rather the current state of the Guhua Clan. For years now it's been in decline.

[ But never mind that! Bread bowls. Actually, that's not the reaction he expected to see, completely excitement and curiosity filling a grown man's eyes. It's amusing, he smiles, and he knows exactly what to order for Artemy. ]

Well, then it's a bread bowl. You just have to decide on the soup you want. They've got a few to offer. As for me... [ His attention has been captured by a cinnamon roll within the display case. ]

Even so...

[ Artemy trails off; even if the present is on the decline, it does not change the beauty of what started it.

But yes, enough about that! His eyes return to the round, wide excitement at the idea that he could have soup in the bowls as well. Honestly, if he would have been given just a bowl of bread, he would have dug into it without knowing it could be filled. ]

Broccoli and cheddar seems like a good idea. [ Mm. His decision made on the soup, before pausing to look toward the roll that seems to have caught the attention of his companion. ] A good choice for you, as well.

[ Even so... A nod of comprehension offered, he knows, in spite of the current state of affairs involving the Guhua Clan, Xingqiu would never shy away from his association with that sect of martial arts. In most cases anyway, and it's not embarrassment of any sort that leads to secrecy just a difference in ideals within his own family.

Choices made from the menu, he nods again, a smile content with his choice. These baked delicacies were new to him, only introduced during his stay here, but much enjoyed. ]

A snack will suffice for me.

[ That said, the order is made, and then it's time for the wait. But it's a good point to find a table. Which he doesn't hesitate to lead Artemy to. ] Now about that exchange...

All right.

[ There is an argument just beneath his agreement, but he decides to forego it. Rather he doesn't think it's right to convince the person paying for him to spend more money, even if it is money on themselves.

Artemy follows along to the table; he rubs his hands together nervously. Looking around the establishment, he can't help but find it to be one of the fanciest places that he has ever been allowed into since coming to this world. But he pulls himself out of his awe at the half-spoken question from Xingqiu. ]

Yes. [ He pauses to dig through his pockets. He produces a single broken piece of chalk. Looking it over carefully, he gives a firm nod before placing it on the table. ]

This holds in it... my determination. [ A small nod. ] I carried it with me through the last of the days before I came here. Please take it with you... I hope it will give you some strength.

[ He has to live the dream sometime, and that means a sweet baked treat in favor of an actual meal. He can get back on track with keeping a healthy diet later, for dinner that is. He isn't so foolish or reckless as to neglect himself entirely. Actually at all.

At the table, he isn't privy to the awe felt by the man sitting across from him. While this chain is clearly a step up from a McDonald's or a Starbucks, it certainly isn't the fanciest place he has had the fortune of eating a meal at but he doesn't judge based on appearance. Good food is good food and compared to most of the other fast-food joints this is probably the better option.

When he mentioned the exchange, he had in mind asking the Artemy to bestow upon him some skill from his homeland. He is always willing to learn new things, so the chalk on the table is a complete surprise. Gingerly he reaches out to take it. ]

Your determination. Your aspirations...? [ He knows of such things, of objects that people place their hopes on or feel that their ambitions have been recognized, but that's in terms of a higher force. He looks at the piece of chalk in his hand before he smiles warmly. If it meant so much to Artemy then he would keep it safe, or if need be put it to good use. ]

Thank you, this is a bit embarrassing I'll admit that you are willing to part with something that has such a deep meaning to you. I'll keep it safe.

No, my aspirations are still my own. [ He lifts his fist to beat it lightly against his chest, about where his heart is. ] That is my determination. The emotion that fueled me to keep going despite all that happened in those days.

[ Artemy drops his hands on the table; he interlaces his fingers. Shaking his head, he dismisses the idea of being willing to part with something of such deep meaning. It has it, yes, but the two of them are -- ]

We are as brothers. What is mine is yours. What I can give you, I will. What you will trade with me, I will take and cherish just as much as you will cherish what I give.

[ This is what family does; they are part of the same faction and he will take that incredibly seriously. ]

The kindness that you've already shown me... there's no reason to be embarrassed that I wish to repay it as soon as I can.

I apologize for making that presumption. Of course, everyone holds their own aspirations, though... [ He shakes his head, it's easy to understand sometimes people share their hopes or pass them on when they're unable to continue forward themselves. That's not the case here. So the chalk in his hand is held tightly, determination is just as important as ambition, it is what sees it through.

So Xingqiu cannot take such a gift lightly.

The mention of such a close-knit bond reminds him of tales from the past, the Guhua Brotherhood of old, if only he had been alive back during their heydays, at its peak, when each member traveled through the land bringing aid to those in need. That aspect hasn't changed, even during this time of its decline, but he is also determined to reinvigorate the clan. Although there was some disappointment at what he initially discovered was left of the clan he still took to learning. ]

But really there was no need for any form of repayment. I am not saying I don't appreciate the gesture but bestowing kindness on to others doesn't need to be rewarded, it should be the natural way people act, and everyone should help one another. However, I am not so foolhardy to lack awareness. I know most people prefer to turn a blind eye to those in need... but not everyone.

It's all right. It is not a wrong thing to think.

[ He dismisses the need for apology. The young man has been nothing but courteous and patient with him; if he did not show the same, he would be giving back less than what he has already been given.

Artemy nods along to what Xingqiu says. His expression is one of understanding; he feels the same way about when he would do things for others and they want to give something back. A frown pulls his mouth down as he thinks of what he wants to say next. He doesn't find fault in what is being said, but the feelings behind it are more than just repayment. ]

What you said is right. I don't find any argument worth having in it, but ... when someone does something for another, it isn't just wanting to reward the kindness given to them. It is also to give something back to them. [ He taps the table, like where he put the chalk. ] I like to believe with everything we give to one another, we take something from them that they were willing to part with and make it our own.

Those are the gifts and curses that we carry, and it binds us all closer to one another. [ He breathes in. ] To only give and not receive is to make things unbalanced. To give more is good, but don't give so much that you lose pieces of yourself you did not want someone else to carry.

[ Give him a moment to parse through those words. He understands wanting to express gratitude, but he can also see that beyond reward imparting something of oneself may have its own merits. It doesn't necessarily have to be physical, he comprehends that the chalk isn't a gift but rather it symbolizes Artemy's determination. Yes, to give him strength, become unwavering in the face of adversary, to reach his own goals.

It was not the Adeptus Guhua who so long ago founded the brotherhood that would eventually decline to become the Guhua clan but rather someone whom he showed great kindness. It was that person bestowed with compassion who founded the school of martial arts, in days past, in those times the practitioners traveled through Liyue performing chivalrous deeds. ]

I see. I believe I have a better grasp of what you're saying.

It's not gratitude alone, rather it's a bond, something akin to a pact between two people.

Therefore one must also consider not being overly generous, not alone due to loss, but what is imparted must not become a burden upon someone else. That is also being good, doing good. The essence behind the aid rendered, the sentiments, just passing forward the notion to help others. Everyone has their own path towards this.

You understand well, brother.

[ Artemy dips his head in a few quick nods. He appreciates that Xingqiu is willing to listen to him on this matter. Even more so, he is pleased the young man wants to hear some of his culture, and carry out some of the traditions and rituals that they have.

As far as from home as he is, he will always carry his town and brethren with him; he is just touched that others are willing to carry a piece of them, as well. ]

Yes, we are all moving forwards on our own paths. [ A pause. ] But we are all connected. The Lines draw us together. There is no action that is done that will not affect us in some small way on our path. That, too, is why we must be careful of what we leave behind and to whom.

[ Artemy pauses, again. ] But I do not think anything I leave with you will do anything but good. I believe in you that much, brother, and will do my most for you from now until the end.

[ Paths weren't always solitary, sometimes there was company following the same trail, and other times they crossed, intersected, even became parallel. He understands that bonds, even single interactions can be life-altering. Just one event can change the course of a person's life. From that moment he picked up that first book which entailed a hero's courageous journey then onward through a slew of martial art novels from a young age he knew what he would stand for.

His conviction wavered at times, he could have easily become misguided and all aspirations of his youth could have been lost in a sea of responsibility. Age has a way of wearing at hopes, dreams. But that single moment when that vision came to him. Then he could see clearly how he should wield his sword. There was a guiding compass for him now ever bright, he had no choice, he would follow closely the chivalric code. ]

Taking everything we do, and everyone into consideration.

I suppose in my case, I've been fortunate to live a privileged life but because of that, I am in a position to help others... [ He certainly was in Liyue, it's a little more difficult now and he has to tread carefully at times, but his ideals have not changed. He will still help anyone in need. ] I won't betray the trust you have placed in me. I can assure you of that.

Yes.

[ There is genuine warmth in his voice; he is more than grateful that Xingqiu understands what he is saying and taking it to heart. This is not the first time that this has happened in the conversation, but he shows his full gratitude each and every time -- in his voice, in the softening his usually stern expression. ]

I know that you will not. [ Artemy gives a sharp nod. ] There is no need for assurances between family. [ He ignores if he had done the same earlier; the two of them have come to understand one another and are now as kin. ]

I know my brother to be a good man, and that is all I need ever know.

[ The genuine tone warms him, it feels like unconditional belief in his character the same he had for so long bestowed upon his closest friend. He believes in Chongyun, though the boy may stumble and make mistakes, there was a path for everyone to take. Xingqiu knows his way, Chongyun would find his own. ]

It's strange. I don't often hear such encouraging words. I mean, it's not that I am in need of motivation...

[ He is mostly self-reliant, however, there is something pleasing about the words he hears. Seldom do his own personal endeavors, aspiration, and interest are encouraged by his family in Liyue. But he understands, everyone grows up, but just as long as he could find small moments of satisfaction. But his days of favoring rabbits have passed. ]

Oh. You should finish your soup. It's probably gotten cold now... sorry.

True, but they are nice to hear.

[ It is nice to know there is someone out there that thinks well of what you are doing; that is not just yourself doing everything alone. His shoulders drop just a little before he adjusts his posture. ]

There's no need to apologize. I'm the one who ran my mouth so much.

[ Artemy smiles; it's a tired one. One that is not used to be given to others, but he is trying. Little by little, he is trying to bring himself back. ]

Thank you for listening to me.

[ Such a warm moment -- before he begins eating with less reservation. The soup is cold enough to lift the bread bowl up to drink out of it. He can eat the bowl as he drinks. Everything is good here. ]

[ Pleasantry of encouraging words is not lost on him, although he isn't often on the receiving end, rather he readily provides motivation. Whether it be advice, or if he must take action. So, yes, he knows they are nice to hear and although that may be, for many years now he has chosen to walk a long, lonely path. Moon, shadow, his only companions through his own journey.

though moon has never understood wine,
and shadow only trails along behind... ]

No, please. I do enjoy the exchange of words and you have imparted upon me a great favor. I should be the one expressing gratitude.

[ Weariness in upturned lips is noted, politely he declines his own curiosity in favor of not prying. If Artemy ever wishes to share further tales then he would be here to lend an ear to him.

For now, he begins to nibble away at the sweet treat, this should be enough as he stated previously. ]

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i saw your prev message 🥺 it was soooo nice

(holds close)

♥♥♥

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