[ everything is so different like this. in reality, it hasn't been long since his death - but it feels like it has been. sitting here in the area behind the little home away from their fallen home, a place he's lingered at xie lian's side often... the brush of wind in his hair and across his skin, the rustle of clothing, the earth under him.

xie lian, inspecting him and everything about him. eye included.

it is very, very red! and having xie lian leaning in closer has him ducking under his bangs, even as he tries to remain seated upright, angling his head so that his right eye is a little more obscured. he'd spent so long, hiding it away. even on the battlefield. it's the safe self conscious behavior as his older self, even centuries later. ]

I had much I needed to do, even like that. And that you allowed me to stay by your side... [ because what good is having a little ghost fire? a spirit that can't do anything, can barely speak, can barely light the way. it's not as if san lang could warm xie lian and ruoye when he was curled up, miserable and drunk, in that grave. ] Now that I'm in possession of a body again, if I can help any -