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[ She considers that for a moment, then inclines her head slightly in acknowledgement. ]

You can yearn for a thing and not be consumed by it, I think.

[ There is just the slightest sardonic edge to her smile. Strange words, from a creature who trades in all-consuming desire. Or is meant to. ]

It's about finding a balance. You're good at that sort of thing, I thnk.

[Xichen pauses to consider that, then shakes his head.]

Not as good as I might be, I think. Avoiding temptation is not the same as knowing where the balance lies. And I have failed to find that in the past already.

[Several times, if he really starts counting.]

The space within my home was small. We were a significant sect, but life was simple and easy to manage. Yearning is like a vast lake. I have only stood upon a boat, never gone in it.

[ There's another slight lull, one that Grace punctuates by taking another drink. The look she gives him is a searching one, but there's undeniably something like fondness underneath. It makes it easier. ]

Take it from something of an expert, then. It becomes easier, with time.

[The quiet should be disconcerting, but Xichen is content, waiting on the wisdom of his more experienced friend. And she gives him the reassurance he wanted to hear. Just knowing that she thinks it will become easier makes his shoulders relax slightly. He leans forward and reaches out to refill her cup with the teapot, but as he moves, a small ball of fur comes darting out of his sleeve, landing on the table with an alarmed noise.]

Ah, no, don't- Come here. [The squirrel holds its ground, looking highly unamused by this change of location.]

I'm sorry. It was asleep; I didn't want to leave it.

[ It takes a not inconsiderable amount of effort for Grace to be caught completely off guard, but the sudden arrival of something small and furry seems to have done it. She blinks, having instinctively pulled her cup off the table to keep it from being overturned, then finds herself letting out a surprised laugh. ]

Well. Who's this, then?

I don't know.

[Xichen is distraught. This is clearly not something he's used to happening with his tea.]

When I awoke, it was curled up on my chest. I must have picked it up.

[It's as likely as anything, really.]

I thought it would stay asleep. It seemed calm before.

[ Oh dear. Grace is back to trying to cover a smile as she extends her fingers towards the squirrel, far enough away for it not to seem like a threat, hopefully. But she does seem entirely happy to patiently let it come to her. ]

Well, it certainly seems fond of you.

[ Considering it hasn't already bolted. ]

[The squirrel looks between the two, taking small, sharp steps back and forth as it assesses its surroundings and tries to decide what to do. Finally, it skitters toward Grace, giving her hand a curious test sniff. It seems to keep still there, at least content to sit and not run away.]

It might be young. I feel sorry for it. It must miss its family.

[He pulls a few seeds from a pouch in his sleeve and sets them down near Grace's hand, letting the squirrel take them. It stuffs the seeds in its mouth and stays put where it is, accepting that this is its new home.]

I would take it back, but I don't remember where it came from.

I think if it was unhappy, it would have already left.

[ She's still as the squirrel settles, and then slowly and carefully extends her fingers to run them over it's head. Grace will hardly claim to be an expert on animal behavior, but it isn't acting as a trapped wild creature. ]

Do you plan to keep it?

[The squirrel seems happy enough for a squirrel. With food and no immediate threat, it seems to adopt the weird humans as its providers. When Grace pets it, the small eyes close as if the squirrel is resting or thinking.]

Mm. I put it down before and it stayed with me. I think trying to leave it would be abandoning it, and I don't want to do that. I'm glad it came along. It seems to like you.

I'm glad.

[ And she certainly does look it, still petting the squirrel with a slightly enamored expression. ]

It is terribly cute.

It is cute because it is not hungry.

[Much less cute when it is throwing a furry tantrum and Xichen doesn't know what it wants. But he does smile, pleased that the two are apparently getting along.]

I suppose it will need training as well.

You know, that is something I can say that I have never done.

[ And Grace seems rather pleased with that as she grins up at him. ]

I'm going to guess you haven't either?

[Xichen feels somewhat proud, because he's unexpectedly giving Grace a new experience. He didn't think he'd be trying to tame a squirrel of all things, but if that provides something beneficial for Grace, than it will be worth it.]

I usually don't spend time with animals. That I suppose is another thing the city is teaching me. I would appreciate any ideas you have. So far, it only seems to calm down when it eats or sleeps.

I suppose you want for it to get accustomed to you.

[ This might be the most hesitant she's ever sounded. Grace has never spent much time with animals either, and the creatures to be found in Sigil generally have very little to do with their inner-plane compatriots besides. ]

Let it know it can trust you.

[Trust is something he has also struggled with recently. The irony gets a smile out of Xichen, soft and fond as he watches the squirrel settle down while Grace pets it.]

Maybe we aren't very different. Everything requires trust.

[He knows a little about that, at least. Xichen pulls out his xiao, pushing the chair back to give himself some space to play a short song, testing out the rhythm to see how the squirrel reacts. It seems to listen, twitching its tail a little as it looks up at the humans.]

That's true.

[ But she just smiles softly has he plays, running her fingers softly down the squirrel's back as it seems to settle in a bit. ]

[Ending his song, Xichen lowers the flute and waits. The squirrel curls up under Grace's hand, eyes half-closed. It actually makes Xichen laugh.]

It looks like it was listening. It seems peaceful now. I wonder if it would be able to cultivate?

I think if anyone could teach it that sort of thing, it would be you.

[ Back to teasing, since Lan Xichen seems to be doing so much better. When the squirrel seems to be setting down to sleep, eyes closing completely, she somewhat reluctantly pulls her hand away. ]

At the least, you seem to have an appreciative audience.

[Xichen responds to the teasing this time with a fond smile.]

I am not sure that animals here can learn magic the way witches do, but at home it was possible for some to develop their own spiritual power. Although this one...

[Is comfortably asleep on Grace's table.]

Mm. Do you enjoy the tea?

Can they?

[ That's certainly a new thought. And a somewhat worrisome one in Sigil, but perhaps in Lan Xichen's world it's less of a concern. She still gives the sleeping squirrel a thoughtful look before turning her attention back on her friend. ]

I do, yes. Thank you for it.

Mm, all living things have some spiritual energy. It is part of our life. Whether it is strong or not depends on how much it is refined and cultivated over time.

[As well as other factors, but he's not teaching a lesson.]

Even though we came here, I think we still retain that energy. It just takes a different form.

[He nods in return to her thanks.]

I would like to bring more in the future if you will permit me. I enjoy your company.

[ And that is something she's certainly going to have to ask him about some time. It's a fascinating theory, but now does not quite seem the time for debates on magic. Her smile widens, bright and genuine, eyes narrowing with it a bit. ]

Of course.

[ And then goes just a touch teasing again. ]

You're welcome any time. With or without the tea.

[Xichen's smile becomes a soft laugh as he lowers his eyes. If he were less of a trained sect member, he might blush or look even more embarrassed, but he manages to keep his reaction to a minimum.]

I don't want to inconvenience you. I already owe you for your kindness so far.

I hardly think the company of a friend is an imposition.

[ She hesitates for just a second, then gives in to the urge to reach over and cover one of his hands with hers. Casual touch is not a thing that comes easily, after centuries of careful control over everything she goes. But here and now, maybe Grace can try. ]

You owe me nothing.

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zewu_jun - 2020-04-07 00:41 (UTC) - Expand