[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.
[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.]
[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. ]
[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.]
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...
[ 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. ]
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. ]
[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. ]
[The touch surprises him, but after a look up to Grace with his eyes wide, Lan Xichen's smile grows even brighter. That gesture is something he hasn't had in some time.]
Then I will visit you more often. And bring our new friend as well. It seems very fond of you and I think it will enjoy having a routine.
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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.
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[ And she certainly does look it, still petting the squirrel with a slightly enamored expression. ]
It is terribly cute.
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[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.
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[ And Grace seems rather pleased with that as she grins up at him. ]
I'm going to guess you haven't either?
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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.
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[ 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.
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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.]
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[ 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. ]
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It looks like it was listening. It seems peaceful now. I wonder if it would be able to cultivate?
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[ 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.
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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?
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[ 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.
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[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.
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Of course.
[ And then goes just a touch teasing again. ]
You're welcome any time. With or without the tea.
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I don't want to inconvenience you. I already owe you for your kindness so far.
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[ 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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Then I will visit you more often. And bring our new friend as well. It seems very fond of you and I think it will enjoy having a routine.
[Yes, because it is all for the squirrel.]
I am grateful to have a friend here as well.