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Will Laurence ([info]withallmyheart) wrote in [info]valloic,
@ 2022-02-22 20:53:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:!: journal post, ~plot: sphere, ₴ inactive: temeraire, ₴ inactive: william laurence 2

JOURNAL ➣ VALLO DAY TWO | SPHERE DAY FOUR

[Filtered to Temeraire]
My Dear,

I hope Mr. Scientia was able to find a journal for you. I asked him to let you know that I was well, and I'm happy to report that I remain so. This place is like nothing I've ever seen before; it's very clearly magical. I'm happy to report that so far it's not been terribly dangerous, or, at least, it hasn't been for us. I've been paired with two Fae, and the day before last, under their instruction we were able to construct a golem who I trust will be able to protect us should we run into anything particularly dangerous.

Yesterday we found the most magnificent library I've seen, filled from floor to ceiling with books. Appearances were unfortunately deceiving: some of them screamed when opened, or snapped at you, and I was attacked very viciously by and I regret to say that I was unable to find any that would interest you.

I hope you've been well and that you haven't worried too dearly. I can assure you that I've been very safe, and I trust to remain so with the help of my companions and our stone protector. Mr. Scientia offered to bring you something nice to eat, and I hope that you have. I hope that you've still been eating regularly.

I miss you terribly, and I hope we'll find a way home soon.

Yours,
Laurence



[Filtered to Lan Xichen]
My Love,

I'll not say I'll wish you were here, but rather that I was there, though I'll admit that things are not so bad as they might have been. I understand that I've been fortunate thus far, and the only real danger I've encountered has come in the form of a book which exploded in my hands yesterday, though we were fortunate enough to encounter some medical kits and healing potions on our first day here, and so I'm not too poorly. My companions and I, a pair of Fae who are native to this world, constructed a stone golem yesterday, and I believe it will protect us should we encounter any threats, and we've had some luck in finding good food.

Mr. Scientia tells me that Temeraire hasn't caused much of a stir searching for me these last few days. Do I have you to thank for that? I hope you've been keeping one another company. I've not seen any of your family in these journals yet, but if you suspect any of them have been transported here as well, do let me know and I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them. I hope you've otherwise been well. How have things been back home.

I'll count the days until I can see you again,
Yours,
Will


(Post a new comment)

Laurence
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-23 06:21 am UTC (link)
Laurence! I was not worried at all, but it did help to know you were probably not gone forever, which Lan Xichen assured me. I am very sorry the library you found should have been so aggressive; I assume this is not normal for libraries. I very much wish I was there so that I could have seen it, and also protect you from any hostile hostile books or other things. The golem sounds very interesting. Does it talk? You must not worry about me as I will do perfectly well and I will not go hungry at all, I promise, only please do come back soon, as it is very strange to write to you when we have never before been apart for so long as to deem it necessary.

Also do not get shot or set anything on fire, pray.

Temeraire

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-23 06:57 am UTC (link)
I'm glad to hear you were so undaunted; I'll confess that I was a little worried myself when I found myself here without you. Libraries are not at all aggressive in the normal course of things. I was taken rather by surprise, though I suppose that I've had plenty of time by now to grow used to all the different forms that magic can take. I'm sorry to report that the golem does not speak, though I don't know what it would say if it could, as it's only been sentient for three days now, and had no time in an egg to get a sense of the world.

It is very strange to correspond with you this way, I agree, though I sometimes wrote letters to you before you arrived here. It's nicer when I know you can respond. I'll come back as soon as I am able, I promise.

I'm not going to set anything on fire, Temeraire. And you can rest assured that I'm unlikely to be shot, either. I've not seen anything resembling a pistol or a musket since my arrival.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-24 12:25 am UTC (link)
Well, perhaps a little worried, since you will say you were as well. I would have liked to go looking for you, but Lan Xichen said it was a magical thing, and I would not be able to find you, which is not in the least fair. I think I will have to learn more about magic even if I cannot work out how to do it; that way I might not keep being so badly surprised by it.

Yes, well, you say you will not set anything on fire, but you do have a habit of doing the least sensible thing sometimes, Laurence, and I am not there to come and take you away, so do be careful. If there are no guns I suppose there must be some other weaponry, a magical kind, which might hurt worse.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-24 12:51 am UTC (link)
Lan Huan had the right of it, I'm afraid. I'm glad you listened to him. I suppose there must be some connection home if we've been able to establish communication, but I do not think it will be discoverable by the likes of you or I. But I do highly recommend learning a little of magic. Huan, and my friends Dorian, Eliot, and Quentin have been good enough to spend a little time explaining a little, though I'm far from saying I have any true understanding, and I still get badly surprised by magic often enough despite their efforts.

I've never been in the habit of setting fires. You have my promise to be careful, though, especially of anything I do not recognize as you're most likely right about the possibility of magical weaponry.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-24 01:22 am UTC (link)
I will have to ask around to see if anyone has recommended reading on the subject. Everyone is very busy trying to find out where you all are and how to get you back. I wish there was something I could do to help.

Yes, well. I suppose you do not remember Lord Bayan's estate, when you and Mian-ning decided to burn the place up in order to get out rather than simply wait for me, and your lovely robes were lost as well. At least you do not have especially nice clothes at the moment which might be ruined if you take such a notion into your head a second time.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-24 01:31 am UTC (link)
I wish you could as well. Perhaps you might see if Lan Huan needs assistance with anything? I know he's been very busy, and I'm sure he would appreciate any kindness you might be able to offer him.

Oh thank goodness I'm sorry to hear it; I'm sure we must have thought it necessary. Prince Mianning had never struck me as particularly reckless, and if he were Emperor at the time I'm sure he was even more cautious. You are right on the matter of clothing, though. I was brought here in my bedclothes, and while there were clothes here, I've been provide with neither a jacket nor a neckcloth. I'll endeavour to not set anything on fire here though, whether my clothing is at risk or not.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-24 01:48 am UTC (link)
Oh I did ask, but perhaps I will ask again. I can at least do some research now that I have my tablet. I have been on the internet a lot. It is all very interesting, but sometimes it can be too much of a distraction, and I find more time has passed than I had anticipated while I was scrolling.

Mianning is not reckless at all and would not even let me kill Lord Bayan, even though he was a traitor and a murderer and tried to have you both assassinated. But Mei says we are both an encouraging influence - meaning you and I. I think some people could use a little encouraging, personally, and anyway it did lead to us getting the Chinese legions, so I suppose it was all right in the end even if you did lose the robes.

Oh dear. You are at least warm enough? I do not mind if you are scruffy Laurence, only look after yourself for once.



(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-24 02:19 am UTC (link)
The internet is particularly bad for that. I've often found myself searching for a certain bit of information and not realizing the hour until it's too late. Be wary not to open any strange e-mails though, my dear, especially not if they come with attachments.

China sent their army to help us against Napoleon? That's very encouraging to hear. The loss of the robes cannot be weighed against such a monumental help, and if its loss helped secure them against Bonaparte, then we can only be grateful, though I know how much you liked them. They are here though, if it would

It's not at all cold here, my dear, I only feel their lack in terms of propriety.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-25 02:14 am UTC (link)
Laurence did you know that anyone can study here, at University, without even having to go into a building? Lan Xichen has been telling me. I have always wanted to study properly like they do in China, but there has never been enough time. Do you think I might, here?

Lan Xichen has also been telling me about what magic is like where he comes from, but it seems to involve a lot of sitting still and thinking very hard while also not thinking of anything at all, which is very difficult and not as interesting as I thought it would be.

Well, you have been dressing a bit differently than you do at home, perhaps it is not really that improper? I know you think it necessary, but even Granby did not always wear one at home.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-25 02:28 am UTC (link)
Of course you may, my dear. You may study anything that you like. I'm afraid I won't be very much help myself, never having gone to university myself, but I'm sure I can make some inquiries to see what is required, and get you registered for classes, if Huan hasn't already done so. Do you have any notion of what subjects you'd like to study?

I'm very fond of Huan's understated sort of magic, but if it is not to your taste, there are other, flashier kinds here as well. I do not know if you'd be capable of learning any of them, but I believe that Mr. George Weasley did the fireworks at Wei Wuxain and Hanguang Jun's wedding magically. It was quite lovely.

It's the principle of the matter, my dear. John can, of course, dress however he finds most comfortable, and I'm sure he'd be very uncomfortable indeed, not having been brought up with the necessity, but what works for some men doesn't necessarily work for all. And besides, both my companions here are Fae, and if there are tensions among Outlanders and the Fae at home, then I do rather wish I could make a better impression with my dress. But I'll make due with what I've been provided with.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-25 02:45 am UTC (link)
Well it is very hard to choose, since there are only so many hours in the day, and everything is so interesting, and Lan Xichen says there will likely be a lot of reading, which of course is very good, but one can only read so many books at once. I would like to know a lot more about all the different kinds of magic, but also politics, which is very useful, and history, and literature of course, and mathematics, but also science and engineering so I can learn about how phones work, and there are lots of other subjects which I'm not even sure what they are about but it would be good to know. But I will not decide anything right away.

You should do whatever makes you comfortable of course, though I haven't noticed anyone else wearing them here, so perhaps no one will notice in any case.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-25 02:55 am UTC (link)
I dare say that you'll have plenty of time to study all the subjects that you wish, eventually, so even if you don't choose to study something now doesn't mean that you won't have the opportunity to study it sometime in the future. When I come home, we might read through all the course descriptions and you might choose two or three subjects that seem especially interesting to you now, and I dare say if you've managed to get elected to Parliament, you and Perscitia and the other dragons Ministers will make it possible for dragons in Britain to study as well.

I'm sure you're right, dear heart, only I nevertheless wish that I so I'll try not to worry too much about it.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]lungtienxiang
2022-02-25 03:07 am UTC (link)
Oh yes, that is very much one of Perscitia's goals, only I thought it would take a long time, after we had ensured fair wages and military rank and everything else, so I had never really considered it for myself, outside of China. But it is very exciting to have the opportunity now. I will have to think about it some more, and I do hope you are back soon so we might properly talk about it. I do miss you. I have worked out how to make my tablet read to me, if I would like to close my eyes and listen, but it is not as nice as hearing you do it.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Laurence | Temeraire
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-25 03:19 am UTC (link)
You will live a very long time, Temeraire, and at the speed that you're turning all of Britain on her head, I'm very sure that you'll have the opportunity to attend a British university sooner than you might think. But I'm very glad for you to have the opportunity now, and I'll do everything in my power to make the path as easy as possible for you. I miss you very much too, my dear, and I promise to read extra long to you once I'm with you again.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Will | Huan
[info]zewujun
2022-02-23 01:52 pm UTC (link)
It is very good to hear from you, my heart, and to know that you are mostly uninjured. For A-Xiang's sake, I have been holding myself steady and patient, but of course I have worried for you. I hope the fae you are trapped with are more pleasant than the one who has been charging around here demanding answers as though the Outlanders are responsible for Vallo's latest tricks.

A-Xiang has actually not been as panicked as I expected he might be. He is being as patient as his nature will allow, and has neither insisted on flying in circles looking for you or threatened any lives or livelihoods on your behalf. Since there is nothing we can do for you from here, I will see what distraction I can offer. Given his interest in learning, I thought he might enjoy seeing what classes the local schools have available and discussing the possibilities over tea. Is there anything else you can suggest to keep him occupied, or any difficulty I should watch for in particular? Tell me, and I will do my best to be sure he is well in your absence.

I do wish very much that you were here, but I have been well enough. Magical diplomacy is suddenly a very busy field, so I have had little time to mope about, for all that I might like to. My family have offered distraction and reassurance any time that I have not been working, and I have surpassed my own previous record in holding a handstand.

Please take care, and be safe as you can. I will be at the covert to make you a pot of your terrible tea as soon as you return.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-23 02:47 pm UTC (link)
I'm happy enough to say the fae I'm with have been perfectly civil and have neither made any unreasonable demands upon my person or laid any blame for this situation at my feet. I'm sorry they've not been so pleasant back home. Even if they're missing loved ones, one would hope they'd realize that we are as well and show a little more compassion.

He hasn't Why am I I forget, sometimes, that four years have passed between the times when we each were brought here, and it stands to reason that he'd have learned some patience in the interm. I've been worried these last few days that he'd have gotten himself into some sort of trouble when he discovered my absense, but I'm glad, very glad indeed, to hear that he's been willing to see reason, even if. I sounds as though you've been doing a splendid job; I'd not considered the possibility of classes myself but of course he'd be delighted that he can take them in this world. You might read to him some of your favourite poetry or stories in the evening, if you would like, and he sometimes loses his appetite when he is stressed, so pray keep an eye on that, though he's promised me he will eat.

I hope you've been eating as well, for all that you've been keeping occupied. I believe I still have some chocolate left from the basket Eliot gave me at Christmas; you might find it in the kitchen pantry. Keep busy and do not worry; I will keep myself as safe as I am able so that I might return to you.

I've been without coffee or tea these last four days, and so I'll be glad for either when I return, but not so glad as I'll be to see your face and feel your hand on my cheek. I'll write to you as often as I'm able, and I pray you'll do the same.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]zewujun
2022-02-23 03:15 pm UTC (link)
The lady who has been most aggressively addressing us gives the impression of a woman who is accustomed to wielding power rather than being subject to it. Unfortunately, people afflicted with an excess of pride often see more strength in being angry about such a situation than in facing it with reason and sense, so we are now obligated to manage her feelings while also attempting to manage the situation itself. It is trying, but nothing that Thurvishar and I are unfamiliar with. Both our worlds are littered with people who think that if they are simply clear enough about how important they are the universe must kowtow to them.

Has A-Xiang any favorite foods that he might be more tempted by? If so, I will arrange to have them presented. I share the tendency to fail to eat when overset, but certain dishes can overwhelm that tendency if I am not too deep into it. Sorrow is powerful, but so also is the lure of tangyuan. And I have been sensibly eating while you have been missing, though my brother has had to remind me when the time for dinner has arrived. I even tried something new yesterday: falafel, which is a fritter of chickpeas and spices and quite delicious. I can only expect I will enjoy it more when you are safely home - and in the meantime, I will accept that offer of chocolate.

Since no one has mentioned that you are all starving while fighting off evil books, I assume there is at least water and food enough to keep you all well. And when you return, I see no reason that you cannot have all that at once; I will be happy to abandon propriety and keep my arms around you while you have your tea and catch A-Xiang up on all your adventures. He is already jealous that he is not fighting any books, though he also seems a bit offended that books would commit such a betrayal.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-23 03:58 pm UTC (link)
I am familiar with the type, and I'm sorry you must deal with her when you already have so much on your mind, though I'm sure that you are more than capable. I'll confess it's better you than I; I've never had much of a head for diplomacy. I pray that it'll not be too trying, Darling, and you're welcome to make use of the hot springs if you find the need to relax.

He has a great love of beef and mutton, heavily spiced, and fish, also, though he can often be tempted by anything novel as well. I'd be delighted try falafels with you when I return; I've never had them myself.

We are given some basic, tasteless rations, better, I think, than ship's biscuits but only narrowly, though I've had some luck in finding better fare during the day. Our second evening here I was able to find what I suppose must be the equivalent of a feast in this place, though it obviously paled in comparison to the meals your family hosts. I was also lucky enough to find a magnificent sword. I think it's magical, and I'd be happy for you to make a study of it if I'm permitted to bring it home with me.

Those books, I'm sure, would quail in fear should Temeraire turn a bloodthirsty eye upon them; I'd hope they'd have the sense to act as regular books in his presence, as it would be happier for everyone, most especially the books. I'll keep the thought of being in your arms again in my mind so I might have pleasant dreams of you at night. I can not tell you how much I miss your company.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan - the next day
[info]zewujun
2022-02-24 05:46 pm UTC (link)
Good morning, my heart. I hope you are continuing to keep well in the puzzle box you have been dropped in. You will be pleased to know that I brought lamb kofta and several course catalogues for A-Xiang last night, all of which he enjoyed. (I had more falafel, and we both tried hummus for the first time, so you need not worry that either of us are not eating. We are, however, sad for you being limited to disappointing bread, and intend to make sure you have a very fine meal when you return.)

You should probably begin preparing yourself to determine what constitutes academic robes for a dragon; with A-Xiang's boundless curiosity, I suspect you will soon have a university student on your hands. Harder than a school uniform for a dragon, however, will be convincing the dragon that he cannot study every subject immediately and simultaneously.

We also had very pleasant conversation about the nature of magic and cultivation and differences in how such power works in different worlds. Both of us are hopeful that the sword will make it back across the border to Vallo with you. Most cultivators find magical weapons and tools fascinating, and I am no exception to the rule. What powers does it appear to possess? I suggest letting Wei Wuxian see it, as well; he is our reigning expert in the matter of spiritual tools, having crafted several himself.

I do hope we will have you returned to us soon. As much as I enjoy A-Xiang's company, I miss you terribly. I'm afraid I have grown very spoiled by having kisses and conversation whenever I wish.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-24 08:18 pm UTC (link)
Darling, I'm happy to report that we seem to be having an uncommonly easy time of it. Our supplies went missing in the night which came as an unpleasant shock this morning, but aside from the incident with the books, we've been largely unmolested. I'm glad to hear that you've both been eating well, and keeping one another good company. I'm sorry to have left you both, but I'm not sorry that you've been given this opportunity to come to know one another without my interference.

I suppose Mr. Minervois, my tailor, will be very please if I must get Temeraire fitted for robes, though I hope the university will not mind so much if we forgo the expense. I've never been to University myself, and, in fact, I left home a little too early to benefit much from a formal education as my brothers did, so I cannot say that I'll be well equipped to prepare him. Do you have universities in your own world, or places of formal study, or was it an honour that was undertaken by your clan leaders?

I cannot say for certain what powers the sword might possess, as I've not yet had the opportunity to test it, but I feel stronger, I think, when I hold it. Does that seem silly? Perhaps it is all in my mind. I've very little experinece in the ways of magical swords, your own being the only one I've ever had much contact with, and so I cannot say for sure if this is magic I'm feeling or perhaps some particular trick of craftsmanship. I know, for instance, I feel more comfortable with the sword Temeraire gifted than any other, and it is not magic that makes it a formidable weapon.

I've long grown accustomed to spending months, and sometimes years, away from my loved ones and past loves, and so I would have thought that the experience might not be so trying, but it has been nearly a week since I last saw your face or heard your voice, and I wish now that I had done more to take advantage of the moment. I sleep better with you by my side, and I've grown rather too used to being able to call on you whenever I wish to see you. I miss you more every day, and I'll not stop looking until I can find a way back to you.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]zewujun
2022-02-25 03:34 pm UTC (link)
That is very good to hear. I am doing my best not to worry in excess, but some worry is unavoidable when you are so far out of reach. I am reassured to know that thus far you are not having too much trouble, as I am sure A-Xiang will be as well.

I would imagine that any of the local schools would make an allowance for some modification to appropriate dress for a dragon. Most of them seem less particular about the appearance of students than I am accustomed to anyway. We do not have universities as they are known here, but the annual lectures at Cloud Recesses served something like their purpose. Young people of all the cultivation sects would come to us for instruction for half the year, polishing their skills as cultivators and gentlemen or ladies. Other than that, education was all undertaken within the sects. We were all expected to achieve proficiency in the Six Arts (Philosophy, Music, Archery, Swordsmanship, Calligraphy, and Mathematics), though some sects place more emphasis on one than another. Music is a significant part of the Lan cultivation style, for instance, so we spend much more time on that study than on Mathematics, while the Jiang are well-known as the finest archers in the world.

Your feeling about the sword does not seem silly, based on what I know of magical weapons. Many spiritual tools are designed to enhance or focus the abilities of the wielder. It is possible your sword does so with physical strength. I look forward to making some study of it when you return, though not nearly so much as I look forward to seeing you. Time passes a little differently in the place you are; it has been only a few days here. Even so, I find myself lying alone and longing for you each time the sun sets. I am accustomed to solitude, but I have never enjoyed it when it is enforced from the outside. Worrying over what trouble may find you makes it no easier. A-Xiang and my family and friends are a comfort, though, so please do not worry for me in turn. Simply be prepared for me to cling to you like an octopus again when you come back.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Will | Huan
[info]withallmyheart
2022-02-25 06:42 pm UTC (link)
Some part of me does wish that I could keep the worst of the events here from Temeraire, though I know it's not possible when he has a journal of his own and can read what the others have encountered. I'll keep you appraised, however, though you may rest assured that it seems as though that the biggest danger to myself seems to be an excess of boredom.

Sending young cultivators to all the different sects seems an ideal way to foster relations between all of you as well.

You may make a study my sword to your hearts content, my love. I don't think it's possible to stop me from worrying over you and Temeraire, but I'm happy to hear that you've plenty of comfort, and I hope you may take good advantage of it. I hope you'll not be surprised if I cling back just as desperately, to make up for all the time I've not been able to cover you with kisses.

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