InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I'm happily childfree. "

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

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

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Will | Huan - the next day

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.

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Will | Huan

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.

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Will | Huan

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.

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Will | Huan

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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