For Ahn

[lan_wangji]

The more Lan Wangji thinks about the night of the attack, the more he realizes he perhaps ought to have handled his interaction with Lee-gonxi with more...delicacy. He realizes that perhaps Lee-gonxi is unused to bloodshed and magic and flying and that it may have all been too much without proper explanation.

He still does not know how to use the communication device supplied by the city so he simply arrives at the same door he had deposited Lee Ahn at and knocks, wondering if a letter ought to have been sent prior but unsure how to do so without relying on the same magic he does not know if is appropriate. Learning the customs of an entirely different world is overwhelming.

He folds his hands neatly behind his back and waits, sword well out of sight as he attempts to look as non-threatening as possible.

Comments

[lan_wangji]

It is not an entirely inaccurate description of his role in the Sect. He certainly had little to no choice in the course of his own life up until meeting Wei Ying and had always been certain about holding a certain amount of prestige. He feels that a detailed description of the similarities and differences would be out of place and boring to Lee Ahn so he instead nods.

"There was the practical application of studies as well," he offers, suddenly wishing he had more interesting stories to tell, more relatable like those Wei Ying tells of swimming and fishing and climbing trees. "Hunting demons, monsters. The application of the theory. But essentially, yes. Study of magic, application of magic was always to be my purpose. Wei Ying's life was more broad. Perhaps more like Lee-gonxi's."

[psychometricguy]

"Wow," Ahn mutters, taking in the mention of demons and monsters. Knowing Wangji, he means that with utter truth and Ahn has no choice but to believe it.

"So...so practical application, you mean hunting and fighting demons? Really?"

[lan_wangji]

"Mm," Lan Wangji confirms with a quick nod and lightly furrowed brow. "As needed. But the focus on the Lan Clan is study not only of magic but the mastering of one's self. Control of one's emotions," he explains, thinking that perhaps Wei Ying would be better for the description of what it is to study magic even with the inevitable half lies and exaggerations.

"Truthfully, think Lee-gonxi would have disliked my Clan. Wei Ying did. It is very...restrictive. Not all cultivators study in such ways. Wei Ying did not. Even when studying with us."

[psychometricguy]

Yes, of course Wangji fought demons as needed and moves right on past that as if he's talking about just another chore he had to do as a child. All things considered, it probably was.

"Probably," he agrees, shifting slightly so his legs don't fall asleep too soon. "I've been told I have attention issues and I'm not the best student to have." He gives Wangji a small smile. "I apologize in advance."

[lan_wangji]

"I assure Lee-gonxi that I have considerable experience dealing with such a pupil," he says mildly, feeling certain that none could be as infuriating as Wei Ying.

"If Lee-gonxi was able to, what would you want to pursue?" he asks, not having ever really given the matter much thought until now. There was never a question or an option for Lan Wangji.

[psychometricguy]

That's reassuring, and Ahn feels a little less pressure to try to be a perfect pupil - not that he really knows what that is. Maybe someone who actually listens, for once.

"Ah, recently I've been thinking about that," he says, leaning back against the couch as he relaxes a little more. "I wanted to help people with my power, like helping the police to solve crimes. I've tried in the past, but my power is too unstable. I'm no use to anyone if I can't control it or don't know what I'm seeing."

His many, many failures in the morgue trying to help made that point very clear.