[video]

[weiward]

[the video starts with a close-up of a pair of brown eyes, his entire face coming more into view once he pulls back. his fellow offworlders are surely used to seeing people using this technology for the first time.

he doesn't look wary, or confused, or frustrated by it. it's only a moment before wei wuxian's breaking into a wide smile.]

Can everyone really see me through this thing? I wish we had something like this where I'm from! It would be a lot quicker than butterfly talismans...but certain elders would probably make anyone kneel just for using them...

[no names mentioned.

lan qiren.]

Ah! I'm Wei Wuxian, newly arrived with a vow to help however I can! [he holds up his hand in a promise salute.] One question, not everyone here is as shiny and cold as the one who gave me this device, right?

Oh! Speaking of unpleasant, if anyone happens to run into a tall, rigid and uptight-looking guy who also looks like he's wearing mourning clothes, could you let me know? I'll buy you a drink at the nearest bar!

[for the first time, wei wuxian's smile slowly fades, his expression turning more worried.]

Eh...there are bars here, aren't there?

Comments

[Video]

[callmegladio]

[Gladio pops up on the screen with the biggest grin, that slips only slightly once he realises this probably isn't his friend, but he's still happy to see a familiar face.]

No bars I can find. Talk about making our own though.

[A chuckle.]

And so far as I've seen, he's not around. If you're asking who I think you're asking after. But if I do, you'll be the first to know.

[weiward]

[no...bars? oh, someone might need to hug him alright, and fast.]

But there's still alcohol, right?

[he's still hopeful, and then even more at what the man says next.]

You know Lan Zhan?

[callmegladio]

I've heard they sell some at Affurgato. The local cafe.

[His grin fades into an apologetic smile.]

Sorry, not here. I was somewhere else before, I knew him there. In fact... I knew you. Or a version of you.

[weiward]

[whew...he places his hand against his chest, visibly relieved.

and then back to being curious.]

Have we met before? [wei wuxian rubs the back of his head, like that might stimulate his brain into remembering.] Are you from Qinghe?

[callmegladio]

[Gladio had to laugh, then just went back to grinning.]

How bout I treat you to a drink, once you've settled in, and I'll tell you all about it.

But no, I'm not from your world.

[And for that he's glad. His own can be scary enough, but the things he's seen... Yep, Gladio would not wanna live in his world!]

[Video]

[ancientflower]

Hello there!

[Have a cheerful wave and a bright and cheerful smile.]

I'm new here too! I've no idea if there are bars, or if there are any tall and rigid men around, but I'll be sure to keep my eyes out if you've lost one!

[Video]

[weiward]

[...and pretty too. as pretty as any of the beauties in yunmeng!]

You are? Then I guess we can be new together! His name is Lan Zhan, in case that helps. Don't be surprised if he doesn't talk much.

[ancientflower]

Ohh, he's one of those. [She nods seriously, understanding all too well the stoic type.]

I'll be sure to remember that name. I'm Aerith, by the way! It's lovely to meet you Mr Wuxian!

[weiward]

Ah, do you know one too? I guess fuddy-duddys exist everywhere.

[he smiles brightly. but wei wuxian always does, even when he's worried.]

Aerith. I'll be sure to remember yours too! And you can call me Wei Ying.

[ancientflower]

I surely do! [And why she's so cheerful about that is beyond her, but like Wuxian, she smiles regardless!]

Oh? Wei Ying and not... Wei Wuxian?

[Her head cocks to the side, curiosity open in her expression. Two names?]

Video

[lapisdei]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Zhongli.

I haven't seen anyone matching that description, but if you're craving a rich meal or wine to partake in, I also suggest Affurgato. The staff is delightful to work with, and there is a homely charm to the establishment. I would be happy to take you sometime.

Video

[weiward]

Hmm, I'm definitely going to need some wine soon. And the company would be appreciated. I just have one question about the food -

How spicy is it?

[video]

[commediadellanime]

Yeah, we can see you.

[He thinks the "not as shiny and cold" speaks for himself.

Anyways, more important things.]

That's a vague description - any reason you're looking for this awfully generic guy?

[video]

[weiward]

It's something of a long story. See, the last thing I remember, we were together and I want to make sure that he's okay.

But also...

[he looks left, right. even lowers his voice before continuing.]

I think he might like me.

[he's just trollin', and yet...]

[video]

[commediadellanime]

Oh, so you're just missing your boyfriend. I see how it is.

[Trolling or not, this is going to be Childe's assumption from here on out. It makes perfect sense!!]

Well, I don't think I've seen your boytoy around. Doesn't seem like everyone shows up at once, so hey! There's still hope.

[weiward]

Ahah...my what?

[just because wei wuxian called him his soulmate while always trying to get his attention and said his name like his own personal mantra and even tried to undress in front of him-

boyfriend?? that's crazy talk.]

It's not like that! No one could like Lan Zhan like that!

[commediadellanime]

Oh, really?

[Time to run with this and never let it go. He doesn't know anything about this Lan Zhan, but he doesn't need to.]

Then why are you protesting like my sister over her first crush?

video

[iustaegis]

Wei Wuxian....? My name is Pyra. [ This woman, with bright hair and bright eyes, greets the person on the other side of the screen with an even brighter, sincere smile. ] It's lovely to meet you. [ It's also nice to see that he doesn't appear distressed by... being here. ]

Is this man your friend? What is his name?

[weiward]

[looking at her, the bright eyes and sweet smile...how could he not think of yanli? wei wuxian's own smile softens, and it takes him a moment to just...stop staring and actually respond.]

Huh? Oh, I'm sure it's even nicer to meet you, Pyra.

That he is. His name is Lan Zhan. He doesn't talk much, so wherever he is I'm sure he needs me to speak up for him!

[iustaegis]

[ "He needs me to speak up for him."... She smiles. ]

A friend and a protector, then.

[ Clearly, this young man cares for this Lan Zhan. Are they family, perhaps? ] Although, ah, I should probably let you know-- it's possible that if he appears here, he may not be from the same time point you're from.

[weiward]

Ah...

[he looks a touch bashful at that.]

You could say the same for him.

[after all, they've fought side by side. and when wen chao's whip came down, it was lan wangji who stepped in front of it.]

Same point? What does that mean?

[video]

[connectsthedots]

[The behatted Victorian woman on the other side of the screen chuckles]

It took some time for me to get used to them as well. They’re truly fascinating devices, aren’t they? ...Ah, but where are my manners? How do you do? I'm Dorothy Pratt. Just Dot is fine, if you'd prefer. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

The natives don't really need sustenance, so things like restaurants and bars are scarce. A terrible loss on their part, in my opinion. [She shakes her head and gives a little disappointed shrug.] The others are right to point you to Affurgato, though - it is an offworlder-run establishment and one of the only places you’ll find consistently delicious food and drink. [Speaking of...]

Do you like wine? [There's a hopeful smile as she says that.]

[video]

[weiward]

[she's chatty - and being the chatty type himself, wei wuxian can definitely appreciate that.]

So the shiny people really don't eat at all? That's a shame. They couldn't even enjoy Shijie's perfect pork rib and lotus root soup! [wei wuxian enjoys eating, still second to drinking.] 'Offworlders', is that really what we're all called?

[it's an interesting name. but most importantly of all:]

Me? I've never tasted a wine that I didn't like!

[video]

[connectsthedots]

It's one of the terms I've heard, yes. And the automatons – the 'shiny people' – are called 'robots'.

[But who cares about that, I mean, really? The important thing is that she's just acquired a potential drinking buddy!! Dot beams at this kindred spirit.] You're in luck, then! I happen to have acquired several bottles of fine wine during a festival they were holding a few months ago. If ever you feel like a drink, you're welcome to come join me for one!

[weiward]

Robots.

[he repeats the word, committing it to memory. there's nothing like them where he's from, which should make them suspect to any decent cultivator.

good thing no one's ever accused wei wuxian of being decent!]

I feel like it, I feel like it!

[he even raises his hand for it. me, pick me!]