[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!]

[weiward]

I knew I had a good feeling about this place!

[the way to wei wuxian's heart is through booze, and nobody is surprised.]

Hey, what's your name?

[callmegladio]

Name's Gladio. Hah, and it's good to meet you.

[Again. But he needn't drill that point home.]

[weiward]

Gladio! I'll be sure to remember your name this time!

[that must be what happened...yeah.]

How long have you been here?

[callmegladio]

Got here not long before you. So just a few days.

It takes some gettin used to.

[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!

[weiward]

It's nothing like my world so far.

[and while wei wuxian was always the one most open to new ways and things, he feels the first threat of homesickness.

but yanli always did say that he could smile through the worst of things.]

I'm not sorry to be out of that cave though.

[callmegladio]

Cave...?

[Now why did that ring a bell?]

Guess snow beats a cave any day.

[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]

I was trapped in one before I came here.

[and not alone. he tries not to look too worried - at the very least, jiang cheng will make it back to rescue him. he's sure of it.]

But when do we get the sun and the water! Ah, I guess you wouldn't know either. Hopefully it's not like Gusu here year-round.

[callmegladio]

Then guess this is a lot better than that.

No, you'd need one of the locals to get those answers. But I don't think the snows a permanent fixture.

[Least he hopes not! Snow was nice to look at but not live in.]

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]

[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?

[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.

[weiward]

When I find out, I'll be sure to let you know too! Until then, there's no reason we shouldn't have a little fun with it, don't you think?

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]

[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

[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?

[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?]

[callmegladio]

I couldn't agree more.

Not too early to drink, don't you agree?