[ rin's right on the money. the smile grows a little, and xie lian ducks his head. ]
...I once defied the Heavenly Emperor because I felt that the rules of the Heavens were too restricting. I wanted to save people, and I felt like I was stuck there, doing nothing. So I descended to see the people and help them without his permission.
[ he lifts his hand, gently brushing against the bandages on his throat. ] I was punished for the action, but... I still don't regret it, even now.
[ even though things didnt turn out right; even though he didn't manage to save his kingdom, or his people... it's so much better that he was able to try. sometimes xie lian wrestles even now with what would have happened if he stayed away, but... watching people suffer and doing nothing felt like more of a crime than anything. ]
no subject
...I once defied the Heavenly Emperor because I felt that the rules of the Heavens were too restricting. I wanted to save people, and I felt like I was stuck there, doing nothing. So I descended to see the people and help them without his permission.
[ he lifts his hand, gently brushing against the bandages on his throat. ] I was punished for the action, but... I still don't regret it, even now.
[ even though things didnt turn out right; even though he didn't manage to save his kingdom, or his people... it's so much better that he was able to try. sometimes xie lian wrestles even now with what would have happened if he stayed away, but... watching people suffer and doing nothing felt like more of a crime than anything. ]