Ling, resident poet of Shangshu, tied to the Sui Regulator and other governmental organs of Yan. Came into contact with Rhodes Island during the Shangshu incident. Now remaining as a visitor aboard the landship, following thorough audits.
Passive: Summons may be deployed on melee tiles Active: Ling and her summons gain +50% ATK and +50 ASPD. The summons deal Arts damage Immediately gain 1 summon when the skill is activated
Mastery 3 · SP cost 25 · Initial SP 15 · Duration 25sPassive: Summons may be deployed on ranged tiles and deal Arts damage Active: Ling and her summons deal 450% ATK as Arts damage to 2 enemies within Attack Range and Bind them for 3 seconds After the skill ends, retrieve all summons with less than 50% HP. Can store 2 charge(s)
Mastery 3 · SP cost 13 · Initial SP 5Passive: Summons may be deployed on melee tiles. If there are other summons within their Attack Range, combines with them into a Higher form Active: Ling and her summons gain +100% ATK and +100% DEF. Each summon deals 20% of Ling's ATK as Arts damage to enemies in the four adjacent tiles every 0.5 seconds After the skill ends, gain 1 summon
Mastery 3 · SP cost 40 · Initial SP 15 · Duration 30sCan use up to 5 summons (max 3 deployed at once). Summons’ effect changes based upon Skill
When a summon is defeated/absorbed/retrieved, Ling gains 4 SP and ATK +3% (ATK increase stacks up to 5 times)
Evocative so. Years and an age ago, the very palace rained and drizzled in the whisperers of consultants.
Which watch of the night are we in? Doctor, light my lantern. This sword, and these scrolls of verse… If we are to weave such a dream that even It cannot disturb, then the roads are profuse, the clouds are myriad, and we must take our time as we cast our eye.
Evocative so. Years and an age ago, the very palace rained and drizzled in the whisperers of consultants.
Yea, when Yan scholars speak of Sui, that is us, and It too. Facts hardly worth covering up; Nian's worries are not mine. After all, I am only me, and my death, no more than death is. The only shames would be this wine and world, for at day's end I love them long.
Just who I wished to see; you fill the hole in this dream that stymied me. Yes, long will it be until we are met upon Rhodes Island, but this moment is no false one. Such is poetry's power, and wine's too. Pray, Doctor, serenade me, and be inebriated with me.
Yea, when Yan scholars speak of Sui, that is us, and It too. Facts hardly worth covering up; Nian's worries are not mine. After all, I am only me, and my death, no more than death is. The only shames would be this wine and world, for at day's end I love them long.
I was of the mind I would finally meet someone past, an old friend. Never did I think this is how you now present yourself. From knowing not one is one, isn't this like a dream? However, Doctor. It is fine to be as yourself. Long have I contended with myself; myself I shall prefer to act.
Seize it not! I don't mean to derelict my duty. Nay, you see, dreams are as this wine jar. Should I seek inebriation, its contents will never run dry—and this holds whether Sui wakes or not. In here, there is no hint of veracity or falsity, no fetter on one's ultimate freedom. Such is the highlight of dreams. Perhaps by this method, we can save 'us'.
I was of the mind I would finally meet someone past, an old friend. Never did I think this is how you now present yourself. From knowing not one is one, isn't this like a dream? However, Doctor. It is fine to be as yourself. Long have I contended with myself; myself I shall prefer to act.
Where the heart is as will, and its utterance is as verse. If wells your chest with depths manifold, wouldn't failing their writing be shame to meet yourself? Hm? My tail? Ah, so too do I make use of a common brush, naturally. But it is at times inconvenient, as an extremity would be. My body is an unfettered one; who says I can't use my tail?
Hoshiguma offers us this assessment: 'This girl's an old hand! And she's got good boozing habits!' Presumably, these 'good habits' refer to Ling never forcing outsiders to keep her company: she proffers a cup with a smile when people choose to sit with her, and otherwise spends the day pouring her own wine when alone. Nor does any harm ever come of her fits of drunkenness; her sole offense once inebriated is improvising songs at the top of her voice. Compounded by her writing the lyrics on the walls with her tail, the inkwork unrestrained, this resembles some sort of performance art. However, compared to others who shoot giant impromptu SFX-laden movies, or who throw operators into paintings at the slightest offense, Ling is far from registering on the scale. As such, Closure hasn't placed any special restrictions on her. That said, other operators show considerable interest in the songs Ling writes, copying down and collating the lyrics. Her phrases overflow with archaic flavor, her sense of meter is classical and complex, and her forms are most tastefully chosen. Her couplets may finely mesh, but the meaning bounds about without order. Her sentences vary vastly in scope, narrating at great, torrential lengths... It's reportedly a classical literary form in Yan unifying 'poetry,' 'speech' and 'essay,' and having gone through several centuries of development, is now of notable artistry. Of course, the unfamiliar ancient toponymy of Yan and certain fearful accounts within her verses, blending fact and fiction, no doubt deserve further research. However, everyone has clearly underestimated what it will take to comprehend them, and achieving an understanding of said interpretation and patterning in a short span of time is far from practical. HR has received many forms to the effect of 'We hope Ling will stay aboard the landship a while longer.'
'A beast sequesters lone. It sleeps with mount for bed It takes its number third. Its spine flies steep and high Its breath blots day and night. Its roar mutes bell-tolls all The deepest lacquer black. Its scales and nails so hued The mount may fall to feet. Its form is still unseen Water as low as leech. Its voice is still unheard To sense it is to glimpse what waits. Luck and woe manifold, light and dark in converse To meet it wanders highest crests. There battles fade away, and poems come to form Man values talent great. Beast holds compassion felt Far will the rivers run, their bones all buried 'neath. I am unfettered hence.' The rubbing of this inscription is clear and defined, but a full deciphering is difficult with the knowledge we presently have. Accounts say the Sui Regulator of Yan has a complete interpretive document.
As reported by other operators, Nian's settled down a lot since Ling came to Rhodes Island. She's stopped roping people into playing mahjong or shooting movies, instead having mysteriously begun some 'side gig' of her own; she takes a lot more trips to the field than before, too. As for Dusk, Nian not hassling her has left her more content with staying inside her own paintings. Operator Hibiscus, a veteran at negotiations between sisters, attributed the whole phenomenon to 'the law of the eldest,' and specifically went to consult Ling about it. 'They simply find me vexing, and no more.' 'It's not nagging, necessarily, that does it. Perhaps they feel obligated to straighten their shoulders at the sight of me... just as a student recalls the next day's examination at the sight of their teacher.' 'You would call this law? Yea, very well. Young children prove themselves to be knowing in the end; we must exercise patience.' [Classified Log] 'Our' seniority was born from the roar of chaos. Whoever first broke free of that muddle, and who answered the mortal realm that first question, came first in our family. Of course... this was only ascertained after the fact. What question? Hm... when summarized in modern language, it is a question that can be no simpler... 'Who am I.' Heh. Truly a clumsy, immature question! But to seek that question took us an age, and to seek its answer an age more. So seas raced and ice broke, waters in time turned to fields. What a grand and farcical dream! How did we find this question? This great land did not yet bloom as it now does; all the world was a sealed kettle, yet we felt only torment, knowing not our bodies even lay within. We could not help but vie with each other... The senseless slaughter continued past all remembrance. Some fled, some slumbered, and the ones left sorrowfully awake, in the end became perplexed... And how one found the answer was down to oneself. Painting art, playing chess, sowing seeds, forging swords, composing poetry. All each to their own, all found their own happiness, and within each one's joy was their answer. As to the present... We held together once the name of Sui. It is soon to awake, and Its own dream has run far longer than mine! Nian and Dusk have felt it, but Nian is too rash, Dusk's taboos too numerous, and all have their own ways about it and their own minds on it, yet we cannot help but gather in the end... What harm lies in returning to the kettle? Such are we siblings in the first place. Heh. Tell, how would I regale Miss Hibiscus of *those* negotiations? Well, 'Doctor'?
Liskarm5★ · Defender
Logos6★ · Caster
Lord/Sharp6★ · Guard
Lucilla5★ · Supporter
Lumen6★ · Medic
Lunacub5★ · Sniper
Luo Xiaohei4★ · Guard
Lutonada4★ · Defender
Magallan6★ · Supporter
Manticore5★ · Specialist
Mantra6★ · Caster
Marcille6★ · Caster
Matoimaru4★ · Guard
Matsukiri5★ · Vanguard
Matterhorn4★ · Defender
May4★ · Sniper
Mayer5★ · Supporter
Mechanist6★ · Defender
Melanite5★ · Sniper
Melantha3★ · Guard
Meteor4★ · Sniper
Meteorite5★ · Sniper
Midnight3★ · Guard
Minimalist5★ · Caster
Mint5★ · Caster
Misery6★ · Specialist
Miss.Christine5★ · Caster
Mitm5★ · Vanguard
Mizuki6★ · Specialist
Młynar6★ · Guard
Mon3tr6★ · Medic
Morgan5★ · Guard
Mostima6★ · Caster
Mountain6★ · Guard
Mousse4★ · Guard
Mr. Nothing5★ · Specialist
Mudrock6★ · Defender
Muelsyse6★ · Vanguard
Mulberry5★ · Medic
Mutsumi Wakaba5★ · Specialist
Myrrh4★ · Medic
Myrtle4★ · Vanguard
Narantuya6★ · Sniper
Nasti6★ · Supporter
Nearl5★ · Defender
Nearl the Radiant Knight6★ · Guard
Necrass6★ · Caster
Nian6★ · Defender
Nightingale6★ · Medic
Nightmare5★ · Caster
Nine-Colored Deer5★ · Supporter
Noir Corne2★ · Defender
Nowell5★ · Medic
Nyamu Yūtenji5★ · Guard
Nymph6★ · Caster
Odda5★ · Guard
Orchid3★ · Supporter
Pallas6★ · Guard
Paprika5★ · Medic
Papyrus5★ · Medic
Passenger6★ · Caster
Penance6★ · Defender
Pepe6★ · Guard
Perfumer4★ · Medic
Perfumer the Distilled5★ · Supporter
Phantom6★ · Specialist
Philae5★ · Defender
PhonoR-01★ · Supporter
Pinecone4★ · Sniper
Pith5★ · Caster
Pith6★ · Caster
Platinum5★ · Sniper
Plume3★ · Vanguard
Podenco4★ · Supporter
Poncirus5★ · Vanguard
Popukar3★ · Guard
Pozëmka6★ · Sniper
Pramanix5★ · Supporter
Pramanix the Prerita6★ · Caster
Projekt Red5★ · Specialist
Provence5★ · Sniper
Proviso5★ · Supporter
Ptilopsis5★ · Medic
Pudding4★ · Caster
Purestream4★ · Medic
Puzzle5★ · Vanguard
Qanipalaat5★ · Caster
Qiubai6★ · Guard
Quartz4★ · Guard
Quercus5★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Rangers2★ · Sniper
Rathalos S Noir Corne5★ · Guard
Ray6★ · Sniper
Record Keeper5★ · Medic
Reed5★ · Vanguard
Reed the Flame Shadow6★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Caster3★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Caster4★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Defender3★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Defender4★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Guard4★ · Guard
Reserve Operator - Logistics3★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Medic4★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Melee3★ · Vanguard
Reserve Operator - Sniper3★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Sniper4★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Specialist4★ · Specialist
Reserve Operator - Supporter4★ · Supporter
Reserve Operator - Vanguard4★ · Vanguard
Ripresa5★ · Caster
Roberta4★ · Supporter
Robin5★ · Specialist
Rockrock5★ · Caster
Rope4★ · Specialist
Rosa6★ · Sniper
Rose Salt5★ · Medic
Rosmontis6★ · Sniper
Saga6★ · Vanguard
Saileach6★ · Vanguard
Sakiko Togawa6★ · Guard
Sand Reckoner5★ · Supporter
Sankta Miksaparato6★ · Defender
Santalla5★ · Caster
Saria6★ · Defender
Savage5★ · Guard
Scavenger4★ · Vanguard
Scene5★ · Supporter
Schwarz6★ · Sniper
Senshi5★ · Defender
Sesa5★ · Sniper
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shamare5★ · Supporter
Sharp5★ · Guard
Sharp6★ · Guard
Shaw4★ · Specialist
Shining6★ · Medic
Shirayuki4★ · Sniper
Shu6★ · Defender
Sideroca5★ · Guard
Siege6★ · Vanguard
Silence5★ · Medic
Silence the Paradigmatic6★ · Supporter
SilverAsh6★ · Guard
SilverAsh the Reignfrost6★ · Vanguard
Skadi6★ · Guard
Skadi the Corrupting Heart6★ · Supporter
Skybox5★ · Sniper
Skyfire5★ · Caster
Snegurochka4★ · Vanguard
Snow Hunter5★ · Sniper
Snowsant5★ · Specialist
Sora5★ · Supporter
Specter5★ · Guard
Specter the Unchained6★ · Specialist
Spot3★ · Defender
Spuria5★ · Specialist
Stainless6★ · Supporter
Steward3★ · Caster
Stormeye5★ · Sniper
Stormeye6★ · Sniper
Surfer5★ · Vanguard
Surtr6★ · Guard
Sussurro4★ · Medic
Suzuran6★ · Supporter
Swire5★ · Guard
Swire the Elegant Wit6★ · Specialist
Tachanka5★ · Guard
Taraxacum5★ · Medic
Tecno5★ · Caster
Tequila5★ · Guard
Terra Research Commission1★ · Sniper
Texas5★ · Vanguard
Texas the Omertosa6★ · Specialist
Thorns6★ · Guard
Thorns the Lodestar6★ · Specialist
THRM-EX1★ · Specialist
Tin Man5★ · Specialist
Tippi5★ · Specialist
Titi6★ · Medic
Toddifons5★ · Sniper
Tomimi5★ · Caster
Totter4★ · Sniper
Touch5★ · Medic
Touch6★ · Medic
Tragodia6★ · Supporter
Tsukinogi5★ · Supporter
Tulip5★ · Vanguard
Tulip6★ · Vanguard
Tuye5★ · Medic
Typhon6★ · Sniper
U-Official1★ · Supporter
Uika Misumi5★ · Supporter
Ukusik5★ · Medic
Ulpianus6★ · Guard
Umiri Yahata5★ · Specialist
Underflow5★ · Defender
Utage4★ · Guard
Valarqvin5★ · Supporter
Vanilla3★ · Vanguard
Varkáris5★ · Guard
Vendela5★ · Medic
Verdant4★ · Specialist
Vermeil4★ · Sniper
Vetochki5★ · Defender
Vigil6★ · Vanguard
Vigna4★ · Vanguard
Vina Victoria6★ · Guard
Virtuosa6★ · Supporter
Viviana6★ · Guard
Viy6★ · Caster
Vulcan5★ · Defender
Vulpisfoglia6★ · Vanguard
W6★ · Sniper
Waai Fu5★ · Specialist
Wang6★ · Specialist
Wanqing5★ · Vanguard
Warfarin5★ · Medic
Warmy5★ · Caster
Weedy6★ · Specialist
Whislash5★ · Guard
Whisperain5★ · Medic
Wild Mane5★ · Vanguard
Wind Chimes5★ · Guard
Windflit5★ · Supporter
Windscoot4★ · Guard
Wiš'adel6★ · Sniper
Wulfenite5★ · Specialist
Xingzhu5★ · Supporter
Yato2★ · Vanguard
Yu6★ · Defender
Zima5★ · Vanguard
Zima the Raging Tide6★ · Guard
Zuo Le6★ · Guard
'Justice Knight'1★ · Sniper
12F2★ · Caster
Aak6★ · Specialist
Absinthe5★ · Caster
Aciddrop4★ · Sniper
Adnachiel3★ · Sniper
Akafuyu5★ · Guard
Akkord4★ · Caster
Alanna5★ · Supporter
Alliance/Supportive Operator4★ · Supporter
Almond5★ · Specialist
Ambriel4★ · Sniper
Amiya5★ · Caster
Andreana5★ · Sniper
Angelina6★ · Supporter
Ansel3★ · Medic
Aosta5★ · Sniper
April5★ · Sniper
Archetto6★ · Sniper
Arene4★ · Guard
Aroma5★ · Caster
Asbestos5★ · Defender
Ascalon6★ · Specialist
Ash6★ · Sniper
Ashlock5★ · Defender
Astesia5★ · Guard
Astgenne5★ · Caster
Astgenne the Lightchaser6★ · Supporter
Aurora5★ · Defender
Ayerscarpe5★ · Guard
Bagpipe6★ · Vanguard
Bassline5★ · Defender
Beagle3★ · Defender
Beanstalk4★ · Vanguard
Beehunter4★ · Guard
Beeswax5★ · Caster
Bellone6★ · Guard
Bena5★ · Specialist
Bibeak5★ · Guard
Bison5★ · Defender
Blacknight5★ · Vanguard
Blaze6★ · Guard
Blaze the Igniting Spark6★ · Caster
Blemishine6★ · Defender
Blitz5★ · Defender
Blue Poison5★ · Sniper
Bobbing5★ · Supporter
Botani5★ · Supporter
Breeze5★ · Medic
Brigid5★ · Sniper
Broca5★ · Guard
Bryophyta5★ · Guard
Bubble4★ · Defender
Cairn5★ · Defender
Cantabile5★ · Vanguard
Caper4★ · Sniper
Cardigan3★ · Defender
Carnelian6★ · Caster
Castle-31★ · Guard
Catapult3★ · Sniper
Catherine5★ · Supporter
Cement5★ · Defender
Ceobe6★ · Caster
Ceylon5★ · Medic
Ch'en6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Dawnstreak6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Holungday6★ · Sniper
Chestnut4★ · Medic
Chiave5★ · Vanguard
Chilchuck5★ · Vanguard
Chongyue6★ · Guard
Civilight Eterna6★ · Supporter
Click4★ · Caster
Cliffheart5★ · Specialist
Closure6★ · Vanguard
Coldshot5★ · Sniper
CONFESS-471★ · Vanguard
Contrail4★ · Specialist
Conviction4★ · Guard
Corroserum5★ · Caster
Courier4★ · Vanguard
Crackborne5★ · Defender
Croissant5★ · Defender
Crownslayer6★ · Specialist
Cuora4★ · Defender
Cutter4★ · Guard
Czerny5★ · Defender
Dagda5★ · Guard
Deepcolor4★ · Supporter
Degenbrecher6★ · Guard
Delphine5★ · Caster
Diamante5★ · Caster
Dobermann4★ · Guard
Doc5★ · Guard
Dorothy6★ · Specialist
Dur-nar4★ · Defender
Durin2★ · Caster
Dusk6★ · Caster
Earthspirit4★ · Supporter
Ebenholz6★ · Caster
Ela6★ · Specialist
Elysium5★ · Vanguard
Enforcer5★ · Specialist
Entelechia6★ · Guard
Erato5★ · Sniper
Estelle4★ · Guard
Ethan4★ · Specialist
Eunectes6★ · Defender
Executor5★ · Sniper
Executor the Ex Foedere6★ · Guard
Exusiai6★ · Sniper
Exusiai the New Covenant6★ · Specialist
Eyjafjalla6★ · Caster
Eyjafjalla the Hvít Aska6★ · Medic
Fang3★ · Vanguard
Fang the Fire-Sharpened5★ · Vanguard
Fartooth6★ · Sniper
FEater5★ · Specialist
Fiammetta6★ · Sniper
Figurino5★ · Specialist
Firewatch5★ · Sniper
Firewhistle5★ · Defender
Flamebringer5★ · Guard
Flametail6★ · Vanguard
Flint5★ · Guard
Folinic5★ · Medic
Franka5★ · Guard
Friston-31★ · Defender
Frost5★ · Specialist
Frostleaf4★ · Guard
Fuze5★ · Guard
GALLUS²1★ · Caster
Gavial4★ · Medic
Gavial the Invincible6★ · Guard
Gitano4★ · Caster
Gladiia6★ · Specialist
Glaucus5★ · Supporter
Gnosis6★ · Supporter
Goldenglow6★ · Caster
Gracebearer5★ · Guard
Grain Buds5★ · Supporter
Grani5★ · Vanguard
Gravel4★ · Specialist
GreyThroat5★ · Sniper
Greyy4★ · Caster
Greyy the Lightningbearer5★ · Sniper
Gummy4★ · Defender
Hadiya5★ · Guard
Harmonie5★ · Caster
Harold5★ · Medic
Haruka6★ · Supporter
Haze4★ · Caster
Heavyrain5★ · Defender
Heidi5★ · Supporter
Hellagur6★ · Guard
Hibiscus3★ · Medic
Hibiscus the Purifier5★ · Medic
Highmore5★ · Guard
Ho'olheyak6★ · Caster
Hoederer6★ · Guard
Honeyberry5★ · Medic
Horn6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma the Breacher6★ · Defender
Humus4★ · Guard
Hung5★ · Defender
Iana5★ · Specialist
Ifrit6★ · Caster
Indigo4★ · Caster
Indra5★ · Guard
Ines6★ · Vanguard
Insider5★ · Sniper
Irene6★ · Guard
Iris5★ · Caster
Istina5★ · Supporter
Jackie4★ · Guard
Jaye4★ · Specialist
Jessica4★ · Sniper
Jessica the Liberated6★ · Defender
Jieyun5★ · Sniper
Ju5★ · Sniper
Kafka5★ · Specialist
Kal'tsit6★ · Medic
Kal'tsit Esperanta6★ · Medic
Kazemaru5★ · Specialist
Kestrel5★ · Vanguard
Kichisei5★ · Sniper
Kirara5★ · Specialist
Kirin R Yato6★ · Specialist
Kjera5★ · Caster
Kroos3★ · Sniper
Kroos the Keen Glint5★ · Sniper
La Pluma5★ · Guard
Laios5★ · Guard
Lancet-21★ · Medic
Lappland5★ · Guard
Lappland the Decadenza6★ · Caster
Lava3★ · Caster
Lava the Purgatory5★ · Caster
Lee6★ · Specialist
Leizi5★ · Caster
Leizi the Thunderbringer6★ · Guard
Lemuen6★ · Sniper
Leonhardt5★ · Caster
Lessing6★ · Guard
Leto5★ · Guard
Lin6★ · CasterHurry now, lest we miss the morning roll call. Nay, nor could I stand all this regiment at first. But while our eldest brother exhorts I come to Yumen, still I stall. Stay a moment and you'll see why—for how heaven lights this sea of sand! We shall rue it if we miss it!
Where the heart is as will, and its utterance is as verse. If wells your chest with depths manifold, wouldn't failing their writing be shame to meet yourself? Hm? My tail? Ah, so too do I make use of a common brush, naturally. But it is at times inconvenient, as an extremity would be. My body is an unfettered one; who says I can't use my tail?
Poetry, speech, lyric, essay. Though they all differ as their own, they are common in places. A pity the people of now are, by and large unable to exercise patience. To listen to a song, to read a poem. I take no objection to it, but how must our present scholars suffer.
Still Jie compiles her tome, and Yu is yet young… Our eldest brother frets so, and the basket of blunders has his own plots abrew, all in which I'm loath to interfere; thus am I trying my own ways. Oh! Say, what of the bickering couple? Come the dream, should we have Dusk painting in a hotpot restaurant's employ, and Nian serving as her underling? Good, nay?
Poetry, speech, lyric, essay. Though they all differ as their own, they are common in places. A pity the people of now are, by and large unable to exercise patience. To listen to a song, to read a poem. I take no objection to it, but how must our present scholars suffer.
Nian is too impetuous, Dusk timid, yet to see the two as they are now, it seems they already know what they like, and want to do. So why probe at veracity or falsity or object or subject? To bicker and squabble every day, knowing emotion's gamut, is that not what a person is?
I seem an old friend, you say? Were you once an enemy or ally of Sui? If you are curious too of the answer, then assist me. When the time comes, I may return to the primordial chaos, for in the dream must exist at least one beyond Its effects. *yawn* I bid thee now unto my dream, to play the elements in song…
Nian is too impetuous, Dusk timid, yet to see the two as they are now, it seems they already know what they like, and want to do. So why probe at veracity or falsity or object or subject? To bicker and squabble every day, knowing emotion's gamut, is that not what a person is?
Doctor, would you want for me to compose you a verse? Hm? Nay, I'm simply in the mood. I need not write it, nor record it. Ah, wait, if it were a song... that would be quite good too! But to dance a song, I fear I would need some preparation. Good! You sit there, and await me a short while.
It has snown in Yumen—the winds of spring a thousand li afar, pear trees through all the city blooming full. I could well sleep for six millennia here and now. Oh, this sight deserves a place in the dream—I'll write of it on these city walls with my tail, lest I forget. Hmm. And Doctor, take note of where this wall is for me.
Doctor, would you want for me to compose you a verse? Hm? Nay, I'm simply in the mood. I need not write it, nor record it. Ah, wait, if it were a song... that would be quite good too! But to dance a song, I fear I would need some preparation. Good! You sit there, and await me a short while.
I am drunk? Hah... I have not yet seen the sky throw wide, moon rise, seas race, ice break, to wait true for all the world's sobriety would be but the withering of a bud, to want true for deep intoxication would be far too early still... Doctor, now, why do you say I am drunk?
Have you decided, then? Within the dream, shall you be a speaking stone, or a water kettle of brew? With a dash of inebriation and a stroke of poetic spirit, one easily encompasses all the realm manifest. Ask yourself, Doctor, how could I ever mistake you?
I am drunk? Hah... I have not yet seen the sky throw wide, moon rise, seas race, ice break, to wait true for all the world's sobriety would be but the withering of a bud, to want true for deep intoxication would be far too early still... Doctor, now, why do you say I am drunk?
Last night I dreamt of you. Nay! Perhaps it's you who dreamt of me. Oh, can you not recall? A shame; it delighted me so, yet I cannot share this revelry. Delighted how? Hmm. That eight thousand years of springs, eight thousand of winters, all dreamt, were no more than a brief handful of autumns. That is all.
Fail? And would the soldiers outside the tent flee in the face of a possible defeat? As humans have life and death, so the calendric Sui has spring and autumn. I take in sole the mantle of 'unfettered', and should I fail, then same as the sea washes and the ice melts, I shall never wake again, and that is that. Pray accompany me, Doctor, till this dream like no other is complete.
Last night I dreamt of you. Nay! Perhaps it's you who dreamt of me. Oh, can you not recall? A shame; it delighted me so, yet I cannot share this revelry. Delighted how? Hmm. That eight thousand years of springs, eight thousand of winters, all dreamt, were no more than a brief handful of autumns. That is all.
Clouds ranged as billows, distant-run roads withered. I, departed of the vistas, sailed a ferry in late autumn.
Let wind rise, brilliant in sharp anonymity. Let rain fall, tassels soaked within. And thus let the might of wine cleanse my heart.
Clouds ranged as billows, distant-run roads withered. I, departed of the vistas, sailed a ferry in late autumn.
Ling, you can call me. Have my two troublemaking sisters vexed you any? Hm? You've seen me before? Ah... perhaps so, in a dream.
Even the great desert's winds cannot blow their way into Yumen, let alone your likes… Doctor, pray sit. Our time is little. Together, we are to create a farcical dream.
Ling, you can call me. Have my two troublemaking sisters vexed you any? Hm? You've seen me before? Ah... perhaps so, in a dream.
Though antithetical at a glance, your nature is quite similar.
Turn that off. Listen. The military forbids wine. Therefore, you did not see what you just saw.
Though antithetical at a glance, your nature is quite similar.
Hm... 'General, I heed thy order,' should I say? Ha, do not take it seriously. I only suppose that if you were truly a field marshal, then I may not mind once again serving as a strategist.
Do you regard me as a tactician, or a general? Heh, Yumen has seen fit to drill me in all duties military ever since I came. There is naught in army affairs too great or small, and naught to be lazy about.
Hm... 'General, I heed thy order,' should I say? Ha, do not take it seriously. I only suppose that if you were truly a field marshal, then I may not mind once again serving as a strategist.
Nian was not wrong. This farcical dream of a thousand autumns is only right to wake from.
You cannot hold your drink, and yet maintaining sobriety is your strength. It seems you, too, have much you can only do in dreams. So be it. Assist me, and in those future days when we are formally met on Rhodes Island, I will assist you all I can in turn.
Nian was not wrong. This farcical dream of a thousand autumns is only right to wake from.
The river bends a thousand times, a city lone in desolation, vivid in the mind's eye.
Your junior general abides by her orders.
The river bends a thousand times, a city lone in desolation, vivid in the mind's eye.
To scatter the fill of a brimming cup, to share the sip for a soothed sorrow.
When I speak thus, the ranks pay heed.
To scatter the fill of a brimming cup, to share the sip for a soothed sorrow.
Plotted schemes, waged wars, crossed arms, shed blood. An eternity, unaltered and unfailing in its challenge.
Now the day's hue gloams. How the clouds burn bright!
Plotted schemes, waged wars, crossed arms, shed blood. An eternity, unaltered and unfailing in its challenge.
To gaze the fire from afar, knowing not its heat.
The sands stretch flat. Their beacons burn far.
To gaze the fire from afar, knowing not its heat.
Has it come to my turn?
To fell them, fell their strategy. I am, of course, prepared.
Has it come to my turn?
Truly evocative.
Bid I take it 'pon myself to seize the general's head.
Truly evocative.
And thus has autumn made reckoned her arrival.
The Heart sinks south in deep Lunar July; sets baleful low the autumn chills.
And thus has autumn made reckoned her arrival.
For the marching, a warsong. For the fallen, a lament.
In snow sleeps blades and bows, all horns gone mute. How desolate the sight!
For the marching, a warsong. For the fallen, a lament.
The split halberd sinks in the sand, great aspirations unrecompensed.
My wine is in its cup, my scabbard holds its sword. So water not my mood.
The split halberd sinks in the sand, great aspirations unrecompensed.
One word to address all beneath the heaven, one scope to spare none upon the earth.
The drums' third movement deadens. Mists and all begone, the night is cold.
One word to address all beneath the heaven, one scope to spare none upon the earth.
When will the hate sunk beneath the battlefield disperse?
I took this edge cerulean as my brush; why cry now that vermilion does it write?
When will the hate sunk beneath the battlefield disperse?
Speak as your heart wills, and be as your intoxication wishes.
All ye with killing arms, you mean to beg and pray when war descends?!
Speak as your heart wills, and be as your intoxication wishes.
Another song, sublime and majestic. Doctor, perhaps you and I truly are as two entwined friends.
No matter all the battles lost and won, these mounts and rivers ever move the soul… This stream does cradle safe the sun and moons; at ease, my heart all sole fends armors cold.
Another song, sublime and majestic. Doctor, perhaps you and I truly are as two entwined friends.
Duly satisfying, as a cup filled to the brim. We should remain level and humble, yet... we ought to sing your praises, yes. You did well.
'...Doctor'. There. Our record of merits keeps a tally for your name now. Nay, stay, did you not see me pouring your wine out this whole time?
Duly satisfying, as a cup filled to the brim. We should remain level and humble, yet... we ought to sing your praises, yes. You did well.
Mm... things disappoint on occasion; there's no need to blame yourself too hard. Leave the rest to me.
You see an odd look on my face? To tell the truth, I'm reminded how the matter between 'us' and Sui can only end in total victory or total failure… A fine hassle this dream poses.
Mm... things disappoint on occasion; there's no need to blame yourself too hard. Leave the rest to me.
Victory and defeat are commonplace in war. As we have freedom to maneuver, this is not a complete loss.
The rear shall be the new front. The ranks will retreat as ordered. I bid you move with, Doctor.
Victory and defeat are commonplace in war. As we have freedom to maneuver, this is not a complete loss.
Rhodes Island's interior... I'm lost as to whether I should say it's reminiscent or curious.
Everything in camp is plain and frugal; just put up with it as best as you can. It's funny, back in Jiangnan, I had never noticed just how beautiful the moonlight was.
Rhodes Island's interior... I'm lost as to whether I should say it's reminiscent or curious.
Hm? Do you need me?
Perfect. Strip my armor for me, Doctor.
Hm? Do you need me?
What is it? Would you like a cup? You wouldn't? What a shame.
How did your clothes get so much ink on… Oh! Apologies, my tail must've just swept past you.
What is it? Would you like a cup? You wouldn't? What a shame.
Arknights.
Arknights.
Arknights.
Nian can have her boisterous way. I see Dusk, for all her reticence, has brought out her scroll's creation to join the children in play. Heheh, what troublemakers they are. I will say it charms me, that we siblings tint in this human nature as we live each to our own.
Be puzzled no longer. They're soldiers from Jiangqi. It's said they sing that song as they race rowing boats, back in their hometown. This is the one day we soldiers dare to long for home. It was only after I first saw them in Yumen that I started to dream of those siblings of mine, and felt I wanted to leave something of all this.
Nian can have her boisterous way. I see Dusk, for all her reticence, has brought out her scroll's creation to join the children in play. Heheh, what troublemakers they are. I will say it charms me, that we siblings tint in this human nature as we live each to our own.
Why, how are you, Doctor?
Doctor, I think tonight's password for the sentries shall be 'hot water kettle'. What say you?
Why, how are you, Doctor?
A birthday? Though all life and death's abundance makes but a farcical dream... Nay, should you be free at ease within, then a toast from me to you is only becoming. You may not be the old friend that lives in dreams, but that we lock eyes and converse apiece here is no misfortune to me at all.
Read carefully the start of each line… Heh, a fool you've been made indeed. No hidden acrostic at the head or tail, but now I've already poured your wine. A birthday is but a finer day than most to drop inebriate and dream farcical. Coupled with a fine friend and a verse of poetry, what more could one ask for?
A birthday? Though all life and death's abundance makes but a farcical dream... Nay, should you be free at ease within, then a toast from me to you is only becoming. You may not be the old friend that lives in dreams, but that we lock eyes and converse apiece here is no misfortune to me at all.
Yea, they are my writings over the walls. A fair accompaniment to your feastful merrymaking, I would tout. Why would I write, you ask? And what would be writ-worthy? Nay, it is but that the drinks flow free and spirits run high. To speak of which, your arrival is just so. I would still essay to hear from you—of much of Rhodes Island.
I owe much to you, that by now I've more or less mulled this dream through. All that remains, remains until we meet far ahead upon Rhodes Island. Doctor, Yumen's beacons have lit again… I say that this realm deserves that we witness it with waking eyes.
Yea, they are my writings over the walls. A fair accompaniment to your feastful merrymaking, I would tout. Why would I write, you ask? And what would be writ-worthy? Nay, it is but that the drinks flow free and spirits run high. To speak of which, your arrival is just so. I would still essay to hear from you—of much of Rhodes Island.
'Unfettered.' Ling has not shown the same kind of ability as me or Nian, and I can understand you're all very curious. Both she and Nian have met our eldest and second brothers plenty of times, but apart from those two, I'm afraid to say we're all pretty much clueless. Even out of us all, she's still the most elusive one. Right... unfettered. She likes that word. Unshackled, free. This is my own opinion, but people have broken that word's back with ideals... plenty of which aren't realistic, yet real is exactly what she makes them. Just what could stand in her way? What could twist her will, keep her from going forward? My paintings? She comes and goes however she pleases. Those things Nian forges—prisons? Restraints? They'd be nothing to her, she'd shake her tail and wander off just for a pot of wine. I think, probably, even the months and years couldn't hold her back. She dreams in millennia, and nobody knows what she's been doing in those dreams—nor who she's become. Obviously, dreams aren't real; no need to panic. But, if she does one day stop believing in the falsity of dreams, in any of the laws of this world having meaning, then not even I know what she might become. Before our reunion in Shangshu, the only impressions I still had of her were 'keeps out of business' and 'no mind for worldly affairs.' It seems the years she enlisted and held the border, in place of our eldest brother, changed her considerably, though... In short, stay somewhat wary. After all, that basket of blunders is up to no good now. It seems he's plotting something as great as the heavens, and Ling's one of the few who can deal with him... so whatever his next move is, I'm sorry, but Rhodes Island can't shake its responsibility in this. Don't ask me. If you want someone to blame, blame Nian, and blame Kal'tsit too for letting Nian run wild around Rhodes Island. Alright, fine, now get out. I've been agitated these past few days. I'm in no mood to paint.
[Classified Log] You need no further consult poets to analyze my past movements. Wheresoever your curiosity takes you, I see no harm in telling you. Of course, I have my own curiosity about Rhodes Island as well. ...... Yea, I have been many a place. First, it was Jiangnan. There, wine was incredibly sweet, wares were held precious, the grass was rich with nature's cries, winding streams hosted parties, and the sights and sensibilities were thoroughly entertaining. But over the years, the people went through their ages. Things were what they were, and it was still beautiful, but past bridges did water flow, as so did the departed, and I couldn't help but be frustrated in my loss. By happenstance, the brother eldest was teaching me to wield a sword, and I spoke of the yearnings in my heart, and hence he urged me to leave for Yumen. ...... Yumen. Often do I revisit that city in my dreams, mountains stretching far, spring breeze ever blowing. It stood flat before the great desert, as if a lone titan... Yan's elite forces laid in ambush in distant meadows, and the city's tower gate was strung with lanterns at night, a din filling the skies, the whole city become as bait. Already it is unclear to me the number of people lost, the number more of battles fought so bitterly. Mist laid long across the desert, a lone city to hear the drums of war. The soldiers, they with their roughened faces, accents of all their homes, gazes at whistle's sound to where their native lands laid on the eve of that deathly fray, all were swallowed. Who spake that generals willed to die—old bulwarks birth new willows year on year... At the time I left the sun of Jiangnan, I had toured Yan for centuries, and felt I saw clearly through the ways of the world. I have seen all great people before, yet this world still holds sights I have never before experienced, emotions never before felt firsthand. Could you claim to know that? That day I stood upon the gate of Yumen's wall, it was only then I realized this realm was so vast. ...... As for what transpired in Shangshu, you all are plenty aware... If you could bring me two more jugs of wine, now, come.