week two | match ceremony

[marriagebroker]

Tonight, we're back in the courtyard. It looks similar to last week with the slight exception, there is now a plush couch near the stage, and a single lantern already lit above the stage. There's still food, drinks, all sorts of things available for the contestants to snack on and enjoy.

On the stage is Wei Wuxian, looking presentable in his hanfu for today. He's busy twirling his flute in hand as he waits for the contestants to show up and find their places, and when they do he'll extend both arms out, welcoming the cast.

"Second match ceremony! You're exempt from a black out tonight because you've already found one of the matches."

He'll gesture to that couch from earlier, which seems to be The Special Seat for Ringo and Furina to sit at if they'd like.

"Now, we know how this goes so let's not delay anymore! Team Wangji, it's your turn to announce your matches!"

Comments

[reverso]

[He’s trying not to be nervous, really, but today has pretty much acted at the final catalyst towards… being more honest. And there’s a part of him that wants to continue that with Messmer more than the rest, and another part that’s—

Anxious, yes. A little scared of the conversation itself. He isn’t sure why his estimation means as much as it does, why it feels like a weight lifted when he shares these pieces of himself; or maybe he just doesn’t want to overthink it just yet.]

Yes. If you’re ready to speak on it… I mean.

[anathemaw]

I have been from the start. Mine history is no secret. It is only that none have called to hear of it, save thee, and now.

[ on the other hand, Messmer doesn't show any signs of nerves. Indeed: he's only resigned. This has been an inevitability from the start, and he's had a long time to embrace his identity. To be reviled is his duty, after all. A favor to his mother, done out of love.

Verso sure seems hesitant, though. One of the winged snakes lifts its head, scanning their surroundings. Everyone's here, which might actually be good... ]

Sit, then, and I shall tell thee plain. [ yeah he's down to have this conversation right here in public. But he has the tact to at least offer otherwise: ] Unless thine own counsel calleth for secrecy.

[reverso]

[Messmer has always been the stoic sort, bordering on resigned. It’s utterly brave of him to be willing to have this conversation out in the open, and Verso equal parts admires it and is envious of it.

But the very idea of saying this much in front of everyone, so immediately, feels like ice in his bones. He’s not strong enough for that yet — he can’t announce his own tale so widely, instead of privately throughout the week. He needs to do this piecemeal for now.]

Uhm.

[He looks up at Messmer, frowning faintly. Slightly apologetic.]

Somewhere more private, if that’s all right.

[Please.]

[anathemaw]

[ he had a suspicion. Unfortunately, there's only one place they can go that actually offers privacy. Messmer's not a prude, but he's not terribly enthused to go in there - it's humiliating, mostly. Wei Wuxian will have an (extremely irritating) field day, no doubt. And the name doesn't help.

But it doesn't matter. His reputation hasn't been a concern in centuries, and after a week in this silly house, his pride's been worn down to a thin veneer. People can think what they want. ]

... Then we will speak in the private room. Come.