This venerable one is the Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, the most powerful being in the Three Realms, and Captain of the Corsair ship the Phantom Moon | 月幻影.
NOTE
Do not bother this venerable one with idle chatter.
[It took Cid a few days to return to the location where he last left Dongfang, both in part due to his own need to recover and just the distance. The Ring of Returning returned to his apartment back in Nogard, so that set him back quite a bit. Thus he is not surprised to find the place empty... But it doesn't give much relief.
He can only hope the god's absence meant he healed and nothing untoward happened to him. So he sends a message through the shellphone.]
Dongfang, it's Cid. Just wanted to check in and see how you were.
[After sending it, he heads back to the boat he used and return to Eltrut, wondering if he'll get a response...and hope he didn't end up leaving a negative impression on the god. Last thing he needed was to inadvertently make an enemy.]
[When Dongfang Qingcang had awoken and found that Cid failed to return as promised, he had not been surprised. Neither had he been disappointed. Nor relieved. There was simply the sense of confirmation that Cid had made the most sensible choice in not expending more effort than necessary. To leave Daqiang to live or die as he was able. Dongfang Qingcang would have done the same.
A message days after was, therefore, surprising. And confusing. Was Cid attempting to probe at his defenses and see if any weakness still remained? If he was, the method chosen was far from ideal.]
[There's some relief when there was an answer. He wasn't sure what to do if he didn't, either assume the worst and something happened to him, or the god was just avoiding him.]
Took me a bit longer to recover and get back here than expected. Didn't see you around so had to check.
[It seemed Cid was attempting to determine Daqiang's current state. That he'd returned to the island to do so instead of simply starting with the message made little sense.]
Why did you return?
[For the time being he was going to ignore the questions on his own health.]
To assess in person was not unreasonable. But something about it sat wrong with Daqiang. Why call him at all if he'd already seen the state of the island in the aftermath? That Daqiang wasn't there should have made it clear that he was able to 'heal up alright'. Or at least well enough to remove himself from the site.
Was he attempting to curry Daqiang's favor for a perceived offense?]
If you are concerned that this venerable one will retaliate, you may be at ease. You did only what this venerable one asked of you.
[The fault was Dongfang Qingcang's for underestimating the effect his own power would have when combined with Ramuh's.]
[Of course not. Not out of concern, anyway. He was the Moon Supreme. Of his subordinates, only Shangque would dare ask such a question. ...Orchid would as well. But she was an anomaly. Anyone else would be doing it in an attempt to test his defenses.
..or was he attempting to make himself an ally? A poor means of doing so. However, Cid would now have a firm idea of exactly how strong Daqiang was... and what it would mean to have Dongfang Qingcang on his side.]
The only ones who ask such are those who see themselves as this venerable one's allies. Or his enemies. Which do you desire to be, Dominant Cid?
[Whether Cid was being honest or not was difficult to discern. Dongfang Qingcang wasn't inclined to trust anyone absolutely, but as with many of the mortals he'd met in this world, he could not puzzle out a reason for Cid to be lying to him in this instance.]
You are currently neither ally or enemy. But if you wish to be this venerable one's ally, this venerable one is willing to accept you into his service.
[That's what being his ally meant, after all. At least in Daqiang's view. And as a show of tentative trust toward Cid:]
This venerable one has 'healed up all right'. You need not worry that he cannot protect you should you have need of it.
Cid can't help the dry laughter that escapes him. That does seem like an answer he'd give.]
Good to hear.
We'll have to consider what being an "ally" means, but for now I don't see you as an enemy. Neutral ground is just as fine until we learn more about each other.
[Just as long as Dongfang doesn't target him or his group, he'll be satisfied.]
Which begs the question. I know you say I'm neither ally or enemy, but after that little "demonstration," how would you judge me?
[How fickle. If Dominant Cid wished to be a neutral party, then a neutral party he would be.]
As Ramuh, you are not as strong as Xunfeng, this venerable one's younger brother. But you would rival Shangque, this venerable one's lieutenant. To rival a dragon, who also controls the skies, the rain, and thunder, is no small feat. As yourself, you rival many of the lesser gods.
You would be a beneficial ally to anyone you chose to follow.
[He was inclined to let the conversation drop, but then had a thought. Since Cid was already speaking to him, he may as well ask. See what kind of principals the god-vessel followed.]
The outcome of our encounter. Have you spoken of it to anyone?
You withstood and managed to survive my attacks, proving yourself a strong opponent should we ever have to cross swords.
Which I hope never comes to pass.
[Again no real details, but...yeah. He gets the impression that Dongfang wouldn't want to be perceived and described as weak, nor would he have gloated about it. Not after the complicated feeling he was left with after that. But hard to not talk about it without the implication he beat him down a bit.]
[It tells him little. But if that was the gist of what Cid had told this other, then he had failed to both mention that Dongfang Qingcang had lent him power, and that Cid had used that power to bring Daqiang to a point of weakness against another that he had not experienced in a very, very long time.]
A wise hope.
You have now 'checked in' and received the information you desired. Is there anything else you wish to ask of this venerable one, Dominant Cid?
This venerable one showed you very little of his power.
[But more than he'd intended.]
However, if you wish to prove yourself to this venerable one as a potential ally, then speaking nothing of what you did see would benefit you greatly in that regard.
You prefer Cid an you have been calling me Dongfang, without other titles, as an intimate friend would be allowed. Is that the way of your world? To be so informal with everyone, regardless of your relationship?
And I tend to be more casual to others in general. If you prefer to be called something else, I can do so. But as for me, I just don't like having my identity tied to being a Dominant or Ramuh. Others don't mind theirs, but let's just say I have a bit of history with it that makes me less inclined.
In the Three Realms, using only Dongfang or only Qingcang implies an intimacy. Friendship. Familial connections. Lovers. It can also serve as an insult by implying a relationship between those who have no such connection.
This venerable one understands his name is difficult on your tongue and that insult was has not been intended.
[He's mostly been blaming the magic that translates everything for that difficulty.]
[He had wondered if Cid would correct himself or continue on as he had been.]
You may continue to use Dongfang, Cid.
[Cid did prove himself quite capable. Leeway when in a world not his own was allowed. And he could always use the reversal of the privilege as a warning, should such a need arise. A way for Cid to understand exactly where he stood with Daqiang if he made a mistake that could not be overlooked.]
But if you speak of this venerable one to others, you should be clear what this venerable one's name is.
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< text >
He can only hope the god's absence meant he healed and nothing untoward happened to him. So he sends a message through the shellphone.]
Dongfang, it's Cid. Just wanted to check in and see how you were.
[After sending it, he heads back to the boat he used and return to Eltrut, wondering if he'll get a response...and hope he didn't end up leaving a negative impression on the god. Last thing he needed was to inadvertently make an enemy.]
< text >
A message days after was, therefore, surprising. And confusing. Was Cid attempting to probe at his defenses and see if any weakness still remained? If he was, the method chosen was far from ideal.]
Why?
< text >
Took me a bit longer to recover and get back here than expected. Didn't see you around so had to check.
Were you able to heal up all right?
< text >
Why did you return?
[For the time being he was going to ignore the questions on his own health.]
no subject
[Not only whether Dongfang was there or not, but also the damage he caused.]
Is that so surprising?
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...no.
To assess in person was not unreasonable. But something about it sat wrong with Daqiang. Why call him at all if he'd already seen the state of the island in the aftermath? That Daqiang wasn't there should have made it clear that he was able to 'heal up alright'. Or at least well enough to remove himself from the site.
Was he attempting to curry Daqiang's favor for a perceived offense?]
If you are concerned that this venerable one will retaliate, you may be at ease. You did only what this venerable one asked of you.
[The fault was Dongfang Qingcang's for underestimating the effect his own power would have when combined with Ramuh's.]
no subject
[And then a pause as he stares at his own words and then back at the previous messages.]
Hang on. Are you not used to someone asking about your well-being?
no subject
..or was he attempting to make himself an ally? A poor means of doing so. However, Cid would now have a firm idea of exactly how strong Daqiang was... and what it would mean to have Dongfang Qingcang on his side.]
The only ones who ask such are those who see themselves as this venerable one's allies. Or his enemies. Which do you desire to be, Dominant Cid?
no subject
no subject
You are currently neither ally or enemy. But if you wish to be this venerable one's ally, this venerable one is willing to accept you into his service.
[That's what being his ally meant, after all. At least in Daqiang's view. And as a show of tentative trust toward Cid:]
This venerable one has 'healed up all right'. You need not worry that he cannot protect you should you have need of it.
no subject
Cid can't help the dry laughter that escapes him. That does seem like an answer he'd give.]
Good to hear.
We'll have to consider what being an "ally" means, but for now I don't see you as an enemy. Neutral ground is just as fine until we learn more about each other.
[Just as long as Dongfang doesn't target him or his group, he'll be satisfied.]
Which begs the question. I know you say I'm neither ally or enemy, but after that little "demonstration," how would you judge me?
no subject
As Ramuh, you are not as strong as Xunfeng, this venerable one's younger brother. But you would rival Shangque, this venerable one's lieutenant. To rival a dragon, who also controls the skies, the rain, and thunder, is no small feat. As yourself, you rival many of the lesser gods.
You would be a beneficial ally to anyone you chose to follow.
no subject
Not bad, I'll take it.
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The outcome of our encounter. Have you spoken of it to anyone?
no subject
no subject
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You withstood and managed to survive my attacks, proving yourself a strong opponent should we ever have to cross swords.
Which I hope never comes to pass.
[Again no real details, but...yeah. He gets the impression that Dongfang wouldn't want to be perceived and described as weak, nor would he have gloated about it. Not after the complicated feeling he was left with after that. But hard to not talk about it without the implication he beat him down a bit.]
no subject
A wise hope.
You have now 'checked in' and received the information you desired. Is there anything else you wish to ask of this venerable one, Dominant Cid?
no subject
Am I correct in assuming you want me to keep some of your powers to myself?
And second—just call me Cid. I'm not really one for titles. Especially that one.
no subject
[But more than he'd intended.]
However, if you wish to prove yourself to this venerable one as a potential ally, then speaking nothing of what you did see would benefit you greatly in that regard.
You prefer Cid an you have been calling me Dongfang, without other titles, as an intimate friend would be allowed. Is that the way of your world? To be so informal with everyone, regardless of your relationship?
no subject
And I tend to be more casual to others in general. If you prefer to be called something else, I can do so. But as for me, I just don't like having my identity tied to being a Dominant or Ramuh. Others don't mind theirs, but let's just say I have a bit of history with it that makes me less inclined.
no subject
This venerable one understands his name is difficult on your tongue and that insult was has not been intended.
[He's mostly been blaming the magic that translates everything for that difficulty.]
no subject
Then my apologies. Your name isn't like anything I've seen or heard before, but that's no excuse to not try. I'll work on it, Dongfang Qingcang.
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You may continue to use Dongfang, Cid.
[Cid did prove himself quite capable. Leeway when in a world not his own was allowed. And he could always use the reversal of the privilege as a warning, should such a need arise. A way for Cid to understand exactly where he stood with Daqiang if he made a mistake that could not be overlooked.]
But if you speak of this venerable one to others, you should be clear what this venerable one's name is.
no subject
Now that I can do.
Now I've probably bothered you enough. Take care.
not here