#ft. tian x cedric

[monarhrh]

Cedric regarded Tian Feng with a mixture of gratitude and weariness, a faint smile breaking through the tension. “A twisted sense of curiosity? Not at all, I can appreciate that,” he replied, his voice lightening slightly. “Though don't let the others hear you."

As Tian Feng extended the small bundle through the bars, Cedric’s stomach rumbled in response. “Breakfast from you? Now that’s a welcome treat,” he said, accepting the offering gratefully. “Anything is better than the slop they’ve been serving.” He took a bite of the food, he was grateful someone came to see him. When Tian Feng mentioned the Orleans family, Cedric felt a wave of relief wash over him, he could only think of one person and that was Genevieve, her safety was his concern . “I appreciate it” he said.

Satisfied with the somber refusal, Tian Feng rose his brow at the question. " Would it be impolite of me to say a twisted sense of curiosity? " He leaned into the bars, the half-smile remaining in hopes of lifting the other's spirits. " And I brought you the best from breakfast, unless you are filled up on the slop I saw them bringing through. " He extended the small bundle in through the bars.

Tian Feng was no stranger to a cell - he didn't talk about it, but there were times in his service where he had fallen under enemy confinement. With ambitious as the Chinese army was; he'd faced much hardships for the sake of duty, and it was not always rightfully placed. " The Orleans had their meal delivered to their chambers. " He added this quietly, with a serious tone, wondering if it would anger the other and feeling almost guilty for sharing the information. But the Commander knew he'd want to know, if the roles were reversed.

[monarhrh]

The Commander of the Guard looked up from his cell as Tian Feng approached, a faint, weary smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The sight of his friend with breakfast in hand brought a rare moment of levity to the grim situation. "Comfortable, indeed," he replied, his tone dry but carrying a hint of warmth. "If one were inclined to appreciate the rustic charm of cold stone and iron bars."

"I appreciate your anger, my friend," Cédric continued, a flicker of genuine emotion in his eyes. "It is a comfort to know that some still see the absurdity in this." As for Tian's half-joking question, Cédric's expression turned serious, but his voice retained a calm, measured tone. "Did I do it? No, I did not. But it seems we are in a time where innocence is a fragile thing, easily shattered by suspicion and intrigue." He paused, studying Tian's face. "What of you, Tian? What brings you down to this forsaken place? Despite his outward composure, his mind was anything but calm.

status -> closed starter for @monarhrh {cedric}

setting -> the dungeons, the day after arrests were made, late-morning

Should anyone take enough notice to care or ask what a Chinese Commander would be doing bringing the best selections from breakfast down through the tunnels to the prisons - Tian Feng would advise them to care less of what he did. As of late, there were few who could inspire Tian Feng to follow any sort of societal expectation; and rules, well... they had began to feel like suggestions, rather than expectation.

Was this what it was to be drunk with well-deserved power? Or was this what the mindset of a defeated leader adopted, when they give in to the pressure of it all? Really, Tian Feng just wanted to bury his nose into the action && the drama; so he rounded the corner with the prison guard, eyebrows raising upon the sight of their friend behind bars.

" Well this looks comfortable. " the Commander stated dryly, glancing about the grim chambers with a frown. " I am angry on your behalf. This is absurd. Did you do it? " It was half asked as a joke.