#xianzhou craftsman

[yingren]

@xianzhou-craftsman ( cont. )

“ uh, it’s not that i want it to be fragile but it will happen whether i want it or not. ” what a pain, having to explain this is harder than he thought it would be. at least the answer is finally in front of him. an alloy of metals? maybe. “ i want to make a bookmark. ” something oh so simple and yet a hassle when the muscle memory is not there to his aid. “ it has to be thin, really thin, and i do not want it to be made out of anything too soft. glass i fear would be too thick for something like that & it would most likely shatter if one is careless enough to drop it. ” a pause, he hums. “ it’s a gift so i want to make it myself. it is important... i think? ”

[maskednihilism]

"You had better not use this for evil," is how Yingxing introduces his birthday present as he hands over a small box. Inside is a comically proportioned gun, colored green and blue to look much more like a child's toy than a weapon. The craftsman encourages Sampo to try it out, and upon pulling the trigger, out shoots a large, red boxing glove. It's attached to a mechanism that keeps it from going too far, and retracts it once more at the flip of a switch. Maybe Yingxing took some inspiration from old timey cartoons, but he feels it's appropriate.

@xianzhou-craftsman || Sampo's Birthmas! || From Xingxing! Yingxing!

Yingxing had his curiosity, but now he had his attention. Eyes widen as he pulled out this comedically large gun. Now, the Fool doesn't like using such weapons. As they're very uncivilized. But as he's told to shoot, he knows to trust in the blacksmith and his craftsmanship.

He is somewhat surprised, it gives some blowback once he pulled the trigger and out comes a large boxing glove, knocking over some decor off the shelves. The thief, however, laughs loudly and proudly. Like a child given his first taste of freedom.

"I will not use this for evil." Sampo solemnly swears to Yingxing. The blacksmith however, didn't say anything about mischief. That definitely did not count as mischief was neutral as neutral as can be.

[lxckblessed]

"I suppose that makes two of us then, friend." He responded with a laugh, taking a seat across the man as he rested his chin in his hand. Certainly there was more than natural talent at work. Nobody knew that better than Aventurine. Even if luck was on one's side, there was always so much more to a successful gamble.

"You might just be right about that. Though I'd have to say in this game, I'd probably be hopeless. After all, you might just be the only person here who knows how to play."

@xianzhou-craftsman || c.

[lunarslice]

@xianzhou-craftsman

[iceswords]

[ high five ] sender gives receiver a congratulatory high five (Cool Uncle strikes again)

( meme source. )

the young lieutenant had recently started to take sword crafting lessons from yingxing and as promised he gave it his full attention and focus, very eager to learn more about his special interest and even more eager to put the things he learned into practice. having to dress somewhat lighter as the heat from the furnace was a lot for anyone to handle for long periods of time. he also was quite the impatient boy which led to a lot of frustration and failed attempts.

despite the fact that yingxing hadn’t had high expectations for him, yanqing still wanted to make him proud or for the most part at least impressed and thus wouldn’t quit until he could manage to successfully make one thing.

“ uncle yingxing! I finally did it!” covered in sweat and this black dust, yanqing ran over to show off the knife he had been able to make. it was simple in design and nothing about it was special in any sense but the lieutenant was quite proud of himself on being able to make it and have it be functional or at least not break upon the first strike. he would only be made even more proud when the older then shared in his excitement, giving the boy a high five to congratulate him on a job well done.

[fwuffcat]

I was just making a graphic and it resized and moved everything :')

[arbitergeneraljy]

*snaps a picture of the kitty general* "I'm not to be held accountable for any of this, by the way. I didn't instigate anything."

The sound of the shutter immediately caught his attention , head snapping in the direction of him holding the phone up , no doubt pointed his way . Jing Yuan had to bite back a groan of embarrassment , heat spreading from his ears to his neck and cheeks . ❞ Is that so , gege ? ❝

❞ Because I can somewhat recall the very specific words of ‘ Jingliu had a very badly behaved kitten ’ , I wonder where I heard it from . ❝ With the way he crossed his arms over his chest — aureate eyes narrowed , one could almost see the figurative tail flicking behind him , fully embodying an annoyed cat now .

[reallyrandomtj]

reallyrandomtj said HERE: My Jing Yuan: feels called out @xianzhou-craftsman replied: as he should!

Pretend Jing Yuan is holding up a piece of tomato ~

"Hey Yingxing ~ Pspspspsps!"

[yingren]

A week later, Yingxing sends a link to a news story about a very unpleasant, old money millionaire's private collection being broken into, supposedly by the infamous Stellaron Hunter Ren. A single, priceless, seven-hundred year old Xianzhou-make sword was stolen. The heist was successful! He will purposefully not think about that favor he now owes.

"Y I N G X I N G ."

[maskednihilism]

"I know it's been a bit since the new year on your planet, however..." Yingxing still hands Sampo a red envelope. He keeps one hand hidden behind his back though, and only pulls it out a moment later, presenting a small bouquet of metal flowers. Although... they only appear to be metal based on the bronze and silvery colors, because other than that they're somehow so lifelike that they even appear to be breathing. "These are capable of producing oxygen, and I figure you don't get that much greenery in Belobog just yet."

@xianzhou-craftsman || Lunar New Year! || From Xingxing Yingxing!

From an outsider's perception, he and the other would appear to be the same age. Maybe a year younger or older from the way they spoke to each other. But Yingxing was in fact much, much older. As such, the rules did fall in line. Sampo was to be given money on this new years day. Which he did gladly accept with grace.

The lovely red envelope was taken but those metal flowers truly got his attention. Money was easy to come by and easy to lose. But flowers, well unique flowers like these. Those are a rarity. "You're right, Belobog doesn't have that luxury."

And yet his eyes seemed to sparkle as he stares at his General in mischief. "Those of us in the Underworld have been cultivating a small greenhouse in the ten years when the above ground and below were at odds. While we are friendly now, we don't see why we should get rid of it." Sampo smiles at the flowers, remembering the hard effort the Underworlders and himself put into that greenhouse.

"I'll make sure this money goes into that. Thank you, Xingxing."

[lxckblessed]

"Well, dear, I'm not the type to worry over failure." What a lie. A joke, even. There's perhaps nobody more afraid of that outcome than the man who hides his arm behind his back when it shakes. But that didn't matter in this moment. It's a learning experience.

The Stoneheart sticks with water. It keeps his mind clear, after all. Drinks of an alcoholic nature are for when he knows he can rely on lucky. If he needs to be calculating, then he shouldn't bother with it. "I can certainly see a gentleman like you preferring things that require actual skill. Random chance isn't for everyone." It was for him though. He's never lost a bet before. But this isn't a betting game. This is a moment to learn. And even flirt with a man to see what information might tumble out. That's part of the game. Part of the calculations. It isn't just the cards that matter, it's the person across the table, too.

"That entirely depends on the nature of the lesson," Yingxing said dryly, "And whether you're in danger of failing or not." It seemed like they'd be spending their time with some light flirting, that was familiar enough territory for him to get comfortable.

He ordered one of the less liquor-heavy drinks off the menu and leaned back in his seat, passing out the cards with an ease that had really only come recently as he'd gotten into practice. "This one is really all about calculating probability. I'd never take my chances with a game that's truly random. I'm not currently rich enough for that." He didn't consider himself much of a gambling man at all, not when he always went in with a clear strategy. The first step was always to find opponents who weren't as quick at mathematics as he was, which was fortunately easy enough most of the time, especially when everyone was already slightly tipsy.

[acr3ss-the-cosmos]

continued from [x] @xianzhou-craftsman

"That's always the excuse, isn't it?" She retorted, her sad and upset tone slightly muffled by the blankets. "Losing track of time doesn't mean that you push yourself to the point that your friend finds you unresponsive on the floor and can't wake you up, Yingxing."

His touch on her ear was so warm. So gentle. Yingxing had always been like this towards her, ever since they first met so many months ago. So why, she thought... why couldn't he ever be gentle with himself, too? Chenhua knew of his past, of how he had grown up when the war against the Abundance was at its most severe, and of how everything he had ever known and cherished had been ripped from him all those centuries ago. If anyone deserved to find peace in this life, it was Yingxing, and it pained her to see that he was still hurting himself in this way.

Slowly, Chenhua pushed herself off to sit upright in her seat, shuffling the chair to be right up against the bed, and both of her hands moving to grasp Yingxing's as if afraid it would slip away from her. Her gaze was desperate and pleading, her emotions on full display before him as hot tears continued their descent down her sweet face.

"I... I hate seeing you like this, Yingxing. Overworking yourself like this? It's not normal." She took in a shaky breath, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment. So many emotions had boiled up to the surface, including ones Chenhua had been too bashful to admit. But right now, at this present moment, she felt like she had no choice. Yingxing needed to know exactly how she felt. Marigold eyes opened once again, and her next words were spoken softly.

"I... I love you too much to see you destroy yourself like this..."

[traincarsandstars]

About Yingxing and About Yingxing: The High Cloud Quintet for Bailu ofc

Send me “About [NAME]” for my character’s thoughts on another character! OPTIONAL: Send “About [NAME]: [SUBJECT]” for thoughts about a more specific thing!

About Yingxing "Mister Yingxing is really nice! He isn't like most adults that lie all the time, plus he always lets me hid in his workshop whenever I visit. Actually, come to think of it, I should bring him some medicine next time I visit. Working in a forge is an occupational hazard you know."

About Yingxing: The High Cloud Quintet "It's hard to believe that Mister Yingxing was a member of the High Cloud Quintet! He looks so young! I bet he has enough stories to run circles around Mr. Xiyan. Maybe he can help me take this piece of jewelry off my tail too..."

@xianzhou-craftsman

[wentian]

[lunarslice]

The decadent smile that was produced earlier remains on her delicate, pale face as she follows him deeper into his workplace. She nods, intently as she listens to his ideas. They're always brilliant, an amazing solution to any problem. Sometimes, she could say that he inspired her and loaded her with eons of admiration. All of that, just from his creations and the promise that they bring— efficiency.

❝ You could make something like that? If you do, then I need to be the first person to buy one from you. ❞

Her own plants could use the more accurate touch. She knows how to keep them alive, but are they really thriving? She wonders that all the time. Jingliu is then ripped from her thoughts as his dulcet words come back into her sensitive ears. Curiosity blooms in her mind as she hears the content.

❝ Oh? I didn't know Jing Yuan needed to get fitted so, often. I'll have to join him next time. ❞

The teacher in her gives a threatening gaze, crimson eyes filled with a foreboding determination. Is this where he runs off to? No wonder she would catch the faint smell of heat and metal on him when he came back. Though, her anger is quickly chased away by his following comments. They're big enough to shock her into forgetting what she was even planning before. Her own pale, icy skin takes on a new shade of color. A glorious pink begins to decorate her face, all the way up to her ears. The meaning of the flowers? She knew what they were.

She had chosen them very deliberately and specifically. They were a message for him and him alone. She never thought hard enough about who else would see them. Now, the whole Artisanship Commission would know. Suddenly, Jingliu doesn't feel as confident or tall as she usually does. Panic is swimming in her mind as she thinks about the consequences for her loving gift. It's a consuming feeling that distracts her from his own redness.

Eventually, she gains some sort of grasp on her composure. Her feet carry her forward, absentmindedly.

❝ I can't blame you. You deserve a treat from being in here so long. I'll take you anywhere you want. So it shall be. ❞

She nods in his direction, already contemplating a few spots they could go to. Her arms come on her chest, crossing over it as she contemplates the best restaurants. Though, her gaze inevitably follows where it doesn't have permission to go. Something slips then. Something that should have remained inward.

❝ Oh. Your arms are impressive. ❞

Probably from the hard work of creating weapons of war, she thinks. Though, the definition is something to admire, muscles prominent in the expected places. Her gaze is definitely lingering on more than anyone's should.

The giggle takes Yingxing a little off guard, but then he simply decides to feel happy because she is happy. Maybe this is just the cynic in him, who has been so used to them all carrying burdens too heavy for them to shoulder. Carefree laughter like this is rarer than he would like to admit, but it feels even more special in the moment because of that. Especially because it's Jingliu, who is always cool and tends to smile silently to express her joy. This is a warmth Yingxing hasn't seen often.

"It's jiĕ's fault for trusting me with keeping anything alive. The only reason my apprentices are as healthy as they are is because they're self-sufficient." Self-sufficient. Yingxing pauses, blinking, then his brows furrow in his usual thinking-face. "... if I built an automated watering system that also monitors their sunlight intake and the quality of the soil... there may be some hope." It's not like he disappoints Baiheng on purpose. Quite the opposite, really, but he simply does not have a green thumb. His purpose is to create instruments of death, so perhaps life simply doesn't like him very much.

He remains in thought for a few moments as he strips off the smith's apron he's been wearing, stained with soot and probably long overdue for a wash.

"Oh, these children have their heads full of stories about the High-Cloud Quintet. They exaggerate tales of any visit I get from any of you. Like when Jing Yuan comes here to hi- uh, to let me take measurements when he's definitely not supposed to be training." Normally, he'll always be happy to throw Jing Yuan to the wolves, but he does have some loyalty towards him, and he can't sell out one of his last safe hiding and nap spots to Jingliu. "A-anyway, what I meant to say was, the meaning of those flowers will be speculated about quite enthusiastically, and by the end of the week, half the Artisanship Commission will be convinced you and I are getting married." There's that heat in his cheeks again. He'll blame it on the still quite warm temperature of the room, even if the furnace is only filled with cold ashes at the moment.

He moves to the back of the room and through the door to his private workshop, leaving it open for Jingliu to follow. "Anything but seafood." Dan Feng always insists on seafood, so any opportunity for something else must be taken. "Will you scold me terribly if I say I have cravings for something greasy and unhealthy, oh mighty Sword Champion?" The small closet in the corner, beside the cot he sleeps on often when he's caught up in a project, is pulled open, and Yingxing quickly pulls off his shirt in order to exchange it for a cleaner, more presentable one.

[altarfates]

❛ how long have you been standing there? ❜ (for Dan Feng!)

Forbearance was amongst the virtues inculcated into the high elder, conveying an immaculate poise no matter which adversity they might face, in all things Dan Feng was an exemplar of that purpose, of those teachings. It is almost diverting then to witness him beset with impatience, even if it did not disgrace his composed expression the very tip of his tail swishes in affront. There were few others who possessed the insolence to request the high elder’s restraint be tested and yet, standing before him now, was someone who seemed to revel in it. Somehow, rather than leaving the taste of acrimony upon his lips it compels him to absolute stillness, a quiet that carries an implicitly spoken confession; no one else could draw such reluctant compliance from the prideful high elder. His eyes had been captivated by Yingxing’s hands, their laborious toiling that seems to occupy all time from dawn until dusk, has become a place of intrigue for dan feng. There was something about the heat from the furnace or the unabating cacophony of metal striking metal that commanded his whole and utter attention. Those same eyes, inscrutable lakes of pellucid water, flit up now to meet the artisan’s expectant gaze. “ Long enough.” which could impart hours spent entranced by this meticulous process or but an ephemeral moment where the high elder’s silhouette remained lingering at the threshold, not quite prepared to make an entrance just yet. “ How long did you intend on making me wait ?” his query is mellifluous, pleasant in a way that speaks of decorum and solemnity. dan feng’s tail, capricious in contrast to every other part of him, indignantly twitches. “ It seems to be something you derive quite a great deal of amusement from.”