[ he knows deep inside himself that there was very little Dan Heng would not do for those he cares about, but there is something different about hearing it from the Vidyadhara's own mouth. there is assurance in his words that washes over the Arbiter-General like wave of cool water, soothing festering fears. ]

I would never allow it.

[ Jing Yuan's leans into Dan Heng's touch. he expression only hardening as the other man describes his awakening. a storm starts to flicker in those golden eyes for a brief moment, only to fizzle as quickly as it began. ]

I know. Even if I had been at fault you would not have blamed me. [ it will take a long time for Jing Yuan not to blame himself in some capacity, but he is trying. one day he will accept that his inability to act is not cause for blame. ] You would have taken all the fault on yourself to spare those you love.