Lan Xichen pauses, to take in the scene. It makes him want to turn on his heel, march back to the elders and their uncle and cry that Lan Wangji has suffered enough, can't they see it? He longs to cradle the now-voiceless guqin the one that he's seen his brother laboriously learn songs of healing, songs of power.
He longs to cradle his now-mourning brother, who gave so much of his heart to those who didn't stay to care for it as they should.
He takes a deep breath to steel himself. In this moment he could hate his uncle, hate those elders who sent him here. As clan leader, it is his duty to declare judgement. As clan leader, he could not soften it, despite his heart's desire. He would like to ask the guards to leave, give them a moment (just a moment!) but he knows the clan's anger.
"Lan Wangji, a decision has been reached regarding your punishment." Lan Xichen manages, the agony of his heart only visible in his expression, in the weariness of his stance. His voice is calm as a winter lake, frozen after the storm.
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He longs to cradle his now-mourning brother, who gave so much of his heart to those who didn't stay to care for it as they should.
He takes a deep breath to steel himself. In this moment he could hate his uncle, hate those elders who sent him here. As clan leader, it is his duty to declare judgement. As clan leader, he could not soften it, despite his heart's desire. He would like to ask the guards to leave, give them a moment (just a moment!) but he knows the clan's anger.
"Lan Wangji, a decision has been reached regarding your punishment." Lan Xichen manages, the agony of his heart only visible in his expression, in the weariness of his stance. His voice is calm as a winter lake, frozen after the storm.