Qinghe. The sound and cadence of the name does match the shape and feel of Huaisang's name. They're unlike any names that Fitz has heard in his world, and he does what he can to commit the sound of them to his memory so that he can practice saying them aloud when he is next on his own, rather than botch it and make a fool of himself in front of his new friend. Though he expects that, rather like the Fool, any laughter Huaisang might send his way at his mistakes will largely be without malice. Even his mockery had felt like a joke shared between just the two of them. And then--
"Birds are like people, you know— if you put in the time, they'll come."
He smiles warmly at that behind the teacup, before sipping from it. "That's been true of most animals, in my experience, though mine has been mostly with horses. And the wolf, of course."
His expression only dims when he considers the subtle shift in Huaisang's expression when he speaks of his brother. It is all too easy for him to recall the fright on Huaisang's face at the sound of the distant, metallic clang of steel. How should he reconcile that fear with the idea of an elder brother who might reasonably challenge a younger sibling to test his skills, to earn something that he wants?
"Your brother," he starts cautiously--but at that moment, a cheery server arrives to take their breakfast order, and Fitz startles a moment before shelving the question. Shit, what was it he'd decided on--oh, yes--"ah, the poached eggs and sausage, thank you."
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"Birds are like people, you know— if you put in the time, they'll come."
He smiles warmly at that behind the teacup, before sipping from it. "That's been true of most animals, in my experience, though mine has been mostly with horses. And the wolf, of course."
His expression only dims when he considers the subtle shift in Huaisang's expression when he speaks of his brother. It is all too easy for him to recall the fright on Huaisang's face at the sound of the distant, metallic clang of steel. How should he reconcile that fear with the idea of an elder brother who might reasonably challenge a younger sibling to test his skills, to earn something that he wants?
"Your brother," he starts cautiously--but at that moment, a cheery server arrives to take their breakfast order, and Fitz startles a moment before shelving the question. Shit, what was it he'd decided on--oh, yes--"ah, the poached eggs and sausage, thank you."