[He's still a little shocked by the appearance of ghosts from his past, glancing over at Nie Mingjue with a mix of awe and tentative hope. When he had first arrived in Aefenglom after the strange dream of jungles and monsters he didn't recognize, Lan Xichen had resented being pulled away from the comfort of isolation. And now he finds himself wondering if this place might possibly offer him a chance to do the impossible--to reverse time and make amends with his brothers the way he should have done from the start. It's an ambitious dream, but with everything he has seen and done already, he won't dismiss it.

As Nie Mingjue turns his head and examines him like he's checking for any imperfections, Lan Xichen chuckles and lays a placating hand on his arm.]

No, I was told I am to live as the other side of the Bond pair. I'm learning how to be a witch.

[Something that still sounds strange to him when he says it out loud.]

I did not want to know. I still doubt whatever force or greater being decides which role we are assigned to.