[Honestly yeah he could use a drink right now. Nie Mingjue isn't one who takes a lot of pleasure in alcohol, but he does find it useful now and again. He had to largely abstain toward the end of his life, afraid of losing his tenuous control over himself, but Baxia is mercifully silent now, leaving his biggest problem the itch of scales growing on his skin beneath his robes, visible at his neck when he shifts a certain way.

The corners of his lips turn up just briefly. Yes, he knows how they are.] They are selfless. They will not turn away from those in need of help. [He thinks highly of the Lans, always has. It's his other sworn brother he's not exactly getting along with at the moment.]

The natives keep mentioning bonding. What does that mean? Is it something to be concerned about? [Does he need to worry about Xichen? Because he does. As gruff as he is, as fearsome as he can be, he is a man who cares about the good people around him.]