If Jin Guangyao's intent was to put him at ease, it backfires spectacularly.

There is a tightness in Xichen's throat as he stares down at A-Yao's sword arm; still intact, still lovely and pristine as ever.

He runs his finger over the mark, just to feel that pulse of life under his friend's skin once more. It grounds him, warms him, settles some of his nerves.

"Mine was not too hard to locate," he says, pushing aside his curtain of hair to reveal the skala mark on his forehead. "Though I haven't had an opportunity to ask many follow-up questions. The hunters -"

He hangs his head, and withdraws his hand, letting it settle in his lap.

"I suppose there is nothing that can be done about it now."