Where I come from, we venerate those that came before us because, even when dead, they have a continued existence. They remain a part of the world around us, even though we cannot see or touch them -- we're always connected, even though it doesn't make it any easier.

[ like him, she's an orphan. guilty of lacking in familial care, and so, by the standards of a society that values one's conduct towards their parents: disgraceful and shameful, for being left behind. it aches, that old wound that sits within him with a child's voice, calling out and crying for his father, his mother. that couldn't resent those that turned their backs on him as a hungry child, because it was no fault of their own. wei wuxian holds rey's hand tightly between his own, as she talks about her grandfather. ]

It's not your fault that you're thinking of him, miss Rey. Loneliness makes us all desperate. Longing pushes us into the arms of those who don't deserve us. I don't think that an evil man, be he blood to you or not, deserves you. Not because of your power. I couldn't care less about that.

[ he points to the plants she's touched and pressed into growing, their flourishing greenery and soft leaves. ]

I don't think he deserves your gentleness. You were left behind, your blood is shared with an evil man - but you're still gentle.