[ what happened? how does he even begin to explain? he had hoped that jing yuan might come to his own conclusions, that he wouldn't have to say the words out loud, but no. ren heaves a dry, mirthless laugh. ]

I was..

[ his throat closes, squeezes, and ren swallows down a wave of nausea, rubbing both hands over his face, fingers trembling lightly. he shouldn't keep anything from jing yuan, his beloved, but that does not make the words any easier to say, the knowledge that jing yuan will surely be devastated on his behalf.. all of it aches. ]

I didn't - you know what prison is like, don't you? I was in max. It's brutal, there. People.. take what they want.

[ goods, power, influence.. and other people, should they desire them. he keeps his gaze fixed pointedly away. ]