Ling

Ling, the resident poet from Shangshu, is a complex and enigmatic character with various affiliations and connections. Her involvement with the Sui Regulator and other governmental organizations of Yan suggests a deep engagement in political and societal matters.

Ling's initial encounter with Rhodes Island during the Shangshu incident led to her becoming a visitor aboard the landship. Despite expectations that she would avoid medical testing like Nian, Ling surprised everyone by agreeing to participate. However, her laissez-faire attitude during the tests resulted in unpredictable and non-rigorous results. Closure, another operator, advised that there was no need to be concerned about this.

One notable aspect of Ling's personality is her fondness for wine. She attributes her unconventional behaviors to the influence of wine and has a reputation for composing impromptu songs and writing lyrics on walls using her tail. These actions resemble a form of performance art and set her apart from other operators who engage in more extravagant activities. Closure has not imposed any special restrictions on Ling, indicating a level of trust in her conduct.

Ling's poems have captivated the attention of other operators due to their archaic and complex language, as well as her tasteful choice of forms. Her verses often blend fact and fiction, incorporating unfamiliar ancient toponymy of Yan. However, understanding and interpreting her work within a short time frame is challenging. Many operators express a desire for Ling to remain aboard the landship longer, appreciating the intellectual stimulation her presence brings.

Interestingly, Ling's arrival seems to have had a positive impact on the behavior of other operators. Nian has become more settled, and Dusk, another operator, has found contentment in staying inside her own paintings. Operator Hibiscus believes that Ling's presence and her adherence to "the law of the eldest" are responsible for these changes. Ling herself acknowledges that others may find her vexing, but she also believes that her presence serves as a reminder of their responsibilities.

In a classified log, Ling reflects on her past and the quest for identity that she and her siblings undertook. She mentions her experiences in different places like Jiangnan and Yumen, emphasizing the profound impact they had on her. Ling's exact role in the events of the Shangshu incident remains unclear, but she possesses a unique ability to deal with a mysterious character known as the "basket of blunders."

Ling's appearance is characterized by pale blue eyes, long blue hair, fair skin, and distinct features such as black and blue forearms resembling tattoos, pointed ears, blue horns, and a tail resembling an Imperial Dragon. She wears a white garb that exposes her navel, along with a floor-length robe, short black shorts, and ankle-high white shoes. Ling's striking appearance further adds to her mystique and allure as an operator aboard Rhodes Island.