( From further inside the surprisingly well lit cave interior, natural light slipping down through cracks and crannies in the stone overhead. It smells like fresh sawed wood as he sweeps forward, two well fed rabbits of white with black-brown spots dusting their heads and backs holding their ears back as he cradles both enthusiastically to his chest. There may, in fact, be some sawdust on his shoulders. Robes. His clothing. )
Here's the both of them! I've had them inside eating fresh sweet grasses, there's a great trade with the, ah, local gardens... ahahaha, anyway, come in, come in!
( The rabbits try to sink out of his hold. Then squirm. Next step will be kicks, because they want to be Mobile, Thank You. )
[ That ... all seems about en par for Wei Wuxian. Xichen slides the basket to an elbow with one of his voluminous sleeves (outer one purple, since he is still waiting for his own to be returned) and offers to take one of the rabbits off Wei Wuxian. ]
You shouldn't have! Really, they can only have so much. I can make tea if you like, there's still some of the real stuff here, like last time.
( He hands off one rabbit without protest: truly, these have endured him as a caretaker, loved Lan Zhan better, and he finds no fault with that. The robes earn an eyebrow lift. )
I see Jiang Cheng is assisting you.
( And he's sweeping away again, towards where greens are held in a low bowl, settling the rabbit down so it can make it's rocking progress towards where it'd been plucked from. It thumps a foot against the ground, sits back, and starts aggressively grooming it's front legs and face.
To the alcove where he and Lan Zhan generally sleep, the over half finished makings of a platform. For a bed? It seems likely, at the moment.
From where he scrubs his hands in a separate smaller, deeper bowl, he glances back to Zewu-jun. )
There's two seats against the back wall if you'd like. Otherwise there's seating cushions behind this right here.
( He gestures toward the side of the nearby not quite altar. )
Wanyin has my own coat, I am in no hurry to see it returned.
[ He has no idea why it is taking so long to get it back but he would rather never see it again than make a fuss, even if the purple one is a little short. Similarly, rather than a make a fuss over seeing one sleeping area in the cave, he makes his way to the seating cushions and settles there. ]
Thank you.
[ His new furry friend is not held tightly, given the entire crook of his arm to groom itself in. Xichen busies himself splitting an apple with his thumb, bringing a half up for the bunny to sniff at. ]
( He's good at a great number more things now, Wei Wixian assumes, than eighteen years ago, and back then? He'd also been good at more than he gave himself credit for. Or certain others acknowledged.
The ground bound rabbit makes slow progress towards Xichen, nose wiggling as it scents him out. One of them is getting attention? No, no. It should be them both!
Wei Wuxian busies himself with checking on the water already heated. )
I think he's investigating the near side of the forest for any shifts indicating things are coming out on the village side. You can reach him on his pendant, he'll write.
[ Nodding to the reference of Jiang Cheng's infamous Nude Swimming post, he straightens his lips into a softer smile and attends the new rabbit by waggling some apple under its nose. ]
The ... ? Ah, [ Xichen shakes his head, a huff of a laugh breaking free as he sweats at the thought of someone knowing he woke up on a married couple's floor, wrapped in their blankets, ] I don't live with Xie Lian and his husband, their home is close enough that Hua Cheng managed to extend his territory as a Ghost King over the apartment. That's all. He does have a room with us but is rarely there, of course.
He had good reach for the ghosts, almost concerns me when it comes to the death lords. Though with Xie Lian watching him, things should be manageable.
( He doesn't say okay. It's not a matter of power back home, just the vast gaps that exist here.
Also unsaid: so it's Xichen spared from haunting. That, after all, is something Lan Zhan would hold equally precious, his brother's rest, his sanctity of mind.
He claps his hands, a half remembered thought emerging as the rabbit climbs fully into Xichen's lap, tugging firmly at the offered apple to munch away at it. )
Ah-hah! One moment, I almost forgot —
( He whirls and heads further inside, not to where the ladies sleep when around, but near to another back alcove. )
Martial gods are impressive, aren't they? Even at reduced ability.
( Said from the back, shuffling through two bags to pick out a bundle tied with plant fiber string. He makes a sound of triumphant rediscovery, heading back out with a cloth bundle he offers to Xichen. A coin purse, simple and simply embroidered, on top. Possessing funds , one does share. )
Care of Lan Zhan, for family.
( Inside, a set of robes of decent quality, correctly sized - recently finished in hemming by a local fish wife seamstress. )
[ That answers that about Xie Lian! Martial, though? Interesting. Xichen is promptly distracted by the thoughtful care package that he opens to one side with bunnies cloistered in the crook of an arm. ]
Are you sure these are for me? You don't need them?
[ He is entirely surprised by the generous gift, grateful and humbled. ]
( A sort of abortive gesture that, without touching, implies he'd shove that opened bundle into Lan Xichen's lap to snuggle with the rabbits. One which is experimenting with the purple sleeve at his disposal. )
We can see you in better silks once we're seeing more trade through here or on the move toward the beacon after, should this one not take us all home.
( and he's not inclined to argue with his husband. wei wuxian would shower more on his brother if the man allowed it. he can understand the urge and instinct.
he can also understand temperatures for tea, turning his attentions back to the adequately hot water, and pouring as a matter of course into the tea pot they've all been using. )
[ He appreciates all his brother and his ... good friend, do for him. As he watches Wei Wuxian give the tea ceremony his all, something inside of him softens toward the man (not for the first time, but it is a habit of Wei Wuxian to be endearing to Lans, it seems). He does not know, in truth, how he ever believed the lies people told about him. Perhaps the guilty shame of it is what makes him more thoughtful in retrospect. ]
We should find you something in blue.
[ Said mildly, as he sips his tea behind a sleeve. ]
Certain proprieties bend when it comes to not waking up snarled.
( but said with amusement, before he leans back with a notably theatric sigh. )
Maaah, wasn't it two or three alone when we still resided in the citadel at Sa-Hareth? Zewu-jun, we're well funded now, but then?
( he shakes his head, clucking his tongue, clearly being silly for the sake of it, not serious regardless of the truth he's speaking. it's all in the delivery. )
Marketable skills. We couldn't work driving away monstrous concerns, but ah, I could paint, and Lan Zhan... what do you think of his guan?
( The one bought later, commissioned by himself for his husband. )
( Romance died in the salt mines, it's only resurrected in recent months, but ah, he would recognise the gesture, has teased his brother over it only secure in the knowing it should be water passed, it should be teasing, not barbs.
That his brother has laid his own ghosts to better rest than he'd allowed himself in the last stalling lifetime.
Also, that Zewu-jun is well cared for with the coins, as much as anything else. Combs are not beyond him. They are not scavenged after, not found in quick and cautious ways at a market overrun with voracious dead. )
Ah-hahaha, we all do as we can.
( A half smile and nod of his head, with his eyes dipping back to the rabbits, as they snuggle. Lip at sleeve, and see about nibbling. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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( From further inside the surprisingly well lit cave interior, natural light slipping down through cracks and crannies in the stone overhead. It smells like fresh sawed wood as he sweeps forward, two well fed rabbits of white with black-brown spots dusting their heads and backs holding their ears back as he cradles both enthusiastically to his chest. There may, in fact, be some sawdust on his shoulders. Robes. His clothing. )
Here's the both of them! I've had them inside eating fresh sweet grasses, there's a great trade with the, ah, local gardens... ahahaha, anyway, come in, come in!
( The rabbits try to sink out of his hold. Then squirm. Next step will be kicks, because they want to be Mobile, Thank You. )
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Here, let me help. I also brought fruit.
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( He hands off one rabbit without protest: truly, these have endured him as a caretaker, loved Lan Zhan better, and he finds no fault with that. The robes earn an eyebrow lift. )
I see Jiang Cheng is assisting you.
( And he's sweeping away again, towards where greens are held in a low bowl, settling the rabbit down so it can make it's rocking progress towards where it'd been plucked from. It thumps a foot against the ground, sits back, and starts aggressively grooming it's front legs and face.
To the alcove where he and Lan Zhan generally sleep, the over half finished makings of a platform. For a bed? It seems likely, at the moment.
From where he scrubs his hands in a separate smaller, deeper bowl, he glances back to Zewu-jun. )
There's two seats against the back wall if you'd like. Otherwise there's seating cushions behind this right here.
( He gestures toward the side of the nearby not quite altar. )
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[ He has no idea why it is taking so long to get it back but he would rather never see it again than make a fuss, even if the purple one is a little short. Similarly, rather than a make a fuss over seeing one sleeping area in the cave, he makes his way to the seating cushions and settles there. ]
Thank you.
[ His new furry friend is not held tightly, given the entire crook of his arm to groom itself in. Xichen busies himself splitting an apple with his thumb, bringing a half up for the bunny to sniff at. ]
Where is my brother, at current?
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( A pause. )
He's surprisingly good at that.
( He's good at a great number more things now, Wei Wixian assumes, than eighteen years ago, and back then? He'd also been good at more than he gave himself credit for. Or certain others acknowledged.
The ground bound rabbit makes slow progress towards Xichen, nose wiggling as it scents him out. One of them is getting attention? No, no. It should be them both!
Wei Wuxian busies himself with checking on the water already heated. )
I think he's investigating the near side of the forest for any shifts indicating things are coming out on the village side. You can reach him on his pendant, he'll write.
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[ To save Jiang Cheng from all the stares, more than anything.
Xichen makes a broader seat on his lap and coaxes the second rabbit over with promises of apple slices, fingers sticky with the juice. ]
I shan't bother him, it was you I wanted to spend some time with.
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( asked with quirked brows and a slanted grin. )
This has been the most like home, he had to feel like a fish in water at last.
( As far as modesty, look! It's been handled, and it's not like he's the one having Interesting posts up on pendant.
The statement about who he wanted to spend time with earns another momentary quirk of his eyebrows. )
I'm getting more charming every day, ah?
( The second rabbit puts one paw on Xichen's leg. )
How has it been living with the married couple over there?
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The ... ? Ah, [ Xichen shakes his head, a huff of a laugh breaking free as he sweats at the thought of someone knowing he woke up on a married couple's floor, wrapped in their blankets, ] I don't live with Xie Lian and his husband, their home is close enough that Hua Cheng managed to extend his territory as a Ghost King over the apartment. That's all. He does have a room with us but is rarely there, of course.
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He had good reach for the ghosts, almost concerns me when it comes to the death lords. Though with Xie Lian watching him, things should be manageable.
( He doesn't say okay. It's not a matter of power back home, just the vast gaps that exist here.
Also unsaid: so it's Xichen spared from haunting. That, after all, is something Lan Zhan would hold equally precious, his brother's rest, his sanctity of mind.
He claps his hands, a half remembered thought emerging as the rabbit climbs fully into Xichen's lap, tugging firmly at the offered apple to munch away at it. )
Ah-hah! One moment, I almost forgot —
( He whirls and heads further inside, not to where the ladies sleep when around, but near to another back alcove. )
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[ Knowing he's a god has since put that into perspective, although he isn't sure if that's public news or not and doesn't mention it, just in case.
... And there Wei Wuxian goes, spry as one of the bunnies leaping off to a different part of the cave. ]
Forgot?
[ Both rabbits are settled on Xichen's lap, huddled in the gentle curl of his sleeves with their snacks. ]
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( Said from the back, shuffling through two bags to pick out a bundle tied with plant fiber string. He makes a sound of triumphant rediscovery, heading back out with a cloth bundle he offers to Xichen. A coin purse, simple and simply embroidered, on top. Possessing funds , one does share. )
Care of Lan Zhan, for family.
( Inside, a set of robes of decent quality, correctly sized - recently finished in hemming by a local fish wife seamstress. )
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Are you sure these are for me? You don't need them?
[ He is entirely surprised by the generous gift, grateful and humbled. ]
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( A sort of abortive gesture that, without touching, implies he'd shove that opened bundle into Lan Xichen's lap to snuggle with the rabbits. One which is experimenting with the purple sleeve at his disposal. )
We can see you in better silks once we're seeing more trade through here or on the move toward the beacon after, should this one not take us all home.
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[ He cuts himself off, a suspicious, knowing smile curling in the corner of his lips. ]
Why do I feel that you and Wangji are of one mind in this?
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Because you're an intelligent man, Zewu-jun.
( and he's not inclined to argue with his husband. wei wuxian would shower more on his brother if the man allowed it. he can understand the urge and instinct.
he can also understand temperatures for tea, turning his attentions back to the adequately hot water, and pouring as a matter of course into the tea pot they've all been using. )
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We should find you something in blue.
[ Said mildly, as he sips his tea behind a sleeve. ]
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I would appreciate not stoking discord with my brother.
( His eyes flick down to the rabbits. )
It's taken years.
( To be allowed to claim that much again. He takes a sip of tea himself, considering. )
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[ There are many options; many layers to their clothing. Wangji would have some interesting suggestions, he's sure. ]
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You wear secret layers, ah? What hidden depths I'm learning today!
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[ Siiiiip! ]
A hair-pin would not be so lavish, if clothing is not an option.
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( still looking amused here. very, very amused. )
As well as others, do tell if you'd like a carved one, I've a few to share still.
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I could not accept such a gift, it would be improper. However, I must ask how many combs have you been supplying him with?
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( but said with amusement, before he leans back with a notably theatric sigh. )
Maaah, wasn't it two or three alone when we still resided in the citadel at Sa-Hareth? Zewu-jun, we're well funded now, but then?
( he shakes his head, clucking his tongue, clearly being silly for the sake of it, not serious regardless of the truth he's speaking. it's all in the delivery. )
Marketable skills. We couldn't work driving away monstrous concerns, but ah, I could paint, and Lan Zhan... what do you think of his guan?
( The one bought later, commissioned by himself for his husband. )
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His expression remains placid as he listens, pleased. ]
I think he is well cared for.
[ If it sounds like approval, it is. ]
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That his brother has laid his own ghosts to better rest than he'd allowed himself in the last stalling lifetime.
Also, that Zewu-jun is well cared for with the coins, as much as anything else. Combs are not beyond him. They are not scavenged after, not found in quick and cautious ways at a market overrun with voracious dead. )
Ah-hahaha, we all do as we can.
( A half smile and nod of his head, with his eyes dipping back to the rabbits, as they snuggle. Lip at sleeve, and see about nibbling. )
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