[ 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. )
[ Do as they can, he implies lightly, lifting a rabbit to bring up to his face. He gently bumps its nose with his own and lets it snuffle its way interestedly down into his collar. ]
When they care for someone, they tell them whatever they think will placate them and keep them happy, but that is not thoughtful or kind. It is selfish in the extreme, painted with good intentions.
[ Xichen's smile is placid when he glances up, pensive but still pleased with Wei Wuxian. ]
You are very reliable when it comes to following through on your word, when given, as it stems from your emotions. You ride them like the sword but do not let them direct you away from good sense.
That is why I am content to know you are my brother's companion, and why I too will support you in the future.
[ It will not be another situation where Xichen is on an opposite side to his brother and Wangji's zhiyin. ]
It is important for me to say this to you, face to face, and give my word.
( It's easiest to watch the rabbits even as they're lifted, though he blinks and looks away for a moment, listening. Years and a lifetime ago, there was a very different conversation. Even now, he doesn't think he can have the conversation that would be easiest, the one that anyone could swallow, even if his stance in the world now has a flexibility of understanding, jaded purpose compared to the brilliant flames of personal justice that had burned him to bones.
On this, however, they may find easy accord. That it matters, that there's some sense of peace for the moment in hearing what none truly ventured to say, he is well cared for. Last who did is the woman who lies eighteen years dead, her son grown and growing and missing still the parents he never knew.
His gaze settles on Lan Xichen's face, lashes drooping as he blinks and inclines his head, lifts his hands to cup in a sort of freely given formality, albeit not one he pushes or presents as deep. Respectful, always. He's knowing when he 'forgets' his respect, different to his pushing the boundaries of what qualifies. )
Heard in gratitude, Zewu-jun.
( A chosen faith on both their parts, and oh, do they not both know the cost of faith ill placed. Yet still, they persist. )
Such as it is, you have my support in all but what runs counter to Jiang Cheng's interests. I fail to see a time where it would, but since you speak to my reliable honesty and follow-through, there you have it.
( He has no comment on his brother's apparent paragon nature in moments with Xichen; the only ones he's witnessed have begged indifference or the opposite, but he's as aware that Lan Xichen has years of sect meetings and his own concerns and Jiang Cheng's collected attempts at calm while holding a sect together on his own, young and then increasingly older. Obsessions and angry silences between Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng are what he's lived with for years, and the liminal space that is his relationship with one he had shared so much of a life with, until he had not.
It's unimportant, in the scheme of things. Only the statement of his own loyalties, of what he cannot and has not given up, that Jiang Cheng has not demanded of him, means he makes such transparent. With it said, he simply smiles, then fills Lan Xichen's cup once more. )
Don't ask me what the rabbits are called. Their names have changed recently, Lan Zhan can tell you.
( He's not trying to forget, but in truth, he's had trouble with the recollection. Left to his own devices, it'd be Little Cabbage and Little Radish, or something of the kind. Why not call a creature after whatever foods they seem to favour? Seems logical, for an animal. Not at all how he'd name a child. )
[ Talking with Wei Wuxian is like walking through a maze. When Xichen thinks he is responding to something of significance, he is politely shunted in a new direction and it doesn't escape his notice; no talk of Jiang Wanyin, then. Noted. It is none of his business, in any case, what goes on between the Jiang family members.
He sips his drink with a placid smile similarly in place like the surface of a lake, mirroring the nature of their conversation. ]
Mm? Our first two? No, those were fat white hares, very well fed, Lan Zhan found them homes with a family before we left the country of snow. There were chickens at some point — I have no idea why he's been so fond of chickens, but he's tried collecting them at least twice, and we've rehomed them twice after, too. You don't collect chickens when you've been drunk, do you?
( There's a very specific pattern, and it hasn't happened since he's knowingly married Lan Zhan, so this is a genuine question about his husband having a fat chicken gathering Concern that comes out when he's drunk. But only when he's drunk. )
Jiang Cheng kept... stewardship of a dog for a period of time, I'm not sure which creatures travel with us at present beyond the rabbits. These two came with us from a haunted inn with its own hot spring, Lan Zhan felt renewed upon their acquaintance. Which means they've now been through a desert caravan, a falling keep, a train adventure, has he told you about the train through the land of dreams and nightmares? Fascinating how that all went, and now they're here, traveling time with us in bloodied waters under equally bloodied moons. Which I'll note isn't usual, there's what, one moon most the time, I think. More like home.
I do not get drunk often enough to make a habit of collecting chickens, no.
[ Although he is impressed by how weird that habit of his brother's is. Less so that Wangji might have been drinking here, he did not enjoy the stint Wangji spent years ago drinking miserably in the jingshi with a hot branding iron.
He shakes his head a little, curious. ]
I've heard nothing of a land of dreams and nightmares, though this realm would seem to qualify too.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
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.
no subject
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. )
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
( 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. )
no subject
Are you sure these are for me? You don't need them?
[ He is entirely surprised by the generous gift, grateful and humbled. ]
no subject
( 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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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. )
no subject
We should find you something in blue.
[ Said mildly, as he sips his tea behind a sleeve. ]
no subject
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. )
no subject
[ There are many options; many layers to their clothing. Wangji would have some interesting suggestions, he's sure. ]
no subject
You wear secret layers, ah? What hidden depths I'm learning today!
no subject
[ Siiiiip! ]
A hair-pin would not be so lavish, if clothing is not an option.
no subject
( 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.
no subject
I could not accept such a gift, it would be improper. However, I must ask how many combs have you been supplying him with?
no subject
( 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. )
no subject
His expression remains placid as he listens, pleased. ]
I think he is well cared for.
[ If it sounds like approval, it is. ]
no subject
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. )
no subject
[ Do as they can, he implies lightly, lifting a rabbit to bring up to his face. He gently bumps its nose with his own and lets it snuffle its way interestedly down into his collar. ]
When they care for someone, they tell them whatever they think will placate them and keep them happy, but that is not thoughtful or kind. It is selfish in the extreme, painted with good intentions.
[ Xichen's smile is placid when he glances up, pensive but still pleased with Wei Wuxian. ]
You are very reliable when it comes to following through on your word, when given, as it stems from your emotions. You ride them like the sword but do not let them direct you away from good sense.
That is why I am content to know you are my brother's companion, and why I too will support you in the future.
[ It will not be another situation where Xichen is on an opposite side to his brother and Wangji's zhiyin. ]
It is important for me to say this to you, face to face, and give my word.
no subject
On this, however, they may find easy accord. That it matters, that there's some sense of peace for the moment in hearing what none truly ventured to say, he is well cared for. Last who did is the woman who lies eighteen years dead, her son grown and growing and missing still the parents he never knew.
His gaze settles on Lan Xichen's face, lashes drooping as he blinks and inclines his head, lifts his hands to cup in a sort of freely given formality, albeit not one he pushes or presents as deep. Respectful, always. He's knowing when he 'forgets' his respect, different to his pushing the boundaries of what qualifies. )
Heard in gratitude, Zewu-jun.
( A chosen faith on both their parts, and oh, do they not both know the cost of faith ill placed. Yet still, they persist. )
Such as it is, you have my support in all but what runs counter to Jiang Cheng's interests. I fail to see a time where it would, but since you speak to my reliable honesty and follow-through, there you have it.
no subject
Raising his brows in mild surprise, Xichen moves them on too. ]
I have not known a time since I arrived here that the interests of Wanyin and myself were not of a similar vein. We rarely disagree.
no subject
It's unimportant, in the scheme of things. Only the statement of his own loyalties, of what he cannot and has not given up, that Jiang Cheng has not demanded of him, means he makes such transparent. With it said, he simply smiles, then fills Lan Xichen's cup once more. )
Don't ask me what the rabbits are called. Their names have changed recently, Lan Zhan can tell you.
( He's not trying to forget, but in truth, he's had trouble with the recollection. Left to his own devices, it'd be Little Cabbage and Little Radish, or something of the kind. Why not call a creature after whatever foods they seem to favour? Seems logical, for an animal. Not at all how he'd name a child. )
no subject
He sips his drink with a placid smile similarly in place like the surface of a lake, mirroring the nature of their conversation. ]
Are they the same rabbits from two years ago?
no subject
( There's a very specific pattern, and it hasn't happened since he's knowingly married Lan Zhan, so this is a genuine question about his husband having a fat chicken gathering Concern that comes out when he's drunk. But only when he's drunk. )
Jiang Cheng kept... stewardship of a dog for a period of time, I'm not sure which creatures travel with us at present beyond the rabbits. These two came with us from a haunted inn with its own hot spring, Lan Zhan felt renewed upon their acquaintance. Which means they've now been through a desert caravan, a falling keep, a train adventure, has he told you about the train through the land of dreams and nightmares? Fascinating how that all went, and now they're here, traveling time with us in bloodied waters under equally bloodied moons. Which I'll note isn't usual, there's what, one moon most the time, I think. More like home.
no subject
[ Although he is impressed by how weird that habit of his brother's is. Less so that Wangji might have been drinking here, he did not enjoy the stint Wangji spent years ago drinking miserably in the jingshi
with a hot branding iron.He shakes his head a little, curious. ]
I've heard nothing of a land of dreams and nightmares, though this realm would seem to qualify too.
(no subject)