middaeg | [Open] Just a good boy wanting good things...

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[Open] Just a good boy wanting good things...

Who: Lan Xichen and YOU??
When: All throughout the month of July
Where: around the city, near the Northern Outpost, etc
What: Baking and assisting people, training in magic and swords, artsy things, circus shenanigans, T R O U B L E
Warnings: Innocent! For now.

I. Well he has to stay in practice somehow

[During the first half of the month, Lan Xichen finds a nice spot in the Coven's courtyard, away from most of the other practicing groups and various activities outdoors. He brings along his sword and flute, and an easel with paints on top of that. Each day he spends time on his painting, carefully depicting an idyllic group of buildings nestled in a misty mountaintop, viewed from within a quiet and empty room that almost seems like it could be real. There's a table with tea set out on top, like the artist is inviting his audience into the room to be his guest and enjoy the scenery with him.

When he isn't painting, he spends time with the straight blade and flute in turn, practicing weather-controlling spells and creating small energy barriers with varying amounts of success. The sword work he's much more skilled with, using it with both agility and a surprising amount of strength considering his more refined and soft appearance. He greets people that pass by warmly, always happy to share a conversation or take up offers to practice with others.]

II. At least he's cute? (Cheerful Buns)

[He's been wanting to learn to cook more! The ascetic ways of his home sect don't really leave a lot of opportunity for elaborate or flavorful cooking, and Lan Xichen has little experience in preparing things that don't taste like bitter herbals. So of course he volunteers to help the bakery with the cheerloaves. And he's ready to compliment everyone next to him, too. On their looks, their technique, their knowledge... he's a polite boy. The problem is, he's just not very good at this. The dough is too wet in one spot and too dry in another, sticking in gross clumps to the work table and getting flour everywhere without incorporating properly. The result is a deformed, lumpy mess that almost seems to want to ooze out and take over everyone else's areas like a living amorphous mass. Still, he keeps smiling, apparently oblivious to the problems.]

Ah, your loaves look so cute and round! You must have practiced this a lot.

III. It's not a good kind of poking (Branching Out)

[Lan Xichen likes making trips out to the Outpost on occasion to check the progress on the leyline nearby and to see how the area is improving. He has adopted that as a way to pay his respects to his friend, hoping that even if she has left Aefenglom the energy she left behind will flourish. Clearing a path to make the trips easier is a great idea. He volunteers immediately, traveling out to clean up the overgrowth, but when he and the others on the job start seeing the Yarglweed, he just barely manages to avoid becoming a human pincushion. It's only because he got lucky that he escapes that initial barrage of needles.]

Well, that isn't very friendly.

[Removing one plant might not be too bad, but the way the bushes are growing, it's hard to get close enough to one without being flanked by another, putting anyone that gets close in a dangerous spot from multiple sides.]

Should we try to transplant them? I am not certain if removing them entirely is fair.

IV. What could possibly go wrong? (The Cirque Mystique)
a. It's all fun and games...

[Lan Xichen is as fascinated by the new arrivals as everyone else, eager to see the performances and admire the array of costumes and new food. He happily partakes in all of it, enjoying the display while munching on snacks and taking up his new hobby: losing at the various games. He doesn't seem to realize he's being cheated, trying several times at the same booth before cheerfully giving up and moving on to the next, having equally abysmal luck. The various stall workers soon pick up on an easy mark and start encouraging him to specifically come make his attempt at every game lined up, planning to completely fleece him of everything he's got. It's not hard to tell he's being taken advantage of, and if any less opportunistic soul is around, the poor Lan needs an intervention.]

I just don't understand. I believe my accuracy is not this poor. I assure you I am normally a better archer...

b. Until the bottles come out

[Some of the new items might not be the best thing for a Lan to try, but with the promise of new, exciting liquors and Lan Xichen feeling especially bold lately, he can't help but be tempted by them. He has at least been trying to resist, declining a few times when vendors urge him to take free samples, but it's clear he wants to know what these rare treats are like. Wavering in front of one particularly nice looking drink--a rosy colored liquid filled with tiny specks that reflect like stars--he hesitates, debating with himself.]

And you say it is not very strong?

[ Not strong at all! You won't even feel a glass this size. ]

It does look nice... And if it is not strong, it probably can't hurt...

[ooc: Feel free to toss stuff my way whenever. If you have an idea I didn't hit on you can tag here with it as well, or contact me at

teaandreveries and we can plot stuff out.]

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[Nie Mingjue has checked the place out, sampled a few of the treats. The flavors are different from native cuisine and he appreciates that much, at least, but it's all very flashy and bright, and he appreciates that less. The sounds and smells are pretty strong to his enhanced senses, and he wrinkles his nose regularly, ears sometimes laying back in a futile attempt to shield his hearing.

He's a little surprised to come across Lan Xichen, if only because he couldn't smell him first, not with everything else going on. And unfortunately, he's already drank the mystery liquor by now. Mingjue glances from his friend to the stall, brows lifting.]

Xichen? [He almost asks ("isn't alcohol forbidden?"), but manages to stop himself, just sounding vaguely questioning for now.]

Mingjue!

[He's delighted to see his friend, hurrying the short distance over and looking up with adoring eyes. The alcohol really only makes all the bright colors and flashy performances even more stunning to him, and he grabs onto Mingjue's arm like a child.]

Ah, you should try this! It's very sweet, but also bitter? And smells of fruits and mountain air.

[He also has the energy of a child, restless and giddy with excitement.]

[Ah. He's definitely already drunk. Nie Mingjue has to force down a lecture, because he's trying to be a good friend, and a good friend would let Lan Xichen live his own life however he pleases. That doesn't mean he's going to head for the hills now, though.

He settles his opposite hand over the one on his arm, to shift it into a proper hold at his own elbow instead of pushing it away, looking ever so slightly down at his giddy friend and trying to keep the mild amusement off his face. His ears flick with it, though.]

Maybe later. Have you tried the dumplings at the next stall? [Maybe get some food in there to soak up the alcohol.]

[He didn't even have that much to drink and of course it's already too late. At least he seems to be enjoying the experience? Although how much of an excuse that is for accepting the drink is certainly debatable. He lets Nie Mingjue rearrange him and happily settles in next to him, still holding on with a fond smile and a slightly excitable step.]

Ah, there are dumplings?

[Observation is not one of his greatest drunken talents.]

Let's get some! Mingjue, you'll share some with me, won't you?

[Definitely too late. All Nie Mingjue can do now is try to look out for him and let him have a nice time without getting into too much trouble. Nie Mingjue huffs a laugh at his excitement, leading them toward the dumpling stall and putting in an order.]

Of course. We can share a plate. [He's not that hungry anyway, he just wants to get some food into Lan Xichen. Maybe he didn't drink on an empty stomach but it doesn't hurt to be sure.] Are you having a good time?

[ Even though Lan Xichen one moment is excited to try the food, his restless mind is already wandering by the time the order is placed. He looks all around the row of booths around them, taking in the interactions and smiling as people laugh and talk together, enjoying the day out. Still holding onto Nie Mingjue's arm, he looks up at the other man with bright amusement. ]

This is wonderful. There are some things that should be watched more closely. Did you know that they cheat at their games?

[ He says that a bit too openly. This was something he was taught by others and he doesn't have the awareness now to keep quiet about it. ]

Mingjue, they have good games. They shouldn't need to cheat. But the performances have been exciting and everyone seems friendly. I don't want to ruin their business either.

[Well, at least he's happy, he supposes. Nie Mingjue isn't fond of the cirque himself, finding it flashy and frivolous, but he's not able to totally ignore it either. The stalls are at least interesting, and the food isn't bad.] Yes, I figured. I haven't seen anyone win. It is dishonest. [And if he's a little too loud and one of the games-stall-runners across the way hears, oh well.]

If their business is ruined, they ruined it themselves. It isn't your fault. [He pats Lan Xichen's arm comfortingly, and then takes the covered plate of dumplings when their order is up.] Come on, you should eat. Have you been drinking on an empty stomach?

Everyone deserves to eat, Mingjue.

[There's a lot of Lan in that answer even drunk. He might disapprove of their cheating, but Xichen is not one to want to tear away everything someone has to support themselves because of that. There's a certain acceptance that he has to have, because that is simply how the world is. They are nobles. They get a lot of inherent advantages and he knows his intervention is much greater than someone else's.]

I will not ruin their livelihood. I just don't understand it.

[And he's off topic again, distracted by the next shiny thing.]

I haven't been drinking. I only had one drink! It was just a taste. And it was a gift.

[Free sample. Gift. That's pretty close, anyway.]

Why, have you been drinking?

[There's a slightly wicked glint in his expression as he asks that, playful and more daring than he should be. And he's probably picking that up from his time having to navigate Jin Guangyao, but he seems to wear it pretty comfortably in this state.]

[He just shakes his head, not willing to argue the point. While he's not out to deliberately ruin anybody's business, he's not going to rush to defend them if someone comes out and accuses them of cheating. He is firmly of the opinion that there are honest ways to come up in the world if one works hard.

But it's not a debate to have with a drunk Lan.]

For you, one taste is 'drinking'. [He says with a snort, leading him over to a bench.] You shouldn't do it on an empty stomach. [He pops open the container and takes up a dumpling on wooden chopsticks, holding it up to Xichen's lips.]

Yes, I've had a couple of drinks. Nies have a hearty constitution when it comes to liquor. [Maybe he doesn't drink for fun, but he can hold alcohol well.]

Oh, then yes, I have been drinking.

[Pure logic there. He doesn't consider it deeply or argue the point. It's true that even one taste is going too far, but his willingness to try things does make him easily persuaded into those half-measures that he sometimes manages to be excused from. No one is perfect, and Lan Xichen isn't the most stringent rule follower of the Lan sect.

On the other hand, he is just the type of person to defend everyone on a basic level without any misgivings. Beggars and questionable characters are still human and Xichen has always been the type to sympathize. He takes a generous approach and doesn't feel much shame, because he's not exactly meeting perfection himself.]

Hm. [He hums with amusement as Mingjue talks about his tolerance, giving him a quizzical look before accepting the dumpling with a delicate and serene bite, fully living up to the Lan grace even while drunk and dressed down as he is.]

That much is clear. [Mingjue sounds amused more than anything, though. It's not as if disaster has struck. Sure, Lans have no tolerance, but he at least seems to be having a nice time while he's drunk.

Once he's gotten him to take a bite, he pushes the container of food over toward him, along with the chopsticks, hoping the taste will encourage him to have more.] It's good, right? [This close to the full moon, Mingjue craves something a little more raw, but he hasn't had the face to eat strips of bloody meat in front of anybody yet. It feels like some kind of final straw, worse than simply growing new parts - it's not like he can help those.]

Were you planning to do anything in particular today?

[Lan Xichen is indeed enjoying his time, just soaking up the atmosphere of the circus now that he's thoroughly drunk and not really focused on anything in particular. The busy movement and so many different people calling out and doing things at once is a lot to focus on, which is evident after Nie Mingjue gives him the food, because as soon as the dish and chopsticks are in his hands, Lan Xichen is looking around them at all the excited vendors and visitors, dazzled by the colors and general excitement in the air.]

It's beautiful here. I would love to visit their country and see everything. If they have such exciting celebrations all the time it must be very grand, don't you think?

Ah, we should play one of their games too!

[Planning is definitely not in his mind at the moment.]

[ Normally she wouldn't dream of simply accepting a compliment, but of course, that's the entire point of this, isn't it? ]

They do, don't they? So adorable...

[ She pats her latest roll with easy affection, the dough warming slightly at the touch. The flour is strange, the recipe stranger, but overall there aren't enough differences to hinder her after the demonstration they'd had at the start. His, though... ] Zewu-jun is working so hard on his, just as they deserve. Though, perhaps a little more flour.

[ Jiang Yanli is an excellent baker. She has a skilled way of handling the dough, making it seem effortless and tidy despite the amount of flour they are using. Lan Xichen is in genuine awe of her as he struggles with the mass that might be alive with the way it just keeps spreading out of control. ]

Ahaha... I hope they will understand my intention and forgive me. I wish to learn.

[ Being able to make good food for people -- that would really be an achievement. He hadn't considered that before, due to his responsibilities to the sect and all the other business that required his attention, but here he can actually try new things.

Try is the operative word so far. ]

I am humbled by the master's generous words. Is this enough?

[ Please show him. He's adding flour over the dough, but without any real method to it. ]

[ She glanced up at his face long enough to confirm that he was comfortable with her interceding in his work. Assured, she dusted her hands with flour again, and reached over to scoop up a section of the dough that was particularly gooey. She caught it under the flour he was sprinkling, turning it over in her hands and kneading it slightly in one palm, until she was satisfied that it had firmed.

She set it down, and pulled another piece. ]

Here, work it bit by bit.

[ She swept the rest a little towards her, so she could separate the rest while he added the flour. ]

[ He smiled gratefully as Jiang Yanli rescued his sorry attempt at forming the dough into proper loaves. He had learned many skills as a sect leader over the years, but baking was not one of them. At least now with some guidance he was actually beginning to cook. ]

Yes, teacher.

[ Working the dough is not so hard, but knowing when it is right and when to add more flour was a new experience. Lan Xichen looked focused as he tried to imitate Yanli's loaves, looking back again and again to make sure he was doing it right. ]

You are very patient. I would have liked to have a teacher so kind when I was younger.

[ Oh, that was right, compliments towards each other supported the enchantment too. She hummed in concentration as she tried to rescue the last section - too dry, this time, she dipped her fingers in water and flicked droplets across it - whilst also almost wishing that the strange effects of the eclipse had lingered. ]

A good student makes the teacher look good. If you had had the time to learn, I'm sure you would be exceedingly skilled.

[ At least he was easy to compliment! The rest of the dough looked fine to her, so she ducked down to find him a tray from the cabinets. Perhaps not looking at him makes it easier to be playful..? ] A lack of opportunity is easily fixed. How long does the recipe say to leave them to rise, student?

[ Although Lan Xichen is trying to follow Jiang Yanli's instructions with studious detail, he still looks to his side to watch her revive the dried out dough with what looks like effortless comfort. ]

I will rely on your kindness, then, and hope to learn some of my instructor's wisdom.

[ Really, if he could imitate even part of Jiang Yanli's skill, he could be able to make some pretty decent food. ]

Ah, it says we should wait an hour? If that is the case, should I prepare some tea?

[ She'd been passing through the courtyard on her way back from a lesson herself, when the sight of graceful movement catches her eye. Stopping to watch, she can't help but be a little in awe as she observes Lan Xichen go through the motions of sword practice. It's very different from the style she's familiar with, although there are familiar hints of what she's seen her companions use before. Some of what she'd tried to mimic herself when she'd first picked up the blade.

She has no intention of interrupting him - that would be rude, and she knows how dangerous it could be to break one's concentration. But she's so caught up in watching she doesn't realize how long she actually stands there staring in fascination. ]

[ It's been a while since he's drawn Shuoyue in front of another person. He tries to keep his practice times with the live blade private, hoping to avoid any issues or potential accidents even if the likelihood for that is already weak. But at the moment, Lan Xichen is truly enjoying the chance to practice again, lost in the feeling of the familiar movements. When he does notice Yona watching and politely stops the form dance to resheath his blade, he's smiling. ]

Have I disturbed you, young miss? If I have taken your place, I apologize. I did not mean to be rude.

Oh, no!

[ She's quick to wave off that apology, giving him a warm - if sheepish - smile. ]

You haven't at all. And I'm sorry if I've disrupted your practicing. I didn't want to interrupt. But the movements looked so beautiful and graceful...

You haven't interrupted anything. Please.

[He lifts his hand to gesture for her to come over.]

Will you join me? Perhaps the young miss also enjoys this sort of exercise. I have not done this sort of thing with someone else around in some time now.

[It's true that other people in the cultivation world had complimented his sword skills before, but not quite the way she described it. It's kind of moving to have someone appreciate his practice like that.]

[ She still looks sheepish as she approaches him. ]

I'm afraid what I know of using a sword looks nothing like that. Although I've mostly had to teach myself. My... guardian didn't approve of my use of a blade. He preferred I keep my distance with a bow, instead.

Safety is important.

[He has to agree with that much.]

However, I believe it cannot hurt for a witch to learn defense other than magic. Would you like to train together?

[After all, if she's going to be faced with Shades and wild animals, she should probably have some proper sword lessons. Keeping her away from weapons won't help if her bow is lost somehow.]

[ She blinks, her eyes going wide for a moment as she absorbs those words. ]

You would... teach me?

Of course. Training on one's own may of course yield results, but it helps to have a partner.

[And in case Yona is concerned about his qualifications:]

I have instructed others in sword practice before. It would be my honor to do so again.

[ She hadn't been worried about that at all - she had just watched you, after all. She can recognize skill when she sees it. Even if she's still fumbling through duplicating it. ]

It helps to have someone who knows how to poijt out what I'm doing wrong when they see it, and not just me hoping I'm remembering the movements correctly...

[ Well, even so, he is modest enough to think that perhaps Yona is reluctant because she has only seen what he's done so far. It's one thing to go through stances, even if they are smooth, and another to prove you can use a sword in a real fight. He's a gentle soul and just wants to assure her. After all, she was seriously training in magic. He wants to give her as serious an opportunity with weapons. ]

Do you have your sword with you in the city? Shuoyue may be perhaps too long.

Ahh, I do have a blade with me!

[Fumbling for a moment beneath her cloak, she reveals the shortblade she's been practicing with, the one Jae-Ha gave her when Hak refused to teach her. She holds it up, although she casts Xichen's blade an apologetic look. ]

Although is mine too short?

[Yona already having a sword feels like a divine sign that they are on the right track. Maybe she was always supposed to learn and this is the two of them finding each other for a purpose. He smiles when she looks unsure about the short sword, shaking his head.]

The length should be what is most suitable for you to hold. As long as we consider your range, then it will not be an issue.

[Xichen might have more reach, but he also knows there are ways around that. And Yona seems like she's agile.]

But the most important thing is to be familiar with your blade and strengthening your body. How much do you run?

...

[ She blinks at him in confusion for a moment. ]

Run...?

[ Is she supposed to be doing things like that? ]

[ The confusion is actually kind of cute, but Xichen nods and explains: ]

Practicing with a sword requires a great deal of your core and legs to move quickly. Often, the most work is done by one's legs rather than the arms.

[ It's a little tedious, but training has always been like that to him. ]

Jogging helps maintain endurance. It's more useful than you might expect.

So to train for a sword, you must first... be able to run?

[ That... makes sense, she supposes. Endurance would be important, for long fights. And a sword would grow heavy after a while.

But that doesn't make it sound less like... her imitating or horse or something. ]

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[Open] Just a good boy wanting good things...

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II. cheerful buns at some point idk we'll think of a time

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I. She's just returning the interrupting >.>

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