middaeg | Community Garden Opening

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Community Garden Opening

Community Garden Opening

It had been a challenge to find the space given the overcrowding that came as a consequence of Aefenglom's populace being shuffled about for the sake of the Mirrorbound, the community garden is settled in a semi-spacious lot. The building that once stood there had fallen into such disrepair that the costs to restore it would be far more drastic in price than simply replacing it altogether. But few have that sort of money on the western end of the residential district, and so it was agreed upon by those in the neighborhood with the Council members that had collaborated to bring this motion to life that the land and the adjoining empty lot would be of better use as a green space. One where residents and others in the district or city could grow what their small greenhouses likely could not support or simply have a place to relax in or send their children to play.

But that is the hope for the space and not yet its reality. Because as most within the city are quite aware through fliers, mailed invitations, posting to the Watches, and advertisements within the local paper, the garden is not yet planted. But it's finally, finally ready and there is to be a celebration.

Today, the space is a bit fuller than it otherwise might be. This is not because of the Council members who gathered a bit early on the first day before the first arrivals, the Parliament members who filter in and out throughout the weekend, or the various members of the western residential district. There is simply a lot to do here this weekend in both hard work and fun alike.

I. Good Seed for the Day

A wider path winds its way through the space, leading either to the garden or to an open space in which nothing is necessarily meant to be planted. Following the path towards the garden proper, there is a modest stall set up, occupied with various volunteers throughout the weekend to sell seeds and saplings at a low price for those who have come empty-handed. The sign on the stall itself notes that all proceeds will be utilized to continue supporting the garden itself. They also have all the necessary gardening tools available, although you may need to occasionally share during the peak hours. Then again, those with a bit more of a green thumb might come prepared as everyone is more than welcome to bring their own supplies, whether that be in the form of seeds and saplings or gardening tools.

As for where to plant, following the branching and more narrow paths throughout the garden space, there is a clear divide between food and ornamental gardening but plenty of space exists within each division. Various planters of various sizes and shapes are made available either on the ground or shelving as much as the earth itself has been transformed into something suitable for planting. A small greenhouse has also been constructed, although the majority of the space has been reserved for growing food rather than beautiful flowers.

Those a little uncertain or more curious will be relieved to know they are not on their own. Monsters from the residential district with more experience are available to teach more about how to properly care for the plants and Witches make themselves available to explain more about the alchemical properties or provide magic lessons to encourage growth. For the more advanced, there's even a few who are willing to point out examples of helpful and harmful insects in the garden, and the best ways to handle them.

II. Never a Dill Moment

Those with black thumbs or a dislike of digging around in the dirt needn't fret or feel left out, however! There are other ways to beautify the garden, namely painting pots and plant holders or signs. Tables are set up with the necessary supplies where people can either paint individually or work together in small groups. There is also the option to build birdhouses and feeders that will hopefully be of interest to avians not of the harpy persuasion. Of course, if there is a special someone that might appreciate these painted and built products or maybe you just feel your lawn could do with a bit of sprucing up, everyone is equally welcome to take their creations home and do as they please, too.

And for those who are maybe a little less artistically-inclined or wary of hammers and thumbs mixing, there is always the option to do a little bit of cooking in the outdoor kitchen. Stations with various kitchen tools and portable gas stovetops have been set up with plenty of ingredients and one instructor to teach dishes that can be made with few ingredients and with fairly limited kitchen time as well. Different meals are taught throughout each day, so breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner plans can be made. Completed meals can be shared on the grass or at the provided tables and chairs spread throughout. Just be mindful when spreading out a blanket that you could potentially be in the crosshairs of some form of sportsball being played between the local children.

III. Thyme to Leaf

Already by the end of the first day, there has already been a great deal of progress. Some sections of the garden are already thick with lush green foliage thanks to magical interventions. But as the sun sets and the twin moons rise in the evening sky, the garden begins to empty out. Even the local vampires begin filtering out to go about their nights. But there is still work to be done. Gardening equipment needs to be moved to the shed on-site while chairs need to be carefully stacked onto tables. Leftover ingredients and food need to be packed up and either properly stored for the next day or delivered to the neighborhood and Outer City. Any trash not properly disposed of also needs to be cleaned up. Those who choose to help in this effort will be thanked and asked to come again in the morning to set everything up for those that tolerate the sunlight.

As the number of visitors in the evening of the final day begins to dwindle, the process of cleaning up begins earlier than the first. People are first instructed to take down the tables, stack chairs, and carefully disassemble stalls before anything else. For now, they are to be placed against the shed as they will be collected in the morning. Once those tasks are taken care of, it's more or less a repeat of the night before. However, those who opt to help both nights are given their choice of two leftover packets of seeds or saplings at no charge as a thank you. They are free to do as they please with them whether they choose to plant them at the garden or at home.

Hello, friends! Welcome to the community garden opening. First, I would like to give a big thanks to Skai for helping write this log! Second, please direct any questions you have here. Otherwise, please enjoy digging around in the dirt and picnicking! I'm real sorry about the puns. I can promise you that as much as they might hurt to read, they probably hurt me double to write.

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[Lan Xichen comes to accompany his Bonded and perhaps provide some magic to help the garden areas grow more easily. He would dig right into the dirt alongside others, but he's not quite as knowledgeable as a gardener. Most of the time he watches and learns instead, wanting to stay out of the way rather than undo what progress has already been managed by better hands.

And some time during the visit he's alongside Jin Guangyao in the garden, enjoying the flowers that have been planted already.]

It has been some time, hasn't it? I forgot how long we have been here. Am I becoming too comfortable?

[That's only the beginning of his feelings, but he says it anyway, voicing some thoughts as they come.]

[Jin Guangyao is less sure that 'comfortable' is the right word for himself. There's the matter of his transformation (thank the heavens that at least there seemed to be nothing more this last full moon) and his worries about some of the others present, elements of the past not so easily set aside.]

Are you comfortable?

[He asks lightly. When they're together is one thing -- but Jin Guangyao still questions some other aspects.]

Sometimes. I think so.

[Is that an answer? He's still trying to figure out for certain what these feelings he has are, but the way he smiles back at Jin Guangyao is with more peace of mind and confidence than he has had before.]

I was not comfortable when I first arrived or when we had disagreements, but now things have gotten easier. I don't mind the way things have come.

There are many things to be grateful for. [He agrees, returning that smile. His own feelings on life in general here are more complicated, to be sure. But becoming closer that he had imagined possible to Lan Xichen is one of those things that he does appreciate -- even if some disagreements are not over, only laid aside and evaded for now.]

I'm glad you were willing to come with me to this event, too. I can only apologize for my own sorry state last week.

[That caused him to 'miss' the wedding. Even if he has no love for any of the participants, and no doubt the Lan brothers were still on shaky terms, he'd been quite sure Xichen wanted to go -- as much as he himself didn't want to.]

[He gives his Bonded a sympathetic look, getting closer so he can lay a hand on Jin Guangyao's arm gently.]

There is no need to apologize. I was worried for you and I am just glad you are safe.

[He did want to see that wedding and it is only a nice coincidence in his mind that Jin Guangyao encouraged him to do despite his own health. It is a gesture of kindness that Lan Xichen wants to repay.]

I am sorry you had to miss it, though. It was beautiful. And I have something for you that I hope will at least in part make up for the trouble you went through. You have been working so hard that I haven't had a chance to give it to you.

[He places his hand lightly oven Xichen's for a minute, looking up at him fondly.]

All you need do is say the word, and I'll be sure to make more time.

[Even if there had already been a fair bit of time spent together for one thing or another. Between time with Xichen and pursuing some opportunities... with the path to (safely) exacting vengeance on certain individuals unclear for now, there wasn't much to be done on that front.]

Should I set aside the evening tonight, after the event is over?

[A little thrill of joy comes through when Jin Guangyao touches his hand. It still feels a little like they are crossing a boundary by sharing that sort of contact in public. Even if it is common for the locals and they have done even more before, Lan Xichen feels something special in these little moments. To him, anyway.]

I wouldn't interrupt your work. I know how important it is.

[They spend time together, but Lan Xichen has just been to distracted to really settle down with Jin Guangyao to talk through anything. He smiles gently, keeping his hand on his Bonded.]

Will you? If it doesn't take away too much of your time. I would like to discuss some things with you about our home.

[With the things that have developed between them, Jin Guangyao is more wary of going much further than that touch of a hand in public now. But at least where they are at the moment, there's not another cultivator in sight to object to a bastard and a criminal touching him like that.

Which actually brings another thing to mind, but he can talk about that later.]

About our home? I had thought that perhaps we should move somewhere larger, at some point, though I'm not certain we can afford it yet.

[There's nothing obviously wrong, of course, and things have been rather well between them lately, but there's definitely a faint uncertainty felt through the Bond, underlying calm words.]

That is part of what I wished to speak to you about.

[Feeling that disquiet, Lan Xichen moves closer, providing a protective presence by standing near like he has in the past. It's ironic, he thinks, when Jin Guangyao is more dangerous than he is and the height difference no longer really applies, but that also gives him a subtle feeling of amusement. Although he also has a thread of something more serious on his mind, and that comes through the Bond as well.]

A-Yao, you are more accustomed to the comfort provided by the Jin sect and I know it is important to you. Our home is nice, but perhaps not as furnished as you are used to.

[Even if he'd started out his life a long way from the kind of luxury, yes, he had become accustomed to it, it was true -- but Jin Guangyao was both adaptable and practical. With careful wording, he explains:]

I think that sort of luxury would be hard to come by. I only had in mind more the issues of the bathing space. [And other spaces. He's not the size of the especially monstrous naga Underground, but it's still a lot of tail to manoeuvre around the house. If it was a nicer place in other respects, that would only be a bonus. His unease is very faint, but still there with the serious intent coming through to him.] What are your thoughts?

Mm, and methods of providing more warmth.

[He has a serious thought on his mind beneath that candy cloud of fluff. Turning to actually take Jin Guangyao's hand between his, he squeezes it lightly.]

I've been very content with our living space and I'm afraid I have let other concerns prevent me from taking more action. But I should not hesitate any further. Seeing Wangji recently proved to me that happiness must be achieved with one's hands and choices.

[Well, there's still some fluff. But he's trying.]

I know my skills are limited, but I shall work hard from now on. I wish to earn enough to help provide as well, to give you the home that you are happy with. I... do not know how much we need.

[The sentiment is sweet, and Jin Guangyao knows he's been teaching children and working at the forge. Still... the unease fads off at least, now that his intentions are clear.]

It really isn't necessary. You have been doing more than enough to help, and provide me with sufficient warmth as well. [It's stated so nicely and properly that nobody would think twice of the words, but the flicker of feeling from the Bond is not so proper.] I've been looking into some business opportunities with one of the trading companies here in Aefenglom and things sound very promising for the future.

[Jin Guangyao's unease lessens, but Lan Xichen becomes more distressed by that answer. He does, however, get distracted by the feelings coming through the Bond when Jin Guangyao mentions warmth.]

A-Yao, this is a home we are sharing. I know that I have not offered much so far, but I can obtain more work. I am sure if I ask people in the city, I can find someone that can make use of me.

[It's not so much a true objection as a desire to see Lan Xichen able to maintain some of his old status, above some of these more menial tasks.]

I'm certain you could find more work, but does it truly bother you that much? You have been helping others, unpaid, as well. This city, both inside and outside the Bright Wall, needs people doing those kind of things as much, if not more, than simply other workers.

[He hesitates as the conflict between trying to support Jin Guangyao more and doing public work both pull at his sense of responsibility.]

Yes, that is true. But you have been doing everything for us so far. Does it not bother you? I wish to do good for this place, but not if it means I am neglecting your needs. And since I am no longer who I was, I should try to at least help with one house.

If I found it troublesome, I think you would have known by now.

[He's gotten better at concealing a few things here and there from his Bonded, but at least on this account, there's nothing to hide.]

You do a great deal for me already, besides. When I'm in this state, and unable to access this world's 'magic', well... suffice to say, neither of us are quite who we once were.

[As frustrating as that is, on several levels...]

[He would know, wouldn't he? Would he? There seems to be a lot of things Lan Xichen doesn't know. He thinks about his next response carefully, about what he's done and been doing, as well as the strange relationship that they have settled into. It hasn't been easy, but they have had good times. ]

A-Yao, are you happy with me?

[Not always happy with him, ever since things had unravelled at the temple. Even now, though of course he knows why Lan Xichen isn't wearing his old robes, and it is, indeed, against so many Lan sect rules for him to continue associating with Jin Guangyao... it feels not quite a slight against him as it is too far for the Lan Sect Leader to go.

He looks up, apparently puzzled by the question briefly, glancing down to the hand on his arm with a faint smile, and back up to meet Lan Xichen's eyes shamelessly.]

Of course. Why do you ask that now?

[Lan Xichen knows that things can't be completely repaired between them. No matter what, now that the truth has come out, he is able to see that this man is not the one he thought he knew so well for years. There are still sides to Jin Guangyao that he can never understand or completely know, and some he doesn't want to. But that doesn't mean he is giving up entirely. He wants to keep this new connection between them.]

Because I do not know. There are times that you seem happy, but there were many times like that in the past. Perhaps I relied on only what was evident too often and that is partially to blame for what happened earlier with Wangji.

[He takes a small breath and sighs.]

I just wish to hear it from you. I know that here I am not who I was and I have less to offer for your new life. I want to be able to make you happy, but sometimes I think I am just being selfish.

You shouldn't dwell too much on the past. As I said, it will be a new life for me here. And some things have changed more than I would have ever expected.

[He reassures Xichen, his hand lightly stroking over his Bonded's, distractingly. The problem, in his opinion, with Lan Wangji is that he's an intolerant asshole, but far be it from Jin Guangyao to say that to his kinder brother's face.]

I would never say you offered any less. If I have any worries or concerns... [He'd been waiting for the right moment to bring the issue up again, and hesitates, as if he really doesn't want to oh-so much.] ...they are only regarding those who are unwilling to give me another chance.

[The gentle hand on his does soothe Lan Xichen's worries, sending a soft wave of pleasure and quiet thrill through their bond. Things have gone... well, they could have gone better, but it's nice to hear Jin Guangyao say he's doesn't think Xichen has less to offer, even if it's so obvious even he notices the difference. Before at least he had the support of the sect to offer.]

A-Yao, you shouldn't feel pressured by the ones that have come. They are just happy to be together and have another chance like you. Most of us would not be able to see each other again otherwise. I don't think they'll risk that so easily by making needless conflicts.

[But Jin Guangyao is always worrying, isn't he? That's what Xichen interpreted his "no choice" to be in the end. He leans closer and raises one hand, gently touching his Bonded's face.]

I want your new life as much as you do. And I will protect you.

[The irony of those words coming, with utmost sincerity, from the man who stabbed him is not lost on Jin Guangyao. The few scales on his cheeks are as warm as his skin; it's a sweet gesture, bust especially now, when there in fact is something more going on between them, that he doesn't want word of reaching Wangji's ears... perhaps it's too much, even for Bonded. He hesitates in his response, but does reach up to gently pull Lan Xichen's hand away.]

I don't wish to ask more of you than I already have. But...

[In fact, he truly doesn't want to involve Lan Xichen at all. But with how things happened in the past, is that really possible?]

Have you spoken to Nie Huaisang since he returned?

[There's a sting of disappointment when Jin Guangyao pulls his hand away, feeling like rejection. But even with his gentle optimism and hope, Lan Xichen understands that there will always be that distance between them. He's started to understand it even more as they've shared time together away from everything else. This new life, what his Bonded wants, is something beyond all the restraints of the past, including Xichen. If there is love (there is at least affection), then it only goes so far.

He's had to consider much more frequently lately his own past, particularly his bloodline and how he relates to it. If he is also bound by a love that is only echoed back so much, what does it mean for him? He swallows down the clenching in his heart and smiles, shaking his head.]

I have spoken to Wangji a little. And Wei Wuxian.

[If he feels too anxious about that degree of physical gesture in public, well, at least it's safe to still hold his Bonded's hand, especially in the wake of that disappointment Lan Xichen is feeling.

Lan Wangji is part of the problem, and he does want to know where things stand between the Lan brothers now. Wei Wuxian is more of a wild card but then again, hasn't he always been?

He shakes his head slightly.]

Please promise me... if you speak to him again, you will turn on your watch, and let me listen. I know it's a terrible thing to ask, [he adds hastily, half apologetically pleading] but I worry about the things he might say, that he will attempt to mislead you again.

[He likes getting to hold Jin Guangyao's hand for a minute. At first, that is comforting, but when his Bonded starts speaking, Lan Xichen pulls away. Although he knows there is a deep resentment between the two, being asked to assist Jin Guangyao in what is definitely an underhanded move upsets him.]

You want me to help you spy? On Huaisang? He hasn't done anything to you here to warrant such action.

[Not that he could easily imagine a case that would call for spying on a friend, but he doesn't entirely dismiss the possibility. It just seems like a sudden jump to him, when he's not the type to be suspicious.]

Do you intend to fight with him still?

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