MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

[rightfoot]

WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE

I. Arrival

The event starts early evening, Noveur 7, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. The day of the event, earlier on, a few may have appeared to do some final touches. Those who had stayed behind to help with some last minute decorating, Louis had cleared out and advised to leave so that they could get ready for the masquerade.

a. Outside

When you approach, you will find that the outside of the building is a perfect location for a masquerade. There's a large ballroom, granted to them for use by the Coven. They had been kind enough to allow them to have the space and necessary supplies in order to throw such a party. And, it's clear that they took every advantage of the granted space and land around them.

There's a gorgeous, outdoor fountain, and lights underneath the water to give it a pleasant, warm glow through the water. If you watch it long enough, the lights seem to shift colors. There's gardens surrounding the building, as well. The gardens, like the fountain, have low, warm lighting around them so that the plant-life will be clear well into the late night.

There's benches outside as well, with a clear view of the fountain - so if someone needs to step outside or take a break from the indoor events, they can enjoy the fresh air and the warm, calming feeling from the fountain and gardens. This is a perfect place to escape when you want to relax away from the bustle of a party.

b. Inside

The entryway has open curtains, gold - and tied back with a burgundy rope. There to make everyone feel as though stepping inside, they are making an entrance of their own. Once you step inside, you'll notice the grand ballroom with high ceilings is fully decorated. It is clear that a lot of effort and time went into this, thanks to the help of many different people and several sets of hands. The colors that seem to be continually present are gold, reds, and purples. Though from time to time there may be splashes of other colors and personal touches from those who had helped in places - mostly in the form of masks hanging on the walls, or balloons scattered in places away from the main dance floor.

From the main ballroom entrance, straight ahead, is the main dance floor and to the right - refreshments. Near the refreshments, there are a several standing tables to set down a drink or stand around to socialize with friends or people you've just met. In addition to the standing tables, there's a couple of dining tables and chairs so that you can sit and eat, drink, or chat.

Inside the main ballroom there's a few gaming tables scattered around - including card games with some dealers around where you can gamble, and pool tables. Make a wager or play for fun, it's all up to you. Additionally, on the floor Kaito will be performing magic tricks to entertain individuals and small groups throughout the floor. You'll be able to catch him periodically through the night.

There are a few hallways leading to several rooms, and it all depends on what you're looking for, but no matter what it is, you can probably find it.

One of the rooms has the silent auction. Here, you can look at some of the things that are up for bidding. There's several interesting, enchanted items including: weapons, jewelry, books, instruments. They are protected, as well, so they can only go home with the winner.

Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so you will be able to find what you're looking for.

c. Enchanted Masks

You're welcome to have brought a mask that you had picked out for yourself, or - if you prefer, you can pick up an enchanted mask near the entrance of the party itself. These enchanted masks will conceal all distinguishing features, whether they are as simple as horns and scales, or as large as a set of wings. The only obvious features will be what a character is wearing, whether it is their attire, mask, or both.

You aren't obligated to wear them, of course, but they do provide the total anonymity that is often part of the excitement at a masquerade such as this. These effects are only present when one is wearing the mask. The moment the mask is off, any distinguishing features are immediately visible.

It's a perfect opportunity to have a little fun and engage with someone you may not have spoken with otherwise.

This enchantment will wear off the next day at sunrise, so you may keep the mask you pick out for yourself at the party.

d. Photobooth

Near the front of the ballroom there's a neat looking photobooth set up thanks to the work of both Omi and Prompto. There's props so you can take fun or silly pictures with your friends or date for the night. The backdrop for the photobooth is magical, of course. With a quick flip the background can be changed to one you desire whether it's a different color, an entirely new environment. The photobooth will be available through the night.

Additionally, you'll be able to find Omi on the floor catching candid photos of the attendees. Smile!

II. Refreshments

Away from the dance floor are several tables with matching, deep purple, table cloths. On top of the table are a variety of foods - some brought by the attendees, others brought in thanks to the aid of the coven. You can expect to find at least something that you'll absolutely love when exploring the options. There's everything there - from healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dip - to less healthy options such as cupcakes, and truffles. Food on sticks, and easy finger foods seem to be a very popular options.

While many of the options wouldn't even require a plate, there are some plates and utensils in shades of blue and gold available to use.

Next to the food there is a table featuring three punch bowls with three different flavors. One seems to be a fruit punch, one seems be purely berry flavored, and one - seems to be a bit of a surprise. It tastes a little bit different to everyone who tries it, but so far - there have been no complaints. Next to them, if you would prefer, there's pitchers of water.

Near the back corner, there's a bar with a bartender, there to serve those who would like a drink. Ask for a surprise, or your favorite drink, and you can have something mixed for you. Next to the bar, there are rows of the most popular bottles of alcohol. Though you won't be stopped if you take one, please tell the bartender so that they can keep their stock replenished for the other guests.

Drinks, of course, come free to those who are able to legally drink. Anyone underage will be met with a powerful enchantment that is acting as a method of preventing that from happening.

III. Dance

a. The Lock Box

Maybe you want to find a new dance partner. Maybe you want to find a new Bond. Maybe you just want to talk to someone new. The Lock Box is near the entrance of the ballroom. It's inaccessible thanks to both a lock and enchantment that are on it.

It's set up neatly on a table, with only it, paper, and a pen so that names can be written and added to the box. When you enter your name, another name will be produced from the box. It is clearly enchanted, of course. Once you're given a name, you and your new dance partner will be compelled to be near one another. This will last for about the length of a song - long enough to dance, or have a conversation.

Usually, only others who have put their names in the box will have their name drawn, but sometimes those who didn't put their name in the box will have their name drawn and will feel compelled to seek out someone who drew their name.

Sorry to those who didn't volunteer, magic isn't always the most predictable! Though you may get lucky and just find your next friend or Bond, so it's hard to get mad about it.

b. Song & Dance

Whether you picked your dance partner yourself, or were compelled to dance with your partner thanks to the Lock Box, the dance floor is ready for you. The music is enchanted, to provide a feeling of calm, relaxation, and joy. Characters will feel at ease, and even those who may not typically dance will want to get out on the dance floor.

Thanks to the talents of several Mirrorbound and collected records you'll have a variety of music all through the night. While much of it is upbeat, as it is encouraging individuals to dance. Whatever your mood, you will find a song that you'd love to dance to, as long as you want to dance.

IV. Gaming

Throughout the venue, there are a variety of gaming tables. There's poker tables with a dealer available so that you can play a game, place a bet - maybe you'll lose some cunes, maybe you'll win big. That's all up to how good you play the game. Note: Dealers (and the party host) are not responsible for any losses that occur when gambling. Play responsibly (or not).

There's also some pool tables available to those who wish to play. These table are open to anyone, and they are free to play. There's only a couple of tables available; however, they are scattered throughout the venue.

Set up near the bar are three long tables with only an array of cups and a printed set of rules for a game that some may recognize as none other than something very closely to beer pong. In place of the ping-pong balls there's a small, plastic coin that is used. Have fun drinking with friends while playing a game. What's not to love?

Are you looking to play a game in a quieter space? Down one of the hallways there's a couple of game rooms where you can not only find decks of cards and a pool table, but also a variety of popular party games such as charades. You'll also be able to find a room for those who want to settle in for a game of chess or checkers.

V. Late Night

The lights dim, just a bit more as it starts to turn into a late night, though there doesn't seem to be any sign that the party is ending. Small, glowing trinkets are brought out when the party seems like it should otherwise be dying down. These trinkets are - of course, to your taste, whether it's a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or just simple something small that almost resembles a wand. This will glow up to a month, so you should like what you pick: whether it is for for you or is to act as a gift for someone of your choosing.

The music is meant now to entice you to go a little wilder than they may have been earlier in the evening. Most of the food has been replaced and only small, quick snacks have been brought out for those who were still wanting something a bit to eat. Alcohol is still readily available to each and every person who is able to legally drink, of course.

You're welcome to - quite literally - dance until the sun rises or until you just can't stay awake any longer.

Note: Please see the questions thread if you have any for me - don't be afraid to ask. Please assume all characters received fliers this year, and anyone who would have wanted to work would have had the opportunity to help setup. As there are a variety of performers through the night, I did not note any specific ones and will leave that up to the performers discretion.

Please place any warnings, including 18+ content, in the subject line! Thank you!

Comments

[weiward]

[wei wuxian was no stranger to impulsive actions, but to kiss lan wangji at that moment was something entirely different. his body stiffens halfway through the kiss, surprised at himself. ashamed too. it all feels so familiar, his arms and the softness of his lips. this is a place where wei wuxian found himself every night for months. it's so right that he allowed himself to forget all that's wrong.

he knows he should pull away, but then lan wangji actually draws him closer, and wei wuxian is pulled under the waves of his own wistfulness all over again. he doesn't know how this lan wangji knows how to kiss him so perfectly - at this age, he shouldn't even have had his first kiss. but then everything could be different from what he knows. maybe this lan wangji has kissed someone before. maybe he's held someone and his experience comes from that, a possibility that wei wuxian can't bear to think about.

he feels dampness on his cheek, from lan zhan's and mingling with his own. his heart feels like it's battering itself against his ribs, more and more bruised after every beat. wei wuxian's still out of breath when he does slowly draw back, cupping the other man's face with trembling hands before gasping at the first coherent question that comes to his mind:

what has he done?]

[taciturnly]

( muscle memory. or in this case, lover’s memory, because lan wangji has kissed someone before, the same someone he’s kissing now, and it’s a cruel tragedy that neither of them really know. the haze dissipates. it swirls thick, wafts through his thoughts, until there’s nothing but light prickles on his lips, a token of his shameful loss of control.

eyes widen, and lan wangji jerks away, absentmindedly wiping at his cheeks as he stares aghast, the knot in his stomach making it hard to breathe. he should apologize. he doesn’t, the entirety of his mental lexicon crushed under an onslaught of different pains. anger. shame. sorrow. they drive his feet past the stranger, shoulders squared, and he doesn’t know how long he walks for, how far or how fast, and for one rare moment, lan wangji is devastatingly unable to think.

it’s a droning in the back of his skull, and in the midst of his confusion, frustration rises above everything else, mixed with a hint of despair. something’s amiss and he can’t ever figure out what it is, almost as if his own mind somehow plays nasty tricks on him. ultimately, he finds refuge in his backyard, wei ying’s, breathing heavily under the ginkgo tree. he’s a mess. unlan-like, and the worst part is, he can’t even decide whether he feels remorse. he only does when he’s reminded that it couldn’t possibly have been wei wuxian, and it’s a whole new set of agitation that crashes over him.

he doesn’t scream. there’s only a small grunt as he sways and punches the tree, a desperate need to unwind, and he doesn’t know how. teeth clench. the wind picks up, a brief but powerful gust, maybe his own doing. and then his lungs deflate, and he stands there hunched over in the dark, struggling to remember who he is. )

[weiward]

[wei ying, you idiot.

this is not helping. it's not helping lan wangji, it isn't fair to him, and it will only confuse wei wuxian's heart even more than it already is. he inserts distance between them, stumbling back and mumbling something about the alcohol. but the other man is already gone without a single glance back, never seeing the "stranger" as he takes off his mask and turns to look for him.

he doesn't to be at the masquerade anymore. the fresh air and beauty of the fountain outside can't help him a second time. so he goes home, climbs lan wangji's favorite tree in the backyard with his flute. not a single note is played though, because wei wuxian knows what song will come out of it, too bittersweet for his bruised heart tonight.

he idly twirls the instrument in his fingers instead, and it's the first thing that falls to the ground after the tree trembles and the wind picks up.]

[taciturnly]

( his breath stalls. his gaze, too, gradually sliding up bark and leaves as he squints and tries to decipher the darker silhouette up there. oh no. he freezes. almost literally, immobile for a moment, only his eyes in movement, drifting down to where chenqing lies, taunting, incriminating.

his blood ices over. his pulse races in his ears, stammering, and he swallows hard, his throat so dry it’s terribly uncomfortable. the chances of the flute being there and wei ying somehow not being there are rather slim, but he hopes in vain, a splash of mortification coloring his cheeks while his heart still beats in shambles. )

...Wei Ying? ( and he prays he hears nothing back. )

[weiward]

[this is, clearly, not his brightest night. wei wuxian presses both hands over his mouth, the rapid beating of his own heart the only sound in his ears. but he lowers his arms after a few moments, sighing before he slides down to the ground in front of him.]

Lan Zhan. You're home.

[he smiles, but the way he also rubs the back of his neck and averts his eyes for a moment add some awkwardness anyway.]

Uh...did you have a good time at the party?

[taciturnly]

( well shit. maybe he should learn how to curse. properly. that’s certainly one way to unwind when your own brain flips you the bird. or when wei wuxian jumps off his perch and lands right in front of you, with a word on his tongue that you can barely recognize.

home doesn’t feel like anything as of late. even the mist and snow, high in the mountains of cloud recesses, strike hollow. he isn’t really anywhere. just here, physically, and emotionally so lost he’s become the proverbial needle in a haystack. but needles aren’t petulant, unlike the retort that burns his throat on its way out. ) Did you?

( pinched and half-accusatory, his expression wavers between guilt and disbelief, and a good chunk of it is aimed at himself. why is he like this. defensive, and jealous, even though he has no right of opinion, his lips still swollen with the taste of another.

his chin dips in shame, and then he sighs, resigned as he sits right there, cross-legged and eyes closed. ) Too crowded. ( a beat. ) You left. ( does he sound disappointed? it's not really that he left per se, but more like lan wangji couldn't find him after a while, and he hates to wonder where he was. )

[weiward]

[wei wuxian winces, recoils, those two words and their inflection like a physical blow. he doesn't know what lan wangji saw or didn't see, but thinking back over the night he can hardly claim to be innocent. not with an open bar and wei wuxian in the mood to drink even more than usual.]

Ah...some of the food was okay. [he remembers the dish that nami's friend made, good enough to be second only to his sister's cooking. wei wuxian crouches down beside him, hugging his knees.] Oh - yeah, I bumped into a dog turnskin. The fear's even worse now that I'm like this. [a prey animal on top of the fear from his childhood. can lan wangji tell that he's lying? with the bond he wouldn't stand a chance, but he can't feel him that way anymore. he watches him in the darkness, not daring to hope for anything with his next question.] Was there some reason you were looking for me? Maybe to ask me to dance?

[he laughs, but it doesn't last long before tapering off.]

[taciturnly]

Were you threatened?

( by dogs. or turnskins. a detail he vaguely recalls, but not quite. it’s enough to make him crack his eyes open, head slightly turned his way. he doesn’t sense the lie, but he does sense his own concern, quickly overshadowed by the weight of wei wuxian’s next question.

instantly he stiffens, straight-backed and alarmed, maybe on the verge of choking on his own tongue. his gaze eases off him, feeling utterly exposed all of a sudden, battling the urge to squirm. he’s teasing. he’s teasing because of course he is, and yet. but lan wangji doesn’t answer. not directly, taking a few moments to formulate his own question, a sidelong glance. ) Wei Ying. ( a blink, two. ) Did you wear a mask tonight, at any point?

[weiward]

No, no.

[he lifts both hands to wave the idea away. the last thing he needs is lan wangji hunting down every canine turnskin in aefenglom. especially when they're blameless.

still. the little display of protectiveness feels good. a fond tease about being a helpless little husband is just on the tip of his tongue, but doesn't slip free.

at the question, he grows still, a little straighter himself. he isn't sure why he's asking that question, and therefore can't figure out exactly how he should answer. he advances slowly. ]

Well...it was a masquerade. I imagine everyone wore a mask at some point. Didn't you?

[taciturnly]

( well, that’s a relief. but everything else isn’t. he doesn’t know what he was hoping for, exactly. a hint. any clue to soothe his mind, to trigger more. instead wei wuxian makes his question sound entirely pointless, because his answer is an obvious one, and yes, he did wear a mask. but not when he danced. and not when he kissed.

he gives a half-nod, jaw working stiff on wayward thoughts. was it a trick of the starlight, the plump arch of wei wuxian’s bottom lip? it’s so tiring, always wondering, knowing there’s something he should know but doesn’t. everyone’s been rather vague, but lan wangji isn’t stupid. he’s been here before. he doesn’t know when, or how. wei wuxian has said as much, and a few others as well. he’s felt it, recognized things here and there, déjà-vu sensations. and he noticed. pale blue around wei wuxian’s wrist, discreet but there, and he’s been afraid to examine his own when he unties it at night. afraid to be disappointed. afraid not to be.

it’s that same fear that moves his tongue and parts his lips, his name again. ) Wei Ying. ( he doesn’t glance his way this time, gaze firmly locked down, as if bravery should be found in his lap. ) How long have you been here?

[weiward]

[wei wuxian also wants to ease his mind, finally repay the way lan wangji once soothed his with healing notes plucked from his guqin's strings. wei wuxian tries it with words, offering answers that won't lead to more questions. but lan wangji has never been one to let go easily. sixteen years of following chaos can attest to that.

he's still troubled, and wei wuxian can only watch the subtle signs of it while aching for him. a month ago and he could've offered comfort within his embrace, the space against each other's body making any hardship just a little more bearable. he can't do that anymore. he can only stay by his side while the younger man struggles with whatever he holds inside his heart, the barrier around it more impenetrable than cloud recesses' gate.

wei wuxian exhales, nearly inaudible. another question, and another chance to put him at ease. it's a fairly straight-forward question too. he's not sure how the truth could hurt him. maybe it'll even distract.]

Let's see...the better part of a year and more. [he looks up at the tree branches as he thinks back.] A spring and a summer and now another season too. [he chuckles.] Oh, I know! As long as it usually takes between a wedding and the birth of a new little lord!

[taciturnly]

( three seasons. almost a year, and the chuckle that fills the air between them stills his lips downward rather than lifting their corners. he swallows. again, struggling against the dryness there, tight with conflicting wants. one the one hand, there is one thing he desperately wants to hear. on the other, he’s afraid to, wondering what it might mean or entail, an echo of the hollow and mysterious ache that’s settled deep in his bones. he knows the way of the witches now, and their monsters. and wei wuxian is alone.

slowly his head rises, gaze half-expectant, a hint of earnestness. there’s a moment of hesitation as he risks a glance, but then his eyes won’t stray, once locked on their target, wei wuxian’s, luminous in the dark. he breathes, and then, oddly evenly: ) And yet you remain without a bond.

[weiward]

[a long time. long enough to forget what it was like to try to evade lan wangji. it was pointless to try when the bond automatically shared things between them. and then again, after they were married, when one's joys and burdens became the other's through love and choice.

also long enough here to need a bond. wei wuxian stares back at him, unexpectedly caught. he almost wants to laugh - lan wangji always was a match for him.. the neutral line of his lips even lifts once more before softening. his voice likewise softer in the darkness.]

Lan Zhan, you know I don't like being told what to do.

[a bond would be no exception, even if it put his mind at risk. that's also not unfamiliar to him.]

[taciturnly]

( and that is also not unfamiliar to lan wangji. after the death of his mother and the life she was forced into, wei wuxian’s choices and their outcome triggered the same kind of mental distress, a similar torment that throbbed heavy between his ribs, and numbed everything else. he doesn’t want to believe him. to think that they might have been bonded is overwhelming enough as is, but to think that they weren’t... it’s terrifying. maddening, even, to imagine that he did nothing, and simply let wei wuxian rot and struggle against different demons.

it’s that disbelief, that same confliction that raises his voice louder, firmer, swift as he grabs his wrist and squeezes, feeling skin and fur and silk. pale blue. ) Wei Ying. ( stop deflecting. )

[weiward]

[what can he tell him, when he can't tell him the truth? or when he has to pick and choose from it until the best he can offer a patchwork version? wei wuxian knows it's not fair to him, but he's so desperate to protect him. how could his shoulders not feel the added weight of all that's passed between wei wuxian and another him.]

Lan Zhan! [his courtesy name almost slips, but at the last second he just can't say it. he looks at him with eyes that are glossy and sting with their unshed tears.] All I need is you here beside me.

[and that is the truth. whether they're bonded or if he wakes up somewhere else, he can endure it as long as lan wangji is there.]

[taciturnly]

( pain. eyes pink-rimmed with too much to unpack here, and lan wangji doesn’t know whether he’ll ever be privy to wei wuxian’s concealed hurts. maybe he caused them. it would explain his friend’s reluctance to speak of bonds, especially with him, a difficult choice perhaps, but a logical one, if nothing else. all i need is you here beside me. but is it? it sounds too much like the kind of false reassurance lan wangji frighteningly hoped for, and now that it’s out there, he doesn’t know what to do with it.

his heart sinks, endlessly it seems, a bottomless pit. the golden hue of wei wuxian’s eyes scorches through him, eroded memories grazing the back of his mind. reds. the crimson richness of smiling and thoroughly kissed lips, and words, spoken intimately, promises of forever.

his gaze drifts unfocused, stuck between past and present, like a trance. when he speaks, there’s a pensive frown twisting his face, voice hesitant but even and soft, his grip gentler. ) Meet or part, live or die… We’ve made oath, you and I. ( a vow. no, two, and lan wangji slowly blinks his daze away, the words ringing distant in his ears as he delicately lets go of wei wuxian’s wrist.

in the dark, unbeknownst to him, a few strands of his hair gradually turn grey. )

[weiward]

[it hurts. the idea of keeping so much from him eats at his peace of mind. the idea of never knowing lan wangji's touch ever again is likewise agonizing, more than the two nights and one day that he suffered while his golden core was removed. but just as it was then, there's no pain too great for those he loves. there's nothing that he wouldn't willingly endure for lan wangji's sake.

and it's not all suffering. he does have his friend here, a soulmate that he recognized long before their lips ever touched. wei wuxian can smile for that, hands sliding through the others as he loosens his grips. but then lan wangji speaks again, the tone of it strange enough to make him look up. and the words...

wei wuxian suddenly grips his hands tightly.

his memory is often flawed, but there are some things that wei wuxian will never forget. all of the gusulan tenets, for one, and somewhat unfortunate there. but also every word spoken by his husband on their wedding day, etched onto wei wuxian's heart so that they're forever a part of him. he feels dizzy, and his breath hasn't been hitched and frozen long enough to be the cause of it. its the how? it's unheard of by his ears, not possible. maybe since it's lan zhan the same words just naturally formed.

but he doesn't believe that. lan wangji's vows weren't words plucked from the air. they were meditated over, practiced and perfected for hours and nights that he can't even imagine. he won't allow anyone to think them less, not even himself.]

L-Lan Zhan...?

[his name comes out trembling and breathy, once more cupping his face. the vision of it blurs, then clears once more after the tears spill down his cheeks. something's happened, and he's not quite sure what...perhaps the lan's motto should speak more of attempting the impossible.]

Lan Zhan, you didn't leave me.

[the oxygen feels suddenly punched from his lungs, leaving the world spinning and his body weak. for a moment all wei wuxian can down is throw his arms around him and try to weather the storm that rages inside him.]

[taciturnly]

W-Wei Ying…!

( something has happened. he doesn’t know what or how, but it shifts in wei wuxian’s gaze and it wavers in his voice, and lan wangji finds himself with an armful of unexpected warmth. he stills. stiffens even, unused to such proximity, but then he remembers, or his body does, anyway, enough to melt and hold back, however awkward in his tentative embrace. hasn’t he left him…? he was here before, and now again, a gap that eludes him, but wei wuxian sounds relieved, pain on his cheeks, wetting lan wangji’s.

it feels selfish, to allow himself to bask in this when he doesn’t know the details, and yet he briefly closes his eyes, a shaky sigh stuttering past his lips. it still doesn’t make much sense, but a line was crossed here, a step forward rather than backward, less stillness, and if the puzzle is nowhere near complete, some pieces are slowly starting to align. )

Wei Ying. ( lower this time, gently urging him to compose himself, for both of their sakes. he doesn’t quite push him away, but he does slightly withdraw, strength depleted as he wonders whether wei wuxian could feel his heartbeat against his. the thought blazes through his skin--if his older self didn’t shy away from intimacy, he has a lot to learn still.

maybe this odd epiphany will keep wei wuxian from deflecting any further. it’s worth a shot, and he remembers how he’s asked before, different situations, but the outcomes are similar. he exhales slowly, prudently searching his gaze. ) Will you allow me to help, then? ( and let him be his witch, maybe. )

[weiward]

[he knows he should pull back. something has still happened, strange and tragic in its own right, and lan wangji must be reeling from it every bit as much as he has. he's just so relieved, half-convinced that he fell asleep in lan wangji's favorite tree and in for a rude awakening when he hits the earth.

he does manage to let him go, quickly wiping his cheeks with his hand and trying to refigure what he needs to do for him now. his husband is a younger man - certainly not ready to be a husband. there's more that he can share with him...but slowly. there's still pain ahead of them that much he's sure of. but the sharing of it will be different. wei wuxian can give him all the time that he needs, wait for him as patiently as lan wangji waited for him.]

You still want to help me?

[he can't help but smile. it's so like lan wangji, any lan wangji. wei wuxian presses his lips together before nodding.]

Okay.

[taciturnly]

( still. as if he didn’t pester him back home, learning new notes for him, conveniently visiting the vicinity of his lair. disobeying. he thinks, not without an unsettling tremor, that there isn’t much he wouldn’t do for him, and he nods bashful, high-strung from all the oddities that occurred in so little time. if this is just one night of their time together, what does it mean for the remainder of their stay here?

but he didn’t exactly think this one through. a bond is highly different from a few plucked strings, or a desperate call to bring him back where he belongs. it’s almost ironic. wei wuxian’s always been a free spirit, and being in aefenglom now quickly made lan wangji realize that he didn’t belong anywhere but where he wanted to be. he doesn’t know if he’s wronged him before. if his smile now is any indication, he wants to think that he didn’t, but he also wants to do better than he did back home.

not kissing strangers might be a good start.

stifling a wince, lan wangji takes a deep breath, intent on meditating and repenting as soon as the sun comes up. a part of him quivers quiet at the thought of wei wuxian’s mouth against his, but there’s no telling whether it was him, and he’s not about to ask. so instead he asks something else. namely, his guidance. ) What does it entail? ( bonding, that is. )

[weiward]

Ah, what it entails.

[he rubs at the base of one of his ears. in truth, he doesn't remember a lot about the first time. he dragged lan wangji before the coven so quickly, rambled a few words without knowing lan wangji's true feelings. without knowing his own.]

No two ceremonies are exactly the same. It doesn't have to be complicated.

[though it can be, and he wonders if lan wangji wouldn't prefer something a little more ritualistic, more formal to satisfy his lan blood.]

Lan Zhan, what comes after is more important. It'll open something between us.

[which means that wei wuxian, the untamed, must have some restraint for every aspect of his thoughts, memories and emotions for a while. maybe someone else will be meditating when the sun comes up.]

[taciturnly]

I would honor their customs, if tradition is favored.

( because of course he would. lan wangji isn’t the type to half-ass anything, let alone when it comes to ceremonies, or anything formal-related. that’s the uncomplicated part. he’s used to it. austerity, protocols, strict precepts. there’s no real joy in following rules, but oftentimes, there’s peace, and respect matters. as does wei wuxian.

that’s the more intricate part. he speaks of something and lan wangji’s eyes widen curious, albeit slightly nervous. ) Something. ( the most important part, he says, like... ) A connection? ( they’ll be linked, spiritually he assumes, and he’s aware of the basics but the more physical aspects of the bond, to help strengthen it, remain a little vague.

still, he has been here before. he doesn’t know how long he endured without a bond, but from what he’s come to understand since his second arrival, their friendship here seemed rather… solid. so. ) I have shared a bond before, have I not? ( he doesn’t want to assume that it was wei wuxian, but either way, if he’s done it once, he can do it twice. ) What should I expect?

[weiward]

Of course...

[a little light laughter. that means that wei wuxian must also honor tradition, something that he's never been great at. but maybe it's not such a bad thing to focus more on his bonding vows this time around, instead of offering just whatever comes off the top of his head like the last. lan wangji hadn't complained, had even seemed to expect it. but he can do better.

a connection. wei wuxian nods, the smile on his lips meant to reassure. but the mention of having a previous bond catches him off guard. the situation has shifted, and wei wuxian will be able to tell him more things instead of withholding them now. but in their own time - he can't be impulsive about it.

another thing that he's not great at.]

Emotions. Memories. Sometimes a dream shared from one to the other. [it makes him nervous to think about right now, nearly on the verge of a sweat. how is he going to hold back so much from him?] Lan Zhan, if you're not ready, we can wait. Neither of us is in any danger without it.

[taciturnly]

( dreams… shared? oh. so it’s that kind of bond, an extension of each other, and sure, he does see him as his soul mate, but what would he think of him, if he saw the things he dreams about sometimes. if he heard and watched and saw himself there, lan wangji’s buried desires, untamed when his mind is asleep.

inwardly he recoils, a quiet gasp as he blinks mildly alarmed. if not now, then when? if not him, then who. touch is still foreign, as far as concepts go, and he can’t imagine being this close to any other monster. the sooner the better, probably. if he must learn how to smother his own dreams while connected to another, it should be easier while his mind is still intact, his magic under control.

so... ) No. ( or yes, rather, and his head tips forward in agreement, a coy and softer line in lieu of an actual smile. ) I am. ( ready, that is. as nervous as he also is, body stiff and fingers curled tight on his knees. ) In a few days’ time, perhaps. Once I’ve… ( and he looks away, soundlessly clearing his throat. ) ...meditated long enough.