farsickness | Open! Catch-all is for March

WHO: Xue Yang and open!
WHEN: March
WHAT: Frolicking! Training new wolf pup! Meditating! Poking around town!
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None come to mind! Any thread that needs a warning will get one in the subject line.

Meditating: [ Semi closed to anyone who happens to be around his house. ]

As he does every day since learning how, Xue Yang settles down in the morning light and focuses on his core. He's noticed the difference in himself since Zichen had taken the time to properly teach him - his concentration is sharper, he has less nervous energy, and his core looks and feels much stronger, less chaotic underneath the outer layer that is just him. Zichen says he doesn't hate that bright layer of chaos, because it's his personality, and anything his A-Lan doesn't hate can't be bad. His precious little squirrel is curled up with him too, taking a nap in his tunic for the moment. Always just for a moment.

Wolf training/frolicking:

Rescuing the young wolf pup from an odd trap had both pissed him off and worried him, but he couldn't find any injuries so simply fussed over and fed the pup. Only to find himself essentially be adopted by the pup - maybe another orphan? He hasn't seen much in the way of wolves here. But this one has a sweet, if mischievous, personality and it makes him laugh as they start to playfully chase each other.

As the days pass though, he gently sets to teaching the intelligent creature a few things. Rewarding as needed, careful scolding also as needed - no abuse, just enforcing correcting behavior. He refuses to harm any child. And eventually, when the black pup with white muzzle and socks feels like it, they walk side-by-side, cute little ears pricked at him with frequent swiveling and nose twitching at new sounds and scents.

Going for a ride!

After that cold winter, his poor horse needs a good ride! So of course he obliges, leaping into the stallion's saddle and grinning gleefully as the strong muscles bunch before they shoot off in what looks like a wild gallop - but there is no danger. His stallion is a protective mountain of teeth and hooves when he's threatened, and they've learned how to move together. Even when the horse chooses to slow down a bit just to give his hind quarters a good kick, Xue Yang manages to stay in the saddle (mostly by throwing his arms down around the strong neck and tightening his legs) but he doesn't get kicked off.

Market/Around town

He makes a strange sight some days, animals (horse led by reigns, little black squirrel perched either on Xue Yang's shoulder or on the saddle, and now the little wolf pup trotting along with them) at his side when he comes in for supplies. But he loves it, even grinning cheerfully at the stares they get until those he's made friends with laugh and any tension eases.

So he gathers supplies - food and medicines as needed - and takes down any new orders for the forge people stop him to place and describe, and tucks them all way in the saddle bags his sweet stallion has agreed to carry for him.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He beams at the pronouncement. That means they're doing something right! "Good!" He's a moment after Xingchen in going to the table.

Xue Yang hadn't needed to be told during their time in Yi City to know that Xingchen's heart and soul had been burdened with pain and sorrow. It was why he'd always teased smiles and laughter from the other man. Even before he'd recognized and accepted how fiercely he'd fallen in love with him.

He makes sure Xingchen has everything he needs while the tea steeps, then pours for them and sets one of the cups before the blind man. He also has some cut fruit for the little squirrel, who scampers down Xingchen's arm to nibble on the offerings. Sitting down beside Xingchen, he reaches up to brush fingertips fondly over some of the other's hair.

"You seem better, A-Chen," he murmurs. "It's nice to see."

He settles into a seat as he hears Xue Yang bring the tea over. He feels the little creature leave him for the ease of eating at the table as well. He turns his face slightly towards Xue Yang when he feels the man reach out, carefully placing the food in front of him and being careful not to disturb the squirrel.

"You and Zichen have helped me heal." He isn't afraid to admit it. He needed the time to get used to everything and they gave it to him. Being around them and their constant showing of love has healed the wounds on his heart.

He keeps his touch gentle, over hair then along a pale cheek.

"I'm glad." Xue Yang pulls away and makes sure they each have some food, too before reaching for Xingchen's hands again to show where he put the other's bowl. "Let's eat." He'll wait until Xingchen takes his first bite before turning to his own meal.

He nods and starts to eat. The meal might not be the most exciting but it is pleasant and he is pleased to note that he didn't overcook anything. He also made sure to save some for Zichen for when he returned.

"What are you going to do with the rest of your day?" Since his meditation was over perhaps Xue Yang had other things he had to get done. The day was still early and he knows the other likes to stay busy.

Xue Yang beams and takes a bite. It doesn't matter what he eats, Xingchen had taken the time and effort to cook for them - and really, it tastes pretty good. He'd noticed a portion had been set aside for their missing member.

"I have a project to work on at the forge." When doesn't he though? He's kept nice and busy, just as he likes! "Would you like to go for a ride with me before?" Because spending time with Xingchen is just as important.

He knows that Xue Yang keeps busy and that is a good way to be. Xingchen hasn't quite found a hobby or a task in this place that he feels particularly good at but he does what he can to keep the house tidy so that the others don't have to worry about such things.

At the mention of a ride he gives a small nod, "That would be nice."

It's easier to stay busy, but he will always make time for those he cares about. Xue Yang takes his time eating, happy to spend a quiet meal with Xingchen - he also keeps an eye on the little squirrel, making sure the berries aren't too much for the still growing baby.

"Great!" More time! And it'll be fun, he'll make sure of it. "My stallion can carry us both, he's very strong." And it's never a boring ride with that one.

He smiles, glad that Xue Yang offered to let them ride together. He is still getting used to riding and isn't particularly confident in riding by himself quite yet. Even though he has been reassured by Zichen that the stallion they got for him will be quite capable of bringing him back safely. He is just more accustomed to walking wherever he needs to go.

"I look forward to it. I'm sure he is quite strong and matches his owner well."

With how well Xingchen has adjusted to everything else, it wouldn't surprise him to hear any such uncertainty. But he hopes to help settle as much of it as he can, which involves riding more.

Xue Yang grins, perking up and he fully expects that obvious eagerness to translate to someone as sensitive as Xingchen. "He does! You'll see~"

He finishes his meal and reaches out to take the tea which has properly cooled down to a drinkable temperature. Perhaps a little cooler then that but still warm enough to satisfy. He sips at it politely as he lets it wash down the rest of his food.

"It will be a nice day for a ride." After how cold it has been it is nice to feel the beginnings of spring.

He finishes just after, also washing it down with tea. He's never been a big one for how things 'should' be, if it's enjoyed, that's good enough for him. Sometimes extra effort is paid, but not on a daily basis when he's in charge of meals.

"It's getting warmer, spring is not far away," he confirms. "We'll make sure you're warm enough though."

He smiles gain, amused that they always show so much care in his well being. Making sure he is warm or comfortable. He knows he can handle himself well enough but there is something nice about constantly being looked after.

"Thank you. Are you ready?" He finishes his tea and stands up, reaching out to collect his dishes.

Open! Catch-all is for March

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