April Catch All

[cantseeyoursin]

WHO: Xiao Xingchen and Open to All
WHEN: Throughout April
WHAT: Meditation, Shopping, Hunting/Sword Practice
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None
NOTES: Written in prose but happy to switch to action for tags



Meditation
Xingchen has found himself at the edge of the river, sitting down on the shore and listening to the water as it moves down across rocks and roots. It's calming and the perfect location for meditation and clearing one's mind. The days have been cold but slowly starting to warm with spring arriving quickly. And so with the nice weather it meant he wanted to be outside more.

He is glad he was able to find this spot, fully aware that he shouldn't stay out too long. But easily losing track of time as he sits there. If the sun is setting he won't notice it.

Shopping
He doesn't often go shopping alone but on this day he headed out to the market because some things were needed in the house and the other two were quite busy with their own tasks. He didn't figure he would be gone long and he is perfectly capable of handling such chores himself. He trusts the people of the town to not swindle him out of things considering he usually has a partner that make sure that they don't.

He will do his best on his own though as he wanders down the street. He briefly gets distracted by a smile child running past and in doing so he accidentally bumps shoulders with someone else on his other side. He turns to them and gives a little bow.

"Forgive me."

Sword Practice
With the warmer weather he is happy to be out and practicing in the sunshine. White robes billowing around him as he slices through the air with all the grace one would expect from a swordsman of his level. Even though he could still train during the winter, there is nothing quite like being able to feel the heat of the sun on your face and smell the scent of spring in the air as you work.

he senses someone come up behind him and he stops his movements. He turns towards them, "Are you here to join me?"

Hunting
There is only one way to make sure his senses having dulled since being in this place and that is to go out on a hunt. Just because he is blind doesn't mean he can't catch something himself to prepare for dinner.

He pauses as he hears something ahead of him. He finds a tree to hide himself behind as he tries to listen for what type of animal it might be. The steps seem heavier so perhaps this is something he doesn't want to mess with. As the sounds of the creature gets closer he realizes that this probably isn't prey at all.

A small twinge of concern fills him, unsure if what is approaching is friend of foe. He has been warned against some dangerous beings in the area but he has yet to actually encounter any. He isn't sure he wants to now but he has his sword and so he is well armed should anything attack.

he wonders how he managed to go from being the hunter to the hunted...Not wanting to be caught off guard he raises his sword and steps out from behind the tree, ready to attack if he senses any sort of ill or murderous intentions.

"Who is there?" If it is a creature the answer will be an attack. If it is a human...well hopefully attack isn't their first response.

Comments

Hunting

[jiangzaid]

He loves riding, now that he has the freedom of his own mount, the space, and the time (when not mid project) and spends any free time not with his daozhangs out with his spirited stallion.

Even into the forest, with Jiangzai at his back as he experiments guiding the powerful beast with just his legs and posture. Seeing those ears prick and muscles bunch under him, Xue Yang knows to hold on in time for the stallion to leap forward, going from trot to canter, skillfully dodging anything that might try to grab him or his rider

Then he hears that beloved voice, and Jiangzai leaps to his hand, extending when they come in sight of the beast threatening his Xingchen. His stallion rears up, forelegs pawing angrily and he leaps off with a wild yell.

[cantseeyoursin]

He hears the pounding of hooves coming behind him and he hopes this is assistance and not another threat. When he hears the yell even despite the wildness of the tone he recognizes it. There is only a slight relaxation for the briefest of seconds as the creature ahead of him chooses that moment to attack. Apparently realizing that it is about to be out numbered.

Xingchen raises his sword to block, sensing what his motions are going to be and not wanting to be torn apart.

"Be careful, Xue Yang!" Not wanting the other man to be injured on his behalf.

[jiangzaid]

He grins at that warning for caution but doesn't stop until he's beside the blind man, taking a moment to stare the creature down who'd thought to attack his precious daozhang.

"A-Lan would be upset if either of us got hurt. We can handle this beast together, shouldn't be too much trouble."

At least now that he's calmer, having made it in time. And his stallion is helping by distracting the creature, deadly hooves lashing out in warning whenever it tries to get close again.

[cantseeyoursin]

As the scene becomes a little more chaotic it becomes harder for him to focus. It's been a long time since he has actually fought anything. Not since arriving in this place several months ago. He should have done a better job of preparing before coming out but he hadn't expected to encounter anything large.

But he tries to focus, "We shouldn't kill it if we don't have to." Just because it is mad that Xingchen invaded his home doesn't mean it needs to die for his mistake. But Xingchen also doesn't want it to attack anyone else and will take it down if it is a threat to others.

[jiangzaid]

Only Xingchen's words have him pause, dropping back to just defending as he considers options and consequences of just getting Xingchen on the horse and galloping away. In the end though, he reaches out to snag the other man's sleeve to give it a tug backward, panting a little as he tamps back on the urges to stab and kill.

"This one won't follow if we leave. It's one of the few that only attack when they feel threatened."

For Xingchen, he'll retreat. "Be ready to mount, I'll get us out of here, A-Chen." He whistles to his horse, watching sensitive ears flick to him and hears the snort of answer as the powerful body shifts over to make it a little easier for them to get on.

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen gives a small nod of his head, glad that Xue Yang knows enough about the creature to make a decision on how to proceed. And even more glad that the creature won't have to die. Xingchen has never seen much reason for unnecessary killing. Even more so in a place such as thing when things have been so peaceful.

"It's my fault that it felt threatened. I didn't know I entered it's home."

He stays close to Xue Yang so that the other can signal when it is time to take their leave. The more they back away, the less the creature seems to wish to pursue.

[jiangzaid]

Over a year of experience, he'd dealt often with many of the creatures that call this forest home. A few more steps back, and the beast stops advancing, only watching them warily and pawing threateningly at the ground.

That's what he was waiting for, and he hops up into the saddle before reaching for Xingchen's hand to help him up. "Come up behind me!" He doesn't put Jiangzai away just yet, though it does slip back to it's smaller form.

Only when Xingchen is settled behind him does he encourage the stallion to turn and canter away.

[cantseeyoursin]

He feels and hears the beast calm slightly as they put distance between themselves. He feels his own heart rate settles as well knowing that the danger seems to be passing.

He takes Xue Yang's hand and lets him pull him up, settling in behind him and wrapping his arms around his waist to make sure he doesn't fall off. He probably shouldn't have come out here alone but he thought he would have been able to surprise them with something he had caught for them for dinner. He often feels like there is so little he can do for them.

But this is for the best. Leaving the forest behind for now. He is lucky that Xue Yang came along when he did. He stays quiet on the ride back. Not wanting to be a distraction and also staying mindful should anything else dangerous appear.

[jiangzaid]

He flushes happily as those arms wrap around his waist, the reason doesn't matter. He trusts his Daozhang to hold on as he keeps careful control, though not enough the horse can't move smoothly along the best path to safety. Only when they're far enough away does he retract Jiangzai and tuck it away, letting the pace slow to a gentle walk.

He rubs a hand over Xingchen's arms before resting it over them, holding on in return. Turning his head enough, he peeks over his shoulder at the sweet blind man. "You didn't get hurt, right, A-Chen?"

[cantseeyoursin]

He gives a small shake of his head, "I'm fine. You arrived before anything could happen." Probably lucky for him though that does make him wonder why Xue Yang had gone all the way out to the forest.

"Were you looking for me?"

Perhaps he had missed something important because of his wanderings.

[jiangzaid]

Relief makes him smile, and he twists just enough to have a chance at reaching Xingchen's cheek for a kiss, only partially so the blind man has a hope of knowing he's smiling. "I hope to always get to you in time." Because Xingchen is precious to him and Zichen. Because...so many reasons.

He could say yes! But...he hadn't been. And even a little lie...to his daozhangs? No. "No. We were just out exploring, enjoying the warming days...and I have been trying to teach us both how to communicate and move together without words or hands. My strong friend here heard something was wrong and I let him take me to the source. We found you." And he's grateful for it.

Sword practice

[fishermansweater]

Finnick knows how to be quiet when he tries. But he's not particularly trying, because he knows better than to sneak up on a man practicing with a blade. He doesn't realize until the man turns that he's blind, blind or injured to judge by the bandage on his eyes. That makes what Finnick had seen of the swordsmanship even more impressive, and it had been impressive enough. Finnick's never been a swordsman by choice, though as a Career he'd of course had a couple of years of training. But there'd always been things he was better at: spears, knives, tridents. And he'd known he'd probably never actually have to rely on using a sword for long.

So Finnick replies lightly when the man turns to him.

"I think you're out of my class."

It's something of false modesty; though he doesn't have a sword or skill as a swordsman, he does have his trident, and he's famous for his skills with that.

[cantseeyoursin]

He laughs softly and bows his head slightly out of respect, "I appreciate the compliment. I feel a little out of practice but it is good to know I at least still appear to know how to wield it."

It's been a long winter of adjusting to a lot of things that didn't include carrying his sword.

"Are you here to practice as well or just passing through?"

[fishermansweater]

"Swords have never been my thing, but I can tell skill when I see it."

Finnick had been in training in the months before he'd arrived here. He'd never really let himself fall far out of practice, but his training had been much more intensive after the announcement that victors would be going into the Quarter Quell. But he'd had the advantage that the whole nation knew tridents were his thing, and of the head Gamemaker having a vested interest in his survival. He knew there'd be tridents in the Cornucopia, and he wouldn't need to rely on a sword.

"I was passing through, but I could probably use some practice."

Whatever this place is, neither he nor Annie think it's something to be trusted, and it's been weeks already since he arrived here.

[cantseeyoursin]

"You are welcome to share the space. You do not have to worry about me. I can sense your movements so I won't accidentally hit you."

Since he knows that people often see his blindness as something that would hinder him. But he has spent years with this disability and so he knows well how to adapt.

"If swords are not your choice of weapon, what do you use?"

Shopping

[zichen]

"Xingchen..." Zichen gently catches the other man, resting his hands on Xingchen's shoulders, "You don't need to apologize to me."

He tends to worry and that leads him to following those dear to him. And, of course, how can he stay far from his soulmate? He smiles faintly and lowers his hands.

"May I join you?"

They need time alone. He knows a lot of pain lies between them and he wants to soothe it. Xingchen is his first love and he has every intention of showing that emotion.

Otherwise he might lose the chance.

Re: Shopping

[cantseeyoursin]

He smiles as he stands straight again, hearing the voice of Zichen meet his ears. Of course he would be happy to have the other man assist hi with the shopping. The time they have spent in this place together is like a salve that is placed over a wound. It has had time to help it heal, but beneath it the wound still exists in the form of a scar. And perhaps for Xingchen that scar is the knowledge that all of this could change at any moment.

"Of course you can join me. Nothing would make me happier."

[zichen]

He is helpless when he sees that smile. Zichen slips an arm around Xingchen's waist for no other reason than the pleasure of contact. There are only two men who have earned his trust like this and he enjoys learning how best to comfort both.

So that maybe, one day, that scar will fade to nothing.

"What are you seeking? Have you eaten?" he flushes and realizes he is fussing again, "The market can be busy."

[cantseeyoursin]

"I was just going to pick up some things I thought we might need. It seemed like some of the supplies at home were low." Trying to feel as useful as he can be. This is something he thought he could do to contribute.

He doesn't mind Zichen's fussing. It's touching and sweet and he leans against him lightly as he feels that contact. There is just something about being able to be close to him that fills him with warmth. He wants to always be able to enjoy it. His own arm moves around the other man, keeping the basket he was carrying secure in the other hand.

"I have not eaten yet. If you are hungry we can do that before finishing the shopping."

[zichen]

"You're right." he rumbles, approving, pleased that Xingchen is comfortable enough in the house to notice such things. The home belongs to him too, after all; Xue Yang and him had kept their dear Xingchen in mind for every room, every part.

Zichen's heart skips a beat at the gentle pressure and he presses his lips to Xingchen's temple. It feels like a dream to have him in Gazin and there is only one thing that can make all of this better. A-Yang is right: they must restore Xingchen's sight.

"I would like that." he smiles at the effortless way his soulmate supports him, "What are you craving? I'll find it for you, I promise."

[cantseeyoursin]

If he knew what they were planning, Xingchen would have some reservations. This is his penance, his reminder of his failures towards Zichen. He doesn't know that he deserves to be absolved of his sins to the point of being given back his eyes.

But for now he is blissfully unaware as he enjoys that kiss to his temple and the close proximity of the other man. "I will be content with anything, you know I am not that particular about what I eat." And he doesn't want the other man to go through any difficulties on his part. He will be content with whatever it is that Zichen wants to eat.

[zichen]

His reservations only exist because Xingchen has a heart of gold. Zichen wants to be faithful to what his soulmate desires, but in this case, he knows he is not the one who deserves sight.

Yet he cherishes the eyes he was given and each day, when he looks into a mirror or still water, he sees his Xingchen.

"I know just the place." Zichen isn't in any particular hurry. Walking with the other man is something he deeply enjoys. He smiles in his soulmate's direction, his love unmistakable.

"I'm glad you're here. I don't feel whole without you."

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen can't see the smile but he hears it in the voice as well as the love that he feels inside of him. He wants to always make Zichen smile. He never wants to be the cause of the man's pain, anger or sadness again. that his his vow.

"I hope we never have to be apart again. I will always be happiest by your side."

Xingchen feels the same as Zichen. He hasn't felt whole since separating from him. It is only since coming here and walking alongside him again that he has felt like everything is back to how it should be.

[zichen]

"Then I will always look for you." Zichen gives him a little squeeze around his waist and leads them to a tavern. They can sit out of the sun this way and the food is comforting he has found. It is a bit difficult for him to let go of his soulmate - even for them to sit down - but Zichen manages it.

Xingchen won't disappear before his eyes. He has to be certain of that.

"Let me tell you what's on the menu..."

[cantseeyoursin]

He feels warm and content as he hears those words. Zichen has told him that he searched for him back on their own world so he is glad to know that no matter where they end up that will be true.

He settles at the table, missing the contact immediately when they have to let go of each other. But it is necessary and Xingchen isn't one to want too be too improper in a public space. He places his hands in his lap as he waits to hear the choices.

"If this is a favorite place of yours then I am sure they have wonderful food."