farsickness | April Catch All

Entry tags:

xue yang | the untamed

April Catch All

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.

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"I can help if you want me to." Xingchen is still getting used to being around the animals but he has gotten better about it. He still has to be careful but he has enough sense around them and they are smart enough to be careful of him as well.

"we will make sure he is bedded down well."

"I do! And we can fuss over your sweet one too." And Zichen's, if his husband isn't out riding too. He understands Xingchen's discomfort around the large animals, but hopes it just will take more time and spending it with the one he'd gotten for the blind man.

He snickers when the stallion starts prancing, ears flicking and neck arched as if he knows exactly what they're saying - and he might! But it has him adjust his posture and he makes sure Xingchen isn't about to slip off just because his silly horse decides to show off.

Xingchen holds on just a little tighter as the horse starts to have a slightly more disjointed gait. It's harder to sit but still not completely unsettling. He still feels fairly secure on his back.

"We will make sure they are all well taken care of and then we will take care of ourselves."

They will need to get cleaned up and eat as well.

"All done, my silly friend?" He laughs at the stallion, loosening his hold on the reigns to allow for the tossing of head that the horse does before the gait smooths out again a moment later.

"Much better, hm, daozhang? And of course we'll take care of the four of us." Four, because throughout it all, his little black squirrel has been huddled in his tunic, and only now peeks out. Which makes him chuckle, smiling down and sparing a moment to pet the fuzzy little head.

"Everyone who needs it will be cared for." Not even a little squirrel to be excluded. He relaxes as the gait becomes easier to sit again. It would be quite unfortunate to be saved from a monster only to get unseated and injured on the way home.

"It is probably getting late. We should get home quickly before it gets dark." It's hard to tell how much further it is since he wasn't really sure how far out he had gone after wandering around for awhile.

Xue Yang notices how Xingchen relaxes at the gentler pace and gives a signal to his stallion to keep the smoother gait. The faster paces are fine when it's just him, but his A-Chen is too precious to place in needless danger.

"We're not too far from home now," he reassures, rubbing over an arm wrapped around his waist. "A-Lan might have dinner started for us."

He smiles as he thinks about Zichen having dinner ready. It's such a warm home that they have with any of them being able to complete such tasks that welcome the others back into it. To walk in and hear his voice welcome him back is a treat he is not sure he will ever grow tired of after being apart as long as they were.

"Hopefully we haven't caused him to worry or made dinner get cold for being out too long."

It's a nice image! Xue Yang grins as the stallion's walk speeds up just a little, though remains steady and smooth - their excitement for getting home must have spread! But he doesn't mind, how can he?

"He worries about us anyway. Less so now about me since I started work at the forge, but he just worries. It's sweet!" Because it means Song Zichen loves them. And that is a treasure he won't abuse.

It's not long before the sound of the path under the horse's hooves changes, indicating a beaten path. Closer to home. "Can you hear the river?" Just ahead, another sign they are close to home.

He nods, listening to it as it gets closer. It's a good indication of location. He adjusts his grip so that he can hold on just a little tighter.

"Let's hurry back home and to him."

Ready for a sudden increase in speed should Xue Yang decide to ask for it.

That tighter grip and the comment makes him grin giddily before leaning forward to pat the stallion's neck with a happy chirp - "Hurry!" He's ready for the brisk trot the stallion happily settles into with his neck and tail up for the last little bit.

Only a few minutes pass and he sits back a little to tell the horse to slow, then stop as they reach the little meadow their cabin is in. "Here we are!" Xue Yang swiftly dismounts and lets the reigns dangle to tell his spirited mount to stay still, then reaches up to help Xingchen down.

"I'm right here, I won't let you stumble."

He reaches out and lets Xue Yang help him down, sliding off the horse carefully. He lands lightly and smiles at the other man. "Thank you." For the help off the horse as well as the ride home. Since he would be quite a bit longer if he were attempting to get home on his own.

He steps away from the horse so that Xue Yang can start leading him back towards the cabin.

This trust in him is something he'll never take for granted again. Ever. His hands are gentle as he helps the blind man down, holding on a moment to make sure Xingchen is steady - and steps in to press a kiss to a pale cheek at that thanks, lips curved in a smile. Then steps back to scoop up the reigns again to lead his horse into the stable they'd built.

"Did you like that ride? He has a nice steady gait!"

His ears heat up a little at the kiss. Despite how used to such things he is becoming it is still a little surprising when he is gifted affection.

"I did. He is very smooth despite being spirited." Even when the horse was being a bit rowdy it still wasn't terribly unpleasant. He moves along easily beside him.

He adores those cute little blushes!

Xue Yang laughs as the stallion prances a bit as they walk, clearly he heard that! But he also doesn't tug him down into behaving, there's no need. His commands are listened to and the stallion is highly protective of those he sees as part of his herd - humans and horses alike.

Stepping into the small stables, the other horses neigh their greetings, earning another laugh. "Do you want to get them all food, A-Chen? I'll get mine set for bed."

He nods and makes his way towards where he knows the food is stored. he has been in the table enough times to know what has to be done and where everything is kept. He works on getting the other horses bedded down with food and water. He might not be very useful with actually cleaning the stalls but he can at least do this much.

Their home and the stables are all set up so very few things really change in where they are. Only when they have company over, or have a celebration that requires more space, does any furniture move around. And everything is kept tidy and clean - not even just for Xingchen's sake, but because Xue Yang now takes pride in keeping a comfortable, cozy, and clean home. And Zichen is the same way.

Xue Yang plays a bit with his stallion while removing the tack and brushing him down, chattering at and playfully nudging him around (getting nudged right back, though the stallion is mindful of where the squirrel tends to nestle) before leading him into his stall.

"All set?" He can just picture his husband pacing inside the cabin.

He finishes the last little bit and then steps out into the aisle. "I believe they are content for the night." He smiles and waits for him to finish putting the stallion away.

He can hear the sounds of them munching away on their dinner so he is sure that they have very little to complain about for the moment. He looks forward to also being back with Zichen now that their day is complete.

"Now it's our turn."

Stepping out to join Xingchen in the aisle, Xue Yang reaches for a hand to lead the way - mostly because he likes holding hands with his Daozhangs. Heading out and to the cabin, he dims the light in the stables along the way - magic makes things so much easier than risking fire for light.

Zichen is mostly a blur as he waits for his loved ones to return. The wolf pup is getting tired and he whines in his throat, catching Zichen's attention. He soon finds himself swept up into those strong arms, which suits him just fine!

Sucking in a sharp breath when he hears voices...and footsteps, he hurries from the kitchen to the door, opening it expectantly. The puppy in his arms yips a hello, tail wagging.

"A-Yang...Xingchen..."

He takes Xue Yang's hand and lets him lead him from the barn. It's a warm feeling, having someone who wants to walk with him in such a way. His smile was already on his lips but it softens to something even more tender as he hears that familiar voice call to them.

This is how he always wanted it to be. A warm welcome back to whatever place they had decided to call home by the man he always saw as his soulmate.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." He knows he doesn't have to apologize but he can't help himself.

Xue Yang feels that same warmth, and his smile brightens as they approach their home only for the door to open with his husband in the doorway - and the sweet pup! He squeezes Xingchen's hand a little, resisting the urge to bounce up to Zichen - though once they're there...he rocks up onto his tiptoes for a welcome home kiss before laughing at the lick to his chin the pup greets him with.

"Can we help you with dinner, A-Lan?" While his free hand rubs over the young wolf's ears and head, his gaze rests on Zichen's face, head tilted just a little to one side. He can see the lingering worry start to fade now that they're together again and it has him impulsively lean up again to nudge their noses together just to see if he can help wipe the last of it away.

His world is set to rights when he sees them both. Xingchen is the first he reaches for, his heart singing when he sees that smile.

"Come inside. The temperature should be comfortable." Zichen wraps an arm around Xingchen to guide him, gently pressing a kiss to his cheek, "Dinner is almost ready."

The puppy wiggles, trying to kiss everyone too! Why can't he? Zichen has a special smile for Xue Yang and he leans into the kiss, reminding himself that his loved ones will always come home. But it's difficult for him not to worry.

"I want you to rest your leg. You've had a long outing today." and he shifts the puppy into Xue Yang's arms, flushing when their noses touch, "He has missed you."

There is almost a shyness that creeps over him as Zichen guides him inside and kisses him. He slowly puts an arm around him as well. He has embraced Xue Yang the entire ride home, now it is time to share a little of that with Zichen. He listens to them speak, just enjoying the warm family feel that it gives off.

He has gotten used to this over the last several months, but it stills seems fresh and new and wonderful every time he gets this feeling. As if everything is just as it should be. Something he didn't think he would have for a very long time.

Seeing them together doesn't make him jealous like it had before. He knows where he stands with Zichen, even with Xingchen now that the poor man has had some time to think. So he grins - beams, really, at that special smile, snuggling the pup as his husband places the bundle in his arms, but that comment has him huff as if upset, pursing his lips in a pout.

"Only him?" But he can't maintain the pout! He follows the two inside. "I was experimenting with how to ride without reins, it was fun!" Just...exhausting to his legs, he'd admit it if pressed. No pain yet, just a weariness he's starting to feel now that he's walking.

He's learning to take better care of himself, even when his pain tolerance says whatever happens to be wrong is acceptable. Zichen always gets upset when he's in pain and keeps going when he doesn't need to. So he takes the young wolf with him and heads for the fireplace. But also sniffs at the smells in the air.

"Dinner smells good!"

He can't help smiling, warmed all the way through when Xingchen embraces him. Zichen pauses a few moments to caress the other man's cheek, resting their heads together intimately. Being here with Xingchen has only strengthened his love for his soulmate. He wants him to be comfortable and happy.

"Are you well, Xingchen?" he asks breathlessly, flushing at their proximity.

Then he turns to his gremlin of a husband. The pout makes him smirk and he taps Xue Yang's nose with his finger.

"If you have been endangering yourself again, I will make you sleep with him on his little pad by the fire."

However he follows those words with a soft kiss to Xue Yang's brow. After ushering the adorable men to sit before the fire, he returns to the kitchen to finish, humming a little as he works.

Edited 2021-04-29 08:01 (UTC)

April Catch All

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