farsickness | Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

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Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

WHO: You
WHEN: October/November
WHAT: It’s that time of year, Fall is in the air, the trees are changing, and Gazin is celebrating Harvest! Below you will find celebrations and prompts for your consideration.
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None

Catfe Gerdri
A small cafe opened its doors onto its friendly little street. Inside it was selling hot drinks with funny names to make its clientele laugh for the season. There were pumpkin drinks and apple drinks, drinks made with coffee, drinks made with tea but the real draw was its cats. There were cats of all sizes and all needed to be pet and loved on. They were even autumn colours; creams and whites, gingers and deep browns. Some of them were up for adoption and had little red collars on with little golden bells. They looked fancy and neat and ready to travel.

In the cool autumn air, come in for a hot drink, meet fellow travellers, and stay for the fabulous company of Mrs Gerdri’s cats. If you’re looking for a job, the cat lady herself is hiring! Must love cats.

Harvest Festival
Gather around! It’s that time of year of harvest and merriment that no other season can do just right! It’s the Harvest Festival in Gazin, of course! There’s games and prizes to be won, music and laughter, magic to be seen, and all sorts of harvest foods to be had. Try some cake, have some bread, make something magical for a friend!

Whatever you choose, leave room for dancing because Gazin sure goes all out with spectacle and music and their finest of beers. There’s something for everyone at the Harvest Festival, which will run for six weeks before it’s done.

Gazin’s Shield Day
Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Xue Yang, Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, Merlan O’Keefe and many other locals have been busy for quite some time working on a citywide shielding project for Gazin. On this day, they’re making it official with the revealing of the project in its final state. It’s enough of an accomplishment that it’s become a bonafide celebration in itself. There will be a magic fireworks display as well as festivities. With so many talented magic users in on this feat, its success is assured.

Monsters beware, Gazin is now officially protected!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Zichen makes it his duty - his focus - to understand what Xingchen wants or needs. He doesn't want him to ever go without or to feel lost because he can't see. So he takes his hand or makes helpful comments, hoping that Xingchen never thinks he pities him. No, Zichen feels quite the opposite, actually. His soulmate is a marvel to him - so strong and brave - and he feels honored to be by his side. He loves him dearly.

"We just need to think about what bread will pair best with the meat and the vegetables we like." he smiles at the laughter, "Something too strong might get tiresome."

Sometimes the attention Zichen gives him is overwhelming, but always in the best of ways. He is grateful towards the other man, each gestures and thought of him enough to make his heart swell with the feelings he holds for his soulmate. Always happy to have the other close by and willing to do all those things to make sure that he is able to get by.

"Mm...If this man has a shop all the time, we could also buy more later." Because maybe they will think of a meal that one of the others would pair well with. Xingchen is more then happy to support the people of this town that have accepted them so willingly.

He takes another piece and tries it. It's a little more subtle then the others they have tried and might do well for simple meals.

"Someone must bake bread. The tavern sells it with their fare, so he must have a nice business." Zichen tries the next piece and notes the subtle flavor, "This one I think and the sweet. The rye we can purchase another time."

Overwhelming themselves with bread might end up with some of the bread going uneaten or spoiling. That would be a shame.

"What do you think?" he will of course abide by Xingchen's wishes. If his soulmate has a hunger for one of the other breads, they must purchase that one instead.

He considers the options they have tried and then shakes his head. He wants Zichen to have what he desires most of all. "We will get the sweet and the rye." Because then each of his important people will have what they want. The more subtle bread can be obtained at any time.

He smiles up at his soulmate, setting the plate back down now that the decision has been made. He agrees that bread should not go to waste and that they shouldn't buy more then they can handle. But the three of them should make fairly easy work of the two loafs.

"And we will remember to come back to try some of the others when those are gone."

His cheeks pink and his eyes widen. Then he smiles and whispers "thank you" into Xingchen's ear, kissing his cheek before he pulls back. When they get low on either bread, he knows which loaf to purchase.

The smile tugs at his heart and he helps guide them back to the vendor to make the purchases. No one will bump into Xingchen on his watch.

"I look forward to it." he tells the vendor the numbers, paying for the loaves and carrying the package, "I can take these home if you would rather stay and explore."

He stays quiet as the transaction is made and then gives a small bow of his head and a word of appreciation towards the baker before turning away. He takes a couple steps away so that other patrons can make their purchases while they talk.

"It's alright. I've already been able to feel enough of the atmosphere to enjoy it." He has let the festivities warm him and settle his heart. To know there is so much calm in the world is enough for him. Now he can return home and let those feelings guide him.

"I would rather return home with you."

Holding the bread under one arm, he takes Xingchen's hand, shyly, with his free hand. The answer fills him with happiness and he ducks his head, holding onto the sense of belonging - of being wanted - that Xingchen gives him.

"Everyone is enjoying themselves. I have not seen one unhappy expression." Zichen directs their path towards their home, "I assume A-Yang is having fun. Did he find you?"

It's good for all of them to get out and try something different, but Zichen's old fear and protective instincts can never be silenced.

He gives Zichen's hand a small squeeze, moving to walk close to the other man. Everything he feels is a reflection of the love he receives from Zichen. His soulmates gives him so much love and happiness that he can't help but want to make sure that he always feels the same.

"He found me at one of the new cafes that have opened." It was such a strange experience to be drinking tea with a cat in ones lap. But not unpleasant. He hopes that all the precious little animals are loved.

"The happy atmosphere is infectious. I hope everyone will be able to hold onto this feeling for a long time."

He is able to breathe freely once they are away from the crowds. With Xingchen's hand securely in his own, Zichen feels at his strongest. Some of the mental and emotional wounds from the past are beginning to mend and he can feel the difference. And he knows who he has to thank. A-Yang and his Xingchen.

"Did he?" he smiles, "The one with the cats?"

Yes, he had visited those darlings too. They would have nice homes in no time.

"I hope so too." Zichen raises Xingchen's hand and kisses his knuckles, "As long as you and A-Yang are happy, I am at peace."

Edited 2021-10-27 15:09 (UTC)

"Yes. They are such charming little animals. The cafe will do quite well." He had heard many patrons enjoying their time with the little creatures.

His expression is soft and full love love as he turns his face towards Zichen, feeling those lips against his knuckles. The tips of his ears feeling warm. That same unsteady tremble in his heart anytime that Zichen gives him such attention.

"As long as I am walking by your side, I am happy." Xue Yang also an unexpected addition to their life but a welcome one at this point. His hesitancy over the man having washed away over the last year.

"We can be patrons as often as you wish." Zichen has no problem giving attention to the cats. Such loving creatures are not like humans and so his old fear doesn't surface when he is around them.

Swallowing against the ache in his throat, Zichen gathers his courage and bends forward once Xingchen is facing him. He kisses those soft lips tenderly, nuzzling their noses in the process.

"This is where I want to be. I've wanted to follow you and be with you since we met." and he can't let his fears or regrets restrain his love anymore. He knows now how awful it would be to lose his love permanently.

He reaches up with his free hand and lets fingertips touch Zichen's cheek as their lips meet. He has lived a life without Zichen, but there wasn't a single day when the man wasn't in his mind during that time. He much prefers being able to be like this and in his life instead of simply thinking about him.

Returning that kiss gently, he rests his forehead against Zichen when their lips part. The world always seems to melt away in these moments when they are close. All his remaining senses are simply taken up by nothing but Zichen.

"That's all I've wanted as well. I never want to be apart again."

The bread is shifted out of the way and Zichen steps closer, offering himself as a resting place for Xingchen. He presses their palms together, entwining their fingers and he gives a little shiver when they part from the kiss. The way Xingchen leans against him has him smiling and he closes his eyes, enjoying the fact that they are breathing in the same air.

"I won't ever speak cruelly to you again. I want to spend my life loving you." he opens his eyes slowly - the eyes Xingchen had given him, "Would you...spend a day with me?"

He has gone on dates with Xue Yang, but he has yet to have that joy with Xingchen.

"Forever." Not just until these lives end. Soulmates spending this life and into the next. Xingchen sees himself walking through all it with Zichen. He knows that they can't always controls the path their lives take them down but if he can help it, he will not make the same mistakes he once did.

"Of course. There is nothing I would rather do." Spending the day with Zichen was the best way he could spend any day. He doesn't know what the man has planned but whatever it is, Xingchen will gladly partake in all of it.

There is hope in that word. Forever. Zichen nudges their foreheads together affectionately, shyly, gazing unblinkingly at Xingchen's features. His soulmate's sweetness will follow them from one life to the next, he is sure of it. He must protect this dear man.

"Tomorrow." he leans in for another kiss, this one a little firmer, "We can walk together and visit the hot springs."

Many wonderful things are possible in water. He wants to teach Xingchen what he has learned.

He is looking forward to the day out. Even though they live together, there is something different about having planned day together. There is still much in this place that Xingchen has ventured out to do.

He returns the kiss, noticing the slightly stronger way that Zichen gives this one. Clearly a sign of how much he is also looking forward to tomorrows events. When their lips part he smiles, "I look forward to it. I'm not sure I have visited them before."

Ushering his soulmate into their house, he takes the bread to the kitchen before he rejoins Xingchen. He is excited for their date and he is finding it difficult to not touch the other man. From Xingchen's soft hair to his warm skin, it almost feels like he was made to be held.

"You will like them. I will make sure we have privacy." so Xingchen doesn't have to worry about embarrassment.

Taking a chance, he tucks some hair behind Xingchen's ears and bends his head, nuzzling his soulmate's neck.

He finds it sweet how Zichen wants to make sure they will be able to enjoy the hot springs quietly. He doesn't necessarily want to usher anyone away from them if they are also there to enjoy the hot springs. But he does want to be able to enjoy the alone time with the other man. They will be far more comfortable if there aren't any others around. And he doesn't necessarily want to disrobe in front of other people. Xingchen is a private person and not one that wishes to draw attention to himself any more then necessary.

"Just don't go through too much trouble on my account." He doesn't want the man to have to make too much of a fuss. If it is too busy they will figure something out.

He feels a warmth through his body as Zichen nuzzles against his neck. His arms come up to encircle the other man, flattening his hands against his back. His head tilts slightly, almost out of reflex as if allowing the other to have as much access to that place as possible.

For the sake of being alone with Xingchen, Zichen is prepared to be a little...selfish. And protective. He wants to sit in the hot springs with his soulmate without any interruptions. They are both private men and Zichen too dislikes attention, especially when he feels vulnerable.

But he has no trouble being vulnerable with Xingchen.

"It's no trouble." he would move heaven and earth for his soulmate, yet saying so won't set Xingchen's worries at ease. So instead he nuzzles in close, pleased at the arms that welcome him. With more of that beautiful neck exposed, his nuzzling turns to soft, feather-light kisses.

He is sure that Zichen can feel his heart beating a little too quickly, whether through his chest which is pressed against the other man's or the pulse that his lips place kisses so close to. He tries to keep it steady but he can't help how the close contact makes him feel. So unused to such affections before coming to this place. Never expecting himself to be able to share such an embrace with Zichen after everything they have been through.

"You are too good to me." He says softly, holding the man just a little tighter, as if afraid that he might leave him at any moment. Worried that if he lets his grip loosen even a little this place might send him away. He has never felt like he belonged as much as he feels it when in Zichen's arms. To lose that would be devastating.

But isn't he the one that always seems to leave? That he was here before and left suddenly...even more reason to hold on tightly to that which he doesn't want to lose.

He loves that heart and the body that keeps it safe. Zichen has learned a great deal about how to show love - and how to enjoy this - from Xue Yang. He had needed someone stubborn and resilient to break through his fears and help him gain courage and confidence. Now, thanks to those lessons, he can finally draw Xingchen as close as he has always wanted him to be. Yes, his heart races too, but from exhilaration - not terror.

"How can I be too good to you? You deserve everything I have to give." Zichen embraces Xingchen snugly, finding that quick pulse and pressing a firmer kiss to the skin covering it, "I love you, Xingchen."

His hands are gentle, caressing his soulmate's back and softly teasing his hair.

"I need you with me."

Those words are so lovely to hear. He'll never grow tired of them, especially when they are said by Zichen's voice so close to his ear. "I love and need you too." And if he can help it they will never be apart again. It will take an incredible feat to tear them from each other. Something this world is probably capable of but Xingchen will do anything he can to make sure that doesn't happen.

"I've made many mistakes. I'm happy that they are not ones that could not be forgiven."

"I'm here." Zichen shakes his head and brushes a soft kiss against Xingchen's lips, "There was never anything to forgive. You've never done less than your best and...I have learned. I need to be less harsh; I need to adopt your empathy."

No, his arms haven't released his soulmate. He doesn't want to. Xingchen is everything precious in the world.

"You're perfect as you are." He couldn't and never would ask Zichen to change anything about himself. The mistakes of their pasts are long behind them and moments like this as what heals the wounds that were caused because of them.

He nuzzles against the other's face, feeling completely enveloped in Zichen's love.

"Would you allow me...Xingchen...to make love to you?" Zichen murmurs against his soulmate's cheek, "You will have complete control, I give you my word. I would never force you."

Ever. The very idea disgusts him. However, the idea of loving Xingchen, of touching him and showing him how good intimacy can be makes his heart beat faster.

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