video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

(( The face on the screen wears a severe expression that does little to mar its prettiness. ))

I require a horse and a bird.

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[dragonrising]

[At first it seems like Runyu is at a disadvantage. He's being pushed back, he's only on defense, his hold on his sword seems weak. But then they get him backed against a wall...

And in a sudden motion he ducks to let Ouyang's sword strike the wall instead as he sweeps behind him to switch to attack. The hold on his sword is stead now and his movements flow like water. Dangerous yet fluid.]

[theatrics]

(( A satisfied smile rests on his lips when he swings around to take the defensive. He's pleased that his instincts were right. For once in his life, he'll feel no shame in losing; after all, it's a god he's fighting. ))

There he is.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu just smiles a little as his motions push Ouyang toward the wall. However, he doesn't provide the same escape he used moments before as he moves to pin his lover.]

[theatrics]

(( He couldn't look more pleased. Dark eyes shine bright and the grin remains on his face, even as he utters those most hated words: ))

I yield.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu smiles wider now and leans in to press a kiss to his lips before stepping back.]

I was never the warrior like my brother. But most Immortals can fight to some degree at least.

[theatrics]

(( He nods in understanding. Runyu strikes him at the more scholarly sort, but he'd suspected a great deal of skill in his combat. Nevermind why he opted not to become a warrior, Ouyang wouldn't change anything about his lover. ))

But how is your archery?

[dragonrising]

I haven't touched a bow in a very long time. I doubt I'll be any good.

[There is mostly truth to that statement at least. It's been thousands of years since he last held a bow. So he is likely to be rusty. Just...rusty in the way of the Immortals rather than Mortals.]

[theatrics]

We'll only know if you try. Do you have a bow, as well? If not, you're welcome to use mine.

[dragonrising]

I do not. I would have to create one. It wouldn't take long but if you would like me to just use your own then I can.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang retrieves his bow and quiver and offers them to Runyu. Given that he rarely, if ever, lets anyone else touch his weapons, it's definitely a sign of his trust and affection for the dragon. He takes another moment to set up a target a good distance away. Once he returns to his lover's side, he looks down the path to the straw target. ))

Show me your posture.

[dragonrising]

[Bowing his head in thanks, he takes the bow with respect. It feels strange to hold the bow but he doesn't let that bother him as he takes the proper stance and holds it so that way Ouyang is able to see it. He's sure it has flaws since he's trained but now actually an archer. Still, he's sure it's better than most.

Besides, it does mean he can have that posture adjusted which he's not bothered by in the least. Quite the opposite.]

[theatrics]

(( Not bad for someone who claims to be out of practice. Ouyang steps behind Runyu, laying his hands on his shoulders to adjust their position, then nudging his elbow a little higher. ))

Take your shot.

[dragonrising]

[Ah. That feels better. Not only the adjustment but having Ouyang so near. He smiles as he relaxes, lining up his target. They're not in combat so he doesn't rush himself. Only when he's ready does he let the arrow fly true for the center of the target.]

Mm. Xufeng would have buried that arrow deeper...

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang frowns. Not because the shot was bad, it most certainly wasn't. It's the comparison. If Runyu were one of his soldiers, Ouyang would tell him to strike to be more like Xufeng. And yet... There must be a reason that Runyu isn't like his brother. In his eyes, there is no need to compare. Runyu is not, first and foremost, a warrior. And he wouldn't have Runyu any other way.

He takes the bow and notches an arrow, letting it fly to hit dead center, splitting Runyu's arrow. ))

Why do you diminish your successes?

[dragonrising]

In combat? Because I never wanted that life. As the eldest son of the Emperor I was trained but it was always the place my brother was happiest in. And the first time I truly held a sword to fight I hurt many innocent people and led a war against my brother that resulted in the woman I loved being killed by our own power.

[He smiles a little then as he walks past Ouyang to where the arrows are. To split an arrow like this isn't easy. He's impressed to say the least.]

For over five hundred years I have not held a weapon. I'm no soldier and it's better that way. So I diminish my successes to keep the arrogance that I know I have from boiling to the surface again.

[theatrics]

(( He should have expected that forthright sort of honesty from Runyu. He lets the dragon's words sink in and wonders if asking him to spar has somehow caused him pain. After a brief moment, he walks up to Runyu and brushes the back of his hand against the other's. ))

I did not mean to trouble you.

[dragonrising]

You didn't. I had fun with this. I'd almost forgotten that times like this can be fun.

[Turning, he faces him to cup his face.] You showed me that again.

[theatrics]

(( Ah, he knows just how to make Ouyang melt. He tilts his face into Runyu's hand and exhales softly. ))

Would you mind sparring with me a little longer?

[dragonrising]

I would be honored, Ya'er.

[Leaning in, he kisses him gently before calling on his sword again so they can spar as long as Ouyang wants that day.]

[theatrics]

(( Just until he's tired. No doubt Immortals have more stamina than normal humans. What's the point in sparring if one can't work up a sweat? After all, there's a promised bath after. ))

[dragonrising]

[Once he can tell that Ouyang won't be able to continue, he slows and smiles at his lover.]

Come. Let's do that bath. I think it'll feel good after all the work we did today.

[theatrics]

(( Indeed, Ouyang's short for breath and soaked in sweat (which is generally how he likes to end his training). He sheathes his sword and retrieves his bow, then comes to Runyu's side so they can walk together to the bath. ))

I will wash your hair.

[dragonrising]

I would love that.

[Naturally he'll wash Ouyang's hair too but he knows if he says that now that he'll get arguments about it. Better to simply do it when they get there after his love has finished taking care of him.]

I'm looking forward to a bath with you.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang absolutely would object if Runyu brought it up now. He still carries some unconscious ideas from his days as a slave. Someone of Runyu's status most certainly should not be washing someone else's hair. However, it's also something that's common between lovers so... Ouyang will, eventually, agree to it. He's still working on shaking some of his long-held beliefs about status.

Once they reach the privacy of their bath, Ouyang begins the process of peeling out of his sweat-soaked clothes, piling them off to the side to be washed later. He lets his hair fall free and carefully works his fingers through the many braids to loosen them, too. ))

[dragonrising]

[Slipping out of his many layers shows how much the dragon features have grown. The scales almost covering his entire lower body with his dragon tail and legs. But he pays that no mind as he pulls the tie from his hair to let it free before walking to the bath so he can make sure that the water is flowing. He can't produce heat but the fire certainly keeps the water hot for them.]