[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A white rabbit stares at the camera.

And stares.

Then a back leg thumps impatiently against the floor. A flash of magic follows and then Xingchen is sitting where the rabbit had been, his black hair scattered with white strands. He quickly dresses himself and clears his throat.]

Forgive me. I meant to say: if you are near the Temple and find yourself in need of rest or refreshment, you are welcome. All are welcome as long as you come in peace and do not mind cats.

Or... [Another cough.] Rabbits.

Comments

[dragonrising]

There is nothing to forgive. You are wonderful no matter how you look.

[gentledawn]

What if I was a toad? Would you like me still?

[dragonrising]

Yes. Because you'd still be you.

[gentledawn]

I could fit in your pocket and keep you company in the water.

Do toads swim? Maybe that's more frogs?

[dragonrising]

I cannot say I have great knowledge either way honestly.

[gentledawn]

I'll have to find a pair and see for myself! [Yes, this is very important research.] How is my favorite dragon?

[dragonrising]

Well. Nothing much exciting to say but I do like it that way. How is my favorite rabbit?

[gentledawn]

I prefer the peace and quiet, yes. [Much better than what they experienced before.] I am teaching full-time with Zichen at the Temple. I have a young class that is absolutely adorable.

[dragonrising]

I'm glad. You have a good heart for teaching. Your students will learn well from you.

[gentledawn]

It was our dream. Now we can realize it.

[dragonrising]

This is what you both deserve and I'm happy for you.

[gentledawn]

I think we'll be ready to have a child of our own soon. [He pretends to be dead serious.] What creature would you get if you combined a rabbit and a wolf?

[dragonrising]

[He laughs gently because he knows how unlikely that is to happen but he loves him all the same.] Does it matter as long as it is yours to raise?

[gentledawn]

No, it doesn't matter in the slightest. [Oh if only he could give Zichen a little baby. He would!]

[dragonrising]

Your many students will become like your own children. You can think of them that way.

[gentledawn]

I mustn't kidnap them! [Has he thought about scooping up some of the youngest? Yes.]

[dragonrising]

Not at all what I suggested, Xingchen.

[gentledawn]

But it is what I think about when they laugh or say something funny.

[dragonrising]

How naughty of you. [But he laughs rather than truly scold him.]

[gentledawn]

You would be tempted too, A-Yu. I could see you taking in a whole gaggle of little children.

[dragonrising]

[He smiles and looks down.] Children are not something I am fated to have. That is alright though.

[gentledawn]

Orphans exist nonetheless. [He had been one and Zichen had too.] They are hungry for love and desperate for protection.

[dragonrising]

I know. I basically was one most of my life even with my parents well and truly alive when I was growing up.

[gentledawn]

I wish I had known you. [Runyu would've been trapped in a permanent hug.]

[dragonrising]

It was probably for the best you hadn't. The Empress would have tried to destroy you for caring about me.