[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

[gentledawn]

I would be honored to see it. [Now he is flushing!] I am free later today?

[pinkblinded]

I'm free. [Sends him directions.]

Please come whenever you can.

[gentledawn]

I will see you soon.

[And when he does arrive, rapping politely on the door, he will be wearing his usual white. His hair has changed - there is more white - but that might help Gaura recognize him better.]

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura hears the knock from his garden so he comes around to see and smiles as he waves.]

Xingchen?

[gentledawn]

Yes! [Xingchen beams at the recognition and hurries to Gaura's side.] You're doing very well.

[pinkblinded]

[He looks so relieved that he managed to recognize him. He even moves to hug before pausing.]

Ah. I'm covered in dirt. Here let me rinse my hands off and you can see the garden some before we go inside.

[He leads the way back to the huge garden which is filled with just about every kind of plant possible. So much like walking through a magical realm really. He goes to well to bring up water so he can wash his hands off.]

If you ever need anything or want something I'd be happy to give it to you.

[gentledawn]

[A hug that Gaura surely can't escape or prevent! Xingchen isn't afraid of dirty hands and he embraces his friend with a happy laugh.]

Dirt is natural! How else are little seeds suppose to grow?

[He follows him and stares, completely entranced. Gaura has created another world in his garden and it's...lovely. It makes Xingchen wish there were less buildings in the city and more plants!]

If you let me visit your beautiful garden now and then, I will be happy.

[pinkblinded]

[He smiles at the hug and makes sure to wash his hands quickly.]

You are always welcome to visit it. I want this to be a place where people can buy plants but also be able to come here and enjoy being surrounded by nature. And after the trials that Henry and I did together, I can grow any plant I think of. So I can bring pieces of other homes for people here as long as they help me learn about the plant.

[gentledawn]

[The plan is so like his friend that Gaura is kissed on the cheek.]

There... There was a little white flower that grew on my Master's mountain. [Xingchen looks around and crouches down by a shrub.] They grew like this and they could have splashes of pink or red...

[pinkblinded]

[Come over, he looks at the shrub then back to his friend.]

Can you tell me even more about it? How big the flowers are? The shrub? How many petals? What they smell like?

[His cheeks color then.]

I'm sorry. That was probably so many questions...

[gentledawn]

No, I'll do my best! [Xingchen frowns pensively.] The flowers were about half the size of my hand. The shrub itself was a cluster of blooms; that was why I liked it so much. As for petals...five. They were like stars.

[Scent... He breathes in, taking himself back.]

Sweet? But there was a spice to it.

[pinkblinded]

[He tries to think of it then pulls out a pair of pink gardening gloves to put on. Filling a large pot with dirt, he closes his eyes as he rests his hands on the soil. He lets himself picture the plant Xingchen is describing until it starts to grow up from the soil. He doesn't know if it's right but he knows he can keep trying too.]

Is this it?

[gentledawn]

[He peers over Gaura's shoulder, holding his breath. When the little white blossoms begin to bloom, he gasps and nods excitedly.]

Yes! We called it dùjuān huā. [It's Chinese Rhododendron.]

[pinkblinded]

When you were describing it I realized I'd seen it before. Where I'm from we call it Chinese Rhododendron.

[He smiles gently and looks back to him.]

I can grow some more for here and grow some to send to your home so you can have them there too.

[gentledawn]

It's well-known? [The news delights him and he pats the soil around the little shrub fondly.]

I would love to have some in the Temple and around my home.

[pinkblinded]

It is if you know flowers like I do.

[He smiles at him.]

I can come to both places to grow them for you. Wherever you'd like them there.

[gentledawn]

My clever friend.

[Xingchen smiles proudly and uses his golden core to lift the pot into the air.]

Our home is connected to the Temple. So if you visit one, you are technically visiting both.

[pinkblinded]

That will make it easier!

[He laughs and brushes the dirt away from himself again.]

Here. Come inside. I'll show you our place and make you something.

[gentledawn]

We have always wanted to teach and the connection makes it easier.

[The sounds and scents of the Temple are also comforting. Both he and Zichen need healing for their souls.]

Thank you. [He bows his head and sets the pot by the entrance to the garden so he can retrieve it before he leaves.]

[pinkblinded]

[Bringing him inside, he shows him around his new home. When they get back to the kitchen, he moves around to get some tea started.]

It's like having a fairytale home. I love it so much.

[gentledawn]

[He almost feels like he in a forest! Xingchen peeks into the various rooms and laughs, delighted.]

It does feel magical. I feel like those birds on your ceiling are real!

[pinkblinded]

Maybe they will be at some point. Pretty birds to fill the house with their song!

[gentledawn]

Leave out some seed and dishes of water and you might get your wish.

[pinkblinded]

[He laughs softly and bends over to tend to making some snacks, revealing what might be some feathery fluff between the strands of his hair.]

I think they'll be happier outside. But I could get something set up for them in the garden.

[gentledawn]

Mm you're likely right, but a small visit now and then wouldn't hurt.

[He takes a seat carefully and smiles curiously at the fluff. A bird? How sweet.]

There will soon be one pink bird to keep them company.