[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 lack the power to help you or any other immortal for that matter, but if I had a child who needed protection, I would find the power necessary somewhere.

[dragonrising]

It is all in the past now. I've been slowly learning to not dwell on it as I used to.

[gentledawn]

I can't blame you for being hurt. I'm only glad you have love now.

[dragonrising]

A great deal of love from two wonderful men.

[gentledawn]

And me too! It's just...a slightly different love.

[dragonrising]

Yes. I have that same love for you as well.

[gentledawn]

You are a kind dragon to pay attention to a rabbit.

[dragonrising]

The rabbit who saved me when I was so lost after I arrived.

[gentledawn]

I was on a mountainside. My Master made sure I would live, but she didn't linger. I had lost a lot of blood and I was weak. I could smell the flowers, but they did nothing to melt the ice in my heart.

How you were...I understand. We need others to help us melt the ice.

[dragonrising]

Yes. That is what it was like. You understand me well.

[gentledawn]

You're healing, A-Yu. The Temple is open to you in any form.

[dragonrising]

I'm not so sure I could truly worship there. But I would like to visit to see you and your family.

[gentledawn]

Then come to rest. We have no expectations of anyone. The light and the incense are chosen to comfort.

[dragonrising]

Thank you. I would like that. To see you both and to rest.

[gentledawn]

I would like to see you too, A-Yu. You deserve a proper tour.

[dragonrising]

Let me know when you are next available. I will come to see you.

[gentledawn]

Tomorrow is fairly open. Our classes are early in the day.

[dragonrising]

Later in the day then. After your classes. I have to come see my little friend again as well.

[gentledawn]

Oh yes, you must! He won't leave you alone until he has had his fill.

[Such a chore listening to a chatty orange boy!]

[dragonrising]

A good thing I enjoy his attention then. I will make sure to bring treats.

[gentledawn]

He will be very satisfied tonight. There are secrets only dragons can know, I presume.

[dragonrising]

I will keep them too. He must be able to trust me with those secrets.

[gentledawn]

[He laughs and bends down to play with Cheng, using a feather on a string to get his attention.]

He loves you. Trust is a given.

[dragonrising]

I look forward to your new secrets tomorrow, Cheng.

[gentledawn]

[Cheng hears the voice and uh oh... There he is, pushing his face into the screen. Xingchen laughs helplessly.]