[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]

[Sizhui will be welcomed at the door by a big orange cat and a smaller black and white female. Mews are followed by purrs as they curl around his legs. Hello, hello, new person! Come in~

Xingchen is setting out tea and snacks on a simple wooden table.]

Greetings, friend. Please come in.

[fullgrownturnip]

[Naturally he bows politely (yet again) before smiling at the cats as he comes in. Setting his sword down, he kneels down to let them sniff his fingers.]

Are these yours, Xiao-Daozhang?

[gentledawn]

[The big orange boy sniffs those fingers and rubs his cheeks against Sizhui's hands. The little girl paw paws at Sizhui's robe playfully. Xingchen looks up with a smile and nods.]

Yes, two strays we have adopted. The orange is Cheng and the little girl is Sying.

[fullgrownturnip]

Greetings, Cheng and Sying. I am Lan Sizhui.

[Seeing that Sying wants to play, he gently moves his fingers near her to encourage her while gently stroking Cheng with his other hand.]

[gentledawn]

[Cheng chirps as if he is answering and Sying rolls onto her side and then bounces up excitedly. Play! Play!]

Her teeth can be sharp, Gongzi. Be careful. She's still a kitten.

[fullgrownturnip]

It's alright. She's wonderful.

[He still happily plays with her without fear. Even when it becomes clear she's bitten him he actually giggles and keeps up the little game.]

[gentledawn]

I agree. Sying was a surprise. Zichen found her as a kitten who still needed milk. Something must have frightened away her mother.

[So they had taken turns, feeding the darling and loving her.

Sying ends up in Sizhui's lap, making biscuits.]

[fullgrownturnip]

[His face lights up to have the cat pick him and he gently lifts her up to bring her to the table so she can say on his lap. And of course he pats the spot next to him so that Cheng can still get attention too.]

I'm glad she had you two to care for her. Was Cheng found that way too?

[gentledawn]

[Sying is accustomed to being held and cuddled. She leans against Sizhui, trusting him, her ears flicking contentedly. Cheng of course follows too, tail swishing.]

He was full grown when he appeared at the door. I believe he must have belonged to someone, but he was dirty. He had been on the street for some time.

[fullgrownturnip]

He's a beautiful color now.

[Sizhui keeps giving attention to the animals, smiling so brightly. Really it's not very Lan of him but he's forgotten about that in favor of the cuteness.]

[gentledawn]

When I discovered he was orange, it was a nice surprise!

[He pours them tea, grinning at how Sizhui plays. It might not be Lan of him, but he finds no fault in it.]

I have a question and it might be...personal. If you don't wish to answer, you don't need to.

I just...noticed your username. Wen...Lan.

[fullgrownturnip]

[Tilting his head, he wonders what the question is. How personal it might be. When he hears it though, he just smiles with no sign of any offense taken.]

I was born to the Wen clan. Wen Yuan. When my family was killed, I was the only survivor. Hanguang-jun found me and took me in. He gave me the name Lan Sizhui. It is only recently I remembered where I came from so I wish to honor them while still honoring the Lan.

[gentledawn]

[The story pierces his heart and Xingchen reaches across the table to squeeze Sizhui's hand.]

Thank the gods you were taken in. Hanguang-Jun is a good man; if another had found you...

[He shudders to think of the outcome.]

A child shouldn't carry the sins of their elders. I imagine even your parents were innocent of any crime. Hatred should have no place in justice. I'm sorry you had to suffer unnecessarily.

[fullgrownturnip]

It should not. But it so often is. So I do not mind carrying the weight of my name now. It will take time to heal the wounds that some of my clan caused. Until then I can tell the real stories and honor the dead.

[He gently squeezes the hand that touches his own.]

Thank you for your kind words. But I don't feel sadness. Only hope of what I can bring for the future.

[gentledawn]

Then you truly honor your kin. I know they bless your future and protect you from heaven.

[He nods, admiring Sizhui's strength and conviction.]

If you ever feel your burden is too great, come here. There will always be someone to welcome you.

[fullgrownturnip]

You are very kind, Xiao-Daozhang. I always imagined that you would be.

[It makes him so happy it's true.]

[gentledawn]

[His smile turns shy and he busies himself with sipping from his cup.]

I made desserts earlier. [Nudging the plate towards Sizhui, he tuts when Cheng rests his chin on the table.] They're not for cats.

[fullgrownturnip]

I will bring you something when I next come, Cheng. I promise.

[He nods his thanks for the desserts and politely takes one.] Thank you. They look wonderful.

[gentledawn]

He is so spoiled.

[Xingchen boops the cat's nose and grins at the following huff. Of course the desserts are decorated cutely. They are shaped like cats, dogs, bunnies...]

Please enjoy.

[fullgrownturnip]

[Taking a bite of the little dessert, he gasps softly.]

It's so good!

[gentledawn]

[Pleasure brings light to his eyes and he beams.]

Thank you! I've worked on the recipe for some time.

[fullgrownturnip]

May I ask what the flavor is?

[He's already having another bite.]

[gentledawn]

It's a vanilla chai mix. I added a little cinnamon too.

[To create a light, spicy flavor.]

[fullgrownturnip]

It tastes like warmth!

[After finishing it, he goes to have a sip of the tea with it too.]

[gentledawn]

I wanted it to be comforting. [As wonderful as chocolate can be, it's almost too rich for some desserts.]