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[ Open ] FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: The forest!
WHEN: Backdated to the 20^th–21^st
WHAT: Some knights lead an expedition into the forest to find a chicken
WARNINGS: Probably nothing…for now

[ Upon the 20^th, a new message pops up on the network feed, from a certain #6363F9. ]

This is Archer. Due to the efforts of Sir Berkut and I, we have uncovered yet another clue as to the history of this realm.

Many of you might remember the sorry tale spoken of by #FFFFFF himself. We learned a great deal about that young man of Blue and the path he had taken into the forest. A few days ago, the locations of certain landmarks have been made known to us. We propose to conduct an expedition into the forest in search of the hen of legend, that we may yet find some way of learning this world’s history and perhaps prevent the forest from encroaching into town.

Needless to say, the journey will be difficult. We have need of fighters as well as healers, cooks, navigators, and others of the sort. If you wish to join, you will find us assembled at the edge of the forest north of Flavo at dawn. You may address your queries to me. Thank you.

[ And sure enough, there will be a small party already gathered at the appointed place at the dawn of the 21^st. Tristan will be happy to welcome you into the group since Berkut’s going to be a sourpuss about this no matter what. :’( ]

Preparations
[ This is where everyone’s getting briefed before heading out into the forest. You’ll be given the necessary infodump as well as a few instructions.

Using the remainder of his ink, Berkut has drafted a serviceable map noting the various landmarks and overall direction, which others are free to peruse and from which they can take notes of their own. Pry the map from his cold, dead hands though (unless you're Tristan). In addition, you will be instructed to gather supplies here before heading out. Characters should bring their own food and the like, or be prepared to forage/hunt in the forest. Expecting freebies from others is poor form!

Once the preliminaries are done, you’re free to spend the remainder of this time however you wish. Offer to team up with someone, question the party leaders, find a meat shield to hide behind, draw up your own maps, or simply give the intrepid adventurers a hearty sendoff! ]

The Forest
[ The adventure begins! Though it won’t be too strictly enforced (at least where Tristan is concerned), you will be instructed to please walk in something that even halfway resembles a formation. Healers and support to the center; those with combat experience to the vanguard, rear, and flank; the works. Or don't. Berkut will only judge and not be responsible if Keigo loses his head (thus spoke Tristan, "How sad"). Maimed limbs and lost teeth are not covered by the field trip's healing insurance.

Unfortunately, the forest seen in their visions is different from the present-day location, so finding the right path won’t be easy! You might want to break up into teams to search out specific landmarks and other useful stuff as you make the trek, or help set up camp when the group takes a rest stop, or fight off whatever forest creatures happen to stumble your way! Or maybe try to liven up the trip with a little game of Eye-Spy or even outright sneak off on your own adventures! No one’s going to judge—okay, Berkut might judge a little.

Whatever the case, it’s going to take a long time and a lot of trial and error to find the clues the forest has hidden away. ]

The Destination
[ The strength of your bonds will eventually prevail, however, as you finally locate a large stone covered in strange mossy patterns. You will be informed that the site of the hen must be very near. You’ll have to suffer through a thorny, overgrown path like in the story, but hey, nothing like a trial to strengthen your bonds, right?

Of course, once you reach the fabled site of the chicken, you’ll find…nothing! Wow, that was a waste of time. Feel free to search around just in case though, or set up camp and rest for the night. It’ll be a long and grueling journey back to town. ]

OOC: As part of the ongoing event, Berkut and Tristan have combined their inks to recreate a vision based on #FFFFFF’s forum post. Further details here and here!

TL;DR version:

There is a way to find the location of the chicken from the story, but it definitely won't be easy.
Strong bonds with people of a lot of colors will make the search easier.
The journey itself will probably last only a day or two, but that’s not set in stone, so feel free to fudge timelines if you want.
The chicken won’t actually be there, though, since the conditions aren’t right for its reappearance. However, those who enter the chicken area will, according to the mods, “have a very strong sense that there WILL be something there at some point… just not yet.”
Basically, consider this an open mingle that’s available to everyone whether or not they have CR with Tristan or Berkut. Have fun, get lost, take pictures—you do you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ His gaze travels over, elsewhere in their little group, alighting not on Archer, with whom he'd just tumbled about, but on another person, with hair just as red.

He looks back, when he hears Lan Zhan's questioning sound. He looks, for a moment, like he isn't going to answer. But after a while... ]

Well, what do you think? What's that bird's area of expertise?

[ Oh. Only for a moment, when he sees that direction of the game, WangJi's eyes widen, then drop to the ground, his throat choked up with new pain. More than anyone else, Pyra had said, mere hours ago. Why does he keep hoping when he knows better? Why?

My the time Wei Ying's eyes return to him, he's mostly regained his outside composure. Friend. He will be Wei Ying's friend. That is what matters.

When the answer comes, he inclines his head. ]

I hope... Its advice is true.

If it names a price for it and you need help, tell me.

[ He'd been regarding Lan Zhan pensively, with his eyes heavy-lidded, but that last sentence... ]

Huh?

[ Without thinking, he puts his hand out, to touch the man's arm. ]

No—you misunderstand. I don't want to present it to anyone. That's like using a love potion, right? It's like forcing yourself on someone. I don't want to do that. I just... I just want to talk.

... did not think you would try to use.

Advice might also not be free.

[ Not defensive because he truly only meant this. After a moment, with some difficulty, ] I... think you would not need to... use the hen.

[ He glances over. A little voice in his head observes, we misunderstood each other a little, I asked, he clarified, and now we're clear. There is another, much larger misunderstanding between them, he's aware, but it's one he isn't making any effort to fix; in fact, he is intentionally obfuscating.

He won't avoid the man; but until he divines an answer to his conundrum (with or without the advice of a magical chicken), he won't excessively flirt with him either. In particular, won't kiss him. ]

[ But of course, as soon as that thought crosses his mind, his eyes drift down to Lan Zhan's lips. Quickly: ]

Ahaha! Of course... of course not!

[ He sets down the plate and flings his arms wide. ]

This face, who could resist it!

[ Not I, clearly.

But the spark in the pale yes is quickly stifled by a downward swipe of his eyelashes, and when he next looks up, replaced by soft, soft warmth. ]

More than just a face. [ Gently, but firmly. ]

[ That eyelash flutter, coyly hiding and revealing eyes like jewels, one moment brilliant, the next filled with warmth: it's the kind of move an experienced courtesan would be proud of, the kind of look that can excite a man's imagination and inflame his heart forever. He has reasons, a host of compelling reasons, not to leap on top of Lan Zhan right now.... but for the life of him, he's having a hard time remembering what they are.

He lets his arms fall, and flops down, with his head resting Lan Zhan's knees. He reaches up, to tweak at one of his long forelocks. ]

Yours is better, anyway. You were always ranked higher than me.

[ ...

It has been five years since Wei Ying has lied like that, though, in truth, then he had taken his head and placed it properly in his lap. WangJi's memory still flashes back to the cave, and it takes his breath away. Nor can he keep his hands from reaching out to smooth the hair spreading down his legs and the ground, now. ]

Your smile makes up for it.

[ He doesn't know what possesses him to say that. But it feels better than to talk about ... both of Wei Ying's faces and remind him of dying and coming back. He is sure Wei Ying remembers it too well on his own already. ]

[ His eyes drift shut at the caress.... ]

[ ...and snap open again. ]

Where...where did you learn to talk? Hahahaha! [ He starts to roll back and forth, across Lan Zhan's knees. ] If somebody wanted to learn how to seduce maidens, they'd only have to listen to you. Even I've never been so shameless!

[ aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ]

Mn?

[ Wh-- what? Him seducing?

WangJi thinks back at his words and. Still doesn't understand.

But his thoughts go back to. To that day when Wei Ying stepped into the cold spring with him. And he bites his lip on the inside, his ears flaming so hard, he takes a breath. ]

Benefits to being friends with me. Get told the pleasant truth as well as the unpleasant.

[ Beat. And because it's WangJi and he's more than sufficiently self-aware to know that he most of the time doesn't remember to say the former... ]

... sometimes.

[ He is honestly trying to adhere to his promises. To be a better friend. To not make his feelings a burden to Wei Ying. To be there for him. Never mind that his heart is soaring when Wei Ying relaxed and close like this. Never mind that there never will be maidens. He will try to be a friend as Wei Ying needs. And not just taciturn or denying him all of the time. That... is good, right?

Because he has no idea what to do. ]

[ The aching in his heart, he thinks of how he could make it go away for a while. Past the campfire, the shadows fade rapidly to black, and the pine needles on the forest floor absorb all sound. He could tug Lan Zhan into this quiet darkness and find all manner of ways to surreptitiously play... ]

Edited 2019-07-03 06:11 (UTC)

[ .....and then the man's words filter through to his ears.

Ah. ]

Unpleasant truths....

[ He rolls around again on Lan Zhan's knees, but it's more like uncomfortable writhing, rather than the happy, frenetic twitching of a moment ago. ]

Getting told them, that is a benefit. I... wish I'd been able to hear.

[ Then, as now. Maybe if someone had pointed out to him that he was being an idiot, perhaps with Pyra he....

Well, it's too late now. ]

[ It is not difficult to tell the difference. Not to him. WangJi reaches to place a hand lightly on Wei Ying's shoulder. Not trying to hold him in place, but giving that much more reassurance - not touching only because Wei Ying chose it, but because WangJi did, too. ]

Wei Ying...

The truths to no one are only pleasant or only unpleasant. And... whatever happened. I know that you did not mean to harm. You do not mean to harm, unless you have been provoked beyond endurance.

[ It's not a besotted kind of statement. It's calm, and collected, and reasonable. And certain. WangJi has seen him at both times when he was at his worst. With Wen Chao, and at Nightless City.

He knows what he is talking about. ]

[ He stills as soon as Lan Wangji touches his shoulder. His chaotic, itching heart had very nearly tempted him into doing another terrible thing; he wouldn't have meant to hurt the man, but that's what would have happened. Even now, lying here in the warmth of Lan Zhan's lap, he is comforting himself at the other's expense.

Not only that, but Lan Zhan is actively comforting him too, with words and touch. Someone who has always disliked the touch of others, bearing it for his sake. He hesitates, thinking he ought to move from this spot, and stop tormenting the man; or remain here and accept this kindness...

In the end, he reaches up, covering the man's hand with his own. ]

Not intending to harm, but doing it anyway—that's a poor excuse. I ought to know better, by now.

[ Wei Ying doesn't push him away, nor does he laugh it off, and WangJi relaxes, slightly. Then, careful to not pry. ]

Cannot always predict or see everything. [ I hurt you, too. ] Could you have done anything differently? Sometimes... you cannot.

Once, I thought you acted on impulse, always. But you do things because of reasons. That you know. Could you have done differently?

Edited (... that was not quite the icon I meant...) 2019-07-03 10:10 (UTC)

[ Could he have done anything differently? Of course he could. He can't let himself off so easily. He could have been more aware of his actions; he could have been more sensitive to her feelings. That said, this is all clear in hindsight... but back then, what did he know? He knew she'd twice rejected him. She did flirt with him, but she might just have been playing. She died in his heart to save him; but he could see Pyra—generous, kind, and selfless to a fault—doing that for anyone. In his eyes, self-confidence isn't a crime, but even so, the idea that Pyra might find him special, it beggared belief. Truly, he had no capacity to understand the depth of her feelings, because she never said.

She never said, until that night.

On the day of Pyra's birthday party, he'd made the decision to court her in earnest, and accept with good grace if—once again—she declined his attentions. But Lan Wangji made his confession that night, revealing the truths of the past, and his life had been thrown into chaos.

Then what should he have done? Court her anyway, with a heart in turmoil? Abandon a friend who'd saved his life and already suffered so much? ]

Maybe...

[ Could someone else have done differently? Of course. Could he have done differently? ]

…maybe not.

[ His fingers twitch, clasping Lan Zhan's hand more tightly. ]

But... that's my own failing.

Wei Ying.

[ He's not very good at gentle, but he tries. ]

Sometimes, things hurt because of how things are, not because of anyone's failing.

You carry enough on your shoulders. If you take on too much that is not your burden, how will keep going forward? How will you make things better?

[ His other hand strokes through the dark hair spilling across his knees again. Reminding him of things that Wei Ying has always lived. ]

Cannot change the past, though you can learn from it. Cannot control the future. But the present is all yours.

[ These are the fingers of a guqin player, he thinks to himself, as he's caressed. Little ripples of pleasure vibrate through his body. ]

That's... good advice.

[ He thinks about Lan Zhan's own suffering and the burdens he himself assumed: trying to protect someone he cared about, and bearing the punishment for that. Despite the pain of that punishment, he made an awful situation better, by rescuing an innocent child left behind. ]

You should take it, too.

[ He knows Lan Zhan suffers from self-recrimination, for not doing more for him, before he died. But, probably it was the same kind of situation. He didn't do more, because the him that existed back then, simply couldn't. ]

Mmn.

[ Soft. Hesitant agreement, actually, not denial, his face a little pensive but mostly... as relaxed as it gets. ]

Will try.

[ Because the present is not empty and painful, not the way it was before he realized who took his body, the first day in Chroma. So it can be his, a little bit, too. But also.

WangJi's eyes drop down slightly, gazing at Wei Ying's face.

Because he has become aware that his burdens stagger down Wei Ying, because whatever he may want, or love, or choose, he does care about him. And so if WangJi lets go of some of it, it will make it easier for Wei Ying.

And that. That, he wants. ]

Good. I'm glad.

[ He lets go of Lan Zhan's hand and sits up. He can't use language the way Tristan does. Talking about "love" in such a way would only confuse the man. But of course, when it comes to Lan Zhan, words aren't important.

He lifts his arms and wraps them around the man's shoulders, pulling him into a warm embrace. No matter what the future holds for them, he feels that Lan Zhan should know that he is loved like this, as a treasured friend. One from whom he'll never be parted, by choice. ]

[ WangJi's shoulders droop just a hair's width, as Wei Ying pulls away, his face held into a serene expression.

Then Wei Ying holds him, and the bracing he was starting to do shatters as he takes in a sharp breath.

His entire body relaxes. Not melts, but relaxes - the tension, the fear that he had broken things too badly, that he had broken Wei Ying too badly, finally loosening its hold. Carefully, his arms come up, in turn, wrapping around Wei Ying's back, palms settled on his back. And he just... breathes. He knows there are still things to earn, but... he understands.

Good friends. Close.

Maybe it's not all that he wishes for, what a tidal wave within him craves. But it is what he is allowing himself to want, and to have it is... so, so good. ]

[ Embracing Lan Zhan, holding him like this in his arms, being held in return—it's not what he expected. Leaning on Tristan, speaking words of (brotherly) love, he'd felt warm and quiet, his heart and soul at rest. With Lan Zhan, however, being close like this is making his heart race, and his skin heat up where their bodies are touching. It's a wholly different feeling.

What had Lan Zhan said, about the immutable past and the uncertain future... but the present belongs to you.

He's been fretting, he realizes, about the future. What will happen to them? What can he do to keep from hurting the man more that he already has? But... no matter what he does or hopes for, the future is indeed beyond his control. Who can say what will happen? What they do have is now.

He has a sudden impulse, to shift his position and turn his head and capture Lan Zhan's soft lips... ]

Edited 2019-07-04 16:57 (UTC)

[ Instead, he draws away, out of the embrace... ]

Lan Zhan. I'm glad you came along on this trip.

[ ...and finds one of Lan Zhan's elegant hands, and holds it in his own. Holding hands. That's what he'll do tonight. It's sweet. It's slow. It's unmistakeable evidence of affection, something a little more than brotherly friendship, and yet not so much as to overwhelm the man's emotions. ]

I'm glad you're here.

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