camping shenanigans mingle log; open

[equivocations]

WHO: the Lan-Wuxian-Jiang-Meng family + you!

WHAT: camping shenanigans mingle log! Join the family camp for food, conversation, etc

WHEN: spanning throughout the event in the forest

WHERE: the family camp + surrounding area

NOTES: none right now, will update as needed

Night hunts are practically routine where Lan Xichen's from, at least for cultivators, and exploring an unfamiliar forest with relatively unknown dangers doesn't seem any different just because it's in another world. There certainly seems to be something of a sense of ease as they travel, and then as they set up camp.

During the day, there's a flurry of activity as the camp's occupants drift in and out, setting up or taking down tents, making weapons or food, going off to collect firewood or go hunting or fishing, patrol the area or anything else that needs doing.

In the evening there's a roaring fire to ward off the chill, the scent of cooking food and the sound of conversation.

Someone - quite likely Lan Xichen himself - will invite anyone who happens nearby to come sit down, warm themselves by the fire and have something to eat.

At night, there's likely always someone up on watch who might need company, or who might come to investigate someone nearby.

Comments

[billowing]

[ Lan Wangji tries to push through the other spirits to get through to Wei Ying, and nearly ends up trampled. ]

Ask them their name!

[scaredofdogs]

I'm okay Lan Zhan..[For now at least..he doesn't want the other getting hurt trying to get to him.]I think they are just excited.

[He wishes they would take turns talking so he could understand them easier but he understands their excitement so he let's them roll.]

Ah..The White Knights of White Kingdom. They said they served the White King until the Red Queen killed them all.

[That..doesn't make him feel very good. He doesn't like to think how strong she might be.]

[billowing]

[ Another King... must've been a long time ago, judging by the architecture. Which means that the Red Queen must be very old indeed, and powerful. Not that they didn't know the second thing already. ]

Is this the White Kingdom?

What else do they know about the Queen?

[scaredofdogs]

[he listens to their story, nodding occasionally and asking questions until he has a more complete picture of the events.]

They said that this is their kingdom and that there was talk of uniting them all but the king didn’t agree with the queens cruel tactics Or her desire to reign above them and so a war broke out.

[billowing]

[ Well, that makes sense. ]

The King.

[ A beat. ]

Where is his soul?

[scaredofdogs]

In the castle throne room.

[They finally give him a little space so he can scoot out and get back to Lan Wangji’s side, being careful not to hit any with a wing.]

They feel really sad they couldn’t protect him and their kingdom.

[billowing]

Understood.

Shall we go to the throne room?

[ They can always have their vengeance. ]

[scaredofdogs]

Should I...? [He indicates the blood on his chest. Wondering if he should wipe it away and see if the spirits decide to go on their way or if he should keep it at least until they get to the king.

He doesn't want to say it exactly since he doesn't want to upset the soldiers.]

[billowing]

Let's go to the throne room first.

[ In case they disperse and are hard to follow.

Since they're walking through ruins barefoot. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He nods and heads further into the ruins.]

Do you think the queen has any weaknesses? If she is strong enough to take down an entire kingdom..I wonder if those men with the clubs are her soldiers.

[billowing]

Everyone has weaknesses. Whether or not we can find hers is questionable.

[ But if there are no other spirits around who can hear them, that's all the better, and they can freely move to the throne room to interrogate the king. ]

[scaredofdogs]

Without ever meeting her in person we may never figure out exactly what it is. Obviously these guys don't know it.

[Being without shoes certainly makes this a rough trip so he lifts up into the air a little, deciding to glide over the rocks.]

[billowing]

[ Lan Wangji who can't do that, just sort of... starts walking after him, trying to keep as graceful as possible.

He gets a little bit battered by all the other soldiers though. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He floats over so that he is flying behind Lan Wangji, using his wings as a shield and bubble to keep the soldiers at a distance.]

If I had your strength I could carry you, Lan Zhan.

[billowing]

But you do not.

[ And it would be worthless to do it the other way around. ]

It is fine.

[scaredofdogs]

[He points towards some large doors in the distance.]

Looks like if we go through those doors we will be in the throne room.

[billowing]

[ Lan Wangji goes over to push them in, so they can go see.

They're greeted with the king, sitting dead on his throne.

Lan Wangji does a bow, and pulls out some snacks he'd packed, as offering. ]

White King, I am Lan Wangji - Lan Zhan - of the Gusu Lan Sect.

[scaredofdogs]

[He lands and folds those wings against his back. All the soldiers bow down on one knee behind them as he looks towards the king. He also does a bow.]

Wei Wuxian..Yiling Patriarch.

[Because he doesn't really have any other title to give. But he watches as the spirit of the king stands.]

What should we ask...

[billowing]

White King. We are of a foreign land, brought heretofore by a Queen who does not make herself known.

[ Maybe he will listen to their story. In other words, their chen qing. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He listens for an answer, but it seems the King needs more.]

She keeps us locked inside a place we don't belong. Anything you could tell us would be appreciated.

[The king looks at the offering and the fact the knights brought them. He seems impressed and believes these two can be trusted.]

The Queen is not someone you want to get on the wrong side of.

[billowing]

[ Lan Wangji is sure there are not spying spirits around, or else they would know, wouldn't they? ]

You are the foremost expert in meeting with her in battle, your Majesty.

[ Even if they can't be trusted, what more harm could they do? ]

[scaredofdogs]

[The king moves down from the thrown and puts his hands behind his back as he walks around the debris that is the remnants of the castle.]

Wonderland used to be ruled by various kingdoms, peaceful and harmonious between us all. We had plans to unite all together..But the Red Queen wanted too much..became too strong. Her way of ruling was harsh and no one agreed with it. But there was nothing we could do when she attacked. I'm afraid I don't know how to defeat her if that is what you are seeking.

[billowing]

[ He shakes his head no. ]

Your Majesty, I am sure you would have already done so, if that were the case.

We only wish to learn as much as we can, about what sort of powers she has. What her soldiers fight like.

[scaredofdogs]

[The kind looks over his soldiers sadly.]

The battle was long fought..difficult..but in the end she had something that helped to wipe us all out. The end was inevitable.

[He walks back over to the throne and sits down.]

She shows no mercy. Her cruel ways have gained her much power. Her dark rule will be the death of Wonderland.

[The kind doesn't seem like he can or wants to give any more as he looks away. Wei Wuxian looks over at Lan Wangji feeling bad for the king.]

[billowing]

[ He understands. It's been long, and arduous. They've been here a long time, stewing in their hatred and resentment.

They are just barely there anymore, old stories, a sad king, wisps of memories.

All he can say now is: ]

Thank you, Your Majesty.