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

[sadflutenoises]

I-

[He still finds it rather baffling that Lan Zhan might have liked him, even then, with all his childish teasing. Though, his young and impatient way of showing affection had hardly had any other outlet but to bother Lan Zhan to the point of exasperation and constantly seek out his attention.]

You know, for wanting to have a nice talk, you're awfully good at making me short on words, Zewu Jun. Don't tell Lan Zhan, okay?

[He gives a short laugh, one that cuts off abruptly as he seems to realize something.]

Oh-! I should've been a bit more suspicious, given that you sent me to the cold pools right when Lan Zhan was there too!

[equivocations]

[ His expression stays politely neutral at the accusation, but there is no denying the gleam of mischief in his eyes. Yes, he did do that, didn't he? Not his most subtle of gestures, he must admit, but it seems they quickly found themselves distracted with other matters, anyway.

He is only glad that he no longer needs to keep trying to arrange increasingly conspicuous opportunities for them to spend time together. ]

It is safe between us, no matter how tempting it may be to share that I managed to make you speechless for a moment.

[ He is definitely teasing now, more obvious than he is even with Wangji - but then, with Wangji he only needs to make a minute facial expression for his brother to understand that he is being teased.

His expression softens after, though, contemplative for a moment. ]

We are family, now, in all the ways that matter. You don't have to use Zewu jun.

[sadflutenoises]

[Lan Zhan, of course, had plenty of other ways to make him speechless, and did, frequently, but he'd already tortured Lan Xichen's ears enough for one family outing. He might be shameless, but even he has his limits. Instead he just grins, and nods his thanks, because it's always felt strange to say aloud.

As for how to address his new soon-to-be-brother-in-law, he supposes that's true, that Zewu Jun is a lot more formal. Wei Wuxian has never done things by halves, and now feels no different. If Lan Xichen wants a bit less formality between them, he's happy to give it, especially since he's been given such express permission.]

Old habits are hard to break, but I'm happy to call you Dabo.

[His smile is a bit crooked, the word unfamiliar on his lips, but he doesn't let the moment linger too long, before sitting up a bit straighter, hand diving into his robes, searching.]

Oh- right, that's- I swear, I did come over here for a reason...

[He trails off before pulling out a little man-shaped scrap of paper, and holding it out toward Lan Xichen. It flickers to life as the spells woven upon it activate, waving for a moment before it flutters into stillness once again.]

Most of my abilities are pretty useless here. But. I thought it might be helpful, if anyone gets separated, that way I can find you, right?

[equivocations]

[ For all that he had been the one to suggest less formality, there is something a little bit startling when Wei Wuxian suggests calling him Dabo, an unexpected feeling settling in his chest.

It isn't quite like a piece of his heart slotting back into place - or if it is, it's a different piece, the edges unfamiliar and just slightly out of alignment. But it is warmth where there had been emptiness, something similar to the way he felt when Wangji offered his support when they first arrived here.

Aside from a brief flicker of surprise, his expression remains composed - but his smile is slow and hesitant before it settles into something real. ]

I would be happy for that as well, Wuxian.

[ He, too, lets the moment pass quickly, instead turning his attention towards what Wei Wuxian is rummaging for, openly curious. Then he smiles again, pleased, as he reaches out to carefully take the little paper man. ]

Very clever. I hope we don't need it, but it speaks well that you have thought ahead. And it brings to mind - I have something for you, as well. It is another's ability, but it is supposed to bring protection and luck.

[sadflutenoises]

[Seeing that surprised expression, even briefly, makes him wonder if he's gone a bit too far. Maybe just Lan Xichen instead of Zewu Jun would've been better, but Wei Wuxian isn't the sort to go back or regret. Even if the smile that follows takes a while to appear, it does, and that's far more than he'd gotten from Lan Wangji in the early days of their friendship, testing out what names fit best, before he'd finally been called Wei Ying, and felt like he could use Lan Zhan.

His own smile remains, as ever, and he rubs at the end of his nose as Lan Xichen evaluates the gift. Maybe it's silly, but there's no way to know if their Empathy devices are monitored or safe, and he'd much rather be able to rely on his own strength to know his family and friends were all right. Though, he can't take complete credit for the idea. With how Lan Zhan has cautioned him, and with all the struggles they've had lately, it seems foolish not to.]

You... oh?

[He hadn't been prepared for that. His papermen weren't much of a gift, really, just a practical tool. That Lan Xichen had something for him, even if it was inherited from another's abilities, now it was his turn to be surprised.]

That's- Mm, we need all the luck we can get. You have my gratitude!

[He wants to ask if he's sure Lan Xichen can spare it, but it seems rude to dismiss the first gift his soon-to-be brother-in-law has offered.]

How does it work?