yogen | .:An Adventure to Remember:.

Entry tags:

mo dao zu shi: meng yao

.:An Adventure to Remember:.

Who: Meng Yao, Subaru Akehoshi, Rantarou Amami
What: Some basic lessons are happening in the background, but some (mis?)adventures as well. Surely nothing will go wrong in a wonderful place such as this? Other than MY growing premature grey hairs. Either way, it's Exchange Program time, bby.
Where: Lanling Proper, and Koi Tower.
When: October 11th - October 17th.
Warnings: Potential death which will happen regardless and/or violence. Disturbing themes may be mentioned because JGS exists and golden end Lanling is still questionable. Just happier.

WELCOME TO LANLING—

The city is home to what is currently the largest cultivation sect around. It is prosperous and filled with many smiling faces. There are children who run through the streets, shop owners showing their wears, and people frequenting the establishments—inns, restaurants, you name it.

At the heart of the city is an important compound, Koi Tower. It seems to unfold before anyone who comes near it majestically, starting with the stairs and ending with the peerless infrastructure. It's terrific state is more than can be described in mere words, needless to say.

There are various gardens here or there, filled with a majority of the sect's symbol and flower—Sparks-Admist-Snow white peonies.

There is also one lotus pond located on the premises, but that is located somewhere towards the inner families' lodgings, and anyone passing through had better be someone who is part of the Jin Sect or a servant lest they wish to get into trouble.

As expected there is a magnificent reception area, a banquet hall, and another more extraordinary garden that houses a painting well done by a cultivator of renown. Said cultivator can be found around the city at certain points.

On the flipside, there are cultivators who are rather stuck up, though that goes the same for a good amount of the residents. Though the Sect Leader, Jin Guangshan is rather insufferable even if he is unfortunately talented at conducting himself with grace. Then there is Jin Zixun, who is neither graceful nor talented, but far more easy to encounter.

There is also, of course, the Treasure Vault. Another place that is actually guarded periodically though there are some dips in security due to the overconfidence the people have here.

Though even in this idyllic setting, there are places of ill repute if someone were to go looking around. Such as where others would sell weapons or other...things that are illegal or frowned down upon supposedly in Lanling. Hidden deep within the forest nearby that is essentially also part of Lanling, there is even a strange training ground that has been sectioned off by members of the Jin Sect. Going further where that is concerned is something that should be avoided lest anyone would want to experience a rather trying time, putting it very lightly. At the very least they'll shoo any wanderers away as long as they don't cause trouble or try to truly sneak in.

This is a city of golden times. But it doesn't mean that is the case for those outside of it or not caught within its golden age.

But whatever the case, their ends will be the same. Though, before that, shouldn't they enjoy their time while they still can?

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[ There are many things to do in a place like this, but it doesn't mean that Meng Yao has to keep himself busy at all times. Back when he was in the Nie Sect, it was natural for him to do so as the deputy, and when he was in the Wen Sect...well, the less said about that the better, but he was definitely busy without much time for rest for different reasons.

Now that he's found himself in a world that is almost like his home one, he had felt the need to busy himself until Rantarou had proposed a break. Part of him is a little surprised he even agreed to cool down some, but he only thinks it a positive, and so here they are.

And here is Meng Yao, leading the other to a nice spot to enjoy their meal.

It's the perfect spot, what with the fact it's in a cozy spot still in the city, but on the outskirts of the nicer part. There's a river running nearby, and he sets down a particularly sizable cloth for them to sit down upon, because of course he has to come prepared in some manner. ]

Does this area look alright? Please let this one know if you find it to your liking.

Edited 2021-11-02 23:21 (UTC)

[...]

So like, what's there for me and Ama-chan to do around here? I feel kinda bad just freeloading off of you, y'know~, and I'm sure Ama-chan'd feel the same way.

[are there like... jobs for 18 year olds who have varying levels of experience in different things...]

[!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

to the praise and also to!!!!!!!!! wielding a weapon!!!!!!!!! which just sounds sort of cool he has no intentions to u...se it on others if necessary yeah but he's not gonna think of that right now!]

I wanna use a spear! Or even just a pole! I think they'd be suuuuper fun to hit people with! Especially the pole!

[long ranged capabilities... poking natsume...]

( yeah, just keep thinking that.

but it's... a nice compliment, he thinks. something in him feels warm and soft, and a feeling like pride expands in his chest. though outwardly, he does look a bit embarrassed. )

You think so? Truth is, I'm not really sure what I'm doing, it's just...

( ... )

I know I'm not their brother, but I still feel like I have to protect them, no matter what. So even if it's you, Akehoshi-kun, I won't make any exceptions.

[aw... even if it's him. it's a promise, but it still warms subaru to the core.]

You're so mean, Ama-chan~, you should give a little leeway to your friends...☆

[but he's just teasing a bit, elbowing... away...☆]

I'm surprised you say you dunno what you're doing though, 'cause I sorta got the vibe you had a younger sibling or two.

Oh? Where'd you get that idea?

( his eyes are wide with surprise, but also a bit of curiosity. well, it's true that he's used to taking care of himself, but he's not really sure what constitutes the vibe of looking after younger siblings too. )

But nah, I'm an only child. Always wished that I had some growing up though — somebody to play with, y'know.

[...?

subaru tilts his head at amami, then frowns a little.]

Ama-chan~, you shouldn't joke around. I'm the only child between us, y'know? That's why you said it was different between you and me, 'cause I only have someone back home who I spoil rotten.

Did I say something like that? ( he looks at subaru, clearly caught off guard, but... ) It does... kind of feel like I might've, but that doesn't make sense.

( maybe he's overreacting, but he can't help it; uncertainty leaks into his voice, his expression, and even underneath it, something more urgent. though he does make an attempt to cover it up, however poor. he smiles towards subaru — something that can maybe be mistaken as apologetic but, really, is almost pleading. )

I mean, I'm telling the truth. That's not... that's not something you can just forget, right?

( you agree, don't you? )

It's not.

[... that's something he knows for sure. unless... it works the same way as keigo's totems, giving up something important for something else in return -- but amami wouldn't give up the memories of his siblings, subaru thinks, not with how impassioned he seemed about it, how briefly happy...]

I know you wouldn't lie to me, [or at least he believes that, since he won't count lies of omission as true lies,] but you definitely said that.

( for a long moment, amami is silent. looking to subaru, eyes searching. for what he doesn't know; it's not that amami wants to doubt him, but...

this isn't something that he wants to accept either.

and he's trying to remember, he really is, but no matter how he grasps at the words, that conversation, it feels soft around the edges. something he can see the presence of, but not clearly enough to make out the form. he tries to take the specifics in his hands, but only find his fingers curling around empty air as the smoke dissipates instead. in contrast to the crystal clarity of the rest of their words, despite that the other isn't wrong, he can tell, there's something in those words that feels intangible to him — separate and far away from him now.

that smile that lingers on his lips turns cold and bitter. )

Guess it really is like that in this place too...

My apologies, I hope I haven't made you two felt lacking for my oversight in this matter.

[ He refrains from bowing, but only slight because he's no longer a servant in anyone's employ any longer and they are supposed to be friends (he thinks?), but it is a near thing. ]

There are plenty of activities to do while you're here, including jobs. For example, the produce stall vendors sometimes hire people to help with selling products, then there are some in the city looking for people to help with crafting items—this including sewing together fabric and making necklaces. Of course there are always those looking around for those who can balance their checkbooks as well, and since there are inns, as well as restaurants there is usually request for help in various positions.

Positions such as wait staff, greeting, or generally a helping hand of some sort with guests. There are also those who make pottery and the like that may look for apprentices. More uncommonly some who write may look for someone to go over what they've written for a second eye, though most don't.

[ He doesn't mention the request for help for vanquishing ghosts and the like since that's up to cultivators like him and far too dangerous. Though there has been a lull in that which he's noticed. ]

Edited 2021-11-05 12:44 (UTC)

[ Meng Yao believes he has an idea of Subaru's temperament enough that teaching him such things isn't a mistake. That being said, killing isn't exactly a difficult thing for the cultivator, though Meng Yao prefers to reserve it for creatures or other culpable beings. Killing each other is playing too much into the hands of something he cares not for indulging.

Best to have it saved for the creatures that are behind all of this or would threaten them. ]

I'm almost afraid to begin teaching you those based on the response you gave just now.

[ Meng Yao is lightly joking here, because his concerns are little. ]

But I can look into starting with searching for a weapons master who can teach you how to use those while we're here. First, though, how about we start somewhere simple?

For example, with a dagger.

So... what I'm hearing is that you have good taste.

( there's a bit of a grin accompanying the words, but it's true! he's definitely not against stronger flavours himself — spicy in particular is a favourite, but anything made well is worth trying, and he has confidence in his skills on that front. in any case, that's pretty helpful, and he looks more than pleased with the answer. )

I'll keep it in mind. Don't worry too much about the trouble either, 'kay? It makes me feel better if I can to pay you back somehow for everything, even if it isn't much.

( seriously! this is phase one in a multi-step plan to somehow return meng yao's kindness, he just... needs to figure out what the other steps might be, is all. and on that note: )

If you think of anything else I can help with though, you can always let me know.

Oh, no no! You didn't, I'm just the sorta person who can't sit still for long~.

[but wow... there sure is a lot more than he thought. he thinks of pottery and wonders if he could impress keigo with a new skill, or maybe making necklaces... they'd spoken about that once... wait staff is something familiar though, he's done that work aplenty before...

amami's going to be okay with a job until he realizes how much he doesn't get paid and suggests robbing the vault--]

Sounds like I definitely won't get bored here~. Hey hey, since we're out, show me around~. If I've got a disciple with me, then there's all kinds of cool places we can go, right?

[right..????]

[a dagger... cool knife tricks then. subaru's not offended by the tease in the least, considering the first thing he did when he learned how to use a whip from lucifer was smack shin with it.]

Yay~, thank you Maimai~! And sounds good to me! What's first, shifu? Also, do weapons have cool names like in video games?

[he's... picked up a little from the various jobs meng yao'd suggested to him, though it's more of "he's a little confused but he's got the spirit" in terms of knowing if it's the proper way to address someone!]

Oh? But that's the best part.

( if subaru can't keep the treasure, surely it's fine for him to roll around in it.

well, not that it means amami's going to join him. he's similarly cautious, though his eyes are lit up bright and curious as he peeks through the sparkling piles — and it doesn't take long for something to catch his eye. give him a moment to lean down, and he'll scoop up a sword with absolutely dazzling jewels inlaid in its sheath. )

Oh wow, get a look at this one.

( he doesn't hesitate to draw it out either, holding it away from himself so he can get a good look at how the light shines against the intricate gold patterns through the center of the blade. meng yao especially will probably notice that, the way he holds it out like that, he has no clue how somebody is actually supposed to hold a sword. that's fine. the point is that it's cool as hell. he kinda wants to swing it around. )

You flatter me.

[ Meng Yao's voice is light, though there's still a smile there, alongside a bit of amusement, and a sense of contentment on his own end as well.

At the reassurance, however, his expression softens. ]

I won't, then.

You know, you say it isn't much. But sometimes it is the little things, isn't it? That, in the end, do make as much as an impact as the bigger ones. That's why I can say I look forward to it, and, well...I can't think of anything right now. Though, if I do come up with something I will let you know.

[ Which is going to admittedly be a little challenging because he's hardly ever asked anyone for help with things; hell, he didn't even get a recommendation for asking, it was just because a certain someone overheard his conversation with someone else. ]

( amami seems distracted as he sets up, if only a little, looking off in the direction of the river. it's a small thing, but somehow, it feels fitting, and his attention snaps back when meng yao speaks up. more than the scene around them, he's quick to direct his smile at meng yao. )

Yeah, it looks perfect. ( which is in part because, if it's his break, any place that he likes would be the best to pick, but that's beside the point. amami likes it too, and it's probably clear from that absent, distracted look he'd had about him just earlier. ) I knew you'd find us a good spot.

( anyhow, he'll set down the bag he'd had slung over his shoulder first, plopping himself down comfortably on the cloth that meng yao's set up for them so that he can start digging through it. from there, he can start pulling out the food containers of whatever kind they have in lanling because i'm not deep-diving that far into wuxia worldbuilding, but they're probably home to pretty small, reasonably sized servings, and setting those up between the two of them. )

I decided to make us a couple things, so I don't expect us to get through it all; we can just share anything that's left over with Akehoshi-kun. Oh, but there's one I was really hoping to show you — it's a recipe that's kind of special to me.

( because, this time, he'd erred on the side of things that were familiar to him. it's better to share what he knows and find something positive in that, he thinks, than make a poor attempt at whatever may be contemporary to lanling and disappoint both of them. he likes to think that the sentiment would count for something. so, he sets out a couple of the dishes to choose from — some mapo tofu, orh jian, some sticks of youtiao in a nice little basket in the middle (he's been working very hard, and probably very noticeably practicing and double-checking the recipes) — but it's actually a small bowl of soup that amami decides he'll hold out for meng yao to take personally. )

Ah, I see. That makes sense...you have always struck me as a rather energetic person.

[ It is something Meng Yao has observed even when he hadn't been talking to Subaru. Then again, it is something he feels like is hard to miss, considering.

He eases into another smile at the request, however. ]

Well, there are some nice places that sell plenty of paintings and good works of art... [ Ah, wait he's not talking to Huaisang here. Some hold habits die hard even if the last they spoke was quite awhile ago. ] But if you mean you'd like to go into Koi Tower, I suppose I could bring you along as a guest...?

Which is fine, I suppose...if you're willing to stomach the possibility we may run into Jin Zixun again.

[ You know what, it's not actually a bad title all things considered, even if he can't believe someone would call him that. But still, he actually might be kind of impressed that he's trying to learn the lingo, and he sees no reason to dissuade him from it. ]

Handling the weapon properly first of course, followed by learning which moves work best with such a weapon.

[ Meng Yao does have on his person a fancy-looking dagger he's procured from a weapon shop around here. Sure he's got his normal sword with him, but he thought it couldn't hurt, and now he's finding that once again his sense of being overprepared is coming in handy. ]

And you're right that weapons have names. Including my own.

So, you're of course free to name your weapon; though of course something relatively suitable works. Whenever you're ready, please let me know, and I'll get us to somewhere with an open space to start.

...And you expect me to give you the answer?

( subaru? put a little effort into it!! BIG sigh. )

I'll let you off the hook this time, ( because it doesn't seem fair to go off on him for a trip that was planned months in advance, ) but you'd better hope there's not a next time.

( do NOT let them down, subaru. )

Well? You seemed like you had an idea, Ama-chaaan! This is my first relationship, you know, and any of my friends would've been happy with that... Spending lots of time together and all.

[jeez... he'll kick stones as they go. heading towards one of the gardens in the city, because it's nice and they can sit and there's probably a pond amami can drown subaru in.........

...

well, he guesses this is a good of time as any, since they're on the topic... since it's still a worry in his mind, for all the direction he'd been given by meng yao.]

Also, I... did sorta wanna talk to you about them anyway, 'cause... I don't think it's fair that you of all people don't know. But you've gotta promise me two things. Okay?

( for a moment, amami almost looks faintly surprised at the reassurance meng yao offers, but the expression quickly clears up into something soft and warm. a sincere smile lights up his features, and he nods along to agree. )

Yeah, I think you're right. When someone wishes you happy birthday, or having tea with friends... ( and he offers meng yao a smile here, as if to make his point, ) At the end of the day, I think it's the peaceful moments like this that you really hold close to your heart.

( it's not something he has the opportunity to indulge in either, not as often as he'd like, so maybe it's a little bit sentimental about it, but... it's nice to find someone who feels the same as him. stretching his arms out in front of him, across the table, he gives a long hmm as he thinks. and by the time he's done with that, he looks pretty satisfied with the conclusion he's reached. )

In that case, even if you can't think of anything, I'll do my best to make sure we can share more of these moments — pretty sure we'll need the breathers when we get back too.

[ Meng Yao looks a little bit proud to hear that, but he also takes note of the fact that Rantarou truly seems to appraise their surroundings closely, and indicates by his lingering gaze that he is just as satisfied as he says that he is.

That in of itself is something he feels content with. Though after the other goes to sit, Meng Yao follows suit, watching he's pulling out the food containers. ]

A special recipe? Something you've come up with, or is it something from home...?

[ The brunet was rather curious and admittedly a bit excited about what the other had to offer. He eyes all of the food that he's taking out, and his expressions turns from assessing to actually surprised. Pleasantly so since there is a familiarity in some of the dishes just from looking right at them!

Then he belatedly realizes the other is holding out a bowl to him belatedly and for a second looks sheepish before he takes it. When he brings it closer to examine, is he able to tell what kind of soup it is? ]

Neither, actually. It's one that was given to me.

( well, shown to him, and they probably didn't expect him to take it to heart quite as much as he did, but still... point is, he seems really happy with it, and meng yao shouldn't have any difficulty identifying it either — it's hot and sour soup. just at a glance, he can easily pick out tofu and lily and a very generous amount of bamboo that went into making this.

once meng yao's taken his bowl though, amami will go on ahead and grab his too. don't hold it against him though, if he seems to pause for a moment, watching for what kind of reaction meng yao will have first. )

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Page 5 of 7

.:An Adventure to Remember:.

Interlude ~ Lunch with Amami

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