Meng's Revenge: Vol.4 of Life Among Clouds WangXian Series

Innocence

When Yenay and Anshi arrived at the Bungalow he stopped suddenly, frozen and uncertain. They were people that Yenay had spoken of over campfires and when tucking him in before bedtime. They were on the other side of the whitewashed walls covered in flowering vines and he was frightened at facing these people. What if he was not welcome? Would he lose his Guardian again if he was not accepted?

Yenay captured his frightened eyes and copper and emerald looked deeply at one another.

"It is alright. They will want to know about you. There are forces working to destroy us. But they will gradually accept you. I promise."

"The woman who scarred Lan Zhan? Is she your enemy? Then she is mine as well."

She smiled warmly. "That is another matter. What I want is for you to be yourself. I heard that voice of yours and my Little Emerald is still as wild and free deep within as you have ever been. You are the son and grandson of great Chieftains and you are worthy of anyone's company." She stood for a moment, holding his hand. She had passed energy to him before they came and it had helped but she needed everyone's aid in order to give Anshi the same support she and Qing, Mian Mian, and Xiao Mian had received and returned. This ever-expanding family was what her beautiful Emerald child needed.

They entered and the first people they saw were, Qinyang, Qing, and Mian Mian. Their mouths dropped as they saw the handsome young man on Yenay's strong arm. He was pale and worn down, but those eyes were amazing. Yenay saw a flicker of sudden awareness in Qinyang's own amber eyes. Her wife walked over and touched his shoulder. "You are Anshi, are you not? You are just as Yenay described to me when she returned to us. Only much taller. Come. Join us."

Yenay glowed at her wife, as always, so proud of her mothering instincts and kindness. Anshi smiled shyly and bowed. " I am glad to meet you Qinyang. Yenay loves you so much." The ladies all chuckled and he started to apologize.

"No need, child. I adore her as well."

Two men and a little girl of around eleven entered Anshi's view. He was stunned. They were two of his bedtime stories come to life. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. His guileless eyes which could not lie, spoke volumes as he stared at his heroes. He registered Lan Zhan's scars but other than a steely flicker of anger at the person who had hurt him, they were not important. He also was stunned by Wei Ying. Just as he had imagined. Open, friendly, carefree, joyful. This was the wild child who had captured Lan Zhan's heart. As expected, conditioned as he had become, he sank to his knees to kowtow and Lan Zhan was immediately at his elbow raising him up.

"Nobody does that in the Lan sect. No need. I am Lan Zhan and this is Wei Ying. And you?"

"Anshi Dilnur, son of Daniyar and Aysia. Youngest son of the Chieftain of the Great Eagle Tribe. Friend of Yenay."

"That is a lovely name. What does it mean in your country?" Asked Wei Ying.

"Anshi means God's Gift. Dilnur means heart of light. My grandfather named me Dilnur at birth. My family just called  me Anshi, Little Singer, or Emerald."

"He sings beautifully. No, there is no way to describe his singing. It is ...well, there are no words."

Anshi blushed. "I...do not sing much anymore. I find it...difficult to do so."

Qinyang bit her lower lip and knelt before the young man.

"There was a time when I refused to sing or speak. I did it to heal at first and I carried it further to protect myself. You must only sing when you feel safe and only when you choose. Our sect cultivates with our music as our tools. Use yours as you wish."

" I feel safe with Yenay. I...sung a bit as I bathed this morning."

"Good. It was your choice. That is what you need."

Qing approached.

"I am Dr, Yue. I would like to check your pulse and meridians. May I have your permission?"

Anshi nodded. She sat next to him and gently touched his wrist, holding it for a few minutes.

After she was through she said, "You are very run down. Your body is overworked and your core is underdeveloped. All of this can be improved, so no need to worry. The core was neglected because you were taken young and had nobody to aid you and guide you."

She looked at Lan Zhan. " No signs of deception, he speaks truth. He has no guile and is readily transparent."

"Mn."

"'Mn! Mn!! Just like you told me, Yenay!" Anshi broke out in a grin, his first since his rescue, eyes wide in amazement.

Lan Zhan shot her a narrow sideways glare.

Anshi laughed. "That is his side glance, isn't it?" Wei Ying joined in and Lan Zhan's ears turned pink, which made the young man even more delighted

"Did you hold anything back?" Lan Zhan stared at his hapless sister.

"Sorry, but I had to tell him stories so he would sleep, and he started thinking of you as a hero,  so what could I do? He wanted to grow up to be you."

Lan Zhan still stood at attention, but everyone saw him soften a bit.

"If you want, I will help with core training."

"Lan Sect Leader...'

"No formalities. Lan Zhan is fine."

He steadied his voice and spoke firmly. "I have been enslaved since my abduction. I do not believe I am a suitable candidate for your attention. My father was a Chieftain, but my lifelong situation leaves me with little or no status. It may not be a good idea, Lan Sect Leader.'

"You must call me Lan Zhan. I decide who is qualified for my attention. You are. When you are stronger, we will begin." He walked quickly into the Bungalow and Wei followed.

"Lan Zhan? Are you alright, my love?"

Lan Zhan rubbed his forehead, eyes filled with pain. "He has been through a lot."

"Yes. And to retain that innocence and faith..."

"Yes. "

Wei Ying wrapped his arms around his husband. "I love you. I love your compassion. I love your great heart."

"And I love you, Wei Ying. For everything."