Wangxian Prompt/Self-fill Dump

I will Protect you... Pt 6

Lan Xichen stood by the gates, waiting for the group of young masters and Lan disciples that would be venturing out today. He had an actual vision, helped by his small visit to the Burial Mounds the day before, of the Abyss attack being today. The shoot of black bamboo was already cut down to size and had the wholes carefully cut into it. He only needed to make the braided talisman for it, but he and Wangji were going to make that together and they wanted it to be perfect. Wangji was standing at his side as was his father. Lan Mingshen seemed to be having fun getting under his brother's skin and annoying the Elders, he's also been slowly changing the Wall of Rules, having them all written down into a book and then would have a few scribes, preferably younger ones, go over it and streamline the rules or toss out a number of them. He may or may not hint at the ones that needed to be toss. 3000 rules was indeed a bit much and not only contradictory, but also counterproductive. He had walked by the section that was meant for the children too young to start training and they were so quiet. Children were meant to run and play, scream and be loud. Indeed things need to change. He will not welcome his grandchildren into such a repressive environment. He also watched some of the lessons and was impressed with what Wei-gongzi accomplished in such a short amount of time and even found his pet Yao oddly adorable. Speaking of said animal, the black and blue Yao came dashing over the pathway and quickly leaned up pawing at his leg, whining for pets.

"Hello, Xiao Huli, are you going on an adventure today?" He asks, scratching at the big pointed ears. "You be good and protect your master."

The fox gave a small howl and then went to twin around both the Lan brothers' legs, giving a pleased purr like sound. The three young masters soon came into sight and Nie Huaisang was between Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin, the latter scolding his brother about the fox. Wei Wuxian's smile was brittle and his laugh was fake, but pitched just right that unless you know what to look for, what to listen for, you would think nothing was wrong. Lan Wangji walked up to them and the smile brightened and the laugh this time was genuine and warm.

"Lan Zhan! We're going to town, want to join us?" Wei Ying asks, looking hopeful.

"Of he doesn't, you dolt! Why would he want to spend more time with your annoying ass?!" Jiang Wanyin snaps. "He only spends time with you because of the wager between you and Lan Laoshi!"

"Would like to join, Wei Ying." Lan Zhan says and bows slightly to the pretty young man that has captured his heart in his delicate hands. "Can show Wei Ying around Caiyi..."

"Eh, Wangji-xiong has never give me a tour!" Nie Huaisang whines.

"Nie-xiong has been to Caiyi often enough to know it very well." He says blandly and the young Nie Heir squawks in shock before flinging himself onto Wei Ying, in mock sobs about Lan Zhan's cruelty.

"A'Huan, please escort them. It is market day and it can be hectic. Do watch out for anything strange." Lan Mingchen says, drawing their attention to him as his eldest son bows, they know today is the day and the Sect Leader planned to watch what results of Wei-Gongzi's diligent studies and practices would yield.

"Oh course, Fuqin." He says and turns to see the rest of their party finally arrive and soon they are off. Thanks to Lan Xichen having those visiting town help out and keeping an eye out for things, the Water Ghoul infestation was noticed sooner and thankfully no one innocent had been hurt. And today they would see Wei Ying's newest creations at work as well as if his theory was correct.

Much like last time, they got onto the boats, Wei Ying buy a basket of loaquats and tossing one to each of their party members. When he calls out to Wangji this time, his brother catches his own and gives a pleased smile to Wei Ying, who gives a bright laugh and tosses another to Lan Xichen, who catches it and the two brothers take a bite of the sweet treat, all the sweeter because their beloved had given it to them. The others were chatting softly as slowly leave Caiyi town and move out into Bailing Lake. Wei Ying was the first to notice the danger first, yet again as the thick fog rolled in and visibility became difficult.