The Untamed - Extended Ending

A New Day

As Lan Zhan stood with his hand behind his back and sword grasped in his other hand, he nodded respectfully as students entered the main hall of the Cloud Recesses. Meanwhile, Wei Ying sat on a stoop, behind Lan Zhan, transcribing something onto parchment paper. Every so often, Wei Ying would look up at Lan Zhan. The light-blue strands of his headband were visible through his long, pitch hair. Staring off into space, Wei Ying recalled the night before when Lan Zhan allowed him to remove it for him. Redirecting his gaze back down to the paper, Wei Ying shook his head and laughed at himself. While he was drawing, Lan Si Zhui, Lan Jing Yi, and Ouyang Zi Zhen ran over to Wei-Ying. "Brother Wei," Si Zhui exclaimed. "Are you going to be attending the lecture?" All of the boys excitedly awaited his response. Looking up from his sketch, Wei Ying smiled at the adolescents and replied, "No. I am just here to keep Lan Zhan company beforehand." An obvious look of disappointment was on all of their faces. Lan Zhan turned his head slightly to hear the conversation better. Affectionately looking up at Lan Zhan and then back to Si Zhui, Wei Ying consoled, "but Han Guang Jun will be there to supervise." Nodding in appreciation of his words, the boys bowed to Lan Zhan, and scurried off into the hall.

Raising his brow, Wei Ying glanced down at the ground pensively. He wondered if Jin Ling would be in attendance. Bringing his focus back to his drawing, Wei Ying smiled as he put a few finishing touches to it. Springing up pleased with himself, he proudly held the drawing out in front of Lan Zhan. "Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying exclaimed excitedly, "Look!" Presenting a sketch of two rabbits, Wei Ying was chuffed with himself. "You see, Lan Zhan? One of the bunnies has a headband. That one is you. And the other one is me. Do you like it?" A warm smirk materialized on Lan Zhan's face as he admired the drawing. Wei Ying giggled at seeing Lan Zhan's expression, and he held it towards Lan Zhan. "I made it for you. You keep it." Still smiling at the paper, Lan Zhan took his hand out from behind his back and accepted the love token. Giving Wei Ying a quick glance, his attention went back to the drawing, which he meticulously placed inside his robe.

Seeing the main hall almost to full capacity, Wei Ying was about to bid farewell to Lan Zhan when he heard, "Brother Wei!" Turning to see who was speaking to him, Wei Ying was happy to see it was his nephew, Jin Ling. Then, after seeing his own brother Jian Cheng escorting Jin Ling, Wei-Ying's eyes shot down to the floor shamefully. Jin Ling turned to Lan Zhan, and both he and Jiang Cheng bowed reverently. Lan Zhan pleasantly nodded and brought his attention to Wei Ying who was clearly uncomfortable. Not addressing Wei-Ying, but scowling at him, Jian Cheng spat, "Why is he here?" Disapprovingly, Lan Zhan raised his eyebrow at Jiang Cheng. With the upper corner of his lip snarling, he demanded at Wei-Ying, "Why are you here?" Apparently, that was a rhetorical question because he followed with, "Oh yes, that is right. I heard. You are now living here. Is this your new home?" There was spite in his tone which made Wei Ying mortified, so he kept his gaze downward.

Offended by Jian Cheng's tone, Lan Zhan commanded, "Jiang Wanyin! Stop it!" Caught off-guard by Lan Zhan's authoritative voice, Jiang Cheng backed up a couple steps. Glancing at Jin Ling, Jiang Cheng said, "Behave while you are here. And stay away from him." Clearly, Jiang Cheng was referencing Wei-Ying. Then, Jiang Cheng stormed off leaving Jin Ling there feeling uncomfortable. Once Jiang Cheng had gone, Wei Ying looked up at Jin Ling, giving him a warm smile. Jin Ling returned the sentiment, gave a quick bow, and continued on into the main hall. The encounter with Jiang Cheng made Wei Ying melancholic and he let out a deep sigh.

Sympathizing with Wei-Ying, Lan Zhan turned to face him and tried to reassure him that everything was alright. Seeing Lan Zhan's concerned face made Wei Ying feel affable and he gave his lover an eye-squinting grin. "Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said, "I am going to go to my workshop. I'll be there all day and will stay out of trouble. Come find me when you are done." Thoughtfully, Lan Zhan glanced to the side and then back at Wei-Ying. Ideally, he would love for Wei Ying to stay with him all day; however, it would be uncomfortable for Wei Ying to do so. Giving a meek smirk, he nodded at Wei Ying while maintaining eye contact. Wei Ying smiled, while walking backwards, with a twinkle in his eyes. Giving a wave with his flute in hand at his friend, Wei-Ying merrily jaunted off in the direction of the back-hills. Lan Zhan gazed after Wei Ying happily sauntering up the path away from him. Until they met again, he would keep him in his thoughts throughout the day.

Looking up into the clouds, Lan Zhan mulled over what obstacles he would face with Wei-Ying. He was determined to repair Wei-Ying's reputation. It bothered him that people treated him with such disdain. What people thought of him, Lan Zhan did not mind, but with Wei Ying it was different. All Wei Ying ever wanted to do was the right thing, even when it was the most difficult thing to do, even if it meant harm to himself. Wei Ying was the most courageous and selfless person he had ever met; thus, he not only held Lan Zhan's affection, but he had his utmost respect. Regardless of whatever hurdles lie ahead, as long as Wei Ying was by his side, and he could keep him safe, everything else did not matter; everything else paled in comparison. Watching the last of the students enter the main hall, Lan Zhan ruminated on his feelings. Before entering the hall, Lan Zhan paused reflectively. Regardless of any hardships encountered, he intended to be by Wei-Ying's side, every day, as life-long confidantes, as soulmates, for always, and forever.