Cloud Recesses is in an uproar!
Lan Qiren begins pacing at the beginning of his lesson, glancing towards the door and hoping that his two prized students arrive soon.
He had left WangJi meditating, while Wei Ying slept on, and having sent over their breakfast, with a heating talisman, he thought nothing more about it. This morning should have been like all the others since the Wei family came to live here...
And yet, today is not the same.
It would be disrespectful to ditch the class and go to look for them, Lan Qiren thinks, but the choice is tempting. Could they have gone to meet with Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze? Why are they late?
He has to force himself to pay attention to the little ones in this class, and the minutes drag on until he can tear himself away. No cause for alarm, he tells himself, leaving as soon as his last student exits the classroom.
The Jingshi appears normal...until he steps inside. The boys are not here, and a quick look at the breakfast tray gives him hope because they have eaten - no matter where they are, they won't be hungry for a while. But where have they gone?
He goes next door, knocking hastily after almost forgetting to.
"Welcome, Qiren!" Wei Changze bows and hurriedly, Lan Qiren does the same.
"What's wrong?" Cangse Sanren is attempting to get out of bed, and Lan Qiren stops her with a glare.
"No matter what it is, we can deal with it. Have you seen either WangJi or A-Ying this morning? And please be serious, for once." He directs that last part towards the notorious prankster.
Both of them are shaking their heads.
"Ah, well, I'm sure we'll find them," Lan Qiren turns to leave.
"Wait, I'll come with you. A-Ren, please stay where you are." Wei Changze bends to plant a kiss on her forehead. "If there's two of us looking for them, we'll find them faster."
Lan Qiren waits, looking away while they exchange a long, silent look full of promises.
"Let's go." Wei Changze walks out with him. "Where do they usually go?" He asks when they reach outside.
"It is time for classes, so they would usually be in the Orchid Room now." Lan Qiren bites his lip, hoping to keep it together. "Honestly, though? They could be anywhere."
"It will be fine," Wei Changze says bravely, patting his shoulder. "Let's not panic right now. We can split up and cover more ground, maybe enlist some help," he says, nodding towards Lan Huan and his friends coming towards them.
In the end, it is easy to organise search parties, after everyone they've talked to says they have not seen the boys. It's past lunchtime now, and Lan Qiren hopes they are alright...but where could they be?
**************
Earlier, that same day...
A noise from the bed stirs Lan Zhan from his meditation, and his eyes open. Wei Ying is tossing and turning, agitated in sleep. But this time, when Lan Zhan goes closer, he's shocked to see tears pouring from his eyes, small animalistic noises that sound like he's suffering through whatever his mind is showing him.
Lan Zhan wastes no time, climbing into the bed and holding him tight. Usually, this helps but not today.
Today, Wei Ying wakes up, his silver eyes rimmed in red from hot tears still falling.
"Lan Zhan...I have to ask you something," he says immediately upon seeing him.
"Mn. Anything."
"Did you really draw that array? The time travelling one?"
