Dust & Gold

41

After the events leading up to the Archery Competition, it was nice for Wangji to see his husband so much more relaxed. Wangji has woken at his usual hours and spent those morning preparing a bath for Wuxian, tending to the chickens, collecting eggs, and preparing a nice breakfast. By the time Wuxian was shifting around in bed to wake up, breakfast would be just about ready. Wuxian sat up stretching out his arms and let out a nice morning yawn. His eyes were still half open due to the sleep be woke from. Wangji always found this moment too adorable. He could stand there admiring how beautiful Wuxian is but he did have other things to do.

"Wei Ying?" Wangji greeted him good morning.

Wuxian looked at him and smiled. Wangji sat beside him and pulled him into his arms, "Lan Zhan," he said quietly as he nuzzled his head against Wangji's chest, "it's a bit chilly this morning."

"Mnn, the seasons are changing soon," Wangji said.

"We should prepare for that then," Wuxian said, "need to stalk the shed with wood and feed for the animals."

"We will, we can get some of that done today if you like," Wangji said, "I just thought it would be nice to relax after everything that has happened."

"It does sound nice," Wuxian said, "When is that disciple coming?"

"They are stopping at Cloud Recesses to put in our vault. We can go and get whatever we need anytime," Wangji said.

"Something has been bothering me since the conference meeting," Wuxian said.

"What is it?" Wangji asked.

"Sect Leader Jin," Wuxian said, "why would he try to cause a scene like that?"

"I am not sure," Wangji said, "it is rather odd. I know he has been wanting Sect Leader Wen's position for a while but that doesn't explain why he tried to get into your business."

"Perhaps its the Jin Sect we need to worry about, not just the Wen Sect," Wuxian said, "I know that Wen Ruohan has been setting up more outposts but there has to be a reason for it...perhaps safety...or more control."

"It is his duty to look after all of the people. It's a lot for one man to handle," Wangji told him.

"What are the other sects for than?" Wuxian asked, "Why hold conference meetings?"

Wangji grinned, "that is a point," he said, "I have a bath prepared for you. I should go finish breakfast."

"Okay, can I have a kiss first?" Wuxian asked, giving him puppy eyes.

Wangji's smile grew as he cupped Wuxian's face in his hands, "Of course you can, My Love," he said. Wangji pulled him closer and settled his lips on Wuxian's. Wuxian let out a contented sigh and melted in Wangji's embrace. Wuxian was starting to understand the bond between them more now that this curse has been removed. He now understands how strong the pull is and easy it is to understand the other's emotions.

Wangji pulled away slowly and helped Wuxian to the bath before heading to the kitchen and finishing preparations for breakfast. Wuxian didn't take too long. Once he was cleans for the day, he dressed in his usual black robes and joined Wangji for breakfast.

"I wish I could cook, I would be a bit more useful around here," Wuxian said.

"It is alright," Wangji said, "You already to a lot when tending to the garden, hunting, and fishing. We both have our own fair share of duties."

Wuxian smiled, "I suppose so," he said, "did you want to start gathering wood while I head to town to buy feed for the animals?"

"Mnn," he nodded, "eat and we can discuss this further afterwards."

The two ate their breakfast peacefully. They both cleaned up the dishes before getting some work done. Since Wangji had such arm strength, he would start gathering wood for the cooler times of the year. Wuxian went into town to get some supplies for their animals and to start preparing the house for winter. About an hour after shopping, he had everything he needed and started to make his way home. He noticed Wen Sect disciples being more aggressive towards the more wealthier people. He even saw one disciple taking a child he found roaming the streets to a nearby orphanage. Wuxian felt that something was off and headed home immediately before he got involved in something he didn't need to be involved in.

Wangji noticed Wuxian's complexion to be a bit pale when he saw him return home. It caused him a bit of concern. He stopped what he was doing for now and cleaned up a bit before making his way over to Wuxian who was sitting at the table drinking some water.

"Is everything alright?" Wangji asked.

Wuxian explained to him what he witnessed in town. It seemed to concern Wangji more. Even though the two were further from town, the chaos could still come to their front door.

"What do you think?" Wuxian asked.

"I think we need to keep our barriers up at all times until we know what is going on. We have enough supplies for now so we should not go anywhere unless we have to. If we do, we don't go alone," Wangji said, "We should write to Brother and Shufu."

Wuxian nodded and pulled out some ink and parchment, "did you want to write it? You have better penmanship than I do?" He asked.

Wangji grinned and wrote the letter. Wuxian then sealed it in an envelope and used a talisman to teleport it to Cloud Recesses, "We should hear from them in a couple days," Wangji said.

"Let's go make sure the barriers around the property are still intact before we do anything else," Wuxian suggested. Wangji nodded and followed Wuxian out. The two circled their property and made sure the barriers were fine. They even decided to place fire proof talismans around the place in case someone decided to be sneaky.

"When will it end?" Wuxian asked as they entered the house.

"Not sure, all we can do for now is wait, be prepared for whatever happens next," Wangji said.

"We should keep up with our training then too," Wuxian suggested.

"We can start that up again tomorrow," Wangji agreed, "We have done a lot today."

"I could use some relaxation time," Wuxian said, "want to go cuddle? Maybe something else if we so desire?"

Wangji grinned, "be careful what you ask for," Wangji replied.

"Why? I knew what I signed up for when I married you," Wuxian said with a smiled in return.

Wangji grabbed Wuxian and pinned him down onto their bed, "then I have no problems delivering."

Wuxian giggled as Wangji began to work his magic.