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[sizhui]

[ Sizhui... can't exactly make longevity noodles for his cousin, though he really would have liked to, just because it's the traditional birthday thing.

But... it would sound like a mockery, all things considered.

Instead, when he seeks out Wen Ning, he has a package wrapped up holding a music box with a really sweet melody in his hands. ]

I... do not know if you wanted to celebrate much but... happy birthday.

Re: action;

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning starts a bit at the sudden delivery. He had all but forgotten his birthday, given how long it has been since he actually celebrated it. But he is even more moved that A-Yuan remembered it. The music box makes his ears flicker in curiosity. ]

A-Yuan.... thank you...

[sizhui]

[ He has asked. Also, this is important. It is very important to appreciate and celebrate what time they have here. It is precious in a way that Sizhui could not have understood before. But now he does. ]

Of course! I ... here. [ He hands over the package. ] You wind it up and it play a melody for you. I hope you like it, but if you wanted something else, we can always get it? Are there things you would like?

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning carefully cradles the box before experimenting with the crank to see how it works. His ears spring up, as the music fills the room. ]

Ah, I like... this. It's beautiful.

[ Any gift from his nephew would be a wonder. Just being able to share this day with him is present enough. Wen Ning can't think of anything else to ask for. ]

[sizhui]

I'm glad, very glad.

[ Sitting, and sitting close, because Sizhui is very happy to be able to share this. ]

Did you... have thoughts of doing something special today?

[goodboyplaydead]

I should like... to watch you practice. Your archery.

[ While watching others perform archery does bring him some lingering traces of melancholy for the life he once knew, it also keeps him connected to that life as well, in those memories. Seeing those skills thrive in a new generation is a treasured sight. ]

[sizhui]

Oh! Yes, I'd like that.

[ He's. Going to tilt his head. And not ask how long has he wanted to do that. Instead. ]

And it can be special today because it's the first time, but you are welcome to come any day, and every day. If you want.

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning's tail wags behind him, in his seat. While he might not be able to express his joy at A-Yuan's response, that fluffy tail sure does. ]

I am... glad. We can go... whenever you are... ready. And... I will come watch you... more often. Like you said.

[sizhui]

All right! Let me get my bow and we can go.

[ He has lived in the same house as Wen Ning for months now. He is still absolutely and genuinely thrilled to spend more time with him. Always. ]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ It is true that Wen Ning should have followed long before now. But it's hard to shake the idea of imposing on others, whenever he has something he desires. Sizhui's words have convinced him to allow himself this much.

He is already outside when Sizhui retrieves his bow. ]

Where... should we go?

[ He's too caught up in his excitement over everything to notice that he's adding himself into that question. Which should have been more about his nephew's preference. ]

[sizhui]

Well! I usually go in one of the bigger parks on level one, and then pick up a place where there aren't any people, and assign targets for myself.

Would that work?

[ of course he is adding himself, Sizhui wouldn't have it otherwise.

And of course his uncle has more experience, Sizhui will absolutely defer to his judgment... ]

[goodboyplaydead]

The park... is a good choice. There is... plenty of open space. And places to... set up targets.

What do you... usually target?

[sizhui]

Yes, exactly! Though I don't usually set them up, more ... pick them? A high branch, or an odd-colored leaf or blossom, now that there are some of those again. Something that will be a challenge - because it moves, or because it's almost too far.

[goodboyplaydead]

A-Yuan truly wants to... push himself.

[ It makes Wen Ning's chest swell with even more pride. Metaphorically of course. ]

I used to... practice. By the water. The sounds... made it easier. To quiet... everything else.

It is how... I met Young Master Wei.

[sizhui]

Well, I try. It's better to push myself than grow complacent, isn't it?

[ Annnd Sizhui perks up. He's never going to get tired of stories, ever. ]

It was? What happened? What was it like?

[goodboyplaydead]

[ And Wen Ning is happy to share them, especially ones like this. ]

My sister and I... we came to... Cloud Recesses. Long before... the war. I was... practicing. Young Master Wei... noticed. I lost... concentration. So he offered... help. Helped me... calm my mind. So I could... hear. Everything.

[sizhui]

... If I didn't know better, I'd say that he is better at teaching things than practicing them.

[ But he does know better. And he does know that Senior Wei can calm his mind - it's just something that he's not overfond of doing too much or too often, not without it being the means to an end.

He tilts his head slightly as they walk. ]

In our Cloud Recesses, you two would have been separated. Men and Women train and live very separately, and there are patrols to make sure there are no casual meetings.

[goodboyplaydead]

He is a... very skilled teacher.

[ Wen Ning's ears twitch at that. ]

What about... the areas where you... study? Are those... shared?

[sizhui]

[ Sizhui nods easily. ]

Mm-hmm. Only boys. We even go night-hunting separately, although of course there are both maidens and madams to be encountered there.

[goodboyplaydead]

Mm, our hunts... were just the... four of us. Usually.

[ But that's also because not many want to hunt alongside the former Ghost General. Only the junior Lans and Jin Ling were open to it. With Young Master Ouyang on the occasion. ]

[sizhui]

Oohh...

I heard, from Jingyi since he was from later than me, that back home I take the entire group of Lan juniors to go night hunting with you. I mean, then I copy more rules doing handstand than everyone, but it's worth it.

[goodboyplaydead]

Ah, the... entire group? They do not... mind?

[ Maybe this is something he would have to work up to. ]

[sizhui]

[ Sizhui shakes his head. ]

I don't think they do. And why would they? How many times have you saved our lives...

[goodboyplaydead]

I am... glad. That we can... all spend time... together. That I can... still teach you. Even there.

[sizhui]

Yes. [ But for all the word is calm, Sizhui actually skips a little. Just because - yes. This makes him happy. ]

How about you, uncle Ning? Have you been learning things, here?