[ open post: Lan Wangji and guests ]

[lightbearinglord]

In the wake of his disorienting and unpleasant stint in Gu Xiang's body, Lan Wangji has done his utmost to resume and enjoy all of his usual pursuits. He has, he believes, thoroughly made up for his lapse in his promise to Wei Ying. He has wielded kitchen knives, his ink brush, and Bichen with precision and enthusiasm. He has sunk into long, restorative shichen of meditation. He has, at Claudius' behest, thoroughly perused Emily Post's instructions regarding how to conduct oneself as the best man at a wedding.

There is the matter of his qin, too. The discovery of the spirit in Gideon's sword struck Lan Wangji with greater surprise than he might have expected. Such things were once commonplace for him; he hardly went two weeks, before he came to this place, without finding himself called to some night-hunt. He does not like to believe that he could become complacent, and he has always practiced diligently, but still.

The tableau is a familiar one: a certain parlor near the entryway of the mansion, one that often houses this particular cultivator along with his spiritual instrument. Wangji is balanced on a table at the center of the room, polished black wood gleaming and strings freshly tuned, and Lan Wangji sits cross-legged before it. He is not actually playing it at this precise moment, however, because he currently has guests. A small white rabbit sits next to the qin, munching his way through a piece of lettuce. An equally small brown rabbit is perched in the crook of Lan Wangji's elbow, eyeing his brother with some envy. Ostensibly, the rabbits are in trouble, because they have recently laid waste to Lan Wangji's copy of Emma. It is impossible to tell, because Lan Wangji is petting Danding's head with exactly as much solemn focus as always.

Comments

[futaille]

Grantaire nods and lets Xiaoxue continue to snuffle at his fingers while he lifts his other hand and carefully strokes a fingertip between the rabbit's ears. "Impressively soft, young monsieur. You could almost certainly win awards for it, were there awards to be won."

[lightbearinglord]

If some sort of competition of softness were to open up at this mansion, Lan Wangji would seemingly need to enter his rabbits. The number of people who have commented on said softness is remarkable, and perpetually increasing. Again, he is not quite smiling, but there's an indulgent curl somewhere in the set of his mouth as he watches Grantaire and Xiaoxue.

[futaille]

"I can see it now," he says easily. "No cups of precious metal, of course, for they would hardly interest the participants. A luxurious spread of fresh fruits and vegetables for the winner, though, to browse at his convenience, arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. And slightly smaller ones for the runners-up, of course, for one would hardly wish to deprive other worthy competitors. Such a thought would be unfathomable."

[lightbearinglord]

It is almost a shame to interrupt, but then, Lan Wangji is generally familiar with the optimal strategy for interacting with such men. Occasionally offering a little fuel for the fire of their words is usually welcomed. "They particularly like melons," he says.

[futaille]

The tone of his voice immediately brightens, although he still keeps his volume reasonably subdued in deference to the rabbits. "Melons! Well, that would certainly make for quite the colorful tableau, should a sufficient variety be obtained. Not that the reward would skimp on the leaves, one cannot subside on only sugar, even if one is a terribly soft and well-behaved rabbit. I can hardly fault your taste, though, small monsieur."

[lightbearinglord]

Xiaoxue nudges Grantaire's hand with his head, rather imperious for a creature who was so nervous mere moments ago. "Too much fruit is not ideal," Lan Wangji agrees. "Hay and vegetables are safer."

[futaille]

Grantaire promptly gives Xiaoxue slightly firmer scritches, allowing another finger to stroke down one of his ears. "All things in moderation," he says with a nod. But, since he's, of course, himself, he makes sure to add, "moderation itself included."

[lightbearinglord]

"Naturally," Lan Wangji says dryly. He could argue, but even he has been known to indulge in certain excesses.

[futaille]

"And all things in moderation for well-behaved rabbits. Except for pets, in which they can indulge all they like. Yes, small monsieur, I shall continue until you desire no more."

[lightbearinglord]

"He likes you," Lan Wangji points out calmly. In order to prevent Danding from staging an outright revolt, he retrieves another piece of lettuce and begins feeding it to the rabbit still in his own arms.

[futaille]

"Of course he does; I'm extremely likable," he says dryly, continuing to give Xiaoxue all the pets he deserves. "Or at least provide adequate enough head scratches."

[lightbearinglord]

Xiaoxue, quite happy with the situation in which he's found himself, has begun to happily melt into a neatly-tucked bundle of rabbit. The visual remains wildly endearing.

[futaille]

Grantaire then risks carefully picking Xiaoxue up and holding him against his chest, continuing the scratches all the while. "Why yes, small monsieur. You are in fact due the lap of luxury, far more than any man ever has, possibly especially the ones who have received it. Greens and melons and affection for as far as your bright shining eyes can see. I would say recreation as well, but I know not what games rabbits play, and I know the ones I am most familiar with would not suit at all. But in my continuing education into entertainment, should I find one, I will most certainly come find you and tell you all about it. You seem a discerning individual, and would undoubtedly outstrip me at it in no time."

[lightbearinglord]

Grantaire is most likely not paying attention to Lan Wangji's face and will not see the glimmer of a smile that crosses his features. Still, it is worth noting. "Typically, they play by chewing on the wooden toys my husband whittles for them. You are welcome to try that."

[futaille]

He nods sagely. "Ah, wood. Not my customary medium, although I could make an attempt. Poorness of form would I'm sure be forgiven by the distinguished recipient as long as the wood of choice was properly chewable. Clearly a soft wood, good for the lapine teeth."

[lightbearinglord]

"Mn," Lan Wangji says, in acknowledgement that the form of the wood in question matters considerably less than its palatability for chewing. "I was suggesting that you could join them in the chewing, if you are dedicated to a thorough study of entertainments."

[futaille]

Oh and that is a challenge if he's ever heard one. He very briefly diverts his gaze from Xiaoxue to Lan Wangji, a mischievous grin spreading on his face. "Of course, it would be entirely irresponsible of me not to. Testing for splinters and the like, and exploring rabbit entertainment in my compilation."

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji, of course, meets Grantaire's gaze with unimpeachable impassivity. "How does the rest of your compilation fare?"

[futaille]

He continues petting Xiaoxue as he quite happily answers. "It's been a quite charming variety of old mainstays from back home, new variations on those old mainstays, and entirely new discoveries. The game room is certainly a multifaceted delight."

[lightbearinglord]

"I have rarely been." There are several reasons for this, his persistent distaste for Shen Yuan chief among them.

[futaille]

Grantaire shrugs very slightly, in deference to the rabbit still against his chest. "That's fair. Not everything is going to be for everyone, obviously." He pauses. "Possibly except for making the acquaintance of rabbits, because I cannot fathom how that would not be beneficial for all mankind."

[lightbearinglord]

"They are calming companions," Lan Wangji agrees. He gives Danding an affectionate stroke all down his spine, starting just between the ears. "Do you know weiqi?"

[futaille]

His eyebrows rise curiously. "I have not. What is it?"

[lightbearinglord]

"A game of strategy, and one of the four gentlemanly arts." Surely any respectable compilation of games and entertainments would need to begin with weiqi.

[futaille]

"I'm not the most strategic¹, but I'm intrigued. How do you play?"

¹Technically true although he's selling himself short², at least when it comes to game playing, as needed.
²I know. Shocking.