After Meng Yao's downfall, things settled into a quiet routine. Being Sect Leader kept him busy though he still had time to train and enjoy quiet moments when he could. But it was the quiet moments that often his thoughts turned to those who he had lost. Visiting the shrine to his parents and Yanli was a hollow comfort.
Finding a spouse was the other project which only frustrated him. He didn't think his requirements for a potential wife were unreasonable, to say the least, and it wasn't his fault that the matchmakers failed to produce any candidates. After months of getting banned from matchmaker after matchmaker, he decided that it was a project he would put aside for now.
He hadn't had the chance to see Huaisang in a while so a visit was welcome though he was surprised by Huaisang's intention to stay the week when he had his own sect. He frowned slightly when Huaisang mentioned his difficulties with finding a wife, setting his cup down as he clenched one hand.
"The matchmakers have failed to present me with any suitable candidates in the last few months," he remarked, not denying it since it wasn't exactly a secret.
"Leave that to me," Huaisang assured him, with absolute confidence, as though he already had a line of suitable candidates ready to be plucked. He could think of at least one candidate who matched the list of attributes that Jiang Cheng claimed to want in a mate. Except, perhaps, for "thrifty". How unreasonable. But surely Jiang Cheng would be willing to compromise on that one point once Huaisang convinced him on all the others.
"There are still plenty of beautiful cultivators from good families in the world. I'm not concerned about that at all. And you are extremely qualified yourself: handsome, the leader of a prominent clan, honorable, a very powerful cultivator, highly respected. Really, Jiang-xiong, you're one of the most eligible bachelors in the cultivation world." Smiling cheerfully as he flattered his friend, Huaisang rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand. "But even if you are qualified and your partner is qualified, none of that matters at all unless you have the necessary skill in courtship to prove your worthiness as a romantic partner. See, this is something of a well-known secret, but no matchmaker would consider a man who didn't have any skill at courting. I suspect that's the source of your trouble."
He nodded very seriously, with just a hint of a pout to communicate his great sympathy on this topic.
"Do you have someone in mind?" He decided that he didn't want to know just where Huaisang had found a suitable candidate when the matchmakers had failed. He had been so frustrated that he was willing to accept help on this matter wherever he could find it.
He wasn't moved by the flattery since he knew his own qualifications. He was confident that any woman from a good background would be lucky to be married to him in his view. He peered at Huaisang, brows furrowed as he considered his words carefully. It was true he didn't have a lot of experience with courtship. Any attempts had been shortlived and he had just given up since his efforts were often in vain.
"Well, you need practice, of course. And a good teacher. So that was the idea I had. You can court me. It'll be a fun game, and good practice for you. Then, when I'm sure you're ready, you can move on to other suitable candidates." Of course, depending on how much Huaisang enjoys the courtship, it's possible he will never deem Jiang Cheng ready to move on.
Whipping open his fan, he fluttered it elegantly. Lifting his chin, he regarded Jiang Cheng loftily over the edge of the fan, as though he was a very high-born young mistress considering Jiang Cheng as a suitor. "Well, Sect Leader Jiang? State your intentions."
Jiang Cheng took a moment to consider Huaisang's proposition. The other man was right- he had to learn about courtship if he was going to go back to the matchmakers. At least, the ones who would still work with him.
"It will not interfere with your duties as sect leader?" He wasn't going to ask anyone else for help though, his pride wouldn't allow it. But he had been friends with Huaisang for many years, he trusted him. He let out a breath.
"What do you want in return if I take your offer?"
Lowering the fan to speak more earnestly, Huaisang gave him an encouraging smile. "That's something you'll have to be considerate of, just like in a real courtship. I'll come and visit as often as I can, and you'll come and visit me as often as you can. You'll treat it just as seriously as you would a real courtship, but that means that we do still have duties. I won't always be available to play, and you'll have to be sure not to get too caught up in your own duties. If you go too long without making time for me, I will feel neglected."
Huaisang reaches across the little table and taps Jiang Cheng's chest with his fan in playful reprimand to warn him off of possible future neglect.
"You courting me will be its own reward." Setting down his fan, Huaisang pours again for them both. He was absolutely thrilled about Jiang Cheng giving this ridiculous proposal serious consideration. His naivete on these matters was really adorable, though that was of course also what had gotten him into this situation in the first place. "You'll have to take me on excursions to the theater and on leisure trips, which means I get a companion to the theater and on trips. And you'll of course have to woo me with courtship gifts, because it will be good practice for you to choose courtship gifts for various occasions, so I'll of course be keeping them because you'll be choosing them for me."
He couldn't believe that he was considering this. But he wasn't sure what other choice he had if he eventually wanted to get married. He had a lot to learn. He stared at Huaisang for a moment as he listened, not stopping Huaisang tapped him on the chest with his fan. He should turn down this offer. He had a lot on his hands as it was being a sect leader.
There was a long moment of silence before he nodded. It seemed like a simple arrangement.
"Good!" Huaisang grinned cheerfully, very excited about this game. He planned to try to get Jiang Cheng to take it seriously as possible, so that he would get all the benefits of being courted by a handsome and eligible sect leader. "Let's get started."
Picking up his fan again, he waved it artfully ahead of himself, giving Jiang Cheng a shy but interested glance this time. "Now, state your intention and ask my permission to court me. Probably a good idea to include a compliment in the statement of intent, acknowledging that I am worthy and exceptional and that you humbly seek to court me. But put it in your own words and make it specific to me and my qualifications." Nodding encouragement, he flashed him another playful grin, then ducked shyly behind the fan, slowly lowering it and trying to look shyly aloof.
He was determined to learn as much as he could since he did need to marry eventually. This was the first lesson but already he could tell that this wasn't going to be easy.
He normally didn't find himself at a loss for words but this was something he had never done before. "Alright. My intention is to court you, Nie Huaisang-" Awkward pause. "I humbly ask-"
This was more difficult than he thought it would be.
"-to court you because you are clever and honorable."
Huaisang lowers his fan and grins at him, genuinely charmed. Awkward though it was, Huaisang is thrilled by the effort and the earnest praise. "I would be delighted to accept your courtship, Jiang Wangyin."
Picking up his cup again, Huaisang lifts it in toast. "To our courtship." He drinks, cheerful about his success and the compliments that he got. "That was an excellent start! It was an great choice to compliment me on my personality rather than on my birth or status. I don't think you need an enormous amount of flattery to court someone. Earnest and heartfelt is always the best choice."
Jiang Cheng picked up his cup, raising it before taking a drink. Perhaps there was hope for him after all. It looked like Huaisang was enjoying this- he still wasn't sure why he was helping him with this still aside from just wanting company to the theater. And gifts.
"What is the next lesson?" He asked as he set the cup down. He was approaching this as anything else he studied, intent on his lessons.
"Well, much of it is us spending time in each other's company, at this stage. So we can plan the next time we see each other. I'll be here all week, but I understand that you still have your duties. Being a good suitor is much the same as being a good host." Huaisang knows that Jiang Cheng could use some tips on that, as well. He tries his best, bless his heart. "If we can have meals together, we should. If you are busy with other things, then try to send a message or a little token to let me know that you are thinking of me and my comfort and that you are impatient--no..." Huaisang taps his closed fan to his lips in thought. "Eager to be back in my company."
There's so much to go over, and Huaisang doesn't know what Jiang Cheng will take to naturally and what will need to be explained. "For the next week, my schedule is at your convenience. While I certainly can go into Yunmeng and seek out my own entertainment, a good host and especially a good suitor will arrange such things for me. So, what do you think? What meals can we have together tomorrow, and what entertainments do you think I might enjoy for the times that you are busy?"
"What kind of tokens?" he asked, honestly having no idea what he could send. He thought he was a fine host whenever he had visitors. Granted, for some reason, other sect leaders didn't really visit Lotus Pier.
"I believe we can share meals together tomorrow unless something comes up." He frowned, trying to think of things that Huaisang might want to do around Lotus Pier and Yunmeng. He normally left guests to their own devices so it was a struggle to think of something. "There is a theater in Yunmeng you can go to. And tomorrow there are boats being taken out into the lake to harvest lotus seeds."
He had enjoyed doing that before he was sect leader, when he had time to spend out on the lake with his sister and Wei Wuixan.
"At the end of the week, Jin Ling will be coming and I'll be taking him on night hunts. You're welcome to accompany us."
"For things where we have planned to be apart or if you are too busy for something more, something small like a flower, or even just a little sketch of a flower along with the message. Candies, little trinkets that you saw in the market that made you think of me, specifically."
Finishing his drink, Huaisang rises and beckons to him, lifting his hand to take Jiang Cheng's arm. "I'd like to attend both the theater and the boats with you. If I get all three meals with you tomorrow, then I don't mind quietly amusing myself while you're busy. I think I'll head home before the night hunts, however. I'll only get in your way."
While he thinks fondly on times spent with his friends in such situations, he also remembers how often he had to be rescued or protected, and while he was in night hunt situations he was always terrified. He'll stay safely inside, thanks. "Walk me to my room."
He stood up, allowing Huaisang to take his arm. He was stiff, he wasn't used to letting anyone so close to him since his sister married and left. He would have to look for small trinkets that would work, he had never given such gifts to anyone before who wasn't his sister or brother. He had never actually tried to draw something since he was a child, it was Wei Wuxian who had that talent.
"I'll be able to take dinner with you tonight later," he said as he walked with Huaisang along the walkways above the pools of lotus blooms. It was quiet and peaceful, everyone left them alone as Jiang Cheng lead Huaisang to the guest quarters which had been prepared in advance while they had had their tea.
"I'd like that." Huaisang smiles warmly at him, happy to have his friend's company and flattered to be courted. Even if it is just a game, it's playing at something he wants very deeply. Part of him knows that he's toying with breaking his own heart. There's every chance that he'll fall in love with Jiang Cheng from this courtship, only to have his friend grow tired of the game and move on to courting women. He still wants this, even if the game is all he ever gets to have.
He squeezes Jiang Cheng's arm a little, hugging it for a moment before he lets up again. "Where will we be dining?"
He returned the smile awkwardly. He hadn't smiled in a long time. He was under a lot of stress since he had become sect leader and even with the aftermath of Meng Yao's defeat, there was still a lot that he had to handle on a day to day basis. It didn't really put him in the best of the moods most of the time.
Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows with confusion at the question. "Where I normally dine with guests. Is there somewhere else you would like to dine?"
"As long as I am with you, Jiang-xiong, I am happy." Huaisang gave his arm a squeeze and he smiled up at his friend again, charmed by Jiang Cheng's earnest confusion. "But it would be nice to have a little bit of variety in our meal locations, where possible. You might show me around some of the finest restaurants in Yunmeng, or take me on a picnic to a scenic location. On some evenings, I would like it very much if we dined privately in your room or mine. Much more intimate that way."
Light fingertips stray along the length of Jiang Cheng's arm, admiring the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "In courtship, and in marriage, it's good to always show off a little bit. Making an effort to impress your partner and going out of your way to make them happy shows them that they're valued. And a good partner will reward you with praise and affection, in addition to trying to impress you in return."
There was a pause as he considered Huaisang's words before he nodded. These were things that he never would have considered on his own. He had just assumed that it would be easy to find someone to agree to be mistress of Lotus Pier without having to go through all this trouble.
"That would be fine."
There was another pause as something occurred to him.
"How do you know so much about all this anyway?" He knew the rumors that were told about the other man though he had never been one to listen to idle gossip. Huaisang was unmarried though and never showed any interest in changing that.
"Mm, try that again, Jiang-xiong," Huaisang gives him an amused and encouraging little smile, nudging him to do it over. "If it's just fine, then it sounds like it's an ordeal you're only enduring because you must. No one wants to feel like their husband considers them an ordeal. Try to say instead how you look forward to being able to share your favorite places with me, or that you will enjoy spending more time in my company. I want to feel like my presence brings you pleasure."
Further amused at the question, Huaisang glances away coyly. "You know that I've always had an interest in... romantic literature." That's putting it mildly. "And I hear plenty of gossip about everyone's romances. Perhaps you aren't aware, but I have a reputation for giving excellent advice with matters of the heart. You may ask anyone."
"Romantic literature isn't the same as real life." At least, that's what he assumed. He never would have described his parent's marriage as romantic. His mother had been strict and unyielding, never sparing his father from her sharp tongue. But his mother was the strongest person he knew, aside from his father. Huaisang was showing him a part of marriage he had never seen before.
He tried not to flush as he tried to find the words. He was determined to get this right even if it was difficult and he found it a struggle. "It..it would be a pleasure if you join- joined me out in Yungmeng- " He took a moment to find the right words. "- or dine with me privately."
Huaisang grins happily at the stammered words. They might not be elegant, but they were heartfelt, and that was what mattered. "Well done."
Jiang Cheng deserved a reward for that effort. Lifting briefly onto his tiptoes, Huaisang kissed his friend's cheek, warm breath tickling for a moment against the skin before he drew away. "I'd like that very much. You don't have to change tonight's arrangements at all. I do not wish to inconvenience anyone. But tomorrow it would be pleasant to try some of those other possibilities."
He managed a little smile at the compliment. Maybe this wasn't entirely hopeless though he knew he had a way to go. At least Huaisang was being patient with him.
"Perhaps tomorrow night we can have dinner in Yungmeng," he suggested. He flushed a bit when his friend kissed him on the cheek but he didn't pull away. When they reached the guest quarters, he pulled away slowly. "I'll see you shortly. If there is anything you require, let me know."
Huaisang nodded as he pulled away, giving Jiang Cheng a slight bow and a playful smile that seemed to belie it. "Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. I look forward to dinner."
He slipped into the guest quarters, glancing back once over his shoulder with a smile before disappearing.
Changing into relatively informal robes--a mere three layers of soft gray silk--Huaisang fussed over his appearance for a few minutes, but there was simply nothing else to do. His braids were tight and perfect, and he could not yet risk any flamboyance or informality.
A polite guest and respectable sect leader, Huaisang emerged from his chambers looking slightly softer but still the lofty Sect Leader of Qinghe.
He returned the smile with a slight one of his own. It was nice to have the company of an old friend. He paused for a moment as a thought occurred to him.
"Tomorrow we can take dinner in your rooms. And perhaps we can have some drinks, though perhaps not get as drunk as we once did when we were younger." Granted they had gotten into trouble when they had gotten drunk at the Cloud Recesses but that night had been entertaining. He wasn't as young and foolish as he was when they were that young but he would allow himself one night.
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Finding a spouse was the other project which only frustrated him. He didn't think his requirements for a potential wife were unreasonable, to say the least, and it wasn't his fault that the matchmakers failed to produce any candidates. After months of getting banned from matchmaker after matchmaker, he decided that it was a project he would put aside for now.
He hadn't had the chance to see Huaisang in a while so a visit was welcome though he was surprised by Huaisang's intention to stay the week when he had his own sect. He frowned slightly when Huaisang mentioned his difficulties with finding a wife, setting his cup down as he clenched one hand.
"The matchmakers have failed to present me with any suitable candidates in the last few months," he remarked, not denying it since it wasn't exactly a secret.
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"There are still plenty of beautiful cultivators from good families in the world. I'm not concerned about that at all. And you are extremely qualified yourself: handsome, the leader of a prominent clan, honorable, a very powerful cultivator, highly respected. Really, Jiang-xiong, you're one of the most eligible bachelors in the cultivation world." Smiling cheerfully as he flattered his friend, Huaisang rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand. "But even if you are qualified and your partner is qualified, none of that matters at all unless you have the necessary skill in courtship to prove your worthiness as a romantic partner. See, this is something of a well-known secret, but no matchmaker would consider a man who didn't have any skill at courting. I suspect that's the source of your trouble."
He nodded very seriously, with just a hint of a pout to communicate his great sympathy on this topic.
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He wasn't moved by the flattery since he knew his own qualifications. He was confident that any woman from a good background would be lucky to be married to him in his view. He peered at Huaisang, brows furrowed as he considered his words carefully. It was true he didn't have a lot of experience with courtship. Any attempts had been shortlived and he had just given up since his efforts were often in vain.
"What do you suggest that I do?" he asked slowly.
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Whipping open his fan, he fluttered it elegantly. Lifting his chin, he regarded Jiang Cheng loftily over the edge of the fan, as though he was a very high-born young mistress considering Jiang Cheng as a suitor. "Well, Sect Leader Jiang? State your intentions."
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"It will not interfere with your duties as sect leader?" He wasn't going to ask anyone else for help though, his pride wouldn't allow it. But he had been friends with Huaisang for many years, he trusted him. He let out a breath.
"What do you want in return if I take your offer?"
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Huaisang reaches across the little table and taps Jiang Cheng's chest with his fan in playful reprimand to warn him off of possible future neglect.
"You courting me will be its own reward." Setting down his fan, Huaisang pours again for them both. He was absolutely thrilled about Jiang Cheng giving this ridiculous proposal serious consideration. His naivete on these matters was really adorable, though that was of course also what had gotten him into this situation in the first place. "You'll have to take me on excursions to the theater and on leisure trips, which means I get a companion to the theater and on trips. And you'll of course have to woo me with courtship gifts, because it will be good practice for you to choose courtship gifts for various occasions, so I'll of course be keeping them because you'll be choosing them for me."
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There was a long moment of silence before he nodded. It seemed like a simple arrangement.
"Alright, I agree to your terms."
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Picking up his fan again, he waved it artfully ahead of himself, giving Jiang Cheng a shy but interested glance this time. "Now, state your intention and ask my permission to court me. Probably a good idea to include a compliment in the statement of intent, acknowledging that I am worthy and exceptional and that you humbly seek to court me. But put it in your own words and make it specific to me and my qualifications." Nodding encouragement, he flashed him another playful grin, then ducked shyly behind the fan, slowly lowering it and trying to look shyly aloof.
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He normally didn't find himself at a loss for words but this was something he had never done before. "Alright. My intention is to court you, Nie Huaisang-" Awkward pause. "I humbly ask-"
This was more difficult than he thought it would be.
"-to court you because you are clever and honorable."
There.
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Picking up his cup again, Huaisang lifts it in toast. "To our courtship." He drinks, cheerful about his success and the compliments that he got. "That was an excellent start! It was an great choice to compliment me on my personality rather than on my birth or status. I don't think you need an enormous amount of flattery to court someone. Earnest and heartfelt is always the best choice."
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"What is the next lesson?" He asked as he set the cup down. He was approaching this as anything else he studied, intent on his lessons.
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There's so much to go over, and Huaisang doesn't know what Jiang Cheng will take to naturally and what will need to be explained. "For the next week, my schedule is at your convenience. While I certainly can go into Yunmeng and seek out my own entertainment, a good host and especially a good suitor will arrange such things for me. So, what do you think? What meals can we have together tomorrow, and what entertainments do you think I might enjoy for the times that you are busy?"
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"I believe we can share meals together tomorrow unless something comes up." He frowned, trying to think of things that Huaisang might want to do around Lotus Pier and Yunmeng. He normally left guests to their own devices so it was a struggle to think of something. "There is a theater in Yunmeng you can go to. And tomorrow there are boats being taken out into the lake to harvest lotus seeds."
He had enjoyed doing that before he was sect leader, when he had time to spend out on the lake with his sister and Wei Wuixan.
"At the end of the week, Jin Ling will be coming and I'll be taking him on night hunts. You're welcome to accompany us."
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Finishing his drink, Huaisang rises and beckons to him, lifting his hand to take Jiang Cheng's arm. "I'd like to attend both the theater and the boats with you. If I get all three meals with you tomorrow, then I don't mind quietly amusing myself while you're busy. I think I'll head home before the night hunts, however. I'll only get in your way."
While he thinks fondly on times spent with his friends in such situations, he also remembers how often he had to be rescued or protected, and while he was in night hunt situations he was always terrified. He'll stay safely inside, thanks. "Walk me to my room."
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"I'll be able to take dinner with you tonight later," he said as he walked with Huaisang along the walkways above the pools of lotus blooms. It was quiet and peaceful, everyone left them alone as Jiang Cheng lead Huaisang to the guest quarters which had been prepared in advance while they had had their tea.
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He squeezes Jiang Cheng's arm a little, hugging it for a moment before he lets up again. "Where will we be dining?"
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Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows with confusion at the question. "Where I normally dine with guests. Is there somewhere else you would like to dine?"
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Light fingertips stray along the length of Jiang Cheng's arm, admiring the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "In courtship, and in marriage, it's good to always show off a little bit. Making an effort to impress your partner and going out of your way to make them happy shows them that they're valued. And a good partner will reward you with praise and affection, in addition to trying to impress you in return."
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"That would be fine."
There was another pause as something occurred to him.
"How do you know so much about all this anyway?" He knew the rumors that were told about the other man though he had never been one to listen to idle gossip. Huaisang was unmarried though and never showed any interest in changing that.
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Further amused at the question, Huaisang glances away coyly. "You know that I've always had an interest in... romantic literature." That's putting it mildly. "And I hear plenty of gossip about everyone's romances. Perhaps you aren't aware, but I have a reputation for giving excellent advice with matters of the heart. You may ask anyone."
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He tried not to flush as he tried to find the words. He was determined to get this right even if it was difficult and he found it a struggle. "It..it would be a pleasure if you join- joined me out in Yungmeng- " He took a moment to find the right words. "- or dine with me privately."
There, he tried.
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Jiang Cheng deserved a reward for that effort. Lifting briefly onto his tiptoes, Huaisang kissed his friend's cheek, warm breath tickling for a moment against the skin before he drew away. "I'd like that very much. You don't have to change tonight's arrangements at all. I do not wish to inconvenience anyone. But tomorrow it would be pleasant to try some of those other possibilities."
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"Perhaps tomorrow night we can have dinner in Yungmeng," he suggested. He flushed a bit when his friend kissed him on the cheek but he didn't pull away. When they reached the guest quarters, he pulled away slowly. "I'll see you shortly. If there is anything you require, let me know."
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He slipped into the guest quarters, glancing back once over his shoulder with a smile before disappearing.
Changing into relatively informal robes--a mere three layers of soft gray silk--Huaisang fussed over his appearance for a few minutes, but there was simply nothing else to do. His braids were tight and perfect, and he could not yet risk any flamboyance or informality.
A polite guest and respectable sect leader, Huaisang emerged from his chambers looking slightly softer but still the lofty Sect Leader of Qinghe.
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He returned the smile with a slight one of his own. It was nice to have the company of an old friend. He paused for a moment as a thought occurred to him.
"Tomorrow we can take dinner in your rooms. And perhaps we can have some drinks, though perhaps not get as drunk as we once did when we were younger." Granted they had gotten into trouble when they had gotten drunk at the Cloud Recesses but that night had been entertaining. He wasn't as young and foolish as he was when they were that young but he would allow himself one night.
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