At Cloud Recesses, the atmosphere was very different to the usual peaceful and deliberate way of life. The tension in the air was palpable and disciples moved about their tasks with greater urgency despite their walking pace. An undercurrent affected every inhabitant. The news had spread throughout the community and all minds were bent in one direction – how to help their Grandmaster, control this deviation, find a treatment.

Lan XiChen had wakened at 5:00 AM to a crushing sense of fear for his uncle. His usual meditation had done little to soothe his battered soul and was shortened considerably to allow him to settle into the Main Hall early enough to be on hand for the first arrivals, bearing questions he couldn't answer. He had spent far too much time reassuring elders pressing him for information no one knew, needing to feel some hope and stability with the shocking changes crashing into their ordered world.

Without exception, Lan XiChen had been gentle, reassuring as best he could, despite knowing his words were hollow. He encouraged everyone to sift their memory for any information, any at all, as there was no knowing what might aid Healer Zhang in treating the Grandmaster. He requested they write to anyone they could think of who had any information about any Qi deviation – healers, elders, storytellers, anyone – that could light an avenue of inquiry. And he sent them all away again, steadier and determined to do their part, while he remained in the Great Hall, slowly sinking under the weight of it all.

Lan XiChen closed his eyes momentarily and thought, Where is WangJi? Oh, Xiong-Di, why aren't you here? He allowed himself only a moment for respite and turned to the scrolls piled beside his table, awaiting the decision of the Lan Clan for action. He adjusted his writing materials and took another scroll from the stack, unrolling it and swiftly reading through. He worked steadily, making his way through issues that had to be addressed, disaster or not, choosing his words carefully, aware that the farmers and businessmen applying to Lan Clan needed to keep their face, even if the answer they received was not what they had hoped. Slim white fingers moved ceaselessly, following text or brushing a response in his elegant calligraphy. The ins and outs of this business had long since been ingrained and he continued swiftly, almost automatically, with his conscious mind, while a small part roamed freely in the background of his thoughts.

I wonder how Uncle is today. Healer Zhang said he'd tell me of any change, so the stasis is holding. I wonder how that's going? How long will he be safe? How long can they keep him in stasis? What if he breaks free? What will we do? I can't imagine fighting Uncle. How will the elders take to crossing swords with their Grandmaster and friend? We were all trained by Uncle. He taught us our sword technique. If he wakes and attacks, the outcome is far from certain. His mind rambled, even as he worked.

I wish WangJi were here. Why isn't he here? It can't be anger. The elders are angry, but they can't deny him his right to partner as he pleases. I wonder if WuXian refuses to return? I wouldn't blame him if he's unhappy at the idea of being here. Come to think of it, he looked as surprised as I felt at the Gate. Is WangJi cutting through his own way without consulting him? Maybe WuXian doesn't want to come to Cloud Recesses. That would actually make sense. Maybe he doesn't want to marry. No, that doesn't feel right, not after that scene back in the Temple and not after WangJi's words at the Gate. He shook his head, trying to silence his mind. I need WangJi right now. Where is he?

It was mid-morning by this point and a quiet disciple in white brought tea to refresh the Sect Leader. Sitting back, Lan XiChen looked up with thanks and saw Lan SiZhui, quietly waiting.

"Thank you for the tea, SiZhui."

"May I ask a question?"

"Of course." Lan XiChen looked at the teenager. Lan SiZhui was a quiet-natured youngster and as the adopted son of Lan WangJi, he must have been concerned over the news murmured and twisted throughout the community over the past many hours.

"Did Father Lan truly say he would not return without..." a short pause, "without Father Wei?" the last two words stumbled off a nervous tongue. Lan SiZhui had only realized Wei WuXian's connection to him shortly after the Guanyin Temple, and immediately before Wei WuXian had left, gone away with a return unknown. He had never had an opportunity to refer to him as a father, his own father, and the words felt strange yet somehow right. His hands clenched together, the only betrayer of stress in the soft-voiced boy.

"Yes. He did." Confirmed Lan XiChen. "In fact, he clearly stated that a return would only be possible if Wei WuXian returned with him – as his husband."

Lan SiZhui's quick intake of breath was to be expected. This was not the type of news one heard every day. And besides, it affected his father – wait, that wasn't quite right - his fathers, as well.

"Can this be done?" he asked.

Lan XiChen reached over and patted the boy's hands, twisted before him in a white-knuckled knot.

"I have searched everything - every law, and every custom. Every single one of our Rules. There is no prohibition. If this is what they choose, they are free to marry."

"But what about coming here? Coming home?" beseeched Lan SiZhui, stress evident in his voice.

"The elders have agreed. I don't know how welcoming they will be, and I cannot know if it will be enough for Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian, but agreement has been reached and we can only try."

The tense shoulders on the teenager relaxed and he bowed to Lan XiChen.

"Thank you for that." Even as Lan SiZhui turned to leave, another disciple entered the Main Hall, eyes passing beyond Lan SiZhui to Lan XiChen. He quickly walked over.

"Sect Leader, HanGuang-Jun and the YiLing..." a swallow interrupted the voice, having intercepted a hard look from Lan XiChen, echoed by a darkening of Lan SiZhui's usually placid face at the start of that terrible title.

"I mean, HanGuang-Jun and Wei WuXian are at the Gates."

Lan XiChen paused a moment to speak with Lan SiZhui.

"Please arrange for a noon meal for four to be ready in the Main Hall. I'll meet with Healer Zhang here, rather than go to the Dining Hall. If you would attend to this personally, SiZhui?" he asked. And then he was gone, off to meet his brother and hope fresh eyes and minds would see solutions that he did not.

*****

At the apple tree, Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian had spent only those few brief minutes in an embrace following their marriage. Being together in that beautiful place, further words weren't needed, and they simply held each other close, feeling heart beat against heart and grateful for the chorus. Holding each other was all they really wanted or needed for that time, aware that they were entering a new territory for them both, and for everyone they knew. Not knowing what the future would hold, but willing to face anything if it could be faced together.

The two men had quickly re-crossed the creek. Wei WuXian playfully leapt on Lan Zhan's back, who simply took up his burden and crossed the waters with his husband sneaking kisses on his ears the whole time. Back on dry land, they made with haste for Cloud Recesses, arriving about mid-morning. At the Gate, Lan Zhan again drew to a halt, Wei WuXian by his side. Once more, that unaccustomed bow and request for Lan XiChen to please come to the Gate. More awkward responses by disciples who looked sideways at each other, unhappy at this change in protocol, and a messenger was dispatched to the Main Hall.

On Lan XiChen's arrival at the Gate, Lan Zhan again persisted with his oddly formal behaviour, bowing in greeting.

"Greetings, XiongZhang. I came as soon as I received your message. Will my husband and I be welcome?"

Lan XiChen blinked. Husband? How? Already? His mind blanked, stopped by the sudden announcement, before starting up again and allowing speech.

"WangJi will always have a home in Cloud Recesses." He stated, unnecessarily. "And WuXian, also," he added, rather more necessarily. "But Xiong-Di, did you say husband?"

"Yes. Won't return without my husband. Married this morning. Now we are here. Promises kept."

Lan WangJi stood tall before his brother, and drew Wei WuXian to his side, hands clasped.

Wei WuXian bit his lip, nervously waiting on Lan XiChen's response to hearing his little brother had gone and gotten married – without him, without anyone from the Lan Clan, without ceremony nor pomp nor circumstance. The wedding of either Twin Jade had been a cherished plan for many elders since before they reached puberty. The loss of the traditions and planned festivities would be a real sorrow for some. Wedding robes were undoubtedly already tucked away, awaiting a grand announcement when either Jade should take a wife. The fact that their HanGuang-Jun married a man would be just so much icing on the cake of their disappointment.

The three men stood looking at one another, two joined by hand facing the other, as if awaiting judgement. With relief, Wei WuXian noted a small, shadow of a smile ghost across Lan XiChen's strained face.

"Well, then, let me walk with you to the Jingshi and tell you of Cloud Recesses."

With that, a weight rolled from Wei WuXian's shoulders, and he straightened at his husband's side. The handclasp was tightened, the eyes became brighter and with a small shake of his head that set his scarlet ribbon dancing, he sent his useless worries to the winds. Hand in hand, following Lan XiChen, Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian passed through the Gate and went home together. The path to the Jingshi was seldom used, and today was no exception. They met no one on their quiet walk.

The Jingshi was as it ever was. Silent. Pristine. Beautiful. Not stark but spare, with every element chosen for both utility and beauty. The Cloud Recesses were evident in the curling cloud motifs embroidered, carved or engraved on various items. The wooden bedframe with clouds carved into the woodwork, the guqin table legs, the screen and more gave soft echoes of the cloudy mountain landscape. Everything was in perfect order.

In no time at all tea was prepared and the three men sat to catch up. Lan WangJi watched his brother carefully, concerned by the sorrow and wear already evident on that much loved face. Lan XiChen was as attractive as his younger brother, with the same smooth complexion, although with a stronger jaw and more expressive face. He had a gentle smile, often used, which was the most obvious difference between the Twin Jades. Today the smiles that came were thin and forced, as if there was no joy nor hope left to fuel them properly.

"First, WangJi, WuXian, congratulations on your marriage. I apologize for being startled at the Gate. I had assumed arranging a marriage to require time-consuming complications, but clearly, I was mistaken. I wish you well." Lan XiChen began. "I should have known on seeing you, WangJi, that you had found a way."

"Of course," responded Lan WangJi. "Must return. Will only return with my husband. So, we married."

"I'm glad you found your solution, Xiong-Di. I really need you," replied Lan XiChen.

Wei WuXian studied Lan XiChen's face, looking for signs that he feared to find. Does he really mean it? Is he going to accept us together? He must or Lan Zhan's heart will break. There was no way Wei WuXian would stay anywhere that did not respect Lan WangJi, despite his choice being different than expected. He found reassurance by the obvious calm of the face he scanned. Despite the stress he was under, Lan XiChen was clearly not fighting with himself to accept his brother. Almost as welcome came the realization that he wasn't fighting to accept Wei WuXian, either. Perhaps he'd relied on his own first-hand knowledge of Wei WuXian and his character to battle down any doubts the common culture within Cloud Recesses tried to reinforce. Cloud Recesses certainly considered it general knowledge that the YiLing Laozu was evil, a Demonic Cultivator, to be shunned by all right-minded Cultivators on the side of the gods. That was one reason they refused him his name and used the title given him by others. Why name evil?

Turning to Wei WuXian, Lan XiChen continued. "I welcome you to Cloud Recesses, WuXian. I trust my brother and I trust his choice. Be good to him and I will welcome you as my brother, also."

Wei WuXian felt a lump in his throat. This was a far more generous greeting than he had hoped.

"Thank you, XiChen-Ge. The Rules and I have our struggles, but I will never knowingly hurt Lan Zhan."

"Elders?" asked Lan WangJi.

"It was an interesting time yesterday, Xiong-Di. The discussion was lively." Lan XiChen huffed once, remembering those vehement voices. "I had done my research. I studied it thoroughly, all the rest of the day and most of the night. Every Rule, every law, every custom of our world. I reviewed them all and there is nothing to prohibit you from marrying who you choose. And who you choose is your choice alone. There is nothing more nor less to be done than support your choice. You know a lot of the elders will struggle with it, but they did agree. They don't have to like your choice, they have only to accept it. And they have said they would." A hint of steel glinted for a moment in those dark amber eyes as Lan XiChen's jaw tightened momentarily. "I will hold them to that."

Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi looked at each other, and joined hands swung from beneath the table to rest on the top. The clasped hands brought another ghost smile whispering across Lan XiChen's sad face, dying before it was birthed in full.

"Thank you, XiongZhang." Simple words conveyed a weight of truth that could not be expressed. No words would ever be enough, so Lan WangJi kept to his usual precise brevity.

A quick head shake and Lan XiChen cleared his thoughts. "I am sorry to have so little time to offer congratulations, but Uncle's condition is grave, and we know little about it. Healer Zhang is working to find more information and come up with some kind of treatment, but no one has heard of this before."

"What is it?" asked Wei WuXian. "Your note said only that Grandmaster Lan QiRen was suddenly very ill and you needed Lan Zhan to return immediately. What kind of illness is it? We want to help."

Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi shared a look and a short nod of agreement and faced Lan XiChen again.

"Tell us what's happening and we'll both do anything we can to help."

"Lan QiRen has suffered a Qi deviation."

The words fell like stones down a well, dropping endlessly as the shocked men struggled with what they heard. The ripples of implication passed through them as the truth sunk deep and shook them both. Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi leaned closer to each other in instinctive response to calamity, seeking both solace and stability in the face of this earth-shattering news.

"It's a very rare form of Qi deviation, according to Healer Zhang, and almost nothing is known about it. If not that our Grandmaster was with me at the time the deviation occurred and Healer Zhang was able to place him in stasis almost immediately, there is no telling what he might have done."

"What's different about it?" asked Wei WuXian. "Lan QiRen is scrupulously diligent. There is absolutely no way he would neglect his Cultivation. Do you know how this happened? What do you mean by it is a 'rare form' of Qi deviation? How is it different?" Wei WuXian's quick mind threw out all the questions he knew Lan WangJi would ask, given more time.

"Healer Zhang tells me he has heard of this only once, many years ago. We are currently searching for more information. There are two aspects to the deviation that depart from expectation. The first is that Healer Zhang believes this Qi deviation results not from neglect but was intentionally inflicted on our Grandmaster by someone else."

Wei WuXian's eyebrows rose, eyes opened wide, and he stared at Lan XiChen, hardly daring believe his ears. Lan WangJi's signs were far more subtle, but Lan XiChen could tell by his posture and a slight narrowing of the eyes that his little brother was equally surprised and upset. How on earth will he take the rest of it? wondered Lan XiChen. Especially since he's only just married and brought WuXian here with him.

Lan XiChen drew a deep breath.

"This Qi deviation was inflicted on Uncle and it's different because the imbalance is being... fed? Caused? We aren't sure, yet, but there is energy that has somehow taken up residence within Uncle. It isolates his Core and unbalances his Qi."

Blank looks greeted his words. This was almost too much to take in. How could this be possible?

"Lan QiRen is hosting resentful energy."