zichen | IC CONTACT

Juling swivels her ears at the sound of Xue Yang's voice. Foxes? She huffs and shakes her head. Foxes don't scare her! Then she nudges her nose gently against Zichen's shoulder. She's sorry.

Zichen hugs her sweet face.

"I trust her." he takes her reins and leads her onto the path leading into the trees.

Xue Yang softens and strokes her sweet face. "Alright, sweet girl. Let's go."

He climbs onto the carriage to enjoy the part of the trip where he doesn't have to walk. Juling is a strong girl!

Lizhu hops up into the wagon too, snuggling against Xue Yang. Juling can pull them no problem! She has seen her pull much heavier things.

Zichen chuckles at them and continues to guide the mare, keeping an eye on their surroundings.

"Listen to the birds. They'll tell you if a predator is nearby."

Xue Yang grins and scratches behind Lizhu's ears.

"We have two predators right here," he says with a laugh, indicating the sweet wolf and lazy kitty.

Lizhu blinks contentedly, her ears perking at the birdsong above them.

"I don't eat birds." she sticks out her tongue.

Zichen smirks back at them. "Prey animals know the difference between an animal hunting and an animal being cute in a wagon."

Jiangzai bares her fangs. "I do." If she can catch them anyway. Right now she's full and content to just rest on top of her fluffy wolf friend.

Xue Yang chuckles. "The small ones at least. Don't attack any eagles or you may be in trouble."

"Climb a tree and they'll take off." Zichen smiles back at Jiangzai, "But you had plenty of fish this morning."

Lizhu wrinkles her nose. "Big birds would hurt you. They might even carry you off!"

Jiangzai wrinkles her nose as well. "I'm not stupid. I don't hunt things bigger than me."

Xue Yang pats his backpack. "And you don't have to. We brought food along for you."

"I will make sure nothing bigger is hunting you, sweet girl." Zichen cautions, leading Juling up a small incline.

Lizhu sniffs the backpack and barks. "Is there something for me?"

"Of course! We've got some venison and beef jerky for you," Xue Yang reassures. He motions to the cooler where they're keeping the venison.

Lizhu gasps happily and her tail thumps against the wagon's base. Zichen laughs and whistles.

"Lizhu, you have to work off your venison before you get more."

The wolf stands up and stretches dramatically.

"Okay~"

Xue Yang giggles. "Yeah, we just had breakfast! We gotta save some for lunch and dinner."

Jiangzai jostles a bit on Lizhu's back and instinctively digs her claws in so she won't fall off.

Lizhu immediately lays back down and pouts at Zichen.

"Jiangzai wants to nap." and clearly that's a good reason for her to stay in the wagon!

Zichen chuckles and nods. "She is a special case."

Xue Yang chuckles. "She is. We can't interrupt her beauty sleep."

Jiangzai retracts her claws and licks apologetically over Lizhu's ears. "Mm, that's right."

"I would never." Zichen blows them a kiss and takes them down a less used trail.

Lizhu smiles and turns her head to nuzzle little Jiangzai.

"Sweet dreams. I won't run around."

Jiangzai happily snuggles up on Lizhu's back for a nap as they get deeper into the woods.

Xue Yang just takes in the sounds and smells of the forest. It has a very calming effect on him, much like his Zichen does. Probably why the two go together so well. After a moment's silence however, Xue Yang can't help to playfully go, "Are we there yet~?"

Lizhu softens and lays her head down, pleased that her little friend needs her for a nice nap.

Zichen smirks and bites his lip to keep from laughing. He pats Juling's side and edges back to pinch Xue Yang's cheek.

"Every time you ask that, I'm giving you a pinch."

Just a light one!

Xue Yang gasps in mock-offense. "Zichen! That's so mean!" he whines and tries to nip at Zichen's fingers before he can pull his hand away.

"I'm very cruel." Zichen agrees, sounding very sad, yet he grins with each word, "Your cheeks are going to be red." he makes a pinching motion with his fingers.

Then he leads Juling to a nice opening where they can set up camp.

"We can leave Juling here. She'll be safe. Then we hike on foot."

Xue Yang grins and winks at his husband. "Which cheeks though~?" he teases before jumping out of the carriage.

He pats Juling's neck. "Thanks for the ride, big girl."

"All four." Zichen replies without hesitation, releasing Juling from the wagon and making sure she has water and food. The mare whickers at them softly.

"Lizhu, is it safe to leave her alone?" Zichen asks the big black wolf. She sniffs the air and tilts her head.

"I'll stay for a little while and make sure." since Jiangzai is still asleep.

Xue Yang laughs. "Is that a promise~?" he teases, eyes sparkling.

He removes the bridle from Juling and puts it in the back of the carriage. It wouldn't be good if she got spooked by something and got tangled in the reins.

"I never lie to you." Zichen winks and sets up their tent, staking it down. He puts all of their belongings inside and zips it up.

Juling nudges her muzzle against Xue Yang's cheek - her form of a kiss.

"I know~," Xue Yang purrs. He empties his backpack from everything they won't need on their hike, making sure they have warm clothes, water and food. They also have satellite phones for emergencies since they don't get much signal out in the woods.

He chuckles and rubs Juling's sweet face. "Be a good girl and watch over our things, huh? We'll be back before it gets dark."

A rush of warmth fills his belly and he smiles to himself. He likes that purr! Once he is adequately packed for the hike, he waits for Xue Yang, smiling softly at the attention his husband gives to their mare.

"She's very good at keeping watch." he nods to Lizhu, "If she's nervous, you know to act." he rubs the wolf's ears.

Lizhu nudges him with her head. "Get going. Everything will be fine."

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