#builder ocs

This piece is also based on a short one-shot I wrote months ago; The streets of Sandrock were bustling with cheerful banter: vendors shouting their wares, drums and flutes harmonizing to signify the arrival of a new, auspicious year. Fang and Mai walked side by side along the sandy path, their hanfu and áo dài clinging gently to their bodies. It reminded them of home, even though they weren’t back in Seesai. The townsfolk had been gracious enough to recreate the holiday for two of the most beloved and important figures in their community. There were still hints of Sandrock’s culture woven into the celebration, but that only made it more special. For them and for everyone else. They stopped at what they assumed would be lion dancers, only to be greeted instead by someone wearing a yakmel version of the costume. Whoever was inside was clearly having the time of their life. Of course, Sandrock had to add its own touch to the tradition. Mai could easily tell it was Andy beneath the layers of fabric. Then there were the food stalls, filled with dishes from countless cultures. Owen was ecstatic to show off how much research he had done to learn about Seesai’s gastronomy, with help from both Fang and Mai. Cooper, who normally didn’t care much for tofu-based meals, tried one dish and immediately began yapping to Mabel about how it was the best Seesainese food he’d ever had.. even though it was his first time tasting food from that culture. Mai and Fang continued walking slowly, taking in the decorations and festivities, until they eventually sat down on a bench. Fang slipped an arm around her waist and pulled his wife closer, encouraging her to rest her head on his shoulder. X fluttered in soon after, wearing the red vest Mai had sewn for him, chirping and repeating, “Happy New Year! Happy New Year!” A soft chuckle left Mai’s lips as she felt… whole. Her family, and the people of Sandrock, had become such an important part of her life. She was no longer alone on the path she had carved alongside her husband. Fang noticed and brushed his lips against her temple, murmuring softly, “Happy New Year, my songbird.” “Happy New Year, my sweet raven…” Her voice was softer than he had ever heard, and it warmed him to his core, how much she had changed, how tender and gentle she had become. Fireworks bloomed across the night sky in a cascade of colors. Mai looked up at her husband, remembering their first kiss beneath fireworks just like these years ago. The pair leaned forward and kissed as if it were their first… gentle, innocent, loving. Like a lotus swaying in a calm pond, nurtured by its still waters.