Chapter 2-Painful Existence
Author Notes: Hey hey~ Don't own DW and just to let you know Shi Na is my oc~
3rd P.O.V
The six year old rushes out the door not at all aware that their was an audience to her abuse. 'She's around the age of my daughter...' Worrying for the child, and intrigued of this "Master Shi" he follows in secret.
At the far edge of the town is a medium sized house. From there the child walks forward to be greeted by two girls close to her age. "Squeeeee Shi Na!~" She's pounced on. "Hello to you too Ching. Ming."
The more mellow and observant sister Ming, looks at the red mark on her friend and adopted sisters cheek. "What happened Shi Na? You're hurt." From there the elder and more energized Ching does a full on evaluation on the child.
"What happened, did you fall? Did someone hit you? Of course someone did, there's an imprint of a hand. Was it that horrible woman?" A light cough and warm smile greets the three girls.
"Come now Ching, she can't answer all of your questions, give her some space for now. And anyway didn't your mother want you and your sister to do some errands for her?" Gasping.
Now realizing why she was going outside, she drags her sister Ming after giving a quick promise to return shortly. "Thank you father!" Now that it's less noisy. Master Shi holds out his hand. "Are you ready for your lesson little one?"
With a slight nod she puts her tiny hand in his and they walk inside. Sun Jian's confusion only grew more with what he had just seen. It was clear to him that these people have been caring for the girl and treating her like family.
As well as the innkeepers being quite harsh on her...but it still didn't clear up who this child is and who is her family. Anger strikes him though...that child does not deserve to be hit…
He will not condone abuse in his family. The Sun family have always been one for strong family ties and equality. His daughter Shang Xiang, like his sons, Ce, Quan and Shao are learning the ways of the warrior.
Training in weapons, hand to hand combat, and strategy. And from what he's heard in letters, all four of them are doing quite well with their training. From what he's seen there should be no reason for that one to be treated like dirt.
Under proper tutelage that child could become something great...He returns to the village carrying on with his duties. Asking questions of both the 6 year old, and Master Shi. He does not get much information on the child.
The most anyone knows is that a man dropped off the little maid as an infant and every other year or so he comes and visits her. Master Shi is a famous private Blacksmith.
He earns hoards of money for creating beautiful handcrafted sword to lords and other wealthy customers. Also a humble man. He is a lover of education and the arts, despite traditional customs he is tutoring his daughters in not only weapon making.
But in reading and writing as well. From what gossipers tell Sun Jian, is that he has taken a great interest in Shi Na and has been secretly getting lessons, much to the anger of the innkeepers.
It seems for years now the Shi family have been trying to adopt the girl even by giving her their family name but for reasons unknown the innkeepers refuse. "That's right the poor thing has had a harsh life."
An elderly woman states as she plucks flowers and herbs. "Everyday those greedy hounds work that little girl to death, and on top of that she's strong enough to help me tend the gardens and learn from Master Shi."
The tiger, learns how the townspeople have been secretly been teaching her many different jobs and skills. "That little one is far too intelligent to be living the life of a servant. She's very observant and quick on her feet." A merchant mentions.
"So what if she's a girl...the times have changed and for the most part this village here cares more about getting the job done and helping one another then worrying about protocol or gender.
"She's a great help and a kind thing." A mother of 5 toddlers says as she wrestles her kids into settling down for lunch. Many of them have tried persuading the family of four to release Shi Na from her enslavement but they stubbornly refuse.
He's also been told that the other children shun her, not letting her play. "Other then the Shi kids, she has no friends, it's no wonder that she'd rather work and learn new things then try and get along with children who want nothing to do with her."
Speaking to everyone and seeing for himself, it's obvious that this Shi Na should not be wasting away her life here. "My lord you summoned me?" One of his messengers. "Yes Send this letter to Master Shi."
He obeys and sets out to fulfill his task. The Soldier is hoping to meet the Shi family and see Shi Na's potential. But he knows better then to talk to her at the inn. He can only hope he gets a reply from this brilliant sword crafter.
The stars once more fill the night sky. As he readies for bed, his messenger returns. "Welcome back." He thanks his master before handing him a letter. It's a reply from Master Shi.
"Dear Lord Sun Jian, I am most honored at your request to meet with me, and I am most glad that you too see great potential in Shi Na, I am more then willing to meet with you tomorrow.
"How's lunch time sound? It is also when Shi Na comes for her lessons. It will be a wonderful opportunity to see how smart and capable she is. Sincerely Shi Su"
Glad to have such a response, the renowned fighter rests for the night, eager for the next day.
To be Continued
Author Notes:Yes 2nd chapter done, I must say I'm liking how my story is turning out so far. For once I'm not having issues with setting it up, like some of my other stories, this one has been nagging at me for so long. Reviews would be nice!