Okay, another update. Thank you Guest for the review, glad you like the story :) Haha...don't worry I won't abandon this fic although I'm writing another fics too, because the reason I made an account on ff is actually for posting this story ;) So don't worry, I'll finish it :)
Anyway, hope you like this chapter, and as usual, I don't own POTW and its characters. All mistakes are mine.
Ch. 7 The Prophecy
Servants and soldiers were busy preparing for Moon Ceremony which will be held from tomorrow for two days. Once in a year High Priestess will do ceremony, Moon Ceremony, to seek Gods' word. Mostly about the Kingdom. This ceremony will only be held when lunar eclipse occurs. It seems to be the day after tomorrow. Yun Bok was helping Young Bok with the preparation, as Princess Hye Su's order.
"Sir we have finished the tents." One of Young Bok's soldier reported.
"Good. How's the equipment?" Young Bok inquired.
"We have prepared the equipment. All was ready for the ceremony."
Yun Bok checked the main tent and equipment which will use in the ceremony. He nodded his head toward Young Bok before talking to the servants.
"Okay, tell the soldiers to keep watch on the tents until the ceremony tomorrow. You can tell the servants to leave. Good work." Young Bok said to the soldier.
"Yes sir." The soldier bowed and left.
Yun Bok returned to Young Bok. "They have brought the water and will prepare the food tomorrow."
"Well it seems all preparing finished. What do you say we have lunch now? I am starving." Young Bok said patting his belly.
"Sounds good. But we have to report to His Majesty first."
"Let's go then." Young Bok said eagerly and started to walk. "You think I can ask for a desert sometimes?"
At the temple, Jeong Hyang, Eun Ae and Min Jee, one of Priestess, were preparing for tomorrow ceremony. High Priestess told them to pack the hymn books which will be used in ceremony. Other Priestesses were preparing the costumes and instruments they will use.
"Sister Min Jee will do the dance too?" Eun Ae asked the older Priestess beside her.
"Yes." Min Jee replied while putting the last book inside the bag. She looked up and smiled at Eun Ae. "You have to do more training so next year you can dance with me and your sister."
"Really!?" Eun Ae said enthusiastically. She has been seeing her sister dance every year and she thought it was cool.
"Who knows? But you need to do all your duty, otherwise High Priestess won't allow you to do the dance. And that means no eating. Understood?" Jeong Hyang pinched the younger Priestess' nose.
"Sister." Eun Ae pouted while rubbing her nose.
"Well the book was all in. Let's go to see the other and we can have lunch after that." Jeong Hyang said to the younger Priestesses.
"Yey!" Eun Ae and Min Jee said at once cheerfully.
Jeong Hyang chuckled and shook her head. After the younger Priestesses left the room she dropped her gaze sighing. These days she couldn't let the Guardian out her mind. She knows well it was a sin yet she couldn't forget him. That day she has tried to kiss him. Never before she wanted something in her life. However for him, she wants nothing but to be near him, to feel him.
The tiny voice inside her head kept telling her that she should not embrace the feeling, that she is a Priestess who is married to Gods. It was forbidden and unforgivable. Yet, she couldn't hold back the effusive feeling that grew bigger and bigger inside her. For the first time in her life she doubts the path she had chosen. She looked up at the ceiling and inhaled, forcing the air into her tightened chest.
'What should I do?'
At Moon Ceremony day Palace residents, nobles and soldiers were gathering at court. They will attend the opening ceremony today and closing ceremony that will be held on tomorrow midnight. There are big tent and small tent at the center of court. The big tent was for meditation of High Priestess and the small tent next to it was for Priestesses. Yun Bok was talking with his mother. This was their first meeting after he moved to Palace. When Young Bok called him for it was time for Royal family's appearance, he hugged his mother and followed his father and mentor inside.
Everyone bowed as King In Su, Queen Jae Hwa and Princess Hye Su entered the court. He stood beside Princess Hye Su's chair, while his father and General commander Kim at Queen Hye Su's chair. So they protect the Royal family from each sides. Lord Jang Byuk Soo came forward and bowed toward His Majesty asking for permission to begin the ceremony. When King In Su raised his hand giving the permission, Lord Jang bowed once again before turning around to face the attendees and began the ceremony.
High Priestess came forward and bowed toward the King. She then turned around and raised her head and hands toward the dark sky. Staring at the soon-full moon she started to sing a pray. Other Priestesses started to do opening dance. Yun Bok looked over the dancing Priestesses looking for Jeong Hyang but didn't find her. 'She must be there too' he thought. He turned his gaze to the tents and was disappointed when he found that she wasn't there either. 'What am I thinking? Forget her' He shook his head and returned his gaze back to the dancing Priestesses.
After the opening ceremony the Royal family and all attendees left the court leaving the Priestesses continue the ritual. Yun Bok sent Princess Hye Su to her chamber and went back to see his family. He found his mother was talking with Young Bok and Lady Min Jae. His father and mentor were in King's audience chamber. When his mother saw him she offered a smile and enveloped him in a hug. He really misses her. They chatted for a while before the servant came and said that the carriage was ready.
After their mothers left, Yun Bok and Young Bok headed back toward the court. Young Bok has to stay the whole night today and tomorrow and Yun Bok offered to help him since he was free after Princess Hye Su returned to her chamber. They approached the soldiers who stood apart from the tents. They have to keep watch from apart for they shall not disturb the ritual.
"I'll check kitchen, grab something for them."
"You need help?" Young Bok asked.
"No, but thanks." He said over his shoulder and walked toward kitchen building. Tonight will be a long night. He glanced at the tents. Some Priestesses were in and out the big tent bringing water or book or candles. It must be hard for High Priestess, meditating and praying all night and day. He wondered what was happening inside the big tent. He never attended the ceremony before, truth be told he has no interest in ritual thing. Turning his gaze ahead, he continued his walking.
When he passed praying building, he caught sight of someone on his left. He turned his head and stopped abruptly as he saw the person. Jeong Hyang was walking toward him, but she was looking down at a paper in her hand so she didn't aware of him. At moment he thought to just leave so he wouldn't have to meet her, but then think better of it. That will be rude. So he waited until she realizes his presence.
Jeong Hyang checked the list of foods she needs them to prepare for tomorrow. Pleased that everything was on the list she folded the paper and raised her head. She stopped abruptly when she saw the man standing in front of her. The Guardian was standing there, hands laced behind his back, staring down at his boots. What should she do? Looking at him she got embarrassed remembering their last meeting. She decided to just act normally, just as before. She took a breath before approaching him. "Painter."
Yun Bok raised his head in confusion. "What?" Did she just call him 'painter'?
"Painter." She smiled at him.
"Painter?" He turned his body facing the Priestess.
"Yes. Aren't you?" She decided to tease him a little. "I didn't have the chance before, thank you for the painting."
"Uh, you are welcome." He replied after a while. He was taken back at her chosen of word. Looking away he started to walk beside her. "Why painter?"
"Apparently you are a painter." Jeong Hyang answered before turning her gaze to him. "Are you sure you aren't a painter disguised as soldier?"
"What?" He chuckled lightly when he heard her giggles. He had missed it, but he pushed the thought away. "Of course no." After that they walked in silence.
Jeong Hyang noticed his sudden change. Usually he will talk to her about everything, not to mention with blushing. But tonight he barely talks and looks at her eyes. Was he angry at her? That day he looked different, as if he was frightened. She wants to ask but didn't dare to bring up the almost-kiss-moment. When they came near the kitchen building she broke the silence. "Your painting is very beautiful." There was pregnant pause before she added. "Thank you for hearing, really hearing, my music. No one had ever done that before"
Hearing the confession Yun Bok stopped suddenly. The struggle feeling was back again. He felt his chest tightened. He can't talk with her any longer or he won't be able to hold back his feeling. "I…I forgot something." He will go to kitchen later. Without looking at her he turned around but stopped when he felt hand on his wrist.
Jeong Hyang stepped forward beside him. "What's wrong?" He was avoiding her gaze.
Her hand on his wrist burned his skin. He could feel the warmth radiated through his arm to his whole body. "I have to go." He pulled his hand off, but Jeong Hyang didn't loosen her grip.
"What's wrong? Why didn't you look at me?" She moved to his front blocking his way.
He took a breath before lifting his gaze. He will hate himself for doing this but he has to. Steadying his gaze he said. "You are a Priestess, and I am Princess' Guardian, from now on I hope we will acknowledge each other as Priestess and Princess' Guardian." He looked at those brown eyes. Even under moonlight he could see the shock and…sadness. "If you will excuse me I have something to do." He pulled his hand off and turned around leaving the shock Priestess.
Jeong Hyang watched as the Guardian left. She couldn't voice any single word. What had just happened? Did he just say to not talk to him outside their duty? Is it because of their last encounter? Was he angry at her? She was happy this morning to know that she will meet him again. She swallowed a breath through her tightened throat and chest. She never thought he has this power on her. Looking up at the moon sky she tried to hold back tears that threatens to flow out.
The second day evening the Priestesses were preparing an altar outside the tent. Yawning Yun Bok saw Young Bok approached him, after his brief nap.
"Morning brother. They made an altar?"
"Yeah." He ignored the mistake. "Seems they will do some rituals." He watched as the young Priestess he met at temple poured water in a big basin. Other Priestesses brought two chimes, put it on the altar. He didn't see Jeong Hyang today. He wonders where she was. As he thought of her, their last night meeting popped inside his head. Was she alright? Did he say too much? He felt guilty to hurt her. He shook his head and focused back to the Priestesses. 'I have to forget her'
When the night came and near midnight all the attendees sat waiting for the climax of the ceremony. Yun Bok was standing beside Princess Hye Su' chair. He had heard from the soldiers that High Priestess will do some pray or sing. When the moon disappears that is when the time she will connect to ancestors and Gods. He can't say he believe but the rituals itself were carried out since time immemorial.
Everyone remained silence as High Priestess sang the prayer. She was sitting behind the altar. Yun Bok noticed she wore a dress that was simpler than the one she usually wears. She also didn't wear her head cover. He never saw her without it. After High Priestess finished the prayer three Priestesses walked in and kneeled in front of the altar. They wore the same dress as High Priestess, long white dress. They wore white bird shaped-mask so he can't see their face. Soon drums and fifes were played and the three Priestesses started to dance.
Their dance was slow at first and then became faster. One of the Priestess stepped forward and did a slow dance. Yun Bok's gaze fixed on the Priestess. Suddenly the music stopped and so did the three Priestesses. They slowly kneeled down and lowered their head before at once taking their mask off. He still can't see their face as they once again rose to their feet. The second later his breath caught in his throat.
Jeong Hyang was the front Priestess. Her face was painted. She wore a pair of long blue earrings contrasted her white face and dress. She slowly raised her hand and began the dance. Her move was smooth and elegant following soft tune of fife. Her long black hair flew around her as she spun her body. With the moonlight she looks like a Goddess. She raised her head toward the sky before lowering it slowly. Then their eyes met.
Even from this distance he could see her eyes clearly. If she noticed him she didn't show it. Her eyes were blank, neither happiness nor sadness in her eyes. No feelings. Nothing. Her gaze sent a shiver ran down his spine. He watched as she turned around and her move becomes faster and faster as the music grew louder. She whirled, moving her hands up and down on her side. Then she kneeled down in front of the altar and the music stopped. Yun Bok let out breath he didn't notice has been holding.
High Priestess stood up, raised both of her hands toward the full moon and spoke loudly. "The time has come. Listen to Gods' voice and your Ancestor guidance."
With it she rang the chimes. Soldiers extinguished all the torches so the only light was the moonlight. Suddenly everything went dark. He could hear everyone gasped but couldn't see anything. He was startled when he felt someone grabbed his wrist. 'Princess'. She must be afraid of the darkness. He covered the hand with his hand to assure her that he was there. Soon he feels she loosen her grip a little. At the moment he realized something. Princess' hand didn't send the warm feeling like Jeong Hyang's did. However before he could think any longer the moonlight was returned and everyone once again let out a gasp.
Jeong Hyang and the other two Priestesses were gone. The soldiers brought back the flames lightened up the court. High Priestess stood behind the altar, staring down at gold basin the young Priestess had filled with water. Then High Priestess looked up and after a pregnant pause she said loudly.
"Here is the word of heavenly Gods and great Ancestor."
Everyone held their breaths. Even Yun Bok did. He gave a light squeez when Princess tightened her grip.
"There are big dragons. Two big dragons." High Priestess lifted her hands looking up. "Two dragons flew over In Kingdom. Something big will happen."
No one dares to make a noise.
"War! That means war!" Suddenly someone shouted from the attendees. Everyone looked around and started to panic. Soon the court echoed with gasps and murmurs.
Yun Bok glanced to his father and saw he nodded his head. He nodded his head and prepared himself.
"Silence!" King In Su rose to his feet. "We don't know yet if the word means war." He looked at his people. "However, even if war happens, this is my promise, I will do all my power to protect my people and the Kingdom."
They seem relieved with King's word and the murmurs gradually died. Then everyone bowed toward the King. "May Your Majesty lives long life."
After she finished the packing, Jeong Hyang turned around to look for Eun Ae. Eun Ae and Min Jee went to report High Priestess that they are ready to leave. After the ceremony High Priestess has left with His Majesty, the Guardian, not the painter but his father, and general commander Kim Hong Do to discuss what she believes was the Prophecy. She wishes nothing bad like war will happen to this Kingdom. She loves this Kingdom. Although she wasn't sure if she belongs to here. Later Eun Ae and Min Jee returned telling them that High Priestess will be back soon and they will take their leave.
To her surprise the Guardian and his friend and their soldier escort them back to temple. From the Palace until they arrived at temple the Guardian didn't even look at her. She wondered if he really meant what he had said before. She felt her heart ached again as she remembered his words. Losing in her thought she didn't hear Eun Ae's call.
'I need to talk to him. I want to know why he had said the words he said' Jeong Hyang gave her bag to Min Jee who stood beside her and look for the Guardian.
Min Jee frowned at the older Priestess' odd behavior but say nothing. She turned to Eun Ae and saw the younger Priestess shrugged her shoulders.
Jeong Hyang looked around the soldiers and Priestesses looking for him. She found his best friend, Kim Young Bok was talking with some soldiers. She then decided to ask him.
"Excuse me, I am sorry for interrupting. Do you know where Lord Seo is?"
Young Bok turned around when he heard voice. "You meant Yun Bok?"
"Yes. Do you know where he is?" She inquired.
"He said he went to have word with High Priestess. I believe he was with High Priestess now."
"Thank you." She bowed to him before turning around.
He must be inside High Priestess' room, she thought. Perhaps if she waits outside she can meet him. She decided to wait at meditation garden. He will pass the corridor. All Priestesses were busy with unpacking so no one will see them. She sat down on a stone beside the doorway. 'Wait, what should I say?' All she thought was meet him that she didn't prepare any word.
"I thought you said this garden is a sacred place?"
Jeong Hyang was startled at the voice. She stood up and turned around. The Guardian was looking at her, smiling a little. She had missed that smile.
"What are you doing here? Meditating?" He stepped in eyeing the garden.
"Yes. I have been...I have been thinking of you." She admitted. She noticed he lowered his head slightly, aware of the talk. For a while they only stood in silence until he spoke up.
"Lotus."
"What?" Jeong Hyang asked in confusion.
"I told you that I like flower. Lotus is my favorite flower."
She listened to him as he continued.
"Besides Lotus, I also love this Kingdom."
"I am afraid I don't understand what you're talking about."
"I love lotus flower because it is this Kingdom's symbol." He turned around but avoiding her eyes. "Or maybe I love this Kingdom because its symbol is lotus flower,"
Finally he looked at her in the eye. "Either way I love this Kingdom and lotus flower." He looked aside and continued. "I was born as a soldier. My destiny was written even before I was born. I hold sword when every children at my age climb trees. I do training every day from morning till night when every children at my age play with their friends. I joined the army, went to war, tried to bring my complete body back to my family when every boys at my age fooled themselves around girls,"
"This is my life. I had chosen this path, and I will always choose it." It would be a lie if he says he never wanted to live a different life. But he won't tell her. Or anyone.
"But you can choose another thing." 'Or someone' she thought but didn't say it out. She stood in front of him. "I know you are Princess' Guardian, and I'm a Priestess, but can't we be a friend?"
"We can't."
"Why?" She won't give up easily. "We both knew His Majesty and High Priestess are good friend." She watched as he took a breath.
"I have to go."
"No! You can't come into my life and just walk away." She grabbed his arm, moving to his side. "Look at my eyes and tell me one enough reason we can't be a friend, we can't talk to each other, and I promise I will not bother you again." She hated it but has no other choice. "Just look at me and say it."
Yun Bok took a deep breath. "In case you forget, you are a Priestess, who is married to Gods. You are not allowed to be close to any man. The punishment for a Priestess who breaks the rule is death, and so does the man."
He turned to face her and stepped closer. "I had built my career into this position, being a soldier is my life and I have no intention to abandon my life." He stared at her brown eyes. "I hope it was enough to you."
Jeong Hyang didn't even bother to grab the Guardian's hand as he turned around passing her. She didn't bother to fight nor wipe away tears and let it flow out. It feels as if her heart break into pieces. She fell onto ground and shed tears. If she lifts her gaze she would see he looked over his shoulder, tears were running down his cheeks.
Neither of them noticed High Priestess was standing on the other side of the garden watching them.
I hate to break their heart :(
Anyway, thank you for reading and hope you'll come again :)
