Okay, an update. Thank you Guest (you're still the same person right? :p) for your review, makes me want to post the new chap asap :D and thanks too AceLay, no you don't need to feel guilty :) I planned to write another story for them too, so I'll have to write two stories anyway, don't worry ;)
Hope you'll like this chapter. I don't own POTW and, all mistakes are mine.
Ch. 9 The Journey
"We will sleep here." Jeong Hyang pulled out the leather tent and set it up between trees. Seems it won't rain tonight but better have it for sudden change of weather.
Yun Bok was gathering branches to make fire. That was a simple task. He threw more twigs to make it bigger but not so big for he was afraid someone will notice it. He looked at Jeong Hyang. She had finished with the tent. A simple tent, it could only cover them from rain, but it was enough. He watched as Jeong Hyang spread blanket on the ground to make a bed. Finished with the 'bed', she then lay down. He turned his gaze back to the fire, throw another branch. It is near fall now, makes it chilly at night.
They had left the horse outside forest and walked since. From now on they will walk to the border river. He didn't know for how long, for the Priestess has been avoiding talk to him since they started their journey. Yes, they were riding and walking without any single word between them. 'What's wrong with her?', he wonders.
'What's wrong with me?'
'Well, I didn't do anything, I was just asking if she knows the road. I didn't mean to be rude.' He tried to reason himself.
He let out a heavy sigh, how could he forget it. 'That was me, not her. I had told her to leave me alone. Don't talk to me outside our duty.'
Yun Bok stole a glance at the lying Priestess. What should he do, talk to her? Just like before, as if he never said such thing? Should he apologize? 'What should I do?'
He let out another heavy sigh and threw the last branch forcefully.
"The fire won't bring you to the border with a pop. Are you coming or not?"
Jeong Hyang's voice startled him. He turned his gaze to see she was looking over her shoulder. "No. I am good." He looked back at the flame.
"Suit yourself." Jeong Hyang then turned her head. "But I won't slow the pace tomorrow because you're lack of sleep."
'Sleep beside her?' No way. He can sleep here beside the fire, he thought. But what if it rains? Sighing in defeat he got up and walked toward the tent. He glanced toward Jeong Hyang hesitantly before lying down beside her. Jeong Hyang's back was facing him so he couldn't see her face. The blanket was big enough for them but there would be no space if they lay on their back. Mirroring the Priestess he lay on his side. They were sleeping with their back facing each other.
The next day they journey on, walking through the thick forest. From the position of sun he guessed they are heading west, north and then west again. This would make it difficult for soldiers to track them. They took a rest around noon. Jeong Hyang pulled out the bread she brought within her bundle and gave it to him before she took another for her. They ate in silence.
After finished their 'lunch', they started to walk again. Yun Bok looked around him. There are only trees around them. Sometimes they would meet rabbits, snakes or deers. They have to walk silently when they met a pair of bears. When night comes Jeong Hyang will set the tent and Yun Bok will make the fire.
They ate their bread in silence. Jeong Hyang was sitting under the tent, while Yun Bok beside the fire. Getting frustrated Yun Bok put his hands on his lap, turning to the Priestess. "Can we stop this?"
"Stop what?" Jeong Hyang asked nonchalantly.
"Can we stop this 'cold war'? We are alone in the middle of forest and we barely talk to each other." Yun Bok said in frustration.
"Aren't we now?" Jeong Hyang ate the last part of her bread, didn't bother turn her gaze to look at him
"That!" Yun Bok rose to his feet pointing his hands which holding the bread at Jeong Hyang. "Can you stop that? You are treating me like…like…" He couldn't finish his sentence.
"Like what?" Jeong Hyang finally turned her gaze to the Guardian.
"You are cold now." Yun Bok said with low voice and sat back to his former place beside the fire.
"I am afraid I don't understand what you're talking about." She drew up her knees and pulled it against her.
"Can we talk like," Yun Bok waved his hand. "...like before?"
"You said don't talk to you except about our duty." She said flatly. Why did he has to bring this up? All she wants is to forget it.
"That didn't mean you're not allowed to talk to me." Yun Bok said in frustration. "I didn't mean…"
"What? You didn't mean what?" Jeong Hyang cut him off. "You can't just say something to me and take it back as it was nothing. You can't…" She couldn't finish her words. She felt her throat tightened. She then turned around and lying down. She won't cry. She won't let him see her crying.
Yun Bok stared down at the bread in his hand. He has lost his appetite. That was a stupid thought of him. He never thought the effect of his words on her. No. All he thought was to push her away. He was being selfish.
Deciding that he will have it for breakfast he put the small piece of bread in his vest pocket, heading toward the tent. For a while he just lay on his back staring at the tent above him. He took a glance toward Jeong Hyang. He then turned his head, looking at the dancing flames before him. "I am sorry." He said softly before shut his eyes close.
Jeong Hyang heard his small voice. She let the tear she has been holding out. She hates him. She hates him for having this power on her. Make her laugh and cry with his words. She also hates herself for caring about him, for couldn't let him out of her mind. She has to let him go. She needs to. 'If only it was that simple'
Yun Bok cut thick branches to make a way with his sword. He held fruits with his other hand. They ran out of water so he decided to look for fruits. And soon they will run out of bread too, he thought. He will have to hunt for their meal.
He noticed Jeong Hyang was sitting upon tree roots. She lifted her gaze when she heard noises. Her face relaxed as she realized it was him. He then approached her. "Here." He offered the fruits to Jeong Hyang and sat beside her.
"How about you?"
"I am not thirsty."
"I will save it then." Jeong Hyang put the fruit in her bundle leaving one to eat. "It tasted good." She wiped drop of juice from the corner her mouth.
Yun Bok let out a chuckle. He had missed this, their normal conversation. "So, how long will it take to the border?"
"A week and half." Jeong Hyang said between her chewing.
"A week and half!?" Yun Bok turned to face the Priestess. "And you didn't even bother to tell me?"
"I thought you know. Besides, you didn't ask." She said nonchalantly. She took the last bite before throwing the seed.
"So, I'm supposed to just follow you? Without know anything?"
"Isn't that what we're doing? You" She pointed her finger toward him before pointing it at her. "…are supposed to follow me."
"What?" Yun Bok huffed before adding. "Look, I know you are obliged to do this. But seriously, can we stop this?"
"I will if you stop being annoying." Jeong Hyang said turning her gaze away.
"I'm being annoying?" Yun Bok was about to add when he heard noises somewhere behind them. He reached his sword and turned around.
Jeong Hyang rose to her feet. "What's wrong?"
"I heard something." There were noises again. He noticed the bush on his left swaying and then a rabbit showed up. And then another rabbit followed up. He let out a relieved sigh and turned around to Jeong Hyang. "Just rabbits." But he saw Jeong Hyang eyes went wider.
"What…" His word was cut off as three men came out from behind trees. He turned his head to look over his shoulder. There are three other men behind him. They are surrounded by six robbers. He raised his sword and pulled Jeong Hyang behind him.
"Well, well, what have we found here?" A robber said. A sword in his hand. "Love birds. Ouch."
Yun Bok saw the big man touched his chest, and the other men laughed at his joke. "You better leave us alone." Yun Bok tightened his grip on his sword.
"I am scared."
He narrowed his eyes as the man mocked and laughed. "Go away or I will kick you, and trust me it's hurt." Yun Bok smirked as he saw the man's laughter died.
"Kill him!"
The robbers let out big roars, aiming their swords at him. He pushed Jeong Hyang back before kick the man on his right. He raised his sword fending off their swords. He kicked the one on his left and punched the one before him right on his nose. The man stumbled back holding his bleeding nose. Yun Bok tackled the man who attacked him from behind. The man let out a cry of pain as he landed on the ground with a big thud.
Jeong Hyang watched as five men fell down one after another. She saw the leader greeted his teeth and rushed toward the Guardian, swung his sword. The Guardian rolled his body aside in time. They crossed sword before he successfully kicked him on his face. He quickly raised his sword placing it on the leader's neck.
"Don't kill me. Please, don't kill me." The leader pleaded.
Yun Bok leaned forward to the trembling robber. "Take your men and leave. If I see you again, next time this sword will cut your flesh. Understood?"
The leader nodded his head, took his sword and ran away. The other robbers followed their leader and disappeared into forest. Yun Bok sheathed his sword and ran toward Jeong Hyang. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"We have to move. They might come back again." Although he doubts they will.
Jeong Hyang took her bundle and followed the Guardian. They walked all day until he decided to take a rest. Jeong Hyang stood leaning her back against tree. When she tried to sit down she winced as she felt pain from her feet.
Yun Bok noticed the wince. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." She lied.
"Let me see." Yun Bok kneeled down in front of her.
"I'm fine." Jeong Hyang said stubbornly.
"Well your face says differently. Let me see it." He said softly before reached her left foot. He noticed Jeong Hyang winced when he tried to pull her boot off. "I'm sorry." He inhaled as he saw her red toes. "Why didn't you tell me?" He lifted his gaze. "Is it hurt?"
"A little." She tried to hold the pain. Her eyes widened as he leaned down blowing breath over her toes. "What are you doing?" She tried to pull her leg off but he held her ankle. She looked aside feeling her cheeks flushed. She turned her gaze when he starts to massage her ankle gently. She cleared her throat before asking. "What about you?"
"What about me what?"
"Are you hurt?"
"Me?" Yun Bok stretched his hands out. "See, no injury." He smiled before continue to massage her ankle. "Still hurt?"
"It's better." She watched as he put her boot on and did the same with her other foot. Her heart fluttered upon seeing his chivalry.
"You should tell me." He looked up at her.
"I will, next time." Jeong Hyang said looking down at her hands.
"I think we can sleep here. It's near dusk and you need to rest your feet. Stay here I will set the tent up." After put her boot on, he reached over for her bundle and pulled out the tent. "Don't move, okay?"
"I won't." She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
"You're smiling." He had missed that smile of her.
Jeong Hyang cleared her throat turning her gaze away. "You better put the tent up."
"Yes milady."
Jeong Hyang pressed her lips together to hold back a grin as the Guardian bowed slightly. She watched as he set the tent and then collect branches for fire. He put it beside the tent before help her to walk. They ate the bread and fruits in silence, but this time in comfortable silence. Finished their 'dinner', Jeong Hyang lay down first. She noticed the Guardian followed behind her. They lay in their usual position.
Jeong Hyang inhaled the crispy air. Cold. It was cold when she lay on the road in the middle of forest. She didn't remember anything else except the coldness. It still frightened her even now. She put her arms around her stomach trying to calm herself down.
Yun Bok couldn't sleep. After today's attack he concentrated at any sound around him. He decided to keep watch for a while. He sat up and leaned his back against tree. He glanced at the lying Priestess beside him. She was trembling slightly. Tonight was colder than the night before. He took off his vest and put it over her. That was when he heard small sob. Frowning he leaned closer and looked over her shoulder. She was crying in her dream.
He then remembered she had told him about her parents leaving her in the middle of forest. She didn't tell for how long she had stayed inside forest alone. 'Did she cry the night before?' He didn't remember hearing sob last night and the night before. 'Of course I didn't hear any, I slept like a dead' Slapping his head mentally, he took a glance toward Jeong Hyang. What should he do? He decided to do the first thing that came across his head. 'She will slap me when she wakes up' He pushed the thought away and lay down behind her. He put his hand over her stomach pulling her slightly against him. He felt Jeong Hyang stiffened for a moment before relaxed in his arm. "You'll be fine." Unconsciously he kissed her head and let himself to sleep.
Neither of them talked about last night as if it never happened. At day, Yun Bok will do hunt, while Jeong Hyang will search for fruits for their meals. At night, Jeong Hyang will set the tent and Yun Bok does his duty, set the fire. They finally get used to each other's company. Sometimes they will find themselves cuddling when they wake up in the morning. But they won't talk about the sleeping arrangement.
They have been walking for at least a week. Jeong Hyang felt her whole body was sticky with sweat. She really misses bath. Unfortunately, they didn't cross river or lake on their journey. So it was impossible to have bath. But luckily they will pass a village once they climb down the mountain. She smiled at the thought that she will soon have a bath.
"There is a village down there." Jeong Hyang said. "We can stay at a tavern and leave early tomorrow morning. We need some food too."
"That's a good idea. That means I can bath? I feel like didn't bath for month." He sniffed his clothes and wrinkled his nose. "I smelled."
Jeong Hyang let out a small giggle before replying. "Yes you can. I need bath too."
"Let's go then. I miss hot bath." Yun Bok said. "Well I won't complain if they only have cold. As long as I can clean my sweaty body."
"You have money?" Jeong Hyang realized that she only brings some money with her. Enough for food, but for bath and stay it won't enough.
"Don't worry, I have some. We need to change clothes too." He looked at his shirt.
"We can go to market and buy food and clothes before go to tavern. What do you think?"
"Sounds good."
They arrived at the village before dusk. Jeong Hyang has to cover her face with blanket for there is possibility someone will recognize her. They then headed the small market. Jeong Hyang looked for food while Yun Bok his clothes. He took a dark blue shirt and a pair of black pants before gave the shopkeeper money and left. He also bought a small dagger for Jeong Hyang, who knows she might need it. Something caught his eyes when he passed a jewelry shop. It was a brooch. A simple brooch of pink flower with a butterfly over it. There are sparkling gemstones around the flower. It was beautiful.
"You have good eye young man."
Yun Bok turned his gaze when suddenly the shopkeeper was beside him.
"For your girlfriend?"
"How much is it?" He ignored the question.
"One gold. The gemstones were genuine. I can assure you. They say…"
"I'll take it." Yun Bok cut the shopkeeper off and gave him a gold coin before leaving the shop with the brooch.
The shopkeeper put the coin inside his shirt pocket and watched as the young man left. "Well they say whomever you give it is your true love. Why no one let me finish my word." He sighed heading inside his shop.
Yun Bok noticed Jeong Hyang was standing beside a butcher shop. She raised her hand at him. He then approached her. "You got the food?" He asked.
"Yes, and my clothes too. What about you, got your clothes?" She glanced at the bundle in his hand.
"Yeah, I got it." He decided to give the brooch later at tavern.
"Let's go to tavern." Jeong Hyang said and started to walk.
Yun Bok was about to follow the Priestess when his eyes met a pair of eyes. A soldier. He froze at his spot. From the soldier's change of expression he knew that the soldier recognize him. He grabbed Jeong Hyang's hand and ran passing the butcher shop. He ignored the question when Jeong Hyang asked him. They ran through the crowd toward the back of the market. Yun Bok looked for a place to hide. He found a hallway some feet apart from them. He then turned to the hallway pushing Jeong Hyang first before hiding behind a thick wall.
"Don't move." Yun Bok whispered to Jeong Hyang behind him. He waited until he heard footsteps approached them. He watched as the soldier looked around. His heart pounded inside his chest. If the soldier was here it means they have reached this area. He can't let him report their presence to other soldiers.
Yun Bok stepped quickly as the soldier's back facing him. The soldier noticed his footsteps and turned his head. But before the soldier can take his sword Yun Bok twisted his neck. He fell to ground lifelessly. Yun Bok lifted the soldier body and dragged it into the hallway. He laid the dead man's body against the wall.
Jeong Hyang was confused when the Guardian dragged her. But she realized immediately that someone was after them. She watched as he killed the soldier easily. He has saved her twice now.
"We have to go to the tavern now." Yun Bok looked up at the Priestess and saw she nodded her head.
They arrived at the tavern without meeting any soldiers. Yun Bok waited outside the tavern while Jeong Hyang talked to its keeper. She came out later and nodded her head. He then followed her inside. Since all rooms were occupied they only get one room with one bed. Jeong Hyang put her bundle on floor beside the bed.
"You can have bath first. I will go downstairs ask for dinner and maybe some information."
Jeong Hyang nodded her head and pulled out her clothes from her bundle.
"I have something for you." Yun Bok took the small dagger from his belt handing it to Jeong Hyang. "You may need it, so I bought it from the market."
"Thank you." She looked up at him.
"And, uh, I also have this." He took Jeong Hyang's hand and put his fist on her palm.
Jeong Hyang knitted her brows slightly, watched as he unclenched his fist and something fell on her palm. She stared at a glittering brooch on her palm. "It's beautiful."
Upon seeing a hearty smile he blushed deeply. "I, saw it, in the market, and thought, it will look nice on you." He mumbled and looked at anything but Jeong Hyang.
"Thank you. I will save it." She couldn't help but smile at his blushing. She then turned around but after put the brooch inside her pocket.
Yun Bok let out the breath he was holding. Suddenly the room was too hot for his likes. Thought that he needs cold air he then left the room. At downstairs he asked the keeper for dinner. Sitting on the counter chair he scanned the room. There are some villagers drinking. No soldier. He asked the keeper if anything happens lately. The tavern lady told him nothing new, just man drinking. He laughed at her joke, thanked the lady and headed upstairs.
Jeong Hyang was freshened up after the bath. The tavern only has cold bath but she prefers the cold water anyway. Drying her wet hair with her dirt shirt she looked at the small brooch on her palm. It was beautiful brooch. It reminds her of their talk at Sangnam village about flower and butterfly. Her smile grew bigger as she remembered his blushing. Suddenly the door opened and the Guardian entered the room.
"Finished?"
"Yes." She answered. "You found something?"
"Nothing special. It seems either the villagers didn't aware of soldiers or the soldiers haven't reached here."
"So we can stay here tonight?"
"Yes, but we have to leave early tomorrow." He took his clothes. "I will take bath. Someone will come with dinner. You can eat first." He said before leaving the room.
Moment later there was knock on door. Jeong Hyang pulled the door open to show a girl with a tray. She took the tray from her and closed the door. She glanced at the food. It looks delicious and smells good. It has been awhile since she eats something besides meat and fruit. Although her stomach growled, longs for the food she decided to wait for the Guardian and eat together. Well, they always eat together, she reasoned.
Later the Guardian returned. He looks fresh after taking bath. He wore a black pants and dark blue shirt, sleeves rolled up half his arms. She watched as he put his dirty clothes on the floor opposite from her and tied his hair. If it is possible he looks more handsome. He was every woman dream for. Sadly, she wasn't every woman. Unconsciously sighing she looked back at the food on tray before her.
"What's wrong?" He noticed Jeong Hyang sighed and sat down before her.
"Nothing." Jeong Hyang shook her head and offered a smile at him.
"I thought you have had it already."
"I'm waiting for you."
"You don't have to wait you know." He smiled at her. "Let's eat then. I'm starving."
Finished the dinner they prepare for sleeping. Since there was only one bed Yun Bok decided to sleep on floor. He reached for the blanket Jeong Hyang put on the table and was about to spread it when he heard Jeong Hyang's voice.
"Are you sure you won't use the bed? I can sleep on the floor instead."
Yun Bok shook his head. "There's no way I would let a woman sleep on floor."
Jeong Hyang couldn't help but smile at his chivalry. But then blushed when he added.
"Unless you want me to sleep with you." Yun Bok stiffed a laugh as Jeong Hyang's eyes widened and she blushed.
"You," She threw a pillow toward him, of course he caught it easily, before lying down. She smiled nonetheless as he laughed.
Yun Bok laid his tired body and sighed. He has left the Palace for a week. He was concerned about his father and mentor, and his brother. He hopes nothing bad happens to them. Jeong Hyang said the journey will take a week and half, so it means they will reach the border in couple of days. And after that he will have to meet North Kingdom's Crown Prince. He let out a small sigh and glanced toward the lying Priestess.
He has tried to push her away but then here he is, with her. He let out a small chuckle shaking his head a little. However, his smile vanished as his mind reminds him that he has duty to carry on. And more importantly, he would never have her in his life.
Okay, hope you like it :)
And, I need to say that this is an AU story, and fiction, it means it won't follow the drama. So if you don't like the idea of this pairing 'together' then I don't recommend to read this story. Since there will be 'moments' between them.
Anyway, thank you for coming and reading :)
