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"Xiao." Da approached her in the garden. Her sister had been occupying herself, dancing to her own music. She seemed to be so unaffected. It almost brought a smile to Da's face. She loved her sister so much.
"Da!" Xiao squealed, excited to see her sister outside. She ran up, almost bouncing in her happiness. She took Da's hand. "Have you come to walk in the gardens with me?"
"I have." She let Xiao drag her down the path.
"That is utterly lovely!" Xiao's smile was huge and she couldn't stop it if she wanted. Her sister was next to her like always.
"Tell me something you know." Da wanted to hear her sister say something random and nonsensical. Through the months Xiao and Shao were the only two that kept her from falling deeper into her illness.
In a few seconds several topics went through Xiao's mind. She was trying to be cautious as to what she said. She didn't want to mention Ce, but didn't want to say anything about Zhou in case it reminded Da of Ce. And she didn't want to talk about how silly Shang was being about showing her "battle wound" even weeks later because that was connected to the invasion and what had made Da sick. And..."I can play the flute now. I practiced very hard!"
"That is wonderful! You always accomplish whatever you put your mind to. It's an admirable trait." Da was very impressed by her sister's new talent.
"You must dance to one of my songs! And Xun can sing if we force him. I'm told he has a fantastic voice."
"That he does, my sister." Da paused in her walking, already growing tired.
"Are you alright?" Xiao was more than a little worried.
"I'm just a bit weak." She gave a small smile.
"You need more rest." Xiao insisted. "And food. You can't get healthy without either."
"I know. I just..."
Xiao hugged her sister tightly. "You remember why we're here, don't you?" She whispered.
"To escape a fate worse than death..." Da's voice was barely audible and tears burned her eyes. She remembered every thing too well. "To be here...I would go through every thing a hundred times..."
"He needs to know." Xiao dared to say as her sister clung to her sobbing.
Xiao was able to get Da back to her room, scolding her to get some rest. But Da couldn't. She moved from the bed to a chair, trying her best not to cry again. To escape a fate worse than death. But what kind of half life was she living now?
The door opened and she looked up startled. It had been weeks since the troops return and she was beginning to relearn the habits of the Sun family. The sound of their footsteps, what rooms they entered at what times...it was much busier than it had been. She was still caught off guard as Ce entered the room. She wanted to look away, but couldn't. As he approached her she held her breath.
His face was calm as he looked at her. He held something out to her and almost without realizing Da reached up, their hands once more briefly touching. It was a tea cup. One all too familiar from a boat trip how many years ago? It was warm, and the scent inviting. She briefly closed her eyes, inhaling the warmth. He was still standing there when she glanced up.
"I hope your tea is comforting." His voice was as warm as the hot drink.
"Thank you." She was able to get out as he had reached the door to leave. He paused, nodding before he left.
If Da could remember drinking the tea and how she had made it back to the bed things might have made more sense to her. But she woke up, laying on the bed, covers carefully tucked around her. She spotted the teacup on the small table and wondered how long ago the warmth had disappeared.
Pushing herself up she discovered two things. She was on his side of the bed. Many times after he left she would find comfort sleeping just like that. But since Quan had left she had avoided it. Indeed she had even had Leiyu set up another bed entirely for her. And to find herself here now...
The other thing was the piece of paper under her hand. It crinkled as she pushed herself to a sitting position. She opened it, not caring to avoid the inevitable. She knew who it had to be from. She carefully opened it, staring at the bold hand writing before she even read the words: Share with me your dreams, your passions. Be with me through eternity. I will always wait for you.
The tears easily came any more. One word, one reminder and they began. The parchment became damp as she stared at the words. She had spent months fearing her dreams had grown dim and would be nothing but dreams at that point. She wanted to feel relief, to feel reassured it would be different now, but all that was left to her were the tears.
"Lady Da?" Leiyu had grown accustomed to the crying that didn't seem to stop. But it wasn't going to make her worry any less.
"Please, Leiyu...let me be..." Da choked out the words.
"I am here if you need me." Leiyu promised. Leiyu could understand the intense feelings Da was experiencing. She had lived through the lost hope, the frantic crying, the inability to return to natural thought. And to have part of that cause return...she did not understand how that must feel. Preparing yourself for the worse and then to have to rethink that? The collision of emotions could not be easy to cope with. And she wanted to make sure Da knew she was here for her.
"He's amazing!" Shao promised Da as he and Xiao were leading her to finally see XiXi.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for this." Da admitted. To face a reminder that was more than just a recent memory.
"He's very gentle, Mother." He watched her take a deep breath as he held her hand almost to the gate where they kept him. They had found the biggest place they could so he could walk around without harm. Shang had let him and Song help take care of XiXi and both were very excited about their duties.
"Don't worry, sister." Xiao tried to be encouraging. "Shang will be there to control him."
Shang spotted them immediately as they walked through the gate, running up to Da. She hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy to see you!"
Da hugged her back, feeling a brief piece of relief wash over her. "How are you doing? Are you alright?"
"Psh...of course I am! You know me!" She said with one of her crooked grins. It was good to see Da up and about. She hadn't seen her since they got home. She had heard plenty of stories concerning Da's condition and she definitely did not intend to add to any of the horrors Da was imagining. There was no need to bring up the nightmares Shang had at night. How she would wake up screaming but couldn't tell her maids why. She was sure these were not the things her friend wanted to hear.
"She came to see XiXi." Shao announced.
"Really?" The smile grew bigger on Shang's face. "Well, then! Get ready to be awed! Be amazed and surprised!"
"I highly doubt it, Shang." Da stated plainly.
"Oh, come on. How could you not be?"
"I've seen one before."
"You have?" The question was asked in a chorus of voices, which Da did not answer to.
"How in the Kingdoms have you seen an elephant before?" Shang demanded even as XiXi came walking into view.
"A friend of Lord Qiao's. He was...a bit different than others. A sorcerer some say. He had one. A bit bigger and older than yours."
"How come I never saw one?" Xiao pouted. She vaguely remembered the man Da spoke of.
"You didn't? I don't know." Da's voice faded for a moment as she remembered the first time seeing the huge creature. A little girl awed that something from story books could exist. She remembered the man helping her up to ride the huge mammoth..."I'm sure you did..."
"It's not important." Shang insisted, sensing this was not a good topic to dwell on. "XiXi is different as I will insist and everyone should meet him!" She went over to the elephant who, as normal, showed his affection to her by resting his head near her to receive friendly pets. She did just that as she continued to speak. "XiXi meet the Lady Da. Lady Da, XiaoXiang. Better known as XiXi."
Everyone held their breath as Da approached him, softly reaching out to him. "You are amazing, aren't you? Leave it to Shang to bring you home."
Xiao let herself smile as she watched her sister. Something was happening. Something good. Broken pieces were slowly being mended. She hoped the silken threads that tied them together were strong enough.
Da sat in the chair, trying to read the book she had resting on her lap. It was still a struggle for her to concentrate and it didn't help that her mind kept wandering . As she forced herself to look at the words again soft pink petals fluttered down upon the page. She blinked, brushing them aside as a few more came down. She looked up, bending her head back, the soft blossoms now falling upon her face. She closed her eyes, the velvet smoothness of the flowers replaced by gentle hands that framed her face.
Ce bend down, daring to softly kiss the closed eyelids. When she did not pull away or struggle against him, he moved his kiss to her lips, being as careful as possible. His heart was pounding, nervousness mixed with excitement that after all this time she let him touch and kiss her. He feared this was a daydream, that one wrong move and she would reject him again. But when she returned the kiss he wanted to cry out in joy.
He came around to stand in front of her, continuing to kiss her. He remained careful, for as desperate and longing as the kisses felt, they were not the crushing kind they would often share. He knew there was still something wrong.
Da gave in, not being able to fight any more, not understanding why she had pushed herself to deny the one person who - even though they were the one who had been the reason she had fallen into this desperation - was also the one who would save her from it. She couldn't figure it out and didn't want to. She tasted salty tears as they kissed and it made her cry harder knowing she had caused him this much pain.
He lifted her into his arms, the book discarded on the floor, holding her tightly. Her frailness scared him, she was so light in his arms. He continued to hold her, letting her sob against him, feeling her tremble. No words were spoken. That would come later.
He sat down in the chair still holding her against him. After awhile her sobs quieted and her breathing became regular. Even as she slept he still wouldn't let her go.
When she woke up she was in the bed and he was sitting in a chair next to her. Much like she had when he..she pushed the thought away as she looked at him.
"Good morning." He greeted her with a smile.
"Morning?" She blinked. Hadn't it been afternoon when she went to read the book?
"You did sleep for quite some time." He moved over to the bed, softly brushing her face with his hand.
"But that long?"
"You need your rest so don't worry. Are you hungry?"
She shook her head against the pillow. She was still too tired even after all that sleep to sit up. "I...can't eat." Her voice was quiet.
"How about a little broth?" He offered. He had decided that if the physicians wouldn't help he would be the one to mend her back to health.
"Ce, I..."
"Two mouthfuls. That's all I ask." He interrupted her.
"You're not accepting no as an answer, are you?"
He bent down lightly kissing her. "Correct, as always, my blossom."
He watched as she blinked back tears. What was it from? Him forcing her to eat? Her pet name he always used? He knew this was going to take a lot of time and patience. But he was determined. "We'll get you back to health, Da." He promised as he helped her sit up, signaling Leiyu and Hua to come help set up the pillows as Ling brought the hot broth. "Before you know it you'll be going to banquets, riding your horse through the country side, finding reason to climb trees." He smiled, thinking of all the things they did together. "We can watch fireworks on the hill once more."
Unfortunately her reaction was the opposite of what he expected and she began crying again. As bewildered as he was by this he still took her into his arms, softly stroking her hair. "It's alright." He kept saying ot her. "It's alright. Every thing will be okay..."
It was a long process. One that required patience and understanding. At first Ce could only ever get Da to take two spoonfuls of the broth. It felt like forever before he could coax her to have a third. He insisted to be the one to feed her while she remained in bed and believed she only ate because it was him. Finally the day came when she would eat half the bowl. Just a little longer and he was positive she would be eating normal once again.
He would carry her out onto the balcony for fresh air. At night he held her in his arms. Occasionally she still cried and he would hold her tighter hoping to comfort her. Even though she still felt frail he was gaining hope she was doing better. She was returning to the Da he remembered.
He even brought the wei qi board to the bed and they spent several afternoons playing. He forced her to remain in bed until he felt her health and strength was returning. He tried his best to keep his thoughts and worries to himself as she healed.
Once while he watched her sleep he thought of the time he had been in her place and she in his. The anxiety she must have felt while he lied there halfway between life and death. And then the realization came to him. What she must have been thinking and feeling while he was away fighting in the Savage Land. How he wished he had understood this weeks ago as she cried in his arms. He feared losing her, he had confided in Zhou, and true to Zhou's words her fears were of losing him. Would he ever be able to convince her not to worry? That is like asking me not to breath she had said long ago. And indeed apparently it was.
He continued to watch her sleep, her breathing slow and rhythmic, her hair spread around her. A small smile was upon her lips and he wished he knew what was in her dreams.
"Da! Da!" Xiao's excited calls proceeded her as she ran through the doors and jumped on the bed.
"What is it, my sister?" Da smiled at her sister's excitement. Something had obviously gotten her excited.
"Look what we brought you!" She held out a package to her eagerly. She had been overjoyed and delighted at how well Da was improving. It wouldn't be long now she was positive till she was up and about once again. Xiao had grown quite terrified at her sister's condition and it took many reassuring words from Zhou to convince her things would be alright. Today seemed to be the first day she truly believed him.
"What is it?" Da accepted her sister's gift as others came into the room.
"Open it!"
Da did as she was told and carefully pulled aside the wrappings. Inside sat rice balls freshly made. "Is it the Dragon Boat Festival already?"
"Mhm. And since you can't go out yet we brought it to you." Xiao was all smiles.
"Oh, I could go out. Someone just won't let me." She gave a side long glance at Ce who came to sit on the bed next to her, softly kissing her head.
"It's for your own good." He smiled. She was definitely returning to her normal fiesty self. She scoffed, returning to the other visitors. He chuckled at her reaction.
"How is the festival this year?"
"Splendid!" Xiao answered before anyone else could. "It's better each year."
"And did you win your bet?"
"Bet?"
"Each year you and Zhou bet on the boat races."
"Oh that! And, yes, I did. He's not very good at predicting boats' abilities." Xiao seemed to forget the person she was talking about was in the room.
"What did you win this year?" The first time had been a ride on one of the boats. Second had been a jeweled pin. Zhou was never at a loss for gifts for Xiao.
But Xiao didn't answer and when Da looked over at her sister there was a twinkle and brightness to her eyes as she stared at Zhou. Da raised an eyebrow at this and decided to find out later.
Shang pulled Shao forward, who was looking a bit bashful. "Don't forget this young man! You will be very proud of him."
"What have you done, my son?" Da held out her hands which Shao took before sitting on the bed. he was no longer the boy who would not too long ago be just like Xiao and bounce on the bed in excitement. He was becoming a very mature, bright young man. Da was very proud of this, but it also saddened her.
It didn't stop Ce from reaching over and ruffling his hair when he didn't answer. "Go on and tell her." He was obviously proud of what had been accomplished.
"I made third place in the Trials." Shao finally told the news, unsure what Da would say. The Trials were a friendly compeition between the men in the units. But it was still fighting and people still got hurt.
"The Trials?" Da looked at Ce as if it was his fault.
"It's my first year, Mother." Shao squeezed her hands, trying to reassure her.
"It was amazing!" Shang had to jump in. 'You should have seem him. He beat me!"
"Shang's sore because she placed eighth." Xiao had to add in.
"I am not! Eighth is really good. And when you're fighting against the likes of Gai and Ce I don't expect to place in the first spot."
"Sure..."
"I am very proud of you, Shao." Da interrupted the two girls, watching as Shao sat straighter and a look of happiness took over his face. "You are very much like Lord Sun Ce."
"I am honoured to follow in my father's footsteps." Shao looked up as Ce placed his hand upon one of his and Da's as they still clasped hands.
"I will have to come watch you train in the near future." Da promised.
"I would be very honoured, Mother."
"It's utterly lovely!" Xiao burst into Zhou's study, full of energy, a bright smile on her face. It was one of those contagious atmospheres.
Zhou looked up from his paperwork already smiling, her happiness taking over the minute she entered. "What is?" He had to ask.
"Just...every thing!" She spun around as she said this as if to make her point. "The weather is beautiful. Da is so much better. People are happy. And..." She had come up to his desk and firmly gripping the edge with her hands she balanced herself to lean forward. "You." She finished her sentence.
"What about me?" Zhou felt himself in awe over her. How she could always take over a room with her exuberance? And she just glowed with happiness which made her stunning.
She leaned forward more, her feet kicking up into the air. "You...are utterly lovely." Her smile was almost a giggle now.
Zhou could not remember the last time he felt embarrassed. He didn't think he normally did. But strangely those words coming from her made him more bashful than he had felt in years. "Only because I have you." And he believe that. He would not be the man he was if she had not been with him. Before she could respond he kissed her. He could feel his emotions getting all tied up and this was the best solution as far as he was concerned.
It took a moment for Xiao to remember to breath. She had not expected that! And there was something...different about that kiss. It seemed to promise more. That that there was something that was after. But she wasn't quite sure what...Her bubbly, giddy feeling sat in her stomach. She swallowed. "That...was utterly lovely." She said with a softer smile.
He had to admit it was. Very much so. "Once more?" He asked.
"Once more, please." She corrected him before they shared another. She sighed as he ended it, dropping her feet back to the floor. She pushed herself away from the desk, happily going around it to his side. "We should go outside and do something. The weather in perfect for kite flying. Or chase in the garden. Or...something!"
"All very good ideas." His arm went around her waist. "How about..." His words were cut off as he noticed a sudden change in her mood. He followed her gaze that was looking down at his papers. "Xiao..."
She sighed wistfully, resting her head on his shoulder. "Another one?" It was a campaign. Again. She knew they had had a long break without one and she should be happy with that. But it seemed that every time things were going perfect at the manor crazy things happened without.
He wish he could hide the papers away. "I am sorry."
"It's not your fault. Will it be long?"
"Traveling will be the worse. We're simply putting a stop to some rogues." He watched as she gave a nod to his answer, accepting it as always. "Xiao." He turned to look at her, curiosity in her beautiful eyes. He pushed the chair aside, standing up. He didn't know why, but it made him feel better with what he was about to say. "I am making you a promise. When I return I will be asking Ce and Da for your hand in marriage. I don't think they'll say no."
A giggle escaped from Xiao and he was happy to see her smile again. "Consult with Lu Xun for auspicious times. He's a real stickler for doing things the proper way." She advised. After the campaign...when he returns...Her heart beat faster.
"I will do that." He gave a nod. "Anything else?"
She suddenly jumped at him, flinging her arms around his neck. "It's utterly lovely!" She couldn't contain her excitement, his arms wrapping themselves around her.
"I'm glad to hear you think so." He spun her around, happiness overwhelming him. So long...they had waited so long...
The sound of papers being scattered and her giggling stopped his movements. He rested her on the chair, as she stood there he glanced at the paperwork that had been flung around the room by their excitement. He looked up at her, a huge smile across his face. Without a second thought he shoved the rest of the papers onto the floor. Holding her hand he helped her step onto the desk then coming around the other side grabbed her around the waist, helping her jump down.
Hand in hand they ran from the room.
The chapter is a bit shorter than normal, but as I was typing I noted that it was taking a long time and that I still had many more scenes and pages to go. I've done this before and ended up dividing the chapter into smaller halves which I am doing again. This was the best place to cut off so I did =D
Also writing Da's condition was getting me depressed so it went a bit quicker than originally planned. I tried, but it bothered me too much.
And about the man Da spoke about. Someone mentioned him to me and didn't remember his name so I made it very vague lol That probably doesn't help much, but, ya that's the loose point of it XD
I hope everything is understandable with how I wrote it!
Please review! And I'll see you in the next update!