Wow...Xiao and Zhou have a LOAD of fans out there! Thank you very much for liking the way I portray this couple. They will be getting their own attention very soon so please be patient. It will be worth it, trust me!
I still have a bit to finish up with Ce and Da so excuse the excess of them once again in this chapter. Uhm...don't be mad...please?
Many events are still to come!
As promised Da ventured out with the help of Leiyu to watch the field training. Hua and Ling were nearby, keeping a watchful eye. Their lord had warned them if they saw any signs of distress they were to take the Lady Da back to her chambers.
As the afternoon wore on and the practices continued Da seemed to be holding up very well. Physically and emotionally. She even called out words of encouragement that the whole unit seem to take to heart. She never let on to what she was thinking to those around her. Her thoughts were very much occupied by Shao. How much he had grown. She smiled as she watched him glow with pride as Ce complimented him on his moves. It was also very obvious how proud Ce was of him. How could she complain?
It did get to a point when she became a bit weary and the three servants escorted her back to the rooms and coaxed her into bed. They piled pillows behind her and left a book with her before they ushered themselves out the door.
She had pulled her knees up, resting the book on them when Ce entered the room. He was freshly clean and she could smell the sharp fragrance of the bath oils. He greeted her with a soft smile, but she watched as he held his shoulder, slowly rotating it. He sat on the edge of the bed, towel drying his hair, before attempting to stretch his muscles again. Training had taken a bit out of him today and his muscles were aching from the extra strain. He had to admit it was partly his fault as he knew Da was watching and he was trying to show his best. But Shao had gotten the same idea and so had several of the men. This left him to defending himself harsher than he was used to. Gai had laughed saying if the men fought this hard knowing a pretty girl was around they should bring one on the next invasion. This led to Shang hitting him asking what was she then? It caused much commotion and laughter and Ce chuckled quietly to himself.
Da had pushed the covers aside and came up behind Ce, carefully placing a hand on his shoulder. At first she felt him tense under her touch, then slowly relax as she used both hands to carefully release the knots in his muscles. Her fingers were like magic and he gave a quiet sigh as she continued across his back. He had almost forgotten how this felt. How she could take the soreness away with a simple touch. He was also surprised at how much strength she had as she put some more force behind her work. He wasn't surprised at how he was beginning to feel though. Her touch upon his skin. Her closeness to him as she knelt behind him. Her scent...He closed his eyes unable to stop the sound that came from his lips.
She suddenly stopped as if acutely aware of what she was doing. Then slowly, carefully she trailed her fingers across his shoulders. Since his return they had not spent that time together and she was becoming aware of that very fast.
He opened his eyes and twisted around, seeing her breath heavily. He reached up, softly touching her cheek. Colour had returned to her lips and face and she had begun to put back on the weight she had lost. But still...
A small sound escaped from her as he carefully lowered her onto the bed. She was watching him, waiting. His kiss was gentle and soft, not quite what she was expecting. "Ce...?"
The way she said his name made this harder than he expected and he kissed her again before speaking. "My blossom...my need for you is great, but my worry greater." He placed a finger on her lips as she began to protest. "When I am reassured you are well we will then spend time together." If they were gentle lovers he may not worry as much. But belying her size and demeanor she was an aggressive lover, giving as much as he did which always surprised him. Until he was positive she was up for that he wasn't going to force her. Although she didn't appear as if she would disagree right about now.
His lips brushed her neck and his words were whispered. "When that day comes I will tell the guards we are not to be disturbed. For any reason. All day." He watched the blush creep into her cheeks. How beautiful that made her look! "Then we shall fulfill our desires. Share our unbridled passion. Love each other as we were meant to."
"I will share my dreams with you." She whispered.
"There is little more I could ask for."
"Saying I wasn't a pretty girl!" Shang still grumped as Gai and she sat on the stone wall. "That's not nice!"
Gai still laughed over it. "Why, Little Shang, I'm surprised such things mattered to you!"
She crossed her arms and turned away with an indignant sound. Why was It bothering her? She wanted to be known for her skill and field experience. Not because of her looks or by the number of men that swooned over her. But none the less she was still female and the words stung. "You wouldn't want to be called ugly!"
"No one said you were ugly." Gai tried to hold in his laughter. He knew numerous men who had scuffled in the units' housing due to jealousy over who Shang had talked to that day. Some even argued over who she had looked at and how many times. The men were very aware that Shang was female.
She pouted. "Fine. I know I don't compare to the sisters, but it still...kinda...sorta...well...hurt."
"I'm going to give some fatherly advice. You can take it or leave it as any daughter would. But I'm going to say it anyway." He had caught her attention enough for her to turn back around. "First I'm going to say this with pride - you are growing into an amazing woman. Nuh-uh! Let me finish." He stopped her from talking. "You are still growing, you haven't made it yet. But so far you've grown into a strong, independent, smart young lady. You used to be this scrappy, little, red head of a rugrat. Now...you must learn your strengths. Not only as a soldier, but as a female.
"Know when you've caught the attention of a man. And decide your intentions quickly. Don't let jealousy or vanity rule you. Be wary of what men really want from you and don't get in over your head. And don't forget you have brothers to call on.
"And, yes, Shang. You are pretty. Be careful of how you use that."
"I didn't...I mean..." Shang was a bit surprised by his words. "Thank you." It was meant for both the compliment and the advice.
"You have strengths, Little Shang. Be wary of how you use them."
"Song!" Shao called to her as he saw her walking across the courtyard with several other girls.
Song looked over at her friend, hearing the others giggle around her. Shao was becoming quite popular recently. She ran across the courtyard even as they gasped in astonishment. "I heard how you did in the Trials. Congratulations."
"Thanks." Shao was a bit bashful over the attention he was receiving from the competition. "I haven't seen you in awhile. What have you been up to?"
"Training."
"I haven't seen you on the field."
Song laughed. "Not that way, silly! Lady Wu chose me to train as...well..a hand maiden. You can't say no to Lady Wu, now can you?" She had been wondering why though and wasn't positive, but thought Lady Wu may have other plans as well. Song had been praised frequently for her grace and poise and had earned the nickname "Lost Lord's Daughter" as no one believed a simple commoner could have such characteristics.
"What happened to your plans to protect Shang?"
Song looked down at her hands. "Plans change, don't they? Shang is very lucky to be able to do what she does. But not everyone gets that chance. I still plan to be the best sister she's ever had and protect her as best as I can, but..." She took a deep breath. "I have to do as I'm told. Just like you do."
"True. It's just...This growing up thing is weird. They expect so much."
"They're always looking for that one person who will do "great things". Remember when Master Lu said that? Maybe one day you will do great things." She giggled as he laughed. "I think Master Lu will be like that someday. But you need opportunities before that happens." She shurgged. "I'm okay with being normal."
"Me too." Shao admitted.
"Too late for you! You're Lord Sun's son!" She laughed some more as he made a face.
"Song, we have to get going!" The girls called to her.
"Okay, Okay!" She called back, before looking at Shao. "I'll see you in class?"
"Of course." Shao was beginning to not like growing up. Especially when it changed a friendship that had lasted years. Was something different with Song? Or was it him?
"Come this way, Lord Sun Ce." Hua and Ling, along with Leiyu, led him to one of the courtyards. All three had smiles on their faces.
"What's this about?" Not that he was arguing, but for the three to pull him away from his paper work for a "surprise" was a bit strange.
"You will see when it happens, Lord Sun." Ling didn't even hint as to what might be happening.
"Father!" Shao ran up to him, excited. "You're timing is perfect." He then led the group to the nearby stone benches.
Ce laughed. "Well, that would be a first!" His suspicions were heightened by the site of Zhou, Xiao, Lu Xun, and several others. "Are you involved in this as well?" He asked his oath brother.
"Indeed." Was the simple reply, but the tone was jovial.
Xiao stood at the front, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. It was obvious Ce was the guest of honour and some people had simply shown up to see his reaction to what was about to take place. She bowed, graceful, and for the first time Ce noted the change in his sister's movements. The bubbly bounce was still there, the excited mannerisms, but there was now an added smoothness, almost subtle grace. He glanced at Zhou. He was not the only one to notice the Little Qiao's moves. A smile was on Zhou's lips as he watched her.
"Thank you for coming, Lord Sun Ce." Her words were so formal, until a giggle escaped at the end.
"Alright, Xiao. What's going on?"
Her answer was a giggle as she pulled Zhou and Xun to one side with her. Qing handed her the flute that she played so well now. Without another word she placed it to her lips and the notes danced upon the air. Zhou had taken a seat next to her, a string instrument balanced on his knee and soon the two mixed together.
Ce might have wondered about the sudden impromptu concert when he suddenly saw her. She walked out as if she was almost floating. The graceful movements of a bird in flight. She carried a large fan, the ends that fluttered as it moved. Ce was stunned into silence.
He had seen Da dance before. It was breath taking. He could never figure out how she could move like that. She glided, twirled, leapt. And although there were other people around Ce felt as if she was dancing for him alone. She turned his way several times and at one point she looked at him from behind the fan, smiling softly before she lowered her gaze.
He was so enthralled he hadn't noticed Xun had begun singing. What was this song? He wanted to listen to the words, but if he concentrated on that he would have to pull himself away from looking at Da and that he did not want to do. She leapt passed him once more, the scent of blossoms permeating the air. He was immobile.
She moved to the center of her dance space and with a final spin lowered herself into a sitting position, bowing forward. Those around burst into applause. Da looked up, a brilliant smile upon her face. She stood up, graceful as ever. Xiao ran over to her, hugging her fiercely. "That was beautiful! How I wish i could dance like you!"
"But you can!" Da protested.
"Oh, not like you. Trust me." Xiao had been so awed at one point watching her sister she had forgotten to play her flute until she had heard Zhou clear his throat to catch her attention.
"If you say so, my sister." Da decided not to argue the fact. Especially as her attention was distracted as Ce approached. Her smile turned shy and she looked up at him through her thick lashes. "Did you...Did you like it?"
"There are no words for the beauty I just witnessed." He took one of her hands then pulled her into an embrace.
She hid her face in his chest, her cheeks burning with joy. "It was for you." Her voice was quiet. She wanted to prove to him how her health had returned. That all his attentions had not been in vain. That she loved him and she would continue to do so.
"I love you are too simple of words to describe what I feel for you." Ce held her tight, his happiness barely contained.
"So the rumours are true. You do have an amazing voice." Shang found Xun where she normally did. In the class room. It was empty this time of day, but he was going around tidying things up.
Xun almost coughed in embarrassment. "Who mentioned it?"
"The children. Who else?" She laughed. "You shouldn't hide such talents."
"I do not hide them. There is just few times when such is needed. I do not openly volunteer." He moved a few books to his desk and she trailed after him.
"You're a very talented person, Xun."
"I do not believe I have reached any potential yet. I have far to go before I would claim any talents." He wasn't positive why he was nervous over such praise. He had been told before how "talented" he was and he felt honoured to be considered such, but somehow...it bothered him.
"Psh...believe whatever you want. If I had half your potential it would be amazing."
"You do not believe you have talents?"
"Not really. I..."
"In martial arts?"
"I'm alright."
"On the field?"
"I placed eighth..."
"So you are allowed to display modesty, but I get scolded?"
Shang couldn't tell if he was serious or if his dry humour was in use. He kept a rather straight face though. Even as she continued to look at him. She gave up. "Alright. Well, as a friend may I praise you and give you credit when it is due?"
"If I may do the same for you."
"Sure. But only when it's sincere." She warned him.
"I would never be false concerning such." He promised.
She nudged him. "Of course not." Because then it wouldn't be Xun...
When Leiyu entered the room she was a bit surprised by what she saw. The table was laid out with as much splendor as it could hold. Trays upon trays of food were waiting, choices of drink and even gifts were strewn about. She looked at Hua and Ling unsure what was going on. "Where did all this come from?"
The two looked at each other before Hua came forward grabbing Leiyu's hand and pulling her forward. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"They are gifts from our Lord and Lady." Ling explained.
Leiyu blinked. "Why?"
Hua giggled. "They do not wish to be disturbed today for any reason and this is to keep us entertained and yet close by if we are needed."
"But all this?" Leiyu was still unsure.
"Lord Sun Ce and Lady Da are very gracious." Ling encouraged.
Leiyu studied the display a bit longer, still a bit worried. She had been rewarded for her duties before, but this seemed a little overindulgent. But Hua and Ling had never lied to her before. "Do you think...it would be alright if I fetch Qing to join us?"
Hua and Ling exchanged glances once more. They both new how nervous and quiet Leiyu could be. This could be a good sign. "I don't see why not." Ling shrugged. "As long as she is not in the midst of her duties."
"Thank you. I will be right back!" Leiyu could only imagine Qing's reaction to what they had been given. And it had been so long since they had spent time together. This would be a great day!
"Why do we do this to each other?" Ce softly touched Da's face. Colour had returned to her features, and her cheeks were bright and rosy once again. The dark circles under her eyes had long since disappeared. She had gained her weight back plus just a little more which he loved as much as she bemoaned it.
"Do what, my love?" Her hand reached up to lay upon his. She was surprised by how serious he had become and wasn't positive she liked it.
"Love each other so much it hurts. To such a degree that when one of us does something wrong the pain the other feels has such an intensity it's hard to live." His hand went into her hair, softly sifting through the blackness. "I know my timing has never been good. Try as I might I can't get it right. But when I say something it's normally because I am over taken with some sort of emotion that I can not stop it. I would never mean to say some of the things I have. I have caused you to suffer as I would never even submit my enemies to. I can never forgive myself."
"Stop." Da placed her fingers against his lips. It hurt to hear him say these things. Especially as he was not fully to blame. "Do not regret. Ever. I would live the past few years over again if it meant I would be here at this moment with you. I will not allow us to toss blame around. We must learn from our experiances. Learn and try our best to improve." He kissed her fingers that were over his lips. Taking her hand in his he then kissed her palm and wrist, slowly moving up her arm. She closed her eyes. "I do not understand how once when I never knew you I could go on day by day. How much of a half life I must have been living. You have given me so much strength. I should at this point know to use that strength and continue even when you are away." He pulled her to him, his hand on her back, his lips slowly grazing her neck. "Ce...mm...You're not listening..."
"I am." His voice was hushed. "You are trying to apologize and I am attempting to stop you." His smile could be heard in his voice.
"You're doing...a very good job..." Da took a deep breath. Why was his touch so maddening?
"You once said we should put the past behind us. We have so much to accomplish I think we should focus on that."
"You do have a Kingdom to unite. And we can't forget making Wu a paradise to live in."
"I was actually thinking about us. Living each day together. Growing old together. Making babies..." He chuckled as her cheeks grew into a dark pink. "Hm. Yes. I think we should work on that." He kissed her. No regrets, she said. But he couldn't help regret leaving her for so long. He should have been here. How was he to protect her and yet reassure her he would return unharmed? He had no idea. He had never included love, let alone marriage and children, when he and Zhou had made their plans for the Kingdom. Maybe it was time to rewrite those plans.
Every thing had grown quiet at the manor. Unusually quiet, Zhou thought when he heard the flute music coming from one of the gardens. That would be Xiao, he decided, a smile on his face. As he turned a corner he saw her, sitting on the ground, flute to her lips, going over the same tune, making the same mistake at the same spot no matter how many times she played through it. He knew she was trying her best, but it was almost amusing as she gave an exaggerated, frustrated sigh and stared at the flute as if it was the instrument's fault.
"You should try another song, then return to that one." He spoke, unfortunately causing her to jump around in surprise, the flute tumbling to the ground.
"It's not nice to sneak up on people." She scolded.
"I am sorry." He knelt down, picking up the flute, handing it to her. "Forgive me?"
"Alright." She accepted, sighing again. "I just can't get it right!"
"Perhaps you are worrying about it too much."
"But I was trying to learn it for you before you left."
These simple things that she did were one of the many reasons why he loved her. "Play it for me."
"I'll mess up again!" She pouted.
"I will love it no matter what." He promised.
She puffed out her cheeks in frustration at his insistence. The song was supposed to be perfect before he heard it. But was she really going to deny his request? "Alright, but if I mess up..."
She brought the instrument to her lips once more and began the song he had entered in the middle of. There was no description for the beauty of the piece. The melodic notes, the imagery it created. Zhou closed his eyes. The song was all Xiao. The happiness each day brought to her. The carefree spirit. The wonder of new discoveries. Love...
The last notes faded on a soft breeze and he heard her take a sharp intake of breath. "I didn't make a mistake!"
He smiled, opening his eyes. "Xiao...it was beautiful."
"You really think so?"
"I could listen to that every night." He watched as she toyed with the instrument.
"I wish...I wish I could come with you." She spoke the words quietly.
"Not this time." What had made her say that? She had always seemed content to remain at the manor.
"Perhaps...later..."
"We shall see." It almost hurt him that she thought about this. "Xiao...while I'm away, will you play that song every night?"
"But you won't be here."
"I can hear it in my heart." He promised. "But, you never know a bird could hear it and come my way. Or the wind itself may bring it to me. Or a fluttering butterfly..."
She swallowed, feeling her heart beat incredibly fast. She put aside the flute and reaching out took one his hands in hers, pressing her cheek to it. "I promise. I will play it every night."
He pulled her to him, holding her in a gentle hug. "Thank you, my butterfly..."
Hua came running back into the room the maids and Ling had been occupying for the better part of the day. There was still plenty of food and drink leftover even after they had all claimed they had stuffed themselves. "Our Lord and Lady would like to inform us they are intending to sleep and it would be appreciated if we were a bit quieter."
"Sleep." Qing snorted. "Did you inform them they need to watch how loud they get?"
"Qing!" Leiyu hid her face behind a napkin in embarrassment.
"You are very cheeky." Ling informed Qing. He had heard stories of the maid's off hand comments and coloured remarks. They were obviously true.
"My lady had always let me speak my mind." Qing twisted some chopsticks between her fingers.
"Lady Xiao?" Hua was curious.
"Oh. No. I meant my former lady. She was very high ranking and...well, she never had any qualms with me over stepping bounds other servants seemed restrained by. Old habits die hard I guess. But now listen - I watch myself around Lord and Lady Sun. I don't go around handing out my words of wisdom to them."
"You speak very openly to Lord Zhou." Leiyu pointed out.
"He's not a Sun, now is he?"
"Not by blood, but they all accept him as such." Ling supplied.
"Fine." Qing made a noise.
"Why such dedication to the Sun family?" Hua had come to sit down with the others, curiosity eating at her.
"Why are you?" She countered.
The two servants looked at each other before Ling spoke. "We were raised amongst them. Hua and I are brother and sister, children left upon an abandoned battlefield. Lord Sun Jian would not leave such innocents and brought us to his home. We were always treated well."
"We have been with Lord Sun Ce since we were all quite young." Hua continued the story. "I would dedicate myself to no other and I know Ling feels the same. We know his moods, his habits, his preferences. Better than almost anyone. It is a privilege we do not intend to turn our backs on. He trusts us and we wholly return that trust."
"That is amazing." Leiyu was awed.
"It would seem both our fortunes are found on a battlefield." Qing nodded her head. "My lady and her entire family and household were killed by Yuan Shu's army. That man showed no mercy."
"How did you escape?" Leiyu gasped.
"I feigned dead. I'm not proud of it and should have protected my Lady better than that. I should have been first." She shook her head. "I traveled aimlessly for a bit before I caught word of a little upstart general who turned against Yuan and was forming troops of his own. Lord Sun's vision of the Kingdoms unified is one I share. That he accepted me into his circle of servants I am grateful beyond words for. I would have no life without the Sun family."
"It seems we all share that bond." Ling gave a nod of his head as Hua smiled. "If rumours are true Leiyu also owes them her life."
"It's true." Leiyu's words were hushed as she twisted her napkin. "My new life began when I was carried through those gates. I am honoured to be serving the Sun family."
Hua stood up, moving to the table, pouring drinks for them all. "Let us toast our bond and think of happier times ahead for everyone!"
Ce walked into Zhou's study, only pausing once to glance around. Zhou gave an amused smile as he stood up to greet his oath brother. "Xiao is not here. She is spending time with her sister."
Ce returned the smile, a bit larger, as if caught doing something he never intended to be found out. "Now why would I worry about that?" Although it was true.
"Because whatever it is you have come to discuss with me involves her and I am going to guess Da as well?"
"I sometimes swear you are a mind reader." Ce joined him at the large desk.
"If I was Xiao would not surprise me as she does every day."
"Not that that is a bad thing, right?" Ce chuckled.
"Far from. I would have her no other way. You are the only other who knows me as deeply as she."
"I sometimes think she knows even more than I." Ce could never figure out how the small Qiao sister could convince Zhou to do things others could never even attempt. She had reached to him somehow that Ce wasn't even positive he could.
"Have you come to discuss Xiao's merits then?" Zhou was good natured. He had spent the better part of the day with her and even better without the presence of Qing. Xiao had said Leiyu had asked if the other maid could join her for a few hours. Zhou had no complaints. Even though they had formed a peace treaty Zhou still could not help but have an unliking for the outspoken maid. "I have volumes and hours worth."
"I'm sure you do!" Ce laughed. "But it's like this...remember when we first discussed the plans for the future? Uniting lands, ridding oppressors, letting the people live a life out from over lords?"
"How can I forget?" Even though they had been young they didn't let the size of their plans discourage them. They had years ahead of them to accomplish such tasks. Zhou had spent a night scribbling every thought Ce babbled no matter how ludicrous. If he still had those notes they may laugh over part of it now.
"Good. Because...uh...do you recall whether we discussed falling in love? Wives? Children?"
Zhou was silent. Longer than he normally would be. Then he started laughing. Mainly at their simple folly. "I think we overlooked that minor detail."
"Not so minor, Zhou..." Ce shook his head. "Time to rewrite I believe."
"This is because of Da, isn't it?"
"It's because of Da. Because of Xiao. Of Quan, Kuang, and Shang. Because of the children already here like Shao and those yet unborn or even thought of. It's one thing to be young and by yourself and run out onto that battlefield and fight till you hurt more than you thought imaginable. I learned the hard way there is another side of things...
"I'm not abandoning our plans. That would be fool hardy. The Kingdoms need to be united. And I'm not going to stay here all the time either. I'm not going to have men fight my battles as I remain here. But is there a way to plot this better? Where to hit next that won't take us away as long as the one after that?"
"You're looking for a happy medium." Zhou was in thought.
"If that's what you want to call it. I know we can't do anything about invasions, but the rest? Instead of frolicking off one right after the other further and further?"
"You are asking a lot."
"Not any more than I know you can deliver." Ce clapped his oath brother on the shoulder. If anyone could come up with a solution it would be Zhou.
"You have too much confidence in me."
"Modest? Who gave you that? Where's the great speeches of how we can overcome anything? That those who stand in our way are in folly? We're the greatest warriors of the Kingdoms remember?" He nudged Zhou.
"You are the "Little Conqueror", not I."
"What are you worried about?"
"What Xiao will think actually. She understands what we do and why. She may not be happy that we change plans on a whim for her sake."
"I think she will be happy. Her greeting to you when we returned from the Nanman Territory was of a girl who had been scared she may never see you again. She has a lot of confidence in you, but as you taught me that fear is always there. And we're not changing any thing. We're just upgrading. Wu will be a kingdom we'll be proud of. A kingdom we have built together. Our kingdom."
Some notes -
Lady Wu is Ce's mother. I make the distinction by calling her Lady Wu and he and Da are Lord and Lady Sun. I'm sure that's not accurate as historically apparently Shang was called Lady Sun, but oh well...
Shao and Song are early teens (not preteen). I tried to point out that Shao was not a little boy when Ce and Da adopted him so have progressed him (or tried to) hoping to work out his character a bit more. More will come from him as well!
About Da's dancing. I have been doing a lot of research into the Chinese performing arts and a lot of it that is easy to find is from the Tang Dynasty (much later than our 3Kingdoms), but as I love it so much that is what I am going to base it from. I've been watching a lot of fan dances on YT and became enchanted by one in particular which is how I imagine Da. They are so beautiful, graceful, and very, very limber! I had no particular song in mind with our little orchestra, but wanted Xun to sing once again as I had said in an early chapter he had a "beautiful voice". If you have a chance you should check some of the classical Chinese music out. It's very different from our modern music and can take a bit of getting used to if you have more "Western" taste in music, but it helps me get into the mood with this story =D
Oh! And there is mention that Xiao often accompanied Zhou out on campaigns so I decided to put a bit of a hint on that in here with her request. We shall see what happens, right?
Please post a review. I love to hear from you!