Note: Chapters have been edited to cut down on bloated word count. On another note, I hope everyone's first week of 2020 has been good!
Based on Ameri Lie's video: Azure (11/9/2019).
[Fantasy Goryeo/Phoenix AU]
.
V - I.
The first time Euna met Lady Mina, it was in the middle of a fight.
It wasn't an intense one, though with the way Zen was spinning and constantly moving with his spear, one would think that he was being serious in bashing her skull to the ground. Not that Euna would let him, evading and scoring a few hits on his arms and legs while she was at it. She'd been on the defensive for a few seconds, though from the way Zen's red eyes were narrowed, he was starting to become more focused.
Euna jumped backwards, parrying the edge of his weapon to the side. Rather than fumbling, Zen went with the momentum, planting his spear to the ground and lashing out with a kick she ducked under. In such close proximity, they both predictably retreated.
Murmurs from the other platoon members renewed, but she paid little attention.
They stared at each other for a long while. Euna kept her face impassive, even if she was struggling to catch her breath.
They weren't seriously duking it out, but from the accumulated bruises and shallow cuts, they were pushing each other well enough. While their training regiment had been upped for the march the day after tomorrow, everybody was itching for a change in pace.
Her limbs weren't appreciating her choice however, and she stretched the shakiness off as best as she could. Despite the power of Suzaku in her blood and the healing capabilities it granted, its potency varied, the reliable part being her ability to stave off sicknesses and recover from fatigue faster than the average person. She wasn't immune to it, unfortunately.
Judging from Zen's mildly amused smirk, she probably didn't hide her displeasure quickly.
It wasn't often that they had drawn out exchanges, and she lost count at the last hundred strikes.
Though it had only been almost a month, her speed and overall movement were less wasted. They were stable, fluid and her muscles hadn't been pulled for the umpteenth time like she was seventy instead of twenty. It was honestly hard to imagine how much useless flailing she was doing before.
Prince Jumin hadn't exactly phrased it like so, but she had the impression he thought it after that ridiculous reflex training. That was an afternoon she wasn't keen on repeating.
Zen's expression relaxed. "Had enough, Nam-gi?"
She reflexively held back snort at the old alias. So, he was having one of those days, huh? Not that she minded. "You're asking for time out? I thought you had more spirit than that."
He laughed, so carefree and as if they hadn't just tried maiming each other. That calculative glint in his eyes almost went unnoticed, glancing off to the side. "Quite the challenge."
Euna followed his line of sight.
Golden locks curled over a heart-shaped face, standing out from simply patterned muted teal and white robes, the jade hairpin tingling as the woman noticed her gaze. Those verdant green eyes gave nothing away in the seconds they were locked with hers, but it was a weighty one that Euna was compelled to power through. Thankfully, the woman was the first to look away and started to converse with the nearest platoon member. The unfortunate soul - Lan, their resident marksman - seemed a cross between a chastised little boy and someone who was just told an envoy of the Dragon Emperor had just descended. Not that she would blame him, the woman was astoundingly beautiful, projecting an aura of serenity and other-worldliness that rivaled a monk's.
Undoubtedly, she was a noblewoman, and probably another one here to observe. Just when she thought she finally caught a break. "It's not like you to back down, Zen."
His grin stretched, baring his teeth. He twirled his spear, positioning itself parallel to the ground. "If you insist, then I'd be happy to oblige, oh Honorable Avatar."
Let's give them a show.
Zen darted forward.
Ever the dramatic one, yet a smile played on her lips. She met him halfway.
The tip of the spear missed her shoulder by an inch, wind cutting past her ear. Euna stepped into range, only for her sword to be knocked away. They danced around each other, every clash of steel and wood becoming faster and harder to track, forcing her to change tactics. Feet digging into the dirt, she thrust a palm forward, only to be batted away by his arm. Zen pivoted, the spear blurring and coming towards her side.
Vibrations shot up her arm as she let her sword take the hit, and Euna gritted her teeth, almost choking on her saliva. It stung, and she let herself be carried by the impact, falling along.
Zen's eyes widened, stopping mid-swing.
Got you.
Her foot connected with his knee, and he yelped.
They fumbled on the ground for a moment, and she pounced for him, hoping to quickly end the match. Zen was faster, and her sword flew from her hands. She was pulled towards him, and they wrestled in the dirt. In the contest of strength, Zen easily overpowered her, and she was thrown to her back with him hovering over her, expression entirely too pleased with the result.
"Got too greedy there, Nam."
Up close, his dimples were prominent, and the sweat dripping off of his jaw and to her neck caused her to shift uncomfortably. There was no space between her and Zen, his legs trapping her own. "I may have been a little hasty."
"Do you yield?"
She rolled her eyes, wiggling her fingers and shifting her feet for good measure. "What do you think?"
"Sorry, I'm afraid I didn't hear that." Too smug, she was tempted to fight dirty for that.
The other methods of escape she didn't consider, too absorbed with the pulse in her ears and the fuzzy filter that overlaid the world. Besides that, their spectators were oddly silent. "Yes, I yield. Now get off, you're heavy."
"That's simply the weight of the beautifully sculpted muscles I've painstakingly built over the years, my dear." Zen bounced up, and held out his hand for her.
Euna was wrenched up, and she hid the wince. She awkwardly stretched her arms, groaning at the soreness. "Strange, I thought the armor builds character, not fakes it."
Rather than the declaration of his greatness like she was expecting, a soft "Good afternoon," cut Zen off. They exchanged a brief look at the approaching noblewoman with Jihyun trailing behind her. Euna cleared her throat, back straight when she bowed, and Zen followed her lead. "Greetings, Milady, Jihyun."
The noblewoman didn't speak yet, but she nodded her head in response.
"At ease, Euna. I'm here as a visitor today, not as your superior," Jihyun took over as the speaker, throwing the woman a subtle look that she almost missed. He gestured to his body, the white, grey and blue robes giving him a different aura than the usual harsh figure of the red and black military armor. "I've brought my betrothed here today since she usually comes by for monthly inspections."
So she was the beloved Princess Mina from Captain's and Jihyun's tales of how she was the inspiration behind the Platoon's creation and the backbone that funded their activities outside of prerequisite military parameters. They stood at the same height as well, and with eyes on them, Euna kept eye contact to a minimum, purposefully looking at the woman's small nose. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, I am Mina Kim. Jihyun and Jumin have told me many things about you."
Good things, she hoped. "This humble soldier's name is Euna Han. It's an honor to meet you, Lady Mina."
"The way you moved throughout the match was fantastic, I could barely keep up with the two of you." Then, she was practically vibrating, eyes going from her to Zen and back as if she was trying to read their minds and unravel their secrets by sight alone. The ethereal effect of her presence became muted, and Euna was reminded that she was human and strangely enthusiastic. "I'm glad I got to see you while fighting, the fluidity of your form was almost mesmerizing."
The barrage of compliments was making her dizzy. "Thank you, it is thanks to my mentor that I am improving."
"Although I wasn't expecting any sparring today. I'd thought Jumin had ordered everyone to keep the fights to a minimum in preparation for our march," Jihyun said.
She hunched her shoulders, and her smile had gone crooked. The way he stared brought her back to those innocent childhood days, impulsive and over her head. "Captain stated we should be in top form, he never really outright banned us from any strenuous activities."
Jihyun shook his head, a fist covering his mouth but not preventing the sound of amusement from escaping. "He won't like that."
Lady Mina seemed to agree with him, but said nothing.
"Not to worry, I'll inform him that I was testing the new recruit and working on my speed." A lacking excuse, it wouldn't save her from one of the captain's special brand of lectures on the importance of restraint, but at least it was something. Euna was already expecting the worst, but she really couldn't sit still in her room. "I've scoured through maps to familiarize myself with our destination. I'd also finished reviewing the basic formations the platoon utilized and wished to see it in motion, but alas, I thought the opportunity for some action wouldn't be too harmful."
"It was supposed to be your rest day, but it is your wish to use it in a way you prefer." As if reading her thoughts, Jihyun dropped the subject and nudged the noblewoman forward. "Mina?"
Lady Mina lightly placed a hand on his wrist. "Now, now, no need to hurry a woman."
Jihyun's smile was soft, the chuckle even more so. "My apologies."
Fingers delicately pushed the man's own aside, shy little smiles that were boldly intimate out in the open yet too short to really react to. "Truth be told, I have a favor to ask of you, Euna."
She arranged her expression into something passive. It wouldn't be the first request she'd received when she came here, ranging from light shows to thinly-veiled attempts to curry influence, but it was peculiar. What would a princess in all but name want from her? "How may I be of service, milady?"
"I'd like for invite you for tea in my quarters."
"What?" The intelligent response got both of them to blink simultaneously, and the chirp that bubbled out of Lady Mina's finely painted lips had her wish she could burrow her head in the ground. Zen's snickers behind her and the way Jihyun artfully avoided showing his face directly were not helping. "I-I meant to say, that would be wonderful, but if I may ask why?"
Lady Mina tilted her head, sweeping her sleeves wide as if welcoming her for a hug. "I'd like for us to know each other. It's not frequent that this platoon gets a female recruit, and I am personally interested in one with a reputation such as yourself."
Euna had no reason to refuse, but on the other hand: "I would like to have tea with you milady, though I'd like to refresh myself first."
"Of course dear. That is not a problem." Her steps were light, and before they knew it, she was in front of Zen. "Forgive me for my bluntness, but you are Zen, yes?"
Zen's expression went from blank to carefully genial. "Indeed I am, milady."
"Are you perchance, the same Zen of the Dancing Flames Troupe? Your build and hair are the same." At Zen's affirmative, Lady Mina's whole expression lit up. "How fortuitous! I was most thrilled by your latest jultagi show at the Vermilion Pavilion, my heart would not stop beating loudly with how daring you were up there on the rope. Not to mention your voice, the quality of it calls into question how you lot were not invited more frequently into the palace."
"You've... watched our performances?" The mix of wonder and confusion in his tone made Euna want to pat him. While she had only lent a hand with the troupe a couple of times - she didn't want to catch anyone's attention and she'd been busy with her business - the amount of hard work and care the members put into each retelling of the legend of the Four Dragon Gods and the Emperor never failed to impress her.
"I caught wind of it during one of my trips down to the city. Did you receive the gift I sent?"
The slight opening of his mouth before he caught himself told her that he was visibly calling back to the memory. "The flowers?"
"For good luck," Lady Mina said simply. "It's rare to see anyone so passionate about their craft. I would love to see another, but seeing as you've been drafted, it wouldn't be the same..."
Zen crossed his arms, smile wry and knowing. "I assure you milady, any performance wouldn't be the same without the rest of the troupe. I'm certain that whoever will replace me in the air will not disappoint."
"I will hold you to your word." Lady Mina clapped her hands together, signaling the end of that topic. "In any case, when Jumin spoke of a young man joining per Euna's request, I'd never imagined that it'd be you of all people. There are plenty of gossip concerning your appearance, and I must say that up close, you are beyond expectations."
"Your words are too kind." It was clear that he wished to say more, but a sharp look from Euna prevented that. His beaming face was all that she needed to know that his pride was successfully stroked and wanted more.
"Not only that, your mastery of the spear is truly a sight to see. If they hadn't told me you were a performer then I'd think you were on par with, I daresay, even the princes." Lady Mina seemed half-ready to burst into babbling. "I'm certain Prince Shin would be delighted to meet you, seeing as he'd taken up pole-arms recently."
"I would have to agree," Jihyun piped up. "Though I spotted a few openings, they were easily remedied by your reflexes and how efficiently you used your weapon, both defensively and offensively. It almost reminded me of a fighting style from somewhere."
"... Years of fighting have shaped me, but I yet have much to learn."
"Did you have a teacher?"
Euna tensed in anticipation. Even before she arrived in Gang-neung, Zen was scarily proficient in all sorts of weaponry and even hand-to-hand, and it was from him that she knew how to sharpen daggers and end fights before they escalated. It was reminiscent of Areum, but much more polished, refined to a deadly point that she was afraid to ask. Only once had she dared, after that incident on the bridge, and the cold, emotionless stare she got in return made her vow to not pry until he was ready.
"Life is a great teacher in that regard." That elicited laughter, and Euna internally sighed in relief at his commonly-used phrase. It ranked fifth, below broken poetry detailing his eternal beauty rivaling even that of local gisaeng.
Lady Mina giggled. "You are certainly quite the fellow."
"I aim to please, milady." The idiot had the audacity to wink, and Lady Mina's cheeks were red.
"I don't think Lady Mina would find the smell of dirt and sweat appealing," she interjected, and she didn't even regret it at Zen's offended squawk. "On that note, we must take our leave. What time do you wish for me to come over to your quarters, milady?"
"Before sunset would be nice. Don't let me hold you from your bath, I need to attend to my duties." Lady Mina bowed deeply, a sign that they were being treated as equals instead of acquaintances like earlier. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again later, Euna. It was nice finally seeing your handsome face, Zen."
Another round of light-hearted laughter, and Euna was glad, it seemed that at least a few people in the palace had a sense of humor. They bid each other farewell, and the betrothed pair walked into the inner sanctums of the barracks, leaving them surrounded by a few other platoon members who were both ecstatic and in disbelief over the turn of events.
Lan, scruffy and black hair messily up in a ponytail wordlessly propped his arm on Zen's. The latter only gave him a raised eyebrow. "I can't believe Princess Mina was just here and you two just chatted with her like it was just another day."
Zen, ever the cheeky one, looped his arm around her head. "Naturally. I am a master of words, after all."
"You mean a master of flirting despite one's beloved right next to the woman," she grunted out.
The other men guffawed, while Zen shrugged. "You still think so poorly of me. I was being friendly, and I wasn't really interested."
"Are you for real? Princess Mina is literally the most eye-catching woman in the palace." Euna huffed at the grinning Tae-guk, the skinny teenager with the scar on his nose. "Not to offend or anything, you're pretty enough Euna."
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep, kid."
"Wow, no need to be so angry..." Tae-guk held his hands up in a surrendering position.
"I don't even know how you came to that conclusion." Euna glared at Zen, who was whispering things with Lan. "And you better not be talking about it. I swear, I thought I curbed your skirt-chasing habits."
"I just thought it would be a shame if nobody's day was brightened thanks to my good looks. Really, you should just come out and say you're jealous, darling."
"The only thing I'd be jealous of is how unbelievably dense you could be." She swatted a hand aiming to ruffle her hair, and took the chance to twist herself out of the awkward position. "Didn't we have this conversation before?"
Tae-guk stepped aside, and it brought her eyes to the quiet brunette beside him. Sensing her gaze, Yoosung looked up from his nose burrowed into a book about geography that she herself had borrowed last week, undoubtedly work that was shoved unto him as part of the group's hazing process. The dark marks gained from restless nights and the air of exhaustion was all too obvious to the world. "They've left?"
"Good gods, you startled me." Tae-guk jumped, and when he saw who had spoken, went rigid. "Ah, that's right. They said they were heading over to the mess hall next."
Yoosung stayed silent. He'd probably pored all of his attention on whatever he was assigned to do, in an effort not to intrude. He was still upset with not being allowed to go march alongside them to Gong-ju, something he'd cited was biased since Euna and Tae-guk, both younger than him, was allowed to. It was an argument nobody wanted to bring up again, especially since it was causing more tension between him and his cousin Lady Mina. "What was the Nam-gi name about?"
Transparent, but she answered anyways: "It was the name I went by when I was younger."
"But why?" The shine of curiosity in those lilac-colored eyes was hard to stomach. She took it in stride, it wasn't his fault that he didn't know and she almost felt for Lady Mina and Jihyun. Be innocent for a while longer.
"For safety." The rest of the men glanced at her, a glint of sadness in them. Before he could make the mood unpalatable with more probing, Euna made an exaggerated grab for Zen's ears. The latter willingly let himself be taken. "Something I'm sure you need to exercise. Don't think I didn't notice you wincing when you moved your left foot."
"Don't pull too hard!" He comically wailed, bouncing on one foot. "B-Besides, beauty won't diminish with a few scrapes."
"Let me be the judge of that. Come on, we should go take a bath. You need to relax your muscles."
Lan, the old crock, let loose a series of sneezes betrayed by the trembling of his shoulders. "Do you two always act like this?"
"Before you say we're like a married couple, let's just say that he acts the part of the woman better than I would."
Wolf-whistles and jeers trailed behind them, and they faded once they left the training grounds and stopped by their rooms. It was a quick trip to grab some clean clothes, and they reveled in the newfound peace with every twist and turn until they came across the bathhouse. Zen thankfully kept pace, and in the isolated hallway, she let out a heavy sigh. "Do you think that's all Lady Mina wanted?"
Euna didn't need to look, he shifted his balance, humming vaguely under his breath. "She seemed nice. What did you think?"
"I thought so as well, but I don't feel like she was completely honest with what she wanted." She ran a hand through her hair, frowning further at the tangles and grease. "I'll just have to play with what I've got then."
"You shouldn't be frowning, darling. You're aging yourself faster." That killed the seriousness. "Don't overthink it. Let's just head in and relax, while my impeccable self can't be diminished, cleanliness is a necessity."
"You don't have to remind me of how you're one step away from being a god. If only..." A beat. She didn't want to finish that, tucking that in her mental compartments for later contemplation. "Never mind, I need to dip myself in warm water before the cloth becomes incorporated into my skin."
"Alright." His gaze had a strange, paralyzing intensity to them, but the moment was gone as soon as it came.
They parted, and while Euna scrubbed herself raw, she wanted nothing more than to listen to her tired body and stay there.
.
When she retreated back to the privacy of her room and laid there for a couple of minutes, she was jolted back to awareness by a knock on the door. Biting down a groan, she trudged over and peeked through the door.
"Jaehee?"
Dressed in their regular training uniform and with her short brown hair, only upon a closer look would one realize that Jaehee was a woman, mostly due to her softer features and jawline. She stood with an air of dignity not unlike nobility, which made sense considering she was previously an aid to Prince Jumin, a feat that was often misinterpreted as her being a lady-in-waiting to him. In essence, she was serving as exactly that for Euna now, but she preferred thinking of her as a bodyguard instead. "What's the bundle for?"
That luster on the fabric in her arms was high-quality, it was worrying. "Pardon me, I've brought some clothes for you to wear during your engagement with Lady Mina. Courtesy of your status, if you are asking."
Of course that would be the reason, but better than being another gift from random ministers or anonymous well-wishers again. "Thanks. I'd assume you're here to help me dress as well?"
Jaehee merely nodded, entering and closing the door as Euna undressed. Then she noticed that some papers were blocking the unused vanity and the many makeup supplies, but before she could even twitch, Jaehee was carefully stacking the papers and books in neat little piles. "Where shall I put these?"
Scarily perceptive. "The drawer over there will be fine,"
Euna was thankful that there were no comments on some of her poorly-drawn diagrams and half-scribbled notes from a few study sessions turning into a research and debate between her and the author, but the silence wasn't something she was used to. Living with one of the more dramatic human beings for years had her expecting flowery dialogue to fill the void, and now the duty was up to her, which left her mouth dry.
"When is the prince coming back?" Not what she wanted to say, but there she went.
"I believe either late in the evening or tomorrow early in the morning. The convening of all officials is still underway, and the Crown Prince is meeting with both his Father and Second Prince Shin afterwards." In preparation for Prince's Jumin's absence and general reports, went unsaid. She did not know the nature of the princes' relationship, but it must be significantly healthier than whatever the next servant claimed about the rest of the royal family siblings' dynamics. "The Crown Prince has also mentioned that you will be called in to receive your own personal dragon seal, to make your introduction to the country official."
Her fists gripped the edge of her undergarments, turning white. The Dragon Seal, the emblem of authority which would put her on the same pedestals as the royal family, below the King himself. What are they up to? "Is there going to be a ceremony?"
"Nothing long, since the Crown Prince had managed to convince the rest that the march takes precedence." She swore the porcelain cracked, but Jaehee fixed a stern look on her. "The arrangements for you will be the same as during the welcome banquet."
Where the crows wait to perch, a meadow thrives. Don't be swallowed in its colors. The shadows on her Father never seemed to disappear, a history Euna only scratched the surface of when the veil hiding her from the horrors of the world fell.
She was swathed in three layers which were breathable, and it hadn't chafed her skin like most of her clothing would, it was surreal. The out-most layer prominently displayed themes of rolling waves in white over the solid blue, painstakingly-embroidered to achieve a painting-like feel. Her hair was in a half-up in a simple braid and two golden hairpins, the other half brushed straight over her chest, and looking at herself in the mirror, Euna saw echoes of a past long gone.
"I am done, milady. Is it satisfactory?" Her brown eyes wasn't hers, but it was at the same time.
She closed her eyes. Sentimentality was another scroll to be read alone, under the cast of moonlight where the sky was her only audience. "... Yes, thank you."
"I will accompany you to Lady Mina then." The brush was stowed, the unasked question lingered.
"I'd be glad to have you." Euna sought comfort in her boots, hidden by the robes sweeping across the floor and back out the hallway. Everything else had to be perfect, but she was so, so, tired. "You needn't hold your tongue around me, you know."
"I assure you, Lady Euna, that isn't the issue. I'm merely doing my duty as aid to the prince."
Rebuffed subtly before she could declare it out loud, a matter of loyalty than trust, one she couldn't fault Jaehee for. Euna massaged her temples, the earrings a distracting addition to the ensemble. She would work on it, one step at a time. The familiar thump of footsteps, and her lips moved instinctively. "Did you need something, Zen?"
"Just seeing you off, darling." The scent of smoke and honey hung in the air, mixed with the fresh herbal fragrance that came with most of their new wardrobe.
Euna sent him a flat stare. "How long?"
He had an innocent smile. "Just a puff or two."
Sometimes she wondered why she hadn't told Auntie Mica about his addiction. Then she remembered how they went about obtaining it, and the information was sealed. "Well, I don't mind. Jaehee?"
Said woman's mouth was set in a tight line, and the way she gazed at Zen was an uncomfortably strange one, all edge and muscles coiled like she was one breath away from jumping like a cornered animal. Euna called for her name again, and Jaehee snapped to attention, though she hadn't looked away. "... Are you Zen, the Silver Night?"
No, she hadn't misheard that, and it shattered the building imagery in her head. Could she be..? Dread climbed up her spine, and Zen's chest puffed up. "It's been a while since I'd heard that one."
"Your heartfelt confession and devotion for the Mistress of Time in your role as the Silver Night was quite unforgettable." Jaehee cleared her throat, and was that a hint of redness? "My apologies, I am-was... curious. I'd heard of your acts before, and it's surprising to see you here."
"That's the second time I've been told that today," he mused. "I suppose it can't be helped, I'm just that unforgettably handsome."
"No, don't start." That was why Auntie told him to wear scarves and straw hats whenever he was out of the house, he attracted too much attention to the point where he'd be hounded by dozens of admirers and come home late way past dinner. Heedless of their advice, he reveled in it, and in the end, shadowed her existence from everybody until the need arisen. "Do you like jultagi, Jaehee?"
Jaehee's fingers nervously twisted around the loose part of her sash. "It's more of an interest of mine. The artistry and history behind each performance is fascinating, and the Dancing Flames troupe are quite renown in that area."
It clicked in her head, after the lidded stare that Euna decoded was shyness. A fan, but despite her delight and uncertainty at seeing a new side aside the stoic, unflappable wall, there was a branch she could use to her advantage. "I suppose if you're ever interested in knowing more about what goes on in the troupe, then you're welcome to ask either one of us! Zen has more in-depth knowledge on the subject, although I work with its process leading up to the act."
The bewildered expression touched her heart. "There's no need for that..."
"Think of it as a traveling scholar passing their worldly wisdom to any who wish to learn." Euna patted the woman's arm, grinned, and turned to a watching Zen. "Right?"
Zen rubbed the back of his neck. "Wouldn't put it exactly that way, but sure."
Ducking her head, Euna ignored the clenching of her heart when Jaehee slowly shuffled away from her touch. "I will consider it."
No words were exchanged, and taking cues from one another, they swiftly arrived at the barracks' entrance. Zen broke off from them, citing the idea to bother Yoosung in regards to research, whatever that entailed. The sky was orange and purple - they were going to be cutting it close - and on their way to the south-eastern wing of the Autumn Pavilion, the nest was disturbed, buzzing against tall pillars and the shadows of the curved roofs as if it would hide their intentions. Calloused yet small hands tugged at her too-large and long sleeves, their owner murmuring a distant "This way please," and she was swept away, the breeze providing little comfort.
.
*Jultagi - a Korean dance involving tightrope walking.
*Gisaeng - a courtesan.