Wind Tribe (III)
Memories and Fireflies
„When I met your grand-father, I knew just it. I was aware that he was the man that fate had chosen for me," the voice of Yan Li had been raspy and deep,quite unusual for a woman.
Her long white hair had covered her thin, but rather broad shoulders. It looked like water flowing down a high cliff. Big shining eyes from the color of the deepest water.
And this woman had been a god.
At least she had been a god in the eyes of a small 5 year old girl.
God had held the small girl´s hand, had taken her little pinky and pulled slightly at it.
„Look, Lily. This is the finger that the gods in heaven have bound the thread that connects you with this person. With the man you are fated to be with."
Of course this had sounded great in the ears of this little silly 5 year old girl. With a fluttering heart she had asked:" How will I know it? And is there only one?"
Lily remembered now how confused her grand-mother had looked like. She had expected everything, but not that comment.
Obviously a little taken aback, Yan Li had commented:" Of course. How many men do you need, Lily?"
Giggling, Lily had known that she had been a clever girl, when she had answered:" But-grand-ma, I do have two pinkies. So there should be at least two men for me. And look."
She had waved both her hands.
„Don´t the other fingers look good? I can bind a threat at every finger."
Still silly, she continued to laugh, while she rolled on her back. Her grand-mother Yan Li had looked down at her, giggling as silly as this child.
„You!," she had shouted,"You!," cupping her hands around the head of her beloved grand-daughter she had told her:" At every finger and in every corner there will be people that will love you.That I promise you."
Sealed had been this promise with a big, fat kiss on her cheek, when she had thrown her arms around Lily and had held her close, nearly breaking her tiny bones.
Rolling around on the floor together. If somebody had seen them, their eyes would have fallen out!
Still giggling, Lily wanted to know: „Has fate tied us together, too? Me and you?"
This had been even more important than some man that she didn´t know.
Her grand-mother had lain on the floor and glanced at her in a certain way. It was the kind of look a person gives to another that is just pure love.
Slightly Yan Li had pulled at her wrist.
„There are friends and family that are tied to you, just like the man you will love. Just on another place. For example here on your wrist. So it might not been every time so tightly bound like the one on the finger."
She had been so glad as a little girl. Her grand-mother was also a part of her and would never leave her. What a silly, little girl.
„Though….there are also people that are not good for you. Your connection with them is just a fleeing impression, but sometimes you do not know that and try to hold on to something that doesn´t exist...as if you would try to hang a thread around your neck."
Still smiling her grand-mother was dramatically rolling with her eyes and pretended that something was strangling her.
„ …..but sometimes you do not know that and try to hold on to something that doesn´t exist...as if you would try to hang a thread around your neck."
How true.
In front of her she saw a man and a woman walking in the middle of the night. The woman looked back, leaving behind her home and a world full of memories. She was running away from her father. At least that was what she had believed in the past.
The man had looked at her, holding her hand and she just knew that he had smiled at her. Dong-Geun...The problem really was that he had not felt like a person that would betray her.
When she remembered his face...the way he had glanced at her in the beginning. Blue eyes that had focused solely on her.
And this expression she knew so good. It had been a similar expression than the one her grand-mother had given her. The one her father had sometimes showed her.
Even Yona had looked at her like this. It was just love.
There had not been lust or something else...Damn! She knew it! There had not been the slightest sign at the beginning! Nada...nothing!
Her heart seemed to weigh a barrel full of stones. If that was the case, that there had been no signs…
Right now she was walking beside him. Her head felt strangely unable to cope, her feelings were strangely still entangled and her thoughts were running in circles.
The wind was blowing and pulling at Lilie´s clothes. From time to time a wild animal could be heard, when it moved through the forest. The darkness was encircling them, but it also covered up their faces and hid their thoughts.
Beside her, she could hear him move, even though it were only gentle steps. This person really resembled water. Quietly moving forward. A fleeing existence.
Her heart beat hard in her chest. Her throat felt tight. It was a strange emotion that had taken root.
She wanted to touch him. Just to know that he was there. There was still this image in front of her eyes. From the man that had taken her hand in her previous life. She had run away from her father´s care.
There was this stupid fear in her, that ifs she held his hand now, then it would happen again. The person that had promised to stay with her would vanish. Silly girl. What a silly thought.
So she stretched out her hand, wishing to take the one of the man she had chosen. Not entirely voluntarily, but she had been the one who had agreed. Now she wanted to feel him close to her.
If Soo Won really...her heart seemed to stop and she had nearly stumbled over her own feet. They both stopped.
Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder.
„Are you alright? The way here is plastered with all kind of strange things," his voice was warm and gentle and Lily wondered if she had dreamt the earlier scene.
Had he really told her that he loved her? Now he seemed completely unmoved. Her thoughts were all completely confused and here he was, absoltely unpertubed by his previous reveal.
Had she only imagined it? Had it only been wishful thinking? The wish to be loved by the guy she had chosen?!
She could feel her cheeks burning. How shameful. Had she really only imagined it?
In a moment she wished she could just hide somewhere, far away from him.
Why was she so shaken? She did not know herself how she felt for him.
Suddenly she remembered the moment she saw Dong-Geun the first time. There had been a clear attraction! The sign her grand-mother most likely had spoken of!
But him? What did she think, when she had seen this guy in front of her? Using an umbrella to fend of a dangerous addict...What a fool...Just as much as she...Really...What a couple!
Covering her eyes with her hand, she wondered why she had concluded that he loved her. All he had admitted was that it was not only sympathy. But honestly the range was wide from conventional friendliness, over friendship to love. And so what if he had wished to sleep with her! She was his spouse. So of course, he would like to…
Without thinking about it she put a hand over her mouth. She would have nearly sighed. How embarassing!
„Lily, are you alright?"
„Ah, yes...I just had the one or the other troubling thought. Nothing to worry over."
„That depends on the troubling thought, I guess," he responded lightly and confirmed thereby more or less to Lily that she really only overreacted. What a stupid fool she had been!
„It was really nothing," she tried to imitate his light tone. It was better not to interpret too much into it.
Somehow his reaction was a bit strange. For a while he didn´t say anything, then he only said: „ I think we should go now or we do not get into our room before the meeting. The night is short."
„I guess," was all she could say to it.
There was silence one more time between them. This continued for a while up until the end of their „little journey".
They were nearly out of the woods, when they saw them.
More than a thousand fireflies...Most likely an overstatement, but their field of vision was full of little small flies that bizzarely enlighted the darkness for a short while.
„Have they all hidden themselves here?," Lily had to laugh, seeing them merrily buzzing on the field and between the trees in the middle of the night.
„Yes, it really is a beautiful sight," he agreed. Without thinking much their steps led them to this blinking, little animals that most likely were part of the most childhood memories.
Oh how many times had she tried to catch them as a little girl? From far away they looked like some mysterious lights, but when you got nearer, you could recognize that they were only little beetles. Tiny little bugs that weren´t as beautiful if you looked at them during the day.
However, a sign of love in litterature. A dramatic element in dramatic love stories. Often she had read from vows of love with these little blinking creatures as part of the setting.
Their funny greenish light set illuminated darkness. Smiling Lily turned to Soo Won, wondering if he also enjoyed himself as much as she did. She wished to share this feeling with him.
The little lights directy in front of their faces, enlightened their features and Lily was able to take a peek at the face of her companion.
Most likely he had realized it too late...Lily froze.
The look on his face...A pretty troubled expression for that light tone he had used earlier.
Huh?
A battle with words
A broad chest, jet-black, short hair and blue eyes with a sharp expression in them. This guy had grown even taller than the previous General Hak. Lily was surprised when she realized it. Seeing both men standing next to each other this fact could not be denied, just as much the shocking resemblance of both men. General Tae Woo with his callous hands and strong arms truly represented the Wind Tribe General, a leader that could be depended on.
„Nobody would be taken aback if the old Mundoek suddenly announced that this two were real blood-related brothers," thought Lily, cleverly avoiding the threatening questions.
General Tae Woo stood in the middle of the small room, clearly demonstrating that he was the main person in this little conversation. On his right and left side were the old Mundoek and Hak seated. The chair of General Tae Woo in the middle of them was of course left empty.
A table was placed between the three people and their two estimated guests: Soo Won and Lily, the king and queen of this country.
A jug was put in the middle. The steam was indicating that the tea was still boiling hot inside.
Their valued guests were presenting themselves without any carmouflage, today. This room was within the inner court of the Wind Tribe Palace, even if the word palace for this rather humble mansion was a little bit exaggerated. Since this was a protected area neither Soo Won nor Lily had to hide their identity.
In contrast to his troubled face of last night, Soo Won sat down without haste and one of his usual smiles that hardly reached his eyes. His hands were put openly on the table forming a triangle.
After a short greeting that was presented first by General Tae Woo and then Mundoek and Hak to Soo Won and Lily that they both reciprocated, there was a silence occuring between them - Except for the short amount of time that General Tae Woo had needed to place himself on the chair.
Patiently the king seemed to wait for the master of this house to make his first move.
This obviously startled General Tae Woo. After all King Soo Won had been the one person requesting this meeting.
„What leads you here, your Majesty?", broke General Tae Woo the silence between them and thereby was admitting defeat this time.
Still showing this obviously vexing smile to General Tae Woo King Soo Won said: „I only wished to inform General Tae Woo and his people about the recent development in Kai Empire. A day ago I received a notice from one of my informants from Kai Empire."
Then he closed his mouth once again, pausing.
The eyebrows of the General rose. Lily could see Hak leaning back in his chair and slightly turning his head, hiding his expression.
With a sharp glint in his eyes, General Tae Woo stated: „Your Majesty alludes to the reconciliation between the Northern and Southern part of Kai Empire and the threat that a united Kai Empire could pose to Kouka."
„Indeed, General Tae Woo," admitted Soo Won with the same smiling face from before.
„So what new development was your informant able to divulge, your Majesty?," asked the General politely, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.
Both, the old Mundoek and Hak leaned forward,slightly shifting in their chairs.
„Kai Empire is going to attack Kouka before winter."
This statement was a raving success. General Tae Woo had jumped up from his chair, his eyes wide, too surprised to even utter one word.
Lily could hear her own heart beat in her ears.
However neither Master Mundoek, nor Hak seemed to be too shocked by this revelation. The old man showed a grim expression, but was void of any hint of astonishment. This Master that had seen countless wars and encountered many enemies in the past was most likely aware of the human nature more profondly than many other men his age.
Hadn´t he been also against Soo Won´s own father, the previous Sky General Yu hon?
Still shaken, Lily noted for herself that she would asked the old Master before they would change their location one more time.
Hak´s contemplative expression most likely was a proof that Soo Won had already spoken to him about this topic. Leaning heavily on the arm rest, he seemed to be rather unpertubed.
General Tae Woo had used the given time to collect himself again. Obviously embarrased about his earlier behaviour, he cleared his throat to buy a little more time before he had to react to this rather puzzling statement.
„Is there evidence for this prediction, your Majesty?," General Tae Woo asked curtly, barely able to hide his anger.
With a calm voice, finally showing a serious expression on his face – even Soo Won must have had enough of angering the poor General Tae Woo - he told them:" The amount of soldiers gathering in the capital of Kai Empire are far too numerous to feed all of them during the winter. Kai Empire reserves would most likely last for approximately 8 million people in total. However there are at least the double amount of soldiers that are recruted: Approximately 20.534.256 soldiers in total. "
„Is the source reliable?", suddenly interrupted General Mundoek the conversation.
Slightly Soo Won raised one eyebrow.
„The informants notice seems to be reliable since I received from other sources similar statements."
„So you assume that Kai Empire is going to overrun our forces at the border, most likely from different sides?", commented General Mundoek with a calm voice, dryly.
Soo Won seemed to consider a thought, he didn´t wish to express, since he paused for a short while, before he continued.
„The leader that manipulates the king is more likely pretty fierce and won´t hesitate. Chae Gul has to prove his new position and get rid of my uncle. How convenient if the advantage of my uncle would vanish and Chae Gul could demonstrate that he is a capable ruler."
The only person that was surprised by that message, or rather the lack of reaction, proved to be Lily.
It seems that the tale that Soo Won had told her was more well-known than Lily had thought it to be!
„Your Majesty," General gazed openly at the face of the king, „ do you have already any special orders regarding this issue?"
Soo Won´s face showed a broad smile. Apparently it was the reaction he had hoped for. General Tae Woo who had clearly showed his reservations regarding the king seemed to seriously consider this issue, however…
The king merely shook his head.
„Right now, I think you wish to acquire further information, yourself, General Tae Woo and it is rather necessary that we appear completely peaceful and oblivious to the current developments in Kai Empire. The routine should be kept the same, but bit by bit... "
„Your Majesty, is it not already too late for such an approach? If Kai Empire wishes to invade before winter, then the period is pretty short.", stated Tae Woo with a doubtful expression on his face.
Sarcastically Soo Won said:" He, Chae Gul, cannot risk to move too soon. My uncle still holds too much power over the emperor and there is also the marriage between Ju Lyn and the second son of the emperor. The emperor is not too eager to involve himself in warfare. This is why the chances are rather low for a war to occur suddenly."
At the same time Lily noticed Hak was turning his face away, having an expression of disgust on his face.
Why he showed this reaction...Lily did´t need to wonder why. Soo Won used Ju Lyn...For a person like Hak…this was unforgivable.
In fact Lily hardly knew this husband of Yona, but if he should resemble Yona only a little bit, then he could hardly tolerate to use people like tools...and half children to boot!
Would their relationship….would the relationship between the three childhood friends worsen due to Ju Lyn´s involvement? Yona must have been aware of it, too.
Lily could stop herself from sighing just in time. If she didn´t wish to turn every eye on her daydreaming while she was supposed to listen, she should try to avoid this action.
Hak´s distate was really plainly written on his face. If Soo Won was aware of it?
When Lily shot him a glance, there was no reaction. His Majesty, the king, seemed to be solely concentrated on the present issue. His eyes on General Tae Woo.
The slight shadows under his eyes told everybody that the night had been too short for him. For both of them. If she had not applied make-up, she would have a similar appearance. The night had been quite straining. Had he slept during the rest of the night? She had been nearly unable to get enough sleep. Lying still the whole night, she had tried to listen to the person next to her.
Her hands clenched involuntarily.
Lily closed her eyes. She should better not think about this. Not now. She should follow the conversation.
So she opened them, just to be greeted by a pair of green eyes. Startled she would have nearly jumped up from her chair. Her whole body tensed. Soo Won had still noticed!
Immediately Lily tried to clear her mind and answer his interrogative expression with a smile. She had no inclination to disturb the conversation, additionally since she had currently very less to meddle in these politics. If not for An Shan Seong-dono, she would most likely not been able to attend this meeting...but her teacher had wished that she joined the conversation. Hardly had she ever been so grateful to this guy who pained her eyes with so many books that she wished to set them on fire sometimes!
However the wrinkle between his eyebrows deepened. Obviously she had not been too convincing.
„Are you really alright?," asked Soo Won finally...Lily would have wished to laugh about herself! This guy was not mad at her, but worried!
Lily felt relieved, but was also embarrased. When she looked around she could see General Tae Woo who had an expression on his face as if he could not understand why the conversation was interrupted. Mundoek had slightly raised his eyebrows and seemed to be a little worried himself. Hak tried hard to show them a sober face, but his lower lip trembled dangerously. This guy!
„I am alright, maybe I am a little tired, but it would be a pity if I was not able to follow this conversation," she answered with a smile.
Soo Won nodded, however the green in his eyes deepened, and he continued with the conversation as if this small interruption had not taken place at all. Emphasizing every word, he told them in a clear, kind, but serious tone that left no room for any kind of debate:
„General Tae Woo, I repeat myself :It is important that the Wind Tribe´s routine continues undisturbed. Further instructions are given later and a notice was also sent to Xing, so you most likely have to meet later."
„Does this mean that the competition will take place?", asked Hak with a mischief glint in his eyes.
For a moment Soo Won´s eyes grew.
„Of course. This event poses an important event every year. It might be even more essential since the strongest will be chosen among the young fighters of the tribes and the older warriors have to revalute their status. Before a battle this seems a rather efficient development," he assured, though Lily believed he was unclear why this question had been expressed at all, since Hak had proven to be much, but could not be called a natural fool that you had to explain everything ten times in a row.
„How splendid. Then I am sure you won´t miss the occasion to take part in this inspiring tradition", Hak commented with a big, fat grin on his face.
Soo Won made a face as if he had confused soy sauce with tea. What was this guy planning?
Suddenly a jolt seemed to seep through General Tae Woo. Most likely Soo Won had missed it seemed this whole development was obviously not to his taste and he only focused on Hak that was the one playing this strange game with him. After all his Majesty didn´t like to be taken by surprise!
„Of course," proposed General Tae Woo nearly gleefully, which made the whole issue appear even a little creepy," this would be the ideal occasion. Why doesn´t his Majesty take part in the competition as a warrior?"
Soo Won´s eyes had become as big as teacups and Lily was sure if he had not been trained from young to hide his feelings, his mouth would have most likely hung open in astonishment!
Lily did feel a little content since this person liked to use people if need should be. However Soo Won´s facial expression of genuine surprise was so sweet in Lily´s eyes that she intended to help him in his misery.
With fluttering eyelashes, Lily dared to seize the conversation voluntarily for the first time, which was a little sad, since she intended to become a ruler next to her husband. That she was still to clueless regarding the politics and inner affairs of this state couldn´t be helped.
Well now, she had first to help her miserable husband out of this situation.
„General Tae Woo, „she interrupted the high-ranking General in the sweetest voice she was capable of creating," I dare to say that this might be impossible. How can an old person that has to use a stick be a participant in this event?Wouldn´t it rather ridiculous?"
Tilting her head, she showed the three other people a breath-taking, sugar-coated smile so that most people might even suspect that honey was trippling down from her lips.
Even Hak´s eyebrows shot up, as if he wanted to say „Look at this girl! She can play the game!". Mundoek even had winced upon this rather unbelievable sight. Tae Woo was so out of his mind, that he stared at her with an open mouth.
Inwardly Lily felt a little insulted. The guys behaved as if her behaving sweetly was something so gross like a cow with two heads!
Clearly sweating, she had to concentrate not to look sideways. If she should even catch one glance at Soo Won than everything was over. She was nervous enough already and didn´t wish to meet his eyes!
„But Queen, your husband can even take up another identity," commented Hak in a nearly as sweet voice as Lily. Guy, you would have been good at flattering the ladies!
„Why should his Majesty, take part in a competition for people of the Wind Tribe? Wouldn´t that go against the tradition of the tribes?", asked Lily still speaking with honey in her mouth.
„It surely didn´t go against the traditions of the Earth Tribe, when he fought with General Geuntae, so how can it be against the traditions of the Wind Tribe who are known to be open-minded and cheerful?," retorted Hak with a glint in his eyes.
This startled Lily. She had not been aware that Soo Won had ever participated in such an event!
„It would be interesting to see how far he cultivated his abilities with a speer," suddenly interfered the old Mundoek. Lily was even more astonished that the old master meddled in this affair. What has happened? Why did this people demand so fiercely that Soo Won took part in the upcoming event?
A little helpless she dared to shoot a glance at the person who was seated next to her and got goosebumps immediately. A pair of greenish blue eyes were focused on her. Leaning on his elbow, his head entirely turned to her, he was gazing at her, observing her.
Lily could hardly read the expression, but his mood didn´t seem to be too poor even with all three people trying to force him to participate in the competition.
Her mouth had become awfully dry and she was not sure anymore if she was able to utter even one senseful word. As if that was already bad enough, her treacherous cheeks started to feel awfully hot all of a sudden.
Her heart was beating so quickly that Lily was afraid it would leap out of her chest at any given time. Why was he looking at her like that?
Suddenly Tae Woo rose from his chair and bowed very politely in front of them.
„ I would like to invite you, officially to take part in the yearly determination game that we use to evalute the strength of every member of the Wind Tribe. Of course you will only participate inofficially, since we regard your safety and the one of your spouse very highly."
They had lost. This much was clear. Turning down an official invitation would be pretty impolite. Soo Won demonstrating a very polite demeanor for most of the time, had surely trouble to turn down the official outspoken invitation!
Gritting her teeth, Lily was pretty upset at herself. Why had she reacted so slowly! This people were up to something. That much was clear.
Soo Won´s attention had been drawn by the very polite words of General Tae Woo. With a gentle appearance he looked at General Tae Woo and said:
„Very well, I trust the General´s estimation of the situation. However, you should consider that we most likely do not have the time to enjoy this occasion to the last day," Soo Won was putting his hands on the table.
General Tae Woo smiled contently, before he slightly bowed: „Of course, your Majesty, we will try to prepare the situation so that his Majesty doesn´t have to participate until the last day."
So that was how this day ended. One battle won and the other was surely lost.
A situation of life or death
Shortly after the meeting the people went their ways. Soo Won had wished to „get a feeling for the speer again" since it was a weapon he rarely used. General Tae Wo enabled him to train separately a little for the tournament, however, he wished to find his next disguise. Lily wondered what kind of role she had to act next. But before that….there was something, or rather somebody she had to talk to…
This guy even waited for her at the next edge, his arms crossed in front of his chest. Lily smiled at him without expressing any kind of joy with it.
So you were already aware that I would come to find you?
„Princess, you wanna talk with me?"
Blue eyes met blue eyes. It was not a question. No Sir, it wasn´t one at all.
Unsure she looked around if nobody was looking right now. When he saw this action, he laughed and shook his head.
„There will be nobody here. These are the private chambers of General Tae Woo. Everybody who walks around here has ridden on my back at one moment in time. There is nobody here who would sell your identity out, Princess!
„You´re sure?", asked Lily still a little troubled by the prospect of being detected by foreign eyes.
„Princess, the Wind Tribe was the place I brought Yona when the whole Sky Tribe and Fire Tribe was after us, trying to lure us out. It was safe then, and it is most likely safe now."
„You are awfully sure of yourself, aren´t you, Ex-General Hak? At least I do know the titles in contrast to you. I am not a princess anymore, so if you wish to make fun of me, trouble the „the queen" with your jokes."
Pretending to be utterly sorry due to his insolence, he bowed elegantly: „ This is really a great mistake of me, my Queen."
Raising her eyebrows, Lily had to mention:"And if you do not wish to make fun of me, you could call me Lily."
„I would like to. This way, Lily," he showed her the way into one room. The chamber seemed to be void of too many belongings. Out of the absolute necessities, there were no clothes laying around or pictures on the wall.
„If there are really no servants here, like you say, then the people here must be pretty clean," commented Lily.
„Have you come here to inspect the rooms or do you want to talk to me?", he asked a little too sarcastically.
Lily asked, without any hint of irony: „Sure. Then straight to the topic: What are you up to? Why do you wish for Soo Won to take part in this tournament? And don´t tell me something about being petty. I know that you are not a person like that!"
Raising his eyebrows Hak pretended to be utterly shocked.
„You know me so well. I am so surprised since we have had barely time to have long conversation up until now, my Queen."
„Hak!"
Coming nearer, she stared at him and would continue to do so, until he finally spit out what he was hiding. She was trained by her father who was a genius in avoiding topics he didn´t favor. General Jon Gi was a master in vanishing in thin air if need be!
Hak averted her eyes, sighed, and was scratching his head.
„You are really Yona´s friend, aren´t you?"
„Seems so," she said and had really trouble to suppress a smile. She knew that he was a good fellow.
Sighing he was scratching his head, breaking the contact with her for a moment, before he stared at a point beside her, as if there was another person standing next to her.
„Why should you be the only person that doesn´t know? It is fairly well-known after all. Soo Won most likely has left out that information, hasn´t he?",mumbled Hak as if to another person.
Hak looked at her sharply as if he would estimate how reliable she was.
Lily´s eyes grew.
„Soo Won already knows?" It was more a statement than a question.
Now it made sense. Of course. And she had believed he had been the victim of these people! But after all...she was the only one who „didn´t know"...who was still clueless…
It was an event that had united General Tae-Woo, Hak and old Master Mundoek. Not that they had been ever split apart, but it all appeared as part of a bigger plan to Lily. They all had tried to extend Soo Won´s stay. Even General Tae-Woo, who was not fond of „His Majesty Soo Won".
As far as she had heard ,this general fled the presence of his Majesty the moment it could no longer considered rude to do so. Why would he insist on this prolonged stop?...as if to hinder Soo Won from doing something….
„There is somebody planning a revolt,"aspirated Lily...The words flew out on their own.
..A traitor couldn´t be tolerated inside the kingdom, but…
All three leaders of the Wind Tribe were standing behind the back of this person...so…
It was a question of life and death.
„And this person is important to you," she said, glanced at him, stared into his blue eyes and discovered the truth that lay in them.
Of course. It was like that.
„But it must also mean, that Soo Won himself has decided to wait," Lily deduced further," because..."
Because he was not the kind of coward who would eliminate a traitor that he most likely knew and who occupied a high position without looking at the criminal´s eyes and enunciate the sentence himself.
At least Lily wanted to believe that.
Hak was raising his eyebrows, while the curve of his mouth rounded itself. Really! Lily knew no other person that was able to make a face like that. Looking at somebody inquiringly while smirking at the person simultaneously.
„Have you come to the right conclusion, my Queen?", he asked, however, seriously.
Of curses and cures
It didn´t work. Finally, some may say, but Soo Won was not sure if he should be allowed to live like this.
His Majesty, the King of Kouka, that has reunited the tribes, conquered enemy countries and astonished foes, was lying on the bed, turning a little thing in his hand from one side to the other, carefully as if not to break it by a sudden movement.
He was staring intensively at it as if it contained the secrets of all life that he was unable to acquire.
The object was a token. A touchable expression of Soo Won´s dilemma.
A flaming red was the color of this precious little item. It was worth a whole bag of gold. The small rubies were so artistically crafted that they resembled the buds of red roses. They accented so beautifully the gold of the hairpin.
„What a wonderful color. What a beautiful hairpin. The color mirrors the color of her burning red hair, like the sky at dawn."
Soo Won was pressing this item at his forehead.
There had been a little lie into the truth he had told Hak.
It had been true, that he had never considered to marry Yona. After all, he was the person that had been supposed to murder her own father...How could even imagine something like a marital bond between them when he destroyed the person Yona had loved the most...at least in those days...However, it had been not entirely true…
Soo Won could tell this a thousand times...but it most likely that Yona had been really in love with him…
The feeling that caused in him was strange...fear was predominant...however there was a tiny speck of loss...It was something that had never had the chance to develop.
A flower that had been certain to wither away before the bloom…
Yet, it was the truth, that he had been not in love with Yona...but that didn´t mean that a tiny part of him had not at least wished for it. Although it would have been quite selfish...The picture would have been so perfect...A way to get what he desired in every way…
As Yona´s husband he had been able to fulfill his father´s wish without losing them. The tiny rubys bore themselves into his skin.
However, there had been no chance. King Il had not given him any way out of his plan.
So he had carried out his intention: He killed his predecessor, took revenge and ascended the throne at the age of 18 years.
And...he cut forever the two people out that had been..at times...closer to him than eve his own parents. It hurt. It was a stabbing pain thinking of his loss.
He had been able to perceive Yona as a woman, so even that part would have been possible...but it was the truth….He has never been truly in love with her. In fact this sentiment of romantic love had always been strange to him in the past.
Not in the sense that he thought of people being in love as fools, but rather as a feeling that was so far from his life as it could have been possible. There had been never even one moment in his life where such an option had been considered for him. It had been as clear as water that he would marry to improve the relationship with allies or foreign partners or even to influence the relation to the foes of this country.
Not even his parents had married out of love. This marriage had been a burden to his mother and a grace for his father,who had started to care for his wife´s wellbeing.
So there were even two reasons...Soo Won lifted the hairpin again over his head.
He couldn´t suppress it any longer...his lips became wider automatically...He stared at this item and a smile was planted on his face….
She had actually defended him!
Lily had actually and really talked in his favor in front of these three guys. Soo Won laughed. The sounds came out of his mouth...he couldn´t prevent it at all….
The feeling in him right now was so strange as it could be...It has been a long time since Soo Won has felt so light...Without irony...or pain...Just truly, absolutely happy.
Was he even allowed to feel like this?
Soo Won pressed his face hard into the pillow to stiffle the sounds and because it felt so strange doing so. He smiled on a daily basis, but it has been so long since he had been unable to stop. Even as a child this times had been rather rare.
She really...did this. And this should not affect him so deeply! Because it most likely would have no meaning at all.
But she really did defend him. Lily did defend him!
And now? He was rolling around on the bed still having this smile planted on his face. Soo Won wanted to scream and shout, jump up into the air for no reason at all. He was so happy, but also afraid as if he has had lost the ground under his feet. However, not even this fear was enough to suppress this joy! This hope!
Lily really did defend him! Maybe just out of obligation. But apparently she did like him? Maybe a little? A little much?
Just this thought alone made his cheeks grow warmer. When he tried to press his face again into the cusion, he hit the floor with his nose. Ouch! That hurt!
How embarrassing! He has rolled out of the bed and has achieved to smash his face into the floor! How stupid! Really! Really like an airhead!
Soo Won lost it, and laughed lying flatly on the floor.
It was all so stupid! He was not supposed to...but it really...really...was so funny. So weird! This whole situation turned out so weird! He was in love with this woman!
When he laughter subsided, he felt calm, still weird, but strangely calm. He had no idea how he should treat this situation or if this person would ever fall in love with him. But for now. It felt enough…
And he wanted to see her. This wish closed his throat up.
Shaking his head he raised himself up, preparing to depart the room. It was better to train with the spear...to clear his head. Soo Won had already prepared everything he could.
Master Mundoek, General Tae Woo and above else Hak have showed him how they positioned themselves. He would play along for the time being. Soo Won was not sure how to handle this situation himself or rather he hesitated…
On his way he went by the room of his former teacher An Shan Seong. His former teacher has not been kindly received in the Wind Tribe - as one of Yu hon´s loyal subordinates. But his master refused even more his hosts and never went to look out of the door. However, even crows have good days and this person opened the door exactly in the moment when Soo Won was passing by.
„As if he has waited for me...", this thought came to his mind, when he stared at his former master. His face was calm and his demeanor tranquil, however there was a feeling in his eyes, Soo Won had often seen when he had made a terrible mistake.
„Your Majesty, a ruler should never loose his composure and should never let his his judgement be affected by his personal sentiments," was all he said.
A clear warning.
Hidden agenda
A broad stance. The right arm drawn back. The spear flew like an arrow through the air and bore itself into the ground.
„Aren´t you supposed to fight with the spear against your opponent? If you throw it away like that, you have lost your weapon?", asked Lily as she approached her husband, who seemed to be utterly surprised to see her.
„Are you mad?", asked Soo Won calmly.
Lily smiled. Of course. Soo Won was already aware that she knew.
„You have forgotten to tell me," she said, the hidden irony was evident.
„You are mad," he deduced quietly, avoiding her glance.
„Why haven´t you told me?, she asked, just as quietly. Oh yes, she was mad. Very mad, but also disappointed. She had really believed that he wanted her as his partner. And after all, she was the only one who had not been aware of anything. As clueless as a child.
„I am not sure how," he simply said…
There was a silence...Lily would not have expected such a development. Her eyes grew big.
Usually he avoided such a topic. Such a situation where a person was able to corner him...
„ You are not sure if?", she asked, since she wanted to know, still baffled, but also happy and she was even still a little mad at him.
„I am not sure how to proceed."
Lily stared at him silently, without breaking the contact with him once. Even if he avoided her gaze, she wouldn´t. She waited, since she tried to order her thoughts and use her words wisely in this situation.
The reason was pretty simple.
„Are you afraid to resemble King Il if you overlook this?"
Shaking his head, he answered:" I won´t overlook it. I cannot. There are already measures taken to reduce the effect."
This was the moment he raised his head and looked into her eyes. In contrast to her belief, there was a light in his eyes. The two orbs had nearly the same color like the sky right now.
„My uncle is loosing his ground with every passing day. How could I let it happen without trying to cut her sources of information?", his voice sounded quite raspy.
„Have you suspected her from the beginning? The wife of the Fire Tribe General?"
Her voice was void of any emotion, awfully serious.
Raising his eyebrows he stared at her as if to ask her „ Do you take me for a fool?"
„You wouldn`t?", he simply asked.
„With her connection to Kai Empire? Considering both Gang brothers it is rather unlikely that both of them would participate in something like this voluntarily. Tae-Jun is so in love with Yona that it is hard to imagine he wishes to start a revolution soon and the other is fully aware what awaits his family if something like this happens again. But I think that he knows, doesn´t he, Gang Kyoga?
Suddenly Soo Won started laughing shocking Lily with this pretty unlikely behaviour.
„Have you lost your mind?", she asked, completely stupefied. Haven´t they discussed serious business after all?
„Not I, but ..Haha...you have lost your mind, mylady," he retorted, still glowing brightly.
„Why?"
„ My dear lady, try saying the same thing about Lord Tae-Jun in front of his spouse and….she may knock you out."
Whipping away some tears, he continued:" I merely imagined this not exactly tender woman listening to your,...words."
Lily saw that he barely was able to suppress a new series of laughter.
„You are awfully happy for somebody that is so helplessly indecesive," she commented and would have loved to take the exact words back. Of course! The fool was not him.
„The reason why you wished to visit the Wind Tribe was, that you knew...Of course...I am stupid, am I not? That I haven´t realized it sooner. Hak already told me that Yona knows and when Yona is aware...it means that you know that Hak was aware of it. Rather would Keishuk kiss King Il´s icy feet than Hak and Yona would allow Tae-Jun to suffer. After all he was a friend that helped them countless times in the past. The reason why you wanted to visit the Wind Tribe before every other tribe is most likely that you wished to reassure yourself that you have no other choice. Which is complete bull shit, by the way, since you have every justification and reason to punish the whole family if you wish for it, but...", Lily stopped her monologue.
This brightly deep blue eyes irritated her. He looked like a person whose mind was as clear as the freshest water in spring. As clear as the awful blue sky.
„But..," he said, looking at her with this so very troubling, completely irritating, blue eyes.
„You look awfully happy for somebody who is supposed to have such a troubled mind," blurted she out. It nearly sounded like a barking.
She couldn´t help it feeling offended by his attitude that she didn´t understand.
Still smiling with this weird light in his eyes, he answered:" It is possible that I am the kind of person, that has the tendency to store certain thoughts in boxes, whenever there is a need to do so. "
Lily blinked. She was not that surprised by this answer since she had seen him act all childish in the one moment and deadly serious in the next, however, that he was aware of that switch was another story.
„I believe so," she retorted.
„I guess," he replied.
„Well, nevermind. I only wished to express that you could have punished them, but you decided against it for a reason. Do you feel sympathy?"
Soo Won tilted his head, he looked at a point in front of him. It seemed to take quite an effort to tell her this.
„It is not quite like this. You have already said it: The Wind Tribe and above all Hak and Yona would have never allowed such a punishment. The Dragon Warriors...My position is not so stable right now….Also...the Fire Tribe would have suffered. There are no people that could lead the people so efficiently like the two brothers. They complete each others faults and mistakes and have earnt the trust of their subordinates. The effects would be grave if I get rid of them."
Lily nodded, but didn´t quite believe him here. She doubted that he was merely forced to decide like this.
Of course, she understood that it would have been foolish if he had tried to force this act on everybody else, but she guessed that Soo Won was actually glad that he could choose this path without looking weak. It was „reasonable" after all.
Lily snorted. This reaction and her stare seemed to stirred up a not so pleasant feeling in him. Was that the reason why his eyes had been sparkling the entire time?
„Should I show you how to fight with a spear?," he suddenly asked, changing immediately the topic.
This time it was on her to smile.
„Haven´t you told me, that you are not exactly great with this weapon? Or can I assume that this was merely your way to be modest?", teasing him with the weird stories he had told her not so long ago.
However, in contrast to her expectations, her words seemed to rather amuse him than upset him.
Letting his hands rest on his hips, he answered with a broad smile on his lips:
„Mylady, have you ever fought with this weapon?"
Smiling, she admitted:" Not once!"
„Than I can assume that I do still know more than you. Therefore there is the chance that I can demonstrate this fighting style even if it doesn´t reach the highest grade of perfection."
Tilting her head and leaning a little forwards, she replied: „Good answer. I just wondered why you wished to show me such methods. After all there is a high chance that I most likely will never engage in such an activity and I am pregnant."
Shaking his head, he replied: „We won´t fight together, since the risk would be too high. I wanted to merely show you how it works. And I am not sure if you are not one day might need it."
„Alright. Then show me!", she said.
After he had fetched the thrown spear again, he pressed this huge thing into her hands. Ouch. It was quite heavy.
„Is it too heavy?", he asked behind her, "Sorry I completely missed this possibility. Maybe it is better if I lift it with you?"
Lily nodded. It was a strange and stupid idea to show it to her, but she didn´t mind.
„Your stance..." ,he said, standing directly behind her, his breath gracing her ears.
„Yes," she replied curtly, her cheeks growing hot.
Why the heck did his presence affect it so much?! Just because she learnt that he is not completely ignorant of women?
„Lily? If you do mind my presence, I think it is better if we stop. Or do you think you can lift the spear alone?", he suddenly asked.
„Why do you think that I have something against your presence," she asked as cooly as possible.
„I only figured that may be the reason why you are trying to push me away with the end of the spear. Luckily it is not the sharp end," he joked. He seemed to move a little further away.
„Oh…I am only a little big nervous," she replied.
Amused, he retorted:"You? Why should you be nervous? You can hardly make any mistakes here and even if...it would be quite embarassing if you would learn it immediately. I had to put so much effort into it."
„Oh...would you feel bad if I were better at something?"
There was a silence. Lily was curious how he would reply.
„It is quite hard to perform miserable in front of…," he mumbled, louder he said:"It is not exactly you, but I...don´t wish to humiliate myself in front of others all the time"
This statement upsetted Lily quite a bit. Did he take her for a fool? And that from the guy who…
„So when you fought with an umbrella in the Water Tribe even though you could have used the very sword that was hanging on your hip, you were mostly concerned not to make a fool of yourself?", asked Lily, but she didn´t turn around for a reason.
A silence again. How stupid did he think she was?!
„Do you want to continue?", he asked.
„Yes. I do. But it was a bad justification."
„Situations can change," he replied timidly,"it was quite practical if people underestimated me. But I would rather….look good in your eyes than bad."
Lily immediately dropped the spear. Her heart was beating hard in her chest. So he really did...
