Downing the Murky Depths
Appearances can be deceiving, especially when they give off a vile scent.
Warm blood leaked through his fingers, pressed on his temple, dying them scarlet. The hallway began to sway sideways, blurring his vision.
Dark head bent down, striding quickly to the infirmary, Zhao Yun almost collided into the ladies, Gan and Mi.
Always the inquistive one, Lady Mi prodded Lady Gan's arm, whispering, "Jie Jie(1), why is he walking with his head down?"
"Shh… Mei Mei (2), don't stare. It's rude… Oh, Zhao jiang jun (3), ning hao (4)."
Jerking his head up in surprise, he remembered his manners, dropping into a low bow. Murmuring his apologies, Zhao Yun hastily retreated, breaking into a run.
That was close. It would be better that they didn't see my injury, for Yue Ying's sake.
Lady Mi lightly flicked Lady Gan's hair ribbons, staring at Zhao Yun hurry off.
"He's weird, alright. Strange, but oh-so handsome. Where's he off to in such a hurry?"
Shushing her, Lady Gan swatted her younger companion, reprimanding Lady Mi about her frivolous behavior.
"You're such a… such a mother, Jie Jie," huffed Lady Mi, in mock exasperation.
Squat, glassy bottles lined the polished table, surrounding the burnished bowl. The slowly reddening water lapped gently, as slim hands wrung a crimsoned cloth. Obsidian eyes narrowed in mock anger, as the doctor prodded Zhao Yun in the shoulder with a finger.
"I told you to be careful, general. You know what happens when you get hurt…" she trailed off, unwilling to finish.
Twitching a stray lock of her hair, he only raised an eyebrow. Gauze bandage met calloused fingers. She did do a good job, so I won't be too harsh on her…
"I'll try to be more careful, Doctor," came the weary reply. A pungent odour drifted past his nose, sharp tears welling in his eyes. Ugh, what's that?
"Drink it," a command, rather than a request. The vile odour rose lazily from the cup in her hands.
"Bury me if I die," was the half-hearted retort. Nose pinched with one hand, he gulped down the bitter tonic, gagging emptily. Head clear, the dim room stopped dancing and blurry doubles faded.
Hands flying, eyebrows furrowed in concentration, various herbs flew into a mortar. Grinding, she flew to the shelf, muttering under her breath.
Sweeping a bow, Zhao Yun took the small package handed to him. Hmm, more medicine…
"Good night."
She stared at his back, slight sorrow in her kind eyes. As a female doctor, she tended to worry more about her patients. Especially the ones that charged recklessly into the fray.
You'll never learn, not until it's too late.
The quiet click of her boots sounded against the tiled walkway. The gentle wind, which had danced with the leaves at dusk, now swept its cool arms over Yue Ying, drawing a shiver.
Countless unanswered questions buzzed in her head, some begging to be answered, others bursting to be let out.
Hua gu niang; who is she? What did she look like? Where is she? What happened to her? Is…
The simple letter from Lady Hua to Zhao Yun fueled Yue Ying's inquisitive side. Nevertheless, she had to return the letter; he would have done the same. Keen eyes sighting the spear general, Yue Ying called out his name.
"Zhao Yun!"
Wearily, looking across the low fence, Yue Ying waved her hand at him. What does she want now? Taking a shortcut across the sleeping flowerbeds, he tiredly made his way to her.
"Here, you dropped this in the garden," a familiar slip of cloth was handed to him. Taking with both hands, he dipped his head, in thanks.
"Thank you…"
The pale gauze, stark white in contrast against his head, caught Yue Ying's eye. Worry and a touch of guilt washed over her, in searing waves.
"I… I'm sorry, I didn't know I hit you that hard…"
"I'm fine, Yue Ying," Zhao Yun turned to leave, but a light touch on his arm stopped him. Eyebrows raised in question, head turned to face Yue Ying.
A rose of embarrassment blossomed on her cheeks, "Ah…"
Ask away, already. I want to sleep… Keeping his voice pleasant, "Yes?"
"I want… Can I…" I'm being nosy, but I really want to know… "Please, who is Hua gu niang?"
Hua gu niang… I haven't heard that name spoken out loud for so long.
Voice cracking, struggling to keep emotion out of his words. They sounded so cold and unfeeling to his ears; everything she was not, to him.
"Oh, her, Hua Li. Some girl from my hometown."
Icy tears threatening to spill, he mentally cursed himself for his weakness. Tone as cold as his tears, "The night is old and cool. Lady Huang, I bid you farewell for the night."
I'm sorry, Hua Li; I'm not ready to tell anyone. I can't. Not yet…
Toying with sienna locks, Yue Ying narrowed russet orbs, thoughts clouding them over. The missing pieces of the puzzle were beginning to appear and drop into their place.
The surprise, then pain on his features. His choked words and hasty departure. This mysterious Hua Li is means something more to him. She's more than a simple village girl. So then...
(1) elder sister. Lady Mi is referring to Lady Gan as an elder sister.
(2) younger sister. Lady Gan is referring to Lady Mi as a younger sister.
(3) General.
(4) hello. It is respectful to use "ning" instead of "ni". They have the same meaning, however.
A/N: Thus ends chapter 2. I hope the frequent scene changes weren't too confusing. I'm sorry, but I can't (or rather, shouldn't) answer reader reviews. Hurray for Candi; the Author Lounge at Way of Musou is where you'll find it all. The mystery and drama thickens as I use my descriptive writing skills… Or so I would like to think. I'll be updating "Era's Wind" as often as I can.