[Some part of him is fascinated by the change, (the way her hair and eyes and skin settle back into the image of what he's used to, as if everything before that had been only a dream), but the rest of him is distracted by the expression on her face, and the weary tone of her voice.
He's not used to seeing her like this. He's not used to seeing anyone besides himself in pain, or apologetic in any way towards him.]
I thought I would never see you again, Monts.
[Seonho finally says. There's nothing sad behind his words, just a rueful sort of acceptance. the kind you have when you accept that everything good in your life will only ever be short-lived.]
So I cannot call this reunion unfortunate or ill-met. ['not when it already feels like a miracle.'
He's suddenly aware of how he looks. If Monts is self-conscious about her appearance, then Seonho is the same. He's not dressed too differently -- though his uniform is dark and considerably more plain compared to what he wore in South Sister. His long hair too is up in a topknot, tied with a plain band. But he knows how his eyes look now -- empty and cold, and his face no longer quirks into his usual smile.
He does manage one now though, even though his face feels a little stiff.]
And I am glad as well -- that the pin I gave was of help to you.
Seonho does look different. He isn't wearing his hair down and his clothes were plainer, but it's still him after all. Her sense of time isn't linear in this case; she may have returned to the Midnight Grind, or maybe she appeared here first. Who knows? Those sort of details were insignificant compared to the here and now and the immediate consequences of the actions she took to defend herself.]
... Hey.
[Monts looks at Seonho as she carefully stands up; the mark in her body begins to shrink.]
What should I do now? Or... What can we do? That is... If you're going to help me?
[If not... Well, there's the ancient art of winging it.]
I mean, I'll put it bluntly; I'm monstrous you know. And it's not just because I'm a foreigner in these lands.
[Seonho follows, levering himself up as he glances behind him. There's a beat of silence, and it's clear he's come to some kind of decision as he turns to face Monts.]
You can come with me. I am currently staying at the governor's house, which is located some ways from the village. We can avoid the village entirely on our way there. [the sound of his sword sliding back into its sheath punctuates his words.] It is not a permanent solution, but you can at least leave the forest and get some rest.
[out of the forest where another hapless hunter could stumble across her, and force Monts to yet again have to defend herself.]
...That is, if you would like to. Or I can go back to the village and tell them that their fears are unfounded, and give you the time you need to slip away instead.
[the look in his eyes is patient and expectant, but not insistent. It might make sense for Monts to take him up on his offer -- but... well, trust is a difficult thing to manage, and he can't imagine how much harder it would be in a situation like this one.]
[Seonho goes still at her touch. He doesn't draw back or try to shake her off, he merely looks down at Mont's hand around his.
For a moment, he doesn't say anything at all. If someone had asked him earlier about what he'd least expected to happen today, then perhaps this would have been the first thing on his list.]
Follow me.
[his voice is brisk, but the way he briefly squeezes her hand is undeniable, gently tugging on it as if to lead her by hand. eventually though, he pulls away. he can't say precisely why. perhaps because holding hands would only encumber them in this darkly lit forest. or maybe because the touch of her hand makes him uncomfortable in a way he hasn't been. for a long time.
either way, he spends the journey in silence, walking at a pace that Monts can easily follow, until they finally reach the residence he mentioned earlier. it's not a very big house in comparison to the kinds of buildings Monts may be familiar with -- but there's a sharp elegance to it (it has a tiled roof for one thing) that makes it stand apart from the rest of the village in the valley below. A servant greets them at the gate, and the exchange that follows eventually ends with a maidservant leading Monts to her quarters. It's a room that's clearly meant for a noblewoman, and the change of clothes they provide for Monts proof further still. otherwise, the servants noticeably refuse to make eye contact with Monts, though they help draw a bath and carry her meals to her without being prompted.
Seonho appears the next morning, accompanying a servant holding a breakfast tray. He takes the tray in hand,]
Leave us.
[his dismissal is probably the only warning Monts gets before he enters her room. He's dressed in an outfit that she might be more familiar with -- it's the same kind he'd wear back in South Sister. His hair is loose, and the expression on his face is something closer to his usual smile.]
Good morning, Monts. I hope you slept -- if not well, then at least a little. [he says lightly, but his eyes are sharp as he glances at her complexion.] I asked the cook to pay special attention to your meal, though I do not know if the food will be to your liking.
[Without him returning her touch with a squeeze of his hand, Monts may have misinterpreted the way he pulled away from her. She wouldn't have blamed him or anyone else in this situation. Despite it all, she has his reassurance now and follows him wordlessly, arms wrapped around herself and sticking as closely as she can to Seonho as if she wants to hide in his shadow.
She's very quiet as he leads her back to what she assumes is an estate for a more well-off family. Monts follows the maidservant to her room and it does occur to her, even in her daze, that she's being treated very well even if none of the servants will talk to her (although she supposes, she's going to set off a lot of rumors). Monts spends her time in the bath, scrubbing the blood out of her fingernails until not a trace is left.
That night, Monts falls asleep and dreams of nothing.
Morning comes and she's just finished dressing in the robes (was it called a 'hanbok' during this time period, she wonders?) when she hears Seonho's voice, she was just in the middle of tying up her hair back.
He enters with the tray of food and she has to smile, fleeting as it is.]
Good morning.
[She fingers her collar, trying to adjust it.]
You're doing so much for me already...
[Her complexion is fine all things considered. There's no trace of that smoky texture that had covered her the night before and the bath from last night and a splash of water on her face that morning leaves her looking fresh enough. Expression wise, she's demure. Calm, but not as bright.]
I'm not going to turn away someone who worked hard to make it. And you'd be surprised at what I'm able to eat.
[Seonho places the table on the floor between them, focusing on that small task, rather than the immediate surprise at being asked to join her. He's only reunited with Monts for less than a day, and he's already done so many things he thought he'd never do, or have the chance of doing.
For example, he always takes his meals alone -- sometimes with Sungrok, though their meals together have only ever been very quick and taken on the go. Sometimes, he eats with other officials at banquets, but he always has his own table even then.
There's something nice about the opportunity to share a meal now -- on this particular morning, with this particular person. His gaze is frank and assessing, but whatever he sees in Monts must comfort him a little, because he turns his gaze to the table -- duly setting out the eating utensils, even as he asks somewhat hesitantly,]
-- May I?
[it's not as if he's done Monts a personal wrong to feel so awkward asking now... But, there's a part of him that wonders if he's really done as much as he possibly can. He'd taken her to the house, yes. But then he'd left her on her own with strangers throughout the night. His excuse back then had been simple -- he'd thought she'd want to get some rest, and what comfort could his presence provide her -- but now that it's morning, and watching Monts place a hand on her collar like she's unused to the style...
Seonho's used to relishing in the other people's discomfort. He finds that it's quite different with Monts. Is that because she's someone he actually likes?]
[Monts casts her gaze to the side as she starts wandering into her own thoughts.]
It's not a cultural faux pas to be an unmarried man eating with an unmarried woman in one room during this time period, is it? Just making sure I'm not doing anything to you—...
[A pause before she looks at Seonho waving her hand as if dismissing her own remark.]
That just means being tactless. Probably doesn't matter at this point.
[For someone who's trying to be culturally and socially appropriate, she immediately throws it out the window. That's Monts, for you!]
Please do eat with me. I think I need to catch up with you first.
But it does the trick, in that it gets Seonho to shake off his momentary awkwardness. He looks more amused than flustered.]
Then I shall entrust the honor of my reputation with you, Monts.
[treat him gently.... his marriage hopes....!!! He'll pick up the teapot and prepare her cup first, then his.]
It shouldn't be too difficult. The only people in this house besides us are the servants you met last night, and my aide. The governor and the rest of his family are currently at another residence. [he puts the teapot down, glances at her for a moment.] ...You do not have concern yourself much with appearances, or with what's appropriate here.
[for now, he supposes. though they should probably speak of the future while they're at it too]
[When he's done pouring her tea, she takes her cup, smiling over the rim at him.]
It's much too early in the morning anyway.
[And she follows that audacious statement with a sip.]
That's all well good at least. I don't know if I can explain myself to anyone else here. After all, you and I have been through... Things. That's in the past though.
[This is the present, or at least Seonho's present.]
"What's next?" is the real question here isn't it? Or I could ask what you've been up to lately.
You could. [he replies easily, his hands moving as he rearranges some of the dishes on the table, pushing the ones he thinks Monts might like towards her.] And I would tell you, except I am admittedly more interested in hearing that answer from you.
[He raises his brows, tilting his head a little as he regards her.]
How exactly did you come to find yourself here, Monts?
[the power of a sentient island and a suspicious overseer can make so many things possible, but Seonho's sure that there's no power in Joseon to snatch people from their lands across worlds.
Hm. That's the real question, isn't it? I was sure I was working at the time.
[Monts goes for the rice first after picking up her chopsticks and showing surprising proficiency at using them. She takes a bit of rice first as if to assess its flavor before trying another dish, trying a bit of everything.]
Then again, my sense of time and the sequence of the events that led up to me being here is fuzzy at best. It's similar to when we found ourselves suddenly on that island just this time, I found myself in that forest.
And then when people found me... Well, you know. [She waves her chopsticks in a lackadaisical manner before helping herself to some more food.]
Fortunately, you found me. Is that what they call fate? Hm. No, maybe not...
[Seonho watches as Monts eats, the vague concern that had been on the back of his mind alleviated by her apparent appetite. (she might be able to heal from all her physical wounds, but the mind is an entirely different matter. seonho should know.) The rest of him thinks upon her answer as he drinks his soup. He doesn't find it suspicious exactly, how can he, when he understands exactly what she means.
but her situation is worrisome, and Seonho finds himself concerned for her because of it. Joseon is not a kind country, no matter how hard he's fought to make it so.]
How about a stroke of good fortune? [he says, smiling.] For me, as well as for you.
[better him than anyone else. and since Monts has been so honest so far, Seonho offers up a truth of his own.]
...I will do my best to help you, Monts. Though I have little experience in these matters, aside from what I learned on the island. I can at least promise you shelter -- and safety, for however long you may need it.
[For the soup, she imitates him, putting down her chopsticks and sipping its contents carefully before she replies.]
... Thank you. I'm going to be saying that way too much to you, believe me.
[Monts sets down her bowl back down onto the tray.]
The only idea I have moving forward is looking for a certain doorway. And I'd have to be the one actively looking for because I'm not sure if you have the time or the means to see it. It's a way back to my world essentially.
[She glances at him as she grips the skirt of her robe tensely.]
As long as you're with me, maybe there's less of a chance of me turning into that. It only ever happens when...
[Her words trail off and she takes another deep breath.]
I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't mind if people look at me suspiciously or stay away from me because I'm not from here if it means I can do my search without interruption.
[He can't see her grip her skirt, but he can see the tension in her shoulders, the way she inhales and then admits her own fear. He can fill in the blank without having to be told. All he has to do is remember that moment in the forest -- Monts admitting that she has no taste for violence, despite her strength.]
I understand. [Seonho thinks he knows what she's asking. Not for her own safety, but for everyone else's.] We can start our search today if you like. It might be prudent to explore the forest first.
[He pauses for a moment, his brow furrowing, then he glances at Monts, as if trying to gauge her expression for what he's about to say next.]
I may have to return to the capital. Not immediately, but in a few days' time. It would be very fortunate indeed if we manage to find your doorway before then, but if not... you may have to leave with me.
[he sounds apologetic, and he is. he taps the rim of his cup for a moment.]
It is not so bad a place. There are many foreigners who live there, so no one will regard you with too much suspicion. And even if they do, I will still keep you company there.
[Relief gradually floods her features. Of course, Seonho wouldn't totally leave her to her own devices. She had nothing to worry about on that front.]
I think that works out perfectly well.
[At the end of the day, as long as she's not alone, she won't make any terrible faux pas that would have more arrows pointing at her.]
Just let me know if you need me to stay behind or behind closed doors just in case, ok? With this sort of situation, we need to be frank with each other, don't you agree?
I will do my best to let you know. [because she IS right, that honesty is truly the best policy for their situation now and in the future.] Though I'll try not to tell you to hide any more than it is necessary.
[He honestly can't imagine Monts shut away somewhere, like he and his father had done to Yeon. He wonders if Monts will find it suffocating, or if she'll bear it with as much patience as she seems to bear all her burdens.
speaking of 'being frank with each other,' though...........]
You will have to meet my father once we get to the capital. [Seonho's tone doesn't change noticeably, but just the fact that his expression doesn't ease up is probably a good sign of his relationship with said father.] He usually keeps himself out of my affairs, but... we should come up with a cover story regardless.
A cover story... Well, I think I can make up something and as long as we're here.
...
...
...
[Monts claps her hands together looking quite proud of herself.]
I... Am the daughter of a foreign merchant! He took me overseas in order to spoil me and show me the Eastern world. Unfortunately, he died when we reached shore and I was taken under the care of a colleague, who turned out not to be trustworthy and kicked me out when I rejected his advances. And through a series of more unfortunate events, you found me in the nearby village being troubled by ruffians and will be taken under your wing for the time being.
[Honestly, it's scary how quickly she came up with an idea.]
... Oh! And one last thing. I should use a better name.
[oh okay monts just went ahead and solved their entire problem for them without needing even 1% of Seonho's input??? this was not a collaborative effort, this was a MONTS effort through and through and u know what, Seonho respects that?
He's just about to ask about the 'taken under my wing' part because that seems to be THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY but,]
A better name? [he's clearly perplexed. Monts sounds like a fine name to him??? Nice and very foreign,] What do you have in mind?
[But he trusts Monts -- he realizes, with some surprise -- and his patient question proves that.]
Well... You see, "Monts" is just a nickname. Not my birth name or anything.
[... She's not sure why it always takes so long for her to tell other people her full name unless they ask. Part of it may be her way to gauge how much the other person is interested, her way of stringing people along. But like she said herself; it's good to be frank and honest in this situation.]
So, it's not actually making up anything in this case.
[There's a pause and for a second her expression is demure. Shy even?]
... Marianna.
[A hand grabs the bowl of rice as if she's going to hide her face behind it.]
[There's an unmistakable accent when Seonho says it, but he repeats it once more as if to get the hang of it. He finds that he enjoys saying it. He's not used to names longer than the three syllables of his own. It's pretty, lyrical. And it's not something Seonho would have guessed -- but if the reveal of her real name doesn't surprise him, then her behavior certainly does. Seonho listens to that pause, the way her voice grows softer.
Is she embarrassed by the name, or by the telling? Whichever it is, Seonho cannot honestly say he dislikes it. He prefers seeing her like this over seeing her frightened -- or concerned.
also, she's cute, okay. he will admit that. to himself though, in an effort not to embarrass her (for now).]
Mari, then. [the smile on his face is warm, if also maayybeee a little teasing] If I am to be your intrepid rescuer, then it would make sense for us to be close.
[close enough for first names, close enough to tease, close enough to throw in their lot with each other, instead of alone.]
[ When she hears her name spoken in his voice her heart skips a beat before she even realizes it occurred.
That hasn't happened in a while. Monts, no, Mari, tries to hold back her smile, but it's in vain. She's pleased because the use of her name is for those she's placed her trust in. ]
It's... Huh. Wow, it's been a while since I let anyone call me that.
[ She never had the chance to tell anyone on the island her given name after all. ]
But yeah. I consider this whole situation... Close.
[Amusement shines in Seonho's eyes for a brief moment,]
I'm grateful for this honor. [mari's smile....... cute.....] And I'd be happy to tell you something in return, if there's anything you're curious about. It seems only fair.
[this is ONE wish opportunity that may NEVER happen again (jk it'll def happen again) maybe,]
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sunfloras2021-01-13 11:57 pm
no subject
He's not used to seeing her like this. He's not used to seeing anyone besides himself in pain, or apologetic in any way towards him.]
I thought I would never see you again, Monts.
[Seonho finally says. There's nothing sad behind his words, just a rueful sort of acceptance. the kind you have when you accept that everything good in your life will only ever be short-lived.]
So I cannot call this reunion unfortunate or ill-met. ['not when it already feels like a miracle.'
He's suddenly aware of how he looks. If Monts is self-conscious about her appearance, then Seonho is the same. He's not dressed too differently -- though his uniform is dark and considerably more plain compared to what he wore in South Sister. His long hair too is up in a topknot, tied with a plain band. But he knows how his eyes look now -- empty and cold, and his face no longer quirks into his usual smile.
He does manage one now though, even though his face feels a little stiff.]
And I am glad as well -- that the pin I gave was of help to you.
no subject
Seonho does look different. He isn't wearing his hair down and his clothes were plainer, but it's still him after all. Her sense of time isn't linear in this case; she may have returned to the Midnight Grind, or maybe she appeared here first. Who knows? Those sort of details were insignificant compared to the here and now and the immediate consequences of the actions she took to defend herself.]
... Hey.
[Monts looks at Seonho as she carefully stands up; the mark in her body begins to shrink.]
What should I do now? Or... What can we do? That is... If you're going to help me?
[If not... Well, there's the ancient art of winging it.]
I mean, I'll put it bluntly; I'm monstrous you know. And it's not just because I'm a foreigner in these lands.
no subject
You can come with me. I am currently staying at the governor's house, which is located some ways from the village. We can avoid the village entirely on our way there. [the sound of his sword sliding back into its sheath punctuates his words.] It is not a permanent solution, but you can at least leave the forest and get some rest.
[out of the forest where another hapless hunter could stumble across her, and force Monts to yet again have to defend herself.]
...That is, if you would like to. Or I can go back to the village and tell them that their fears are unfounded, and give you the time you need to slip away instead.
[the look in his eyes is patient and expectant, but not insistent. It might make sense for Monts to take him up on his offer -- but... well, trust is a difficult thing to manage, and he can't imagine how much harder it would be in a situation like this one.]
no subject
I think... I think you're the only one I can depend on.
[It's a daunting realization knowing that her future here was murky at best.]
I don't want to be seen by anyone.
[Her hand wraps gently around his.]
Please.
[It's a quiet plea and unmistakably a cry for help.]
no subject
For a moment, he doesn't say anything at all. If someone had asked him earlier about what he'd least expected to happen today, then perhaps this would have been the first thing on his list.]
Follow me.
[his voice is brisk, but the way he briefly squeezes her hand is undeniable, gently tugging on it as if to lead her by hand. eventually though, he pulls away. he can't say precisely why. perhaps because holding hands would only encumber them in this darkly lit forest. or maybe because the touch of her hand makes him uncomfortable in a way he hasn't been. for a long time.
either way, he spends the journey in silence, walking at a pace that Monts can easily follow, until they finally reach the residence he mentioned earlier. it's not a very big house in comparison to the kinds of buildings Monts may be familiar with -- but there's a sharp elegance to it (it has a tiled roof for one thing) that makes it stand apart from the rest of the village in the valley below. A servant greets them at the gate, and the exchange that follows eventually ends with a maidservant leading Monts to her quarters. It's a room that's clearly meant for a noblewoman, and the change of clothes they provide for Monts proof further still. otherwise, the servants noticeably refuse to make eye contact with Monts, though they help draw a bath and carry her meals to her without being prompted.
Seonho appears the next morning, accompanying a servant holding a breakfast tray. He takes the tray in hand,]
Leave us.
[his dismissal is probably the only warning Monts gets before he enters her room. He's dressed in an outfit that she might be more familiar with -- it's the same kind he'd wear back in South Sister. His hair is loose, and the expression on his face is something closer to his usual smile.]
Good morning, Monts. I hope you slept -- if not well, then at least a little. [he says lightly, but his eyes are sharp as he glances at her complexion.] I asked the cook to pay special attention to your meal, though I do not know if the food will be to your liking.
no subject
She's very quiet as he leads her back to what she assumes is an estate for a more well-off family. Monts follows the maidservant to her room and it does occur to her, even in her daze, that she's being treated very well even if none of the servants will talk to her (although she supposes, she's going to set off a lot of rumors). Monts spends her time in the bath, scrubbing the blood out of her fingernails until not a trace is left.
That night, Monts falls asleep and dreams of nothing.
Morning comes and she's just finished dressing in the robes (was it called a 'hanbok' during this time period, she wonders?) when she hears Seonho's voice, she was just in the middle of tying up her hair back.
He enters with the tray of food and she has to smile, fleeting as it is.]
Good morning.
[She fingers her collar, trying to adjust it.]
You're doing so much for me already...
[Her complexion is fine all things considered. There's no trace of that smoky texture that had covered her the night before and the bath from last night and a splash of water on her face that morning leaves her looking fresh enough. Expression wise, she's demure. Calm, but not as bright.]
I'm not going to turn away someone who worked hard to make it. And you'd be surprised at what I'm able to eat.
Are you going to join me?
no subject
For example, he always takes his meals alone -- sometimes with Sungrok, though their meals together have only ever been very quick and taken on the go. Sometimes, he eats with other officials at banquets, but he always has his own table even then.
There's something nice about the opportunity to share a meal now -- on this particular morning, with this particular person. His gaze is frank and assessing, but whatever he sees in Monts must comfort him a little, because he turns his gaze to the table -- duly setting out the eating utensils, even as he asks somewhat hesitantly,]
-- May I?
[it's not as if he's done Monts a personal wrong to feel so awkward asking now... But, there's a part of him that wonders if he's really done as much as he possibly can. He'd taken her to the house, yes. But then he'd left her on her own with strangers throughout the night. His excuse back then had been simple -- he'd thought she'd want to get some rest, and what comfort could his presence provide her -- but now that it's morning, and watching Monts place a hand on her collar like she's unused to the style...
Seonho's used to relishing in the other people's discomfort. He finds that it's quite different with Monts. Is that because she's someone he actually likes?]
no subject
[Monts casts her gaze to the side as she starts wandering into her own thoughts.]
It's not a cultural faux pas to be an unmarried man eating with an unmarried woman in one room during this time period, is it? Just making sure I'm not doing anything to you—...
[A pause before she looks at Seonho waving her hand as if dismissing her own remark.]
That just means being tactless. Probably doesn't matter at this point.
[For someone who's trying to be culturally and socially appropriate, she immediately throws it out the window. That's Monts, for you!]
Please do eat with me. I think I need to catch up with you first.
no subject
But it does the trick, in that it gets Seonho to shake off his momentary awkwardness. He looks more amused than flustered.]
Then I shall entrust the honor of my reputation with you, Monts.
[treat him gently.... his marriage hopes....!!! He'll pick up the teapot and prepare her cup first, then his.]
It shouldn't be too difficult. The only people in this house besides us are the servants you met last night, and my aide. The governor and the rest of his family are currently at another residence. [he puts the teapot down, glances at her for a moment.] ...You do not have concern yourself much with appearances, or with what's appropriate here.
[for now, he supposes. though they should probably speak of the future while they're at it too]
no subject
[When he's done pouring her tea, she takes her cup, smiling over the rim at him.]
It's much too early in the morning anyway.
[And she follows that audacious statement with a sip.]
That's all well good at least. I don't know if I can explain myself to anyone else here. After all, you and I have been through... Things. That's in the past though.
[This is the present, or at least Seonho's present.]
"What's next?" is the real question here isn't it? Or I could ask what you've been up to lately.
[OH BOY]
no subject
You could. [he replies easily, his hands moving as he rearranges some of the dishes on the table, pushing the ones he thinks Monts might like towards her.] And I would tell you, except I am admittedly more interested in hearing that answer from you.
[He raises his brows, tilting his head a little as he regards her.]
How exactly did you come to find yourself here, Monts?
[the power of a sentient island and a suspicious overseer can make so many things possible, but Seonho's sure that there's no power in Joseon to snatch people from their lands across worlds.
At least he thinks so. He's pretty sure,]
no subject
[Monts goes for the rice first after picking up her chopsticks and showing surprising proficiency at using them. She takes a bit of rice first as if to assess its flavor before trying another dish, trying a bit of everything.]
Then again, my sense of time and the sequence of the events that led up to me being here is fuzzy at best. It's similar to when we found ourselves suddenly on that island just this time, I found myself in that forest.
And then when people found me... Well, you know. [She waves her chopsticks in a lackadaisical manner before helping herself to some more food.]
Fortunately, you found me. Is that what they call fate? Hm. No, maybe not...
no subject
but her situation is worrisome, and Seonho finds himself concerned for her because of it. Joseon is not a kind country, no matter how hard he's fought to make it so.]
How about a stroke of good fortune? [he says, smiling.] For me, as well as for you.
[better him than anyone else. and since Monts has been so honest so far, Seonho offers up a truth of his own.]
...I will do my best to help you, Monts. Though I have little experience in these matters, aside from what I learned on the island. I can at least promise you shelter -- and safety, for however long you may need it.
no subject
... Thank you. I'm going to be saying that way too much to you, believe me.
[Monts sets down her bowl back down onto the tray.]
The only idea I have moving forward is looking for a certain doorway. And I'd have to be the one actively looking for because I'm not sure if you have the time or the means to see it. It's a way back to my world essentially.
[She glances at him as she grips the skirt of her robe tensely.]
As long as you're with me, maybe there's less of a chance of me turning into that. It only ever happens when...
[Her words trail off and she takes another deep breath.]
I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't mind if people look at me suspiciously or stay away from me because I'm not from here if it means I can do my search without interruption.
no subject
I understand. [Seonho thinks he knows what she's asking. Not for her own safety, but for everyone else's.] We can start our search today if you like. It might be prudent to explore the forest first.
[He pauses for a moment, his brow furrowing, then he glances at Monts, as if trying to gauge her expression for what he's about to say next.]
I may have to return to the capital. Not immediately, but in a few days' time. It would be very fortunate indeed if we manage to find your doorway before then, but if not... you may have to leave with me.
[he sounds apologetic, and he is. he taps the rim of his cup for a moment.]
It is not so bad a place. There are many foreigners who live there, so no one will regard you with too much suspicion. And even if they do, I will still keep you company there.
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I think that works out perfectly well.
[At the end of the day, as long as she's not alone, she won't make any terrible faux pas that would have more arrows pointing at her.]
Just let me know if you need me to stay behind or behind closed doors just in case, ok? With this sort of situation, we need to be frank with each other, don't you agree?
[ISN'T THAT EASY SEONHO??]
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I will do my best to let you know. [because she IS right, that honesty is truly the best policy for their situation now and in the future.] Though I'll try not to tell you to hide any more than it is necessary.
[He honestly can't imagine Monts shut away somewhere, like he and his father had done to Yeon. He wonders if Monts will find it suffocating, or if she'll bear it with as much patience as she seems to bear all her burdens.
speaking of 'being frank with each other,' though...........]
You will have to meet my father once we get to the capital. [Seonho's tone doesn't change noticeably, but just the fact that his expression doesn't ease up is probably a good sign of his relationship with said father.] He usually keeps himself out of my affairs, but... we should come up with a cover story regardless.
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...
...
...
[Monts claps her hands together looking quite proud of herself.]
I... Am the daughter of a foreign merchant! He took me overseas in order to spoil me and show me the Eastern world. Unfortunately, he died when we reached shore and I was taken under the care of a colleague, who turned out not to be trustworthy and kicked me out when I rejected his advances. And through a series of more unfortunate events, you found me in the nearby village being troubled by ruffians and will be taken under your wing for the time being.
[Honestly, it's scary how quickly she came up with an idea.]
... Oh! And one last thing. I should use a better name.
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He's just about to ask about the 'taken under my wing' part because that seems to be THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY but,]
A better name? [he's clearly perplexed. Monts sounds like a fine name to him??? Nice and very foreign,] What do you have in mind?
[But he trusts Monts -- he realizes, with some surprise -- and his patient question proves that.]
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[... She's not sure why it always takes so long for her to tell other people her full name unless they ask. Part of it may be her way to gauge how much the other person is interested, her way of stringing people along. But like she said herself; it's good to be frank and honest in this situation.]
So, it's not actually making up anything in this case.
[There's a pause and for a second her expression is demure. Shy even?]
... Marianna.
[A hand grabs the bowl of rice as if she's going to hide her face behind it.]
Mari's fine too.
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[There's an unmistakable accent when Seonho says it, but he repeats it once more as if to get the hang of it. He finds that he enjoys saying it. He's not used to names longer than the three syllables of his own. It's pretty, lyrical. And it's not something Seonho would have guessed -- but if the reveal of her real name doesn't surprise him, then her behavior certainly does. Seonho listens to that pause, the way her voice grows softer.
Is she embarrassed by the name, or by the telling? Whichever it is, Seonho cannot honestly say he dislikes it. He prefers seeing her like this over seeing her frightened -- or concerned.
also, she's cute, okay. he will admit that. to himself though, in an effort not to embarrass her (for now).]
Mari, then. [the smile on his face is warm, if also maayybeee a little teasing] If I am to be your intrepid rescuer, then it would make sense for us to be close.
[close enough for first names, close enough to tease, close enough to throw in their lot with each other, instead of alone.]
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That hasn't happened in a while. Monts, no, Mari, tries to hold back her smile, but it's in vain. She's pleased because the use of her name is for those she's placed her trust in. ]
It's... Huh. Wow, it's been a while since I let anyone call me that.
[ She never had the chance to tell anyone on the island her given name after all. ]
But yeah. I consider this whole situation... Close.
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I'm grateful for this honor. [mari's smile....... cute.....] And I'd be happy to tell you something in return, if there's anything you're curious about. It seems only fair.
[this is ONE wish opportunity that may NEVER happen again (jk it'll def happen again) maybe,]