Don't let the stars in your eyes.

[militarydiscipline]

["I'm counting on you to keep her safe."

Yu Jin sits ready at the driver's seat of the carriage, hands gripped around the reins and ready to start the journey. His trident is within arm's reach but the blade remains concealed by the silk bag he had purchased; as much as he dislikes travelling in such secrecy (almost like a dishonourable thief, he muses irritably) he has his...charge's well-being to consider.

The things he does for his lord. He hadn't been too impressed with his latest assignment; protecting the Lady Cai Wenji on her journey to visit her sister hardly seems like a befitting task for a general of his repute and standing within the army. But it's probably because of those two that Lord Tsao Tsao had given him the order in the first place; with a fearsome warrior of Wei at her side, which thief or brigand would dare to even set their eyes on Lord Tsao Tsao's favourite poetess? The land was enjoying a brief moment of respite from wars, and Master Xu Huang had assured him that his troops would be kept well-drilled; Yu Jin knows he can trust the axe-wielding general to keep his word.

It's an easy enough job, so easy it's almost an insult to his martial ability. But Yu Jin understands that his lord is entrusting him with the safety of one of his court favourites, and that's an honor and prestige in itself. It's a mark of how much faith his lord has in him and Yu Jin would rather die than disappoint the man he's come to serve with unerring commitment.

The sky is beginning to brighten; they should probably make a move on now. The curtain separates the guard from the guarded, perhaps that's a good thing because he's not fond of dealing with women directly, and if it keeps the two of them from conversing during this trip then so much the better. His tone remains strict and serious, his back ramrod straight and his eyes and ears alert as he flicks the reins and the wheels of the carriage start to turn.]

Lady Cai Wenji, our journey begins now.

Comments

sorry this took forever weep

[celestialis]

[ What does one really say when their Lord and most respected superior asks him to do her the honour of allowing his most trusted officers accompany her to the event she has asked leave for? Of course, be it as it may, she appreciates his concern- and is grateful for it! Though the fact that he chose Master Yu Jin is something of a surprise, seeing as he's such a well-respected and well-known officer.

Master Guo Jia had teased her about it, warning her that the frightening general would be looking to avenge himself for the time they spent searching for her, which was only met with Master Xun Yu shaking his head at him, though the memory of that rather... unfortunate incident still rung fresh for her.

It was only a few weeks back that her little leisurely stroll had caused so much trouble for Lord Cao Cao's dearest officers. So to have Master Yu Jin not only accompanying her, but heading the carriage that she was to take for her visit was... a little unsettling, if she was being honest. But when had she ever been a fearful damsel, anyway? Circumstances aside.

Which is why, once the handmaidens have set all their necessities in their storage, and wished her well, her trusty harp kept with her in the event it does pose a need, she settles herself in. It's a covered carriage, spacious for two- a security measure from Lord Cao Cao of course, and with ample enough room to stretch one's legs. The two horses in front seem to be ready and eager to move, and as Yu Jin speaks, Wenji's well-trained ear turns to the sound of his voice, firm and reverberating across the panels of the carriage box, before she smiles and lets it be heard in her own voice. ]

By your leave then, Master Yu Jin.

[ She is glad he gets a little awning of his own to keep him from the sunlight that's sure to shine on him in the next three hours, but she's also made sure to keep ample necessities. Jugs of water, packed snacks that can be eaten on the way when they stop for a break, books to read...

And her instrument, of course, to provide the journey with ample entertainment. It's when they begin to move that it all becomes worth thinking about, and she pushes back the curtain to see the palace walls passing them by once Yu Jin begins their move, passing through the lovely city that has been her returned home, and further.

She doesn't say anything immediately as they pass by, enjoying the sight from behind the curtain, and it's when they're into the half-hour mark of their journey, that Wenji finally does release a little sigh. ]

It is a three hour journey, Master Yu Jin- perhaps you would like to take a break after some time? I can't imagine how much of an inconvenience I must be for you to have to personally escort me.

[ Never one to hold her tongue, yet polite in its delivery, she can't help but remark in amusement as she speaks over the barrier to him. ]

i am equally a slow turtle, no worries

[militarydiscipline]

[Hmph. So the polite poetess who so demurely strummed her harp had some lip to her as well. No matter; he will not rise to the bait. It's not worth his time to get irritable over a remark. If he can tolerate Master Guo Jia's sly and subtle taunts (the man shamelessly exploits his close relationship with their lord to weasel his way out of disciplinary action for his military and courtly infractions, to Yu Jin's chagrin and annoyance) then he can manage a lady's gentle teasing. Without a spare glance behind him he answers without hesitation:]

That will not be necessary. I have travelled for far longer in harsher conditions.

[The silence has done little to soften his tone; he remains as stern and as distant as ever. Clearly this is a man who is used to and may even prefer solitude. He might not be up for much conversation.]

... and things should no longer be slow as much weeps. I am so sorry.

[celestialis]

[ Was he expecting differently from a woman whose very passion involves wordplay? She hasn't exactly been a shy flower where it's come to expressing herself, now being no different. Concealing her attitude before who she respects is one thing, though few enemies have been given that much regard when they do not return it in kind.

Save some kindly ones such as Master Zhou Yu and Ding Feng, for instance.

She can't help but smile at his response as she touches her fingers to the curtain separating them from viewing one another's faces. ]

That is a relief, then. I believe these conditions are pleasant enough to warrant a break- were they harsher, I would be singing a different tune myself.

[ Master Li Dian was right... pity that knowing about Yu Jin's uptightness came at the cost of it, but really- if a man cannot take a little bit of a friendly duel of words, then can they really be called strong?

Then again, that is where half her own battles lie- for a warrior may have his weapons, but a scholar has their skill and mind. She smiles to herself as she speaks then- ]

Is this your first time heading to Yu, Master Yu Jin?

[ It's east of Xuchang, not very far to be fair, but on horseback and with a carriage- perhaps a little further. ]

omg thank you so much for the paid its really ok I'm a very very slooooow turtle too!!

[militarydiscipline]

[She is a noble woman; he would expect her to act the part. It would seem that he needs to reconsider his impression of her. She certainly isn't as meek and mild as he initially thought.

And she's definitely got her way with words. A muscle near his eye twitches but otherwise he keeps his irritation at bay. A true gentleman, he reminds himself, does not raise his voice to women. Living with the gentry is a different environment altogether than what he's used to as a child of a simple farmer, but he will abide by the laws and customs of the household.]

If that is what you wish.

[She's answered her own question then. Yu Jin is a man of few words, and a man of even fewer friends. She would have more success with a cat, if she's looking to tease a 'friend duel of words' out of him.

Were she a man than Yu Jin might've paid her silver tongue a bit more mind, might've been more careful with how he replies and kept them short and succinct. Guo Jia's gift of the gab has confounded and embarrassed him more times than he can count, having had his own words played about and used against him. It infuriates him to be outwitted by such a flippant and careless man, but he cannot simply enact punishment without proper reason...and all his reasons are turned on their heads and inside out once Guo Jia is done with them.

As it stands in his mind though, it would make sense for a poetess to have some skill with wordplay. She is, after all, still a woman, one who possibly gossips with the other court ladies on some sordid affair between a page and his mistress. And she is a wordsmith, though exactly how good she is...well, he really doesn't know. He's never read any of her poems, heard any of her songs.]

No.

[The first time he went there was to win Yan Province back for Lord Tsao Tsao from Lu Bu, but he'll spare her that detail. She might not be too happy to know that he had been stomping about Yu county stabbing Lu troops left, right and centre.]

life makes me so slow but I will persevere!!!

[celestialis]

[ That's a mistake most people make about her, sadly enough. They soon learn to think otherwise, which is also a relief in itself. She can sense the tension rising in his presence, which makes her both worried and just slightly amused. The man really does seem to be in dire need of relaxation, and she imagines were Guo Jia here, he'd have indulged her in returning the gentle teasing until he did respond.

But, she's also a lady, and as such, she has to maintain some semblance of decorum. She keeps her own quiet chuckle soundless, before she finally reaches under her seat to where the boxes of her prepared meals are packed and lined up safely, and checking them to feel that they are wrapped and warm enough, she shifts before she moves to the window to glance out at her surroundings. After a careful little survey, his succinct response all but heard and dismissed, she then moves to speak to him again. ]

What a delight. Then you will know the water garden that falls along the road. It's a lovely little space, and the horses can take as much of a break too. Lady Zhen and I have often come out there with the other maidens when we're riding out.

[ They like having their picnics, and she adds- ]

It shouldn't be more than a while more, so you may enjoy not taking a break just yet, Master Yu Jin!

[ Okay, maybe she is being a little too teasing, but really... the poor man does sound like he needs it. It's just ten minutes more, and she tells herself she can stay quiet until they get there... but not before she adds- ]

I am glad that you have accompanied me, though. It is not often that I have the honor of being in the company of one of Lord Cao Cao's finest.

[ As to why he was picked, well... he's sure Guo Jia was a bit too eager to come, and he would need his own attendant, wouldn't he. ]

Me and you both!

[militarydiscipline]

[...well he certainly fell into that one.

His posture stiffens, his eyes narrow and his jaw tightens. The very insolence...it both grates on and surprises him that she would be so daring. Yu Jin is well aware of his reputation as a strict disciplinarian, and it's an identity that he's secure in. He's also well aware that most are careful with both speech and actions around him but in just this brief trip alone he's being teased at and being spoken back to. It's been awhile since he's been mocked at, even if gently.

He silently seethes while searching for the correct response that would sufficiently convey his displeasure at being tricked and teased at, but at the same time avoiding any further pitfalls. He doesn't even realise he's let the silence stretch on until he hears her break it, at which his only response is a curt reply.]

There is no need for such flattery, Lady Cai Wenji. I am merely a soldier carrying out our lord's orders.