Don't let the stars in your eyes.
Aug. 4th, 2014 05:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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calvino["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.
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.
... and things should no longer be slow as much weeps. I am so sorry.
Date: 2014-08-21 09:14 am (UTC)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!!
Date: 2014-08-21 03:23 pm (UTC)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!!!
Date: 2014-08-29 05:04 am (UTC)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!
Date: 2014-08-30 04:24 am (UTC)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.