Light and Shadow

Chapter 5 - Inklings of Romance

Two weeks passed by since the incident involving the beast and Xun Yu's return to Xu. He was quickly adapting to the changes that came with living in Xu again, such as Cao Cao visiting him or requesting his presence every few days, being able to walk a short distance to get supplies from a nearby market, and the many patrols that frequented the city after dark. Summer was gradually ending, and the slightly cool air of Fall began to take hold. The sky outside was beginning to grow dark as night closed in.

Xun Yu opened the door to his home and gently closed it behind him as he entered before locking it. He removed his shoes and walked to the kitchen to store his freshly procured vegetables, rice, and tea leaves in a cabinet under the counter. Once he finished this task, he returned to the entrance area and checked to make sure that he had locked the door before heading to his room.

He slid open the door to his room and stepped inside. He sighed happily, for he was glad to be home and lay down for the night. He walked over to his full-sized bed and pulled down the black fuzzy blanket that laid on top before happily climbing in it and lying down on his side. He closed his eyes and prepared to fall asleep; however, his hopes were dashed when a loud knock resounded from the front door. Xun Yu sighed with displeasure. He was tired and desperately wanted to sleep.

"Minister Xun, can you please open up?" The voice of Xiahou Dun asked from behind the door.

Xun Yu forced himself to get up and walked over to the door. He unlocked it and slid it open.

"General Xiahou Dun, is everything okay? Would you like to come inside? I can make you some tea, if you would like." Xun Yu stated, sounding somewhat tired.

Xiahou Dun walked in and removed his shoes as he informed Xun Yu that he did not require anything to drink. Xun Yu motioned toward the nearby table in the living room and the two gathered around it.

"Yu, have you noticed anything strange about our Lord lately?" Xiahou Dun inquired.

Xun Yu gave the question some thought.

"No, I have not. Is something wrong?" Xun Yu asked, concerned.

"I'm not sure. He keeps having these strange dreams. I assume that they are nightmares. Every time I walk in his room to check on him at night, he is muttering strange things and tossing and turning. I have even heard him whisper your name before." Xiahou Dun stated.

"That does sound a bit odd." Xun Yu replied. He was growing more concerned.

Could this somehow be related to what I told him involving the Cultivators of Yin? What I told him the day after we returned to Xu was mere speculation. I do not have any information that points to them attempting to revive their sect or their leader, if he has in fact died; however, that creature was either their doing, since it bore their seal, or it was someone attempting to replicate their work. This situation is strange and continues to grow stranger. Xun Yu thought to himself. He was worried about Cao Cao and he hoped that he was not somewhat responsible for causing the man's strange dreams.

"His headaches have also made a return. He has complained of having one for three days in a row now, and I'm not sure if the medicine that I have been giving him is helping," Xiahou Dun said seriously. "I don't know what to do. I need your help, please."

"Of course, I will help you. Take me to him, please." Xun Yu answered, as he grew restless and the thought of falling asleep any time soon left him.

The two stood up from the table and walked over to the front door. After putting on their shoes, they began their six-kilometer trek to the palace. The two walked together in silence in the chilly night air. Xun Yu shivered slightly and Xiahou Dun offered the man the large black long-sleeve shirt that he was wearing over top of his short sleeve shirt. Xun Yu thanked the man and put the top on. It was extremely large on him, reaching the top of his knees. Xiahou Dun looked at him, feeling concerned for his health.