Ashrain

24. A Present for Hooves (Not a Shoe)

"I think I want to give Seonghwa a present," Hongjoong said as he and Wooyoung passed one of the few vendors stubborn enough to offer their wares outside while snow powdered over the roofs made of blankets and some sticks leaning against the tables.

Curious, Wooyoung eyed the display that had attracted Hongjoong's attention.

"So he has a memory of you once he leaves?"

"Yes."

Seonghwa already had some memories. Every word exchanged, every minute spent. Every kiss, every embrace. Still, Hongjoong wanted something he could touch that would encase all those memories for whenever Seonghwa desired to feel them.

It had to be something rather modest that Hongjoong could afford, and maybe something Seonghwa could wear on his person.

The vendor on their side sold handmade accessories like scarves and bracelets. Hongjoong was drawn to the latter and stepped in. When the two shivering boys neared, the old lady behind the stand perked up. Her kind, wrinkled face morphed into a smile.

"Can I help you, sirs?"

Hongjoong swiped his eyes over her display. The bracelets were hand-woven, some thicker than others with intricate knots, others slim and simple. Gems and pendants made from pretty stones or metal charms dangled from a few.

"I'm searching for a bracelet for my friend to give him once his journey takes him back home," Hongjoong explained. He freed his chin from his scarf to smile at her. "He's a precious friend."

With a hum, she beckoned at the variety.

"Those with stronger knots last longer and those with thinner ones bear fragility that asks the owner to look after them well if they have been gifted with importance. Do you prefer one with charms or without?"

Hongjoong mulled it over. As sweet as the idea of the thin bracelets and their dedication was, they were impractical for Seonghwa and his surrounding in the forest. Same with anything that dangled off his wrist, since it would only get stuck in stray branches.

"I like the ones without pendants with the thick knots," he said, peering closer. He picked one up to eye the difficult methods used to weave it together up close. When he imagined it on Seonghwa's dainty wrist, warmth filled his heart.

He showed it to the lady.

"I'll take this one, please."

She named her price and took his coins to put them into her pouch. Hongjoong slipped the bracelet into his pocket, giddy at the idea of giving it to Seonghwa. His smile would be blinding.

Wooyoung stood by Hongjoong's side wordlessly so far, but now he lingered. Chuckling, the lady asked him whether he wanted one as well. He found one with a stone that shone subtly purple the same way San's scales did, and picked it in delight. Like this, their extraordinary lovers could remember their human companions once they returned to their homelands.

On their way through the city, Wooyoung and Hongjoong warmed up while walking. They were in exceptional moods over the pleasing idea with the gifts.

They checked Yongguk's home first, but the mysterious pathfinder wasn't at home. No answer replied to their calls as the man explored the wintry forests.

Effortless in their change of plans, the boys turned around and travelled down the long street. The city guard's centre was stationed in the garrison at the very foot of the mountain leading to the castle. Their tall towers framed the path upwards and a duo in heavy grey armour guarded the way to keep any suspicious person at bay. Hongjoong discreetly peered up the way, but that was not what they were here for. He glared at the building and its arrogant superiority before he followed Wooyoung inside the garrison.