Ashrain

33. Hooves and Feet

All four of them needed time to recover. Wooyoung was back on his feet the quickest and travelled between Durnatel and the farriers' home to relay the news from the palace about the political uproar Yunho and Seonghwa had caused. So far, no punishment awaited them, but Durnatel bitterly worried about its crown prince that was told to have been hit by a horse's hooves during a riding accident. Yunho had snorted when Wooyoung told them about it, but Seonghwa was glad their people were left out of the public affair and the king kept his struggle for an apology internal.

While the two centaurs tended to their injuries and readied their journey back to Wind's Bridge, Mingi regained his strength with Hongjoong's help. It would take a while until he could do forging work again, but they agreed to take it slow for the time being. If Yeosang showed up demanding money, the only thing he would get for his greed would be a slap. After all the trouble they got into because of him, nobody had the patience left to deal with the frivolous elf.

On days he wasn't busy with work or carrying news around like a pigeon, Wooyoung visited San. The way to the bog was a risky one to take in winter, and Hongjoong feared for Wooyoung every time he went out, but the hunter merely teased him for being such a worrywart as he left. Today, he was gone, too, and Hongjoong was left to help Mingi around the house.

Seonghwa, Yunho and he would leave tomorrow. Originally, Hongjoong had been apprehensive to go since Mingi needed help with mundane tasks while his shoulder was out of commission. Even when Wooyoung assured Hongjoong he would gladly stay over in the meantime and help since their home was on the way to his workplace (the forest) anyway, Hongjoong felt bad for burdening him. Mingi had more or less shoved him to get packing. He wouldn't allow Hongjoong to miss out on the chance to escort Seonghwa.

Since he had lost his chance to linger and be concerned, Hongjoong was ecstatic about the trip. He had never been that far from home and he would see so many unfamiliar sights. Seonghwa's people, his family, his home; they all waited to be explored. Seonghwa, sharing these things with Hongjoong despite their secludedness, meant a lot to him. It resembled the confession of Seonghwa's feelings that he had been so unsure about until now.

Hongjoong sat in the kitchen and finally finished the blanket he had been weaving. He would take it with him on their journey since it would get cold out there. Seonghwa lay by his side and worked on fixing the slits in Yunho's armour that the swords hailing upon him had left behind. They worked in peaceful harmony, no word uttered as each of them concentrated on their task. Ever so rarely, their gazes locked, and they shared shy smiles before they returned to their duties with new fervour.

Hongjoong glanced at the stable door after they hadn't seen Mingi for a while. He brought Yunho lunch two hours ago and ever since then; he hadn't emerged. The stables were silent.

Perhaps they had gone out to take a walk. Mingi hated lying around all day, unable to work when there were so many things for him to do. A walk with Yunho would take his mind off things.

When Wooyoung returned from his trip to San, he announced himself with a curt knock before he came in. Shaking snow out of his hair and scarf, he greeted them with a grin on his flushed cheeks.

"Welcome back," Hongjoong called. Wooyoung left a trail of snow as he kicked his shoes off and shuffled inside. Right away, he hurried to warm up in front of the fireplace. His wild hair dried as the snow melted away.

"I don't envy you for the trip you plan. But better now than once the real blizzards start," Wooyoung snickered while he rubbed his palms. Seonghwa chuckled to himself, fingers never stopping their skilful work on Yunho's gear.

"We'll keep him warm. There is nothing to be afraid about," he assured.

Hongjoong watched Wooyoung when he shrugged off his coat and left it to dry on the chair by the fire. His eyes latched onto the fresh marks on the man's neck and he couldn't help his curious hum.