For the Prisoner

29. Back in Briar Glen

The group continued their trek at dawn. Nobody mentioned Seonghwa's and Hongjoong's cuddling of the prior night, though several of them must have mentioned it. In turn, Seonghwa tried to act like a normal person and not trip over every stone under his feet whenever he glanced at Hongjoong. The gargoyle noticed without exception and his sly grins had his blood rushing into Seonghwa's cheeks.

He was totally fine.

When they passed the peaks of the mountains and the sunlight cascaded over the snow-covered ridges to bless the white city in its midst, Yeosang gasped with the same wonder as Seonghwa had before. He marvelled at the rose quartz gargoyles, cast his hand over his eyes to watch the light play on the golden accents of the royal palace, and squeaked in delight when a swarm of doves emerged from the marketplace to flutter above the city.

Seonghwa watched the spectacle with the fondness of one who never tired of the same wonders. As Yeosang skipped along the nearby rocks to find the highest one with the best view down their path, Seonghwa trudged along with his hands buried deep in his sleeves to warm them.

A million questions of 'what is this?' and 'tell me more' came from Yeosang as San heroically assumed the role of his tour guide and replied to as many questions as he could before Yeosang jumped to the next. A good part of his answers ended in a jumbled mess that had nothing to do with the truth, but San's eyes gleamed at being helpful for once. It seemed the words bubbling from Yeosang's lips never ceased in an endless waterfall.

In awe, Seonghwa soaked up his liveliness. It had been a while since the priest allowed himself to sit back and look at the world to enjoy how it continued its constant path outside of his pain. Spring was around the corner, beautiful sights accompanied their voyage, and the joy of people unbothered by the misfortunes of life cast upon them like blissful rain during a drought.

No matter Seonghwa's suffering and the daily struggles of the group, the rest of the world lived on. In pain, in glee, never giving up.

As much as his adventures kept him alive and as much as his infatuation with Hongjoong added a spark to his life that Seonghwa never felt before, it was draining. Right then, watching Yeosang's childish glee was the most Seonghwa could ever ask for.

The fond eyes the priest had settled on their newest addition picked up on movement on top of his head. At first moment, it seemed as if a strand of his messy hair got flicked around by the wind. Then the picture changed.

Two pointed ears had appeared on Yeosang's head. The colour of their short fur matched that of his bright hair and, despite the odd sprouting space, they were as animalistic as they could be.

They reminded Seonghwa of a wolf.

Stunned, Seonghwa inclined his head in Hongjoong's direction. They were the last of the group today as Wooyoung led their way and the others trailed down the mountain on whatever path they deemed safest for their step.

"Do you see what I see?" Seonghwa nodded his chin at Yeosang and Hongjoong scrutinised the man from head to toe. After a moment, his lips quirked into a smile.

"You mean his ears?"

Seonghwa nodded, glad it wasn't madness that played a trick on him.

"They must pop out when he's excited. My horns grow when I'm angry." Hongjoong put his fingers to his forehead, mimicking an additional pair of horns.

Cooing, Seonghwa looked at the way Yeosang's ears twitched and flicked, as lively as the rest of him.

"Do you think we will ever see him shift?" He imagined a cuddly white wolf snoozing in his lap and his heart melted into a puddle. Not that Perie wasn't adorable, but Seonghwa preferred soft furs over scaly skin.