𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀. . . nishimura riki ✔

𝟬𝟱𝟳; the prayers

AFTER DAYS OF TIRELESS EFFORT, THE ANCIENT CASTLE BEGAN TO REVEAL ITS LONG-FORGOTTEN SPLENDOUR. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the polished floors and revealing intricate patterns on the walls. The once-dusty tapestries now shimmered with vibrant colours, telling tales of a bygone era.

Jieun stood in awe, her gaze sweeping across the grand hall. The air was filled with a sense of history and the whispers of her ancestors. She could almost hear their voices, guiding her and assuring her that she was where she belonged.

As she walked through the corridors, Jieun marvelled at the craftsmanship that adorned every corner. Exquisite sculptures, delicate carvings, and ornate chandeliers brought life to the ancient stone walls. Each room seemed to hold a story, waiting to be discovered and cherished.

In the kitchen, pots and pans gleamed, waiting to be filled with delicious aromas. The dining hall, once empty and barren, now exuded warmth and hospitality, as if beckoning its inhabitants to gather and share laughter and nourishment.

The bedrooms, once covered in layers of dust, had been transformed into cozy sanctuaries. Freshly washed linens adorned the beds, inviting rest and dreams of a brighter future. The remnants of a forgotten era had been lovingly preserved, blending the old with the new, creating a sense of continuity between the past and the present.

As evening descended upon the castle, Jieun found herself standing by a large window, gazing out at the sprawling gardens. The moon cast its gentle glow, illuminating the world around her. It was as if the moon itself whispered secrets of wisdom and solace.

In that moment, Jieun felt a deep connection to her ancestors and a profound appreciation for the resilience and strength that had been passed down through generations. This ancient castle, now rejuvenated, stood as a testament to their endurance, and she would carry their legacy forward.

As the moon continued its celestial dance and the ancient castle embraced its newfound life, Jieun vowed to honour the legacy of her ancestors and create a future where their sacrifices would not be in vain. The beauty of the castle, now restored and vibrant, mirrored the strength within her own heart, reminding her that even in the darkest of times, light could always find its way.

Jieun's footsteps echoed softly as she made her way through the castle's hallowed halls towards the sacred Temple of the Three. The air grew still, filled with a sense of reverence and ancient wisdom. The flickering light of candles guided her path, casting ethereal shadows along the stone walls.

The grand doors creaked open, revealing a sacred space adorned with flickering candles and the soft glow of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows. In the centre of the temple stood a majestic statue, a representation of the Three, the deities revered by House Yang.

Kneeling before the statue, Jieun felt a deep sense of reverence. Her fingertips brushed against the cool stone as she closed her eyes, allowing her thoughts to settle. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, a departure from her usual strength and composure.

She began to speak, her voice barely a whisper, yet filled with sincerity. Her words were not meant to persuade or negotiate, but rather to connect with something greater, to find solace and guidance in the divine presence that had watched over her ancestors.

'Great Three,' she began, her voice filled with a blend of gratitude and longing. 'I come before you, humbled by the weight of my responsibilities and the trials that lay ahead. Though I have not always been devout, today I seek your guidance and blessings.'

She offered her gratitude for the protection and guidance her ancestors had received, acknowledging the interconnectedness of her family's history and the faith that bound them together. With each word, she felt a growing sense of peace, as if the divine presence was listening, acknowledging her presence.

Jieun's serenity was momentarily interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Opening her eyes, she saw Riki gracefully making his way towards her. He knelt down beside her, his presence a comforting reassurance amidst the sacred stillness of the temple.

As Jieun finished her prayers, Riki waited patiently, his gaze fixed upon her. The corners of his lips curled into a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and warmth. When she finally concluded, he spoke, his voice soft and filled with genuine curiosity.

'I've never prayed before. . . nor have I seen you pray,' Riki admitted, his tone tinged with a sense of wonder. He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. 'It felt. . . different. Sacred, almost. What is it that you find in your prayers?'

'Prayers, for me, are a way to connect with something greater than ourselves,' she began, her voice gentle yet resolute. 'In this sacred space, surrounded by the echoes of my ancestors, I find solace and strength. It is a moment of vulnerability, of surrendering to the unknown and seeking guidance.'

Her gaze shifted to the statue of the Three, its imposing presence radiating a sense of reverence. Jieun's voice carried a touch of reverence as well as she continued, her words infused with a growing understanding.

'When we pray, we acknowledge our limitations as mortals and the vastness of the universe. It's a way of recognising that there are forces beyond our control, and yet, we seek a connection, a sense of purpose and understanding in the face of uncertainty.'

At his silence, she extended her hand towards Riki, a silent invitation for him to join her in this sacred moment. Her eyes sparkled with a tender warmth as she spoke, her voice carrying a touch of playfulness and affection.

'Come, husband,' she said, her words embracing the newly woven thread of their bond. 'Pray with me.'

Riki's gaze met hers, his expression a mixture of surprise and delight. He reached out, his hand intertwining with hers, their fingers interlacing as they knelt side by side before the revered statue.