Jinshi x OC

The Hunt (P.1)

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The blaring sun pierced through the leaves above, casting long shadows on the forest ground. The heat was unbearable, making Mei wipe the sweat from her brow as she trudged along behind Jinshi sat atop his horse, Basen walking beside her. How is he baring with this heat? Mei could only pity Jinshi for dealing with this scorching summer's day, while wearing his heavy dark robes, and veil to hide his face. At least the trees acted as a shield from the direct sun, giving some respite from the relentless heat. Jinshi's horse neighed softly, as if sensing its rider's discomfort or saying it too was struggling.

Basen strolled next to her, his eyes only leaving Jinshi to survey the surroundings, prolling for any dangers. Last nights attack had certainly rattled him, and for some unbeknownst reason to Mei, Basen was taking his frustrations out on her. Mei could feel the tension radiating off Basen, like he was adding more heat to the already suffocating air.

It seems that only she heard the masked man's last words before disappearing into the shadows. "Its not him I'm after" The words circled her brain again and again. If only Gaoshun and Jinshi heard him, then they wouldn't have insisted on Mei joining on this hunt and instead enjoyed lounging back in the house, and out of the heat. Jinshi was the one insisting she that she came, claiming that her assistance will be needed, (he just wants to keep her close), which is why she was now stalking behind him with Basen and not in the carriage along with the other household staff, firewood and cooking equipment they crammed into the carriage, so they could cook what poor animal they caught right there on the spot.

But then again, if they did hear the masked man's words, she would have been subject to their ridiculous interrogations of why someone would want her dead, while also blaming her for putting Master Kousen in danger. Mei rolled her eyes at the thought. The only person she would consider would want her dead was her father, and he had more than enough chances to do so before shipping her off to work at the palace. So even if they did interrogate her, she had no answers for them.

A sudden sign pain shot across Mei face and her hand grabbed the bandage wound on her arm from last nights attack. The sword had left a deep wound and was still painful as it's started its healing process. But Mei tried to ignore the rippling pain in her arm and continued walking in silence, glancing to Basen next to her, catching his eyes for a brief moment before he averted his gaze back to Jinshi, giving her a grunt in the process. He must have noticed her discomfort. Her patience was already a shorter fuse than normal, but mixing with the pain and this heat, she could feel herself about to snap. Then he turned to sneer at her again.

"Seriously Basen, what is your problem?" Mei snipped.

Basen's jaw clenched at Mei's question, his gaze turning steely as he stared ahead. Mei could feel the tension between them crackling like static in the air. Jinshi, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, finally turned to look back at Mei and Basen with a curious expression. The veil covering his face did little to conceal the concern in his eyes as he took in the palpable animosity between his two attendants.

Mei shot Basen a scowl, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I asked you a question, Basen."

Basen halted abruptly, causing Jinshi's horse to neigh and prance nervously. He turned to face Mei, his usually stoic expression softening ever so slightly. "This isn't about you," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I didn't ask if it was about me, I asked what your problem is."

Basen's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions before he let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"You wouldn't understand," Basen finally replied, his tone guarded.

Mei crossed her arms, her voice softer now. "Try me."