A Love Beyond Time

A bond like no others

If a myth has existed long enough to weave into time and minds,

If a legend is beautiful enough to touch hearts,

Then does the truth still matter?

The Valley—Central region

Ao Ji tapped a finger lightly on the sheet of paper on the table, his brows slightly furrowed. After a long pause, he finally asked, "Is this what you really want, Ning-Er?"

"It is, without question," the platinum-haired young man replied in a low, steady voice, his expression solemn. "He has done so much for me. I would never let him down."

The northern sea dragon king shared a meaningful look with his queen and secondborn, then with his brothers. Even though no words were spoken, it was clear from the gravitas throbbing in the air that they were conferencing telepathically.

Meanwhile, Shion sat quietly, his hands folded upon the table. He understood that his request—declaration, more like—was nothing short of unorthodox, that it would not only alter the dynamics of the clan, but also cause serious repercussions throughout the Thalassic Kingdom. Yet deep with his heart of hearts, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Not just the right thing. But the best, and perhaps, the only gift that he—the future Supreme Ruler—could offer to the most important person in his existence as tangible proof of his absolute steadfastness, his undying devotion, his utmost gratitude.

Though Shion admitted to himself that this only gift paled in comparison to what he himself had been given.

There was another long pause, and finally, Ao Guang sighed. "Very well. If it is truly so, we accede to your wishes."

While he spoke, he folded the paper into a thin strip and cast it into the incense burner. The snow-white paper slowly ignited in the brazier, the rising heat unfurling its edge just enough to reveal an elegant sweep of a brushstroke, before it was swiftly consumed by blackened ash.

===

Surprise took over a small portion of Yang Jian when he took a tentative sip of steaming Pu-erh (普洱茶) and found himself liking the beverage. Meanwhile the rest of him was still reeling from how he ended up seated at the large rosewood table drinking a tea that he did not—had never—favoured.

And sitting opposite was Bai Yu-Hu, who was quietly studying the younger male over the rim of his own cup, his face a picture of serene ataraxy.

Just a mere quarter of an hour ago, Yang Jian did not know what he had expected to see when he rounded the final curve of the narrow passageway that widened into the massive cavern. However, he was pretty sure that being greeted by a smiling Bai Yu-Hu sitting at a polished rosewood table with a pot of freshly brewed tea near his elbows was not within his list of expected sights.

"Welcome, Yang Jian. How may I assist you?"

Sitting and smiling.

"Would you like some tea?"

Offering tea.

As though Yang Jian was an expected and welcomed guest.

Initially, the former celestial general had wanted to turn down the offer. He was there to ask questions, to demand answers, to seek the truth. He was not there for tea and chitchat.

He was not a guest.

Yet...

"I don't—" like Pu-erh was what he intended to say, but the soft glance that fluttered his way had him swallowing his tongue. And before he even registered what he was doing, he was exactly where he was now, quarter of an hour later, drinking something that he had always disliked.