Master of Death

Chapter 4 - Princess Lihwa

Princess Lihwa

A mark on flesh symbolizes many things- like possession of the heart beneath it contained.

The unpleasant sunlight on my face wakes me into a foul mood. Last I remember I was with Thanatos, but I don't feel him nearby. I open my eyes to see that I have been returned to my room, and I wonder if anyone actually saw that fight the goddess of revenge and I had last night. Moreover, why did Thanatos go to such lengths to ensure I was not killed? From past experience I would guess that he only saved me because I have strange abilities like that goddess said. But truthfully I don't even care why he saved me, only that he did.

Since when did I have such thoughts and feelings?

As I get to my feet I notice the dress that has been folded on the chair on the other side of the room, which I lay out across the bed to take a good look at. The majority of the fabric is white, with a beautiful blue silk trim that stands out. I immediately get dressed and go over to the mirror to fix my hair, but realize that someone has already let my hair down and set the pins on the dresser. Was it him? Using the hand crafted wooden comb that has been provided for me, I sit on the stool and run it through the length of my hair. I wonder whose hair is longer; mine or Thanatos'. Doing my hair up all fancy is too much unnecessary effort, so after insuring there are no knots in it, I exit the room to search for something to entertain myself with. Perhaps I actually could look at those antique shops that are scattered around the city.

I am not a fan of roaming around in public without a cloak, but I guess I don't really have much of a choice. Outside it is just as busy as it was yesterday, and I have to ignore every single sound of voices as I navigate through the crowded streets with my memory. It takes about ten minutes or so before I wander upon a shop selling hair pins, all of which are rare and beautiful. When I enter the building I realize that there are many smaller vendors in the area. The first one I look at is the one with the pins, and I must admit that I wish I had some of these. One in particular catches my eye. It is a hand carved golden dragon with a red gem in the middle. I hold it between my fingers and examine it and how remarkably similar it is to the dragon Thanatos had summoned.

"Have you taken a liking to this piece?"

I look to my left at the elderly woman who must own these items. "Oh, I'm not sure. It just reminds me of something. You have many lovely pieces here," I reply as I place the pin back down on the table.

"Thank you, young lady. If you would like anything please tell me,"

I continue to explore all the different things you can buy. All the pendants, amulets, rings, bracelets, earrings... there are so many little pieces of jewellery, and nothing is the same. Maybe I'm greedy for wanting to have many of these things, but really if I was given something at all, that would be enough.

After resting my eyes on every single thing, I exit the building and wander the city limits. I hum to myself as I walk through the trees, seeing no other way to pass the time. But the entire time I go about the forest, all I can think about is how kind and gentle Thanatos was last night. God, I can feel the heat in my cheeks just when I think about him. But these are all new feelings to me because I have never once been so fond of anyone. Nobody has made me so happy, or acted so nicely towards me.

It doesn't cross my mind often, but I have a sort of brand at the bottom of my chest the size of my palm that resembles nothing in paticular. I don't know how it got there, but I have had it for as long as I can remember. The only thing that bothers me about it is that I have only seen gods, goddesses, and servants who have markings of this nature. Then again, I really have no idea what I am. Perhaps I should ask Thanatos about it...