scarlet heart | exo

Arrival

Xuefeng went over her supplies again as she pushed Thorn into a steady canter. In order to conserve his strength and make sure that they were at Xinjiang before too long, she couldn't get the big stallion into a gallop for too long, choosing instead to sprint over short periods of time then go at a comfortable pace for the rest.

She had stolen a longbow and a quiver of arrows from Zitao's study, and they were now tightly strapped to her back. By some miracle of fate or coincidence, one of the random things that she did back in the 21st Century was to take up an archery course; and whilst her aim was not perfect, she could manage a a bow and arrow with ease.

A sword hung on her hips from an old leather belt, as well as two small daggers. The swords of ancient China were heavier than the ones she was used to handling back in the days when she fenced, but the katana style blade was well balanced, much like the modern day saber. The two small daggers could be used as throwing knives, she had tested them out and they seemed to be quite okay as well.

She hugged the cloak to her body tightly, trying not to let the chill get to her.

She was risking a fever spending hours travelling in this sort of weather... But she couldn't care less. She needed to get to Zitao by nightfall.

"Come on Thorn. Just a little bit more, okay?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Halt! Who goes there?"

A scowling patrol soldier was walking up to her fast, sword ready. Of course, the perimeter of military camp was patrolled and protected. Mentally, Xuefeng debated whether she should insist on entering. Should she just help from the outskirts?

Xuefeng dismounted, hands up, hoping to appear less threatening. She didn't come all this way to die by a patrol soldier's hand mere metres away from Zitao. The patrol soldier was having none of it though, barking harshly, "Who are you?  Show your face!"

In response, she let the hood of her cloak fall, surprising the soldier, who did not expect to see a woman underneath.

The slight moment of hesitation was all she really needed, as her eyes wandered to a familiar form, conversing with some of the other soldiers around the perimeter. The lanky, thin and medium sized boy, with that adorable baby face...

"Luhan!"

The 12th Prince whirled around and locked eyes with Xuefeng. Instantly, his brows furrowed, and he ran over quickly. He dismissed the patrol soldier with a quick wave of his hand.

"What are you doing here?" he hissed, keeping his voice low.

"What does it look like?" she deadpanned.

"If Zitao finds out, you're dead."

"I think he'll kill me after the war," she droned, voice bored and sarcastic. "Where is he?"

"What?! You actually want to see him?"

"Well, duh? Otherwise, I could be sitting comfortably in front of the fireplace back at the manor, reading a book or something. Why would I come all the way out here in the cold and risk dying of a fever?"

Luhan shook his head.

"Please, Xuefeng, you have to go back. War is dangerous, and this is no place for you—"

"Please, Luhan," she begged. "I'm worried about Zitao. You and I both know how proud he can get, and if he's left to his own devices, he might lead his army into defeat, kill all of them, and lose half of his life before he is willing to admit that he lost. I can't watch him die. Please."