Iris

Starting From Scratch

"Woah, hes starting something intersting", Zeno commented while watching Tae Jun instruct the soldiers to fix the houses. He's also running around gathering water and giving it to the villagers.

Jae Ha and Kija are both hiding since they attract so much attention. Hak and Shinah are at the other village protecting them from bandits and also scaring them not to go back again.

Tae Jun's feet are already tired from going to places. A soldier collpased and he took him inside a house. He wasnt sure of what to do. Yun and Yona entered the house. "Tae Jun. You are doing something that even we cannot do", Yona gave a congratulatory smile. "I'm glad to meet the new you ", Yona gave a pat on his shoulder. "Lord Tae Jun, I heard that you were acting strange", a lady in a hood entered. Yona turned around and started to walk away. "Lord Tae Jun, there are some food at the side. Yun, cooked it so don't worry about the taste", Yona informed.  "Sorry for disturbing your time with a lady. So you came here at the village to flirt around", the lady sighed. Yona went away and Yun remained to tend the soldier. After a while, he also left.

Tae Jun cried once more. "Wipe your tears. You're so lame", Nari sighed. "Thank you, Nari. Because of what you said, Princess recognized what I am doing. Actually, I wanted to leave after your monitoring but seeing these people with happy faces makes me want to stay more and do more for them. I couldn't explain but I feel more like a human doing these things.", Tae Jun covered his face. "It's your own strength. I just gave you a hint. I think my work here is over. I'll be leaving at daybreak", Nari said and was about to leave. "That early? I just thought you could stay and hit my head more so I can be more of help", Tae Jun said with a sad tone. "Start being independent, your crybaby. Lord Tae Jun, is there something you want to command me to do before I leave?", Nari asked. "I thought you're just here to monitor?", Tae Jun asked. "I receive orders from those who capture my loyalty. You have mine, lord Tae Jun. About Princess Yona, I will keep my mouth shut about it. Rest assured", Nari promised. "Then, could you please tell his highness if he could make a decree that all the soldiers from Saika will have a rotation of going home every once in a while?", Tae Jun asked. "Aren't you going to ask for money or support?", Nari asked. "Having the children of the elder ones come home is enough. I will be the one responsible of feeding them", Tae Jun said with determination. "I have heard your command. So long, lord Tae Jun", Nari bowed and left.

Along the way, Yona was training with her bow when Nari was to get her horse. "Are you also a villager?", Yona asked. Nari held close to her hood and walked faster. "Wait, it's a bit dangerous to walk around since there are also bandits here", Yona explained. She tried to catch up but Hak distracted her. Nari sighed and climbed up the horse. She knew that the rest of the crew are there but she decided to leave without any words.

The same night, Yona gave her farewell to Tae Jun and promised to bring back a seed that would grow in the land.

Kouka Palace Capital

"Look who's here", Soo Won leaned at the castle's gate while watching Nari climbed down the horse. "I'm back", Nari yawned. "Welcome Back, you must be tired", Soo Won offered a hand. Nari looked at a his hand and remembered Yona. She didnt take it and walk passing through Nari. "Sorry your Highness, my back is too stiff to give a bow. I will do it later", Nari apologized and went to her room. She hesitated to enter since it was formerly Yona's room. She gulped and punched the wall.

The next day, Soo Won and Judo are discussing about the questionable movements of Soo Jin, the Fire Tribe General. "General Judo, I will be heading to Earth Tribe to talk to General Geun Tae. You and Nari will be preparing the army", Soo Won instructed. "Speaking of the girl, she's oversleeping", Judo had a poker face. "No way,she's not that kind of person", Soo Won chuckled. "Would you do a favor for me? There's actually wild berries at the nearby forest. Can you get me some?", Soo Won tilted his head.

Judo did as what was asked. "I can't believe I am doing such commands", Judo sighed. He heard rustling of the bushes. He peeked and saw a young girl dancing with the sword. She's slicing falling leaves with her eyes closed. He smiled and watched for some more. After a while, he felt cold blade on his neck. "If it was an enemy, you'd be dead by now", Nari said with a bored tone. "Don't go disappearing. The King gave us an order", Judo lectured. "He's going to Earth Tribe to give orders to Geun Tae. We're going to engage into battle. Be sure not to be an extra baggage. I am only told to protect the King", Judo informed.

Days after......
Kai Border
Village

Yona and the rest are asked to perform at the festival. They enjoyed the night with them.

Yona was fixed by the lady at the village. The girls are talking about the guys who just entered and picked their own preferences. "Do you think they have girlfriend?", they asked Yona. "I don't think so but I think they've got attracted to someone who was also in our journey", Yona informed. The girls became upset. "Who's that person?!", they all shouted. A person was pushed inside the tent. "Dress her as well, would you", Yun instructed. The girl massaged her hand and looked at the people inside the tent. "Sai?", Yona blinked few times and tilted her head. "What are you doing here?", Yona asked. "I got lost on my journey", Nari scratched the back of her neck. "You got lost at a foreign land?", Yona looked at her with her eyes squinted. "Were you actually following us?", Yona asked.

Nope, I am quite surprised that you guys are here. Man, I want to rest.

"If you're done, the villagers are already waiting", Jae Ha peeked in. Nari remained looking Yona without turning her back. "Ohh, who do we have here?", Jae Ha hummed. "Ah, I need to go", Nari was about to run but the guy already grabbed on her shoulder. "What's with that letter?", Jae Ha released a weird aura. Nari turned to face him and passed a flute. "I wasn't anticipating of meeting you again so I didnt bring any erthu with me", Nari pouted. "You're here, come watch us", Yona invited. "You have a wonderful pin here, why dont we use it?", the lady asked. "I.... I will never wear it again", Yona said with bitterness. "Can you hold it for me, Sai?", Yona asked.

They were all gathered at the fire. Yona used a sword instead of fan to dance. Jae Ha played the music for her.

"It's beautiful", Nari commented. "Is she trying to pick up a fight?", the elder asked. "It's as if she's praying with sorrow", Nari smiled. "I can't believe that you made it here. What are you doing here?", Hak asked. "Well, I'm here for sight seeing", Nari played with her words. Kija saw her and jumped to give a hug. He stopped when he realized that Nari was a girl. "I thought we'll never see you again. The ointment you gave me is very effective", Kija smiled. The girls melted at his smile. "I still have some with me so that when we meet again. I will give you some. I also have something for Shinah, where is he?", Nari pulled candies and a box. "You're not anticipating to see me but what is this?", Jae Ha nearly cried. "What are you saying? As long as we are under the same sky, we are going to meet again", Nari patted Kija's head. "Same is true with that traitor", Hak clenched his fist. "Did you say something?", Nari asked. "Nothing", Hak stood up. "Give this back to princess", Nari passed the box of the hairpin.

Chapter End