From Dusk til Dawn

A Complex Mind

Having returned to the Grand Hall for something to eat, her first real meal since she had arrived, she ate ravenously, something Mo Yuan was very happy to see, though seeing the open wine bottle next to her, he said nothing, but he would be keeping an eye on her alcohol consumption.  And though it had been rather mild since her arrival, he wasn't going to take any chances with it.

Waiting for her to finish her meal he invited her to take a short stroll.  "It will help you to acclimatise yourself to your surroundings." he said smiling at her softly as she took a sip of wine.

"Mmm, alright." she smiled back, and having just shared incredible sex with him, and now a nice meal, she was feeling very relaxed and content.  So picking up the wine bottle, she took a few sips, then thinking better of it, she left it on the table before rising, something else he was happy to see.

Moving to stand at his side, she lowered her hand for him to take, but the short snort that came from behind her, had her turning her head as several Disciples who were watching her quickly ducked their heads back around the corner.

"I think tomorrow, I would like to introduce myself properly to them." she said giggling as they the sound of more muffled laughter came from behind the door.

Smiling up at her as he took her hand, Mo Yuan rose to lead her from the Hall.  "That would be a good idea, they really are excited to have you here." he informed her as they descended the steps and turned right hand in hand.  It was a path that led towards the Grand Causeway, which led to the orchards, a place that Mo Yuan loved to visit.

Saying nothing as they walked the path, just happy to be in each others company, both of them lost themselves to their thoughts.  Bai Qian reflected on the past few weeks since her wedding day to Mo Yuan and knowing full well what would have been expected of her had she stayed, she suddenly realized what he would have gone through alone and that had her wondering about the great lengths he had gone to, in order to bring her back. 

Pulling him to a standstill, she faced him, then taking both of his hands into her own, she looked up at him.  He wasn't sure of the look she was giving him, but he said nothing, knowing whatever she had to say was important.

"I am sorry for what I did to you on our wedding day." she suddenly blurted out.  I am also sorry for what you went through afterwards, it must have been difficult for you." she added and though the guilt had finally caught up with her now that she was sober enough to reflect on the past few weeks and what her actions would have done to him, she could not help but wonder how patient the man was, considering he had gone out of his way to bring her back to him, something she would never have done, had he not taken her wine.

Smiling down at her, he pulled her into his arms and embraced her lightly.  "Thank you.  It is all I needed to hear." he told her as her own arms wrapped themselves around his waist.  And for Mo Yuan it was enough, the past few weeks were instantly put into the past where they belonged.  He could feel himself being drawn in by this woman and he knew in time that it could become something much more, and at that moment he felt that she too, with care and understanding, would also come to feel the same way.

Then letting him go, they continued on their way towards the orchard where Mo Yuan wanted to check on the pears he had been growing with the intention of testing them in a new batch of wine he was making, but as they made their way forward, he could feel her eyes on him.  Out of the corner of his eye, he stole a quick glance which had him smiling softly to himself.  There was definitely a look of wonder in her eyes and something else, a look he was liking very much, perhaps there could be something much deeper, he thought to himself.

Stopping her once they reached the orchard, he pulled her into his arms before lowering his head to kiss her lips.  It was a soft tender kiss, filled with promises of more to come.  "I'm happy to have you here." he whispered low as her eyes sparkled up at him, and as he looked down at her, he clearly saw something move, it was slight, but he could see she was making an effort to know him.