Melodic Tale (BL)

Chapter 16

A/N: I need some positive reinforcement. I swear my chapters used to be 1000 words per chapter. How is this 4000??? Well, I tried to save this chapter, but I'm pretty sure passable now. I'll redo the edit at a later date when I finish the rest of this story.  Lord this story is 150k in word length, someone throw me in a pool I don't know if i can finish this.>< Anyways, enjoy the double update!!

Chapter 16
Wu Yuan watched Tian Lan with longing eyes as he explained the expedition that the four of them were going to take. Tian Lan and his trio would go to Gui Feng to sign a peace treaty as soon as possible, and return straight afterwards to deliver the good news to the emperor. He explained the cultural customs of Gui Feng, and heavily advised not doing anything that might upset the emperor of another country. Of course, Gui Feng's emperor held less power than Xi Nan, and couldn't afford to offend them, but nonetheless, it was always good to keep a good relationship with other nations.

Tian Lan nodded, if this worked, he could stop warfare between Xi Nan and Gui Feng for the next five years. For someone who thoroughly disliked warfare, this was a prime opportunity. The four packed their things and got ready, and going to bed early to get rested up. Luckily for Tian Lan, Wu Yuan didn't visit that night.

The next morning, people were swarming with last minute preparations. Three horses were to be brought and saddled. Haze was not to have a 'bit' and was to saddled by Tian Lan personally, ensuring that no one hurt the noble steed when trying to restrain her. Tian Lan gently eased a saddle onto Haze's back and carefully slid a bridle onto her, not fastening the strap too tightly, but still firmly enough that he could still control his mare. He refrained from the bit though. A bit was truly too cruel for a wild mare who hadn't been trained since birth, so he merely saddled and attached a bridle without a bit of any sort. Before leaving, Wu Yuan passed Tian Lan an elegant sword, a treasure of Xi Nan.

"Come back safe Tian Lan, and return that sword to Xi Nan," Wu Yuan smiled.
He touched Tian Lan's face, leaned over and lightly placed his lips on top of Tian Lan's. A sad smile spread across his lips as he hugged the slim, beautiful man in front of him. No matter what, this was the one person he would never let go. He reached upwards, he hand combing through his hair.

"Tian Lan, I love you," Wu Yuan breathed.

"....I know. The feelings in my heart, I don't know if they are what you call love, but it scares me, giving my heart out to anyone to be vulnerable and battered. I cannot tell..."

Wu Yuan's eyes widened with hope as he gripped Tian Lan even tighter. An even larger smile spread across his face as he savoured the feeling of Tian Lan's words. Tian Lan nuzzled Wu Yuan chest then light released himself from Wu Yuan's grasp.

"It is time to depart, Wu Yuan," Tian Lan said.

Wu Yuan reluctantly released Tian Lan's hand, and watched his beloved as he elegantly mounted his horse. Apollo passed Tian Lan a broad-brimmed straw travelling hat that had was surrounded in a white veil to keep out the sun and flies before setting off. Four exceptionally beautiful people on horses with a golden eagle flying above moved off to deliver a message to the neighbouring country.

Tian Lan spurred Haze trying to cover as much ground as he could in that day, but still careful not to push his mare too far. He rested whenever there was a water source and fresh grass during which time he would carefully monitor their food and water supplies.

The journey would take a week to get to the border of Xi Nan. After reaching the border of Xi Nan it would be another week to get in Gui Feng. To pass time, all four of them had prepared word games and other forms of entertainment because two weeks riding was simply too boring. By sunset, Tian Lan decided to stop at a near-by town to settle for the night. Apollo hired four stalls in the barn connected to their chosen inn for the night. Whilst dealing with the stable owner, Athena noted the greedy look in his eyes when he saw Haze. The stable owner thought he'd hit the jackpot when he saw the stunning horse and beauty that was moving towards him. Contrary to his expectations, Athena went up to him and grabbed the front of his outer layer whilst quietly whispering to him.