Wild Tide [Soo-ho]

chapter 1

A/N: Quick side note, before we get into the swing of things. This is somewhat of an AU, although I will be roughly following the plot of the TV show. And yes, I am aware that no Europeans landed in Korea until the 1600s, but for the purpose of this story I'm speeding history up a little.

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Lana stood proudly at the bow of the ship, next to her brothers and sister. Caspian and Calder were bickering good-naturedly with each other, while Loire brooded gloomily.

"What's the matter, dear sister?" Lana asked, gripping a nearby rope as the ship rocked. Loire's expression soured more, if that was even possible, and she clenched her fists.

"Why do you even ask? I never wished to come here." She seethed, her green eyes narrow and her golden hair whipping in the wind. Lana smiled a little, lifting her hand to shield her own eyes from the sun.

"We sail and find new lands, stay for a time and move on. It is who are are, Loire." She placed a soothing hand on her sister's shoulder, but Loire shook it off angrily.

"We stayed in Galicia for barely a year! I enjoyed the sun and the lavish parties the king threw for us. Our names were on everyone's lips, and yet father chose to leave... and so far East no less! What do we know of this nation?" Loire's voice rose steadily, until she was almost yelling. Calder shared a knowing look with Caspian, and patted Lana on the back.

"We'll leave this one to you, sister." He said cheekily, and both the brothers promptly descended below deck. Lana resisted the urge to sigh deeply, knowing that it would only make the situation worse.

"Loire." She said, a little more firmly. "Our presence has been requested personally. That's a great honour! And had you visited Master Arno like father suggested, you could have learned more about this strange country and its people." Lana tried to explain as gently as she could, but Loire still sneered at her.

"Studious little Lana, so eager and perfect. I suppose you already speak their language and know their customs? Father is going to be pleased, as he always is with you." Lana recoiled from her sister's venomous words, but had no chance to defend herself as Loire stomped away. The sigh she'd been holding in came tumbling out, and she leaned against the ropes for some much needed support.

The sun was beating down, but the breeze made it pleasant enough to be outside. The weather was truly perfect for sailing, and Lana could even make out their destination in the distance. Mountains and valleys steadily grew closer as she stood and watched for hours, mesmerised and basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun. It wasn't until her stomach rumbled ferociously that she finally followed her siblings into the belly of the ship.

"Lana!" She heard a booming voice, and a heavy hand clasped her shoulder. "I should've figured only food would lure you down here."

"Hello, papa." She laughed lightly. "I can't help it on such a wonderful day." Her father's eyes darkened for a moment.

"I wish your sister felt the same. She has been insufferable since morning." He grumbled, leading Lana slowly towards the dining hall.

"Since we set sail, you mean." Lana retorted, then bowed her head shamefully. "I apologise, papa. I do not mean to speak so harshly." King Llyr turned around to face her.

"She can be difficult at times, but never forget that she is your sister. Family-"

"Is all we have, I know." Lana interrupted. "We have no land and no true home, but we will always have each other." She recited the words that her father so often uttered. The King smiled slightly, and ruffled her copper hair.

"That's right." They walked the rest of the way in silence, accompanied only by the hum of sailors at work. Tomorrow... tomorrow morning they would undoubtably arrive, but what then? Contrary to Loire's assumptions, the scrolls and books Lana had painstakingly poured over for the past several months had been entirely insufficient. Master Arno had been of assistance as usual, but even with his teachings Lana felt completely unprepared. It was the first time she, or anyone in the kingdom, would enter such an unfamiliar culture. She only hoped she would not offend and ruin her father's reputation. Resolutely, she squared her shoulders as she sat down to eat.

She would worry about tomorrow when tomorrow came. And when it did, she would face it head on.

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A/N: Just a little introduction to our heroine and her family! Next chapter is a bit more substantial, and of course the Hwarang make an appearance. I will be updating regularly (at least once a week) so stay tuned my lovelies!

Love,

Mariposa