~ a lily among thorns~

"take her things"

"Master Jong-seo has allowed your visit," the guard announced, causing the other to pull out a key from his armor and unlock the gate.

Nari smiled with relief, glancing at Ban-Ryu with assurance. She brushed herself off, before walking through the gates, Ban-Ryu following closely behind her.

"Wait!" the guard demanded, holding his sheaved sword across Ban-Ryu's chest. "Only the girl has permission to enter."

Ban-Ryu's eyes widened as his body met the force of the guard. Completely taken aback by the occurrence, he looked at Nari with uncertainty. The girl was just as shocked, and she stomped up to the guard assertively.

"Clearly, he is with me," she scoffed loudly, motioning to her bags which he carried in his grasp. "Let him in."

The guard didn't budge. His sword remained pressed against Ban-Ryu's chest.

"I'm a friend of your master's," Nari continued, growing impatient. "I wouldn't bring a tyrant into his household. The man's a Hwarang. He escorted me here personally."

Unfazed, the guard brought his fingers to his mouth, whistling loudly. At the sound, a group of servants hurriedly appeared, dressed in light green uniforms.

"Take her things," the guard instructed, pointing to the load Ban-Ryu was carrying. "And put them inside."

The servants were quick to do so, each taking a bag and disappearing into the house. Ban-Ryu was left empty-handed. Nari, realising the guard had taken away Ban-Ryu's purpose of being there, crossed her arms indignantly.

"Yah! Do you expect me to send him back into the cold without even a warm meal?!" she protested with anger, finding the situation ridiculously propelled out of proportion.

The guard sighed with annoyance, growing tired of the tedious fuss.

"My master trusts only those whom he has met."

Nari stepped forward.

"I'm sure if I were to talk to Jeong-seo, he would allow my friend to stay!" she retorted, desperation in her tone. "At least for a quick refreshment!"

"Perhaps," the guard replied. "But until then, he may not enter."

Nari huffed, the stubborn man sending her to a state of opposition. Ban-Ryu, seeing her to be clearly troubled, stepped back from the guard whilst clearing his throat.

"You go ahead, Nari," he said suddenly. "I'll see you when my mission's complete."

Nari tried to protest but Ban-Ryu gave her an affirmative nod to let her know he'd be alright. Turning around, he made his way back down the path that had led them to the solitary refuge. Nari's breath became heavier with anger as she watched him disappear. With annoyance, she glared at the guard who had sent her friend away.

"Please, follow me," he said with a smirk, before beginning his way back into the house.

Nari crossly muttered a few words of exasperation under her breath before following after him.

"What is your name, Soldier?" she asked sharply, trying to catch up to the speedy walker.

The guard sniggered, amused by the young girl's temper.

"I am here to protect you, not share details," he answered with jeer, another small smirk appearing on his lips.

Nari's expression hardened as she continued to try and argue with the brick wall.

"Is this how you welcome guests? Sending one away and mocking the other?" she retorted, her words infused with irritation.

"I'll have you know that you are not my guest, ma'am. I am merely present to protect this household," the guard replied. "You are the guest of my master Hwang Jeong-seo."