Wild Tide [Soo-ho]

chapter 13

The sound of drums echoed in Lana's head, but her thoughts were drifting far away from the lesson at hand. She had falled asleep the night before with a heavy mind, and woken up from her dreamless sleep with even more questions. Who was the woman Soo-ho was seeing? According to rumours he was not courting anyone, but perhaps he was in some kind of clandestine relationship? If so, why could he not be honest about it?

And, most importantly, why was it hurting her so much?

Yes, she had spent a lot of time with him and yes, it had seemed like they'd been flirting, but what had truly happened between them? Nothing. She was no expert when it came to men, and it clearly showed. Perhaps she should have asked her sister for advice; Loire always knew best when it came to courtship.

The drumming finally stopped, and the man playing stepped aside to allow Kim Wi-hwa to step up and speak.

"The palace will hold the Thanksgiving Festival soon. You will present the Queen and the people the gift of music and dance." He glanced around briefly as the Hwarangs murmured in displeasure. For whatever reason, the official's idea wasn't incredibly well received. Lana was surprised; she would've jumped at a chance to perform for her subjects, but life on the ships didn't lend itself to music festivals.

"Are you suggesting we dress up, dance, and play music for the Queen?" Ban-ryu piped up, frowning. So it's an ego thing, then, Lana thought to herself as Kim Wi-hwa chuckled in his usual, mildly irritating manner.

"I'm not telling you to perform for the Queen. I'm telling you to present the people with dance and music, so they can enjoy themselves and be happy. This is your second assignment-" another groan of disappointment rippled across the gathered Hwarang, "-and you must bring enjoyment." Lana giggled under her breath when Ji-dwi buried his face in his hands in annoyance. The Queen Regent certainly didn't seem very popular among most.

"This man-" Kim Wi-hwa pointed to the drummer, "will teach you how to play instruments and how to dance. His name is Master Woo-reuk. You should be honoured to hear his music in person." Lana had never heard of him, but clearly he was somewhat famous, because the mention of his name caused another wave of whispers. She tried to discreetly observe Soo-ho from her spot by the pillar, but Han-sung was blocking her view. Irrational anger filled her; why did she care for his reaction? He made it clear that they could not even be friends, so why should she waste any more time on him?

"The fundamental of music is rhythm. Rhythm... it's the rule of music." She heard Master Woo-reuk begin the lecture, but she was too seething to care. Who was he to affect her this way? She was a princess, not some lovestruck fool. She had cried and begged, and yet he still chose to hurt her. It was like he said himself all that time ago; she was just a little girl to him, and little girls could easily be toyed with. Well, not anymore, Lana thought furiously, clenching her fists. The drums sounded yet again, as if keeping pace with her racing heart. She knew that they both had an obligation to fulfill, but she would show him just how wrong he was about her.

"Miss Lana?" She squeaked in surprise upon finding Master Woo-reuk standing in front of her.

"Yes?" She asked timidly, wringing her hands.

"I've heard you are quite a talented musician. Perhaps you would like to be the first to give a demonstration?" He gestured sweepingly to the myriad of instruments that were laid out in the room. Lana gulped.

"It's not that I don't want to..." She finally uttered uncertainly, but Master Woo-reuk waved her away dismissively.

"Excellent. Then please, proceed." Lana felt her legs shake as she stood up, though she couldn't tell whether it was because of her injury or from fear. Slowly, as if trying to buy time, she inched her way over to the only string instrument in the room. It appeared similar to the harps she was used to playing, except it was horizontal and laid out on a wooden surface. She pressed her palms to the silk strings, the familiar texture soothing her frayed nerves. One by one, her fingers begun to pluck and pull a melancholy melody.