A Tear Frozen in Time

The Talk

Bai Qian had no idea where they had fled to, but for almost an hour she clung to their receding energy to follow only it seemed that Mo Yuan had taken Ye Hua back to the Celestial Heavens. Which was of course the right thing to do considering he had all but seen her in bed with his brother, but she was angry, because she too wanted some answers. She was now positive that Ye Hua had been with her in the low valleys in some form, because there was no way he could have known of that dance routine unless he had of been, but how she was not sure. Back then, he had still been in lotus form so it made no sense.

Briefly she wondered if he had been Daoji. It was the only explanation, only after a few minutes of contemplating that possibility, she did not think so, but it seemed to be the only explanation and with Mo Yuan now gone and the only one who could give them both an explanation, she was soon on a cloud and heading back to Qing Qiu.

What they had just done was still playing on her mind when she finally arrived back at the den where Zhe Yan was waiting for her. She had not seen him for a couple of days, so she was quietly pleased to see him even though all she wanted to do was replay what had just happened between herself and Mo Yuan when by all rights she should have been implementing her plan, not making love to him like that silly little girl she had once been.

"Zhe Yan, I thought you had gone North." she smiled at him while he openly honed on the mess that had walked through the door.

Her gown was partially open, her face was flushed, her hair was a mess and she looked as if she had been crying, but there was something else and he wasn't sure if he liked it or not.

"I returned for a little chat, though Im not here for long." he replied as the tea ladle was lifted and a fresh cup of hot tea was prepared for her.

Not liking the tone in his voice, her entire demeanor instantly shut down on him. When Zhe Yan wanted to chat over tea, it was never in her best interest, in fact now that she was getting a good look at him, his frown looked pinched as if the entire worlds worries were resting on his shoulders alone.

"I see, then please make it quick, I need to read my reports. You are aware that the Bell of East Emperor is still on the main agenda and seeing as Shifu is back, it wont be long before he escapes." she replied in her authoritive tone and angering the man, because she could talk to anyone else like that but not him.

"Then I won't keep you waiting Miss Bai, please have a seat." he snapped. If there was one thing he absolutely would not put up with and that was her icy cold demeanor aimed at him.

Taking a seat, her gaze met his in the same manner that she met with her generals. She had adopted this look thousands of years ago and had kept it in place for so long, it was near impossible for her to drop. Except for that man, she thought to herself as her mind went back to what she had just left behind.

"I understand you have a meeting with the Demon Overlord in a couple of days." he began while taking note of the flicker of something in her eyes before she quickly drew it back in.

"That is correct." she replied nonchalantly as if it really were no big deal even though she knew the world would see it otherwise and though she was not liking his sudden interest, she was curious as to what brought this on all of a sudden.

"Then I would like to accompany you." he said and matching her tone and look which instantly had her head snapping to attention.

"What? Why?" she asked stunned.

"He is no ordinary man Xiao Wu. He Leads much of the Darklands and though you are an accomplished leader, you do not have expeiernce with men like him...."

"That is what my Generals are for. They will be accompanying me." she replied still unsure of what had brought this on. Zhe Yan never interfered in her decisions and he certainly wouldnt offer to accompany her on anything. If anything, he would suggest that she take her generals so this sudden change in his stance had her wondering if something had happened in her absence.