[ENG] Starry Night // Arthdal Chronicles

Starry Night

The streets of Arthdal had gotten more and more quiet as the evening progressed.
From her outlook on the balcony of the high-priest's quarters, Tanya could see the few remaining lights go out, one at a time.

She sighed heavily. Since her arrival, Arthdal never had been that empty.
It was the day of the longest night - winter solstice - and the bigger part of the cititzens had left on pilgrimages to the shrines of their dedicated gods in the vast corners of the country.

So did Tagon, taking Saya with him and most members of the Saenyeok to praise Daraburu, the god of earth.

Tanya herself had spent the day, first at celebrating with her fellow Wahan people in the traditional manner, they welcomed the newborn sun every year.
Unfortunately she had to leave early to perform a ritual for the remaining Arth people honoring Isodunyeong which had taken up most of the afternoon.

And now she was alone.
Finally.

Eunseom, I wish we could be together, like always...
This was the first time in ten years, they didn't celebrate winter solstice together.

That meant, sneaking away from the party in the darkness of the night, stealing kisses and doze off in each other's arms to welcome the first rays of sunlight together in the morning.
She missed that.
Missed him.
Tears welled up in her eyes and she rubbed them away quickly.
She sniffed, pulling her thin cloak closer to ward off the clinging cold.

"Still awake, I see."

Startled, she turned around and drew back the curtains to her living room.
Instantly, she staggered.

The man of her nightmares, her Nemesis, was standing in the middle of the empty room, arms crossed, grinning at her.

"What are you doing here?", she spat with contempt.

Mugwang rolled his eyes. "Ah, so sorry to interrupt you in your surely most important thoughts!", he overplayed her question. "Due to unfortunate events I'm going to be your guard for the night."

He bowed excessivley and greeted her with a mocking smile. "Niruha."

Warily, Tanya stepped closer. "Where's Wanyeo, my usual guard?"

"Gone with Tagon, of course", he smirked.

"And why didn't you?"

Mugwang snorted. "Happens that me and my brother are the only ones that have no sacred place to go to."

But why it's him and not Mubaek?
With his brother, she had built up some kind of connection but Mugwang? He was really the last person she wanted to spend this hallowed night with.
This man, who caused her so much pain and misery.

"I am so sorry that it's only lowly me tonight", he feigned a bow again, "my honoured Niruha."

"Don't adress me like that if you don't mean it", she snapped.

Mugwang straightened. "Of course. So we both know that you're just a scheming bitch that carries out Tagons plans."

"Why are you always so malevolent towards me?" Her voice shaking and terrified, Tanya drew back a few steps.

He huffed. "Why? Remember you cursed me? Twice?"
Mugwang came up to her face to face. "Not that this petty curse would ever happen since you are a pathetic nobody without even a hint of power!"

She didn't want him this close to her. His dark glare and the scent of bronze and leather made her sick with fear.
Tanya took another step back but hit  the rise of the balcony and she abruptly stumbeled backwards.