Divine Move

TWENTY FIVE

Time is too slow for those who wait ... too fast for those who fear...

Tanya feels her heart break each passing day. No signs from them. Still she hope. She kept the strong facade for Chaeeun's sake and hers.

"I want to visit the place ... for Chaeeun's sake," Tanya said casually. Eunsom looks at her intently. He knows something is bothering her, but she remains indifferent, acting normal. But there are moments, very fleeting that he feels her sadness. He wanted to talk to her about it, but feels wary.

He agreed and they travelled with a few men to the site. The evidence of battle disappeared. Tanya and Chaeeun circle the place looking for any signs of life.

"Tanya, there's no blue blood.. " Chaeeun whispers hopefully. Tanya nods. It is good news for Chaeeun, not yet for Tanya. Yangcha is Saram. He will bleed normal blood.

They decide to visit the cave too. Tanya holds her breath in anticipation only to find it empty. Her shoulders sag in despair. Tanya walks to where she and Yangcha last stood arguing. How she wish to turn back time.

Yangcha ...

She feels her heart being torn to pieces. She wanted so much to cry. It was a struggle to go back to the Ago tribe.

She is glad for Eunsom and the people around. After seeing their ritual dance, she was guided to a lake nearby surrounded by beautiful trees and chirping birds. Just like in Iark. She danced to movements similar to theirs. The people smiled. They are the same.

She began sharing with them the teachings she was told. The bond with these people eased the pain a little. But at night, when the clouds cover the skies and darkness spreads, the moon illuminates the sadness in her eyes.

Chaeeun is no different. Tanya envies her though. She cries freely but smiles and begins to apply her knowledge on medicine to the people of the Ago tribe. Like her she hopes.

"Tanya, are you alright?" Eunsom asks again seeing her go blank. She nods and give a lil smile.

"Is something bothering you?" He looks concerned. She tries to evade his eyes but he holds her face firmly.

"Since when did we become strangers?" She heard the hurt in his voice. Tanya swallows painfully.

"I just miss ... " she couldn't continue.

Realization dawned on him. Of course. "You miss Fathey Yeolson and the others! Sorry for being insensitive about that," Eunsom says immediately. He looks at her for confirmation. She hesitates then nods.

"Can I go to the lake for awhile?" Tanya asks tiredly. Lately she frequents the lake to be alone. He smiles and starts walking towards the direction of the lake.

"Alone." Tanya knew she is hurting Eunsom with her silence. She couldn't handle telling him the truth while she is in so much despair.

He stills. Finally he nods. 

She walks to the lake. Tanya close her eyes and feel the wind. She tries to calm her heart and breathe. She steps into the water and start with a slow step back.

She remebers seeing Yangcha staring at her. He looks confused at something.

Another step ...

She remembers him irritatedly guiding her from the pool of water on the road. She remembers him thinking her so delicate she had to smile at his efforts.

Another step ...

He steps forward blocking Saya. He asks for the order to kick him out.