New hope au:
[The Statue]
Miyeong was doing her gardening duty until she looks up. She suddenly felt a pull that has her stare at a path beyond the garden shw was caring form. Curiosity gets the better of her. So, she gets up and follows the pull. She soon arrives in front of a massive gate, that looks to be locked tight. It doesn't seem to have a conventional lock where one can use a key to unlock it. From where she stands there's no way for anyone to enter whatever lies ahead.
Miyeong was about to turn around before she gives in to her curiosity. She's just going to push it a bit, it's not like the gate will open, she thinks to herself. So, she push. A wave of light bluish aura emanates from where she had touch the gate. The terror she feels when the gate opens wide and there's no doubt in her mind, this is a domain of a different being.
In contrast to the outside realm and the two Guardians respective domains, this domain specificallt is on a field of wild flowers with different colors. The river runs across the field in a calming manner and the breeze is as gentle as a feather. In the middle of the flower field is a beautiful and elegant hanok. Next to it looks to be a multi-tiered perch and a pond with clear blue water. What caught Miyeong's attention however is a statue of a haetae surrounded by candles, jewellery and flowers.
Miyeong walks towards the statue, as if in a trance. She looks at it with keen eyes. The haetae has a fierce and gentle look, multiple bell-like jewellery adorns her its neck. The swirling details of its her fur makes it feel like it is soft to the touch. Out of everything, it is the haetae eyes Miyeong is drawn to.
Something in her compels her to reach out and make herself whole. Miyeong slowly walks up towards the statue and extends her hand.
As she was about to reach out, she hears Celine's voice.
"What are you doing here?"
Miyeong pulls her hand away from the statue and looks at Celine with a terrified look. It doesn't help that Celine's face is unreadable. Miyeong was frozen in fear and prays the Guardian wouldn't make her and Rumi leave the Sanctuary. She doesn't realize she was on the verge of panicking before Celine makes herself vulnerable. With a gentle and calm voice, Celine says Miyeong, "If you worry that I am angry, I promise you I am not. I just wish to know what you are doing here? "
Miyeong took a deep breath to calm herself and tells Celine the truth that she doesn't know what she's doing here. All she knows is that she felt a strong pull to this domain and she doesn't mean to open the gate. She genuinely thought the gate was locked. Then, goes to tell Celine she feels this sense of familiarity seeing the domain and the haetae statue. Celine was quiet the whole time.
Miyeong then tentatively asks Celine whose domain this was. Celine looks away for a bit as she stares at the statue, seemingly at war with herself before she releases a tired sigh. Miyeong was about to take back her question before Celine answers her.
"It was once our third's domain. The Guardian who had sacrificed herself to protect the Sanctuary and its denizens... Including me and Min-ji. The statue crafted to honor and remember her. We would tend to her domain from time to time in the hope that should she return, she still has a place here."
Miyeong looks at the statue as Celine was talking. Something in her soul cries out, but for what, she doesn't know. Miyeong then looks at Celine who is staring at the statue with centuries long sorrow and grieve in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," whispers Miyeong.
Sighing, Celine says "Don't be. You have done nothing wrong."
"I promise wouldn't come back here again. This place feels sacred for you two. I wouldn't want to-" Miyeong says before she was interrupted by Celine.
Celine smiles at Miyeong, "You are free to come here whenever you wish. She-she'll be happy for you to be here. I know this."
Miyeong's eyes widen, "A-are you sure? You're not scared I wouldn't corrupt it?"
Celine laughs gently, "No. Besides, if you do corrupt this domain, I would not have let you stay longer than necessary nor will I give you permission to return here as you please. All I ask is for you to respect your her domain."
"I promise!" Miyeong exclaims. A tranquil quiet envelops before it breaks when Miyeong suddenly remembers she still needs to water the plants. So, she hurriedly excuses herself and left.
Celine reaches out and touch the haetae statue, releasing an amused, sad laugh. "Same old, same old, aren't you love?"
