plotted starter for @rcseadorned
Grief had many forms. It could be the hollowness in a bird’s song, the sun that would not warm you, a laughter that would not reach one’s eyes, tears that would only spill when no one was looking. Sometimes grief would shatter one’s heart and soul before light would be allowed again. And with grief there would always be longing. A longing for what had been lost and could never return.
Hua Cheng was lost, but it did not stop him from seeking out those that missed him. The little bells on his boots jingled pleasantly as he walked up the forest path that led to the little hut atop the mountain, attracted by the lovely melody floating down from it.
Seeing the guardian sitting on the veranda all by herself was no surprise, because even though Xiao Hua and Xie Lian were inseparable, there were times the latter was called to attend heavenly business, something Xiao Hua had no interest in and no patience for. For a moment Hua Cheng just looked at her, taking in the sight of her.
She looked pale but not unwell, he recognized her robes as one he had gifted her during their time together, her hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves and she looked peaceful where she sat, plucking the strings of the elegant instrument that lay in her lap.
She looked like a fairy, like a true forest spirit. She was beautiful but Hua Cheng did notice the emptiness in her pale eyes and the sadness in the song she played. What caused his lovely forest guardian such sorrow? Her melody was heartbreakingly beautiful.
But besides the reason for her sadness he was curious about the instrument she played. When had she learned to play it? Who had taught her?
Finally Hua Cheng approached her and sat down next to her, stretching out his long legs as a soft sigh rolled over his lips. Then as he turned to look at her, a teasing smile tugged on his lips.
“What a wonderful melody, but I can’t help but sense a hint of sadness in it. Tell me, A-Hua, who is causing you such grievance?”
