A Game of Masks Chapter 9
Title: A Game of Masks
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
“Now where has that apprentice of mine run off to?” Yesung asked no one in particular. “I gave him the afternoon off and instead of doing extra chores or practicing he heads for the hills. What kind of a student have I taken on?”
“A boy, that's what. Has it been so many years since you've been one that you've forgotten what it's like?” Viveka teased.
The wizard puffed out his cheeks in mock annoyance. “Are you trying to say I'm old???”
“Well, I certainly wouldn't call you a spring chicken; more like a scrawny rooster.” With this, she ran off with a squeal, her employer hot on her heels.
“You will pay for that, missy! Tickle torture!” Screaming in equal parts fear and fun, Viveka ran faster. The chase lasted several minutes before the both of them collapsed onto the ground in fits of giggling and panting.
While his elders were acting like children, Ryeowook was off on an adventure. It wasn't often he got an afternoon where he was free to do whatever he pleased. He knew that his master likely expected him to stick around the farm doing something constructive. However, the youth couldn't let the opportunity to socialize pass him by. Living with two adults as his only company felt stifling at times. On one of his previous free times Ryeowook went exploring the countryside out of sheer boredom. He was pleasantly surprised to find a young girl close in age living two farms away. Since then he had had few chances to spend time with Mirla. So this gift of free time was not to be wasted on boring stuff. Humming to himself, the apprentice practically skipped down the lane. Thirty minutes of travel brought Ryeowook to the edge of Mirla's family farm. Because he didn't know until this morning that he could visit, the youth hadn't been able to let her know he was coming. As a result, it took about half an hour of sneaking around until Ryeowook located Mirla.
“Psst....psst, hey, Mirla!” he whispered.
The girl looked up in surprise. She kept turning her head, trying to figure out who spoke to her. “Who's there?” she asked. “Show yourself!”
After a quick look around to make sure the coast was clear, Ryeowook stood up and said, “It's just me.”
“Ryeowook, what a surprise! What are you doing here? You didn't run away, did you?”
“No, I just came to see you. My master suddenly gave me the afternoon to myself, so I thought perhaps you might like a visit,” he answered.
At this, Mirla blushed and shyly nodded. After a few awkward moments and some feet shuffling, Ryeowook asked, “Is there somewhere else we can go to talk? I don't want you to get in trouble.”
Coming to her senses, she said, “Oh yes. I'm almost done collecting eggs. Next I have to muck the horses' stalls so why don't you wait for me there?” Mirla pointed out the correct barn and Ryeowook was on his way, careful not to be seen. The lad quickly slipped through the doors of the barn and walked quietly down the length of stalls. Mirla's father was known for his fine horses - roans, bays, palominos, paints and a few Ryeowook couldn't name. After several stalls of draft horses he came face to face with a beautiful black stallion, obviously the finest on the farm. As the boy walked down the row, the horse had become increasingly agitated - stomping his hooves, tossing his head and whooshing through his nose. Once Ryeowook was right before him, the stallion started rearing, neighing and rolling his eyes until only the whites were showing. Laying his ears back, the horse tried repeatedly to bite him. Unperturbed, Ryeowook called Suju to him and spoke into the horse's mind, calming the animal. Within moments the stallion was completely docile, allowing the wizard to stroke his velvety nose and scratch along his mane.
A few moments later Mirla walked in and was surprised to see Ryeowook petting their prized stallion. “That horse is notorious for being unfriendly, especially to strangers. For him to be this calm you must be an extraordinary person. He only lets kind-hearted people near him. Wow, you must be the kindest person I've ever met,” Mirla said while blushing.
Ryeowook said nothing in reply, he just smiled at the girl in return. He motioned her over to several bales of hay and sat down. Mirla shook her head saying that she would talk while doing her work. After about an hour of conversation she noticed that Ryeowook's face was becoming paler and more drawn. “Ryeowook, are you ok?” she asked, concern coloring her voice.
“I have a bit of a headache. The smell of horse dung always gets to me after awhile. If it's ok with you, I'll just step outside for a bit of fresh air,” he replied.
“Yes, please do. I'll be along shortly, my chores in here are almost complete.”
Nodding and smiling gratefully, the boy walked out of the barn. He released his Power with a sigh of relief. Wow, that was a long time to be channeling. I wonder if even Master Yesung was able to do that at my age, he thought with a smirk on his face. Ryeowook sat in the shade of a near-by tree, relaxing and thinking about his future. Before too long, he found himself being gently shaken awake by the farmer's daughter. “Rise and shine, Sleepyhead,” she teased.
“What a pretty sight to wake up to,” he said with a yawn and a stretch. Mirla blushed a bright pink at Ryeowook's words. Seeing her embarrassment, he continued, “I apologize for falling asleep. It was a longer walk here than I remembered. Please forgive me,” he asked, using his best puppy dog eyes. Unable to withstand Ryeowook's cuteness attack, Mirla quickly forgave him.
Glancing at the sun's position in the sky, Ryeowook told Mirla that he would have to get going soon. He agreed to her offer of some dessert and milk before beginning his trek home. The girl ran off and soon returned with a large wedge of cherry pie and a mug of ice cold milk.
“I baked the pie myself. My family says it's pretty good, what do you think?”
Ryeowook took a huge bite then nearly lost consciousness from the taste. After several large swallows he turned to his hostess with a serious face. “You have just told me the biggest fib ever. This is not cherry pie.” The lad paused to take in Mirla's stricken face then continued, “This is an absolute miracle on a plate; food of the gods, even. Calling this heavenly creation merely pie is an utter and complete travesty!”
Once Ryeowook's words sank in, Mirla gave him a mock severe glare and hissed, “How dare you kid me like that?! That is so mean!” With that, she gave him a light whack on the arm and then a push for good measure. Not expecting the physical attack, Ryeowook was thrown off balance and fell towards the ground.
“Oh no, the pie!” Mirla cried and lunged, trying to catch it before the cherry goodness could tip off the plate and onto her guest. She managed to grab the plate, however inertia made her fall over on top of Ryeowook, her face millimeters from his. For a few seconds the both of them blinked in confusion. A rosy blush worked its way across Mirla's face and down her neck.
Before she could move Ryeowook whispered, “You have a little bit of cherry right there,” then leaned up and kissed her cheek.
Now the color of a tomato, she sprang up like she had been shocked. “Um, I think I hear the cow asking me to milk my mother. I'll be right back.”
Quick as a snake, Ryeowook's hand shot out and grabbed the girl's. “Mirla, look at me, please. I'm sorry for embarrassing you. To be honest, I really like you and I just wanted you to know that. I never meant to upset you or make you feel uneasy.”
Turning to look at the handsome lad, she replied, “No, it's ok. It just took me by surprise, that's all. Hmm, guess I'll have to tell my daddy I've been kissed, though. I hope you're ready to get married, he'll probably insist on it. Since the damage has been done, why don't you give me another kiss, on my other cheek?”
Ryeowook began panicking. “M..mar...marriage? I'm only 16 and won't be 17 for another few months!!! It was just a kiss! Master's gonna kill me...or worse!”
Mirla laughed at the boy's frantic words, her eyes twinkling with glee. “There! That pays you back for making me think my pie was an epic fail. Although I wouldn't mind another kiss.”
Ryeowook stared at her grinning face and was torn between running away as fast as his legs could take him and giving her a kiss she'd never forget. Coming to a decision, he smiled and said, “Hmm, maybe next time. It depends on if I get any more pie.” With that, he gave her a gentle hug and walked towards the gate. “I don't know when I'll be able to visit again, it will probably be unannounced, just like today.”
“Alright, I'll try not to take too many trips into the village, then. Travel safe and I hope to see you again soon.”
Ryeowook agreed, “The sooner, the better.” Walking back to his home he had a lot to think about. Today had definitely been the best one in a long time.
While the apprentice was walking home, Yesung and Viveka had a serious discussion. “I don't know, I still have some niggling doubts that I just can't get rid of,” Viveka said with a sigh.
“You and me both. However, until I see something to give credence to our worries I must give him the benefit of the doubt. We must be patient; no one can hide their true self forever,” her boss replied.
In response she gave him an “oh, really?” kind of expression. “But have you heard the rumors? There's talk that...”
“Enough!” Yesung said firmly but without anger. “Yes, that kind of talk has reached my ears. You know what I've always thought about those kinds of rumors. I am not hasty and I won't base any decisions or opinions on the whisperings and suppositions of others, especially those who have an ulterior motive.”
“Alright, alright, I give up,” the assistant replied, throwing her hands up in mock surrender.
Shaking his head, the wizard asked, “What am I going to do with you, Woman?”
Smiling saucily, she replied, “Same as always.”
Sighing, Yesung quickly grabbed Viveka and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Alright, time to get some work done before the boy gets back and catches the grown ups lollygagging around. That'll just make him more incorrigible and disinclined to work hard.” Ignoring his burden's protests, he walked back to the cottage with a wicked gleam in his eye.
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
“Now where has that apprentice of mine run off to?” Yesung asked no one in particular. “I gave him the afternoon off and instead of doing extra chores or practicing he heads for the hills. What kind of a student have I taken on?”
“A boy, that's what. Has it been so many years since you've been one that you've forgotten what it's like?” Viveka teased.
The wizard puffed out his cheeks in mock annoyance. “Are you trying to say I'm old???”
“Well, I certainly wouldn't call you a spring chicken; more like a scrawny rooster.” With this, she ran off with a squeal, her employer hot on her heels.
“You will pay for that, missy! Tickle torture!” Screaming in equal parts fear and fun, Viveka ran faster. The chase lasted several minutes before the both of them collapsed onto the ground in fits of giggling and panting.
While his elders were acting like children, Ryeowook was off on an adventure. It wasn't often he got an afternoon where he was free to do whatever he pleased. He knew that his master likely expected him to stick around the farm doing something constructive. However, the youth couldn't let the opportunity to socialize pass him by. Living with two adults as his only company felt stifling at times. On one of his previous free times Ryeowook went exploring the countryside out of sheer boredom. He was pleasantly surprised to find a young girl close in age living two farms away. Since then he had had few chances to spend time with Mirla. So this gift of free time was not to be wasted on boring stuff. Humming to himself, the apprentice practically skipped down the lane. Thirty minutes of travel brought Ryeowook to the edge of Mirla's family farm. Because he didn't know until this morning that he could visit, the youth hadn't been able to let her know he was coming. As a result, it took about half an hour of sneaking around until Ryeowook located Mirla.
“Psst....psst, hey, Mirla!” he whispered.
The girl looked up in surprise. She kept turning her head, trying to figure out who spoke to her. “Who's there?” she asked. “Show yourself!”
After a quick look around to make sure the coast was clear, Ryeowook stood up and said, “It's just me.”
“Ryeowook, what a surprise! What are you doing here? You didn't run away, did you?”
“No, I just came to see you. My master suddenly gave me the afternoon to myself, so I thought perhaps you might like a visit,” he answered.
At this, Mirla blushed and shyly nodded. After a few awkward moments and some feet shuffling, Ryeowook asked, “Is there somewhere else we can go to talk? I don't want you to get in trouble.”
Coming to her senses, she said, “Oh yes. I'm almost done collecting eggs. Next I have to muck the horses' stalls so why don't you wait for me there?” Mirla pointed out the correct barn and Ryeowook was on his way, careful not to be seen. The lad quickly slipped through the doors of the barn and walked quietly down the length of stalls. Mirla's father was known for his fine horses - roans, bays, palominos, paints and a few Ryeowook couldn't name. After several stalls of draft horses he came face to face with a beautiful black stallion, obviously the finest on the farm. As the boy walked down the row, the horse had become increasingly agitated - stomping his hooves, tossing his head and whooshing through his nose. Once Ryeowook was right before him, the stallion started rearing, neighing and rolling his eyes until only the whites were showing. Laying his ears back, the horse tried repeatedly to bite him. Unperturbed, Ryeowook called Suju to him and spoke into the horse's mind, calming the animal. Within moments the stallion was completely docile, allowing the wizard to stroke his velvety nose and scratch along his mane.
A few moments later Mirla walked in and was surprised to see Ryeowook petting their prized stallion. “That horse is notorious for being unfriendly, especially to strangers. For him to be this calm you must be an extraordinary person. He only lets kind-hearted people near him. Wow, you must be the kindest person I've ever met,” Mirla said while blushing.
Ryeowook said nothing in reply, he just smiled at the girl in return. He motioned her over to several bales of hay and sat down. Mirla shook her head saying that she would talk while doing her work. After about an hour of conversation she noticed that Ryeowook's face was becoming paler and more drawn. “Ryeowook, are you ok?” she asked, concern coloring her voice.
“I have a bit of a headache. The smell of horse dung always gets to me after awhile. If it's ok with you, I'll just step outside for a bit of fresh air,” he replied.
“Yes, please do. I'll be along shortly, my chores in here are almost complete.”
Nodding and smiling gratefully, the boy walked out of the barn. He released his Power with a sigh of relief. Wow, that was a long time to be channeling. I wonder if even Master Yesung was able to do that at my age, he thought with a smirk on his face. Ryeowook sat in the shade of a near-by tree, relaxing and thinking about his future. Before too long, he found himself being gently shaken awake by the farmer's daughter. “Rise and shine, Sleepyhead,” she teased.
“What a pretty sight to wake up to,” he said with a yawn and a stretch. Mirla blushed a bright pink at Ryeowook's words. Seeing her embarrassment, he continued, “I apologize for falling asleep. It was a longer walk here than I remembered. Please forgive me,” he asked, using his best puppy dog eyes. Unable to withstand Ryeowook's cuteness attack, Mirla quickly forgave him.
Glancing at the sun's position in the sky, Ryeowook told Mirla that he would have to get going soon. He agreed to her offer of some dessert and milk before beginning his trek home. The girl ran off and soon returned with a large wedge of cherry pie and a mug of ice cold milk.
“I baked the pie myself. My family says it's pretty good, what do you think?”
Ryeowook took a huge bite then nearly lost consciousness from the taste. After several large swallows he turned to his hostess with a serious face. “You have just told me the biggest fib ever. This is not cherry pie.” The lad paused to take in Mirla's stricken face then continued, “This is an absolute miracle on a plate; food of the gods, even. Calling this heavenly creation merely pie is an utter and complete travesty!”
Once Ryeowook's words sank in, Mirla gave him a mock severe glare and hissed, “How dare you kid me like that?! That is so mean!” With that, she gave him a light whack on the arm and then a push for good measure. Not expecting the physical attack, Ryeowook was thrown off balance and fell towards the ground.
“Oh no, the pie!” Mirla cried and lunged, trying to catch it before the cherry goodness could tip off the plate and onto her guest. She managed to grab the plate, however inertia made her fall over on top of Ryeowook, her face millimeters from his. For a few seconds the both of them blinked in confusion. A rosy blush worked its way across Mirla's face and down her neck.
Before she could move Ryeowook whispered, “You have a little bit of cherry right there,” then leaned up and kissed her cheek.
Now the color of a tomato, she sprang up like she had been shocked. “Um, I think I hear the cow asking me to milk my mother. I'll be right back.”
Quick as a snake, Ryeowook's hand shot out and grabbed the girl's. “Mirla, look at me, please. I'm sorry for embarrassing you. To be honest, I really like you and I just wanted you to know that. I never meant to upset you or make you feel uneasy.”
Turning to look at the handsome lad, she replied, “No, it's ok. It just took me by surprise, that's all. Hmm, guess I'll have to tell my daddy I've been kissed, though. I hope you're ready to get married, he'll probably insist on it. Since the damage has been done, why don't you give me another kiss, on my other cheek?”
Ryeowook began panicking. “M..mar...marriage? I'm only 16 and won't be 17 for another few months!!! It was just a kiss! Master's gonna kill me...or worse!”
Mirla laughed at the boy's frantic words, her eyes twinkling with glee. “There! That pays you back for making me think my pie was an epic fail. Although I wouldn't mind another kiss.”
Ryeowook stared at her grinning face and was torn between running away as fast as his legs could take him and giving her a kiss she'd never forget. Coming to a decision, he smiled and said, “Hmm, maybe next time. It depends on if I get any more pie.” With that, he gave her a gentle hug and walked towards the gate. “I don't know when I'll be able to visit again, it will probably be unannounced, just like today.”
“Alright, I'll try not to take too many trips into the village, then. Travel safe and I hope to see you again soon.”
Ryeowook agreed, “The sooner, the better.” Walking back to his home he had a lot to think about. Today had definitely been the best one in a long time.
While the apprentice was walking home, Yesung and Viveka had a serious discussion. “I don't know, I still have some niggling doubts that I just can't get rid of,” Viveka said with a sigh.
“You and me both. However, until I see something to give credence to our worries I must give him the benefit of the doubt. We must be patient; no one can hide their true self forever,” her boss replied.
In response she gave him an “oh, really?” kind of expression. “But have you heard the rumors? There's talk that...”
“Enough!” Yesung said firmly but without anger. “Yes, that kind of talk has reached my ears. You know what I've always thought about those kinds of rumors. I am not hasty and I won't base any decisions or opinions on the whisperings and suppositions of others, especially those who have an ulterior motive.”
“Alright, alright, I give up,” the assistant replied, throwing her hands up in mock surrender.
Shaking his head, the wizard asked, “What am I going to do with you, Woman?”
Smiling saucily, she replied, “Same as always.”
Sighing, Yesung quickly grabbed Viveka and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Alright, time to get some work done before the boy gets back and catches the grown ups lollygagging around. That'll just make him more incorrigible and disinclined to work hard.” Ignoring his burden's protests, he walked back to the cottage with a wicked gleam in his eye.