Training Grounds

@§Kyungmi-Kwangju ( Semi-Hiatus ) God how Sohee's teeth clenched. Sovereign indeed. That was her role, but for the sake of plans and appearances she held it together, smiling fondly at the elder and then at Seunghyun. "Yes. I trust Seunghyun, he is more of Bussan than some of those who are born here, and I trust in that he will make not only a good ruler but a good husband. We have been dear driends a long time." Sohee didn't need the elders to tell her how perfect her own plans was but none the less it was still nice to see them approving for once.

On Seunghyun's words she chuckled, again glancing at him momentarily. "It will be a small affair, we do not need as much fuss as the first. Just enough official business to get everyone on track. Close friends, family. And a feast. What do you think Seunghyun?" Sohee murmured, she wasn't sure she could bare week long activities like the last time. They reminded her too fondly of Yonghwa. And she's not sure she or the Kingdom could handle it.

@♀Yixing-Kwangju ((timeskip))

The dining hall quiet as some nodded in quiet agreement and most in bewildered silence. The soldier's hand was still firmly joined with the Domina's, fingers intertwined in solemn union. Somewhere, a glass clinked.

"You mean to say, your highness," one of the elders spoke up, "that you will be taking the Doctore as your new husband...for the position of our sovereign?" Now the murmurs began; speculation and whispers about his right to the throne - /a former gladiator, and one of Kwangju origin, at that/ - until a wide grin pulled itself onto the councilmens' faces.

"Why, how fitting!" one hollered, another joining his cheer. "There's not a man braver nor more fitting to fill the cavern left behind by our precious Dominos! What a splendid decision!"

Seunghyun grip on her hand tightened just slightly. "Told you so," he mumbled.

@§Kyungmi-Kwangju ( Semi-Hiatus ) "I cannot see why not." Sohee chuckled, gaze dropping down as she. The thought of just having plan in place already made everything seem much easier to deal with. Like she really could rule Bussan. Like she really could avenge her dragon, "It shall be amusing indeed."

"Only if it pleases you, Seunghyun. You know how I find possessions trivial. Be a friend to me, I will treasure that more." Nodding she tilted her head a little. "Well, I suppose I should be letting you finish your training."

@♂Sohee-Bussan "Then, my bride," he suppressed a chuckle, "we should announce such good news tonight during my return feast? Oh, I can't wait for the look on your suitors' faces."

With all the mischief of teenage pranksters, the two were enjoying the step they had ahead of the lords. It really did feel like they were back in time, in a period where they had lesser worries.

"I'll make sure to procure you the greatest ring possible, my Domina. Although, knowing my horrid taste, it'll probably look like a diamond stalagmite jutting out from your hand."

@§Kyungmi-Kwangju ( Semi-Hiatus ) Sohee smiled, eyes crinkling up in a happiness she'd struggled to find in the past weeks. As much as she supposed there was hidden meaning behind the fact Seunghyun didn't mind whether she was a Domina or a beggar, but she didn't want to think about it. Sohee was a believer in you could love more than once, but she saw it as more than unfair to even consider it, until she's avenged her first. So she dismissed it.

"It will do just fine Seunghyun. I have to say though, when I cam out here to greet you, I did not expect to come away engaged." Chuckling lightly she nodded. "The do favour you so, I don't see them having any complaints of this matter, even with how sudden it would have appeared to happen."

@♂Sohee-Bussan He smiled, kneeling before his Domina. Taking her hand, he pressed a kiss to her left ring finger and laughed softly. It was the first time in a long time he'd made that sound.

"Your highness, I would be happy to marry you even if I were to be a beggar's husband. I do hope that," he let go of her hand and grinned up at her, "the kiss will suffice as an engagement band-at least for now."

He'd responded so quickly, but in truth, the Doctore was still bewildered. If anything, he was also partially shameful of the joy he felt right now; he was absolutely elated at the prospect of marrying his best friend's /widow/, for Neptune's sakes! Regardless, he took comfort in the fact that Sohee only saw it as a cog in her plan and that they could leave it as a political marriage. It made him feel less of a traitor.

"Although, Queen, isn't it usually customary for the proposer to be kneeling?" he chuckled, "Oh, the lords will have a parade about this matter. Those fools do favor me so. I'm sure that they won't suspect a thing before you take your rightful place!"

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Sohee paused, calming down just long enough to actually consider what the other had said. It made perfect sense when explained that way and Sohee nodded thoughtfully. "That is surely cunning.." She murmured, face still contorted in serious thought. Eventually though she nodded.

"If I am to follow through, on this genius of yours... I don't think I could stand bullying a weakling around... and as for people I have given my trust, there are only three." She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I cannot marry my father, nor Lord Chen. I could not force them to rule, when I know theywould both dread too. And they are both too elderly now to have an alliance that would be smiled upon." Pausing again, the Domina glanced up at Seunghyun. "That leaves you. " With an amused chuckle, she glanced to the side again. "Do you have a wish to be Dominos by any chance?"

Seunghyun seemed to be making a lot of sense today, or perhaps Sohee was in a state that she was coherently listening to suggestions, either way she nodded again. "I will have patience then."

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju *your marriage

@♂Sohee-Bussan The Doctore shook his head, frustrated. He held Sohee's shoulders, bringing his face closer to hers in all seriousness.

"You misunderstand me, my queen. My marriage being used as a tool is merely the lords' goal. I, your servant who is ever loyal only to /you/, suggest that you humor them and use their precious tool to stab them in the back. I propose that you do marry, Domina, but to a weakling or a man devoted only to you. In that way, the lords' plan will backfire, for you will remain in charge. Without a formal complaint-for yes, they have their Dominos-those pathetic leeches will have no excuse to refuse you their support!"

His rough palm brushed against her cheek for the slightest of moments and disappeared just as quickly.

"Sohee," he breathed her name as if it were a forbidden drug, "you have never been a possession, but even the mightest warrior feigns weakness to take down a strong opponent. To destroy Kwangju and have your revenge, you must have your people's support. Give your plot time to fester and grow...and then it will strike your enemies with a fatal blow."

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Letting out a frustrated cry, Sohee spun, glaring at the fire that momentarily lit up the ground in her outburst. It truly just wasn’t fair, and Sohee was fed up. Her husband was dead, and now they just expected her to be handed her around to bring forth a new ruler. What did they think she was? A coronation crown?

“If I am to remain in rule? I will never rule, for I am a woman. My marriage is merely a tool to bring forward a new Dominos, don’t lie to me.” With a huff, she turned to face the other again, her face reading some tangled mixture of anger, grief and disappointment. “Tell me, Seunghyun. When did I become a possession?” Sighing lightly, Sohee pushed her hair back into place.

“What does it matter. I do not care anymore. There is nothing that I can do. But hear me now when I say Kwangju will pay for ruining my happiness.”

@♂Sohee-Bussan "But you are human, your highness. Regardless of what the position demands, it is certain that you must give yourself boundaries. With what influence I have, I will try to convince the lords to give you time to settle, but unfortunately, I do understand their viewpoint." He pulled away from the woman, just an arm's length. With a sigh, the Doctore let her go, but still stood close to her. "This is a tumultuous time, Domina, marriage mustn't be for love anymore-but rather, for alliance. We must muster all the favor we can if you are to remain in rule."

The Doctore himself knew that Sohee was strong enough to be the monarch of Bussan, but this kingdom was the coldest and most brutal of them all. A woman who has never wielded a sword would never be accepted as the head of such a barbaric state. As much as it pained Seunghyun, he couldn't deny the fact that-to garner enough support to keep Sohee in power-she would have to wed someone popular enough with the people to quiet rebellion.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Sohee nodded, taking a shaky inhale to calm herself before gently wiping her cheeks. “The position will always be demanding, it is the highest position. I just wish I could have a week just to grieve….. However the kingdom pauses for no one and that cannot be changed.” Resting her head against the doctore, the domina’s brow creased in thought. “I am next in line and I shall take on that duty. I am disgusted at the fact the lord want to marry me off so soon. And not even as my husband passed away not even as long as a month ago. Just because I do not have male reproductive organs does not mean I am any less capable. You know how I’ve always felt about this.”

Pulling back with a sigh, the Domina tried to right herself. “I will rule, I owe it to Yonghwa and the people. And so help me, if some lord wants to stand in may because I’m female or I’m magical... I will burn him.” She nodded, blunt as always.

@♂Sohee-Bussan His fingers found their way through the Domina's long, fiery locks as they carded through them comfortingly. He hushed her within his strong arms and willed her to calm.

"I'm back now, and I won't leave you ever again. So just lean on me, alright?" he bit his tongue right before saying her name; it still felt unnerving in his mouth. "I know the lords have been critical of your actions and they wish to replace you with a new husband as the dominant ruler. Is that what you wish, my lady? Is this position too demanding at too turbulent a time?"

He knew the answer even before it left her lips, but even so, the Doctore wanted to give her a choice-he felt like that hadn't happen often, lately. But regardless of her future decisions, he knew that he'd follow Sohee to the ends of the Earth, if it was to protect her. He loved her.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Sohee's resolve broke when the other hugged her, brokenly she cuddled into him, utterly unaware of the awkwardness that was supposedly hovering around them. She was just so glad to have something, someone familiar back with her. Especially in such a time of heart break. She cried silently into the other's chest, hands squeezed into fists.

Seunghyun smelled of home. With Yonghwa gone he was practically all she had left, Chen and Xiumin had returned to Kwangju now. Leaving alonely, seething Domina. But not only that, the lord were in talk of marrying her off again and the fact they didn't see her fit to rule in Yonghwa's place cut her hard. Truth be told, everything was just piling up for the female, and she glad to finally have someone she trusted here for support.

She had to be strong, the people were depending on her. But Seunghyun's offer was so tempting, and for now she knew she had to take it. "A-alright, Seunghyun you may be my strength."

@♂Sohee-Bussan It was with a sharp hiss that Seunghyun let his guard slip. Hands reaching out to her, the Doctore broke all decorum and took the woman into his arms. She was smaller than he remembered, so strong yet so frail. It was amazing how such a creature could shatter his resolve without even the slightest effort.

He held her kindly, but the general awkwardness was hard to avoid, for he hadn't done such gentle motions in a long, long time. Touch pressing against the back of her neck warmly, Seunghyun breathed in her scent, so familiar, once more. This was the cruelest of sins-he knew-but right now, in their deserted sanctuary, he threw all caution to the wind.

"Don't do that," he sighed with a voice gravelly with unbared emotion, "just-stop forcing yourself to be strong. When you punish yourself like that, it makes me wonder why I left in the first place. For once, let me be strong for you, alright?"

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Sohee supposed, that people really did never change. Even after this time Seunghyun was still so formal, even secluded like this, even after all this time. She kind of wanted to hit him for it. But she knew better, she was Domina now and she knew the many weights that came with it.
By lord, she'd missed Seunghyun though. Especially since Yonghwa had passed. She'd been so distraught, no one could pull her out of her own personal fireball for days. Not until her father had talked to her, and not until he'd mentioned that Seunghyun was coming home. She was trying to be strong now, but with the other's face staring at her in all it's nostalgia, she felt her palms tingle slightly.
She held back her tears.
"I need they cannot... to be betrayed by one's own god in such a way however--" she sighed lightly, deciding to delve off the topic unless she showed any weakness. "I'm so glad you're back Seunghyun... Words still continue to fail me over all this... I'm sorry...

@♂Sohee-Bussan The Doctore knelt, fist to his heart and head lowered, as his Domina approached him. It was not fair to say that he was glad to see her again; the conflict he felt internally was so much more complex. Happiness didn't even begin to describe the relief of heartache that shone in Seunghyun, but simultaneously, he felt disgusted with himself for feeling such emotions towards his best friend's widow. Regardless, even the cold soldier had to admit that Sohee had grown further beautiful in their years apart. Her kind of grace wasn't so much seductive or even outright easy on the eyes. Rather, she had a gentleness about her that most definitely contradicted the harsh burn of her fire.

So, with having no better words, Seunghyun took the lady's hand in his own and pressed his lips to the back of it.

"And I as well, your highness," was what he murmurred, "I had hoped that my crusades would keep you safe in the capital, but it seems that even the mightiest army cannot challenge a god such as Neptune."

He wondered, perhaps, whether the Domina knew the true reason for his sudden departure all those years ago. They'd been together for so long, the three of them, that somewhen, Seunghyun had dared to fall in love with the lady. It must have been when she cried for him and the tragedies he had faced. When she touched him, he could still feel the wet coolness on his black scar.

But it was obvious that his fruitless pining would only harm those he cared for. And so, when Yonghwa claimed his throne and subsequently made Seunghyun his Doctore, the soldier took his chance to empower his crusades against the rebels in his lord's name. He needed an escape, anything to help him leave the damnation his heart forced him to feel. So he left.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju Lingering behind a pillar at the edge of the training ground, Sohee watched Seunghyun from afar, taking in with gentle eyes just how much he had changed. He was stronger now, and his fighting had improved drastically, even when it was awing to start with. But there was thing that hadn't changed, and Sohee was beginning to wonder if it was as permanent as the scar on his back.

Seunghyun was permanently blank faced, she'd only seen him even show emotion a few times. Anger, when she used magic to save them in the forest, sadness when she and Yonghwa departed for Bussan. And now, with their long awaited meeting, she was hoping to view happiness... But she was greeted with nothing but a blank stare, and she almost wanted to sigh as she stepped out her hiding place.

"I wished to greet, and welcome you Seunghyun. But you looked so focused I couldn't find it in me to break your concentration." With a nod, Sohee held her head up and strode the final few metres to the soldier, eyeing him up and down. They'd both grown up. It had been seven years since Sohee had taken the throne, but she'd been so young at the time, only know was she reaching full maturity. Blossoming at the ripe age of 22. With the fire of her hair pinned up and a dress of a similar colour as Seunghyun's Cape. She had grown in beauty. Hesitantly, she brushed a stray curl of her barred neck. Perhaps the strangest part, however was Sohee's hands. No longer hidden by gloves or sleeves. She bore her black markings for the world to see. Battle scars, proof that magic was not something that could be suppressed. They were not pretty, they looked sinister on a set of such dainty hands. But they were a lesson to the people, and so now, she wore them proudly.

"It is good to see you again..."

@♂Sohee-Bussan Forceful block left. Parry right. Kick and swing hard. Seunghyun's powerful movements had come far from his adolescent gladiator training. It wasn't all about speed anymore-no, he was no longer one of Kwangju-now, it was about strength and force: the abilities of the Bussan soldier. Sapphire blue cloak billowing in the wind, the man seemed to fight off an army of foes; yet his cool countenance broke not once.

He had not the luxury of expression anymore.

"My lady, do you plan to sneak up on me or to watch me train further? I will please you as I can." Seunghyun's bass voice rumbled across the grassy training grounds, directed at the slight figure hidden partially.