Checkmate

Im Siwan | Grand General of Joseon | Twenty Six | Senior Fourth Rank | Eldest Son of Section Head General Im | Engaged to Princess Miyoung | Map

[dalsiwan-blog]

dalchilhyeon:

Hyeon noticed the smile he once had soon turned into a small frown. She couldn’t hide nothing from him no matter how hard she tries, Siwan can read her like a book no matter how hard she tries to hide it.

Knowing that as soon as he walked into the main hall father would ask about his journey and mother would start babying him up like she always does whenever he comes back from his trips while she just look and laughs at his misery of the questions their parents going to asked him.

Hyeon was always known as the forgotten child in the family, while Siwan was a general and is soon to be married to the princess, she was the quiet one in the family. Their parents were always proud of him and at some point would only talk about him and his great battle and would forget about Hyeon and her other brother sometimes. Sometimes….she wondered if they ever forget about her sometimes. Placing the container inside the box with the others before picking up his welcome back gift. “Here you go I made this for you while you was away.”

“You know how father gets when you come back from your trips and battles, and mother has been worried sick when you left 3 months ago so of course, she’s going to baby you. At least it’s not me this time while you was gone she made me try on many different hanboks so it’s your time so have fun.” A grin form on her lips, taking a soft grip onto his sleeves. “I knew you love hanging out with, hush now Wan. now that I think about it, you did promise to take me to the capital when you came back.”

Glaring back at him, a smirk soon appeared on her face. Hitting him on his shoulder softly, “I don’t know, maybe I should try out my older brother gift instead of going into the main hall with him, but then again…you always find a way out of their regardless. Now come before they come and find us themselves, Wan you can meet up with them when we came back from the capital.”

That’s was the only way she would go out. If she had Siwan with her, remembering the very first time she went without didn’t go pretty well, in fact, it was horrible and this is the only time they’ll be alone for a while.

Perhaps, sometimes siwan does spoil his little sister a tad too much. However, for someone as precious as she is to him, he is willing to go that far. The streets is sporadically littered with people, vendors selling their wares and the hidden beggars in the side streets.

He remembered a time when he walked this streets, nose pointed upwards. A time when he considered himself above the common people. How foolish he was once, he chuckled internally. Walking beside Hyeon, he allowed her to browse the wares around, willing to purchase anything that caught her fancy.

Granted, from time to time, there will be people coming up to him to greet him. Some thanking him for his service, some in awe of his presence and many others grateful for his deeds to the people.

Siwan’s attention while focused on his sister, also scattered over the crowd from time to time. His sister admittedly, even if he’d die before he admits to others, is beautiful. Eyes that lingered too long was met with a polite smile from him. The same smile he gives during training, that makes seasoned soldiers scream in fear.

“Do you see anything you fancy?” He asked, when he noticed her lingering much longer at a stall. He stall was ran by a young male, who seemed to currently be starstruck by Hyeon. Siwan’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword, the corner of his lips twitching upwards.

[ccnayeon-blog]

˙ ˖✶ hollow nights. ❜

[dalsiwan-blog]

haemiyoung:

it’s when she hears the door shut quietly, the sound of his feet and clothes shuffling to the seat right across from her, that everything suddenly feels so concrete. maybe it had just taken some time for the events of the day to process and really sink in, but that’s when she realizes everything is real. they’re now married, committed to one another for better or for worse, and she can’t help the silent breath she takes at the revelation. when they’d both said their vows, she felt nothing. as they walked into the reception area, her arm wrapped in his as they walked together before everyone’s eyes, she felt nothing. now, as they sat in silence and in the company of only each other, she could feel everything. there were no more distractions, no more music to drown in, no more conversations to prolong what was bound to come.

she looks up at him tentatively, his voice mellow and somewhat calm, but still cutting through their silence with a sharpness she wasn’t ready for. she finds herself grateful, seeing him follow through with his new duties as her husband, and that he was at least granting her some choice in a situation they had no say in. “thank you, i had little to eat most of the night, so i do appreciate you having prepared this. i will get used to this new home eventually, but i can already feel a longing for the palace…it will pass,” she speaks softly, her lips pressed into a line, and she can’t help but feel bad at just how far he’s willing to go despite possibly making his own life less comfortable. “thank you..for not forcing anything of me. not many women are granted that kindness, but…i hardly see the floor being comfortable.”

He blinked, noticing perhaps for the first time, she had truly looked at him. Siwan gaze lingered on her eyes, dipping down to notice the thinning of her lips. A story being read to him, just by her expressions and body language. They were both pieces on the chessboard now, but for whose’s game, will be the question to be asked. “Believe me. I’ve slept on things far less comfortable than the floor of my own home. It will be only for today. I’d be retreating to my study from tomorrow night, giving you the room.” He replies, pausing in hesitation before he continued.

“I believe a relationship should be built off trust and honesty.” He began again, his gaze piercing as he observed his wife across him. “While you may have thanked me for not forcing anything of you, the truth is that I am being forced upon you. Thank you for agreeing to this.”He bowed towards her. “Thank you for attempting to accept this unworthy general as a husband. However, a person’s eyes cannot lie as well as one’s lips. You feel nothing for me. You are as bound as a daughter to the king, as I am bound as a subject to him. I wish to say I will attempt to give you happiness. We both know I’m but a source of sorrow.”

“Your eyes changed whenever you catch a particular vice general... did you notice?” siwan poured a cup of alcohol for himself, downing it immediately. “Is he the one you seek happiness from? If so...” His hands clenched hard under the table. “I willing to keep myself in the dark.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

@dalminjun - Event Thread

the night was a whirlwind of emotions for minjun. he knew that he wasnt the only one going through the same thing, but for some reason they seemed to blur and the white noise thats gathered in his brain quickly begins to cloud his thoughts. for once allowing him to be selfish, if only for a little bit. but it doesn’t last long, not when an all too familiar voice snaps him out of his hazy state. eyes slowly blinking to look at the man stood before him.

a man that minjun had tried so hard to avoid that night, in the hopes that he wouldn’t do or say anything that he shouldn’t. not when he’s not himself. at first he lets a soft sigh exhale past his lips, his expression in the form of a frown and his eyes with a hint of sadness. in this moment in time he didnt need siwan telling him what to do- no. he didnt want siwan to tell him what to do. for the evening they were not ‘brothers’ as the male had so graciously called them, they were just two men who knew each other. or at least thats what minjun wanted them to be this evening.

“will it bring you bad luck?” he finally speaks up after letting a few minutes of silence settle between them. “i heard that bad energy will bring a newly wed couple bad luck- or something like that.” of all things to speak about he picks this. how stupid was he (more like drunk and upset.) “i hope you two will be… happy.” offering siwan a very (very) weak smile as he does.

Siwan had meant his comment to be a joke. Perhaps it was more proper to be saying the same thing to himself, that he should look much happier in his own wedding. Minjun’s current behavior is unlike him, that raises a suspicion within siwan’s head.

“You have been avoiding me.” siwan chuckled, ignoring the behavior that minjun was showing him. “You speak to me about bad luck, and you wish for the both of us happiness while hesitant.”

“dear vice general, please do not tell me with the short time with have been placed after me, after jeonggi, you’ve fallen for me?” He grinned at his joke, eyes catching the younger vice general before they turned cold and his smile fell.

“Unless I’m not the half of his marriage that made you behave as such at an official wedding.” The volume of his voice lowered dangerously, his hand now gripping onto minjun’s shoulder. He glared into minjun’s eyes, searching within, almost daring him to lie.

Then, like a warm breeze passing during winter, his grinned again.

“Only kidding.” Siwan laughed. “Should have seen your face.”

[haeziyi-blog]

gratuity

[dalsiwan-blog]

haeziyi:

@dalsiwan

the estate that belonged to the supreme commander of the military boasted one of the more finer architectures in joseon. it was a gift from the king himself, presented to them when they had officiated their matrimony. she was, after all, the princess of the ming dynasty and the king honored their alliance with her country. their property spread acres wide. intricate designs trimmed with vibrant colors of red lacquer and gold to ward off evil spirits. opulent bridges, pagodas and gates that stretch to the heavens occupy their sprawling fortress home. the princess could be found here, sitting daintily in an open pavilion as she waited for her special visitor to arrive.

in front of her is a table made from mother of pearls and a piping pot of jasmine mint tea. next to her, a carefully wrapped gift―draped in fine silk and jewels. ziyi grows restless as time passes with no avail; the squeamish wails of the teapot refusing to help soothe her qualms. she berates herself for feeling this way. it was only general im, a face she had seen everyday from the moment she stepped off the ship, years ago. he was given to her like a present, wrapped in armor and metal when she first arrived. she spent the next few days following the general around like a small puppy. everything was terrifying, and everything would never be the ming dynasty ever again… but general im had been there to soften the fall from the very beginning. he had been appointed as her bodyguard since.

the princess is suddenly interrupted from her memories when the announcement for the arrival of her guest rings through the corridors. she voices back her permission, attempting to calm her delight when the general finally entered the pavilion. it had been days since she’s last seen him, probably the most they’ve been away from each other since his return from battle. it had made her heart skip a beat when she saw he was as dashing as ever. here he was, grand general im: her husband’s right hand man, her most beloved companion in all of joseon, and recently.. another freshly engaged yangban. 

“general im,” she greets, a small smile breaking across her face, “i’ve been waiting.”

When a king asks of a general to guard an individual, it was a matter of not only the importance of that individual, however politics would come into play as well. When the general was one that spoke the language of ming, it is easy to guess who would be stepping out of the ship. Dress in ceremonial armor, the one that was flashy and grand yet lack any other use realistically, he had met the princess. Perhaps, being the brother to one of blood, and others who he had needed to care for as well, siwan was sensitive to the princess of ming’s needs. 

He conversed with her in her tongue, he showed her the sights, the food and taught her some of the customs that differs to that of ming. She was to be wed to his commander, a political marriage he had once hoped to avoid himself, however that was a hope long extinguished. The familiar corridor leading towards ziyi’s room was comforting. While perhaps in the first few days, he had impressed her enough for the princess of ming to request him from the king, he was still an active general. Her protection was left to a team of elite guards under him, while he was the figurehead that would stand beside her if he was not asked to fight in the frontiers.

They had grown close, siwan knowing exactly the downsides of his supreme commander, offering his support to the princess. How many times had he shown his face knowing her husband was out with someone else?

He entered, a smile to match the smile she was giving him. He took a look around, confused for a moment. “Since when did you address me this formally when we’re alone? Perhaps when you just arrived?” He chuckled, and took a seat across from her. “Unless this is official business then...”He coughed and placed on a straight face. 

“I apologize for making you wait, princess.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

dalhayeon:

still unaware of the streak across her cheek, the woman deems herself clean enough for the other to see. it wasn’t as if the other hadn’t seen her messier in years past (a certain event in which she had fallen into a pond as they explored had left her in his presence absolutely drenched), but in recent years, there was an extra emphasis on looking nice in front of others. it was no longer merely the jung family she could shame, but the jeon family as well. perhaps dramatic, but still true. 

juvenile-like laughter escapes her lips before she can help it, the lady immediately raising a hand as if to block the jubilant sounds from being heard. imagining her father with rosy cheeks only brought a wider smile to her lips, her entire visage brightening as a result. 

“i’m sure he’ll look really adorable with the red cheeks, i’ll be sure to relay his thank you’s later! –––… thank you siwan, it’s beautiful.”

her features fall – if only for a fraction of a second – in response to the message in his hues, before she’s beaming once more. she was wonderful, never would she be anything but. no matter the troubles in her life, hayeon would never greet anyone with anything less than a smile. it was her way. 

“i’m great! why wouldn’t i be?” a slight pause. “are you okay?”

Instinctively, perhaps out of habit, his hand reached out to wipe the streak she had missed from her face. It would perhaps be improper if other should see it, however perhaps most of the household would already be used to the closeness the two shared.

However, rather than one would expect, the gentleness that should come with a lady’s face did not come. Rather, siwan grabbed onto her head with both hands, and begun removing the streak with utmost effort. 

“I’d be okay after I help you with this, now stay still.”

 With her appearance clean now, siwan however did not release her from his clutches. Rather, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his face on her shoulder. “I apologize. I know this is not proper. However... just for a moment, could you lend me your shoulder and warmth. I know not of anyone that I can rest such burdens on but you.” 

[ccnayeon-blog]

˙ ˖✶ hollow nights. ❜

[dalsiwan-blog]

haemiyoung:

( ✕ starter for @dalsiwan . )

miyoung feels as if she can not breathe, her chest contracting painfully with each and every step she takes forward, eyes darting around the halls of her new home— she knew there would come the time she would need to move out of the palace and into a new home for her and her husband, and years prior, she was sure the occasion and promise of new life, love, and adventure would bring happiness and excitement. however, she felt completely different now. these halls, so ornate and fitting for a princess, felt empty and foreign. she was being led down to her new sleeping quarters, where she and siwan would reside together. the thought frightened her, leaving her with a heavy feeling of dread.

she had no clue what to expect, and though she knew he would never force anything of her and did hold some care in her own feelings ( he’d proven that much already ), tonight was different. they were actually married now, and with that transition came new expectations and rules. she could only hope, as she pushed open the doors and her maids left her for the night, that he would not change.

The day had been a blur. He felt out of place, drowning even. The entire wedding was alike to fighting within a war. Details get blurred through, you feel exhausted at the end of the day and more importantly, you know you’re still alive because of the pain. Difference is, today the pain was inside. The dull stabbing within his chest reminded him that he was alive, that this is real. Today, he officially married to Princess Yi Miyoung. His duty to her extends to that of a husband, and no longer that of a subject towards the royal family. The king has given his blessings for this marriage, and as such, his devotion and care for her will be flawless. Honor and duty to the crown, demands perfection.

Siwan entered after her maids have left, he sat across miyoung, the small table dividing them. “I had the help prepare some food here. I doubt you had much to eat, I hope these simple dishes could help. There’s also herbal tea here, this is good to boost for peaceful sleep. Considering this is your first night here, I hope that it may aid in you getting adjusted to a foreign bed and space. You do not have to worry, as for myself, I will be sleeping here on the floor. As long as you wish of it, nothing will have to happen between us.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

haemiyoung:

she wanted to laugh, a cruel grin spreading across her lips at the irony of the very action. this was nothing to smile over, nothing to feel happy about. the very urge and want for such a thing had left her the moment she became his prize. she would admit there was a deep-seated bitterness festering in her delicate heart, but it was not towards him, no.

he was not to blame for any of this, not when he was only fulfilling expectations.

her bitter fury, held deep within a heart and mind that knew such a feeling could never see the light of day, was towards the situation— towards her father, the king, a man who ruled the land without question and played the occupants of his kingdom like the puppets they were ( even if one happened to be his daughter ).

she could feel her heart begin to pick up, trying to keep her breath steady as she looked at him with blank eyes and that same practiced grin. “a gift? how thoughtful..” she regards, her voice trailing softly. he was making an effort.

what was she doing?

“o-oh, yes, i have been in good health as of late.” lie. “i hope you have as well.”

“no need for apologies, any gift is more than appreciated.” true.

she’s silent for a moment longer, processing his statement before the words seem to stick together. her mouth falls open slightly, but her words fail her before she responds. “i-if you have the time, then of course,” she says, nodding to a handmaiden beside her to escort them in. “we have not had a chance to sit and talk…i suppose now is a fine time.” lie.

She really did invite me in. Siwan sat across her, hands placed respectfully on his lap. The tea sitting in front of him had already gone cold, there was a stuffy silence that accompanied them since they entered.

He blinked, staring at the intricate design on the cup. Here was a general who courageously charged with his men, humbled and silenced by a princess. He did not even had the faintest clue on the root of his fear. Was he afraid of hurting her? Perhaps... it was more towards guilt. 

Had he not survived, perhaps miyoung would have been free. Perhaps, he’d be a beautiful memory for Jiu, and not the cause of her pain.

Perhaps he should have used the same courage to ask for Jiu’s hand instead, when the king spoke of Miyoung.

“I apologize.” Siwan finally spoke, lifting his eyes from the cup to her. “While...” Hesitation stayed his lips for a moment, a deep breath helped him continue.

“While I admit I’m not as close to you as some of your siblings. I’ve still seen you around when I’m visiting the palace. I’ve seen your smile, your laugh, and the light in your eyes benefiting that of a princess. It is I, who have robbed you of such light. To be wed to someone as lacking as I am, I deeply apologize.” He bowed towards her while still sitting.

“While it might be cruel to say this. We know not when the King will announce the date of our wedding, however, as a general, whenever I head out... I might not return. So as a selfish request, do not feel burdened to feel happy at my death, should it occur. As a subject of Joseon, I sincerely wish the happiness of each and every member of the royal family. You should deserve that much.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

haeyiwoon:

of course, siwan only spoke the truth. here was a man woon both looked up to and trusted, whose words were not laced with poison and deceit but with honour and sincerity. this did not mean, however, that woon would not be irked by it; just the thought of having suji taken away from him grated on his nerves. he was crown prince, and he would be king, and he refused to believe that this would end in tragedy when so much power was being handed to him by virtue and by birthright.

so he said nothing to the warning, and nodded in agreement to the deal. 

his hand raised to shake his mentor and friend’s hand before he realised that his court manners always tripped him up, and at the quickest instance he blocked the blade, the force pushing against him and making him stumble back. 

“must you always catch me off-guard like that?” he huffed, less playful now and more on his guard. without another word he swung his sword again, practicing and moving just as he’s been taught, and just as he knows how; relentless, and aggressive, and unyielding.

In his defense, siwan did try his utmost best to not smile at woon’s comment.

“If I do it enough, you’d never be caught off-guard.” He replied, his sword moving quickly in his onslaught against the crown prince.

He had turned, a heavy swing that forced his body to rotate with it’s momentum. Completing the turn, the scabbard held in his other hand flew towards woon’s face. The sword quickly followed soon after, thrown with force towards the crown prince.

The general took a few quick steps back, his feet stepping on the training stick he placed down just moments ago. Rolling the stick towards him, he kicked the stick upwards and held it as if he was clutching his own spear. After all, siwan was not know for his sword fighting skills, rather it was his spear that shook the heart of his enemies.

“How did you like that?” He chuckled. “Not all things needs to be used as they are intended.”

“My apologies, woon.” A grin forming on the general’s lips. “Did that disrupt your momentum? I hope not.” 

[dalsuji-deactivated20180520]

» a helping hand

[dalsiwan-blog]

dalsuji:

this hadn’t been her intention when she walked out that day– her original intention was to treat the children but seeing general im here… had made her do something she shouldn’t have.

however she couldn’t help herself, she knew siwan was close to the prince and she couldn’t ask her father– her father could grow suspicious, now she worried she had put another burden on the elder’s heart, it was already difficult enough for him.

“you are giving me your word?” she questioned him, “you don’t have to do that general.”

suji returned his smile with one of her own but it wasn’t a happy smile on her face, it was a worried and saddened smile. there were so many things making everything more complicated than it should have to be.

     happiness? was that even a thing she could hope for in her future?

suji moved to the next child a little further down, trying to keep her sadness hidden behind a smile.

He watched. He knew that smile. It was the smile he gave when others ask if he was happy with the engagement. It was the smile he gave when others congratulated him. 

A smile where your future is uncertain.

A messenger found him, relaying him of news back home. Apparently, his father wanted to speak with him. He sighed, moving to his guard to whisper in his ear. “Watch her. Make sure she is safe.”

Focusing his gaze back to suji, her helping another child, his lips thinned.

Tomorrow, he will help Woon gain solace from the storm that rages on within the palace.

That much his friend deserves.

He wonders if his decision will come back to haunt him. After all, to be beside the crown prince, is to be within the tiger’s den.

Catching her eye, he smiled before bowing to her. Wordlessly signalling his intention to leave, he turned away. Mounting his horse, he began his journey home.

Where his father, and plans to delay the wedding awaits. He made a promise to last night after all.

| End |

[dalsiwan-blog]

@dalxjeonggi

So this was the reason he was recalled. Siwan chuckled bitterly, his horse beneath him gently moving through the streets over to the residence of a close friend. He wondered if he looked presentable, after all, it would not be right for the soon to be groom, to look like he had cried.

He entered the residence so familiar to him, his arrival quickly being informed to who he had came to, in a sense, abduct.

Waiting, he stared at the ground. The date set for the wedding weighting on him more than the stones he used during training. Some food, his bow, arrows and alcohol was hung on the saddle. He needed to leave the city, a hunting trip was the perfect excuse. At the same time, he needed support. Support only someone who grew up with him(and single, sorry @daldaegil), might give.

“Hey.” He grinned, when he saw Jeonggi approaching. “Go hunting with me. You have no choice in this matter.” He laughed.

“After all... it is tradition for men to head out when asking hard questions.” He nodded.

“Especially if the question asks for a brother to care for me, during my wedding.” His grin not fading, sharing the news to Jeonggi.

“The king has set a date. You should be hearing about it soon. Perhaps, when we return tomorrow.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

solo. Wedding Date

Wait for me...

He told her to wait. That he’d find a way.

Minutes ago, he had received the King’s decree. The date to wed Miyoung had been set. Plans carefully planned, scattered in the wind like ashes. He sits in his study, alone. The decree set down on his desk, while he stared ahead.

The first drop fell like first snowfall, when he confessed his love. His lips twisted into a bitter smile, remembering the moment. Her reply could fuel him through a thousand wars, he would be invincible.

He was invincible. Their love saved him. She... saved him from the clutches of death.

They drew lines over his face, each droplet falling onto the table. Like the streams within the forest, where he brought her in an adventure. Where he stole his first kiss with his heart beating in his ears. Like the rain that fell, when he sheltered her while getting drenched. The rain was cold, but the joy of keeping her dry kept him warm. The heat from her body, hugging him, felt like it belonged to him all along.

Each act forbidden, perhaps that was what made every moment precious. Even in the company of their fathers, just having her look at his eyes would be enough. He could only see her, and her alone.

Today. The king had decreed, sealing his fate.

First snow will no longer bring the feelings of butterflies in his stomach.

The beautiful streams will not make his heart skip a beat.

The heavy downpour will no longer place a stupid smile on his face.

All that is left will be regret...

..and heartache.

No longer will he feel the strength and joy to win a thousand battles.

That every kiss would echo his heartbeat in his head.

That every touch would warm him like a gentle fire in winter.

All that is left is his duty.

Duty to his wife...

...to the crown.

For the king.

[dalsiwan-blog]

haejiu:

[...]

“but are you able to wait for me?”

I fought death away for you.

He leaned away from her to look at her face, his arms not leaving her sides. “Is this doubt I hear?” He gazed at her in mock anger. “You dare... doubt the hero, the grand general siwan?”

His fingers started to tickle Jiu, but quickly stopped as he narrowed his eyes at her. “Do you doubt me?”

His hand moved from her side to cup her face, thumb brushing gently over. His leaned in, stealing several small kisses, speaking between each kiss.

“I. will. wait. for. you. until. the. end. of. time.”

He separated from her, talking a step backwards, his hands gently holding both her hands.

“I’m not good with words, or rather I’m  not good with poetry and the arts.” He began, looking down at their hands. “Since I had already broken my own vow to stay away from you. I might as well jump freely. I had prepared months to say this, hoping that I would get to say it when I receive your hand from the king. While it is for naught now, I would still like to say it to you. Please forgive my selfish request.”

He took a breath, and shifted his eyes up to look into her eyes.

“Once as a boy, my father told me to never stare at royalty. We should keep our head bowed. I took that to heart... until you. How could I not look at the most beautiful person? For the first time in my life, I took a gamble. I asked woon to introduce me to you. I was just his sparring partner then. I thought I would have been executed for that. Woon helped, and when you smiled at me... I was never able to look away. If not for you, I would still have had my fear for royalty. I would never have befriended woon, and remained a subject. If not for you, I would have been satisfied with my life, not applying myself to anything.”

“I fell in love with you when i was ten, a child.” He smiled. “I’m twenty six now. I’ve been loving you more each and every day since i was ten. I regret not a second of it.”

[dalsiwan-blog]

solo | starlitnight.01

tw: (violence, blood, war)

Joseon's Frontier | Early Manchurian Invasion Scouts | Day 3 - The Victory

The sand beneath his shoes were stained in blood. How much have been spilled in this battle alone? Five hundred men against three thousand. Two hundred men had sacrificed themselves to take out half of their forces, trapping them in a burning fortress. 

He rode back with the remaining three hundred, prepared for death.

His arms were screaming in exhaustion. The sword on his left, and spear on his right were tied to his hand and arms. His fingers had long lost their ability to grip on the weapons tightly. His armor was pitiful, however his spirit is still strong.

The sand. The blood colored sand seemed so close. Was he kneeling? Droplets of blood dripping, were they his own? An arm grabbed him, pulling him up, supporting him as the battle still continued to rage around them. “GENERAL. YOU HAVE TO RUN. WE’D MAKE A PATH FOR YOU TO RETREAT.” He was shouting. Siwan shook his head, he will not leave anyone else to die for his sake.

He had rode out confident. Confident that his wit, his strategy would bring him victory, promising him that chance at Jiu’s hand in marriage. Her kiss before he left under the star lit night, was a appetizer for the sweetness, he knew their marriage will bring.

I’m sorry, my love. He felt tears coming down his face, smearing the blood and dirt on it. He roared, standing steadily, pushing the help away. He lifted his spear to the air. “For Joseon!”

Everything since then became a blur. Men covering his back with their own bodies, his sword penetrating flesh, his spear piercing throats. They were demons on the battlefield, death was a welcomed peace.

Finally, we find a kneeling siwan, barely supporting himself with his sword plunged into the ground. The enemy had ten men left, and he was alone. The enemy general was saying something, siwan did not understand, perhaps respect or gloating, he cared not.

Five hundred Joseon soldiers had brought the three thousand strong enemy to ten. Even if he lost, he won. They charged at him, however he was not alone. He had commanded three other of his best, to lay down playing dead around him. They sprung when the enemies guard was low.

Everything became silent. Light was fading, giving way to the star lit skies.

He laid on his back, his throat parched, his very own light fading.

Tears falling down the side of his face watched the skies, reminiscing of the very same sky he gazed upon with jiu.

She would be alone without him now. His heart clenched, and hurt more than the countless wounds on his body could. He prayed that she will find solace in other. He prayed that she would be eating well. That she would not choose to hide, crying alone at the news of his death. He prayed she would not have chosen to join him.

His eyes widened at that thought. Would she?

His neck moved to gaze around him, the cold of the night would most kill him if his wounds did not. He moved, every muscle in his body screaming as he buried himself, squeezed himself into the bodies surrounding him. While they had long lost their warmth, it would still help him last longer.

He kept his eyes open, no matter how sleepy he felt. He repeated her name, his voice was gone, however his lips moved.

He lips were still moving when he was found, even when his eyes had already closed.

jiu.

[dalsiwan-blog]

haemiyoung:

it was common to find the princess holed up in her quarters, her expression more sullen and quiet than it had ever been in years. many who didn’t have eyes in court were sure to have no idea, but fellow royals and higher dignitaries knew it all— her brother had told her of the whispers, the talk her recent news of engagement and sudden change in demeanor brought up.

miyoung was trying, truly she was, to accept her fate ( never had the thought of sadness and marriage being hand in hand for her, the idea that her future marriage would be one of mutual affection and love ). her mother had warned her, had tried to make sure her daughter understood that not every princess got a happy ending, but she hadn’t listened.

deep inside, there was a part of her that felt dejected, hurt not only by the reality of a betrothal she had no say in, but also that the man was to be given to hadn’t wanted her. it made the sting that much deeper, her heart aching constantly, knowing she might make him unhappy as well.

that day, while she had agreed to spend time with one of her younger sisters ( she decided it was time to get a little fresh air and let her rooms have a break from her presence ), she found herself returning far earlier than she’d originally thought she would. her heart still hurt, mind still reeling, and she found herself needing more peace to herself. it seemed she wouldn’t be granted that blessing, however, as her soon to be husband came to view in his leave from her door.

“s-siwan,” she stutters, his appearance a surprise she’d not been expecting. “have you come for something?”

He would have laughed bitterly, had he not been in the presence of his wife to be. Fate is cruel. Fate had bonded them together, and he is unable to refuse the king. In a sense, he knows she shares the same dilemma as he does. Her surprise at seeing him, echoes his dread at seeing her.

She is beautiful, he’d admit. Her personality could have been a good match for him as well. However, such discussion within is for naught. His heart already belongs to another. He had attempted to get to know her, as duty suggests. The more he found out about her, the more he had wished happiness for her. 

Happiness he will be unable to provide for her.

“I have brought a gift on my return.” He replied, in a manner similar to the one he uses in court. “It is proper that I deliver it to you, considering our engagement.”

He held another sigh threatening to escape, instead showing a well practiced smile to her.

“I do hope you are well, and that the heat of summer have not gotten to you yet.”

Do you have a beloved? Are you hurting as much as I am?

“I apologize...” for being stuck with me.

“I wished I could have prepared a much better gift, however the men want to rush home to their families.”

“Would you like to...” ask me to leave? “invite me in for tea?”

[dalsuji-deactivated20180520]

» a helping hand

[dalsiwan-blog]

@dalsuji​

[...]

“if…. if he comes, he might have other things to take care of.”

You’re getting weak, siwan. He sighed internally.

He saw hope when she looked at him. Did he shared that same hope in his eyes when Woon helped get him close to Jiu?

I am really getting weaker.

“He will come.” Siwan replied. “General’s honor.”

He smiled towards the tutor’s daughter. She will be the eye of the storm should woon fall deeper for her. His enemies will use her as his weakness if they find out. His allies would attempt to remove her, after all, weaknesses for a crown prince is a liability.

The factions would be hounds for a piece such as her on the game board. Siwan knew the risk, however looking into her eyes, he is unable to reject her.

After all, woon deserve some happiness. At least one of them should be happy after all.

[dalsiwan-blog]

dalchilhyeon:

ChilHyeon felt everything that she was worried about washed away as soon as she ran into his arms. A smile formed on her face, she was just glad that Siwan was back home safely and that’s all that matters at the moment. “Welcome back. I’m glad you came home safely. Of course, I have…”

Staring back down at the gift, Hyeon couldn’t wait to see what is hidden inside the small ornate container. Though she wasn’t picky in what her older brother bring her whenever he comes back from his trips but at the moment she hopes it’s colored pigment for her artwork.

“….I just haven’t been feeling well lately that’s all….” She replied, staring down at the ground, but she knew that her weight loss wasn’t about her feeling well instead it was about stress that she was dealing with while he was away. “Of course I have. What’s the point of making friends when nobody doesn’t want to be around you….no matter how hard I try….”

The last time she left the house it didn’t end so well for her, she came back home drenched in water and covered in dirt and that’s was only a few weeks ago. And besides that, she could overhear father talking about finding her a husband since she would soon be of age to get married. Hyeon watches different men enter and exit the house, it seems like the only one would care about who she married was Siwan as he was there asking to look over the groom selection as well with father. But she knew that father wanted to find one quickly before her birthday.

Hyeon tried to keep a smile on her face, but at the same time, she is starting to worry once again. “…And mother and father are waiting for you as well. You know I always love the gifts that you bring me.”

Slowly opened up the container top, she looked inside of it and smiled widely before looking back at him. “What a beautiful color, thank you so much, Wan”

Siwan looked at his younger sister, his lips thinning and eyes filled with worry. He knew a false smile when he sees one, especially coming from someone he practically brought up. 

He glanced towards the main hall, knowing his father would be awaiting his report for a hard fought victory. His mother would be curious if he had eaten well, if there are new scars.

Sometimes, especially looking at Hyeon, he wondered if he cast too large of a shadow on his siblings. His accomplishments, his burden, the attention from the royal family... These proud moments for the family, is slowly eroding the time they look at his siblings.

“Father would be speaking to me about work, and mother would be babying me.” Siwan chuckles, reaching out to stroke his sister’s head. “You’re much more of an enjoyable company for a general, tired from the outside world.”

He crosses his arms, a wide grin appearing. Nudging Hyeon with his shoulder, he looks at her. “What? After receiving your brother’s gift, you’re throwing me to the wolves?”

[dalsiwan-blog]

haejiu:

( `featuring: dalsiwan )

“to be or is. what difference does it make? you’re no longer mine siwan- why can’t i grasp it?” she speaks with anger towards herself. each word produces a new cloud of darkness in her heart, a feeling she’s becoming used to- unfortunately. 

she’s come to a full circle of blaming herself. she’s the one to blame. had she not fallen for siwan, this wouldn’t be happening. had she begged the king to allow them to be wed, maybe she would have gotten her happy ending. 

but it’s too late for that now. even the thought of siwan spending a night with miyoung pains her. though she wants nothing best for her siblings- if siwan is miyoung’s best, does she really want that? 

no. 

she grips the fabric that separates her hand and his heart. “you plague my every waking thought siwan. and even when i think i can be free of you- you appear again. countless nights i prayed for your safety. i prayed for you to come back. to come back to me.” but that’s not the reality she gets. 

“true torture is giving your heart and soul only for it to be rejected because the crown and country are placed higher than you. true torture is having to hide away from your family because you’re ashamed. ashamed to face your sister for loving her soon-to-be husband. ashamed at the fact that i couldn’t even be vocal about how much i loved you- how much i do love you.”

her fingers cup his cheeks, her thumbs caressing his face in ways that she can only hope express how much affection she still holds for him. “what are we to do? what am i to do?”

This was a dead game of go, several stones are already stuck. Defeat is imminent.  He is caught between a spear and a sword. Perhaps, there was a way to turn this game around. However... the price might be too high.

He is really getting weaker these days. He had warned others about placing too much focus on a particular stone, lest they corner you. Yet, every move he makes is to protect this stone. Jiu.

He could set a piece down in motion that would shake Joseon. It was simple. Drag the engagement. When Woon takes on the throne, he could annul the engagement, and with Woon knowledge of their love, grant Jiu a rightful place by his side. For this to work... the King must pass.

He could do it in five.. no.. four years. An illness, or a coup. His heart raced faster in the deed he was planning. If only if he had the confidence that it might fail, however he knew, if he commit to it. The King will pass.

He looked at his love. He watched the flickering flame of hope in her eyes. Is she worth committing high treason for? To go against crown and country? Surprisingly, his heart answered yes.

Would their love survive however... If he was the one to end the life of her father. Even if it was a perfect crime... would his own soul survive?

“I love you.” He whispered, pulling her into him. He closed his eyes, willing away the demons forming in his mind. When someone you love more than life is in pain, it was a very simple decision to make on the spot. Siwan lied.

“It’d all be fine.” He whispered. “I will find a way... Can you wait?”