It almost doesn’t feel real. The world is saved. He’s still alive. And Hien is still here despite everything. It’s a lot to think about. Hien probably senses that he’s doing too much thinking because the man just tugs on his horn again and kisses him even more.
Looks like all of that thinking will just have to wait. Right now, Solara’s just going to enjoy this additional chance he’s been gifted to try to do things right this time.
WolHien Week Prompt List
Auraugust Day 28: Wow! | Free Day
WolHien Day 4: Free Day | AU
"...Akito?"
His childhood friend was perhaps simultaneously the person Hien least expected and most wanted to see during this tumultuous night. Hien hasn't seen or even heard from his (former?) retainer since he offered Akito freedom from his duties, and the lack of contact has been gnawing at him since. But thank the kami he's here now. If anyone has the knowledge on what is causing people to turn into monsters left and right, it would be Akito.
Auraugust Day 30: ... (No Words) | Family
WolHien Day 6: Leadership / Power
“I mean to flood Doma Castle.
…You do not have to respond. In truth, I rather you do not. I am already well aware of your prospective response.
After all, for the sake of victory, one must be willing to expend any tile in their hand. Your actions have already shown me that this is a sentiment you will not disagree with.”
Auraugust Day 25: Yummy | Relief
WolHien Day 1: First Meeting/First Impression
It is almost effortless talking to Hien. Before today, Solara hadn’t expected much of the Prince of Doma. What was there to expect? Another city-state leader that needed his help in the face of Garlemald? It was a bit of an uncharitable take, but he never expected to get dragged into this war in the first place.
And then they actually met. Hien’s charismatic speech to his retainers ground to a halt when he locked eyes with Solara, the remaining words left clumsily hanging on his lips. Solara would’ve done the same were he speaking at the moment.
Solara doesn’t know this man. He’s never even seen him before. And yet, something within Solara stutters and aches when he looks at Hien Rijin’s face. The ground had stopped shifting and the world had stopped spinning just to give enough time for something within Solara to click into place. From the stunned silence, he has little doubt that Hien felt something similar.
The rest of the day is a blur after that. The hours blaze past, ignited by a reunion of two strangers and a life together missed. Solara knows that Yugiri and Lyse are both baffled by this behavior from him. He thinks he sees Gosetsu almost begin to tear up.
The Mol settlement isn’t quite home. But it has much the same warmth. Solara should visit his own village tomorrow, and introduce everyone to his family. Sitting here by the fire, basking in the wind, the sun, and the smells, makes Solara realize just how much he missed being on the Steppe.
And then Cirina brings out a set of buuz, and Solara nearly cheers with joy. Even with a different filling than he’s used to, the dumplings are deeply nostalgic. He hasn’t had any good buuz in over a year. It’s just not the same without access to the same ingredients. The party ends up eating so many that they all end up having to help gather ingredients for additional batches.
It is a day well spent, closed off by a long overdue set of fun sparring and teasing. Sometimes, it's nice to fight like your life isn’t actually on the line. Shun is a cute name, and Solara very much enjoys the slight fluster it gets out of Hien when he realizes Solara heard the entire conversation.
…Perhaps that is why it all feels so much like a betrayal when the Prince of Doma opens his mouth about the Naadam the next day. It is only by the grace of Lyse and Yugiri’s presence that Solara decides to not grace the man’s face with a warning shot then and there.
Auraugust Day 27: Huh? | Underhand
WolHien Day 3: Relationship
He is being reckless. His strikes lack focus and his footsteps want for grace. Hien has had the misfortune of being at the end of Solara’s blade twice before. The man was more than a match for him both times, but it was enough for Hien to understand that Solara values precision over might.
This is not the same man before him. And it is the only reason why Hien has not been dusted across the Enclave’s docks at present moment. The others have run out of patient and gentle approaches to pulling the Warrior of Light of his self-destructive behavior. Yet any alternative is unthinkable. None of them would dare raise their sword against him. He is far too adored. And Solara would be unwilling to raise his blade against Doma’s people back. He would simply leave. And likely never return.
Hien is the exception. That he is well aware. Thus it falls on him to take this… unwise approach. The ache in his hands from repelling Solara’s strikes well supports the folly of his decision. But Hien still owes Solara everything. And if aggravating the man even further is the only way forward from this situation, the only way force Solara to rest and recover, Hien will gladly continue shouting insults and injuries at him. The man already detests him, as much as that fact pains him. He may as well put it towards productive use.
