Mountainside Cave - Present
A gust of wind suddenly flashed into the cave where everyone was resting and there piled neatly to the side was a host of various equipment and weapons. After the initial shock of the matter there in front Kirin, kneeling with his head held low, was Ji ready to report the matter at hand.
Previously after tracking Shou down, Ji could not expose himself nor take her back due to what he was carrying on him. The weight was indeed too much, however he had to ensure she was safe first, once that was established, it was a simple matter in this dragon prince's eyes. With a hint of guilt flashing in Kirin's eyes she finally spoke to Ji who was still kneeling in front of her with lowered eyes. "Ji, please tell me she is alright… I am absolutely worried for her. Who was that man!?"
"She was knocked out by my lady but perfectly safe, he did not seem to harbor any ill intentions towards her, however what I saw in that man's eyes…"
"Tell me Ji please!"
Ji pursed his lips into a thin line as he held an exasperated look on his handsome face, brows furrowed in a questioning gaze while attempting to sort his thoughts as to if he had truly seen what he thought.
He finally spoke with a soft and somber tone, "If my guess is correct… he knows her. The look he held was either adoration, love, or … I can't be too sure My lady. He handled her with such care the entire time, not once did he show a hint of anger or malice. Almost as if he…" Shaking his head of his thoughts to try to sort them he had paused, then continued with full determination, "She is safe for now I do not believe he would harm her so we can take our time to gear up."
Kirin examined Ji for a moment before she turned her gaze out of the cave and nodded slowly. The look on her face was filled with worry for her friend. Seeing as there is no imminent danger she forced herself to relax and rest, they honestly hadn't rested or even ate in such a long while now. Turning around she went further in to prepare a meal for everyone. "May I help you with that my lady?" Varick noticed her worry and decided to join her, besides he wanted a chance to be away from the group and alone with her. Nodding in affirmation, she gladly accepted the distraction from the current situation.
A mischievous glint flashed in Ze's eyes at that current development, the expression on his face showed nothing however that look in his eyes betrayed his thoughts easily. Oh yes this little old man was out to cause trouble. 'Oh ho! What do we have over there hehe.'
As each member of the group tested the weapons to see how well they could wield them effectively, Ji stood at the mouth of the cave staring absentmindedly out into the void of the sky. The look on his face was indescribable and no one could fathom what was going on in his mind at that time. Walking up and placing a hand on his shoulder, Ruishi gently, with a soothing tone, spoke to Ji.
"I.. Your highness I am sorry, I should have been paying more attention…"
Shaking his head slowly after coming out of his thoughts he replied, "No, this is not your blame my old friend. One day you know? I wonder… would it be even possible at this point? *sigh*"
Ruishi stared at Ji with a complicated expression for a moment before turning his face away. "I believe so much in you, Your Highness. In truth, I have always been jealous, but, at least with you… I can rest assured and be content. So don't give up your highness or all of our efforts these many years will be nothing but wasted."
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Ji exhaled and looked towards his long time friend and smiled. The sight was not blinding but instead comforting. Ji has always had a gentle look on his face. It was absolutely stunning when he looked in your direction. He could melt an iceberg, that isn't to say that he wasn't strong though. His overall strength was staggering when he chose to imply it. Being raised in the palace in the higher realm, he was trained by the best of everything. He was pushed into every subject matter be it mentally or physically. It was a requirement of the ruling class in order to have the ability to rule as well as defend the realms.
Taking one last look outside he turned his back away from the open space and returned to the group, leaving a melancholy Ruishi to contemplate in his own thoughts for a moment. At this moment Kirin and Varick returned with food giggling at each other's commentary, completely ignoring the curious gazes focused in their direction at that point.
"So when my sister Kiora was younger she used to put boxes on her head and walk around until someone would lightly pound on the box, making her giggle furiously. Or so my parents told me"
"No! Haha that is too much, you must miss her?"
"Mmm, I do but," Turning to look at Kirin, "I would miss you more honestly speaking."
Ze, Jun, Ji, Ruishi: …
"Varick I…"
Shaking his head, with a gentle smile on his face, he cut her off, "You don't have to say anything, I apologize," Changing the tone and subject he continued, "So dinner is done who is hungry!?" Yes that shameless sentence was uttered without a single care in the world with who was just listening to a moment ago as if nothing happened at all. He put on a huge smile and continued on placing the food down for everyone to dig in.
Kirin looked at Varick for a moment then retracted her gaze, putting on the most alluring smile, stunning everyone, she placed her tray down as well and sat down next to Varick with Jun on the other side of her. The look on Jun's face was complicated, changing constantly like his swirling thoughts and emotions at that point about his little sister's current situation.