5.4 "Strangers"

Saye was surprised by Shu XinYi's bizzare actions. But he quickly adapted to say, "I don't have a horse but ... I can craft very well. If you allow me to build a carriage and join it with your horse, then I can get to work now, Master Calian." After saying this Saye waited for Calian to reply.

Shu XinYi thought about the consequences of this, it wasn't a bad idea. But won't they be late if they go forward with this idea? Shu XinYi doubted. He still said, "Ok then, but be done with your task before the sun reaches it seams, or else I'll have to leave."

Saye said in a tone of confidence, "Don't worry, I'll be done in 30 minutes." Shu XinYi didn't argue and sat back as he watched Saye gather wood and other equipment necessary. In about 5 minutes he had started the process of construction. From the structure design to the stability rods, to the tires, everything was done artistically. It felt beautiful to watch the scattered peices of wood come together to form a complete structure. The wood was even carved and polished, no part of the structure was left unattended. The crafter wasn't in a hurry. He wanted to give justice to his craft, taking his time. Even then, after some 30 minutes, a beautiful carriage was joined behind the horse.

It wouldn't even suffice to say that Saye was very talented in his crafts.

Shu XinYi was genuinely impressed as he said, "If you did this instead of stealing then you would be making some serious money."

Saye was wiping sweat of his face as he said, "A "good work" would have done."

Shu XinYi chuckled saying, "Oh this is much more then just good work. My compliments wouldn't do justice. Either way, let's depart."

Shu XinYi said approaching the carriage, just then Saye took lead and offered his hands to Shu XinYi to help him climb. Shu XinYi looked at the stretched out hand. Shu XinYi always knew his amnesiac husband's hand to be gentle looking, yet firm. But this hand was rough and stern, demanding, not inviting. Shu XinYi looked up to face Saye wanting to see even a trace of familiarity in his features, but nothing.

Saye thought that Calian was angry at him for doing such a thing, after all Calian was known to be seriois and independent. Saye thought of Calian's generosity from before as a door to friendship, but only now did he realize how absurd that thought was. I am not even worthy of his words, much less his friendship.

Shu XinYi saw as a pained expression appeared on the face he was scrutinizing. Tch, what happened now? Although the eyes did decieve Shu XinYi but he still felt hurt seeing the pained expression on Saye's face.

Saye said in an anxious yet respectful tone, as he took his hand back, "Master Calian, I am sorry for my rude behavior. I have no excuses, you may punish me."

Shu XinYi couldn't even be impressed by his masochism anymore, "Mhm. I'll punish you alright but not for this, but for hiding your true self from me."

Saye was taken aback by Calian's words, did he perhaps know who I am? Or is it just the instinct of someone experienced like Calian? Either way, Saye had no plans of hiding away from Calian. Saye kneeled down to say, "Master Calian, I-" Saye wanted to continue but he heard a very saddened yet irritated tone of Calian say, "Again, Let me get this clear. Do you feel like you owe me something? How can you just kneel down like this and ask me for a punishment? In the morning you were running away from goons to not get beat up by them, but here you are willingly asking for one from me? I knew you were hiding your true identity the moment you broke free of my hands that time, I am the military commander of the whole region, how many elves do you think are able to get away from me easily?"

Saye felt his heart burn at the first question Shu XinYi asked. Do I owe you something? Calian, if you knew how much I really owe you, you would leave me without a second thought. Saye said in a losing tone, "Master Calian, I may .. I may owe you somethings. But for me, it would be better to die then speak about those things. But you are right, this is not my true identity, I never intended to hide this truth from you. But I don't mean any harm to anyone. If you don't want me to follow you into the capital, then I won't argue."

Shu XinYi found some clarity after listening to Saye's answer. He answered some questions for himself, but there was one question still unanswered which Shu XinYi wanted an answer for. He offered his hand to Saye and said, "Get up, I don't care what you think you owe me. Neither do I want you to care for it. But still, you have disheartened me." At this Saye really did take Shu XinYi's hand to stand up. Why was Calian sad? Did I do something wrong again?

Shu XinYi said in a sad tone, "You really don't want to travel with me? I thought I finally found a travel companion. Haa. Will I ever not be lonely in this life. But it's okay for you to come with me, the capital is far. The way is long and lonely, not one you want to travel alone." Saying this he just stood there taking in the fresh air.

Saye didn't like it, seeing Calian look so lonely and sad. I will do whatever makes you happy, Saye thought. Without thinking Saye had moved his hands to rub Shu XinYi's ear, seeing the sad look on his face. He said in a calming tone, "Don't be too worried. It's not that I don't want to travel with you, but I didn't want to put you in a compromising situation. After all I am a stranger to you, you shouldn't help me."

Although Saye did find his behavior very bizzare, he didn't remove his hands from Calian's ear. Shu XinYi found some peace for his anxious heart as he said with an innocent smile, "Do you usually touch strangers ears? Or is it another impulsive behavior of yours?" At this Saye qyickly took his hand back, he wanted to say sorry but he was too embarrassed to even speak. Shu XinYi touched Saye's ear, and moved in close to say in his other ear, "Do you know that an Elf's ear is one of their erogenous zones? Not only that, the ears have highly concentrated spritual veins. "Strangers" don't touch another elf's ears like this. Every elf knows this."

Saye watched wide eyed at the beautiful face that had come too close to him, trying to make sense of the situation. Why is Calian so .. so cute? He is the most stern military commander to ever walk this land, yet right now he looks like an aggressive little bunny. Saye wasn't embarrassed hearing Shu XinYi, he just said after politely removing his hand from his ear, "Master Calian, If you are aware that I am not an elf, then why not just say it."

Shu XinYi scoffed saying, "Obviously I know that, I can't be easily deceived. Right now what I am intrested in knowing is, how you actually look like." Shu XinYi really looked at Saye's face while saying this, then he continued to say "How about this, I will take you to the city. But you are not allowed to do anything stupid."

Saye's heart was about to burst after being so focused by Shu XinYi's dark eyes, he still asked, "And what do I have to do in return?"

Shu XinYi gave a smug smile but didn't answer.

After getting his confirmation, Shu XinYi wanted to be even more spoiled by his amnesiac husband who had an ear fetish. Shu XinYi said ignoring Saye's question, "Let's go, help me." Shu XinYi said extending his hand. Saye understood and helped Calian up the carriage. Then he too got on. For the next 2 days, they traveled along the northern landscape, without any breaks. During the ride, neither of them had much conversation, but except for the initial anxiousness Saye showed, the rest of the ride was very comfortable.

------x------

After reaching the capital, Shu XinYi used his identity as the military commander to enter the city gates with Saye. "Where will you live? Have you got any plans or are you-" Shu XinYi wanted say something, but Saye accurately completed his sentence as he cut in, "I am NOT an impulsive traveler. Obviously I have the means to make a living. I won't do anything stupid either."

Shu XinYi said in a doubting tone, "Hmm.. You have a good track record for stupidity."

Saye rolled his eyes saying, "Don't worry Master Ilseu, I'll prove you wrong. You should get back to the council."

Right now they were in an empty alley near the main palace. Shu XinYi had already given his horse to the stables. He said in a low voice as he closed in, "Saye, I did bring you to the capital so... In return, I want to see the true you."

A small bomb went off in Saye's heart and mind, hearing Shu XinYi say his name. He barely maintained his calm as he said, "Master Ilseu, you are a wanted man. The council must be waiting for you. If such opportunity arises, then surely you will see me in my true form. Now leave, my Master Ilseu."