[Feb 3][Shediao Yingxiong Zhuan][Something Old, Something New]

[lilacfield.livejournal.com]

Title: Something Old, Something New
Day/Theme: Feb 3/lemongrass summer
Series: Shediao Yingxiong Zhuan
Pairing: Guo Jing x Huang Rong
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Shediao Yingxiong Zhuan belongs to Jin Yong, et al.


They were married when the peach blossoms were growing subdued and paler in color. She had exclaimed that she would rather the wedding take place in late spring, when the blossoms would be at their most profuse.

"It could have been," he said, as if in apology, "but everything was done at the last minute, and before you know it, it's a new season already. And surely you don't want to postpone it for another year?"

She pouted, a seventeen-year-old young woman who had not yet felt the restrictions of wifehood, and was determined to overcome them. "Well, all right. Who needs those blossoms anyway. It's not like they're going anywhere. And since it's going to be a special day, I'll also think up something special."

On their wedding night, he discovered that she had inadvertently created a way to help him forget his nervousness. "What is this smell?" he asked, leaning closer and frowning.

"Nice, isn't it? I picked up these herbs last time I was in the mainland." The packet, half the size of her palm, was square-shaped, sewn with silver threads. She lifted it so he could get a better look. Then she saw his eyes, and brought down her hand in a hurry, feeling acutely self-conscious. "I think it smells like my mother would," she finished, somewhat lamely.

Every summer in her life would whisper to her the memory of that low, sweet scent.