Whispering Sweet Nothings

Tan Bowen scrambled quickly down the mountainside, catching up with Bai Li and Mei Meili and tapping the commander on the shoulder.

Not wanting to make a scene and not sure what he could say to object, Bai Li reluctantly stopped and let Meili down, handing her over to Tan Bowen and assisting her up onto the man's back.

She was somewhat reluctant to be carried by the young poet after reading his lantern, but she didn't want to continue to burden Bai Li on the steep slope.

Tan Bowen hoisted her up and started to gingerly make his way down the mountain. It was actually very hard going, though there was no way he would admit to that.

"So," he whispered to her, "you saw my wish." It wasn't a question. "What do you think of the idea?"

This was good in a way, he decided. Better to bring things to a head and have them out in the open.