The two were familiar with long treks. Since childhood, their nans, mentors, and guards ensured the two brothers knew the layout of Ignavia and each tribe. Except this time, they were going with a battle in mind.
Xie Fang sheathed his blade while the guards dressed Xie Huo. Dressed him in silk and iron.
Dressed and ready, Xie Huo walked by his brother, posture sharp and unbending, nodding back at the gesture directed at him.
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
The city that was Danyang-ri sat atop a hill near a river. Yanlei. The entirety of the place was green, apart from the deep blue lake. And sometimes, on chilly, yet warm mornings, people would be greeted by the sight of fog-covered rocks peeking out from the river. Such was the beauty of it.
It was such a morning that time a fire was thrown into their town. All stood, agreeing with anything thrown their way, which was nothing more than lies. A rebellion started. But just as it did, it was soon quelled by the emperor's fighters, who came out of the fog just like those rocks in the river. Not only that, the emperor himself had shown up and taken down any threat to his crown and authority.
To Xie Huo, this was an emperor. One who did not dare hide, but rather, face everything head on head.
Xie Fang came up and followed his brother, sheathing his weapon. While Xie Huo carried his, it was not a sign of wanting to let it go.
Xie Huo stood and walked proudly, but his younger brother could not deny the slight nervousness creeping up his back. Something didn't feel right. Even if victory was theirs, he expected something worse.
The two approached a group of their royal guards that stood over some villagers on their knees. "These are the rebels who reinforced the mutiny. The leaders of such a farce had run away. By boat."
Xie Huo sighed. A deep one. But no one really understood the meaning of it. Was it out of annoyance? Or anger? Or perhaps even pity. "Can't understand whether it is the pro or the con of a town being stationed near a river. But, it is what it is."
Out of the sixteen rebels on their knees, only a few dared to look up at their emperor. With disdain in their eyes. One in particular stood out. A woman with hair, the colour of an acorn, and a well-fed, podgy body looked at the emperor with a frown that seemed to burn a hole through his head. The two stared at one another for quite some time. And just when he thought she'd be the one to speak up, it was one of the guys. "So you're our new emperor? Another greedy dog asking the poor for a bone until they have nothing left themselves. You all think you're so perfect! But what about us!? You only ever see yourselves!"
"Enough of this nonsense. What is the meaning of this? I do not understand nor know. What has my father done that you despise him so?" Hie Huo showed a face of compassion, but also complete confusion. He truly didn't know why everything was going so awry just a few days after his coronation.
"Don't lie! And don't act like you don't know. Do you think you're a saint or something!? You're all just a bunch of weeds in the plough field, draining the life source of the vegetables until they have nothing to feed off of and wither away." The man spat at Xie Huo's armoured foot, frowning. And whatever came next, even he knew would happen. A knight from behind took his head back and pressed a blade to his throat, cutting it. He fell forward.
"No one dares speak to their emperor like this! Is there any other poor soul ready to die?" The guard looked at the rebels. Xie Huo was about to protest, but he had no reason; what was done was done. "What to do with the rest?"
He looked at them for a good minute, thinking and running through ideas. He could be the tyrant everyone expected or be the opposite... "Go. Throw them into the dungeon that is closest to here. They shall meet their doom there." He turned to the side, glancing at his younger brother just for a moment.
"I curse you." A whisper. One that not many have heard. But Xie Huo did. He turned back, looking for the source of such words. "I curse you!" And finally, he saw it. It was the same woman. She raised her head, showing teeth and wide eyes directed at him. She squirmed, ripping at the rope tying her hands. "I curse you! You're not worthy of anything good! You're the emperor of animals, not humans!" Each word of hers was accentuated with the flow of spit. "I curse you! May the earth beneath my feet and the whispers of the wind heed my words! You are not worthy. You shall live a life of pain and misery! Soon, it shall end! But soon those dear to you shall suffer!! O heed my words the life around me and all those living, moving or not! You shall suffer a gruesome fate by the ropes of life and death!"
"Shut your mouth!" A guard slapped her across the face with the back of his armoured hand. She spat out blood but only laughed. Xie Huo held up his hand, halting his guardsmen from acting so rashly.
"There's no need to harm her. Leave it as it is." He gave a curt nod and didn't pay attention any longer, just turned and left. And, of course, Xie Fang followed.
And once they were far from any prying eyes or ears, they just looked around at the aftermath. "Brother." Xie Fang halted. And Xie Huo turned around. He knew it. He felt it.
"Hm?" A slow blink, pausing for just a while. "If It was about earlier. Do not worry your head over such words."
"But Xie Huo, those words... Were they not passionate enough to catch your attention?" He took a tentative step forward.
"Not at all. But, as an emperor, mere weasel words should not be enough to break me or my own will to strive forward. No matter how serious, I do not have any serious thoughts about words. Such as those I heard. Even if she was passionate about it, it would not be enough to make me cower in fear."
"I understand it, but... Isn't that what Ignavia is all about? Words. Curses. We have so many people, so many cultures, and their traditions. There are so many believers. Even if it was not enough to make you falter, sometimes a belief becomes the truth, no matter the consequences. Ignavia is home to so many things." His brows were furrowed. And he was clearly upset and furious about his brother, his emperor, ignoring something so... serious.
Xie Huo smiled, and a sound similar to a soft scoff went out of his nose. "Whatever it is that is weighing you down, let go of it." He stepped closer, patting his brother's shoulder. "There's nothing to be worried about." He pressed his forehead against Xie Fang's for a moment. Soon, he turned and walked off to where his presence was needed. A call from one of the guards.
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
Town after town, march after march. The fire spread; no one was able to quell it. Oh, how it pained Xie Huo to be useless against such a simple task. Many were already tired. Even the horses began panting more and more as they went. Until Xie Huo thought it was best to take a break, no matter how important each moment was.
Well, he himself has been seen coughing. The more they went East, the more prominent it became. It was just dust, the thick air, and endless riding. Xie Fang covered him.
But... Was it?
Just when Xie Huo stepped away from the camps to find at least a small pond to wash his face, he caught himself looking at his bloody palm. "Again..." He mumbled to himself quietly. Nothing hurt, and yet, this was the fifth time that week. He was of strong stamina. Nothing could break him down so easily. Not even Xie Fang was tired. But Xie Huo? It felt as if with each step, a weight was put on his shoulder. Of course, he brushed it off, cleaning his hand into the silk of his outerwear.
Soon, he found himself back at one of the tents, standing over a table and discussing the next phase of the plans. Since they had stopped for an entire night, it was clear as the day that the rebels would have left.
A general spoke, but Xie Huo zoned out. ''If the rebellion inciters plan on spreading this rebellious fire North and West, it is best we split up. I have already prepared messengers at the ready to head over to Gurgon and Huang if needed. Your Majesty.'' He turned to his emperor, waiting for a response, but none came. ''Your majesty?'' His tone changed, eyebrow raising.
Xie Fang decided his emperor needed to be poked. So, he poked him at the elbow. ''Your Majesty?''
''Hm? Oh - oh, right. Yes, it is a good plan. This way, we might save some time.'' He looked down at the map before him, a general pushing forward a marker. Just what was going on with him...
Soon, the meeting concluded, and Xie Huo leaned against the table. ''Xie Fang.'' He stopped his right hand before he could step out the tent. ''It is best you head back to the capital.''
''What?..'' His voice soft, melancholic even, as if he was ready to protest.
''Father is sick. We need one of us to be next to him. You know how he is, he always thinks he knows it all and is ready to finally cross the line of mortality. And he needs at least one of his family members, his true blood, to be there for him. And more than that, Fenzhou has been left under the council's watch, not a single royal eye. That can not be. So, I need someone to rule and greet noble guests in my steed.'' He placed a hand on Xie Fang's shoulder, patting.
Xie Fang looked at his emperor dumbfounded. ''Right. I will go then.'' He submitted, giving a curt nod.
When the day came, Xie Huo marched north of Ignavia while Xie Fang rode down the main road to the capital.
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
Curtains billowed, flowers wilted. Flags moved along the raging with. Black ones.
And Xie Fang stood while facing the altar, head down, looking like he was lost in thought. And perhaps he was. For, now, he had to stand before his father's tomb. Now, he had to deal with the entire ceremony while his brother fought an endless battle against rebels.
It seemed like the universe was crying, too, the day seemingly unforgiving with its harsh wind and dark clouds. Yet, no rain.
It was a long process, the burial of an emperor, even when former. But mostly, it was just the standing through the day and singing songs of former emperors and their deeds, up until the one they were burying was brought up. And even if the emperor had nothing heroic to their name, the balladeers always had dug something up nonetheless.
Offerings were given, and the high priest lit incense and candles covered in gold. It was customary to wear white, and everyone did, but one. Xie Fang was the one to wear black. Following foreign principles. And no one dared say a thing.
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
''Young Prince.'' A servant walked up, bowing and extending a letter. And when Xie Fang took it, the servant was excused themselves.
He opened it, read it, and dropped it to the floor.
The entire palace was lifted onto its feet and turned upside down with how much fervour he spoke and ordered the maids and knights around. And neither understood what was going on. They just complied.
After all the preparations, Xie Fang rushed outside, breathing and heart heavy, chest aching. Just a few days ago, he had buried his father, and now... Why was it that fate was so cruel to him? What had he done to deserve it?
All that time, up until evening, he stood at the palace gates, waiting and watching. And when he was called inside, he said it could wait, for he would not go in without his brother.
A caravan, knights and horses, and a carriage passed the gate and further inside the territory. He watched, the world suddenly spinning and noise ringing through his ears. They moved the emperor out of the carriage, a physician following suit. It was full of rushed movements and heavy words. Xie Fang fell against the wall, as if a weight was pressing him down on his shoulders, eyes suddenly heavy. A general walked up to him, trying to wake him up from the haze. ''Duyang...''
''It will be alright, my Prince, do not worry.'' He said, as if those few words could break the wall, the haze he was in.
The healers got to work. And Xie Fang, even through the shock, decided that he simply would not leave his brother's side. They undressed him, ripping away any restraint. The knights had wrapped a ripped cloth at his side, a temporary restraint to stop the blood. Just within these few days and nights, Xie Huo had gotten frail, all that muscle lost with time. But he was fed so well, so much better than any other noble family... He was always given a feast befitting an emperor. No matter the situation.
It was another odd thing. His brother's body was half dark, the colour of ash. The colour of black enveloped his right side. His breathing was shallow, heavy, and hot.
''A bad omen... A curse.'' He whispered, arms crossed as his dull eyes stared at the sight before him. Such a disheartening view.
''You think so?'' General Duyang turned his head to look at the prince beside him.
''No. I know it. It was that woman... And I told him, told him it would result in-in-'' He almost choked, trying so hard not to cry, to not show weakness. Duyang kept quiet, as if no word could calm the prince beside him.
''We started noticing how hollow and sleepless he started looking, told him to take a break for a bit. It was necessary to keep him on his feet and all. But, you know how stubborn he is, my Prince. And then. out of nowhere, he started acting... Weird. He had strength, but it did not feel like it was his. As if at that moment, he was someone else altogether. I do not know the details of it either.'' Duyang sighed, sipping on his wine, one he had obtained from one of the many campaigns. One such town was Bakshi, known for its strong rice beverage. "The knights just found him wounded, an arrow at his side from a battle. He most likely killed the enemy but could not move further. Lucky we found him soon enough."
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
Days passed. Xie Fang tried to take care of he matters at hand, to try and quell the rebellion himself, but the generals had more plans than he did. And he could only vouch for the best out of the best.
''How unusual...'' A sword master spoke to the late emperor's hand maid.
''What's so unusual about feeling sad? Just because he is royalty? Well, mind you, both had no true mother figure, and Xie Huo took it all upon himself, raised his younger brother himself. Cared more than the late emperor, I see nothing unusual.'' Her words were sharp, but she wasn't mocking her late master, the former emperor.
They whispered, but Xie Fang heard it nevertheless. He could easily have their tongues on a golden platter, but he did not budge, too occupied about his brother's wellbeing. As of late, he had no appetite. Still, for his brother, he tried, promised not only to the generals, but also his Xie Huo, as if it could wake him up from the deep slumber he was in. He stirred the soup in his hands, lost in thought.
''I am no emperor... I am not as wise as you, brother...''
''But you could be...'' A groan like sound ripping through the silent bedroom. ''You are good with a blade...'' He coughed, clutching his side.
Xie Fang's eyes widened, and he just stared for a moment. Awestruck. ''Brother... Xie Huo!'' He suddenly jumped up and was right at Xie Huo's side.
''I know... I know I gave you quite the fright. But truly, I am not that easy to beat...'' He smiled with the good side of his face, a smirk if one could call it that.
''And still, we are mere mortals. Do not play with your life like this ever again... I beg.'' Just to prove a point, Xie Fang got down on his knees, taking Xie Huo's hand and kissing the knuckles.
His brother was finally back, and that was all that mattered to Xie Fang. Finally, he could also focus on those meetings now, knowing Xie Huo was getting better. Still, he could not avoid the way Xie Huo looked... As if he was some monster. And the blood he kept coughing up, it was a dark colour.
Xie Fang thought all would be well. And it looked like it would. Until a few days passed.
''Xie Fang...''
''Hm?'' He looked up from his book. He thought his brother perhaps wanted some tea and even poured some in, standing up and offering it to Xie Huo.
And when he brought it to his brother, he realised Xie Huo had not continued his thought. Taking a closer look, he could see those lifeless eyes return, just staring up at the celing. And the room's atmosphere suddenly felt tense. He pulled away, brows furrowed.
''When the time comes, do not hold back... Kill me.'' He stared ahead, laying on his back.
''Xie Huo!" He yelled at his older brother and felt rage he had never felt before. But, it was his emperor that raised a hand to shush him.
''Just do it. It will be better for both of us.'' He said it so quietly. A soft whisper, and then turned his head away. ''Promise me.''
Xie Fang protested and gripped the sheet, feeling like a bull as teror engulfed his senses.
꧁⎩ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎭꧂
No one expected it, but soon their bedridden emperor was back on his feet. He even joked around. Many were happy about it, but Xie Fang felt frightened... It seemed suspicious, weird how Xie Huo acted like nothing ever happened, like he still wasn't sick.
As if to worry Xie Fang even more, he had picked up his weapon again and was ready for another battle. Sure, Xie Fang was happy for his brother and how he felt so much better. Not to mention the strength. But it ate him inside. What was going on?..
And they marched once again. Except this time, Xie Fang would not leave even if his brother begged it. He simply could not risk the same thing happening once again.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Another town, another dead end. But this time, no one even went against them, as if no rebel had even been there. "Perhaps the scouts have lied. Or, looked too deep into it."
"And if they lied, I'll personally slice their head off." General Tien glanced over at the two men he called his best messengers, his lapdogs. And those guys shivered, sweating and biting their tongues.
"No need for such harsh behaviour to your men." Xie Fang walked up to the group. Behind, the men the scouts had called rebels. "They were about to set a building on fire. They are no inciters. Rather, they were going to try and burn this town down to ashes out of spite. So, you should thank your men for even this. They saved an entire town."
Those scouts seemed to be so happy they got down and started kissing Xie Fang's feet. He moved away, not the kind to like such... Respect.
Even if the heist seemed to bear no fruit, the group needed rest. And Sajihomi seemed like a comfortable place. They built camp just outside town, far but close enough to get food if needed.
General Tien himself had gone into town to get rice wine for himself and his two royal leaders. And on the way to the encampment, he ran into none other than Xie Huo. He stood on a small hill, the one from where one could see all the plough fields, yellow grass, whether it was wheat or rice.
The general decided to step forward, have a chat with his emperor, and share the bottle with him alone. But, it was not needed any longer.
The bottle dropped to the ground, glass shattering. And the earth tucked up the liquid that spilt.
The emperor had dropped to his knees as if he had been shot by an arrow.
"The wound reopened." The physician groaned, focusing on sewing the wound back up. "Expected after such a long trek. I told you to be careful."
"It is not easy to command an emperor." General Tien retorted, laughing at his own remark. But no one else dared to. So, he just quieted and sighed, whispered some sort of mean remark to himself about the dead joke.
"Make sure he doesn't get out of here until morning. We'll be going back to the capital." Xie Fang looked like he lost all interest in battle and fire extinguishing all together. "I'll leave it all to you and your soldiers once again, general Tien. And once again, thank you for bringing back my... Emperor."
Tien smiled back and gave a curt nod in return. "He raised you, I understand the turmoil you feel each moment he falls to his knees or coughs like he's dying, forgive me for saying that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I seem to have a change of plans for tomorrow."
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Before heading back, Xie Fang paid one last visit to town. There, he was treated to a hearty meal and some wine. He wasn't one to drink, so he felt a little tipsy and went outside. He wasn't too familiar with Sajihomi, but nearby was a small forest with a source of water, cool and fresh. A perfect mix to wash away the tipsiness
He walked past the people with a haze, nodding to whoever greeted him. Whether it be a smile or a rushed bow. The street seemed to be bustling with work. He did catch a knight, even bargaining over some baked goods. But to him, it seemed to dull in his mind.
It was a rocky area, a small flowing river and an eerie forest with birds chirping, quarrelling on trees. The morning had finally risen and lit up the river, the wet rocks reflecting the strong light. Xie Fang scooped up some water and washed his face, rubbing it in to drown away the dizziness. It felt good to feel the fresh morning air hit your skin, cool, but also warm. And then the smell, oh, the cool air smell.
But, it was quiet... Too quiet for Xie Fang's liking. Unconsciously, he found himself tense and gripping the handle of his weapon, ready to unsheathe it. But why? His brows furrowed, and he closed his eyes, head just barely turning to the left, as if he was listening in...
Which he was. He could no longer hear the birds. They had flown away. To him, it seemed like the trees were talking even with no wind. And he saw it. Those same people he passed by. Those fake smiles that looked worried, sweaty palms, glances at him when he was finally behind the person.
With a flash, he opened his eyes, unsheathed his katana, and cut through the arrows that flew right at him. No matter how many were fired. And soon, the firing stopped. There were about five men; three were melee, and the other two were archers. He could feel their recklessness, how they were not experienced.
But, in such time, Xie Fang could not be merciful. He needed to reach the general and inform them of the attack. Soon, his weapon was at the throat of a sword user who was hiding behind a tree. The man dropped dead at his feet. He picked up the dead man's sword and hid behind the tree himself as more arrows were fired. He peeked out, throwing the sword up where his senses could catch a presence up in the tree. The man fell out, neck, or was it back, cracking. The rest was a blur and easy work when his opponents were not really familiar with sword play.
He ran out of the forest as fast as possible. There was no time to lose or waste. And when he got there, he knew he was not needed, the knights and general Tien were already getting armed and ready, voices loud.
"Guessing you were attacked." General Tien was in the process of tying his shoulder armour as he walked up and spoke to his Prince.
"Barely. It was an attempt, but not a strong one."
"Good." He laughed and patted his stomach, reaching out for the bottle of wine. "Don't mind me, just one last sip before battle." It wasn't a sip, he downed half the bottle. "Oh, and if you're still planning on leaving, best you do so now."
Xie Fang didn't waste any more time and rushed past Tien to the tent where his brother laid. Two knights stood at the entrance, guarding it. He gave them a curt nod and rushed inside.
But, no one was inside. His brother was gone. Just an empty bed with blood, and whatever that wretched black goo enveloping his body was.
And once again, he was outside, except this time, his fury and dread were pointed at the guards. "Where!? Where is he!?"
"S-sorry, m-my Prince..." One shook, gritting his teeth as if ready for a blow.
"T-the emperor left. H-he just got up and left. Said h-he has a b-battle to fight." The other spoke up. And this time, the guy received a punch in the face. Xie Fang had rings, a few of them, and some were particularly sharp, with dagger like edges and spikes. And the poor guard received a punch with one such hand. The ring cut through the flesh of his skin, right over the entirety of his cheek.
Xie Fang did not want to fight, but now he had no choice. If he wished to find his brother, that was. He seemed unable to sit still.
"Gone? I presume?" General Tien smiled as he saw the Prince approach, weapon unsheathed, ready to fight through. "We saw him, he went East. If you wish to catch up, just go already and leave this to us."
Xie Fang didn't know what to say and just complied, whispering a soft thank you and rushing to the right side of battle, East, where his brother had stepped.
He didn't care if he was annoying. Once, Xie Fang had promised to fight in war alongside Xie Huo and come out victorious. Now, he would want that childish dream and promise to come true.
He ran as fast as possible and faltered when he saw a few men slaughtered and laid out like a path before him. He stepped forward, hand quivering.
The plough field was covered in bodies. Rice stems were up to almost his hips, and that rich golden colour was now stained in blood, some patches laid down with the bodies. And in the distance, he could finally hear men grunting. Or perhaps, it was just one.
He rushed forward, and there, in front of him, stood his older brother. Slowly, Xie Huo turned around, panting like crazy. The blackness had completely taken over his right side. Now, even the eye was infected. "Xie Huo?"
He called out. Never in his life did he think his body would react that way, but his hands were gripping the handle of the katana with fear. He was ready to fight his own brother in more than just a usual spar...
Xie Huo didn't reply. Rather, he turned his own double bladed halberd. One end was a light axe while the other was the blade of a guandao.
Xie Fang did not wish to fight his brother, not like this. And still, Xie Huo was the one to launch forward. A heavy weapon against something so tiny.
And Xie Fang saw it, the fervour and madness in his brother's eyes. That was no brother of his. He was gone. In front, the man he was fighting was a stranger, a creature of sorts.
"Brother, please.." He cried out, reflecting each blow directed at him. There was no reply, just the constant push backwards and forward. Xie Fang avoided each blow as much as he could, and each one was stronger than the other. Xie Huo swung his weapon with enough force that it either cut through an entire garth of rice stems. And if not cut, then the blows Xie Fnag blocked ricocheted right off and blew away a large plot, until nothing but the soil and root remained.
Xie Fang called out, tried waking his brother up, and tried reaching him. But nothing helped...
So, with a heavy heart, he realised he had no other choice but to truly fight. He jumped away and raised his weapon, having a firm grip and even wiping away loose tears. Then, both launched forward, blade meeting blade. And Xie Fang sniffled...
Xie Huo was always the better one in everything. He was talented. And as the younger one, he always looked up to his brother rather than father. Because in his eyes, Xie Huo was the gold and sun Xie Fang knew he could not live without.
It took many twists and turns until Xie Fang was running out of stamina and began panting, muscles aching. But he held on. "Do it..." Xie Huo called out, he himself crying. Xie Fang took the chance and knocked his weapon out of his hands, catching it himself.
And before he could come to speak to his brother, that creature was back and more furious. Before Xie Fang could react, he pointed the guandao blade forward, and Xie Huo's body fell forward, the blade piercing through his chest.
His body was right up against Xie Fang's. "Thank you..." He mumbled, tears streaming down his face as he smiled one last time before closing his eyes.
And Xie Fang... He held the weapon that was piercing through his brother. With a shaking hand and jaw, eyes red, he reached out to touch the clean side of his face. Xie Fang let out a wail, not holding back as he hugged his brother's body and touched foreheads one last time...
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
"Now, most of the control has fallen to the hands of the council. They're in charge. Since Xie Fang refuses to budge. He just sits there and does nothing." The man sipped on ale and munched on bread. And when he looked around, he realised just how quiet the tavern had gotten and how many heads were turned to him. "Either way, that's all. Xie Fang just fell into endless pity and probably denial. Whatever."
"Ye- hic He is one loser of a king! hic. " One of the men had already gotten drunk while his friend spoke the tale of Ignavia and the two brothers.
"Oh, look who is drunk. Come on, let's get you home, you drunkard." He got up and helped his friend, while the other took one last glass and joined in, leading their drunk friend outside.
The boy stayed there for a while, contemplating what he had just heard... And soon, he had so many questions! He rushed after the three friends, not caring who he bumped into. "Wait!"
The three men parted ways, except the one who spoke the tale, he stayed while the other decided to help his friend home.
"You know so much! Are... Are you perhaps from Ignavia?" The boy looked at the man with curious eyes, pleading almost, asking to say more.
And the man? He put a hand at his hip, as if reaching for a weapon. "No." Of course, the answer took a few moments as he looked down at the kid before him. "I just know the truth, and that's it."
"Oh, well..." And in the less stiffening air, the kid had noticed the scar across his cheek. "By the way, cool scar." He smiled, as if he said a truly heartfelt compliment.