Chapter Ten :: City of Yuza

The sun had just begun to set when she heard the horn cry. The bellow sound sang twice, announcing visitors. From where she stood on top of the highest hill in the village, she could see the guard's tower and the wall that closed around the city of Yuza. The bell in which announced sunset rang, followed by the horn cry that a knight of their own has returned. Her heart seemed to freeze at that, squinting towards the west. Knights have been coming home from the Kingdom of Avalon for days now but not the knight she wished to return. Not wanting to feel disappointment, she gathered the oils and paints she was using to create a thing of art on parched paper and began her tired descent down to the village. Hands tight around the bundle, she pulled up her skirts so not to trip and began trotting down the steepest part of the hill.

Dust kicked around her, birds took flight, and a few chickens that had gotten loose clucked their way away from her as she skipped to a stop at the end of the hill. The great horn blew again, this time she didn't pay attention. The guards had joys with that noise and she had learned to ignore it as time passed around her. Walking briskly, she made for her home. From the hill came the forest and she never liked the eerie darkness it presented, even with the guards planting oil lamps as a trail. It wasn't until she reached the cobblestone stretch of road did she slow her walk. Leather shoes slapped against the stones and she smiled to the villagers as she passed. With her cloak hood hiding her feathers, no one knew who passed. Only some knew, since every day the same female went up the hill to paint, awaiting her knight.

Coming up the slight hill to the largest estate in Yuza, she handed her bundle of art to an awaiting guard. Removing her hood, she smiled sheepishly at his obvious irritation. "Lady Chiharu, you know my lord hates it when you're off alone." The guard said, nose wrinkling when she handed him the rest of her oils.

"Once again, I am perfectly capable of being on my own. I have since I was a child." She remarked, waiting patiently for him to let her pass. Sighing heavily, he awkwardly banged his boot against the closed gate for the other guard to open. Curtsying politely she bounced through the opening before the gate was fully opened and skipped up the cobblestone walkway to her home. Most of the guards regarded her quietly, having been used to her entrance at the side gate since the Knight Master owning the fief left.

"Milady!" a girl no older then she came rushing out. Smelling of spice and sweat, she all but crashed into Chiharu. Breathlessly she pointed and waved a hand, leaning forward with bright blue eyes. "Milady he's…" she couldn't say it. Chiharu frowned, trying to figure out what the girl was mumbling. "Milord," She finally breathed out.

"He's home!" Chiharu squealed, kissing the girl quickly on the cheek before running as fast as she could through the servant's door. The cooks all laughed, moving out of the way as she barreled through to the main room.

"…I thought she would be home." She heard a male voice say in confusion. That brought her to a stop; breath heaving as she regained it. Using a nearby silver tray to fix her appearance, fluffing her double braided hair and bangs before she casually walked through the door separating them. Standing with five others, was the knight of her dreams. His messy black hair exactly like she remembered, a beard she knew he must have grown out because of the outdoors was apparent and messy on his face. "Ah, Chiharu." He said easily.

Just the sound of his voice made her forget all bits of etiquette. "Takashi!" she squealed, throwing herself at him in one clumsy leap. The box he held clattered to the floor and his companions stepped back in surprise. Chiharu and all of her small stature sent the tall knight back a few steps as he gathered her up in his arms. Brown hair bounced as she hugged him, tears sliding down her face in joy. "My Takashi has returned!" she whispered against his chest. The smell of ale and rotting fish came to and she coughed, bringing her head back to make a face.

"I'm sorry, I smell." He apologized, smile large. "We took a cargo ship to Millock then borrowed horses to come without stop so we could be somewhere more familiar." He explained in one breath. Opening his mouth again to say something else, she quickly silenced him with a finger.

"Don't start." She warned, letting him place her back on her feet. Straightening her skirts she smiled brightly at his companions. "Welcome, I hope your travels went well." Brown eyes lighted on Syaoran and she gasped, curtsying. "Pri-"

"It was just fine; I hope we're not imposing on you Lady Chiharu." Syaoran said quickly, cutting her off. Confused, she stared at Takashi before shaking her head no. "Great, may I introduce Miss Sakura and Miss Lyri." He said formally, moving slightly so the two girls were apparent. Sakura frowned, not understanding what just happened. Seeing the same confusion on the other female, however, she felt a little better.

"Pleasure to meet you." Sakura gave the girl a curt nod, lips upturned into a smile that didn't meet her eyes. Chiharu took in the traveled worn dress and bright green eyes before seeing the small child, hand fisted in Sakura's skirts, hiding her face behind her thigh.

"Pleasure to meet you as well." Chiharu said lightly, turning her gaze back on Takashi. "I'm sure you are all starving, I'll have the servants draw baths and set up rooms. Takashi, will you please come with me." Before he could say anything, she was dragging him back through the door into the kitchen. A chorus of welcome back came from the cooks and he smiled sweetly, confused at the dark look Chiharu was giving him. "Care to explain?"

"Explain, my love?"

"Don't play coy. His highness is here and he obviously thinks himself otherwise." She said quietly, staring at the door like he would just materialize there. Takashi, smile still plastered to his face, let out a weird noise that sounded like a stiffed laugh.

"He's being secretive. I haven't found out to why but I do know it has something to do with the very unique Miss Sakura." something about the way he pronounced it made Chiharu smile. "Now, I'm in dire need of a bath if the Lady of Yuza would like to join." His brows wiggled and she giggled, giving the cooks a quick look over.

"Dinner for seven." Takashi swooped her up then, making her laugh. Entering the room where the others stood remained, she waved a hand, face flushed. "Kara will take you to your rooms…hey!" she squealed when Takashi flung her over one shoulder, hand resting casually on her behind. Sakura hid a smile as she watched the two, her gaze going once to Syaoran before looking at the young servant girl who came in a bow from the shadows.

"This way, if you would."

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Dinner had been one of awkward silences and bows from the servants. The girls had easily hit it off, talking nonstop about the shells Takashi presented to Chiharu and the painting she was making. Sakura was genuinely interested. Since the departure from her homeland, both she and Lyri had gone quiet. The ten days spent on the sea had made the knights wondered if the two girls were sick again, the way they remained silent except to each other. Eriol and Takashi hadn't complained, knowing if they did talk it would end up with more absurd arguments with Lucas of Galore. An argument that more or less would send all the knights mad.

After dinner, Sakura had excused herself and Lyri and went to the rooms she was using. Lucas was one of mystery as he excused himself as well. With a suspicion for trouble, Eriol had excused himself as well to follow but never returned. Syaoran figured they were all too tired after the ride from Millok. He, however, seemed to be wide eyed with thoughts reeling through his mind. Twice he'd had that dream about being in the mist. Knowing it was more a memory then a nightmare. Sitting outside, against the cold walls of Takashi's manor, Syaoran stared at the stars above his head. The only light that gave away his position was a candle he'd carried out from his room. The flame flickered with the slight breeze, casting shadows to and fro around him.

With an outstretched hand he traced the outline of Leo. As a boy he had learned the many stars from the scientists that came with other teachers. His fascination with the stars had waned far more then it did with math and reading. He remembered making a deal with his teacher, with every right math problem he solved, he would be able to go out at night and trace his own stars. Now as the air turned from winter to spring, he could mock trace Leo and its affiliates. Hydra was below it, its long curvy line reminding him greatly of a snake. The shadow casted from the candles flame made his arm look eerie as he silently traced the stars. From memory, he knew in twelve days Leo would be a distant constellation and Virgo will be the skies guardian.

It would take exactly fourteen days to get home to Avalon. To get home to his father, the King. To relay the message of how he had made the mistake of lighting an oil lamp and lost half the troops to an ambush they had no idea was awaiting them. To be home to see his mother and listen to her constant meddling, trying to marry their only son off to a neighboring princess so the land could prosper. The thought that he couldn't love any of the princess's in the neighboring kingdoms made him wonder if he would be like his own parents. A show of affection and loyalty but never together behind closed curtains. For an instant Sakura flashed into his mind, the outline of Leo disappearing to be replaced by her outline. Somewhere deep down, he didn't think she would accept his caste as Prince and would shy away now that they weren't in Greenland Isles.

"Oh, prince." He turned, seeing a shadow emerge. Chiharu clamped a hand over her mouth quickly, her own candle hidden behind the door she propped open. "I'm sorry; I didn't know anyone was out here. I saw the glow but…" she trailed, a small flush spreading on her shadowed face.

"No worries, Lady Chiharu." He looked back up at the stars, wondering if he tried hard he could see Sakura's outline again. "I'd like to thank you." He began when he couldn't replace it. "We never meant to impose on your hospitality so differently."

"Its quite alright." She smiled sweetly, bringing her candle out as she stepped onto the balcony with him. "I am curious, why haven't you told her?" that took him by surprised and he twitched.

"She's…different." He said slowly, thinking of the answer himself. He never thought about it before. "Sakura is unique, kind, stubborn, far more skillful with a weapon then any knight in the realm. If I brought her before my parents a part of me believes they won't accept her because she isn't of noble blood." His voice was low but Chiharu heard him and she nodded, sitting down next to him in a flurry of skirts.

"So you're hiding who you are out of love but doesn't that mean you're hiding your love as well?" he looked at her, the shadows casting a glow across his innocent face. "You should let Miss Sakura be the judge of how she takes you being the Prince of Avalon. I don't know her but something tells me she won't be as angry about it as she should would if you brought her home to the King and Queen."

"I suppose you're correct."

"Of course I am. I am a lady Sir Syaoran and ladies know much about love." She winked, getting to her feet. "Now, I'm off before Takashi realizes I'm no longer in bed. Have a nice night your highness." With that she was quietly gone. Syaoran stared at the place she was once at before staring back up at the stars. Tomorrow, I will tell her tomorrow. The North Star twinkled as he got up as well, bringing his candle and going back to his own chambers.

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The sun seeped through the large windows, bringing in a bright glow. A red thin fabric hung around the bed, the glow warm against her skin. Blinking awake, she stared at the window with scorn before remembering that she was in Yuza with the knights of Avalon. Rolling over, she met with a small body and stopped. Lyri was snoring away, arms sprawled out and half buried by the large pillows. Not wanting to disturb her, Sakura rolled till she was opposite of her and got up. There was more of a difference between sleeping in a bed and sleeping on the ground. Her body was more relaxed but her shoulders were stiff as she stretched. Quietly, she walked around the large bed till she reached a wall size mirror. Sure enough, her hair was tangled and standing on end. With difficulty she smoothed out her bangs and gave up finger combing what she could.

She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. Biting on her lower lip she looked around the large room. A handcrafted brass and wood case was at the foot of the bed, a lavender cloth covering it. Her dirty and worn out gown was in a bundle on the floor and she frowned. Eventually she was going to have to clean it if she were to wear it. Chiharu had been kind enough to lend her a night gown. She figured if she asked, they would allow her to wash both and return it. It was only a matter of doing it in her chest band and under skirt. The drapes covering the window were drawn open, indicating someone had been in the room while they were sleeping. An estate this large and fine she knew the servants were up and ready to tackle the day at dawn. Walking on tip toes, she went to the separate room with no door and saw to her delight a bath ready.

It was still warm, meaning it was only past daybreak. Sitting gingerly into the water she sighed in ecstasy. Bathing was one of her weaknesses. As the queen of the eastern clan, her people would always be able to find her at the hot springs they had deep within a cave. Even as the princess of thieves, Kailyn and his cronies were always able to catch her at Lady Abigail's bathing like the princess she was. Thinking of the thief Kailyn, she felt a knot in her stomach. He had passed away because of her delirious nightmare. Shot dead out of a tree so the bandits could capture her without fault. She hated not being able to do anything. Hated that she had allowed her mind to become sick. If it weren't for her nightmare, she never would have sent Syaoran over the cliff, never would have run away in fear, and never would have climbed that tree.

Dunking her head, bubbles escaped her nose rising up. All the thoughts of the past made her queasy. She didn't want to think that it was her fault, didn't want to think at all. For a moment she let her eyes open under the water, the ripples of the ceiling a blur. Closing her eyes she let out another gulp of bubbles before rising up. Gasping for air she blinked and turned to the side. Chiharu sat calmly on a chair, a smile larger then deserved resting on her beautiful face. For a moment she was taken off guard at the woman's presence before she saw Lyri sitting up in bed playing with a cat that appeared out of nowhere.

"Sorry for the intrusion." Chiharu said calmly, eyes twinkling with a sudden mischief. "I sent the boys on a knightly quest. My own personal seamstress will be arriving shortly. I thought it would be nice to give you and Lyri a gift of welcome." The twinkle of mischief died, replacing a look of sympathy that didn't sit well with Sakura.

"You don't have to, Lady Chiharu." She tried but the girl only shook her head, getting to her feet.

"Nonsense. I have all this new found money because of Takashi's new rank as a Knight. The crown will be paying for it, either way. Since you have arrived to a foreign kingdom, well…clothes less…it's the most I can do to let you feel more welcomed." She handed Sakura a small bottle of a soap that smelled like roses. "Plus I've talked Syaoran into staying a tad longer here in Yuza. I was hoping you all would attend the coming rain festival."

"Rain festival?"

"Silly name but each year the city of Yuza celebrates the end of winter with beautiful flowers all over the village and lanterns made from paper with the most gorgeous designs crafted by our best. Most times it begins to rain to the delight of many. I think that's where it got its name. Takashi knows the history of the city more so than I." she smiled, looking over at Lyri. "From what I was told, she hasn't had much of a childhood. I thought it would be a nice surprise for her age."

"Thank you, Lady Chiharu."

"Just Chiharu, please? That title makes me feel older then I am." That got Sakura to laugh, nodding her head as she began washing her long hair.

After both Sakura and Lyri were cleaned and dressed, Chiharu gave them a tour of her home. It was large, made of a rich dark stone that made the rooms mostly cold. Pictures lined the walls, portraits of people Sakura guessed where both families. There were other landscape painted arts and unique oil paintings. Sakura was intrigued by most of them, staring at the ones she could see as they walked through the halls of the second floor. There was one she saw over and over, in different colors that brightened up the cold stones of the manor. A Freesia flower. The gorgeous plant was one of the arrays of color that placed the room. She was awed by the oils the artist used.

For a manor created to be the base of the city of Yuza, it was a lot larger then any other fief she'd seen in the Greenland Isles. The manor had many rooms; Chiharu said weren't being used for anything other than storage. Most of the rooms she went against noble laws and has allowed the servants to sleep in them. The third floor was much the same, less art and more empty space. Only two rooms occupied the floor, one made of windows and no wall space. Chiharu had a faint blush across her cheeks as she allowed them inside. It was the room one would think would be where the rich drank their tea. All the windows were bare, allowing the light seep in brightly. The floor was covered in clutter of blank and used canvases. A large oak shelf leaned against the wall, bearing more oils and paints then any artist in the kingdom.

"You paint?" Sakura was awe struck as she stared at the paints stained into the stone floor. Much of the manor had a red carpet strewn across to keep the tiled flooring from chilling ones feet. This room had none and had been destroyed with paint. She looked at the brown haired girl and couldn't help but smile. Chiharu had the reddest face; it almost looked like someone painted it.

"My mother says it's a silly thing, no real noble lady will get a husband if all she does is sit and paint." She frowned at that moving more into the room, her arms outstretched. "She refuses to believe Takashi allows me to do all this. I mean I only paint when he's away more days out of our lives then when he's home but she doesn't know that."

"They're remarkable. You're favorite flower is a Freesia isn't it?" she caught sight of a small freesia doodled into the stones, the yellow bright from the sun seeping into the room. Chiharu nodded, going over to some of the paints clustered together on the floor.

"Lyri, would you like to paint?" she asked innocently, skirts around her as she knelt on the floor. It didn't take her a moment's hesitation, in a flurry of brown skirts Lyri was on the floor with Chiharu. "The stones are so boring; I like to paint them so they feel welcomed. Here, first you put a little bit of this oil and now…gently crushed the color pellet." Sakura watched, glad Lyri was having a childhood she deserved, even if it was for a brief moment.

As Chiharu explained how to create colors, Sakura took her chance to roam the room. Her foot steps were a slight echo as she walked to the first canvas leaning against a window. It was a painting of a crown, intricate designs replacing where gems usually presented themselves and a flurry of colors engulfing the crown. The gold paint was old and she could see the depths of it. Behind the crown was a tall mountain, dark against the calm colors. It reminded her greatly of the past and she couldn't help but shiver, arms crossing themselves. She was almost to Avalon finally, cities away to be exact. Her brothers wishes were almost completed, but something told her otherwise. The painting gave her a small feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong.

Loving the painting but not the feeling, she moved on to a bigger canvas on the floor. It was incomplete, the colors dark against the beige paper. What she could make it looked like a far away kingdom. The castle sitting high up on a cliff over looking the land, it was a tiny speck to the spectator. The drawing itself was incomplete and she could see where Chiharu had stopped and decided on painting instead. The feeling of being watched overcame her and she looked up, seeing Chiharu behind her, a look of appreciation written across her beautiful face.

"That's Avalon, the city of wonder and mystery. I was at Takashi's knighting when I painted that, never got to finish as you can clearly see." Sakura looked back at the painting with new awe. "Can you paint?" she asked suddenly.

"Heavens no, my talents are strictly weapons." That got the woman to stare at her, eyes slightly wide in shock. Shrugging her shoulders, she looked around at all the pieces Chiharu created. "My mother used to paint." She commented, eyeing another Freesia painting hiding behind a landscape of rainbows. "I never got to see, for she died giving birth to me. My older brother used to tell me stories the nights he wasn't away."

"What did she like to paint?" Chiharu asked calmly, wanting the girl to continue. Something about the way Sakura let it out about her family, told her she doesn't usually talk about them. She felt privileged.

"I'm not sure. My father locked them away; they used to tear him apart. He's told me countless times I look like her every year and that was enough for him to move on. My stepmother wasn't as pretty." That last part she smirked. "I don't believe she painted either."

"That's so sad. You never got to see any of her pieces?" Chiharu asked before she could keep her mouth shut.

Sakura smiled sadly, shaking her head. "I saw one before it was taken. My mother used to envision a daughter, countless nights. It's almost a splitting image of me." She glanced over at Lyri, watching her enjoy making swirls of colors on the stone floor. "These are remarkable Chiharu."

"Thank you," she wanted to ask more about her family but held her tongue. A maid knocked, getting their attention. Curtsying in a flurry of skirts she smiled sweetly at Chiharu and Sakura.

"Miss Belle is here for your measurements." The two girls nodded and she was gone.

"Well then, let's go be girls."

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The people of Yuza seemed to stare rather than great the four knights walking down their roads. Out of the four, only Syaoran was cloaked to hide his features and still they all seem to just give them a look of astonishment. Takashi had a grin from ear to ear, his sword bouncing against his thigh as he talked nonsense about the history of Yuza. To him, it was an adventure to have the Prince come to the city. Going down the small slope seemed like a mission but finally they reached the road with all the stores. The sun hadn't reached its peak yet and people were still starting the morning's chores without so much as a second glance at the four knights. It was a lot more peaceful away from the village homes, where everyone seemed to stare.

The stores here were a lot like the stores at the harbor port, all made of a rich stone and meshed together to leave no gap between. Only a few held a gap between their buildings but the gap was too small for one to hide in or escape. The thought reminded Syaoran of how he met Sakura; she'd been using such gaps to run from the knights of Greenland Isles. As special as they were, she had the upper hand that way. Bringing up Sakura made him lose track of where they were headed and he tripped, going forward a few paces before catching himself. Eriol stared, wide eyed at his clumsiness. Takashi literally let out a squawk of a laugh and Lucas stared with his cold eyes. Blushing with embarrassment he adjusted the cloak over his head and continued on only to realize they were following.

"What's on your mind, your highness?" Lucas asked, letting slip his title in a whisper. Syaoran said nothing, casting his dark gaze on the building they were stopped at. A weapons master guild was carved into the wooden wall, sparkling with a granite stone to remain in it.

"Your telling me Lady Chiharu wanted us to come to a weapons guild?" he accused Takashi. The tall knight shrugged his shoulders, stepping easily onto the porch before entering the shop.

"She really just wanted us out of the manor so the girls could have a moment together." He explained with a wave of his hand. Inside, a variety of weapons hung from the ceiling by chains. A man no older then they stood behind pit of glowing embers, a long sword half out of it. He struck it with a hammer, making it clank loudly. There was no back wall, revealing more weapons in a line on a table made of stones and oak. A woman was at the edge of a stream, bucket in hand as she helped a small child get flowers surrounding the water. "Jasper Fox?" Takashi said, asking rather than announcing.

"Whose asking?" the guy asked, not bothering to look at them. He struck the weapon again, turning it slightly for a better angle.

"I am Sir Takashi of Yuza if you've already forgotten." Another hit and the guy turned his head, left eye taking in the four knights briefly. Syaoran watched as he took the burning weapon out of the embers and placed it sizzling into a basin of water. Not looking at them, he moved around the weapons to gather up a used towel, wiping sweat from his face and arms. "You are Jasper Fox, correct?"

"I am and I remember you knight. Saved my boy from the raid 3 years passing." With a toss of the cloth he stepped back around the weapons to approach them, one eye staring. The other one was closed, an 'x' scar in its place. "What can I do for you fellows?" he asked his accent precise. Syaoran studied him, trying to find the flaw in him.

"Weapons," it was a basic answer considering the profession the man was in. Takashi pulled out his sword, handing it hilt first to the man. "The usual, can't be going back to the kingdom of Avalon with such damaged blades." Never before has Syaoran heard a dark tone come from the usual happy knight. It was a surprise that quickly disappeared as he remembered his own sword. Chipped and dulled down from living in the Greenland Island for more than thirty days. Pulling his hood down, he brought his out in a slice of metal.

"Well Sir Takashi that will be the usually price, seeming how you're the warlord of our city. Everyone else…" he paused seeing Syaoran. "Your highness," he bowed, moving the sword to his other hand as he respectfully placed a closed fist against his chest. "This is a deep surprise." When he raised his head, he saw twitch from the prince.

"Please, don't allow my presence to be a surprise. We're merely traveling through back to the kingdom." He said with a calm smile, sword hilt out for Jasper. Confused and delighted, he accepted the second sword. Licking his bottom lip, he moved to place the two on a table before taking the other two knights swords and doing the same. "How much will it cost?" Syaoran asked, thinking of his low purse. It was a surprise he still even had a purse after the crazy adventure he endured to get back to his homeland.

"N-no cost," Jasper glanced at the woman outside, still busying herself with the child. "No cost, it's an honor to have the crown here in the city of Yuza. Will you be staying for the festival?" it was a bold question. Lucas made a rude noise, getting a glare from the prince and a glare from Eriol.

"Yes, I do believe I am." He answered with a smile before staring intently at the man. "But please, I'm trying to hide my identity, if you would keep it a secret. It would be greatly appreciated." He all but pleaded to the other knight's amusement.

"Y-yes, yes of course." Jasper bowed once more. "I will have your swords finished by midday, if not before the sun starts to set." His one green eye danced as the knights nodded and Syaoran replaced his hood. Quickly he escaped to the outside, head shaking as he stared at the people of Yuza walking on.

Lucas and Eriol came out as well, Eriol giving him a weird look as he leaned against the post. "What?" Syaoran asked, not taking his eyes off a couple walking slowly up the slight slope. They were old, married, and enjoying what looked like a stroll.

"Why haven't you told her yet?" he didn't need to know who her was. Not meeting the knights gray eyes, he leaned his own back against the opposite post. "No offense, Syaoran but if she's going to come with us to see the King, then she needs to know. Her skill with a knife is rather, well discomforting."

"I will tell her, before we get to Avalon...maybe tonight at the festival." He said slowly. He stole a glance at Lucas, stoic still as he tried to ignore their conversation. His dislike for Sakura was obvious but after the ale talked him into a heated argument with her in Greenland Isles, the two hadn't spoken since. Let alone, looked at each other. "She deserves to know soon." It was all he could do before he lost her. What Chiharu said last night ran through his mind and he knew Sakura would get upset once he told her.

"Excuse my rudeness, prince, but why does she deserve to know? Do you know anything about her in turn? From what I can tell she keeps more secrets from you then your one. She's a petty girl you found and brought with you back across the seas." Lucas said, standing his ground when Syaoran snapped his eyes at him. Takashi came out of the weapons master's store and stopped sensing the sudden anger surrounding them.

"I do know her, better than you have allowed since meeting her." He defended. Lucas scoffed, shaking his head.

"Like what? Where is she from? What's her true title other than Sakura? She's not even a noble and she speaks that awful tongue those freaks of the woods speak." Syaoran absently placed a hand where his sword should have been and stopped, eyes narrowed at the tone his superior placed.

"She speaks it because she lived in the Isles. I'm sure half those folk know the language." He shook his head, disgusted by Lucas of Galore. Stepping away from the weaponry, he began his march west. The others watched silently, Lucas the only one that made a rude noise as he planted his ground. Sighing, Eriol followed suit. He reached Syaoran easily, his leg going slightly stiff from the run. Rubbing it absently he half limped next to the knight till they stopped walking. A few women gave them a quick look, giggling behind hands.

"Lucas is right you know." Eriol held up his hand in defense. "I'm serious, but you're right too to be angry. He has a tongue on him and his obvious dislike for her shouldn't be so blunt but what do you know that she doesn't show? Sakura is good with weapons and excellent in hand to hand combat. She's clever and stubborn and has gotten us out of enough pickles even your cousin will be jealous of. That story Nartake told us, what was that?" Eriol looked behind him at the approaching Takashi and Lucas. "She got upset that he told it, she's got a secret bigger than you not telling her who you truly are."

"Eriol…" Syaoran paused; remembering that night Nartake told them the story about the Queen of the eastern land. How Sakura finally told him where she came from, why she was running from her past. "I want to tell her because she told me where she came from. That city lost was Loire. She told me the greatest secret she's kept from everyone." He knew he shouldn't have said that but it came out and now Eriol knew. The shock was evident and he quickly replaced it with confusion.

"Loire? That Kingdom we were supposed to have checked out?" he asked. Takashi stopped staring, Lucas froze from head to toe eyes wider then one should permit out of astonishment.

"Did you say, Loire? Sakura is from Loire?" Lucas asked in a whisper. Syaoran gave him a look, trying to read the knights face. "How is that possible?" he mumbled.

"According to her, she was in the woods when a raid happened. Why does that astound you, Sir Lucas of Galore." He asked tightly, watching the knight closely. Lucas and all of his ice blue eyes looked at Syaoran and blinked. His mind clouded over, not comprehending anything before he slowly shook his head. In less then a moment he had the same look he always wore.

"It doesn't. So the wench is from a kingdom no longer on the map. No wonder she's a disgrace to most females." He recovered, eyes averting the others. Syaoran studied him a moment before looking at the other two ignoring the knights use of terms against Sakura, with difficulty.

"This doesn't get back to her." He ordered his tone fierce to let them know that the Prince was demanding it and not their companion. When all three seemingly nodded he sighed in relief, fixing the hood of his cloak. "Now, Sir Takashi what is it that Lady Chiharu wanted us to do?"

"Right, well…the festival is tonight and she insisted we all have…costumes." That made Syaoran loose his interest in Lucas's sudden frozen stature and stare wide eyed at the embarrassed knight. Damn…

To be continued…