"Miss Relena! So good to see you're alive!"

"Princess Relena, it's nice to see you again."

"Praise God for bringing you home princess!"

The murmurings continued until the whole populace was speaking at once. She kept a smile plastered, but what she wanted to do was run away from this attention. Having been by herself for three months, then in the company of a person who was hardly around, taught her to rely more on herself and enjoy her own company. Even though they sat on the horse, riding past the main walls to the outer yards, she felt they were pressing in as they walked next to the steed.

She didn't want to be rude, but her silence stretched out farther than need be. What to say though - knowing details and an explanation were wanted - was beyond her.

"I'd advice you to get back from the horse before he tramples your feet. Princess Relena is tired and requires a fresh change of clothes, a hot bath, and a nice dinner to put some of the weight back on that she lost those long months." Her eyes widened through a small blush, feeling the knight's voice rumble in his chest. The morning was still so cold and he suggested she press against him to conserve heat... She found it more comfortable than not and actually ENJOYED it, though why or how, she wasn't too sure. This man, this knight, was too quiet and non-emotional. He wouldn't talk about himself or ask questions, though she suspected he knew quite a bit, and wondered what brought such a person into the middle of nowhere to rescue her.

"Of course." A small circle created where a soft, cultured voice sounded. "Five of you go and fetch water; I don't care who. Tell the cook to make the biggest feast he's ever seen. Have two of my maids rummage through my chests and find the best dresses to lay out for Miss Relena."

She gave a grateful smile and looked into pale blue eyes. "Thank you Dorothy. I didn't expect such a thing when I arrived."

Dorothy's hands clasped through a smile. "But Miss Relena, you've finally escaped! You're HOME now. Nothing but the best should be provided to you. You are a PRINCESS after all." Without letting her get another word in, Dorothy turned and started for the main doors.

"Glad to be here?"

"A little." She whispered back, head turned a degree.

"I figured you'd be happy to be back in plush surroundings, your every whim agreed upon. Most princesses I've seen are." He muttered, directing the horse further to the main doors.

She gave a small sigh, wondering if she came off as a pampered princess her whole life. That wasn't what she was going for. "I've done with almost NOTHING for three months sir knight. And then two weeks with you in the forests with almost nothing is no different. I merely obtained my freedom." She answered, lightly clutching the saddle.

He thoughtfully nodded and swung a leg over. Arms habitually raised and encircled her waist, more so by habit than courtesy. "I must tend to my horse before I find my room. I'll see you for supper?"

She gave a small smile, a little affected by their actions in public. Before, they were in the middle of nowhere. Now there were dozens of peasants around, tongues liable to start clucking later. "I WILL be the guest of honor..." His lips twitched before giving a mock bow and grabbing the reigns, lightly holding them. The horse followed his master regardless of the bit in his mouth.

"Come Miss Relena, I've prepared a hot bath you can spend all the time you like in."

She startled when an arm wrapped around hers, eyes jerking to Dorothy. She startled more from the action than Dorothy suddenly being there. The guards used to grab her arms like that, just before carrying her to the tower again. Mentally shaking herself, she propped up a smile to her friend. "Lead the way Dorothy." Basically drug upstairs and down a few stone halls, she entered the room she normally stayed in whenever her family visited Catalonia. The room was fully furnished with every beautiful detail that befitted a princess. Even though she knew it was standard to a lady of her rank, seeing such a large, fully furnished room was like staring into an entire castle from where she used to stay.

"Would you like my maids to come bathe you Miss Relena?"

The idea of someone touching her so soon after what happened, though her handmaids normally did so, mildly repulsed her. She didn't know if ANYONE would be able to get by with purposely touching her until the memories of torture and kidnap erased. With another fake smile, she gently denied her friend's offer. "Thank you Dorothy, but I'd like to sit in hot water and revel in the feel for a while."

Her friend stared without the full meaning behind those words. At length, she gave a patronizing smile. "Of course Miss Relena. If you ever need me or my servants, ring the bell next to the door."

"Thank you again Dorothy."

"It's no trouble Miss Relena. We're both princesses and friends. You know I'd do anything to help you out."

She gave a touched smile before the door quietly closed, leaving her alone for the first time in weeks. She took a while before moving, taking in things. A real bed, a dresser and cloth's trunk...even MIRRORS. How long had it been since she looked at herself? The only times she dared bathe with the tattered garment was at night, and ink black allowed no such luxuries.

Harshly swallowing against tears at how different she was after so little a time, she stepped to the edge of the wood tub. Gently sitting on the rim, hands on either side, allowed her to stare into the water. Teeth nibbled on her lip. That tattered hair flowed around her, but she could still make out deep blue eyes and flaxen hair. She looked utterly pitiful and more tears came. "Stop that," She mumbled, leaning away, "there's no sense in crying over something you can't change, even if you WANTED to."

After gathering enough wits to strip from the dress, she stopped at the water's edge again, looking into the steamy water. Lips pressed together, a finger tentatively dipped inside, as if she was witnessing water for the first time. Slender fingers immersed past the surface, stopping once her forearm was dunked. Heat traveled up her arm, warming skin and heart. As if breaking the ice with something she was scared to do, she nearly jumped in, so much was her hurry to taste every drop of blessed heat.

After burrowing her body to her neck, she gave a wide smile, feeling warmer than she had since she was home. Her toes wiggled in the liquid, feeling childlike carefree strike her. With a mischievous urge, she took a breath and dipped her head under. It felt good to feel heat on her face. Fingers went to her head and massaged her scalp, as if trying to embed the heat there too. She took a chunk of hair and blindly combed it out, feeling how soft it was under water.

After surfacing again, she looked around as if a new person. Everything suddenly seemed brighter and more lifelike. Colors shone greater than when she first walked in and she looked at them as if first observing their beauty. Arms propped on the wood, chin using them as a pillow while her eyes feasted on such beauties.

After looking at everything above and eye level, they cast to the floor, finding soaps and shampoos her friend used. A tender smile popped up as an arm reached for the shampoo. She rested against the tub again and stared at the bottle before going for the glass lid. Slowly pulling the top off, she smelled it, ingraining it to memory along with the bottle's shape and colors.

Spending a few more minutes staring at the stopper and bottle, she poured a relatively large amount into a palm, hoping it was enough to cleanse her hair. Carefully putting the bottle on the floor, she sat up to keep the lengthy strands out of the water.

Fingertips massaged her scalp with painful slowness. Her nose was going haywire with the smell. After minutes of washing her bangs and crown, she regrettably stood and worked on the rest, having to get the bottle a second time with as much hair as she owned. She found it surprising, knowing she didn't need to use so much, but had to clean the filth and memory to refinish her hair.

Being reminded of such harsh treatment killed the good mood and wiped the smile off her face. She pulled the ends to her chest and solemnly watched hands rubbed the strands back to their former selves. 'Will I EVER be able to forget?' Her nose pricked, tears threatening to make an appearance. The lump in her throat made swallowing hard. She shouldn't be so weepy, not after surviving and being strong through it all. 'But...that's the whole POINT. I've been strong through it, giving myself no time to grieve what was going on.'

She submerged again, rubbing suds from her hair. She never allowed herself a private moment to grieve and cry. The king called upon her each night for her decision and her guards checked up on her daily, bringing food each morning. If she started crying, she didn't know if she could stop by those times.

Rinsing the soap completely, she touched the top of her head, marveling at how soft it was. Though she hadn't put anything else on it, or mixed any other bath oils in, it was ten times better than minutes ago. A small smile appeared, melancholy forgotten. Turning again, her chin rested on the edge, hands on either side of her face as she looked down.

The smile widened a little more at the picture she must make, but a hand swooped and grabbed another pretty bottle. Sitting back, she studied the glasswork and coloring before going to pull the stopper up. Her nose inhaled wildflowers, something she smelled a lot of during the ride. But this smelled more of lilac than anything else. Peering inside found the concoction to be bath oil. Biting half of her lip through the smile, feeling like a kid with a new toy, she stood and poured some in her hand.

It felt a little odd to cover her body in this, knowing it would cleanse her skin and soften the rough spots. Even under water, it would cling until she scrubbed it away. But having been without such an extensive comfort for so long, she wondered how long she would keep it on. Putting the stopper back and the bottle on the floor, she leaned down and picked up a third bottle. She stood and studied the bottle before pulling the lid off. Another smell of lilacs assaulted her nose, but more pungently than the oil. Perfume. Had to be. She smiled and put the lid back on, resolving to put that on before she dried off.

Just minutes after she grasped the rag and ran it over her skin, the door peeked open. She nearly dove to the side facing the door, a small attempt to cover her vanity. It was an ironic situation - women had female maids who bathed them all the time, and she was no different. But that was BEFORE. "Miss Relena?"

She smiled and rested her chin on the side. "Yes Dorothy?"

"Are you about done in there?"

She couldn't help but grin. The water was nearly lukewarm, but she was having too much fun to get out. Her fingers and toes were wrinked, but her hair was silk from the oil. She quietly chuckled. "Yes I am Dorothy. What did you need?"

Dorothy's head peeked in, though the door didn't open more. "I was just coming to bring you some towels. I know you said you wanted a while and it's been an hour now."

She couldn't help but blush. Had it been so long already? It seemed half the time since she stepped in. Maybe looking around the room and studying everything wasn't a good idea. "Have I kept dinner?"

"Not at all. Dinner won't be fully prepared until nightfall. You've a few hours left before you need to start worrying." Dorothy gave a small grin. "I just came to see whether or not you'd withered yet."

She giggled, two fingers splashing in the water. "I'll be out soon my friend." Teeth momentarily caught her lip at what came next. Maids usually dried off the princess, toweling her hair and combing it. Although she wouldn't mind a comb and towel through her hair, she didn't want anyone touching her until the oddness dissipated a little. "You may come in my friend." She submerged to her neck, knowing it was useless to hide. "Sorry if I kept you out." She gave a smile through inner turmoil.

"You didn't." Dorothy entered and set towels close to the tub, gaze purposely averted. "I know how it could be, wanting your privacy from time to time."

They locked gazes, but neither spoke. At length, she smiled. "Thank you."

Dorothy waved her appreciation off. "I'll be a few rooms down when you're done. Just ring for my maids when you've dried off and they'll bring you a robe." She left seconds later, leaving her alone.

She slumped against the tub, water stopping below her nose. 'I'm going to have to work at becoming accustomed to all the privileges a princess has.'

After a few more longing moments in warm water, she stood and rung the excess from her hair. Allowing a minute to drip dry and keep water in the tub and off the floor, she carefully stepped from the tub and reached for a towel. She knew wrapping her hair would be a bad idea, so worked more on drying her skin. Just as the cool air dried everything, she reached for the lilac perfume and dabbed the stopper behind her ears, neck, and wrists. The smell wafted through the room and she couldn't help but run a small line across her chest to smell it easier.

She rang for the maids, a towel around her hips, the other over her shoulders. One wordlessly handed her a robe, both turning to let her change. After hearing plops from the towels, one picked them up and the other led them to Dorothy's room. Once inside, Dorothy pulled her to a stool, plopping her down. Dorothy grabbed a towel, saying she wanted to play with her hair, not being able to do so in years. A comb gently ran through, getting out tangles, returning the locks to their former shine and shape. She nearly fell asleep from such a soothing action, but managed to keep conscious long enough to tell Dorothy it didn't matter what she braided her hair as.

After what seemed an eternity of sheer bliss, Dorothy's hands lifted - as did the spell. Blue fluttered open and she fought a yawn through the haze that enveloped her. "May I see?"

Dorothy nodded and gave her a hand mirror, directing her to the floor length as well. After moving both in the right angle, she nearly gasped at Dorothy's handiwork. Two tight braids followed the crown of her head at her bangs and stopped at the back, conjoining into one down the center. The rest of her hair was left wild, little braids sprinkled in. She felt like a pixy, not a princess. All she needed were wings and she could fly away.

"Come Miss Relena." Dorothy gently interceded, making sure not to grasp her arm. "I know just the dress that will go with my masterpiece."

Smiling through a quiet chuckle, she let Dorothy lead her. "You know best my friend."

"These are my dresses after all." After a quick shuffling, Dorothy pulled out light blue and crème garment, holding it to her friend. "I think this will make you the prettiest princess in the land." She nearly gushed, smiling.

She blushed and looked at the treasure, content to gaze at. It was the normal floor-length and wide forearm sleeves. The cut dipped to the middle of her chest and she was glad there wasn't too much cleavage to show. Not only did well-bred women not show off their chests, she was still very uncomfortable with the notion. Crème thread went over seams on the arms and skirts. The powder blue skirts poofed out a few inches, extra fabric underneath. "It's beautiful." She whispered, tears coming over her eyes.

"And you can have it Miss Relena." Dorothy answered. She was glad such a simple thing pleased her friend, but knew it would after being so far away from the normal comforts of a princess.

"But...I can't take this!" She denied, meeting Dorothy's gaze in shock.

Dorothy smiled. "You'll HAVE to Miss Relena. I had your old dress burned."

Her mouth gaped open before it snapped shut, quietly clicking her teeth in its haste to stop embarrassing herself. "Then I have no choice." She answered, a smile tipping her lips as blue stared at the garment.

"I'll let you get dressed while I go check on the hall. I want to make sure grandfather has all his guests assembled for later."

Her throat nearly clogged. Later. Later, she would have to talk, answer questions. Her eyes slowly closed, barely hearing the door click shut. 'I can't.' She frantically thought. 'I can't go and talk about something like that on a whim to curious minds!'

But she knew some sort of explanation would be required. Her mind buzzed as she dressed, trying to find words to say. She knew they would want to know the how's, why's, where's, and maybe even what. She couldn't let them know the torture she endured, barely able to think about it and not shudder. But if people knew the king's plans, know the true reason he wanted a forced wedding, she would have more people on her side.

Fixing the ties as tight as they would go, she stared at the image in the mirror, eyes wide at what she could almost not believe. It was HER! The beauty of the dress and the shine to her hair...that was what she USED to look like! Her eyes watered. 'I'm...so...BEAUTIFUL.' Not being able to see her image or the image she used to look lost the majesty of her looks. She suddenly felt like a princess. Lips curling in understanding, as it finally occurred to her, she curtseyed to the mirror.

"Nice to meet you." She softly greeted. "How do you do? My name is Princess Relena Peacecraft." She smiled at the silent figure, feeling a little silly for going through her presentation to herself. She straightened and gripped each end of the dress, lazily swaying around her legs. Feeling like a child, she stared at the image's movements, a childlike smile on her face.

She crashed to the present when a soft knock sounded. "Princess Relena?"

"Coming."

"Everyone awaits your arrival princess."

She nodded, harshly swallowing. This was it. Any prepared words flew from her mind as she took a final look in the room, as if staying meant she could still be carefree again. "Is the knight who was with me earlier downstairs as well?"

The handmaid nodded. "He awaits you at the bottom of the stairs actually. He was who told me to come fetch you."

With a small grin, she fought the urge to giggle at the knight's impatient behavior. "Then I shouldn't keep him waiting." She mused, closing the door.

~*~*~

Clucking tongues crowded the hall, hushed though they were. These people were starting to get on his nerves. He longed for the outdoors and his horse. That was all he needed, all he wanted. Yes it was nice to get out of tight, stuffy armor and into some decent clothes - not clothes decent for his land - the air was stifling and old. High, narrow brick windows did nothing to alleviate the smell of dogs and humans.

He stood near the bottom steps, a hand on the brick rise, wishing to forget formalities and go outside for some quiet. He felt their eyes, servants and Catalonias, and forced himself to not glower. He knew his eyes were a harsh set, though kind when they wanted to be. Feeling immensely bored, useless, and out of place in such royal settings, he looked to the nearest, low window and stared out. He wished to be outside and scan the valley for any sign that the king's army had passed. He would know as soon as he felt the forest's pain.

Voices stopped their normal hushed tones, conversation halting entirely. His gaze pulled away in wonder at what could quiet such a mass and looked to the people. Their eyes locked on something above and he humored them. Deep blue widened in shock, an emotion he rarely experienced. His lips parted in continuation of his gaping appearance, but was too entranced by the angel stopped at the top of the stairs.

The once tattered, bedraggled princess he carried on horseback for hundreds of miles was transformed into an utterly beautiful woman. Her skin and honey-colored hair glowed in the low lighting. The powder blue dress accented pale skin, bringing out her eyes. Crème accents matched the crème sandals she wore.

He noticed as she stopped at the top and looked around the masses. She was fidgeting, subtly wringing her hands. She was more nervous than he could see in her eyes. He felt a little bad, but at the same time, knew what that kind of pressure was like. Taking a step toward the stone banner again, he awaited her descent.

"Princess Relena everyone!" The soft voice was the one that ordered around everyone and got those crowding the horse earlier away from them. Dorothy Catalonia. "Let's give her a proper Catalonia welcome!"

Someone started clapping and in a matter of seconds, the entire foyer was filled with lively, supportive clapping. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the blonde princess stop next to him, clapping the loudest. He didn't join in, but noticed the fidgeting stopped and a small, embarrassed smile graced her face. He was surprised at how it lit up her eyes. As she gently nibbled her lip out of nerves, one hand clutched part of the dress and she started down.

As soon as she was halfway, their eyes locked and that beautiful blue widened a hair. He caught it, and the overlook of his attire. Her smile widened even farther, and he knew that she approved. It was a simple outfit for a nobleperson. Black leggings and a dark blue shirt with gold and white trim. The sleeves were too bulky for his tastes, but he didn't intend on wielding a sword in them.

He left on the knee-high leather boots, determined to feel a little less uncomfortable with something familiar amidst all the odd-looking clothes. Even though the light armor he wore wasn't native of his homeland, he needed stealth instead of power to get through the king's defenses. The odd shirts and leggings made him feel out of place and silly, even though he blended in with everyone else. He was aware they were relatively gaudy, but wasn't one to care much about looks. He was mostly captivated by the person that met him at the bottom of the steps to look anywhere else.

"Hello sir knight." She breathed, too awed at how blue deepened with his shirt. As soon as their eyes locked, the entire crowd became non-existent. He gave a small nod and she gave a quick courtesy, blue still meshing with blue.

"Miss Relena! You're a vision." Dorothy gushed, stopping next to her friend.

She gave her friend a gracious smile. "Thank you Dorothy. For everything."

Dorothy waved her off. "Hush Miss Relena. I'll have no talk of thanks from my good friend." Dorothy hesitantly grabbed her friend's hand, unsure what kind of physical contact her friend could allow. "Now, what say we go to the hall and take everyone's breaths away."

"I'll escort you there princess." Her eyes jerked to the knight, his low baritone sending a mild shiver up her spine. It stopped in her head, making her brain tingle with a fairly delicious sense, though unnamable. With a shy smile, a hand extended and fingers lightly took hold of her palm, their hands floating in the air as Dorothy accompanied them. "You look lovely Princess." He commented, eyes on the hall.

"Thank you." She breathed, feeling her cheeks flush. Teeth nibbled on her lip, trying to quell a girlish smile. "And you look dashing sir knight." He stopped a few paces from the doorway, turning. She mildly startled. Had she said something to offend him? All she did was send him a compliment, a common courtesy when one gave you one first. "Did I say something to offend you sir?" She asked, fighting to keep her eyes on him. Being imprisoned by cruelty and pain, she learned when she was in trouble with the harsh king, averting one's eyes made the other feel bigger. It was a type of submission, one she practiced in the beginning.

"If you wouldn't mind Princess Relena, I'd like for you to say my given name." Her eyes widened, pleased that he was offering something personal about himself. "I understand your use for titles, and you may use that if you wish, but I'd like you to say my name. Out in the forest there was no one but me and you, but there are other knights here that would get confused. It's easier this way."

She blushed and lowered her gaze to the floor, giving a meek nod. "As you wish." Through the compliant nature, she felt a giddiness unmatched to when she first knew she was being rescued. He was offering information about himself! After weeks in the forest, and some bizarre occurrences between them and their first meeting, he decided to say something NOW.

'Well if we couldn't have a formal introduction then, I guess I should be happy I'm getting one NOW.'

He let go of her hand and gave a small bow, an arm cutting the air. "Princess Relena Peacecraft...I am Prince Hiro Yuy, knight at your service, sworn to protect and bring you back to your father, King Peacecraft." Meeting her shocked gaze, he couldn't help a small smile. "Now, shall we go sit and get things under way?"

He was a PRINCE?! She couldn't help but gape. Her eyes racked him over. But...his clothes, the style of his hair, his MANNERS... He wasn't what she pictured a prince to be. She knew he could be a knight with the way he knew the land and the vast array of weapons...but, a PRINCE? He barely harbored the skills to hold a decent conversation just to TALK without finding some reasonable explanation, how did he have the mannerisms to uphold the high rank of PRINCE?

Unable to find her tongue, Hiro took her hand and almost pulled her shocked body into the dining hall and toward two reserved chairs next to the king and his granddaughter.

They sat at the head and listened to tales and gossip, entertained by singers and jugglers. She managed to get past the shock and kept stealing glances at the odd prince, still amazed that he was a PRINCE. Hiro barely cracked a smile at some of the jokes the joker made, hardly clapped at the juggler and singer's acts. He made little small talk, not giving much information about the realm he was a prince of. He only talked about the daring rescue when asked, not giving anything other than the necessities. There were a few instances where he went into too much detail. Some of the ladies looked ill, and a few of the knights in training or elder knights gave him an awed look, amazed at his skill for one so young.

Then came time for her to talk. This was the moment she dreaded ever since they arrived. She didn't have any clear answers to give then, and she STILL didn't. Words of explanation didn't readily come as she fought back the harrowing memories to find a way to politely answer those that dared ask. After only six questions, hands started rubbing together under the massive wooden table, a way to ease the tension that began to build in her body. She wished to leave like no other. But there was no way out without offending everyone in the room. She couldn't just outright say she didn't want to talk about it and leave. That was inappropriate, and she was supposed to be hospitable. If those that asked, asked, then she was obliged to answer.

After a while, it got to be too much. The memories started winning and she saw more flashbacks than people. A few dozen questions dared be asked, but she couldn't handle them all. After the tenth, and she started showing signs of visible agitation, they became more hesitant. The people knew she wasn't comfortable about it, but there was nothing she could do to hide it. She couldn't hide something of such magnitude, that would be a feat unto God himself.

The night blackened the holes in the stone walls, reminding her very much of the tower windows. An unconscious shiver ran up her and she forced eyes to look at the speaker and not on black holes. She knew if she did, fear and entrapment would cover her and she would feel trapped...and try to get away.

His eyes kept subtly darting to her as he looked at the speakers during the conversations. He could almost feel she was breaking down, he didn't need to see her hands to know. She wasn't strong enough to handle this yet. Though she was strong during the ordeal, she was left visibly shaken and perturbed. There had to be a way to let her get out of the presence of so many wondering questions and greedy eyes before she ran off.

He looked to Dorothy and the King, wondering if they also knew. Looking into Dorothy's eyes told him she was starting to wonder and he kept looking at her until blue locked with blue. Dorothy's eyes silently questioned him and his darted to the agitated girl to his right. Deep blue widened as if to stress a point, having to jerk right once more before pale blue widened in understanding. They narrowed and subtly looked around to see if she was being watched, to see if anyone else saw.

When a small, brief pause entered after another answer, Dorothy gracefully stood, fingertips pressing against the table. "Grandfather, do you mind if I take Miss Relena with me? I feel a little tired and I know it's getting a late. I imagine Miss Relena is feeling a little overwhelmed by all this excitement of the day and brand new settings."

Throughout the small explanation, pale blue widened as much as his did. Unbound hair hid the expression from everyone except Hiro, being straight across from her. "Of course Dorothy. It IS getting a little late. But, for those that wish to stay, the festivities for our guest shall continue." Hands briefly clapped for more singers, jugglers, and jokers. Talk skittered around the table, energetic that the entertainment would continue.

Feeling eyes leave her when a joker started in with another round of gags, she almost hastily stood. "Come Miss Relena." Dorothy stopped next to her and extended her palm. "Let's get out to some peace and quiet for a while. I think you've had enough for one night."

"That I have my friend." She replied, feeling more exhausted than she had in months. It had been too soon, and her nerves were shot. She didn't know if sleep was possible, or else she be haunted with dreams and visions. Every shadow seemed to hold some terror that wished to jump at her. She took Dorothy's hand and stood, as if she were twice her age. Right now, she felt that old. She stopped and looked at Hiro, the person that escorted her to the hall. It was bad manners to depart without him. "Prince Hiro?" She tentatively asked. Her eyes almost asked his permission that she leave.

His eyes were strangely soft and sympathetic. "Go ahead princess. I know you need to go. I'll be here a little longer, then I need to check on my horse."

She only managed a dumbfounded blink before Dorothy tugged her to the wide entrance and through the hall. She managed to collect her wits as they reached the stairs and keep from tripping on them or her dress. At the top, she looked at the main floor, feeling as though everything was so tiny. The noise and lights drifted up and she quickly turned away, as if shamed by witnessing such a thing.

"Come on Miss Relena." Dorothy coached, letting go of her friend. She grabbed a torch off the wall and held it in front. "I'll direct you back to your room. I wasn't kidding when I said I was tired. I can use some sleep, but the parties are a little boring after a while."

She walked in step down the long hallways, using the innocence of her friend to keep the fear at bay. It seemed as though the shadows were moving with the intention to get her. Her mind's eye conjured up a view of hateful yellow eyes directed her way and she shivered. Blue squeezed shut, wishing they would go away. The vision continued to haunt her, fat pink skin crinkling at the edges with an unseen smile, becoming more malevolent than before. Another shiver ran up her and she stopped when silence entered her ears. They'd come to her room. "Thank you again Dorothy."

"It's no trouble Miss Relena." She was getting a little tired in thinking one of her good friends felt the need to thank her for everything. "Friends stick up for each other." Dorothy gave a small smile and temporarily patted her arm. "If you need me for any reason, I'm just two doors down." After taking five steps to her room, Dorothy stopped and turned, meeting her eyes. "ANY reason. Okay Miss Relena?"

"Okay Dorothy." She playfully huffed, feeling more lighthearted. Giving her friend a smile, she opened the door and found a torch burning next to the door. Shutting it as silently as possible - as if sneaking in - she quickly went for it. Holding it almost like a weapon, she walked around the room and lit as many as she could find, along with a few candles scattered on furniture. There wasn't enough light in her opinion, and she did a quick sweep in the dress closet and under the bed. Though she was being foolish and knew there were no guards or warriors around, her fear wouldn't go away. SOMETHING was going to happen, if it hadn't already. Something had gone wrong somewhere, somehow and she felt helpless to do anything against it.

Straightening, she gripped the rough wood to the point of embedding splinters into her palms. 'Concentrate Relena.' She scolded, looking around the room. 'Where was that courage you used during your entrapment? Why are you hiding like a little baby when you're a renowned princess of the Sanc Kingdom?'

'I'll tell you where that went to!' A voice spat back. 'It got used up as soon as you saw that knight and knew you could stop worrying about whether or not your LIFE would be snuffed out!'

Self-anger and determination blew out like a candle, her shoulders slumped in realization. That little voice was right. She used up all that strength. Though not ALL of it. She found a small reserve to get through tonight, didn't she? Biting her lip from the questions that rushed her ears, she fought the chance to hide in a dark corner and escape reality for a while.

Forcefully keeping from covering her ears, especially when a hand still held the torch, she moved to the wall and put the torch back. After lovingly setting her new dress on a chair, she slipped into the nightgown on her bed. 'Dorothy...' She tenderly thought. 'Younger than me, but taking care of me like she was my mother.'

It was true. Dorothy was fifteen as she was. It was the naïve, easy, UNDISTURBED life that allowed Dorothy to feel like the mother hen to a war prisoner that needed a little kindness to get back on one's feet. She just happened to be that person.