Disclaimer: I don't own CT
A/N: Yay! Party time! Enjoy!
Chapter Five: Royal Party "I'm actually looking forward to the ball!" Marle said drizzling honey in her porridge. "Spare me!" Lucca grumbled. "I hate wearing dresses!" She bit into her toast. "You think I enjoy it? I have to wear them all the time!" Marle spat. "Why have the ball in the first place?" Gabrielle wanted to know, buttering the scone Glenn had handed her. "It's a royal thing. Also to celebrate the Centennial of Guardia; Guardia's a century now." Marle replied. Gabrielle whistled. "Wow. That's old! Now wonder you're having a party." Gabrielle murmured. "When is it again?" "It begins at sunset." Crono answered for Marle because she was taking sips from her cup. "Ends who knows when." "What we do till then?" Ayla asked. "Ride around?" Crono suggested. "Swimming!" was Schala's choice. "Why don't we take Gabrielle around the castle?" Lucca wanted to know. "She hasn't seen all of it." "All right." Magus said tossing his napkin on the table. "Let's go."
* * * "Let's go to the practice yards." Glenn pleaded. "No! The stables!" Schala begged. "What about the library?" Lucca asked. Gabrielle didn't even know where to start in such a big place. "I know where to take her!" Marle cried. She towed her friend around a number of hallways and stopped large oak double doors. "Prepare to be amazed!" Marle pushed the doors open. Gabrielle's mouth nearly hit the tops of her boots. All around were portraits of people young, old, in suits of armor, in royal robes, and in palace uniforms. The princess knew a great deal about her ancestors. It was almost like she knew Queen Leene personally. When Gabrielle said this the others laughed. She shrugged and followed them to another part of the gallery. "This one you'll like, Gabrielle." Glenn said as he opened the door to another part. "It's all the warriors that have done great service to the realm." Gabrielle gasped when she saw a painting of a frogman next to Queen Leene. "That's you, isn't it?" Gabrielle told him. "Aye, I mean yes." He replied. "A long time ago, ol' Prince of Darkness," he elbowed Magus in the ribs as he came up next to him. "Turned me into a frog." Apparently, he had forgiven him because he smiled wryly as he explained. Gods, Gabrielle thought. If someone turned me into a frog I'd flay them within an inch of their life! "But thanks to Lucca, I am a man again." Glenn said drawing her back to her surroundings. They showed her several other things like the tailors and scribes and the small council rooms. When Lucca demanded that they showed her the south wing library, they steered her down a long corridor and to large oak double doors like the one's to the portrait gallery. "Ok, Gabrielle. NOW prepare to be amazed!" Lucca said as she swung the doors open. This time Gabrielle's jaw surely must have gone through the floor. The girl had never seen so many books in all her life. Bookshelves reached the ceiling of the very tall room and were crammed with books. Swirling metal staircases went up to a second level of yet more books. Oak desks lined one wall and couches were fitted into niches in the wall that had broad windows fitted in them. "Wonderful isn't it?" Glenn asked. "There's a smaller one where I come from but not as grand as this." "Is A.D 600 much different than here?" Gabrielle inquired. "A little." Glenn answered. "Maybe we could visit there sometime." "I'd like that." Gabrielle told him with a smile that warmed Glenn's heart.
The tour continued until it was noon. After a luncheon with Marle's father and some high-ranking nobles, they set out for the stables and practice yards. To Crono and Glenn's glee they went to the practice yards first. "Sir Crono!" someone shouted. "It's great to see you here. You too, Your Highness." He bowed his head to Marle. It was a man with close-cropped black hair and blue eyes. "Gabrielle, Schala, Magus, Glenn, Ayla this is Sir Darren." Crono said. "Sir Darren, this is Gabrielle, Schala, Magus, Glenn, and Ayla." Sir Darren's eyes began to dance when he saw Gabrielle. "An Amazon?" he inquired. "Haven't seen one of you in a while." His kind voice was suddenly mocking. Gabrielle grit her teeth and held her tongue. "How's weapon practice? Care to take on a trained knight?" "Watch you tongue, Sir Darren." Gabrielle warned. "You may not like the consequences." This time Darren laughed. "Forgive me, Your Highness, Sir Crono, everyone for my laughter. It's just that it's funny to hear of a woman who fights." Darren explained. "Believe me, Sir Darren." Glenn announced. "Gabrielle can fight." "Can she wield a blade?" Darren wanted to know. Gabrielle turned scarlet; swords had always given her trouble. Darren laughed seeing her blush. "I see. Then what do you fight with?" "A staff." Gabrielle replied. Darren continued to laugh. "You use a stick?" he demanded. "Yes I do!" Gabrielle hollered over his roaring laughter. Darren leaned to the side and yanked a plain wood staff out of a barrel nearby and tossed it at her. She scowled at it. "This is lead weighted and the balance is off." She said tossing it back. ".People don't normally catch that." he muttered. He tossed another to her, his eyes filled only with the tiniest bit of respect. "Let's see what you claim you can do." He sneered. They assumed a spot on the rough earth and took the ready position. Darren swung his staff around and would have hit her knee if she wasn't quick enough but she was quick enough and counter with a sweep that was a feint. She quickly switched hands and rapped him on the side of the head. He lunged aiming for her stomach but she countered and began to whack him on the collarbone, biceps, and stomach; her staff was a blur in the air. She quickly swept the knight off his feet and put the butt of the stick on his stomach. "You are pretty good." Darren said reluctantly. "For a girl at least." Gabrielle jabbed him in the belly as he was getting up and put her staff back in the barrel. "That was great!" Glenn told her his dark eyes dancing. "C'mon, Schala wants to see the stables. We can ride around Guardia Forest." Wishing she could ride, Shokiera, her bay mare, she walked into the stables to select a mount. She found a red-brown big gelding that nuzzled her as she walked by him. She held out her palm for him to smell. "He's a bit big for you." Glenn said behind her. The gelding lipped her shirt as if to say "Ride me!" "Oh, c'mon!" Gabrielle begged. "I know how to ride a horse!" She found the gelding's saddle and briskly saddled him and put on his tack. Glenn gave her a hand up to mount the tall horse's back. As soon as the Amazon stuck her booted foot into the stirrup, it slid down making Gabrielle tumble into Glenn's arms. Her force made him slam into the wall of the gelding's stall. They exchanged nervous laughs and Glenn went up to the horse. "It's a common horse trick." Glenn told her. "You see, horses here aren't really used to strangers so they like to play tricks on them." He crouched and looked at the horses saddle buckle. "Oh, this big guy did the belly full of air trick." Gabrielle looked perplexed. "What?" "See, they swallow a belly full of air to make them bigger then when they blow it out the saddle slips and the rider falls." Glenn kneed the horse in the belly. "Stop it!" Glenn ordered. The horse blew a wad of spit onto Glenn's tan shirt. "Oh, thank you. I love you, too." Glenn joked wryly. Gabrielle laughed with him; he had learned to love that sound. "Ok, now try to mount." Glenn said giving her a hand up. Gabrielle banged her leg on the other wall of the stall but grit her teeth and said nothing. Glenn went to mount his chestnut mare and together they rode out of the stables. The gelding's back was a lot wider than her mare's. Also when she kicked it into a gallop, she soon had the sensation the though was like riding an avalanche. She thanked the Horse Lords the gelding didn't have a hard mouth, or it'd be impossible to control the horse. The group found each other and went down the trail in a pace that was peaceful and relaxing. Gabrielle, whose thighs were beginning to cramp, kept shifting uncomfortably because of the big width of her mount's back. They stopped to rest by a quiet stream and sprawled out on the grass. Once Gabrielle dismounted she found it hard to stand straight up. Lucca laughed and teased that the tables had been turned. Gabrielle glared and plopped down to lean against a big maple tree. Glenn settled next to her. "Remind me never to kick that horse into a gallop." Gabrielle groaned. "It's like I have a mountain between my legs!" Glenn laughed and patted her shoulder. He shook his hand because his hand was tingling after the touch. He decided not to touch Gabrielle again from fear of what he might say or do. "Hey, guys!" Marle called. "We'd better start heading back. We've got to get ready." Glenn stood easily and helped Gabrielle stand. She stumbled on a root of the tree and fell into Glenn. He supported her and they held each other's eyes for a few seconds. Gabrielle then whispered thanks and trotted to her horse. The company trotted out and it was late afternoon by the time they returned. They said goodbye to each other and the boys went to the men's baths and the girls went to the women's baths. Gabrielle shed her clothes and dove into the heated pool. This time she didn't get the green gooey hair-soap in her eyes when she washed her hair with it. They took their time washing wanting to be very clean for the ball. "These last two days have been the best, except for when I hurt Glenn." Gabrielle said. "Are you glad you guy are friends?" Schala wanted to know lathering her hair a second time. "Yes." She said smiling. "Why'd it take you so long to forgive him?" Lucca asked. "I really don't know. Something inside me felt weird whenever I was around him and it made me really uncomfortable." She explained. "Oh!" Marle cried. "Why didn't you say that in the first place? That explains everything!" "Huh?" "You have a crush on Glenn." Schala told her. "It was obvious today." Lucca said. "Especially in the stables." She raised her eyebrows mischievously. Gabrielle turned a bright crimson and reached for the soap. "He like you too." Ayla told her. "It obvious with him too." Gabrielle became even redder. "C'mon, Gabrielle out with it!" Marle ordered. "Do you have a thing for Glenn?" "Er.I don't know." She said quickly turning around so no one could see her scarlet face. "Well, if you don't," Schala winked at the other girls. "He definitely has one for you." Gabrielle quickly finished washing and got dressed in normal clothes. The girls planned to change in Marle's room. Later the rest of the girls joined her. They all gathered by the princess's big mirror. "You know," Marle began combing her lovely golden hair. "It wouldn't be bad if you guys did hook up." "Yeah. You'd make a cute couple." Schala added brushing her sky blue locks. As she spoke she looked at Gabrielle in person not her reflection in the mirror. "Glenn good strong man." Ayla told her as she fluffed her cornflower hair. She walked to her bag. "Ack! Me no bring dress." "Ayla, you can borrow one of my dresses. You guys know I have plenty." Marle told her friend getting up. The princess went to her wardrobe and pulled out several elegant dresses for the girl to choose from. "You can borrow one too, Gabrielle." "I brought one." She told her. "It's Amazon formality. I wear it every time we have a ceremony or ritual. Relax, I made sure I brought my long skirt." Marle nodded relieved. She saw some of the Amazons in very short skirts and tops that wouldn't be very appropriate. Gabrielle shook her head to get some of the water out of her hair and walked to her bag and pulled out a reddish-brown long skirt that would go just below the girl's knees. Marle looked unsure her father would approve but Gabrielle showed her the boots that when she wore them, only a little bit of Gabrielle's calf would show. The top was a low cut leather tank top that was the same reddish-brown as the skirt with thin leather straps. The bottom of the top would come just above her bellybutton. Gabrielle slipped into the dressing room and a few minutes later came out. "So, am I in one piece?" she wanted to know. She looked like a warrior princess in the top that fit her well and didn't show too much. She had put on leather gauntlets with a silver pattern that looked like her pendant. Only a bit of her calf peeked out between the hem on the skirt and the top of her boots. Her stomach was well toned even though it only showed a little bit. Around her neck was her pendant on a much shorter silver chain. On her earlobes were dark silver hoops. At the top of her left ear was a small hoop that matched the ones on her earlobes.
"You look splendid." Marle told her, the other girls nodding. They quickly got dressed and went to get their hair styled.
* * *
An hour later they walked out of a royal salon, dressed and hair done and ready to go. They walked to the room that connected to the grand staircase of the ballroom. The boys greeted them, looking great. Crono was clad in black pants and a silvery-gray shirt. Over his shirt was a piercing royal blue tunic. He looked harassed and walked to Marle who kissed him. After that he smiled. "Damned man at the tailors forced me to wear this. I hate wearing blue!" he grimaced when Gabrielle raised a questioning eyebrow at his curtness before Marle kissed him. Robo didn't wear anything but his gold metal was gleaming so much Gabrielle could see herself on it. Lucca was standing next to him in a simple yet pretty green brocade gown. The brocade was gold and made it look very pretty. Her short brown hair was pinned up in a small horsetail. Ayla patted her shoulder and smiled. She was striking in a soft, flowing white linen dress that was set off by a beaded sapphire blue sleeveless surcoat. Her hair was straightened and sparkled as if glitter was sprinkled onto it. Marle who kept trying to cheer Crono up was lovely in a low cut dark green silk dress trimmed at the neckline and hem with gold trim. Her golden hair was a mass of ringlets that came to her shoulder. Magus and Glenn came into Gabrielle's line of vision. They looked like complete opposites. Magus was a dark prince in a silver shirt and silver pants with a night black tunic over the shirt. His hair was down as it was before but it was treated with something to make it lie flat. Glenn on the other hand was a frog prince in a forest green tunic over a silver shirt. His black pants had a silver stripe running down the outer seam. His tunic was trimmed with silver as well. Schala appeared at her brother's elbow and smiled. She was beautiful in a blue-gray linen dress with a gold silk sleeveless surcoat. The surcoat was as frail as a butterfly wing and was beaded to make it hang properly. Her sky blue hair was in a tight bun pinned with gold pins. "You look wonderful." Glenn said to Gabrielle. "Thank you." She said with a sweet smile. Schala dragged Magus away to leave Gabrielle and Glenn alone. "How are you?" Gabrielle asked. "I'm great." He replied cheerfully. "You?" "Same. This is really exciting, isn't it?" Gabrielle asked. "Her Highness, Princess Nadia of Guardia and Sir Crono of Guardia." A herald announced telling Gabrielle Marle and Crono were descending the stair. "It is." He had hoped to stall Gabrielle so they could walk down the stair together. "Her Highness, Schala of Zeal and her brother His Highness, Prince Janus of Zeal." The herald announced. The people of Guardia had a bit of confusion at the foreign name but it soon died. Gabrielle went to leave and go to the top of the stairs but Glenn gently grabbed her wrist, "Wait!" he cried and grabbed her wrist and yanked her back very alarmed. Gabrielle flew back and they slammed into the wall. Their lips touched gently for a split second then Gabrielle startled took her lips away. It took them a few moments to realize they were still pressing against each other. They were staring at each other then Gabrielle pushed away and ran to the door where were to exit from. "Lucca of Truce and Robo, the humanoid robot. Ayla, chief of the Ioka tribe." The herald announced. Glenn and Gabrielle were the only one's left. They had to descend the stairs together. Glenn smiled weakly and offered his arm. She blushed and took it. She hoped he didn't notice her trembling while he prayed that she didn't feel his damp hand. "Sir Glenn of Guardia." The herald announced. Some of the knights in the room looked around perplexed. "Gabrielle, chief of the Samaran tribe of the Amazon Nation." Silence fell as Gabrielle and Glenn descended the large stairs covered with scarlet carpet. Gabrielle knew she looked nothing like Marle, who looked like she was floating. She walked on the scarlet rug up to the throne where the King sat on his throne. While she was walking, she heard all the comments from the courtiers. She resisted the urge to glare at the remarks about her clothes and status. She bowed awkwardly to the King who nodded in acknowledgment. "People of Guardia, this young lady saved Princess Nadia from falling into thin ice while she was away from the castle.again." A soft chuckle went through the crowd. When Gabrielle went to her friends, some people nodded as she passed. One even bowed. Marle smiled proudly and her friends beamed. Glenn blushed when she passed after what happened in the other room. Soft music began to play as couples danced. The room was liberally lit with bright torches along the wall in iron brackets. Vivid tapestries hung on the stonewalls and banners hung from the ceiling. Nobles were all in their finest and were busy to dance the night away. "This is a ball after all." Marle said, grinning as she took Crono's hand. Gabrielle sat on a bench in one of the many niches in the huge ballroom. While Gabrielle loved space, there such thing as too much space! "May I sit here?" he asked politely pointing to the space next to her. "Sure." She replied not looking at him. She was nervous around him after what happened. He sat down; Gabrielle scooted a little away from him. "Look, I know that was awkward back there. I didn't mean for that to happen." Glenn said. A tone in his voice made her look at him. "I really didn't mean to kiss you." "It was an accident." Gabrielle made herself say. "They happen, you know." "Yes, they do." A blush crept on his face. "Would you-" Magus came to her rescue, walking briskly over and bowing slightly to her. "Would you like to dance?" he asked. "Sure." Gabrielle said hastily. She took Magus's hand and allowed him to lead her to a spot on the floor. Glenn glared at his friend and started to think of how to get revenge. "So, how is it in the future?" Magus asked Gabrielle. "It's great. I never thought I'd see so much green or so many people." Gabrielle replied happily. Magus laughed. "I'm so glad I met you guys." Gabrielle told him. "I have some great friends, and I know my past, thanks to you." Magus looked down at his feet. When he looked up he saw Glenn still on the bench he was on next to Gabrielle. He was slumped over, with his chin in his hands. His dark eyes were sad. The two were silent until Magus finally asked, "So how're things with you and Glenn? Haven't attacked each other again I hope." Gabrielle laughed, "No, we're getting along great. He's really nice." "He wouldn't shut up last night about you." Magus asked. "At first he was furious than as the pain in his face began to fade he began to ramble on about your staff skills and how strong you were." "Really?" Gabrielle inquired. "Why would he do that?" "I don't know." Magus admitted. "But I think our knight friend has a thing for you." "Why would he have a thing for me?" Gabrielle wanted to know. "We barely met." "You haven't changed haven't you, Gabrielle?" Magus asked. "By how much he talks about you and the way he looks at you, how can you not see?" Magus cleared his throat. "Oh, and I've seen your accidents. Like at the lake and in the stables." Gabrielle looked down at her dancing feet feeling herself turn red. "I suggest you talk to him." Magus said. "Give him the chance to tell you himself." Gabrielle sighed. "All right. I'll go talk to him." Gabrielle told him. The song ended and Gabrielle and Magus thanked each other. On her way to Glenn, a man approached her and asked if she wished to dance. Glenn looked up at her. She declined as politely as she could and continued her journey to Glenn. Then a dancing couple bumped into her; with a quick apology she trotted the rest of the way. "With all this noise you're making, you'll drown out the music." Gabrielle teased, trying to break the ice. He smiled tightly and looked back down. "Eh.can I sit here?" she asked. "Yeah." Glenn replied patting the spot next to him. Gabrielle bounced her boot-clad feet on the marble floor anxiously. "Would you." he looked around the room. Then looked again at Gabrielle. "Would you like to dance?" he wanted to know. "All right." Gabrielle answered. Glenn nervously took her hand and they walked onto the dance floor. Schala winked at her when she passed them. Gabrielle gave her a warm smile. "I've never been to a party this big before." Gabrielle said after a moment of silence. "In A.D 600, they have feasts. Then there's some dancing afterward but not an entire event just to dance." Glenn told her. "Hey, Glenn." Crono raised his voice slightly so Glenn could hear him. When Glenn turned his head to see Crono, Crono gave him a wink when he saw his dancing partner. Glenn rolled his eyes and turned back to Gabrielle. Marle had given her a similar wink and made her blush again. Glenn had talked to Crono while they were getting ready for the ball. He had admitted his growing feelings for Gabrielle there so Magus and Robo couldn't hear. Crono had advised to tell her. Ok, he thought. I'm going to tell her now. He took a huge breath and swallowed. "Gab-" "Excuse me." A tall man with a moustache and a beard had sauntered up to them. "Are you Gabrielle the Amazon?" "Y-yes, I am." Gabrielle replied puzzled. "Oh, yes, well that explains your.uh.outfit." He said eyeing her top and skirt. "My good man, what are you doing dancing with this.woman? There are plenty of lovely civilized women for you to dance with." Gabrielle's hot reply was interrupted by Glenn saying, "This young woman is my friend, my lord. And I chose to dance with her. Now if you will excuse us." He took Gabrielle's hand and steered her as far away from the nobleman as possible. "Of all the nerve!" Gabrielle hissed, her brown eyes snapping with fury. "See what I told you?" Glenn said. "People here think you're a savage. They're wrong. They judge you before they even know you." Gabrielle stayed silent but she was filling with fury and rage. She took a few huge breaths and said, "I think I'm ok now." As the ball progressed, Glenn and Gabrielle met more rude noblemen and women. All of the times, Glenn had to drag Gabrielle away. When the Duke of Porre said that he could see why she didn't want to marry unless a man were interested in a uncivilized wench, Crono held Gabrielle back while Magus held Glenn. The two men grinned at Glenn's fury when Gabrielle was insulted or put down. Things got their hottest when the couple was sitting down to a cup of juice at one of the beverage tables. His Grace of Porre's daughter, Countess Marian, who had tried to cut in on one of the dances Glenn and Gabrielle were having, came over and purposefully spilled grape juice into Gabrielle's lap trying to make it look like an accident. "Oh!" Marian squealed falsely. "Forgive me! But it wouldn't bother you. Savages are used to being filthy aren't they?" A few people around laughed as Gabrielle leaped out of her chair. A purple stain was spreading on the front of her skirt. "You did that on purpose!" Gabrielle accused. "Oh, clumsy me!" the Duke's daughter chortled putting a hand to her mouth. "I bet savages like you wouldn't mind a stain or two on their clothes." Gabrielle snarled and lunged for Marian only to be stopped by Glenn wrapping his arms around her torso. He put all his weight into holding her back even though he wanted to wring this snooty noblewoman's neck! "Look! The savage needs a keeper to keep her in order!" someone shouted. Everyone that had crowded around except Gabrielle's friends began to laugh.
"I wonder how often she does this." A woman said huffily. "She should be caged." A man said thoughtfully. "She'd be a great attraction for the Millennia Fair!" piped a young woman. Magus, Crono, and Marle wove through the crowd with Lucca, Robo, Schala, and Ayla in tow. They saw Glenn restraining Gabrielle around the torso as she tried to attack the laughing noblewoman in a cream colored gown. "You better get away from the savage while you can, Sir Glenn." She sneered. "She might attack you if you get her skimpy clothes dirty. And you shouldn't associate yourself with filth like this slut." This time Magus had to grab the back of Glenn's tunic to prevent him from attacking the young woman. Crono had to run to get Gabrielle because Glenn released her the moment Marian finished her rude statement. "Oh, Sir Crono, that is unnecessary. I can handle this savage bitch!" Marian gave him lusty wink making Marle scowl. "I'm not the bitch here!" Gabrielle spat. "A woman of your dignity would keep a more civil tongue in her empty little head." Marian's face became a mask of rage. "No one gets the better of me!" she hissed. "I will not associate myself in underbred common-born filth like you! You don't deserve that knight. I do! So just go to the filthy streets where you belong and get out of the castle or you're going to muck it up with your disgusting notions!" Marian's face was red by the time she was done. Crono had to keep an iron tight grip on the furious Amazon to prevent her from tackling the Countess. "Marian of Porre, you will mind your manners in the castle of your monarch!" Marle bellowed. Everyone fell silent. "Begging Your Highness's pardon, but I was just putting this underbred trash in her place. Don't you agree she doesn't deserve to dance with Sir Glenn?" she asked. "Sir Glenn and Lady Gabrielle may dance with one another if they wish. Now calm yourself and leave her be!" Marle commanded the air around her filled with authority. "Lady Gabrielle?" Marian sputtered. "She isn't worthy of that title!" "She saved my life, if it would please you to know, Countess Marian. And I wish to repay her and address her with respect and I order you to as well." Marle said dangerously. "I'd muck out all the royal stables before I will address that trash as a noble!" Marian spat. "That will be arranged, Marian." Marle told the girl her green eyes narrowed. "Countess Marian of Porre." King Guardia strode forward. "You will report to the castle stables at dawn and you will muck them out until they are spotless. You will not leave until you are done." His gray eyes were furious. "You will obey the Princess and address this young woman properly." "Yes, Your Majesty." Marian said with a curtsy. "I demand an apology to my friend for your discourteous behavior." Marle told her. "Forgive me.Lady Gabrielle for my horrible behavior." Marian announced through grit teeth. Crono slowly released Gabrielle while Magus let go of Glenn's tunic. Marian was escorted out of the castle by two guards and the majority of the ball continued. Gabrielle had had enough of this ball she didn't even need to weave through people as she stormed out. She was given a five-foot berth as she passed people.
* * * Gabrielle was lying on her bed on her side facing the wall when there was a knock on the door. Gabrielle didn't say anything; she was still angry at what had happened at the ball. The door opened. "Gabrielle, I know you're awake and I want to talk to you." Marle had changed into some everyday clothes and sat on the edge of the bed next to Gabrielle's back. "I'm so sorry about what happened." She told her. "Marian of Porre always boils my blood. She likes being a noble too much and has to be a bitch to anyone who's not." Gabrielle finally turned so she was on her back. "It's not your fault. It's just the things she said really hurt." "All of it was a load of crock." Marle assured her. "You aren't trash or filth and you're surely not underbred. And according to your past, you're a Princess! How dare she treat you so horribly?" Marle voice shook with anger. "I'm not a Princess anymore." Gabrielle pointed out. "How can I be a Princess of a kingdom that doesn't exist?" "Schala and Magus had their titles given back. You could have yours." Marle said. "And you're still chief of the Samaran tribe. The tribe that's the Chosen by Shatara! C'mon, that at least has to be equal to a Countess or a Duchess!" "Maybe, but it's really uncomfortable being addressed as something other than Gabrielle." She said. "That's what I've always been called on the mountain. Except-" "With the Amazons?" Marle supplied. "Er.yes." Gabrielle stammered. "I hate former titles, that's why I changed my name. But after a few years of fighting it, it got so hard to avoid it. So, I accepted the fact that I was a Princess and soon I was comfortable at balls and being called 'Princess' and 'Your Highness'." Marle explained. There was a soft knock on the adjoining door and Glenn emerged still in his tunic and breeches. Marle mouthed, "Are you going to tell her?" She had heard everything from Crono. Glenn nodded. "I was just leaving." Marle said. "Good luck." She mouthed to Glenn and left the room, leaving the two alone. Glenn took a big breath and walked forward as Gabrielle sat up on her bed. "Hi." He said, pulling the chair from her desk to sit on next to her bed. "Hi." Gabrielle replied weakly. "What Marian said was wrong." Glenn told her bluntly. "About deserving me." Gabrielle stayed silent as Glenn looked down at the flagstone floor. "In fact, I really like you, Gabrielle." He looked into her eyes. "A lot." "I like you too, Glenn." Gabrielle replied. "A lot." "Well," Glenn shifted in his seat and quickly got up. He had practically admitted it and wanted to leave at that very moment. "I better go. Good night." He walked briskly to the door. "Glenn." Gabrielle beckoned. When he turned around, Gabrielle was holding out her arms indicating she wanted a hug. He grinned and walked across the room and embraced her. "Thank you for helping me." She whispered in his ear. "No problem." Glenn replied his voice shaking a bit. He nearly ran out of the room.
* * * Gabrielle woke and bathed with the girls and saw Marian in the stables. She had worn a dark skirt and a white blouse that was going to never be the same again. They snickered at her as she scowled. "Have fun!" Lucca sang. They returned to Marle's room and talked. "She was such a bitch! The nerve of her!" Schala growled. "I don't think anyone in there would have minded if you gave her a pounding." "I know it!" Lucca cried. "She bad girl. It good she have punishment." Ayla added. The girl's yelped when there was a knock at the door. A footman entered the room and bowed deeply. "Sir Glenn of Guardia requests Lady Gabrielle's presence. He said it was urgent." Without one word, Gabrielle got up and walked out of the room, followed by her confused friends.
* * * Glenn was found at the door to the castle. He took Gabrielle aside. His dark eyes were worried and full of concern. Gabrielle was puzzled because he was in chain mail and other warrior paraphernalia. "Listen. There's been an emergency in my time and I have to leave now." He told her. "Everyone's coming with me but I need you to come with me. It's very urgent." "Why's that?" "Be-because it has to do with the Amazons." Glenn replied. "The Guardians have.are going to declare war on the Amazons of A.D 600."
A/N: Yay! Party time! Enjoy!
Chapter Five: Royal Party "I'm actually looking forward to the ball!" Marle said drizzling honey in her porridge. "Spare me!" Lucca grumbled. "I hate wearing dresses!" She bit into her toast. "You think I enjoy it? I have to wear them all the time!" Marle spat. "Why have the ball in the first place?" Gabrielle wanted to know, buttering the scone Glenn had handed her. "It's a royal thing. Also to celebrate the Centennial of Guardia; Guardia's a century now." Marle replied. Gabrielle whistled. "Wow. That's old! Now wonder you're having a party." Gabrielle murmured. "When is it again?" "It begins at sunset." Crono answered for Marle because she was taking sips from her cup. "Ends who knows when." "What we do till then?" Ayla asked. "Ride around?" Crono suggested. "Swimming!" was Schala's choice. "Why don't we take Gabrielle around the castle?" Lucca wanted to know. "She hasn't seen all of it." "All right." Magus said tossing his napkin on the table. "Let's go."
* * * "Let's go to the practice yards." Glenn pleaded. "No! The stables!" Schala begged. "What about the library?" Lucca asked. Gabrielle didn't even know where to start in such a big place. "I know where to take her!" Marle cried. She towed her friend around a number of hallways and stopped large oak double doors. "Prepare to be amazed!" Marle pushed the doors open. Gabrielle's mouth nearly hit the tops of her boots. All around were portraits of people young, old, in suits of armor, in royal robes, and in palace uniforms. The princess knew a great deal about her ancestors. It was almost like she knew Queen Leene personally. When Gabrielle said this the others laughed. She shrugged and followed them to another part of the gallery. "This one you'll like, Gabrielle." Glenn said as he opened the door to another part. "It's all the warriors that have done great service to the realm." Gabrielle gasped when she saw a painting of a frogman next to Queen Leene. "That's you, isn't it?" Gabrielle told him. "Aye, I mean yes." He replied. "A long time ago, ol' Prince of Darkness," he elbowed Magus in the ribs as he came up next to him. "Turned me into a frog." Apparently, he had forgiven him because he smiled wryly as he explained. Gods, Gabrielle thought. If someone turned me into a frog I'd flay them within an inch of their life! "But thanks to Lucca, I am a man again." Glenn said drawing her back to her surroundings. They showed her several other things like the tailors and scribes and the small council rooms. When Lucca demanded that they showed her the south wing library, they steered her down a long corridor and to large oak double doors like the one's to the portrait gallery. "Ok, Gabrielle. NOW prepare to be amazed!" Lucca said as she swung the doors open. This time Gabrielle's jaw surely must have gone through the floor. The girl had never seen so many books in all her life. Bookshelves reached the ceiling of the very tall room and were crammed with books. Swirling metal staircases went up to a second level of yet more books. Oak desks lined one wall and couches were fitted into niches in the wall that had broad windows fitted in them. "Wonderful isn't it?" Glenn asked. "There's a smaller one where I come from but not as grand as this." "Is A.D 600 much different than here?" Gabrielle inquired. "A little." Glenn answered. "Maybe we could visit there sometime." "I'd like that." Gabrielle told him with a smile that warmed Glenn's heart.
The tour continued until it was noon. After a luncheon with Marle's father and some high-ranking nobles, they set out for the stables and practice yards. To Crono and Glenn's glee they went to the practice yards first. "Sir Crono!" someone shouted. "It's great to see you here. You too, Your Highness." He bowed his head to Marle. It was a man with close-cropped black hair and blue eyes. "Gabrielle, Schala, Magus, Glenn, Ayla this is Sir Darren." Crono said. "Sir Darren, this is Gabrielle, Schala, Magus, Glenn, and Ayla." Sir Darren's eyes began to dance when he saw Gabrielle. "An Amazon?" he inquired. "Haven't seen one of you in a while." His kind voice was suddenly mocking. Gabrielle grit her teeth and held her tongue. "How's weapon practice? Care to take on a trained knight?" "Watch you tongue, Sir Darren." Gabrielle warned. "You may not like the consequences." This time Darren laughed. "Forgive me, Your Highness, Sir Crono, everyone for my laughter. It's just that it's funny to hear of a woman who fights." Darren explained. "Believe me, Sir Darren." Glenn announced. "Gabrielle can fight." "Can she wield a blade?" Darren wanted to know. Gabrielle turned scarlet; swords had always given her trouble. Darren laughed seeing her blush. "I see. Then what do you fight with?" "A staff." Gabrielle replied. Darren continued to laugh. "You use a stick?" he demanded. "Yes I do!" Gabrielle hollered over his roaring laughter. Darren leaned to the side and yanked a plain wood staff out of a barrel nearby and tossed it at her. She scowled at it. "This is lead weighted and the balance is off." She said tossing it back. ".People don't normally catch that." he muttered. He tossed another to her, his eyes filled only with the tiniest bit of respect. "Let's see what you claim you can do." He sneered. They assumed a spot on the rough earth and took the ready position. Darren swung his staff around and would have hit her knee if she wasn't quick enough but she was quick enough and counter with a sweep that was a feint. She quickly switched hands and rapped him on the side of the head. He lunged aiming for her stomach but she countered and began to whack him on the collarbone, biceps, and stomach; her staff was a blur in the air. She quickly swept the knight off his feet and put the butt of the stick on his stomach. "You are pretty good." Darren said reluctantly. "For a girl at least." Gabrielle jabbed him in the belly as he was getting up and put her staff back in the barrel. "That was great!" Glenn told her his dark eyes dancing. "C'mon, Schala wants to see the stables. We can ride around Guardia Forest." Wishing she could ride, Shokiera, her bay mare, she walked into the stables to select a mount. She found a red-brown big gelding that nuzzled her as she walked by him. She held out her palm for him to smell. "He's a bit big for you." Glenn said behind her. The gelding lipped her shirt as if to say "Ride me!" "Oh, c'mon!" Gabrielle begged. "I know how to ride a horse!" She found the gelding's saddle and briskly saddled him and put on his tack. Glenn gave her a hand up to mount the tall horse's back. As soon as the Amazon stuck her booted foot into the stirrup, it slid down making Gabrielle tumble into Glenn's arms. Her force made him slam into the wall of the gelding's stall. They exchanged nervous laughs and Glenn went up to the horse. "It's a common horse trick." Glenn told her. "You see, horses here aren't really used to strangers so they like to play tricks on them." He crouched and looked at the horses saddle buckle. "Oh, this big guy did the belly full of air trick." Gabrielle looked perplexed. "What?" "See, they swallow a belly full of air to make them bigger then when they blow it out the saddle slips and the rider falls." Glenn kneed the horse in the belly. "Stop it!" Glenn ordered. The horse blew a wad of spit onto Glenn's tan shirt. "Oh, thank you. I love you, too." Glenn joked wryly. Gabrielle laughed with him; he had learned to love that sound. "Ok, now try to mount." Glenn said giving her a hand up. Gabrielle banged her leg on the other wall of the stall but grit her teeth and said nothing. Glenn went to mount his chestnut mare and together they rode out of the stables. The gelding's back was a lot wider than her mare's. Also when she kicked it into a gallop, she soon had the sensation the though was like riding an avalanche. She thanked the Horse Lords the gelding didn't have a hard mouth, or it'd be impossible to control the horse. The group found each other and went down the trail in a pace that was peaceful and relaxing. Gabrielle, whose thighs were beginning to cramp, kept shifting uncomfortably because of the big width of her mount's back. They stopped to rest by a quiet stream and sprawled out on the grass. Once Gabrielle dismounted she found it hard to stand straight up. Lucca laughed and teased that the tables had been turned. Gabrielle glared and plopped down to lean against a big maple tree. Glenn settled next to her. "Remind me never to kick that horse into a gallop." Gabrielle groaned. "It's like I have a mountain between my legs!" Glenn laughed and patted her shoulder. He shook his hand because his hand was tingling after the touch. He decided not to touch Gabrielle again from fear of what he might say or do. "Hey, guys!" Marle called. "We'd better start heading back. We've got to get ready." Glenn stood easily and helped Gabrielle stand. She stumbled on a root of the tree and fell into Glenn. He supported her and they held each other's eyes for a few seconds. Gabrielle then whispered thanks and trotted to her horse. The company trotted out and it was late afternoon by the time they returned. They said goodbye to each other and the boys went to the men's baths and the girls went to the women's baths. Gabrielle shed her clothes and dove into the heated pool. This time she didn't get the green gooey hair-soap in her eyes when she washed her hair with it. They took their time washing wanting to be very clean for the ball. "These last two days have been the best, except for when I hurt Glenn." Gabrielle said. "Are you glad you guy are friends?" Schala wanted to know lathering her hair a second time. "Yes." She said smiling. "Why'd it take you so long to forgive him?" Lucca asked. "I really don't know. Something inside me felt weird whenever I was around him and it made me really uncomfortable." She explained. "Oh!" Marle cried. "Why didn't you say that in the first place? That explains everything!" "Huh?" "You have a crush on Glenn." Schala told her. "It was obvious today." Lucca said. "Especially in the stables." She raised her eyebrows mischievously. Gabrielle turned a bright crimson and reached for the soap. "He like you too." Ayla told her. "It obvious with him too." Gabrielle became even redder. "C'mon, Gabrielle out with it!" Marle ordered. "Do you have a thing for Glenn?" "Er.I don't know." She said quickly turning around so no one could see her scarlet face. "Well, if you don't," Schala winked at the other girls. "He definitely has one for you." Gabrielle quickly finished washing and got dressed in normal clothes. The girls planned to change in Marle's room. Later the rest of the girls joined her. They all gathered by the princess's big mirror. "You know," Marle began combing her lovely golden hair. "It wouldn't be bad if you guys did hook up." "Yeah. You'd make a cute couple." Schala added brushing her sky blue locks. As she spoke she looked at Gabrielle in person not her reflection in the mirror. "Glenn good strong man." Ayla told her as she fluffed her cornflower hair. She walked to her bag. "Ack! Me no bring dress." "Ayla, you can borrow one of my dresses. You guys know I have plenty." Marle told her friend getting up. The princess went to her wardrobe and pulled out several elegant dresses for the girl to choose from. "You can borrow one too, Gabrielle." "I brought one." She told her. "It's Amazon formality. I wear it every time we have a ceremony or ritual. Relax, I made sure I brought my long skirt." Marle nodded relieved. She saw some of the Amazons in very short skirts and tops that wouldn't be very appropriate. Gabrielle shook her head to get some of the water out of her hair and walked to her bag and pulled out a reddish-brown long skirt that would go just below the girl's knees. Marle looked unsure her father would approve but Gabrielle showed her the boots that when she wore them, only a little bit of Gabrielle's calf would show. The top was a low cut leather tank top that was the same reddish-brown as the skirt with thin leather straps. The bottom of the top would come just above her bellybutton. Gabrielle slipped into the dressing room and a few minutes later came out. "So, am I in one piece?" she wanted to know. She looked like a warrior princess in the top that fit her well and didn't show too much. She had put on leather gauntlets with a silver pattern that looked like her pendant. Only a bit of her calf peeked out between the hem on the skirt and the top of her boots. Her stomach was well toned even though it only showed a little bit. Around her neck was her pendant on a much shorter silver chain. On her earlobes were dark silver hoops. At the top of her left ear was a small hoop that matched the ones on her earlobes.
"You look splendid." Marle told her, the other girls nodding. They quickly got dressed and went to get their hair styled.
* * *
An hour later they walked out of a royal salon, dressed and hair done and ready to go. They walked to the room that connected to the grand staircase of the ballroom. The boys greeted them, looking great. Crono was clad in black pants and a silvery-gray shirt. Over his shirt was a piercing royal blue tunic. He looked harassed and walked to Marle who kissed him. After that he smiled. "Damned man at the tailors forced me to wear this. I hate wearing blue!" he grimaced when Gabrielle raised a questioning eyebrow at his curtness before Marle kissed him. Robo didn't wear anything but his gold metal was gleaming so much Gabrielle could see herself on it. Lucca was standing next to him in a simple yet pretty green brocade gown. The brocade was gold and made it look very pretty. Her short brown hair was pinned up in a small horsetail. Ayla patted her shoulder and smiled. She was striking in a soft, flowing white linen dress that was set off by a beaded sapphire blue sleeveless surcoat. Her hair was straightened and sparkled as if glitter was sprinkled onto it. Marle who kept trying to cheer Crono up was lovely in a low cut dark green silk dress trimmed at the neckline and hem with gold trim. Her golden hair was a mass of ringlets that came to her shoulder. Magus and Glenn came into Gabrielle's line of vision. They looked like complete opposites. Magus was a dark prince in a silver shirt and silver pants with a night black tunic over the shirt. His hair was down as it was before but it was treated with something to make it lie flat. Glenn on the other hand was a frog prince in a forest green tunic over a silver shirt. His black pants had a silver stripe running down the outer seam. His tunic was trimmed with silver as well. Schala appeared at her brother's elbow and smiled. She was beautiful in a blue-gray linen dress with a gold silk sleeveless surcoat. The surcoat was as frail as a butterfly wing and was beaded to make it hang properly. Her sky blue hair was in a tight bun pinned with gold pins. "You look wonderful." Glenn said to Gabrielle. "Thank you." She said with a sweet smile. Schala dragged Magus away to leave Gabrielle and Glenn alone. "How are you?" Gabrielle asked. "I'm great." He replied cheerfully. "You?" "Same. This is really exciting, isn't it?" Gabrielle asked. "Her Highness, Princess Nadia of Guardia and Sir Crono of Guardia." A herald announced telling Gabrielle Marle and Crono were descending the stair. "It is." He had hoped to stall Gabrielle so they could walk down the stair together. "Her Highness, Schala of Zeal and her brother His Highness, Prince Janus of Zeal." The herald announced. The people of Guardia had a bit of confusion at the foreign name but it soon died. Gabrielle went to leave and go to the top of the stairs but Glenn gently grabbed her wrist, "Wait!" he cried and grabbed her wrist and yanked her back very alarmed. Gabrielle flew back and they slammed into the wall. Their lips touched gently for a split second then Gabrielle startled took her lips away. It took them a few moments to realize they were still pressing against each other. They were staring at each other then Gabrielle pushed away and ran to the door where were to exit from. "Lucca of Truce and Robo, the humanoid robot. Ayla, chief of the Ioka tribe." The herald announced. Glenn and Gabrielle were the only one's left. They had to descend the stairs together. Glenn smiled weakly and offered his arm. She blushed and took it. She hoped he didn't notice her trembling while he prayed that she didn't feel his damp hand. "Sir Glenn of Guardia." The herald announced. Some of the knights in the room looked around perplexed. "Gabrielle, chief of the Samaran tribe of the Amazon Nation." Silence fell as Gabrielle and Glenn descended the large stairs covered with scarlet carpet. Gabrielle knew she looked nothing like Marle, who looked like she was floating. She walked on the scarlet rug up to the throne where the King sat on his throne. While she was walking, she heard all the comments from the courtiers. She resisted the urge to glare at the remarks about her clothes and status. She bowed awkwardly to the King who nodded in acknowledgment. "People of Guardia, this young lady saved Princess Nadia from falling into thin ice while she was away from the castle.again." A soft chuckle went through the crowd. When Gabrielle went to her friends, some people nodded as she passed. One even bowed. Marle smiled proudly and her friends beamed. Glenn blushed when she passed after what happened in the other room. Soft music began to play as couples danced. The room was liberally lit with bright torches along the wall in iron brackets. Vivid tapestries hung on the stonewalls and banners hung from the ceiling. Nobles were all in their finest and were busy to dance the night away. "This is a ball after all." Marle said, grinning as she took Crono's hand. Gabrielle sat on a bench in one of the many niches in the huge ballroom. While Gabrielle loved space, there such thing as too much space! "May I sit here?" he asked politely pointing to the space next to her. "Sure." She replied not looking at him. She was nervous around him after what happened. He sat down; Gabrielle scooted a little away from him. "Look, I know that was awkward back there. I didn't mean for that to happen." Glenn said. A tone in his voice made her look at him. "I really didn't mean to kiss you." "It was an accident." Gabrielle made herself say. "They happen, you know." "Yes, they do." A blush crept on his face. "Would you-" Magus came to her rescue, walking briskly over and bowing slightly to her. "Would you like to dance?" he asked. "Sure." Gabrielle said hastily. She took Magus's hand and allowed him to lead her to a spot on the floor. Glenn glared at his friend and started to think of how to get revenge. "So, how is it in the future?" Magus asked Gabrielle. "It's great. I never thought I'd see so much green or so many people." Gabrielle replied happily. Magus laughed. "I'm so glad I met you guys." Gabrielle told him. "I have some great friends, and I know my past, thanks to you." Magus looked down at his feet. When he looked up he saw Glenn still on the bench he was on next to Gabrielle. He was slumped over, with his chin in his hands. His dark eyes were sad. The two were silent until Magus finally asked, "So how're things with you and Glenn? Haven't attacked each other again I hope." Gabrielle laughed, "No, we're getting along great. He's really nice." "He wouldn't shut up last night about you." Magus asked. "At first he was furious than as the pain in his face began to fade he began to ramble on about your staff skills and how strong you were." "Really?" Gabrielle inquired. "Why would he do that?" "I don't know." Magus admitted. "But I think our knight friend has a thing for you." "Why would he have a thing for me?" Gabrielle wanted to know. "We barely met." "You haven't changed haven't you, Gabrielle?" Magus asked. "By how much he talks about you and the way he looks at you, how can you not see?" Magus cleared his throat. "Oh, and I've seen your accidents. Like at the lake and in the stables." Gabrielle looked down at her dancing feet feeling herself turn red. "I suggest you talk to him." Magus said. "Give him the chance to tell you himself." Gabrielle sighed. "All right. I'll go talk to him." Gabrielle told him. The song ended and Gabrielle and Magus thanked each other. On her way to Glenn, a man approached her and asked if she wished to dance. Glenn looked up at her. She declined as politely as she could and continued her journey to Glenn. Then a dancing couple bumped into her; with a quick apology she trotted the rest of the way. "With all this noise you're making, you'll drown out the music." Gabrielle teased, trying to break the ice. He smiled tightly and looked back down. "Eh.can I sit here?" she asked. "Yeah." Glenn replied patting the spot next to him. Gabrielle bounced her boot-clad feet on the marble floor anxiously. "Would you." he looked around the room. Then looked again at Gabrielle. "Would you like to dance?" he wanted to know. "All right." Gabrielle answered. Glenn nervously took her hand and they walked onto the dance floor. Schala winked at her when she passed them. Gabrielle gave her a warm smile. "I've never been to a party this big before." Gabrielle said after a moment of silence. "In A.D 600, they have feasts. Then there's some dancing afterward but not an entire event just to dance." Glenn told her. "Hey, Glenn." Crono raised his voice slightly so Glenn could hear him. When Glenn turned his head to see Crono, Crono gave him a wink when he saw his dancing partner. Glenn rolled his eyes and turned back to Gabrielle. Marle had given her a similar wink and made her blush again. Glenn had talked to Crono while they were getting ready for the ball. He had admitted his growing feelings for Gabrielle there so Magus and Robo couldn't hear. Crono had advised to tell her. Ok, he thought. I'm going to tell her now. He took a huge breath and swallowed. "Gab-" "Excuse me." A tall man with a moustache and a beard had sauntered up to them. "Are you Gabrielle the Amazon?" "Y-yes, I am." Gabrielle replied puzzled. "Oh, yes, well that explains your.uh.outfit." He said eyeing her top and skirt. "My good man, what are you doing dancing with this.woman? There are plenty of lovely civilized women for you to dance with." Gabrielle's hot reply was interrupted by Glenn saying, "This young woman is my friend, my lord. And I chose to dance with her. Now if you will excuse us." He took Gabrielle's hand and steered her as far away from the nobleman as possible. "Of all the nerve!" Gabrielle hissed, her brown eyes snapping with fury. "See what I told you?" Glenn said. "People here think you're a savage. They're wrong. They judge you before they even know you." Gabrielle stayed silent but she was filling with fury and rage. She took a few huge breaths and said, "I think I'm ok now." As the ball progressed, Glenn and Gabrielle met more rude noblemen and women. All of the times, Glenn had to drag Gabrielle away. When the Duke of Porre said that he could see why she didn't want to marry unless a man were interested in a uncivilized wench, Crono held Gabrielle back while Magus held Glenn. The two men grinned at Glenn's fury when Gabrielle was insulted or put down. Things got their hottest when the couple was sitting down to a cup of juice at one of the beverage tables. His Grace of Porre's daughter, Countess Marian, who had tried to cut in on one of the dances Glenn and Gabrielle were having, came over and purposefully spilled grape juice into Gabrielle's lap trying to make it look like an accident. "Oh!" Marian squealed falsely. "Forgive me! But it wouldn't bother you. Savages are used to being filthy aren't they?" A few people around laughed as Gabrielle leaped out of her chair. A purple stain was spreading on the front of her skirt. "You did that on purpose!" Gabrielle accused. "Oh, clumsy me!" the Duke's daughter chortled putting a hand to her mouth. "I bet savages like you wouldn't mind a stain or two on their clothes." Gabrielle snarled and lunged for Marian only to be stopped by Glenn wrapping his arms around her torso. He put all his weight into holding her back even though he wanted to wring this snooty noblewoman's neck! "Look! The savage needs a keeper to keep her in order!" someone shouted. Everyone that had crowded around except Gabrielle's friends began to laugh.
"I wonder how often she does this." A woman said huffily. "She should be caged." A man said thoughtfully. "She'd be a great attraction for the Millennia Fair!" piped a young woman. Magus, Crono, and Marle wove through the crowd with Lucca, Robo, Schala, and Ayla in tow. They saw Glenn restraining Gabrielle around the torso as she tried to attack the laughing noblewoman in a cream colored gown. "You better get away from the savage while you can, Sir Glenn." She sneered. "She might attack you if you get her skimpy clothes dirty. And you shouldn't associate yourself with filth like this slut." This time Magus had to grab the back of Glenn's tunic to prevent him from attacking the young woman. Crono had to run to get Gabrielle because Glenn released her the moment Marian finished her rude statement. "Oh, Sir Crono, that is unnecessary. I can handle this savage bitch!" Marian gave him lusty wink making Marle scowl. "I'm not the bitch here!" Gabrielle spat. "A woman of your dignity would keep a more civil tongue in her empty little head." Marian's face became a mask of rage. "No one gets the better of me!" she hissed. "I will not associate myself in underbred common-born filth like you! You don't deserve that knight. I do! So just go to the filthy streets where you belong and get out of the castle or you're going to muck it up with your disgusting notions!" Marian's face was red by the time she was done. Crono had to keep an iron tight grip on the furious Amazon to prevent her from tackling the Countess. "Marian of Porre, you will mind your manners in the castle of your monarch!" Marle bellowed. Everyone fell silent. "Begging Your Highness's pardon, but I was just putting this underbred trash in her place. Don't you agree she doesn't deserve to dance with Sir Glenn?" she asked. "Sir Glenn and Lady Gabrielle may dance with one another if they wish. Now calm yourself and leave her be!" Marle commanded the air around her filled with authority. "Lady Gabrielle?" Marian sputtered. "She isn't worthy of that title!" "She saved my life, if it would please you to know, Countess Marian. And I wish to repay her and address her with respect and I order you to as well." Marle said dangerously. "I'd muck out all the royal stables before I will address that trash as a noble!" Marian spat. "That will be arranged, Marian." Marle told the girl her green eyes narrowed. "Countess Marian of Porre." King Guardia strode forward. "You will report to the castle stables at dawn and you will muck them out until they are spotless. You will not leave until you are done." His gray eyes were furious. "You will obey the Princess and address this young woman properly." "Yes, Your Majesty." Marian said with a curtsy. "I demand an apology to my friend for your discourteous behavior." Marle told her. "Forgive me.Lady Gabrielle for my horrible behavior." Marian announced through grit teeth. Crono slowly released Gabrielle while Magus let go of Glenn's tunic. Marian was escorted out of the castle by two guards and the majority of the ball continued. Gabrielle had had enough of this ball she didn't even need to weave through people as she stormed out. She was given a five-foot berth as she passed people.
* * * Gabrielle was lying on her bed on her side facing the wall when there was a knock on the door. Gabrielle didn't say anything; she was still angry at what had happened at the ball. The door opened. "Gabrielle, I know you're awake and I want to talk to you." Marle had changed into some everyday clothes and sat on the edge of the bed next to Gabrielle's back. "I'm so sorry about what happened." She told her. "Marian of Porre always boils my blood. She likes being a noble too much and has to be a bitch to anyone who's not." Gabrielle finally turned so she was on her back. "It's not your fault. It's just the things she said really hurt." "All of it was a load of crock." Marle assured her. "You aren't trash or filth and you're surely not underbred. And according to your past, you're a Princess! How dare she treat you so horribly?" Marle voice shook with anger. "I'm not a Princess anymore." Gabrielle pointed out. "How can I be a Princess of a kingdom that doesn't exist?" "Schala and Magus had their titles given back. You could have yours." Marle said. "And you're still chief of the Samaran tribe. The tribe that's the Chosen by Shatara! C'mon, that at least has to be equal to a Countess or a Duchess!" "Maybe, but it's really uncomfortable being addressed as something other than Gabrielle." She said. "That's what I've always been called on the mountain. Except-" "With the Amazons?" Marle supplied. "Er.yes." Gabrielle stammered. "I hate former titles, that's why I changed my name. But after a few years of fighting it, it got so hard to avoid it. So, I accepted the fact that I was a Princess and soon I was comfortable at balls and being called 'Princess' and 'Your Highness'." Marle explained. There was a soft knock on the adjoining door and Glenn emerged still in his tunic and breeches. Marle mouthed, "Are you going to tell her?" She had heard everything from Crono. Glenn nodded. "I was just leaving." Marle said. "Good luck." She mouthed to Glenn and left the room, leaving the two alone. Glenn took a big breath and walked forward as Gabrielle sat up on her bed. "Hi." He said, pulling the chair from her desk to sit on next to her bed. "Hi." Gabrielle replied weakly. "What Marian said was wrong." Glenn told her bluntly. "About deserving me." Gabrielle stayed silent as Glenn looked down at the flagstone floor. "In fact, I really like you, Gabrielle." He looked into her eyes. "A lot." "I like you too, Glenn." Gabrielle replied. "A lot." "Well," Glenn shifted in his seat and quickly got up. He had practically admitted it and wanted to leave at that very moment. "I better go. Good night." He walked briskly to the door. "Glenn." Gabrielle beckoned. When he turned around, Gabrielle was holding out her arms indicating she wanted a hug. He grinned and walked across the room and embraced her. "Thank you for helping me." She whispered in his ear. "No problem." Glenn replied his voice shaking a bit. He nearly ran out of the room.
* * * Gabrielle woke and bathed with the girls and saw Marian in the stables. She had worn a dark skirt and a white blouse that was going to never be the same again. They snickered at her as she scowled. "Have fun!" Lucca sang. They returned to Marle's room and talked. "She was such a bitch! The nerve of her!" Schala growled. "I don't think anyone in there would have minded if you gave her a pounding." "I know it!" Lucca cried. "She bad girl. It good she have punishment." Ayla added. The girl's yelped when there was a knock at the door. A footman entered the room and bowed deeply. "Sir Glenn of Guardia requests Lady Gabrielle's presence. He said it was urgent." Without one word, Gabrielle got up and walked out of the room, followed by her confused friends.
* * * Glenn was found at the door to the castle. He took Gabrielle aside. His dark eyes were worried and full of concern. Gabrielle was puzzled because he was in chain mail and other warrior paraphernalia. "Listen. There's been an emergency in my time and I have to leave now." He told her. "Everyone's coming with me but I need you to come with me. It's very urgent." "Why's that?" "Be-because it has to do with the Amazons." Glenn replied. "The Guardians have.are going to declare war on the Amazons of A.D 600."