Beneath the Milky Twilight

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Disclaimer: Nope, own nothing but the plot.

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Chapter 2 A plan

There was a loud bang as the door slammed behind her, the frustration she felt muddled her thoughts. One thing was for certain; she had to find a way out.

Casting a glance at the battle armor lying neatly on her bed, the sunlight streaming from her open window reflecting upon it. In all of its splendor and glory, that armor had never let her down. The polished metal shined, making her remember all the pride, but also all the horrors of war.

This is the path I chose, the pledge I made…… there should be no regrets……

She closed her eyes, hands clutched into fists as she fought the inner turmoil. Her mind wandered back to the meeting that only took place minutes ago. To the faces of her loyal knights as she entered the room; each had the same welcoming smile, but she also detected their worried expressions.

I really haven't been myself for the last month or so……

Chris sighed as she recalled Salome watching her carefully when he relayed another irritable Council demand to her. "Milady," He had said after seeing her visibly unhappy reaction. "Perhaps I can handle this case with the Council. You don't look too well today, and a trip to Vinay del Zexay might cause a repeat of what happened the last time you pushed yourself too hard."

Having to be quite surprised that Salome had stated it as plainly as that, she still shook her head, and despite earlier resolutions had replied. "Thank you, Salome. But I'm really feeling quite fine, I can handle a short trip to the capitol. Besides, the Council will most likely require my presence, it's best not to give them another point to complain about." She then stood up abruptly and moved to exit the meeting. "In fact, I'll leave right away." She turned away so that the others couldn't catch the reluctance in her face, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Louis move to follow her, only to be stopped by Percival, who held out an arm and shook his head slightly.

So much for wanting to take some time off.

With another deep sigh, Chris grabbed her sword and buckled it to her waist. While she contemplated on whether or not to change back into her armor, there came the sound of knocking at her door. "Come in." She called out absently, not even bothering to turn around and greet her visitor.

"Lady Chris. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Chris breathed then turned around slowly, forcing a faint smile. "Oh, it's you Percival. Yes, of course you can, is something wrong?" She looked away casually, having already suspected the problem just by the look on his face.

"Uh, milady, I was just…….um……" The dark-haired knight's voice suddenly trailed off. Chris' eyebrow cocked slightly with interest. This is the first time she had ever witness Percival, one of the most articulate persons she had ever met, to be at a loss for words. And at that thought, she could not resist a small chuckle.

Upon hearing Chris' light laughter, Percival felt the tension loosen and right then remembered what it was he was going to talk to her about. Regaining his charm and composure, he cleared his throat and said. "Ahem, pardon me, milady. What I meant to say was that I have just recently received news that Iksay Village is holding another festival, and I was wondering," He tilted his head and flashed a trademark smile. "If you would be interested in attending this one as well."

Chris couldn't help but smile at Percival's coyness. "Another Harvest Festival I presume?"

"No. Just a small annual village celebration."

Chris took a deep breath and exhaled with much emphasis, then shook her head. "Percival, I appreciate what it is you're trying to do. But you know I have to depart for a meeting with the Council, so it's impossible for me to attend."

"I'm more than sure that Salome wouldn't mind going for you instead."

"What are you saying? He already has more than enough to worry about. I can't possibly do such a thing." She said sternly, but Percival continued to give her that smile and it was beginning to sway her thoughts again. She quickly pushed the thoughts aside and turned. Now what was she thinking about before- right, armor or no armor.

"Lady Chris, please listen to me."

Chris turned back to face Percival, surprised by the sudden change in his tone of voice. He caught her eyes, no longer flashing his usual charm but looked completely serious, when he spoke again his voice was full of exasperation. "Milady, you mustn't go on like this! Ever since the end of the Fire Bringer war, you've been pressuring yourself too much. I've noticed that you've been eating less and less at meals. Louis tells us you've also begun to neglect proper sleep. There always seems to be work from the Council or the knights keeping you busy." He paused, waiting for the full meaning of his words to sink in. Chris was silent, she moved to grab her armor but Percival placed his armor-cladded hand on her arm and she stopped.

"We all know you've been planning to take some time off to relax," Chris looked up at him in surprise as he continued. "But for some reason or another you never get around to it. None of us would mind if you left the knights for a few days, as long as it isn't forever. In fact, we'd be glad to have you take the chance, and not end up working yourself to sheer exhaustion. And if it's the Council you're worried about, we are all more than willing to assist you."

"Percival……."

"I hate seeing you like this, milady." Percival's tone softened. "You never seem to laugh or even smile much these days. I'm worried about you."

I really haven't……… been happy for quite awhile.

Chris smiled wanly. "I'm sorry. I really don't mean to concern all of you. Or have you worry, Percival."

Percival nodded with understanding. "Of course not, milady. So, how about it? Shall we leave right away?"

"Huh? Wait, I didn't-" Chris called as Percival headed for the door, he turned and smiled at her jovially.

"Please meet me at the back gate, I'll ready the horses and wait for you there."

"But the Council- I haven't informed Salome about-"

"Don't fret, milady. He's already for Vinay del Zexay as we speak."

"Wh-What? You guys planned this all along haven't you!" Chris sputtered in amazement, Percival simply grinned at her.

"Of course. Anything for our beautiful goddess." And before Chris could protest another word, he was already out the door, calling back over his shoulder. "I'll see you downstairs in a few minutes, Lady Chris." With that, he gently shut the door behind him.

After he had gone, Chris found herself standing there dumbfounded, then as she managed to convince herself that it wasn't just a mind trick, she felt unusually lighter in spirit. She couldn't help but smile happily, thinking about how caring and considerate her fellow knights were towards her.

Casting one last glance upon the forlorn armor on her bed, Chris went to her vanity table and unbraided her hair. Brushing the silver strands until it was straight, she looked up and into her own image in the mirror.

Looks like I'm going off on another journey……

Satisfied and relieved at this revelation, Chris left her room and headed down to meet with Percival.

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A/N: Yay, second chapter done! I wasn't actually planning on continuing, but I read some excellent fics out there and they inspired me to keep going. Thank you to all my reviewers, who were all so VERY helpful. I slowly going back to my old style now, so I hope it's a little easier to read. I think I might have mentioned in someone's review, but right now, I am VERY torn between Percival and Borus. I've already written the next chapter and like me, this story is gonna be slightly torn as well. Feel free to help me correct any OOCness, I don't mind. Leave a comment!