Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters
A.N.: hey, I'm back! I know it's been a while, but I had really really bad writer's block. It was the worst case I ever had. I must have gong through about ten different drafts of this chapter, just for this story alone. Now that I've conquered my block for this one, I need to work on my other story.
A big thanks to all my chapter 5 reviewers:
Fox and Tiger: thanks so much for reviewing and great work, by the way! I'm really enjoying how it's coming along!
Emma: thanks for reviewing twice ^_^ it really motivated me! And thanks for complimenting me on the idea of having a medieval setting...i thought I would be kinda fun and little different. I think someone else came out with a medieval story right after mine, but I'm not sure.
Monkeysme: thanks for the advice. It was very helpful and as you can see, i put it to good use!
Skye Silvereye: hope you keep reading, and post any advice or ideas you have! Oh, and I know I already told you, but I hope you write a story soon! That's what makes being part of fanfiction.net so much fun!
Lil Washu: I almost killed Allenby in this chapter, but then I decided to have her stick around for a while... it's all coming together, just wait and see!
Lina 567: I have more D/R scenes in this chapter, just as you wanted ^_^ sorry there aren't any G/ML, but I promise next chapter, ONLY if you review again!!
Kitty Luver: I finally got over my writer's block while learning about Argentina in class...i had a random moment of enlightenment...i'll get on the mystical elements next chapter, hopefully, so review!
The Dark Sword: Since he is French, it would be Jorge, but I've only seen it spelled as George, even on the official gundam website. To save me the pain of having to change it, I'll just leave it as "George," but thanks for the comment, and you're absolutely right! I hope you come back for more!
REVIEW!!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 6
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Insulted and angered by Domon leaving her behind, Allenby wedged her horse in between his and Rain's, for, being the better horsewoman, she quickly caught up to the princess. After slowing down to a comfortable walk, they rode in silence for a while, listening to the sounds of the rustling leaves and the bubbling of the approaching creek.
Creek. Creeks turn into rivers. Rivers with jagged rocks. Perfect. It was just the solution she needed. The rocks were slick, covered with moss, and Allenby could tell that the princess, despite her display earlier, was nowhere near the master of riding that she and Domon were. The slightest, imperceptible push would cause her horse to slip and fall, the two of them traveling swiftly downward. The corners of her lips turned up in a malicious grin.
"Would you mind if we cantered a bit more, princess?" Allenby's smile dripped with honey.
"No, of course not. Whatever you wish, Lady Allenby." Rain returned the smile with an equal amount of insincerity.
Quickly taking charge of the group, Allenby picked up the pace and led her horse towards the stream, knowing full well they would have to cross the river further up. The raining season having just passed, the river had swelled beautifully. It was easily several feet deeper than usual, not too deep or fast that the princess would drown, but enough to wet her thoroughly and possibly cause some serious cuts and bruises on the sharp rocks. Just enough to give her a subtle warning to back off.
Listening carefully, she checked to make sure the other two followed. Her stallion splashed into the cool water, and she turned him around after entering only a few feet to face the other two. Domon cantered easily into the river and met her at her stopping point, the water churning about his boot-encased ankles. The princess hesitated by the water's edge, then urged her horse forward.
Domon proceeded after seeing the princess enter the water safely, while Allenby stayed behind by the princess's side. Seeing her opportunity, Allenby tugged the reins sharply to the right, shoving her horse into Rain's. Her actions drew a surprised gasp out of the princess's mouth.
"Lady Allenby!"
*~*~*~*
Domon turned in his saddle at the sound of the splash. All he saw was the shock on the princess's face and the fall of Lady Allenby and her stallion. The stallion got back up and returned to the edge of the river without his mistress. Allenby floundered in the water for a few moments before standing up, sputtering and gasping for air, wiping the water and wet hair from her eyes.
"Lady Allenby, are you all right?"
Allenby didn't reply, but half-swam, half-walked to the edge of the river and emerged, the water sloshing around her as she awkwardly struggled to pull her body and the additional weight of her wet gown from the river. She irritably tugged at her skirts, growling in anger and frustration.
Rain strained to prevent herself from laughing at Allenby's appearance. Her face was burning red with fury, strands of hair stuck to her face, and her dress clung at odd angles to her skin only further complicated by the folds of her cloak with a now lopsided bow. However, when Allenby slipped on a mossy rock and fell again, Rain felt guilty, but found it impossible to not let out a small snicker as she attempted to cover her smile with the back of her hand.
Allenby glared with pure hatred at the woman who had destroyed her plans. Snatching up the reins, she continued to snarl as she remounted her stallion. She spun him around and facing her other two companions, she questioned them crossly.
"Are you going to come back with me, or shall I simply return alone?"
She was followed by the pair and they soon returned to the stables where they were greeted enthusiastically by Sai Sici.
"Hiya, bro! Hey, sis! You have returned awfully early. So how was the- woah! What happened to you?"
Domon's lips twitched in a grin at Sai's welcome. The little stable boy was growing on him, he was becoming somewhat of a little brother. "Sai, I need you to take care of Lady Allenby's horse. There was a bit of an accident down at the river, and the horse may need some extra attention."
"Sure, no problem, bro!" Sai took the reins of the stallion as Allenby dismounted.
"If you don't mind, I believe that I shall return to my chambers for now." Allenby spun on her heel, still flushed with rage, and exited the stables, heading towards the castle.
Domon approached Rain and held her around the waist as she slid off her gelding. They stood there for a moment, neither wanting to move, his hands wrapped around her waist, and hers clinging to his neck, their bodies pressed closely together.
"I am glad that you are all right, princess." Domon murmured gently.
Rain's pulse raced through her veins as he tilted his head down, slowly closing the space between their lips. Lifting a hand, he gently traced his fingers along her cheek and neck, watching as the princess's eyes fluttered blissfully, responding to his sinful touch.
Suddenly, Sai Sici's head popped up between them, an inquisitive and sly expression on his face. "So, I guess you're both fine, huh?"
The couple sprang apart from each other, Rain coughing embarrassedly and Domon scratching the back of his head, looking away innocently.
Rain was shocked at how close she had come to letting that self-absorbed prince kiss her! What was wrong with her? Shaking her head, she tried to figure out just what she felt towards the handsome prince. Turning around, she saw Domon grin as he talked to Sai Sici who was dramatically reenacting some grand scene. Sai had really taken to Domon and she was sure that the feeling was reciprocated.
She smiled as she touched a shaky hand to her smooth lips. Well, perhaps Domon wasn't quite as bad as she had originally believed him to be. He WAS considerate by helping her off her horse today, and rescuing her when she fell and hurt her ankle, even if he had been a little abrupt and coarse in his manner. Maybe, just maybe, Kyoji was right.
Just then, Chibodee entered the stables and, lifting a her hand to his lips, greeted Rain.
"Hello, princess. Tell me, did you enjoy your ride?"
"Why, hello Chibodee. Yes, I did. Although I am afraid that Allenby's horse fell in the river and we had to return a bit earlier than originally anticipated. Tell me, were you about to go for a ride yourself?"
"Not anymore. I was just out for a stroll when I heard that Lord Ulube Ishikawa and Lord Karato were just about to arrive. Thought I might stop by here to see if I could catch up to you and inform you of his arrival. I know that your father would like you here to greet such a respected war hero, Domon. But meeting you here saved me the trouble."
"OH NO!! Lord Ulube is coming! I was supposed to attend to his horse once he arrived! I'm going to be late!" Sai Sici raced out of the stables, leaving the other three to stare after him.
"Well, I guess we had better go too, Domon. With your leave, Princess." The princes bowed and followed after Sai Sici towards the castle.
"Well, I have a whole afternoon to myself. Perhaps I shall explore around the castle." With that, Rain too left the stables.
*~*~*~*
Lord Ulube looked down with contempt on the insignificant little ruffian that had just arrived a few seconds ago and frightened his mount as he raced forward, causing it to rear up and bringing about chaos, nearly knocking the fool over with its sharp hooves. After a few minutes of cajoling, he had managed to soothe the stallion and bring it back under control, no thanks to the worthless stable boy who had stood by stupidly, watching with wide eyes at the high-spirited horse.
"You good-for-nothing rat! How dare you surprise my stallion like that! You could have hurt him! As a stable boy in the King's palace I would expect better. You simpleton! (1) Don't stand there gawking, hold the reins while I dismount."
The scruffy boy approached the prodigious beast cautiously and held the reins with apprehension as Ulube dismounted.
"My Lord, I apologize for all the trouble I have caused."
"Hn." Lord Ulube scowled at the lowly being and turned away. Before continuing towards the castle, Ulube paused momentarily to speak in a lowered voice to Lord Karato who was just behind him.
"Karato, no less than thirty lashes for the little rat."
"Thirty, My Lord? Perhaps a lesser amount. He is young; he is not that strong to stand thirty lashes with ease."
"Oh? I did not realize that a punishment was supposed to be something one should be able stand with ease. However, I will let him get off with fifteen, but no less, do you understand, Karato?"
"Yes, Lord Ulube, of course. I shall see to it immediately."
With that, Karato spun around, signaling for the guards to seize Sai Sici.
"You heard Lord Ulube's orders. Fifteen lashes for this creature's stupidity. And after, rat, you are to take care of this horse's needs. If anything is not to Lord Ulube's staisfation, you will be punished with even more, understood?"
"Take your hands off of me, you oversized buffoons!! Let me go!" Sai Sici kicked and punched, but it was futile, and the guards dragged him off, shouting in protest until knocked unconscious.
*~*~*~*
Bathing in the rays of the setting sun, Rain softly caressed the strings of the wing-shaped psaltery (2) she had found in the castle, humming a tune that she remembered hearing a minstrel sing back in Mersenia. Surprisingly, she was in an extremely good mood, but was unable to pinpoint a single reason. Maybe it was how strangely she had reacted to Domon's attentions by not pushing away his advances. She shook her head. Or maybe it was that Lady Allenby was up in her chambers right now, furiously ringing out her undergarments and pulling fish out of her stockings, cursing her for spoiling her afternoon.
Smiling at the thought, she plucked the strings as she sat in the stables awaiting Sai Sici's return. Though his knowledge of the instrument was limited, Sai Sici had taught her everything that his minstrel friends had showed him. She did not play the psaltery very well, and preferred the harp with its angelic tones; however, the psaltery was lighter and easier for her to carry. She needed something to keep her amused while she waited. It had been too long since she had been able to talk to Sai Sici, he was like a younger brother to her and she wanted to make sure that he was not being mistreated in any way.
Suddenly, she stopped humming when she heard the sound of arriving footsteps.
"Hello, princess!" A smiling prince entered the stables holding the reins of a great stallion, while a more serious-faced prince entered holding the reins of another, equal in magnitude.
"Chibodee! Domon! What a pleasant surprise!" Rain hopped off the ledge she had been seated upon, grasping the psaltery in her hand.
"We just got back from meeting Lord Ulube and Lord Karato. Say, I didn't know that you played the psaltery."
Rain laughed. "I am afraid I don't. Not well, anyway. Whose horses are those? Were you out for a ride?"
Domon turned to face the princess. "They are Lords Ulube and Karato, we found that they had not been attended to and brought them back here."
"But that was Sai Sici's job. He was supposed to be there when they arrived to take care of their horses. You-you don't think that something could have happened, do you?" Rain looked over at her two companions worriedly.
"I don't know. I am sure that he will return anon, probably just got into some mischief." Chibodee offered.
Rain chewed at her bottom lip, and forgetting her role as 'princess,' turned back to her role as a concerned friend of Sai Sici's, also the lowly serving maid. "Here, let me take care of the horses. I do not want him to get in any trouble for being foolish and irresponsible."
Domon watched in astonishment as she removed the tack from the horses and hung it up. That was odd. A princess who knew how to take care of horses and could lift all that weight was unusual. Work like that was usually left to only stable boys and servants. And here she was, acting as though it were nothing to her. Perhaps she took it upon herself to care for Sai Sici and was used to looking after him. The boy did have a way of growing on people, himself included.
Chibodee seemed equally surprised, and stood back, not knowing what to do, but wanting to help. "Perhaps I should go search for him. It is possible that he wandered off, it is quite simple to get lost in the extensive grounds. With the sun setting, it is important that he return soon."
Rain seemed relieved at his suggestion. "Oh, thank you, Chibodee. That would be most helpful!"
After Chibodee left, Domon stepped forward to assist Rain in taking care of the horses. She smiled at him as he handed her a lantern, the worried expression on her face fading slightly when she looked into his reassuring eyes. Instructing her to sit down and relax until Sai Sici returned, he took the reins of the horses to lead them into their respective stalls.
Just as he had secured the last horse in its stall, he heard the princess's cry.
"Sai Sici!"
He ran back to where he had left her, and watched as she rushed out to meet Sai Sici in the distance as he slowly walked towards the stables. She stopped short, however, when she saw him staggering.
"Sai?"
Domon passed her, catching the boy just before he fell, and carried him back to the stable where he laid him down. Rain crouched down beside them, inspecting his condition.
Sai Sici's brow was covered with sweat, his eyes glazed over in pain. He smiled weakly at the sight of their faces.
"Hiya bro, hey sis. Sorry I was. Gone. So long," he managed to rasp out.
"Sai, what happened to you? How did this-oh, Lord! Sai, you're bleeding!" Rain pulled her hand from its resting spot at the back of his neck.
"Domon, help me sit him up. Carefully," she warned.
She peeled back the collar of his tunic, to reveal just enough of his lower neck for her to see what had happened.
"Lashings?! You've been whipped?! Oh, God, Sai, who did this to you? Why?!"
"Lord Ul-augh!- It hurts! Please. Help."
Rain's eyes filled with tears as Sai Sici passed out. She turned to face Domon. "Will you help me?"
"Yes. Tell me what to do."
They turned Sai Sici onto his stomach and peeled off his blood-stained tunic, revealing the deep wounds. They were formed in criss-cross patterns ranging from along his lower neck to the small of his back. Scabs were beginning to form along with signs of infection, dirt clogged many of the wounds. When Rain attempted to clean one out, she removed her blood- covered fingers to find it mixed with grim and filth, along with a white, milky substance (3).
"They need to be properly cleaned. I will need the herbs from my chambers. See if you can fetch some boiling hot water."
"I do not like to leave him alone, so work quickly." Domon instructed as he covered the boy with his red cloak and left with Rain.
*~*~*~*
A.N.: CLIFFHANGER! Poor Sai Sici! Will he live? Maybe, maybe not. Let me know what you think. REVIEW! ^_^
(1) simpleton: a fool, idiot
(2) psaltery: an instrument consisting of a hollow box or soundboard with soundholes and metal strings. The player performed with the instrument on the lap or on a table, or in front of the chest held with a strap around his neck if movement was needed.
(3) white, milky substance: pus...in the middle ages, they would not know what this was. Their knowledge of the human anatomy was extremely limited. Oftentimes, the cure for sickness was bleeding the "bad humors" that infected you out of your system with leeches or cutting a vein, letting the blood drip into a bowl. This more often than not actually worsened the case.
A.N.: hey, I'm back! I know it's been a while, but I had really really bad writer's block. It was the worst case I ever had. I must have gong through about ten different drafts of this chapter, just for this story alone. Now that I've conquered my block for this one, I need to work on my other story.
A big thanks to all my chapter 5 reviewers:
Fox and Tiger: thanks so much for reviewing and great work, by the way! I'm really enjoying how it's coming along!
Emma: thanks for reviewing twice ^_^ it really motivated me! And thanks for complimenting me on the idea of having a medieval setting...i thought I would be kinda fun and little different. I think someone else came out with a medieval story right after mine, but I'm not sure.
Monkeysme: thanks for the advice. It was very helpful and as you can see, i put it to good use!
Skye Silvereye: hope you keep reading, and post any advice or ideas you have! Oh, and I know I already told you, but I hope you write a story soon! That's what makes being part of fanfiction.net so much fun!
Lil Washu: I almost killed Allenby in this chapter, but then I decided to have her stick around for a while... it's all coming together, just wait and see!
Lina 567: I have more D/R scenes in this chapter, just as you wanted ^_^ sorry there aren't any G/ML, but I promise next chapter, ONLY if you review again!!
Kitty Luver: I finally got over my writer's block while learning about Argentina in class...i had a random moment of enlightenment...i'll get on the mystical elements next chapter, hopefully, so review!
The Dark Sword: Since he is French, it would be Jorge, but I've only seen it spelled as George, even on the official gundam website. To save me the pain of having to change it, I'll just leave it as "George," but thanks for the comment, and you're absolutely right! I hope you come back for more!
REVIEW!!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 6
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Insulted and angered by Domon leaving her behind, Allenby wedged her horse in between his and Rain's, for, being the better horsewoman, she quickly caught up to the princess. After slowing down to a comfortable walk, they rode in silence for a while, listening to the sounds of the rustling leaves and the bubbling of the approaching creek.
Creek. Creeks turn into rivers. Rivers with jagged rocks. Perfect. It was just the solution she needed. The rocks were slick, covered with moss, and Allenby could tell that the princess, despite her display earlier, was nowhere near the master of riding that she and Domon were. The slightest, imperceptible push would cause her horse to slip and fall, the two of them traveling swiftly downward. The corners of her lips turned up in a malicious grin.
"Would you mind if we cantered a bit more, princess?" Allenby's smile dripped with honey.
"No, of course not. Whatever you wish, Lady Allenby." Rain returned the smile with an equal amount of insincerity.
Quickly taking charge of the group, Allenby picked up the pace and led her horse towards the stream, knowing full well they would have to cross the river further up. The raining season having just passed, the river had swelled beautifully. It was easily several feet deeper than usual, not too deep or fast that the princess would drown, but enough to wet her thoroughly and possibly cause some serious cuts and bruises on the sharp rocks. Just enough to give her a subtle warning to back off.
Listening carefully, she checked to make sure the other two followed. Her stallion splashed into the cool water, and she turned him around after entering only a few feet to face the other two. Domon cantered easily into the river and met her at her stopping point, the water churning about his boot-encased ankles. The princess hesitated by the water's edge, then urged her horse forward.
Domon proceeded after seeing the princess enter the water safely, while Allenby stayed behind by the princess's side. Seeing her opportunity, Allenby tugged the reins sharply to the right, shoving her horse into Rain's. Her actions drew a surprised gasp out of the princess's mouth.
"Lady Allenby!"
*~*~*~*
Domon turned in his saddle at the sound of the splash. All he saw was the shock on the princess's face and the fall of Lady Allenby and her stallion. The stallion got back up and returned to the edge of the river without his mistress. Allenby floundered in the water for a few moments before standing up, sputtering and gasping for air, wiping the water and wet hair from her eyes.
"Lady Allenby, are you all right?"
Allenby didn't reply, but half-swam, half-walked to the edge of the river and emerged, the water sloshing around her as she awkwardly struggled to pull her body and the additional weight of her wet gown from the river. She irritably tugged at her skirts, growling in anger and frustration.
Rain strained to prevent herself from laughing at Allenby's appearance. Her face was burning red with fury, strands of hair stuck to her face, and her dress clung at odd angles to her skin only further complicated by the folds of her cloak with a now lopsided bow. However, when Allenby slipped on a mossy rock and fell again, Rain felt guilty, but found it impossible to not let out a small snicker as she attempted to cover her smile with the back of her hand.
Allenby glared with pure hatred at the woman who had destroyed her plans. Snatching up the reins, she continued to snarl as she remounted her stallion. She spun him around and facing her other two companions, she questioned them crossly.
"Are you going to come back with me, or shall I simply return alone?"
She was followed by the pair and they soon returned to the stables where they were greeted enthusiastically by Sai Sici.
"Hiya, bro! Hey, sis! You have returned awfully early. So how was the- woah! What happened to you?"
Domon's lips twitched in a grin at Sai's welcome. The little stable boy was growing on him, he was becoming somewhat of a little brother. "Sai, I need you to take care of Lady Allenby's horse. There was a bit of an accident down at the river, and the horse may need some extra attention."
"Sure, no problem, bro!" Sai took the reins of the stallion as Allenby dismounted.
"If you don't mind, I believe that I shall return to my chambers for now." Allenby spun on her heel, still flushed with rage, and exited the stables, heading towards the castle.
Domon approached Rain and held her around the waist as she slid off her gelding. They stood there for a moment, neither wanting to move, his hands wrapped around her waist, and hers clinging to his neck, their bodies pressed closely together.
"I am glad that you are all right, princess." Domon murmured gently.
Rain's pulse raced through her veins as he tilted his head down, slowly closing the space between their lips. Lifting a hand, he gently traced his fingers along her cheek and neck, watching as the princess's eyes fluttered blissfully, responding to his sinful touch.
Suddenly, Sai Sici's head popped up between them, an inquisitive and sly expression on his face. "So, I guess you're both fine, huh?"
The couple sprang apart from each other, Rain coughing embarrassedly and Domon scratching the back of his head, looking away innocently.
Rain was shocked at how close she had come to letting that self-absorbed prince kiss her! What was wrong with her? Shaking her head, she tried to figure out just what she felt towards the handsome prince. Turning around, she saw Domon grin as he talked to Sai Sici who was dramatically reenacting some grand scene. Sai had really taken to Domon and she was sure that the feeling was reciprocated.
She smiled as she touched a shaky hand to her smooth lips. Well, perhaps Domon wasn't quite as bad as she had originally believed him to be. He WAS considerate by helping her off her horse today, and rescuing her when she fell and hurt her ankle, even if he had been a little abrupt and coarse in his manner. Maybe, just maybe, Kyoji was right.
Just then, Chibodee entered the stables and, lifting a her hand to his lips, greeted Rain.
"Hello, princess. Tell me, did you enjoy your ride?"
"Why, hello Chibodee. Yes, I did. Although I am afraid that Allenby's horse fell in the river and we had to return a bit earlier than originally anticipated. Tell me, were you about to go for a ride yourself?"
"Not anymore. I was just out for a stroll when I heard that Lord Ulube Ishikawa and Lord Karato were just about to arrive. Thought I might stop by here to see if I could catch up to you and inform you of his arrival. I know that your father would like you here to greet such a respected war hero, Domon. But meeting you here saved me the trouble."
"OH NO!! Lord Ulube is coming! I was supposed to attend to his horse once he arrived! I'm going to be late!" Sai Sici raced out of the stables, leaving the other three to stare after him.
"Well, I guess we had better go too, Domon. With your leave, Princess." The princes bowed and followed after Sai Sici towards the castle.
"Well, I have a whole afternoon to myself. Perhaps I shall explore around the castle." With that, Rain too left the stables.
*~*~*~*
Lord Ulube looked down with contempt on the insignificant little ruffian that had just arrived a few seconds ago and frightened his mount as he raced forward, causing it to rear up and bringing about chaos, nearly knocking the fool over with its sharp hooves. After a few minutes of cajoling, he had managed to soothe the stallion and bring it back under control, no thanks to the worthless stable boy who had stood by stupidly, watching with wide eyes at the high-spirited horse.
"You good-for-nothing rat! How dare you surprise my stallion like that! You could have hurt him! As a stable boy in the King's palace I would expect better. You simpleton! (1) Don't stand there gawking, hold the reins while I dismount."
The scruffy boy approached the prodigious beast cautiously and held the reins with apprehension as Ulube dismounted.
"My Lord, I apologize for all the trouble I have caused."
"Hn." Lord Ulube scowled at the lowly being and turned away. Before continuing towards the castle, Ulube paused momentarily to speak in a lowered voice to Lord Karato who was just behind him.
"Karato, no less than thirty lashes for the little rat."
"Thirty, My Lord? Perhaps a lesser amount. He is young; he is not that strong to stand thirty lashes with ease."
"Oh? I did not realize that a punishment was supposed to be something one should be able stand with ease. However, I will let him get off with fifteen, but no less, do you understand, Karato?"
"Yes, Lord Ulube, of course. I shall see to it immediately."
With that, Karato spun around, signaling for the guards to seize Sai Sici.
"You heard Lord Ulube's orders. Fifteen lashes for this creature's stupidity. And after, rat, you are to take care of this horse's needs. If anything is not to Lord Ulube's staisfation, you will be punished with even more, understood?"
"Take your hands off of me, you oversized buffoons!! Let me go!" Sai Sici kicked and punched, but it was futile, and the guards dragged him off, shouting in protest until knocked unconscious.
*~*~*~*
Bathing in the rays of the setting sun, Rain softly caressed the strings of the wing-shaped psaltery (2) she had found in the castle, humming a tune that she remembered hearing a minstrel sing back in Mersenia. Surprisingly, she was in an extremely good mood, but was unable to pinpoint a single reason. Maybe it was how strangely she had reacted to Domon's attentions by not pushing away his advances. She shook her head. Or maybe it was that Lady Allenby was up in her chambers right now, furiously ringing out her undergarments and pulling fish out of her stockings, cursing her for spoiling her afternoon.
Smiling at the thought, she plucked the strings as she sat in the stables awaiting Sai Sici's return. Though his knowledge of the instrument was limited, Sai Sici had taught her everything that his minstrel friends had showed him. She did not play the psaltery very well, and preferred the harp with its angelic tones; however, the psaltery was lighter and easier for her to carry. She needed something to keep her amused while she waited. It had been too long since she had been able to talk to Sai Sici, he was like a younger brother to her and she wanted to make sure that he was not being mistreated in any way.
Suddenly, she stopped humming when she heard the sound of arriving footsteps.
"Hello, princess!" A smiling prince entered the stables holding the reins of a great stallion, while a more serious-faced prince entered holding the reins of another, equal in magnitude.
"Chibodee! Domon! What a pleasant surprise!" Rain hopped off the ledge she had been seated upon, grasping the psaltery in her hand.
"We just got back from meeting Lord Ulube and Lord Karato. Say, I didn't know that you played the psaltery."
Rain laughed. "I am afraid I don't. Not well, anyway. Whose horses are those? Were you out for a ride?"
Domon turned to face the princess. "They are Lords Ulube and Karato, we found that they had not been attended to and brought them back here."
"But that was Sai Sici's job. He was supposed to be there when they arrived to take care of their horses. You-you don't think that something could have happened, do you?" Rain looked over at her two companions worriedly.
"I don't know. I am sure that he will return anon, probably just got into some mischief." Chibodee offered.
Rain chewed at her bottom lip, and forgetting her role as 'princess,' turned back to her role as a concerned friend of Sai Sici's, also the lowly serving maid. "Here, let me take care of the horses. I do not want him to get in any trouble for being foolish and irresponsible."
Domon watched in astonishment as she removed the tack from the horses and hung it up. That was odd. A princess who knew how to take care of horses and could lift all that weight was unusual. Work like that was usually left to only stable boys and servants. And here she was, acting as though it were nothing to her. Perhaps she took it upon herself to care for Sai Sici and was used to looking after him. The boy did have a way of growing on people, himself included.
Chibodee seemed equally surprised, and stood back, not knowing what to do, but wanting to help. "Perhaps I should go search for him. It is possible that he wandered off, it is quite simple to get lost in the extensive grounds. With the sun setting, it is important that he return soon."
Rain seemed relieved at his suggestion. "Oh, thank you, Chibodee. That would be most helpful!"
After Chibodee left, Domon stepped forward to assist Rain in taking care of the horses. She smiled at him as he handed her a lantern, the worried expression on her face fading slightly when she looked into his reassuring eyes. Instructing her to sit down and relax until Sai Sici returned, he took the reins of the horses to lead them into their respective stalls.
Just as he had secured the last horse in its stall, he heard the princess's cry.
"Sai Sici!"
He ran back to where he had left her, and watched as she rushed out to meet Sai Sici in the distance as he slowly walked towards the stables. She stopped short, however, when she saw him staggering.
"Sai?"
Domon passed her, catching the boy just before he fell, and carried him back to the stable where he laid him down. Rain crouched down beside them, inspecting his condition.
Sai Sici's brow was covered with sweat, his eyes glazed over in pain. He smiled weakly at the sight of their faces.
"Hiya bro, hey sis. Sorry I was. Gone. So long," he managed to rasp out.
"Sai, what happened to you? How did this-oh, Lord! Sai, you're bleeding!" Rain pulled her hand from its resting spot at the back of his neck.
"Domon, help me sit him up. Carefully," she warned.
She peeled back the collar of his tunic, to reveal just enough of his lower neck for her to see what had happened.
"Lashings?! You've been whipped?! Oh, God, Sai, who did this to you? Why?!"
"Lord Ul-augh!- It hurts! Please. Help."
Rain's eyes filled with tears as Sai Sici passed out. She turned to face Domon. "Will you help me?"
"Yes. Tell me what to do."
They turned Sai Sici onto his stomach and peeled off his blood-stained tunic, revealing the deep wounds. They were formed in criss-cross patterns ranging from along his lower neck to the small of his back. Scabs were beginning to form along with signs of infection, dirt clogged many of the wounds. When Rain attempted to clean one out, she removed her blood- covered fingers to find it mixed with grim and filth, along with a white, milky substance (3).
"They need to be properly cleaned. I will need the herbs from my chambers. See if you can fetch some boiling hot water."
"I do not like to leave him alone, so work quickly." Domon instructed as he covered the boy with his red cloak and left with Rain.
*~*~*~*
A.N.: CLIFFHANGER! Poor Sai Sici! Will he live? Maybe, maybe not. Let me know what you think. REVIEW! ^_^
(1) simpleton: a fool, idiot
(2) psaltery: an instrument consisting of a hollow box or soundboard with soundholes and metal strings. The player performed with the instrument on the lap or on a table, or in front of the chest held with a strap around his neck if movement was needed.
(3) white, milky substance: pus...in the middle ages, they would not know what this was. Their knowledge of the human anatomy was extremely limited. Oftentimes, the cure for sickness was bleeding the "bad humors" that infected you out of your system with leeches or cutting a vein, letting the blood drip into a bowl. This more often than not actually worsened the case.