Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters.
A.N.: Hey there! Sorry about not being here to post last time, but Mina- Puff was! Thanks so much, Mina, you're the greatest!!
I apologize, I won't have personal reviews for this chapter, as I am out of time, and want to get this chapter up before I leave for a short while. But I promise to include them next chapter responding to your comments for this chapter as well.
I hope to get the next one done by Halloween, but I can't promise you that. So, what are you guys going to be for Halloween? I hope you're dressing up, I know I am!
A big, grateful thanks to all of you, especially chapter 10 reviewers such as: CrazyGirl23, animefreak5483, ScarletRose, secretperson, sweetangel4, YoshiMars, shorty40, Kagome1990, youigy hunter, Jen 23, sess9, Snickers Lambchops, Feona, Skye Silvereye, Lina567, CrescentFighter, XP Dark Angel, LilEvil, Steph-chan, Gold Angel 2, and anyone else I forgot. Your reviews truly make my day!! ^_^ thanks, guys!!
Btw, if you ever have any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, etc...feel free to write to me at kaoru_fireflies@hotmail.com! Even if you just wanna talk, send me an e-mail about anything. I'd love to hear from you! This is my fanfiction address, but for those of you who have the other one, feel free to use it also.
~Raye
P.S.- Please read note below, and the one at the very end. Important information there!!
**PLEASE READ NOTE***
At this time, I would like to comment about a very important and serious issue, so please read this entirely. It hasn't been an issue for me personally, but I was reading another person's reviews (they, and their story shall remain anonymous) when I came across something that really distressed me, and I thought it should be addressed.
One of the people who reviewed for that chapter called the young author several vituperative swearwords, cursed their writing, and told them they should "do Humanity a favor," and commit suicide. I was in shock after reading this, because I simply could not believe that A.) Someone would write something so degrading and opprobrious, and B.) That no one had called them on it.
I would like to make something perfectly clear to all the readers out there. When reviewing someone's work, you don't have to like it; in fact you can hate it. And you can express this opinion in the form of a review. But there is a fine line between that and verbal abuse.
Reviews call for CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. If you don't like someone's work, explain why in a reasonable manner. Personal insults are NOT appropriate. If you don't think you can review a work without insulting that person, then I have a simple solution: don't review. It's that easy.
I hope that if anyone else reads anything like what I have described, that they will have the courage and the right mind to help fix the situation. This does not mean to threaten the person in return. Contact fanfiction.net with the problem, or send the person a note (not a threat) that what they did was wrong, and that they will get in trouble if they continue with this.
If you have participated in slander, I would hope that you realize your mistake now and have the guts to apologize to the individual that you offended.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope to get some feedback on this topic.
*~*~*~*
Rescue me, oh, take me in your arms
Rescue me, I want your tender charms
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love true
Come on and rescue me
.
Rescue me, come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love true
Come on and rescue me
.
'Cause I need you, 'cause I want you
'Cause I want you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Come on and rescue me!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 11
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLIA
Once again, he swept her off her feet and set her on Blagueur's back while he tightened the cinch, his hands brushing up against the clinging material of her wet gown. He mounted and pulled her securely onto his lap as they took off at a smooth walk.
"Are you out here all alone?" She nodded. "You should really be more careful, Lady Rain. Sauvillia is a safe place, for we haven't had a war since we fought Shalie about twenty years ago; but outside the castle walls, anything could happen. You were fortunate that it was I who came along and not another who would take advantage of your rather convenient position."
"I know, I was just so tired. I wanted some time alone. To think about- things."
George turned to look at her. She was so close to him, he could feel her breath as it blew tiny strands of his hair against his skin, tickling his face. "I know what you mean. I had to think about things too."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers laced behind his head, tangled in his hair. 'What to do, what to do. Do I risk it and take the chance?' She gazed into his violet eyes for an answer. 'If I don't go for it, I'll always wonder.' She lowered her eyes to his chin and rubbed her thumb along his smooth jaw, leisurely tracing invisible designs along his face with a tender fingertip, enticing him, tempting him with her little game. His grip around her tightened and his breath was hot and fast against her face. She smiled, eyes focused on his parted, breathless lips. So she had been right.
She placed one fingertip just under his chin, guiding his lips to her own. Her heart raced with untamed insanity. She closed her eyes, ready for anything.
Except for what happened.
Somehow, she wasn't ready, she hadn't been expecting anything like this. When their lips touched, she felt a wild shock run through her body. It was crazy, the way she felt, the way she was reacting. Her entire body was on fire, she couldn't possibly control the mad conflagration inside her. Just with a single kiss he was opening up locked passions inside her, things she had concealed until this very moment. Now they ran frantically throughout her veins.
His lips seared hers, branded hers. Claiming her, possessing her, demanding that she give in. Give in to him, give in to passion, give in to a single, wild, undignified moment. Forget the regulations, forget convention, forget social class. He abandoned his training as a warrior, tossing all reason into the wind, and surrendered to his emotions. He wanted more, needed more, and he drank in her taste. As he pulled away, her flavor was all around him. Her essence lingered there, on his lips, in his mouth, on his clothing.
She looked up at him, her lips separated and rosy. He smiled softly, a gloved hand cupping her flushed cheek and her eyes sparkled happily. Her grip around his waist tightened and she rested her head against his chest as they returned to the confines of the castle walls at a leisurely pace.
Out here, there was no time for the lovers. They simply lived in the moment. One of pure ecstasy and joy to balance out against those of tragedy and frustration to come.
*~*~*~*
Rain was frustrated. She had tossed gowns, ribbons, jewelry, cloth, shoes, and other various items all throughout her chambers, or what was actually the Princess's chambers. She couldn't find Marie-Louise and now she was going to be horribly late for her own feast. What on earth was she going to wear? She hadn't the vaguest idea as to how one would look at their honorary banquet.
Just as she was about to call one of the castle's maids and fake illness, a radiant Marie-Louise came waltzing in through the doors.
"Hello, Rain. Wasn't today a simply wonderful day?"
That crazy girl! She was all smiles and didn't seem to realize that a catastrophe nearly occurred. "Marie-Louise, where on the face of this planet have you been?! I nearly fainted I was so worried! The festival is starting soon, and I have no idea as to what I should do about anything!"
Marie-Louise only continued to smile, unfazed by Rain's hysterics and scolding. "Oh, Rain. No need to worry, you'll be prepared in no time! Now relax, and I'll get right to it." She calmly began to tidy the room, gathering the necessary parts to Rain's apparel as she went.
Rain was shocked. What was going on? Didn't she just explain that they were going to be late? Marie-Louise began to hum a tune, and Rain's jaw dropped. "Marie-Louise, are you quite all right?"
"Hm? Of course, Rain. I've never been better. Really." She smiled gently and continued with the preparations.
Rain frowned. Something was happening, she was sure of it. But Marie- Louise would tell her if something was. She shook off the strange feeling. Maybe she was still shaken up after what had happened this morning. No, she didn't want to remember it. But as hard as she strived to forget, she knew that it was inevitable. She would have to meet with him tonight. And dance with him. And talk with him. Ugh. What was she going to say? How would she explain? Because that would be what he would want. An explanation.
She released a sigh. She needed to talk to someone about this. But one glance at Marie-Louise changed her mind. No way. No one could find out about this. If Marie-Louise discovered what had happened, it would be the end of things. She had no clue how the princess would react; Marie-Louise was very naïve, despite what she would care to admit.
She would just have to figure it out herself.
As Marie-Louise fiddled with her hair, she leaned against the balcony and waited for the guests to arrive. She drew in a sharp breath at the sight of the first guest.
"Oh! Look, Marie-Louise!"
A tall, elegant woman galloped swiftly to the front gates with such an air about her that demanded attention. Her ruby cloak swirled and flapped in the wind as her stunningly exotic Arabian stallion reared up at the entrance to the castle. She dismounted gracefully, slid off her riding gloves, and pulled back the hood of her cloak to reveal wavy hair the color of glistening emeralds. Her violet eyes shot over to the sight of the unconscious attendants sprawled out on the grass, neglecting their duties. With a crack of her riding crop against the palm of her hand, the attendants jerked awake and quickly obeyed her as she barked out her orders.
"She's very beautiful. Who is she?"
"That's the Countess Nastasha. Word in the scullery is-" Marie-Louise hesitated in continuing.
Rain sent her a skeptical look. "Yes?"
Marie-Louise glanced around, and lowered her voice as she drew closer to Rain, eyes glittering with the excitement of gossip. "Word is that she and the Baron Gulskii are lovers. I'd wager that they have arranged for adjoining rooms."
"What!!" Rain shouted, then quieted. "You mean, they're secret lovers?"
"Mm. Supposedly they have been madly in love for several years now. It's not much of a mystery when you see them together."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the way they act around each other, it's just, well...You'll see tonight what I mean."
Rain nodded as she turned back to watch the happenings down below. The next arrival was that of a large carriage. She grinned when she saw a young girl hidden in a scruffy cloak sitting on the back, talking to the footman. Apparently one of the serving maids had slept in that day and had to hitch a ride to the palace. It wasn't so long ago that she was one of them.
Laughter and shouts drew her attention back to the coach as four lovely women burst from the doors and ran towards a figure approaching them.
"Chibodee!" they screamed, as the previously mention man enveloped them in an embrace.
//Well, no need to wonder who they are.// Rain thought with a smile, and lazily gazed over the hills at the setting sun as more guests continued to arrive. It looked like she would make it in time after all.
*~*~*~*
Laughter echoed through the extensive hall, music streamed through the air, the scent of various delicacies drifted in invisible waves. Burning torches lit up the room with gentle rays. It was truly a sight to behold. Accustomed as she was to large feasts such as these, she had to admit it was spectacular and by far the most extravagant she had seen.
She slowly wound her way through the vast assortment of guests that had already arrived, most of which were already inebriated.
A burly, middle-aged man reeking of wine tossed one jeweled arm about her shoulders, the other limply holding a swirling goblet. His slow words slurred together, making it difficult for her to understand what he was saying. "Hey there, lady. You sure look nice this evening. How'd you like *hic* to join me?"
She shoved him off, sticking her nose up and sniffing the air. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"Now, now, my dear, there's no need to be such a prude. Besides, you should enjoy yourself!" With that, he spun backwards into the crowd, wine sloshing over his chalice.
"Really, Duke William. The honored guest has not even arrived and you've already become completely drunk. What would His Majesty think? And such crude behavior addressed to one of your rank."
He shoved his face in hers and squinted, "Is that you, Allenby?"
"Duchess Allenby, thank you."
He released a boisterous, raspy laugh. "I didn't even recognize you without your ugly scowl! Ha ha ha!"
She scowled.
"Ah, yes, now you look more like your usual self!"
She made a noise of disgust. Honestly, men could be so vile. Besides, she didn't scowl all the time. Did she?
No sooner had she taken her seat, when the trumpets blared throughout the hall, announcing the arrival of the Royal Family and their Honored Guest.
*~*~*~*
She was having a wonderful time. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined such a fantasy. She had met so many delightful people, and they were all very interesting. Such fascinating stories! Their entrance had been announced by trumpets, and it went rather well, aside from the fact that a very icy Domon had to escort her inside.
Drawing her eyes away from the magical scene, Rain glanced down at the delicious meal that the serf (1) had just set before her.
"Oh, why thank y-" She faltered as her eyes connected with the face of her server, who gasped in recognition.
"Miss-Miss Rain?" the young girl whispered.
Rain gathered her senses, and stared hard at the girl's blue eyes. Forcefully, and with meaning, she spoke, "No. I am afraid you are mistaken. I am the Princess of Mersenia, Marie-Louise. Rain is the name of my lady-in-waiting. If it is she you are seeking, you will find her in the gardens."
The girl bowed, obviously still confused, but knowing not to pursue the subject any further for the current time. "I apologize, my lady."
Rain nodded, as though to grant forgiveness. That was a close call. She glanced around discreetly, finding that no one appeared to notice the scene. Good.
She had barely touched her food when the music started up once again. King Kasshu rose from his seat, and held out a hand to his wife. She smiled, and they descended onto the floor for a dance. Domon briefly looked up at her, then quickly back at the man speaking to him.
//Well, what did you expect after you pushed him away and then refused to say why?//
She sighed and sipped from her chalice. Relationships were much too complicated.
//Speaking of relationships...//
Remembering what Marie-Louise had said earlier, she looked over at Baron Gulskii as he approached the Countess Nastasha. Her scarlet lips curled up in a genuinely happy smile, eyes sparkling as they joined the other dancing couples. She understood perfectly what Marie-Louise meant. They glowed when they were together. Yes, they actually glowed. Their faces lit up with joy, and were filled with a sort of pleased contentment when they talked, or were simply near each other. Is that what it was like when people were in love?
Her thoughts were interrupted as a very tall, awkward young man approached her, stumbling over his own feet, beet red with embarrassment. "Princess Marie-Louise," his high-pitched voice screeched, "may I have this dance?"
Rain released a short breath of nervous laughter and she flushed. "Erhm...Of course."
They had not danced for more than a few seconds when he stumbled again. And again. And again. When it was finally over, she was approached by the next one, just as incompetent in dancing as his predecessor. And so her partners continued in this pattern. Oh, Lord, she was going to be sick from all of this jerking and whirling. And Marie-Louise was criticizing HER dancing!
//Where's a knight in shining armor when you need him? Honestly!//
She began to retreat at the end of the song, when her current partner grabbed her hand again for another round. A sigh inevitably escaped her lips. Would the horror never end?
A finger tapped on the shoulder of her partner, and she followed the trail up to their face. It was her valiant knight in shining armor, finally come to rescue the damsel in much distress.
*~*~*~*
(1): A serf is a servant, the very bottom of the social pyramid.
***PLEASE READ NOTE BELOW***
A.N.: Okay, any guesses as to the identities of our mystery people??? You have 2 of them: the little serving maid and Rain's rescuer. Because I'm going to take a poll on the 2 people, and see if anyone guesses correctly in their reviews. Then I'll post the results in the next chapter, along with the TRUE identities of these characters.
This poll will continue until at least one person guesses correctly, but until then, I will NOT POST THE NEXT CHAPTER. So, post reviews as many times as possible!! P.S.- to make this fair, a maximum of 1 guess per character will be allowed in a single review. If you want to guess more than that, review again.
::laugh:: now you hate me even more after I left you with that cliffhanger, so lift those indolent hands and click on the little button to submit a review! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!! Get you guys involved!
*If you don't want to guess, then still REVIEW! I love to get feedback, so please tell me what you think.
**HINTS TO HELP YOU**
okay, both of them are actual characters from the G Gundam series, not people I made up. At least one of the two has already been mentioned in my story. One is female, the other is male. And there you go!!
A.N.: Hey there! Sorry about not being here to post last time, but Mina- Puff was! Thanks so much, Mina, you're the greatest!!
I apologize, I won't have personal reviews for this chapter, as I am out of time, and want to get this chapter up before I leave for a short while. But I promise to include them next chapter responding to your comments for this chapter as well.
I hope to get the next one done by Halloween, but I can't promise you that. So, what are you guys going to be for Halloween? I hope you're dressing up, I know I am!
A big, grateful thanks to all of you, especially chapter 10 reviewers such as: CrazyGirl23, animefreak5483, ScarletRose, secretperson, sweetangel4, YoshiMars, shorty40, Kagome1990, youigy hunter, Jen 23, sess9, Snickers Lambchops, Feona, Skye Silvereye, Lina567, CrescentFighter, XP Dark Angel, LilEvil, Steph-chan, Gold Angel 2, and anyone else I forgot. Your reviews truly make my day!! ^_^ thanks, guys!!
Btw, if you ever have any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, etc...feel free to write to me at kaoru_fireflies@hotmail.com! Even if you just wanna talk, send me an e-mail about anything. I'd love to hear from you! This is my fanfiction address, but for those of you who have the other one, feel free to use it also.
~Raye
P.S.- Please read note below, and the one at the very end. Important information there!!
**PLEASE READ NOTE***
At this time, I would like to comment about a very important and serious issue, so please read this entirely. It hasn't been an issue for me personally, but I was reading another person's reviews (they, and their story shall remain anonymous) when I came across something that really distressed me, and I thought it should be addressed.
One of the people who reviewed for that chapter called the young author several vituperative swearwords, cursed their writing, and told them they should "do Humanity a favor," and commit suicide. I was in shock after reading this, because I simply could not believe that A.) Someone would write something so degrading and opprobrious, and B.) That no one had called them on it.
I would like to make something perfectly clear to all the readers out there. When reviewing someone's work, you don't have to like it; in fact you can hate it. And you can express this opinion in the form of a review. But there is a fine line between that and verbal abuse.
Reviews call for CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. If you don't like someone's work, explain why in a reasonable manner. Personal insults are NOT appropriate. If you don't think you can review a work without insulting that person, then I have a simple solution: don't review. It's that easy.
I hope that if anyone else reads anything like what I have described, that they will have the courage and the right mind to help fix the situation. This does not mean to threaten the person in return. Contact fanfiction.net with the problem, or send the person a note (not a threat) that what they did was wrong, and that they will get in trouble if they continue with this.
If you have participated in slander, I would hope that you realize your mistake now and have the guts to apologize to the individual that you offended.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope to get some feedback on this topic.
*~*~*~*
Rescue me, oh, take me in your arms
Rescue me, I want your tender charms
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love true
Come on and rescue me
.
Rescue me, come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love true
Come on and rescue me
.
'Cause I need you, 'cause I want you
'Cause I want you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Come on and rescue me!
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 11
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLIA
Once again, he swept her off her feet and set her on Blagueur's back while he tightened the cinch, his hands brushing up against the clinging material of her wet gown. He mounted and pulled her securely onto his lap as they took off at a smooth walk.
"Are you out here all alone?" She nodded. "You should really be more careful, Lady Rain. Sauvillia is a safe place, for we haven't had a war since we fought Shalie about twenty years ago; but outside the castle walls, anything could happen. You were fortunate that it was I who came along and not another who would take advantage of your rather convenient position."
"I know, I was just so tired. I wanted some time alone. To think about- things."
George turned to look at her. She was so close to him, he could feel her breath as it blew tiny strands of his hair against his skin, tickling his face. "I know what you mean. I had to think about things too."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers laced behind his head, tangled in his hair. 'What to do, what to do. Do I risk it and take the chance?' She gazed into his violet eyes for an answer. 'If I don't go for it, I'll always wonder.' She lowered her eyes to his chin and rubbed her thumb along his smooth jaw, leisurely tracing invisible designs along his face with a tender fingertip, enticing him, tempting him with her little game. His grip around her tightened and his breath was hot and fast against her face. She smiled, eyes focused on his parted, breathless lips. So she had been right.
She placed one fingertip just under his chin, guiding his lips to her own. Her heart raced with untamed insanity. She closed her eyes, ready for anything.
Except for what happened.
Somehow, she wasn't ready, she hadn't been expecting anything like this. When their lips touched, she felt a wild shock run through her body. It was crazy, the way she felt, the way she was reacting. Her entire body was on fire, she couldn't possibly control the mad conflagration inside her. Just with a single kiss he was opening up locked passions inside her, things she had concealed until this very moment. Now they ran frantically throughout her veins.
His lips seared hers, branded hers. Claiming her, possessing her, demanding that she give in. Give in to him, give in to passion, give in to a single, wild, undignified moment. Forget the regulations, forget convention, forget social class. He abandoned his training as a warrior, tossing all reason into the wind, and surrendered to his emotions. He wanted more, needed more, and he drank in her taste. As he pulled away, her flavor was all around him. Her essence lingered there, on his lips, in his mouth, on his clothing.
She looked up at him, her lips separated and rosy. He smiled softly, a gloved hand cupping her flushed cheek and her eyes sparkled happily. Her grip around his waist tightened and she rested her head against his chest as they returned to the confines of the castle walls at a leisurely pace.
Out here, there was no time for the lovers. They simply lived in the moment. One of pure ecstasy and joy to balance out against those of tragedy and frustration to come.
*~*~*~*
Rain was frustrated. She had tossed gowns, ribbons, jewelry, cloth, shoes, and other various items all throughout her chambers, or what was actually the Princess's chambers. She couldn't find Marie-Louise and now she was going to be horribly late for her own feast. What on earth was she going to wear? She hadn't the vaguest idea as to how one would look at their honorary banquet.
Just as she was about to call one of the castle's maids and fake illness, a radiant Marie-Louise came waltzing in through the doors.
"Hello, Rain. Wasn't today a simply wonderful day?"
That crazy girl! She was all smiles and didn't seem to realize that a catastrophe nearly occurred. "Marie-Louise, where on the face of this planet have you been?! I nearly fainted I was so worried! The festival is starting soon, and I have no idea as to what I should do about anything!"
Marie-Louise only continued to smile, unfazed by Rain's hysterics and scolding. "Oh, Rain. No need to worry, you'll be prepared in no time! Now relax, and I'll get right to it." She calmly began to tidy the room, gathering the necessary parts to Rain's apparel as she went.
Rain was shocked. What was going on? Didn't she just explain that they were going to be late? Marie-Louise began to hum a tune, and Rain's jaw dropped. "Marie-Louise, are you quite all right?"
"Hm? Of course, Rain. I've never been better. Really." She smiled gently and continued with the preparations.
Rain frowned. Something was happening, she was sure of it. But Marie- Louise would tell her if something was. She shook off the strange feeling. Maybe she was still shaken up after what had happened this morning. No, she didn't want to remember it. But as hard as she strived to forget, she knew that it was inevitable. She would have to meet with him tonight. And dance with him. And talk with him. Ugh. What was she going to say? How would she explain? Because that would be what he would want. An explanation.
She released a sigh. She needed to talk to someone about this. But one glance at Marie-Louise changed her mind. No way. No one could find out about this. If Marie-Louise discovered what had happened, it would be the end of things. She had no clue how the princess would react; Marie-Louise was very naïve, despite what she would care to admit.
She would just have to figure it out herself.
As Marie-Louise fiddled with her hair, she leaned against the balcony and waited for the guests to arrive. She drew in a sharp breath at the sight of the first guest.
"Oh! Look, Marie-Louise!"
A tall, elegant woman galloped swiftly to the front gates with such an air about her that demanded attention. Her ruby cloak swirled and flapped in the wind as her stunningly exotic Arabian stallion reared up at the entrance to the castle. She dismounted gracefully, slid off her riding gloves, and pulled back the hood of her cloak to reveal wavy hair the color of glistening emeralds. Her violet eyes shot over to the sight of the unconscious attendants sprawled out on the grass, neglecting their duties. With a crack of her riding crop against the palm of her hand, the attendants jerked awake and quickly obeyed her as she barked out her orders.
"She's very beautiful. Who is she?"
"That's the Countess Nastasha. Word in the scullery is-" Marie-Louise hesitated in continuing.
Rain sent her a skeptical look. "Yes?"
Marie-Louise glanced around, and lowered her voice as she drew closer to Rain, eyes glittering with the excitement of gossip. "Word is that she and the Baron Gulskii are lovers. I'd wager that they have arranged for adjoining rooms."
"What!!" Rain shouted, then quieted. "You mean, they're secret lovers?"
"Mm. Supposedly they have been madly in love for several years now. It's not much of a mystery when you see them together."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the way they act around each other, it's just, well...You'll see tonight what I mean."
Rain nodded as she turned back to watch the happenings down below. The next arrival was that of a large carriage. She grinned when she saw a young girl hidden in a scruffy cloak sitting on the back, talking to the footman. Apparently one of the serving maids had slept in that day and had to hitch a ride to the palace. It wasn't so long ago that she was one of them.
Laughter and shouts drew her attention back to the coach as four lovely women burst from the doors and ran towards a figure approaching them.
"Chibodee!" they screamed, as the previously mention man enveloped them in an embrace.
//Well, no need to wonder who they are.// Rain thought with a smile, and lazily gazed over the hills at the setting sun as more guests continued to arrive. It looked like she would make it in time after all.
*~*~*~*
Laughter echoed through the extensive hall, music streamed through the air, the scent of various delicacies drifted in invisible waves. Burning torches lit up the room with gentle rays. It was truly a sight to behold. Accustomed as she was to large feasts such as these, she had to admit it was spectacular and by far the most extravagant she had seen.
She slowly wound her way through the vast assortment of guests that had already arrived, most of which were already inebriated.
A burly, middle-aged man reeking of wine tossed one jeweled arm about her shoulders, the other limply holding a swirling goblet. His slow words slurred together, making it difficult for her to understand what he was saying. "Hey there, lady. You sure look nice this evening. How'd you like *hic* to join me?"
She shoved him off, sticking her nose up and sniffing the air. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"Now, now, my dear, there's no need to be such a prude. Besides, you should enjoy yourself!" With that, he spun backwards into the crowd, wine sloshing over his chalice.
"Really, Duke William. The honored guest has not even arrived and you've already become completely drunk. What would His Majesty think? And such crude behavior addressed to one of your rank."
He shoved his face in hers and squinted, "Is that you, Allenby?"
"Duchess Allenby, thank you."
He released a boisterous, raspy laugh. "I didn't even recognize you without your ugly scowl! Ha ha ha!"
She scowled.
"Ah, yes, now you look more like your usual self!"
She made a noise of disgust. Honestly, men could be so vile. Besides, she didn't scowl all the time. Did she?
No sooner had she taken her seat, when the trumpets blared throughout the hall, announcing the arrival of the Royal Family and their Honored Guest.
*~*~*~*
She was having a wonderful time. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined such a fantasy. She had met so many delightful people, and they were all very interesting. Such fascinating stories! Their entrance had been announced by trumpets, and it went rather well, aside from the fact that a very icy Domon had to escort her inside.
Drawing her eyes away from the magical scene, Rain glanced down at the delicious meal that the serf (1) had just set before her.
"Oh, why thank y-" She faltered as her eyes connected with the face of her server, who gasped in recognition.
"Miss-Miss Rain?" the young girl whispered.
Rain gathered her senses, and stared hard at the girl's blue eyes. Forcefully, and with meaning, she spoke, "No. I am afraid you are mistaken. I am the Princess of Mersenia, Marie-Louise. Rain is the name of my lady-in-waiting. If it is she you are seeking, you will find her in the gardens."
The girl bowed, obviously still confused, but knowing not to pursue the subject any further for the current time. "I apologize, my lady."
Rain nodded, as though to grant forgiveness. That was a close call. She glanced around discreetly, finding that no one appeared to notice the scene. Good.
She had barely touched her food when the music started up once again. King Kasshu rose from his seat, and held out a hand to his wife. She smiled, and they descended onto the floor for a dance. Domon briefly looked up at her, then quickly back at the man speaking to him.
//Well, what did you expect after you pushed him away and then refused to say why?//
She sighed and sipped from her chalice. Relationships were much too complicated.
//Speaking of relationships...//
Remembering what Marie-Louise had said earlier, she looked over at Baron Gulskii as he approached the Countess Nastasha. Her scarlet lips curled up in a genuinely happy smile, eyes sparkling as they joined the other dancing couples. She understood perfectly what Marie-Louise meant. They glowed when they were together. Yes, they actually glowed. Their faces lit up with joy, and were filled with a sort of pleased contentment when they talked, or were simply near each other. Is that what it was like when people were in love?
Her thoughts were interrupted as a very tall, awkward young man approached her, stumbling over his own feet, beet red with embarrassment. "Princess Marie-Louise," his high-pitched voice screeched, "may I have this dance?"
Rain released a short breath of nervous laughter and she flushed. "Erhm...Of course."
They had not danced for more than a few seconds when he stumbled again. And again. And again. When it was finally over, she was approached by the next one, just as incompetent in dancing as his predecessor. And so her partners continued in this pattern. Oh, Lord, she was going to be sick from all of this jerking and whirling. And Marie-Louise was criticizing HER dancing!
//Where's a knight in shining armor when you need him? Honestly!//
She began to retreat at the end of the song, when her current partner grabbed her hand again for another round. A sigh inevitably escaped her lips. Would the horror never end?
A finger tapped on the shoulder of her partner, and she followed the trail up to their face. It was her valiant knight in shining armor, finally come to rescue the damsel in much distress.
*~*~*~*
(1): A serf is a servant, the very bottom of the social pyramid.
***PLEASE READ NOTE BELOW***
A.N.: Okay, any guesses as to the identities of our mystery people??? You have 2 of them: the little serving maid and Rain's rescuer. Because I'm going to take a poll on the 2 people, and see if anyone guesses correctly in their reviews. Then I'll post the results in the next chapter, along with the TRUE identities of these characters.
This poll will continue until at least one person guesses correctly, but until then, I will NOT POST THE NEXT CHAPTER. So, post reviews as many times as possible!! P.S.- to make this fair, a maximum of 1 guess per character will be allowed in a single review. If you want to guess more than that, review again.
::laugh:: now you hate me even more after I left you with that cliffhanger, so lift those indolent hands and click on the little button to submit a review! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!! Get you guys involved!
*If you don't want to guess, then still REVIEW! I love to get feedback, so please tell me what you think.
**HINTS TO HELP YOU**
okay, both of them are actual characters from the G Gundam series, not people I made up. At least one of the two has already been mentioned in my story. One is female, the other is male. And there you go!!