Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters.
A.N.: All right, here's the next chapter I did while procrastinating my term paper. I've been out of town for a long time again, but put this together anyway. Thank you to everyone who reviews (especially more than once!) and motivates me. It really means a lot.
*And do not worry, I already have chapter 16 DONE. So there will be no delay!! I'll probably post it in a week or maybe two. Depends. Can't overload you all at once!
Also, if you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my G Gundam short story, 'Sometimes.'
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 15
*~*~*~*
WARNINGS: religious allusions in this chapter, and others due to the setting. Religion was a significant part of the medieval time period. This is not meant to offend anyone of any other faith or belief.
Also, brief discussion of menstrual cycle.
*~*~*~*
It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone
.
Something has been taken from deep inside of me
The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see
Wounds so deep they never show they never go away
Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played
*~*~*~*
Marie-Louise held the thick wooden door into the Mersenian Princess' bedchambers open for the pale girl standing beside her. Cecil paused at the doorway and slowly stepped inside, halting when she reached the very center of the room. She barely heard Sai Saici say farewell, and didn't even bother turning around.
She felt numb and dazed, as though she were in another universe all together; she didn't know where to go or what to do. She simply stood there, her gaze transfixed on the hard stone floor beneath her slippered feet.
A gentle hand touching her arm caused her to jump in surprise. She stared down at the vile offender, then took a small step back, making her message perfectly clear: Don't Touch.
Marie-Louise's hand hung in mid-air, frozen. She looked at the girl's face to examine her profile. Cecil was just about the same age as she was, and to go through such a horrid ordeal—she couldn't imagine how she would react. Being the crown princess of Mersenia, she had lived a very sheltered life and had never known such things happened. However, now that she had been rather abruptly awakened to it, she was sure they happened in her own kingdom all the time without her knowing.
Unlike most royalty, Marie-Louise rarely acted cruel or condescendingly to serfs and maids. Of course, she was incredibly spoiled and rather childish at times, but she had known so few friends when she was little. Mersenia was one of the most influential nations, so her father adapted a very protective attitude toward her well-being. She seldom saw her own small family that she came to think of the servants as such. She was around them far more often than her father.
Her lady-in-waiting, Rain, was her closest companion she had ever known. They had been raised like sisters, despite the status difference. Rain always protected her lady's best interest, and Marie-Louise hoped to return the favor some day by somehow looking out for Rain. In fact, she would make it her mission to protect Rain as much as her best friend had done for her in the past. It was the least she could do.
*~*~*~*
Rain lifted a glove-encased hand to her forehead as she rested in a seat at the large, dimly lit table. It was incredibly late by now, and still people were running around inside and outside, dancing and drinking. All this celebrating would go on for the rest of this week, perhaps even into the next. And she was already exhausted after a single day. But what a day it had been.
Thinking back, she immediately remembered Cecil. She felt that she was incredibly selfish: returning to the feast when Cecil was suffering. True, she did send Marie-Louise and Sai Saici with her, but she felt that there must be something she could do to help. She understood medicinal herbs better than Lady Marie-Louise, perhaps she should be helping instead of rejoicing. No, not 'perhaps,' she definitely should be helping.
She was rather disgusted with her less than altruistic action. Since when did she act like that? She had never put her own desires before those of others. Ever since she and Marie-Louise got involved in this, everything seemed so confusing and different. It was hard at times to remember she was a princess, and that she had to obey propriety's demands. Especially when she wanted to help others.
She released a sigh. She wanted to go back. Not only to check on Cecil, but also to relax and get some much needed rest. It seemed like she had hardly any time to unwind since she had arrived a few days ago. Thinking back, it seemed so strange to her that she had really only been in Sauvillia for a little while. Yet so much had already happened, more than she had experienced in Mersenia, that's for sure! Prince Domon seemed to be the major cause of that. She hadn't been prepared for anything like him.
The kiss Domon had given her was only her second. The first had been her fiancé when she was 16. Thinking back, she could hardly remember him at all. He was a simple Lord, someone of her own social status. But she did not love him, and when she had realized this, she had broken off the engagement. She had faced a great amount ridicule for giving up what was most likely to be her only chance to be married now that she was no longer young, as her lady, Marie-Louise was.
At twenty-one, she was considered to be out of her prime. Most women nowadays married as early as twelve or thirteen, just as soon as they began their menstrual cycle. Once that happened, women were fit to bear children, and typically shipped off to the highest bidder by their families.
Marie-Louise was lucky. Her father was protective and waited quite a while after she had started her cycle. She was at the pinnacle of her life, the same age as when she had been engaged to be married. Hopefully she would find someone she cared for. However, with her position and kingdom to think of, it was highly unlikely that she would marry for love. As princess, she would be called to marry for socially beneficial reasons, and would never be permitted to marry out of her class. Only princes and perhaps a duke would qualify as suitors. Nothing lower would do.
She pitied Marie-Louise in that regard. At least she had been able to reject her fiancé. She doubted that her lady would be able to get out of an engagement like that. Her father and his advisors would never allow her. She would have very little say in her own future, and remaining single was most definitely *not* an option for the princess as it was for her. However, her lack of family and husband allowed her to remain serving Marie-Louise rather than running her own house. Even if she was labeled a spinster.
There were times when she couldn't stop herself from wondering if she did the right thing by canceling her engagement. She did want a family, but she didn't want to live a life without love. If she were to have married, she would have left Marie-Louise, the one person she did love, for someone she did not even know, much less care about. Ultimately she came back to the same decision that she had chosen correctly. She would now simply hope for the day she would find a man she could love. Until then, she would faithfully serve Marie-Louise.
She wove her way through the crowd, searching for someone to perhaps escort her back to her chambers, since Marie-Louise was gone. Domon was still with Duchess Allenby, and she had no desire to confront them, yet she managed a small wave farewell to him that received a nod and even a small smile in return, though perhaps she had just imagined it. The curious General Ulube had vanished as quickly as he had appeared, Prince Chibodee was far too drunk to even stand, and Baron Gulski had discreetly left with the Countess Nastasha a while ago. That left her with one option.
A bright flash of orange out of the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Sir George de Sand.
*~*~*~*
She didn't know what to do; she wanted desperately to help the poor suffering maid in front of her. But how?
She moved her frozen arm to gesture toward the bed. "Let's remove your shoes and get you comfortable. You may stay here for the night, I am sure the princess would not mind at all." She attempted a smile to match her warm, friendly tone, hoping to lighten the mood.
Cecil moved forward and sat on the very edge of the bed, her eyes downcast and blank, arms on either side of her. Marie-Louise saw that she was not about to move, so she knelt down in front of her by her feet. Carefully, she moved her hands to take the servant's tattered shoes off, watching for a reaction as she gently began to remove the slipper, being sure to avoid skin contact.
She felt the first slipper peeling off and as the other vanished from her foot as well, her eyes came to life with wide, vivid panic. She didn't even know if she could trust the princess in front of her. Certainly she was her princess and she had an obligation to obey her, but she was lying as she pretended to be Rain. Who knew what other sort of lies she was capable of.
She heard stories in the scullery about corrupt members of royalty, so how did she know that the Princess Marie-Louise was any different? She acted innocently, but that could just be a front. Maybe she wanted her to be attacked, just to let the officers have some fun.
Suddenly, she felt trapped in that large room, like she was a sort of prisoner. She had to leave, stay away from anyone who might want to hurt her.
She bent over to pick up her shoes. "I apologize, my lady, but I believe I shall return to my personal chambers."
Marie-Louise watched dumbfounded as the pitiable girl began to leave.
"Wait!" she called after her. "I'll walk you there." She began to stand, but Cecil shook her head.
"No. You need not trouble yourself."
Marie-Louise smiled kindheartedly. "Don't be foolhardy, it's no trouble at all for me to—"
"I wish...to go alone." Her voice was a gentle whisper.
Marie-Louise stared at her. Did she do something wrong? She watched helplessly as Cecil exited, quietly closing the door behind her. A strange sense failure and grief swept over her. She didn't know what else to do for Cecil.
So she knelt down beside the bed, hands folded on the bleached white sheets. Her emerald eyes glistened in the soft moonlight that illuminated the room. Lifting her head, she swallowed and looked out the window, up towards the heavens.
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I shall strengthen you and help you; I shall uphold you with my righteous right hand..." (1)
*~*~*~*
Cecil leaned against the wooden door she had just shut, tilting her head back and sighing. She released the doorknob and started walking towards the safety of her own chambers. The darkened hallways were illuminated by dying torches, casting long, flickering shadows on the walls. An unexpected chill ran up her spine and she shivered unconsciously.
She had been alone when she was attacked, and now she was alone again. Maybe she should have taken the princess up on her offer...
But she couldn't trust anyone, now could she? Who knows what their personal agenda might be. And besides, no one could understand what she went through.
She quickened her pace, and soon found that she was once more lost in the dreary halls of the Sauvillian castle. The shadows seemed to warp and twist in her mind, creating wicked figures that chased her every way she turned. She began to jog, then run, glancing behind her in a paranoid manner as she fearfully anticipated one of these phantoms to attack her at any moment. Her breathing grew heavy, and her heart felt permanently lodged in her throat, beating so hard that she was sure the sound echoed in the corridor.
There were footsteps behind her. She was positive that someone was following her, she could truly see their figure running towards her, and gaining. They were calling out something to her, but her pulse was so loud! It rang in her head, over and over. A sign that she was still alive.
She cast another haphazard glance back to the blurry figure catching up to her. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell, her head thumping into the icy stones beneath her. She lay there for a moment, stunned and incapable of thought or action.
Hands placed on her back caused her to spring to life as she flailed and tried to escape. However the hands pulled her close, and the person was still calling to her. Her head pounded, but she tried to make sense of what was happening.
"Cecil! Cecil, calm down! It's just me!"
She looked up into the figure's face. "Sai Saici?"
The aforementioned boy smiled a wide, slightly crooked grin that calmed her. "Man, I thought I might have had to use my frying pan on *you*!" He had dropped the object at his side when he grabbed her. "You sure looked panicked. I'm really sorry if I scared ya."
Slowly, she pulled back from his embrace, yet kept her hands on his forearms. "It's all right."
"What are you doing walking back all alone? Shouldn't Mar- er – Rain be with you?"
Cecil was far too exhausted and overwhelmed to even notice his mix-up. "I wanted to go alone. I don't think," her voice grew softer "that I can trust anyone anymore. Not after..." She trailed off and looked down at their hands, pulling away completely.
Sai gently grasped the tips of her fingers before she had the chance to do so. His touch was feather-light and delicate, and lowered his forehead to hers. Her eyes were wide with shock at this rather unusual display of sentiment. Sai Saici was always so lighthearted and carefree. This was a definite change.
"Cecil, do you even not trust *me*? How could you doubt our friendship? We've known each other since birth. We were raised as children in the Mersenian palace together. It was I who taught you to ride. It was with me that you climbed trees, camped out in the stables for fun, and stole pieces of cake from the kitchen. Our loyalty has always been tested, but never broken. For sixteen years, you have been my best friend, the one forever by my side.
"What we have cannot be destroyed or weakened. We've been through trials before. We can get through this one too. Together."
Cecil's chest felt tight with pain as she began to tremble. Her throat was choked with unshed tears. "Sai, I've been such a fool. Making up stupid, irrational excuses to push people away. I'm just so frightened of what happened, I don't know what to do."
His fingers laced with hers. "Trust me, Cecil. I know that things are different and more dangerous at times compared to when we were younger, but we're still friends."
"You-you're right," she sniffled with a small smile. "I don't really want to be alone at all. I need someone to help me with this."
Sai carefully pulled back to look her in the eye, a smile playing along the corners of his mouth.
"How about we sleep out in the stables, just like old times, huh? Remember when we used to hide in the straw so we wouldn't have to do chores?"
Cecil sniffled again and nodded in agreement.
"All right then." Ignoring the pain from the wounds in his back, he lifted her feeble body into his arms. "Let's go, princess. We've got to get some serious sleeping done, because I am absolutely worn out!"
*~*~*~*
"Sir George, I cannot thank you enough for escorting me back to my chambers. It really is very kind of you, especially since you are now missing out on the festivities." Rain's gloved hand was gently tucked in the crook of George's arm as they walked down the hall to her closet. (2)
He smiled courteously. "Don't be ridiculous, my lady. The banquet will last for the week, if not even longer."
"I don't know how I'll be able to make it through the entire week. I'm already so fatigued!"
"It's only necessary that the host and honored guest attend the first night when the festival begins. From then on, it is optional. Besides, after all the traveling you have done, I'm sure that it is quite understandable.
"By the way, how is your ankle healing? You didn't seem to have any trouble dancing tonight."
Rain returned his smile. "It is much better, thank you. Lady Rain took very good care of it for me." Well, her dancing had improved. She would have to tell Marie-Louise, she would be proud that she finally seemed to get it right.
"That's good. I'm pleased to hear it."
They paused at her door, and she politely thanked him once again, then proceeded into her chambers. Marie-Louise was kneeling at her bedside in prayer, but quickly made the sign of the cross and stood up at the sight of her dashing Sir George in the doorway.
"My lady, Sir George," she acknowledged them politely as she walked towards them.
"Miss Rain!" The rose knight's face mysteriously brightened all of a sudden. He flushed at having caught her in her bedchambers. It was a rather intimate place to meet, after all. Certainly, he was the utmost gentleman, but still. The mere surroundings of her bedchambers made him think of only one thing, and its constant presence made it difficult for him to get rid of that thought.
She smiled, not nearly as concerned as Sir George was about their location. "Thank you for escorting my lady back, as I had other pressing affairs to attend to."
"It was no problem at all, Miss Rain."
Rain walked into her adjoining room as this took place to give the couple some time alone.
"I noticed that you did not attend the celebration tonight. Will you come tomorrow?"
Frankly, she had not gone that night because she desired some much needed time alone. However, if Sir George would be there tomorrow...
"I would very much like to, but I am afraid that I will not know anyone, and that I shall not have anyone to dance with..."
"If you would like, I would be happy to escort you, Lady Rain." He smiled at her roundabout way of asking if he would be there and ensuring that he would spend time with her. Not that this was a problem. On the contrary, he was rather delighted to get to know the charming lady better.
"Well then, I wouldn't dream of turning down such an offer. I would be pleased to go, good sir knight."
"Wonderful." He captured her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, allowing them to linger there for a brief few seconds as was proper, his eyes watching hers all the while. It was not his polite kiss that made her flush from head to toe with pleasure, but his gaze locked with hers. He bid her farewell, and she curtsied in return, then shut the door behind her. She was feeling rather like waltzing about the room with joy when Rain interrupted her.
"Marie-Louise, where is Cecil?"
Her elated mood dropped quickly and she guiltily looked at Rain. "She left. I tried my best, but she said she wished to be alone, so I let her go. I thought maybe she would be better tomorrow, after she received some sleep. I offered to let her sleep here, but she wanted to be in her own quarters."
"It's all right. Maybe it's for the best to give her some space. We'll go visit her tomorrow morning. But for now, I'm going to retire before I fall asleep standing up."
Marie-Louise smiled as she agreed. "Mm hm. Go right ahead. Don't worry about me, I can take care of undressing myself tonight. You've had a busy day, I know how these feasts can be. You've probably had a lot of excitement!"
Rain grinned to herself knowingly. You have no idea.
*~*~*~*
TBC
*~*~*~*
(1): Isaiah 41:10
(2) closet: medieval synonym for bedroom/chambers
A.N.: All right, here's the next chapter I did while procrastinating my term paper. I've been out of town for a long time again, but put this together anyway. Thank you to everyone who reviews (especially more than once!) and motivates me. It really means a lot.
*And do not worry, I already have chapter 16 DONE. So there will be no delay!! I'll probably post it in a week or maybe two. Depends. Can't overload you all at once!
Also, if you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my G Gundam short story, 'Sometimes.'
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 15
*~*~*~*
WARNINGS: religious allusions in this chapter, and others due to the setting. Religion was a significant part of the medieval time period. This is not meant to offend anyone of any other faith or belief.
Also, brief discussion of menstrual cycle.
*~*~*~*
It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone
.
Something has been taken from deep inside of me
The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see
Wounds so deep they never show they never go away
Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played
*~*~*~*
Marie-Louise held the thick wooden door into the Mersenian Princess' bedchambers open for the pale girl standing beside her. Cecil paused at the doorway and slowly stepped inside, halting when she reached the very center of the room. She barely heard Sai Saici say farewell, and didn't even bother turning around.
She felt numb and dazed, as though she were in another universe all together; she didn't know where to go or what to do. She simply stood there, her gaze transfixed on the hard stone floor beneath her slippered feet.
A gentle hand touching her arm caused her to jump in surprise. She stared down at the vile offender, then took a small step back, making her message perfectly clear: Don't Touch.
Marie-Louise's hand hung in mid-air, frozen. She looked at the girl's face to examine her profile. Cecil was just about the same age as she was, and to go through such a horrid ordeal—she couldn't imagine how she would react. Being the crown princess of Mersenia, she had lived a very sheltered life and had never known such things happened. However, now that she had been rather abruptly awakened to it, she was sure they happened in her own kingdom all the time without her knowing.
Unlike most royalty, Marie-Louise rarely acted cruel or condescendingly to serfs and maids. Of course, she was incredibly spoiled and rather childish at times, but she had known so few friends when she was little. Mersenia was one of the most influential nations, so her father adapted a very protective attitude toward her well-being. She seldom saw her own small family that she came to think of the servants as such. She was around them far more often than her father.
Her lady-in-waiting, Rain, was her closest companion she had ever known. They had been raised like sisters, despite the status difference. Rain always protected her lady's best interest, and Marie-Louise hoped to return the favor some day by somehow looking out for Rain. In fact, she would make it her mission to protect Rain as much as her best friend had done for her in the past. It was the least she could do.
*~*~*~*
Rain lifted a glove-encased hand to her forehead as she rested in a seat at the large, dimly lit table. It was incredibly late by now, and still people were running around inside and outside, dancing and drinking. All this celebrating would go on for the rest of this week, perhaps even into the next. And she was already exhausted after a single day. But what a day it had been.
Thinking back, she immediately remembered Cecil. She felt that she was incredibly selfish: returning to the feast when Cecil was suffering. True, she did send Marie-Louise and Sai Saici with her, but she felt that there must be something she could do to help. She understood medicinal herbs better than Lady Marie-Louise, perhaps she should be helping instead of rejoicing. No, not 'perhaps,' she definitely should be helping.
She was rather disgusted with her less than altruistic action. Since when did she act like that? She had never put her own desires before those of others. Ever since she and Marie-Louise got involved in this, everything seemed so confusing and different. It was hard at times to remember she was a princess, and that she had to obey propriety's demands. Especially when she wanted to help others.
She released a sigh. She wanted to go back. Not only to check on Cecil, but also to relax and get some much needed rest. It seemed like she had hardly any time to unwind since she had arrived a few days ago. Thinking back, it seemed so strange to her that she had really only been in Sauvillia for a little while. Yet so much had already happened, more than she had experienced in Mersenia, that's for sure! Prince Domon seemed to be the major cause of that. She hadn't been prepared for anything like him.
The kiss Domon had given her was only her second. The first had been her fiancé when she was 16. Thinking back, she could hardly remember him at all. He was a simple Lord, someone of her own social status. But she did not love him, and when she had realized this, she had broken off the engagement. She had faced a great amount ridicule for giving up what was most likely to be her only chance to be married now that she was no longer young, as her lady, Marie-Louise was.
At twenty-one, she was considered to be out of her prime. Most women nowadays married as early as twelve or thirteen, just as soon as they began their menstrual cycle. Once that happened, women were fit to bear children, and typically shipped off to the highest bidder by their families.
Marie-Louise was lucky. Her father was protective and waited quite a while after she had started her cycle. She was at the pinnacle of her life, the same age as when she had been engaged to be married. Hopefully she would find someone she cared for. However, with her position and kingdom to think of, it was highly unlikely that she would marry for love. As princess, she would be called to marry for socially beneficial reasons, and would never be permitted to marry out of her class. Only princes and perhaps a duke would qualify as suitors. Nothing lower would do.
She pitied Marie-Louise in that regard. At least she had been able to reject her fiancé. She doubted that her lady would be able to get out of an engagement like that. Her father and his advisors would never allow her. She would have very little say in her own future, and remaining single was most definitely *not* an option for the princess as it was for her. However, her lack of family and husband allowed her to remain serving Marie-Louise rather than running her own house. Even if she was labeled a spinster.
There were times when she couldn't stop herself from wondering if she did the right thing by canceling her engagement. She did want a family, but she didn't want to live a life without love. If she were to have married, she would have left Marie-Louise, the one person she did love, for someone she did not even know, much less care about. Ultimately she came back to the same decision that she had chosen correctly. She would now simply hope for the day she would find a man she could love. Until then, she would faithfully serve Marie-Louise.
She wove her way through the crowd, searching for someone to perhaps escort her back to her chambers, since Marie-Louise was gone. Domon was still with Duchess Allenby, and she had no desire to confront them, yet she managed a small wave farewell to him that received a nod and even a small smile in return, though perhaps she had just imagined it. The curious General Ulube had vanished as quickly as he had appeared, Prince Chibodee was far too drunk to even stand, and Baron Gulski had discreetly left with the Countess Nastasha a while ago. That left her with one option.
A bright flash of orange out of the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Sir George de Sand.
*~*~*~*
She didn't know what to do; she wanted desperately to help the poor suffering maid in front of her. But how?
She moved her frozen arm to gesture toward the bed. "Let's remove your shoes and get you comfortable. You may stay here for the night, I am sure the princess would not mind at all." She attempted a smile to match her warm, friendly tone, hoping to lighten the mood.
Cecil moved forward and sat on the very edge of the bed, her eyes downcast and blank, arms on either side of her. Marie-Louise saw that she was not about to move, so she knelt down in front of her by her feet. Carefully, she moved her hands to take the servant's tattered shoes off, watching for a reaction as she gently began to remove the slipper, being sure to avoid skin contact.
She felt the first slipper peeling off and as the other vanished from her foot as well, her eyes came to life with wide, vivid panic. She didn't even know if she could trust the princess in front of her. Certainly she was her princess and she had an obligation to obey her, but she was lying as she pretended to be Rain. Who knew what other sort of lies she was capable of.
She heard stories in the scullery about corrupt members of royalty, so how did she know that the Princess Marie-Louise was any different? She acted innocently, but that could just be a front. Maybe she wanted her to be attacked, just to let the officers have some fun.
Suddenly, she felt trapped in that large room, like she was a sort of prisoner. She had to leave, stay away from anyone who might want to hurt her.
She bent over to pick up her shoes. "I apologize, my lady, but I believe I shall return to my personal chambers."
Marie-Louise watched dumbfounded as the pitiable girl began to leave.
"Wait!" she called after her. "I'll walk you there." She began to stand, but Cecil shook her head.
"No. You need not trouble yourself."
Marie-Louise smiled kindheartedly. "Don't be foolhardy, it's no trouble at all for me to—"
"I wish...to go alone." Her voice was a gentle whisper.
Marie-Louise stared at her. Did she do something wrong? She watched helplessly as Cecil exited, quietly closing the door behind her. A strange sense failure and grief swept over her. She didn't know what else to do for Cecil.
So she knelt down beside the bed, hands folded on the bleached white sheets. Her emerald eyes glistened in the soft moonlight that illuminated the room. Lifting her head, she swallowed and looked out the window, up towards the heavens.
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I shall strengthen you and help you; I shall uphold you with my righteous right hand..." (1)
*~*~*~*
Cecil leaned against the wooden door she had just shut, tilting her head back and sighing. She released the doorknob and started walking towards the safety of her own chambers. The darkened hallways were illuminated by dying torches, casting long, flickering shadows on the walls. An unexpected chill ran up her spine and she shivered unconsciously.
She had been alone when she was attacked, and now she was alone again. Maybe she should have taken the princess up on her offer...
But she couldn't trust anyone, now could she? Who knows what their personal agenda might be. And besides, no one could understand what she went through.
She quickened her pace, and soon found that she was once more lost in the dreary halls of the Sauvillian castle. The shadows seemed to warp and twist in her mind, creating wicked figures that chased her every way she turned. She began to jog, then run, glancing behind her in a paranoid manner as she fearfully anticipated one of these phantoms to attack her at any moment. Her breathing grew heavy, and her heart felt permanently lodged in her throat, beating so hard that she was sure the sound echoed in the corridor.
There were footsteps behind her. She was positive that someone was following her, she could truly see their figure running towards her, and gaining. They were calling out something to her, but her pulse was so loud! It rang in her head, over and over. A sign that she was still alive.
She cast another haphazard glance back to the blurry figure catching up to her. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell, her head thumping into the icy stones beneath her. She lay there for a moment, stunned and incapable of thought or action.
Hands placed on her back caused her to spring to life as she flailed and tried to escape. However the hands pulled her close, and the person was still calling to her. Her head pounded, but she tried to make sense of what was happening.
"Cecil! Cecil, calm down! It's just me!"
She looked up into the figure's face. "Sai Saici?"
The aforementioned boy smiled a wide, slightly crooked grin that calmed her. "Man, I thought I might have had to use my frying pan on *you*!" He had dropped the object at his side when he grabbed her. "You sure looked panicked. I'm really sorry if I scared ya."
Slowly, she pulled back from his embrace, yet kept her hands on his forearms. "It's all right."
"What are you doing walking back all alone? Shouldn't Mar- er – Rain be with you?"
Cecil was far too exhausted and overwhelmed to even notice his mix-up. "I wanted to go alone. I don't think," her voice grew softer "that I can trust anyone anymore. Not after..." She trailed off and looked down at their hands, pulling away completely.
Sai gently grasped the tips of her fingers before she had the chance to do so. His touch was feather-light and delicate, and lowered his forehead to hers. Her eyes were wide with shock at this rather unusual display of sentiment. Sai Saici was always so lighthearted and carefree. This was a definite change.
"Cecil, do you even not trust *me*? How could you doubt our friendship? We've known each other since birth. We were raised as children in the Mersenian palace together. It was I who taught you to ride. It was with me that you climbed trees, camped out in the stables for fun, and stole pieces of cake from the kitchen. Our loyalty has always been tested, but never broken. For sixteen years, you have been my best friend, the one forever by my side.
"What we have cannot be destroyed or weakened. We've been through trials before. We can get through this one too. Together."
Cecil's chest felt tight with pain as she began to tremble. Her throat was choked with unshed tears. "Sai, I've been such a fool. Making up stupid, irrational excuses to push people away. I'm just so frightened of what happened, I don't know what to do."
His fingers laced with hers. "Trust me, Cecil. I know that things are different and more dangerous at times compared to when we were younger, but we're still friends."
"You-you're right," she sniffled with a small smile. "I don't really want to be alone at all. I need someone to help me with this."
Sai carefully pulled back to look her in the eye, a smile playing along the corners of his mouth.
"How about we sleep out in the stables, just like old times, huh? Remember when we used to hide in the straw so we wouldn't have to do chores?"
Cecil sniffled again and nodded in agreement.
"All right then." Ignoring the pain from the wounds in his back, he lifted her feeble body into his arms. "Let's go, princess. We've got to get some serious sleeping done, because I am absolutely worn out!"
*~*~*~*
"Sir George, I cannot thank you enough for escorting me back to my chambers. It really is very kind of you, especially since you are now missing out on the festivities." Rain's gloved hand was gently tucked in the crook of George's arm as they walked down the hall to her closet. (2)
He smiled courteously. "Don't be ridiculous, my lady. The banquet will last for the week, if not even longer."
"I don't know how I'll be able to make it through the entire week. I'm already so fatigued!"
"It's only necessary that the host and honored guest attend the first night when the festival begins. From then on, it is optional. Besides, after all the traveling you have done, I'm sure that it is quite understandable.
"By the way, how is your ankle healing? You didn't seem to have any trouble dancing tonight."
Rain returned his smile. "It is much better, thank you. Lady Rain took very good care of it for me." Well, her dancing had improved. She would have to tell Marie-Louise, she would be proud that she finally seemed to get it right.
"That's good. I'm pleased to hear it."
They paused at her door, and she politely thanked him once again, then proceeded into her chambers. Marie-Louise was kneeling at her bedside in prayer, but quickly made the sign of the cross and stood up at the sight of her dashing Sir George in the doorway.
"My lady, Sir George," she acknowledged them politely as she walked towards them.
"Miss Rain!" The rose knight's face mysteriously brightened all of a sudden. He flushed at having caught her in her bedchambers. It was a rather intimate place to meet, after all. Certainly, he was the utmost gentleman, but still. The mere surroundings of her bedchambers made him think of only one thing, and its constant presence made it difficult for him to get rid of that thought.
She smiled, not nearly as concerned as Sir George was about their location. "Thank you for escorting my lady back, as I had other pressing affairs to attend to."
"It was no problem at all, Miss Rain."
Rain walked into her adjoining room as this took place to give the couple some time alone.
"I noticed that you did not attend the celebration tonight. Will you come tomorrow?"
Frankly, she had not gone that night because she desired some much needed time alone. However, if Sir George would be there tomorrow...
"I would very much like to, but I am afraid that I will not know anyone, and that I shall not have anyone to dance with..."
"If you would like, I would be happy to escort you, Lady Rain." He smiled at her roundabout way of asking if he would be there and ensuring that he would spend time with her. Not that this was a problem. On the contrary, he was rather delighted to get to know the charming lady better.
"Well then, I wouldn't dream of turning down such an offer. I would be pleased to go, good sir knight."
"Wonderful." He captured her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, allowing them to linger there for a brief few seconds as was proper, his eyes watching hers all the while. It was not his polite kiss that made her flush from head to toe with pleasure, but his gaze locked with hers. He bid her farewell, and she curtsied in return, then shut the door behind her. She was feeling rather like waltzing about the room with joy when Rain interrupted her.
"Marie-Louise, where is Cecil?"
Her elated mood dropped quickly and she guiltily looked at Rain. "She left. I tried my best, but she said she wished to be alone, so I let her go. I thought maybe she would be better tomorrow, after she received some sleep. I offered to let her sleep here, but she wanted to be in her own quarters."
"It's all right. Maybe it's for the best to give her some space. We'll go visit her tomorrow morning. But for now, I'm going to retire before I fall asleep standing up."
Marie-Louise smiled as she agreed. "Mm hm. Go right ahead. Don't worry about me, I can take care of undressing myself tonight. You've had a busy day, I know how these feasts can be. You've probably had a lot of excitement!"
Rain grinned to herself knowingly. You have no idea.
*~*~*~*
TBC
*~*~*~*
(1): Isaiah 41:10
(2) closet: medieval synonym for bedroom/chambers