[A.N.] So here is the next chapter of Pure As Snow! I hope you enjoy it! It took me a while to work on this but with the blizzard we just had I had a few days to mull it over. I want to thank those of you that have been reading and especially those that reviewed. You helped me remember why I was writing this story and what I wanted to accomplish! That being said, I have a busy semester at college for the final half of my senior year so I made this one long but don't worry, this doesn't mean I'm planning on slacking off. Sadly, I also had to recently put my dog to sleep. 13 years of an amazing friend. It hit me hard and stalled my chapters… Anyway, I just wanted to give you something now so I have some time as I am co-writing a story with a friend of mine that has been going on for a year. Anywho! Here you go! Hope you enjoy it!
Pure As Snow Ch. 7
They reached the next town by daybreak and stopped in the woods just beyond to camp and prepare for the performance the next day. All of them were equally exhausted. Duo complained of hunger, Dorothy complained about bags forming under her eyes and Wufei complained about the injustices of them complaining. However, there was work to be done. They had to make a performance in the town if they hoped to make enough money to gather more supplies.
As they unpacked the costumes and instruments, Relena made herself busy preparing a quick breakfast for her weary friends. She was not allowed the leave the wagon this close to town under any circumstances in case someone under the Queen's employ were to recognize her. She settled for preparing an easy fruit tart with a little bit of left-over bread and some spices like ginger and nutmeg. She loved cooking; it brought back the good memories of spending time with the kitchen staff. The chef took so much joy teaching her about the various combinations that can be made if you know how. He viewed cooking as an art in and of itself. She missed him; him and the rest of the staff. She would save them. She would stop Une and restore her kingdom. As she put the finishing touch on the tarts she began to walk toward the door. She was startled suddenly as Heero opened it before her. His eyes flashed a deep blue.
"What are you doing?" She paused at his tone.
"I made breakfast. I was going to bring it out."
"I'll do it." He paused, eyeing the tray. "You're supposed to stay inside, remember? There's no telling how many eyes the Queen has in and around the town."
"I know. I'll stay. Thank you, Heero." He raised an eyebrow.
"For what?"
"For looking out for me." He reached out a gently took the tray from her, her hand tingled as his fingers bushed against hers. His eyes met hers, swirling midnight blue to sparkling cerulean. After a moment, he looked away, nodded to her, and mumbled something as he left the wagon.
Heero walked to the horses where Trowa was feeding and looking after them. The town was beginning to bustle and the horses were a bit restless as a response as the noises from the preparations echoed even to their camp. Trowa was stroking their manes gently, whispering to them. He always was good with animals.
"Is she doing alright?" Trowa asked.
"She's fine. I think she's a little bit antsy though."
"It's understandable. She's very outgoing. Keeping her cooped up in the wagons is almost cruel."
"It's necessary." Heero replied. He was not going to change his mind.
"I won't argue with you there."
"And yet you do."
"I think letting her roam a little wouldn't hurt as long as we're cautious. You know what happens when you cage a wild animal." That hit him. Relena did seem like a free spirit used to going wherever she liked in the palace grounds. The small wagon had to feel a bit like a prison, but what else could be done?
"I won't have her carelessly walking around when there's a price on her head."
"She's going to find a way out sooner or later, you know."
"Perhaps, but I will not let her get too far."
"I'm sure. Just remember what we discussed, Heero." Heero merely grunted and walked away to check on the rest of the crew. As he turned to do so, however, he noticed Duo and Hilde obnoxiously leaning against the side of Relena's wagon.
"What are you doing?"
"Sh!" Duo snapped. "Listen. The princess can sing!" Heero froze. He knew exactly what Duo was thinking.
"No."
"Come on, man, listen!"
"Duo-"
"She's just what the act needs."
"Not a chance."
"Why not?"
"Have you forgotten the queen is after her? The idea is to keep her hidden not put her in the limelight. Do you want her found?"
"Oh, lighten up, Heero. We can make her a disguise. A good wig, some make-up and no one will ever know." Hilde chimed.
"What's going on?" Catherine asked.
"Quiet! We're listening to the princess!"
"Listening?" She paused. "Is that her?"
"You bet." Duo grinned.
"Heero, we have to add her."
"NO!" They froze. The singing stopped. Relena poked her head out from the back, briefly.
"Heero, is everything alright?" Instantly, she was swarmed.
"You said you couldn't sing!"
"What?" A deep crimson blush stained her cheeks. "Y-you heard that?" It didn't take long before the subject of her joining the act was brought up to her as Heero watched helplessly. Relena was reluctant to agree. After Duo's constant insistence and the other girls (with the exception of Dorothy) prodding her, she finally agreed.
"Oh! We have so much work to do! We have to make you utterly unrecognizable!"
"I think we should make her a red head."
"No way! She'd be much better as a brunette." Three of the girls ushered her quickly into the wagon where the fussing began. Heero stood outside, fuming.
"Cheer up, buddy! If this works, she'll be protected and get the freedom she's been needing."
"And if it doesn't, we could all die." Dorothy quipped. She was the only girl that wasn't on board for Relena's big transformation and clearly had issues with their plans.
"Oh, Dorothy, you're just being bitter."
"And you're a moron but I don't point it out, do I?"
"Watch it, brows."
"Will you two cut it out?" Heero snapped. He was tired of the noise. Relena was being foolish and the girls were only encouraging the reckless idea. He strode over to the stage and began to tune his lute.
It wasn't long before he found himself being urged back to the wagon by Duo who had neglected his own chores in favor of being the first to see the reveal. Heero crossed his arms and leaned against the other wagon, waiting.
"Here she is! We present to you for your delight and entertainment: Rhiannon!" Hilde announced. A woman walked out of the wagon, her skin far paler than it should be. Ebony hair cascaded past her shoulders down to at least mid-back and her peasant dress, multiple shades of blue, brought out her eyes. He knew he was looking at Relena but even he wouldn't recognize her in passing. Her cheeks and eyes had been highlighted with gentle shades of rouges and blues emphasizing her high cheekbones and the way her eyes sparkled.
"What'd ya think, buddy?" Duo said, elbowing him. In truth, the look wasn't back for her but he found himself missing her chestnut blonde hair. The black hair, however, washed her out making her skin as white as snow. She looked almost ethereal. Relena looked at him, her eyes locking with his.
"She can perform but only if she stays back on the stage so her face is shadowed."
"I knew you'd make the right choice, buddy!"
"I think it's a terrible idea! Her very presence here is putting us all in danger and you want to put her on display? You've all lost your minds!" Dorothy said, fuming. Relena froze.
"She's right. What was I thinking? I can't do this."
"Yes you can! You'll be fine!" Sally said, smiling.
"I think it would be an injustice to put us at risk but it is even more unjust to keep her caged. I say we let her for now and see what comes from it. There is no honor in hiding like a coward." Wufei said, surprising them all.
"He's right, Relena. We may as well try." Catherine added.
"We will keep a watchful eye the whole time." Trowa stated.
"Well, clearly I am the only sane one in this group. Fine! Parade her around. Give her her show. Just don't come crying to me when the queen guts you all." Dorothy walked into the wagon and slammed the door.
"Ignore her, princess. It'll be fine."
"He's right, Relena. We may as well try." Catherine added.
"We will keep a watchful eye the whole time." Trowa stated.
"Well, clearly I am the only sane one in this group. Fine! Parade her around. Give her her show. Just don't come crying to me when the queen guts you all." Dorothy walked into the wagon and slammed the door.
"Forget what she said. It'll be fine. You'll see." Duo said reassuringly. Heero watched Relena carefully. He could see the unease in her posture and the nervousness in her eyes. It was more than just the idea of performing. She was scared for them. Nervous that she would, indeed, get them all into trouble. As the others walked away from her, he watched as she walked over to the horses. She had a habit of going to them whenever she was bothered. He walked up to her slowly.
"Trowa and Duo are right. It will be fine."
"But what if Dorothy is right? What if no disguise is good enough to fool Une. I couldn't bear it if something happened to any of you because of me."
"It won't." He reached out and touched the hand that rested on the horse's neck. "I'll protect you. Believe in me, Relena." He saw his words register as her aqua eyes began to swirl with relief. He removed his hand and walked away, feeling a strange emptiness with the separation. As he made his way to put more wood on their fire he heard her say something softly.
"I do believe in you… Yes I do." A smile came to his lips as he placed another log on the fire.
The evening came long before she was ready. After making sure everything was as it needed to be, the rolled their wagons in to town and began to set up right in the middle of the festival. Relena felt her stomach knotting. So, any thoughts swirled through her mind in a jumbled mess. She was nervous. She'd been at public affairs before, standing in front of hundreds of people but never had she done anything as personal as sing in front of a crowd. When the wagons came to a stop they all went about their various tasks. She had been given a new list of things to do, with the condition she keep the veil over her face. They were hoping to pass her off as an exotic singer from the far-East, although she thought that would be a long shot. Still, with the aid of the veil and the dark hair it was possible she could fool the crowd.
Part of her felt guilty indulging in this charade. She needed to be hiding until she could come up with a plan to save her people, not singing like a nightingale out in the open. She sighed and looked out the window. This wasn't going to be easy but with any luck the disguise might allow her a way to find out more information about her brother's whereabouts and the evil queen's plans. Weighing the options, it was best for her to try and use the disguise to aid her quest, if only for a little while.
They had decided to save her for last and she waited anxiously as Duo did his magic act. Catherine and Trowa did acrobatics and knife throwing while Heero and Quatre played the lute and Wufei, the fiddle to provide background music. Heero eventually joined Trowa for a few acrobatic tricks as well, and the girls provided various dances and songs in between. When it was finally her turn, Duo gave the introduction in a booming voice:
"And now, the newest act to our traveling troupe added for your enjoyment. Please welcome Rhiannon: The Snow White Nightingale!" Relena walked out on stage and took her position as directed by the girls. As the music began Relena sang the song the girls had picked, an old folk melody that the staff had taught her as she worked alongside them. As she sang she relived the feelings of affection and joy shared throughout the palace before her father died and before Lady Une appeared and ruined everything.
She sang a tale of a time long ago when a young woman, slightly vain, fell in love with a young lord. Thinking she'd been betrayed by him she sought revenge. She found a sorceress who was dying and the old sorceress entrusted the young woman with a magic amulet that would give her powers beyond her dreams and keep her young and beautiful for hundreds of years. The young woman imprisoned her lover and both were lost to time.
As the song finished the crowd was silent. At first she feared they hated it but then the applause started and an encore was demanded though she was ushered back into the wagon by Heero and Trowa while Duo calmed the crowd. She had been shocked at the reception of her performance. She had never considered herself a singer but clearly she had been good enough that they demanded more. She now understood why her friends did what they did. The adoration, the joy of bringing joy, was addictive and flowed through her veins like a potent drug.
"Hey, Lena, The festival is in full swing. Do you want to look around with us before we leave town?"
"I really shouldn't." She objected. She didn't want to press her luck.
"Oh it's fine. Just throw on a regular dress and a hooded cloak or head scarf or something and come with us."
"I don't know."
"Even Heero is going." Catherine said with a wicked grin.
"He'll have to to keep her protected. I bet he'll follow you really close." Hilde teased. Relena felt her cheeks heat.
"Well, as long as Heero says it's ok."
Heero did, indeed, reluctantly agree and Relena soon found herself wrapped in a crimson scarf with a simple cream colored peasant's dress on, the brown bodice hugging her a little tighter than she'd like but Hilde had laced it saying it needed to be tight in case a cad in the crowd decided to get "fresh" with her, a comment that earned her a glare from Heero and caused him to step even closer than before as they began their trip through the streets.
Various venders and salesmen had shops staggered in an orderly manner selling merchandise from foods to jewelry. Duo insisted she try some of the local peasant dishes, a fact she was thankful for. It had been weeks since she'd eaten something other than her own cooking and some of the dishes made her wish she had the recipes. At some point along the path, the others had gone off in pairs or on their own leaving her and Heero with just eachother. As they passed some of the men in the town a few tipped their hats to her and greeted her with charming smiles, winking and making suggestive motions (most from the men who'd had too much to drink). Heero, in response, locked his arm with hers in a firm, but gentle way and pulled her close, glaring, warning the other men to stay away. She blushed as she felt the heat of his arm against hers.
"Buy a flower for your pretty lady, sir?" An elderly lady said.
"Oh, no… I'm… I'm not-" Relena began.
Heero handed the lady a few coins and muttered a thank you. He turned to her and offered her the red rose, his eyes meeting hers with an intense gaze. She wished she knew how to read his thoughts.
"It's beautiful." She said softly. She took it gently and smiled. "Thank you, Heero." He nodded and locked arms with her again. As they made their way back to the wagon, a song began to play from a small group of musicians. She watched as a few couples walked out and began to dance in the golden glow of the torch lights.
"Dance with me?" Heero's sudden request startled her. "We want to blend in." He continued. Part of her felt deflated when she realized his true reason for asking. Still, something inside her leapt at the idea.
"I'd love to." She answered. They joined hands and Heero placed his other hand on the small of her back and she, hers on his shoulder. She felt a certain heat at the contact and blushed as their eyes locked. They began to sway slowly to the sound before beginning a waltz. The tune was a local song with a simplistic melody and Heero lead perfectly. The longer they danced, the less it seemed they were in the square. To her, there was just the two of them, holding one another as the music played on. They continued on, even after the music stopped, not noticing that the whole square now had their eyes on them. When they finally stopped moving, Relena stared deeper into his eyes. His face gradually began to move closer to hers. Her breath caught in her throat. Their lips were inches apart.
"Relena…" He breathed softly.
"Heero…?" She whispered. She wished she hadn't. He froze. His eyes flashed something. "We should go. We've drawn too much attention." She glanced down, disappointment stabbing into her chest. "We should return to the wagons."
"O-of course." She muttered. He took her hand and lead her quickly to the wagons where they proceeded to help pack up to leave. He seemingly avoided her the whole time, saying nothing to her unless it pertained to the wagons. She couldn't explain why she was hurt by his behavior. He was, after all, only allowing her to stay with them until she could reclaim her throne. He was trying to protect her. Why should it mean anything else? She held the rose in front of her and sighed, pushing away her confusion. She grabbed a piece of twine and hung the rose upside down to try and dry it out. Whether or not he'd meant anything by giving it to her, she intended to keep it.
The girls tried teasing her about the rose but, perhaps seeing her sad expression, decided to leave her alone. As their wagons rolled out of town she found herself hugging her knees to her chest and feeling completely foolish for doing so. She was pouting like a two year old that just lost their favorite toy. She sighed, disgusted with herself. Her people were suffering and she was mooning over a boy.
The further they got out of town, the more uneasy she felt. The sound of wolves howling in the night easily pierced the walls of the wagon, causing shivers to run up her spine. Something wasn't right. There was something on the wind, in the air, echoing. An evil laugh rolled through the cracks of the wagon seeming to rise from the howls themselves. Heero, who was driving their wagon, pulled back the divider and yelled.
"Wolves! Stay down and stay in. We'll try to outrun them!" The crack of the reins gave them a spilt second warning before the wagon gave a jolt as it surged forward. The horses' hooves pounded against the ground as the wolves continued to give chase. She could hear the wolves' growls and heavy breathing as they leapt at the door of the wagon, most likely trying the same with the horses. Duo and Wufei were desperately trying to fight off the wolves while Heero and Trowa continued urging the horses on. Quatre jumped back to their wagon to fight off any wolves that might make their way in.
"I've never seen them this bad." Hilde said.
"It's almost like they're targeting us." Catherine added.
"Not us." Dorothy said snidely. "Isn't it obvious? They want the princess. The queen must have sent them." Dorothy was glaring at her. It was her fault. They were after her. Her friends were in danger because of her. She knew this would happen.
"Dorothy's right. It's me they want."
"Well they can't have you! You're sticking with us!" Sally said adamantly. However, as the wagons continued on, the front wheel hit a large bump busting the axel and bouncing the girls around. As the wagon crashed, Relena found herself thrown out of the broken door onto the dirt path. A piercing pain shot through her head as it collided with the solid earth. Her vision blurred but she could make out the fur-covered blobs in front of her. Their rancid, hot breath felt like the hand of death but for some reason, she wasn't afraid. If she died; if they killed her, the queen would be satisfied, her friends would be safe. She closed her eyes, ready for the killing blow.
"Relena!" Heero yelled as he fought off two large wolves. Quatre and Duo were guarding Hilde and Sally who were knocked out cold while Dorothy was swinging a branch around that had been lit on fire to scare off the wolves. Wufei and Catherine were using the knives to return the attack. Trowa was protecting the horses as best as he could. Relena glanced at her friends. Heero was fighting desperately to get to her as the wolves made their way closer. One of the large beasts jumped from behind Heero, pinning him to the ground
"NO!" She screamed. She closed her eyes. "Please…" She said, her eyes locking with Heero's briefly before turning to the wolves. "Please…stop!" Suddenly, there was a flash of blue light. The wolves, as if suddenly pacified, all ceased their assault. The wolf pinning Heero stood up and walked away while the two in front of her sat down, their tongues lolling out of their mouths like trained hounds waiting for commands.
"I don't believe this." Said Catherine.
"What's going on? Why did they stop attacking?" Duo asked.
"The spell must be broken." Trowa spoke as he walked calmly forward.
"Spell?"
"Yes. I knew there was something strange about this attack. There was no strategy, no real given element to motivate them. Beasts only bare their fangs at their enemies."
"Relena, you did it!"
"Me? No… That's… that's not possible."
"Yes it is. Your pure heart touched the wolves. It broke the spell and showed them you were no threat. Now they're just going to go about their business." As Trowa said this, one of the wolves stepped forward and bowed his head, licking Relena's arm gently. She looked at the wolves, all of them seemingly bowed to her before retreating back into the forest.
"What in the hell was that?" Duo asked. Heero stood up and walked to Relena. She was still in shock as he hoisted her to her feet.
"Relena… are you alright?" He asked.
"I don't know…" She said, confusion swelling in her mind. "I don't… know…" She felt her consciousness slipping as she slowly began to fall; an action which was halted by Heero's arms as he hoisted her up into a protective embrace to carry her into the wagon. The last thing she saw was Heero's deep blue eyes, a turbulent ocean of concern staring into hers before her world went black.