WE BELONG TOGETHER

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED AND GUNDAM SEED DESTINY

Chapter 26: Murder in the Mist

"I see my errant son has finally decided to come home." Lady La Fllaga smiled wickedly at Mwu.

"Mother, I was on business. You know, escorting and protecting the princess, it's part of a knight's job." Mwu retorted.

"In any case, I see you've brought someone here for dinner. Who might she be, Mwu?"

"Excuse my manners, ladies. Mother, this is Lady Murrue Ramius. She's the special lady who I have mentioned and please do refrain from asking too many questions."

"Oh, pay him no heed." Mwu's mother ignored Mwu and went to place Murrue to the seat next to her's. "Lady Ramius, welcome to my home. You must tell me all about you." She said enthusiastically.

Murrue blushed. It's been a long time since she has felt such motherly comfort. She felt a little shameful in deceiving her about the relationship but nevertheless enjoy the attention the elderly woman was showing her.

"Your Ladyship is too kind."

"Dear child, how did the two of you meet? You must tell me all."

"Oh mom…" Mwu moaned. He was pretty sure Murrue didn't remember. She was pretty cold to him that night at the ball.

"Well, if you must know, I believe we met at a state ball in Zaft."

"Was it romantic?" Lady La Fllaga asked dreamily.

Murrue laughed. "Quite the contrary, I think I brushed him off rather impatiently."

Lady La Fllaga was shocked. "My Mwu? How is it possible? He was always so popular with the ladies."

Mwu slapped his head in embarrassment.

"I'm aware of that." Murrue smiled. "It's one of his charms."

"A trait he has inherited from his old man." Came a booming voice.

"Father." Mwu got up and bowed formally.

"Darling, you're back early today." His mother said.

"I heard Mwu came back and wanted to have a word with him. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, my lady." He bowed to Murrue.

"The pleasure is mine, sir. You have a lovely home."

"Thank you. Well, don't let me stop you. Do go on with the tale." He commanded sternly.

Murrue nodded. She noticed Mwu was rather stiff in front of his father. Lord La Fllaga does have an intimidating presence. It's hard to imagine he is the sire of the ever so casual Mwu.

"As I was saying, he is a man of many charms. But what is the most endearing about him is his patience and sympathy."

"His what?" His parents asked.

"He has been most patient with my anger and frustration of late. For that I am most thankful, though sometimes I fail to express it most explicitly."

"Dear lady, it is my pleasure." Mwu smiled at her, as she smiled back.

The Lord and Lady La Fllaga nodded approvingly at their son's choice. Lady La Fllaga thought her a sensible lady who could keep Mwu out of trouble. Plus the chemistry between them was so obvious. Her wish of Mwu settling down will at last be fulfilled.

Lord La Fllaga also approved but for a different reason. Though Mwu was not his heir, he did well in choosing a lady of class and wealth. Yes, he has heard of Lady Ramius. She was a close associate of the royal family of Zaft and along with that came powerful relations and prestige. Mwu was wise to pick her as wife.

"I can't wait to start the marriage plans. We have to make an announcement to His Majesty first of course."

Mwu and Murrue both choked. This was not something they had expected.

"Mother, actually we wanted to take it slowly…" Mwu started.

"What are you talking about?" His mother demanded.

"The truth is," Murrue shot a look at Mwu, "We would like some time first before we make the announcement. Plus His Majesty's wedding is close so we wouldn't want to take away the focus. There's no time to rush."

Lady La Fllaga thought about it for a moment, and finally agreed with her reasoning.

Murrue noticed Mwu breathed a sigh of relief. But she wondered, could it possibly be disappointment?

"My Lord, Lord Elthsman requests an audience."

"Send him in." Lord Haww gestured to his butler.

"Yes sir."

Lady Haww looked at her husband. "Do you think he's here for Mir?"

"What else?"

"Should we call Miriallia?"

"That's not necessary. This is between him and us."

Knock! Knock!

"Come in."

"My Lord and Lady Haww." Dearka bowed.

"Lord Elthsman. What business do you seek here?"

"Your lordship is quite clear I'm here to seek the hand of your lovely daughter." Dearka smiled.

The Haww couple waited for him to continue.

"As told by Miriallia, you will not consent until I have proven myself. Therefore, I have come to show you my proof." Dearka took out a small pouch from his coat pocket. He opened it carefully and dropped out a large golden ring in his palm.

"As proof of my devotion and sincerity for your daughter, I present the signet ring of House Elthsman as an exchange." He handed the ring to Lord Haww.

Lord Haww stood paralyzed. He did not take Dearka's offer.

After recollecting himself, Mir's father said calmly, "You do realize what you are giving up, don't you? This ring is the symbol of your status. If you forfeit it to me, I will have command over your estate, wealth and everything that belongs to the head of House Elthsman. I can make you a penniless beggar should I so wish it. Is it truly worth it for one girl?"

"I know what I'm doing. Miriallia is worth more than I can offer. This will have to be my most humble offering. Though you can reduce me into a simple beggar, but I have faith the man who sired my love is not that kind of person. It's like the saying, like daughter, like father. I belive you are a man of honour and respect."

After a while, Lord Haww broke in laughter. "Well, young man. I'm impressed. You've certainly outsmarted me. I admit I'm convinced by your action. If I do not consent, I would make myself look like a fool. It's quite a bold move I must say. You can put the ring away."

"Thank you for your compliment." Dearka said while shoving the ring back into his pocket, "But the offer still stands. Once our houses are joined, everything I own will also belong to Miriallia, thus sharing it with the Hawws. I wasn't jesting when I offered."

Lady Haww smiled. "You're too kind. Mir and Tolle were right, you are a good man. And I'm happy to call you son, Dearka."

"They've been there for hours. I wonder what's happening." Mir paced in the garden. When Dearka showed up, her maid came to inform her and Tolle as soon as she could. Unfortunately, her father did not summon her thus barring her from joining their conversation. She waited impatiently while Tolle tried to calm her nerves down.

"Come on Mir, you do have faith in him, right?"

"Of course I do. But it's hard just waiting here plus father can be so difficult sometimes." Mir finally sat down in defeat.

"They will work it out. Ah, here he comes." Tolle noticed Dearka walking towards them.

"Huh?" Miriallia turned to see Dearka smiling down at her. She stood up quickly, almost knocking him on the chin.

"So what happened?" Mir asked in a rush.

"Well, nice to see you too." Dearka laughed and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Dearka!" Mir couldn't believe he was still joking with her at a time like this.

"Alright, alright. They agreed."

"What?"

"I said…"

"Oh I love you!" She yelled and launched herself into his arms. They embraced each other tightly, joyful at the turn of event and completely forgetting Tolle's presence.

"You guys continue. I don't mind at all." Tolle said sneakily, watching them broke apart quickly in embarrassment.

"Congratulation!" Tolle said, extending his hand.

"Thank you." Dearka took his hand and shook it. "I have to thank you for all the help you offered."

"Don't thank me. I did it for Mir, not for you. But all's fair in love and war. I respect the lady's choice."

"Guess I don't have to apologize then." Dearka smirked.

Tolle sighed. "What Mir saw in you, I'll never know." Then he turned to Miriallia, "Be happy, little sister. Just in case you change your mind, I'm always available."

"Tolle!" Dearka and Miriallia said loudly.

Tolle laughed and quietly slipped away, leaving the lovers to themselves.

"Lacus was always a sweet child, always so caring and gentle. Cagalli was quite the opposite. She was quick tongued and fierce. Sometimes I wonder what God was thinking when he sent both of them to me." The King chuckled.

"Father!" Cagalli protested.

"I guess some people just don't change." Athrun laughed. He looked across the table at Cagalli and winked, making the princess more humiliated. Cagalli retaliated by kicking him under the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to make a toast." Uzumi raised his cup. "My wedding to Lady Gladys will take place in two nights. I'm so pleased to have so many friends and family here to share in Orb's joy. Plus the newly engaged Dearka and Miriallia, Lord Elthsman is quite sly to steal our Lady Miriallia away so fast."

Everyone chuckled.

The king continued. "But most importantly on this joyous occasion, I want to pay respect to none other than my lovely betrothed. Here's to my new queen. Here, here!"

Everyone raised their cups and cheered.

Lady Talia answered with her own cup and gave a soft smile.

"Let the feast begin." The king ordered.

The servants began bringing in the deliciously prepared food while the guests converse with each other.

"So, Mwu, I heard the good news from your parents. Congratulations!" King Uzumi said.

"Huh?" Mwu replied, then he remembered. "Actually…"

"To see the Endymion Falcon head over heels in love is truly a sight." He laughed. "Tell me, have you arrange the date with Lady Ramius yet?"

"No…"

"A shame. I suppose men do tend to forget the details. Lady Ramius, I see you have a lot of work ahead of you. But you have my blessings."

Murrue laughed uncomfortably while she was shooting daggers at Mwu. Mwu laughed nervously but could not reveal the truth to the King.

The rest of the audiences were shocked at hearing the news. Most of them knew about Mwu's pursue but didn't realize Murrue reciprocated the feeling.

Athrun looked at Murrue questionably while she voiced a silent 'don't ask' back.

"I didn't know they were getting engaged?" Stellar said out loud. "Guess I missed out on a lot, huh?" She pouted a little.

Someone next to her tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around to see a blonde man next to her.

"May I have a word, Lady Stellar?"

"Excuse me, you are…" She tried hard to remember his name.

"My name is Rey Za Burrel. I'm the nephew of Lady Gladys."

"Ah, I remember. Oops! Sorry about that." Stellar wrinkled her nose in embarrassment.

"It's quite alright. I was wondering if I may acquire more information on the attack. I have been named part of the investigation group but so far all the leads have end up with nothing. I know it's not really the time or place…"

"It's okay. I wish I could be more helpful but I have already told everything I can remember."

"I see…" Rey replied, "Then allow me to trouble you no more. I hope you recover soon."

"That's alright. You're not bothering me." Stellar said, noticing Rey sitting in silence. "Why is there no one talking to you? It is a state dinner after all."

Rey smiled bitterly, "My lady is quite honest about my awkward position."

"Did I say the wrong thing again? Sorry. Hey, I know, I'll be your friend. I know lots of people and you know what…You're not too bad of a fellow!"

Rey looked at her in surprised. "Really? I would be honoured."

"No problem!" She promised.

Stellar started chatting excitedly with her new friend about many different things.

Shinn looked across the room and noticed the two of them acting quite intimately. He felt a surge of rage and almost wanted to go and separate them apart. Then he immediately reprimanded himself for thinking so recklessly and unreasonably. What is going on with me? She's just a friend, nothing more and nothing less. I'm only mad because she should be resting instead of laughing with Za Burrel. Wait, what is she doing touching his hair?!?!

Shinn leaned a little bit forward to listen in on their conversation. He caught bits and pieces of 'shining hair' and 'I'm so jealous'. Trying to take his mind off of the blonde girl, Shinn deliberately turned to his right and starting talking to Dearka.

Cagalli excused herself to catch some fresh air out on the balcony. She leaned on the ledge and gazed up at the starless night.

"May I join you?" Athrun asked from behind.

"Suit yourself." Cagalli said, lacking the energy to argue with him.

He walked next to her. "You're not yourself today."

"I've been better."

He turned to face her and asked gently, "What's wrong, Cagalli?"

She directed her gaze at him, then back to the sky. "Listen to all that laughter inside. Everyone is so happy."

"So?"

"Father is getting married in two days and it seems like I'm the only one who's in disagreement. Even Lacus seems content with the idea."

"You feel out of place?" He pinpointed the problem.

"I hate it when you're sharp." She sniffed.

Athrun took the surprised Cagalli and hugged her gently. "Don't worry. Just think of it this way. You're getting a few more members in the family. They will be able to take of your father when you leave for Zaft."

She remained still in his arms. "I just don't know if I'll be able to accept them…but I hate to disappoint father. Lady Talia looks nice enough…though I feel there's a certain air of sadness around her. I can't quite put my finger on it. Father brushed it off as mere pre-wedding nerves."

"Everything will be alright. I promise." He felt protective over Cagalli's display of vulnerability tonight.

"I hope you're right." She broke out of his arms, "Here we go, and I'll try to welcome them." She took a few steps before turning back, "You'll join me?"

Athrun bowed and took her invitation promptly. "At your call."

Lady Talia Gladys laid on her bed, unable to fall asleep. In two days, she will be the Queen of Orb. Everyone treated her with extreme courtesy. Even the feisty Cagalli was beginning to accept her. What more could she want?

She sighed and got out of the bed. Silently, she walked over to her dressing table and stared into her own dim reflection. Her reflection looked back at her with hollow eyes. Does the woman in front of me look happy? Is this the path I really want to take? I suppose, after all I have vowed to sacrifice everything for him.

Pain gathered in her chest as she thought about him. It's been a long time since he contacted. She wondered if her lover has forgotten about her. At least see me one last time before the wedding.

Unable to resist, she closed her eyes and wept.

Behind her, a rustling sound came from the balcony. She turned in excitement. "Is that you—"

Three cloaked figures entered her room silently.

Talia opened her mouth to scream but one of them immediately covered her mouth and whispered into her ear, "It's me."

He pushed back his hood and revealed himself, while removing his hand over her mouth.

"Shani." She said, "Crot and…?"

"He's the new guy." Crot answered impatiently.

"What do you want with me? Is there a new order? What is it?" She said.

"Yeah, we're here to take you." Shani answered.

Talia's eyes lit up. "You mean, he wants me back with him?"

Shani looked at her coldly, "I think you got it wrong. We're here to take you out of the picture."

"No! You don't mean…How could he?" She said disbelievingly.

"Wait! I thought our order is to kidnap her." Heine interrupted.

"Shut up! Our order is clear. We're to take her life or do you have a problem with that?" Crot challenged. "Get her!"

Shani and Heine grabbed Talia before she could get away. Crot took out a small bottle and smiled. "This is ambrosia, master's newly brewed poison. He wanted to spare you the pain of suffering."

"How generous of him…" She cried bitterly, knowing it's inevitable to get away.

Crot pushed the bottle in Heine's hand, "Feed it to her."

Heine gripped the bottle tightly and looked apologetically at Lady Talia. He opened the cork and raised it next to her mouth. Talia saw the sorrow in Heine's eyes and smiled, "Release me and allow me what dignity I have left."

Crot and Shani looked hesitantly at each other.

"I said release me!" She commanded, making them drop their hold on her.

Talia took the bottle gently from Heine's hands and smiled at him, "Thank you, whoever you are." In her hour of death, at least this stranger was kind enough to show her a little compassion.

She took a deep breath and gulped the poison down in one drink. Then she threw the bottle down on the floor. "You have completed your task, now leave me be."

Crot and Shani put their cloak back on and gently slipped out of the balcony. Heine followed, but turned back to look at her one last time before disappearing into the night.

Talia took herself back to her bed, and lied down. As the darkness slowly devoured her, she whispered, "Gilbert…"

The next morning—

A loud scream exploded out of Lady Talia's chamber.

"What happened?" Shiho asked, as she was the first to get there.

The frightened maid was speechless. She pointed to the bed with a shaky finger. Shiho followed the direction and saw her aunt sleeping peacefully on the bed. She moved next to the bed and gently shook her aunt. "Aunt Talia?"

Shiho shook again and again. Finally, she placed her index finger under Talia's nose and felt her pulse.

"What happened?" The king demanded with Lacus and Cagalli behind him. "What is all the noise?"

They entered just in time to see Shiho choked back on a sob.

She turned and cried, "I think…Aunt Talia is dead!"

There, this chapter is a bit longer than usual. I guess it's to make up for the last short one. Next chapter will be more focused on comforting each other. There will be more fluff than usualy because something so horrible has happened. Gotta move things along to get the characters moving. I think they're getting a bit lazy in Orb. J/K!!