Though the Heavens Fall
Chapter Four
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
"We've arrived, Sir Hahnenfuss," the drive said from the front of the carriage. Shiho craned her neck towards the window and pulled aside the curtains. They had come to a stop at the front steps of the Azure Seray after a day and a half's travel from the central basin of Orb, where her grandmother's property was.
"Thank you," Shiho replied as she stretched her arms above her head and prepared to disembark. The carriage moved as the driver climbed down and opened the door for her.
"I will have your things brought to your room, Sir Hahnenfuss."
"Thank you," Shiho repeated as she gave him a nod of her head. She stepped down from the carriage and looked around. Her eyebrows furrowed in question. Usually, at least one Azure Haumea Elite would come to meet any arrivals, but there was no one else at the front of the estate house aside from her and the carriage driver.
She glanced back at the driver as he unloaded her bag from the top of the carriage, and then turned back to the stairs ascending to the house. She carefully climbed them, narrowing her eyes as the sounds from within the house reached her ears.
Shiho slipped through the partially open door and came to a stop in the foyer. Her eyes widened with surprise as a dozen or more Elites swept past her, all rapidly talking as they carried around various books and scrolls.
The female Red Knight lifted a hand to try to wave one of them down. "Excuse me," she began firmly.
A few of the Elite turned towards her and quickly they bowed their heads. The highest ranked of the group, Miriallia's Lieutenant, excused herself from the other Elites and made her way over to Shiho.
"Sir Hahnenfuss," the lieutenant greeted as she bowed her head. "Forgive us for not greeting you earlier. I trust you had a safe trip?"
"Yes…" the brunette nodded solemnly. "Lieutenant, is Captain Haww available? I would like to greet her and inform her of my return."
"Ah…" A brief look of hesitation reached the other woman's face. "I'm afraid Captain Haww is currently indisposed of, Sir Hahnenfuss. Particular internal issues require her attention and we are unsure when the meeting will adjourn."
Shiho nodded her head once more. She didn't expect another country's elite soldiers to make her privy on to the inner dealings of their sorority, so she didn't pry. "I understand," she told her. "When Captain Haww appears, will you please tell her that I have arrived? I will be in my room looking over the land documents I received."
"Yes, Sir Hahnenfuss," the lieutenant replied. "Would you like anything to eat or drink after your journey? I will have one of my sisters bring you something."
"A small, light snack and some water would be very much appreciated, lieutenant, thank you." Shiho gave the other woman a curt nod and headed down the hall to her room.
After an hour or so of shifting through her the various items she gathered from her grandmother's house, she heard yelling coming from outside her window. She lifted her head from her desk, where she had been carefully re-packing some glass figures for the journey back to Plants.
"Stellar!" a loud, female voice shouted. "Stellar, you are not obliged to do anything!"
Shiho's eyes narrowed. Was that Miriallia yelling at Stellar? She stood up from her chair and walked towards the window. She peered outside and saw the petite blonde preparing to mount her massive horse.
"Stellar is going to go riding!" the young Azure Elite replied.
"Stellar!" Miriallia shouted in vain. She was dressed in her maroon suit with her blue arm bands. It seemed that they had just returned from somewhere, most likely the palace. Stellar, however, was dressed in her civilian clothes of blue and white. It was an oddity, since Shiho knew that the Haumea Elite had a particular dress code when on formal visits to the palace.
The young blonde climbed on top of her saddle and gripped the reins. With a frustrated and pained look on her face, she gentle kicked Gaia's side and took off. "Stellar!" another Elite yelled. "Captain, should we pursue?"
"No," Miriallia frowned. "She is dealing with a person matter," she stressed. "Not one regarding her as a Haumea Elite." She lifted her hand and ran it tiredly down her face. As she watched Stellar and Gaia disappear into the forest at the edge of the Seray property, she closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. It may not have been a Haumea Elite issue, but it was still Stellar's issue and as a friend, Miriallia couldn't stand by idly. "Prepare my horse!"
The Elite that had earlier asked to pursue looked at her captain, confused. "Captain?"
"I'm going to the temple," Miriallia stated firmly. "I need to speak to her brother." She turned around and faced her subordinates. "If Stellar returns before I do, make sure she does not know where I went, understood?"
"Yes, Captain," they chorused before breaking apart and rushing to get her horse.
"Captain Haww?" a voice said behind her. Miriallia quickly snapped into attention and turned around. She gave a brief nod to the woman at the window.
"Ah, Shiho, you've returned," the other woman smiled softly. "How was your trip?"
"Educational," Shiho replied. "I was able to meet the current care takers, as well. The house is in good condition. Thank you for loaning me the Seray's carriage."
"It was not a problem."
"On a personal note," Shiho began tentatively. "Is Stellar alright? I'm afraid I'm not used to seeing her that way. Perhaps she misses her sister?"
A small, sad smile reached Miriallia's face as she lowered her eyes. "It seems that Stellar's past has come to haunt her in a way. It's rather…distressing."
The other woman furrowed her eyebrows. "Her past?"
"Captain, your horse is ready," an Elite said as she appeared around the corner. Miriallia turned and gave an acknowledging nod of her head.
"Thank you." She turned back to Shiho. "If you're feeling up to it, you are free to join me on my ride to the temple." The Red Knight found herself nodding and disappeared from the window. Shiho met Miriallia outside, along with a stable hand who had prepared their horses. She mounted her temporary ride and silently followed the other woman out the front gates.
As they rode slowly towards the seaside city in the distance, Miriallia let out a heavy breath. Shiho looked over at the woman who stared out in front of them. "You are aware that Stellar is Cagalli's adopted sister?"
Shiho nodded. "It was mentioned, though I hardly see why that would impact how close they are," the Red Knight replied. "It's fairly obvious to anyone that the two are as close, perhaps even closer than, blood related sisters."
"Cagalli has known Stellar longer than she has known her own twin," Miriallia pointed out. "All three of them are very close. Right now, Stellar is very confused and Cagalli is not here for her to run to. That is why I am going to fetch Kira, despite her wishes."
Shiho jerked her head back and narrowed her eyes. She would assume that in place of Cagalli to run to, Kira would be the next best thing. It was surprising to hear that the young blonde hadn't contacted her brother when she was clearly distressed. "Is something bothering Stellar?"
"Her past is," Miriallia replied, straight forward. "Stellar was found in the sea cliffs north of here, close to the Federation-Plants border, with no memory of her past other than her name. A few days ago, that past returned. Stellar came to pick me up at the palace and some of the dignitaries from the Federation recognized her."
Shiho's lips curled downward slightly. "Stellar is from the Federation, then?"
The other woman nodded her head once and tightened her grip on the reins. "And of rank."
Dread seemed to tug at Shiho's senses. It was one thing if Stellar was simply a normal citizen, but having rank meant a place of importance and obligations and responsibilities that may be unwanted. "What rank?"
"Royalty," Miriallia stated easily. Shiho's eyes widened.
"Stellar?" she asked, surprised. "That's impossible. If she was were royalty and disappeared, we would've already heard about it! No report was given about a missing member of the Azrael Family!"
"She's only a member of the family as an illegitimate child," Miriallia frowned. "That was why."
For a moment, a cold look graced Shiho's eyes. "A child is still just a child. She shouldn't have been ignored simply because of her birth status."
"We did some digging and the other captains and I believe that the family may have already accepted Stellar as dead," Miriallia explained. "She and her mother, the former king's mistress, were on a ship. There was a storm and most of the people drowned at sea, including Stellar's mother. It was probably assumed that Stellar had drowned as well. Her death wasn't publicized because of her illegitimacy."
"Then how are they so sure that Stellar is their Stellar?" Shiho asked. "It could be just a mistake."
"That is what we are hoping for. The negotiations are on hold right now because of this. Several dignitaries have already headed back to speak to King Murata regarding the whereabouts of his estranged younger sister," the Elite explained. "Among them was one of Stellar's childhood playmates, a nobleman from the Federation. He and Lord Djibril, as well as another noble son identified Stellar and have since been requesting that she return to the palace every day in order to try to get her to remember her past."
"And Stellar doesn't remember them at all?"
"She keeps saying she doesn't and keeps telling them that she's an Athha," Miriallia sighed. "And even though Stellar was an illegitimate child, it seems that she was highly favored by both the late king, her father, and the current one, her half-brother. I'm afraid that if there is even a slim chance that she'll remember, they will want to take her back to the Federation."
Shiho looked down and narrowed her eyes. "Has word of this been sent to her siblings?"
Miriallia closed her eyes and shook her head. "Stellar insisted that we do not contact Cagalli considering Cagalli's state when she left. She insisted that we don't tell Kira, either. I wanted to tell them, as did the rest of us, but Stellar was adamant in keeping it from them. Frankly, I believe she's afraid."
"Of what?" Shiho asked. "It's clear just how much both siblings love her. They would not dismiss her so easily."
"You have to think about it from the view point of an adopted child," Miriallia explained. "What if Cagalli and Kira encourage her to go, even if it is just temporary. Stellar may think they no longer want her. Then if Stellar does go to the Federation, even under the guise that it is temporary to meet her relative, they may not let her return. Then she won't see the twins again and without any formal blood ties, they may insist that she has no reason to. Who knows what they might tell her in order to get her to remain in the Federation?"
"To be honest, Miriallia," Shiho began. "I don't believe either twin would want to let Stellar go."
"I don't either," the Elite agreed. "But we must take into consideration that Stellar is also a Haumea Elite. It is her duty to do whatever she can for her country."
She didn't have to say any more. Shiho understood the statement clearly. If the Federation wished to make a bargaining chip of Stellar, then Stellar, duty-bound, would agree.
"She walks a precarious path," Shiho said as they entered the city's main gates. "I hope she does not have to walk it alone."
The cool ocean breeze swept past her as she sat close to the edge of the cliff. Her legs were raised to her chest as her arms wrapped around them. Her chin rested atop her knees as maroon eyes looked out over the water. Behind her, Gaia quietly nibbled on the grass close to the tree line.
She was in her sister's special place; a small patch of grass over looking the ocean in front of her and the city to her left. Cagalli often came there to think or when she wanted to be alone. It wasn't as secretive as Cagalli thought. Stellar had often followed her there when she was a child.
It seemed that the rhythmic sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks below and the rustle of the wind against her lulled the older blonde into a calmer state of mind. Stellar hoped that it would also work for her, as a calm state of mind was all she could hope for at that very moment.
Her life, as of that fateful evening meeting the men from the Federation, had been turned upside down. She really didn't have a clue as to who they were or if what they were saying about her was even true. A half brother who was the current ruler of the Federation? A king who was threatening war with Orb? The enemy of sorts? Stellar bit her lip at the thought.
The only brother she knew of was a kind-hearted brunette who worked at a temple and whose parents owned a chocolate shop she and Cagalli frequented.
Even if she didn't want to believe them, she had still wracked her mind, trying to remember, if only to appease them and get them to leave her alone. Yet, nothing came. Her earliest memory was cold and bleak. She was huddled against damp stone of a cave by the sea shore, hungry and wearing a few strips of shredded clothes.
She had woken up on the pebbled shoreline of Orb's upper coast alone. No mother. No father. She wandered the shore for a few days, unable to eat as she wasn't sure what she could eat. She had stumbled into the cave, unable to even cry as she was blind to everything but her empty stomach.
Then she heard a voice and a shadow fell over the already dim cave. Stellar recalled golden hair and a rough, but kind voice.
"Are you okay? What happened? Are you alone?"
It was Cagalli who found her. Cagalli who brought her home and fed and clothed her. Cagalli whose family took her in. Cagalli who she called sister.
Stellar curled herself into a tighter ball and buried her face in her knees. She wished Cagalli was there now. Cagalli would know what to do and would put her mind at ease. At the same time, Stellar was relieved that she wasn't. Stellar was a Haumea Elite now. She should be able to take care of her own problems. It would be an embarrassment to Cagalli to be unable to deal with this herself.
Even as the men who claimed to be her childhood playmates spoke to her, surprisingly kindly and affectionately, she couldn't help but wonder if there was anyway to benefit Orb by reconnecting with family in the Federation. If it would bring peace again and help lessen the burden to both Cagalli and the rest of the Haumea Elite, she would give it a try. After all, it was her duty, too.
However, giving it a try meant leaving Orb. Possibly on the permanent basis. It also meant she would become a Federation citizen and there was no dual citizenship in the Federation. No Orb citizenship meant she was unable to be a Haumea Elite. That was providing she was even allowed back to Orb if she did go to the Federation. There was a chance she would never see Cagalli or Kira again. The thought terrified her.
The young blonde Elite bit her lower lip and let out a muffled cry. Too many things were at risk to simply agree to Lord Djibril's request for her to go and meet with the current ruler of the Federation. No matter how easy and harmless a request he and the other nobles made it to be, she couldn't simply leave.
Especially since she had yet to talk to Cagalli or even Kira. What would they say? She wasn't sure if she wanted to know.
"My lady, are you well?" Maroon eyes flew open as her body tensed. Almost at once, she could almost feel another presence behind her. Cautious footsteps on the grassy ground coupled with the quiet rustling of rich cloth with each step signaled that someone was behind her. The footsteps stopped. "My lady…?"
There was hesitation in his voice and Stellar carefully looked over her shoulder. A young man stood between her and the tree line. His horse was left to graze along with Gaia as he made his way over carefully. He seemed to keep his distance, careful not to alarm the young woman. Stellar looked over his clothing. He was from Plants from the way he was dressed; a style similar to Shinn's.
Her eyes widened. The only ones who were visiting from Plants at that time, which she knew of, were the prospective grooms and their respective entourages. Frantically wiping her eyes she shot up and quickly bowed as a sign of welcome and respect.
"Everything is fine, sir!" she greeted nervously. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. Surely, she was the first Haumea Elite to be caught sulking so pathetically. Stellar quickly straightened up.
Across from her, the young man's eyes grew large. He hadn't recognized her when she was huddled in a ball, but now that her face was revealed, he could easily identify her. The large, maroon colored eyes and her straw-colored hair were what struck him when he first saw her in Plants. Those two features and Shinn's stupefied face when she entered the ballroom drew his attention to her.
"Stellar Athha!?" he choked out as he struggled to keep himself from pointing at her in surprise.
The young woman jerked her head back, surprised that he knew her name. She nodded her head. "Yes." She tilted her head to the side, confused. "Has Stellar met you?" she asked carefully.
Rey let out a sheepish laugh as he raised his hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "You probably don't remember me. I'm Shinn's friend. We met briefly at Lady Zala's welcome ball in Plants?" he offered. For a moment, the young woman seemed lost in thought. Then, she smiled.
"Rey!" Her eyes lit up as she beamed. "Yes! Stellar remembers Rey! Shinn talks about Rey all the time!" She gushed as she clapped her hands together, her earlier mood momentarily forgotten.
A soft blush reached Rey's cheeks as he looked down at the ground. "Really? That's kind of him…ah…I'm glad I was able to meet you!" he said as he held his hands up. He gave her a hopeful smile. "Shinn sent something for you and your brother and asked me to deliver it to you."
"Oh…" Her face fell and for a moment, Rey wondered what he had said wrong. Her shoulders seemed to slump. "Is Shinn not coming?" She was disappointed. Rey paused on his way back to his horse and turned around.
He gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Stellar, I don't know. The Red Knights are starting their new year right about now and Shinn and Lord Zala may be busy. He may end up coming with Lady Zala when she arrives, though. I was told Mayu was coming with her."
"Stellar understands…" Even as she said it, Rey felt a bit guilty for not having a definite answer for her. He turned back to his horse and began to rummage through the saddle bags for the gift.
"Umm…I was actually going on my way to the Azure Seray," Rey said as casually as he could. "Shinn drew up some maps and a list of places of interest here so I could look around while my parents and I are here."
"Rey's parents are here?" Stellar asked curiously. She had assumed he was part of one of the groom's entourage, like Dearka or Shiho.
"I take it the news didn't spread," Rey said as he dug out a box from his saddle. As he turned around to represent it to her, he carefully checked the box to make sure it wasn't damaged. "I'm replacing one of the grooms who had eloped."
"Oh…" Stellar nodded. "Then has Rey met all of the volunteers?"
"Not yet," Rey admitted as he handed over the box. "Ah, these are cookies from a bakery in Zaft. There are two smaller boxes in this one. One from you and one for Kira. Shinn says that he sent Kira the assorted ones but got you the white chocolate ones since those are your favorite."
She gave an almost blinding smile as she accepted the box and lifted the lid to carefully look inside, very pleased with hearing that. "How did Shinn know that white chocolate is Stellar's favorite?"
"He didn't say, I had assumed you asked for it specifically," Rey admitted. Stellar smiled warmly and closed the lid.
"Thank you for bringing this, Rey," she told him as she gave him a thankful bow of her head. She reached out and grabbed his hand suddenly. Rey's blue eyes widened as they shot down and looked at the slender fingers wrapped around his hand. She gave him a gentle tug as she urged him to follow her. "Rey must come to the Azure Seray. Stellar will introduce Rey to the volunteers there!"
His face was warm. Such a pretty young woman was holding his hand and for a moment, his mind went blank. Unlike previous experiences back in Plants, Stellar's gesture was innocent; only meant to encourage him. Her hands were warm and soft and her actions clear of any underlying goals that the noblewomen he often met in Plants' numerous balls had.
It was refreshing and he could feel his face warming.
As a result, Rey could only open his mouth and try to answer her. "I…um…yes…"
"Wonderful! Rey can follow Gaia and Stellar," she said as she released his hand and headed for the massive horse. The nobleman's eyes drifted after her, watching her open the saddle bag and place her treasured box of cookies inside. She mounted her horse and looked over her shoulder. Her head tilted to the side and gave him another questioning look. "Rey? Isn't Rey going to mount?"
Her voice jerked him out of his trace. His face flushed as he realized he hadn't moved from his spot. Embarrassed, he nodded and quickly got on top of his horse. "I apologize, I lost my train of thought for a moment," he offered weakly.
"It is fine. What is Rey's horse's name?" Stellar asked as Gaia took step forward beneath her.
"This is Blaze," Rey replied as he adjusted himself in the saddle. He looked over Stellar's larger horse and suddenly felt dwarfed by it. Even though she was smaller than him when they were both standing on the ground, she was now looking down from the saddle of her massive horse. He couldn't help but think she looked out of place. "Err…what is…your horse's name?"
"This is Gaia!" Stellar beamed as she leaned down and hugged the horse's neck. "Stellar got Gaia from Mwu for Stellar's birthday!"
"She's a beautiful horse," he added. Stellar nodded enthusiastically and gripped the reins.
"Let's go!" she smiled as she gently kicked the side of her horse and headed into the tree line. Rey followed behind her as they wove through the trees. He hadn't even realized how far he had strayed from the main road until they reached it.
"Thank you for bringing me with you," Rey said as they took their time going down the road to the Azure Seray. "I also appreciate your aid in introducing me to the volunteers, Stellar. I didn't know who else to ask. Since I'm an unexpected replacement, nothing was planned to introduce me to your sisters."
"Rey will like them," Stellar promised him happily. "Haumea Elite are very nice and the volunteers are amazing." She glanced down at him and smiled encouragingly. "If Rey does not find someone at this Seray, there are four more."
He nodded and looked back towards the road. They passed by the gates to the Rouge Seray and the Elite standing guard greeted Stellar. "Don't forget! She'll be arriving soon and we'll have a dinner!"
"Stellar knows, Juri! Stellar will come!" she assured the other woman as they walked by. She looked over at Rey, a smile still on her face. "Rey will come, too, right? Mayu will be there. Maybe even Shinn."
Rey's smile froze on his face. Shinn. Of course, Shinn was interested in Stellar, wasn't he? He may not have said it out loud, but he'd seen the way the red-eyed knight had looked at Stellar when she stepped into the ballroom. The blond knight mentally shook himself.
He was merely admiring Stellar for the beautiful woman she was; not looking at her as prospective bride.
He looked back at his companion and nodded. "Of course."
"Athrun, you have to let me go."
"I refuse."
"Athrun…" her voice sounded irritated, but not enough to make him release her from his embrace. "Athrun, aren't you supposed to leave before mid-morning."
"There is still another hour or so before mid-morning," he replied, as seriously as he could when he was burying his face against his wife's shoulder. Cagalli let out a heavy breath.
She was trapped in bed with Athrun behind her, content to remain there the rest of the day. Had it been any other day where he was not set to leave and do his rounds of the Red Knights bases, Cagalli would've happily encouraged him to stay and sleep well into the afternoon with her.
Unfortunately, Athrun was set to leave for his rounds earlier than usual in order to get to Orb faster. Cagalli was set to leave for Orb that afternoon with Mayu and Shinn. She had insisted on leaving early after she calculated the travel time. If she left a few days before her 'banishment' ended, she would reach the border of Orb on the day she could officially cross over.
That also meant that her time with Athrun would be cut short. In order to make up for that, Athrun had his rounds moved up a few days earlier. Once he finished looking over the bases, he would travel to Orb to be reunited with his wife.
"Athrun," Cagalli frowned. "Everyone is expecting you downstairs soon. You still have to change."
"They can wait."
"Athrun!"
Grumbling, the man finally allowed his arms to be pried from around her waist. She slipped out of his embrace and looked over her shoulders with a frown. She doubted that any one else had ever seen the pathetic, almost childish pout that her husband had on his face at that moment.
"Three weeks…" he mumbled as his eyes looked away from her. "How am I supposed to stand three weeks away from you when I was barely even able to stay away three days before coming after you?"
Despite herself, Cagalli blushed. Even his complaint sounded like flattery. Her eyes quickly darted away as she pushed herself up from the bed. Behind her, Athrun slowly rolled over and sat up, stretching his arms over his head as he took a deep breath. "You should hurry and get ready. You still need to eat breakfast before you leave."
Athrun stood up and looked over his shoulder as he headed for the bathroom. "You sound eager to get rid of me," he said as she tied the robe's belt around her waist. "Are you that eager to return to Orb?"
"There is much to do when I return," Cagalli stated firmly as she walked across their bedroom to her armoire. "I've been gone for a month, Athrun. Do you have any idea how much can change in a month? Especially when no one from Orb has contacted me regarding the matters with the Federation. For all I know, the Federation had turned down all our efforts and decided to invade us!"
"I'm sure if they were invading Orb, we would've heard about it by now," Athrun shouted from the bathroom. Cagalli could hear the sound of water from the bathroom as she gathered her travel clothes and brought them to the edge of the bed. The majority of her clothes that had been brought over from Orb had already been packed and set aside to be placed with the rest of the luggage on the carriage.
She made a mental note to check with Mayu and Shinn regarding making sure they packed everything. Shinn was only going to be in Orb as long as Athrun was. He would be acting as Athrun's secretary in Orb while Lunamaria remained his secretary representative in Plants. Any prolonged stay in Orb on Athrun's part had been approved by Queen Lacus, with specific provisions.
He could remain in the neighboring country with his wife as long as he wanted, provided he made mandatory trips back to Plants for formal events and duties that required his presence as a Red Knight. So long as he kept up with his work, there was no problem with him living in another country.
Cagalli had been against the idea. She felt that it made it seem as if Athrun had abandoned his post. He had argued against her, saying it wasn't that he was abandoning his post, he was merely over seeing it from else where. Regardless, Cagalli insisted that they would return to Plants every so often; far more than what had been dictated in the original marriage proposal.
Since her brother and guardian were in Orb, Mayu had requested to come along and continue her studies close to family. Cagalli had already arranged for her to have an interview at the prestigious Orb Royal Music Academy. If Mayu was accepted, she would study in Orb for part of the year as part of a joint arts program between Orb and Plants.
A knock came from the door and Cagalli looked up as she finished folding the last of her clothes. She adjusted her worn shirt carefully as she turned around. "Coming!" she said as she walked across the bedroom. She unlocked their door and looked outside. "Good morning, Shinn."
The red-eyed young man respectfully bowed before greeting her. "Good morning, my lady," he replied formally. "Breakfast is ready and some of the Red Knights are here to escort Lord Zala for his rounds."
"Invite them for breakfast," Cagalli instructed. "Athrun just got up and is preparing himself. We will be downstairs soon."
"Yes, my lady." Shinn bowed his head once more. Cagalli chuckled.
"You don't have to be formal when no one else is around, Shinn," she reminded him. "Even when you are on duty."
The black-haired young man blushed sheepishly and diverted his eyes. "It was an official request, Cagalli."
"Of course," she sighed. "Give us a few more minutes. Also, make sure that our things are ready to be packed on to the carriage. Double check with Mayu to make sure she brought everything she wanted, especially her sheet music."
"I will," Shinn bowed his head once more and turned to leave. Behind him, Cagalli closed the door.
"Athrun!" she shouted as she passed the bed and headed into the bathroom. "Breakfast is already being served! We're going to be late!"
"It's my house, I can be late if I want to!" the blue haired man yelled over the rising steam. Cagalli could make out the vague outline of his body as he rinsed off the last of the soap. The water turned off and she grabbed his towel from the rack. The door to the shower slid open and Athrun froze, surprised to find Cagalli standing there with the towel. His eyes drifted from the towel to his wife. "If you want to join me, you're too late."
"Just hurry up and dry off," she sighed, keeping her eyes away. He didn't seem the least bit embarrassed as he took the towel from her hands. She turned around and left the bathroom, only to return with an arm full of clothes, including Athrun's Red Knights uniform. "Your escorts have already arrived."
"Wonderful," Athrun released a heavy breath. He finished drying himself off and began to put on his clothes. "While I'm gone, that doesn't give you an excuse to work yourself to death, you know."
"I know," Cagalli nodded. "We've been over this, Athrun. If I'm needed, I'm needed. There is nothing I can do."
"You can allow yourself to take a break and rest your mind," Athrun argued. He pulled up his pants and buttoned them. "I don't want to arrive in Orb to find you unconscious on the bed," he frowned as he grabbed his shirt. "It was frightening the first time," he added quietly.
Behind him, Cagalli's eyes softened. Her shoulders seemed to relax as she remembered Athrun's panic when he found out she had passed out at her last meeting with the Federation.
"That won't happen again," she told him solemnly. "It was my mistake last time. I wasn't paying attention to my health. I won't make the same mistake."
Athrun looked up from where he was buttoning his coat. "Just don't push yourself and don't let them push you, either," he added. He tugged down his coat and looked at himself in the mirror. "I'll come straight to Onogoro after I do my rounds."
"Take your time," Cagalli smiled. She took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He gladly stepped into her embrace and kissed the top of her head.
Above her, Athrun closed his eyes and pressed is face against her head. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of flowers of her hair. His arms tightened around her. "I love you," he whispered softly. "I'll miss you."
He waited for her reply, hoping it was physical rather than verbal. Cagalli slowly pulled her head back and met his eyes with smiling ones of her own. "I know."
"I demand to see them at once!"
"No, Kira!"
"They can't do this to you, Stellar! They can't just demand you go back to the Federation with them all of a sudden, as if you don't have a family or a life here!"
Miriallia poured some tea into the cup Rey shyly pushed forward. She let out a heavy sigh before placing the tea kettle back on to its little burner and took her seat on the veranda. Even from where they sat, they could hear Kira and Stellar screaming at each other from the garden.
Dearka adjusted himself uncomfortably in his seat as he lifted a cookie to his lips. Kind-hearted Kira and eternally happy Stellar didn't seem like the kind of people who would completely lose themselves in a screaming match, especially with each other. The two seemed to have forgotten where they were and their once hushed and private conversation had escalated into a loud and open one.
He and Yzak had arrived at the Azure Seray a few moments before Miriallia and Shiho returned from the city with Kira in tow. For a while, both he and Miriallia had concerned themselves with how Shiho and her captain, Lord Joule interacted. Dearka had been somewhat disappointed when the two acted as if nothing had passed and greeted each other in a stiff, formal manner.
As Miriallia led them to the veranda for tea, Stellar had returned. Everyone seemed surprised that she was with Rey, the Red Knight and heir to the Durandal House. Rey had said he ran into Stellar while out riding and she was going to introduce him to some of the prospective brides. That was not to be.
Stellar had visibly tensed upon the sight of her brother. Her eyes diverted his as he came to greet her. He carried a look of worry on his face and told her that Miriallia was worried and came to get him. Stellar bit her lower lip once more. She had specifically told everyone that she didn't want either sibling to know!
"Stellar is fine!" she asserted early on. Kira frowned disapprovingly.
"Stellar," he began carefully. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Stellar insisted. "Stellar is just a little tired."
Nothing seemed to escape Kira's eyes. He glanced over at Miriallia and asked if it was alright to speak to his sister in the Seray garden. The Azure captain nodded her head, encouragingly, and called for someone to get the horses so Stellar could speak to her brother in private.
For the first few minutes, everything had gone smoothly. Rey joined the other nobleman, his fellow Red Knights, and the Azure captain at a table, out in the veranda for some tea and pastries. They were discussing the various prospective brides when Stellar began to yell.
"No! Stellar doesn't remember! The men in the room kept asking Stellar, but Stellar really doesn't remember!"
From there, the two siblings began yelling at each other. Kira insisted on speaking to the men who were causing his little sister such distress. Stellar insisted she could take care of it herself and didn't need to involve him.
"I'm sorry about this," Miriallia apologized. "There have been some personal issues with the Federation lately and I'm afraid Stellar is in the middle of it."
"We heard about it at the palace," Yzak informed her. "It seems it is all those Federation noblemen could talk about."
"It's still a surprise," Dearka added. "Who knew that Stellar is a princess? And of the Federation."
"Princess?" Rey asked from across the table. He looked around the table, at the older members. "I thought that Stellar was a Haumea Elite."
"It seems that there is no use in hiding it any longer," the brown-haired captain sighed. "She is a Haumea Elite," Miriallia answered. "However, Stellar was adopted by the Athha family. That is how she's Captain Athha's sister. Stellar can't remember anything before Cagalli found her, so no one was ever sure of her place of birth. The Federation believe that she is the half-sister of their king. Some of the men at the palace who are representing the Federation say that she looks like the girl, who was their childhood playmate."
"Does Stellar remember anything?" Rey asked.
"Nothing at all," Miriallia nodded. "The Federation won't accept that and want to take Stellar back to the Federation on the basis of trying to get her to remember and reuniting her with her half-brother."
"And from what we heard, Stellar wants to do no such thing and wants to remain in Orb with her family here," Dearka explained.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Young Master Durandal," Miriallia told the young blond sadly. "I'm afraid Stellar will be unable to escort you around to introduce you to her sisters today."
"No, no," Rey shook his head earnestly as he lowered his cup on to the saucer. "It is not necessary. I didn't mean to take some of Stellar's time, especially when she's faced with such a thing."
Before Miriallia could reply, the sound of ceramics clinking was heard. "I've spoken to your parents, Rey," Yzak said as he placed his tea cup down. "They asked me to introduce you to the prospective brides, so Dearka and I will take you to the other Serays to meet them."
"Oh, thank you, Lord Joule," Rey sat up straight and bowed his head respectfully. "I appreciate it." Across from him, Yzak gave him a curt nod of his head. He looked over at Shiho, who was sipping at her tea.
"When are you returning to Plants?" his voice was cool and directly to the point.
Dearka and Miriallia's eyes immediately locked on to the brown-haired Red Knight across from them. Shiho didn't seem to falter as she finished drinking her tea. "In a few days, my lord," she replied calmly. "Was I needed at one of the bases?"
"No," Yzak continued. He looked out towards the garden. "However, you have been gone quite some time and your duties are awaiting you back in Zaft. While Dearka is here, I thought it best for you to return to Plants as soon as possible in order to oversee my directions on that end."
"Is that so…" Shiho murmured in a low voice. She gave him a small nod of her head, though kept her eyes lowered. "I understand," she said as she placed her cup back on the saucer. "I will leave immediately."
"What?" Dearka's voice cut through the veranda as his eyes widened. "Already?"
"Do not forget, Sir Elsman, that I have been here for quite some time already," Shiho replied sternly. "I understand my place very well. I must return to Plants in order to continue my work. After all, it is the start of a new season for the Red Knights. Someone will be needed to assist with the captain's orders back in Plants."
The other secretary's lips turned downwards as his eyes crinkled up with suspicion. He understood their position as well. It was a busy season of new recruits and orders for the Red Knights. It was true that having someone to oversee Yzak's orders in the homeland would be priceless. At the same time, Yzak had seemed much too hasty in his orders.
Hadn't the duty bound captain already finished issuing his formal orders to his men before they even left Plants?
"I see," Miriallia's voice cut through his thoughts. She offered the group a warm smile, trying to lessen the sudden tense air around them. "Well, then, I will have some snacks and such prepared for your leave immediately."
"Thank you, Captain Haww," Shiho replied formally. She slowly stood from her seat and bowed to the group. The men of the table rose along with her. "If you will excuse me, I must pack my belongings."
"Sir Hahnenfuss," Rey called out tentatively. "Will you not join us for dinner at the palace then? I'm sure my parents would love to see you again." He quickly turned to Miriallia. "You, too, of course, Captain Haww. We'd be honored to have you for dinner, as well. And I would love to invite Stellar and her brother."
"That's very kind of you, Young Master Rey," Miriallia smiled sadly. "However, there are pressing matters I must attend to and with respect to Stellar, I believe she may feel more comfortable away from the palace at the moment."
"Oh…" Rey was visibly disappointed. He looked back at Shiho. "Sir Hahnenfuss?"
"I am afraid that I, too, must decl-"
"I am sure my mother will welcome you at our table this evening," Yzak cut in suddenly. Several pairs of eyes turned towards him. The stern faced captain continued to keep his eyes away from Shiho's as he wiped his hands on one of the napkins. "You should join us before you leave." It was not an invitation or a request. From Yzak, it was an order.
The female knight felt her stomach tighten. A feeling of unease settled around her and she was suddenly well aware of the eyes looking at her and waiting for an answer. Her face remained as placid as she could make it.
"I understand," she replied, trying to hide her hesitation. "I will attend, my lord."
"Good," Yzak placed the napkin neatly on the table. He sent a sharp glare at Dearka, as if giving him a silent warning to not get involved. "Go and have the horses brought to the front. We will take our leave and inform the palace of our guest."
Dearka gave him a suspicious look, but nodded to acknowledge the order. "Yes, my Lord."
"Captain Haww," Yzak said, looking back at their host. "Are you sure you are not able to join us?"
"No, I'm afraid not, Lord Joule," the Azure captain assured him. "Thank you for your invitation."
"Rey," Yzak said, ignoring the tensed young knight. "Have them prepare your horse as well. You can follow us back to the palace."
"Yes, sir." Rey said as he bowed. He turned to Miriallia and repeated the motion. "Thank you for your hospitality, Captain Haww. I hope to visit again."
"Any time, Young Master," Miriallia assured him. He stepped away from his seat and pushed it in before following after Dearka, to the front of the house. Miriallia looked at the remaining two people standing before her.
"Dinner is in two hours," Yzak told his secretary sternly, almost coldly. Shiho didn't flinch. "Be prompt."
"Yes, my lord."
Yzak gave Miriallia a small nod of his head and rounded the table. The female captain watched him enter the house and disappear into the hallway before she turned to the last night.
"Shiho…" she began carefully.
"I thank you for your hospitality," Shiho cut in quickly as she bowed her head. "Despite being an outsider to the Seray, I feel I have been treated as if I were one of your sisters and it both honors and humbles me."
Miriallia's eyes softened. "You are always welcomed back. I trust you will return to come visit your grandmother's lands again in the future."
Shiho nodded her head. "Yes, of course," she assured the other woman. Her eyes rose and met Miriallia's. The other woman felt her heart wretch. The knight who did not flinch at her captain's cold words had a look of regret in her eyes. "To be honest, after this trip, after everything…I can't help but wonder if I would have been better off being born an Orb citizen and becoming a Haumea Elite rather than a Red Knight."
The captain's blue eyes widened with surprise. Shiho had always been the very visage of a proud Red Knight. With very few female knights, having her position was a great honor and testament of her intelligence and skill. As flattering as her words should have been, Miriallia couldn't help but taste the bitterness behind those words.
If Shiho had been a Haumea Elite, then she wouldn't have been sent away by Lord Joule.
"It is not as clear as one makes it to be," the captain whispered gently. "Even if you say you would have been better off, in some aspects that may not have been true."
They were comforting words. Shiho understood their meaning with ease. She may have become an Elite. She may have had the chance that several prospective brides had, but she would not have gotten to know those around her as she had. That in itself was something she was lucky to have been able to have.
"I know, Captain Haww…Miriallia," Shiho agreed. She turned her head away. "I will have my things ready to leave tomorrow morning at dawn. If you wish to send anything with me, such as rations for my trip, I would greatly appreciate it."
"You need not even ask," Miriallia reply. "I will have our carriage ready to bring you to the palace when you are ready for tonight's dinner."
"Thank you," Shiho bowed once more and headed into the house. Miriallia let out a heavy breath and sunk back into her seat. Just as she did, Kira appeared from the side of the veranda. His sister was on to his back as he carried her up the steps. The blonde seemed to have been asleep.
Miriallia quickly stood up and walked over. "Is she alright? What happened?"
"She started crying and cried herself to sleep," Kira said sadly as he stopped in front of the other woman. "Would it be alright to have her stay over my place, above my parents' shop, until Cagalli returns? When she gets back, I think the three of us need to discuss the situation."
"That is up to Stellar, though I don't mind. Queen Murrue has already put her on leave until further notice," the older woman explained. "But perhaps the change in scenery will do her some good. I'll come by and check on her tomorrow."
"Thanks," Kira let out a breath of relief. "I'll take her on my horse."
"Does she need anything? Spare clothes?"
"Some of Cagalli's things are at my place. She can use them," Kira said.
Miriallia looked down at the young woman slumped across her brother's back. "The poor thing…Kira," she frowned. "You don't really plan on confronting the Federation nobles about this, do you?"
"They leave me little choice if they want to kidnap my sister," Kira frowned.
"Kira, they're not going to kidnap Stellar," Miriallia sighed as she walked with them towards the stables to get Kira's horse.
"They wouldn't dare." Kira's face darkened. "But I'm not so naïve as to think that they wouldn't try to encourage her to go. Perhaps even go as far as to use her in the negotiations."
Beside him, Miriallia frowned. "What exactly are you implying, Kira?"
"If it were a simple matter and they didn't care about bringing Stellar back to the Federation, they would've dropped the subject by now and let her be," Kira stated. "But they've insisted on meeting with her every day since they identified her. They even went back to the Federation to inform them of her. If Stellar doesn't want to leave us, there is a large chance they will try lure her over."
The other woman shook her head. "She would not sell herself to the Federation so easily."
"It may not be easy, but she would for Orb," Kira reminded Miriallia. "She would for Orb. For my safety, for yours, and for Cagalli's. If the price for peace with the Federation was her, Stellar would gladly leave with them."
"So you're going to put her into hiding?" Miriallia asked. "What do you want me to tell the noblemen when they ask where she is? They will be angry, Kira."
"Let them be angry," Kira retorted. "Stellar is my sister. She is family. Until Cagalli returns and we sort this out, Stellar will stay with me and will not see the noblemen."
Miriallia let out a heavy breath and nodded. "I understand."
"It won't be long," Kira assured her. "Cagalli will arrive soon."
"I can only hope that the situation now does not trouble her more than the previous one," the captain mused. They stopped in front of the stables and one of the Elite brought Kira's horse from within. Miriallia gently stroked back Stellar's hair. "I will explain the situation when Cagalli arrives then take her straight to you."
"And the Federation nobleman?" Kira asked.
Miriallia took a deep breath. "I will take care of them." Kira gave her a thankful look and bow of his head before he placed Stellar on the saddle and mounted the saddle behind her. Miriallia handed him the reins of his horse.
Kira bid her a good evening and headed towards the front gate. The Azure captain watched them disappear down the road and closed her eyes tiredly.
"Captain Haww!" a voice said behind her. The woman whirled around. "Captain Haww!" A young woman in a maroon uniform with blue arm bands was running towards her. "You have a message from the palace!"
Miriallia's shoulders slumped as she released a heavy breath. "I see," she sighed. She extended her hand and took the scroll from the messenger. "From who?"
"The Federation nobleman, Lord Djibril."
Blue eyes went wide as her head snapped up. "What?"
"Their messenger from the Federation has returned and he requested that this message be given to you," the messenger reported dutifully.
Miriallia nodded. "I see," she mused. "Thank you. You are dismissed."
The woman stood up straight and bowed. "Yes, captain!" As she scrambled back to the palace, Miriallia unraveled the scroll and held it up against the late afternoon sun. Her eyes quickly skimmed the letter before raising her hand to her mouth. A royal degree from the Federation and an agreement by the Queen or Orb signaled that Stellar would not be free to make her decision as they had hoped.
Miriallia's fingers tightened around the parchment.
Cagalli would not make home before Stellar left Orb.
A.N. – I'm sorry. I left you all hanging back in October. I was supposed to pick up the story again in December, but then something came up. Then I went on vacation in January, February, I bummed around and now…it's the end of March. I sincerely apologize for not updating in so long (for me). Should I just leave it as is and not continue if I go on hiatus again? I don't want to leave everyone hanging.