Ryuu no Hikou, 11/?

[Goldilocks]

This is really delayed. I had wanted to post this a couple of months ago, but had a bit of a snafu with my beta-readers (and my creative energies, but that's a different story). Hopefully, that's been resolved, but...eh, you know how it goes when Real Life gets in the way of one's hobbies. Blech.

...you know you've let too much time pass between chapters when you've forgotten how you normally format your fic chapters. -_- Anyway, anyone looking to catch up on past chapters need only look to my forum, in the Featured Authors section (look for "Sara"). Thanks for reading!

Ryuu no Hikou
a GW fanfic by Sara

Chapter 11

The dragons and their riders, along with the Princess, Weyridge, Watcher Noventa, and King Treize, had gathered in the maproom for what had become a weekly event: the war council strategy meeting. For a change, Weyridge seemed pleased, rather than worried.

"The reports coming back to us from the outerlying duchies are that the dragon-riders are effectively neutralizing the monsters," he said, glancing from eye to eye as he spoke. "All reports have been positive; the people are greatly impressed with the dragon-riders, even if their numbers are few. Many duchies have been extremely profuse in their thanks. Your reputation is spreading. People are beginning to have more faith in you, and to lose some of their fears and uneasiness."

He tapped the map thoughtfully. Where once red stones had littered the table, now only a few remained. "The remaining monsters are small, weak, and easy to dispatch, and have not been wreaking much havoc in the surrounding areas. I would request that Sanq troops handle these enemies, and the dragon-riders stay close to Sanq, for the time being."

As expected, there was protest. "But we have only just started to really gain recognition, and to explore our strengths!" Duo protested. "We cannot quit now!"

"You are not 'quitting'," said Weyridge in exasperation. "There are no enemies left! Besides, you have been running yourselves ragged for the past few weeks. I know that the youth of today seem to have boundless energy and ambition, but even the most energetic are bound to reach exhaustion at some point. I would rather you reserve some of your energy, should a greater threat come along. It is the better strategy, at this point."

Some of the dragon-riders looked ready to protest, but Trowa spoke first. "You make a good point. A rest would be beneficial. Some of our dragons have sustained minor injuries; nothing severe enough to keep us out of battles, but enough to make time for rest and recovery a good option." He looked around, glancing at each of his fellow riders in turn. "Am I not right?"

The others shifted slightly, and finally Wufei spoke. "As much as it pains me to admit, I do believe you have a good point. A rest would likely be welcomed." The others nodded in assent. Weyridge looked relieved.

Treize spoke up next. "As long as we have reached a stage of relative calm, I will take the opportunity to leave for my kingdom, so that I may investigate some matters within its borders," he said, his voice smooth. "I will leave my subordinate, Zechs Merquise, in my stead, so that he may speak for Es'rilshan in the war council, if something should arise. I will return in a few weeks' time."

Weyridge nodded. "We will meet again at that time. Until then, remain vigilant. The time may come that we will need you to depart at a moment's notice. You are dismissed." The dragons, riders, and others gathered slowly dissipated, until only Heero, Kyarn, and the Princess remained in the maproom.

She pored over the table, studiously avoiding eye contact, yet she did not seem to be looking at anything on the map in particular. Heero was left with the vague, unpleasant sensation that he should say something, but was left not knowing what to say. Finally, he departed the room without a word, Kyarn at his shoulder.

The hallway outside the maproom was deserted, and their footfalls echoed before them. Kyarn waited until they were some distance down the hall before he spoke.

"So," he said, his voice a deceptively casual drawl, "now that we have all of this free time, you should have plenty of opportunities to talk to the princess, yes?"

Heero glared up at him, his expression sharp. "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

Kyarn's expression was the picture of innocence. "You mean you were not hanging around after the meeting in the hopes that she would talk to you, or that you would get a moment alone with her? I must have misunderstood." The dragon made an exaggerated gesture of realization. "Ach, now I understand. I was in the room. How insensitive of me; I should have left you two alone."

"You would not have dared. And what are you talking about?"

"You humans. So obtuse. What I am talking about is your finally talking with the Princess, so the two of you stop moping around." Kyarn swished his tail against the flagstones to emphasize his point.

"What the--I am not. I have not been acting that way."

Kyarn rolled one amber-colored eye so that it oriented on the top of Heero's head. "Oh yes, you have. I have noticed. And if I have noticed, then others will have noticed, as well." His grin grew wicked. "Would you like to have to endure a talk from Weyridge about your little obsession?"

"You would not dare. And I am not obsessed."

Kyarn chose to reply by giving his rider a look that the youth could read only too well. Heero paled, then flushed. "And just what do you propose that I do?"

"Well, I am no expert on human relations," Kyarn said, his voice contemplative, "but I think that if you talk to her, and maybe apologize to her for being such a boor--"

"I am not a boor!"

"--then maybe she will forgive you. In the very least, it would cheer her up. And..." Kyarn's grin widened even further, exposing the points of his teeth, "...maybe you'd be entitled to some, ah, 'special consideration' from the Princess, in return."

Heero flushed again, but there was something almost unreadable in his expression, and certainly unfamiliar. "All right. Fine. If it means that you will stop harassing me about this, then I will talk to her. How do you propose I do so, oh wise and benevolent dragon? She is rarely ever left alone."

"No need to be sarcastic." Kyarn flattened his crest in mock annoyance. "Besides, I thought you already knew where to find her." Heero glared in response. Kyarn merely arched an eyebrow and glared right back at his rider. Heero threw up his arms in exasperation.

"Dragons! Yes, I know. I will talk to her."

Kyarn smirked. "Good. And you had better make sure that she leaves that meeting with a smile on her face. I do not want to have <i>another</i> one of these little chats again any time soon."

* * *

The dragon physician ran her fingers gently across her patient's hide with smooth, practiced ease. The dragon sat perfectly still, only the tip of her tail twitching from time to time. The physician prodded, just a bit, monitoring her charge for any sign of discomfort, then smiled and nodded, pleased. She ran her fingers along the paths of the dragon's ribcage, feeling along the edges of a mark that only she could see.

"It feels as though her injury has completely healed, Wufei," Sally reported, turning to face the dragon-rider. "I do not feel any signs of bone masses, which would have indicated a healing broken bone, meaning she did not break any ribs. She has no tenderness in the area or lingering soreness. In fact, she seems perfectly healthy. And--" Sally prodded the dragon's ribcage in good-natured humor. "She is putting on weight. I can tell she has been enjoying the game stocks in the forests around Calon Gaer. She will likely hit a growth spurt soon, so be prepared."

Behind her, Nataku shook herself and fidgeted to expend the nervous energy pent up from sitting still for so long. "I told you that it did not hurt any more," she said, her voice carrying a note of smugness. "Dragons heal quickly." Her neck arched with pride. At Sally's comment about her weight, the dragon merely snorted in derision and bobbed her head, saying nothing.

"It is still wise to be cautious, even with a healing injury," Sally admonished, glancing over her shoulder at the dragon. "You would not have wanted to make the situation worse, particularly when you have been in so many battles as of late." She turned to eye Nataku, her expression shrewd. "As long as you are here, would you mind terribly if I conducted a little research? It would benefit my studies greatly, if it is not too much trouble."

"I allow it, if it is Nataku's will," replied Wufei. The dragon dipped her head in acceptance, and stilled her movements once more. At the physician's prompt, Nataku lowered her head and opened her jaws to gape wide, displaying rows of straight, sharp teeth and a curling pink tongue. Sally angled a light so that it shone on the dragon's maw, leaning in as she looked closer, showing no fear at her proximity to the dragon's mouth.

"Fascinating," she murmured to herself as she examined the dragon, "she has two sets of vocal chords. Her weapon is a sonic one, am I right? Fascinating. I don't think anyone really realized that dragons with sonic weapons would have a separate apparatus for that..." Sally's voice trailed off as she continued her explorations, stepping away from Nataku's head and picking up a forepaw, examining the dragon's talons.

For whatever reason, Wufei found himself wanting to talk to the physician. Though he would deny it to his last breath, were anyone to question him, he had to admit to himself that he had been lonely during his self-imposed isolation. He had been isolating himself from everyone, trying to work through the challenges that faced him alone. He had even been hiding things from his dragon. He realized now that it had been hurting him...and perhaps everyone around him, as well.

Despite his new-found sense of self-awareness, he was not quite ready to discuss personal issues with anyone, much less with a woman he barely knew in passing. He thought back to the many lessons on decorum and etiquette that one should use when conversing with a member of the opposite sex....

"Sally..." he began, almost hesitant. She did not look up from her work, but the set of her shoulders told him that he had her attention. "Yes, Wufei?"

He took a deep breath. "Tell me...how did you become a physician? How were you drawn to research, instead of--" He stopped, realizing that he was heading down a path that could very well insult the woman. To his surprise, she laughed.

"It was my calling, I suppose you could say. I've always been interested in the unknown, particularly dragons. I wanted to learn more about them, to perhaps break down some of the prejudice and irrational fears that people have gathered during the time the Oracle has been silent." She sat back on her haunches, lips pursed in contemplation. "I suppose you could call it an undeniable call. When I was younger, it was all I could think about."

"But your family..." Wufei's curiosity increased as he grew bolder. "And how did you...."

Sally smiled. "My family, perhaps, indulged me more than they should have, for a daughter. But I think they knew that I was never meant for the life that my sisters wanted. My father, in particular, saw that I had this certain...well, he used to call it a 'spark', and he wanted to encourage that, and he let me take it where I would. I am his oldest daughter, born after several sons, and very much a tomboy; I think he indulged me more than my sisters for that reason. When my parents were arranging marriages for my sisters, they were deliberately ignoring me, so that I could make my own way.

"There were a few families, in Ri Long, that expressed an interest in my hand, of course. My father is a powerful figure in our village, and to marry into our family is considered a social coup. My mother has had to be very vigilant, when weeding out potential candidates in arranging marriages for my siblings. But they always seemed to overlook me, and I never knew why. At first, I thought it a terrible relief. I was not eager to marry and start a family. Ri Long is a city of ancient tradition. Their traditions are probably archaic, by the standards of the rest of the nation; it is expected that all of its children will marry young, and most of those marriages will be arranged through the families."

She sighed, looking at her hands. "But even by the time I reached the age of fifteen, when most of my peers had been married for at least a year, if not longer, I was still unmarried. My parents continued to turn away all suitors and offers, and many were assuming that I would never marry...or, in whispers behind hands, would gossip that my parents were pruning me to be a sort-of dowager queen to my parents' inheritance. Many assumed that there was something wrong with me, physically. It is not uncommon for a family to test whether or not a girl-child will be capable of producing offspring, before starting the process of arranging a marriage for her. Some assumed that my parents had found me barren, and were saving me from humiliation by refusing me the right to marry.

"In truth, that was about the time I started getting the urge to wander and do research, and marriage never figured into any of those plans. I left home before I turned sixteen, so that I could fulfill that dream. Of course, there was the stipulation that if I left, I could never return; my parents would consider me dead or lost to them, and I would have to make my own way in life. I was willing to take the chance. It was not until a few years later that I realized what I had interpreted as my parents seeing me unfit to marry was really their way to allow me the freedom I wanted. I think they realized I was destined to do great things...my father, in particular.

"And it was wonderful. I missed my family, of course, but the adventure made up for that. I traveled far and wide, and saw things that I had only dreamed of seeing. It was during these travels that I met and bonded with Fikriyya. That never would have happened, had my parents insisted that I stay home and marry. Now...I am so grateful to my parents, even though I may never see them again."

Sally stopped talking and ducked her head, embarrassed. "I know that Ri Shin's traditions are not so different," she murmured. "You probably think me some sort of...anomaly, for not wanting what tradition dictates I should want."

Wufei pondered his words carefully before speaking. "I will admit that it is...unusual, and difficult for me to fathom, but not so unusual that it astounds me." He grinned at a sudden memory. "In fact, my sister is very much the same as you are; she does not look forward to marriage, though her reasoning is because she feels she has not progressed as a warrior to her satisfaction, and seeks new challenges. The only difference is that she has been quite vocal about her reluctance to marry."

At the thought of his sister, and the influx of memories that came with it, Wufei paused and was overwhelmed by a wave of grief. He placed a hand to his forehead, pinching the bridge of his nose to fight back the tears that pricked at his eyelids. Had his isolation from others caused him to repress his grief, as well?

Sally noticed his sorrow, and turned completely from her examination of the dragon. "Wufei," she said softly, her voice soothing. "We will find a way to bring her back. I have been researching just such a topic, and I am optimistic that I will find something that we can use to help her." She smiled. "Besides, does your family not claim that its lineage can be traced back to draconic ancestors? If this is so, dragons are quite strong and resilient. She will pull through."

At the last comment, Nataku snorted in derision. "Descended from dragons, indeed. Even if that were possible, I would say that no dragon would be nearly as pompous as his family."

Her sarcasm caused the tension in the room to relax, and Wufei smiled weakly. Before he could speak, Sally had crossed the room to stand before him. She laid one hand on his shoulder gently.

"We are your comrades in arms and your countrymen, yes, but we are also your friends. Do not shut us out. We will support you, when you need it." Wufei looked up at her, and tried to swallow around the lump in his throat. He nodded silently. Sally smiled, and stepped away from him.

"I think I have gotten enough information for the time being, and I would like to write down my observations while they are still fresh. You may go." Nataku stood, eager to stretch her wings after being confined for so long, and walked toward the cave entrance to launch herself skyward. Wufei left through the door, his silence trailing in his wake as the door closed behind him.

For a moment, the room was silent. Then, a pair of green eyes materialized before Sally's face, heralded by the tinkling of bell-like giggles. Fikriyya materialized fully in front of the woman, immediately landing on her shoulder and wrapping her tail around Sally's neck.

"You were very good today, Fikriyya," she said, stroking the dragon's head affectionately. "Thank you for staying out of Wufei's hair."

The little dragon purred, butting her head against Sally's palm. "I could have helped," she said, her voice sounding slightly petulant. "You always let me help."

"I let you help when we are dealing with wild dragons," Sally replied, scratching under the dragon's chin, "and you are a tremendous help, when you do. But Nataku is not wild. She behaved herself quite well. As did her rider."

Fikriyya giggled. "I still think my way is better." She wound herself around the woman's neck, nuzzling her ear. "And much more fun."

Sally chuckled, knowing the faerie dragon no longer referred to Nataku. "Maybe so, but I think you will learn, in time, that sometimes there are better ways to snare the prey you pursue than to bespell them into submission. Sometimes, it takes a more delicate touch."

* * *

The gardens of Calon Gaer, while not the largest or most spectacular ever seen, were still quite impressive, in their own right. They had been commissioned by a former Queen, and designed by a pair of ingenious gardeners who understood the need for privacy. As such, the gardens were almost like a maze, with flowered pathways leading to bowers and corners where one could speak, undisturbed, while enjoying the gardens themselves.

It had become a favorite tradition among the nobles that amoreux searching for a place to tryst would visit the gardens. While nothing untoward ever happened there, since such behavior would step beyond the boundaries of proper decorum, many chose the gardens as a place to whisper words of love or deep affection to the object of one's desires.

Duo studied the message he had just received, a bemused expression gracing his features. A page had delivered to him a rose, obviously from the gardens, with Hilde's handkerchief wrapped around its stem. The flower's color was a pale, mottled pink; the shade of a young maiden's blush. The message itself was clear, but what did she want to discuss with him? The color of the rose itself was an indication of Hilde's feelings for him; it indicated innocent attraction, and little more. Inwardly, Duo was grateful that she had sent this rose to him. Had she sent him one of the blood-red roses known as 'Heart's Flame', Duo would have been a great deal more nervous. He studied the rose and considered its meaning, and ran through a mental map of the gardens themselves. In the depths of his mind, he did understand her choice of location. Though they had gotten away with it once, it was improper for an unwed lady of her standing to be seen in the bedchamber of a man.

He looked over toward the nest where Faohr slept. The mercury dragon was exhausted; he still had not fully recovered from the injuries received during their first battle, and he had been pushing himself to keep up with the others so as not to be declared a burden. Duo had not objected as much as he normally would when Weyridge had declared a reprieve from fighting. He knew they both needed it. He left the sleeping dragon, slipping out of the room and making his way toward the gardens.

Though Duo had never really been confronted with such an invitation before, he knew enough of the ways the nobility operated to know that the rose itself was an indication of where Hilde could be found. But once he entered the gardens, he realized that this would be no small feat; apparently, roses had been the favored flower of whoever had designed this garden. They were everywhere.

He searched and sneezed and grew frustrated, but just when he was about to admit defeat, he spotted a pathway, lined with rosebushes whose flowers shared the exact same shade of pink as the one he held in his hand. Grinning, he darted down the path. It led him to a bower, overhanging with ivy and morning glory. A small stone bench nestled beneath the arch of greenery, and upon it, sat his quarry.

She stood up when he arrived, suddenly bashful, her hands clasped in front of her. She was dressed in a gown of vermillion, and when she looked up, he realized that it intensified the deep blue of her eyes, making them seem almost black. Duo smiled gallantly, and offered the rose to the young woman. "I believe this is for you," he said, bowing as he did so.

"Thank you," she said, accepting the flower, and blushed. The breeze tugged playfully at her hair, making her short curls dance across her cheeks. Before he even knew what he was doing, he stepped forward, and placed his hands on her shoulders, leaning in close....

Hilde drew back, alarm stamped across her features. "What...what are you doing?!" she exclaimed, panic in her voice.

Duo blinked, startled by her reaction, and then gave her a lopsided grin. "Do I not deserve a 'welcome back' kiss, for returning as the triumphant hero?"

She turned away from him in a demure gesture. "That is what I wanted to talk to you about," she said, her voice barely above a murmur. "I...received communication. From my father." Her hands balled into fists. "He is very traditional, and expects that things need to be done a certain way. Also, even though he always has said that it would be my choice...he wants to maintain veto power over my decision."

"Your decision regarding what?" Duo frowned.

Hilde's eyes were cast downward. When she spoke again, her voice was barely above a whisper. "Regarding who I marry."

"Marry?!" exclaimed Duo, nearly in a panic himself. He had been wooing this girl, and she was--engaged? He could not have known... "I did not realize that you were betrothed--"

"I am not!" Hilde retorted hotly. "Father sent me here because he felt I had a better chance of attracting the eye of a highborn noble than if I had stayed at home. Our duchy is very small, and it is remote. What's more, Father didn't have any sons, and I am his only daughter. I could inherit, if I chose...but Father wanted me to marry someone of nobility, and even better, someone who was not land-holden. But I cannot see how this is even my choice at all!"

"And you told your father of me?"

Hilde sniffled, indulging in the unladylike gesture. "Some small information," she admitted. "I cannot lie to him! He knows you are a dragon-rider...and..."

"He does not approve," finished Duo. He felt as though a stone of weary misery were dropping into his stomach, burning as it descended. "Does he know of my family, of my home?"

"I did not tell him because...there is so much I do not know about you!"

Duo almost laughed in relief. "That is easy enough to remedy! My father is Duke Eto Maxwell, lord of Mir Estel. Father controls the trade commission in my home duchy and the surrounding duchies, as did his father before him. His very name is synonymous with wealth and power, and my family's lineage can be traced back as one of the Five Families of Sanq, second only to that of the King himself. Further, I have five older brothers, all of whom are fighting bitterly to oust each other from the line of whom is to succeed Father's position when he is gone. He would be happy--nay, ecstatic to have a son marry into a family such as yours!" He frowned. "In fact, the only problem I can see that your father would have with me is that I am--"

"--a dragon-rider," Hilde finished. She would not raise her eyes to meet his.

Duo winced, and could think of nothing to say. He had never been very good at this game, even if he had spent a great deal of time in his mother's court during his youth, and both she and her ladies-in-waiting had favored ballads and tales of courtly love and romance. But after a moment, an idea came to him that was so simple, so ridiculously simple, that Duo realized it might just have a chance of succeeding.

He stepped forward and caught one of Hilde's hands. She gasped in surprise, but did not step away. Kneeling in front of her in a position of chivalrous attention, he brushed his lips against her knuckles. "Then let me suggest this, my Lady," he purred, his voice low. "Let us get to know one another, and enjoy each other's company. Let us see if love should bloom between us. Perhaps, in time, your father might come to accept me. If this should happen...if we are destined to be together--" He dropped his lips to her hand once more. "--then love will find a way. I believe it."

* * *

Calon Gaer had been designed with all amenities for every possible variety of guest, and the kingdom prided itself on its civility and abolishment of most archaic traditions, such as slavery. Despite this, the castle still had segregated areas for royalty, nobility, courtiers and servantry. The bathing rooms for the royalty were located in a large room at the very back of the castle, build into the canyon wall, and featured a pane of rare clear glass that overlooked the river-canyon. The room was deep, insuring that no prying eyes would be able to spy upon the bathers inside, even those on dragon-back.

Though Relena was the only royal family member alive, she was not allowed to bathe alone. Rather than having her personal maidservant monitor her baths, she had decided that she would prefer to have Noin accompany her, and the two usually bathed together. Relena was more comfortable doing this, given that they were so close in age.

The two of them now walked through the hallways of Calon Gaer, heading toward the royal bathing room. A servant had been summoned to bring their personal effects ahead of them, and had done so several hours prior. As they walked, Relena realized that Noin was one of the few people she knew who could be confided in, and she worked up the courage to speak.

"Noin," she began, almost hesitantly, "have you ever been...in love? Do you know how to tell?"

Noin paused, considering the question. "That all depends on certain things," she said, chewing her lower lip thoughtfully. She then gave the princess a most uncharacteristic wicked grin. "May I ask why you wish to know?" Her eyes twinkled. "Has one of your suitors caught your eye, perhaps?"

Relena paused, her breath catching in her throat as she bit off a sharp retort. Well...what was preventing her from considering Heero as one of her suitors? He certainly qualified as such; his being a dragon-rider would not preclude him from it. It would just prevent him from ruling, but Relena knew that was of little concern, and she dismissed the thought entirely. /Best to worry about such things when they present themselves as a problem, rather than fretting over something that has not even developed yet./ The idea that Heero could be her suitor, and could woo her, caused a thrill of excited anticipation to skitter along her spine, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She looked up at her personal guard, who was watching her curiously, and gave the other woman a small smirk. "Perhaps one has," she said, trying to be enigmatic.

Noin was not the kind of woman given to girlish giggling; she was not the type to be squealing over this thing or that, hands clutched to her breast, and she very rarely showed indication that she could act feminine. She did not start doing anything of the same sort, upon Relena's admission. "I knew it!" she crowed. "I knew that something had to be wrong, considering your behavior lately, and I knew it could only have something to do with a man."

"Was it that obvious?" Relena blushed.

"You do not mope around for anything, Your Highness," Noin retorted, sounding rather smug. "You did not even do so after your father died; instead, you threw yourself into learning how to rule and you did not really spend much time in mourning. I was--we all were--very surprised."

Relena looked away. "You did not see me in private, after Father..." she murmured. "I...had to put on a strong face, for the kingdom. It would not have been good for them--particularly the Council--to see me, their future ruler, dissolving into tears at every turn. It was difficult enough as it was, convincing them that I was fit to rule."

Noin nodded in understanding, then grinned. "So which one is it? It isn't Prince Fop--I mean, Phillippe, is it?"

"You must be jesting," scowled Relena, making a moue at the name. "That sorry excuse for a prince was more interested in his looks and listing his family's attributes and laudations than he was at dancing. He kept stepping on my toes."

"But surely you cannot hold that against him!" Noin laughed. "After all, he was so handsome!"

Relena just gave her a dirty look.

"Well, if it is not Prince Fop, then who is it?"

"I--" Relena's voice faltered. Could she tell Noin? Should she? So far, every time she had tried to get close enough to Heero to talk, he either ignored her or left the room without saying a word. She vividly recalled the incident in the maproom earlier that day....

"I...cannot tell you, yet," she finished lamely. "I...do not know if he feels the same way about me. That's why I wanted to ask you how you can tell. And?" her voice dropped to a mumble. "Perhaps you could teach me how to...how to get him to notice me."

Noin's eyebrows arched. "'Notice you'? Relena, all of the suitors that I saw at the ball, the night they were presented to you, were tripping over themselves to get you to notice them. In fact, some of them were almost to the point of fisticuffs, to prevent their rivals from getting near you. One thing is certain--they all noticed you." Her frown deepened. "Is it a suitor who was not presented that night? I thought Weyridge presented all of the suitors on that evening."

Relena sighed. "No, he did not notice me, and no, he is not a part of that group. That group..." She sighed again. "Father would never have made me do something like that," she murmured. "I felt like a parcel of land for sale, or a prized mare on the auction block. None of them saw me, Noin. They only saw the power they could gain by marrying me."

Noin's smile died on her lips. "Oh, Relena," she said, dropping the formal title and taking her hand, squeezing it gently. "My mother warned me about such things," she said, her voice distant. "That women born into nobility have little to look forward to, in the way of true love, and that often, our role is to marry for prestige and power, and often to someone not of our own choosing. She said I should feel lucky if I am married to someone whom I can eventually come to love." She smiled ruefully. "Perhaps that is why I was such a tomboy, growing up. I have always been too headstrong."

They walked in silence for a while, waiting for another lull in passersby before continuing their conversation. "But this other suitor...he is not like that, I take it?"

Relena sighed, and caught herself smiling again. "No," she said, "he is nothing like the others. And I feel that with this one...perhaps, if we were to wed, it would be for love." She dropped her voice as they reached the ornately-carved doors of the bathing room, which were flanked by two solemn-faced guards. The guards bowed in greeting to the princess, nodded at Noin, and stepped aside to allow the other two to enter. As long as the guards remained at their post, no others would dare to disturb the princess while she bathed.

The royal bathing room was considerably smaller than the one designed for the dragons, but it operated along the same principle. There was no mezzanine, and it was designed to be more cozy and inviting. The pool itself was lined with tiles in the colors of Sanq's banner, and the very center featured a tile mosaic of a coiled gold dragon. The walls were terraced, cut out of the living rock, with crevices for plants and small cascades and waterfalls. A spigot at the near end of the pool belied the presence of a cistern, which was heated and allowed hot water to be piped into the pool at the bather's discretion, with a similar tap near the back wall that drew cold water directly from the river. The pool had already been filled, and the air was heavy with steam and scented with lavender and rose oil, as servants had come before Relena to prepare the bath for her arrival.

Both Relena and Noin had eschewed their normal attire and had worn light dressing gowns, with bodices over the top to lend modesty; gowns that could be easily donned and removed without the aid of servants. As the heavy stone doors thudded closed behind them, Relena stepped over to a marble bench and began tugging at the lacing over the bodice of her gown. "That is why I need to know," she said, continuing their conversation where they had left off, as if no pause had occurred. "I need to know what it feels like to be in love. Which is why I asked you. I thought that maybe, you would know, and that it would not be improper to ask you."

Noin was also unlacing her bodice, shrugging out of it gracefully. The two women had spent a great deal of time ogether since Noin's arrival, and were no longer shy around each other. "That is why I said it was difficult to tell," she replied, her voice muffled by fabric. "Not to mention that just because you feel love, it does not mean that the feeling is mutual. In fact, it often is not mutual. And finally, sometimes people confuse love with infatuation."

Relena shivered, her arms tickled by a cool breeze despite the warmth of the steaming water, and she rubbed her hands along her forearms as goosebumps prickled along her skin. "I see," she said, her voice laced with doubt and disappointment. Noin picked up a bucket, constructed of a soft, light wood that floated on water, and filled with perfumed soaps, cleansing towels, and other toiletries. The two women walked over to the pool and stepped in. Relena sighed as the hot water swirled around her legs, and she sank gratefully into the pool.

"I hate war," she said, her voice petulant. "Life was never this stressful before." Noin chuckled, and pulled a bar of violet-scented soap from the bucket. "Wash your back?" she inquired, picking up a soft cleansing towel and soaking it before working soap into a lather with the towel. Relena turned around, back facing Noin, and allowed the older woman to bathe her shoulders.

"The thing is," Noin said, her voice contemplative, "that with men, sometimes, you have to make some sort of indication that you are interested, before they notice. When you are looking for love, that is. Sometimes, they will make the first move, but not always. They are rather dense, in that regard." She cupped her hands and sluiced water over Relena's back and shoulders, running her fingers across the princess's skin to remove any soap residue. "But they are also skittish. You cannot let them know that you are pursuing them. You have to let them think it was their idea, otherwise they will not be able to handle it."

"But how--" Relena pursed her lips, frustrated. "How do you do that? How do you put an idea in someone's head?" She picked up the bar of soap and another cloth, lathering it up before running the soft fabric along one arm. "I do not want to trick anyone into falling in love with me," she murmured.

"Do not look at it like that. It is not about trickery. If he really feels the same way, it will not be. Just give it time. These things have a way of working out on their own. You never know--this suitor of yours may be trying to think of a way to approach you, too."

Relena sighed, turning to face Noin and drawing her knees up to her chest. "This is all so complicated," she huffed. "Learning how to rule was never this difficult."

Noin laughed. "Yes, but you have more time, with this one. None of the suitors would be so brash as to push your hand before you are ready." When the princess did not look relieved, she continued. "What of the gardens? You could send a rose to the suitor, as per tradition. You already take your evening walks in the garden; it would not be difficult to have a moment of privacy, as such."

Relena pondered this, turning the idea over in her mind and giving it form. "Yes..." she murmured. "I will have to...consider it." Her mind warred with her heart as she contemplated the possibility. /I will do it...soon,/ she thought to herself. /After all, the dragon-riders are taking a rest. For once, I have time./

* * *

Tsubarov stood over the wooden enclosure, gently stroking the head of the creature inside it. He smiled, seeming almost paternal, as the tiny head reared back and snapped, attempting to bite. He ran one hand down the back of the creature's head, pausing at the nape of its neck before grabbing it and hoisting it up viciously to peer at it, eye to eye. The creature's six limbs flailed, seeking a purchase, and it yipped in a high, strangled voice. Tsubarov grinned toothily and shook the creature, causing it to struggle violently for several moments, then cease its struggles and go still, glaring at him, its gaze baleful.

"I am your master. Never forget that," he snarled, then smirked as he felt the creature trembling. Whether it was with suppressed rage or fear, he could not tell, but it did not matter. He ran the tip of one fingernail under its chin, and laughed with delight as it growled and snapped with anger, fighting to attack him. "Yes, yes, my precious, that is it. Learn to hate me. Learn to hate all who look like me. When you have reached your full growth, it will be your duty to kill people just like me."

He felt a familiar, cold touch on his mind, and he set the creature back into the enclosure with more care than before. Out of old habit, Tsubarov knelt on the floor and bowed, palms down, in the direction of the Great Evil's lair. "I am honored by Your presence, Master," he said with the proper respect.

The Great Evil's voice echoed in his mind. What of our plans? Have you created a beast worthy of attack? I want to see it.

"You will be quite pleased, Master!" Tsubarov was nearly giddy with excitement. "My creatures have attained nearly full growth. By my calculations, they will be mature in less than a month's time. As they are now, they are quite dangerous." He strolled across the room, as though leading a guided tour. His assistants cowered behind their work and eyed him cautiously, though they knew that he was speaking with the Master.

Tsubarov stopped at the edge of a deep, stone pit, sunk into the floor at the far end of the laboratory. Bright lights ringed the edge of the pit, shining down on the strange creatures below. Several of them snarled at the sight of their creator, and began throwing themselves at the wall in an attempt to attack. Their claws threw back sparks as they scraped against the sheer stone.

"As you can see, they are quite vicious, even though they have not attained full growth," Tsubarov said with pride. "They will attack anything and anyone, and are well-equipped to destroy nearly anything they encounter."

Excellent, Beastmaster! Tsubarov could feel Its approval, radiating through him like cold flames. And you say that these beasts of yours are strong enough to defeat a dragon?

"We have taken data from the monsters which have caused the dragons the greatest amount of difficulty to defeat," reported Tsubarov. "I have combined the traits of those creatures into the grand creation you see before you." As he spoke, two of the creatures, frustrated by their inability to reach their tormentor, turned on each other. The fight was vicious and noisy, the attackers clawing at eyes and reaching for throats. It was over in a matter of minutes. As the defeated creature fell, the others turned on it, tearing it to shreds with sharp claws and teeth.

"As you can see," Tsubarov said, his voice low and husky with excitement from the spectacle, "I have created them with the design to weed out all weakness. Only the strongest survive." His lips curled up in a smile. "It has taken some time, but I believe that these creatures will be strong enough to defeat the dragons."

But you do not know this for fact? The voice suddenly grew cold. Tsubarov shivered involuntarily. "N-no, my Lord...we were only able to base our studies on theory and observation--" He stammered, and caught his breath. "It is very difficult to capture a dragon! They are intelligent, and too vigilant to trap, and I--"

Never mind, It snapped, the tone of approval gone. You had better hope they are sufficient, for your sake. It left the threat hanging, leaving Tsubarov to imagine what punishment may await him, if he failed.

Tsubarov bowed low to the ground once again. "Your will is my command, my Lord," he said with respect, and the contact with his mind was broken.

Back in the Great Evil's lair, d'Urmeil stood at respectful attention as the Great Evil consulted with the beastmaster. When contact was broken, It snorted with disgust. "The beastmaster has intelligence, but lacks the finesse to use it. I would replace him with someone more competent, were he not so good at his work." It turned attention to d'Urmeil. "You have something to report to me?"

d'Urmeil bowed low in the same fashion as Tsubarov had done. "My Lord, I fear the news I bring is not fortuitous," he said with regret. "The dragons and their riders have defeated all of the beasts sent forth in challenge, sustaining no losses on their side. Their injuries have been minor, and none have been debilitating. What is worse, it seems that Sanq and Es'rilshan have formed a war alliance, with both nations united to challenge our attack. It is not known whether they will attempt to contact other nations for similar purpose." He paused, then held his breath, waiting for the blow to fall. When it did, d'Urmeil was thrown to his knees by the force of the Great Evil's wrath, retching helplessly as the waves of fury washed over him.

"Contact the Beastmaster! Make plans at once! My patience grows thin. We will crush them until they beg for mercy!" It calmed slightly, and d'Urmeil was able to scramble to his feet, trying to regain his dignity. "You know who to attack first," It intoned. "We have planned this for a very long time."

d'Urmeil bowed once again, though his knees were shaky. "As you command, my Lord," he said, and departed from the room. Once outside, he walked quickly until he was past the lingering gloom at the end of the hallway, then stopped, sagging against the cool stones for relief. He tugged his handkerchief out of his pocket, dabbing at his mouth and forehead until he felt sufficiently composed. He straightened, once again assuming the mask of arrogant calm that he typically wore.

He strode with purpose to the garrison, going straight to the office of the top commander. "Prepare the troops. We will be sending an offensive force to Sanq this evening." He glanced around the room, and spotted a servant near the door. "You, come here," he commanded. The servant stepped forward obediently. d'Urmeil turned to face the commander once more.

"Prepare your strongest men, those who are not easily spooked. We will not be fighting this evening; we will be delivering a...package, of sorts, to one of the duchies. I want men who will not panic at the sight of the Beastmaster's creations." He turned to the servant. "You will take a message to the bestiary at once. Tell the Beastmaster to prepare two of his new pets to be dispatched immediately. He will protest, of course, and claim that they are not ready. Tell him that if he has any complaints that he is to take them to the Master, as my commands come directly from the Master Itself." The servant nodded wordlessly and darted from
the room.

"Have you any requests before I depart?" d'Urmeil asked of the commander. The man stood, tall behind his desk, and ran a hand through his graying hair thoughtfully. "I do not believe so," he said. "I will trust the Beastmaster to prepare the monsters for travel, as before. I will gather a force at once, and prepare to move." He paused, then looked up. "Where will we be depositing these beasts?"

d'Urmeil nodded, then smiled. "A small duchy, near the Eastern border of the nation. It is known as Ri Shin."

~*~

TBC

As always, C&C is greatly loved and appreciated. ^_^

--Sara

[Morrighan]

Oh crap. Just when Relena gets the right advice and everything else seems to be going relatively okay. Sheesh.

I loved the conversation between Heero and his dragon. Sooo....hilarious. Very much to the point; I can't argue against Kyarn's logic.

Can't wait to see more!