Of Mystical Gates Chapter Four
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2003 4:14 pm
Okay, I know I said no posting until after March, but we had a funky snow day (where, quite literally, there was NO SNOW on the ground), and a Inservice, so I didn't report for two days, and I've been working on this for a while. I know the end is kind of....nebulous, but it'll get fixed in the next chapter, As always, I would love feedback, but I don't think this is one of my better chapters. (It had to have a lot of explaining....sorry)
I hope someone enjoys!!!!
Of Mystical Gates
Chapter Four
Melville?s Best Friend
She watched them from inside their huge room in the middle of the Dorna Empire. They had needed serious medical attention, and were fortunate their lives were spared. Their savior watched with amazement the rapidity of which they all healed; especially the Wildoor. The Dorna woman sat and watched him breathe. He was very handsome. His face was hard yet gentle, and she could tell from his body structure that he was a warrior. His breathing put her in a dream world. He was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. A nurse interrupted her from her reverie. The girl stood up and bowed her thanks to the medic, and sat down once more to continue her intense gaze on the Wildoor.
The nurse glanced at the young girl. The Dorna usually concealed themselves before strangers, and this girl was no exception. She was bathed in a long black cloak, and a hood and bit of cloth hid every feature she had to offer. All that was visible were her concentrated eyes. The cloak hid her very slim figure, and the nurse smiled at the girl?s shyness.
?They should be waking soon. Will you stay?? questioned the nurse.
The girl gave a slight nod, never lifting her eyes from his form. She started to breath with him. In, out. In, out. She smiled, and it could be seen in her eyes.
?They?ll want to speak to Queen Relena.? The nurse stated.
?I would hope so. These men have gone through much.?
?Do you think the queen can help??
The girl sighed. ?I think she has much weight on her shoulders. The weight of the world is on her.?
The nurse sighed as well. ?She will have to be stronger now than she ever has been before.? She looked at the girl?s eyes. She was still looking at the boy, but it was obvious she wasn?t thinking of him like she had been. Her mind was elsewhere. ?You want to join them, don?t you??
?If it be our queen?s desire, I will go.?
The nurse smiled weakly and left the room.
The girl remained in the room, thinking of their journey. They had had a fight with one of the most horrid beasts in the wood. They were called Manyas. (mah-n-ya) The girl looked puzzled. The creatures hated the light, and they hated to be above ground. Something had forced it out of the earth. Something wanted these warriors dead, and she wondered what her queen would do about it. She was once again interrupted from her thoughts as the Wildoor stirred. She sat still, and waited for him to realize what had happened. His wounds were the worst, and yet he had healed the fastest. Her eyes lit up as she watched him in wonder.
He moaned something she didn?t understand, slowly sat up, and ran his hand through his thick hair. She eagerly waited to be shown his eyes, as they had yet to open. She made no sound. Slowly, he began to open his eyes and take in his surroundings.
His eyes were so beautiful. The depths of the sea could not be more blue than his eyes, and they shimmered, too. They color of the sea, with the night sky hovering overhead, the reflection of the sky and the stars swam through his eyes. She saw his striking eyes meet hers, and she felt her heart skip many beats. He looked at her gently, and she could see the struggle he was having in his mind. Who was she? Where was he? Why was he here? He remembered what happened. She could tell?At least that was a good sign.
?You are a Dorna?? he asked slowly, confusion crossing his handsome features.
She nodded, too afraid to speak to him.
?I am in the realm of Queen Relena??
She once again nodded.
?Who are you?? His eyes searched hers for an answer. When she gave none, he asked to see the queen. The nurse came in that instant. She was not covered in the same garb as the young girl that ?greeted? Heero. He watched the Dorna nurse. They were magnificent-looking creatures. They had short, almost cat-like ears that protruded from the side of their heads like that of an elf. The nurse seemed to glow, and her eyes were as bright as the sky. Their faces were like the Wildoor?which resembled humans. However, forest creatures always appeared more noble and aristocratic. The nurse wasn?t at all as conserved as the girl sitting in front of him. She wore a royal looking ensemble with a small headset, which accented her eyes, and he assumed every Dorna wore such splendid clothes.
?Kringa. Wingapaway stupa. Inyanta ostamen.? (1) The nurse cheerfully stated.
He stared at the nurse, obviously confused. He looked at the girl, who shot a look at the nurse.
?Een yen toptope, Alia. Stu cheenia crasta? (2) the girl commanded.
?Oh! I had forgotten. Hello, Wildoor. How are you feeling?? the nurse corrected her language.
She began to check his wounds before he could even answer.
?Ugggggg. My head.? Duo was awakening.
?Alia, sem ta tome. Sem terra oska gostemparu chen Relena.? The girl stated as she got up to leave. She looked Heero dead in the eye before she left, and he watched her without breathing. Her eyes were so beautiful?He thought of something he had heard her say.
?What did she say?? he asked the nurse, who was checking on Duo now.
?She said she must go. She said she?ll be back when the queen calls on you soldiers.?
?Ow! That hurts!?
?What did you expect, little elf? That?s what happens when you go picking fights with creatures from Hell?s realm.?
?We did nothing of the sort.? Trowa said, groggy, but intact.
?You all heal quickly. It only took a week, but still, that?s surprising.? She turned to Heero. ?We thought you would die.? She made her way to Trowa. She was amazed at how quickly they had healed. All their wounds were almost completely gone, and there didn?t look like there?d be any trace of scarring. She smiled at Trowa.
?You?ll be able to see the queen tonight, young ones, I think. She?s rather curious to meet you.?
She sat down beside Quatre, so that if he awakened, she would be near.
?He will be fine. He?s just gathering his strength. No wounds were found on him. You are very lucky none of you were killed.?
Heero looked at her, questions shot through his mind, but Duo asked them first.
?What happened? Did Quatre save us??
?Who??
?The pixie. Did he really manage that on his own??
?No, my dear. You were assisted by a Dorna.?
?A???? As in singular? ONE Dorna??
?Yes, my friend.?
?We owe him our lives.? Trowa whispered.
The nurse laughed heartily, and got up to leave the room. ?I will send the clothes we tailored for you up. You must look your best for the queen.? With that, she was gone.
The soldiers looked at each other, each asking his own questions. The room was filled with commotion as each creature thought aloud. Quatre awoke from all the noise. He stretched a little, yawned, and asked what was going on. His eyes lit up when he remembered where he was.
?Oh! Wow! You guys won?t believe what happened! A Dorna saved us!?
?Yeah, Quatre. We know.?
?You know?? he pouted, and fluttered down to his bed, having flown off of it when he had gotten excited. ?She was really warm.? He said, smiling.
?What do you mean SHE?? the three men questioned in unison.
Quatre blinked over and over, eyes wide. ?Yes, she?.It was Queen Relena?.?
Duo fell out of his bed and sweat dropped. Heero and Trowa just laughed. Quatre was puzzled.
?What?s so funny?? he asked. A knock was heard at the door, and the girl from before entered, her arms filled with the garments the Dorna had made while the heroes were resting. She placed each garment by the bedside of the new owner, and left the room. Heero watched her in amazement. She had such a glow, and all he could see were her eyes. Duo snuck up on the king to force him back down to earth, and Heero freaked, and fell off the bed. The boys laughed again.
?I had no idea these would be so comfortable. I swear. My bottom feels so pampered!? Duo said.
Quatre blushed.
They looked stunning. The fabric was, obviously, comfortable, as well as striking. It appeared to be silk, and felt like silk, but was much more hard, and shiny. Capes adorned their ensemble, and each was clad in the symbol of their respective country. Their weapons were placed on their new apparel with great care, and gold pins helped keep the weapons and capes in place. They were casually making sure they looked ready when the girl walked into the room.
The mere sight of the girl took Heero?s breath away once more. Her hair and face were still covered, but a purple dress clung to her tiny frame. Her shirt was about two inches above her navel, and Heero saw that the Dorna were a tiny bit fuzzy. A long purple skirt made her legs seem to go on forever, and beads were thrown all about her dress. The other men gasped as well. Heero could tell she was blushing, as she bowed to them, and signaled for them to follow her.
?To the queen?? Trowa asked.
The enchantress nodded.
Heero was behind her the whole time. He could smell her. The forest surrounded her, along with hints of wild flower and some fruit. She had a magical air about her, and Heero took it all in. Before he lost himself in his thoughts, however, they had reached a huge sort of stage.
The room was old and rustic-- made out of stone. Vines gave it a peaceful look, and a small fountain sat in the center. The room looked as if it were a conference room, rather than a throne room. Huge seats were all about the walls, like little balconies. No carpet covered the floor, and Heero could hear all the noise their footsteps were making.
On the stage sat a massive throne, which was covered by a material, which allowed whomever, was inside to view what was outside, but the onlookers could see nothing but the curtain. The Dorna girl bowed, showing the warriors what to do. They followed her example. She stood up and walked to the curtain.
?Impay Relena, desantentay um tentia bum a lou.? she stated, bowing.
Heero watched the girl rise, and stand in a corner. They took their cues and arose as well.
?Welcome, my brothers, my kin.? The curtain opened to reveal an old woman on the throne. Quatre looked sadly depressed. The girl caught his expression and muffled a small chuckle.
The queen had an air of majesty around her, and she smelled heavily of her forest. Her long gray hair fell in cascades about her shoulders, peeking out from under a beautiful crystal crown. A large piece of the Malian crystal about her neck, and her garb was more splendid then any other in the room.
?I have heard of your long journey, King Heero, King Duo, Trowa, and Quatre. You all have journeyed to discuss with me something that pertains only to you, do you not??
?My lady?? asked Trowa.
?You all want to save something more than just to save the Wildoor people, or the Elves of the world.? Her gaze shifted from body to body, and her eyes rested on Heero.
?What do you really want, Heero??
The girl looked at him, and he stared at the queen.
?My queen, I require nothing more than the safety of my people.?
?I see.? Her eyes dulled. She once again scanned the room. ?You will all lie to me, I see. So my questions have stopped.? She stood up, and walked to the group of men.
?You want to know what I think of this war, do you not? You want to know why my people have yet to become a part of it, don?t you?? she smiled. Her magnificence filled the room with awe.
?We came for your guidance, holiness.? Quatre said. ?We want to know the path that needs to be taken.?
?Follow me, then, my brothers, and we will find out together which path is the right path.?
She led them to a huge chunk of the crystal they wore about their necks. Heero saw the girl touch hers when they stopped before the large one.
?When you gaze into it, my friends, you will see what will be. You will know what to do, and which path is the correct one.?
?I will not look into the crystal.? Duo said.
The room turned to look at him. ?I don?t believe my life can be decided in a crystal.?
The queen smiled, and continued to stare.
?I agree with Duo.?
?I do as well.?
?Your Majesty, I do too, I?m sorry.?
The queen smiled harder. ?No need to apologize. This is what was needed to convince me to send you on your journey.? She looked straight at Heero. ?Belief in oneself is the only way one can know which path to take.?
?So we will go. We will fight for all of our people, and we will win against man!? Duo stated.
?It is not man that you must face, my brother.? The room grew strangely quiet as the queen became all too serious. Her tone frightened them. ?Heed my warning. Men cannot possibly do this alone. Men were not responsible for the beast that almost ended your life. Something is controlling the men. This is where your journey begins.? She turned away from them, and sat upon her throne once more. They followed her, questioning her the entire time. She made no sound of recognition. She sat on her throne, and looked at the men, then called out to someone.
?Maura!?
The girl appeared from behind the soldiers, and bowed before the queen.
?My dear kin, are you aware that this girl saved your lives??
?You?!!? You saved us?? Duo spat out.
?Thank you a thousand times for your help, lady. I am forever grateful.? Quatre kissed her hand.
?I think you from the depths of my heart, Lady Maura.? Trowa bowed.
She stared at Heero, and he stared at her. The queen saw the intense gazes they gave one another, and chuckled a bit.
?Maura, I would have you go on the quest with them.?
Heero broke his gaze, and faced the queen. ?She will not accompany us.? He stated gruffly.
The queen raised an eyebrow. ?She will not??
?I would not have the blood of this girl on my hands.? He stated coldly.
?I wasn?t aware you had a conscience, King Heero. I was told you were a heartless Wildoor. I now understand I was informed incorrectly.? Relena said to him.
?I will not be held accountable.? He corrected himself.
The girl stood upright, obviously hurt. She glared at him. The queen smirked.
?You will not be held responsible if she dies.?
?When.? The girl continued to stare. This arrogant creature thinks I am a child that I would die if I were to get in his way. She thought. She continued to glare at him.
?I cannot baby-sit her, queen Relena. I have a quest.? His voice was steady and calm, but harshness filled the room. His comrades gasped, and Quatre tried to get him to show some respect.
?Stop Quatre. I may have said I trust in you with my life, Majesty, but I cannot take on another task. This one is far too important.? He said, oddly managing some air of majesty.
?I understand how you must feel. I will let you argue with Maura, however, as I have grown weary of this. You must realize where your loyalties lie, my friend. You will never accomplish your task if you cannot fight for what you believe in.? She closed the curtain, shielding herself from their view, but able to watch the following events.
Heero turned towards the girl. ?You will stay with your people.?
She looked at him with those impenetrable eyes of hers. They bore into him, making him reconsider his statement. Her gaze only grew more intense as he stared back at her. Fed up, he left, and motioned for the others to follow. She watched them leave.
?Eetamay yastopa. You should speak to them, you know.? (They?re speaking in their own tongue?I?m just translating
)
?If I ever talk to that stuck up Wildoor, it will be the end of the world.? Her calm features were temporarily gone, and she ripped off her veil to reveal her face. Shimmering golden tresses flew down her shoulders, and landed just above her hips. A small tiara rested on her brow, and shimmered in the light of the room. Her hands rested on her hips, giving her a diplomatic air. Her eyebrow rose as she tapped her forefinger against her hip. Her face was soft and beautiful, however, hardened because of her new mood. She looked at the door where he had exited.
The queen laughed.
?Mother I mean it. That?that?.that creature has no right to be the leader of their brigade.?
?Do you still wish to go through with this task??
The girl?s features softened. ?I have no other choice but to go on this quest.?
?You have seen your future.? The queen stated.
?I have seen what will be, yes. The world will not live to see another day if I do not accompany them.?
?Even if it means your death, you will go??
The girl turned to face the queen.
?Even if it means you have to drop all our ideals you will go??
She continued to stare. She made no sound.
?Even if you weren?t royalty?..you would go?? The queen?s eyes filled with tears as she questioned her daughter. The girls walked up to the queen, and sat on her knees, so that they were at eye-level.
?I will give up all I have, and everything I?ve ever loved so that my people will live to see another day.? The girl said. She cupped her mother?s chin with her hands, and kissed her tears away; a Dorna sign of love. The queen chuckled.
?And you had me pretend I was you. Bah. I never thought of myself as a Relena. I can?t pull it off.?
?I?m not particular to the name Maura, but it will have to do.? The girl smiled.
?Relena, how long do you expect the secret will remain??
?Well, I have to have it last until we get so far on our journey that I cannot return alone. They will have no other choice but to continue on the quest with me. Surely they wouldn?t put the Queen of the Dorna in danger!? she laughed as she stood up.
?The only reason I had to fake who I am is so they will take me. You and I both know that Heero wouldn?t have let me go if he knew I am the queen.?
?He?s not even going to let you go now.? Maura smirked.
?We shall see. I will go with them, and keep my mask on. I won?t even speak, and when I do, it will be in my own tongue.? She sweat dropped. ?They probably think I am a moron. I haven?t muttered any of their languages near them. They must think I know only our language!? She got an evil look on her face. ?This will come in handy.?
?Relena, stop it. You and I both know this is not a game.?
Relena?s smile faded, and she once again kneeled before her mother.
?When I handed you the throne all those years ago, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up sitting in it ever again. My ruling days should have been over years ago.? She touched Relena?s cheek.
?Mother, please. You have other children. Make Milliardo do it. He?ll do a good job.?
?Yes. I suppose he will.?
?Yes. It was only for today that you played this role. Now you are finished, and Milliardo will succeed, and I??
?You will be killed on a quest to save our planet.?
?Mahtem?.?
?I love you, Relena. I will see you in my dreams.? Queen Maura kissed Relena?s forehead.
?Sem chib serabum, mahtem?Sem chib serabum.? (3)
Disclaimer: I don?t own them, sorry. Feedback is always appreciated!
1) Good morning! You?re awake! How do you feel, stranger?
2) He doesn?t speak our language, Alia. Talk in his tongue.
3) I love you, mother. I love you.
I know it's long, but as I said earlier, I've been working on it for a while. I hope it wasn't too boring!!!! Later!!!!
I hope someone enjoys!!!!
Of Mystical Gates
Chapter Four
Melville?s Best Friend
She watched them from inside their huge room in the middle of the Dorna Empire. They had needed serious medical attention, and were fortunate their lives were spared. Their savior watched with amazement the rapidity of which they all healed; especially the Wildoor. The Dorna woman sat and watched him breathe. He was very handsome. His face was hard yet gentle, and she could tell from his body structure that he was a warrior. His breathing put her in a dream world. He was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. A nurse interrupted her from her reverie. The girl stood up and bowed her thanks to the medic, and sat down once more to continue her intense gaze on the Wildoor.
The nurse glanced at the young girl. The Dorna usually concealed themselves before strangers, and this girl was no exception. She was bathed in a long black cloak, and a hood and bit of cloth hid every feature she had to offer. All that was visible were her concentrated eyes. The cloak hid her very slim figure, and the nurse smiled at the girl?s shyness.
?They should be waking soon. Will you stay?? questioned the nurse.
The girl gave a slight nod, never lifting her eyes from his form. She started to breath with him. In, out. In, out. She smiled, and it could be seen in her eyes.
?They?ll want to speak to Queen Relena.? The nurse stated.
?I would hope so. These men have gone through much.?
?Do you think the queen can help??
The girl sighed. ?I think she has much weight on her shoulders. The weight of the world is on her.?
The nurse sighed as well. ?She will have to be stronger now than she ever has been before.? She looked at the girl?s eyes. She was still looking at the boy, but it was obvious she wasn?t thinking of him like she had been. Her mind was elsewhere. ?You want to join them, don?t you??
?If it be our queen?s desire, I will go.?
The nurse smiled weakly and left the room.
The girl remained in the room, thinking of their journey. They had had a fight with one of the most horrid beasts in the wood. They were called Manyas. (mah-n-ya) The girl looked puzzled. The creatures hated the light, and they hated to be above ground. Something had forced it out of the earth. Something wanted these warriors dead, and she wondered what her queen would do about it. She was once again interrupted from her thoughts as the Wildoor stirred. She sat still, and waited for him to realize what had happened. His wounds were the worst, and yet he had healed the fastest. Her eyes lit up as she watched him in wonder.
He moaned something she didn?t understand, slowly sat up, and ran his hand through his thick hair. She eagerly waited to be shown his eyes, as they had yet to open. She made no sound. Slowly, he began to open his eyes and take in his surroundings.
His eyes were so beautiful. The depths of the sea could not be more blue than his eyes, and they shimmered, too. They color of the sea, with the night sky hovering overhead, the reflection of the sky and the stars swam through his eyes. She saw his striking eyes meet hers, and she felt her heart skip many beats. He looked at her gently, and she could see the struggle he was having in his mind. Who was she? Where was he? Why was he here? He remembered what happened. She could tell?At least that was a good sign.
?You are a Dorna?? he asked slowly, confusion crossing his handsome features.
She nodded, too afraid to speak to him.
?I am in the realm of Queen Relena??
She once again nodded.
?Who are you?? His eyes searched hers for an answer. When she gave none, he asked to see the queen. The nurse came in that instant. She was not covered in the same garb as the young girl that ?greeted? Heero. He watched the Dorna nurse. They were magnificent-looking creatures. They had short, almost cat-like ears that protruded from the side of their heads like that of an elf. The nurse seemed to glow, and her eyes were as bright as the sky. Their faces were like the Wildoor?which resembled humans. However, forest creatures always appeared more noble and aristocratic. The nurse wasn?t at all as conserved as the girl sitting in front of him. She wore a royal looking ensemble with a small headset, which accented her eyes, and he assumed every Dorna wore such splendid clothes.
?Kringa. Wingapaway stupa. Inyanta ostamen.? (1) The nurse cheerfully stated.
He stared at the nurse, obviously confused. He looked at the girl, who shot a look at the nurse.
?Een yen toptope, Alia. Stu cheenia crasta? (2) the girl commanded.
?Oh! I had forgotten. Hello, Wildoor. How are you feeling?? the nurse corrected her language.
She began to check his wounds before he could even answer.
?Ugggggg. My head.? Duo was awakening.
?Alia, sem ta tome. Sem terra oska gostemparu chen Relena.? The girl stated as she got up to leave. She looked Heero dead in the eye before she left, and he watched her without breathing. Her eyes were so beautiful?He thought of something he had heard her say.
?What did she say?? he asked the nurse, who was checking on Duo now.
?She said she must go. She said she?ll be back when the queen calls on you soldiers.?
?Ow! That hurts!?
?What did you expect, little elf? That?s what happens when you go picking fights with creatures from Hell?s realm.?
?We did nothing of the sort.? Trowa said, groggy, but intact.
?You all heal quickly. It only took a week, but still, that?s surprising.? She turned to Heero. ?We thought you would die.? She made her way to Trowa. She was amazed at how quickly they had healed. All their wounds were almost completely gone, and there didn?t look like there?d be any trace of scarring. She smiled at Trowa.
?You?ll be able to see the queen tonight, young ones, I think. She?s rather curious to meet you.?
She sat down beside Quatre, so that if he awakened, she would be near.
?He will be fine. He?s just gathering his strength. No wounds were found on him. You are very lucky none of you were killed.?
Heero looked at her, questions shot through his mind, but Duo asked them first.
?What happened? Did Quatre save us??
?Who??
?The pixie. Did he really manage that on his own??
?No, my dear. You were assisted by a Dorna.?
?A???? As in singular? ONE Dorna??
?Yes, my friend.?
?We owe him our lives.? Trowa whispered.
The nurse laughed heartily, and got up to leave the room. ?I will send the clothes we tailored for you up. You must look your best for the queen.? With that, she was gone.
The soldiers looked at each other, each asking his own questions. The room was filled with commotion as each creature thought aloud. Quatre awoke from all the noise. He stretched a little, yawned, and asked what was going on. His eyes lit up when he remembered where he was.
?Oh! Wow! You guys won?t believe what happened! A Dorna saved us!?
?Yeah, Quatre. We know.?
?You know?? he pouted, and fluttered down to his bed, having flown off of it when he had gotten excited. ?She was really warm.? He said, smiling.
?What do you mean SHE?? the three men questioned in unison.
Quatre blinked over and over, eyes wide. ?Yes, she?.It was Queen Relena?.?
Duo fell out of his bed and sweat dropped. Heero and Trowa just laughed. Quatre was puzzled.
?What?s so funny?? he asked. A knock was heard at the door, and the girl from before entered, her arms filled with the garments the Dorna had made while the heroes were resting. She placed each garment by the bedside of the new owner, and left the room. Heero watched her in amazement. She had such a glow, and all he could see were her eyes. Duo snuck up on the king to force him back down to earth, and Heero freaked, and fell off the bed. The boys laughed again.
?I had no idea these would be so comfortable. I swear. My bottom feels so pampered!? Duo said.
Quatre blushed.
They looked stunning. The fabric was, obviously, comfortable, as well as striking. It appeared to be silk, and felt like silk, but was much more hard, and shiny. Capes adorned their ensemble, and each was clad in the symbol of their respective country. Their weapons were placed on their new apparel with great care, and gold pins helped keep the weapons and capes in place. They were casually making sure they looked ready when the girl walked into the room.
The mere sight of the girl took Heero?s breath away once more. Her hair and face were still covered, but a purple dress clung to her tiny frame. Her shirt was about two inches above her navel, and Heero saw that the Dorna were a tiny bit fuzzy. A long purple skirt made her legs seem to go on forever, and beads were thrown all about her dress. The other men gasped as well. Heero could tell she was blushing, as she bowed to them, and signaled for them to follow her.
?To the queen?? Trowa asked.
The enchantress nodded.
Heero was behind her the whole time. He could smell her. The forest surrounded her, along with hints of wild flower and some fruit. She had a magical air about her, and Heero took it all in. Before he lost himself in his thoughts, however, they had reached a huge sort of stage.
The room was old and rustic-- made out of stone. Vines gave it a peaceful look, and a small fountain sat in the center. The room looked as if it were a conference room, rather than a throne room. Huge seats were all about the walls, like little balconies. No carpet covered the floor, and Heero could hear all the noise their footsteps were making.
On the stage sat a massive throne, which was covered by a material, which allowed whomever, was inside to view what was outside, but the onlookers could see nothing but the curtain. The Dorna girl bowed, showing the warriors what to do. They followed her example. She stood up and walked to the curtain.
?Impay Relena, desantentay um tentia bum a lou.? she stated, bowing.
Heero watched the girl rise, and stand in a corner. They took their cues and arose as well.
?Welcome, my brothers, my kin.? The curtain opened to reveal an old woman on the throne. Quatre looked sadly depressed. The girl caught his expression and muffled a small chuckle.
The queen had an air of majesty around her, and she smelled heavily of her forest. Her long gray hair fell in cascades about her shoulders, peeking out from under a beautiful crystal crown. A large piece of the Malian crystal about her neck, and her garb was more splendid then any other in the room.
?I have heard of your long journey, King Heero, King Duo, Trowa, and Quatre. You all have journeyed to discuss with me something that pertains only to you, do you not??
?My lady?? asked Trowa.
?You all want to save something more than just to save the Wildoor people, or the Elves of the world.? Her gaze shifted from body to body, and her eyes rested on Heero.
?What do you really want, Heero??
The girl looked at him, and he stared at the queen.
?My queen, I require nothing more than the safety of my people.?
?I see.? Her eyes dulled. She once again scanned the room. ?You will all lie to me, I see. So my questions have stopped.? She stood up, and walked to the group of men.
?You want to know what I think of this war, do you not? You want to know why my people have yet to become a part of it, don?t you?? she smiled. Her magnificence filled the room with awe.
?We came for your guidance, holiness.? Quatre said. ?We want to know the path that needs to be taken.?
?Follow me, then, my brothers, and we will find out together which path is the right path.?
She led them to a huge chunk of the crystal they wore about their necks. Heero saw the girl touch hers when they stopped before the large one.
?When you gaze into it, my friends, you will see what will be. You will know what to do, and which path is the correct one.?
?I will not look into the crystal.? Duo said.
The room turned to look at him. ?I don?t believe my life can be decided in a crystal.?
The queen smiled, and continued to stare.
?I agree with Duo.?
?I do as well.?
?Your Majesty, I do too, I?m sorry.?
The queen smiled harder. ?No need to apologize. This is what was needed to convince me to send you on your journey.? She looked straight at Heero. ?Belief in oneself is the only way one can know which path to take.?
?So we will go. We will fight for all of our people, and we will win against man!? Duo stated.
?It is not man that you must face, my brother.? The room grew strangely quiet as the queen became all too serious. Her tone frightened them. ?Heed my warning. Men cannot possibly do this alone. Men were not responsible for the beast that almost ended your life. Something is controlling the men. This is where your journey begins.? She turned away from them, and sat upon her throne once more. They followed her, questioning her the entire time. She made no sound of recognition. She sat on her throne, and looked at the men, then called out to someone.
?Maura!?
The girl appeared from behind the soldiers, and bowed before the queen.
?My dear kin, are you aware that this girl saved your lives??
?You?!!? You saved us?? Duo spat out.
?Thank you a thousand times for your help, lady. I am forever grateful.? Quatre kissed her hand.
?I think you from the depths of my heart, Lady Maura.? Trowa bowed.
She stared at Heero, and he stared at her. The queen saw the intense gazes they gave one another, and chuckled a bit.
?Maura, I would have you go on the quest with them.?
Heero broke his gaze, and faced the queen. ?She will not accompany us.? He stated gruffly.
The queen raised an eyebrow. ?She will not??
?I would not have the blood of this girl on my hands.? He stated coldly.
?I wasn?t aware you had a conscience, King Heero. I was told you were a heartless Wildoor. I now understand I was informed incorrectly.? Relena said to him.
?I will not be held accountable.? He corrected himself.
The girl stood upright, obviously hurt. She glared at him. The queen smirked.
?You will not be held responsible if she dies.?
?When.? The girl continued to stare. This arrogant creature thinks I am a child that I would die if I were to get in his way. She thought. She continued to glare at him.
?I cannot baby-sit her, queen Relena. I have a quest.? His voice was steady and calm, but harshness filled the room. His comrades gasped, and Quatre tried to get him to show some respect.
?Stop Quatre. I may have said I trust in you with my life, Majesty, but I cannot take on another task. This one is far too important.? He said, oddly managing some air of majesty.
?I understand how you must feel. I will let you argue with Maura, however, as I have grown weary of this. You must realize where your loyalties lie, my friend. You will never accomplish your task if you cannot fight for what you believe in.? She closed the curtain, shielding herself from their view, but able to watch the following events.
Heero turned towards the girl. ?You will stay with your people.?
She looked at him with those impenetrable eyes of hers. They bore into him, making him reconsider his statement. Her gaze only grew more intense as he stared back at her. Fed up, he left, and motioned for the others to follow. She watched them leave.
?Eetamay yastopa. You should speak to them, you know.? (They?re speaking in their own tongue?I?m just translating
) ?If I ever talk to that stuck up Wildoor, it will be the end of the world.? Her calm features were temporarily gone, and she ripped off her veil to reveal her face. Shimmering golden tresses flew down her shoulders, and landed just above her hips. A small tiara rested on her brow, and shimmered in the light of the room. Her hands rested on her hips, giving her a diplomatic air. Her eyebrow rose as she tapped her forefinger against her hip. Her face was soft and beautiful, however, hardened because of her new mood. She looked at the door where he had exited.
The queen laughed.
?Mother I mean it. That?that?.that creature has no right to be the leader of their brigade.?
?Do you still wish to go through with this task??
The girl?s features softened. ?I have no other choice but to go on this quest.?
?You have seen your future.? The queen stated.
?I have seen what will be, yes. The world will not live to see another day if I do not accompany them.?
?Even if it means your death, you will go??
The girl turned to face the queen.
?Even if it means you have to drop all our ideals you will go??
She continued to stare. She made no sound.
?Even if you weren?t royalty?..you would go?? The queen?s eyes filled with tears as she questioned her daughter. The girls walked up to the queen, and sat on her knees, so that they were at eye-level.
?I will give up all I have, and everything I?ve ever loved so that my people will live to see another day.? The girl said. She cupped her mother?s chin with her hands, and kissed her tears away; a Dorna sign of love. The queen chuckled.
?And you had me pretend I was you. Bah. I never thought of myself as a Relena. I can?t pull it off.?
?I?m not particular to the name Maura, but it will have to do.? The girl smiled.
?Relena, how long do you expect the secret will remain??
?Well, I have to have it last until we get so far on our journey that I cannot return alone. They will have no other choice but to continue on the quest with me. Surely they wouldn?t put the Queen of the Dorna in danger!? she laughed as she stood up.
?The only reason I had to fake who I am is so they will take me. You and I both know that Heero wouldn?t have let me go if he knew I am the queen.?
?He?s not even going to let you go now.? Maura smirked.
?We shall see. I will go with them, and keep my mask on. I won?t even speak, and when I do, it will be in my own tongue.? She sweat dropped. ?They probably think I am a moron. I haven?t muttered any of their languages near them. They must think I know only our language!? She got an evil look on her face. ?This will come in handy.?
?Relena, stop it. You and I both know this is not a game.?
Relena?s smile faded, and she once again kneeled before her mother.
?When I handed you the throne all those years ago, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up sitting in it ever again. My ruling days should have been over years ago.? She touched Relena?s cheek.
?Mother, please. You have other children. Make Milliardo do it. He?ll do a good job.?
?Yes. I suppose he will.?
?Yes. It was only for today that you played this role. Now you are finished, and Milliardo will succeed, and I??
?You will be killed on a quest to save our planet.?
?Mahtem?.?
?I love you, Relena. I will see you in my dreams.? Queen Maura kissed Relena?s forehead.
?Sem chib serabum, mahtem?Sem chib serabum.? (3)
Disclaimer: I don?t own them, sorry. Feedback is always appreciated!
1) Good morning! You?re awake! How do you feel, stranger?
2) He doesn?t speak our language, Alia. Talk in his tongue.
3) I love you, mother. I love you.
I know it's long, but as I said earlier, I've been working on it for a while. I hope it wasn't too boring!!!! Later!!!!
