Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2002 4:06 pm
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You have no idea how much your comments mean to me, or maybe you do. ^_^ This is sort of an inbetween chapter as it tries to explain a few things before chapter fifteen which will be very actiony. I hope you enjoy!
Berry
* * * *
Dressed in ever-changing shades of green, Sally was part of the forest itself. Birds landed on tree branches right beside her, ignorant of her presence. She was well hidden, but Wufei was all but invisible. He was in the tree across the road from hers, sitting back on his ankles, black eyes watching the path underneath them. He made no movement, sitting as still as she had ever seen him, his mind concentrated on their mission with a single mindedness she envied. Her mind continued to do nothing but wander.
For the past few days, ever since Heero had risen from bed, still healing, and asked to see what they had been working on, she had been unable to focus. She and Wufei had been working closely with the able villagers, teaching them to defend themselves and others. They had become somewhat of a team and she had to admit that Wufei was changing before her eyes. He had been arrogant at first, interested only in revenge. She could understand his feelings, he had lost his wife, but she had no patience with them. Everyone had lost something, he was not the only one who had suffered, and when he had accidentally injured the Lady Darlian, it seemed to start a turning in him. His practices with the outlaws provided an outlet for him, let him vent his anger but also allowed him to teach how to keep the things that had happened to him from happening to someone else. She thought she had gotten to know him pretty well, his moods and tempers, and she had to admit they worked well together. Heero had seen it too and told them to try out the first of many ?skirmishes?, as he called them. It was a honor to be chosen and so they had left at first light, promising to report back immediately with the results.
But, against all her wishes, she could not keep her mind on the objective. Her thoughts kept wandering to the man in a tree not so far away?
A glint of light in the branches hit her eyes and she looked up, the movement smooth so as not to startle the birds into flight. Wufei was flashing a dagger at her, the sunlight off the blade creating a signal. Someone was coming.
She readied herself quickly, a hand on the quarterstaff she had leaned against the trunk, her ears picking up the sound of wheels and hooves coming closer. Soon, she could make out the carriage. It was pulled by two horses and guarded by two riders, each with a lance, but was really caught her attention was the carriage itself. It was not made for carrying passengers, but cargo, and the Sheriff?s crest on the door almost guaranteed that cargo to be gold. She grinned. Being an outlaw really had its advantages.
She dropped from the tree without a sound, landing on her feet directly in front of the two riders. Their horses reared, startled, and she leaned against her staff, nonchalantly, as the two struggled to get their mounts under control.
?Welcome to Sherwood, gentleman,? she said lazily, a smile on her lips. The riders looked at her incredulously, recognizing her voice as that of a woman?s. Her grin widened at their shock. ?It?s a lovely day, don?t you think?? She eyed the cargo carriage. ?Hmmmmm, well, I suppose I shouldn?t bother you with conversation, you seem to be in a bit of a hurry.? She tilted her head, ?I guess you probably just rather pay your tax and be on your way.?
?Tax?? One of the soldiers said, surprised. ?What are you talking about? And just what exactly are you doing here, miss?? His hand gripped his lance and she suddenly shed her relaxed stance. Her staff whirled in her fingers and she aimed at the first soldier?s chest.
?Don?t play ignorant with me, soldier. For passage through Sherwood, there is a tax,? she explained, as if to a small child. ?You wouldn?t want to be beset upon my outlaws, would you? I can?t guarantee your safety if you don?t pay your tax. So why don?t you be good little lackeys and pay up??
The soldier who had spoken before growled, ?Are you out of your head? We?re the Sheriff?s men and we don?t need to pay a tax for a free road. Out of our way, woman!? He kicked his horse forward, ready to trample her, and she moved breezily to the side, her staff taking him from the saddle in an instant. At that same time, Wufei dropped to the road, unhorsing the remaining soldier with a hand to the back of the neck, his sword aimed at the carriage driver?s throat in seconds.
Sally sighed. ?Why is it men always want to do things the hard way?? She hurried around to the carriage door and opened it to peek inside. A low whistle escaped her throat as she stepped back to look up at the driver. ?Well, you?re in luck. This is just enough to see you on your way back to the Sheriff.? She pulled the heavy chest out, discarding her staff so that she could carry it with both hands, it was quite heavy. The driver made a sound of anger and Wufei?s blade lifted his chin.
?Go back and tell your master that the Sherwood bandits hold this forest and, should he wish to pass, he should bring more gold,? Wufei said, standing straight until the driver had turned his horses and started back towards Nottingham. Then he turned to Sally, sheathing his sword and raising an eyebrow at the chest in her arms. ?Quite a load for the Sheriff to be sending off,? he said neutrally. She nodded.
?I think we?d better get this back to Heero.? Wufei nodded and grabbed her staff for her as they stepped back into the forest, disappearing as if they had never been.
* * * *
Hilde ran into camp at a full run, waving absently at a few outlaws that called out to her, though in truth she should have paid more attention to them. Everyone had accepted her secret with ease, welcoming her into their lives again with only good natured laughs about her time spent as a boy. Sally had helped, and so had Relena, both women giving her silent support. She owed them a lot and she knew she could never repay them for their kindness. She was happy now, part of a family again. Even Heero had taken her announcement with only a raised eyebrow, Trowa not even that since he had been there when she had shouted the truth at Duo. Wufei had merely grumbled about one more woman to help cook and Quatre had actually hugged her, telling her he was proud she had told the truth. Everyone understood.
Except for Duo.
He still hadn?t spoken to her since the watchtower incident and it bothered her, more than she was willing to admit. They had been very close before but now it seemed they could no longer even be friends. Relena had tried to reassure her that the monk would come around, but Hilde didn?t think so. He could be stubborn, especially when someone had hurt him.
Sighing to herself, she pushed Duo out of her mind. She had more important news to think about. Such as what she had just heard at Nottingham. She had been out getting supplies, mostly blankets and fabric for clothes that they could not manufactory themselves. Upon arriving back at the forest camp, she had dropped her load outside one of the huts and started directly towards the center of camp. She needed to find Trowa.
Instead, she found Relena, the silent outlaw nowhere to be seen. The lady was dressed becomingly in form fitting breeches given to her by Sally, along with a green tunic that brought out her eyes and did nothing to disguise the fact that she was a girl. Her long hair was braided and she had a bow slung over her shoulder, a quiver strapped to her back. Trowa had been teaching her how to shoot, much to the dismay of Heero. The dark-haired knight and his lady had been fighting for at least two days. Well, maybe fighting was too strong a word. Heero talked and Relena listened before telling him ?no?, kissing him on the cheek, and running off for another session with Trowa. Hilde knew Heero wanted Relena to go back, away from him where she would be safe. She could understand that but she wasn?t exactly sure how safe Relena would be under the watchful eye of the Sheriff. Relena, ever the peacemaker, had finally agreed to return to welcome home her brother and give her version of the events he had probably already heard about, but then she would return. She would stay by Heero?s side until it was finished. Heero had had no choice but to accept these terms, rather ungracefully, but he had accepted. Which explained Relena?s change of dress. A lady?s gown was a terrible choice for running around in a forest.
?Relena!? Hilde called out, jogging to a stop beside the golden-haired lady. Relena straightened and met her gaze, a smile brightening her face.
?Hilde! I?m glad to see you, Heero? ?
Hilde cut her off. ?I have to find Trowa immediately. Do you know where he is?? Relena frowned, worry creasing her brow.
?I?m supposed to practice with him in a few minutes. What?s wrong? What is it??
Hilde took a deep breath. ?In town, I heard, everyone was talking about it.? Relena leaned on her bow.
?What??
?The Lady Catherine of Newark. Two days ago her father promised her hand in marriage to a baron of unsteady character. Rather than go with him, she?s locked herself in a tower, refusing to come out unless her father revokes the marriage contract. For two days, she?s been without food or water, the villagers are wondering how long she can hold out before she agrees to her father?s wishes.? She hesitated, seeing Relena?s pale face. ?This Catherine, she?s Trowa?s sister, isn?t she? He?s spoken of her before, when he thought I was a boy.?
?Yes,? Relena breathed faintly, ?I?ve wanted to speak to him about it but I keep getting sidetracked.? She took a calming breath. ?Hilde, who is this man that Catherine despises so much??
Hilde?s expression grew sour. ?This is why I need to find Trowa. It?s the Baron, Relena. Baron Gent. The one <i>I</i> was suppose to wed.? She shook her head, hands clenched at her sides. ?How long do you think he will let her elude him before he takes matters into his own hands??
* * * *
?The question is, will the Sheriff risk it? If he knows we?re robbing his caravans, won?t he just stop sending them through Sherwood?? Sally asked, closing the lid of the chest they had just opened. The gold glitter had begun to irritate eyes too used to seeing green. ?He?s not a fool.?
?He?ll risk it,? Heero said quietly, standing absolutely still before them, his cobalt eyes focused on the chest, though it was clear his thoughts were elsewhere. ?This is the only trade route to London, it will cost him time and money to use another road. He?ll simply send more guards and better protection. He?ll make it more difficult.? The knight glanced up at them. ?Would you still do it, knowing this??
Wufei nodded. ?The man has no honor, the money is not his. I will not let those chests reach London.? Sally agreed.
?Others are willing, too,? she told them. ?Some of the villagers are quite ready to extract revenge for their burned homes, and returning money to those who need it is the perfect way to let them achieve it without violence.?
Heero nodded, ?I agree. I leave you two in charge of our road ?delays?. Put a few teams together and report back to me if there are any problems.? He turned on his heel and was striding away before Sally could process the undertone in his voice. She called after him.
?What are you planning to do??
He didn?t look back.
?I?m going to take care of William de Grey.?
* * * *
?Are you sure, Gisbourne? There must be no mistake.?
Gisbourne didn?t hesitate. ?I?m sure, my lord. They had not been back to the cottage since I discovered them there. I think they have abandoned it, sir.?
William de Grey shook his head tiredly. Why must he be surrounded by fools? ?Think, Gisbourne. The cottage is still well supplied. They will come back to it, sooner of later.? He tapped a finger against his jaw thoughtfully. The outlaws had been far too quiet lately and that told him they were planning something. Unfortunately, he would have to let their plan unfold before he could counteract it, something he did not look forward to doing. Relena was still with them, under the care of that damn knight. He could do nothing that would harm her. She belonged to him, or would, once the Earl?s son was dead. ?Go back to the cottage,? he said finally, ?Take a few men. If anyone should come back there, capture them and bring them to me.? Gisbourne grinned and William snapped, ?Alive!?
The grin disappeared from his cousin?s face.
?As you wish,? the younger man said stiffly and left the room without another word. William rubbed his temples. The man was getting more and more difficult to deal with. The poor fool was in love with Dorothy, who had been keeping to herself lately, refusing to see just about everyone. He would have to talk to her about that. If a few words from her would get Gisbourne back on track, she would say them, or she would feel the extent of her father?s wrath.
And to add to this problem, he still had the outlaws to deal with. They had a new hiding place, he was sure of it. Wherever they had fled, he would find them, and crush them.
Nottingham was his.
And he had a carriage to catch.
* * * *
Lord Milliardo of Peacecraft glanced out the carriage window, instantly affronted by the sun-streaked leaves that floated by. Why did it have to be a glorious day outside? Winds and clouds would have suited his mood much better and, in turn, given him an excuse to blame his mood on. It would do no good to blame the real reason for his foul temper, he had not seen his sister in weeks and would not for a few more hours. Until then, he had better keep his dark thoughts to himself. He did not want to upset Lu.
He looked over at his wife, who was leaning against the frame of the carriage, her head tilted to the side as she gazed peacefully out the window. Sunlight caught in her dark hair, spitting blue-black sparks as it tried to escape. Her right hand was splayed over her still flat stomach, unconsciously protective of the life she had only learned of a week ago in London. Milliardo, who preferred to be called Zechs, felt his chest tighten at the sight of her, beautiful in her new found serenity. He had been shocked when she had told him of his impending fatherhood, but not negatively so. In fact, once he was able to react, he had been overjoyed. He felt a fierce protectiveness towards her now and he found himself almost growling if another man so much as looked at her for longer than three seconds. It was insane, and he could do nothing to stop it, indeed, he wasn?t sure if he should. He had another life to think about now and it depended on Lu?s total and complete health. If anything happened to her?
?You?re worrying again.?
Zechs blinked out of his thoughts to find his wife watching him, her hand on his arm, eyes soft. She smiled a little. ?You don?t need to worry, darling. I?m perfectly all right.?
?I know,? he said, placing his hand over hers on his arm. ?Still, I can?t help worrying over you. This will be our first child, perhaps a son?? He did not need to continue. Lu knew how much he needed an heir.
?I will take care of myself,? she promised him and he squeezed her hand in a rare show of affection. Her smile grew.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched to an abrupt stop, the driver shouting at his horses. Zechs and Lu were pitched forward by the sudden lack of motion, but Zechs caught his wife?s elbow before she was thrown to the other side of the carriage. Breathing heavily, he cursed under his breath.
?What the hell is happening?? He shouted angrily. His fury filled with fear for his wife. He kept his hand on her arm and used other to tap on the roof. ?What?s going on? Driver??
A chuckle drifted from outside and Zechs turned, off balance, to find the tip of a longsword pointed at his throat. His ice blue eyes calmly followed the blade up to its wielder, the anger in the pit of stomach turning to cold fury as he recognized the man standing right outside. He didn?t know the sword bearer, but he would never mistake the soldier standing next to him.
?Sheriff de Grey??
_________________
Gold Scribbles
http://berrygold.tripod.com
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Goldberry on 2002-07-08 17:12 ]</font>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Goldberry on 2002-07-08 17:17 ]</font>
Berry
* * * *
Dressed in ever-changing shades of green, Sally was part of the forest itself. Birds landed on tree branches right beside her, ignorant of her presence. She was well hidden, but Wufei was all but invisible. He was in the tree across the road from hers, sitting back on his ankles, black eyes watching the path underneath them. He made no movement, sitting as still as she had ever seen him, his mind concentrated on their mission with a single mindedness she envied. Her mind continued to do nothing but wander.
For the past few days, ever since Heero had risen from bed, still healing, and asked to see what they had been working on, she had been unable to focus. She and Wufei had been working closely with the able villagers, teaching them to defend themselves and others. They had become somewhat of a team and she had to admit that Wufei was changing before her eyes. He had been arrogant at first, interested only in revenge. She could understand his feelings, he had lost his wife, but she had no patience with them. Everyone had lost something, he was not the only one who had suffered, and when he had accidentally injured the Lady Darlian, it seemed to start a turning in him. His practices with the outlaws provided an outlet for him, let him vent his anger but also allowed him to teach how to keep the things that had happened to him from happening to someone else. She thought she had gotten to know him pretty well, his moods and tempers, and she had to admit they worked well together. Heero had seen it too and told them to try out the first of many ?skirmishes?, as he called them. It was a honor to be chosen and so they had left at first light, promising to report back immediately with the results.
But, against all her wishes, she could not keep her mind on the objective. Her thoughts kept wandering to the man in a tree not so far away?
A glint of light in the branches hit her eyes and she looked up, the movement smooth so as not to startle the birds into flight. Wufei was flashing a dagger at her, the sunlight off the blade creating a signal. Someone was coming.
She readied herself quickly, a hand on the quarterstaff she had leaned against the trunk, her ears picking up the sound of wheels and hooves coming closer. Soon, she could make out the carriage. It was pulled by two horses and guarded by two riders, each with a lance, but was really caught her attention was the carriage itself. It was not made for carrying passengers, but cargo, and the Sheriff?s crest on the door almost guaranteed that cargo to be gold. She grinned. Being an outlaw really had its advantages.
She dropped from the tree without a sound, landing on her feet directly in front of the two riders. Their horses reared, startled, and she leaned against her staff, nonchalantly, as the two struggled to get their mounts under control.
?Welcome to Sherwood, gentleman,? she said lazily, a smile on her lips. The riders looked at her incredulously, recognizing her voice as that of a woman?s. Her grin widened at their shock. ?It?s a lovely day, don?t you think?? She eyed the cargo carriage. ?Hmmmmm, well, I suppose I shouldn?t bother you with conversation, you seem to be in a bit of a hurry.? She tilted her head, ?I guess you probably just rather pay your tax and be on your way.?
?Tax?? One of the soldiers said, surprised. ?What are you talking about? And just what exactly are you doing here, miss?? His hand gripped his lance and she suddenly shed her relaxed stance. Her staff whirled in her fingers and she aimed at the first soldier?s chest.
?Don?t play ignorant with me, soldier. For passage through Sherwood, there is a tax,? she explained, as if to a small child. ?You wouldn?t want to be beset upon my outlaws, would you? I can?t guarantee your safety if you don?t pay your tax. So why don?t you be good little lackeys and pay up??
The soldier who had spoken before growled, ?Are you out of your head? We?re the Sheriff?s men and we don?t need to pay a tax for a free road. Out of our way, woman!? He kicked his horse forward, ready to trample her, and she moved breezily to the side, her staff taking him from the saddle in an instant. At that same time, Wufei dropped to the road, unhorsing the remaining soldier with a hand to the back of the neck, his sword aimed at the carriage driver?s throat in seconds.
Sally sighed. ?Why is it men always want to do things the hard way?? She hurried around to the carriage door and opened it to peek inside. A low whistle escaped her throat as she stepped back to look up at the driver. ?Well, you?re in luck. This is just enough to see you on your way back to the Sheriff.? She pulled the heavy chest out, discarding her staff so that she could carry it with both hands, it was quite heavy. The driver made a sound of anger and Wufei?s blade lifted his chin.
?Go back and tell your master that the Sherwood bandits hold this forest and, should he wish to pass, he should bring more gold,? Wufei said, standing straight until the driver had turned his horses and started back towards Nottingham. Then he turned to Sally, sheathing his sword and raising an eyebrow at the chest in her arms. ?Quite a load for the Sheriff to be sending off,? he said neutrally. She nodded.
?I think we?d better get this back to Heero.? Wufei nodded and grabbed her staff for her as they stepped back into the forest, disappearing as if they had never been.
* * * *
Hilde ran into camp at a full run, waving absently at a few outlaws that called out to her, though in truth she should have paid more attention to them. Everyone had accepted her secret with ease, welcoming her into their lives again with only good natured laughs about her time spent as a boy. Sally had helped, and so had Relena, both women giving her silent support. She owed them a lot and she knew she could never repay them for their kindness. She was happy now, part of a family again. Even Heero had taken her announcement with only a raised eyebrow, Trowa not even that since he had been there when she had shouted the truth at Duo. Wufei had merely grumbled about one more woman to help cook and Quatre had actually hugged her, telling her he was proud she had told the truth. Everyone understood.
Except for Duo.
He still hadn?t spoken to her since the watchtower incident and it bothered her, more than she was willing to admit. They had been very close before but now it seemed they could no longer even be friends. Relena had tried to reassure her that the monk would come around, but Hilde didn?t think so. He could be stubborn, especially when someone had hurt him.
Sighing to herself, she pushed Duo out of her mind. She had more important news to think about. Such as what she had just heard at Nottingham. She had been out getting supplies, mostly blankets and fabric for clothes that they could not manufactory themselves. Upon arriving back at the forest camp, she had dropped her load outside one of the huts and started directly towards the center of camp. She needed to find Trowa.
Instead, she found Relena, the silent outlaw nowhere to be seen. The lady was dressed becomingly in form fitting breeches given to her by Sally, along with a green tunic that brought out her eyes and did nothing to disguise the fact that she was a girl. Her long hair was braided and she had a bow slung over her shoulder, a quiver strapped to her back. Trowa had been teaching her how to shoot, much to the dismay of Heero. The dark-haired knight and his lady had been fighting for at least two days. Well, maybe fighting was too strong a word. Heero talked and Relena listened before telling him ?no?, kissing him on the cheek, and running off for another session with Trowa. Hilde knew Heero wanted Relena to go back, away from him where she would be safe. She could understand that but she wasn?t exactly sure how safe Relena would be under the watchful eye of the Sheriff. Relena, ever the peacemaker, had finally agreed to return to welcome home her brother and give her version of the events he had probably already heard about, but then she would return. She would stay by Heero?s side until it was finished. Heero had had no choice but to accept these terms, rather ungracefully, but he had accepted. Which explained Relena?s change of dress. A lady?s gown was a terrible choice for running around in a forest.
?Relena!? Hilde called out, jogging to a stop beside the golden-haired lady. Relena straightened and met her gaze, a smile brightening her face.
?Hilde! I?m glad to see you, Heero? ?
Hilde cut her off. ?I have to find Trowa immediately. Do you know where he is?? Relena frowned, worry creasing her brow.
?I?m supposed to practice with him in a few minutes. What?s wrong? What is it??
Hilde took a deep breath. ?In town, I heard, everyone was talking about it.? Relena leaned on her bow.
?What??
?The Lady Catherine of Newark. Two days ago her father promised her hand in marriage to a baron of unsteady character. Rather than go with him, she?s locked herself in a tower, refusing to come out unless her father revokes the marriage contract. For two days, she?s been without food or water, the villagers are wondering how long she can hold out before she agrees to her father?s wishes.? She hesitated, seeing Relena?s pale face. ?This Catherine, she?s Trowa?s sister, isn?t she? He?s spoken of her before, when he thought I was a boy.?
?Yes,? Relena breathed faintly, ?I?ve wanted to speak to him about it but I keep getting sidetracked.? She took a calming breath. ?Hilde, who is this man that Catherine despises so much??
Hilde?s expression grew sour. ?This is why I need to find Trowa. It?s the Baron, Relena. Baron Gent. The one <i>I</i> was suppose to wed.? She shook her head, hands clenched at her sides. ?How long do you think he will let her elude him before he takes matters into his own hands??
* * * *
?The question is, will the Sheriff risk it? If he knows we?re robbing his caravans, won?t he just stop sending them through Sherwood?? Sally asked, closing the lid of the chest they had just opened. The gold glitter had begun to irritate eyes too used to seeing green. ?He?s not a fool.?
?He?ll risk it,? Heero said quietly, standing absolutely still before them, his cobalt eyes focused on the chest, though it was clear his thoughts were elsewhere. ?This is the only trade route to London, it will cost him time and money to use another road. He?ll simply send more guards and better protection. He?ll make it more difficult.? The knight glanced up at them. ?Would you still do it, knowing this??
Wufei nodded. ?The man has no honor, the money is not his. I will not let those chests reach London.? Sally agreed.
?Others are willing, too,? she told them. ?Some of the villagers are quite ready to extract revenge for their burned homes, and returning money to those who need it is the perfect way to let them achieve it without violence.?
Heero nodded, ?I agree. I leave you two in charge of our road ?delays?. Put a few teams together and report back to me if there are any problems.? He turned on his heel and was striding away before Sally could process the undertone in his voice. She called after him.
?What are you planning to do??
He didn?t look back.
?I?m going to take care of William de Grey.?
* * * *
?Are you sure, Gisbourne? There must be no mistake.?
Gisbourne didn?t hesitate. ?I?m sure, my lord. They had not been back to the cottage since I discovered them there. I think they have abandoned it, sir.?
William de Grey shook his head tiredly. Why must he be surrounded by fools? ?Think, Gisbourne. The cottage is still well supplied. They will come back to it, sooner of later.? He tapped a finger against his jaw thoughtfully. The outlaws had been far too quiet lately and that told him they were planning something. Unfortunately, he would have to let their plan unfold before he could counteract it, something he did not look forward to doing. Relena was still with them, under the care of that damn knight. He could do nothing that would harm her. She belonged to him, or would, once the Earl?s son was dead. ?Go back to the cottage,? he said finally, ?Take a few men. If anyone should come back there, capture them and bring them to me.? Gisbourne grinned and William snapped, ?Alive!?
The grin disappeared from his cousin?s face.
?As you wish,? the younger man said stiffly and left the room without another word. William rubbed his temples. The man was getting more and more difficult to deal with. The poor fool was in love with Dorothy, who had been keeping to herself lately, refusing to see just about everyone. He would have to talk to her about that. If a few words from her would get Gisbourne back on track, she would say them, or she would feel the extent of her father?s wrath.
And to add to this problem, he still had the outlaws to deal with. They had a new hiding place, he was sure of it. Wherever they had fled, he would find them, and crush them.
Nottingham was his.
And he had a carriage to catch.
* * * *
Lord Milliardo of Peacecraft glanced out the carriage window, instantly affronted by the sun-streaked leaves that floated by. Why did it have to be a glorious day outside? Winds and clouds would have suited his mood much better and, in turn, given him an excuse to blame his mood on. It would do no good to blame the real reason for his foul temper, he had not seen his sister in weeks and would not for a few more hours. Until then, he had better keep his dark thoughts to himself. He did not want to upset Lu.
He looked over at his wife, who was leaning against the frame of the carriage, her head tilted to the side as she gazed peacefully out the window. Sunlight caught in her dark hair, spitting blue-black sparks as it tried to escape. Her right hand was splayed over her still flat stomach, unconsciously protective of the life she had only learned of a week ago in London. Milliardo, who preferred to be called Zechs, felt his chest tighten at the sight of her, beautiful in her new found serenity. He had been shocked when she had told him of his impending fatherhood, but not negatively so. In fact, once he was able to react, he had been overjoyed. He felt a fierce protectiveness towards her now and he found himself almost growling if another man so much as looked at her for longer than three seconds. It was insane, and he could do nothing to stop it, indeed, he wasn?t sure if he should. He had another life to think about now and it depended on Lu?s total and complete health. If anything happened to her?
?You?re worrying again.?
Zechs blinked out of his thoughts to find his wife watching him, her hand on his arm, eyes soft. She smiled a little. ?You don?t need to worry, darling. I?m perfectly all right.?
?I know,? he said, placing his hand over hers on his arm. ?Still, I can?t help worrying over you. This will be our first child, perhaps a son?? He did not need to continue. Lu knew how much he needed an heir.
?I will take care of myself,? she promised him and he squeezed her hand in a rare show of affection. Her smile grew.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched to an abrupt stop, the driver shouting at his horses. Zechs and Lu were pitched forward by the sudden lack of motion, but Zechs caught his wife?s elbow before she was thrown to the other side of the carriage. Breathing heavily, he cursed under his breath.
?What the hell is happening?? He shouted angrily. His fury filled with fear for his wife. He kept his hand on her arm and used other to tap on the roof. ?What?s going on? Driver??
A chuckle drifted from outside and Zechs turned, off balance, to find the tip of a longsword pointed at his throat. His ice blue eyes calmly followed the blade up to its wielder, the anger in the pit of stomach turning to cold fury as he recognized the man standing right outside. He didn?t know the sword bearer, but he would never mistake the soldier standing next to him.
?Sheriff de Grey??
_________________
Gold Scribbles
http://berrygold.tripod.com
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Goldberry on 2002-07-08 17:12 ]</font>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Goldberry on 2002-07-08 17:17 ]</font>
