The Shrine Maiden 7/?
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:56 am
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. I do not make any money out of this. SO DON'T SUE, Dang it!
Free talk: Long chappie ahead...at least, it's long by my standards...
Italics are flashbacks or thoughts.
Chapter VII: The Binding Ceremony
Relena lay on her bed, eyes trained on the ornate ceiling. It was already deep into the night, but she was still awake. How could she sleep? In a few more hours, the Binding Ceremony would take place, irrevocably sealing her to the Blue Dragon General.
She shifted uneasily against the soft silken sheets. Everything was going according to her plan. She should be glad, really, but a part of her was not. She had always been an…independent woman. To be bound heart, mind, and soul forever to someone who was not one's own personal choice was something she found repugnant, but she must endure it, if her plan was to succeed. She'd have to be careful about her thoughts and feelings, though. Besides, she couldn't give up now. She was committed to the whole thing.
Relena sighed. She wasn't going to sleep anytime soon. Throwing back the sheets, she swung out of the canopied four-poster bed, pulling back the bed curtains. As she was putting on a robe she had tossed on a chair, she paused as she was about to tie the belt and looked around.
She had been given the room of the Blue Dragon Maiden, which was not a surprise; it was to be expected, after all. What bothered her was that many of the personal effects of the former Dragon Maiden was still in the room. She closed her eyes, recalling the first time she saw the room.
Blue was the dominant color of the room–the lacy curtains, the embroidered bed sheets, the stone walls, the plush upholstery, and other minute things were in some shade of blue. Even the cabinets and other wooden furniture had some blue designed in them. Well, Relena thought, that's not a surprise. Smelling of lilacs and lavender, the room was huge and airy. A large window slid open to reveal the water garden outside.
It was truly a lovely room, but as soon as Relena stepped in, she felt a chill dancing up her to the nape of her neck, making the hairs there stand. There was a presence in this room, lingering, reaching out to her. Glancing around, she saw that things were neatly arranged–too neatly. She walked over to the vanity, eyes skimming over the various bottles and accessories she saw. Noting that many of the bottles were only half-full, she asked the maid trailing behind her "Whom do these things belong to?"
The maid, whom had been previously employed here and was sent over by the Emperor to 'insure the Dragon Maiden's comfort', moved closer. Relena suspected the girl was here to make sure she didn't run away. "Oh, those belong to the…late Maiden, Lady Alina. The Dragon General, Lord Heero, he didn't want…The room hasn't been touched since her death. Would you like me to dispose of them?"
Relena's fingers ghosted over the bottles then touched a smooth ivory comb. There were still strands of light brown hair on the comb's teeth. "No. Don't," she finally said after a moment's silence. "I'll take care of them myself."
Opening her eyes, she smiled sadly to herself. She felt like an intruder in this room, but there was little she could do about it. "Forgive me," she whispered in the darkness, "but I must do this."
Stepping out of her room, candle in hand, she walked quietly to the main shrine. The Shrine to the Blue Dragon, she had learned when her maid showed her around, was divided into several areas. There was the main shrine, where the ceremonies were conducted, and where the altar was. It was separated from the living quarters by the extensive water gardens. Connecting the two was a covered wooden pathway. In the living quarters were the rooms of the Maiden and the General. Beside it were the training room and the armory. The stables and the kitchen were in their separate buildings.
It was dark and cold outside. There was no moon, but the stars winked brightly in the inky sky. As she walked on the covered pathway lit up by several bronze lanterns hanging from its roof, she saw someone at the end, just standing there. "My lord?" she called out.
Heero turned to her, half of his face hidden in the shadows. His eyes narrowed at the sight of her. "My lady. What are you doing here?"
"I could not sleep. I thought I'd take a walk at the gardens or to the main shrine." She didn't bother to ask what was he doing here. Relena drew her robe closer to her. "It's cold. Is it always like this?"
Heero nodded. "You'll get used to it…in time." He glanced away from her, and looked at the garden.
Relena watched him for a moment, studying the man she would bind herself to. He was quite handsome, really, and he had nice eyes–just a shade darker than her azure ones. She'd heard stories about him, of his skill in battle and his ruthlessness, of his loyalty to the Emperor and his vows, and most of all, of his love for Alina. He had no family, an orphan. He had been alone…until Alina came.
"Are you ready?" he suddenly asked, startling Relena.
Relena shrugged. "I think so. How much can a person be truly ready for something like this?"
Heero said nothing. Then, taking her arm, he said, "Come. Tomorrow will be…a busy day for both of us. You need to rest. I'll escort you to your room."
Relena didn't protest at this, but she kept her gaze on him, ignoring the hand on her arm. When they reached her room, he released his grip and bowed at her. "Good night." Then he left.
He had just taken a few steps away from her when Relena said, "My lord?"
Heero stopped walking, but did not glance at her. "It appears that certain possessions of the…Lady Alina are still here," Relena began. Heero's shoulders tensed, but he said nothing. "Would you like to keep them?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"No," he said suddenly, shattering the stillness between them. He still didn't look at her. "You may dispose of them as you please." Without another world, he walked away until his retreating form was swallowed up by the darkness.
Relena stood there for a moment. Then her hand fell on her arm that Heero had held in his grip, realizing that it was the first time he had ever touched her.
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As soon as the rosy fingers of dawn touched the earth, the Blue Dragon Shrine sprang to life. Decorations were being put in preparation for the Binding Ceremony that would take place later that morning. Already, the place was crawling with servants and curious onlookers.
The news of the new Blue Dragon Maiden spread like wildfire all over the kingdom in a matter of minutes the moment it had been announced. After all, this was an unusual occurrence. Everyone wanted to know whom the new Dragon Maiden was and what role she was about to play.
"Another whore," an old woman sniffed to her companions as they watched the Blue Dragon Shrine being decorated from the street. "And look how quickly they replaced the last one. What did I tell you? The girl was murdered to make way for this one."
"Whores, all of them," another sneered, drawing the veil covering her face closer.
Another old woman looked at her companions, startled at the bitterness and anger in their voices. She'd never heard them speak this way before. Such hatred for the Maidens. Yet, she could not blame them. The Maidens were everything the women wanted to be, and everything they could never be. "It really doesn't matter who is the Maiden. As long as they protect us from the People Beyond the Wall." Grudging nods from the other women followed her words.
The women had been so engrossed in their talk that they did not notice a woman dressed fully in black standing behind them. The woman's azure eyes blazed with anger at their careless words. Clenching her fists to control her anger, she stalked away from them, heading for the shrine.
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The Emperor Treize and his family, along with the nobles, arrived with pomp and splendor, dazzling the crowd with their jewels, carriages, and gowns. However, when the Elders arrived, all drew back in respect as the twelve old men and women whose control over every aspect of their life was unchallenged and eternal, made their way into the shrine, dressed in their pure white robes, a crown of laurel leaves on their brows.
Meanwhile, in the living quarters behind the main shrine, the Generals and their Maidens waited for the ceremony to begin. Relena was still in her quarters, getting dressed. Heero, on the other hand, stood with the other three Generals, his face an emotionless mask, arms folded across his chest.
None of them spoke to Heero during the long wait. They didn't have to. They already knew how painful this ceremony was for the Blue Dragon General. What the soon-to-be official new Maiden thought of this ceremony no one among them knew.
"Well, she's taking her time getting ready," Dorothy remarked.
"I remember it took you longer to get ready for your Ceremony," Duo reminded her with a grin as he played with his sword. She glared at him. Quatre merely smiled and patted Dorothy's hand comfortingly.
They were all dressed in their ceremonial clothes, the Generals with their ornate armor of their respective animal's likeness and colors and their swords and the Maidens with their embroidered gowns and headdresses of their corresponding colors and animals.
"How long shall we wait for her?" Wufei demanded.
"Not very long, my Lords and Ladies. I am here. I am sorry if I am late," Relena said. Everyone turned to where the voice came.
Duo dropped his sword with a clatter and just stared, like the rest at the Blue Dragon Maiden.
Relena stood at the threshold, dressed in the ornate ceremonial robes of the Blue Dragon Maiden. Her inner robes were made of dark blue silk. Its wide, long flaring sleeves and its hem were edged with silver. A silver corset edged with blue, tied by a thick red cord encircled her waist. Over the inner robes was a transparent white robe, glittering with embroidered dancing silver-blue and gold dragons.
Relena's golden hair fell in loose waves down her back. An ornate crown of silver dragons face to face, encrusted with sapphires and rubies, rested on her head. A shaft on light from the window fell on Relena, making her looking radiant and beautiful at the same time.
Relena smiled slightly at them, looking a little puzzled at their reaction. Heero just continued to stare, a sudden ache blossoming in his chest. It reminded him of the day he and Alina were bound together, just several years ago. He had been sixteen, Alina fifteen. Both of them have been young and eager, but now, one was weary, and the other…dead.
"My lords and ladies." All the Generals and Maidens turned to the owner of the voice, an ornately dressed official who flushed at the sudden scrutiny. "The ceremony is about to begin."
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The moment Relena stood at the threshold that lead to the elaborate altar of the Blue Dragon, she felt her pulse quicken. There were so many people, all of them of great importance to the kingdom. And all of them were looking at her now. She could hear the whispers grow louder as soon as she appeared.
"Is that the new Blue Dragon Maiden? She's most exquisite!"
"–prettier than the last–"
"–a whore is a whore, it makes no difference–"
"Where did she come from? I heard the Emperor himself escorted her–"
Her gaze fell on the altar. The marble brier that had held Alina's dead body was now covered by blue satin embroidered with silver dragons. Behind the marble brier was the huge statue of the Blue Dragon in its second form, turquoise scales gleaming, and red eyes burning as the candles glowed around them. The Blue Dragon stood over a deep pool of water, wings spread out, ready for flight. Candles also surrounded the statue.
Relena pressed her lips into a thin line when she saw the Emperor and the Elders sitting on their chairs. The Emperor Trieze looked directly at her, a smirk on his face. She tore her gaze from him and surveyed the crowd. A flash of black among the bright colors caught her eye. Relena felt her heart stop when she realized whom the person was. She glanced away, only to find Heero staring at her.
He held out his hand to her and she took it. His callused hand held her hand gently, very different from last night's firm grip.
"Nervous?" Duo asked her with a chuckle. "Don't be. When it was our Binding Ceremony, I was two hours late. I had…overslept. Hilde here dumped cold water on me, hauled me off my bed, forced me to dress, and then dragged me all the way to the altar." He grinned at Hilde despite the latter's glare. "I'm sure she enjoyed it all, especially the 'forcing me to dress' part."
Relena smiled slightly as Hilde stepped on Duo's foot, making the Red Phoenix General wince. Quatre also smiled at her. "Be at ease, Lady Relena. They are not as formidable as they seem." His blue-green gaze fell on the Elders and Emperor Treize. The emperor and the Elders sat on the right side of the altar
Relena was about to say something when the fanfare began. Schooling her features to look calm and composed, she lifted her chin, drawing in a deep breath. She felt Heero's grip tighten when the fanfare ended, a sign that meant that they were about to start the walk towards the altar.
Relena squeezed back. She felt Heero tense, then relax. It was time. Hands entwined, Heero and Relena began to walk towards the altar.
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The Green Tortoise General Quatre glanced around the main shrine as they walked. Quite a lot of people turned out for the ceremony, far more than he had anticipated. The main shrine was almost filled to the point of bursting.
"Of course they turned up," Dorothy said, a hint of irritation in her voice. Really, Quatre could be na?ve at times. "Who'd want to miss this event? The pregnant Blue Dragon maiden dies by apparent suicide while the Blue Dragon General is away. Then, scarcely a month has passed, the Maiden is replaced by another woman who seemed to come out of nowhere." She eyed the people in the main shrine with barely concealed contempt.
Quatre patted Dorothy's hand. As he continued to look around, he saw someone clad in a black dress. He nearly fell down, but he never took his eyes from the woman whose fury at the ceremony was obvious by the contempt in her azure eyes. "Dorothy," he whispered in a strangled voice.
Dorothy was also looking. "By the gods, I can't believe it! She came!" She turned to Hilde, who had a look of horror on her face. "Who invited her? This could be trouble."
Hilde shook her head. She turned towards the black-clad woman. The woman stood in a secluded part of the main shrine, standing beside one of the massive pillars. The Lady Helena. Alina's mother. They hadn't invited her because they had thought she would be insulted if they did.
Hilde felt herself grow cold when Lady Helena's hard gaze fell on Relena. Lady Helena's eyes widened as a look of incredulity swept over her face, which was replaced with something Hilde did not expect: fear. She watched in puzzlement as Lady Helena covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking. She's crying, Hilde realized. But why?
Wrenching her gaze from Alina's mother, she saw Meiran looking at Lady Helena with a curious expression. When Hilde's and Meiran's gazes met, Meiran turned away. She wanted to ask Meiran, but they had arrived at the altar. Hilde sighed. She'd have to ask Meiran later.
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Relena shivered when they finally reached the altar. This was it. There was no turning back now. The other Maidens stood a few feet behind her, while the Generals stood behind Heero as Relena and Heero faced each other in front of the brier. The High Priest, dressed in his ornate dark blue embroidered robes, stood behind the brier. Silence reigned in the room as the High Priest extended his arms in a gesture of welcome.
"We have come here to witness the binding of the Blue Dragon General and his Maiden. No longer will they be regarded as two and separate, but one and joined–one body, one mind, one heart, one soul."
The High Priest then held out a silver chalice where a long piece of thread lay and laid it on the brier. He turned to Heero, a gleaming dagger with dragons in its hilt in his hands. Heero took it with his right hand.
His left wrist hovering over the chalice, he slid the dagger across his wrist. Blood dripped into the chalice. He then gave the dagger to Relena, his dark blue eyes expressionless.
Relena stared at the dagger for a moment, then she repeated what Heero did, not changing expression as the dagger sliced into her right wrist. Her blood fell into the chalice, mixing with Heero's and soaking the thread red.
The High Priest took the chalice and held it aloft. He faced the statue of the Blue Dragon. "With this one blood, I beseech thee for thy blessing for thy servants. Grant them with thy power, wisdom, and strength." He turned back to Heero and held out the chalice.
Heero took out the thread, now red with their joined blood. His deep blue eyes never left her face as he took her left hand and slowly tied the dripping thread around her left wrist. He spoke in a clear, firm voice. "By the grace of the Blue Dragon, with this thread, I, Heero, bind myself to thee. I will be thy sword and thy shield in the darkness, thy knight protector until death do us part. No harm will fall upon thee, be it from thy enemies or from me. I will serve thee with all my heart and soul. I will join thee to protect this kingdom against those who seek to harm it. I will join thee to protect and help the weak and to guide the strong."
When Heero was finished, Relena took a deep breath. Dimly, she could hear sobs from somewhere in the main shrine, but she ignored it. Her azure eyes regarded Heero calmly. As she tied the thread around his right wrist, she said distinctly, "By the grace of the Blue Dragon, with this thread, I, Relena, bind myself to thee. I will be thy lantern and thy shelter in the darkness, thy guide and thy light until death do us part. No harm will fall upon thee, be it from thy enemies or from me. I will serve thee with all my heart and soul. I will join thee to protect this kingdom against those who seek to harm it. I will join thee to protect and help the weak and to guide the strong."
The wind around them grew hotter, enclosing them in its warmth. Relena felt a strange power coursing through her body as she and Heero recited in unison the final words that would forever bind them together.
"By the Blue Dragon's grace, we are one. We share one destiny, one body, one mind, one heart, and one soul. So be it."
Behind them, the statue of the Blue Dragon glowed with a deep blue aura, red eyes glowing. The water on the pool bubbled up. A blue nimbus also surrounded Relena and Heero, eliciting gasps from the people in the main shrine. Even the Elders and other the Maidens and Generals looked startled. The High Priest stepped back from the Dragon General and his new Maiden, staying a foot away from them even though the glow had subsided.
What happened? Relena thought. She felt dizzy as the power coursed through her. She swayed a little and would have fallen had Heero not caught her by the waist. Looking at Heero, she saw that he was gazing at her with wonder and confusion in his dark blue eyes. Looking at their hands, she saw that the red thread was no longer there, and that the cuts on their wounds had healed without a trace of a scar.
"Are you all right?" Heero asked, still holding her.
Relena nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She still felt warm and confused. She had been told what to expect after the binding ceremony, but she never thought she's end up like this.
"What happened?" Relena heard Duo ask. "What was that? And where did the thread go?"
"It doesn’t matter," Heero replied curtly. Relena could feel the waves of confusion and anger radiating from him, burning through her skin. So this is what the Bond feels like, she thought. You feel every emotions of your Bonded feel intensely. It would take a while for her to get used to this.
Heero must have realized how he was affecting her because the burning sensation subsided. "Can you stand on your own?"
"Yes," Relena replied in a quiet voice. Forcing down the Bond into minimal levels, she stood up carefully, taking in a deep breath. Together, she and Heero faced the awestruck crowd in the main shrine. In the corner of one eye, she saw Lady Helena leave the shrine. Forgive me, Mother. It is done. I cannot undo it anymore.
"My lords and ladies," the High Priest began. He gestured at Relena and Heero. "The Blue Dragon General and his Maiden."
T.B.C.
Free talk, part 2: Wahahhaha! Did you like my surprise? It was all there, in their names and appearance! Alina and Relena, siblings. If you look back, you'll see the clues were all there. XD Now let me hear you scream! XD
Now this was LOOONG chapter! Five MS Word pages! XD
The Binding Ceremony: Ooohhh…I wanted to write something kinkier, but that would ruin the plot. XD
Relena's maid: She's not actually a maid. She a minor lady. Sort of a lady-in-waiting, but not quite. There are servants in the shrines, but most of them work only from morning to early evening. They don't sleep there. They go back to their respective homes.
The red thread of fate: I forgot where I got it, but I think it's a Japanese or oriental thing. XD
The women in this kingdom: If you've noticed, lots of women are hostile against the Maidens. Why? You'll find out soon enough next chapter.
The People Beyond the Wall: Well, finally, I put them in. They're such a big factor in this fic. Who are they? You'll find out next chapter. XD
Relena and the wizard: Oh. I feel I have to explain why Relena was so…cold-hearted about the whole thing. Quite a bit out of character, some would say, but I feel it's not. If you remember that earlier in the series, she just about ordered Heero to kill Zechs, and she shot Lady Une (though she missed). Relena could be quite rash at times, because she has a tendency to follow her heart or emotions. In a way, she's just like that with the wizard. Hey, the wizard just coldly obliterated a WHOLE VILLAGE. Do you think Relena would be nice to him? That would be quite unrealistic.
Next chapter: A bit of conversation between Relena and her mother about Alina and such. And what is the REAL purpose of the Maidens? Millardo, Trowa, Catherine, and Noin make their respective appearances finally!. And a bit more about the other Generals and their Maidens.
Free talk: Long chappie ahead...at least, it's long by my standards...
Italics are flashbacks or thoughts.
Chapter VII: The Binding Ceremony
Relena lay on her bed, eyes trained on the ornate ceiling. It was already deep into the night, but she was still awake. How could she sleep? In a few more hours, the Binding Ceremony would take place, irrevocably sealing her to the Blue Dragon General.
She shifted uneasily against the soft silken sheets. Everything was going according to her plan. She should be glad, really, but a part of her was not. She had always been an…independent woman. To be bound heart, mind, and soul forever to someone who was not one's own personal choice was something she found repugnant, but she must endure it, if her plan was to succeed. She'd have to be careful about her thoughts and feelings, though. Besides, she couldn't give up now. She was committed to the whole thing.
Relena sighed. She wasn't going to sleep anytime soon. Throwing back the sheets, she swung out of the canopied four-poster bed, pulling back the bed curtains. As she was putting on a robe she had tossed on a chair, she paused as she was about to tie the belt and looked around.
She had been given the room of the Blue Dragon Maiden, which was not a surprise; it was to be expected, after all. What bothered her was that many of the personal effects of the former Dragon Maiden was still in the room. She closed her eyes, recalling the first time she saw the room.
Blue was the dominant color of the room–the lacy curtains, the embroidered bed sheets, the stone walls, the plush upholstery, and other minute things were in some shade of blue. Even the cabinets and other wooden furniture had some blue designed in them. Well, Relena thought, that's not a surprise. Smelling of lilacs and lavender, the room was huge and airy. A large window slid open to reveal the water garden outside.
It was truly a lovely room, but as soon as Relena stepped in, she felt a chill dancing up her to the nape of her neck, making the hairs there stand. There was a presence in this room, lingering, reaching out to her. Glancing around, she saw that things were neatly arranged–too neatly. She walked over to the vanity, eyes skimming over the various bottles and accessories she saw. Noting that many of the bottles were only half-full, she asked the maid trailing behind her "Whom do these things belong to?"
The maid, whom had been previously employed here and was sent over by the Emperor to 'insure the Dragon Maiden's comfort', moved closer. Relena suspected the girl was here to make sure she didn't run away. "Oh, those belong to the…late Maiden, Lady Alina. The Dragon General, Lord Heero, he didn't want…The room hasn't been touched since her death. Would you like me to dispose of them?"
Relena's fingers ghosted over the bottles then touched a smooth ivory comb. There were still strands of light brown hair on the comb's teeth. "No. Don't," she finally said after a moment's silence. "I'll take care of them myself."
Opening her eyes, she smiled sadly to herself. She felt like an intruder in this room, but there was little she could do about it. "Forgive me," she whispered in the darkness, "but I must do this."
Stepping out of her room, candle in hand, she walked quietly to the main shrine. The Shrine to the Blue Dragon, she had learned when her maid showed her around, was divided into several areas. There was the main shrine, where the ceremonies were conducted, and where the altar was. It was separated from the living quarters by the extensive water gardens. Connecting the two was a covered wooden pathway. In the living quarters were the rooms of the Maiden and the General. Beside it were the training room and the armory. The stables and the kitchen were in their separate buildings.
It was dark and cold outside. There was no moon, but the stars winked brightly in the inky sky. As she walked on the covered pathway lit up by several bronze lanterns hanging from its roof, she saw someone at the end, just standing there. "My lord?" she called out.
Heero turned to her, half of his face hidden in the shadows. His eyes narrowed at the sight of her. "My lady. What are you doing here?"
"I could not sleep. I thought I'd take a walk at the gardens or to the main shrine." She didn't bother to ask what was he doing here. Relena drew her robe closer to her. "It's cold. Is it always like this?"
Heero nodded. "You'll get used to it…in time." He glanced away from her, and looked at the garden.
Relena watched him for a moment, studying the man she would bind herself to. He was quite handsome, really, and he had nice eyes–just a shade darker than her azure ones. She'd heard stories about him, of his skill in battle and his ruthlessness, of his loyalty to the Emperor and his vows, and most of all, of his love for Alina. He had no family, an orphan. He had been alone…until Alina came.
"Are you ready?" he suddenly asked, startling Relena.
Relena shrugged. "I think so. How much can a person be truly ready for something like this?"
Heero said nothing. Then, taking her arm, he said, "Come. Tomorrow will be…a busy day for both of us. You need to rest. I'll escort you to your room."
Relena didn't protest at this, but she kept her gaze on him, ignoring the hand on her arm. When they reached her room, he released his grip and bowed at her. "Good night." Then he left.
He had just taken a few steps away from her when Relena said, "My lord?"
Heero stopped walking, but did not glance at her. "It appears that certain possessions of the…Lady Alina are still here," Relena began. Heero's shoulders tensed, but he said nothing. "Would you like to keep them?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"No," he said suddenly, shattering the stillness between them. He still didn't look at her. "You may dispose of them as you please." Without another world, he walked away until his retreating form was swallowed up by the darkness.
Relena stood there for a moment. Then her hand fell on her arm that Heero had held in his grip, realizing that it was the first time he had ever touched her.
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As soon as the rosy fingers of dawn touched the earth, the Blue Dragon Shrine sprang to life. Decorations were being put in preparation for the Binding Ceremony that would take place later that morning. Already, the place was crawling with servants and curious onlookers.
The news of the new Blue Dragon Maiden spread like wildfire all over the kingdom in a matter of minutes the moment it had been announced. After all, this was an unusual occurrence. Everyone wanted to know whom the new Dragon Maiden was and what role she was about to play.
"Another whore," an old woman sniffed to her companions as they watched the Blue Dragon Shrine being decorated from the street. "And look how quickly they replaced the last one. What did I tell you? The girl was murdered to make way for this one."
"Whores, all of them," another sneered, drawing the veil covering her face closer.
Another old woman looked at her companions, startled at the bitterness and anger in their voices. She'd never heard them speak this way before. Such hatred for the Maidens. Yet, she could not blame them. The Maidens were everything the women wanted to be, and everything they could never be. "It really doesn't matter who is the Maiden. As long as they protect us from the People Beyond the Wall." Grudging nods from the other women followed her words.
The women had been so engrossed in their talk that they did not notice a woman dressed fully in black standing behind them. The woman's azure eyes blazed with anger at their careless words. Clenching her fists to control her anger, she stalked away from them, heading for the shrine.
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The Emperor Treize and his family, along with the nobles, arrived with pomp and splendor, dazzling the crowd with their jewels, carriages, and gowns. However, when the Elders arrived, all drew back in respect as the twelve old men and women whose control over every aspect of their life was unchallenged and eternal, made their way into the shrine, dressed in their pure white robes, a crown of laurel leaves on their brows.
Meanwhile, in the living quarters behind the main shrine, the Generals and their Maidens waited for the ceremony to begin. Relena was still in her quarters, getting dressed. Heero, on the other hand, stood with the other three Generals, his face an emotionless mask, arms folded across his chest.
None of them spoke to Heero during the long wait. They didn't have to. They already knew how painful this ceremony was for the Blue Dragon General. What the soon-to-be official new Maiden thought of this ceremony no one among them knew.
"Well, she's taking her time getting ready," Dorothy remarked.
"I remember it took you longer to get ready for your Ceremony," Duo reminded her with a grin as he played with his sword. She glared at him. Quatre merely smiled and patted Dorothy's hand comfortingly.
They were all dressed in their ceremonial clothes, the Generals with their ornate armor of their respective animal's likeness and colors and their swords and the Maidens with their embroidered gowns and headdresses of their corresponding colors and animals.
"How long shall we wait for her?" Wufei demanded.
"Not very long, my Lords and Ladies. I am here. I am sorry if I am late," Relena said. Everyone turned to where the voice came.
Duo dropped his sword with a clatter and just stared, like the rest at the Blue Dragon Maiden.
Relena stood at the threshold, dressed in the ornate ceremonial robes of the Blue Dragon Maiden. Her inner robes were made of dark blue silk. Its wide, long flaring sleeves and its hem were edged with silver. A silver corset edged with blue, tied by a thick red cord encircled her waist. Over the inner robes was a transparent white robe, glittering with embroidered dancing silver-blue and gold dragons.
Relena's golden hair fell in loose waves down her back. An ornate crown of silver dragons face to face, encrusted with sapphires and rubies, rested on her head. A shaft on light from the window fell on Relena, making her looking radiant and beautiful at the same time.
Relena smiled slightly at them, looking a little puzzled at their reaction. Heero just continued to stare, a sudden ache blossoming in his chest. It reminded him of the day he and Alina were bound together, just several years ago. He had been sixteen, Alina fifteen. Both of them have been young and eager, but now, one was weary, and the other…dead.
"My lords and ladies." All the Generals and Maidens turned to the owner of the voice, an ornately dressed official who flushed at the sudden scrutiny. "The ceremony is about to begin."
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The moment Relena stood at the threshold that lead to the elaborate altar of the Blue Dragon, she felt her pulse quicken. There were so many people, all of them of great importance to the kingdom. And all of them were looking at her now. She could hear the whispers grow louder as soon as she appeared.
"Is that the new Blue Dragon Maiden? She's most exquisite!"
"–prettier than the last–"
"–a whore is a whore, it makes no difference–"
"Where did she come from? I heard the Emperor himself escorted her–"
Her gaze fell on the altar. The marble brier that had held Alina's dead body was now covered by blue satin embroidered with silver dragons. Behind the marble brier was the huge statue of the Blue Dragon in its second form, turquoise scales gleaming, and red eyes burning as the candles glowed around them. The Blue Dragon stood over a deep pool of water, wings spread out, ready for flight. Candles also surrounded the statue.
Relena pressed her lips into a thin line when she saw the Emperor and the Elders sitting on their chairs. The Emperor Trieze looked directly at her, a smirk on his face. She tore her gaze from him and surveyed the crowd. A flash of black among the bright colors caught her eye. Relena felt her heart stop when she realized whom the person was. She glanced away, only to find Heero staring at her.
He held out his hand to her and she took it. His callused hand held her hand gently, very different from last night's firm grip.
"Nervous?" Duo asked her with a chuckle. "Don't be. When it was our Binding Ceremony, I was two hours late. I had…overslept. Hilde here dumped cold water on me, hauled me off my bed, forced me to dress, and then dragged me all the way to the altar." He grinned at Hilde despite the latter's glare. "I'm sure she enjoyed it all, especially the 'forcing me to dress' part."
Relena smiled slightly as Hilde stepped on Duo's foot, making the Red Phoenix General wince. Quatre also smiled at her. "Be at ease, Lady Relena. They are not as formidable as they seem." His blue-green gaze fell on the Elders and Emperor Treize. The emperor and the Elders sat on the right side of the altar
Relena was about to say something when the fanfare began. Schooling her features to look calm and composed, she lifted her chin, drawing in a deep breath. She felt Heero's grip tighten when the fanfare ended, a sign that meant that they were about to start the walk towards the altar.
Relena squeezed back. She felt Heero tense, then relax. It was time. Hands entwined, Heero and Relena began to walk towards the altar.
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The Green Tortoise General Quatre glanced around the main shrine as they walked. Quite a lot of people turned out for the ceremony, far more than he had anticipated. The main shrine was almost filled to the point of bursting.
"Of course they turned up," Dorothy said, a hint of irritation in her voice. Really, Quatre could be na?ve at times. "Who'd want to miss this event? The pregnant Blue Dragon maiden dies by apparent suicide while the Blue Dragon General is away. Then, scarcely a month has passed, the Maiden is replaced by another woman who seemed to come out of nowhere." She eyed the people in the main shrine with barely concealed contempt.
Quatre patted Dorothy's hand. As he continued to look around, he saw someone clad in a black dress. He nearly fell down, but he never took his eyes from the woman whose fury at the ceremony was obvious by the contempt in her azure eyes. "Dorothy," he whispered in a strangled voice.
Dorothy was also looking. "By the gods, I can't believe it! She came!" She turned to Hilde, who had a look of horror on her face. "Who invited her? This could be trouble."
Hilde shook her head. She turned towards the black-clad woman. The woman stood in a secluded part of the main shrine, standing beside one of the massive pillars. The Lady Helena. Alina's mother. They hadn't invited her because they had thought she would be insulted if they did.
Hilde felt herself grow cold when Lady Helena's hard gaze fell on Relena. Lady Helena's eyes widened as a look of incredulity swept over her face, which was replaced with something Hilde did not expect: fear. She watched in puzzlement as Lady Helena covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking. She's crying, Hilde realized. But why?
Wrenching her gaze from Alina's mother, she saw Meiran looking at Lady Helena with a curious expression. When Hilde's and Meiran's gazes met, Meiran turned away. She wanted to ask Meiran, but they had arrived at the altar. Hilde sighed. She'd have to ask Meiran later.
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Relena shivered when they finally reached the altar. This was it. There was no turning back now. The other Maidens stood a few feet behind her, while the Generals stood behind Heero as Relena and Heero faced each other in front of the brier. The High Priest, dressed in his ornate dark blue embroidered robes, stood behind the brier. Silence reigned in the room as the High Priest extended his arms in a gesture of welcome.
"We have come here to witness the binding of the Blue Dragon General and his Maiden. No longer will they be regarded as two and separate, but one and joined–one body, one mind, one heart, one soul."
The High Priest then held out a silver chalice where a long piece of thread lay and laid it on the brier. He turned to Heero, a gleaming dagger with dragons in its hilt in his hands. Heero took it with his right hand.
His left wrist hovering over the chalice, he slid the dagger across his wrist. Blood dripped into the chalice. He then gave the dagger to Relena, his dark blue eyes expressionless.
Relena stared at the dagger for a moment, then she repeated what Heero did, not changing expression as the dagger sliced into her right wrist. Her blood fell into the chalice, mixing with Heero's and soaking the thread red.
The High Priest took the chalice and held it aloft. He faced the statue of the Blue Dragon. "With this one blood, I beseech thee for thy blessing for thy servants. Grant them with thy power, wisdom, and strength." He turned back to Heero and held out the chalice.
Heero took out the thread, now red with their joined blood. His deep blue eyes never left her face as he took her left hand and slowly tied the dripping thread around her left wrist. He spoke in a clear, firm voice. "By the grace of the Blue Dragon, with this thread, I, Heero, bind myself to thee. I will be thy sword and thy shield in the darkness, thy knight protector until death do us part. No harm will fall upon thee, be it from thy enemies or from me. I will serve thee with all my heart and soul. I will join thee to protect this kingdom against those who seek to harm it. I will join thee to protect and help the weak and to guide the strong."
When Heero was finished, Relena took a deep breath. Dimly, she could hear sobs from somewhere in the main shrine, but she ignored it. Her azure eyes regarded Heero calmly. As she tied the thread around his right wrist, she said distinctly, "By the grace of the Blue Dragon, with this thread, I, Relena, bind myself to thee. I will be thy lantern and thy shelter in the darkness, thy guide and thy light until death do us part. No harm will fall upon thee, be it from thy enemies or from me. I will serve thee with all my heart and soul. I will join thee to protect this kingdom against those who seek to harm it. I will join thee to protect and help the weak and to guide the strong."
The wind around them grew hotter, enclosing them in its warmth. Relena felt a strange power coursing through her body as she and Heero recited in unison the final words that would forever bind them together.
"By the Blue Dragon's grace, we are one. We share one destiny, one body, one mind, one heart, and one soul. So be it."
Behind them, the statue of the Blue Dragon glowed with a deep blue aura, red eyes glowing. The water on the pool bubbled up. A blue nimbus also surrounded Relena and Heero, eliciting gasps from the people in the main shrine. Even the Elders and other the Maidens and Generals looked startled. The High Priest stepped back from the Dragon General and his new Maiden, staying a foot away from them even though the glow had subsided.
What happened? Relena thought. She felt dizzy as the power coursed through her. She swayed a little and would have fallen had Heero not caught her by the waist. Looking at Heero, she saw that he was gazing at her with wonder and confusion in his dark blue eyes. Looking at their hands, she saw that the red thread was no longer there, and that the cuts on their wounds had healed without a trace of a scar.
"Are you all right?" Heero asked, still holding her.
Relena nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She still felt warm and confused. She had been told what to expect after the binding ceremony, but she never thought she's end up like this.
"What happened?" Relena heard Duo ask. "What was that? And where did the thread go?"
"It doesn’t matter," Heero replied curtly. Relena could feel the waves of confusion and anger radiating from him, burning through her skin. So this is what the Bond feels like, she thought. You feel every emotions of your Bonded feel intensely. It would take a while for her to get used to this.
Heero must have realized how he was affecting her because the burning sensation subsided. "Can you stand on your own?"
"Yes," Relena replied in a quiet voice. Forcing down the Bond into minimal levels, she stood up carefully, taking in a deep breath. Together, she and Heero faced the awestruck crowd in the main shrine. In the corner of one eye, she saw Lady Helena leave the shrine. Forgive me, Mother. It is done. I cannot undo it anymore.
"My lords and ladies," the High Priest began. He gestured at Relena and Heero. "The Blue Dragon General and his Maiden."
T.B.C.
Free talk, part 2: Wahahhaha! Did you like my surprise? It was all there, in their names and appearance! Alina and Relena, siblings. If you look back, you'll see the clues were all there. XD Now let me hear you scream! XD
Now this was LOOONG chapter! Five MS Word pages! XD
The Binding Ceremony: Ooohhh…I wanted to write something kinkier, but that would ruin the plot. XD
Relena's maid: She's not actually a maid. She a minor lady. Sort of a lady-in-waiting, but not quite. There are servants in the shrines, but most of them work only from morning to early evening. They don't sleep there. They go back to their respective homes.
The red thread of fate: I forgot where I got it, but I think it's a Japanese or oriental thing. XD
The women in this kingdom: If you've noticed, lots of women are hostile against the Maidens. Why? You'll find out soon enough next chapter.
The People Beyond the Wall: Well, finally, I put them in. They're such a big factor in this fic. Who are they? You'll find out next chapter. XD
Relena and the wizard: Oh. I feel I have to explain why Relena was so…cold-hearted about the whole thing. Quite a bit out of character, some would say, but I feel it's not. If you remember that earlier in the series, she just about ordered Heero to kill Zechs, and she shot Lady Une (though she missed). Relena could be quite rash at times, because she has a tendency to follow her heart or emotions. In a way, she's just like that with the wizard. Hey, the wizard just coldly obliterated a WHOLE VILLAGE. Do you think Relena would be nice to him? That would be quite unrealistic.
Next chapter: A bit of conversation between Relena and her mother about Alina and such. And what is the REAL purpose of the Maidens? Millardo, Trowa, Catherine, and Noin make their respective appearances finally!. And a bit more about the other Generals and their Maidens.
