by Lady Bast
The sun was deliciously warm.
Although he was not formally expected on the training ground, Trowa had tried to make a point of heading there shortly after his swim. Having exchanged the exercise for his morning shower, Trowa was able to enjoy the simulated solitude of the garden while refreshing himself for mock battle with some of the palace guardsmen. He had done so for two days. He should have been practising now. Instead, he lingered...
"Oy! Bakara! Look! Look at the froggy!"
Watching Duo in a loincloth, chasing frogs, was simply too rare an opportunity to pass up.
"Roll over, Master. I must oil your front."
"Can I sit? I don't want to miss this..."
At Tetiun's nod, Trowa rolled over and up into a sitting position, keeping his arms apart from his chest so that his body servant could rub soothing oil into his skin to prevent it from drying in the hot sun. He was already becoming brown from exposure, but he was far from a native bronze, unlike Duo who poked at his catch to make it jump, startling the infant who jumped and giggled. Bakara's mother, the Lady Relena herself, looked on with a faint smile of approval while Miusheri, her body servant, fanned her lightly. The child's guardian held Bakara firmly as she tried to lunge after Duo's offerings, shrieking laughter. Though Hilde pretended to scold the priest for exciting her charge, her words had no bite. Her most terrible threats were mild curses uttered only when Duo whooped and leapt into the water after a frog making its inevitable bid for freedom, splashing those too close to shore.
"They are like a young husband and wife," said Trowa quietly as Tetiun capped his jars and picked up a fan. "That won't be necessary, thank you. The morning is still cool enough."
"Duo likes children...and he wants to be friendly with the women because they're far from home and have no companionship in the palace," replied the servant.
A moment of thought told Trowa that this was true. The only women he had seen in the palace were the female servants and the Lady Relena herself. This is why he had been so startled to see them enter the garden in the midst of his swim. It had not occurred to him that if the male nobility could use the garden, then so could the females. The revelation had come as a surprise to Relena as well, who blushed profusely...as had he...embarrassed both by the sudden encounter and the fact that Duo had been there to witness it. As the priest acting as their escort did not seem inclined to do much about the situation, Hilde had come to the rescue, stripping out of her sheath as she must have done numerous times, picking up the already naked Bakara, and wading unselfconsiously into the water up to her waist where she could dip and splash the infant safely. Foreigners, was her message. You have such a misplaced sense of propriety.
His amusement ruined, Duo gallantly turned Relena aside, giving Trowa the opportunity to scramble to safety - never minding what Hilde might be looking at - where Tetiun wrapped him in a fresh linen, wisely saying nothing though he too seemed amused. As did Miusheri for that matter. For a moment, Trowa had felt uncomfortably out of place.
But what about Relena?
Tetiun had spoken the truth. There were no women and children in the palace. What must it be like to be alone and in such an awkward position? Even now Trowa could see that Lady Relena's enjoyment of the morning was tainted by the stiffness of discomfort. He knew that there were places across the Great Green where a woman's modesty was kept walled up on her estate for the enjoyment of her husband alone. How much more of a shock must it be to wander another's home with no authority, no company save your own servants, and be suddenly assaulted by the possibility of encountering the opposite sex swimming in the nude. How much more of a shock it must be to realize that it could have been yourself in the pool. It did not matter that Heero - of the same customs as Hilde and Duo - would not hold such a thing against her. All that mattered was that her own mind would.
Trowa couldn't help but wonder if Relena had ever intended to swim. Probably not with Duo in attendance though he might only have stayed as a familiar bridge between the two parties. Had the women been left alone, she might have had the courage to enter the water. Suddenly, Trowa felt guilty for lingering. Motioning for Tetiun to pack up his kit, he rose and approached the women, addressing Relena with a bow.
"My Lady, forgive me for this morning's embarrassment. I'm sorry your stay in the garden this morning could not be more pleasurable. Thank you for allowing me the time spent watching your family, it reminds me fondly of my own, but I must excuse myself now. I am expected on the training field."
Though her reply was somewhat stiff in its formality, Relena displayed all the courtesy befitting her station. "No apologies are necessary, prince," she said, offering a smile that was meant to be warm, but seemed rather shy. "In fact, it is I who should apologize for not being more friendly. I am afraid it must seem as though I am ignoring you. I hope it is not a slight to your company. I would have enjoyed speaking with you further to our meeting at the banquet."
"And I with you, my Lady," replied Trowa. "I think we have more in common with each other than with anyone in Nekheb. Even so, it's time that I..."
"If we're suddenly so eager to talk, why end the conversation now?"
Trowa glared at Duo. He was trying to elegantly remove himself from a possibly awkward situation. The interruption was not appreciated. But there was a look in the priest's eye that caused Trowa to bite his tongue against any rebuke he might have made. Duo looked as though he had been waiting years for the opportunity to speak. Curious, Trowa played along. "I've made a promise to myself to practise my sword work daily from now on," he said mildly. "If I wait, it will be too hot for fighting. What, then, were you suggesting?"
"Merely that we should all go to the training ground with you! I know that I have been neglecting my axe and perhaps the Lady Relena and her servants would like to practise a little archery."
This practise was also new to Trowa, but he held his tongue when he saw Hilde's eyes light up. Relena, however, had not noticed.
"Oh...oh no, Duo!" she demurred. "We couldn't possibly! We would only be in the way! What would people say to see a high-bred woman wielding a bow?
"Well, Heero would be glad to see it," replied Duo with certainty. "Many high-born women, concubines, and personal servants practise with the bow to keep their upper bodies toned and to sharpen the eye. That is why so many people say that our elder women have such a dignified appearance. Repeated use of the bow in their youth keeps their breasts high and firm."
"DUO!" exclaimed Hilde in affront before Trowa could think to do the same. Relena raised a hand to stifle her servant's outburst, her careful composure unable to hide her blush.
"What? You know I don't lie," said the priest innocently. "It's true that there is often a place set aside for women's activities - often in the harem - where the other women of the household are welcome to exercise as the time permits, but this does not apply here. No one would chase you off the training grounds in any case. Many women of authority have spent time there, supervising the training of their guards. Just stay away from the sparring unless you already know how to use a sword."
Trowa remained silent while Relena contemplated the situation. Hilde looked eager to go and Miusheri, though her expression was largely unreadable, did not seem adverse to the notion, but the choice belonged to their mistress. Trowa could see that she was plainly frightened. Like shared swimming ponds, the idea was dangerously new to her. Finally, she turned to Hilde.
"Is it true that women often use the bow?" she asked simply.
"Yes, Lady. My own brother taught it to me and I practised hard until I went to work for Lord Heero. I have had little chance to take it up again."
"I have never used one, but I would like to learn," said Miusheri promptly when Relena turned toward her.
Duo was addressed next. "And is it safe for Bakara to be there?"
"Lady, I have seen your husband with his daughter. He wouldn't allow a pebble to harm her, much less a weapon. And he will be too busy presenting her to the guards and bragging about his achievement as though he had contributed something significant to her birth," replied Duo slyly. "I doubt very much that she will come within sight of danger. I am only surprised that Heero hasn't tried to bring you there before."
"He has asked me," replied Relena with a trace of guilt. "But I haven't gone. I...never mind why. I simply haven't gone."
Now was the time to speak. "It is a new custom to me too, Lady Relena. Perhaps we should face it together?"
Trowa held out his hand tentatively and waited while Relena pondered. Then, with a look of determination, she placed her own in his palm and lifted her chin with pride. "Very well, prince Trowa," she said coolly. "Let us see what the training field has to offer."
Relena needn't have worried. Surprise, not anger, had been the order of the day. And a pleasant surprise at that. It had taken some time for Heero to realize who had come to the training field, but once he had, a look of inordinate pleasure had crossed his face. A more touching and human emotion than Trowa might have otherwise expected from him. But then Trowa knew him only as a guard and a guide while Relena knew him as a husband.
One thing Heero's delay in realizing their presence provided was the chance for Relena to grow accustomed to her new surroundings, a feeling that was surprisingly helped by the chance to watch her husband in action. Neither Trowa nor Duo had announced their presence until she'd had a chance to see her husband direct his troops, challenging some with new techniques, and setting them up for skirmishes to hone their skills. He was a commanding figure and Relena's admiration was a palpable force.
So taken was she with her husband's work that she failed to notice Rashid when he joined the group on the dais...the only safe place on the battle ground. Rather than disturb her, the giant addressed them with a nod and handed Duo a long handle with its head wrapped in oiled cloth. It proved to be an axe-head, its blade long and thin with eyelets against the handle to keep the heavy metal from splitting the wood. And heavy metal it was for it was not copper, but something with a greyed sheen.
"Bronze," said Duo with satisfaction, pleased by the admiration he was drawing. "We are always careful to be aware of the best materials for weapons. Iron is even better according to Rashid, but there is precious little bronze in the world and even less iron."
"What a strange weapon," mused Trowa, leaning in to inspect it as Duo tested the edge with his thumb. "I have never seen an axe with such a long handle. What good is it?"
"What good is it?" Duo adopted an air of offense. "Stand away, O mighty prince, and I will demonstrate. Women and children furthest to the back please. Tetiun, you too. No point in being beheaded for your Master's folly. Are we ready?"
Granting him the distance he desired, the group watched with an amusement which quickly turned to awe as he handled the axe like an extension of his own arms. The blade whirled and spun, slashed and parried with a reach unmatched by conventional weapons. Only a spear could put the same distance between the fighter and his enemy, but the spear did not have so fine or long a blade. And yet Trowa had fought in battles often enough to know that the sweeping attacks - though they were very pretty - were impractical in a melee. Then again, Duo was not a soldier. Perhaps his skills were for personal defense or even only for exercise like those noble women who handled the bow...but it would still be interesting to see how they measured up in battle.
"You're very sure of yourself," he said, offering a hint of a smile, "but how can you impress us when you only battle yourself? I would like to see you against an opponent! Why not Rashid if he is willing?"
Duo's demonstration slowed and came to a stop. He offered Trowa a look of disbelief. "Have you been touched by your gods? Have you seen the man?" He lowered his weapon and approached, slapping Rashid ineffectually on one crossed arm. The giant did not quite manage to hide his smirk or his snort of laughter. "Dear prince...there aren't enough dirty tricks in this life to defeat Rashid. If he were leading the Pharaoh's army, our gracious Ramesses - may he live long, be healthy, and prosper - would be faring much better against his enemies, I assure you. I am surprised he has not been requisitioned."
"The holy one exaggerates," said Rashid calmly. "And a simple life is enough for me. I have known this house since before your time and faithfully served it always. Why would I wish to be elsewhere?"
"Whether or not I exaggerate can only be proved at war," snorted Duo. "You could still defeat me easily."
Rashid poked the priest in the chest, causing him to stumble back a step. "A frail bird like yourself, little priest? I should hope so. Especially since you have not been out here nearly as often as you should be if you intend to keep fit." Duo looked sheepish, but didn't comment. "I can go easy on you if you want to continue your demonstration. Staged only...no body contact. Shall we fight?"
Duo grinned and leapt from the dais to ensure the safety of his audience, followed by Rashid who drew his sword and raised his shield. As his axe required two hands, the priest was defenseless but for his ability to parry and so he gave his weapon its full length. The sparring began slowly at first, exaggerated motions serving the dual purpose of safety and demonstration of technique, speeding up as each combatant grew more confident in his own abilities and in his judgment of his opponent's skills. The whirling blade of Duo's axe and Rashid's sword drew a number of the household guards, who laughed and joked at the display, offering encouragement or critique as the situation presented itself. Though many cheered for their captain, shared origins did not prevent them from goading the native priest into more impressive displays. It was this commotion which eventually caught the attention of Heero who dismissed his own troops to investigate the matter. His surprise was evident as he approached and caught sight of Relena, but he regained his composure quickly and mounted the dais where Trowa kept a careful eye on his family.
"I did not expect to see you here," he confided, taking his daughter from Hilde's arms and stepping in beside his wife.
"I decided to accept your many offers,' replied Relena with a simple self-assurance which belied her earlier fears. "I was assured that this would not be a problem."
"It isn't. I'm very glad to see my wife and daughter." His features, normally perfectly composed, melted into a fond smile as he tickled the baby's belly. Bakara laughed and arched her back, forcing him to reposition her.
"Duo offered to teach us all the bow," continued Relena, relaxing visibly.
"Hn. I see."
Heero's voice had not hardened, but Trowa could feel the tension of his body. Relena responded, stiffening slightly. The bridge of shared emotion they had been building collapsed at the mention of Duo's name without either of them taking note. Could it be jealousy? Trowa didn't think so. Heero had been here no longer than he, but the pattern felt old and well-worn. Duo was merely a fragment of the whole. "He has offered to teach me as well," he said, drawing the focus away from the women. "I have some experience, but my bow is much different. It will be interesting to share techniques. Are you an archer, Heero?"
"I have learned, but I prefer my spear and sword. I wouldn't be of much use." He had not known the soldier for very long, but already Trowa had a strong sense of Heero's mind. It was evident that he tried his best to be everything he thought necessary to a soldier. To admit less than perfect knowledge of archery must be actively painful. "I doubt that," he said, offering a warm smile. "We are not learning the techniques of war...it is merely for exercise. Surely you know enough to teach your wife the sport for her own pleasure...the palace offers little else in the way of leisure."
The tight line of Heero's mouth softened slightly. "I do," he replied. "If my sister [31] does not mind having me for a teacher."
Relena opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a cry from below. "Ah! Rashid! Rashid! Enough! I concede!" Laughter followed as Duo squirmed out from beneath the captain's sword and bowed graciously. "You are the mightier warrior, but was it necessary to humble me so thoroughly before such beautiful ladies?" "These beautiful ladies are respectable and will have nothing to do with the likes of you, priest," replied Rashid, slapping Duo lightly on the hip with the flat of his blade.
With exaggerated drama, the priest sighed, shoulders sagging. "You are too wise, Rashid. But," he continued, reassuming his playful grin, "perhaps someone closer to my size can be made to see differently. Heero! Why don't you spar with me? Or are such activities beneath the rank of second generals?"
Trowa saw Heero turn from his family to the sparring ground, his face growing cold and impassive once again. "I'm sure he's simply playing to his audience," said Trowa as casually as possible.
"Come, now!" continued Duo, unrelenting. "You have a long-handled spear, don't you? It's a weapon more evenly matched to my axe. Show your wife some of your skills!"
At the mention of Relena, Heero gave a terse nod and handed Bakara back to Hilde. Relena looked concerned and vaguely irritated, but Heero did not seem to notice, picking up his spear, foregoing his shield, and joining Duo on the ground. If the priest thought that Heero seemed a little tense, he made no comment, but faced his opponent, weapon at the ready.
"No body contact," cautioned Rashid as Heero took his place. "It would not please the Prince to see either of you injured. When you are ready, begin."
Duo was the first to advance, his axe cutting sweeping arcs before him, ever careful to come to more than a hand's breadth from his opponent. It was not a difficult thing to do as Heero parried and dodged skillfully, the shaft of his spear turning aside his opponent's attacks before being twisted around and thrust forward, narrowly missing the priest on more than one occasion. Trowa could plainly feel the tension in the soldier's movements and though Duo appeared to be oblivious, Trowa was certain that he could feel it in every blow he parried. Yet every time the battle seemed to come to a draw, there would be another thrust, another swipe, another strike. And so it raged on.
"I wish that they would stop this," said Relena quietly.
She had not spoken to be heard. In fact, Trowa was certain that she did not know she had been. Stealing a look at the noblewoman from the corner of his eye, Trowa saw her wringing her hands and biting her lip as she watched the fight continue. If the vague feeling of animosity between the soldier and the priest was obvious even to one unfamiliar with battle, then it certainly was time for the demonstration to end.
"Duo!" called Trowa as both combatants fell back a moment to catch their breath. "You promised a demonstration of your archery skills, remember? How am I to compare our styles and weapons if you sit on the training grounds, challenging anyone who happens by?"
Duo fell back into a defensive position, warding off the momentum of Heero's latest attack before assuming a position of surrender. He seemed relieved.
"The Teresh prince is right, Lord," he said with an exaggerated bow toward his opponent. "I did make that promise. I'm sure everyone has gaped long enough at how shameful a warrior I am. Had we been true enemies, you could have slain me many times over."
The sudden compliment seemed to confuse Heero and Trowa tensed, wondering if the soldier would interpret it as an attack of another kind. But Heero honoured the surrender with a begrudging acceptance. "Hardly shameful," he said, matching Duo's courtesy. "You have an unusual weapon that should not be practical in battle, but you use it very well."
Duo nodded. "It's not for the army, I'll admit - you're more likely to hit a fellow soldier than your enemy - but it serves me very well for my personal protection. Fortunately, I don't need to protect myself often because the bow is really my weapon. Rashid will tell you..."
"Duo! Are you never quiet?" scolded Hilde from the dais. "The sun is getting high! If you're so skillful, show us!"
It was generally thought that the Setite priest was without shame, but Duo blushed slightly and lowered his eyes, scratching absently at the back of his neck. "Oy...Heero....are all your servants so insolent?"
"Do all Prince Quatre's priests look like sheep herders?"
"Well there's no need for personal insult," said Duo with a quirky grin. "Trowa, you know where the range is...could you show these ladies where to go and I will meet you shortly? I think I may need a new handle soon and have some requests that I would like Rashid to put through to the makers."
Trowa raised a hand in understanding and invited Heero to join them. A departing look over his shoulder showed Duo and Rashid in quiet conference, but they did not appear to be discussing weapons. The axe was virtually ignored until they seemed to come to an agreement and it was handed over with no little ceremony to be cleaned and rewrapped by one of the guards.
There were secrets in Nekheb, Trowa decided. He intended to find out what they were.
The arrow thudded solidly into the copper-lined board. An attendant unmounted it and brought it to Duo for inspection.
"Ah...see? It's gone right through. Such is the power of these bows," the priest said with satisfaction, indicating the back of the board where the arrow's tip had penetrated.
"Right through copper," mused Trowa. "But the arrow's useless now."
"Of course. It takes too much damage going through the copper," grinned Duo. "But you see that it is possible. Some texts even state that certain Pharaohs and great generals could put an arrow through a full thumb's width of copper [32]."
Heero snorted. "Unlikely. And none of them were mentioned as capable of hitting an enemy at arm's length."
"You have no sense of the dramatic."
"Drama is when the enemy comes too close for comfort, so no. Precision is key," said Heero firmly. "You can hack at the edges of an army forever, wearing out your own troops and supplies, or you can do away with the key elements and watch it fall apart."
Duo laughed. "I agree! Politics and priesthoods are the same. We bury ourselves in inconsequentials to protect the important facts."
"As is love," said Relena quietly. Once again Trowa did not think she knew she had been heard...or had she? Would a simple statement not make an effective weapon for someone unused to wielding vocal power? He opened his mouth to ask what she meant, but she had already moved on. "That bow looks difficult to draw, Pure One. I don't think I could do it."
"The compound bow is very difficult for first-time users," agreed Duo. "It's a weapon for war and for serious hunting more than for sport. We have simpler bows that you can use. They are lighter and easier to draw, but don't be discouraged if you still have difficulties in the beginning...they aren't very accurate. They are easy to learn though, so if you keep practising you'll have hawk eyes like Heero's soon enough." Heero snorted, but said nothing else. "So who will be first?"
Hilde stepped forward and passed Bakara to Relena. "Let me try first. My brothers taught me, but I haven't done it in a very long time." Duo nodded and had an attendant fetch her a plain wooden bow. It was slightly longer than Duo's, but more simply made, and its arrows were tipped with stone rather than copper. She drew the bow carefully, trembling slightly until she was comfortable with her position, and took careful aim at the thick post that was meant to represent her enemy. When she was sure of her mark, she released the cord smoothly and the arrow sailed the post to bury itself in the ground. She had missed...but barely. It had been an impressive effort.
"That was very good," said Duo, the very simplicity of his words proving his statement. "I can see that you were well taught. A little more practise and you will know how to judge the air itself. Then your shots will be perfect. Miusheri? Your arms are free...will you try?"
The body servant froze, momentarily uncertain, then stepped forward stiffly to accept the bow. She tried to imitate Hilde's stance and did a fair job of it, but she did not seem comfortable with her hold so Duo stepped in behind her to assist. He adjusted the angle of her head and the set of her shoulders, then snaked his arm out along the length of her own to test the grip of the bow. Raising it a little gave her more room to draw and he checked her grip to ensure that no fingers would be in the way when she loosed the arrow. He stood behind her, heads aligned, while he taught her how to aim, one arm creeping around her waist under the pretext of helping her hold her posture. Heero glared at his back, and Trowa fought to hold in his smile.
Once she was certain, Miusheri let go of the arrow. The shot went wide, but was not wild, and fell a little short of its mark. She looked disappointed, but received due praise nonetheless. For a first time, she had done fairly well...practise would help steady her arm. Satisfied this this assessment, Miusheri stepped away and allowed Relena to take her place.
Handing her child to Hilde, Relena took the bow and examined it awkwardly. When Duo stepped forward to help her as he had her body servant, Heero shooed him away in annoyance and took his place. The priest slipped away to stand beside Trowa, one ear alert to the soldier's descriptions. "I think he's telling her about every part of the bow and how it works," said Duo quietly, shaking his head with a grin. "He'll only confuse her that way."
"Perhaps," said Trowa, "but I don't think she minds."
He watched as Heero mimicked some of Duo's methods without the sexual overtones. His explanations seemed long-winded compared to the priest's, but Relena hung on every word with a look of concentration and determination. When he was done, he stepped away to give her as much space as possible and the arrow, when loosed, flew unerringly toward the target though it fell short by a fair margin.
"Impressive," said Duo with a look of surprise. "There wasn't enough strength in it, but she has a very good eye. Either that or Lord Heero is a much better teacher than I am."
"Perhaps she merely responds to him better," said Trowa lightly as Miusheri ran forward to congratulate her mistress. "Sometimes that will make all the difference. I think I will practice on my own a little further away."
He picked up the bow and arrows which Tetiun had fetched for him and began his exercise, keeping one eye on the others' activities. Heero continued to instruct Relena while Duo and the others moved a little further away, Miusheri and Hilde passing Bakara between them as they took turns firing arrows at the target. His own bow was longer than the ones used on the range, but the compound bow had caught his interest. He tested its flexibility and accuracy and decided that he would like to see one put to practical use before he considered owing one. It was difficult to draw, but he was growing accustomed to it.
The heat was another matter.
The sun was quickly becoming unbearable. Unable to stand it, Trowa approached the others to tell them of his intentions to return to his apartment. Heero was the closest and nodded in understanding.
"There will be guards outside the grounds to escort you. Don't feel you have to wait for us," he said simply as he watched Relena take another shot. Like the first one, this one had incredible accuracy, but did not reach the target. "Strength is something that must be built slowly," said Heero in Trowa's direction although his voice was loud enough for his wife to hear. "Perhaps we should all stop soon. The sun will be too hot for practise."
"Suit yourselves," said Duo, overhearing. "The heat is nothing to me! But Bakara should be brought inside, at least."
"Braggart," snorted Hilde, handing back the bow and collecting Bakara.
"I agree that we should go. It is time for the midday meal and I look forward to a rest," said Relena. "Thank you for the lesson, husband. Will you escort us back to our apartment?"
Say yes, willed Trowa, staring hard at Heero. But the soldier only shook his head.
"I'm sorry. I have responsibilities to finish here. I can't trust them to servants who might leave early for their rest."
Relena's expression matched her husband's. "I understand."
Duo grinned and bowed. "Perhaps I..."
"Don't you have midday prayers or devotions to attend to?" said Heero flatly. "I've seen you perform very little priestly work since my arrival."
"Wrong hour," replied Duo, unperturbed. "Although I do plan to sacrifice a gazelle later this evening..."
"A whole gazelle?" gaped Miusheri. Hilde snorted.
"But it's true! I'll do it with this," grinned Duo, pulling out one of his arrows with a flourish, the copper gleaming red in the sunlight.
"He's going hunting," supplied Heero. "Don't play with your words, priest. It's a waste of time."
"A waste of your time, maybe," sniffed Duo. "Yes, I'm going hunting...and you are welcome to join me, Trowa. If your little guards can keep up. Have you ridden in one of our chariots? It will be an experience."
"I'll think about it," said Trowa. Then he turned to Relena. "If it is acceptable, I will escort you to your apartments, Lady. I have two guards of my own so we won't lack for safety."
Relena smiled. "Thank you, prince Trowa. You are very kind. I'm sure my husband will not object." She looked to Heero who shook his head slightly, mollified. Trowa wondered if he was the only one to find it odd to trust one's wife to an enemy soldier instead of one's own countryman. Perhaps it was because Relena, too, was foreign.
"Yes, thank you, Trowa," mimicked Duo playfully. "You'll force me to do my own cleaning up, I see. How barbaric. I certainly hope you're satisfied...and don't forget that I plan to leave on the fifth hour so if you wish to hunt, you will be at the stables by then. I will show you my horses. A good rest to you!" he grinned, heading down to the far end of the range to gather arrows.
"At least he'll be doing something productive," said Heero as he walked the others off the range. "Feel free to join him if you like, Trowa. You are not barred from such activities. The guards will simply go with you. I'm sure they'll find it an enjoyable assignment." He paused to kiss his daughter and bid his wife a good rest. "I must deal with the administration this afternoon, but we will spend the evening together. I promise." He touched her cheek, but did not kiss her, and walked away in the other direction.
For a moment, Relena watched him go and then she turned to Trowa. "You are very kind to walk with us," she said. "You must join me for the midday meal." "I couldn't," Trowa demurred. "It wouldn't feel right."
"Not right for a prince to share a meal with a noblewoman? We are not on my estate, but at least let me offer you this small hospitality. I...I am suddenly homesick and you are the closest thing to a countryman that I have in this place." She looked up at him, jaw set, fiercely determined...at war with the emotions within her. "There is too much silence here. I only wish to fill it with conversation. Will you do me the honour of joining me?"
Really, how could he say no?
[31] "Sister" and "brother" were common terms of endearment between husband and wife. Some think it may stem from a desire to imitate the Pharaoh who often married a full or half-sibling to keep the royal blood pure. Others think it might simply be a term of respect as rulers of equal standing often addressed on another as "brother" as well.
[32] Most notably Ramesses II about whom a lot of unlikely things are said, including that he held off an entire army on his own. But that's politics for you.
"The Prince of Nekheb" copyright A.C.Smith (aka Lady Bast), 2002. Send comments to asmith@ican.net Please do not repost or print (other than for personal use) without permission. The Gundam boys and all their paraphenelia belong to whomever currently holds the rights...I'm just borrowing them for a while. No infringement is intended, really. Really really. Please don't sue me, I have no money. If, however, you have a burning desire to hire me and PAY me money to write this kinda stuff, feel free to track me down.