Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter of Good Sense -- Revised ❯ Discovery ( Chapter 9 )

"I am Meiran Ron of the Dragon Clan. Are you related to us, too?"

Wufei shook his head. "No," he said hoarsely, "I am a foreigner from Eires. Tell me, how is it you come to look as you do?" Without Wufei noticing it, his hands were shaking.

"Our astrologers make sure that everyone in our clan is born under the fifth moon cycle. It's a traditon that goes back a long time," the girl said with a touch of pride. "It's tough though, 'cause that means our clan doesn't grow very much. There are only about three hundred of us altogether. Can you believe that?"

Wufei shook his head. Fifth moon cycle? He had never heard of it but perhaps there was some confluence between what this girl was describing and Eires' sun cycles. At the thought, tremulous hope glimmered in Wufei's breast. Even though places changed, surely the peoples of different lands were connected in essential ways that transcended nationalities and cultures. How else to explain Meiran's features, her disturbing likeness to Wufei?

More than anything, Wufei wanted to follow Meiran home to meet her clan. How did they live? Did they all possess the same uncanny resemblance and what could they tell him about the circumstances of his birth? Wufei had lived so long in fear of himself that the notion of human affinity seemed an impossible dream. His world was bounded by Eires and his fate there was to be shunned. Wufei was either too quiet or not quiet enough, too proper or not gracious enough. He could name a thousand little things in Eires he could not succeed at by being himself alone. That very difficulty had convinced Wufei the answers he was searching for could only be found in his homeland. Why should he be so harried if there were no reason for it? For all his years of delving, however, Wufei had never found the gleaming fragment that would probe the dark corners of his soul and free him from the cycle of self-hate. No matter how hard he sought or how strong he tried to become, Wufei found himself alone. Now, he was in a stranger's land and possibilities, full of danger and promise, were unfurling before him like Rossetti's signature rose. What if in these people he could uncover the clue to his identity? Did they possess 'gifts'? If so, were they as humiliating as his own? Wufei flushed. Determined to grasp the branch the gods had extended, he questioned Meiran.

"What are you doing in Rossetti?"

"We sorta live here," Meiran told him. "Our clan moves from place to place. What do you call that?" She frowned and tapped her chin. "Nomadic! Yeah, that's the word. We're nomads."

Nomads? Wufei's spirits fell. Then they would be gone before he could even name the thing he was seeking. "Oh?" Wufei murmured, trying to conceal his disappointment. "When are you set to leave a again?"

Meiran pondered this. "Umm, well we just got to Rossetti so it won't be for a while. It depends on where we go, but in places like Rossetti where the land is good and we have lots of chances to trade, we stay for two or three years. My father says it'll be easy for us to make a living here. He says the water supply is the best he's seen in a long time -- and he's seen stuff you wouldn't believe," Meiran added solemnly as if to convince Wufei.

Whatever her father had seen, Wufei had already surmised from Meiran's silk trousers and fine embroidered smock that she belonged to the nobility or what resembled it among her people. Beyond his personal interest, meeting with the Dragon Clan could also be instrumental in other ways. One could never tire of strong alliances, even with a shifting people. For the short time they were in the city, Wufei was sure he could harvest the Dragon Clan's valuable insight into the state of affairs beyond Rossetti's borders. Because for Meiran's clan traveling was a way of life, they would have far greater experience in the surrounding lands and a much better understanding of local contexts than men sent for mere military intelligence.

"I would like to visit your clan," said Wufei. "Who is your leader?"

"My grandmother is," Meiran's eyes shone, "and one day I'll be the leader too. I don't know if my grandmother will see you, though." Meiran cocked her hip. "Okay, tell me something about yourself and I'll let you know if you'll pass 'the Dragon Clan test'. We don't let just anyone into our camp, you know."

"Well," Wufei cleared his throat, "I am Wufei, the new prince."

Meiran's mouth formed a small O, her face rapidly turning crimson. "Sheesh, why didn't you say something?" She fell to her knees, bowing deeply. "Please forgive me."

Wufei grunted. "You did not ask. Will you take me to your people?"

"Sure ... I mean if you still want to, Your Highness."

"I do."

"Okay, but can I ask you something, Prince Wufei?"

"You may."

"Can you teach me to fight like you?"

"What?" The Shenlong was a revered discipline passed down from master to student over hundreds of years. According to the old histories, the first warriors were father and son. Since then, only young boys had been trained in the Sheelokata. It was decidedly not women's work. Wufei shook his head. "Impossible."

"Teach me," Meiran insisted. "I know I can be just as good as other fighters but no one will teach me their techniques because I'm a girl."

"And with good reason. Why do you not focus on becoming a doctor or a teacher instead? These arts are not for women."

The girl thrust her chin out mulishly. "Says who?"

Wufei looked into those flashing black eyes. He hesitated. Well ... no one in truth. The discipline was male-dominated only by force of tradition. The texts themselves made no such distinction. An exemplary pupil was defined simply as one who is diligent. Wufei frowned, thinking of the Shenlong's emphasis on flow, interconnectedness and balance. A Shenlong warrior is like a shadow, he recalled the initiate's chant, substance and no substance, not the sun glittering off the rocks, but the moon slipping through the clouds. The words had resonated through Wufei in a way he could not articulate even today. Always, it left him with a sense of something hovering on the edge of his consciousness, struggling to break free. He was so close, but could never seem to grasp it.

Not the sun....

"So?" Meiran prompted and Wufei frowned, shaking himself from his thoughts.

"So what?"

"So are you going to teach me or not, Prince Wufei?"

"No," Wufei murmured, beginning to move towards the buildings. He was strangley unsettled and meant to spend the next hour in meditation. Meiran trotted along beside him, however, pressing him for an answer, pestering Wufei until he whirled on her.

"Bothersome child, go home to your mother!"

"But you said you wanted to meet our clan," Meiran reminded him. "And why won't you give me a chance? Can't you at least try to teach me? If I'm not good I promise I'll never ever ask about it again."

Irritated by the girl's insistence, Wufei began to send her away, but suddenly, the image of the talisman Shinsen O had given to him rose in Wufei's memory. Before Rossetti, before Quatre's revelations, Wufei had been destined to be temple master and when it was taken from him, so much of Wufei's disappointment in his marriage had stemmed from the fact that he could no longer pursue his studies to their highest level. The chance to guide another had been his dream. Being skilled was one thing, but imparting that skill to another was the true test of mastery.

Wufei looked at Meiran's determined face. He had wanted a student, and here was a student. He had wanted to further his discipline and here was the means. Would he not be a fool to disdain the opportunity the gods had presented him with out of superstition? True, the gift did not take the shape Wufei imagined, but he was beginning to see the fates had little use for his ideals. He cleared his throat, turning to Meiran with a frown.

"Three years is not nearly enough time for me to teach you anything worth knowing...."

Meiran's eyes widened. "It doesn't matter! I'll work twice as hard, Prince Wufei. I'll prove to you that I'm strong. "

Wufei raised an eyebrow. "Very well. We will start meeting the day after tomorrow. Come here to the garden; I will be waiting for you."

A day was not so far away. It would give Wufei time to gather his thoughts and make some sense of the path he had chosen. He had not forgotten Meiran's clan either and the intervening period would do much to steel him in that respect. After an eternity of longing, his wish had finally been granted. He was no longer alone -- or so it seemed. It should have been comforting, yet, now that Wufei held that precious knowledge in his hands, he was not sure if he was ready to meet others like himself. What if he was mistaken? What if they looked upon him with eyes like his own and Wufei still found hatred reflected there?

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It was late afternoon when Wufei was roused from the book he was reading. It was a small tome Trowa had sent among his parting gifts. An historical fantasy of some sort, Wufei found it quite engaging and was grateful for the distraction from his thoughts. Tonight, his head was crowded with worries over the situation in Rossetti. Trey had come in earlier and before slipping into the bath, explained to Wufei that he needed to talk with him regarding the city's safety. Wufei could not imagine the news was good and wondered what role he would play in the unfolding events.

"Prince Wufei, forgive me for interrupting."

"Not at all." Wufei put down his book and moved to the door. Peering at the tray in the serving girl's hands, he stepped back to let her into the bedroom. "Surely, all of this can’t be for two people?"

The serving girl paused in the act of setting a steaming bowl on the low table. A broth-like aroma, foreign and spicy rose up from it, setting Wufei’s taste buds aquiver.

"What do you mean sir? This is only a little more than what the master usually orders." The wares clinked softly as she arranged them around the table. "I’m afraid it is hardly enough. As soon as you and the master are done with this, I will bring in the rest."

"But..." Wufei could only stare at the awesome repast. There were sweet meats steeped in honey-golden sauce and bright avocados topped with red onions and cheese. To the left, delicate flower-shaped pastries were stuffed with fat crescents of shrimp and in the platter near the water jug, dark syrup oozed from a cracked pie-crust. Their aromas melded lusciously together, rich and tantalizing, and so far a cry from the restrained scents of Wufei’s usual meals that he could hardly believe his senses.

He was used to plain rice and steamed vegetables and perhaps a little broiled chicken on the side. Of course, guest banquets and palace celebrations could not be avoided, but Wufei generally stayed away from his father’s lavish meals, not only because they were nutritionally improper for a Shenlong warrior, but also because Wufei felt that his simple fare was more in keeping with the discipline’s ideals of moderation. Wufei surveyed the dishes before him. This just for dinner! Surely the goddess would smite him for such indulgence. As he watched, the girl retrieved a number of cushions from the bed and began piling them around the low table. She lit the lamps about the room, chasing the shadows from the corners.

"Will you be having some wine, my lord?” She showed Wufei the decanter of jewel-bright liquid.

"Wine? I don’t really..."

"What a wonderful suggestion."

Wufei spun to find Trey lounging against the wall separating the bedroom and the bathing chamber. He was a marvelous sight as he stood there in the wash of the lamps, his hair wet and shiny, and his cheeks ruddy from the steam of the bath. The balcony door was open, and a soft breeze, heavy with the scent of roses lifted the curtains.

"Milord! Of course." The girl hurried over with a glass. She curtsied quickly and gathered up the empty tray and unused utensils. "I shall leave you to your meal. Please call if you need anything." She bobbed once more and was out the door. The click as it shut behind her seemed to echo in the space between them and Wufei fidgeted.

"Well! Did you enjoy your bath?"

Trey grinned as he crossed over to the table. He popped a piece of shrimp into his mouth. "Definitely," he said around the succulent morsel, "though not half so much as I would have, if you’d joined me." His eyes danced with mischief as he drank from his cup. He raised an eyebrow, challenging Wufei, "Will you make it up to me next time?"

Wufei’s breath lodged in his throat and his heart fluttered wildly. He tried to tamp down his emotions. He was not going to let Trey get the better of him.

"Hmm," he said as calmly as possible. "I’ll think on it."

"Will you?" His husband’s smile broadened. "I didn’t think the matter required deliberation."

"Well," Wufei waved his hand breezily, "when a grown man cannot wash his own back, it does cause one to wonder how he came to be emperor in the first place."

From the widening of Trey’s eyes, it was clear he had not been expecting Wufei’s response. The older man was silent for a second and Wufei hid his smile as the barb found its mark. As he expected, however, it did not take Trey long to recover, and when he did, he turned to Wufei with an intensity that made Wufei wonder if he had stepped into something far beyond his control. Wufei watched as Trey finished the last of his wine and set it down on the table. The older man licked his lips.

"Who said anything about you doing the washing?"

Wufei’s stomach lurched at the husky suggestion. A slow heat began to spread through him and he tried to still the trembling of his fingers. Oh, he was definitely, definitely in over his head. "We...well, you said..." Wufei took a deep breath. Damn it, why couldn’t he have just kept his mouth shut? "I thought.…"

"Hmm." Trey waltzed around the table and over to him. His lips were still wet from the wine. "That does seem to be a problem with you." He traced a lazy finger over the seam of Wufei’s lips. "Always thinking too much."

Trey pressed the tiniest bit, and Wufei felt the smooth tips of the older man's fingers against his tongue. A shudder seized his body and Wufei gasped. He grabbed Trey’s wrist. "I didn’t mean..."

"Don’t you?" Trey was standing very close to Wufei nowand his gaze dropped lower.

“Are you cold?”

"What?" Wufei frowned, "Not at all. Why would you even ask?"

Trey’s lips spread in a slow, Cheshire-cat grin. "Your nipples went all tight and sweet just now."

"My—" Wufei’s eyes widened and his stomach gave a huge flip-flop. He could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks. Trey’s intimate words echoed in his head and Wufei could not have been more mortified. Instinctively he crossed his arms over his chest. "Bastard!" He hissed. "Have you no sense of decency?"

Trey’s laugh was soft and silky. He titled his head to the side as if considering. "No, not that I know of."

Wufei glared, keeping his arms folded in front of him. "That’s more than obvious!"

Trey considered him. "You and your fixed ideas. I think your 'decency' is nothing but a joke."

"What?" Wufei’s eyes narrowed.

"Yes." Trey moved closer, "It is a farce–a joke. Why shouldn’t I notice the way you respond to me? It is wonderful, it excites me and I think you only object because it excites you too."

"It doesn’t," Wufei began, but even to him the words felt false. He trailed off, defeated by his own treacherous heart. He could only stare as Trey reached out to trace the curve of his elbow and the softer place where his inner arm was pressed against his side. Goosebumps broke over his skin. "Trey..." Wufei shivered.

"Yes, just like that." Trey’s voice was rough and only the blue slices of his irises were visible beneath his drooping eyelids as he looked down at Wufei. Trey opened his arms and Wufei only realized he had stepped into them when they closed around him and Trey pressed him to his chest.

"Seeing you like this—" Trey groaned. "Tell me ... tell me what you feel when I touch you."

"I..." Wufei clutched at Trey. His skin prickled with sensation and every nerve felt as if it were on fire. Blindly, he pressed his mouth to the open place at the neck of Trey’s robe. "I feel ... I want..." Groaning in frustration, Wufei sank his teeth into Trey’s shoulder.

"Gods." Trey’s hips flexed against Wufei’s, slow and languid and so pleasurable that Wufei moaned. He thrust upwards, answering the movement and Trey shuddered. He stilled, his grip on Wufei tightening.

"Bed … or … dinner?" Trey panted and Wufei tried to make sense of the words, but it was impossible. He only knew that the pleasurable sensations had stopped and he wanted more. Wufei fought Trey’s imprisoning fingers.

"Trey, please."

"Wufei." Trey pressed his forehead against Wufei's and he was so close, Wufei could see the rhythmic clenching and unclenching of his jaw as he fought for control. "Bed," he repeated, "or dinner?"

Wufei breathed deeply, forcing calming breaths into his body. Bit by bit Trey’s words drifted over his heated senses and he came back to himself. He saw Trey’s glittering eyes and the coiled tension of his limbs. He felt the answering blood-throb in his own veins and Wufei wanted to say 'bed' with every fiber of his being…. Wufei closed his eyes. He lowered his head.

"Dinner."

Trey’s entire body seemed to clench for a moment before he relaxed. He released Wufei with trembling fingers. "All right, dinner it is."

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"I met a girl today."

"Oh?"

Wufei nodded, explaining his encounter with Meiran. "Most of all, Trey," he finished, "she's ... she's like me. It does not matter whether we are related by blood or not. You do not know how alone I've--" Wufei quickly dissembled, "that is, how much it means to me to have the opportunity to observe their ways. Besides, I thought they might have news about the situation outside Rossetti's borders."

Trey seemed about to pursue Wufei's earlier train of thought, but something in Wufei's expression must have dissuaded him, for he shook his head and instead observed, "Indeed, that occurred to me as well."

Wufei could not hide his relief. "I will be speaking to the clan leaders, day after tomorrow. I have prepared my own questions but is there anything in particular you wish me to inquire about? Earlier, you spoke of a change in Rossetti's situation."

"Hmm ... what do you know of gunpowder technology?"

"Gunpowder technology?" Wufei asked, suprised.

"Yes, Heero tells me it is the Northern Kingdom's new weapon and I fear we have nothing to counter it." Trey said quietly."I want to know where and when they've used it. Perhaps the Dragon Clan has stumbled onto something in their travels. Heero also seems to think that Eires was in the process of developing something similar at one point involving magick and I wanted to ask you about it."

Wufei thought for a moment. He remembered the mage-fire project well. The special gunpowder was developed by a consortium of Eires' top magists and scientists, most famous among them, a genius by the name of J. The first goal of the project was to improve the precision of Eirean gunpowder, which left Eirean soldiers equally as injured as their targets, due to explosions caused by overpressure within the gun barrel. The old gunpowder's long ignition time also meant their men were frequently left vulnerable to attack. Secondly, by using magick, the magists and scientists hoped to produce a weapon almost impossible to defend against. Only one skilled in the magistical arts would know the precise incantations necessary to deflect a shot, and by then it would be too late anyway. The mage-fire had been tested mostly on guerilla outposts and other small organized enemies of Eires with some success, but King Zechs had never approved it for official use in battle since the technolog was so experimental. That had been over a sun-cycle ago and Wufei had lost track of the project's progress since then. He promised Trey, however, that he would write home immediately to ask his father and Quatre about it. Perhaps the mage-fire had been perfected and King Zechs could send them enough powder along with the special guns it was used in, to arm a small troop.

"Thank you, Wufei, I truly appreciate your help. You are part of Rossetti now and that means a lot to me. I know you are used to a vigorous professional life and unless you wish otherwise, there is no reason for that to end. Never hesitate to question me on any matter regarding Rossetti. I will keep nothing from you, my prince." Trey gazed at Wufei over the rim of his cup.

"Ah, you're welcome," Wufei mumbled, his eyes dropping quickly to his plate. All the while they were discussing military issues it had been a simple thing to talk to Trey but now that official business was spent, a charged silence stretched between them. Wufei was acutely aware of Trey's muscular beauty and his own burgeoning desire inflamed by his husband's nearness. He could not decide whether the stirrings within him were inevitable or if the fever spells had returned. Worse, whereas before, whatever few fantasies Wufei indulged in were vague and only half-formed, his lovemaking with Trey now left him with a number of vivid possibilities.

Wufei kept his head down, praying Trey would not notice his heightened color or how unsteady his hands were as he brought another bite to his mouth. The food was sumptuous, but Wufei was too busy trying to wolf it down to savor it. He only wanted to finish the meal so he could escape Trey's burning gaze. He had bathed just before Trey and if it would not have looked suspicious for him to be slipping into the bathing chamber again so soon after his first bath, Wufei would have have eagerly doused his passion with a cold soak. As it was, clad only in his pajama bottoms, Wufei felt unaccountably exposed. He remembered Trey's sensual teasing and he feared that Trey would only have to look at him and the smallest part of Wufei, the mere flickering of an eyelash would betray his desire.

"You're done?" Trey looked up in surprise as Wufei rose.

"Yes, I think I'll read a little before going to bed."

"Ah, then I'll join you."

When Trey joined him at the opposite side of the bed, it was with some shock that Wufei realized the older man was quite naked beneath his robe. Gulping as the garment fluttered to the floor, Wufei forced himself not to look between Trey's thighs. The first time they made love, the darkness of the tent had made it impossible to see anything and the second time, Wufei had been too preoccupied to even think of studying his husband's finer attributes. Now, however, Trey was bared to him in all his virility and ... he was...he was... Wufei inhaled sharply.

"Don't worry, I'll be good." Trey smiled, seeing Wufei's wary look as he pulled back the covers. "That is, unless you don't want me to. In any case, it's probably best if we don't make love. I think you must still be a little sore from this morning."

Wufei's face warmed. He didn't know how to respond to that particular observation so he simply didn't. He focused instead on keeping to his side of the bed and making sure the covers were wrapped securely up to his neck. There was no fear of them being pressed for space since the massive four-poster could easily hold two more men, but Wufei wasn't taking any chances. He rolled away from Treize, keeping his book tucked close to him. The bed shifted as Trey reclined against the headboard.

"Cold?"

Wufei's voice was strangled. "No, I'm quite comfortable, thank you."

"Ah. That doesn't seem like a very comfortable position to read in, though," Trey observed pleasantly. "I for one have always found it more effective to have one's hands above the covers when reading rather than below them but that might only be a Rossettian thing."

Wufei hoped his glare was blistering as he sat up, letting the covers fall to his waist. He deliberately ignored Trey as he picked up his book and began reading. At least the characters in that world were agreeable.... That is, they were, until the determined young knight Wufei was cheering on fell into the arms of the hermit who had given him refuge from the dangers of an enchanted forest.

/Yagroth saw that the knight was trembling. If not for the death-grip Aiden had on the bed post, he would no doubt have fallen as Yagroth knelt to suckle him. Moisture was already beading at the tip of the younger man's erection and the dew of Aiden's excitement was as nectar to Yagroth's lips..../

Wufei slammed the book shut, heart racing. He was going to kill Trowa.

"Something wrong?" Trey peered over Wufei's shoulder.

"No," Wufei choked out.

Trey's look was skeptical. "Are you sure? You seem a bit ... stunned. What by the gods are you reading?" He leaned closer, curiosity clearly peaked.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Wufei stammered. "I was mistaken. This book is not nearly as interesting as I thought." Wufei fumbled with the small leather-bound volume, meaning to remove it immediately from Trey's reach but already distracted by his arousal, the erotic passage only served to throw Wufei even more off his guard and it was a simple thing for Trey to snatch the book from his fingers.

"Come now, it can't be that bad, can it?"

"No! Trey..." Discomfited, Wufei watched as his husband perused the page. Trey's eyebrows shot to his hairline.

"Well ... that is certainly stimulating reading."

Wufei flushed. "Yes, well obviously Trowa does not know my reading tastes as well as I thought he did. Now if you would kindly hand that over..."

"Why?" Trey settled more comfortably with the book. "If you're not going to read it, then I'm more than happy to. A little spice is never a bad thing. Besides, this Aiden reminds me of you."

"Me?" Wufei was indignant.

"Quite so," Trey murmured, snaking an arm about Wufei and pulling him close. Wufei found himself settled between Trey's thighs, with his back against his husband's warm chest. "Stubborn, beautiful, brave... I know very much how Yagroth feels having such a treasure in his hands."

Wufei's breath caught. He opened his mouth to say something but no words would come. Gently, Trey placed the book in Wufei's hands again.

"Read with me."

"But this is ... I can't read this with you," Wufei protested, both unwilling and unable to give voice to the true source of his discomfort.

"Of course you can. " Trey countered, caressing Wufei's cheek, then placing a burning kiss at the curve of his shoulder. He unwound Wufei's braid so that the smooth locks tumbled over Wufei's back, causing him to shiver. "You don't have to be stoic, you know. This kind of thing is supposed to make you aroused; that's what makes it wonderful." Trey's mouth descended again, this time suckling Wufei's neck. "Didn't I say you were beautiful? Then let me see all of your beauty. I won't let you hunger alone."

"You and your games. Why can't we just be sensible and put this away?" Wufei demanded shakily. "Besides, I thought we agreed not to have sex. What will be the point of getting all hot and bothered if we don't ... if we don't ... don't..." Realizing what he was proposing, Wufei pressed his lips shut. "This is pointless!" he growled, his face suffusing with heat.

"Don't worry, Kala," Trey whispered, "There are many ways to make love. I won't do anything you don't want me to do. I didn't want to push you too soon after this morning, but we don't have to go that route. I don't mind if you're on top. In fact, I rather like the notion."

"On top!"

"You don't like the idea?"

Wufei's throat worked soundlessly. More and more he was convinced that Trey existed to bedevil his existence. Truly the man was insufferable. "Top or not on top, it doesn't matter because neither is going to happen this evening!" he ground out. "Can we just read?"

Trey chuckled, tightening his arms about Wufei. "All right, my love, all right. You know I only wish to please...."

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Wufei was roused from his dreams by a feeling that something had changed around him, and opening his eyes, he knew a moment of panic.

Night had come.

The darkness surrounding him was blacker, richer, more living than anything Wufei had experienced in Eires. His breath caught as he slipped out of Trey's embrace and padded to the balcony. An iridescent moon hovered in the dark sky, ringed by a brilliant halo, and Wufei, gazing into its luminescence found that he could not speak. The light of that burning aureole alone was brighter than both of Eires' anemic moons combined. Standing there in that velvet night, Wufei felt he was on the verge of a profound understanding. The wind lifted his hair, racing through the darkness until the grass trembled and the leaves rustled--whispering, whispering, whispering to him in a language as old as time itself.

Wufei stumbled forward, drunk on the howling wind, the music of the creeping unseen creatures ... the perfume of the lush night-blooming flowers. Something was flowing into him ... calling him.

A Shenlong warrior is like a shadow....

Wufei dropped to his knees, awed by the mystery this darkness, this living moon--filled to the brim with its piercing silver light.

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  < p>Wufei sealed his letter to Trowa and wet the nib of his pen to begin a second letter to his father and Quatre. He had intended to write home anyway, but his promise to Trey to inquire about the gunpowder technology provided an extra impetus where there would have been none. Wufei was coming to accept his new marriage, but that did not mean he wasn't conflicted over his relationship with his family. He still hadn't quite got over the faint taste of betrayal. It probably was not fair to any of them to think that way, but Wufei found that he could not help it. The pain of upheaval was still too fresh. Wufei sighed, wondering if Trey was managing to be more productive than he was. His husband had left with Heero in the wee hours of the morning to investigate a report of another attack to one of Rossetti's outlying villages. It was no more than a rumor, but as tense as the situation was with the Northern Kingdom, they could not afford to leave anything to chance. Trey had left Wufei with a kiss and a promise to return by mid-afternoon.

Pondering Trey's whereabouts, Wufei's thoughts turned involuntarily to the previous evening. As maddening as Trey could be, it had been ... well ... enjoyable ... to read that silly book with him. Wufei was not as nearly as scandalized as he thought he would be by the love scenes and he even surprised himself--and Trey--with a bit of wry humor in the face of one of the racier bits. Staring at the pattern of sunlight against the desk, Wufei realized with a shock that part of his calm came from the fact that he was no longer innocent. True, there was still much for him to learn, but Wufei did understand desire now; he knew what it was like to be held in a lover's arms. Wufei thought of the embraces he and Trey shared and this time he did flush. Part of it was also that some of Trey's caresses were more risqué than anything Wufei would ever read. Wufei sighed again, this time more deeply. He was no good for any work today. He hated to say it but he was growing used to Trey and when the older man was away, he was acutely aware of it. Not that Wufei missed him of course, but Trey was so incorrigible it was hard not to notice his absence.

Perhaps he just needed to clear his head and go out to get some fresh air. Duo would be about the palace and Wufei thought he might persuade the Eirean lord to join him for an early lunch. Who knew, maybe they could squeeze in a little sparring practice. Wufei smiled at that. He would like another session like their last one very much. Making sure to weight down his papers, Wufei left the library and headed down the hall, intending to take a bath and then seek Duo out. He was almost to the main building when a young page, running as though the devil himself was on his tail, almost barreled into Wufei. Wufei swore. Stepping back, he steadied himself against the nearby column.

"Young man please be more careful, you will hurt either yourself or someone else at that pace."

"Forgive me, Milord, but Emperor Rossetti is afield and I feared I would not find you. Oh thank the gods, thank the gods you are here. We are saved!" The page dropped to his knees. "Please come with me, Milord, we have not a moment to waste."

Wufei frowned, troubled by the young man's urgency. "What is it? Why do you need me so desperately?"

The page bent low again. " I am sorry, Milord, but the situation is not good. King Mueller is here and he is demanding an audience."