Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cynehelme ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Cynehelme

By kmf

Rating: PG13

Warnings: AU

Standard Disclaimer applies

Chapter Five

Relena woke slowly. Luxuriating in the rare warmth that her blankets gave her, she wondered how long it would be until the knock on her door summoned her to Prime. She shifted slightly and winced at the hardness of the pallet she lay on. Absently she rubbed her hand along its surface expecting to feel lumps of cloth covered straw, but instead her fingers were greeted by the soft texture of fur. Her brain tried to grasp why she was lying on fur, whilst her eyes protested as she tried to open them. Relena's will prevailed and she opened her eyes to a scene that was most definitely not the inside of her sparten cell.

Autumnal colours were all around her. The roof of the hut was packed with deep browns and blacks of dead beech leaves. The floor was covered with the deep brown fur of a bear, and she herself was encased in a warm blanket woven in a peculiar raised check pattern and dyed the wonderful orange brown that onion skins gave. She blinked a couple of times staring up at the roof, then closed her eyes again quickly and groaned.

In the space of twenty-four hours her life had changed from one of doubtful novice to unwilling princess. From this day on she would have to forsake her life of innocence and enter the world of politics where she would have to work hard to prevent wars. Even if it meant prostituting her body to a new husband for whom she had no love.

She opened her eyes again and looked around for her companions determined that she would send them on their way back to the nunnery as soon as she possibly could. Relena found to her surprise that she was alone.

Shaking off the warm blanket, she smoothed down her habit as best she could and attempted to put some order to her knotty hair. Her stomach tensed with both hunger and trepidation, and her bladder painfully needed to be emptied. She crawled forward and looked out of the hut at the world beyond.

The sun was up and shining brightly on the white snow. Glancing at the leaves on the outside of the hut she could see that they had all frosted white with the coldness of the night. She felt even more impressed that such a simple hut had kept them so warm. Trowa still stood beside the entrance and he helped her to her feet as she emerged into the frosty air shivering at the change of temperature. He looked at her shivering, then reached into the hut and pulled forth a blanket. He held it out to her saying nothing, his eyes partially hidden by the fall of his hair. Relena hesitated, then took the blanket and wrapped it around her shoulder. She was about to ask where her companions were when he raised a hand and pointed. Turning she saw Sally and Dorothy approach, winding their way through the men who gathered in the camp breaking their fast with spit roasted rabbit.

Sally had managed to find a veil to hide her shorn head and was looking happier for it. Dorothy, however, proudly displayed her hair as a virgin maid would and had even managed to find a cloak that was not the dull black of her habit. Sally held a hand up to Relena's head to feel her temperature, and as Relena began to apologise to the sister for being so tardy in the morning, Sally shook her head to forestall her.

"You were feverish during the night and I made gave you dispensation this morning to miss Prime." she smiled kindly "You may make up for it in prayer during the day."

Dorothy snorted "When will you get it into your head that she is not a nun to be given dispensation for anything." she reached forward and took Relena's arm "She is a princess although she looks more like a beggar at the moment. Come!" she pulled Relena with her, around the fire and away from the delicious smell of food.

They walked to the tree line away from prying eyes so that Relena could crouch behind a tree and empty her bladder. Lifting her habit and under dress up she winced as the icy air made her unprotected legs and bottom goose encouraging her to finish as quickly as she possibly could. Moving back around the tree she was greeted with a handful of snow rubbed into her face and Relena gave a little shriek as some fell down the silt opening of her dress to melt between her breasts.

Dorothy grinned, then produced a little bone comb from within her robes. Spinning Relena around she began to pull the comb through Relena's long hair roughly pulling at the knots. "My hair was far longer than yours." she said as she worked "I was famed for it. I used to leave it loose around my shoulders and warriors would fight for just a glance from me." she paused and ran a hand through her now close cropped hair, glaring at Sally. "Your God demands to much from its wives." she hissed.

Sally, who had been standing and observing, had had enough "When you get back to the abbey you will be serving some serious penance." she declared, striding forward and pulling the comb from Dorothy's hands "Obviously we have been much too lenient on you up to now. I will remind you Sister Dorothy that you have given yourself to God." she held up the comb "Vanity is not tolerated."

Dorothy snatched the comb back, her brows drawn together "This is mine." she said coldly. She turned back to Relena who had taken the opportunity to swiftly braid the front two sections of her hair. She held up her hands as Dorothy advanced with the comb.

"I am fine now, although I am very hungry." she said trying to placate both the sisters.

"Then you should eat!" came a cheerful voice and Duo moved into view from behind the tree he had been hiding behind.

Sally frowned and pointed "You pervert!" she declared "Were you spying?"

Duo came forward and bowed to all three, taking Sally's hand up in his own he planted a kiss on the back of it. He grinned as she pulled away and wiped the hand on her habit, her face angry and flushed "Its called guarding, not spying." he said, "Do you think that Heero would allow you all just to wander away? After all" he turned to Relena and caught her hand "you are to be Queen of the world, princess." he was about to kiss Relena's hand when Dorothy pushed him away.

"Don't you dare touch her!" she said coldly "You are not worthy."

Relena felt her face flame in embarrassment as Duo's smile faded a little. "Dorothy, Duo has been a good friend to me for the last month" she said a little reproachfully "Please do not call him unworthy."

Duo's smile brightened again and he reclaimed her hand pulling it towards his lips "I am pleased that you still think of me as a friend, even after I deceived you." he murmured, his breath hot against her skin. He was about to kiss her when his eyes focused behind Relena and he pulled his head back grinning.

Relena turned to see that Heero was now standing behind them. He glared at Duo who merely grinned back before moving away from Relena. Relena felt confusion at the anger in Heero's deep blue eyes as he came close. His skin was slightly red and although some might have been due to him scraping his beard away, the angry hue near his eyes was not. Relena stood her ground, her heart beating wildly as he got closer. When she had to tilt her head to still keep eye contact, he stopped.

"Break your fast." he grated, before turning and striding back to the camp.

Relena felt her breathe come out in a rush as soon as he broke eye contact. She felt limp and deflated and oddly tingly. Dorothy came forward and stood beside her.

"Watch that one." she said very quietly so that only she and Relena could hear "I fear his agenda."

Relena blinked as she heard the words and wondered if it was true. Heero was a strange man, his outward facade cold but his eyes betrayed a warmth and energy that was mesmerising. His anger, however, concerned her. Why was it that every time she spoke to him he looked like he would strike her?

"Come" Sally took the lead and pulled Relena away from Dorothy's whispers "I am hungrier than I have ever been in my life. Let us eat."

* * * *

Breakfast was an uncomfortable affair for Relena; she was aware many eyes upon her, not all of which were friendly. Heero glared at her, Duo's smiled mischievously, Dorothy's gaze was one of warning, whilst the rest of the men looked at her in ill hidden curiosity. She sat holding on to the haunch of rabbit that she had been given trying to chew without concern. However, the tough meat was difficult to swallow when so many watched her every movement. Despite her hunger and delicious smell of the meat she felt the bile rise in her stomach.

Finally, she could eat no more and lifted her head to look at Sally. Sally had worn a worried look on her face all morning and could see from Relena's expression that the news was not good.

"You have decided not to return to the Abbey." she said in a tired disappointed voice, wiping her mouth with her sleeve.

"I cannot put the nuns and the people of the village at risk." Relena said softly, reaching over and taking her mentors hand in her own. "Please understand."

Sally would not look her in the eye, but rather focused on the hand gripping hers. "You should put your trust in God. He would protect you and us all." she said.

Heero snorted "We will protect her better." he said ignoring the cold glance that Sally gave him. He threw the bones of the rabbit he had been eating into the fire causing the flame to splutter. The ill scent of burning flesh assailed their noses. "We will set you and the other sister on the right path for your abbey. You obviously trust you God so you will not need an escort."

Dorothy raised an eyebrow "You will not set me on the path to anywhere." she said. "I will stay with Relena. I would not have her travelling with twelve men without a chaperone." she looked pointedly at Sally "Unless you would like to remain with her?"

Sally looked back at her lap considering, before turning to Relena with an apologetic look on her face "I'm sorry, I cannot."

Heero looked like the last thing in the world he wanted to do was take Dorothy with him, but nodded his assent. He pointed at her "You will do a I say. If you do not I will leave you behind and you can trust your safety to your God." A hand on his wrist interrupted him and he turned to see that Relena had stood and reached out to him.

"Please, do not send Sally on her own." she asked, her blue eyes full of concern for the older nun "You cannot just send her off into the woods alone."

Heero hesitated as he looked from her to Sally before shaking his head his irritation. "I cannot spare a man." he said, his lips pressed close, his brow frowning.

"Please?" Relena whispered willing Heero to aid her friend.

Heero again shook his head, but looked towards his men. "Very well" he said before nodding towards Trowa. "But only one will go with her. Trowa, you are the fastest traveller and the best tracker. You should be able to catch us up in a day or two."

Trowa nodded his agreement but said nothing. Relena also said nothing but bowed her head in thanks. It was only when Heero's callused hand covered hers gently pulling it away from him that she realised that she still held onto him. She blushed a little before smiling up at him. He did not smile in return, but merely looked at her with his penetrating blue eyes.

"Bid your farewells." he instructed, before turning to help gather the gear and pack the horses.

Relena watched him go her smile fading. She turned to Sally and ran to embrace her. Sally gathered her close, rubbing her back and both allowed their tears to fall.

"I will miss you so much" Relena said in all honesty. Sally had been her mentor for many years and she regarded her as much as a mother as a teacher.

"And I you." Sally nodded, pulling away and smoothing the tears away from Relena's cheeks with her fingertips. Her own she allowed to fall. Half turning she looked at Dorothy. "You will keep her safe." she said, her voice harsh and her eyes angry "And if I find that you have not, I will make sure that you are punished."

Dorothy blinked, her normally expressionless face oddly surprised by Sally's outburst. Finally she smirked. "Of course." she said nodding. "She will be safe from these men."

Sally stared at Dorothy for a moment before again embracing her young friend. "May God travel with you." she said kissing Relena on the cheeks.

"And with you Sister." Relena said returning the kiss.

And with that Sally was gone, trailing mournfully after Trowa who walked fast and with purpose back towards the snow filled woods from which their journey had started.

* * * *

Relena looked back at the campsite and sighed. The little shelter was no longer there, the men had emptied it of furs and blankets and swiftly demolished it. The branches and leaves they had scattered around the site and with the snow beginning to fall once again any hint as to its existence would soon be gone. She felt a little saddened by this. She desperately wanted to be able to snuggle up inside it once again and hide from the world. It had felt safe and comforting, whereas this big wide white world was not.

She knew that Dorothy watched her with exasperation and annoyance even though those emotions did not touch her face. Dorothy believed that Relena had been given a great opportunity to make her mark on the world. Relena, however, wished with all her heart that her faceless father and brother were still alive and that she remained ignorant of feuding kingdoms and aspiring kings.

Ahead of her, mounted on his horse, Heero sat surveying all his men his quick eyes assessing the state of the camp and whether anyone would easily detect where they had been. He glanced up at the sky estimating the rate of the fall of snow and seemed satisfied with what he saw. He glanced at her as if reassuring himself that she was indeed accompanying them and nodded at her. Relena smiled at him to demonstrate that she was still determined to proceed on the course that she had chosen. He nodded and raised his hand signalling for the warband to proceed.

They went at a walk for several reasons not least of which was that the horses had been ridden hard for days and were in need of a rest. They had had little to eat other than the oats that had been brought along for the journey and some sweet dried meadow hay. Both were now in low supply so were being rationed accordingly. The snow-covered ground was also a treacherous problem. The blanket hid any potential difficulties that could trip the unwary animals. Rabbit holes were fatal for a horse that was unlucky enough to step into one and break its leg. The horses were a precious commodity not easily replaced.

Relena was thankful that the pace was slow. She did not know how to ride, being brought up in the abbey had isolated her from beasts of burden. After admitting that she was ignorant of how to ride in an embarrassed voice to Heero, he had quickly ascertained that Dorothy did and had decided that they should ride pillion. Relena had not known whether to be grateful or sad that she would not be riding this time with Heero. After due consideration and having found herself staring at his backside as he bent down to adjust his legging straps, she decided that she felt relieved.

Snow began to fall heavier as they rode along causing Relena to pull her shawl tighter around her head and body. She looked up and watched the heavy flakes dance in the little eddies of wind and fall to the ground. She tried to focus on just one and follow its progress, and soon began to feel the giddy dizziness that always resulted from that game. She clutched onto Dorothy's waist for support.

"I hope that Sally is alright." she murmured loud enough for Dorothy's ears only. Dorothy shrugged. She was sitting as Relena did, sideways across the back of the horse, her narrow underskirt allowing nothing else.

"I am sure that the Sister is fine and almost back to her little Eden by now" she said "She is probably a lot warmer and dryer than us." She gave a little pull on the horse's rein making the horse snort and shake its head.

Relena tilted her head to try and look at Dorothy's profile. The older girl had also covered her head with a shawl that was rapidly becoming white as the snow settled. Relena could see enough though to know that Dorothy's face wore its usual smug facade

"Trowa seems to be their best tracker. I am sure he will be able to find his way back to the abbey without difficulty." Dorothy continued, her nose wrinkling "Even in weather such as this." She paused a little and seemed to hesitate before continuing, her voice low and muted "Relena, do you believe their story?"

Relena gave a little start of surprise and stared down at the footprints their horse left in the snow. She thought carefully before answering conscious that Dorothy was not normally a chatty person and that she also kept much secret.

" I trust Heero Yuy." she answered smiling a little "He seems to be honest and genuine.

"But what of the story of your father's assassination." Dorothy persisted, her voice little more than a murmur. "Are you sure that you can trust what he says of that? He could be telling any story to get you to come with him. In truth, your father might even still be alive."

Relena felt a little surge of hope run through her veins, but then gazed at the heavens and allowed snow to settle on her face. "No" she said quietly "I think that I would know if he lied about that. I would be able to see it in his eyes. My father and brother are dead."

Dorothy paused a moment, latching onto the words Relena had uttered. "What do you mean, you would know if he lied about that?" she asked, her voice sharp in the muffled air. "Do you sense that he is lying about something?"

Relena hesitated and wondered how much she should share with Dorothy. The unhappy truth was that Dorothy was the only one she could discuss her fears with; there was no one else now that Sally had gone. "I think that he is hiding something from me." she finally admitted.

With an unladylike snort, Dorothy laughed. "You think so?" she asked, "I think he could be hiding any number of things from you. It could have been Mercia that arranged the death of your father and brother. It could be that Heero Yuy is a prince of Mercia taking you home to wed you and gain the High Kings throne. Or even taking you back to wed King Oden of Mercia." She snorted, smiling, her lips thin. "I hear that King Oden is a fine looking man despite his advanced age."

Relena shook her head but said nothing, again watching the falling snow. Her mind full of Heero Yuy, she looked about to see if she could spot him. She blinked in surprise when she found that she could see none of the other riders.

"Dorothy, where are the others?" she questioned, twisting to look behind. The snow was falling even more thickly now and it was difficult to see more that twenty paces. Suddenly it did not feel so magical anymore, but more frightening.

Dorothy straightened and looked about, her eyebrows drawn together in a frown. "I don't know." she admitted finally "We have become separated."

Fear lurched inside Relena, and she fought to push it down. They were in serious trouble if they were indeed lost in a snowstorm. They had no provisions and, as far as Relena was aware, no forest craft to draw on to aid their survival. Although she had seen how a shelter had been erected, they were now firmly on the downs and trees were few and far between on the high chalk hills.

"Don't worry." Dorothy soothed her "If we continue in this direction we are sure to catch them up. " She gave a short laugh "Obviously you are not as precious as we thought if Heero allowed for you to be lost so easily."

Relena didn't reply, she was still peering around. Her eyes blinked rapidly in an effort to clear them of the large wet flakes of snow. Thinking that she heard a noise from behind, she twisted around trying to see.

"Dorothy, stop." she requested. "I think I see something or someone."

Dorothy ignored her and Relena felt the horse move from a walking pace to a trot which made her tighten her hold around the girl's waist as she felt herself slip. The gait of the horse caused her head to bounce uncomfortably. Relena pulled at Dorothy's shawl to try and get her attention.

"Dorothy, wait!" she called again, looking behind to see that the shape had resolved itself into that of a man on a horse.

He was approaching at a gallop, unmindful of the risks involved. Relena could see that he too was covered in a layer of snow, clinging to his cloak and hood giving him a ghostly look. As he drew in along side them, he pulled back on his reins making his horse dance a little. His hood slipped back revealing that it was Heero, his face grim and determined. Once the horse had settled he reached out and snatched the reins from Dorothy's hands.

"What the hell are you doing?" he demanded, his eyes angry and hard as he stared at Dorothy.

"We lost you." she said smoothly, an eyebrow raised. "Where were you?"

Heero glanced at Relena before glaring at Dorothy again. "We were going in the right direction. Unlike you who seems to have managed to turn a full half circle and are heading back the way we came."

Dorothy shrugged. "The snow was so thick that it was difficult to see. I thought that I was going straight." She smiled. "I apologise. It was lucky that you found us."

Heero tossed the reins back at her "Luck had nothing to do with it. I might have said that Trowa was the best amongst us, however we are all of us excellent trackers." He said smirking. He pulled his horse close to Dorothy's, his eyes narrowing again. "You can travel in whatever direction you wish. For all I care you can go to hell." His arm darted out and snaked around Relena's waist and pulled her to him. "Relena travels with me from now on."

Relena blinked in surprise as she was suddenly on another horse. Heero positioned her carefully across his lap and pulled her shawl tight around her so that she was wrapped tightly in it. She could feel the heat radiate from him even though cold snow coated his cloak and tunic and she felt warm and secure despite knowing next to nothing about this grim warrior.

Heero pulled on his reins and his horse wheeled sharply, its front legs dancing a little in the air. He held her tighter to him and she felt her cheeks unwillingly glow red. Looking towards Dorothy she saw that her cheeks were also red, but from anger which caused her eyes to flash dangerously. For a moment Relena thought that Dorothy would do as Heero bid and remain behind, but as Heero urged his horse forward she saw Dorothy follow.

Relena sighed knowing that she would feel the brunt of Dorothy's anger later, but for now she was content to lie safe and warm in Heero's arms.

TBC