Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Love's Honor ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter Two

Large aquamarine eyes glanced about, taking in her
surroundings. Kiryuu Keep was actually rather spacious for
a building of its sort, with sturdy granite walls and a cozy
wooden interior structure. Compared to some of the other
fortresses in this far-flung northern end of the land, it
was downright luxurious, what with its stone construction,
the many fine tapestries on the wall, the cleanliness of the
rushes that covered the Great Hall's floor. And it too,
like its young lord, held a note of familiarity that haunted
her.

"The guestroom is this way, m'lady," prompted the boy
guiding her through the fortress. An active youth of about
eleven winters, with short-cropped golden blond hair and
large, adorable azure-blue eyes, he was clad in dark blue
tights, a sky blue tunic that was simply decorated with
silver braid, dark brown, soft leather shoes and a tabard
that proclaimed him a page of Clan Kiryuu's prince. Fabric
as white as snow covered the boy's other clothing, front and
back sporting upon the surface the appliqued cloth visage of
a rampant tyger brandishing a sword in its right-hand
forepaw, all as red as new-shed blood. Even as far as the
lowlands, she'd heard rumors of the prowess of the Red
Tyger; Touga Kiryuu was supposedly one of the bravest and
fiercest of lords, as well as one of the most chivalrous and
honorable. "Your ladies are waiting there for you."

"Thank you," the rose-clad girl -- for truly a girl she was,
having only seen fifteen winters -- replied, her soft shoes
making hardly any sound on the stone steps of the spiral
staircase. A hand rested lightly on the breast of her
masculine-cut, baggy overtunic as she descended the flight
behind the boy. "What about my men at arms?"

"His Lordship means to have them bunk in the guard's
dayroom. That way they'll be just outside your door and you
and your ladies will have some privacy."

(How very thoughtful,) she mused, a smile settling on her
rose-hued lips. The moment he'd entered the Great Hall,
after seeing to making sure that the grooms had taken care
of her palfrey, Lord Touga had been enthusiastically greeted
by a slender blond girl who was obviously a lady in high
standing in the household. Insisting that he needed to
check on various things, the orange- and yellow-clad lady
had monopolized the highland lord's time, even calling for
the page to attend their unexpected guests. Murmuring his
apologies to her, Touga instructed the page to show her to
the guestroom while he had walked off, the blond girl arm in
arm with him.

The blue-eyed girl hadn't overly minded. After all, Touga
was the prince of the clan, and as such, he was sure to have
a busy schedule. Besides, the thought of freshening up
after a day's travel and recovering from getting tossed from
her mare was something quite pleasant.

They emerged from the stone shaft of the stairwell out into
a large room with two heavy, brass-bound oaken doors, one in
the center of each wall to the sides. Across from the
archway leading to the stairs, a large shuttered window
overlooked the oval courtyard in the center of the circular
shell keep. Like most of the rooms in the tower, this one
was somewhat triangular in shape, taking up close to a
quarter of the circle encompassed by the thick granite outer
wall. A few rough-hewn wooden trestle tables with matching
benches on either side furnished this chamber, with
tapestries depicting scenes from legendary battles hanging
along the walls. From a beam of the ceiling, a banner of
Clan Kiryuu -- that same white field with a red rampant
tyger holding an upright sword as was on the page's tabard
-- hung just to the right of the shuttered window.

"This is where your men will be sleeping," the boy
explained, pointing to the twin cots set up against the
wall, one to either side of the door to the left of the
stairs. "Inside that door is the guestroom."

"Thank you again," the girl replied, giving the blond youth
a bright smile. "I believe I can take it from here."

The page sketched a swift but respectful bow. "As you wish.
If you need aught else, give the bell cord in the room a
pull and I'll be right down to see to your wishes."

She merely nodded, the feathered cockade on the side of her
dark rose colored cap rippling slightly from the air of her
movement. Turning away from the boy, she pulled the catch
on the door and pushed it open. "Hello?" she called out,
stepping inside.

There was a pause as she pulled the door shut behind her.
Then came an excited voice, one that was feminine and
sounded quite relieved. "Lady Utena! *There* you are!"

The source of the greeting was a somewhat pretty maiden of
fifteen winters, her reddish-brown hair pulled up into a
single topknot ponytail by a red ribbon save for a lock
before each ear and a single forelock that curled in the
middle of her forehead. Large, soulful brown eyes gazed at
the newcomer in pure delight. Dressed in simple garb of the
current fashion, the dark brown kirtle underneath her
emerald green sideless surcoat -- the sides of which were
laced up with green ribbon in a criss-cross pattern -- gave
tantalizing hints as to her body's shape beneath.

The somewhat boyishly-attired maiden had only enough time to
blink her aquamarine eyes in mild surprise at how
enthusiastic a greeting she received before the brunette
girl grabbed her and gave her a huge -- and very familiar --
hug. "Lady Utena! I was getting so worried about you. When
they said you weren't here . . ."

"I'm quite all right, as you can see," the rose-clad girl
responded, doing her best to smile despite getting somewhat
crushed by the other's embrace. "Please, Wakaba, control
yourself. It's not exactly proper . . ." In the
affectionate gesture, the cloth cap finally succumbed to all
the bouncing and jostling it had taken throughout the day.
It fell to the floor, releasing the wealth of wavy rose-pink
hair that had been stuffed underneath it.

"Oh, all right, m'lady," the brunette replied, turning loose
of the other and taking a step back. "So what happened to
you? We couldn't find you anywhere."

"I'm sorry for that. Something caught my eye, so I wandered
off the road to take a closer look. Not overly far into the
woods, my palfrey shied and ran off with me, finally tossing
me off her back. I twisted my ankle, so I couldn't walk
right away." Shaking her head slightly and running a hand
through her hip-length mane of hair, the young noblewoman
did her best to untangle her formerly bound hair.

"Oh dear!" Wakaba said, a hand coming up to cover her mouth.
"Are you sure you're all right?"

"She said as much the first time around," answered another
voice. Stepping from the large, well-made bed, another
maiden approached. Older than either one of the others by a
couple of years, her slightly wavy brunette hair was cut
short, curling down to only the nape of her neck. In
contrast to the other, her bangs were worn long and loose,
the central forelock curling between her large, violet-hued
eyes. Her taller form was attired in another outfit of the
current fashion, an azure kirtle snug beneath a sideless
surcoat of violet cloth. Like all of them, her garb was
rather plain; their lady didn't believe in drawing the
attention of evil-minded men by advertising their relative
wealth while traveling. "Don't you believe our lady?"

"Well, of course I believe her, Shiori," Wakaba grumbled,
crossing her arms over her bosom.

"It's okay, both of you," Utena said, looking from one to
the other. "Where are Tatsuya and Ryu?"

"Last I saw, they were hanging out with the household
guard," the short-haired maiden responded.

"I think they said they wanted to get in some training with
the Kiryuu men now that we're here," Wakaba added.

"That sounds like a splendid idea. The Kiryuu are supposed
to be skilled in the arts of war," the pink-haired
noblewoman said.

"Among other arts," Shiori pointed out, a sly expression on
her pretty face.

"Well, Lord Touga certainly seems gallant enough -- "

"Lady Utena! Have you *met* Lord Touga?" Wakaba asked,
surprise and admiration both on her openly expressive
visage.

"Well, yes . . . You see, he was out hunting in the woods
and happened across where I was tending my hurt ankle -- "
Utena began, only to be cut off by her older handmaiden's
words.

"*He* brought you here? How envious."

"Really, Shiori, it was no big deal," the pink-garbed girl
hastily said. "He only did what any true noble would do."

Just then, a knock on the solid wooden door sounded,
breaking through the conversation. The trio of maidens all
glanced at one another before Utena called out, "You may
enter."

"Excuse me, m'lady, but I've brought a message from His
Lordship," came the voice of the youthful page once the door
opened. Stepping into the room, they could see his slim
arms straining under the weight of a pair of ash-wood
buckets filled nearly to the brim with water, curls of steam
rising from each one. Behind the boy, a number of other
servants filed in after him, each one also carrying a bucket
full of hot water. "He wishes you to enjoy the hospitality
of his home and to offer to you a bath with which to wash
the dust of your travels from you and your ladies. He also
hopes you'll grace the Great Hall with the light of your
presence this evening at our feast in celebration of the
coming of spring. He would be greatly honored to have you
join him at the high table."

While the blonde boy spoke, the other servants -- a grouping
of people young and old, mostly female but with a few youths
and men as well -- filed through the room and began dumping
their buckets of hot water into a large cast iron tub placed
off in the far corner of the room. Glancing over there,
Utena could see that there was a moveable folding screen of
varnished rosewood in that same corner, its surface adorned
with a gorgeous pattern of entwined roses. Obviously the
screen was to be stretched out and positioned around the tub
to give the bather some privacy. Turning her attention back
to the youth and noticing that he seemed to be staring at
her with a slightly dazzled expression, the noblewoman
nodded in agreement. "Tell your lord that my people and I
will gladly share supper with him this evening, and also
that I thank him for the bath."

"Of course, m'lady," the white-tabarded page acknowledged,
bowing slightly before lugging over to the tub his own pair
of water-filled buckets. With his added, the tub was
reasonably full; the servants filed out as quietly as they
came in, the three guests watching as they disappeared out
the entryway. Then the door was closed, returning to them
the privacy that they had had.

"Well, I don't know about you, but a hot bath sounds like a
good idea to me," Wakaba said, eyeing the metal container
sitting in the corner of the room.

"It'll be nice to get the dirt from traveling off, yes,"
Shiori agreed.

Utena merely nodded, walking over toward the tub, a hand
reaching up to unlace the ties that kept the slit in front
of the neckline of her rose-colored cyclas. Protocol
allowed her to go first, being the highest ranked of the
ones there; knowing that the hot water would help soothe the
remaining ache in her ankle, she was willing this time to do
as her title allowed her to act. She would just be sure to
get back out before the water got too cold for her
handmaidens to enjoy.
________________

Music filled the air, crystalline notes from harp, flute,
and lute supported and driven by the low, throbbing beat of
the drum. The musicians occupied a corner of the raised
dais situated between the single shaft of the barred window
leading to the outside of the keep and the large fireplace
that warmed the Great Hall as best it could. The C-shaped
chamber was the largest single room in the upper floors of
the keep, and it served as the center of life for the lord
of the Kiryuu and his household. It was here that disputes
between clanmembers were decided upon, the evening meals and
celebrations of the royal household were conducted and the
majority of the staff slept in cots at night after the
tables and benches were picked up and placed against the
walls and the dirtiest of the rushes covering the wooden
floor were swept out to be burnt in the fire. During the
day, the cots, pillows and blankets were folded up and
stored in a closet just off to the side of the vestibule
between the outside door and the Great Hall.

The table and individual chairs upon the dais were always
present, the table bolted to the wooden platform's floor and
the seats ornately carved heavy pieces of furniture that
could only be shoved back or forth for a short distance.
Whether sitting at the table during a feast or in attendance
upon court business, the Kiryuu chieftain would be present
in the red-upholstered silver birch throne-like chair, other
equally fancy seats reserved for those of a similar station
in life. Tonight, however, things were far more relaxed
than their usual wont.

The majority of the trestle tables were still leaning
against the tapestry-lined walls, with only a scant few
arranged in a curving line between the door to the kitchen
and the main entrance into the keep. It was on those tables
that the staff had arranged the bread and rolls, roast
venison and vegetable stew for the evening meal were
situated, the rough-hewn tables covered with cloths
alternating between white and scarlet red. Across from
them, in the inner curve of the C-shape formed by the Great
Hall, two shuttered windows overlooked the open, oval-shaped
courtyard that was in the very center of the circle enclosed
within the shell keep's outer wall. The rest of the
rush-covered floor was open, the sturdy plant stalks having
a few fragrant herbs -- once dried, they had been
reconstituted and then allowed to air dry in order to make
them supple yet again -- scattered about to lend their sweet
scent to the air as the people milling about crushed them
underfoot as they walked.

Touga stood before the fireplace, the warmth of the flames
making his backside quite comfortable as he scanned over the
scene with his cobalt-blue gaze. Having wanted to get
everyone's mind off the hardships winter may have brought,
he had asked for the celebration to be an informal thing and
the hall cleared to allow for dancing. The musicians were a
traveling band, and quite good; their lively tunes so far
certainly had more than made their food and lodging worth
it. He was glad to have invited them to stay when they had
first appeared a week ago, and he was tempted to offer them
a permanent position were they looking for such employment.
Lifting the golden goblet to his lips, he took a sip of the
rich red wine within as he looked about for his sister.

There she was, looking as splendid as always. She wore her
best sideless surcoat, the snowy white one upon which was
embroidered on the skirt in both front and back in scarlet
and gold thread the Kiryuu tyger. Ribbons of silver-edged
red braid laced up the sides of the overtunic, under which
could be seen a kirtle of deep golden-yellow, the hem of
neck, skirt and sleeve trimmed with a pattern of
ruby-adorned golden flowers. Over her braided blond hair
rested a netting of golden thread with tiny glimmering
rubies at the junctures that shimmered with a ruddy fire as
she moved among the others there. Touga allowed himself a
smile. No doubt she was making sure that everything was
being handled efficiently for the celebration. That was one
of her gifts, despite her age. Already she knew how to keep
a noble household running well; she would be an asset to
whatever lord she was given to as a bride.

(I suppose I should turn my thoughts to arranging something
advantageous for her and myself both,) he silently mused,
taking another sip of the wine. (However, I'm reluctant to
give up her talents just yet, when I have no one to step in
and take over once she's gone.)

Unaware of her brother's current thoughts, the slim blonde
made her way over to the tables holding the food.
Everything seemed to be in order for once: the trenchers
were there, ready to be picked up, the fresh rolls were hot
and buttered, the venison sliced into all sizes for the
hearty and light appetites both, the stew had a delightful
scent that left the mouth watering. Seeing that a number of
the household had already served themselves and were seated
on the floor eating away -- she understood her brother's
thought behind making it an informal, buffet type of feast
-- Nanami decided that the time had come to make sure her
beloved sibling was pleased with the arrangements. Glancing
about, she grinned as she spied him standing near the
musicians and the dais before the roaring fire.

God, he was magnificent as always, as proud and sleek and
beautifully deadly as the red tyger emblazoned upon his
white cyclas. Buttoned on the side and sleeveless, as well
as its lower length split to allow for better movement, the
silver-trimmed overtunic was in startling contrast to the
deep scarlet undertunic he wore beneath. Silver fox fur
trimmed the neck, long sleeves and hem of the red tunic, a
braid of ruby-adorned silver sewn just above the furry
material. White hose adorned his legs, his feet in
comfortable, black leather shoes. His waist-length scarlet
hair hung loose, the perfect frame for his handsome and
charming visage. Sighing in absolute adoration, Nanami
again thanked her lucky stars that she happened to be
related to such an important and wonderful man.

"My dearest lord," the slender blonde noblewoman began once
she approached close enough for her brother to hear her over
both fire and lovely music, "it seems as if the feast is off
to a good start." For a moment, a look of insecurity
crossed Nanami's beautiful face, clouded the large violet
eyes. "Are -- are you pleased with everything?"

Touga slowly lowered the goblet, his azure gaze resting on
his younger sibling's uncertain expression. After a long
pause, he gently smiled. "Aye, Nanami. I'm quite pleased.
Everything's turning out well so far."

The look on the young lady's face was absolutely priceless
as she heard the chieftain's verdict. Smiling brightly, she
impulsively grabbed her brother's arm and gave it a warm
hug, rocking herself and him ever so slightly in her
enthusiasm. "You're so wonderful, my lord," she softly
breathed.

"I wonder how I managed to get such an adoring sister,"
Touga softly murmured, glancing down at the blonde clinging
to him. Despite his words, a hint of a smile was there on
his lips. Looking into his goblet, he noticed that the wine
had gotten to a low level. Besides, he was rather hungry
and had yet to eat; in showing to his folks his generosity,
he had given permission for them all to start before he had
himself served. "Come along, Nanami. I wish to have
something to eat, and I daresay that my cup is almost
empty."

"I'll be happy to serve you, my lord," the younger Kiryuu
sibling quickly replied. Still clinging to his arm, she
trailed along as the tall highland chieftain began to make
his way over to the tables upon which the sumptuous meal was
spread.

Just as the two were midway to their destination, the door
to their left -- the one leading to the antechamber that
served a dual function of waiting room for those wishing to
enter the Great Hall for court as well as storage room for
the fine linens, cups, plates and eating ware made from
precious metals used for feasting -- opened up, admitting a
small group of people into the tapestry adorned hall.
Flanking the trio of well-dressed women were two men, their
matching outfits of black and white adorned with the crest
of a rampant silver unicorn. It was obvious to see that the
pair -- one was a handsome youth with dark brown eyes and
short-cropped, straight, dark-brown hair parted in the
center; the other was older and equally attractive, with
short, wavy, dark auburn hair and golden-brown eyes, a
forelock straying to rest between his eyes -- were the
guards for the three maidens that walked between them. A
splash of color in shades of green and shades of violet, the
two brunettes were quite a lovely sight.

But it was none of those four that caught Touga's eye and
then held it in fascinated wonderment. No, that alone was
due to the stunningly beautiful angel that glided into the
Great Hall in the center of her group of retainers.

She was absolutely gorgeous, this strange noblewoman that
walked into the room and seemed to dominate it with her
quiet presence alone. A cascade of rose pink hair fell in
soft waves around her face, about her shoulders and then
ended at the tempting curve of her hips. She wore a very
feminine dress in the latest fashion, her rose beribboned
surcoat made from a woven tapestry material depicting white
unicorns frolicking in a wealth of white, pink and red
roses. Her kirtle was a deep pink, silver braid decorated
with tiny pale pink gems glittering with her every movement
at the hem of skirt, neck and sleeve. On the left side of
her face, the silken locks of her hair were pulled up to the
side of her head and fastened there with a silver comb
decorated with a sculpted rose, a pale pink jewel held in
the heart of the metallic flower. In the middle of her
neckline, she wore a golden brooch, four heart-shaped rubies
arranged in a cross, their points to the center decorating
that piece of jewelry.

But the most captivating thing about her still were her
eyes. Those aquamarine pools drew him in, kept his
attention, made it hard to see anything but their
fascinating and mysterious depths. By those eyes alone, he
knew he was looking upon that same maiden that he had
brought home earlier in the day. The transformation from
seemingly lost waif to heavenly angel left Touga speechless
-- save for a gasping inhalation of breath at the first
sight of her.

Startled by her brother's abrupt cessation of movement and
his sound of amazement, Nanami frowned, perplexed, as she
glanced up at him. Whatever it was that he'd noticed, it
held him utterly spellbound. The golden-maned maiden's
expression deepened as she looked over in the direction at
which her dear brother stared. (Who the devil is *that*?)
she wondered, violet eyes narrowing in slowly dawning
annoyance. How ostentatious the stranger appeared, how
seemingly above everyone else she carried herself as if she
was some sort of queen. How dare she grab her older
sibling's attention so?

"Magnificent . . ." the scarlet-haired chieftain softly
breathed, his voice holding a note of rapt admiration.

"Oh, I don't know about that," Nanami responded.

"She cleans up *very* well indeed," Touga added, still
staring at his rose-haired guest.

"'Cleans up'?" the younger sibling echoed, her voice having
a tone of puzzled surprise. Looking again at the beautiful
-- and indisputably feminine maiden -- a feeling of dread
filled Nanami, draining the color from her face. (She can't
be the one he brought home, the one in that dreadful
clothing,) her stunned mind whispered. (She just *can't*!)
However, a part of her already knew the truth, that this
obviously wellborn lady was that same girl, and a serious
threat to taking her brother away.

The Great Hall was every bit as well-kept and sumptuous as
the rest of the stone keep, but the moment Utena stepped
inside the crowded chamber, a deep sense of familiarity
washed over her. (I've been here before . . .?) she
silently mused, looking about. The great stone fireplace, a
marble mantle fastened to the wall above the blackened stone
arch, was right where she expected it to be, as was the dais
upon which the high table sat. The tapestries, both those
lining the walls and those hanging from the massive beams of
the ceiling, were of scenes and patterns she was sure she'd
seen a long time ago; the shields and crossed arms that also
decorated the walls were equally familiar. As her gaze
darted about at her surroundings, Tatsuya and Ryu kept a
watchful eye on the others in the chamber while Wakaba and
Shiori trailed along just behind her. (And there are the
two windows that look out on the courtyard below . . .)
Utena added, again noting a feature of the hall right where
she expected it to be. The delicate fingers of a hand
reaching up to lightly fondle the brooch from the fallen
champion of Love, the rose-haired lady searched through her
memories.

Her parents had died here in the highlands, stranding her
all alone in a place hopelessly unfamiliar. Somehow, a
local lord had found her and arrangements had been made to
return her to her remaining relatives from her home in the
lowlands, but that entire time was hazy, it happening a very
long time ago. All that she was sure of was her pledge to
find a new champion and free Love from some sort of horrible
fate. What that fate was, she couldn't recall; all she
could remember was the sense of seeing eternal torment.

Her aquamarine gaze swept over those there, noting how happy
and content the people of Clan Kiryuu seemed. From what she
could tell, her eye trained in the way of supplies,
households and the like told her that this was a clan that
saw that its people were taken care of very well. Smiles
were everywhere, the laughter raucous and lighthearted, the
singing happy, and the dancing energetic. Nowhere she
looked did Utena see the signs of poverty and disease. It
spoke well for the young lord in charge of the folk. Then
she spotted him, and it seemed as if her very breath was
stolen away.

Tall and lean, he looked the very essence of a dashing
prince in his glittering court finery, his scarlet mane set
off gorgeously by the white cyclas upon which his arms were
emblazoned. In all her travels in her quest to find a new
champion, she had yet to see another who was equally
magnificent. Yet as she stared at him, an odd feeling came
over her, causing her to blink in faint astonishment. In
the low illumination of the Great Hall, his hair took on a
darker shade -- and for a moment, she thought she saw in him
a familiar visage, like that of a face within a dream. Then
the sensation was gone, leaving her to continue staring at
him in wonder. (Could he be the one?)

Upon the dais, the troupe of musicians finished up their
current piece and proceeded to tune up for yet another
dance. Hearing what sounded to Nanami to be a rather
stately and slow dance, full of regal moves and closeness
between dancing partners, she gently tugged on her brother's
muscular arm. "My lord, dance with me, please?" she
implored, turning her violet gaze up to her beloved sibling.
Always before, he had honored her request for such sport
when she asked; they had grown up learning the ways of
proper courtly dancing together, partnering one another.

"Not now, Nanami," Touga gently declined, patting her hand
where it rested against his arm with his own hand. Nicely
yet firmly removing her grasp from himself, he held out his
golden chalice to his sister. "Do me a favor and hold this
for me." Then he walked away from her, never once looking
back as he crossed the distance between himself and the
enchanting maiden that had so dazzled him.

"But . . ." the blonde noblewoman began to protest, a
heartbroken expression on her beautiful face. She took a
step toward her brother's retreating form, only to visibly
wilt as it became quite apparent that the chieftain had
utterly dismissed her from his mind. Holding the cup in her
hand, the yellow metal still warm from where he had been
holding it, Nanami's hurt look slowly turned to one of
indignant anger as she watched *her* dear brother flutter
around the pink haired girl like a moth around a flame.

"Can it be?" Touga softly murmured, stepping up to stand
before the heavenly maiden. "Can it truly be the same
innocent I rescued from being stranded in the deep forest?
My lady, you are far lovelier than I had ever imagined."
Staring at that fascinating head of rose pink hair, the
color seemed to strike a chord. It looked almost like hair
he'd seen a long time ago.

Utena looked up at him, blushing faintly at his charming
words. Even so, there was something almost overwhelming
about him, a something that made her wary of his advances.
According to Shiori, the Kiryuu lord had something of a
reputation when it came to those of the fairer sex; there
was little doubt in Utena's mind that a noble as comely as
Touga was would ever truly lack for the attention of the
women around him. "You flatter me, my lord," she gently
protested, demurely averting her gaze. Yes, she had come
here to observe the somewhat famous Red Tyger and see if he
could be the champion she sought, but she needed to keep a
clear head in order to conduct her quest in a rational
manner.

"Please . . . Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

"I don't know . . ." Utena hesitated, caution and curiosity
both warring within her. Behind her, Wakaba and Shiori
looked on in utter amazement while the pair of men at arms
frowned in faint annoyance at their lady seemingly made to
be uncomfortable.

"Come now, fair lady. Surely one dance won't harm anything,"
Touga purred. Noticing the expressions on her protectors'
faces, he smiled at the two youthful warriors. "You truly
have nothing to fear for your lady here. I am always the
most gracious of hosts."

Utena could feel her blush deepen. He did seem to be as
gallant as the stories would have one believe. Looking for
a way to change the subject, she turned her aquamarine gaze
to her companions. "My lord, I'd like to introduce you to
my handmaidens. Wakaba, Shiori, Lord Touga of Clan Kiryuu."
The two in question hastily executed curtsies, their skirts
brushing against the herb-perfumed reeds. "And my escort,
Tatsuya and Ryu." The pair of black-clad youths bowed in
response.

"A pleasure, I'm certain," the highland chieftain replied,
nodding ever so slightly at the small entourage. "And what
of you, my lady? Must I forever be in the dark as to the
name by which mankind knows such loveliness?"

"Oh," the rose haired maiden gasped, realizing her slight
breach of etiquette. "Forgive me. I'm Lady Utena Tenjou
of Rosehaven."

"Rosehaven?" Touga inquired, arching a scarlet eyebrow over
a cobalt-azure eye. This vision of loveliness was the
daughter of a lowland banneret, then?

"Aye," she acknowledged, nodding. "'Tis in a kingdom to the
south of here."

"Well, the pleasure is definitely all mine," the highland
lord replied, reaching out to take her hand in his and raise
it to his mouth. Blue eyes watched her as he pressed warm
lips against the back of her hand, letting the kiss linger
there for a few beats longer than propriety demanded.
Lowlander she may be, but what little he'd seen of her
convinced him that she could possibly hold her own among the
people of the highlands -- especially if she knew how to use
that dirk he had seen sheathed at her side.

The tiniest thrill of something ran down Utena's spine, but
only until she realized that he was kissing her far longer
than was proper. Eyes flashing in sudden irritation at the
assumed familiarity, the maiden snatched her hand away from
him. "Control yourself, my lord," she said in a low hiss.

Stepping back, Touga held out his arms to either side in a
gesture of peacemaking. "Lady Utena, please. Don't be like
that. Surely you'll forgive a poor man for becoming dazzled
by your radiance."

"I'm much more forgiving to those who display proper
manners," the pink-maned noblewoman replied. Stepping past
him, she gathered up her long skirts to keep from dragging
the rushes about as she walked. "At the moment, I'm more
interested in a hot meal than a dance."

"Then allow me to make up my lack of manners to you, Lady
Utena," the Kiryuu prince offered. "I have yet to eat as
well. I'll serve you up your supper as well as mine, and
let us get to know one another better through conversation
as we dine."

She paused in midstride, glancing back at him, blue eyes
glimmering with an expression of faint suspicion. "Very
well, if that is what you wish, my lord." Turning and
shifting her focus on her retainers, Utena gave them a
gentle smile. "Be off with you and get something to eat as
well. I shall come find you should I have need of you, but
for now, I should be fine in the company of Lord Touga."
After all, there was little he could do to her there in the
very public setting of the Great Hall. Besides, she was a
guest, and should be treated accordingly by the rules of the
ancient and sacred tradition of Hospitality.

Though her handmaidens curtsied and rapidly made themselves
scarce, the pair of men at arms hesitated a moment.
Encouraged to do as she commanded by a nod from the rose
haired maiden, they too wandered off, Tatsuya taking the
same direction Wakaba had chosen.

Her attention back on the regal-appearing redheaded lord,
Utena gave him a hesitant smile. "Lead the way, my lord. I
fear I'm hungry enough to devour an entire horse."

"Hmm," Touga purred, an amused expression on his handsome
face. "I'm afraid you'll have to settle for venison. We
ate the last of the horse only yesterday."

Blinking, she stared at him as he walked up to stand next to
her, taking her arm in his. At the playful wink of a
cobalt-blue eye, she suddenly realized that he was joking.
Laughing despite herself, she let him lead her to where the
deliciously scented food was arranged on the linen-covered
trestle tables.