Oh I have fifty guineas in right gold, likewise a hearth that's burning
And I'd leave them all and I'd go with you me bold undaunted soldier
So don't say no but let me go And I will face the daring foe
And we'll march together to and fro And I'll wed you, my gallant soldier
-Lyrics to 'Gallant Soldier' performed by Loreena McKennitt
Elements of Great Design Part 52
Just as the healing spell that Sally had used on a certain Fighter was beginning wear off and cause the young man to loathe life as the pain began to set back in, the flap to his shared tent was pulled back to reveal a young woman with short, dark hair and a friendly smile. "Hello," she greeted, a case bearing vials of different colored liquids under her arm. "Looks like I am in the right place. You must be Trent. I'm Hilde Schbeiker."
Stepping in, the pale green tunic of a crude design that she wore came into plain sight along with her bearings plainly conveying her role in the world. She was an alchemist.
This being the first person that he had seen other than Relena and Sally when he flitted in and out of consciousness over the past twenty-four hours, Quinze managed struggle into something akin to alertness through the haze of his misery. Blinking clouded over eyes, he half-croaked, "Hilde?"
"Yes," the gifted grinned as she lowered her wooden case, the vials inside clinking together to sound like bright chimes at their contact. Looking through her collection she informed, "Queen Relena had sought me out when she feared that your last treatment was waning. My kind and I have been in high demand since arriving in the encampment, so I am glad that she caught me when she did."
With her large eyes brightening in their finding what she was searching for, Schbeiker cheered under her breath, "Aha! There you are."
Spinning to face her patient, she grinned triumphantly as she held up the thin, rounded glass containing a sloshing concoction of pale green that caught the candlelight. "This will have you feeling more like yourself in no time," the Alchemist reassured, pulling the cap off and holding her offering out.
Though the translucent drink might not have appeared the most pleasant, whatever it was that she was offering, Trent was only all too happy to try it if it meant an end to the pain. His hand trembling as he reached for the vial, he closed his eyes and threw the drink back to take it in down one gulp so fast that he hardly had the chance to taste it. All that remained was a hint of mint and sweetness at the back of his throat.
Before his eyes blinked open again, the Fighter could feel a tingling warmth spreading throughout his entire body that took the aches and discomforts away in its wake. When that inner fire passed, there was not even the slightest twinge of pain to be found.
Releasing a long breath in a sigh, he blinked in surprise at his visitor. "Thank you," he smiled gratefully, his voice sure and steady once more thanks to his renewed well-being. "This is the best I have felt since I first woke up after the attack."
"Well, I cannot take all of the credit for that," Hilde giggled. "Sally is a very talented healer who laid down the groundwork for my potion to take effect. "Your wounds were beyond my help alone when you first arrived here."
The suppression of a shudder that nearly wracked her whole body was not lost to Quinze and he swallowed roughly at the mental image that he must have made to have caused so many such a reaction. Quickly changing the subject, he tilted his head and commented more than asked, "You are a descendant of the Elders."
Nodding, the Alchemist beamed, "Yes, I am the niece of Howard, born of the White Mage line." She hurried to the closed flap of the tent and pulled it back, urging someone just outside, "It is safe to come in, Your Highness. The worst is behind him now."
As soon as the gifted stepped aside, Relena all but ran inside and instantly homed her worried gaze on Trent.
Seeing the return of color to his skin and the absence of the agony that he had begun to endure again, her eyes misted over before she closed the distance between them in a blink. As she sat on the edge of the bed at the same time that the soldier sat up, she threw her arms around his neck and leaned into the embrace that he offered back in kind.
"I cannot stand to see you in pain like that," the Queen whispered by her best friend's ear. Pulling back enough to appraise the bandages that appeared to be free of any fresh blood, she asked, "You must be well enough if you are able to sit up without any discomfort."
With a nod, Quinze cupped her face in his hands and reassured, "I feel perfectly fine... better than I had before the attack thanks to Sally and Hilde. Thank you for seeking the help out for me." To emphasize his appreciation, he left a gentle kiss on the Sovereign's lips. "Now, if you can promise not to fret as there is no reason to, I really would like to try getting up and about to check on my men."
The last clouds of worry faded from Peacecraft's eyes as she smiled, "Of course."
Pushing herself away from the bed, she faced the Alchemist and bowed her head with a deeply sincere, "Thank you, Hilde. I know how busy you and the other descendants have been since you arrived at camp and I do hope that I was not in any way disruptive to your efforts when I found you."
Schbeiker waved her hand in the air, smirking, "I may be a descendant, but there is no need for formalities with me. And you were no bother at all. I am all too happy to be able to take away a person's suffering. It is one of the things I enjoy the most when it comes to my abilities."
Centering back on her patient, she told him, "That potion will hold out until the last of your injuries have completely mended on their own now. Feel free to go about your duties." Handshakes were exchanged amongst the trio along with more words of gratitude from the Queen and the Fighter before Hilde took her leave.
Anxious as he was to see to his troops, Trent was still cautious and slow in rising to his feet. Once he had straightened himself out, his eyes grew with the surprise at not having a single twinge come on. Twisting his bandaged torso back and forth, he breathed in awe, "Incredible. It's as if I had never been injured."
He matched the brilliant smile on Relena's face and closed the distance between them to lift her in his arms and spin her around.
Laughing, the Queen held on tight to his neck and reveled in the feeling of having him back and able to hold her in such a way again. When she was settled back down and properly kissed, she smiled, "Let's not keep Alex, Mueller and your men waiting any longer. As often as they have been pacing the tent and asking for you, they will be thrilled to see you up and about."
Not needing to be told twice, Quince hurried to the pile of fresh, folded clothes that had been set aside for him. Along with wanting to check up on his friends, his King and Queen as well as every familiar face that he had come to know since joining the White Fang, he was also looking to meet Howard and the other Elders.
After all, it would only be proper to thank the ones responsible for saving his life as well as the stronghold of the rebellion.
* * * * * *
Later that evening, the Alliance had sat down to a feast to outdo any feast offered in all of Gaia's history.
Countless tables covered with platters of various delectable foods from succulent meats to cheeses, exotic fruits, vegetables and savory desserts could be found of every level of the great tree residences.
In addition to the courses, there was drink of every sort available to be poured at an overabundance even with the entire mass of Cleyra's citizens participating.
Music played by a variety of woodwind, percussion and string instruments carved out of the enchanted wood of the kingdom filled the air to keep the already lively scenes around that much more spirited.
Everything about the whole event was overwhelming to the traveling warriors. Never mind the fact that they were actually able to eat and drink their fill for the first time since leaving on their quest, the only occasion following their family reunion to surpass the happiness that had pulled them in was Wufei and Anna's wedding.
Between the smiling faces, laughter and cheerful chatter to be found everywhere they looked, those things worked wonders on their battle-tried spirits.
"I never would have imagined having the privilege of being a guest of honor at such a party," Quatre laughed over the sounds of the festivities, a slight buzz from the ale that he had indulged in setting in.
Tapping the rim of his gold chalice with Trowa's that had been raised to him at the long head table before the palace entrance, he added, "Even for being one of the wealthiest of lands, Onrac would never be able to pull anything remotely like this off."
Duo, who had worn a wide smile since the start of the banquet, commented quietly, "I cannot remember the last time that my stomach actually felt full since I started this existence." At his right, Heero gave his lover a sad grin and pulled the Black Mage against his side to kiss the top of his head.
Throughout the celebration, the people of Cleyra filtered to the head table with their own offerings... some to be collected at the end of the war as personal gifts and others to be stored and carried for use in battle. Healing potions, spelled weapons and other light-weight gear meant to aid the cause were presented with every intent to help turn the tide against Mariemaia.
One particular gift created specifically for the newlyweds had a touching note in the form of matching, platinum arm cuffs in which the pair could store their wedding bands. "The metal will shift whenever you transform between shapes," the old man who crafted the shimmering trinkets informed the Earth and Fire Keepers. "That way you will never risk losing your rings."
Closing their gaping mouths, the pair accepted and quickly set their precious trinkets into the hidden compartments of their links. Not wasting any time, they secured the thin, metal belts to their upper left arms and smiled sincerely to the gifted forger.
"Thank you so much," Anna managed in a breath, "this is a wonderful gesture that we will never forget."
Unable to trust his own voice at the moment, the Monk nodded fervently to second the sentiment. Beaming, the bald-headed man bowed deeply at the waist and slipped back into the crowd to rejoin the party.
Wufei leaned close enough to his tearful bride to drape an arm around her shoulders. Kissing her temple as she leaned against his side, he gestured to the small pile of gifts that had been bestowed upon the couple to congratulate them on their happy union. "Never in my existence would I have thought we would be shown such kindness," he murmured. "It truly is flattering to know that so many people sincerely wish us well."
Nodding, the redhead replied softly, "I never would have thought that we would ever see such a display." She met the onyx eyes on her, adding, "Although the greatest gift is still knowing how the people of Gaia are uniting to fight the war on their terms. As nice as this stay has been... and as much as I treasure these moments we get to share together like this, I am anxious to be away so that we can complete our own part in the fight."
Chang chuckled deeply, "I could not agree with you more, my love."
Her wings glistening as she fluttered to a graceful landing onto the edge of the table, Queen Iria smiled to her visitors, "It has been a long time since we have had anything to celebrate of this caliber. I do hope that you are all enjoying the evening so far."
"Are you kidding?!" Duo laughed, shaking his braided head. "This whole night has been amazing!" Echoing the sentiment with their own comments of the like, the rest of the Alliance nodded.
Clapping her hands together, the fairy giggled, "Wonderful." She cleared her throat and asked almost tentatively, "Perhaps there may be a few words on your behalf to the audience? Anything from any one of you would be most welcomed especially by those who are set in traveling to the north."
Taken aback by that, even Quatre sobered up quickly as he and his family exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"Well, it would only be right of us," Trowa stated, "Given how out of the way everyone here has gone in making us feel welcome, giving a few words is the very least that we could do." True as his comment was, there was a hint of nervousness in his tone at potentially being the one chosen for the task.
Suddenly, slowly but surely, Heero found himself to be the one that his counterparts were staring at. When he confirmed that even Queen Iria was looking on him expectantly, he pointed at his chest as he sputtered, "M-me? I wouldn't know the first thing to say to this many people."
Winner smirked, "Well, who better than Life to speak on all of our behalves? If anyone would appreciate best what is on the line with the war, you would. Maybe I do not have all my memories together, but I do recall you giving several motivating speeches in the past. That should come back naturally for you."
Folding her arms behind her head as she leaned back in her seat, Anna threw in with a smirked, "Besides, in this existence as a Fighter, you have an understanding of duty that the rest of us might not grasp. Think to your father, the officer of an entire kingdom's army. Surely he had given many talks that were used to bring that mass of soldiers together."
Instantly flooded with thoughts of Odin, his birth father in this existence, Heero felt a lump forge in his throat. Swallowing roughly, he brought to mind the many times he was swept up in the proud man's rousing speeches.
But all of the encouragement and examples that he had did little to help Yuy's trepidation... until he felt a familiar hand squeeze his shoulder.
Turning, his cobalt eyes he locked onto the warm violet of his soul mate's as Duo grinned in reassurance, "You don't have to so anything that you don't want to, 'Ro. If you're not comfortable, no one here is going to force you."
"Even though I can tell that you think I should try it?" the Fighter smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I know how you work in getting me to do something that you think would be good for me."
Raising a hand, the Black Mage laughed along with his 'siblings' and replied, "Alright, guilty."
Quickly calming himself, he nudged his lover as he declared softly, "I have every faith that you would be able to find exactly the right thing to say to the people and creatures here. And you know that I would never steer you wrong if I thought that you were getting into anything that was not right for you."
There was no greater truth than that as far as Heero was concerned. And it was what finally convinced him to relent and step out of his comfort of staying in the background. With a soft sigh, he nodded to the Queen, "Okay. I would like to say a few things."
Slowly pushing his chair back and climbing onto his feet, the soldier looked nervously out to the crowd that was quickly falling into a hush. Wide eyes filled with surprise at his purposeful rising watched the Keeper of Life in anxious wait for whatever it was he wished to say.
Queen Iria flew off to whisper to a handful of her gifted citizens before they took off to project the message out to the masses. Seconds later, even the distant music and chatter on the lower levels of the great tree had stilled until only the chirp of the citadels could be heard.
At the sight of hundreds of creatures watching him so intently, Heero swallowed past his tightening throat and glanced quickly down to his partner. "They're not going to bite. Go on," Duo whispered, that confident, sure smile on his lips as he gave a light nudge to his soul mate's leg.
Rather than let the piercing silence continue, the Fighter raised his head to his audience with one last clearing of his throat. "G-good evening, everyone," he began a little shakily.
Thinking only from his gut, he found better footing as he went on, "Every one of us of the Alliance has been overwhelmed by the expressions of hospitality and selflessness that you have shown us over the course of our stay here in Cleyra, none the least of which being this feast and the gifts that you have been so gracious in passing onto us."
At either side of him, his teammates nodded their earnest seconding of the sentiment.
Smiling faces spread like a wildfire across the gathered crowd, only making Yuy feel more comfortable in addressing them. All of a sudden, more thoughts rushed to him to express and so he continued, "The one thing that we have always tried to promote as Keepers is that every person, every creature of Gaia should appreciate each other for their differences as well as the similarities that they might not realize they share."
A clear train of thought came to him as though he'd had it mapped out all along, flowing with a natural ease. "If anything good has come from this war, it is the knowing that already so many have decided to lower the walls of discrimination that have been raised between neighbors." Throughout the onlookers, heads ducked in shame.
"Never again should humans or gifted call outsiders Strangers," Heero declared, shoulders rolled back and head straight in its lift. "Every one in this world has the right to live, to be exactly who and what they wish to be. Instead of fearing what you may not understand in those beyond your land, you should thrive in having so many unique beings to share this existence with."
Embarrassment gave into profound agreement as the audience righted themselves, muttering to their friends that the Life was right in what he was telling them.
Further pushed by those reactions, the soldier frowned deeply, "Abaddon's army cannot win this fight. I am not saying that offering your lives or service in the struggle would be easy by any means. However, it is the only way that we may all have a chance of survival... by standing together as one or we will fall as one."
Caught on the wave of emotions that were catching up with him, Heero cleared his throat of the tightness that had formed before he managed, "Should we be fortunate enough to win this war, whatever our class, origin or entity, every creature of Gaia should allow these dark days to be the end of our separation."
Shaking his head, he frowned in concern, "Standing together now is one thing, but it is how life should have been from the beginning. The worst thing that could possibly happen is to have the lessons learned from this experience be lost simply because it would be easier to go back to the way things were."
Once again, every head in view nodded solemnly.
His cobalt eyes blinking widely when he had said everything that he needed to say, he smiled sheepishly, "That all probably came across as more of a lecture than I had originally intended." Laughter filled the air, but the shimmering of tears from the onlookers spoke volumes of the depths of feelings that had been touched by Life's words.
Biting his lip, Yuy concluded with a firm nod, "You gave us a wonderful evening that we will never forget. Let's just enjoy it while we still have it." On that note, an eruption of applause and cheers broke out from the citizens as the Fighter returned to his seat. To his surprise, he took in the wet gazes of his family surrounding him.
First to congratulate him was a tearful Duo, who pulled his soul mate in for a fierce kiss. When he pulled back, the braided gifted rested their foreheads together, smiled and breathed, "That was absolutely perfect, Heero."
"Really?" the soldier replied in sincere doubt.
Anna reached up to wipe away a stray tear from her cheek as she responded with a snort, "Uh... yea." The corner of her mouth curling up, she giggled, "I hate to tell you this, considering how you kicked and screamed leading up to that amazing speech, but you are officially in charge of any public talks from here on out." Her Alliance counterparts laughed and voiced their backing of the suggestion.
And following the Fighter's advice, the remainder of the celebration was simply enjoyed as there was no telling when they would have such an evening again.
* * * * * *
On their way back to their silk-veiled room, Heero and Duo leaned against each other as they carefully stepped along in their slightly buzzed states. Chuckling the moment they stepped into their private space, the Black Mage allowed himself to be wrapped up in his lover's strong arms as their lips met in a deep kiss.
Taking a chance when they finally came up for air, Maxwell made sure that their eyes locked firmly before he whispered in more of a demand than a request, "Marry me when this war is over, Fighter."
Heart hammering in his chest, Heero did not hesitate in smiling when he answered in kind, "Nothing in this world would make me happier, Mage."
Lips met once again, hands roamed and removed every shred of clothesinguntil their bodies met without anything to come between them. And a promise to forever establish a love was consummated that night in an unrivaled intensity.
TBC...
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