Gundam Wing

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing;. I just borrowed some of the characters. Rated: NC-17

Reluctant Companion

Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

"Well, don't the bunch of ya just take the rag off the bush. Look like ten miles of bad road. Eat." Cook slapped plates on the table and motioned to one of the scullions to get the rest of the food. The girl eased around the table like she was afraid one of them would explode.

Cook settled in her chair and watched as Wufei calmly ate an egg. Heero seemed to be concentrating on the proper amount of cream and sugar needed to make his oats just right. Duo and Milliardo were both miserably silent, for different reasons. Duo because he was sure Wufei was furious with him and Milliardo because he just knew that Duo hadn't really forgiven him.

"Devil take the lot of you. Men!" Cook threw her hands up in disgust. "One of you start talking and do it now. I'm not having the bunch of you boys sulking around in my kitchens for the next week. I swear!"

Wufei put his fork down, wiped his lips with a napkin then folded it. After placing the napkin back on the table, he took a sip of his tea to clear his throat. "Duo thinks I'm angry with him. I'm not. Milliardo is not damaged, a bruise, that's all." He gave Duo a fond look. "You're a fool."

Duo brightened. "You're not mad?" Wufei shook his head. "Oh, thank goodness." He smiled happily and stuffed an entire piece of toast, jelly and all, into his mouth. Cook gave a satisfied nod.

Heero looked a Milliardo for a moment then shrugged. "I'm not sure what's wrong with Milliardo but I think he might not believe how truly forgiving Duo can be. He's got that ... tight look around his eyes."

Milliardo poked at an egg then just gave up. "I don't understand. How can you forgive me? It doesn't make sense. I don't understand."

Duo shrugged slightly. "You're truly sorry. Right?" Milliardo nodded. "So? Vengeance is a bitter pill. It poisons everything. I won't swallow it."

Milliardo looked at Duo for a moment then slid to his knees at Duo's chair side. "I'm sorry. I ... I want to reaffirm my vows. Please? It would mean so much to me. And my vow of loyalty to Heero. Would you accept this?"

Duo patted Milliardo on the shoulder. "Of course. But what about your vows to Wufei?"

"Never made any. Slaves don't, you know." Duo made a face. "Stop that. You know quite well that I'm so lucky I should be singing Anchora's Praise a thousand times a day. What happened to the last fool that pulled the trick I did?"

Cook perked up. She loved stories. This one was looking to be good.

Heero made a soft sound then announced. "Not at the table. I refuse to listen to the list of ... punishments at the table."

Cook blinked. "You're talking about ... oh, my." She made a fussy little noise. And changed the subject. "Well, sounds like you've all made it up. And there's going to be a banquet, yes. You can't have a ceremony without a banquet. Not civilized. Now." She picked up a scrap of paper and a stick of charcoal. "What kind of oaths are these. There's foods that are lucky and I want to make sure to make all of them"

Duo started laughing, Milliardo, still at his feet had to laugh too. Heero snickered as Wufei just howled. Trust Cook to put everything in perspective.

Wufei suddenly yelped. Milliardo raised his head from where it had been, in Duo's lap. "What?"

"We'll have to put off your reaffirmation until Quatre and Trowa can get here."

"Why?" Milliardo looked around at the suddenly frozen men.

Heero shook his head. "Ever met Quatre?"

"I don't believe I have."

Duo chimed in. "Suffering puppy eyes of doom."

"With chin quivers. Deadly." Heero shuddered.

"Then Trowa glares like Heero." Wufei added his bit.

Cook just laughed. "Men. Cowards, the lot of you. But that gives me time to prepare. Heard that they said they were coming regardless of being too late for the funeral. Pay their respects and all that."

"Yes and getting to witness Milliardo renewing all his vows will be a nice recompense for missing the funeral. And you know Quatre will be delighted."

Milliardo settled back in his chair. "What about Trowa?"

Duo snorted. "He'd set up in a hovel if Quatre wanted to. If Quatre is happy so is Trowa."

"Oh." Milliardo helped himself to some eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, sausages, pancakes, toast, oats and tea. Duo eyed the plate with interest.

"At lest you're not starving him."

Wufei just snorted. "You think that's something? Wait until lunch."

Milliardo ignored them with slightly offended dignity.

After breakfast they wandered into the exercise yard. Milliardo started to head for the apothecary but Wufei refused to allow him to, saying that the journeyman brewer was perfectly capable of checking on the fermenting wort. Milliardo gave up when Wufei pinned him in place with a glower.

"Fine, whatever you say. But if we wind up drinking slop, don't blame me."

Heero, having heard in excruciating detail, exactly how interested Milliardo was in beer, fended off further brewing conversation by asking Wufei if he wanted to work out.

Wufei said that he could manage a little bit and smirked at Heero as he snorted. Their workouts were well known for lasting a while.

They discussed domain business as they walked to the exercise yard.

Once in the yard, Wufei bowed to Heero and waited as he bowed back. Heero started an attack. Wufei blocked it. They circled each other for several minutes. To the uninitiated, it looked like all they were doing was staring and circling, but in the space of three minutes Heero had started four attacks and Wufei six. It was a match of brains not brawn.
.

Duo poked Milliardo. "Hmmm?"

"Great aren't they?"

"Yes, Master Wufei is wonderful. He's so sly. He'll get Heero soon."

Duo snorted softly. "Not in love here, are we?"

"No, never. Um..."

"Don't say it. If you do I'll have Wufei blister your ass."

Milliardo just grinned. "Who knows, I might like it."

Duo choked on his own spit, making Milliardo snicker.

They turned back to the combat just in time to see Heero flatten Wufei with a simple cross chop that put him on his ass. Duo whooped in excitement and Milliardo groaned. They both picked up sacking towels and jugs of water to carry to their respective companions.

"Here." Milliardo draped the towel over Wufei's shoulders. "And don't drip on me. Yuck!"

Duo laughed. "He should take that tunic off, but he'll never do it. It's got to be hot. And, as for taking off those sticky socks, never."

Heero hushed Duo, who gave him a wide eyed look then shrugged.

Milliardo gave Wufei a stern look. "You promised you wouldn't be stupid."

Wufei managed to look sheepish, yet dignified. "I forgot. I swear. But if anyone says anything, all bets, as Duo would say, are off."

Milliardo knelt down to help Wufei off with his embroidered slippers. He set the shoes aside then peeled the offending socks down his legs. While he was doing that Wufei was unbuttoning the neck of his tunic. When Milliardo was done with his footwear, he pulled the tunic off over his head.

Duo gasped softly but didn't say anything. Heero just examined him, nodded and turned away to pick up his jug of water. After drinking some, he smacked his lips and announced that he wanted to fight Milliardo, with Wufei's permission, of course.

Wufei stood gazing at Duo then Heero, confusion plain on his face.

Milliardo wrapped his arms around Wufei's shoulders. "See, I told you those scars don't make any difference."

Wufei snorted and said a bit snidely. "See, I told you Duo forgave you."

Milliardo bit him on the ear, earning himself a swat. "Well, I thought about it all last night, at least until I fell asleep. Relena sentenced me to slavery. Duo never ... er ... got his, so to speak. Now that he's had his retribution, I can relax." Duo, over hearing this, made a rude noise. "Very well, I'm an idiot. Enough said. Master's command." Milliardo nodded his head, firmly changing the subject. "If you want to match me, I'd like that. Wufei?"

"If you like. I'd like to see how Heero does against a long John like you."

Milliardo eyed Heero, decided that he could stand the humiliation and stepped into the arena.

Heero followed him, sizing him up for the ‘slaughter'. And slaughter it was. Milliardo wound up on his face in about three moves. Heero poked him in the back.

"You're not trying."

"Am too. Get off."

Heero got off and helped MIlliardo up. "What happened then?"

Milliardo flicked his braid over his shoulder and grumbled. "I have never seen that particular move before. You caught me by surprise."

"Go again?"

Milliardo glanced at Wufei who nodded. "If you like."

"Well, set yourself."

Milliardo did and Heero attacked him. This time Milliardo did a bit better, he managed to keep away from Heero long enough to get in several blows. Heero shook them off like gnats, stepped into Milliardo's hip, kicked him behind the knee with a back sweep kick and swivelled his pelvis. He pushed against Milliardo's shoulders. Milliardo yelped and landed flat on his back. He lay there for a moment then jumped up.

"Teach me that. Please. That's a perfect move."

Heero gave Milliardo an assessing look. "It's not for the faint of heart. It's an all or nothing move. Either it works or you're fucked. You really want to learn it?"

Milliardo nodded. "Yes, I realize it's a last resort but sometimes that's all you've got and I want a move that can't fail."

"Well, this is it. But don't say I didn't warn you."

They worked on the throw for a while with Duo and Wufei watching and offering advice, comments and just plain silliness. After working on the throw until Milliardo could do it fairly easily, Heero announced it was time to introduce a weapon. Milliardo just wiped at his face with a piece of sacking and got a drink of water. He started to say something then bit at his lip.

"What is it?" Heero knew enough to ask and insist on an answer. Milliardo eyed Wufei who just shrugged and said, "Up to you."

"I want to thank you for saving my life. Not that it was worth much, back then. I like to think that I have learned something since then."

Heero just bowed slightly. "Relena was in despair, even though you ... I'm not sure exactly how to put this."

"I was an arrogant, ignorant jack ass, with a superiority complex and no understanding of human nature or politics. I should have been put down for the good of the two kingdoms and buried in an unmarked grave. I'm very grateful that I wasn't. Being whipped, blinded, hanged, drawn, quartered and ... I forget what else, doesn't sound like anything I want to experience."

Duo sighed. "I never did figure out how you can be hanged then the rest of it."

Milliardo just gave him a slow blink. "Only hanged, not dropped. Just half strangled, enough to crush the larynx a bit. Then cut down and proceed."

Duo gave a slight whimper and Heero rushed to comfort him. Wufei swatted Milliardo in the head. "Idiot, he has nightmares about being strangled unconscious."

Milliardo started on a round of apologies that Heero cut off. "Get us some tea, will you? It's alright, Wufei, how was he to know?"

Milliardo hurried off for the tea, Heero hushed Duo, rocking him until he was calm again. Wufei just sat and stewed.

Milliardo returned with enough tea for all of them and handed around cups. Duo peeked at him from over Heero's arm and grumbled, "Well, shit." Heero snorted into his hair.

"So, you have a break down once in a while. It's to be expected. Relax."

Milliardo looked up from his cup. "I'm afraid of the dark." Wufei covered his eyes with one hand. "It's not your fault. It's mine." Milliardo took Wufei's hand away. "So, you see, ..." Milliardo turned to Duo. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Duo rubbed his cheek against Heero's. "I know. Besides, it gets me great cuddles."

Heero nuzzled into Duo's bangs then looked at Wufei. "Want to tell me why he's afraid of the dark?"

Wufei shook his head. "No. If he wants to, fine."

MIlliardo shook his head. "I'm foolish. Never mind." He turned to Heero. "You were going to introduce a weapon?"

Heero nodded. "I was. Shall we start?"

So they worked on the form again. Milliardo was getting very good at it when Heero got very lucky and dumped Milliardo flat again. But this time he swore, Milliardo's whole side was divided by a dark blue slash. The practice dagger was coated with blue chalk so that they could see when Heero made a hit.

"Milliardo, what the hell? You would die from such a wound."

Milliardo just shrugged. "Flesh trap. You never heard of it?"

Heero's mouth dropped open. "You ... Anchora! You can't just throw your life away like that."

Milliardo pinned Heero with a look so fierce that he nearly cringed. "For Wufei? A hundred times over, praising Anchora each time."

Duo made a soft choking sound but Wufei just snorted.

"As if I wouldn't heal him before he bled to death." He turned to Milliardo. "You're not to waste your life like that. Do you understand me?"

Milliardo gave Wufei a slightly sullen look. "And if I say no?"

"We'll discuss it, over my knee. And if that doesn't work, I still have a switch."

Milliardo smirked at Wufei. "Yes, Master. As you wish, Master. I obey, Master."

Wufei snorted in a most inelegant way and smacked him on the shoulder.

Heero grinned at Duo who just smiled back happily.

.

They spent a week just idling around the keep enjoying some peace and quiet. And waiting for Trowa and Quatre to arrive.

When they did, it was with a contingent so small that Heero spent several minutes dressing the captain down. Quatre just stood grinning and holding his gloves. Trowa spent that time rolling his eyes and snickering.

"Well, don't just stand there, come in."

Both men tossed their reins to waiting stable boys and entered the hall.

Duo fell on Quatre with a yelp of joy. "Quatre! You're here! I'm so glad to see you. Wait until you see ... you won't believe it. And he's so tall, I don't remember him being that tall and his hair is ... well, you won't believe it. Come on." Duo dragged a laughing Quatre out of the room chattering all the way.

Heero greeted Trowa with a smile, a mug of ale and an offer of a seat. He nodded gravely and accepted them all.

"Well, I'm glad to see you. How was the trip?"

Trowa sipped at the ale, gave Heero a surprised look and gulped half of it.

"This is great. I don't believe that I've had better in the capital. The trip was a trip, like any other. No surprises. Duo seems well. At least his voice is."

Heero smiled. "Yes. And I never get tired of hearing it. He sings to me every night. And he sings at the temple as well."

"Are you happy?"

Heero nodded. "As happy as you two. In our own way."

Trowa took another mouthful of ale. "This is excellent. I'd like to meet your new brew master. But first, Wufei. Quatre is worried about him. How's he doing with our spoiled prince? Any progress?"

Heero snickered. "I'm sure Quatre is asking Duo the same questions. And you'll both get the same answer. Wait and see. And don't pout." Trowa gave him an indignant glower. "Ah, yes. You don't pout. That's Quatre."

Trowa pouted, as much as he ever did, but he agreed to wait. He knew Duo had a surprise for them and he wouldn't spoil it, no matter how curious he was.

.

Duo led Quatre into the small sitting room behind the great hall and settled him in a comfortable chair with a tankard of small beer. Quatre looked at the smile Duo was sporting and grinned back.

"It worked?"

"Sure did. You'll never believe what he's doing right now."

"What? Tell, tell."

Duo waited a moment to allow Quatre to stew a bit, then said, with a rather smug air. "Brewing beer."

"No!" Quatre drew the syllable out a bit.

"Swear. He's crazy for it. Wufei says that he'll talk about it for hours. He nearly bored me asleep with it."

"Is he any good?"

"You're drinking some of his stuff right now."

Quatre took an appreciative sip and smiled. "So it did work. I'm so glad. Wufei was so lonely."

"I know. " Duo nodded smiling softly at the thought of his old friend and his new companion. "And they're so good together. Finish that. I what to kind of hurry, before Milliardo is finished in the brew house. I want you and Trowa to see them before they see you and get all ... um ... companified."

Quatre snorted into his beer. "That's not a word. At least I don't think it is."

Quatre finished his beer and followed Duo back through the hall, looking a bit wistfully up the stairs to their accustomed rooms and the attendant bath. Duo caught the look. "I'll let you get your bath and what all as soon as we check in on Wufei and Milliardo. I promise. I'll even rub your feet for you."

Quatre smiled happily, there was nothing he liked more that a good foot rub, except for sex with Trowa of course.

After picking Heero and Trowa up on their way through the hall Duo led his group of friends into the lower levels of the apothecary cautioning them to watch the stairs.

They eased down the stairs and into the cistern room. Milliardo was shoveling malted barley from one of the bins directly into a mash boiler. He was covered with sweat and had grains of barley sticking to his chest and arms. Wufei was standing nearby with a hygrometer in his hand checking the sugar level of some cooled mash.

Duo grinned at the look on Quatre's face when he saw the one time prince shoveling grain. Heero's face was a study in conflict, he wanted to laugh but he didn't want to offend either Wufei or Milliardo. It was a relief when Milliardo called, "In or out, laugh or don't, I really don't care but one or the other or you'll burst." He hopped out of the bin and went to a strange looking arrangement of gears and a trough. He pushed the trough over the boiler and the started to turn the crank. They heard the gurgle of water and Quatre exclaimed, "A rope pump! Very clever. But where's the water?"

This lead to Wufei settling on a keg, offering the rest of them similar seating and telling them about the cistern. He also told them about how they found the skeletons and cleaning out the cistern. By the time he was done with his stories, Milliardo was done with his pumping and was starting the fire.

"I'll leave the journeyman to take care of this. I want a bath. And I'm sure that Quatre and Trowa are more than ready to wash away the dirt of the road." Duo had the grace to look a little shamefaced, but Quatre just smiled at him, letting him know that he understood his reasoning.

"We're fine. Now. But I will admit that I really want a wash. Trowa?"

Trowa just grunted and rose from his seat. He had to admit that while he really wanted his bath, the wait was worth it. If for nothing else, to see the affection the once cold and distant Chang Wufei had shown for the traitorous prince. A prince who seemed to have turned into a very good brewmaster, among other things. He smiled to himself, trust Duo and Quatre to handle something like this.

.

Quatre sank down in the huge tub until his chin touched the water. The tub was full of warm water, one of Wufei's herbal oils and men. Trowa had invited Duo and Heero to bathe with them, not that unusual. In fact it was usually fun, in this case it was soothing.

Duo was humming softly and rubbing Quatre's left foot. The promised massage was making Quatre sleepy. Trowa smiled at Heero who was smirking at Duo. He'd bet Duo that Quatre was going to fall asleep in the tub, Duo and said that Quatre would be too wound up. Heero enjoyed being right very much.

Heero eased himself around to speak to Trowa. He felt too relaxed to do more. "We'll have the renewal of Milliardo's vows tomorrow. You missed the funeral so I thought we'd let you sit in on that. What do ..."

Quatre sat up so abruptly that a small wave slopped over the side of the tub. "Renewal? You'll do no such thing! Why the very idea! What's wrong with you?"

Duo yelped and let go of Quatre's foot to avoid pulling his head under at the sudden move. "What?! Why? Quatre, Milliardo needs to reaffirm his vows. It's very important to him. Why shouldn't we take them?"

Quatre shook his head violently, sending drops of water showering over the other three. "No! ... I mean ... yes, but not tomorrow. We have to have a ... banquet and a celebration... and Relena should be here."

Duo sighed. "Didn't think she'd want to be here for anything like that. And we can't put it off. Cook would kill us. She's made plans and been cooking and baking for two days."

Quatre pouted a bit, saying that he was sure that Relena would have wanted to be present for something like this. He brightened when Heero reminded him that Milliardo was technically his subject now and he would be taking his vow of loyalty. Duo would be taking his reaffirmation of his vows to Anchora and Wufei would be taking a vow of fealty to himself as Milliardo's master and commander. Quatre grumbled a little but announced that they'd just have to make do with sending Relena a full account. Everyone just laughed. Quatre was an inveterate letter writer and sent reams to everyone about everything.

.

Quatre invaded the kitchens the next day and he and Cook had a nice talk. He had to smile when he saw that she had made every lucky dish she could think of. He complimented her on her preparations and went in search of Trowa.

When he found his lover, he announced in no uncertain terms that they had to have a present for Milliardo. Something that Wufei would never think of getting him. Trowa plucked at his lower lip and considered this for a moment.

"I don't know. If Wufei knew that Milliardo wanted something, he'd get it for him. What do you think?"

Quatre shook his head. "Not a clue. Maybe Duo or Heero would have an idea."

So they wandered around looking for Duo and/or Heero. They finally found them in the garden also trying to come up with a present for Milliardo.

"But, what could he possibly need? You know damn good and well that Wufei wouldn't let him go without." Duo ran a hand through his bangs and then thumped it down on Heero's thigh. Heero took it in his own hand and threaded his fingers through Duo's.

"I think he'd be happy with almost anything."

Trowa braced himself for Quatre's reaction to that particular stupidity. "Heero, we have to get him something nice. It would be an insult to Wufei. I don't intend to insult my friend. We just have to be ... inventive." Trowa didn't even wince. Quatre did tend to get a bit shrill from time to time.

Heero eyed Quatre for a moment then shrugged. "Well, what's traditional in Chin. We could give something like that to Milliardo, Wufei wouldn't think of it and it would make Milliardo proud that we thought of it and Wufei couldn't claim insult, not that he would. So ..." Heero gave Quatre a meaningful look. Quatre just grinned back at him.

"Leave it all to me then."

.

Milliardo had to admit that he was as nervous as a virgin in a whore house as Duo had said. He was to make three submissions today, not that he wouldn't have been just as nervous making any one of them, let alone all three. One was to Duo, a reaffirmation of his vows to Anchora, which he hadn't actually broken. Another to Wufei as his master and overlord. The third, to Heero, legally changed his loyalties to Heero as his acknowledged king. Relena had already been contacted about this and had approved it only writing that, since Milliardo was exiled she had no objections and that it was good of Heero to accept his vows. She had also asked when the ceremony was to be.

Milliardo ignored the sound of galloping horses, someone was always charging in or out of the keep during things like this, sometimes on the flimsiest excuses. The young squires liked to show off for the girls, someone from the lower village forgot something vital and sent a servant rushing off for it, that sort of thing. He wiped at his hair with the back of his hand, he now hated it down. It got into everything.

Wufei looked in on Milliardo and smiled, "Well, you're dressed at least." Milliardo gave Wufei a disgusted look as he gave way to mirth.

"That's right. Laugh. Just remember. I'm going to be making my submission in front of a hall full of people. About a hundred of them. Now laugh."

Wufei snorted. "Do you actually think that Heero would let you be totally naked in front of a bunch of commoners and noble women?"

"The law says naked."

Wufei shook his head. "I checked an older version, it says naked of adornment. In other words, no lace, no silk, no jewelry. I'm going to assign a copyist to go to the Capitol and get true copies directly from the royal library. Now ... you better hurry. Here's the clothing Heero wants you to wear."

Milliardo sighed his relief, he really hadn't wanted to appear naked in front of a hundred or so people but he would have if he'd had to.

He picked up the clothing that Wufei had dropped on the bed. The trousers were of fine linen cloth and tailored to fit perfectly, the simple button fly made the fronts lie flat. The tunic was plain, lacing up the front with simple laced cuffs. He stroked the material for a moment then scrambled to don his smalls and get dressed. There were no shoes or boots, not even a pair of sandals or slippers. He shrugged and headed for the door.

He was met by the captain of the guard and a squire he didn't recognize. They would escort him into the hall and help him with several aspects of the ceremony.

.

Milliardo stepped in the open door and gasped. Relena was there. She was dressed in riding clothing and covered with road dust. He nearly collapsed but then remembered that Wufei had promised and what would Relena do with him anyway? He steadied himself and stepped forward.

He felt something soft beneath his bare foot and looked down. Since he'd had his eyes fixed on Relena he hadn't noticed the soft wool runner, nearly the color of the stone floor, that ran from the door to the dais. Relena smiled slightly at him and nodded. Encouraged he stepped forward.

Half way to the dais, Wufei stood right in his path. There was a kneeling bench at his feet. Milliardo knelt on the bench, grateful for it's thin padding. To Wufei he swore and oath of total submission, an oath of obedience beyond the mundane. Wufei accepted it gravely, swearing in his part to protect and provide for Milliardo as if he was himself.

They walked side by side to the dais where Duo and Heero were seated side by side. Milliardo, as a slave, was technically incapable of making an oath of any kind but Heero had no intention of insulting Wufei, Milliardo, or Relena by refusing.

First Milliardo knelt to Duo clasping his hands before him, just as he had done for Wufei, and extending them. Duo took the clasped hands in his own and nodded.

"I, Milliardo, do swear to uphold the honor of Anchora and her temple, her priests, high and low, and to protect the weak and innocent. I will [there should be more here, but my brain went Bleah!]

Duo gave his return oath and just stood up, making room for Heero to take Milliardo's hands. Milliardo gave Duo an indecipherable look then turned to Heero, swiveling on his knees a bit to face him better.

He repeated his vow of allegiance in a clear, firm voice, projecting the words as only a trained singer could.

"I promise on my faith that I will in the future be faithful to His Majesty King Heero Yuy and his vassal, My Lord Chang Wufei, never cause him harm and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit. To this I do swear, in all honor, upon my very life and soul."

Heero repeated his oath of protection and then raised Milliardo to his feet. Wufei stepped forward with a pair of socks and very fine boots in his hands. He knelt and slipped the socks onto Milliardo's feet followed by the boots. He stood and announced, "I give this footwear in symbol of my oath to provide for him in all things." He stepped back to stand by Relena.

Duo stepped up next and flipped a tabard over Milliardo's head. He eased it into position and belted it with a wide leather belt, empty sheaths attached to it flapped against Milliardo's thighs. "I give this tabard and belt in symbol of my acceptance of Milliardo's reaffirmation of his vows as a warrior-priest of Anchora."

Heero was last and took both a dagger and sword from the smiling squire, sheathing the weapons at Milliardo's sides he announced, "I give these weapons in symbol of my acceptance of Milliardo's oath to protect my lands and people. May they serve him well."

"And I have a present as well." Milliardo nearly fell over. He flicked a startled, pleading look at Wufei, standing by Relena and got a gentle nod in return. He turned to face his sister and blinked. She was holding a shield. "I give this shield to my brother because he is much beloved by me. It symbolizes my wish for him, that he be protected." She didn't specify how or by who, she just handed Milliardo the armsless shield.

Milliardo eased his arm into the loops on the back of the shield and turned to face the people. They all cheered him, calling out, "Huzzah! Huzzah! Milliardo!"

Heero gave them a bit of time to cheer and for Milliardo to enjoy the attention, then he held up a hand to quiet everyone.

"Thank you for coming, and for your congratulations. There will be food and drink set up in the back court yard. Please eat, drink, and make merry."

There was another, much louder cheer for this and the people began to file out to the yard. Milliardo laughed softly. "Well, I guess that shows me." He handed off the shield and sword to the squire who bowed slightly and left to put them next to Milliardo's old weapons by the door of his and Wufei's bedroom.

Milliardo turned to Relena biting his lip. "Relena?" Relena just sighed. "Please?"

"Brother, I rode all day yesterday and part of the night just to be here for this. Come, we'll talk."

She led him into the small room at the back of the hall that was used for private interviews with petitioners. They were in there for a long time. No one was ever to know what was said but they emerged tear stained but smiling.

Relena grinned at Heero. "I'm starving. Feed me before I fall over."

They headed for the yard and the overflowing tables that Cook had set up. There was no fear that the food would be gone before they got any. Cook's idea of a banquet was enough food to founder two battalions. Milliardo insisted that Relena seat herself, he would bring her a plate.

It turned out that none of them had to go get a plate, smiling squires attended them, bringing platters of meats, vegetables, stewed fruits and whole fowls. They also brought beer, wine, ale and hard cider in pitchers and jugs.

Everyone ate too much, and drank a little too much. There were songs and dancing, conversation and laughter. Relena teased Duo and Heero mercilessly while Wufei chatted with Quatre and Trowa. They'd had no part in the ceremony as neither one was in any position of authority over Milliardo. They had just been there as moral support and official witnesses.

Milliardo just sat and listened to the conversations swirling around him. Wufei reached over and touched him on the shoulder once, asking if he was alright. He smiled as said that he was, he was just thinking and enjoying the fun.

As the day drew to a close with evening blooming on the horizon, Quatre leaned across Duo and Wufei to hand Milliardo a small package wrapped in red parchment. "Don't open it until you're home. Have a nice evening." He smirked at Wufei, took Trowa by the hand and led him away.

Relena stretched and burped, and not a lady like one either. "Opps! ‘Scuse me. I'm for my chambers. I'm tired. And still standing around in all my dirt. Bath! Now!" Heero laughed and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Duo kissed the other one and she headed for her quarters and her bath.

That left Duo, Heero, Wufei and Milliardo at the high table alone. Heero pushed away from the table and grabbed Duo. "Come on. I've got a snake that I want you to see to."

"One eyed? Oh, my." Duo laughed and eeled out of Heero's grip. He ran for the keep with Heero in hot pursuit.

Wufei snorted. "Well, come on. I want to see what Quatre has given you."

Milliardo laughed. "You'll see soon enough. Come on." So the party broke up at last as the last of the celebrants gave in and headed off for their beds.