LOVE'S HONOR

From: diannasilver@hotmail.com (Dianna Silver)

Chapter Eleven

Enough light of the new day filtered in through the small window high
up in the room to illuminate the cozy chamber.  Sitting on the edge
of the bed, her two ladies in waiting still gently snoozing, Utena
finished tying her hair back with a ribbon of pink silk.  Since she
was planning on remaining in the fortified manor, there was no need
to hide her lush mane under a hat.  Fluffing out the wavy ponytail of
soft curls, she rose and crossed over the wooden floor, pushing open
the door.

On the pallet next to the arched doorway, Tatsuya remained lost in
slumber as well.  A gentle smile settled on her face; at least she
hadn't lost both her faithful guardsmen, though the death of Ryu
remained a dark spot in her mind.  Her attention caught by sounds
coming from the main room of the hunting lodge, the slender
warrioress made her way into the hall-like chamber.

Saionji and his clansmen, along with the single remaining Kiryuu
warrior, were standing together in a small knot a distance away from
where Touga remained asleep near the fireplace.  Catching sight of
most of the men clothed and awake made her softly gasp and stand
there in the archway leading to the corridor from whence she'd come.
It wouldn't exactly be proper to go further without any sort of an
escort.  Still, seeing them up and about made her curious.  "My lord,
you're awake at an early hour," she said, resting a hand against the
stone of the entryway.

"Hmm?" the Verdant Gryphon responded, startled by the feminine
voice.  Glancing about and noticing the woman standing nearby, he
grimly smiled.  "Ah, 'tis you.  Aye, and all the better that I'm up
with the dawn.  I mean to rush home as swiftly as I can."

"Are you taking your warriors with you as escort?"

"Actually . . ."  Saionji paused with a frown, then shook his
head.  "No.  I'm going to travel alone.  I have a feeling my men are
needed here moreso than galloping through the forest with me.  I'm on
my own lands after all, and it would only be the ride to Pinehaven I
must worry about."

"Then what of your men?" Utena asked, gesturing toward the group of
solemn-looking warriors.

"I'm sending them out to patrol the immediate area," the gruff
chieftain responded.  "Even here, with the current strength of our
party -- including you, my lady, but with Touga wounded -- we are in
danger from another attempt so long as we have only these numbers.
If someone should try again, you would be more vulnerable with only
two men, so I'm leaving you my three as well."

"But what of you, my lord?"

Saionji gave the pretty woman a confident smile.  "As I said, these
are my lands.  Alone, I can travel as swiftly and by whatever route I
wish, and I'm certain that there's little here that'll pose a danger
to me.  I'm traveling deeper into Saionji territory, and should
encounter more of my clan the closer I get to Pinehaven.  Of us all,
you who stay here run the greater risk."

Utena returned the other's smile, nodding slightly in
acknowledgement.  "Thank you, Lord Kyouichi.  Fare well on your
journey, then."

"I'm certain I shall," he responded.  Clapping one of his clansmen on
the shoulder, he gave them the order to leave the lodge and take up
their patrol around the building.  They filed out through the door
opposite where the rose-haired maiden stood, closing the heavy oaken
portal behind them.  "Expect me back with more of my clansmen when
the sun's halfway to the western horizon.  I'll return as swiftly as
I can," he said to the one who had so thoroughly enchanted his foster
brother.  Then he was gone as well, disappearing out that same door.

A headstrong man, that one was, and good in his own right though at
times his passionate nature got the best of him.  Utena smiled
faintly, her eyes settling to gaze at the tall form stretched out
between chair and footstool.  He was in the exact same place she had
left him, face tilted upward toward the ceiling with his head resting
against the padded back of the chair, one arm lying across his breast
while the other dangled down against the side of the seat.   His bare
feet were propped up on a padded footstool, the long legs stretched
fully out.  Beyond the soles of his feet, the great fireplace gaped
open, the last of the embers from the fire the night before long
since cooled to ash.

More than likely he was going to be rather stiff in the joints when
he awoke, she mused, silently making her way over to stand next to
the chair.  At some point in the night, he'd stripped off his
clothing save for the now one-legged trews, leaving almost the whole
of him exposed to her aquamarine gaze.  She couldn't help but stare
at him, his sleek, potentially deadly, masculine beauty made somehow
more enticing by the innocent tone sleep gave his features.  And as
she stared at him, she could once again see the lad he used to be.

His hair had been shorter then -- just brushing against the tops of
his shoulders -- but it remained the same flame-bright silk.  His
eyes, she knew, were still the same intense dark azure.  How she ever
could have forgotten was beyond her, but as she watched him in
repose, she knew him.

Faint memories came to her, like shadowy dreams.  She'd watched him
before, sleeping like this, but she had been so much smaller
then . . .  Like a moth to a flame, the girl she had once been had
been drawn to the boy he once was, knowing somehow that she had found
someone to hold back the frightening darkness of reality.  Other
images were there, of her watching him and his friend go about their
lives as best they could with a younger child trailing after them.

Lost in thought, she almost didn't see the redheaded chieftain's head
turn toward her, the cobalt-blue eyes opening to stare back.  "Oh!"
Utena gasped, startled.  "You're awake."

A corner of his expressive mouth quirked upwards.  "I've been so for
a short while, but I thought it better to try to continue resting.
Good morning, my lady."  However, it had been the feeling of eyes
upon him that had kept him from drifting off -- her eyes -- and now
that he was truly awake, he became aware of a rather urgent need.

"Good morning to you as well, my lord," she responded, stepping back
when the highlander groaned and sat up, dropping his feet to the
floor.  She continued to watch, wide-eyed, as he pushed himself up
from his seat and balanced precariously on his feet, the majority of
his weight supported on his uninjured leg.  "Careful," she warned as
he attempted to take a hobbling step, though she couldn't help but
wonder just why he was getting up in the first place.

The traumatized muscle was stiff; any movement sent pain shooting
through him.  (Still, it can't be helped,) he grimly thought as he
struggled forward.

The lone remaining Kiryuu warrior yelped softly in consternation as
he noticed his lord's stumbling gait.  Rushing to assist in some
manner, the sandy-haired clansman was halted by a gesture from Touga
to stay where he was.

"Stubborn man," Utena murmured, dashing forward while the Red Tyger
continued his attempt to walk.  Wrapping an arm around his slender
waist, she grabbed his left hand and placed that arm across her
shoulders.  "You'll strain the stitching if you persist on proving to
everyone how impervious you are," she complained.  Though she longed
to ask him just what did he think he was doing, she thought better of
the question and remained silent, waiting to see why he was so
determined to walk.

Touga relaxed slightly, leaning against her to allow her to help bear
his weight whenever he raised his right foot.  "I need to keep the
muscle somewhat mobile, my lady.  It'll get better the more I walk,"
he responded.  (Besides, I do have my pride . . .)  Glancing over at
his retainer, he called out, "Michiyo, fetch me some fresh clothing
from my saddlebag."  As the young warrior hastened off to do his
chieftain's bidding, Touga limped the rest of the way to the
garderobe with his feminine companion's assistance.  Once they were
there, he pulled open the door, graciously ignoring the sudden blush
of embarrassment that colored Utena's face when she finally realized
his motivation.  "Thank you for the help, my lady.  When Michiyo
returns, have him toss my clothes inside."

"As you wish," Utena responded, meeting his gaze despite the
continued heat in her cheeks.  Of course he'd need to relieve himself
after sleeping all night; she could hardly tell him to do so in the
fireplace -- or worse yet, in the chair in which he was
sitting.  "But I'm determined to see you stay off your feet, at least
for today."

"I shall do as you wish, within reason," Touga replied.  He smiled
down at her as he slipped from her grasp.  "You're going to help me
back to the chair."

"Aye," she said, noting that the scarlet-maned chieftain was merely
stating a truth they both already knew.

He disappeared behind the portal then, leaving her there to stand
waiting alone with her thoughts.  Her mind turning from her
embarassment, she focused on a stray memory from her childhood.  Even
the return of Michiyo only pulled her from her musings long enough to
relay to the Kiryuu clansman his lord's message.  Touga had promised
her, long ago, that he would show her the stars since she was as
pretty as they -- and he had.  He had recalled who she was even when
she had not remembered him.

And he had made her another promise, one that -- like the other -- he
would strive to keep no matter what cost now that he was a man of
power.  Utena frowned slightly at that thought.

When Touga emerged, he was clothed in scarlet-trimmed violet garb
decorated at hem, wrists, sleeves and neck with silver-threaded
knotwork embroidery.  Without a word, he leaned against the side of
the garderobe's entry and held out his left arm in a gesture
signaling his willingness to accept her support once more.

The slender noblewoman smiled at him, noticing that he was bearing
slightly more weight on his left leg, and she slipped next to him to
take up once again the burden of assistance.  She also noted that he
had been correct; his gait was steadier and his steps more fluidly
graceful on their return trip.  The moment he became settled in the
chair and had his bare feet propped upon the footstool, she stepped
back and looked him over.  "I know who you are," she finally said.

"Mmm?" he responded.  Something in the way she spoke kept Touga from
pointing out the obvious -- that she should know his identity after
spending so many days in his company.

"You're the one . . ." Utena gently said, "the one that pulled me
from the water, who took me to your father's home and watched over
me."

"Aye," he softly answered.  "And it was from Kiryuu Keep that your
relatives took you when you were returned to them."  How he
remembered that, being forced by his father to travel to one of their
clan's more distant holdings without the girl in tow.  He had thought
she would be safe there in the keep, that she didn't need him to
guard her from the world for those two days.  He had been stunned to
find her gone upon his arrival home; no little rose-haired moppet ran
to greet him, and all his father had to say was that she was where
she belonged.  Even now, thinking on it, the helpless melancholy set
in once more.  He'd failed her then, and it had taken him a while to
get over her absence -- so much so that not only had Saionji been
worried about him, but so had his little sister.  It was about then
that the golden-haired child had started keeping her brother company
as much as she was allowed.

A concerned expression settled on Utena's visage as she watched his
gorgeous eyes darken in sadness.  Had the memory of her presence in
his life become some sort of perfect fantasy, then?  If so, then she
feared the reality could never match.  What Utena was it that he
hoped for?  The one his mind may have created or the woman she had
truly become?  "Why the sadness, my lord?"

Those orbs of deepest azure turned their gaze to her at the
question.  "I had promised that I would keep you safe, that you would
never get hurt again if I could help it . . ."

"I know . . . And the child I was then needed a protector like that.
But time has changed us both, my lord . . ."

"Did you ever resent me for abandoning you?"

"No, because I wasn't abandoned.  You were only a boy then yourself.
You had to do as the adults said, and I belonged home with my aunt
and her family."  Sighing softly, she lowered herself to kneel next
to the sturdy, well-padded chair.  She knew what she had to do; just
as she was testing him against the virtues of Amor, so she too would
be asked to uphold them.  She had to be honest.  "I release you from
your promise to me, Touga."

He stared at her in amazement, then slowly sat up.  "Why?" he managed
to finally choke out, cobalt gaze still focused on her.  Couldn't she
see how much it had meant to him?

How uncertain of himself he looked in that moment, something she knew
was a rare sight.  Smiling, she reached up and lightly caressed one
of his cheeks with her fingertips.  "Because I don't need you like
that.  I've grown, and I've learned to take care of myself.  I don't
need a guardian deciding what's good for me and what's not.  I want
to take my own risks.  I'm afraid . . ."

At the feel of her soft fingers against his face, Touga shut his
eyes.  Savoring the touch, he became aware of a different ache then
either the one in his leg and the one in his heart.  "Of what?"

"I've only been able to observe what you've become in the span of a
few days, but I feel as if I've somehow always known you.  You would
cling to your promise should it remain there, doing all you could to
carry it out, even were it against my own desires.  You have the
power now to keep your word, but I fear how far you would take it,"
Utena answered.  She let her fingers slide upward to gently stroke
his mane of red hair.  "I don't want a keeper.  What I desire is a
partner."

"I wish for a partner as well . . ." Touga admitted in a voice barely
heard.  Then he wryly smiled.  "You sound so sure, yet only days ago
you had given little thought to the future of your life beyond your
quest."

"It was a mistake -- an oversight -- on my part," Utena conceded,
nodding in agreement.  Letting his hair slide through her grasp, she
lowered her hand.  "But ever since you showed me my lack of
foresight, I've been thinking about the matter."

"And now you know what you want?" he softly queried.

"Aye," she murmured, the low tone of her voice coaxing him to open
his eyes.  When she spoke no further, he did look at her, cobalt-blue
gaze meeting her sea-blue one.  "But the quest comes first, my lord,"
she added by way of a reminder.

"It means so much to you then, even now?"

"I made a promise that I must keep."

"Then I accept being released from my vow, my lady.  But there's one
thing I must ask, and I pray you are generous," he said, his eyes
continuing to stare into hers.

She furrowed her brows, curious as to what he would ask of her.  "And
what boon do you wish, Lord Touga?"

"When your quest is done and your childhood promise kept, whether I'm
the champion you've sought or some other, give me the chance to get
to know you better.  I'd like for you to stay on as my guest at
Kiryuu Keep."

Utena frowned thoughtfully.  To do so would certainly keep them in
the close proximity needed for them to learn what sort of people they
had become, but it would also leave her own lands in the hands of her
stewards.  In and of itself, that wasn't a terrible thing; her
stewards ran her lands anyway, since she traveled often in the
pursuit of the task given to her from the tender of the rose arbor.
Though she had hoped to take up the management of her demesne once
the quest was complete, her holdings wouldn't suffer by having her
men watch over them for a while longer.  "I . . . Aye, I would like
to do that," she finally answered.

Touga smiled at her.  "Thank you, my lady."  Then his smile grew a
bit more.  "A shame we have neither goblets or wine."

"Oh? And why's that?" the pink-haired noblewoman asked, curious once
more.

"Because I'd offer a toast to the future," the highland chieftain
replied.

The young warrioress laughed softly, then switched to a related
topic.  "Speaking of futures, when are you going to tell your sister
what's been decided?"

"Almost as soon as I see her next," Touga answered, his smile turning
wry as he imagined his sibling's reaction.  "'Tis far better to get
the tantrum over with as soon as possible, for the sooner she gets
over it, the sooner she can be made to think more rationally.
Besides, it's not fair to her to not let her know right away.  After
all, it is her life."

"A shame she can't be allowed to make her own choice," Utena said,
once again thankful for the provisions in her father's will.  That
legal paper had long ago stated that should anything befall both of
her parents, the young heiress would become the ward of her aunt; so
long as her aunt made sure Utena was comfortably kept and would never
be forced to marry against her wishes, that relative would be able to
claim the Tenjou domain's income for her own until such time as the
rose-haired girl was married.

"Lady Utena, were I to allow my sister to do as she pleases, she
would try to be my wife in all the ways that were allowed for someone
of her relationship," Touga responded, shaking his head
slightly.  "No, that fledgling is one that must be kicked from the
nest before she realizes she can fly."

"She sounds very devoted to you."

"Aye, and too much so for her own good," the Red Tyger swiftly
admitted.  "With Father often busy in the past and now dead, my
sister and I have only had one another, though I do consider Saionji
family as well.  She's always sought to capture my attention and
dedicated herself to learning all a lady should to run a household
properly so that I should never worry about that as I deal with other
matters that concern the clan."

"Don't you think that marrying her off is only going to chain her
down?" Utena asked, looking at him with an expression of
curiosity.  "How can she fly when you decide her fate?"

"Because her desire isn't proper, nor have some of her actions been
either as she's done what she could to keep for herself the role
she's made.  In all honesty, I'm partially to blame."  Touga frowned,
reaching up to tuck a silken lock behind an ear.  "Looking back on
it, I must confess that my darling little sibling discovered a quest
of her own.  When she began, I encouraged her to continue on -- after
all, any lady of her position needs to learn how best to run a
household.  Later, when I began to see how devoted she had become, I
ignored it.  Her care of the household made up for any bedevilment
she caused those who sparked her jealousy.  I didn't want to give up
the good work she did, so I looked the other way as she made sure in
her way that she would always be the one closest to me."

"And now you've changed your mind?" the slender noble queried.

"Aye, Nanami and I both must face reality -- we're not children
anymore.  The moment I take my dynastic obligations seriously, she'll
think her entire world's crumbling around her."  He frowned at the
image, then added, "To continue on in this manner will only make both
of us miserable.  I regret having to be so tough on her, but she
won't deal with this without being forced to do so.  I've done what I
can to make the situation the best that I can for her."

"How do you know that it's the best, my lord?"

"Because I know my sister.  Fear motivates her -- fear of the
unknown, of leaving all that's familiar."  That he discovered this
himself only recently made him feel annoyed at himself, but Touga was
willing to acknowledge that it had come from him turning a blind eye
to his sister's behavior.  "She feels vulnerable knowing that her
life's dictated by politics.  She's already stated that it would be
better where she given to someone she already knows.  And there's no
one she knows better than Saionji, save myself."

Utena nodded, aware of the history between those involved.  "I admit
that politically such an arrangement would further strengthen both
clans -- "

"My lady," Touga said, cutting in, "in all honesty, the political
arrangement was a secondary -- though still important --
consideration.  My sister needs someone she knows and can trust to
treat her well, someone she can grow to admire as she admires me.  My
foster brother needs someone who will look after his household as his
clan continues to recover from the feud that decimated it.  He also
needs someone who can handle his passionate nature.  He would
overwhelm a weaker woman, and though he may enjoy having a cowering
servant to wife, it wouldn't be the best thing for him.  Nanami will
certainly put him in his place should he act without thinking."
Touga leaned against the back of the chair, letting his mind wander
over memories of the trio of nobles growing up.  "There's a fondness
already there.  As I've mentioned before, my sibling's always
tolerated my friendship with Saionji."

"What if that's merely because she considers him a brother, just as
you do?" the rose-haired maiden asked.  "After all, you even
convinced your father to accept Lord Kyouichi as a foster son."

"Well . . ."  The scarlet-maned chieftain intertwined his fingers and
tapped his extended index digits against his lips for a
moment.  "Considering her somewhat inappropriate adoration of me, I'm
sure she'll adjust well in transferring her affections to a sibling
*not* related by blood.  I see it truly depending on how well Saionji
can win over her heart."

The pretty maiden merely nodded, her eyes glancing momentarily around
their surroundings.  Somehow, she needed to test his ability to trust
those he loved, and yet it seemed as if there was little that would
shake his faith in those closest to him.  That he was here, resting
comfortably while Saionji was off on a dash back to Pinehaven was
evidence enough that there was probably nothing that would make Touga
doubt his foster brother's friendship.

No, the test would have to involve his little sister.  Her
childishness . . .  "My lord, who watches over the clan when you are
off on business?"

Touga raised his scarlet eyebrows in surprise, mildly wondering at
her query.  "I generally leave the household to Nanami's charge and
rulership of the clan to Ichiro, the captain of my household guard."

"You don't let your sister rule in your place?" Utena asked, pursing
her lips in a gesture of thought.

The highland chieftain shook his head in the negative.  "No.  Though
Father allowed her to learn something of politics and the rulership
of the clan -- after all, any of the blood royal may hold the coronet
so long as the clan endorses the choice -- she's too impulsive yet to
truly handle more than just the household of my main fortress."

The lowland noble frowned slightly.  Perhaps here, then?  Times at
the moment were uncertain.  Should Touga be sent on the quest to
retrieve the magic blade and rescue the spirit of Love, he would have
to leave his clan behind in capable hands.  War threatened, and
generally the people turned to those mandated by blood to rule over
them in such circumstances.  Were the Red Tyger gone, the Kiryuu
would expect to turn to Lady Nanami -- the captain of the guard, more
than likely a member of a cadet line of once-royal blood, just
wouldn't command quite the same loyalty as a member of the truly
noble senior line.  There was magic from the very beginning of time
held in royal blood, a pact to put life and limb in jeopardy for the
sake of those watched over in exchange for the bounty of the land,
and only those directly descended from a prince of the land held that
power.

For her part, Lady Nanami needed to learn independence from her
brother -- or so it seemed to the pink-maned maiden.  This would
certainly give the younger Kiryuu that chance, as well as give her
and her clan an opportunity to come to trust Lord Kyouichi.  If Touga
wasn't available for advice, then perhaps the golden-haired princess
would turn to the Saionji prince since he already had experience in
ruling his clan.  That her redheaded companion expressed a reluctance
to allow his sibling to rule gave her the test she needed.  "Then, my
lord, I have decided upon the final task you must perform."

The highlander chieftain blinked, deep azure gaze settling upon her.
(Trust . . .) he thought, his heart skipping a beat as he wondered
what he would be asked to do to show that he trusted those close to
him.  Reining in his desire to ask her outright what his quest would
be, Touga waited in silence for her words.

"Allow your sister to rule over the Kiryuu for the span of three
months on her own," Utena said, slowly rising to her feet.  "Turn the
reign of the clan to her fully; don't even advise her.  She can ask
anyone else help should she be unsure how to proceed on a matter."

The scarlet-maned lord stared up at her in astonishment.  Turn the
Kiryuu over fully to Nanami for all of summer?  What of the possible
war with Ohtori?  "My lady . . ."

"Aye?"

"Three months is the whole of summer.  Should conflict come . . ."

"Are you saying that you cannot trust your own sister with the well-
being of your people?" Utena gently asked.

"Not quite, my lady," Touga responded, frowning.  Well aware of the
ideal to be truthful in all matters, he hesitated at actually
defining his thoughts on his sibling's merits.  "I can trust her to
do her best.  I am just not certain that her best will be good enough
to keep the Kiryuu in the best of circumstances.  She was never
expected to be Father's heir and chieftain, so she's not had the same
training I have had."

"I'm aware of that, my lord.  However, she is of the blood royal.
God forbid something should happen to you, but if so, your people
would be facing the same situation but without you there to step in
should something drastic happen," the young noblewoman softly
continued.

Touga's jaw tightened, the thin line of his lips becoming harder in
tone as he thought it over.  So much hung in the balance.  Nanami was
inexperienced, though she had been taught something of rulership.
How could he be asked to stand back and watch as his people struggled
on without him, especially with conflict in the air.  Would it really
be the best for the clan?  Steepling his fingers together, he closed
his eyes and rested the extended digits against his lips.

(I want to be this champion, yet I fear for my people . . .  My
sister means well, but should the Ebon Phoenix strike . . .  I trust
my sister with my life, and yet I have my doubts when it comes to the
lives of others . . .)

Utena carefully watched her companion, sensing the deep hesitation
within him.  (So he is uncertain when it comes to his sibling in this
capacity . . .)

"I won't be allowed to advise her?"

"No, my lord," the rose-haired girl responded, shaking her head
slightly in the negative.  "She may have as advisors anyone she
wishes save you.  She must stand on her own for she has come to be
too dependent on you."

"What of Saionji?" Touga asked.

"What of him?" Utena queried in reply.  "He will become your sister's
betrothed as soon as the contract is agreed upon, correct?"

"Aye, that's correct."

"Then he has every right to advise his future wife should she turn to
him," the lowlander said, her tone matter-of-fact.  "And I'm certain
that the captain of the guard will continue to support Lady Nanami as
he's supported you."

"What if Saionji should ask me for advice?" Touga queried, his voice
barely heard.

"My lord, the whole of the matter is trust," Utena answered, holding
in a sigh.  Would he come so far, only to be unable to cross the
final barrier?  Would she have to leave him behind and continue on
her search, no matter how much her heart wanted her to stay and get
to know the man he'd become?  If he couldn't find it within his heart
to just trust his sister -- and by extension, his future brother-in-
law -- with the future of the Kiryuu clansmembers, then he would
fail.  The young warrioress took a step back; he had time yet to
think it over, but only until nightfall.  Should he still hesitate
then, his reluctance would be proof that he couldn't trust Nanami to
rule the clan well.

The highland chieftain remained silent, fingers pressed against his
lips and his cobalt-azure eyes closed.  Hearing his young companion's
footsteps across the floor of the large room of the lodge, he fought
back a sense of unease.  Utena's words continued to echo in his mind -
- at the very least, she didn't denounce him as unable to trust his
sister, so he probably had time yet to think things over -- and once
he was sure she was gone, he softly sighed.

Could he truly do this?  Could he take the leap of faith and let
Nanami decide the fate of the Kiryuu while he watched from the
sidelines?

To be the Champion of Love, he would have to do just that.
________________

The golden rays of the sun, lancing through the broken cover of
fluffy white clouds high above, were angled toward the east when the
door to the hunting lodge was rather forcefully opened.  Everyone
present in the large room jumped, startled, their minds having been
occupied with their various amusements.  Off in a corner, Tatsuya and
Wakaba had been holding a low-voiced conversation, the man at arms
occasionally glancing about and the handmaiden working on some
embroidery project.  A discreet distance away from them, Shiori had
been working on stitchery as well, the sandy-haired Michiyo hovering
near her as the slender brunette had been flirting with him as she
worked on her task.  As for the pair of nobles, Lady Utena had found
a Nine Man Morris set tucked away in one of the cupboards about the
lodge and had challenged the Red Tyger to a game.  Touga's hand
remained poised upon one of the ruby-colored glass markers -- they
appeared as smooth, oval gems of a rich hue, the other markers of the
lady being a deep cobalt-blue -- as he turned to look at the source
of the sudden disturbance.

"Lord Touga?" a voice roared out, somehow sounding rather concerned,
the tone punctuated by the slamming of the solid wooden door against
the wall.  Seemingly filling up the portal, a shadowed figure paused
there at the entry, violet eyes scanning over the room.

The sound made the redheaded chieftain suddenly grin.  How amusing
for his friend to be that concerned despite all the anger and
jealousy that had marked their relationship since their adolescent
years.  "All's well with us, Saionji," he said, swift to reassure the
other lord.  "There's been no signs of trouble at all here this day."

"Good," the verdant-maned noble responded, visibly relaxing, his
expression of apprehension fading into his usual scowl.  Stepping
inside far enough to allow those who followed him into the
comfortable setting of the hunting lodge, Saionji stopped a number of
feet away from where his foster brother and the lowlander were
sitting, a wooden board with concentric squares attached by lines at
corners and the centers of the squares' sides etched into the
varnished surface sitting between them.  "I've brought enough men to
secure this lodge while I lead the others back into Kaoru
territory."  Before Touga could respond, Saionji then said, "And when
I got to Pinehaven, I had something of a surprise there."

"What do you mean?" the elegant lord asked, the tone of his friend's
voice making Touga quite curious.  Something was amiss, though not a
something overly alarming.

"Where's my brother?  I want to see my brother!  Get your worthless
hide out of my way!" demanded a somewhat shrill and feminine voice
from outside.  Judging from the increase in volume, the source of the
voice was rapidly coming closer to the entrance into the lodge.  A
flurry of activity made its way through the open door, the emerald-
haired man beating a hasty retreat to allow in the golden-maned girl.

"Nanami," Touga said, his expression taking on the look of a man
expecting to need quite a bit of patience in the immediate future.
Across the wooden game board, Utena raised a hand to her lips and
concealed an amused smile.  The redheaded lord appeared to be a man
getting ready to meet his own untimely demise.  However, the rose-
haired lady couldn't help but be surprised at the other Kiryuu's
appearance.

The young noblewoman in question rushed past Saionji's tall form, her
gold- and saffron-colored skirts swirling about her as she made her
way quickly toward where her brother sat in the comfortably-
upholstered chair.  "My lord!  My lord!  Are you all right?  They
told me that you were hurt!  What happened?" Nanami demanded as she
crossed the floor.

"I'm fine, Nanami," the Kiryuu prince swiftly replied, giving his
sister an unconcerned smile despite his surprise at seeing her
there.  "I took an arrow in the leg, but it's not a serious injury.
However, I need to know something.  What on Earth are you doing
here?  Why aren't you back home at the keep?"

"An arrow?" the younger noble yelped, her dark violet gaze sweeping
over her sibling's outstretched legs as if she expected to see a pool
of blood showing on his trews.  "Let me see, my lord."

"I'm fine, Nanami," Touga repeated, his voice taking on a hint of
steel.  "It's been looked at and taken care of well, so don't concern
yourself over it.  Just answer my questions, please."

"Oh, very well," Nanami huffed, folding her arms over her
chest.  "I'm here because you *weren't* where you said you'd be.
You're supposed to be at Pinehaven," she complained, her voice taking
on an accusing tone.

"Saionji was called away for something important and I asked to
accompany him," the older Kiryuu answered.  "But what were you doing
at Pinehaven in the first place?"

"Well, I got the message requesting the gold, and since it seemed
like an odd request and it was so much gold in the first place, I
didn't feel comfortable just sending it with one of the men, and I
figured that it would be much better if I were to take the gold to
you since that would mean that I knew for sure that you got it like
you'd asked," Nanami replied, her youthful face still showing her
concern for her sibling.  "So here I was all ready to give you the
coin but you were *gone*, and that left me just having to wait and
wait and wait for you to return."

Closing his eyes a moment, Touga held up a hand in a gesture for his
sister to stop with her explanation.  "What did you do with the coin,
then?"

"Oh, I held onto it until Saionji came home," Nanami began, only to
have the Verdant Gryphon interrupt.

"It's safely in my treasury, Touga.  I explained to your sister that
you had requested it on behalf of our agreement and she turned it
over to my custody before we traveled here," Saionji said, watching
the pair of Kiryuu interact.

"Good," the Red Tyger responded, a smile curling the corner of his
lips.  "Then that's one obligation on its way to fulfillment."

"Speaking of obligations," the other highland chieftain said, "I'm
taking my leave to return to the Kaoru lands.  I have a full dozen of
my men assigned to stay here, and your sister's escort's remaining
here as well."

"Sounds like we'll be well protected should something happen," Touga
remarked.

"Are you expecting something to happen?" Nanami asked, alarmed.

"No, no, of course not," her brother was swift to reply.  "However,
we *were* attacked, and we don't wish to take any chances."

"Touga, I'm going to leave now.  I don't want them left to the
scavengers any longer than necessary," Saionji informed his friend,
turning and walking toward the door.

"Good luck to you, Saionji," the other lord replied, flicking his
cobalt-blue gaze to the other man for a moment.  Once the door shut
behind the green-haired noble, Touga turned his gaze back to his
sister.  "Have a seat, Nanami.  There's a couple of things I need to
discuss with you since you've made the journey here."

"Oh?" the golden-haired girl said, her expression turning to one of
concern and curiosity both.  As Nanami glanced about to search for a
chair, Utena gave the other noblewoman a looking over.  Touga would
certainly tell her of the plans he had for his sister, but what of
the challenge the lowlander had set for him?  Would he address that
as well?  Wood scraped against wood as the younger Kiryuu spied a
vacant chair and dragged it over to sit next to the side of the board
between Touga and Utena.  Other sounds swirled around them as a
number of Saionji and Kiryuu clansmen walked into the lodge and took
up positions throughout the large room, their relaxed banter a low
murmur.  "What do you want to discuss, my lord?" Nanami asked,
appearing abruptly quite nervous.

"Your future," the scarlet-maned chieftain replied.

Nanami blinked, then all the color drained from her face.  Leaning
forward, she grabbed hold of the sleeve of her brother's violet-hued
tunic.  "No!  No, I'm not going to be married off!  How could you?"
she demanded.

"Nanami, please," Touga sighed, his expression becoming
strained.  "You already knew that I would have to look into the
matter.  I told you as much during the spring celebration."

"You also said that there'd be no more talk of the future then," the
Kiryuu princess snapped.

"I meant then.  It's another day, dear sister.  And I have someone in
mind for you who has agreed to negotiate a contract."

"Who?" Nanami demanded, her anger giving her face color once
more.  "And what are you getting in return?  What trinket are you
getting in exchange for my maidenhead?"

Utena blinked, startled by the younger girl's very frank and
outspoken question.  Quickly glancing at her redheaded companion, the
lowland warrioress noted that Touga seemed to be doing his best to
remain patient and in control.

"There's no excuse for such a lack of manners," the Red Tyger softly
growled, eyes narrowing in displeasure at his sibling.  "Now, you
will comport yourself in a seemly manner or you will be removed from
my presence and I shall carry out negotiations without your input.
Do I make myself clear?"

Nanami swallowed hard, suddenly intimidated by her brother's menacing
presence.  Lowering her dark violet gaze, she turned her head away
from him.  "Aye, my lord."  She'd overstepped the boundaries, and the
thought of having her future decided without her say made her realize
that her brother was right.  Any frank disagreement should be saved
for a private moment between them, not shouted out in front of
company and followers alike.

Touga nodded slightly, then reached up with a hand and gently pried
his sibling's fingers from his sleeve.  Wrapping his fingers around
his sibling's hand, he leaned back against the padded chair.  "That's
better.  I truly want your involvement in this matter, dear sister,
but I will not stop the world for you.  Now, to answer your first
question, the 'who' is Lord Kyouichi."

(Saionji?)  Nanami blinked.  Lifting her head, she stared at her
brother with a stunned expression on her pretty face.  For once, she
couldn't think of a thing to say in reply; of all the possibilities
that had flashed through her mind at the thought -- all of them had
been horrid ones, of lecherous old lords or overly-proud younger
ones -- none of them had been of the emerald-haired youth that had
grown up with her and her brother.  But there was nothing, truly,
that the Saionji could give her brother in either power or land that
would compensate him for her loss, so why did her brother agree to
this?

"Of all those in this world, there's none you know better than
Saionji," Touga pointed out, still holding his sibling's hand.  "For
the sake of himself, I've released him from vassalage.  I couldn't
continue with him being subordinate to me.  For your sake, I offered
your hand in marriage to him."

"But you could have gotten so much in exchange for me -- "

"Aye, but I want to see you happy, Nanami.  You're my sister after
all.  And I can't think of anyone better," the wounded chieftain
replied.  "Aye, he needs a lot of work.  I see that; his temper still
gets the better of him now, but if anyone can deal with his
thoughtlessness, it's you.  I have faith in you."

The golden-haired girl blinked again, this time tears making her dark
purple eyes brighter than usual.  He had faith in her.  He was doing
his best to find something good for her because he'd rather please
her than increase his wealth or power.  "But is this truly the best
for the clan?"

"Think about it," Touga gently said.  "The Saionji are our
neighbors.  We've had conflict before and a feud that made us
enemies.  This will unite us by blood into kin.  Both clans can only
grow stronger with such a union.  They were decimated by the feud --
I'm certain you saw the state Pinehaven is in -- and they need
someone of your skills to help them recover their prosperity."

That much was true, Nanami silently agreed, nodding her head.  They
were in a dismal state of affairs, but looking back on it, she was
certain she could straighten things out were she in charge.  And her
brother did have a point, that it would be good for the Kiryuu to
turn once-enemies along the border into kinfolk obligated to mutually
protect one another.

"And Saionji needs someone at his side that he can depend upon.  I
can't think of anyone better for him than you."

"Aye, that's true, my lord," the yellow-haired princess responded,
thinking the circumstances over.  "I know I can probably manage his
household well through the lean times he's going through, and he *is*
familiar to me.  I just never thought of him in that manner . . ."

"Do you not like the idea?" Utena softly asked, her sea-blue gaze
focused upon the other noblewoman.

Nanami frowned, turning to glare at the lowlander that dared stick
herself into the conversation.  "I didn't say that.  I just never
considered being given to him."

"And now that you know you are, what do you think about it?" Touga
asked.

"Well . . . Truthfully, I don't *hate* the thought," Nanami
confessed.  Saionji was a known factor, a familiar presence though he
had been sent away a few years ago.  He was a caring man, brutally
honest, easily offended.  As a child, he'd been subjected to an
inferior position and had countered it, turning it into something
admirable and becoming the best friend of one who should have been
his foe.  Much of his brusqueness and negative traits could be
explained from the circumstances of his childhood; deep within,
Nanami knew Saionji was a good man despite outward appearances.  "I
suppose I couldn't do much better, though being impoverished isn't
fun."

"That would depend on what you want, dear sister.  If you'd rather
have riches no matter what the lord is like, I'm certain I can find
something else for you," the scarlet-maned chieftain said.  "But you
know as well as I that once he's won over, Saionji is the most loyal
of men.  And honest.  You'll always know what's on his mind."

"Aye, and that's certainly a point in his favor," the other Kiryuu
responded.  "And given enough time and proper management, the poverty
won't last overly long."  No, she'd rather have a man she could
respect than have all the riches in the world and be taken to bed by
a horrid man.  And Saionji could be one to respect, though it would
take effort to make him drop the worst of his mannerisms.

"I'm certain you can help him with that.  So what say you?  Will you
accept this arrangement then?" Touga asked, watching her carefully.

Nanami stared back at him, her face slightly pale.  No matter what,
she would be eventually married off.  That was just the way of the
world.  That her brother was making an attempt to arrange something
to please her was a favor that he didn't have to perform.  It would
be either take this or reject it for something unknown.  She frowned,
only to let her brother know that she wasn't happy about the fact
that this was how the world worked.  "Aye, I'll accept it.  I truly
think you can't do any better, and since he's agreeable as well . . ."

"Thank you, dear sister," the Red Tyger replied, lifting Nanami's
hand to his lips for a respectful kiss of appreciation.  He then let
her go, turning his attention momentarily to his pink-haired
companion.  Noting that Utena was carefully scrutinizing his
interaction with his sibling, he clamped down hard on the twinge of
fear that lanced through him.  Ever since their conversation that
morning, nothing more had been said about the trial of Trust or his
thoughts on turning over the Kiryuu to his sister's rulership, yet he
was under the impression that he had to decide one way or another
soon.  Deep azure eyes staring once more at the yellow-clad princess,
Touga gently sighed.  "When we return to Kiryuu Keep, I'll announce
your upcoming engagement to everyone.  And I have another
announcement I must make."

"What do you mean?" Nanami asked, her frown deepening.  Something
seemed a bit amiss.

"Nanami, listen to me carefully.  This is very important.  I'm being
asked to put my trust in you in order to prove my worth for a certain
matter," Touga began, meeting her dark violet gaze with his
own.  "For years, you have run my household well, and Father made
certain that you knew something of rulership.  I trust you with my
life and with the lives of those there at Kiryuu Keep, but now . . ."

A sudden sense of apprehension filled the younger clanswoman.  Though
his words made her glow with pride, she could tell that whatever he
was asked to do made him worried, and she didn't like the idea of
being a disappointment to her wonderful older brother.  "Please,
trust me.  I'll do whatever it is you need if this task is so
important to you.  I just agreed to marry Saionji after all."

Touga nodded, giving his sibling a smile.  "I know, and your
willingness to accept the agreement makes me happy.  But I'm also
being asked to turn over rulership of the clan to you for three
months."

"Me?  Be chieftain?" Nanami asked, astounded.  Shaking her head
slightly as she mentally recovered, she shrugged and returned her
brother's smile.  "Well, that's not so bad.  If something happens, I
can always ask you what to do."

"No, I'm afraid you won't be able to do so.  I'm not allowed to
advise you at all during your time as temporary chieftain," Touga
responded.

"But . . . why?"

"Your brother needs to be free to claim something, and he cannot do
so as long as he's tied to his lands," Utena replied before the
redheaded lord could say something in return.

"You," Nanami growled, turning her attention to the pink-haired
lady.  Ever since she showed up riding in on her brother's horse,
Touga had been acting strangely.  "This is all your fault, isn't it?
Making him look to marry me off and now you're taking him away for
the summer . . ."

"That's enough, Nanami," the Red Tyger said, voice low in
warning.  "I'm doing as I choose in this matter, and the other is
something that needs to be done.  But you must keep your energies
focused on the chieftainship.  Listen to me."

Catching the tone of his voice, the younger Kiryuu glanced back at
her sibling.

"There's talk of trouble.  The Ohtori could be preparing to war
against the highlands this summer.  That's why I went with Saionji to
talk to the Kaoru," Touga said the moment he was certain he had her
undivided attention.

"But, if that's the case, then how can you choose to abandon the clan
to me?"

"It's not abandonment.  You will have all those who advise me there
to ask," the Kiryuu prince replied.  "When the three months are over,
I shall retake control."  Reaching out, he set a hand on his sister's
shoulder.  "You are of the royal blood.  You have the knowledge and
the tools available.  And I have faith in you.  I trust you to lead
the clan well."  Taking his hand from her shoulder, he gently rested
it over his wounded leg.  "Yesterday, Saionji and I were attacked on
the way here.  The arrow only pierced my leg, missing the bone, but
we lost four Kiryuu to the dastards.  Had I taken the arrow
elsewhere, you could have been permanently the chieftain."

The blond noblewoman paled, seeing the truth in his statement.  She
would have been alone then, expected to lead, and he would not be
there to resume command at the end of three months.  As Saionji's
wife, it would be assumed she would stand in for him those times
business took him elsewhere.  Once again, her brother was attempting
to do her a favor, giving her the opportunity to improve herself
before some horrid twist of fate forced her into such a role.  "I
understand," she finally said, gently smiling.  "I'll make you proud
of me.  I swear."  Turning to look at the other noblewoman, Nanami's
expression shifted to a faint frown.  "Will Lord Touga be gone during
that time?"

"Not all of it, I don't think," Utena answered, shaking her head in
the negative.  "He must go claim a sword then use it to fulfill a
task should he be able to grasp it.  After that, he would be able to
return home to finish the negotiations for your marriage.  But even
if he's there at Kiryuu Keep, he won't be able to help you.  You must
turn to others for assistance."

For a long moment, Nanami stared at the other woman.  This was more
of her doing, and the Kiryuu princess didn't like it, yet there was
little she could do save float with the current.  For whatever
reason, her beloved Touga was set on this course, and he was counting
on her.  Deep violet eyes turned back to linger fondly over her
sibling's handsome visage.  "I'll make you proud of me," she
repeated, determined to do her best for both his sake and for that of
the clan.  If the Ohtori should come to fight, she would do her
damnedest to lead her men against them; she would not fail, not when
her brother was depending on her.

The determined light in his sister's large eyes made Touga faintly
smile.  So she would try her best.  He truly expected no less from
her.  Turning his cobalt-blue gaze to Utena, he asked, "When does her
rulership begin?"

The lowlander looked the pair of siblings over for a moment.  So he
was willing to do as she asked.  One step in the right direction.
But how far was he committed to the thought?  "Right now, as of this
moment," she replied.

The redheaded lord's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression hardening
for a fraction of a minute.  Then a nod, and Utena sensed his
surrender.  "Very well."  His gaze turning to his lap, he reached for
the ring adorning the fourth digit of his hand and slipped the signet
off.  "You are now chieftain, my lady," Touga gently said, taking one
of his sister's hands in his and pressing the warm metal of the ring
against her palm.  "From this moment forth until this time three
months from now, you rule the clan."

"But what are we going to tell them when we return home?" Nanami
asked, her expression worried as she slipped the signet onto her
finger.

"You are going to tell them the truth.  That is what they deserve,"
Utena said when it became apparent that Touga would not answer.

"Be quiet, you," Nanami snapped, turning angrily to face the other
noblewoman.  "I was asking my brother."

"My lady, I can't advise you, remember? Touga said, his voice
sounding slightly weary.

Nanami blinked, then looked at her sibling.  So it was starting now,
the whole of it.  Mentally taking a step back, she could see where
her question could be looked upon as advice.  As ruler, it was her
place to explain why she was now in charge, and it was her call on
how to handle it.  (My poor brother,) she thought, once more
frowning.  (What have you gotten yourself into?)

"Ladies, please . . . If you could perhaps leave me to rest now?"
Closing his eyes, Touga turned his head away from the two sitting
near him.  His leg was beginning to hurt again, and turning over the
symbol of his rulership had been hard for him to accomplish.  Aye, he
trusted his sister to do her best.  Aye, he wanted to be this
mysterious champion, to be a force of light against the darkness of
evil.  But the path he'd chosen to take wasn't easy, and surrendering
such a part of his sense of identity had taken more out of him than
he had realized.

Concern crossed Nanami's face; her usually strong and healthy sibling
now appeared tired and pale.  Standing up, she gestured to the pink-
haired annoyance to rise as well.  "Come on.  He needs to rest up in
order to heal."

Utena stood, choosing to ignore the younger Kiryuu's faintly rude
tone.  The Red Tyger had done as she had asked, when she had asked
him to do so.  From what she knew of him, he would strive to keep his
word.  Though joyful that he had done as demanded to demonstrate his
trust, an odd sense of apprehension gripped her.  One had passed the
tasks imposed; now it would be time to prepare the way to the winning
of the sword.  Noting that the temporary chieftain was waiting for
her to take her leave first, the slender warrioress turned away and
began walking toward the room given her and her handmaidens.  Let him
rest for now; he was still wounded, and had been quite tolerant of
her company all day long.  He would need his strength that night.

Come the darkness, the path would need to be made ready as the tender
of the rose arbor had instructed.

Dianna Silver

http://www.diasilv.com/garden/garden.html
Her entries for the afu ULE

http://www.diasilv.com/assr/story.html
Fanfic based very loosely on Utena and the romances
of King Arthur