31_days | [Nov 16] [Gundam Wing] A Meeting of Maidens

Title: A Meeting of Maidens
Date/Theme: Nov. 16 / Willful creatures
Series: Gundam Wing (post Endless Waltz)
Characters: Mariemeia, Relena, Dorothy
Rating: G

Mariemeia sat with a straight back in her motorized wheelchair, her lavendar eyes looking over her surroundings with a critical gaze. To all appearances it was a ballroom commandeered to host a gathering of politicians, people she had learned to negotiate well. However, at this particular meeting were key members of that group of jackals, and at times she could feel the hungry stares and sense the circling of wolves. She had just passed her twenty-first birthday and was still single -- still quite available to anyone trying to get in on the Khushrenada legacy. It had been fourteen years and the vultures yet tried to claim prizes from the war.

But they were continually disappointed -- privately and publically -- when they swooped in upon her. Some thought her easy prey; even while pursuing the legacy they seemed to completely forget who her father was. Dekim had not allowed her to know him, but his blood was in her veins and it carried the line of savvy nobility. There were also those who didn't even take a second glance at the crisp figure she presented in a neatly tailored, navy blue business suit and skirt, constantly seated as she was. The name and the fame was all they cared about.

She shifted in annoyance at the thought and looked around more intently for the two women who knew exactly how she felt in that respect. Her second cousin and her 'guardian' were often subjected to the attention of the scavengers. Those who went after the former found their pride and manhood skewered - figuratively speaking - by shrewd words. Those who tried the latter met a calm demeanor yet no less heeling terms. It could be amusing but also tiresome.

"Mariemeia," called a familiar, feminine voice.

She glanced over her shoulder to see one other woman who might understand, also, despite the modest engagement ring on her left hand. The one who had proposed could afford much more glitz than that, but he also understood the value of sentiment over boasting. Come to think of it, he probably knew what it was like to have female jackals around... "Relena Dorlian. So good to see you again." She inclined her head as Relena, who was clad in a pale rose-colored pantsuit with the trademark white-lace filigree of Sanc Kingdom style, came around to face her.

"Today's council meetings were rather educational, don't you think?" Relena cut right to the business matter that was on most sensible senators' minds.

Mariemeia nodded. "The colonies are going to balk again."

"As well they should!" A third voice proclaimed. Another woman joined them without asking if they minded, but both of them expected as much. Hip-length platinum hair swaying, Dorothy came to a halt beside Relena. She wore a black gown that managed to be classified somewhere between tasteful and dubious. Only Dorothy could get away with the low v-neckline and still be elegant. Mariemeia often suspected she had decided to simply go ahead and taunt the wolves just so she could step on them. "So, Relena," Dorothy addressed her peer with a dazzling smile, "How is the engagement period going? It must be something to be marrying the richest man in outer space. Political convenience is always a plus."

Mariemeia could see her cousin never grew bored with throwing barbs Prime Minister Dorlian's way, no matter how old they grew or what government positions either of them held. That was one thing about the Eve Wars era children -- and, of course, those very ones who had participated in said war -- they had a kind of comradery that disregarded social and political norms. Yet it felt perfectly natural to them. "I am curious also, Relena, although I have more tact than my cousin."

"Yes, you do." Relena gave Dorothy a wry smile. "Things are as well as they can be when we both have endless numbers of meetings to attend. But we have successors coming up the ranks and we will have time for each other--"

"At some point," Dorothy interrupted, absently flicking an eyebrow with her left hand. "I do wish you luck with all that."

Mariemeia cleared her throat. "You aren't jealous, are you, Dorothy?"

"Jealous? My dear cousin, this is Quatre Winner we're talking about. He romanced me once but there are too many gaps between us. I much prefer more...dangerous fare."

Too many things in common, you mean, Mariemeia thought to herself. But she smiled outwardly and nodded. "Along with easy prey?"

Dorothy took a haughty stance, one hand on her hip, the smug look on her face saying she wouldn't deny the accusation. "I think it's a good hobby."

Relena raised a doubting eyebrow. "You could make an effort to find someone to settle down with."

"Who wants to settle down? I have things to run. Significant others are just dead weight." The blond woman waved a hand dismissively. "Cat and mouse is more entertaining anyway."

Relena chuckled. "I should have known you would never lead a normal life."

"And what," Dorothy asked, tone feigning hurt, "is that supposed to mean?"

Mariemeia gazed at the floor between the rests for her feet. "I wouldn't mind settling down."

"Don't worry, cousin, you will," Dorothy said in a gentle voice. Relena cast a startled look at her but quickly faced elsewhere, although she ended up looking at the other woman from the corner of her eyes. She hadn't thought Dorothy to be capable of such a tone, but it occured to her that Dorothy would be kind to her family. The change was almost unbelievable yet sounded sincere. For a moment she saw the two meet gazes and a sad communication passed between them.

Then a pair of footsteps clicked upon the tiled floor and a masculine voice said, "Miss Catalonia. You look ravishing tonight."

Pale blue eyes snapped up and a condescending smirk fell into place. "Well, of course I do. I wouldn't have it any other way."