Chess // Prologue and Chapter One
Author: Chikara
Email: lilchikara@yahoo.com
Editor: Red Potato
Before I get started, I just wanna send out a really big thank you to my editor, Red Potato. Domo arigato gozaimasu! She's my first editor ever so I'm kinda lost sometimes. She's really helped out a lot. Thank you!!!
Disclaimer: Uhh, yeah... Guess who doesn't own Sailor Moon. (((")
@--- @--- @---
Our greatest glory consists not in falling,
but in rising every time we fall.
@--- @--- @---
Make new friends, but keep the old;
those are silver, these are gold.
Friendships that have stood the test,
time and change are surely best.
@--- @--- @---
Prologue
For several years, the Earth and the Moon have been at war. Eons have passed since there was peace between the two parties. So many that the cause of the conflict has been long forgotten. The reason for numerous bloody deaths and torn families is now a mere mystery.
So why does the fighting continue if the cause is unknown, you ask? Conflict is a part of human nature, whether man welcomes it or not. Hatred also cannot be easily dismissed. It has flowed through the blood of several generations. Each time the tradition of biases were handed down. Along with it, flowed the stubbornness within their hearts, where pride tells them to win the battle. For if they lost, the consequences and loses of such an action could prove to be fatal. And thus, the fighting continues like and endless waltz of death, destruction, and mayhem.
At least it does until a young man from Earth decides to take drastic measures in an attempt to free the world from the pain and suffering. A young noble terran whose plan could truly change the tides of war, because, once his plan was put into action, there was no turning back.
The victor would finally be decided.
@--- @--- @---
Chapter One // Pawn
Three light knocks on the door caught Princess Serenity's attention. Swiftly she turned away from the mirror and grabbed a long garment off her bed.
"Who is it?" she asked as she slipped on the dark brown cloak, covering her outfit. Of course, she already knew who was waiting at her door, but she needed to stall for some time as she prepared to greet her visitor.
"It's Naru, miss," a kind voice answered.
Serenity quickly straightened out her hood and tucked it under her hair before finally opening the door. She wedged it open just enough to show her head, leaving the rest of her body concealed in order to avoid several possible consequences. Consequences which she really didn't want to be thinking about at that moment.
"Good morning, Naru," Serenity said cheerfully. "How are you today?"
"Very well. Thank you," her maid replied. "And you?"
"As long as the moon still shines brightly, I am just fine," the princess said in a cheery tone.
Although Naru was Serenity's personal maid, the two were about the same age. Their relationship was more than the average lady in waiting to princess affiliation, but due to their level of formality it wasn't exactly best friend material.
"Actually, Naru," Serenity began," would you mind taking the day off today?"
"But, miss, who will attend to you?"
Serenity giggled slightly at her friend's overly worried countenance. "I'll be fine. Go out and have some fun."
"But, princess-" Naru started, but was immediately interrupted.
"Naru, would you like to have the day off?" Serenity repeated.
"Why of course, but-"
The princess abruptly silenced the young girl once again. "No buts, Naru. Now I want you to go out into that big world out there and have some fun. No excuses. Have a quiet day in the gardens. Have a royal banquet. Do whatever you wish, Naru. Just enjoy yourself. Do you hear me?"
Naru erupted into a fit of giggles. "Of course, Serenity. If you're sure that's what
you want."
"I am absolutely, positively sure."
"And you won't be needing my assistance?"
"Of course not."
"You'll be okay without me, won't you?"
"Naru!" Serenity exclaimed in exasperation. "Just go. I order you to have some fun. Now!" Then she mumbled under her breath, "Before you make me send myself to the insane asylum."
"Alright, alright." Naru gave in, a huge grin plastered on her face. "I guess I'll be going then. Bye, and thank you so much, your highness."
The princess simply smiled and waved as she watched her maid retreat into the seemingly endless halls of the palace. When she could no long hear footsteps or see the red-head, Serenity quietly stepped into the hall before soundlessly shutting her
door.
Her petite figure dashed through the halls and through the gardens until she reached the stables. She abruptly came to a halt behind a patch of bushes causing her cloak to swirl around her. Carefully, she scanned the surrounding areas to make sure that no one else was around. When she was completely confident that the coast was clear, Serenity entered the barn.
Serenity grabbed a handful of carrots from a full barrel before continuing down the hay speckled path.
"Caleb! Where are you, old friend?" She called out, searching for her favourite horse.
A soft neighing came from the far end of the corridor.
"Caleb?" Serenity called out a second time as she began striding towards the source of the replies. She was immediately answered by more whinnies.
As soon as Serenity reached the stall, Caleb butted her softly with his dark brown head. The young princess stumbled back. However, she quickly recovered and affectionately embraced the horse.
"It's nice to see you too." Serenity grinned. Taking a small step back, she held out one of the carrots she had been carrying for Caleb to eat.
She continued to feed him with one hand while she used the other to unlock the metal gate of his stall. Caleb totted out as soon as the gate was open. He obediently stood next to his friend.
"Come with me, Caleb," Serenity told the horse. "Be quiet now."
Caleb did as he was told and followed Serenity down the stable hall, his hooves clicking along the stone. He wore no restraints. There was no use for a saddle or reins. Serenity never had any other horse other than Caleb. Several years before, she had secretly learned to ride the horse without harnesses, wanting him to be more
relaxed and comfortable.
Cautiously, Serenity led Caleb out of the stables. Other horses nickered as the two tip-toed past their stalls. Not much time had gone by when Caleb made a gentle cry and nuzzled his head into Serenity's side.
"Not now, Caleb," Serenity said in a hushed tone. She now stood motionless at the entrance of the building, peering outside. She was too busy concentration on searching fore people in front of her that she didn't notice that someone had come up behind her until she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.
Serenity spun around and came face to face with Tristan. He was one of the stable boys as well as a long time friend. His father also worked in the palace, raising some of the finest horses in the kingdom.
"And what would her royal highness be doing this fine day?" Tristan asked. His emerald eyes twinkled and his dark brown hair shifted slightly while he spoke.
"Just taking Caleb out for a run," Serenity replied.
"With all do respect, I somehow doubt that, Serenity," the stable boy commented as he speculatively eyed the princess' outfit/ She was adorned in a simple dusty rose coloured outfit that remarkably resemble that of a peasant's. It was topped with a dark maroon bodice which was tied together in the front by a crisscrossing leather string. And the cloak… well, that was definitely something that Tristan couldn't miss.
Serenity glanced up at the young man who was a year older than herself. Then, she defiantly began to stare directly into his eyes. Tristan followed suit. Returning the stare, his eyes playfully narrowed.
A minute of utter silence went by before Serenity's eyes narrowed further and blinked against her will. A small frown seeped onto her face as a grin crept onto Tristan's.
Serenity gave the staring contest winner the evil eye.
"What?" Tristan asked innocently, his hands held up in the air. "What did I do?"
The blonde princess continued to glare, refusing to accept her lose.
"Excuse me, mademoiselle, but I am not the one who is dressing suspiciously no am I trying to sneak off with my horse."
Serenity glare rapidly dissipated. Taking a deep breath, she finally truthfully answered his original question. "Market," she stated simply.
"Market?" Tristan repeated, wondering why Serenity had just said the word.
"Yes, the market."
"The market?!" The stable boy exclaimed when realization struck him like a dashing stallion. Then his voice immediately softened. "But you promised last time that you wouldn't go there by yourself again."
"I know," Serenity said. "I'm sorry, Tristan, but you know how much I hate being cooped up in the palace. Besides, I won't be completely alone. I have Caleb with me." She patted the dark shiny coat of her favourite horse.
"Sere, that's not the same." Slowly, Tristan traced his knuckles down Serenity's left cheek. "One of these days, the queen is going to have to find out." His hand paused underneath her chin as the other did the same on the opposite side. "You can't keep doing this. It's not safe."
"I know, but…"
"I'll go with you."
"Tristan, you can't," Serenity pleaded. "Mother would be sure to find out where I am if she calls for you."
"Fine," Tristan replied with a sigh of defeat. "But at least take this with you." Taking a small step away from here, he reached into his boot and slipped out a somewhat small knife.
Serenity nodded and Tristan proceeded to remove a belt from around his waist. Carefully, he slid the knife into one of the belt pouches. Then he began to firmly tie the belt around the princess' small waist, making sure to hide it under her cloak.
"Don't be afraid to use it," he told her when the belt was secure.
"I won't Serenity assured her friend. "Thanks, Tristan." She watched the ends of his mouth curl up into a smile before turning to mount her horse.
"Milady?" She heard Tristan call out as she was about to jump onto Caleb.
Serenity turned back around to see Tristan striding towards her.
"I-I forgot one more thing," he stuttered out.
Curiously, the blonde gazed up at him.
Returning the gaze, he cupped her face in his hands. Then, mustering up all of his courage, he bent his head down to kiss the petite blonde. It was a chaste kiss, but a kiss none-the-less.
Without saying a word, he pulled away and hoisted Serenity onto Caleb.
"Be careful," he said in a hushed tone.
"I will." Serenity replied, wondering what was making Tristan act so strange. Then she wound her fingers through the horse's black mane and gently squeezed Caleb's sides with her feet. In an instant, Caleb was galloping off.
Tristan watched them ride away, a heavy foreboding feeling residing within his heart.
"Selene, please watch over her" he prayed.
Serenity once again gently applied pressure to Caleb's sides causing him to slow to a trot. She then tightened her cloak around her body, trying to conceal as much of her dress as possible. After noticing how quickly they were approaching the palace guards, she took a deep breath and straightened her posture.
"Good day, milady," the eldest of the two gatekeepers greeted.
"Good day to you too, Tor," Serenity said cheerfully before tipping her head in acknowledgment to the other man, "and you too, Harry.
"Where are you off to, princess?" Harry asked.
"Just the mare to give Caleb here a little exercise. I hear Serenititas is a beauty this season."
"I'm sorry, Serenity, but I don't recall your mother authorizing such a trip."
"That's alright, Tor," Serenity replied. "Mother did not authorize it until late this morning. But I assure you, she has not disapproved." She chose her words carefully to avoid completely lying to the palace's trusted staff.
"Well, then, enjoy yourself, milady," Tor said. "Be sure to return before sundown."
The princess smiled. "Of course, Tor. I'll be back soon. 'Til then."
After the guards acknowledged her farewell, Caleb began to trot away in the general direction of Mare Serenititas.
She arrived at the lake bank in a matter of minutes and swiftly dismounted. With some encouragement from his princess, Caleb pranced to the calm waters to take a drink.
Meanwhile, Serenity plopped herself in the middle of a wide expanse of grass, thanking her lucky stars for the ease in getting past the guards. Reaching up, she untied the buns of the royal lunarian hairstyle, causing waves of a shimmering gold to cascade down. She then closed her eyes and leaned back onto the ground to take a short rest.
The sun gently bathed her in a warm light as she began to slip into a peaceful trance. But the tranquility was soon disrupted.
It was then that she heard it. A faint rustling from within the tress. Impulsively, her eyelids flashed open, revealing a shade of sky blue clouded with worry. Sitting up, she tried to pinpoint the bush which had emitted the sound. Silently, she waited.
Several minutes had passed before she finally gave up, writing the incident off as a small wild animal. Possible a rabbit or a squirrel. She gradually stood up and stretched before calling for Caleb.
The horse was at her side within seconds, ready and refreshed to complete the journey to the inner city.
A diverse group of people bustled and hustled back and forth all throughout the market. From every ally and corner, there stood a person, waiting to sell and deal their produce goods. Colorful and decorated vendors were scattered about, each displaying their supplies to wandering customers. Small children ran along the street, where women of higher status carefully avoided them. Indeed it was a busy day today, Serenity observed.
In every street she turned into, there was constant yelling by men and women both alike, all saying the same thing, "Get your fruits here! Fresh Fruits from the soil of Barthelot."
"Get your fish here! Straight from the Sea of Serenity! Low prices for fresh fish!"
"Aye, you little thief! Come back with my apples! Police! Officers! Stop that little thing!"
Slowly, Serenity walked along-side the booths. Her fingers gently traced the merchandise, until they paused on a medium sized object. It was an adorable plush toy of a white rabbit wearing a simple maroon dress.
The princess' mouth turned up into a small smile. Ignoring the fact that she was a bit too old for the toy, she picked it up and stepped closer to the woman who appeared to be the one managing the booth.
"Excuse me, madam," Serenity said. "How much would this be?"
The plump, elderly lady smiled. "Ahh… nice choice, my dear. I believe that would be ten silver."
Reaching into her cloak, the princess collected a few coins in exchange for the toy.
"Would you by any chance know what time it is?" Serenity asked as she tucked the rabbit into a sack that hung from Caleb's back.
"Why of course, dear. It's about an hour before sunset so around five o'clock."
"Thank you," Serenity said before beginning to walk away.
"Excuse me, miss."
"Yes?" Serenity asked, returning her attention to the kind lady.
"You forgot your change, miss," the lady replied, holding out a relatively large amount of coins.
The princess smiled softly and shook her head. "Keep the change," she said as she stepped into the moving crowd.
"Thank you, miss!"
As soon as the crowd deposited her at the edge of the market, Serenity stroked Caleb's gleaming coat.
"Well, I guess it's time we started heading home," she said.
The horse whinnied in agreement and knelt down to make it easier for Serenity to climb onto him.
"Get up, silly," the princess said giggling. "I'm in the mood to take a walk. But thanks anyway, Caleb."
The horse complied and followed her into the woods.
Serenity's bubbly chatter filled the area, complimented by Caleb's neighs here and there. The sun still hung in the sky as they sauntered home.
Then she heard it again. A small rustling in the woods. And once again a long silence ensued. Caleb glanced at his friend with a worried expression. Seeing this, Serenity began to laugh and resume walking after hugging her horse reassuringly.
"I'm fine," she announced, deciding that it was just her imagination.
They continued their sojourn home, an air of uneasiness still lingering.
And then it happened again.
Abruptly, Serenity swung around, starting to get annoyed.
"Come out!" She ordered.
Silence settled over the area for a few moments, but it was broken all too soon by a loud cry from Caleb. The horse suddenly jolted into a terrified dash, causing an object to fall unnoticed from his back.
Immediately, Princess Serenity spun around in confusion, but she was only in time to get a glimpse of Caleb prancing off. She was about to check the other end of the path once more when a hand clamped a damp cloth harshly over her mouth.
Panicking, she tried to wriggle out of the stranger's grasp as the world began to spin on her, but the grip was too strong. Impulsively, she pulled out the knife that Tristan had given her and blindly began to slash it around.
She gradually felt herself loosing strength and slipping away as she continued to struggle.
Then she saw black. And it was over.
@--- @--- @---
Nooo!!! What happened?! I love cliffhangers. Hehe... ^_- What happened to Serenity? What fell of Caleb? What the heck was all that insane rustling about? These questions and more will be answered in the next *exciting* part of Chess! The adventures of Serenity! -_-; How is that all week I've been sounding like an infomercial or something of the sort.
Want to cure me? Please send any sort of feedback to my email, lilchikara@yahoo.com. *Any* sort of feedback is always welcome, whether it's a simple comment, constructive critism, flames, or etc. I just love getting email that isn't SPAM material. =)
Anyways, thanks a bundle for reading! Stay tuned for Chapter Two. 'Til then, have fun in the real world!
3 Chikara
L2 Colony: http://l2col.tripod.com
Author: Chikara
Email: lilchikara@yahoo.com
Editor: Red Potato
Before I get started, I just wanna send out a really big thank you to my editor, Red Potato. Domo arigato gozaimasu! She's my first editor ever so I'm kinda lost sometimes. She's really helped out a lot. Thank you!!!
Disclaimer: Uhh, yeah... Guess who doesn't own Sailor Moon. (((")
@--- @--- @---
Our greatest glory consists not in falling,
but in rising every time we fall.
@--- @--- @---
Make new friends, but keep the old;
those are silver, these are gold.
Friendships that have stood the test,
time and change are surely best.
@--- @--- @---
Prologue
For several years, the Earth and the Moon have been at war. Eons have passed since there was peace between the two parties. So many that the cause of the conflict has been long forgotten. The reason for numerous bloody deaths and torn families is now a mere mystery.
So why does the fighting continue if the cause is unknown, you ask? Conflict is a part of human nature, whether man welcomes it or not. Hatred also cannot be easily dismissed. It has flowed through the blood of several generations. Each time the tradition of biases were handed down. Along with it, flowed the stubbornness within their hearts, where pride tells them to win the battle. For if they lost, the consequences and loses of such an action could prove to be fatal. And thus, the fighting continues like and endless waltz of death, destruction, and mayhem.
At least it does until a young man from Earth decides to take drastic measures in an attempt to free the world from the pain and suffering. A young noble terran whose plan could truly change the tides of war, because, once his plan was put into action, there was no turning back.
The victor would finally be decided.
@--- @--- @---
Chapter One // Pawn
Three light knocks on the door caught Princess Serenity's attention. Swiftly she turned away from the mirror and grabbed a long garment off her bed.
"Who is it?" she asked as she slipped on the dark brown cloak, covering her outfit. Of course, she already knew who was waiting at her door, but she needed to stall for some time as she prepared to greet her visitor.
"It's Naru, miss," a kind voice answered.
Serenity quickly straightened out her hood and tucked it under her hair before finally opening the door. She wedged it open just enough to show her head, leaving the rest of her body concealed in order to avoid several possible consequences. Consequences which she really didn't want to be thinking about at that moment.
"Good morning, Naru," Serenity said cheerfully. "How are you today?"
"Very well. Thank you," her maid replied. "And you?"
"As long as the moon still shines brightly, I am just fine," the princess said in a cheery tone.
Although Naru was Serenity's personal maid, the two were about the same age. Their relationship was more than the average lady in waiting to princess affiliation, but due to their level of formality it wasn't exactly best friend material.
"Actually, Naru," Serenity began," would you mind taking the day off today?"
"But, miss, who will attend to you?"
Serenity giggled slightly at her friend's overly worried countenance. "I'll be fine. Go out and have some fun."
"But, princess-" Naru started, but was immediately interrupted.
"Naru, would you like to have the day off?" Serenity repeated.
"Why of course, but-"
The princess abruptly silenced the young girl once again. "No buts, Naru. Now I want you to go out into that big world out there and have some fun. No excuses. Have a quiet day in the gardens. Have a royal banquet. Do whatever you wish, Naru. Just enjoy yourself. Do you hear me?"
Naru erupted into a fit of giggles. "Of course, Serenity. If you're sure that's what
you want."
"I am absolutely, positively sure."
"And you won't be needing my assistance?"
"Of course not."
"You'll be okay without me, won't you?"
"Naru!" Serenity exclaimed in exasperation. "Just go. I order you to have some fun. Now!" Then she mumbled under her breath, "Before you make me send myself to the insane asylum."
"Alright, alright." Naru gave in, a huge grin plastered on her face. "I guess I'll be going then. Bye, and thank you so much, your highness."
The princess simply smiled and waved as she watched her maid retreat into the seemingly endless halls of the palace. When she could no long hear footsteps or see the red-head, Serenity quietly stepped into the hall before soundlessly shutting her
door.
Her petite figure dashed through the halls and through the gardens until she reached the stables. She abruptly came to a halt behind a patch of bushes causing her cloak to swirl around her. Carefully, she scanned the surrounding areas to make sure that no one else was around. When she was completely confident that the coast was clear, Serenity entered the barn.
Serenity grabbed a handful of carrots from a full barrel before continuing down the hay speckled path.
"Caleb! Where are you, old friend?" She called out, searching for her favourite horse.
A soft neighing came from the far end of the corridor.
"Caleb?" Serenity called out a second time as she began striding towards the source of the replies. She was immediately answered by more whinnies.
As soon as Serenity reached the stall, Caleb butted her softly with his dark brown head. The young princess stumbled back. However, she quickly recovered and affectionately embraced the horse.
"It's nice to see you too." Serenity grinned. Taking a small step back, she held out one of the carrots she had been carrying for Caleb to eat.
She continued to feed him with one hand while she used the other to unlock the metal gate of his stall. Caleb totted out as soon as the gate was open. He obediently stood next to his friend.
"Come with me, Caleb," Serenity told the horse. "Be quiet now."
Caleb did as he was told and followed Serenity down the stable hall, his hooves clicking along the stone. He wore no restraints. There was no use for a saddle or reins. Serenity never had any other horse other than Caleb. Several years before, she had secretly learned to ride the horse without harnesses, wanting him to be more
relaxed and comfortable.
Cautiously, Serenity led Caleb out of the stables. Other horses nickered as the two tip-toed past their stalls. Not much time had gone by when Caleb made a gentle cry and nuzzled his head into Serenity's side.
"Not now, Caleb," Serenity said in a hushed tone. She now stood motionless at the entrance of the building, peering outside. She was too busy concentration on searching fore people in front of her that she didn't notice that someone had come up behind her until she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.
Serenity spun around and came face to face with Tristan. He was one of the stable boys as well as a long time friend. His father also worked in the palace, raising some of the finest horses in the kingdom.
"And what would her royal highness be doing this fine day?" Tristan asked. His emerald eyes twinkled and his dark brown hair shifted slightly while he spoke.
"Just taking Caleb out for a run," Serenity replied.
"With all do respect, I somehow doubt that, Serenity," the stable boy commented as he speculatively eyed the princess' outfit/ She was adorned in a simple dusty rose coloured outfit that remarkably resemble that of a peasant's. It was topped with a dark maroon bodice which was tied together in the front by a crisscrossing leather string. And the cloak… well, that was definitely something that Tristan couldn't miss.
Serenity glanced up at the young man who was a year older than herself. Then, she defiantly began to stare directly into his eyes. Tristan followed suit. Returning the stare, his eyes playfully narrowed.
A minute of utter silence went by before Serenity's eyes narrowed further and blinked against her will. A small frown seeped onto her face as a grin crept onto Tristan's.
Serenity gave the staring contest winner the evil eye.
"What?" Tristan asked innocently, his hands held up in the air. "What did I do?"
The blonde princess continued to glare, refusing to accept her lose.
"Excuse me, mademoiselle, but I am not the one who is dressing suspiciously no am I trying to sneak off with my horse."
Serenity glare rapidly dissipated. Taking a deep breath, she finally truthfully answered his original question. "Market," she stated simply.
"Market?" Tristan repeated, wondering why Serenity had just said the word.
"Yes, the market."
"The market?!" The stable boy exclaimed when realization struck him like a dashing stallion. Then his voice immediately softened. "But you promised last time that you wouldn't go there by yourself again."
"I know," Serenity said. "I'm sorry, Tristan, but you know how much I hate being cooped up in the palace. Besides, I won't be completely alone. I have Caleb with me." She patted the dark shiny coat of her favourite horse.
"Sere, that's not the same." Slowly, Tristan traced his knuckles down Serenity's left cheek. "One of these days, the queen is going to have to find out." His hand paused underneath her chin as the other did the same on the opposite side. "You can't keep doing this. It's not safe."
"I know, but…"
"I'll go with you."
"Tristan, you can't," Serenity pleaded. "Mother would be sure to find out where I am if she calls for you."
"Fine," Tristan replied with a sigh of defeat. "But at least take this with you." Taking a small step away from here, he reached into his boot and slipped out a somewhat small knife.
Serenity nodded and Tristan proceeded to remove a belt from around his waist. Carefully, he slid the knife into one of the belt pouches. Then he began to firmly tie the belt around the princess' small waist, making sure to hide it under her cloak.
"Don't be afraid to use it," he told her when the belt was secure.
"I won't Serenity assured her friend. "Thanks, Tristan." She watched the ends of his mouth curl up into a smile before turning to mount her horse.
"Milady?" She heard Tristan call out as she was about to jump onto Caleb.
Serenity turned back around to see Tristan striding towards her.
"I-I forgot one more thing," he stuttered out.
Curiously, the blonde gazed up at him.
Returning the gaze, he cupped her face in his hands. Then, mustering up all of his courage, he bent his head down to kiss the petite blonde. It was a chaste kiss, but a kiss none-the-less.
Without saying a word, he pulled away and hoisted Serenity onto Caleb.
"Be careful," he said in a hushed tone.
"I will." Serenity replied, wondering what was making Tristan act so strange. Then she wound her fingers through the horse's black mane and gently squeezed Caleb's sides with her feet. In an instant, Caleb was galloping off.
Tristan watched them ride away, a heavy foreboding feeling residing within his heart.
"Selene, please watch over her" he prayed.
Serenity once again gently applied pressure to Caleb's sides causing him to slow to a trot. She then tightened her cloak around her body, trying to conceal as much of her dress as possible. After noticing how quickly they were approaching the palace guards, she took a deep breath and straightened her posture.
"Good day, milady," the eldest of the two gatekeepers greeted.
"Good day to you too, Tor," Serenity said cheerfully before tipping her head in acknowledgment to the other man, "and you too, Harry.
"Where are you off to, princess?" Harry asked.
"Just the mare to give Caleb here a little exercise. I hear Serenititas is a beauty this season."
"I'm sorry, Serenity, but I don't recall your mother authorizing such a trip."
"That's alright, Tor," Serenity replied. "Mother did not authorize it until late this morning. But I assure you, she has not disapproved." She chose her words carefully to avoid completely lying to the palace's trusted staff.
"Well, then, enjoy yourself, milady," Tor said. "Be sure to return before sundown."
The princess smiled. "Of course, Tor. I'll be back soon. 'Til then."
After the guards acknowledged her farewell, Caleb began to trot away in the general direction of Mare Serenititas.
She arrived at the lake bank in a matter of minutes and swiftly dismounted. With some encouragement from his princess, Caleb pranced to the calm waters to take a drink.
Meanwhile, Serenity plopped herself in the middle of a wide expanse of grass, thanking her lucky stars for the ease in getting past the guards. Reaching up, she untied the buns of the royal lunarian hairstyle, causing waves of a shimmering gold to cascade down. She then closed her eyes and leaned back onto the ground to take a short rest.
The sun gently bathed her in a warm light as she began to slip into a peaceful trance. But the tranquility was soon disrupted.
It was then that she heard it. A faint rustling from within the tress. Impulsively, her eyelids flashed open, revealing a shade of sky blue clouded with worry. Sitting up, she tried to pinpoint the bush which had emitted the sound. Silently, she waited.
Several minutes had passed before she finally gave up, writing the incident off as a small wild animal. Possible a rabbit or a squirrel. She gradually stood up and stretched before calling for Caleb.
The horse was at her side within seconds, ready and refreshed to complete the journey to the inner city.
A diverse group of people bustled and hustled back and forth all throughout the market. From every ally and corner, there stood a person, waiting to sell and deal their produce goods. Colorful and decorated vendors were scattered about, each displaying their supplies to wandering customers. Small children ran along the street, where women of higher status carefully avoided them. Indeed it was a busy day today, Serenity observed.
In every street she turned into, there was constant yelling by men and women both alike, all saying the same thing, "Get your fruits here! Fresh Fruits from the soil of Barthelot."
"Get your fish here! Straight from the Sea of Serenity! Low prices for fresh fish!"
"Aye, you little thief! Come back with my apples! Police! Officers! Stop that little thing!"
Slowly, Serenity walked along-side the booths. Her fingers gently traced the merchandise, until they paused on a medium sized object. It was an adorable plush toy of a white rabbit wearing a simple maroon dress.
The princess' mouth turned up into a small smile. Ignoring the fact that she was a bit too old for the toy, she picked it up and stepped closer to the woman who appeared to be the one managing the booth.
"Excuse me, madam," Serenity said. "How much would this be?"
The plump, elderly lady smiled. "Ahh… nice choice, my dear. I believe that would be ten silver."
Reaching into her cloak, the princess collected a few coins in exchange for the toy.
"Would you by any chance know what time it is?" Serenity asked as she tucked the rabbit into a sack that hung from Caleb's back.
"Why of course, dear. It's about an hour before sunset so around five o'clock."
"Thank you," Serenity said before beginning to walk away.
"Excuse me, miss."
"Yes?" Serenity asked, returning her attention to the kind lady.
"You forgot your change, miss," the lady replied, holding out a relatively large amount of coins.
The princess smiled softly and shook her head. "Keep the change," she said as she stepped into the moving crowd.
"Thank you, miss!"
As soon as the crowd deposited her at the edge of the market, Serenity stroked Caleb's gleaming coat.
"Well, I guess it's time we started heading home," she said.
The horse whinnied in agreement and knelt down to make it easier for Serenity to climb onto him.
"Get up, silly," the princess said giggling. "I'm in the mood to take a walk. But thanks anyway, Caleb."
The horse complied and followed her into the woods.
Serenity's bubbly chatter filled the area, complimented by Caleb's neighs here and there. The sun still hung in the sky as they sauntered home.
Then she heard it again. A small rustling in the woods. And once again a long silence ensued. Caleb glanced at his friend with a worried expression. Seeing this, Serenity began to laugh and resume walking after hugging her horse reassuringly.
"I'm fine," she announced, deciding that it was just her imagination.
They continued their sojourn home, an air of uneasiness still lingering.
And then it happened again.
Abruptly, Serenity swung around, starting to get annoyed.
"Come out!" She ordered.
Silence settled over the area for a few moments, but it was broken all too soon by a loud cry from Caleb. The horse suddenly jolted into a terrified dash, causing an object to fall unnoticed from his back.
Immediately, Princess Serenity spun around in confusion, but she was only in time to get a glimpse of Caleb prancing off. She was about to check the other end of the path once more when a hand clamped a damp cloth harshly over her mouth.
Panicking, she tried to wriggle out of the stranger's grasp as the world began to spin on her, but the grip was too strong. Impulsively, she pulled out the knife that Tristan had given her and blindly began to slash it around.
She gradually felt herself loosing strength and slipping away as she continued to struggle.
Then she saw black. And it was over.
@--- @--- @---
Nooo!!! What happened?! I love cliffhangers. Hehe... ^_- What happened to Serenity? What fell of Caleb? What the heck was all that insane rustling about? These questions and more will be answered in the next *exciting* part of Chess! The adventures of Serenity! -_-; How is that all week I've been sounding like an infomercial or something of the sort.
Want to cure me? Please send any sort of feedback to my email, lilchikara@yahoo.com. *Any* sort of feedback is always welcome, whether it's a simple comment, constructive critism, flames, or etc. I just love getting email that isn't SPAM material. =)
Anyways, thanks a bundle for reading! Stay tuned for Chapter Two. 'Til then, have fun in the real world!
3 Chikara
L2 Colony: http://l2col.tripod.com