Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.
Author's Note: Reviews are loved as well as constructive criticism. I hope to hear your comments and thank you for reading.
Chapter One: A Day on Earth
The sweetest fragrance lingered in the air. Flowers were in full bloom, their vivid colors decadently spreading in a vast array for the eyes to drink in. A breeze wafted in ruffling the sea of luscious grass and stirred a rustle of the thick foliage the bountiful trees had to give. There was nothing like the plants of Earth. Nothing could match or compare to their grand splendor. They were so real, but then of course they were real, it was Earth after all and that name alone was definition enough for the term. Earth, the shining planet chosen and loved by many, and the desired land envied by those who were not fortunate enough to bask and revel in its glory.
Serenity was one such person who was forced to admire from a far and steal secret moments on the planet she often dreamed of. No one could know she was there, although it would not be the first time Serenity was caught, the situation grew more precarious since the last time she was found breaking the rules. As a being of the Moon, it was absolutely forbidden to have contact with Earth. Strains were configuring with some of the planets which made the interaction between the Moon and Earth even more unthinkable. The Moon was obligated to protect the Earth from other forces bent on its harm or manipulation. Not only did that cause reason to sever ties of communication, but the people of the Moon had longer lives of those on Earth which caused alienation and discrepancies between them and other planets who both feared and craved for such longevity.
Understanding the strained situation was not the enigma Serenity withheld. It made sense to her that people would be wary of those who possessed the power to obtain long life when they did not. Further recognition was rooted in her when it came to the need to watch over the Earth. It was simplistic to see how someone would want to be part of the planet with how rich and vital it was, making it a supreme target. What Serenity could not grasp was why the habitants of the planet were focused more on their jealousy and fear of the Moon people's longevity opposed to the thriving life the Earth had to offer all around. Surrounded by the extensive plant life, Serenity would have relinquished her long years ahead of her for a normal human lifespan if it meant she could live her days among the greenery of the planet.
It was not to say that Serenity harbored ill feelings of her own home. The Moon was where she was born, and where her family and friends were. It was overall peaceful, and the brilliant Earth was there to gaze upon. However, gazing was simply not enough for Serenity, nor was the artificial life, as lovely as it appeared. Real plants did not exist on the Moon. There were no actual flowers, or trees, or even grass. The wind which blew there did not even technically subsist. None were genuine. A dome surrounded where she lived and produced artificial existence and climate. It all appeared real, and most never really distinguished much difference, but Serenity longed for the indisputable thing, and after finding it on Earth she simply could not get enough. The Moon's artificial life could no longer satisfy her thirst, which was why she frequently descended to Earth to enjoy what true life had to offer.
A delicate hand cupped under the petals of a white flower dancing and swaying back and forth in the breeze. Dipping in closer, Serenity breathed in the unique scent which marveled her. How could anyone ignore the difference of Moon flowers in comparison to Earth? If only her home could have what Earth did instead of synthetics, perhaps then she would not break the rule of absolutely no contact.
In some form, Serenity liked to believe she was not breaking the rules, only bending them. Though she often descended to Earth, she was generally in secluded areas where she could best enjoy nature. What was the harm when she had yet to meet anyone? Was it so wrong to crave for a taste of authentic nature which so many were advantageous enough to experience each day?
Sighing, her body fell back, arms spread wide open. A billowing mass of white fabric which served as her gown rippled around her dainty frame, flowing freely on the ground when she landed on the lush grass which cradled her body and softened the impact. Silver strands of hair streamed down from two notable buns on top of her head to the land like a lustrous river. Orbs bluer then the sky above peered up to spy only a few wispy clouds obscuring the unending atmospheric tapestry, the sun beaming brilliantly overhead. The warmth of it reached Serenity's alabaster skin making her languidly stretch her limbs, but forced her to rest one arm over her forehead to shade her eyes.
Allowing her eyes to drift shut, her arm shifted off her forehead to the ground. Prominent on Serenity's brow was a crescent moon which clearly betrayed her identity. It was the mark of the Moon Kingdom and its royal family, her birthright. An inhabitant of the Moon on Earth was adverse enough; her station only made it that much worse. Being Serenity of the Moon on this planet could cause ample dissension on its own, but to stir matters more, she was Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, Queen Serenity's only heir, and future Queen of the Moon. Despite all of that, there she lay, breaking the cardinal rule etched into her since birth.
Rolling over onto her stomach, Serenity's fingers toyed with the blades of grass before her, twirling them as if they were strands of hair to be played with. She found that it was not just some large green plant. There was actual detail to it, and texture she would not originally expect. The occasional squeaks of the blades thrummed in her ears. The fresh smell it distinguished wafted to her nose in an overpowering scent. Tiny ridges rubbed against her skin. Serenity even took notice to the way they sometimes stuck to her fingers when twirling them. It amazed her that something so small could have so much depth.
A day would surely arrive when visiting Earth would be unfeasible even for her. Someday she would take her rightful role as Queen of the Moon Kingdom like her mother before her, but how she would dearly miss the planet she would be obliged to oversee but never again delight in. These precious fleeting moments would have to suffice into an array of memories she could embrace and recall whenever the dull ache of the planet's nearness and vast distance washed over her as a reminder of her fate to look after but never partake. Though Serenity was not destined to be one with Earth, she vowed that when it was her turn, she would guard it from afar with all her might. Until then, what damage could her presence in such seclusion possibly rupture?
Caressing Serenity's skin was the gush of another lulling breeze. A smile traced her lips, the silver strands of her hair performing their own dance with the guidance of the wind. Bit by bit her smile dimmed until it faded away altogether. The faint rustling sounding in the distance was unmistakable. Someone was coming. Her body stilled to that of a statue, but her thumping heart pounding wildly betrayed her likeness.
There was nowhere to go, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. If she dared get up and make a dash for it, she would surely be caught by someone who otherwise may not have found her in the first place. Perhaps whoever it was would not go as far as to Serenity's location, or at least that was what she hoped. Banking on that notion, her body sank low to the ground praying the tall grass further off would shield her if only somewhat. Her gown was tightly wound and tangled around her body. A rock was digging sharply into her thigh, and one of her elbows embedded itself so harshly into the ground that she could feel the dirt caked on her skin.
Thoughts spun feverishly in her head. What should she do? What were her options?
The thump, thump, thump of her heart strummed on. Serenity's eyes, large as saucers, were fixated intently on the hill, waiting for a silhouette to emerge.
As terrified as she was, something in her was confounded with an uncontrollable excitement. A human! An actual human was there! As peculiar is it may have sounded, Serenity had yet to meet a human, or at least a human in the Earthling representation, and where Earth's nature engulfed her, an inhabitant of the planet struck a fascination in her she was unsure if she should fear or further indulge. Her instincts told her to flee, and that she should never have gone to Earth in the first place for it could only end in disaster. Yet, it was the contingent fluttering in the pit of Serenity's stomach which urged her to satiate her new burning curiosity, and answer her new commodious collection of questions.
The rustling grew more vociferous which left Serenity rendered immobile. The outline of a person was visible but with a lack of manifested details. The sun was too bright for Serenity to properly distinguish anything pronounced. Her head dropped back down, the blades of grass tickling her neck and chin. Soon the rustling grew faint and then ceased altogether, leaving a wave of relief and disappointment wash over her. It was the closest she ever came to a human thus far which proved to be both alarming and exhilarating in ways even Serenity could not hope to explain.
She exhaled, releasing the breath she neglected to realize she was holding until the lack of oxygen's effects started to become unavoidable. Using her now dirty forearms, Serenity pushed up only to freeze. A pair of legs obscured her view of anything else and ripped her mind of any comprehensible thoughts. A sudden icy jolt racked through her body. Head tilting back, her sight was once more ensnared by the bright sun. As Serenity squinted, details of the figure became more visible. Bare legs, white gloves on arms resting patronizingly on hips, a short skirt, long blond hair reaching the end of it, and the outline of a bow on top of the person's head…
"M-mina!"
Serenity pushed herself up onto her knees. The sun was no longer obstructing her line of vision. Mina's face was sternly set on hers, light eyebrows shifted together and the corners of her mouth curved down. All Serenity could do was sit there blinking dumbly up at her, jaw slack and wide open.
"You should not refer to my name here. It is not like at home where our identities are in less jeopardy."
"What in the name of the Moon are you doing here?" She asked entirely letting Mina's words go through one ear and out the other. Then Serenity felt foolish for even wondering at all. Mina was Sailor Venus, the leader of the guardians who protected her. She must have come to Earth to fetch her when she realized she was missing. It would not be the first time she tracked down the princess on the forbidden planet, but Mina always hoped it would be the last. It was not safe on Earth for the princess. Not only was it taboo, but there were some people explicitly hostile to the Moon, which left Princess Serenity as a flashing target. Anything could happen to her on the vast strange planet, especially without her or any of the other scouts to protect her.
"I could be asking you the same question. Princess, you snuck away to Earth again when you know it is forbidden. When you disappear like this the other scouts and I are unable to fulfill our positions to protect you." Mina disliked patronizing the princess whom she loved and befriended, but she did not want any dangers to prevail, and could think of no other way to convey the message. Her hand reached out to aid Serenity to her feet.
"But nothing happened to me," Serenity protested, taking Mina's hand. Her dress which was still tightly wound around her legs interfered making her trip and lose her balance, falling flat on her behind with a loud squeaking "oof" on impact.
One of Mina's brows rose as if to say otherwise, seeing the clumsy princess on the ground, gown and body covered in dirt, but held it back, going over to help the fallen girl up whose pale complexion was steadily growing red. "Fortunately, but something could have, and if it did the scouts and I would be unable to reach you in time. You have no protection here. No guards, no weapons, not even a disguise as simple as a cloak to conceal your identity. Should anything happen to you Princess, we would be devastated, as well as the people of the Moon and your mother. Earth is too dangerous for you to visit."
"Dangerous! I have not encountered any dangers yet. It is so peaceful here and Earth is so beautiful. Look at all the plants, and the flowers here have the sweetest scents. What is dangerous about that?"
How was she supposed to make Serenity understand? She was so innocent and naive. In her head Earth was safe, and the people would not be prevailed upon to harm her. True, Serenity was taught that there were still some strains which existed between the Earth people and the Moon people, despite the overall distribution of peace. Many still existed who would not hesitate maltreating the Moon Princess if given the opportunity. The complication what that in spite of all Serenity was instructed, Mina believed that Serenity did not fully comprehend that anyone would be that cruel, especially from the planet she pined for. She could not harbor such ill thoughts and beliefs of the Earthlings, and Mina found that was just as hazardous as the humans themselves.
"That is not the danger which I am referring to, and we have plants and flowers of our own on the Moon, there is no need to come here for that."
"But it is not the same. These are real."
"Then Princess, are these plants worth your life and the future of the Moon?"
Mina's words caught Serenity off guard. She was often scolded for her recklessness to descend to Earth, but no one ever worded it to her in that form before, not even Raye who chided most. Do my visits to Earth truly place the Moon in that much jeopardy? I never thought that by me coming here I would be the cause of so much strife. I only wanted to see true nature, not implicate the entire Moon and the people.
Dirt and grass stained her once white gown, but Serenity paid no mind. Her hands had a ball of the fabric fisted tightly, her fingers fiddling and fidgeting with the material, twisting and wringing occasionally as the battle in her head raged on. Mina took notice of Serenity's mortification and inner turmoil when the material of her gown underwent further torture. Any sternness Mina may have held was gone within moments. She loathed being so doom and gloom, especially to the princess, but what other choice was there? Serenity obviously appeared to be affected by her insinuation, and no doubt the other scouts would have words with her, not to mention Queen Serenity should she find out, so Mina saw no need to keep the dank mood hanging so heavily in the air.
A bright smile filtered onto her face, her hand reaching out to touch the princess's shoulder. "Perhaps we should return to the palace. Jupiter mentioned earlier she was hoping to ice skate today. You do not want her to get to it first and steal all the fun, do you? If we are careful we may locate Jupiter first before Mercury, and then we could take a day off from your studies and enjoy it. How does that sound?"
Serenity's anguished fidgeting came to a halt. Her head lifted and her large blue orbs solemnly met Mina's, a dim remainder of dolor still fastened in their depths. For a brief moment Mina feared her suggestion did not help any, but then the princess's brilliant smile recovered to its luster with the addition of a giggle piping from her lips which banished the hallowed darkness with her unanticipated liveliness.
"Could we really? That would be wonderful!" Her hands clapped together jubilantly like a young child in delight. "Fantastic! No studies today!"
Chortling in turn at Serenity's sudden outburst, Mina was grateful the sullen mood was over. She had to admit that a leisurely break did strike appealing. Amy would understand. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Beaming still, Serenity eagerly nodded. "Right."
The two teleported from Earth and returned to the Moon Palace. Serenity's eyes flickered to the marvel that was her shining home. The Moon Kingdom was a truly magnificent and stunning place. It had its own unique scintillation and attraction to it that Serenity would be the first to admit to, but… Her head turned to survey the variety flowers lining the walkway and encompassing the pillars and fountains. As splendid as the Moon was, and as peaceful and prosperous it may have remained, Earth's authenticity and innate bewitchment still beckoned her in the distance.
Mina's words broke her from her trance. "We should first see to it that you change gowns. Word will spread rapid enough and reach the queen's ears swiftly if you continue moving about the palace in your dirty garments."
"That is unnecessary, Mina. I have already seen for myself," a second voice not belonging to Serenity announced, or at least not belonging to Princess Serenity that is.
Both Mina and Serenity froze, their eyes cast up to see a figure of a woman at the top of the stairs who was blocking the entrance to the palace. Silver hair a shade darker then Serenity's cascaded down in the same fashion from two buns resting on top her head. A simple white gown hugged her body, the material pooling around her feet. Eyes of a crystal blue peered down at the two young girls. Though her rudimentary appearance made her look young, it was those same eyes which revealed wisdom only gained by many years being stored behind them. The ultimate and most pronounced characteristic was the crescent moon on her brow signifying her identity as none other than Queen Serenity herself.
"Your Majesty," Mina hastily answered sinking to her knee, head bowing in respect.
"Mina, would you please find the other scouts and inform them that Serenity is here and initially unscathed? After being unable to locate her and realizing she was not with me, and that you were also missing, they surmised you must have traveled to Earth and they were soon bound to depart to track you down should you not return shortly."
"Yes, of course, Your Highness," Mina added and stood. Her eyes met Serenity's for a fleeting glance and then departed to inform the scouts the princess was safe as requested.
The queen descended the steps slowly and gracefully, pausing in front of her daughter who dipped into a curtsy.
"Mother."
Queen Serenity's hand reached out and lifted her daughter's chin to look her in the eye, finally prompting the girl to stand. She surveyed the unkempt appearance of her child and sighed. Although she was disheveled there were no visible injuries for the queen to trace. "So you ventured to Earth again."
Serenity's eyes adverted from her mother's to peer at the ground, over her shoulder, and anywhere else to avoid the look of disappointment she was sure she would find mirrored in her mother's gaze. "Yes." Suddenly her eyes fiercely shot back to stare into her mother's with a new vigor. "But I cannot help it. Why can we not have flowers, and grass, and wind, and all the other opportunities of life that Earth does? Why were we given this long life if we are not allowed to enjoy all aspects of it like the humans do? I just do not understand."
"Always such an inquisitive child," Queen Serenity mused. "But, you know that communication with Earth is forbidden, and running off like that is irrefutably perilous. It has eventuated far too many times now. You are heir to this kingdom and one day you will be queen in my stead. You must set a good example for the people and abide by the rules just as everyone else." Her hand left her daughter's chin, the back of her fingers moving to stroke Serenity's cheek. "What is most essential of all, I do not want anything to happen to you. I could not bear it if you were harmed, Serenity. Please promise me you will not do something so dangerous again."
The crystal-like orbs of her mother focused on her intently. Serenity despised encouraging her mother's worries and being the motivation for them by her actions just as she disfavored deceiving her. A protracted pause ceded either from motion, the significance of the matter hovering over their consciousness. "I…promise," Serenity hesitated, the words like lead on her tongue.
The queen's arms enveloped her, drawing her into her warm embrace. "Good. Now how about you go and get yourself cleaned up? The girls are waiting for you, I'm sure." Queen Serenity kissed her daughter's forehead after pulling back. Serenity smiled sweetly and nodded in return, venturing into the palace to change.
Down the hallways Serenity ambled. The palace practically sparkled. It held a brilliance she was sure no castle on Earth would ever be able to obtain. The walls and floors gleamed with an immaculate precision worthy to be noted. The furnishings and wall hangings were tastefully positioned, not crowding areas but providing an elegant and comfortable space which was agreeable to look at and simplistic enough to maneuver around. Nipping drafts did not sneak up on her as such large places often would; instead there was a surprisingly pleasant and balanced temperature within. Such aspects she doubted would so grandly exist on Earth. Yet, why did none of these resplendencies ever fill her mind the way that planet's did? The feel of fresh grass tickling her skin still loitered. Lush petals caressing her flesh were still raw. Wind whipping through her hair indulged her imagination. Serenity sighed. How was she to ignore such an abundant phenomenal collection in her memories when the images were so domineering?
Quick work was done in washing up and changing into another white gown in similar fashion to the one she wore and dirtied earlier. Serenity was partially anxious to find the other scouts. The longer the time passed, the more uneasy she became. One room to another she searched for the four girls, her dread grew increasingly that they wound up going to Earth after all and just so happened to miss one another by mere minutes. Rounding down another hallway, Serenity came to a standstill when she realized one room in particular she never bothered to check yet. I feel so foolish. How could I have overlooked it? Then again, how could I not?
As she suspected, Serenity discovered the scouts in the library. It was not a room she often proceeded to on her own will. Mercury ordinarily occupied it, and to come across her within more often than naught meant time to study more outside of the designated times. Such circumstances never appealed that exceedingly to Serenity unless it was involving a certain blue planet or other areas of her interest, which was not as frequent as learning material she was not as in tune to.
The room itself was immense. Shelves upon shelves lined the walls, books scouring every inch of them. A few tables and comfortable chairs were neatly littered about, inviting anyone to make use of them and delve into the pages upon pages of material the room made available.
Venus had been avidly discussing something to the other three girls upon her arrival, no doubt she was still informing them of what transpired earlier. It was of no surprise to Serenity that although Venus was the one facing her as she stood in the doorway, it was actually Sailor Mars who noted her presence in the room first. A blur of black and red hit Serenity's vision momentarily only to clear to the sight of Mars now facing her. The mass of her long raven hair almost instantly settled to neatly tumble down her back once more in an ebony silken sheen. The striking features of her face were only slightly marred by the stern look of what Serenity could not distinguish from worry or anger, perhaps it was both. Her darker then orchid eyes first narrowed at the incursion but instantly grew wide on recognition that the intruder was the very person they were just discussing.
"Princess!" Venus exclaimed, spurring reactions from the other two scouts to also acknowledge her presence.
Another whirl pelted Serenity only one of green and another of blue this time. Sailor Jupiter stood open mouthed on initial sight of the Moon Princess. With Mars reacting so hastily, Jupiter's primary instincts took over assuming the princess was an enemy. Her frame which usually towered over the others was crouched moderately, hands balled into a fists, forming a stance which screamed ready to attack if necessary. When the electric green eyes set on Serenity, her stance relaxed gradually, fingers loosening from their fists.
The shortest girl of the bunch, adorned in a uniform of blue, not a far cry off from the colors of her hair and eyes, brought her gloved hand to her mouth after she released herself from a stance comparable to Jupiter's. Sailor Mercury's worries and emotions were as open as the books she was so adept to. Her horror at nearly attacking the princess was not difficult to decipher, and did not require a genius to identify.
"Princess, you've arrived," Jupiter finally broke in amidst the silence. "Venus was just telling us how-"
"How you snuck off to Earth again," Mars interrupted. Her tone made Serenity wince, especially after she crossed her arms and had her weight shift onto one leg. Mars's fiery personality and temper made her a force to be reckoned with. Serenity was grateful to have her on her side protecting her, but at times like these when she was on the receiving end of her rage, even at such a lesser extent, was never enjoyable, and this was no exception to that.
"What were you thinking? How many times are you going to go there and disregard the rules until you stop?"
"I-"
"What is it going to take you to get you to understand just how dangerous this is? Are we going to have to wait for you to break your royal neck or for something or something else to injure you without us there to shield you for you to realize the relevance of what we say?"
"I never meant for-"
Once again, like Sailor Jupiter, Serenity was cut off by Mars. "You never do, but that does not mean you are unaware of the rules and the repercussions not only on you when you endanger yourself in such a manner, but also your mother, the kingdom, the people, and even us. Too much is at risk when you decide to traipse off to that planet. And for what? To survey some plants? It is not worth the gamble."
Inwardly Serenity recoiled at the wording even though she did not expect Mars or anyone else to fully grasp.
"Mars, I think she understands now," Mercury interjected, her tone like a cool wave of water ready to douse the burning words Mars had to offer. Yet, sometimes water was unable to fully put the flames out, only reduce them.
"No. We go through this all the time and it still continues to happen. Either she does not comprehend yet, or she chooses to ignore everything. In either case, I cannot continue to go along with it, and I know you feel the same, so do not deny it," Mars said, indigo eyes flashing from Mercury, to Jupiter, and finally to Venus, only to rest back on Serenity who also hesitantly glanced at each one of them.
"She does prove a point," Venus finally spoke up during the pending pause, stepping forward to join the others, blond hair swishing with her aesthetic movements.
Serenity's breath hitched. Although she and Venus spoke earlier on Earth, it did not go entirely in this direction. Is this how she actually feels then?
"Venus! How can you say that?" Jupiter exclaimed, appalled that their leader who was so close to Serenity would openly agree with Mars during one of her upturned tempers in front of the princess so blatantly.
"She does Jupiter, and if you honestly think about it, I am sure you agree too. You would not be a Sailor Scout and her guardian if you considered otherwise." Another pause of silence flowed until Jupiter reluctantly nodded, knowing it would be close to tipping a jolt of lightning through Serenity. After that point, Jupiter did not look into her eyes. Serenity also found that Mercury was looking at the ground instead of her as well.
They all feel this way then? Am I that much of a problem? Her lips pressed tightly together forcing herself to keep any tears ready to form at bay. Mars with those sorts of thoughts did not completely jar Serenity, but Venus, Jupiter and even Mercury?
Mars stepped forward before Serenity. "I cannot allow the future of the Moon to be destroyed." Another step was taken in her advancement ahead. "Most important of all, I refuse to allow danger to prevail and take the life of my foolish princess who seeks it out on a forbidden planet, when I have the ability to guard her as I vowed I would." Much to Serenity's surprise, Mars knelt down on the ground. "I promised to keep you safe with my life Princess, so I ask you to please allow us to do our duty and shield you here on the Moon where we can best procure your safety. I could never forgive myself if you are injured because I was not there to protect you as I swore."
Mars, Serenity thought taken aback at the sudden change of mood and for what Mars was pronouncing to her. A wave of guilt washed over Serenity when she noticed that Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury were also kneeling. They really did care for her. They loved and protected her, and were willing to lay their lives down for her, and Serenity knew that she was willing to do the same for them if it ever called for it.
"I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused, although an apology may not be enough. I realize all you each do for me, and I know you want to protect me, and that I do not make it easy for you to fulfill such tasks. I do not intend to endanger myself or cause so many problems for you. I only wanted to experience Earth, not worry you or give you further work to tend to. I will be more careful from now on, I promise. And thank you. Thank you for worrying over me and staying by my side as you do. No one could have more faithful friends stand beside them."
The girls rose from the floor, smiles painted on their faces. "We will always stand by your side, Princess. That will never change." Venus said with her kindhearted smile that Serenity always favored and welcomed.
"That is right," Mercury added with Jupiter and Mars nodding in addition.
"Thank you," Serenity whispered, throat tight and eyes misting over.
Venus, noting the princess was thrown into an emotional state and did not want to submit to its effects, decided to steer their conversation to a more positive one to take their minds off such a serious episode. "Serenity and I were discussing that since today's events cut into our plans for the agenda established that we could-"
"Oh!" Mercury exclaimed, moving over to a table where a stack of books rested. "We could continue with Princess Serenity's studies! There is still plenty of time to cover the material I had planned for today! What a wonderful idea Venus!"
Serenity, Venus, Jupiter, and even Mars all exchanged glances after looking at Mercury's beaming face. Apparently even the girl genius could misapprehend. All the girls, save Mercury, groaned simultaneously.
Mercury blinked. "What is it? Is it something I said?"
Studying? So much for reaching Jupiter first. Serenity sighed softly, though the corners of her mouth curved upward. All four of the scouts started squabbling incoherently. Each one's words were lost by another. Just another day on the Moon. With no one's attention drawn on her, Serenity opened one of her hands which had been casually resting at her side. Two knotted blades of grass securely hidden in her palm were visible only to her. Someday, she thought wistfully.