Title: Swans in Flight
Author: Ree
Theme: AU - God
Genre: general
Version: AU - 1483 England War of the Roses (near the end)
Rating: G

Takeuchi Naoko created them. I'm just following a different branch on their universal tree.

Swans in Flight

AN: Amycia Ami, Aylyetta Makoto(Lita) , Eularia Rei (Raye), Willaimina Minako (Mina).

Later that evening, Serena walked into a dim room. Williamina was supposed to met her there. Crossing to the fire, she settled into a chair to wait. A few minutes later, she heard the door open and someone walk in. Looking over the edge of the chair, she waited for her eyes adjust. When they did, she stared. Lord Darien was peering around as if he couldn't quite see. A snicker of the door shutting and a key turning caused both of them to look at the now closed door.

Serena's gasp is what drew his attention to her. The shock on the other persons face assured them that neither knew what was going on. But they both suspected.

--

Eularia tucked the key into Jadeite's hand, their fingers interlacing over it. Heading back downstairs, they went to tell the others. It was time to send for Father George.

--

Darien tried the door one more time, but he couldn't get it to budge. Looking back at the one person he loved and hated getting locked up with, he sighed. "It won't open. And I know I can't bust it down. It is too stout. I have a feeling we'll be in here till morning."

Serena stared at the door, and then her eyes darted about the room, trying to find any means of escape. There were none. "They planned this out well. This..." A blush crept up her cheeks. "...this will destroy your reputation." Her fingers dug into the back of the sofa.

He crossed the room and laid a comforting hand over hers. "I don't care about mine, it is yours that will be shattered beyond repair. If we can't get free, you will marry me." His voice suggested that she not argue.

Nodding in acceptance, she sighed. "But was it my friends, or yours?"

"Both?"

Selena sank onto the couch. "Both." She gestured to the well stocked side table. "Would you care for some bread or cheese? They at least left us some food."

Darien sank down next to her. "Both please."

Looking at each other, they both knew it was going to be a long night.

--

Selena stared at her friends that surrounded her. Ever since early that morning, when she and Darien had been freed, the had hovered about her. Each one seemed to be bubbling over with happiness, and it was become contagious. Now, dressed in a beautiful white dress, she was standing in the chapel, Darien at her side. Their friends had planned every detail.

Father George looked over the assemblage of people before him. The happiness that drifted from them reassured him that no one was being forced in to matrimony. Opening the Bible, he began the marriage ceremony. He moved from one couple to the next, giving God's blessing to their union. He closed the Bible after the final blessing.

As the newly weds smiled happily at each other, Father George knew his prayers were answered. The Swans had found true happiness.

--

Serena picked carefully at the alter cloth she was embroidering. Sliding the pink thread through the cloth, she remembered the events that had followed the union of the Swans and the Hawks. Uncle had flown in to a fit of rage, and Darien's had done the same. But it had taken them about three days to discover what had happened. Darien's help after the blizzard had endeared him to her people, and she had taken to heart by his.

Serena smiled as she remembered those three days of bliss. Changing to a red thread, she continued her embroidery.

Both sides, the Yorks and the Lancasters, had tried to have the marriages annulled. But there were to many witnesses to both the marriage and the three days that followed. The laundry maids had commented on the sheets, and that information flew through both estates.

Nipping the last thread, she draped the cloth over the alter. Stepping back, she admired their new standard symbol: A white swan and a red hawk in flight surrounded by pink roses.