The carriage ride was long. Even with Vanille's excitement in looking at everything that she passes, which she tried her best to, drowsiness still took the best of her. When Vanille woke up again, she noticed Elmyra was looking at a piece of paper in her hand. Elmyra's eyes were intense and seemed teary. Worried, Vanille sat up and turned to her.

"Elmyra?"

Elmyra blinked then placed the paper back into her shirt. "Oh... Vanille. I didn't mean to wake you."

Vanille shook her head. "No... it's not that. Is something wrong?"

"No dear." She smiled, but the hint of sadness in Elmyra's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Vanille.

Vanille wanted to ask more, but then she heard the chocobos come to a stop. The words died at her lips and her heart started to race with excitement. Quickly, she turned to peek out the window, and gasped. They had reached the city gates. She saw the city guards dressed in the finest blue and yellow military outfits. When the guards confirmed with the driver, the gates started to open.

Wide eyed, Vanille's smile spread from ear to ear as the gates fully opened to reveal the beautiful city. Life was flowing from every angle. People, dressed in the finest threads, were busy and moved about with purpose. The buildings were tall and sold all sorts of colorful items like beads, dresses, and big hats. There was music played by street musicians. As she passed by the musicians, she stuck out the window to wave at them, only to be pulled back into the carriage by Elmyra. Vanille smiled like a child as she pointed at all the wonders outside. Elmyra chuckled at Vanille's excitement. Vanille blushed and stuck out her tongue.

-xiii-

The carriage stopped in front of a big white building. Vanille practically hopped off the carriage this time, without slipping thankfully. She turned to the building and gasped.

"This is the great temple of Etro! I only ever hear of this place!"

Elmyra smiled and patted her head. "Voice, dear."

Vanille smiled and nodded. "Right." She saw Lightning get off her carriage as well and without a word entered the temple. Vanille turned to look at Elmyra who once again held a solemn and unreadable expression.

The temple was absolutely beautiful. The floor gleamed as if recently polished. The light let in by the stain glass window gave a beautiful glow to the surrounding. At the center stood the statue of Etro the Benevolent. Below her, Lightning kneeled like a knight to her queen. Vanille blushed staring at her. Lightning was bathed in light and was shining with an ethereal glow. Looking up at Etro, she held her hands together and prayed.

She prayed for Fang, prayed for Hope, and prayed for the children. And then with a last prayer, she prayed for Lightning.

When she opened her eyes, she realized that Elmyra was gone from her side. Looking around, she saw Elmyra standing in front of a stone plaque. She couldn't read what was on the plaque at first, but as she approached it she realized there were names on it. This stone plaque stretched across the wall, she was sure there must be thousands of names written on it. When Vanille finally reached Elmyra, she read on top "In Honor of the Brave who Fought for our Human race." Her heart stopped realizing that these names are of the soldiers that passed away during the war. This wall was quite literally a wall of death.

She turned to Elmyra who had the same expression that she had held for the whole day. She was focused on one name on the wall.

Aerith Gainsborough.

Elmyra's hand reached the wall, gently her fingers brushed and traced the writing. Vanille saw the pain in her eyes and understood it completely. "...My parents... died because of the war too." Vanille turned to the wall. "My dad... is probably here, but to be honest... I don't really recall my last name. Just Vanille." Vanille touched the wall as well. "We lived in the outskirts of town. My dad was recruited into the army. I don't really remember much about him. Soon after he left... one day my house was attacked by monsters. My mother died protecting me." Vanille paused to breathe, realizing that tears are starting to form as well. "...I-I don't really remember much of her either." Vanille felt a soft hand at her cheek and looked up at Elmyra who had tears in her eyes.

"You poor dear."

Vanille smiled as she brushed her stray tears away. She shook her head and looked at Elmyra. "...What was she like?"

Elmyra smiled as she recalled her daughter. "Nothing like me." She laughed. "She had beautiful light brown hair and beautiful green eyes... Like yours." She reached into her shirt and took out a photograph.

Vanille had never seen a photograph before. Only the rich had the privilege of taking photographs. Her eyes scanned the photo. Aerith was dressed in a silk corseted dress with flower patterns. She had the kindest eyes, Vanille had ever seen. Aerith was certainly a beautiful maiden, but what caught her attention wasn't Aerith, but the girl next to her.

Next to her stood an eighteen year old Lightning Farron in her starting military uniform with only one chevron on her shoulder. She stood in the center with both Aerith and a young Serah on both sides.

And... Lightning was smiling.

Vanille could only smile back at the photo then almost reluctantly handed it back to Elmyra.

"Lightning..." Elmyra used her name. "She didn't want to take the photo. She had the strangest belief that the camera would steal her soul." She laughed. "She would only take it if Aerith was there too."

Vanille laughed. This Lightning sounded nothing like the tough and scary Lightning she knew.

"They grew up together, played together, and eventually they both decided to join the war when they were old enough. Aerith was a war nurse. She was only twenty three when she died. It was during the last year of the war." Elmyra looked back at the wall. "Everything changed after she died. Lightning... became the master... the Lord Farron we know today. And then Serah..." Elmyra went silent then placed her hand on Vanille's cheek again. "Your spirit reminds me a lot of them. I'm sure... master feels the same way too."

Vanille blushed then turned around back to Lightning who still kneeled by the Goddess' side.

"Lightning... Deep down I know you're hurting. It hurts to be alone. I know."

-xiii-

Lightning stepped out of the temple with Vanille and Elmyra in toll. They were about to enter the carriage, but was stopped by a strong voice.

"Lightning!" The voice belonged to none other than the Duke, Snow Villiers.

Lightning who chose to ignore him continue to walk towards the carriage.

"Hey sis... come on now."

"Do not call me that!" Lightning glared at Snow with daggers forming at her eyes.

Snow laughed and raised his two hands up in surrender. "Now now, Lightning... Just thought I welcome you back to Eden. The King has prepared you a place to stay in the palace. I trust that you will attend the meeting tonight before the ball."

"Tch..." Lightning had no response. She turned her back on Snow and went into her carriage.

Snow sighed and mumbled. "As friendly as always."

Vanille and Elmyra turned to do the same, but was stopped by Snow.

"Now here's a new face I'd like to see more of." Snow grabbed Vanille's hand and kissed it. "Welcome to Eden."

Vanille blushed. "Um... thank you."

Snow felt Vanille's hand under his'. "Your hand is soft like a flower." Vanille quickly took her hand back. "Mind telling me your name, princess?"

Vanille was speechless. She couldn't bring herself to tell him her name.

"Elmyra!" Lightning barked. "We're leaving!"

Elmyra quickly ushered Vanille away. They both tipped their heads slightly and excused themselves. Snow watched as they entered the carriage and left. "Gadot."

Gadot came to Snow's side. "Sir."

"Find out what you know on that girl." Snow's eyes darkened. "By tonight."

"Yes Sir."

-xiii-

When the carriages arrived at the palace. Lightning was met with two guards that came to escort Lightning to the main hall. Vanille was in awe and her eyes wandered. When she turned to look at Elmyra, she saw Lightning whispering something to Elmyra. She wondered what it was since Elmyra seemed to react to it for a moment then went back to her usual unreadable expression. After that, Lightning left with the guards.

Elmyra and Vanille were welcomed by the palace maids. They were lead to the private rooms that they would be staying at. Since they were Lightning's personal maids, their rooms were close to Lightning's. They were tasked to let the palace maids know everything that Lightning needed. Elmyra of course, took care of everything.

Vanille entered her room and giggled. When the door closed, she ran to her bed and jumped on top of it. Never in her life had she ever laid in such a soft bed. She smoothed her hand over the blanket and smiled. This is amazing, thought Vanille. This whole palace, the whole city is amazing! She used to think that the Estate was huge, but coming here the Estate seemed like a child's doll house. This IS a palace after all, she thought.

As she laid in the comfy bed, her eyes started to droop, but was interrupted by a knock at the door. Vanille got up to open the door and was met by Elmyra.

"Oh Elmyra! This place is amazing!" She giggled again. "The bed is so soft, Elmyra!" She takes her hand and guides Elmyra in her room.

Elmyra sighed and thought it useless to correct the girl again. Elmyra stopped and got Vanille's attention."Come with me, Vanille."

"Where are we going?" Vanille said excitedly.

"To get you a ball gown." Elmyra said simply.

Vanille blanched. "What!?"

"The master wants you to attend the ball... as her date."


Glad everybody is enjoying this. And more art is definitely welcomed ;D.
This story kinda goes off from Beauty and the Beast to a bit of Cinderella.
Kinda fairy tale esque in general.

Read and Review and Junk.