*Disclaimer: We're lazy. What's more to say? However, we do own Legolas!
MUHAHAHAHA! ::RS and CP dash off, carrying the
poor tied-up, yet still VERY SEXY, elf-man away::
Desert Mirage-A Million Doors to Eternity
Chapter 2
By: The Rose Society and Eternal Angel
Rating: R
Email: EtrlSlrMn@aol.com
stargazing12@hotmail.com
http://kii.wishing-blue.net/
http://anna.wishing-blue.net/
'This wasn't so bad,' she thought, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat,
ignoring the numbness that was slowly spreading through her. 'So this is what it
feels, to know your fate. I was going to die anyways but…' Setsuna, sensing the
girl's foreboding emotions, reached over, her eyes caring and gentle as she let her
long fingers clasp down around Serenity's own hands in a comforting manner.
"It is not death that you have to fear," Setsuna told her, gently. "Death is nothing.
A body always dies, again and again, but the soul, the soul will always live on."
Setsuna's voice was hypnotic, a gentle breeze in Serenity's ear. Setsuna's speech
was a contrast from the previous words she had spoken. "Your soul will live on,
growing anew with the arising day. Death will never be the end, Serenity; you
still have your soul."
"…is he waiting for me," Serenity asked, surprised at the question that randomly
jumped into her mind, into the conscious. It was he… he that she dreamed of. A
person she couldn't touch, she didn't know, but knew with all her heart. A person
she loved, she hated…someone she could never do without. A person she bound
herself to, only to rip herself away from him.
But why was she asking this? It was silly of her, for she did not know of him, this
person, this façade that she dreamed of. But Setsuna did. Setsuna knew of whom
she spoke about, who she thought about, who she dreamt about. Setsuna tighten
her grasp on her hand. "He will always be."
Serenity closed her eyes, emotions stirring. There were only two words that
seemed appropriate at this almost sacred moment.
"Thank you."
They spoke no more. A rough voice behind the two interrupted any other further
conversation that they might have had.
"Mistress, your uncle requires your presence at home," the guard said, his eyes
narrowed at the stranger, hand on his weapon, wary of any danger.
Surprised, Serenity looked up, to see five guards all awaiting her. She had been so
engrossed in her conversation with Setsuna that she hadn't even noticed their
arrival. So ends another foray into the real world, Serenity thought. She stood, as
did Setsuna.
"I've lost all track of time," Serenity said sheepishly, as she gave Setsuna a smile.
No matter how discreet the guards were being, the people who milled around the
marketplace were already shooting discreet stares their way. Even though her
uncle had always ordered the guards to be as 'normal' as possible, they still looked
and acted like bodyguards. And, being the focus of their attention, people
naturally wondered who she was and why a phalanx of guards was escorting her.
It was annoying, but she did know that the situation was immutable, given who
she was.
The lead guard's piercing glare was on Setsuna's hand, even as the older woman
let Serenity's smaller hand slip from her own. Her oddly scarlet eyes were kind as
Setsuna regarded Serenity with a smile. "You are a special soul, princess," she
whispered, audible only to Serenity and the surrounding guards.
Before the head guard could wonder about Setsuna's intentions, Setsuna uttered a
small blessing of good fortune for Serenity, and returned to her shop. Serenity
watched her leave before she turned her attention to the retrieval team. "Let's
leave," she said, her smile gone. She was bound to be in for quite a scolding.
***
"I cannot believe that you would put yourself in jeopardy like that, niece!" The
silver-haired man paced in his grand chambers, his face lined with age, the fading
tan of his face reddening slightly with his agitation. His hands were locked behind
his back, his old arms rigid from worry. He faced the young woman, his green
eyes glossy from exertion. "I realize that you wish for time outside the palace
walls, but you know that danger lurks out there. If anyone were to recognize you,
they might try to harm you while you were outside my protection and care." He
frowned at Serenity, who was looking quite contrite.
"I am sorry, uncle," she muttered softly. No matter what, she did truly regret
causing her uncle any amount of worry. He was always so kind to her, so loving,
and she never wished to cause him any distress.
He softened, slightly, and sighed. Bringing his arms up, his cupped his niece's
face gently. "You know why I worry, Serenity. I regret that you have to be
cooped up in this place, but there is no helping it."
Serenity sighed and hugged her uncle, her silver hair glistening in the fading
sunlight streaming from the windows. He ran a wrinkled hand through her long
locks and down her back, the man seemingly sensing that Serenity was torn,
emotionally. "I love you," Serenity said quietly, "uncle, and I know that you do
all of this out of love. But there are times where I just wish…"
"I know, little one. If only you were allowed the freedom of so many young
people outside the palace walls. You would be free to do so many things." He
pushed her away, enough so that they could make eye contact. "This is the burden
of your birthright. You are my most capable of descendants. When I pass-"
She shook her head. "You must not speak of such things. That is bad luck." She
looked a bit agitated.
He chuckled. "All of us are human, little one, and when my time does come, I
want you to take my place as ruler of this land. You are fair, loving, and wise,
Serenity, and would serve the people with all your abilities." His eyes grew sad.
"With all the wealth, power, and privilege, we are ultimately here to serve the
people. And that means we are bound by duty."
Serenity had heard her uncle speak about this subject many times. Every time she
snuck outside, to be exact. She picked up her uncle's speech. "Even the poorest
man of the kingdom has more freedom than we, but as the ruling family of this
land, this is our burden, our responsibility. I know, uncle."
They shared a sad smile. It was true, that both of them yearned to live their own
lives, not the lives as dictated to them by circumstances of birth. But Serenity's
uncle, the Sultan, had accepted his fate and done as he had to. So would Serenity,
they both knew, when the time came. And it saddened them both, to be caught up
and trapped.
"If you went out with a proper entourage, it would be much safer for you." Before
Serenity could sputter her protests, her uncle continued, "I know, it's not the same
as being alone and anonymous, but it's the only way to ensure your protection."
Serenity didn't like the thought about being crowded about by her uncle's men,
but looking at the way her uncle pleaded to her, almost desperately, she couldn't
help but comply with his wishes. Her uncle was the Sultan, ruler of an entire
kingdom; the last thing he needed was one more little thing to worry about.
"Yes, uncle," she murmured, defeated.
Her uncle shot her a large grin and gave her a hefty hug, lifting her up into the air
as if she weighed nothing and he was not nearing sixty. She giggled in his arms as
he swung her around. "Thank you, Serenity. Now run along darling, I'll see you
again during supper time."
She complied with his wishes with a salute before departing off, through the
double doors and into the hallways. With a sigh, she contemplated her new
situation. She hoped that her guards wouldn't cause a ruckus and scare anyone
like the young guard did today when she met Setsuna.
"Serenity!" A new voice interrupted her thoughts, as she gazed up at the figure. It
was her cousin, Dionysus, a young man not much older than her, but who towered
a whole head over her. His own fair honey-colored locks were touched by
sunlight, unlike Serenity's moonlight silver hair. Upon his ordinary face was a
concerned expression, his green eyes scanning Serenity's form, checking for any
signs of physical harm. "I heard you left the palace walls today. Uncle was very
worried."
"Dionysus!" Serenity exclaimed, a rueful smile gracing her face. "Yes, I know…
uncle was very worried. He told me to always bring my guards with me when I go
out now." She grimaced, which made Dionysus laugh.
"You know that it's dangerous out there, Serenity," he gently chided her, even as
the two wound their way to the wing of the palace that held both their personal
suites.
Serenity fidgeted uncomfortably. There was a marked difference between her and
Dionysus. While her cousin was straight-laced and well-behaved, never going
beyond the boundaries of the rules that had been set for him by their uncle,
Serenity was constantly wondering about the world beyond the one that had been
created for her. Even when they were young, her cousin did everything that was
expected of him, while Serenity was rebellious and stubborn, neglecting her
studies as much as possible.
That wasn't to say that Serenity was not intelligent. Everyone knew that she
possessed a sharp wit and keen intellect. When truly called upon, she
comprehended everything that her tutors imparted to her while the rest of her kin,
like her cousin, often had to struggle with their own individual weak-points. But
Serenity just did not relish the pretense and intricacies of politics. She made
herself as scarce as possible at any royal functions and snuck out of the palace
when she could. She often felt that her relatives were much more adept at the
false niceties and meaningless words that were often passed around at those
functions and even told her uncle that she believed that they would be better
candidates for Sultan in the future.
But her uncle had a completely different opinion. "Serenity, it isn't the behavior
that makes a person a great Sultan. It is a genuine love for the people and a
heartfelt commitment to seeing to their welfare that marks a great Sultan."
Even though he told her as well as her agreeing with it, she could still feel herself
wish that it was anyone but her. She wanted to go out into the world and look at it
with eyes wide open and just live without the need of restraints, without anything
pulling her down. She was a restless spirit, someone that could not stand being
imprisoned into a life like this. Especially now after the woman told her the fate
that existed for her.
Death was near for her; the words convicted her to the dismal fate that awaited
her. She felt a deep chill in her bones and the uneasy feeling of a lack of
resolution that snapped through her every so often making it difficult for her to
breath. It was all because of him, she knew. It was he that made her heart yearn
and ache and despise with a passionate fury and longing. It was him that she
wanted with everything she had…
But it was him that she did not have.
Not since that legend condemned him to his death, and she to her own?
She burrowed her brow and contemplated the meaning before realizing that she
was losing herself in her thoughts. She looked up at emerald eyes gazing at her,
filled with worry. She waved her arm about senselessly, "It's nothing. Just
drifting off a tad."
"Serenity, I hope you do understand how grave the situation is. You mustn't leave
the palace unaccompanied, especially since you are a part of the royal court.
There are people out there who aren't too fond of Uncle and would feel no qualms
about using you as a method to get to him. Not to mention the fact that you are
beautiful. There are slavers that would snap at the chance to kidnap you and sell
you off to the highest bidder. Please understand, Serenity, how important it is for
you to be accompanied by a guard. It is a dire necessity."
Serenity felt herself grow guilty at her behavior. He was correct, and she knew
that her uncle would give up anything in order to get her back if such a situation
were ever to occur. "Yes Dio, I understand. I shouldn't have left the palace
unaccompanied. I will not do so again."
He nodded, satisfied at her words, before bidding her a good day and disappearing
to his chambers. Even though she was resigned, Serenity couldn't help but hate
her status even more. In a small fit of rebellion, she lashed out with her foot, as if
she could prevent the inevitable from happening with a well-placed kick. But the
only thing she got for her efforts was a flash of pain from her foot meeting the
wall. It seemed even the palace was mocking her, proving to her in no uncertain
terms that it would prevail in the end. Dejected, she hobbled off to her rooms,
wishing for something to change her fate.
***
CP: Okay now, let's not blame anyone for the uhhh, long time this fic took to get
out. I mean.... Well... *looks innocently* It wasn't MY fault.... Okay, so maybe it
was but still, this story is getting written is it not? That's why we should all be
grateful for that one fact. Yes yes.
Kii: Blame? There is much too much blame running around the world these days!
Uh...yeah. So anyhoo, it's written, so that's the whole goal, right? Done deal. I
mean...I don't have anything very interesting to say, since I don't have that much
energy for creativity at this hour. We promise to get more out soon, so that you
guys won't have to wait too long.
MUHAHAHAHA! ::RS and CP dash off, carrying the
poor tied-up, yet still VERY SEXY, elf-man away::
Desert Mirage-A Million Doors to Eternity
Chapter 2
By: The Rose Society and Eternal Angel
Rating: R
Email: EtrlSlrMn@aol.com
stargazing12@hotmail.com
http://kii.wishing-blue.net/
http://anna.wishing-blue.net/
'This wasn't so bad,' she thought, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat,
ignoring the numbness that was slowly spreading through her. 'So this is what it
feels, to know your fate. I was going to die anyways but…' Setsuna, sensing the
girl's foreboding emotions, reached over, her eyes caring and gentle as she let her
long fingers clasp down around Serenity's own hands in a comforting manner.
"It is not death that you have to fear," Setsuna told her, gently. "Death is nothing.
A body always dies, again and again, but the soul, the soul will always live on."
Setsuna's voice was hypnotic, a gentle breeze in Serenity's ear. Setsuna's speech
was a contrast from the previous words she had spoken. "Your soul will live on,
growing anew with the arising day. Death will never be the end, Serenity; you
still have your soul."
"…is he waiting for me," Serenity asked, surprised at the question that randomly
jumped into her mind, into the conscious. It was he… he that she dreamed of. A
person she couldn't touch, she didn't know, but knew with all her heart. A person
she loved, she hated…someone she could never do without. A person she bound
herself to, only to rip herself away from him.
But why was she asking this? It was silly of her, for she did not know of him, this
person, this façade that she dreamed of. But Setsuna did. Setsuna knew of whom
she spoke about, who she thought about, who she dreamt about. Setsuna tighten
her grasp on her hand. "He will always be."
Serenity closed her eyes, emotions stirring. There were only two words that
seemed appropriate at this almost sacred moment.
"Thank you."
They spoke no more. A rough voice behind the two interrupted any other further
conversation that they might have had.
"Mistress, your uncle requires your presence at home," the guard said, his eyes
narrowed at the stranger, hand on his weapon, wary of any danger.
Surprised, Serenity looked up, to see five guards all awaiting her. She had been so
engrossed in her conversation with Setsuna that she hadn't even noticed their
arrival. So ends another foray into the real world, Serenity thought. She stood, as
did Setsuna.
"I've lost all track of time," Serenity said sheepishly, as she gave Setsuna a smile.
No matter how discreet the guards were being, the people who milled around the
marketplace were already shooting discreet stares their way. Even though her
uncle had always ordered the guards to be as 'normal' as possible, they still looked
and acted like bodyguards. And, being the focus of their attention, people
naturally wondered who she was and why a phalanx of guards was escorting her.
It was annoying, but she did know that the situation was immutable, given who
she was.
The lead guard's piercing glare was on Setsuna's hand, even as the older woman
let Serenity's smaller hand slip from her own. Her oddly scarlet eyes were kind as
Setsuna regarded Serenity with a smile. "You are a special soul, princess," she
whispered, audible only to Serenity and the surrounding guards.
Before the head guard could wonder about Setsuna's intentions, Setsuna uttered a
small blessing of good fortune for Serenity, and returned to her shop. Serenity
watched her leave before she turned her attention to the retrieval team. "Let's
leave," she said, her smile gone. She was bound to be in for quite a scolding.
***
"I cannot believe that you would put yourself in jeopardy like that, niece!" The
silver-haired man paced in his grand chambers, his face lined with age, the fading
tan of his face reddening slightly with his agitation. His hands were locked behind
his back, his old arms rigid from worry. He faced the young woman, his green
eyes glossy from exertion. "I realize that you wish for time outside the palace
walls, but you know that danger lurks out there. If anyone were to recognize you,
they might try to harm you while you were outside my protection and care." He
frowned at Serenity, who was looking quite contrite.
"I am sorry, uncle," she muttered softly. No matter what, she did truly regret
causing her uncle any amount of worry. He was always so kind to her, so loving,
and she never wished to cause him any distress.
He softened, slightly, and sighed. Bringing his arms up, his cupped his niece's
face gently. "You know why I worry, Serenity. I regret that you have to be
cooped up in this place, but there is no helping it."
Serenity sighed and hugged her uncle, her silver hair glistening in the fading
sunlight streaming from the windows. He ran a wrinkled hand through her long
locks and down her back, the man seemingly sensing that Serenity was torn,
emotionally. "I love you," Serenity said quietly, "uncle, and I know that you do
all of this out of love. But there are times where I just wish…"
"I know, little one. If only you were allowed the freedom of so many young
people outside the palace walls. You would be free to do so many things." He
pushed her away, enough so that they could make eye contact. "This is the burden
of your birthright. You are my most capable of descendants. When I pass-"
She shook her head. "You must not speak of such things. That is bad luck." She
looked a bit agitated.
He chuckled. "All of us are human, little one, and when my time does come, I
want you to take my place as ruler of this land. You are fair, loving, and wise,
Serenity, and would serve the people with all your abilities." His eyes grew sad.
"With all the wealth, power, and privilege, we are ultimately here to serve the
people. And that means we are bound by duty."
Serenity had heard her uncle speak about this subject many times. Every time she
snuck outside, to be exact. She picked up her uncle's speech. "Even the poorest
man of the kingdom has more freedom than we, but as the ruling family of this
land, this is our burden, our responsibility. I know, uncle."
They shared a sad smile. It was true, that both of them yearned to live their own
lives, not the lives as dictated to them by circumstances of birth. But Serenity's
uncle, the Sultan, had accepted his fate and done as he had to. So would Serenity,
they both knew, when the time came. And it saddened them both, to be caught up
and trapped.
"If you went out with a proper entourage, it would be much safer for you." Before
Serenity could sputter her protests, her uncle continued, "I know, it's not the same
as being alone and anonymous, but it's the only way to ensure your protection."
Serenity didn't like the thought about being crowded about by her uncle's men,
but looking at the way her uncle pleaded to her, almost desperately, she couldn't
help but comply with his wishes. Her uncle was the Sultan, ruler of an entire
kingdom; the last thing he needed was one more little thing to worry about.
"Yes, uncle," she murmured, defeated.
Her uncle shot her a large grin and gave her a hefty hug, lifting her up into the air
as if she weighed nothing and he was not nearing sixty. She giggled in his arms as
he swung her around. "Thank you, Serenity. Now run along darling, I'll see you
again during supper time."
She complied with his wishes with a salute before departing off, through the
double doors and into the hallways. With a sigh, she contemplated her new
situation. She hoped that her guards wouldn't cause a ruckus and scare anyone
like the young guard did today when she met Setsuna.
"Serenity!" A new voice interrupted her thoughts, as she gazed up at the figure. It
was her cousin, Dionysus, a young man not much older than her, but who towered
a whole head over her. His own fair honey-colored locks were touched by
sunlight, unlike Serenity's moonlight silver hair. Upon his ordinary face was a
concerned expression, his green eyes scanning Serenity's form, checking for any
signs of physical harm. "I heard you left the palace walls today. Uncle was very
worried."
"Dionysus!" Serenity exclaimed, a rueful smile gracing her face. "Yes, I know…
uncle was very worried. He told me to always bring my guards with me when I go
out now." She grimaced, which made Dionysus laugh.
"You know that it's dangerous out there, Serenity," he gently chided her, even as
the two wound their way to the wing of the palace that held both their personal
suites.
Serenity fidgeted uncomfortably. There was a marked difference between her and
Dionysus. While her cousin was straight-laced and well-behaved, never going
beyond the boundaries of the rules that had been set for him by their uncle,
Serenity was constantly wondering about the world beyond the one that had been
created for her. Even when they were young, her cousin did everything that was
expected of him, while Serenity was rebellious and stubborn, neglecting her
studies as much as possible.
That wasn't to say that Serenity was not intelligent. Everyone knew that she
possessed a sharp wit and keen intellect. When truly called upon, she
comprehended everything that her tutors imparted to her while the rest of her kin,
like her cousin, often had to struggle with their own individual weak-points. But
Serenity just did not relish the pretense and intricacies of politics. She made
herself as scarce as possible at any royal functions and snuck out of the palace
when she could. She often felt that her relatives were much more adept at the
false niceties and meaningless words that were often passed around at those
functions and even told her uncle that she believed that they would be better
candidates for Sultan in the future.
But her uncle had a completely different opinion. "Serenity, it isn't the behavior
that makes a person a great Sultan. It is a genuine love for the people and a
heartfelt commitment to seeing to their welfare that marks a great Sultan."
Even though he told her as well as her agreeing with it, she could still feel herself
wish that it was anyone but her. She wanted to go out into the world and look at it
with eyes wide open and just live without the need of restraints, without anything
pulling her down. She was a restless spirit, someone that could not stand being
imprisoned into a life like this. Especially now after the woman told her the fate
that existed for her.
Death was near for her; the words convicted her to the dismal fate that awaited
her. She felt a deep chill in her bones and the uneasy feeling of a lack of
resolution that snapped through her every so often making it difficult for her to
breath. It was all because of him, she knew. It was he that made her heart yearn
and ache and despise with a passionate fury and longing. It was him that she
wanted with everything she had…
But it was him that she did not have.
Not since that legend condemned him to his death, and she to her own?
She burrowed her brow and contemplated the meaning before realizing that she
was losing herself in her thoughts. She looked up at emerald eyes gazing at her,
filled with worry. She waved her arm about senselessly, "It's nothing. Just
drifting off a tad."
"Serenity, I hope you do understand how grave the situation is. You mustn't leave
the palace unaccompanied, especially since you are a part of the royal court.
There are people out there who aren't too fond of Uncle and would feel no qualms
about using you as a method to get to him. Not to mention the fact that you are
beautiful. There are slavers that would snap at the chance to kidnap you and sell
you off to the highest bidder. Please understand, Serenity, how important it is for
you to be accompanied by a guard. It is a dire necessity."
Serenity felt herself grow guilty at her behavior. He was correct, and she knew
that her uncle would give up anything in order to get her back if such a situation
were ever to occur. "Yes Dio, I understand. I shouldn't have left the palace
unaccompanied. I will not do so again."
He nodded, satisfied at her words, before bidding her a good day and disappearing
to his chambers. Even though she was resigned, Serenity couldn't help but hate
her status even more. In a small fit of rebellion, she lashed out with her foot, as if
she could prevent the inevitable from happening with a well-placed kick. But the
only thing she got for her efforts was a flash of pain from her foot meeting the
wall. It seemed even the palace was mocking her, proving to her in no uncertain
terms that it would prevail in the end. Dejected, she hobbled off to her rooms,
wishing for something to change her fate.
***
CP: Okay now, let's not blame anyone for the uhhh, long time this fic took to get
out. I mean.... Well... *looks innocently* It wasn't MY fault.... Okay, so maybe it
was but still, this story is getting written is it not? That's why we should all be
grateful for that one fact. Yes yes.
Kii: Blame? There is much too much blame running around the world these days!
Uh...yeah. So anyhoo, it's written, so that's the whole goal, right? Done deal. I
mean...I don't have anything very interesting to say, since I don't have that much
energy for creativity at this hour. We promise to get more out soon, so that you
guys won't have to wait too long.