Disclaimer: Final Fantasy 7 belongs to its respective owners while the idea comes from me! ^_^

Ethereal Glances

~Prologue~

Your lover, my queen, I kneel at your feet

And admire your glow so warm and so sweet

Inhaling your aroma, getting thrills from your touch,

Loving you dearly, loving you so much.

So hold me, don't leave, please don't let me fall,

Answer me darling; it's your name that I call

When the darkness comes creeping and fills me with fear

It is you that I need to comfort me here.

~ Gusti

"Oh Your Highness, she is so adorable!" A beautiful maiden in a white satin dress exclaimed, with a handful of presents at her side. She adored the child, turning 13 years old, sitting next to the Queen with a smile on her face, wishing that she were in the Queen's place at that moment. And during that scene, a small girl, about 12, in a ragged brown dress stood outside the room, peeking inside at the Queen, her daughter, and the woman whom she knew so well. Tears stained her face and she quickly brushed it off when she saw the other servants pass by her. She picked up the silver bucket and the washcloth and headed down the tall and wide corridors, disappearing around a corner.

* * * * * *

The stars shone brightly against the dim sky. The sun had set a few hours ago behind the mountains with its frosty tips. It surged downwards into the valley through the bustling town as people were trying to get back into their homes, knowing that a storm was going to brew up any minute, for it did that often without warning. The path continued straight through the villages and up another hill where women in rags worked in wheat fields, hoping to sell it for money. The dirt road passed by them and when it felt as if it was shrouded in darkness by the tall trees it went straight around it and straight up the hill once more. It went on some more, stopping at a rickety bridge where it crossed and where the dirt trail started again, leading up to the castle, where the Queen and her daughter, Princess Aerisia lived.

Coaches led by white or black horses were there in waiting, dropping off royalty or picking them up. It was then a certain coach arrived, led by magnificent white horses and entered the drawbridge. Everyone parted for that certain carriage for inside was the Queen and her son of Seraphim Valley. Girls about his age almost swooned when they saw him and his mako infused eyes. His golden hair attracted some but his eyes attracted most. The carriage stopped in front of the castle, the footman gently leading the Queen and her son out of it. With great poise, they climbed up the giant steps and into the palace where almost thousands of people from many lands and villages were communicating with one another.

The Queen of the castle was visible through the crowds of people because she was on the highest steps and was sitting on her throne next to her daughter. Everyone greeted them with presents and smiles and they, too, returned it with a gracious thank you and a welcoming smile as well. The sight of the Queen from Seraphim Valley had Her Highness stand up from her throne and walk towards her friend, both kissing each other's cheeks in respect.

"Genevieve! Lovely to see you once more!" She smiled at her friend,

"Ifalnia, dear, I'm so sorry about your husband."

A look of regret crossed her face when Ifalnia looked saddened. But it wasn't long before she regained her composure. The mini orchestra played the sweet music that filled the air, causing many couples to dance, including Princess Aerisia and Prince Cloud himself.

"Listen, Genevieve, when are these two going to get married? My daughter is already at the right age." Her voice had a worried tone to it. "Since my husband is gone, there's no King…and without the King…well, it's obvious what will happen."

"I understand. But…Cloud isn't ready for that yet. That was what he said. Wait a couple more years. He's already 15 years old…let's wait another 4 years alright? It won't be long." Genevieve said with a soothing voice, a smile upon her lips.

"I suppose that would be alright." Ifalnia sighed. "They're getting acquainted with one another quite nicely anyway."

"You are most certainly right." And with that, they watched the two dance, talking to one another.

The meek servant girl stood there, watching the elegant people dance. She wished she was a part of it and was soon drifting off in her own imagination…yet, they never would come true. She sighed and looked back at the dancers. Her eyes caught on him. It didn't strike her that he was the prince that the princess was going to marry. Instead, her eyes became gloomy, wishing she were a princess too.

With graceful swings, he swung the princess around, both enjoying themselves…until he spotted her; a simple little servant girl with no royal blood in her. But even without it he was still mesmerized in her beauty.

And with that simple glance, everything changed.

Author's Notes :: This came out a bit weirder than I expected, but okay to the eyes I hope. Please review…and sorry to disappoint all you Cloud and Aeris fans, but if you read my profile, you'll find out that this isn't a Cloud and Aeris fic after all. But keep your hopes up because I will have a fanfic about them…a romance one for that matter, alright? So don't yell at me…I promise to do that other one, exchange for this! ^_^