by Angel Sakura
[5.27.01]
AN: All standard disclaimers apply. This is an AU taking place in a different world.
Dedication [6.21.01]: Hey Jackie! This is for you! I know you probably can't read this now, since you're in China and all, but whatever. I'm sorry I've been causing so much trouble later, what with my mood swings and chronic depressions. Thank you so much for bearing with me! I've changed so much since 6th grade, ne? Hey! We've known each other for three years! Whoa ... that just hit me. Miss you so much! I'll see you sometime in August, we'll go swimming (no, you can't wrestle my bros!) Luv ya lots! LYLAS, CLO
Falling Stars
Chapter One
by Angel Sakura
*~*~*~*~*
"Sakura!" Tomoyo was worriedly scrambling around a large kitchen, carrying a plate of food in both hands. She was making her way around the many people working, her plain beige skirts slowing her down.
"Where *are* you? They will be here in half an hour!" Growling in frustration, Tomoyo gave up her search and returned to the kitchen.
"Couldn't find her, Tomoyo?" Rika asked her, pulling a bag of potatoes out from underneath a large counter. The rest of the kitchen was crowded with scattering scullery maids, hurrying to finish the feast before the guests arrive.
"No, I couldn't. I don't know why she's doing this. She's new here! She could lose her job, and then where would she be? She has no where to go!" Tomoyo began to peel the potatoes along with Rika.
"Don't worry, I won't fire her. She's too sweet of a girl, and she does work hard when she's got her head out of the clouds," Rika cast a friendly smile at her.
*~*~*~*~*
Sakura sat on a magnificent fountain's edge, writing in an old leather journal. The crystal blue water gently fell from a Greek goddess' statue in the middle of the fountain. She had set the precious book on the edge and settled comfortably on her side, leaning forward to write.
She was newly hired at this beautiful castle in the kingdom of Lupa, and wanted to record some of the week. It had already been hectic and the head maid, Rika, seemed all too happy to hire her for work. Some of the country's nobility were joining the queen for a dinner, and the servants needed all the help they could get in making sure that everything ran smoothly.
Sakura grinned slightly at the Cinderella fairy tale this country was in. Queen Yulen was desperate to wed her son before his eighteenth birthday. It was quite obvious to all what this dinner was for - to hope her son would fall in love with a young courtier and marry her, namely the Duchess Li Meiling.
Sakura herself would never let herself into this nonsense, if she could. This was the first work she had got since the death of her father when she was fourteen, three years ago. She never knew, but suspected that his death had something to do with the Clow Cards, now turned Sakura Cards. There were countless sorcerers seeking her great magic. Smirking to herself, she pondered if they would ever believe that the world's most powerful sorceress was actually a kitchen maid serving Lupa's nobility.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, letting the cool breeze brush gently across her skin. She pressed the quill into the book, and snapped it shut quickly. Standing up, she stretched her limbs languidly and began to straighten her clothes. Picking up a neatly folded apron that had been set farther down on the fountain, she lifted it over her head, securing it in a small bow behind her back. She stuffed her diary in the apron's deep pocket, and gathering her skirts, she walked deeper into the fairy tale garden.
The colorful spring flowers had just begun to bloom, imported Japanese cherry blossom trees towering above the flower bushes. There were many Greek and Roman statues gracing the beauty of the flora throughout the worn trail. Ducking behind a tree trunk, she leaned against the cool bark, closing her eyes in resting. The peaceful sound of streaming water caught her ears, and she followed the noise. Behind a row of bushes, she found a small stream of water with a small bridge reaching across and connecting both sides. Stray petals graced the water's surface, spinning as they made their slow journey downstream. The site was truly beautiful. She bent down to run her fingers along the water's surface. Before righting herself, she picked a small white daffodil on the bank.
The bushes behind her rustled, and Sakura spun around, frightened.
*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran was taking his time, using up the precious minutes he would have alone before another of his mother's attempts to make him fall in love with one of the country's courtiers. He grimaced at the thought of marrying his mother's favorite and his cousin, Duchess Li Meiling. She was his childhood friend, but he loved her merely as a sister.
He was one year away from becoming of age to gain the thrown, and she wanted him to wed before becoming crowned king. Not that she minded, she wasn't going to die anytime soon. Syaoran smirked. What she really wanted was a grandchild. His sisters had long since married, but had not given her any grandchildren yet.
He was never interested in any of the noblewomen of his country. They were far too superficial, concerned only with themselves and the latest fashions and styles. Nothing of real importance made an impression upon them. He could never find it within himself to love somebody like that.
He anxiously journeyed to his sanctuary, the castle gardens. Nobody was out there, save a couple gardeners. No one else was supposed to be out there, and people only visited it when in need of a break, which, of course, never happened often.
He could use the quiet and peacefulness to detach himself from the rest of the world. A few minutes alone meant the world to him, especially when he could feel his responsibility constantly creeping closer every day. If he didn't choose to marry before he turned eighteen, which was in about a year, his mother would choose for him. The worse part of it all was that his bride-to-be was required to be of noble birth, and it was made known all too well that that woman would be Meiling.
Syaoran followed his usual trail out to the water fountain in the center of the garden. He could picture the marble statue gracing the fountain- she was so peaceful, so serene. How he envied her! She didn't have to deal with the dilemmas and responsibilities of being a prince. She didn't have to live someone else's life.
He treated the statue like his closest friend, telling her things that he would never dream of mentioning to anyone else, his confidant.
Right before he reached his retreat, he spied a figure leaning over the edge. He pulled back behind a cherry blossom tree, watching the figure silently. She seemed to be writing in what appeared to be a journal, stretched out over the fountain's outline. Her auburn hair glistened in the sunlight, and the strokes of her hand on the page were graceful. Syaoran couldn't help but stare at this mortal goddess before him.
Leaning forward a little, Syaoran caught a good look at her eyes. Emerald. There was no other word close enough to them. They were the purest emerald. He let himself loose in their depths.
Focusing his mind and energy onto her, he could feel the greatest waves of power cascading off of her. She was something special, something important and definitely very powerful. Syaoran had never felt such extraordinary power before in his entire life. He was certain that even anyone in the kingdom with at least the tiniest bit of magic could instantly sense her. She seemed so innocent though, as if she was very frail and would break at the lightest touch. 'Well,' he mused silently, 'I guess she just proves that images are deceiving.'
Closing her diary, she stood up, skirts spilling around her feet. She reached for her apron that she had left folded on the fountain's edge and put it on, reaching behind herself to tie it. She stuffed her diary in a pocket, and gathered her skirts in her arms. Turning, she walked deeper into the garden.
So, she was a maid... Syaoran snorted to himself. Why was she here instead of helping out in the castle? There was twenty minutes before his mother's guests arrived. And if she wasn't a maid in the castle, she was one of the commoners. How could she have gotten onto the castle grounds?
Why was she, the most powerful person he had come in contact with, a maid in the first place?
When she was far enough, Syaoran considered it safe to follow her. She eventually came to the stream, and stopped to watch the petals flow downstream. He could immediately tell that this young woman was special, she knew the real meaning of life, and never hesitated to just bathe herself in its essence. Perhaps that contributed to her unmistakable magical abilities. It wasn't every day you'd find someone powerful who didn't know any magic. He watched her stoop and leaned forward to see what she was doing, in effect rustling the bushes.
She spun around, obviously sensing him. Spring met autumn.
Syaoran finally got a full view of her face, and his breath caught in his throat. She was the most beautiful human he had ever laid eyes on, the face of a true princess. She gasped lightly, dropping her flower, and, in turn, brought Syaoran back to reality. He struggled to keep himself from gaping, allowing his normal cold facade to block all inner emotions.
Syaoran grinned, letting his expression apologize for following her. The top few buttons of his forest green jacket were undone for merely the purpose of comfort, and he could see her blush at him. He strode over towards her and picked her flower off the ground.
"Hello, maiden," he greeted her in a near whisper, chastising himself for his soft tone. Her blush deepened at what his closeness, as well as what he addressed her. "I'm sorry I surprised you ... It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked as he lifted her hand and pressed the flower into her hand.
"What is, sire?" She bowed her head in respect, allowing a small curtsy, his attire making his rank more than clear. She trained her eyes on a fallen petal on the ground, taking a step away from his warmth.
She looked away and curtsied, and Syaoran could feel himself frown. Everyone treated him the same. Why wouldn't she look at him?
Shrugging her question off, he asked another. "What is your name, maiden?"
"My name isn't important, sire," she answered softly. It was apparent that she had never spoken to someone as important and highly as him before.
"Still, I would like to know." His voice sounded so inviting, so trustful.
Sakura slowly looked up to his intense gaze into his auburn eyes. "If you insist, sire, my name is-"
She was cut off by a shrill scream. "SYAORAN!"
Biting back a frustrated groan, Syaoran grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her behind a tree. She was still within Meiling's sight, so Syaoran pulled her against his chest. She tried to wrench herself away from him, and, in order to keep her there, he wrapped an arm tightly around waist. "Shhh ..." he whispered quietly in her ear.
He was certain Meiling would absolutely lose it if she saw him talking to another woman. She had convinced herself that she was madly in love with him and would stop at nothing to make him feel the same. He already loved her, but not in the way she wanted. She was like his sister.
Another blush once again stained her cheeks, and Sakura fought back an urge to tremble. He truly was handsome; she had to be a fool not to see that. She could feel his muscles, hard and yet soft, pressed against her back. Sakura pushed back her thoughts. She had never before seen this man on castle grounds, but she was quite certain that he was noble. The way he looked and presented himself verified it. Still, she couldn't help but feel the little flutter of butterflies in her stomach. As much as she hated it, she was a commoner and there would never be a chance for her to move up in rank, even with the cards. This meant she would never have a chance with him.
Her blush deepened. She just met him and already she could imagine these things. She didn't even know his name! What would her father say if he was still alive?
Syaoran was silently debating his actions. Why had he pulled her against him? 'To keep her from Meiling's sight ... and claws,' he answered himself stubbornly. But that wasn't the only reason and he knew it. He fought back the urge to bury himself in her wonderful scent. Being so close to her, it would be impossible not to notice her hidden magic. Her warm pink aura simply radiated energy.
If only his mother could see him right then! She would be ashamed of his forwardness, and especially who he was forward with-a servant girl of all people! Syaoran could feel himself turn red at his audacity.
Meiling's voice faded into the background, and he let his arms drop, much to his body's protests. Sakura immediately pulled away.
"What was that about?" She kept her voice to a near-whisper.
Syaoran snorted. "It was just ... a girl I know," he replied, simply.
"Oh. An admirer?" Sakura looked around nervously.
He ignored her question, his blush deepening slightly. "Come, I don't want her to find me." He silently lead her by the hand deeper into the garden to a gazebo, making sure to note her expression when she saw it. It was the most beautiful thing in the entire garden, as well as most difficult to find.
"Who are you?" he asked once again.
"My name is Kinomoto Sakura, sire. I just began working in the palace as a - as a kitchen maid." She looked away, ashamed of herself. He probably owned his own palace, and here she was trying to live each day at a time.
She looked so embarrassed at herself. Again, she had nothing to be ashamed of. She was the most beautiful and enchanting person he had ever met. He looked her over, drinking in every detail. "Sakura?" he murmured mostly to himself. "Doesn't that mean cherry blossom?"
She smiled shyly at him. Syaoran could feel his cheeks growing hot once again. Maybe this was the reason why she seemed to blush so much. "Yes, sire."
Syaoran felt disappointment. "Please ... don't call me sire." He just stared at her for the next few minutes, making her very uncomfortable. "You look like a flower ..." he muttered, again as if his statement was meant only for himself.
Her cheeks once again reddened. "Thank you," she whispered back. She shifted, uneasy at the silence. "What is your name?"
He looked up into her bright green eyes. "Syaoran."
Sakura grinned prettily at him. "Yes, that's right. That's what she called you. Are you here for Queen Yulen's dinner?"
He allowed himself a smile and nodded. "Yes I am." 'Well,' he thought to himself, 'it's close enough to the truth.' "By the way, shouldn't you be helping with that?"
Sakura gasped as remembrance hit her, her eyes widening. "Oh no! Rika's going to have my head!" She bit her lip. "I can't lose my job now ... Nice to meet you, Syaoran. I hope to see you again soon."
She grabbed her skirts and began to hurry back to the castle. "Sakura!" He chased after her. "Wait!" He couldn't let her go without learning how she gained such powerful magic capabilities.
She looked back at the sound of her name, her hair being tossed into her eyes. Sakura slowed down to where he could catch up with her, which didn't take long.
"Can I meet you again tonight?" She looked over at him again in surprise, inadvertently tripping over a rock and sending herself hurtling towards the ground.
Syaoran instinctively reached out to catch her. He pulled her upright, holding her tight against his chest for the second time that day, this time, however, he believed his face was far too close to hers.
Sakura released a shaky breath, her nerves tingling from their closeness. He looked down at her, his face full of concern, tightening his grip. "Are you okay?"
Sakura could feel his warm moist breath on her lips, and her nerves went hectic. Why hadn't he let he go yet? "Yes, I'm fine ... thank you."
"Tonight? After the dinner?" His eyes sparkled with a mixture of hope and ... curiosity?
Sakura licked her lips, and looked away. She nodded, "Of course." Looking back up the trail, she remembered her situation. "I've got to go."
"Tonight, back at the gazebo," he called after her, a small smile gracing his face. His thoughts immediately caught up with him, and he squashed them down. He was supposed to learn about her magic, and he was caught up with her looks?! Shaking his head with a loud groan, he decided to head back to his quarters to prepare for dinner.
*~*~*~*~*
Sakura traveled up the steep hill of the castle gardens towards the kitchen. She would be lucky if she got away with a heavy scolding. Her first important celebration and she had wandered off. What were they going to do with her?
She slipped through the door, and instantly grabbed a knife and proceeded to chop some carrots. Tomoyo spied her through the crowd.
"Kinomoto Sakura! Just where have you been?" She carried a silver platter in each hand.
Sakura looked away in shame. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.
Tomoyo smiled sympathetically at her childhood friend. "Don't worry about it, hon. Rika's not going to fire you. I made sure of that."
Sakura smiled brightly at Tomoyo. What had she done to deserve such a wonderful friend?
"You can thank me later," Tomoyo quipped with a light laugh. "I need you to bring this out for the prince. You've never seen him before, but he always sits to Queen Yelan's left and she always sits at the head of the table. I'm pretty certain you already know her, or at least you know what she looks like." Tomoyo shoved one of the plates of food into Sakura's arms. When she stood up and began to walk out, Tomoyo called her back. "No, Sakura, wait!" She took the plate and set both down on the stool. "Here." She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a cap, placing it over Sakura's hair. "Now go." Without waiting for a response, she hurried back for another tray to serve. "You can tell me all about your little disappearance later!" she called after her, casting her a wink.
"She was writing again, wasn't she?" Chiharu quirked, brushing a stry lock from her forehead before preceding to peel yet more vegetables. "That girl needs to get it together when the Queen is holding her dinners."
"I'm not sure if she was writing, but odds are two to one in favor of it," Tomoyo stated.
Naoko wiped some sweat from her neck. "You guys have got it easier then us, serving instead of cooking."
"Yeah, well, you don't have to deal with Duchess Meiling and the other stuck up nobles," Tomoyo shot back with a smile. Placing a lid over her tray, she picked it up and walked back into the dining hall.
*~*~*~*~*
Sakura entered the dining hall quietly, trying to make herself unknown. Unfortunately for her, most of the men looked up as she walked through the door. She could hear the courtiers chatting incessantly about how difficult their lives were. Gently grinning to herself, she looked to the left of Queen Yelan where Tomoyo had said the prince usually sat. Or so she had been told. She hadn't seen the prince before this, based on the fact that he liked to keep to himself.
She let out a silent gasp when she saw who was sitting there-the charming young man she had just met outside. Struggling to hold back her blush, she set the tray down in front of Syaoran, and removed the lid, making sure to not to burn herself with the steam.
Prince Syaoran looked up at the servant girl who had just entered the room. He noticed that many others noticed her, too. Powerful energy raced across his psyche, and he was almost certain who it was. It was the beautiful cherry blossom, the living goddess. Most of her short hair was hidden behind a white cap, but auburn locks peeked out of the front, and her bangs fell loosely. Her eyes were downcast, but he already knew that they held all of spring within them. She looked up quickly and their eyes locked.
"Hello again, Syaoran," she whispered so that he could only hear before she made her way back to the kitchen, trying to erase his captivating auburn eyes. She smiled to herself, and bit her lip gently.
Meiling watched her retreating form, happy that the pretty little maid had left. Her anger flared, jealousy racing through her veins. Syaoran shouldn't have been looking at anyone but her.
Tomoyo entered the dining hall just as her best friend left the room and noted the star struck expression that currently graced her face. 'I knew I was right in making her serve the prince, especially since she's new here. I'm surprised she hadn't seen him before. But maybe that's because he likes to avoid everyone.' She put on a bright smile. "Sakura!" she called softly.
Sakura looked up and scattered quickly over to Tomoyo. "So, what do you think?"
Tomoyo was grinning widely. "What's that supposed to mean, Tomoyo?" Sakura's eyes widened slightly.
"No, what did you think? He's really handsome isn't he? Although I've only seen him a couple of times, I can't believe you haven't before this." Tomoyo pursed her lips, and pulled Sakura back into the corridor between the kitchen and the dining hall. They would get scolded if someone saw them conversing.
"If I had, don't you think I would have told you? Besides, I've only been here a week. When do you think I've been able to see him?" Sakura looked around nervously. "Go serve the tray, I have to do go get another." Turning quickly on her heel, Sakura left for the kitchen.
Tomoyo shrugged her braid over her shoulder and entered the room, head held high. She wouldn't let them think she would act lowly just because she her rank was below them. She would never let them see her like that.
Tomoyo's audacity caught the eye of one specific young girl. Her sky blue eyes followed her form. When Tomoyo finally made it to her side, she set the tray down in front of the man next to her. Tucking a loose tuft of blonde hair behind her ear, the girl frowned at the servant.
"Where is my food? Shouldn't it be done by now?" she said, haughtily, looking the maid up and down. When Tomoyo didn't respond, she added, "You have impertinent servants, Queen Yelan. They should be disciplined."
The young man next to her frowned. "They are working as fast as they can," he protested in the maid's defense. He meant to shoot her a quick look but had to stop. She was too beautiful for a maid, with a creamy complexion and stormy, violet eyes. Her charcoal black hair fell to mid-back. She smiled back shyly, cheeks reddening slightly.
"Regina, I am certain that they are doing their best, as Eriol pointed out," Queen Yelan said, her voice unmistakably that of a wise ruler.
"I would certainly hope so," she said, indignantly. "What is your name, girl?"
Tomoyo's eyes drifted to her Queen's. She had always been a gracious woman. She nodded, urging Tomoyo on with her eyes. Tomoyo looked back at Regina. "Daidouji Tomoyo, Mistress," she stated simply, giving a slight curtsy. She kept her eyes locked with Regina's, not for one second letting her think she had the upper hand.
Rolling her eyes, she turned back around. She snorted and looked over at Eriol, trying to look down her nose. She cast a seductive smile at him, but his sapphire eyes were still on the maid. She sucked in a gasp, enraged.
Sakura walked back into the room and saw Tomoyo talking to the nobles. What was going on? With Syaoran's eyes following her lithe form, she walked around and set the tray down in front of Regina, feeling a bit awkward at the attention she was receiving from the prince himself. "Bon appetit, Mistress."
"*Finally!*" Regina exclaimed. Sakura's brow furrowed at her comment, obviously a little insulted. Before she could ask what was wrong, Tomoyo took her by the hand and led her back to the kitchen.
"Can you believe the nerve of that girl? She is the most stuck up, conceited person I have ever met, even worse than Meiling! There are simply too many people here to get everything done in such a short time!" Tomoyo was furious.
"Don't worry about it, Tomoyo," Sakura soothed, leading her to a chair. "That was the last plate." She smiled knowingly at her best friend. Several moments passed before Sakura stated, slyly, "I saw that handsome nobleman looking at you."
"You were only dreaming, Sakura!" Tomoyo laughed. "But could you even imagine if we were nobles?" She sighed dreamily before going on, "Even then, I don't think we'd have much of a chance." After cleaning up their part of the kitchen, the girls headed back for their rooms. Now they had to do nothing but wait until the night was over when they'd have to clean up after the nobles.
"Besides," she whispered to Tomoyo as they walked up the stone steps, "I don't think that the Queen would like me. If they ever found out that I was the Card Mistress, they'd probably behead me or something."
"You've already captured all of them. I don't see the problem. You could use your cards to save yourself," Tomoyo pointed out. They crossed into the maid chambers, and walked into their shared quarters.
"Hello, Kero," Sakura patted the little fluff ball lightly, before turning back to Tomoyo. "Don't we get tomorrow off?"
"The scullery maids and kitchen workers always get the day after a big dinner or celebration off." She smiled brightly as a wonderful idea hit her. "I could show you around the palace tomorrow! You've been here a week already and all you know is the dining hall, kitchen, and the maid chambers. Plus, we could use it as quality time. I haven't seen you in a year! You've changed so much," Tomoyo concluded.
"Of course... Can we go into town, too? I want to buy some more material to make a couple more dresses, an apron, and maybe a cap."
"Sure, I'll even help you if you want. You know me! Always a needle in hand!" Tomoyo turned around to let Sakura untie the back of her dress for her. She pulled it off, leaving herself in the long undershirt. (AN: Think of Ever After with Drew Barrymore. The women wear long white dress shirts called shifts and the dress over it so that it'll look like white sleeves. They wear the white shift as a nightgown.)
Sakura pulled up the corner of her mattress, making sure her cards were still there. It came as a habit now more than ever. The royal family thought that they were entitled to the cards because one of their ancient princes created them. "I'll do your work tonight if you want since you're already ready for bed. Plus, I owe you for covering for me."
Tomoyo nodded sleepily and let her long hair loose. She plopped down and laid down, curling into a ball. "Thanks."
"So, what's his name?" Sakura sat at the foot of her bed, cross-legged.
One of Tomoyo's eyes popped open. "Whose name?"
"Oh, come on, Tomoyo!" She softly swatted her friend's leg. "You know, tall, dark, and handsome?" Sakura edged on.
"Oh, *him!* He's Duke Hiiragizawa Eriol," Tomoyo sighed dreamily, turning over to lie on her back. "He's been here on a couple of occasions, but I was working in the kitchen then." Tomoyo sat up. "You're lucky I got you a job serving instead of cooking," she said pointedly.
Rika suddenly stuck her head in the door, overhearing their last statement. "Very lucky."
Tomoyo sat up, "You serve sometimes, too!"
"Yeah, well, not tonight. Anyway, we need you to come and help wash the dishes." Rika tucked her hair back under her cap. "Come."
"Tomoyo's feeling a little sleepy. I'm going to cover for her," Sakura told her. Rika was the head maid even at her young age, and, as Sakura quickly discovered, one of the kindest people there.
"In that case, I might as well send the others to bed as well." Rika shot her an impish grin.
"Does this have anything to do with me missing the dinner? Because I'm really sorry, you know," Sakura insisted.
"Yes, well, we just have to get this done before that Regina blows another fuse and begins talking about how the service here is awful." Rika shot Sakura a grin before she shut the door behind themselves, and they walked back to the dining hall together.
Rika took Queen Yelan's silver platter in one hand and Meiling's in the other. She gestured with her eyes for Sakura to pick up two. She took the next person's down, Syaoran. Seeing as the other plates on that side had been gathered, she walked over to the other, giving the prince the opportunity to watch her. She reached in front of Eriol, but he picked his tray up and handed it to her. He smiled widely as he thanked her for serving him. Smiling back bashfully, and thus causing unbidden jealously to boil up in Syaoran, Sakura once again left for the kitchen, and away from his sight.
Eriol smiled secretly across the table at his childhood 'friend.' They weren't exactly on the best terms, but they had trained together, and he knew much about Syaoran whether he liked it or not.
The women had gotten up. It seemed that Queen Yelan wanted to show off her newly decorated sitting room, and share tea with them. This left the noblemen to smoke or drink or do whatever they wanted.
Rolling his eyes, Syaoran got up. Why would he want to sit here, inhaling their smoke? Without so much as a goodbye, Syaoran left the room. Eriol followed soon after.
"What are you doing here, Hiiragizawa?" Syaoran growled in the dark haired boy's direction. He glared daggers at him.
Eriol ignored his demand. "I saw you looking at that kitchen girl," he stated smugly.
"What if I was?"
"I'm not saying it like it's a bad thing, my friend-" Eriol was cut off by another growl from deep within Syaoran's throat.
"I'm *not* your friend and you are not mine. Don't ever think that we were." Syaoran turned away from the frustrating boy.
Eriol seemed unmoved. "Well, then, back to the point. I really don't blame you. She's lovely."
"What does that matter? She's *common.*" Syaoran spit the word out like it was trash. "And," he added quietly, "my mother would never hear of it."
"Many kind and wise people are common," Eriol pointed out. "And as for your mother, who cares?"
"I do!"
"Let's drop the 'she's pretty' thing for a second. Did you just happen to feel her aura back in there?" Eriol sounded more than curious.
"Yeah, it was ... flowing off of her in huge waves," Syaoran turned right into the library where he was sure that Eriol and he couldn't be overheard. "I have never felt anyone as powerful as her ... ever, actually. Not even you, the reincarnation of Clow Reed."
"Half," he corrected pointedly. "I have a weird feeling about my other half, though." His face turned serious. "Almost as if ..."
"He's gone?" Syaoran's brow furrowed.
"No. Dead. I think he's dead Syaoran. My soul can feel it, like there's something missing."
"Well, that's weird." Syaoran plopped down on an overstuffed arm chair.
"About Sakura-"
"Who's Sakura? A courtier that's caught your eye? Why haven't you told me about her?" Eriol took a seat across from Syaoran and leaned forward onto his hands.
Scolding himself mentally, Syaoran chose his words carefully. "No, she's not a courtier, and you already know her. She's the kitchen maid."
Eriol nodded his head. "Oh, emerald eyes," he said in recognition.
"Would you stop talking about her like that? It's not like she's some-some goddess or something!" He slumped down in his chair.
"Fine, calm down. Just because I think she's pretty doesn't mean that you have to like her." Eriol rolled his eyes. "Now, what about her?"
"I kind of ... met her outside in the garden before dinner." He could feel his cheeks burn.
"Oh!" Eriol grinned. "You mean a roundez vous?"
Sighing heavily, Syaoran glared at him. "No, I really *met* her there. I'm being completely serious here!" Eriol slumped back in his seat. "Thank you. As you said before, she's simply ... radiating energy."
"Ah, yes, it must have slipped my mind. I think we should look into it. Who knows how dangerous she can be."
"I was thinking the exact same thing, so I set up a meeting after dinner back in the garden. I want to find out something more about her." Eriol nodded his head in understanding, his eyes tracing the gold and maroon wallpaper. "Maybe we'll get some information on her then."
Eriol pulled out his pocket watch. "We've been in here for about ten minutes. Do you think she's finished with her duties?"
"No, probably not." He exhaled loudly. "How long are you staying here at the castle?"
Eriol flashed him a smile. "As long as I wish, as your mother told me."
Syaoran grinned back. "My mother always did like you. I'm not surprised she said something like that."
"Would you like to tease me now? After everything I said, no matter the validity of my statements?"
"What is there for me to tease you about? Countess Regina? Actually, I sympathize with you over the girl. She's the most infuriating and annoying person," Syaoran scoffed, then added, "besides Meiling, of course."
"Of course! Actually, I wasn't talking about her, no matter how frustrating she is. I was talking about the girl that Regina got into a skirmish with at dinner."
"The maid with the long braided hair? Why do you tease me about a kitchen maid and turn around and lust after another?" Syaoran frowned.
"I don't *lust* after her. That just makes it sound so sick. It's more like ..." He bit on the corner of his lip, deep in thought. "Let's just say I'm becoming keen on her." Syaoran lifted an eyebrow. "You're not blind, man! Is she not as beautiful as Venus herself?"
"Considering the fact that Venus was seductive, you mean?" Syaoran inquired with a straight face.
"Not like that, more like ... I don't know! Cleopatra?" Eriol's eyes turned starry.
"Cleopatra?!" Syaoran snorted. "You don't even know the first thing about Cleopatra!" Eriol looked confused. "First of all, Cleopatra wasn't even Egyptian. She was Greek, seeing how her father, Ptolemy conquered Egypt and started Greek rule there. She was blonde, and a very ugly blonde at that. Besides, she was just as much of a seductress as Venus."
"Then why did Caesar and Marc Antony...?"
"I suppose she would be considered pretty for her time, but now ..."
"Well, you know what I mean! With her creamy skin, and full peach lips, and gorgeous violet eyes ..."
"You're waxing poetic, Hiiragizawa."
Snapping out of his daze, Eriol turned back to Syaoran. "I must meet her. Just like you're going after your Sakura!" When Syaoran glared at him, "I mean, all I want to do is speak with her. In private."
"She was speaking with Sakura during supper. If you are really so desperate, I will ask Sakura her name. Otherwise, I will not interfere. This is your business ... if you want to stoop so low as to woo a kitchen maid."
Eriol grinned. "Sakura is just as low." Syaoran's cheeks colored red. "All in due time, my friend, all in due time."
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What do you guys think? I think it's a little too much on the fairy tale side, but that's what I wanted.
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