My eyes meet with the most beautiful dark orbs I've ever seen.

~*~

The Heart of Cephiro
Part One; Meeting
Author; JuBunny

~*~

I stumbled with words, as I found myself shamelessly exploring his features. Everything about him seemed mysterious. Wisps of ebony hair licked at his face, hidden by a mysterious headpeice. A strong nose and jaw, gentle smile, and the darkest, most divine eyes I had ever seen. He was down on one knee, bowing in front of me. I felt my cheeks grow hot, my inquisitive eyes curiously peering at him. His eyes were towards the ground, but then, suddenly, he looked up at me, giving me the sweetest, tender smile I had ever seen. I tilted my head to the side, my eyes locked with his.
He stood up, taking my hand in his, and gently laying his lips across it. It was a mere second, but I felt a tingling sensation grow on my hand. He once again smiled at me, his face so close, though he dwarfed my size greatly.
"Forgive me, I just..." I mumbled incoherently, my jaw stiffly numb. I gave up with words, for they wouldn't come out, and just stood there before him, my lips tightly pursed together, eyes wide.
He grinned, his eyes sparkling. "There is no need to apologize, Princess Emeraude. I greet you. I look forward to aiding you in the protection of Cephiro... If I have your blessings, only then will I do it. If you wish me not here, you need only say the word," he said, his voice reassuring and solemn.
I nodded my head, still unable to speak. The mere sight of him had caught my tongue inanimate.
He bowed once more, throwing his cape over his back.
"Well then," he said, sparkling, "I look forward to it, Princess Emeraude. I look forward to protecting you."
It was from then on that I realized I had just fallen in love with something other than my beloved Cephiro.

~*~

My feet drug me out into the royal gardens, where a gentle breeze and calming sounds of the birds that chirped soothed the deep emotions that were running through my heart. My eyes caught the attention of the gazebo that was partially hidden by a grove of trees. I walked over, bathed in the gentle sunlight that peered through the branches of the enormous trees. I walked my hand over the wooden framework, touching an occasional vine that climbed up the pillars which supported the roof of the lattice. I sighed to myself, thoughts of Cephiro and Zagato battling each other for a place in my heart.
My eyes flew over the rose patch that loomed underneath the shade of the alcove, slowly running a hand over the rosy petals, soft as silk. Interested, I quickly grabbed at the stem, unaware of the thorns that protruded from the flower. Slowly, they dug into my skin.
I watched the blood seep from my hand. Quickly, I dropped the rose, wincing in pain, as I attemtped to wipe off the liquid from my injured palm. I felt the tears run softly down my cheek, pooling in tiny droplets on the base of my chin.
I felt a hand slowly run over my cheek, wiping away the tears that clutched at my skin. In shock, I turned my head to face the person who had touched my cheek. To my utter astonishment, it was Zagato. I gasped, watching as he reached out for my injured hand, and ginerly held it. He ripped a peice of cloth from his cloak, and, with care, wrapped it around my palm. He tied a knot in it, and slowly looked up at me. All this time, not a word had crossed between us.
"The Princess should not cry, for tears are full of sadness and sorrow. For the Princess looks so much more beautiful when she smiles," Zagato whispered, my hand still in his.
I nodded, blinking back the tears.
"Perhaps it might help if the Princess stayed away from the roses, too," I said, smiling ever so slightly. Zagato chuckled heartily, his eyes drilling deep into mine.
"Yes, perhaps that might help, too."

~*~

End Part One; Meeting

~*~

Well? *grabs reader by collar of shirt, lifting reader off the ground* Did you like it? Did you hate it? Did you get really bored? Yeah! So did I! But don't worry, the better is yet to come! (Note, I didn't say best, because I could never write 'best' stuff) ^_^ E-mail is good! jubunny@sailormoon.org! I love talking to people! But, I hate e-mails os no subsequential purpose, aka e-mails that say as such follows:
You suck! I hate your stories! Blah, blah, whine, whine... e.t.c... You suck! I hate you!
Those are just dumb
Still, please do not hesitate to e-mail!
^~^ Bai! ^~^
Page 2 Printed 05/25/93 08:00 PM