*In the previous chapters, Serena was 21, she should be about 26, Gaea's
mother would be the same age if she were still alive.
Chapter 6
In the end, Gaea ended up with 2 evening gowns, 4 normal gowns and 1 formal court gown. She was promised that they would take her to the royal seamstress as soon as they found the time. The formal court gown was made of thick crushed velvet in a dark blue with good trim and waits band. The 2 evening gowns were of rich red and lush green silks with silver trimmings. The others were of pastel cotton and wool fabrics that also bore silver trimmings. For dinner she wore one of the more comfortable cotton dresses. She had already been accepted into the court as a family friend, thus had no need to impress anyone by wearing the evening or formal wear. She as wearing her circlet of star shaped diamonds around her forehead instead of around her thick bun, for, the Queen had pronounced as the crown of Amitie. This marked her as royalty and gave her access to anywhere in the palace and kingdom.
The feasting lasted till late in the evening and ended with dancing, Gaea's favorite court activity. She danced till 2 or 3 in the morning and was later in returning to her room. When she got there she saw Athena up and waiting for her by the fire the still burned in the hearth,
:Ah good, you're not drunk. I talked to Serena about Rini's gift. She had no idea that it was that strong already. She promised to have a teacher brought in immediately since you'll be around her most of the time you're here most likely.: Athena stated, checking her over with her mage sight, making sure there wasn't a hole on one of her layers of shields.
:Why do you say that?: Gaea was very intrigued to see what had sparked that comment.
:Well when we were talking with the Queen today, and Rini came in, we saw how you to reacted with each other. You were like old friends…much like Serena was with your mother. They had a bond of friendship. One that not even death could break. That is how she knew that your mother died, she felt it as you would feel if I died. They were that close.: As soon as Athena said that she regretted it. With Gaea being as tired as she was, fell apart. She hadn't done that in years. The tears of grief and pain came back like a flash flood, streaming down her face. Athena quickly shielded her to protect other empaths from the pain and torment that Athena felt no matter what she did. It was all she could do to keep from breaking herself. She pulled Gaea down with her next to the fire and let her cry into her fur while she purred and projected a calmness as well as she could. :We'll talk more on the morning.: She said as Gaea finally started to fall asleep from exhaustion. At that Gaea laid her head on her free paw and fell asleep.
They woke in the morning to a servant girl bringing breakfast into the suit and putting out the rest of the almost dead fire. She didn't say anything, but shot sympathetic looks towards Gaea when she saw the tearstains and run make-up. She saw Athena awake and whispered her concern.
"Will she be alright?" She said it with so much sincerity that Athena had to smile. People here care. Its not feigned acceptance. Huh.
"Yes she will be fine. Thank you." The girl, only a few years Gaea's junior, smiled and stood from her work and looked around.
"Is there anything else I can get for you or the Princess?" {The Princess? They think Gaea a Princess? Another thing I must discuss with Serena.} Athena thought.
"Is there hot water for baths? Both of us could use one." They hadn't had a real bath for a week or so. Athena didn't know about Gaea, but she felt disgusting.
"Why yes! In that room back there," She indicated with a slender finger behind the couch. "The hot water comes out of the spout nice and toasty. An invention of my fathers." She said with a grin that light up her face. Athena nodded with satisfaction.
"And a clever on at that thank you. That will be all." The girl took the dismissal and left their suit dancing. Athena chuckled to her self. :Dearheart. It is past sunrise. Time to wake and eat.: Gaea shifted positions so that she could look her bonded in the eyes and grumble.
"Oh! One more thing," The girl said poking her head into the room once more. "King Darien will be arriving shortly. The Queen wishes you to join her in greeting him. She will be here shortly after the noon bell to accompany you." With that she left once again. Leaving Gaea stunned and confused.
:What? The King? Oh.: She rolled over and fell back asleep again. Oh no you don't! Athena thought. She stood up and grabbed Gaea's dress collar and drug her in the bathroom and pulled on a cord that was above the marble tub. Hot water streamed out to fill the tub. Athena stripped Gaea and when she still didn't stir, she growled so loud that it echoed. Gaea woke with a start.
"What was that for?!" Gaea shouted, clearly agitated. Forgetting to mindspeak.
:It is time to wake up and show your face. The King is returning, and we're to meet Serena and welcome him back.: Athena said shoving Gaea into the tub that was now full. She gasped when she hit the steaming water but sank into it just as fast as she had fallen in. After a few moments of relaxation, Athena stepped into the tub with her. It was large enough for four of them!
:Oh yes, the teacher that we requested for Rini is here already. It is one that I know well. Carra is an old teacher from the planet earth. I lived there before I chose you. She was my teacher. She will do very well, and I think that Rini will have fun learning with her.: Athena said as she moved over to where Gaea was so that she could wash her with the soap that had been left for them.
:Good, then I can stop shielding her? Wait, I already have.: She realized as she "looked" for the shield energies around Rini. They weren't gone, but had been replaced by a green energy signifying that of Earth. I should have felt the power recoil. Huh. :Athena, did you…:
:Yes, I took the power recoil. You were asleep and in no condition to take them in.: Athena looked up to see Gaea nod. She felt a deep 'thanks' in the back of her mind. She sent a no problem back and leaned into Gaea's rub.
After they were washed and clean, Gaea dressed in a semi formal dress and ate the breakfast that the girl had laid out for them. The fruit, milk and bread rejuvenated her body and mind. She was thinking much clearer now than she was before. All her grief from before had gone into submission and she felt like she did before her parents death. Happy. Her mood spread like a wildfire to Athena and all who came in contact with her. {Finally, she has moved on. May her parents rest in peace and serenity. Serenity…that's right!} Just then there was a knock at the door. Gaea went to answer it with a smile and a skip. It was Serena and Rini with 5 pages in tow for an escort.
"Good day Serena. Hi Rini! Is it time already? The time has just flown by this morning!" Gaea said, startling their escort. Rini smiled and looked at Athena.
:Thank you for requesting Carra as my teacher. She's wonderful! Is Gaea ok?: Rini's mindvoice was a bit shaky, but her none the less. Athena laughed.
:Yes, she's fine. Her grief has risen and she will be like this only for a few more moments before all that has happened will sink in. She'll return too normal. It happens to Gods and Goddesses when a life-altering thing suddenly passes them on. I'll explain more later.:
:No need. I understand.: Rini smiled at her and looked back at Gaea. They hooked arms and walked out. When they reached the hallway, Serena led the procession with Gaea and Rini arm-in-arm close behind. Luna and Athena walked behind them, with the 5 pages behind them. With the boys in hearing range, Luna and Athena conversed in mindspeech.
:Rini's studies are going well.: Athena put in.
:Yes very well indeed. She woke me up this morning by singing to me. Mentally. That was quite an experience.: Luna said singing a bit of the tune for Athena in Rini's mindvoice. It was a country song from Earth.
:Thank the Elementals that Gaea only sings the Douleur classical songs. A gift to me from her mother. She was put in the choir and orchestra in her school. She only knows the classical music. But that will soon change, especially if she and Rini are sword-sworn friends. Bonded from the times of their birth. They will share more than they may wish as their mothers found out.: Athena said, remembering what Carra had told her about such bonds. {I wonder if she has a touch of foresight? Hmmm, I'll have to ask her.}
:Yes, I do see the bond flaring into life. Even now, though they may not know it, they grow closer.: Luna said as she watched the 2 laugh and gossip like old friends. :Her Highness sees it to. She told me so the first time she laid eyes on Gaea. She told me then too. Now I believe it with all my heart and soul.:
:As do I.: Athena had no more time to answer because at that moment they reached the platform in which King Darien was arriving at. He had just landed.
:Where was the King? I was never told.: Athena asked quickly.
:He was on a diplomatic mission to Earth.: Luna said, thinking. :He was visiting family.: She said with a laugh. Athena nodded without another word.
The Gate opened and showed a green forest with many tall buildings in the back round. She remembered the gate being located in a park in the city of Tokyo, Japan. {That Gate is so old and highly used it can probably open with only a thought.} She had time left only for a quick warning to Gaea to act her role as Princess of Amitie. She saw Gaea straighten up and arrange a welcoming smile on her face. She need not impress him, he would be able to see her bond with Rini as soon as her saw her. Either that or Serena would inform him quickly enough.
As soon as he was through, the Gate closed and he strode over the Serena and picked her up in a giant hug and kissed her full in the mouth. The pages were so surprised that they couldn't stop starring. Luna turned and hissed to gain their attention. They jumped a little and looked down. Darien put the Queen down and knelt, holding his arms open to Rini. She unhooked arms with Gaea and ran to him giving him a hug that only a daughter could give. He let her go and stood to look at Gaea. He looked at her in an assessing way, his eyes looking her over critically. Finally her smiled warmly and held out a hand to her She gave him her hand and returned his smile just as warmly. He kissed it and bowed respectfully as an equal. She resisted the urge to giggle and spoke to cover it.
"Your Highness is to kind!" She said finally giving into her laughter. Darien laughed in return.
"I am only as kind as one deserves. Shall we all get something to snack on while we talk?"
"An excellent idea my love. Donny and Brad, run ahead to the kitchen and fetch us something to eat and drink. Then you all can go and have your play time." She said to the pages behind Athena and Luna. They bowed, all similes, and went on their way.
Darien grabbed Serena around the waist and kissed her cheek as they walked toward their rooms. Gaea and Rini hooked arms again and walked after continuing their gossiping from before with Athena and Luna in the rear.
Chapter 6
In the end, Gaea ended up with 2 evening gowns, 4 normal gowns and 1 formal court gown. She was promised that they would take her to the royal seamstress as soon as they found the time. The formal court gown was made of thick crushed velvet in a dark blue with good trim and waits band. The 2 evening gowns were of rich red and lush green silks with silver trimmings. The others were of pastel cotton and wool fabrics that also bore silver trimmings. For dinner she wore one of the more comfortable cotton dresses. She had already been accepted into the court as a family friend, thus had no need to impress anyone by wearing the evening or formal wear. She as wearing her circlet of star shaped diamonds around her forehead instead of around her thick bun, for, the Queen had pronounced as the crown of Amitie. This marked her as royalty and gave her access to anywhere in the palace and kingdom.
The feasting lasted till late in the evening and ended with dancing, Gaea's favorite court activity. She danced till 2 or 3 in the morning and was later in returning to her room. When she got there she saw Athena up and waiting for her by the fire the still burned in the hearth,
:Ah good, you're not drunk. I talked to Serena about Rini's gift. She had no idea that it was that strong already. She promised to have a teacher brought in immediately since you'll be around her most of the time you're here most likely.: Athena stated, checking her over with her mage sight, making sure there wasn't a hole on one of her layers of shields.
:Why do you say that?: Gaea was very intrigued to see what had sparked that comment.
:Well when we were talking with the Queen today, and Rini came in, we saw how you to reacted with each other. You were like old friends…much like Serena was with your mother. They had a bond of friendship. One that not even death could break. That is how she knew that your mother died, she felt it as you would feel if I died. They were that close.: As soon as Athena said that she regretted it. With Gaea being as tired as she was, fell apart. She hadn't done that in years. The tears of grief and pain came back like a flash flood, streaming down her face. Athena quickly shielded her to protect other empaths from the pain and torment that Athena felt no matter what she did. It was all she could do to keep from breaking herself. She pulled Gaea down with her next to the fire and let her cry into her fur while she purred and projected a calmness as well as she could. :We'll talk more on the morning.: She said as Gaea finally started to fall asleep from exhaustion. At that Gaea laid her head on her free paw and fell asleep.
They woke in the morning to a servant girl bringing breakfast into the suit and putting out the rest of the almost dead fire. She didn't say anything, but shot sympathetic looks towards Gaea when she saw the tearstains and run make-up. She saw Athena awake and whispered her concern.
"Will she be alright?" She said it with so much sincerity that Athena had to smile. People here care. Its not feigned acceptance. Huh.
"Yes she will be fine. Thank you." The girl, only a few years Gaea's junior, smiled and stood from her work and looked around.
"Is there anything else I can get for you or the Princess?" {The Princess? They think Gaea a Princess? Another thing I must discuss with Serena.} Athena thought.
"Is there hot water for baths? Both of us could use one." They hadn't had a real bath for a week or so. Athena didn't know about Gaea, but she felt disgusting.
"Why yes! In that room back there," She indicated with a slender finger behind the couch. "The hot water comes out of the spout nice and toasty. An invention of my fathers." She said with a grin that light up her face. Athena nodded with satisfaction.
"And a clever on at that thank you. That will be all." The girl took the dismissal and left their suit dancing. Athena chuckled to her self. :Dearheart. It is past sunrise. Time to wake and eat.: Gaea shifted positions so that she could look her bonded in the eyes and grumble.
"Oh! One more thing," The girl said poking her head into the room once more. "King Darien will be arriving shortly. The Queen wishes you to join her in greeting him. She will be here shortly after the noon bell to accompany you." With that she left once again. Leaving Gaea stunned and confused.
:What? The King? Oh.: She rolled over and fell back asleep again. Oh no you don't! Athena thought. She stood up and grabbed Gaea's dress collar and drug her in the bathroom and pulled on a cord that was above the marble tub. Hot water streamed out to fill the tub. Athena stripped Gaea and when she still didn't stir, she growled so loud that it echoed. Gaea woke with a start.
"What was that for?!" Gaea shouted, clearly agitated. Forgetting to mindspeak.
:It is time to wake up and show your face. The King is returning, and we're to meet Serena and welcome him back.: Athena said shoving Gaea into the tub that was now full. She gasped when she hit the steaming water but sank into it just as fast as she had fallen in. After a few moments of relaxation, Athena stepped into the tub with her. It was large enough for four of them!
:Oh yes, the teacher that we requested for Rini is here already. It is one that I know well. Carra is an old teacher from the planet earth. I lived there before I chose you. She was my teacher. She will do very well, and I think that Rini will have fun learning with her.: Athena said as she moved over to where Gaea was so that she could wash her with the soap that had been left for them.
:Good, then I can stop shielding her? Wait, I already have.: She realized as she "looked" for the shield energies around Rini. They weren't gone, but had been replaced by a green energy signifying that of Earth. I should have felt the power recoil. Huh. :Athena, did you…:
:Yes, I took the power recoil. You were asleep and in no condition to take them in.: Athena looked up to see Gaea nod. She felt a deep 'thanks' in the back of her mind. She sent a no problem back and leaned into Gaea's rub.
After they were washed and clean, Gaea dressed in a semi formal dress and ate the breakfast that the girl had laid out for them. The fruit, milk and bread rejuvenated her body and mind. She was thinking much clearer now than she was before. All her grief from before had gone into submission and she felt like she did before her parents death. Happy. Her mood spread like a wildfire to Athena and all who came in contact with her. {Finally, she has moved on. May her parents rest in peace and serenity. Serenity…that's right!} Just then there was a knock at the door. Gaea went to answer it with a smile and a skip. It was Serena and Rini with 5 pages in tow for an escort.
"Good day Serena. Hi Rini! Is it time already? The time has just flown by this morning!" Gaea said, startling their escort. Rini smiled and looked at Athena.
:Thank you for requesting Carra as my teacher. She's wonderful! Is Gaea ok?: Rini's mindvoice was a bit shaky, but her none the less. Athena laughed.
:Yes, she's fine. Her grief has risen and she will be like this only for a few more moments before all that has happened will sink in. She'll return too normal. It happens to Gods and Goddesses when a life-altering thing suddenly passes them on. I'll explain more later.:
:No need. I understand.: Rini smiled at her and looked back at Gaea. They hooked arms and walked out. When they reached the hallway, Serena led the procession with Gaea and Rini arm-in-arm close behind. Luna and Athena walked behind them, with the 5 pages behind them. With the boys in hearing range, Luna and Athena conversed in mindspeech.
:Rini's studies are going well.: Athena put in.
:Yes very well indeed. She woke me up this morning by singing to me. Mentally. That was quite an experience.: Luna said singing a bit of the tune for Athena in Rini's mindvoice. It was a country song from Earth.
:Thank the Elementals that Gaea only sings the Douleur classical songs. A gift to me from her mother. She was put in the choir and orchestra in her school. She only knows the classical music. But that will soon change, especially if she and Rini are sword-sworn friends. Bonded from the times of their birth. They will share more than they may wish as their mothers found out.: Athena said, remembering what Carra had told her about such bonds. {I wonder if she has a touch of foresight? Hmmm, I'll have to ask her.}
:Yes, I do see the bond flaring into life. Even now, though they may not know it, they grow closer.: Luna said as she watched the 2 laugh and gossip like old friends. :Her Highness sees it to. She told me so the first time she laid eyes on Gaea. She told me then too. Now I believe it with all my heart and soul.:
:As do I.: Athena had no more time to answer because at that moment they reached the platform in which King Darien was arriving at. He had just landed.
:Where was the King? I was never told.: Athena asked quickly.
:He was on a diplomatic mission to Earth.: Luna said, thinking. :He was visiting family.: She said with a laugh. Athena nodded without another word.
The Gate opened and showed a green forest with many tall buildings in the back round. She remembered the gate being located in a park in the city of Tokyo, Japan. {That Gate is so old and highly used it can probably open with only a thought.} She had time left only for a quick warning to Gaea to act her role as Princess of Amitie. She saw Gaea straighten up and arrange a welcoming smile on her face. She need not impress him, he would be able to see her bond with Rini as soon as her saw her. Either that or Serena would inform him quickly enough.
As soon as he was through, the Gate closed and he strode over the Serena and picked her up in a giant hug and kissed her full in the mouth. The pages were so surprised that they couldn't stop starring. Luna turned and hissed to gain their attention. They jumped a little and looked down. Darien put the Queen down and knelt, holding his arms open to Rini. She unhooked arms with Gaea and ran to him giving him a hug that only a daughter could give. He let her go and stood to look at Gaea. He looked at her in an assessing way, his eyes looking her over critically. Finally her smiled warmly and held out a hand to her She gave him her hand and returned his smile just as warmly. He kissed it and bowed respectfully as an equal. She resisted the urge to giggle and spoke to cover it.
"Your Highness is to kind!" She said finally giving into her laughter. Darien laughed in return.
"I am only as kind as one deserves. Shall we all get something to snack on while we talk?"
"An excellent idea my love. Donny and Brad, run ahead to the kitchen and fetch us something to eat and drink. Then you all can go and have your play time." She said to the pages behind Athena and Luna. They bowed, all similes, and went on their way.
Darien grabbed Serena around the waist and kissed her cheek as they walked toward their rooms. Gaea and Rini hooked arms again and walked after continuing their gossiping from before with Athena and Luna in the rear.