Ahh this story was an idea i had so long ago but when i found it on some long buried disk i knew i just had to keep going with it. This chapter is one of the longest i've ever written but i loved writing it. I hope you love it to and remember REVIEW people! I write only if people are reading! on with the show and look for the continuation soon though i am graduating from high school next saturday :::bows to accept applauds::: thank you thank you. and i will be going to florida for the month of june. i will try to get chapter four out before i leave.
Lady Moon
Violet Goddess
Chapter 3
Serena kicked the furs away in frustration, how could it be so hot? The tent was
black and empty now even though she knew it must be nearly dawn outside. Endymoin
had stayed only long enough to point out a section of the tent divided from the rest by a
small screen that shielded a large pallet, piled high with soft furs and then abruptly stalked
out, muttering angrily under his breath. The make shift bed had looked like nothing short
of heaven and she had barely waited for him to leave before collapsing in an undignified
heap.
She'd never been so tired in her life. Gods the ache went to her bones as she
thought of the days she'd spent hiding and running. She could still smell the smoke and
hear the screams as the temple had burned around her. The temple of Nenet had been the
last great shrine to Selene on earth and she had gone to train and learn from the scholars
that flocked to it great libraries. She smiled slightly as she thought of the endless buildings
housing ancient, irreplaceable texts. She could still hear Master Androis' wistful voice as
he recounted to her about the "treasures" of Nenet and how he wanted nothing more in
life than to read every work, gleam every bit of knowledge from those tattered and worn
pages. Androis was dead now, he'd died with his treasures as the library had burned but
Serena knew he would of wanted nothing less.
She remembered the absolute shock that had snapped through the air at the sight
of the royal army of earth surging towards the temple over the lush fields that had
surrounded the pristine buildings. To bring any weapon on the consecrated grounds of a
temple was the ultimate sacrilege but not a flicker of emotion had played across the harden
faces of those soldiers. Not hint of remorse as they smashed the ancient doors down, no
guilt in their eyes as they tossed their flaming torches onto the buildings and brought down
her sanctuary, no they had remained stoic as they crumbled her world. The white stone
had turned black quickly as the wood was consumed in flames she had thought absently,
strangely detached as she listened to the crackling fires. Selene was the goddess of
wisdom and women and so her temple had been filled with woman and scholars, none of
which knew what to do against battle hardened warriors who felt no pity as they cut down
any unfortunate soul that happened to stumble into their path.
Tears stung her eyes as she let the memories wash over her. Her senshi had been
with her but they couldn't do anything more than try to protect their princess. Hostilities
between the moon and earth had escalated in the past decades, triggered by the ascension
of a new ruling family as monarchs of earth. They were isolationists who felt that earth
should not be "corrupted" by outside forces, namely the other planets of the alliance that
had ruled the solar system peacefully for over a thousand years. None of the other
planetary leaders had known how to take earth's sudden withdrawal from alliance affairs.
Trade had slowly begun to dwindle in the last few years as anti- outlander sentiments rose.
Outlander had soon begun to be scrawled across offices and homes of non-Terrans. The
hated word had quickly been refashioned to included anyone not from earth, lumping
together billions of people into a faceless group that allowed hate to run rampant.
Tensions had been high when Serena had been sent to Nenet but it was a time
honored traditions for Lunar royalty to spend at least one year training there and
Lunarians were nothing if not obscenely protective of their tradition. And so Serena had
bundled off in the dead of night to the temple, her senshi in tow with orders to be
constantly on guard. No one had known she was heir to the Lunar throne, no one had
known she there and after six months of peace they had all let their guard down a little and
then the rebellion had started.
It had erupted so quickly there was no time for her to escape. The prince's army
had been tracking a large group of rebels when they attacked the temple, accusing them of
harboring those rebels they sought and therefore traitors to the crown. Her guardians had
quickly wrapped her in a coarse brown cloak and spirited her away, narrowing dodging
the ensuing slaughter as they had pushed their horses into a hard gallop. It took two days
of hard riding before their horses gave out and they were forced to continue on foot.
Serena never asked where they were going, still to numb to think beyond placing one foot
in front of the other. At every turn carnage had awaited them, forcing Serena to relive the
memory of the Nenet massacre countless times.
They thought they'd found a haven in the small village high in the mountains but
then the prince's army had attacked and she'd watched everyone die all over again. Her
senshi had again tried to protect her but escape was impossible and as they'd huddled in
the small barn each had prepared to die. Rei had muttered several curses as she'd paced
back and forth while Ami had calmly looked at the situation from every angle, trying
desperately to find a way out. There had been no escape though. And now she was bound
to a man with no soul until he tired of her and either killed or released her.
She let the tears fall then, what use was anguish if it wasn't released?
* * *
The sun was just cresting the horizon when Endymoin finally made his way back to
his tent. He had been purposely avoiding it for several hours now, not entirely sure how to
handle the situation. He knew he wanted her, Gods the feel of her skin against his, the
thought of tasting her had impeding all other thoughts, she was leading him to distraction
and he hadn't even known her for more than a few hours.
Muttering angrily he stomped into his darkened tent, absently pulling off his
clothing. Naked he pushed past the small screen that was supposedly suppose to offer
some privacy though he knew it was more for show than anything else. In the dusky
darkness of the tent only a bundle of furs greeted him and he eyed them longingly, the
endless day finally catching up to him in a suddenly snap that had his muscles aching and
his eyelids dropping in fatigue.
One problem after another had plagued the day, the rebels were indeed remassing.
His scouts had reported back on that at least though exactly WHERE they were remassing
was still debatable. Several of his commanders insisted it was near the mountains while
other vehemently shouted that that was absurd and that the near by valley would offer the
most help as the people there were sympathetic to revolutionaries' cause. The argument
had quickly escalated as each man had supported a different plan of actions and feeling the
need to expound on its merits in a shout that was only greeted with increasing tempers and
more bellows of disagreement.
Endymoin rubbed his temples at the headache that was blooming just at the
memory. He'd had to smash the table with his fist to gain their attention and a curt
reminder that no action would be taken until they knew for certain exactly where the
rebels were head-quartering, he did not take chances with his men. His commanders had
been placated then, if only mildly and had left him in peace. His men still needed to be
reassured and though he loathed to play nursemaid his men served him faithfully and it
was the least he could do to allay their fears. So he'd walked past their tents and past the
scattered camp fires with an air of confidence and a careless smile on his face and he'd
watched his men relax slowly, fearing the dark a little less.
Now the only thought that protruded into his mind was one of sleep and how nice
those furs were going to feel next to his skin. It was a small whimpering sound that
grabbed his muddled attention and had him reaching for his sword until he saw the pale
nymph laying next to his pallet. Her hair looked silver in the predawn light that was slowly
filling the tent, her skin was like ivory but it wasn't until he took a step closer that he saw
the salty tracks left by tears. She'd been crying. That realization shook him and he felt
guilt bloom inside him, something for which he was not at all accustomed to. He was a
hard man, he faced that fact without flinching, any man in charge of other men's live had
to be. You had to be able to look a man in the eye and then blithely send him into battle
knowing he was going to die, in war it is the few for the many and though it sounded cold
and brutal it's the hard faced truth. It never got any easier, but Endymoin did it all the
same and his kingdom and endured because of it.
He firmly believed he was not a rash man, or did before that afternoon. Gods what
had come over him? He had faced down armies of thousands, fought in the blood and mud
of countless battlefields, all after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the
situation but that had all been ripped away from him in a single moment of lust. It had to
be lust what the hell else could have made him throw away all his hard won discipline?
He'd had women before, beautiful women who had come eagerly to his bed with a smile
spreading on their crimson lips and a seductively sway of their hips but never had he felt
the stirring he felt for the goddess laying before him in a simple robe, her pale skin
gleaming and her hair flowing around her in a silver halo. His body ached just to be near
her as it had since he'd first thrown back that abominable hood, he purposely left her for
fear he'd take her then and there, pressed up against the table, maps falling to the floor as
their bodies came together in a heated exchange of pleasure. Gritting his teeth against
desire that image of her beneath him conjured he stepped towards her and sank down into
the soft furs. His warmth drew her and she rolled towards him, throwing her arm across
his shoulder and her leg across his. This was to much!
Her robe had hiked up to nearly her hips and her skin felt like heaven against his as
she shifted against him restlessly, unconsciously rubbing her skin against his length. He
tried, he really did, his hands were fisted at his sides to keep from grabbing her, to keep
from ripping that damn robe off and running his hands across her back and up her spine.
Gods knows he tried but he'd never had any good intentions to begin with and when she
drew him close and place a small, chaste kiss against his neck the battle was lost. With a
growl of frustration he gathered her close and ripped her garment off in the same
movement that he rolled her beneath him. He groaned at the feel of her skin meeting him,
he covered her from head to toe and nothing had ever felt so good, so right. He nuzzled
her neck, causing her to sigh softly as he placed her hands around his neck. He didn't
know if she was even awake, even aware of what was happening but then she arched up
against him as he caress her breast and he knew he had to have here there and then or go
insane. His mouth slammed onto of hers, taking complete possession of her sweet lips as
his tongue invaded at her startled gasp.
His knee was wedging her legs apart when her eyes snapped open, those blue orbs
that shimmered with unshed tears looked at him with innocence, confusion and desire
shinning back at them. Her hair lay around her like spun gold as the now strong sunlight
fell upon it and he thought she had never looked more like an angel, or a goddess he
amended. HIS goddess. He could feel her heat pressed against him and fought every urge
in his body to shift just a little and then plunge as deep into her as he could, make her truly
his in a way no one could ever deny, but it was the first tear followed another and then
another that stopped him. She wasn't making any noise but salty tears continued to trail
down her flawless skin as she stared at him so stead fastly, stared into his eyes and he
knew he could never take her like this. His body was taking a little longer to agree with his
mind however, he was hard and aching to slide into her and taste every inch of her, but
before he lost this battle with himself he rolled off her with a grunt and lay beside her
panting.
She didn't move, just turned her head to stare at him, her eyes questioning him
silently. Damnit did she have to be so damnable irresistible?! Her lips were rosy and
swollen from his demanding kisses and he wanted to kiss her again, hell he didn't just want
to stop with one kiss either. He wanted it all, but he wanted her willingly. He may have
pulled the noble gentlemen this time but he was by no means a saint and was not used to
having to deprive himself with women. If she could fire his blood when she was only
mildly cooperative what would it be like when she was writhing in passion? He groaned at
the thought as he felt himself harden even more. Oh he would have her and it needed to be
soon because this was becoming painful.
He watched her turn away from him, the curve of her spine deliciously displayed
for him and he gritted his teeth as he reached down for a fur and quickly covered her.
Stiffly he lay back on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling as he formulated a plan to
have his angel. If he could not just take her then he would simply have to seduce her,
awaken her passions until she could only feel him, only want him and then he would take
and she would be his. Smiling slightly he closed his eyes against the dawn and let the plan
form in his mind, oh yes she would come and come with a smile on her lips.
* * *
Serena could feel the sunlight shining across her eyelids, demanding she wake up
but she stubbornly refused, she didn't want to wake up! She didn't know exactly why but
somewhere in the back of her sleep dredged mind she knew it was just better to stay in her
dream world than face reality. But the day was not about to be denied and so reluctantly
she propped open one eye and then the other, at first disoriented. This was not her room,
there were no other postulates, no other cots scattered throughout the old stone room.
Shouldn't the morning bells have woken her for devotions? With a snap it all came back
and she jerked to sit straight up and only then realized she was naked, and then that all
came back to.
She woken up with him on top of her, desire running hot through her blood as his
hands ran hot over her skin. He could have taken her last night and she wouldn't have
been able to stop him, she was certain about that but he hadn't, why? She had seen the
desire in his eyes, felt against her thigh but still he'd rolled away from her, something
wasn't adding up and she felt a shiver of unease snake up her spine. She was so wrapped
up in her thoughts that she never noticed the audience that she held captive until a deep,
husky voice spoke out.
"Not that it isn't a beautiful sight, because believe me it is, but we are moving out in an
hour or so, so you may want to get dressed."
Serena's startled gasp filtered through the stagnant air as her eyes snapped up to
meet a set up of midnight blues ones staring back at her with amusement twinged with
something else, something just beyond her reach that made her skin tingle and her
breathing hitch. Quickly she grabbed a fur a clasped it to her chest in a death grip to rival
any warrior's. He stood next to a small table that looked collapsible that was only a few
feet from her bed, the small privacy screen that she remembered from the night before was
conspicuously absent.
Endymoin could only stare at her, every muscle in his body taut with the need to
reach out and touch her skin, feel it slide beneath his fingers and yet he restrained himself,
a more difficult challenge he didn't believe existed. He had turned from his study of
reconnaissance reports from the surrounding areas when he heard her whimper softly and
then she had shot up in his bed and simply sat there with the sunlight pouring in from a
small flap above his bed, the dust in the air gold flecks in the light that bathed her. She had
seemed the embodiment of temptation itself, presented before him in naked flesh and
blood. How innocently she sat there, completely unaware of her nudity or what it could do
to him. He'd felt his loins tighten uncomfortably the longer he'd watched her and then
finally he knew he had to catch her attention from whatever thoughts had stolen it so
thoroughly or he was going to ravish her then and there. It sounded so foolish to say
ravish but there was simply no other word to describe what he wanted to do to her, no
other word to describe what she MADE him want to do to her.
Now she sat before him, only a flimsy barrier between them, her eyes wide in
innocence that stirred his blood as much as the sensual temptress who had lain naked next
to him the night before. Gods this was frustrating! No other woman had made him act like
this, like some besotted school boy, and damn sure not in the course of only one night but
Serena wasn't just any other woman. His jaw clenched in anger then, what right did she
have to have this power over him? Gods' truth he could almost hate her for doing this to
him!
"Wh-where are my clothes?" Her voice was meek and strangled, as if fear was tightening
around her throat. He only then noticed the panicked look that had seeped into her eyes,
the way she glanced around as if seeking an escape. She was right of course her robe was
gone, he'd personally burned it with a great deal of enthusiasm.
"You're robe is gone, new clothes will be provided. They're over there in that chest." He
indicated with a wave of his hand to a small, intricately carved wooden chest that sat at
the foot of the make shift bed. Serena didn't know what to do then as an expectant silence
fell between them. She felt awkward with only a blanket to shield her from his gaze and
desperately wanted something to cover herself with but moving down to the chest seemed
an impossible feat with him watching her so intently. She bit her lower lip in agitation and
was surprised when she saw his body jerk forward sharply before he stopped and then
stiffly turned so his back faced her.
She couldn't stop the sigh of relief that escaped her lips that he was no longer
watching her and quickly flipped the blanket around her shoulder like some extravagant
toga. Tentatively she slid down towards the chest, wondering what type of clothing would
be provided for her and asking herself if she really even wanted to know. For the past year
she had dressed as a priestess of Selene, the simple robes were meant to humble a person,
to teach them to look beyond worldly beauty and possessions. The bulky, coarse material
had shielded her in a way she hadn't realized until it was so unceremoniously stripped
from her. She felt as if her soul was as naked as her body without those robes of ritual
around her, without the thick hood hiding her fair hair and pale skin, it all felt so wrong.
She felt so, so exposed.
Curling her legs beneath her, she easily pulled the box towards her, it wasn't large,
maybe the width of her outstretched arm and a little longer in the length. She took a
moment to examine the engravings that were sprawled so imperiously across the lid and
sides, running her fingers slowly across the carvings as if hoping they would come to life.
Warriors fought with teeth bared and swords raised as the moon and stars twinkled above
and a woman with no face floated in the sky with arms outstretched as if to encircle the
world. With a start Serena realized it was the story of Selene's revealing to humanity. She
remembered the story easily, it was the one of the pillars of Goddess, a tale to be
remembered every winter solstice as the anniversary of the inclusion of humanity as her
children.
Humanity had always been at war with one another, each faction vying for
dominance but none ever prevailing for long for no common ground could ever be found
but that changed after the revealing. During the middle of a battle that had raged for three
days and three nights the Goddess Selene appeared in the night sky, her arms outstretched
as if pleading for peace and touched each human soul ever so softly with her light and so
they knew compassion and so they knew the pain of their neighbors and enemy and so
they knew each other. The wars had ended after that night and Selene raised in worship
upon terran soil for twenty millennia until, slowly, factions of a new religion worshipping a
deity they named only as "The Great Spirit" had begun to gain power and influence, and it
had only been a matter of time then.
Tearing herself away from her dismal thoughts of legend and politics Serena
wondered why this Terran prince had this object with a tale of Selene's revealing and
redemption of man so lovingly displayed on it when the Terrans had so rejected the
Goddess? So many things about this man didn't make sense, so many contradictions
seemed to surround him and she realized suddenly that she was now entirely dependent on
his charity towards her. Her shoulders slumped forward as she buried her face in her arms
at the thought of being bound to him as she was and the realization of just exactly what
she'd done weighed heavily on her soul but she had shed tears enough already and she
would shed no more. By the Goddess he owned her by a bond that could only be broken
by him, a bond that was sacred to her soul but, she thought with resolve, it had been
necessary. She couldn't have let her friends die, they had protected her through so much
and though they had been her guard she would have done far more then simply swear an
oath to that loathsome man to keep them safe.
Straightening her shoulders she sat up and glared at the box in front of her with a
hard gleam of determination as she snapped the lid open sharply. The small act seemed
petty but it did vent a little of her frustration however. A mass of blue, silver and red
assaulted her eyes from the interior of the chest and seemed to sparkle like diamonds in
the soft sunlight filtering through the tent. Reaching a hand out, an almost awed
expression crossed her face when she felt the gossamer material, let it slide through her
fingers lovingly. It was silk she knew that, woven so fine as to be nearly transparent she
realized as she pulled one garment out blindly, its blue hue like the night sky with small,
glistening stones woven into material that gleamed sharply as she shifted it against the
sunlight.
He watched her, the pure astonishment and joy he saw in her eyes from such a
simple act as giving her clothing humbled him. He felt his heart warm at her little gasps
and the look of wonder that crossed her face again and again with each new bit of cloth
she pulled out. He'd known she was beautiful, a body made to be touched and seen but it
was only last night, after seeing her naked in the early morning light that he had realized
how exquisite she truly was. It was then that he made the promise that that damn vile robe
would never touch that perfect skin again and had quickly ordered more "appropriate"
clothing brought.
It was no easy task to find a woman's clothing out in the middle of country with
only soldiers around, who could no more sew clothing then they could fly. There were
camp followers of course, there always were, but Endymoin had quickly dismissed the
possibility that Serena wear something one of those women had, those who sold their
body with such indifference. No his angel would never touch something they did, she was
everything their debauched lives had corrupted, she was pure and innocent. Thankfully
there was also always a caravan or two riding his armies' coattails, following along for the
protection his soldiers provided their goods and workers. It had taken little persuasion,
after gold had been waved brazenly in front of them, to obtain the chest of fine clothing.
Endymoin had been specific to his messenger, something feminine and light, something
that was a beautiful as she was, if that was even possible, and something that shone like
the stars. His men had not disappointed him, after one look at the contents of that simple
looking chest he had begun to imagine her in those garments, the silk clinging to her
smooth thighs, her pert breasts.
Turning back to her he was presented with a view that very nearly snapped his
haggard control. She stood with her back to him, the fur she had used to shield herself
early lay curled around her feet and she was nude. The gentle curve of her back, the swell
of her hips and thighs and most importantly the arch of her buttocks were all displayed for
him shamelessly as she tried unsuccessfully to untangle a silver and blue garment into
some semblance of order. Endymoin winced slightly at the painfully tightening of loins,
Gods how could this woman keep him eternally hard? From the moment he'd awoken this
morning he'd had to restrain himself from reaching for her, from taking her, but restrain
himself he did for he remembered his promise, he would have her willingly and alive with
passion. It did little to calm his blood now as he watched the delicate muscles of her back
shift as her arms moved to pull the fine material over her head. He watched the gossamer
silk slink down her back, running down her thighs and a small groan escaped his lips and
his hands fisted at his side. Was she TRYING to kill him!
Her head whipped around at the sound of his strangled breathing filling the
suddenly quiet air only to find him watching her with an intensity that set her nerves on
edge and made her skin tingle. His eyes were darker than normal she noted absently, they
looked almost black. His face had turned hard, his jaw clenched tight and indeed his whole
body seemed tensed, taut like a bowstring. He seemed poised to pounce, she realized, like
some predator regarding its prey, the thought had her stepping back as her hand flew to
her throat. It was then that she felt her new clothing or lack there of, for her hand met only
heated skin and the slight curve of her breast. Looking down with wide eyes she saw the
scoop of the neck as it tapered from her shoulders to a point between her breasts,
displaying more flesh than she'd ever thought possible to while still wearing clothing. Her
scrutiny continued downward to the flowing skirt of the ensemble and was pleased to see
it covered her to past her toes but that pleasure was short lived when she saw the two slits
along each side that slide up to each thigh. Moving her legs slightly she saw each peek out
from beneath the blue fabric. The dress or what resembled, however loosely, a dress was a
beautiful show of artistry in workmanship, starting out a bold and glimmering silver only
to taper to a lighter shade of silver and then work to a blue that ended at the hem of her
skirt in color that was nearly purple.
It was exquisite, it was flawless, it was BARELY THERE! Her eyes flashed with
anger when she swung her gaze back to Endymoin who was now openly gaping at her
which only fueled her irritation.
"This is what you bring me?!" Suddenly his gawking stare vanished to be replaced by a
knowing smirk as his lips curved up slightly at the corners.
"Personally it gets my resounding vote of approval." He leaned back slightly against the
small, map covered table and crossed his arms smugly across his chest, amusement clear in
his eyes. She only glared at him before looking down once again at her outfit and sighing
in disgust.
"I'm sure it does, but I wonder if it's all that appropriate for traveling?" Her words
dripped with sarcasm but when she saw the shock of realization cross his features and then
a flash of anger and possessiveness? she couldn't hide her surprise. She didn't really
expect him to care, thinking he would make her travel on horse the day in something that
looked like it was out of some Arabian fairy tale.
At her words the thought finally occurred that she would be showcased before his
men when they moved out. Her shapely form more teasingly hidden by the sheer dress she
wore than covered. The thought of anyone else, let along thousands of men staring at his
angel didn't sit well with him and he felt a fierce possessiveness well up within him as well
as an overwhelming need to protect this little innocent from a very jaded world. A fierce
frown marred his features, the longer he thought about the situation the more
unacceptable he found it. Turning sharply his boots nearly clicked together as he mulled
over his problem and then with a snap of his fingers the solution was there, so simple he
could only laugh.
She watched him, a little apprehensive at the sudden roughish smile that was now
so proudly adorning his lips. He was up to something and she would bet her last gold
piece that she was not going to like it. She frowned at him, hoping he would realize her
annoyance but he only smiled brighter at her disgruntled expression and then walked to the
far end of the tent. The corner was covered in shadow but she saw him shuffle through
what looked like a saddle bad as he muttered to himself, cursing a few very inventive if not
entirely appropriate expletives every now and again until finally his form snapped straight.
"Ah-ha. Here we go, problem solved." He looked extremely pleased with himself though
for the life of her Serena couldn't figure out exactly why.
"Solved what problem?" She cocked her head slightly to the side as she regarded him, he
had turned to face her now and was holding a small black bundle.
"Covering you up for travel." He said simply as he threw the bundle at her, twisting it
apart Serena was present with a dark riding cloak that boasted a ample hood and it would
indeed cover her for the trip ahead, she doubted if a single inch of her skin would show.
She smiled at him in thanks.
"Thank you. This will be much better."
"Yes, I agree completely." He knew she thought he had given her the damn cloak out of
some chivalrous actions and that was fine with him just as long as his angel stayed his and
no one but HIM saw her in that particular outfit. He turned towards the door, the flap
blowing softly in the afternoon breeze, allowing brief glimpses of the guards he'd posted
there and went to make sure his army broke camp within the hour. They needed to make it
to the pass by the spring festival or they risked losing the rebels and falling and losing
ground in this guerrilla war, ground that he would not lose.
"Be ready to leave within the hour. I'll send an attendant, my Lady Moon." The words
were thrown casually over his shoulder as he proceeded on without a backwards glance.
He never knew what possessed him to call her that, later he would think back that it was
inevitable, she was his Lady Moon, she would always be.
~*~*~*~*
so what did you think? review, review! what about those pesky rebels? are they important or just background filler? hmm i don't know? thanks all who have been keeping with this story and my other. Dark Obsession is coming along slowly but surely. Have no fear updates await!
Lady Moon
Violet Goddess
Chapter 3
Serena kicked the furs away in frustration, how could it be so hot? The tent was
black and empty now even though she knew it must be nearly dawn outside. Endymoin
had stayed only long enough to point out a section of the tent divided from the rest by a
small screen that shielded a large pallet, piled high with soft furs and then abruptly stalked
out, muttering angrily under his breath. The make shift bed had looked like nothing short
of heaven and she had barely waited for him to leave before collapsing in an undignified
heap.
She'd never been so tired in her life. Gods the ache went to her bones as she
thought of the days she'd spent hiding and running. She could still smell the smoke and
hear the screams as the temple had burned around her. The temple of Nenet had been the
last great shrine to Selene on earth and she had gone to train and learn from the scholars
that flocked to it great libraries. She smiled slightly as she thought of the endless buildings
housing ancient, irreplaceable texts. She could still hear Master Androis' wistful voice as
he recounted to her about the "treasures" of Nenet and how he wanted nothing more in
life than to read every work, gleam every bit of knowledge from those tattered and worn
pages. Androis was dead now, he'd died with his treasures as the library had burned but
Serena knew he would of wanted nothing less.
She remembered the absolute shock that had snapped through the air at the sight
of the royal army of earth surging towards the temple over the lush fields that had
surrounded the pristine buildings. To bring any weapon on the consecrated grounds of a
temple was the ultimate sacrilege but not a flicker of emotion had played across the harden
faces of those soldiers. Not hint of remorse as they smashed the ancient doors down, no
guilt in their eyes as they tossed their flaming torches onto the buildings and brought down
her sanctuary, no they had remained stoic as they crumbled her world. The white stone
had turned black quickly as the wood was consumed in flames she had thought absently,
strangely detached as she listened to the crackling fires. Selene was the goddess of
wisdom and women and so her temple had been filled with woman and scholars, none of
which knew what to do against battle hardened warriors who felt no pity as they cut down
any unfortunate soul that happened to stumble into their path.
Tears stung her eyes as she let the memories wash over her. Her senshi had been
with her but they couldn't do anything more than try to protect their princess. Hostilities
between the moon and earth had escalated in the past decades, triggered by the ascension
of a new ruling family as monarchs of earth. They were isolationists who felt that earth
should not be "corrupted" by outside forces, namely the other planets of the alliance that
had ruled the solar system peacefully for over a thousand years. None of the other
planetary leaders had known how to take earth's sudden withdrawal from alliance affairs.
Trade had slowly begun to dwindle in the last few years as anti- outlander sentiments rose.
Outlander had soon begun to be scrawled across offices and homes of non-Terrans. The
hated word had quickly been refashioned to included anyone not from earth, lumping
together billions of people into a faceless group that allowed hate to run rampant.
Tensions had been high when Serena had been sent to Nenet but it was a time
honored traditions for Lunar royalty to spend at least one year training there and
Lunarians were nothing if not obscenely protective of their tradition. And so Serena had
bundled off in the dead of night to the temple, her senshi in tow with orders to be
constantly on guard. No one had known she was heir to the Lunar throne, no one had
known she there and after six months of peace they had all let their guard down a little and
then the rebellion had started.
It had erupted so quickly there was no time for her to escape. The prince's army
had been tracking a large group of rebels when they attacked the temple, accusing them of
harboring those rebels they sought and therefore traitors to the crown. Her guardians had
quickly wrapped her in a coarse brown cloak and spirited her away, narrowing dodging
the ensuing slaughter as they had pushed their horses into a hard gallop. It took two days
of hard riding before their horses gave out and they were forced to continue on foot.
Serena never asked where they were going, still to numb to think beyond placing one foot
in front of the other. At every turn carnage had awaited them, forcing Serena to relive the
memory of the Nenet massacre countless times.
They thought they'd found a haven in the small village high in the mountains but
then the prince's army had attacked and she'd watched everyone die all over again. Her
senshi had again tried to protect her but escape was impossible and as they'd huddled in
the small barn each had prepared to die. Rei had muttered several curses as she'd paced
back and forth while Ami had calmly looked at the situation from every angle, trying
desperately to find a way out. There had been no escape though. And now she was bound
to a man with no soul until he tired of her and either killed or released her.
She let the tears fall then, what use was anguish if it wasn't released?
* * *
The sun was just cresting the horizon when Endymoin finally made his way back to
his tent. He had been purposely avoiding it for several hours now, not entirely sure how to
handle the situation. He knew he wanted her, Gods the feel of her skin against his, the
thought of tasting her had impeding all other thoughts, she was leading him to distraction
and he hadn't even known her for more than a few hours.
Muttering angrily he stomped into his darkened tent, absently pulling off his
clothing. Naked he pushed past the small screen that was supposedly suppose to offer
some privacy though he knew it was more for show than anything else. In the dusky
darkness of the tent only a bundle of furs greeted him and he eyed them longingly, the
endless day finally catching up to him in a suddenly snap that had his muscles aching and
his eyelids dropping in fatigue.
One problem after another had plagued the day, the rebels were indeed remassing.
His scouts had reported back on that at least though exactly WHERE they were remassing
was still debatable. Several of his commanders insisted it was near the mountains while
other vehemently shouted that that was absurd and that the near by valley would offer the
most help as the people there were sympathetic to revolutionaries' cause. The argument
had quickly escalated as each man had supported a different plan of actions and feeling the
need to expound on its merits in a shout that was only greeted with increasing tempers and
more bellows of disagreement.
Endymoin rubbed his temples at the headache that was blooming just at the
memory. He'd had to smash the table with his fist to gain their attention and a curt
reminder that no action would be taken until they knew for certain exactly where the
rebels were head-quartering, he did not take chances with his men. His commanders had
been placated then, if only mildly and had left him in peace. His men still needed to be
reassured and though he loathed to play nursemaid his men served him faithfully and it
was the least he could do to allay their fears. So he'd walked past their tents and past the
scattered camp fires with an air of confidence and a careless smile on his face and he'd
watched his men relax slowly, fearing the dark a little less.
Now the only thought that protruded into his mind was one of sleep and how nice
those furs were going to feel next to his skin. It was a small whimpering sound that
grabbed his muddled attention and had him reaching for his sword until he saw the pale
nymph laying next to his pallet. Her hair looked silver in the predawn light that was slowly
filling the tent, her skin was like ivory but it wasn't until he took a step closer that he saw
the salty tracks left by tears. She'd been crying. That realization shook him and he felt
guilt bloom inside him, something for which he was not at all accustomed to. He was a
hard man, he faced that fact without flinching, any man in charge of other men's live had
to be. You had to be able to look a man in the eye and then blithely send him into battle
knowing he was going to die, in war it is the few for the many and though it sounded cold
and brutal it's the hard faced truth. It never got any easier, but Endymoin did it all the
same and his kingdom and endured because of it.
He firmly believed he was not a rash man, or did before that afternoon. Gods what
had come over him? He had faced down armies of thousands, fought in the blood and mud
of countless battlefields, all after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the
situation but that had all been ripped away from him in a single moment of lust. It had to
be lust what the hell else could have made him throw away all his hard won discipline?
He'd had women before, beautiful women who had come eagerly to his bed with a smile
spreading on their crimson lips and a seductively sway of their hips but never had he felt
the stirring he felt for the goddess laying before him in a simple robe, her pale skin
gleaming and her hair flowing around her in a silver halo. His body ached just to be near
her as it had since he'd first thrown back that abominable hood, he purposely left her for
fear he'd take her then and there, pressed up against the table, maps falling to the floor as
their bodies came together in a heated exchange of pleasure. Gritting his teeth against
desire that image of her beneath him conjured he stepped towards her and sank down into
the soft furs. His warmth drew her and she rolled towards him, throwing her arm across
his shoulder and her leg across his. This was to much!
Her robe had hiked up to nearly her hips and her skin felt like heaven against his as
she shifted against him restlessly, unconsciously rubbing her skin against his length. He
tried, he really did, his hands were fisted at his sides to keep from grabbing her, to keep
from ripping that damn robe off and running his hands across her back and up her spine.
Gods knows he tried but he'd never had any good intentions to begin with and when she
drew him close and place a small, chaste kiss against his neck the battle was lost. With a
growl of frustration he gathered her close and ripped her garment off in the same
movement that he rolled her beneath him. He groaned at the feel of her skin meeting him,
he covered her from head to toe and nothing had ever felt so good, so right. He nuzzled
her neck, causing her to sigh softly as he placed her hands around his neck. He didn't
know if she was even awake, even aware of what was happening but then she arched up
against him as he caress her breast and he knew he had to have here there and then or go
insane. His mouth slammed onto of hers, taking complete possession of her sweet lips as
his tongue invaded at her startled gasp.
His knee was wedging her legs apart when her eyes snapped open, those blue orbs
that shimmered with unshed tears looked at him with innocence, confusion and desire
shinning back at them. Her hair lay around her like spun gold as the now strong sunlight
fell upon it and he thought she had never looked more like an angel, or a goddess he
amended. HIS goddess. He could feel her heat pressed against him and fought every urge
in his body to shift just a little and then plunge as deep into her as he could, make her truly
his in a way no one could ever deny, but it was the first tear followed another and then
another that stopped him. She wasn't making any noise but salty tears continued to trail
down her flawless skin as she stared at him so stead fastly, stared into his eyes and he
knew he could never take her like this. His body was taking a little longer to agree with his
mind however, he was hard and aching to slide into her and taste every inch of her, but
before he lost this battle with himself he rolled off her with a grunt and lay beside her
panting.
She didn't move, just turned her head to stare at him, her eyes questioning him
silently. Damnit did she have to be so damnable irresistible?! Her lips were rosy and
swollen from his demanding kisses and he wanted to kiss her again, hell he didn't just want
to stop with one kiss either. He wanted it all, but he wanted her willingly. He may have
pulled the noble gentlemen this time but he was by no means a saint and was not used to
having to deprive himself with women. If she could fire his blood when she was only
mildly cooperative what would it be like when she was writhing in passion? He groaned at
the thought as he felt himself harden even more. Oh he would have her and it needed to be
soon because this was becoming painful.
He watched her turn away from him, the curve of her spine deliciously displayed
for him and he gritted his teeth as he reached down for a fur and quickly covered her.
Stiffly he lay back on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling as he formulated a plan to
have his angel. If he could not just take her then he would simply have to seduce her,
awaken her passions until she could only feel him, only want him and then he would take
and she would be his. Smiling slightly he closed his eyes against the dawn and let the plan
form in his mind, oh yes she would come and come with a smile on her lips.
* * *
Serena could feel the sunlight shining across her eyelids, demanding she wake up
but she stubbornly refused, she didn't want to wake up! She didn't know exactly why but
somewhere in the back of her sleep dredged mind she knew it was just better to stay in her
dream world than face reality. But the day was not about to be denied and so reluctantly
she propped open one eye and then the other, at first disoriented. This was not her room,
there were no other postulates, no other cots scattered throughout the old stone room.
Shouldn't the morning bells have woken her for devotions? With a snap it all came back
and she jerked to sit straight up and only then realized she was naked, and then that all
came back to.
She woken up with him on top of her, desire running hot through her blood as his
hands ran hot over her skin. He could have taken her last night and she wouldn't have
been able to stop him, she was certain about that but he hadn't, why? She had seen the
desire in his eyes, felt against her thigh but still he'd rolled away from her, something
wasn't adding up and she felt a shiver of unease snake up her spine. She was so wrapped
up in her thoughts that she never noticed the audience that she held captive until a deep,
husky voice spoke out.
"Not that it isn't a beautiful sight, because believe me it is, but we are moving out in an
hour or so, so you may want to get dressed."
Serena's startled gasp filtered through the stagnant air as her eyes snapped up to
meet a set up of midnight blues ones staring back at her with amusement twinged with
something else, something just beyond her reach that made her skin tingle and her
breathing hitch. Quickly she grabbed a fur a clasped it to her chest in a death grip to rival
any warrior's. He stood next to a small table that looked collapsible that was only a few
feet from her bed, the small privacy screen that she remembered from the night before was
conspicuously absent.
Endymoin could only stare at her, every muscle in his body taut with the need to
reach out and touch her skin, feel it slide beneath his fingers and yet he restrained himself,
a more difficult challenge he didn't believe existed. He had turned from his study of
reconnaissance reports from the surrounding areas when he heard her whimper softly and
then she had shot up in his bed and simply sat there with the sunlight pouring in from a
small flap above his bed, the dust in the air gold flecks in the light that bathed her. She had
seemed the embodiment of temptation itself, presented before him in naked flesh and
blood. How innocently she sat there, completely unaware of her nudity or what it could do
to him. He'd felt his loins tighten uncomfortably the longer he'd watched her and then
finally he knew he had to catch her attention from whatever thoughts had stolen it so
thoroughly or he was going to ravish her then and there. It sounded so foolish to say
ravish but there was simply no other word to describe what he wanted to do to her, no
other word to describe what she MADE him want to do to her.
Now she sat before him, only a flimsy barrier between them, her eyes wide in
innocence that stirred his blood as much as the sensual temptress who had lain naked next
to him the night before. Gods this was frustrating! No other woman had made him act like
this, like some besotted school boy, and damn sure not in the course of only one night but
Serena wasn't just any other woman. His jaw clenched in anger then, what right did she
have to have this power over him? Gods' truth he could almost hate her for doing this to
him!
"Wh-where are my clothes?" Her voice was meek and strangled, as if fear was tightening
around her throat. He only then noticed the panicked look that had seeped into her eyes,
the way she glanced around as if seeking an escape. She was right of course her robe was
gone, he'd personally burned it with a great deal of enthusiasm.
"You're robe is gone, new clothes will be provided. They're over there in that chest." He
indicated with a wave of his hand to a small, intricately carved wooden chest that sat at
the foot of the make shift bed. Serena didn't know what to do then as an expectant silence
fell between them. She felt awkward with only a blanket to shield her from his gaze and
desperately wanted something to cover herself with but moving down to the chest seemed
an impossible feat with him watching her so intently. She bit her lower lip in agitation and
was surprised when she saw his body jerk forward sharply before he stopped and then
stiffly turned so his back faced her.
She couldn't stop the sigh of relief that escaped her lips that he was no longer
watching her and quickly flipped the blanket around her shoulder like some extravagant
toga. Tentatively she slid down towards the chest, wondering what type of clothing would
be provided for her and asking herself if she really even wanted to know. For the past year
she had dressed as a priestess of Selene, the simple robes were meant to humble a person,
to teach them to look beyond worldly beauty and possessions. The bulky, coarse material
had shielded her in a way she hadn't realized until it was so unceremoniously stripped
from her. She felt as if her soul was as naked as her body without those robes of ritual
around her, without the thick hood hiding her fair hair and pale skin, it all felt so wrong.
She felt so, so exposed.
Curling her legs beneath her, she easily pulled the box towards her, it wasn't large,
maybe the width of her outstretched arm and a little longer in the length. She took a
moment to examine the engravings that were sprawled so imperiously across the lid and
sides, running her fingers slowly across the carvings as if hoping they would come to life.
Warriors fought with teeth bared and swords raised as the moon and stars twinkled above
and a woman with no face floated in the sky with arms outstretched as if to encircle the
world. With a start Serena realized it was the story of Selene's revealing to humanity. She
remembered the story easily, it was the one of the pillars of Goddess, a tale to be
remembered every winter solstice as the anniversary of the inclusion of humanity as her
children.
Humanity had always been at war with one another, each faction vying for
dominance but none ever prevailing for long for no common ground could ever be found
but that changed after the revealing. During the middle of a battle that had raged for three
days and three nights the Goddess Selene appeared in the night sky, her arms outstretched
as if pleading for peace and touched each human soul ever so softly with her light and so
they knew compassion and so they knew the pain of their neighbors and enemy and so
they knew each other. The wars had ended after that night and Selene raised in worship
upon terran soil for twenty millennia until, slowly, factions of a new religion worshipping a
deity they named only as "The Great Spirit" had begun to gain power and influence, and it
had only been a matter of time then.
Tearing herself away from her dismal thoughts of legend and politics Serena
wondered why this Terran prince had this object with a tale of Selene's revealing and
redemption of man so lovingly displayed on it when the Terrans had so rejected the
Goddess? So many things about this man didn't make sense, so many contradictions
seemed to surround him and she realized suddenly that she was now entirely dependent on
his charity towards her. Her shoulders slumped forward as she buried her face in her arms
at the thought of being bound to him as she was and the realization of just exactly what
she'd done weighed heavily on her soul but she had shed tears enough already and she
would shed no more. By the Goddess he owned her by a bond that could only be broken
by him, a bond that was sacred to her soul but, she thought with resolve, it had been
necessary. She couldn't have let her friends die, they had protected her through so much
and though they had been her guard she would have done far more then simply swear an
oath to that loathsome man to keep them safe.
Straightening her shoulders she sat up and glared at the box in front of her with a
hard gleam of determination as she snapped the lid open sharply. The small act seemed
petty but it did vent a little of her frustration however. A mass of blue, silver and red
assaulted her eyes from the interior of the chest and seemed to sparkle like diamonds in
the soft sunlight filtering through the tent. Reaching a hand out, an almost awed
expression crossed her face when she felt the gossamer material, let it slide through her
fingers lovingly. It was silk she knew that, woven so fine as to be nearly transparent she
realized as she pulled one garment out blindly, its blue hue like the night sky with small,
glistening stones woven into material that gleamed sharply as she shifted it against the
sunlight.
He watched her, the pure astonishment and joy he saw in her eyes from such a
simple act as giving her clothing humbled him. He felt his heart warm at her little gasps
and the look of wonder that crossed her face again and again with each new bit of cloth
she pulled out. He'd known she was beautiful, a body made to be touched and seen but it
was only last night, after seeing her naked in the early morning light that he had realized
how exquisite she truly was. It was then that he made the promise that that damn vile robe
would never touch that perfect skin again and had quickly ordered more "appropriate"
clothing brought.
It was no easy task to find a woman's clothing out in the middle of country with
only soldiers around, who could no more sew clothing then they could fly. There were
camp followers of course, there always were, but Endymoin had quickly dismissed the
possibility that Serena wear something one of those women had, those who sold their
body with such indifference. No his angel would never touch something they did, she was
everything their debauched lives had corrupted, she was pure and innocent. Thankfully
there was also always a caravan or two riding his armies' coattails, following along for the
protection his soldiers provided their goods and workers. It had taken little persuasion,
after gold had been waved brazenly in front of them, to obtain the chest of fine clothing.
Endymoin had been specific to his messenger, something feminine and light, something
that was a beautiful as she was, if that was even possible, and something that shone like
the stars. His men had not disappointed him, after one look at the contents of that simple
looking chest he had begun to imagine her in those garments, the silk clinging to her
smooth thighs, her pert breasts.
Turning back to her he was presented with a view that very nearly snapped his
haggard control. She stood with her back to him, the fur she had used to shield herself
early lay curled around her feet and she was nude. The gentle curve of her back, the swell
of her hips and thighs and most importantly the arch of her buttocks were all displayed for
him shamelessly as she tried unsuccessfully to untangle a silver and blue garment into
some semblance of order. Endymoin winced slightly at the painfully tightening of loins,
Gods how could this woman keep him eternally hard? From the moment he'd awoken this
morning he'd had to restrain himself from reaching for her, from taking her, but restrain
himself he did for he remembered his promise, he would have her willingly and alive with
passion. It did little to calm his blood now as he watched the delicate muscles of her back
shift as her arms moved to pull the fine material over her head. He watched the gossamer
silk slink down her back, running down her thighs and a small groan escaped his lips and
his hands fisted at his side. Was she TRYING to kill him!
Her head whipped around at the sound of his strangled breathing filling the
suddenly quiet air only to find him watching her with an intensity that set her nerves on
edge and made her skin tingle. His eyes were darker than normal she noted absently, they
looked almost black. His face had turned hard, his jaw clenched tight and indeed his whole
body seemed tensed, taut like a bowstring. He seemed poised to pounce, she realized, like
some predator regarding its prey, the thought had her stepping back as her hand flew to
her throat. It was then that she felt her new clothing or lack there of, for her hand met only
heated skin and the slight curve of her breast. Looking down with wide eyes she saw the
scoop of the neck as it tapered from her shoulders to a point between her breasts,
displaying more flesh than she'd ever thought possible to while still wearing clothing. Her
scrutiny continued downward to the flowing skirt of the ensemble and was pleased to see
it covered her to past her toes but that pleasure was short lived when she saw the two slits
along each side that slide up to each thigh. Moving her legs slightly she saw each peek out
from beneath the blue fabric. The dress or what resembled, however loosely, a dress was a
beautiful show of artistry in workmanship, starting out a bold and glimmering silver only
to taper to a lighter shade of silver and then work to a blue that ended at the hem of her
skirt in color that was nearly purple.
It was exquisite, it was flawless, it was BARELY THERE! Her eyes flashed with
anger when she swung her gaze back to Endymoin who was now openly gaping at her
which only fueled her irritation.
"This is what you bring me?!" Suddenly his gawking stare vanished to be replaced by a
knowing smirk as his lips curved up slightly at the corners.
"Personally it gets my resounding vote of approval." He leaned back slightly against the
small, map covered table and crossed his arms smugly across his chest, amusement clear in
his eyes. She only glared at him before looking down once again at her outfit and sighing
in disgust.
"I'm sure it does, but I wonder if it's all that appropriate for traveling?" Her words
dripped with sarcasm but when she saw the shock of realization cross his features and then
a flash of anger and possessiveness? she couldn't hide her surprise. She didn't really
expect him to care, thinking he would make her travel on horse the day in something that
looked like it was out of some Arabian fairy tale.
At her words the thought finally occurred that she would be showcased before his
men when they moved out. Her shapely form more teasingly hidden by the sheer dress she
wore than covered. The thought of anyone else, let along thousands of men staring at his
angel didn't sit well with him and he felt a fierce possessiveness well up within him as well
as an overwhelming need to protect this little innocent from a very jaded world. A fierce
frown marred his features, the longer he thought about the situation the more
unacceptable he found it. Turning sharply his boots nearly clicked together as he mulled
over his problem and then with a snap of his fingers the solution was there, so simple he
could only laugh.
She watched him, a little apprehensive at the sudden roughish smile that was now
so proudly adorning his lips. He was up to something and she would bet her last gold
piece that she was not going to like it. She frowned at him, hoping he would realize her
annoyance but he only smiled brighter at her disgruntled expression and then walked to the
far end of the tent. The corner was covered in shadow but she saw him shuffle through
what looked like a saddle bad as he muttered to himself, cursing a few very inventive if not
entirely appropriate expletives every now and again until finally his form snapped straight.
"Ah-ha. Here we go, problem solved." He looked extremely pleased with himself though
for the life of her Serena couldn't figure out exactly why.
"Solved what problem?" She cocked her head slightly to the side as she regarded him, he
had turned to face her now and was holding a small black bundle.
"Covering you up for travel." He said simply as he threw the bundle at her, twisting it
apart Serena was present with a dark riding cloak that boasted a ample hood and it would
indeed cover her for the trip ahead, she doubted if a single inch of her skin would show.
She smiled at him in thanks.
"Thank you. This will be much better."
"Yes, I agree completely." He knew she thought he had given her the damn cloak out of
some chivalrous actions and that was fine with him just as long as his angel stayed his and
no one but HIM saw her in that particular outfit. He turned towards the door, the flap
blowing softly in the afternoon breeze, allowing brief glimpses of the guards he'd posted
there and went to make sure his army broke camp within the hour. They needed to make it
to the pass by the spring festival or they risked losing the rebels and falling and losing
ground in this guerrilla war, ground that he would not lose.
"Be ready to leave within the hour. I'll send an attendant, my Lady Moon." The words
were thrown casually over his shoulder as he proceeded on without a backwards glance.
He never knew what possessed him to call her that, later he would think back that it was
inevitable, she was his Lady Moon, she would always be.
~*~*~*~*
so what did you think? review, review! what about those pesky rebels? are they important or just background filler? hmm i don't know? thanks all who have been keeping with this story and my other. Dark Obsession is coming along slowly but surely. Have no fear updates await!