Chapter 6

Destiny Awaits

The morning air held hard to a frost as Darien shivered a bit making his way to the tent where his armor was stored. The fairgrounds opened in about two hours, for now though he would have to get into his unarmored work clothes. White shirt, brown pants and boots but before he could head for the stables he had a few stops to make. First he went to the gate and spoke to Aaron.

"Hey Aaron, how are you?" the man had been a long standing friend to Darien since they had both joined the festival about a year ago.

The tall man, already dressed in his blue shirt and pants smiled a bit, "Hey Darien what's the good word?" Aaron was a man who always had a ready smile and handshake for anyone. Thus he made an excellent choice for greeting people at the gate.

"Not much listen, I have some friends who are going to be coming in later…five girls to be precise," at that the younger man raised a brow, "not like that, only one of them is the one I like the others are her friends. Anyway here's their tickets…"

After a detailed description of the five girls, all of whom made Aaron more than happy to help. With another word of thanks Darien turned and shook his head, his next stop was to see one of the Ladies of the Court. These were the women who would sit as the noble women at the joust, many of whom had boyfriends who were knights. This might take some convincing however since she didn't owe Darien any favors.

Sarah sat outside her tent Indian style, her long brown hair done in two small twin braids over the rest of her hair laying like a brown waterfall down her back. Her golden brown eyes shone softly when Darien approached and she offered him to join her as she sipped some coffee. A plain yet lovely woman, Sarah was used to camping out a lot so it stood as no surprise that she had a campfire and coffee ready. But she was also a good person who would always be available to listen if someone wanted to talk.

Darien sat and outlined his situation and his final plans for the day in as few words as possible then concluded with his request, "…so I was hoping you would let her fill in for you at the tournament, I'll understand if you say no…"

For a long moment the older woman sipped her coffee as she watched him, nearly five years older than Darien she barely looked a day over twenty, finally she smiled warmly, "Are you kidding? Why would I want to miss being part of the most romantic thing ever?? Don't worry Darien I've been feeling under the weather a bit and might be ill this afternoon."

She winked and grinned a bit and Darien smiled gratefully wanting to hug the woman. But instead he inclined his head and went on to the stables slowly. The pungent aroma of hay, oats and horse filled the air as he entered. Moondreamer stirred and whinnied a welcome to his friend as Darien entered and began grooming the stallion slowly.

"We have a big day ahead of us my friend," the horse's dark eyes regarded him as he ran the brush across his coarse hair gently, "Today's the day I tell Serena I love her….you'll like Serena buddy, she's so sweet, and lovely…"

Richard smirked and spoke behind him, "I think I'm going to brush my teeth it's so sickly sweet in here," he grinned and added in a mocking tone, "'she's so sweet and lovely' sheesh buddy I've never seen you spill that stuff before."

Fortunately Cathy came to her friend's rescue, "Oh stop it Richard," then she got a mischievous look in her eye and winked at Darien, "or should I start telling what I call you at home?"

Richard blanched visibly and seemed intent on his boots as he muttered, "You know not to tell anyone that secret."

She giggled then turned to Darien seriously, her crystalline blue eyes shining, "Now one thing Darien I had better meet this Serena before this day is out or mark my words you'll be in a bad way."

"You will Cathy promise," those midnight eyes shot a glare at Richard who was barely suppressing a laugh, but it was forgotten when his friend hugged him.

"Good, now I've got to get ready myself, good luck Darien," with that she walked out leaving Darien and Richard shaking their heads. For awhile the young man lost himself in the steady brushing of the thick horsehair. But his thoughts continued to rest on his golden haired love, and the future they would soon have.

The bus lurched to a stop suddenly, causing the five girls to waken somewhat badly. Golden sunlight filtered through the windows and even at the early hour the frost was beginning to recede from the ground giving promise of a warm day to come. Slowly, with sleep slowing their steps a bit, the young women made their way towards the front of the bus and on to the hard gravel parking lot.

Lita grumbled as her tennis shoes hit the ground, "It never fails I was having the nicest…." her voice trailed off as her emerald eyes turned in the direction of the festival grounds and her final word was a breathy whisper, "…dream."

Serena's sapphire eyes widened as she stared in awe at the large area spanning nearly three miles around. Colorful tents lined in rows had bright pennants snapping in the warm breeze, while along the path many tents and booths stood open with their wares displayed. Already the paths were beginning to fill with people, but the performers were easily seen as men and women dressed in medieval finery both on horseback and afoot made their way along greeting the visitors. At every turn acrobats and musicians in brightly colored clothing played and performed to the joyous patrons.

As they moved closer to the gates several succulent aromas descended on their noses. Warm bread, rich savory roast, apple cider, cherry pies, and those were just the ones they could identify. Many wonderful perfumes, the slightly sweet smell of leather and above all was a wild aroma of excitement waiting around the corner. For a moment the young women merely basked in the sensations then, given an exasperated shove from Lita, they made their way to the gates.

Tall, polished oak the gate was actually a series of doorways with a person waiting to dispense tickets. Lita approached one doorway where a tall young man stood, he was dressed in rich blue tunic with dark, almost black pants tucked into black boots. But his smile was handsome and his bow was graceful as he looked at the women. His light blue eyes glanced once at Serena and his smile become even grander than before as he spoke.

His voice was light, with a hint of music always waiting to come out, "Grace favor you good maidens all, your fare into our enchanted land has been paid but there are a few simple rules I must inform you of," the girls glanced at each other surprised, Darien hadn't mentioned rules, but the man smiled and continued before they could question, "First thou must have fun, no one is allowed to be melancholy beyond these gates, second thou simply must attend the ball this evening as honored guest."

Serena giggled a bit then surprised her friends by doing a slight curtsy, though some of the effect was lost due to her tight blue jeans, nonetheless this seemed to surprise the man as well as she spoke, her voice light with the joy she was feeling, "I thank you good sir, for the kind offer and I assure you that my friends and I would not miss the ball this eve for the world."

The young man bowed to her once more, "Then enjoy fairest maidens, enter the enchanted world and see dreams come alive," with that he smiled and stepped aside allowing them entrance. The hard packed gravel gave way to thick, lush grass as the five girls stared wide eyed around them. It was so large that for a moment they could not decide what to do first, but the four girls remembered what Darien wanted and they glanced around as they let Serena lead them along.

While walking Rei grinned at her friend, "Where'd you learn to curtsy like that Serena?"

The blonde blushed a bit, "You mean without falling on my face," she grinned slightly, "Well I really am not sure….I just sorta did it."

"Well you sure surprised the heck out of me," Rei hugged her friend lightly as they walked and smiled.

They passed several booths and shops along the path, stopping at several to marvel at the beautiful and often exotic wares to be sold. Ami bought two books, while Lita stared longingly at a jewel encrusted dagger. But for the most part the girls just looked around enjoying the atmosphere as they walked. Then Rei noticed the dress shop, a large tent with dresses hanging on nearly a dozen different racks.

All of the girls marveled as the dresses ranged from soft wool to softer silk and everything in between. The dressmaker was a kindly, elderly woman who smiled as she saw the vibrant women. Serena ran her hand along the racks of dresses slowly until she found one that took her breath away. It was white as new fallen snow with silver along the foot of the skirts and atop the bodice. Glitter sparkled across the bodice while a pale white sash rested at the waist, the sleeves of the dress where transparent silver cut to allow freedom of movement.

Over all the dress was something she would have loved to have, unfortunately her sapphire eyes turned to the price tag and she sighed. Rei watched with interest as her friend continue to look at the dress and she nodded a bit to herself. That was definitely something to tell Darien, for now though the young priestess made her way to stand with the young woman.

"Something wrong Serena?" it was odd, but it had been weeks since Rei had called her meatball head, and she didn't plan to start ever again.

The blonde haired woman sighed a bit, "Just wishing I could afford this dress."

"It's a lovely dress Serena, it would look great on you," secretly Rei added, 'and I am sure Darien will be getting it for you in due time.'

She nodded regretfully releasing the silk and letting it fall to settle by the rest of the dresses. The others rejoined her and they began walking again. Coming upon a sword duel they smiled as the swordsmen danced and dodged the other's attack. Serena sighed a bit thinking of Darien as she watched, he was here somewhere and her heart began to beat faster at the thought of seeing him again. The duel ended and the audience applauded the fighters slowly breaking up again. The girls made their way to get something to eat thinking where to go next.

"Well we could go to the stables to see Darien," Serena suggested hopefully. Indeed Rei wanted to go but for different reasons. However the others nodded in agreement and set off to find Darien.

The stable was fairly empty as most of the horses were being used but the sixteen for the joust were still being prepared. Darien and Richard continued working with the tack and harnesses, saddles and other equipment for the horses. As the heat rose the two men had shed their shirts and now their chest and shoulders glistened with sweat as they worked about the stables.

Pouring a bucket of oats for Moondreamer, Darien wiped his forehead, "You know….knights are supposed to have….squires for this stuff," his breathing was heavy from his exertions as Richard laughed.

"Yea, but those were the knights who could afford squires," he lifted another bale of hay into the hayloft and shook his head, "at this rate we'll be no good this afternoon."

Suddenly Cathy ran into the stables, pale violet dress loose about her ankles and raised a brow, "Much as I like seeing two guys without shirts, Darien that girl of yours is on her way here."

Darien blinked but as if on cue the five girls entered the stables and stared. Serena blushed, but her eyes memorized every detail of Darien's muscular form. She hardly glanced at Richard until Rei grinned and covered her eyes. Both men darted to retrieve their shirts hastily putting them on and finally relaxed.

"Serena…it's err nice to see you," Darien's voice was heavy and he hoped she took it for embarrassment. But really it was just her being near him that was doing it.

She giggled a bit, "Nice to see you too Darien, especially fully dressed."

He shook his head, "Serena these are my friends Richard and his wife Cathy," he looked at his friends, "This is Serena, the one I told you about and her friends Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei."

Cathy smiled and winked at her husband, "So you're Serena Darien's told me so much about you…" she continued talking and drew Serena away for a moment. Meanwhile Rei took advantage of the moment to speak with Darien alone. They spoke in hushed whispers as the other's looked around and finally Darien nodded.

When Serena smiled again Darien introduced Moondreamer, who seemed to take an instant liking to the girl as he nuzzled her hand gently. For awhile the eight talked together, Darien telling of his horse's story, save the using him in the joust. But eventually Darien sighed forlornly, he really was a good actor when necessity drove him to be.

"Sadly we have to get back to work soon, the joust begins in about an hour and the horses need to be readied, but I'll meet you at the joust and we can watch them together right?"

Serena nodded, "Right, we'll meet you there Darien."

He waved as they left, an hour would give him enough time to get to the dress makers and get ready himself. All was falling into place, as Cathy shook her head at her friend, she knew this was going to be something special.

"Now Cathy you remember all I told her right??" she nodded and he smiled, "Thank you….for everything."

"My pleasure Darien, my pleasure," and with that she left for her errand of love leaving Darien to pull out his armor slowly…the rose on his shield seemingly more prominent this day.

Serena looked around anxiously as people filed into the seats for the joust, the knights were at the far end of the field their armor shining and the horses were still as statues. The young woman's sapphire eyes spied Moondreamer, and a knight in straight black armor sat astride his back. Her friends looked around as well but no one could see a sign of him.

Moments passed by and Serena sighed, but Lita placed a comforting hand on her arm. Their were no words passed between the two but unspoken was the love and trust of sisters and friends. Serena gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze of thanks before returning her eyes to the shifting crowd.

Doubt seized her and she closed her eyes, 'What if I've taken this all wrong, what if Darien's just being a friend…maybe he loves me as a friend…I couldn't bear to hear that now…not after I've fallen in love with him…'

Before her thoughts could continue Cathy came over to them her face concerned, "Serena…"

"Hi Cathy….is something wrong??" the girl was very concerned when another seemed upset.

"One of our girls is sick and we need a replacement for the fourth lady of the court…" she blinked then looked as if seeing Serena for the first time, Cathy was a better actress then Darien when she chose, "hey….could you do it??"

"What me?! But I wouldn't know…"

"I'll help you, you can sit next to me and I'll give you pointers."

"I can't wear…"

"We have a dress or two that I think will fit you, please Serena, if you don't I'll have to run around the entire grounds looking for one of the other women," Cathy touched her arm and mentally crossed her fingers.

The other girls looked at her friend and then at Serena as she nodded and allowed Cathy to lead the way. So that's what Darien was up to, but they still had no idea what he was planning to do with this. Shrugging they went to their seats waiting for Darien.

Serena followed Cathy to a large tent and in the back two other women in similar dresses to Cathy's stood talking. Each had a simple tiara holding her hair back, one had green eyes lighter than Lita's and slightly curly red hair and a soft rose hued dress, while the other had a deep green dress which was set off by her river of blonde hair and her light green eyes. Both looked at her and smiled knowingly as Cathy smiled.

"Krysta, Lauren, this is Serena, she's filling in for Sarah today," the two women smiled hello to the shy girl. And guided her to a rack where several dresses were hung, "now you pick out the one you like."

For a moment she looked and her eyes widened as she touched the pale silver dress, but what were the chances? Her fingers ran along the sparkling bodice gently and she nodded once drawing it off and beginning to change. The dress fit almost perfectly and she moved a bit replacing the locket around her neck. Then she noticed strangely the aroma of roses and cinnamon, very light but there nonetheless.

"Oh that's gorgeous on you Serena," Krysta smiled, "I love it."

Lauren nodded, "Just right for you now…." she drew out a thin golden tiara with a single, fire hued ruby embedded in it, "A lady you are….Lady Serenity."

Slowly the thin metal band slid into her hair and she shivered looking at herself in the mirror, it was a stunning sight. For a long moment she twirled a bit and smiled looking at Cathy who smiled broadly. She liked this girl already and couldn't wait until she found out what Darien had in store for her.

Slowly the four women made their way towards the arena and Serena glanced around the crowd but couldn't see Darien anywhere. Their seats sat facing the knights, in a shaded awning with solid, polished oak chairs and soft cushions. Glancing nervously at the other women Serena sat mindful of her silk skirts and Cathy smiled, she looked much the princess.

Seeing them arrive the master of ceremonies gave a shout, "Cheers for the Ladies of the Court!"

The crowd cheered and Serena blushed her sapphire eyes shining a bit as she smiled. The man came over and was introduced to "Lady Serenity" and she smiled waiting for the tournament to begin, once more noticing the unknown knight in black armor. She silently hoped Darien could see her now as she closed her eyes and made a silent prayer.

'Let me tell him' a slight breeze again brought the sweet scent that was Darien and she smiled softly. Somehow all would be well…somehow.