Chapter Eight

Awakening from the Dream

The hour was late, the sky had darkened and all traces of the sun were well away, but a large tent in the middle of the field. Lanterns hung atop the poles lit the tent well as the staff of the renaissance festival joined together for the ball. All the visitors to the festival, save for select invited persons, had left an hour ago and now they joined together to relax and unwind. But tonight's dance held a special air about it as all knew that there was a special love that had been brought.

Amy, Mina, Lita, and Rei had all donned dresses to fit in and indeed many of the males took notice of the foursome. But soon all eyes turned to the entrance as two figures entered. Darien, now wearing a black shirt with a black doublet, black pants and boots with a black cape flowing behind him, walked slowly with a catlike grace that warned of quick reflexes and quicker movements. In contrast the regal woman beside him, her slender form holding his arm gently, her dress of white and silver made an angelic look about the blonde haired girl.

All of the troupe, many at the long wooden tables that formed a wide "U" shape facing the entrance, grew silent seeing the two lovers approach. Serena blushed slightly as the firelight reflected off the glittering lip gloss she wore. None stirred for several moments and the two smiled as they approached the Queen who sat at the center of the head table. Bowing and curtsying respectfully the Queen bade them rise.

The herald to the left of the queen spoke then, loud and joyous, "My Lords and Ladies I ask thee to welcome Sir Darien, Champion of the Summer Festival and his love the Lady Serenity, newly come to our troupe and well met."

This was met with loud applause as the two guests of honor smiled blushing a bit. Soon several of the musicians began to play, and Serena recognized the song at once. The locket's tune sounded so much lovelier when it filled the room and Darien smiled looking into her eyes. Softly he asked for a dance, and without hesitation she curtsied and accepted. The two moved to the center of the floor easily moving with the motions of the dance as if they had done it a thousand times before.

The warmth of her love's hand on the small of her back, and the intoxicating aroma of roses and cinnamon filled Serena as she danced gracefully. To her there was nothing but Darien, and she was quite content for the first time in what seemed forever.

She thought softly to herself, 'If this is a dream, I never want to wake up…'

Slowly the music ended, but the two lovers just looked at each other and smiled gently as the entire troupe clapped and many of the women found their eyes filled with tears at the beauty of it all. Slowly, reluctant to end the moment the two made their way to their seats as the celebration truly began. Beneath the table his hand found hers and she sighed happy for the simple touch. Of her four friends, Serena noticed all were dancing or talking with someone, it seemed that the men had done more than just notice the foursome. It was all she could have wished for and she gently laid her head on Darien's shoulder and let her eyes close.

The party lasted well into the night, and Darien and his lady danced many a dance together. But in the end she fell asleep as soon as she sat down in the car. Darien drove her home, while Richard took her friends to her house afterwards. Gently Darien laid the young girl into her bed and kissed her cheek.

Slowly she roused a bit and murmured softly, "Darien…?"

The young man nodded slowly, "Yes love?"

The simple sound of that word associated with her sent shivers down her spine as she slowly opened her eyes gently smiling, "Thank you for everything…I'll never forget this night."

Sitting on the side of her bed Darien gently caressed her cheek tenderly, "Nor will I love…nor will I," he leaned down slowly and kissed her forehead softly whispering, "Sweet dreams love, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Serena's voice was a soft whisper, "Goodnight love…"

With that Darien rose and closed the door gently before making his way downstairs. As he opened the door, however, he found four starry-eyed young girls looking at him. Before the young man quite knew what was happening he found himself on the couch with a circle of very curious women.

Rei led the charge with her barrage, "Alright Chiba, we want to know all the juicy details…what happened after you left the party?"

Lita was right behind her friend, "Yea, where did you go??"

But Darien explained that all he had done was bring her home and put her in bed. Her friends smiled and Mina voiced their thoughts, "Really Darien we are glad you are happy as we are glad Serena is…just be good to her okay? I for one believe that you guys have something truly special, as long as you care for her."

"I will…I promise," and those midnight hued eyes, so deep and mysterious, met each of the girl's slowly silently strengthening the promise. Each of the four women felt that now there was nothing that could or would harm their friend. For in those eyes they each saw the devotion that stories are written of, the kind that will die to protect the one they love.

After a short while Darien left, content and happy as he could ever remember being. Once in bed Darien closed his eyes and dreamt of his princess and in his gentle sleep a smile rested on his lips.

The next morning Serena awoke slowly, and looked around her room a bit surprised to find herself here. Slowly her sleep fogged mind remembered last night and she smiled and stood. She was still in her gown and her first business was to change and shower. She hung the dress in her closet gently and showered soon after. As she walked downstairs soft, savory aromas of breakfast filled the air and she smiled seeing her friends at the table.

"Well good morning Rena," Rei smiled from her seat and sipped her drink slowly, "sleep well?"

"Very, you?"

She nodded and winked, "Too bad I didn't have any knights to dream about."

"Yea," Serena sat slowly and began eating, but oddly she had patience with her food and looked at her friend's stunned expressions with a giggle, "Well I can't eat like a pig if I am Darien's girlfriend now can I?"

The four smiled a bit thinking this change might be for the best as they resumed eating. After the meal was over Serena hugged each of her friends before they left. Her parents came home a few hours later glad to see their daughter so happy. For awhile Serena merely watched television, but her heart would not let her sit idle when she felt like dancing. Just as her restlessness was beginning to affect her the phone rang.

"Hello? Tsukino residence," even on the phone her voice was bright as a summer day.

The deep voice on the other end echoed her joy, "Good morning Serena, are you busy?"

"Darien I…well not really…busy I mean…" Serena blushed but the young man merely chuckled warmly.

"Meet me by the lake in about twenty minutes okay?"

"Alright…"

She was about to hang up when Darien added softly, "I love you."

Her voice was a content whisper, "I love you too, Darien."

With that the two young lovers hung up and Serena checked her appearance in the mirror. Twin pigtails falling near her ankles, she chose tight fitting jeans and a t-shirt with a red pullover sweater. Finally she grabbed her coat and ran towards the door. She knew she was forgetting something as she ran down the stairs. At the foot of the stairs she stopped and shook her head chuckling a bit as she returned to her bedroom and put her shoes on.

'Leave it to you Serena to forget your own shoes,' she thought as she again walked down the stairs. She walked towards the meeting place while feeling like she was walking on air. Despite the early hour several shopkeepers had opened their stores for business. But the park near the lake was almost deserted, a light frost lay atop the green grass as the lilies floated lightly atop the lake's mirrored surface. A tall figure stood beneath the shade of a gazebo, his dark hair dancing in the breeze softly while his midnight shaded eyes watched a lily he had dropped as it joined the others.

Serena approached him slowly not wishing to disturb his thoughts but he turned slowly and smiled gently. Serena thought about how much joy it gave her just to know she was the cause of his smile. Her own lips warmed into a smile as she stood beside him watching the lilies on the lake's cold surface. As they stood their fogged breaths mingled in the space between them. Silently their hands found each other and he gave hers a light squeeze as he broke the silence.

"Did you sleep well Serena?" his voice was gentle, but behind the simple phrase reverberated true love and hope.

She nodded slowly, "I did, and did you?"

He smiled kissing her hand gently, "For the first time in many years I did sleep comfortably and with a light heart," seeing her blush he smiled, "and today I have a gift for you."

"Another one Darien? What could top the gift of love you gave me?" Serena was perplexed as to what surprises her boyfriend had in store now for her.

Darien led her, hand in hand, to his car nearby and opened her door for her. She entered gracefully and smiled as he entered his side. They drove in silence, each content with just having the other near to let words remain unspoken. When the car stopped, Serena realized they were at the festival grounds once more. But when she looked to Darien in curiosity he would say nothing. He led her to the far end of the grounds where Moondreamer stood saddled and silent.

She smiled caressing the horse's flank gently as he nuzzled her hand a bit. Darien spoke slowly, "Would you like to go for a ride Serena, Moondreamer has no problems carrying the two of us."

Her smile was even brighter, and all she could do was nod, so great was her joy at the prospect. Darien climbed easily into the saddle and aided her in climbing after him. Once seated, his strong arm around her waist, they rode off at an easy pace with the young woman resting her head against the heart of her prince. They rode through the woods surrounding the festival grounds, roughly following the course of a small stream until they came to a pool in a large clearing. Serena was surprised to see a blanket spread out with a picnic for two ready with fruits, bread and some cake as well.

Darien spoke behind her, "It's not the ocean love, but I remembered what Mina told me about your wish and I wanted to do something…"

He was cut off as a pair of silken lips pressed against his gently as Serena turned in the saddle to face him. He returned the kiss gently, warmth spreading through his veins like wildfire. Finally, after the two had long since lost the ability to breath, they broke the kiss. Each was flustered and their cheeks blazed as Darien helped her down and unsaddled the stallion. Then the recent couple sat down to eat, as they did Serena spoke as she deftly peeled an orange.

"Thank you Darien…this means so much to me," she kissed him once more, much more restraint this time than before and she settled back.

"Welcome love…I really feel happier than I can remember being in all my life."

"I am glad, but is this to be the end of the dreams? Truly this has been so magical I fear to see the end."

Darien cupped her cheek gently with his hand, "It shall end when time stops eternally, the sun ceases to rise and the stars fade from the heavens. For that is what love is, a truly powerful magic that can defeat all obstacles. We shall continue to learn about each other love, and face each day as it comes to us."

"I like that," Serena sighed gently, "and I promise I shall always love you Darien Chiba, just as I always have."

"And I promise to love you Serena Tsukino…until the end of my days."

The two embraced once more and the young woman thought of her wish on the lily flowers, 'I wish that all people find their true prince or princess. Even if it is the one they've loved and never known…'

Darien smiled gently looking out as the sun rose, bringing with it the new beginnings filled with love, and hope. Serena watched the water ripple softly as she held Darien gently. She knew that her love was just beginning, with many things to do before all was complete. There was informing her parents and getting to know each other. But for now she was content, happiness found for her in her moment of true despair. For that is the true magic of love…finding hope in the least likely of places.