Chapter Four, Going Out:
Serenity and Miriam agreed it was too dangerous to
continue meeting in Serenity's bedchamber. Thus, Miriam said that
if Serenity would follow her toward Lune's cottage there were
woods near there that she could show her, and a beautiful river
they could meet at. "We will have to hurry," Serenity said. "My
parents could enter my room at any time."
"Are they not dining with the Queen and King of Mars?"
Miriam asked.
"They are, but one never knows how long those dinners will
last. It depends on the moods they are all in, and I know my
parents are not in a good one. It also depends on what they are
discussing, but to my knowledge they are not discussing anything
of the political nature. If the subject is political I have not
overheard it, so it must not be dire. Thus, they will most likely
be done soon."
Miriam nodded. "We will go quickly."
They walked to the edge of the balcony. "Now this I can
do," Serenity said.
Miriam looked at her strangely. "If you can get down the
balcony with your power, you must be feeling the peace inside of
you."
"Well, I ran to you with the power as well that first
night," Serenity admitted.
Miriam shook her head. "Serenity, I am very confused now.
If you came off the balcony with the power and ran with the power,
then you must have felt the peace."
"I suppose I did, but I thought it felt more like urgency
than peace," Serenity said, remembering the feeling of urgency she
had. *That is peace?*
"Come on," Miriam said. She gently took Serenity's hand in
hers as she closed her eyes for a minute and then began to hover.
However, Serenity was not hovering, and Miriam did not possess
enough magical strength yet to pull up another being. They both fell.
Miriam rubbed her head as Serenity grunted and tried to get up with
Miriam. "Serenity, I thought you said you could do this."
Serenity flinched, "Sorry Miriam. I thought that I could."
Miriam shook her head. "I do not know what to do Serenity. We
have got to get to the river in the woods by Lune's cottage, or
we may not ever be able to meet because we may not have this chance
again.
Serenity's eyebrows furrowed. "I know," she said worriedly.
"Oh I do not know how to make it work, but we have to." She closed
her eyes and was hovering almost instantly; she looked down at Miriam
in astonishment.
"Wait Serenity. Try not to look down. It might stop the power
or something," Miriam suggested.
Serenity nodded her head and closed her eyes. *We have to
hurry. I cannot bear not to see Miriam again. I have to hurry,* she
told herself, and she was floating down near the ground when she
opened her eyes. She concentrated on landing softly. Miriam shook her
head. "I do not understand why it only worked this time. Perhaps you
cannot do it while holding my hand?"
"That does not make any sense," Serenity said in exasperation.
"I know, I know," Miriam said in confusion.
Miriam took longer than Serenity to get down, but her light
was a much stronger, brighter gold than Serenity's faint purple,
though of course neither of them knew that.
"I am sorry I became agitated on the balcony; I was just so
worried we would not make it," Miriam said apologetically.
"Oh no, do not worry about it dear Miriam. I, too, was very
worried after it did not work that first time."
Miriam looked at her, her eyes lighting up, suddenly
comprehending. "That urgency you described before. You must have felt
that again hm?"
"Why, yes, I did," Serenity said, a bit surprised by the
question.
Miriam shook her head. "You are not using your power by peace
and tranquility; you are using it by urgency and worry."
"That is possible?"
"Well, I did not know it was. Lune never mentioned it, but it
must be because it seems to be how your power works."
"Do you think that is bad?"
Miriam thought about it for a minute. "I do not know, but to
be honest I do. I get a bad feeling about it."
"Me too," Serenity said in concern.
"Well, we cannot worry about it now. We have to get to the
woods and if that is the only way you can use your power than so be
it for now. We will worry about the right way to use it later.
Perhaps, if we have time after I show you the place, we will have
time to stop by Lune's cottage. Otherwise you can ask her at your
next training session."
Serenity nodded.
"All right. I will feel the peace. You feel the urgency, and
aim that urgency towards Lune's cottage. We must hurry."
Serenity let the worry that so often plagued her thoughts
overcome her. *What will I do if I never see Miriam again? I cannot
bear the thought of that. She means everything to me. We must get
there. We must hurry.* And she was zooming, shapes and objects merely
blurs as she felt the power rushing through her veins and the speed
becoming faster and faster.
When she arrived, it was nearly 10 minutes before Miriam
showed up. "Your power works much faster," Miriam remarked gravely. "I
saw you shoot by before I had even closed my eyes. It was incredible;
you were this flash of purple, but I feel worried about it."
"Me too," Serenity said again.
"Walk with me."
"What about Lune?"
"I am here," the voice of Lune said as they both turned around.
"Serenity, Miriam come here."
They approached her. "I was just showing Serenity a good
meeting place. We have not much time...." Miriam began to say.
Lune cut her off, "I know you do not, but this is important.
Serenity, how did you get here?"
"By my power," Serenity admitted hesitantly.
Lune shook her head. "No, how did you use your power I meant."
Serenity shook her head, "I am not actually sure."
"We think urgency, worry," Miriam added.
Lune nodded, "and you would be correct. Why so much anxiety
Serenity?"
Serenity looked away, "I suppose I am nearly always worried. It
is easy to tap into it. To let the thoughts get louder and
louder and overtake me until...the power just happens."
Lune nodded. "That is very dangerous Serenity. That is how you
found your powers, but you must not continue down that path."
"All right, after tonight I will not use my powers that way
anymore."
"No, Serenity. You are not going back to the palace using
urgency to motivate you."
Serenity looked shocked, "but Lune," she said in worry. "I
have no other way back." Her glow of purple was already beginning
to faintly show.
"Oh dear," Miriam said.
"Calm her," Lune requested of Miriam. "Serenity calm down. I
will take you back myself dear. There are risks involved with that
too, but those risks are only the ones with your parents, not
universal magical ones."
"I am more frightened of my parents," Serenity admitted.
"I know. They have instilled that fear in you. I wish I could
take it away, but alas I do not have such power. Miriam will hopefully
show you true friendship which will help you escape the grip they
continually tighten around your mind. In the meantime, never ever let
your power be used that way. That path is already going to be very
hard to come back from, and every time you use your powers that way
it will become harder and harder. I will see you in a few minutes to
return you to your bedchamber after Miriam shows you the place. Go
carefully," Lune added as they walked away.
The place was quickly shown to Serenity. Before they parted,
Miriam and Serenity embraced each other with caring hugs. "I will
get here from Venus with a transport pod. I think I can sneak into
there on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings when the pods are not
being cleaned by the clearners. Come back this night, eight hours
later, those three times a week," Miriam reminded Serenity.
"Yes, of course," Serenity said.
"Until next week then."
"Yes, until next week dear Miriam," Serenity finished, a bit
sadly though she knew they would see each other again. She walked
slowly back to Lune's cottage, not thinking about the time or her
parents. For the first time, she allowed her mind to wander over
her friend instead of worrying incessantly about her parents' anger
and her parents' wishes. When she got to Lune's cottage, though, she
was reminded of this worry and exclaimed, "oh dear. I forgot about my
parents and the time."
Lune smiled a bit. "This is good Serenity. This is the first
step toward finding the peace."
"Good?" Serenity exclaimed, upset. "This is Not good. If my
parents have discovered I am missing...." she trailed off in worry and
fear.
"Do not worry Serenity. They are just finishing their dinner.
If you come and hold my hand, I will have you there in time probably
just before they enter your room."
Serenity nodded, and as she was shaking a bit, she held Lune's
outstretched hands with her own. Lune began to glow, and the glow
became so bright Serenity had to close her eyes. Upon opening them,
she found herself in her room. Lune smiled at her before disappearing
in a glow of dark purple light.
Serenity turned to the sound of her door opening, and her mind
flew into a panic.
"Serenity why are you not in your nightgown by now?" Queen
Selenity asked, her head poking in through the doorway. The door was
pushed open the rest of the way by her father's large hands. Her
mother stepped to the side to allow her father to enter. His eyes
flashed with anger and Serenity instinctively stepped back.
"Do not step away from me young lady," her father's
authoritative voice commanded.
"I apologize father," Serenity answered quietly.
The King shook his head. "Sometimes Serenity my disappointment
is so great even I lack the words to express it. Are you happy with
yourself right now?" he asked angrily.
"No father, of course not...I am so sorry," Serenity answered.
*Does he know?*
He grabbed her hair, pulling her to the bed and shoving her
down on it. "Just go to bed without your nightgown," he commanded. "I
do not even want to see your face for the next few days. I do not want
to hear your voice, your footsteps, your movement. I do not want to be
near you. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Serenity barely managed to reply.
"Yes?" her father asked angrily.
"Yes, father," Serenity corrected herself quickly.
Her father grunted, turned to Queen Selenity and said. "You deal
with her. I cannot right now."
"Of course darling. Try to go to sleep if you can. You look so
tired."
The King nodded and exited.
The Queen sat down beside her daughter. "I hope you feel good
about yourself," she said angrily. "Now you have really upset your
father. I swear Serenity, we do not have the energy to keep up with
everything you put on us constantly. The problems you cause, the
burden you put on us. Can we ever get a break? I am so tired. Your father
is so tired."
Serenity's eyes had long ago filled with tears. "I am sorry
mother."
Queen Selenity shook her head. "Someday that is not going to be
enough Serenity. I hope to the heavens you do not turn out even half
as bad as what you are showing us you will become." After a long pause
she added, "You had best stay in your room quietly for the next few days.
One of us will come and resume your visits with Lune when we feel able to
deal with you again."
The days were long as Serenity dared not move from her bed. Her
stomach growled, begging for food. Her mouth was so parched she could
barely swallow.
Lune came the next night though. "Get up Serenity," she said
angrily.
"Oh Lune, I am so sorry. You must have known of how I have
disappointed my parents. Please forgive me."
Lune shook her head. "I have no anger in my heart for you dear
Serenity. I am angry with your parents. If they can be called that. They
most certainly do not deserve that title. Are you hungry?"
Serenity was surprised. "I have hurt them. I am the bad one."
"You are not bad. You are good. Are you hungry dear Serenity?"
"Yes," Serenity responded timidly.
"Oh this makes me sick. They suck the spirit out of you. Let us
go eat."
"Lune…I am not allowed to leave the room, not even the bed really."
"They will not know."
"I am not concerned about them knowing. I want to respect their
wishes."
"An admirable desire, but in this case it is wrong. What they ask
is unreasonable of you and thus invalid….you may respect them as human
beings of course but to follow them, to do their bidding when they are
hurting you is wrong Serenity." Serenity got the strong feeling
Lune did not even have any respect for them. "You are right. I do not,"
Lune admitted. "I only said you could to try to convince you. I
know you will not admit that they should not even be respected. I am
making a small compromise to convince you of the larger truth."
"You speak with such conviction."
"If only that were enough for you to believe me," Lune sighed,
"but come we have not much time."
Serenity nodded. "Okay…if you are sure about this. I am very
hungry, and could I perhaps have a drink?"
"Yes dear, of course."
Serenity felt a certain awe, a deep respect of Lune that she had
almost mistaken for fear when they first met, but she saw now that
there was nothing to truly fear with Lune. Things would be strange,
unexpected, perhaps even scary with her. However, Lune would never
hurt her intentionally. Her parents were whom she feared.
"Take my hands," Lune instructed.
Serenity took the warm, motherly hands and felt such a peace
engulf her. She opened her eyes to see a sea of purple fade away as a
small restaurant scene became clearer. "I will be recognized here,"
Serenity said fearfully.
"No dear, you will not," Lune said convincingly. "Just do not
say a word or we will be kicked out."
A server approached the table. It was then that Serenity
noticed...the table's legs were curved and the tables were all red, a
forbidden color for restaurant tables in her parents' kingdom. She
looked out the large room-length window to her and Lune's right side.
She saw the moon in the distance. So, they were on a nearby planet.
Probably Mars. That suspicion was proved to be correct when she heard
Lune conversing with the server in the Martian language. One thing she
was grateful for as royalty was the inherent ability to speak, write,
and understand all languages in the galaxy. In her studies, she was
becoming fluent in a few languages outside the galaxy as well. When
the server had left with Lune's order, Serenity whispered, "I can
speak in Martian Lune. Why did you tell me not to speak a word? Why
did you not just tell me to speak in Martian language now?"
Lune sighed. "You are drawing attention to us Serenity. I do
wish you would listen to me. Your curiosity is admirable, but it can be
a downfall if you do not watch it more carefully."
Serenity closed up inside. Lune was being just like her
parents. She knew what a failure Serenity was now too.
"You are not a failure my dear. Oh not at all, but you are not
perfect of course. Please do not take my friendly advice as the same
diminishing power trip your parents are constantly on."
Serenity nodded timidly.
"I wish I could get you away from there. They take your spirit,
your confidence, your soul." Lune sighed. "Ah well, please understand
that while you speak Martian flawlessly you do not yet know their
culture very well. I know every nuance of their culture. I could have
been born a Martian as well as a Lunar being."
Serenity thought about that…*you have never fit in with the
Lunar beings though,* but she nodded her head in agreement.
Lune smiled. I know I do not fit in, but I know all the rules
and customs and if I break them I am careful not to go too far. You
will learn the customs of all planets in time if you are to be a proper
queen, but for now just allow me to handle our meal."
Serenity nodded, no longer very surprised that Lune had read
or somehow known her thoughts.
"Do not ever stop questioning Serenity," Lune added. "Just try
to be more careful about when and how you question things. You
understand?"
Serenity nodded, *I think so.*
Lune smiled. "You do dear. Now I hope you like what I
ordered."
Serenity nodded, indicating she was sure she would. In any
event, she was hungry enough to eat most anything. She had never been
a picky eater anyway. It was quite improper to not be picky she had
been taught, but she liked tasting different meals.
After getting her fill of food, the two returned to Serenity's
chamber, and Lune exited after softly placing Serenity in her bed. She
brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen over Serenity's face.
Serenity slept soundly that night, feeling the warmth and peace of
Lune's care wash through her.
Lune, however, did not sleep at all as usual. She watched the
morning sun rise over the meadow outside her cottage, and she drank her
hot tea trying to calm the pangs of pain…the pain of wishing for
something with all one's heart and not getting it. So close within
reach that the wish grew stronger and the pain of not quite reaching it
struck the deepest part of her heart, the most hidden parts of her soul.
To Be Continued...
Serenity and Miriam agreed it was too dangerous to
continue meeting in Serenity's bedchamber. Thus, Miriam said that
if Serenity would follow her toward Lune's cottage there were
woods near there that she could show her, and a beautiful river
they could meet at. "We will have to hurry," Serenity said. "My
parents could enter my room at any time."
"Are they not dining with the Queen and King of Mars?"
Miriam asked.
"They are, but one never knows how long those dinners will
last. It depends on the moods they are all in, and I know my
parents are not in a good one. It also depends on what they are
discussing, but to my knowledge they are not discussing anything
of the political nature. If the subject is political I have not
overheard it, so it must not be dire. Thus, they will most likely
be done soon."
Miriam nodded. "We will go quickly."
They walked to the edge of the balcony. "Now this I can
do," Serenity said.
Miriam looked at her strangely. "If you can get down the
balcony with your power, you must be feeling the peace inside of
you."
"Well, I ran to you with the power as well that first
night," Serenity admitted.
Miriam shook her head. "Serenity, I am very confused now.
If you came off the balcony with the power and ran with the power,
then you must have felt the peace."
"I suppose I did, but I thought it felt more like urgency
than peace," Serenity said, remembering the feeling of urgency she
had. *That is peace?*
"Come on," Miriam said. She gently took Serenity's hand in
hers as she closed her eyes for a minute and then began to hover.
However, Serenity was not hovering, and Miriam did not possess
enough magical strength yet to pull up another being. They both fell.
Miriam rubbed her head as Serenity grunted and tried to get up with
Miriam. "Serenity, I thought you said you could do this."
Serenity flinched, "Sorry Miriam. I thought that I could."
Miriam shook her head. "I do not know what to do Serenity. We
have got to get to the river in the woods by Lune's cottage, or
we may not ever be able to meet because we may not have this chance
again.
Serenity's eyebrows furrowed. "I know," she said worriedly.
"Oh I do not know how to make it work, but we have to." She closed
her eyes and was hovering almost instantly; she looked down at Miriam
in astonishment.
"Wait Serenity. Try not to look down. It might stop the power
or something," Miriam suggested.
Serenity nodded her head and closed her eyes. *We have to
hurry. I cannot bear not to see Miriam again. I have to hurry,* she
told herself, and she was floating down near the ground when she
opened her eyes. She concentrated on landing softly. Miriam shook her
head. "I do not understand why it only worked this time. Perhaps you
cannot do it while holding my hand?"
"That does not make any sense," Serenity said in exasperation.
"I know, I know," Miriam said in confusion.
Miriam took longer than Serenity to get down, but her light
was a much stronger, brighter gold than Serenity's faint purple,
though of course neither of them knew that.
"I am sorry I became agitated on the balcony; I was just so
worried we would not make it," Miriam said apologetically.
"Oh no, do not worry about it dear Miriam. I, too, was very
worried after it did not work that first time."
Miriam looked at her, her eyes lighting up, suddenly
comprehending. "That urgency you described before. You must have felt
that again hm?"
"Why, yes, I did," Serenity said, a bit surprised by the
question.
Miriam shook her head. "You are not using your power by peace
and tranquility; you are using it by urgency and worry."
"That is possible?"
"Well, I did not know it was. Lune never mentioned it, but it
must be because it seems to be how your power works."
"Do you think that is bad?"
Miriam thought about it for a minute. "I do not know, but to
be honest I do. I get a bad feeling about it."
"Me too," Serenity said in concern.
"Well, we cannot worry about it now. We have to get to the
woods and if that is the only way you can use your power than so be
it for now. We will worry about the right way to use it later.
Perhaps, if we have time after I show you the place, we will have
time to stop by Lune's cottage. Otherwise you can ask her at your
next training session."
Serenity nodded.
"All right. I will feel the peace. You feel the urgency, and
aim that urgency towards Lune's cottage. We must hurry."
Serenity let the worry that so often plagued her thoughts
overcome her. *What will I do if I never see Miriam again? I cannot
bear the thought of that. She means everything to me. We must get
there. We must hurry.* And she was zooming, shapes and objects merely
blurs as she felt the power rushing through her veins and the speed
becoming faster and faster.
When she arrived, it was nearly 10 minutes before Miriam
showed up. "Your power works much faster," Miriam remarked gravely. "I
saw you shoot by before I had even closed my eyes. It was incredible;
you were this flash of purple, but I feel worried about it."
"Me too," Serenity said again.
"Walk with me."
"What about Lune?"
"I am here," the voice of Lune said as they both turned around.
"Serenity, Miriam come here."
They approached her. "I was just showing Serenity a good
meeting place. We have not much time...." Miriam began to say.
Lune cut her off, "I know you do not, but this is important.
Serenity, how did you get here?"
"By my power," Serenity admitted hesitantly.
Lune shook her head. "No, how did you use your power I meant."
Serenity shook her head, "I am not actually sure."
"We think urgency, worry," Miriam added.
Lune nodded, "and you would be correct. Why so much anxiety
Serenity?"
Serenity looked away, "I suppose I am nearly always worried. It
is easy to tap into it. To let the thoughts get louder and
louder and overtake me until...the power just happens."
Lune nodded. "That is very dangerous Serenity. That is how you
found your powers, but you must not continue down that path."
"All right, after tonight I will not use my powers that way
anymore."
"No, Serenity. You are not going back to the palace using
urgency to motivate you."
Serenity looked shocked, "but Lune," she said in worry. "I
have no other way back." Her glow of purple was already beginning
to faintly show.
"Oh dear," Miriam said.
"Calm her," Lune requested of Miriam. "Serenity calm down. I
will take you back myself dear. There are risks involved with that
too, but those risks are only the ones with your parents, not
universal magical ones."
"I am more frightened of my parents," Serenity admitted.
"I know. They have instilled that fear in you. I wish I could
take it away, but alas I do not have such power. Miriam will hopefully
show you true friendship which will help you escape the grip they
continually tighten around your mind. In the meantime, never ever let
your power be used that way. That path is already going to be very
hard to come back from, and every time you use your powers that way
it will become harder and harder. I will see you in a few minutes to
return you to your bedchamber after Miriam shows you the place. Go
carefully," Lune added as they walked away.
The place was quickly shown to Serenity. Before they parted,
Miriam and Serenity embraced each other with caring hugs. "I will
get here from Venus with a transport pod. I think I can sneak into
there on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings when the pods are not
being cleaned by the clearners. Come back this night, eight hours
later, those three times a week," Miriam reminded Serenity.
"Yes, of course," Serenity said.
"Until next week then."
"Yes, until next week dear Miriam," Serenity finished, a bit
sadly though she knew they would see each other again. She walked
slowly back to Lune's cottage, not thinking about the time or her
parents. For the first time, she allowed her mind to wander over
her friend instead of worrying incessantly about her parents' anger
and her parents' wishes. When she got to Lune's cottage, though, she
was reminded of this worry and exclaimed, "oh dear. I forgot about my
parents and the time."
Lune smiled a bit. "This is good Serenity. This is the first
step toward finding the peace."
"Good?" Serenity exclaimed, upset. "This is Not good. If my
parents have discovered I am missing...." she trailed off in worry and
fear.
"Do not worry Serenity. They are just finishing their dinner.
If you come and hold my hand, I will have you there in time probably
just before they enter your room."
Serenity nodded, and as she was shaking a bit, she held Lune's
outstretched hands with her own. Lune began to glow, and the glow
became so bright Serenity had to close her eyes. Upon opening them,
she found herself in her room. Lune smiled at her before disappearing
in a glow of dark purple light.
Serenity turned to the sound of her door opening, and her mind
flew into a panic.
"Serenity why are you not in your nightgown by now?" Queen
Selenity asked, her head poking in through the doorway. The door was
pushed open the rest of the way by her father's large hands. Her
mother stepped to the side to allow her father to enter. His eyes
flashed with anger and Serenity instinctively stepped back.
"Do not step away from me young lady," her father's
authoritative voice commanded.
"I apologize father," Serenity answered quietly.
The King shook his head. "Sometimes Serenity my disappointment
is so great even I lack the words to express it. Are you happy with
yourself right now?" he asked angrily.
"No father, of course not...I am so sorry," Serenity answered.
*Does he know?*
He grabbed her hair, pulling her to the bed and shoving her
down on it. "Just go to bed without your nightgown," he commanded. "I
do not even want to see your face for the next few days. I do not want
to hear your voice, your footsteps, your movement. I do not want to be
near you. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Serenity barely managed to reply.
"Yes?" her father asked angrily.
"Yes, father," Serenity corrected herself quickly.
Her father grunted, turned to Queen Selenity and said. "You deal
with her. I cannot right now."
"Of course darling. Try to go to sleep if you can. You look so
tired."
The King nodded and exited.
The Queen sat down beside her daughter. "I hope you feel good
about yourself," she said angrily. "Now you have really upset your
father. I swear Serenity, we do not have the energy to keep up with
everything you put on us constantly. The problems you cause, the
burden you put on us. Can we ever get a break? I am so tired. Your father
is so tired."
Serenity's eyes had long ago filled with tears. "I am sorry
mother."
Queen Selenity shook her head. "Someday that is not going to be
enough Serenity. I hope to the heavens you do not turn out even half
as bad as what you are showing us you will become." After a long pause
she added, "You had best stay in your room quietly for the next few days.
One of us will come and resume your visits with Lune when we feel able to
deal with you again."
The days were long as Serenity dared not move from her bed. Her
stomach growled, begging for food. Her mouth was so parched she could
barely swallow.
Lune came the next night though. "Get up Serenity," she said
angrily.
"Oh Lune, I am so sorry. You must have known of how I have
disappointed my parents. Please forgive me."
Lune shook her head. "I have no anger in my heart for you dear
Serenity. I am angry with your parents. If they can be called that. They
most certainly do not deserve that title. Are you hungry?"
Serenity was surprised. "I have hurt them. I am the bad one."
"You are not bad. You are good. Are you hungry dear Serenity?"
"Yes," Serenity responded timidly.
"Oh this makes me sick. They suck the spirit out of you. Let us
go eat."
"Lune…I am not allowed to leave the room, not even the bed really."
"They will not know."
"I am not concerned about them knowing. I want to respect their
wishes."
"An admirable desire, but in this case it is wrong. What they ask
is unreasonable of you and thus invalid….you may respect them as human
beings of course but to follow them, to do their bidding when they are
hurting you is wrong Serenity." Serenity got the strong feeling
Lune did not even have any respect for them. "You are right. I do not,"
Lune admitted. "I only said you could to try to convince you. I
know you will not admit that they should not even be respected. I am
making a small compromise to convince you of the larger truth."
"You speak with such conviction."
"If only that were enough for you to believe me," Lune sighed,
"but come we have not much time."
Serenity nodded. "Okay…if you are sure about this. I am very
hungry, and could I perhaps have a drink?"
"Yes dear, of course."
Serenity felt a certain awe, a deep respect of Lune that she had
almost mistaken for fear when they first met, but she saw now that
there was nothing to truly fear with Lune. Things would be strange,
unexpected, perhaps even scary with her. However, Lune would never
hurt her intentionally. Her parents were whom she feared.
"Take my hands," Lune instructed.
Serenity took the warm, motherly hands and felt such a peace
engulf her. She opened her eyes to see a sea of purple fade away as a
small restaurant scene became clearer. "I will be recognized here,"
Serenity said fearfully.
"No dear, you will not," Lune said convincingly. "Just do not
say a word or we will be kicked out."
A server approached the table. It was then that Serenity
noticed...the table's legs were curved and the tables were all red, a
forbidden color for restaurant tables in her parents' kingdom. She
looked out the large room-length window to her and Lune's right side.
She saw the moon in the distance. So, they were on a nearby planet.
Probably Mars. That suspicion was proved to be correct when she heard
Lune conversing with the server in the Martian language. One thing she
was grateful for as royalty was the inherent ability to speak, write,
and understand all languages in the galaxy. In her studies, she was
becoming fluent in a few languages outside the galaxy as well. When
the server had left with Lune's order, Serenity whispered, "I can
speak in Martian Lune. Why did you tell me not to speak a word? Why
did you not just tell me to speak in Martian language now?"
Lune sighed. "You are drawing attention to us Serenity. I do
wish you would listen to me. Your curiosity is admirable, but it can be
a downfall if you do not watch it more carefully."
Serenity closed up inside. Lune was being just like her
parents. She knew what a failure Serenity was now too.
"You are not a failure my dear. Oh not at all, but you are not
perfect of course. Please do not take my friendly advice as the same
diminishing power trip your parents are constantly on."
Serenity nodded timidly.
"I wish I could get you away from there. They take your spirit,
your confidence, your soul." Lune sighed. "Ah well, please understand
that while you speak Martian flawlessly you do not yet know their
culture very well. I know every nuance of their culture. I could have
been born a Martian as well as a Lunar being."
Serenity thought about that…*you have never fit in with the
Lunar beings though,* but she nodded her head in agreement.
Lune smiled. I know I do not fit in, but I know all the rules
and customs and if I break them I am careful not to go too far. You
will learn the customs of all planets in time if you are to be a proper
queen, but for now just allow me to handle our meal."
Serenity nodded, no longer very surprised that Lune had read
or somehow known her thoughts.
"Do not ever stop questioning Serenity," Lune added. "Just try
to be more careful about when and how you question things. You
understand?"
Serenity nodded, *I think so.*
Lune smiled. "You do dear. Now I hope you like what I
ordered."
Serenity nodded, indicating she was sure she would. In any
event, she was hungry enough to eat most anything. She had never been
a picky eater anyway. It was quite improper to not be picky she had
been taught, but she liked tasting different meals.
After getting her fill of food, the two returned to Serenity's
chamber, and Lune exited after softly placing Serenity in her bed. She
brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen over Serenity's face.
Serenity slept soundly that night, feeling the warmth and peace of
Lune's care wash through her.
Lune, however, did not sleep at all as usual. She watched the
morning sun rise over the meadow outside her cottage, and she drank her
hot tea trying to calm the pangs of pain…the pain of wishing for
something with all one's heart and not getting it. So close within
reach that the wish grew stronger and the pain of not quite reaching it
struck the deepest part of her heart, the most hidden parts of her soul.
To Be Continued...