Chapter Five, The Fountain:
"Hoot, hoot, hoot..." the eerie sound of an owl filled the
thick night air. Serenity was walking through a dense fog. The cool
feeling of dew refreshed her skin, but the thick taste of the fog
that surrounded her and closed her in made her feel as though she
were suffocating. She found it hard to walk farther, but in the
distance she could hear the trickling of water. She wanted to find
that water. *It will taste good. It will be a relief,* Serenity
assured herself and continued on through the fog. Although as she
trudged on through the fog she found the fog getting more and more
heavy, she also found herself gaining more courage and strength
to battle the thick, dense fog. When she reached a clearing, she saw
the most beautiful fountain. The clear, sparkling water spurted
from the mouths of angels, and trickled down into the pool of pure
water surrounding the beauty of nature.
A sound startled Serenity, and she woke up. She turned to
look at the clock on her vanity. Her eyes squinted. *Does that clock
say 4:15 a.m.?* She slowly got up, yawning, to look at it and saw
that it was indeed just turning to 4:16 a.m. *Oh nooo, I was
supposed to meet Miriam at 4:00 a.m. as I do every Tuesday, Friday,
and Sunday morning.* Serenity grabbed the black velvet cloak Lune had
given her a few months ago as a present for her 15th birthday, and
she snapped it into place, pulling the hood over her head. Rushing
out of the doors, throwing down the ladder they had created before,
hurrying down the ladder, and jumping onto the ground, she ran
toward the river as quickly as her feet would allow her.
Serenity decided to try to cut through the town to the
river. *I know it is risky if anyone sees me, but I do not think
many people will be out this early. Also, it will get me there ten
minutes sooner, thus cutting my time in half.* She slowed down some
to weave her way through the maze of the town. It was not until it
was too late that she saw the young man behind the hut as she was
passing by. He had light brown hair, smoothly cut just above his
ears, and sparkling blue eyes. Serenity noted momentarily that he
must have been born with such smooth hair because he was in a poor
section of the town and even the lunar beings from the richer
sections of town usually could not pay to have their hair smoothed.
That luxury was reserved for royalty and their guards only usually.
She only stopped for a moment, but it was long enough for him to
take notice of her. Just as she began to run off again, his crystal
clear voice stopped her. "Hello. Are you all right miss?" he asked,
his voice ringing through the thin morning air and leaving an
imprint in her soul.
"I am," she responded, nearly breathless. "I mean, I am late,"
she added. "Yes. Very late."
He nodded, "Do not let me keep you then miss."
"Yes, all right. Thank you." Everything in her heart and soul
screamed at her to stay and talk with him, but she knew she could not
keep Miriam waiting any longer. Just as she began to walk off, his
voice stopped her again.
"Wait, please," he asked hesitantly.
"All right," she said reluctantly yet with joy in her heart.
"I do not think I have ever seen you around. You are clearly
not from this village. Are you lost? I would be much obliged to help
you find your way miss."
"I am not lost."
"But you are not from around here. My name is Wesley. What is
yours?"
Serenity smiled. "My name,"and her mind panicked. *Pick a
name Serenity; pick a name.* "My name is Samantha," she said.
Wesley nodded. "Well then, you are most certainly in a hurry.
I am sorry to keep you."
Serenity glanced at him. "It was nice to meet you Wesley."
"Likewise."
Then, as she started off again, his voice added one last
phrase that stayed in her heart for many days to come. "I hope to see
you again."
When she got to the river, Miriam was pacing back and forth
anxiously. "Serenity!" she exclaimed. "Thank goodness you are all
right. I was so worried about you."
"I am so sorry. I was having a dream...or a nightmare. I am
not sure, and so I woke up late."
"I am just glad you are all right Serenity. I understand. We
should hurry back to our places. I will see you early Sunday morning
though will I not?"
"Yes, of course. I wish I could make my alarm clock go off,
but the sound could wake someone else in the palace up. I cannot take
thatrisk. Next time if I am not here in time just return to your
place. We will meet on the next appointed day to clear things up."
Miriam nodded in agreement. "Goodnight Serenity. You are in my
soul always."
"As you are in mine soul sister," Serenity said happily. As
she walked off, she was aware of the longing inside of her to go back
through the town, but it was after 5 a.m. She thought the workday
might have started or be beginning soon. *Another time,* she promised
herself. *After all he did say he hoped he would see me again.*
After sleeping a few more hours, she was awakened by
Christine, having regained that "privilege" recently. "Serenity,
Serenity," she said, shaking the girl. "Get up. It is time to dress
and prepare for breakfast. Then you must prepare for some new
reading material, and then of course you train with Lune."
"All right," Serenity said, rising and going into the bathroom
adjacent to her room to use the toilet and to prepare her hair. After
running last night it had come undone, so she decided to use that as
her one night of the week to let her hair down while sleeping.
She went slowly through the day.
Putting down her books as the door opened, Serenity saw Queen
Selenity enter with Lune by her side. "Good day Serenity," Lune said,
with a nod of her head and a wink as Queen Selenity left and closed
the door behind her.
"Good day Lune," Serenity said quietly.
Lune frowned. "Sit down Serenity. What is wrong?"
"Nothing," Serenity mumbled.
"Serenity," Lune nudged. "What is wrong?"
Tears filled Serenity's eyes. "It is just too hard Lune. It
is just too hard."
"You have the strength inside you to make it through this
Serenity, though I know that is little comfort. Believe me there will
come a time when you are free of all this."
"How did you know what I was speaking of?" Serenity asked.
"Did it not seem as though I was speaking of the magic?"
"Dear, I know you were not speaking of just the magic. I know
you were speaking of it all. They will not control you forever
Serenity. They truly should not control you now. If you would only
break free of them. If you realized that you should, I would help you
to be free in a heartbeat."
"Leave? My parents? Lune, I could never do such a thing."
"I know," Lune said. "I hope in time. Yes, perhaps in
time."
They sat for awhile before Lune said, "Tell me when you
are ready to begin the training Serenity."
"Can we just sit please?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, of course."
However, before the end of the training session, Serenity
wanted to try to lift the hairbrush again.
"You seem to feel as though this is the right time," Lune
commented.
"I have an idea of how to draw on that peace inside. May I?"
"Of course, Serenity."
Serenity closed her eyes, and she thought of Wesley. She
thought of his crystal clear voice, his smooth brown hair, his
sparkling blue eyes, and his kind soul. *Kind soul? I do not even
know him.*
"Do not stop and think about your thoughts Serenity. Simply
allow them to keep flowing," Lune said.
Serenity nodded, and she felt Wesley's presence, and then she
felt Miriam's presence. They were sitting by the river. Each one with
his or her foot in the cool water. Each one of them saying nothing,
yet understanding everything with their connected souls. Now she saw
the fountain with the angels and the pure water. She could see the
foliage around it, the beautiful clear blue sky, and she could hear
the trickling water. She could imagine it would be cool and
refreshing. She felt the peace, and she told herself to levitate the
hairbrush. When she opened her eyes, the hairbrush was floating.
However, she did not really see. She saw, but it was different. She
saw the beauty of Lune's soul. She saw the phony, pretentious palace,
and she saw the splendor of the sky and earth outside her window. It
was as though all of her feelings were being crystallized into
sights. From through a distance she heard Lune speak. It was as
though there was a large gap between them causing Lune's voice to be
distorted and sound far away, but yet such a strong connection with
their souls that the distance did not matter. She vaguely heard Lune
ask her to let the hairbrush come down slowly. So, she allowed the
peace to slowly leave her, and her mind slowly let go of its grasp on
the hairbrush. The hairbrush gently came down upon the table, and
Serenity and Lune smiled.
"You did so well Serenity. I am glad you felt that peace
within yourself. No one can truly control you once you get a handle
on that peace and become more confident."
"I am not good at being confident," Serenity confided.
"The confidence will come in time with the peace dear. Now I
must be going. I will tell Miriam if you like, or you may wait to
tell her tomorrow night if you wish."
"You may tell her. So kind of you to ask Lune."
"I will always ask you to make your decisions on matters
concerning your own life, and I will always respect the decisions
you make. In time I hope I will not have to ask. You will hopefully
learn that your life decisions are yours alone, not without taking
into account the thoughts of those involved in and respectful of
your life I am sure," Lune said.
As she left, Serenity's words came to Lune's ears. "I love
you
Lune."
Lune stopped, her hand poised on the door handle. Serenity
could not see the smile on Lune's face; instead she heard only the
monotone response from Lune, "and I you dear Serenity."
Miriam and Serenity were sitting on the edge of the river.
Each of them had their feet dangling in the cool freshness of the
water. They both dipped their hands in the water. Miriam cupped her
hands together and scooped up the water. Then she put her hands
above Serenity's head and dropped the water on Serenity's head. The
water trickled down her body as Serenity giggled and started
scooping up water and throwing it onto Miriam. Soon they were both
slapping the water toward each other in amusement. Due to it being
4:15 in the morning, they both got tired quickly though, and as
they quieted down, Miriam turned to Serenity. "Do you have
something on your mind soul sister?"
"I do," Serenity admitted. "I cannot put anything past you,
can I?"
Miriam giggled. "No Serenity, you never ever can." She
laughed in her mock evil laugh.
"Oh no, your evil laugh," Serenity giggled.
"What is his name Serenity?"
Serenity sighed. "How did you know?"
Miriam's eyes turned serious. "I am the Princess of love my
soul sister. Tell me about him."
"His name is Wesley. He has the clearest voice and the
smoothest hair."
"Is he a prince or a guard?" Miriam asked in excitement.
Serenity hesitated.
"Serenity?"
Still there was silence.
"I am here for you."
"Oh Miriam, I know you are. Friday morning I took the
shortcut through town to get here."
"That was risky Serenity. I admire that. Was he in the
town?"
"Yes."
"Ah, now the truth about why you were so late comes out."
"Oh no, I really did sleep too late."
"I know. I am just joking. So, what did you both say? What
do you feel?"
"We did not say much. He did mention hoping to see me
again...I feel... I do not know how to describe it. I tapped into
that feeling to feel the peace for the first time, along with
thoughts of you, and a fountain I saw at the end of my dream
Friday morning."
"Oh Serenity. It must be true then. I can feel it."
"Do you think so? Oh, thank you Miriam."
"You should go see him again."
"I want to.'
"Why do you not go see him this morning before returning
to your bedchamber?"
"What will I say? Who will I be? I told him my name was
Samantha."
Miriam laughed. "You are so adorable Serenity. Hmmm…I
suppose you
could be from another part of town."
"But I do not know the parts of town."
"There is another town across the river. Why do you not say
that you came from there? I doubt that he has ever been over there.
Just give vague answers and avoid specifics and details about the
town. It will work Serenity. I believe in this."
"Oh Miriam, I want to believe in it. If you do then it must
be possible."
"Please go Serenity. I will see you again Tuesday morning."
"All right. Goodbye soul sister."
"Goodbye. See you soon."
As she walked toward the town again, flashes of scenes from
the dream came to Serenity's mind. *The forest.* She sees the town
up ahead. *The fog.* She walks toward the town. *The feel.* She
cannot remember exactly where she saw Wesley. *The suffocation.* I
hope I can find him. I want to get out of the town before 5 a.m.
*The trudging.* I only have about 10 minutes. *The trying.* There
is the edge of the town. *The fear.* She is in the town, and she
sees the cluster of huts, a few clusters ahead, that she remembers
being his cluster. *So hard.* Now which hut? *There is a clearing.*
She walks to the cluster and looks behind the first hut. *Still
feels the thick dense fog.* Not there. She looks behind the
second hut. *There is a clearing.* There is Wesley sitting on a
log, carving wood. *There is the fountain.* She approaches him.
"Wesley," she said softly.
He looked up from his wood. His dazzling blue eyes locked
into her soft purple eyes. Serenity swallowed and attempted a small
smile.
Wesley smiled kindly. "Samantha." He stood up. "You came."
Serenity
nodded her head. "I am glad."
"How are you?" Serenity asked.
"I am feeling all right. How are you?"
She smiled, "I am glad. I am all right too." He sat back
down to begin carving the wood again, and she sat down beside him.
"Have you ever done this?"
"No, I have not," Serenity admitted.
"Really? Hmm...what town did you say you came from?"
Serenity looked down at the ground. "I...umm, well, there
is a river. It is beyond that. You have probably never been there."
"Trotcha? Or Balinverd?"
"Umm...well it does not really matter, does it?"
He put his hand underneath her chin and gently nudged her
head to look up at him again. "Do not be ashamed. They are both
beautiful towns from what I have seen. We all have our problems. I
will not inquire into your town anymore though if it makes you
uncomfortable. I have never been to either, but of course I have
heard about them both. You are quite an interesting girl to come
across the river and through here. I assume you were going to a town
or section past here and then returning from that town or section
when I saw you the other morning. The river is beautiful."
"Yes," Serenity admitted. "I like to go there to think
sometimes."
Wesley smiled. "Me too."
"You go to that river too?" Serenity asked.
"When I can find the time," Wesley said.
There were a few moments of silence before Wesley picked up
a block of wood and extended it toward her. "Want to learn to carve
wood miss Samantha?" Serenity nodded. "May I take your hand?"
Serenity smiled. "Yes. You may." He was more polite than most
of the princes she had ever met, and they were trained and required to
be polite. *With Wesley it is a genuine kindness,* she realized. He
moved over to the log she was sitting on and sat beside her.
"Here," he said, gently taking her hand and placing the wood
in it. He handed her the curved knife he was working with. She fumbled
with the knife, and it dropped. Wesley looked at her in surprise. "One
would think you have never held a knife before," Wesley joked, picking
up the knife and handing it to her again. Serenity blushed and looked
down. "You have held a knife before have you not?" he asked in
confusion.
"Well..." she looked at Wesley's astonished face. "Yes...yes,
of course I have."
"It is all right," he said kindly. He hesitantly took her hand
again, and she nodded her head to indicate it was all right. He began
to guide her hand along the wood. "This is how to carve off shavings,"
he said. "Now you try on your own." She fumbled with the knife, but
slowly cut off small shavings. "You need more control in your hand,"
he said. "Try tightening your hand around the knife. Now make a sharp,
quick movement down the wood length-wise." Serenity tried, and the
knife flew out of her hand and landed in the ground a few feet away.
Wesley chuckled and went to pick up the knife. He sat down beside her
again. "You are a strange girl. I have never met a town girl who had
did not use knives nearly everyday, and you have not ever used
knives." Serenity blushed and looked down guiltily again.
"Oh, it is ok miss Samantha," he said softly, nudging her head
upwards again. "Do not be ashamed...You...You interest me," he
admitted.
She smiled. "I feel content when I am with you," she said.
He looked down, embarrassed. "I feel the same contentment
around you."
She smiled. "Really?"
"Yes, truly," he promised.
She held the knife firmly and cut sharply and quickly down the
wood. A nice, large, curly shaving like the ones Wesley had been cutting
fell to the ground. He smiled. "You did so well."
She smiled. "I did? Thank you."
An older woman's voice interrupted them. "Wesley, are you done
with the shavings for the fire? It is almost time for breakfast. Then I
need help with lunch all right?"
"Yes, all right mother."
Serenity jumped up, the knife falling out of her hand.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, I am sorry. I hope you do not get in any trouble. I will
go," and Serenity ran off much to Wesley's surprise. Even more surprising
she was running in the opposite direction of her town.
When Serenity got home, she could not fall asleep. She lay staring
at the ceiling, images of sitting by the river with Miriam and carving wood
beside Wesley filled her mind and soul with contentment as well as
preventing her from sleeping. When she did fall asleep, it was a restful
sleep with no nightmares for the first time in many years.
That afternoon Lune came, and they practiced levitating the
hairbrush as well as other objects around the room. "Tomorrow we will try
to levitate the larger objects. I feel you are ready," Lune said.
"All right. I suppose I can try." Serenity sat down on one of the
plush velvet red chairs. Lune sat down on a plush blue one across from it.
They were near the window-doors, so Serenity kept glancing outside.
"It has been a beautiful summer," Lune commented after a
considerable silence.
Serenity nodded her head in agreement.
"Serenity."
"Yes Lune."
"Be careful all right?"
"Careful of what Lune?"
"My dear Serenity. I sensed such a change in you the last time
I came, but the change is deeper now. How did you sleep last night?"
"Well. I slept well for the first time in many years Lune."
"Yes. It is nice to have those nightmares gone, but they will
not stay away that easily my dear."
Serenity nodded. "What is it that I should be aware of and
careful of Lune?"
Lune did not answer. However, after some time had passed, she
asked Serenity, "What is his name?"
Serenity looked down. "Wesley."
"Do not be ashamed my dear."
Serenity looked up. "Those are his words."
"Are they? Well, he is certainly wise for his age."
"You know him?"
"Yes...and no. We have never met. I do not know him by your
definition of the term."
"How do you know him?" Serenity asked.
"Always so full of questions...you will understand in time my
dear, in time."
Serenity ached to know now, but she nodded her head in
agreement, aware that she could not convince the always stubborn Lune.
"You think I am stubborn. Yes I suppose that is true. It is
more than that though. It is years of knowledge and wisdom that
brought me to the point I am at today. You will become wise too.
Perhaps wiser than I am, in some ways."
"I should be careful of him?" Serenity asked after some time.
"Not of him...of events to come involving him."
"You can see the future too?"
"Not exactly."
"What events should I be careful of?"
"I do not know Serenity, and neither of us needs to know. If
you are aware and alert you will notice the events to be aware of, and
if you are wise you will be careful."
"What if I miss the events?"
"I and Miriam will stay on alert too. All of us are intelligent
beings. Someone will notice in time. I have faith in that."
"I wish I did."
"Someday you will learn to have faith Serenity. Not everything
works out for the best, but if you are aware and constantly learning
you will always come through in the end."
"And if I do not?"
"Everyone dies eventually Serenity, but you will always come
through in life until death in which event someone else or some others
will come to do things as great as or greater than you. Thus the cycle
of life continues always. Faith does not mean believing that all will
work out the way you want it to in the end. It is believing there is
some purpose for what happens and that the cycle of life will always
continue. All else is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things."
"All else may be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but
when it is a part of my life or the life of someone I know it will
affect me." Lune's eyes conveyed such sadness that Serenity almost
stopped, but she wanted to make her point. So she continued. "And
because I am sensitive, events and people tend to affect me
greatly."
"Yes Serenity," Lune said sadly. "Unfortunately life is
full of hardships, sorrow, and terror. There is no getting around
that affecting us, hurting us, changing us. We live in our lives.
We do not have the advantage of seeing all from a distance. Thus
despite being irrelevant to the grand scheme of things, the events
and people will always greatly affect our lives whether we are
sensitive or not really."
"Are you sad Lune?"
"Yes, Serenity dear. Life has never been easy on me, nor
will it be for you. I wish I could spare you this pain."
"You are in pain Lune. How can I ease it?"
"You do ease it Serenity; you do. No one can take it away."
"Surely...surely there must be some way to help undo
whatever has been done or at least undo the effects. If you have
true friends and love there for you through everything it will
conquer that sadness. Maybe not right away but at least in time."
Lune was looking outside, but she turned and looked at
Serenity directly with eyes full of certainty as well as sadness.
"No Serenity," she stated sadly. "Nothing will ever take it away,"
and she walked out of the room quietly.
As the days came and went, Lune and Serenity continued
training. Wesley and "Samantha" continued to spend many mornings
together and got closer and closer with each passing day. Miriam
and Serenity discussed both the subjects of Lune and Wesley
extensively by the river. Both of them had plenty of ideas as to
what could have affected the always strong and sturdy Lune so
much, but neither of them really knew what could have hurt her
so badly. Both wished with all their hearts they could undo it,
and they both believed that if Lune would confide in them and
let them help her that they could at least mostly undo the pain.
Miriam agreed with Serenity that those pains in life could be
taken away by talking about them, writing about them, and with
the help of true friends and love. Neither understood Lune's
defeatist attitude. She was resigned to the pain ,and they
wanted so badly to help her. "At least she knows we will always
support her and that we are here for her if she ever does give
in," Miriam had said.
Although Serenity could no longer go to the balls until
her magic was completely under control, Miriam was still
obligated to go to them, and they often spoke of how everyone
was doing. "How is Princess Darla doing?" Serenity asked.
"She is doing well Serenity. She told me to tell you
she hopes you return to the balls, ceremonies, and other
events soon. She misses you."
"Oh tell her that I miss her as well. I do not miss the
events or envy you two at all though being stuck at those
snobby, boring events." Serenity chuckled, "but I miss her
very much," she added seriously.
"I know. I will tell her at her 16th birthday
tomorrow," Miriam promised.
"Oh no. I am missing her 16th birthday," Serenity
said sadly.
"It is all right. I am sure she understands."
"How is Michael?" Serenity teased.
Miriam smiled happily. "He is doing well. We spent most
of the evening together with Darla and Alan."
"Are Darla and Alan together?"
"Yes. They got together a few days after Michael and I
started officially dating."
"Officially dating? You never told me about this Miriam."
"I am sorry. I guess we both had so many other things on
our mind, like Lune. It simply did not come up. Anyway we both
knew it was inevitable."
"That is true," Serenity admitted. "I am so happy for
you both."
"Thank you!" Miriam exclaimed. After a silence and some
splashing of the river water on one another, Miriam said, "you
have been training so much with Lune. Do you think you will have
your magic under complete control soon?"
"Magic is not really to be controlled. I have learned that
from Lune," Serenity said. "Magic is a part of me and you, just as
we are a part of it. I do hope to be in tune with it enough soon
to convince mother and father that I have it under 'control'
though."
"I hope you are able to soon as well," Miriam said.
"We have been practicing outside. It is only a matter of
time," Serenity said.
"You sound like Lune saying 'it is only a matter of
time.'" They both giggled.
A voice rang through the forest from behind them. "It is
only a matter of time until what?" Miriam whipped her head around.
"Wesley," Serenity knew before even turning her head
around.
"Wesley?" Miriam asked.
"How did you know it was me, and who is this?" Wesley
asked as Serenity turned around, and Serenity and Miriam stood
up.
"I knew it was you because of your voice. It rings through
the forest, like a silver bell," Serenity said.
Wesley smiled. "Do I get a hug miss Samantha?"
Serenity smiled and hugged him quickly. "This is my best
friend, my soul sister, Miriam," Serenity said in his embrace.
Miriam smiled happily. "So nice to finally meet you."
"Ah, I have heard of you Miriam. Though she had never told
me your name. You and Samantha are so close are you not?"
"Yes, very," Miriam looked at Serenity practically
laughing to hear her name was Samantha now.
"What is it?" Wesley asked, noticing the exchange of
glances between Miriam and Serenity.
"Nothing," they both said quickly.
Wesley chuckled. "You even finish one another's sentences.
How quaint."
"Do you find it attractive?" Miriam asked bluntly.
"Miriam!" Serenity exclaimed.
"Sorry Serenity. You know that I cannot help myself,"
Miriam said.
"Very attractive," Wesley admitted. "Why did you call
her Serenity?" he asked.
Miriam looked at Serenity who looked down at the ground.
"Samantha?" Wesley asked. "It is all right." His hand was
under her chin again, but this time she pulled away.
"I cannot do this any longer," Serenity admitted tearfully.
"Do what?" Wesley asked.
Miriam was at Serenity's side instantly. She held Serenity
close. "Tell him Serenity. He has to know eventually. We both knew
this day would come. He will still accept you. I promise."
"Whatever it is, I will accept you always. You are my
closest and dearest friend," Wesley admitted compassionately.
"My name, it is not Samantha. My name is Serenity."
Wesley nodded. "It is a beautiful name. Is it not the name
of the Moon Princess? Makes you sound like royalty," he joked.
Miriam bit her lip, trying not to laugh at the irony of the
situation.
Serenity looked down at the ground, tears filling her eyes.
"I am right here Serenity," he said compassionately,
reaching out his hand.
"Take his hand Serenity. Tell him," Miriam requested. "He
will understand."
"Please forgive me," Serenity asked quietly. "Please Wesley.
I should have told you before. I would have, but I was afraid you
would not understand."
"Serenity, please take my hand. Whatever it is, I forgive
you. We all make mistakes. I always sensed you were hiding so much
of yourself from me anyway, but I know you were not hiding your true
self, your soul inside you showed perfectly. It is beautiful. Tell
me Serenity. I am here for you."
"Oh Wesley. You mean so much to me," Serenity said,
hesitantly taking his hand.
"You mean so much to me too Serenity dear."
"I am...I mean...I am…the Serenity you are thinking of,"
Serenity managed to stammer.
Wesley's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You mean..." he
said tentatively. "You mean, you are the Princess Serenity?"
Serenity looked down. "Yes," she admitted quietly.
Miriam looked at the scene with tears in her eyes, silent
for once.
There was silence for a few minutes. Serenity quietly
removed her hand and stepped backwards.
Wesley's eyes shone with compassion and love. He stepped
forward hesitantly and reached out his hand. "This does not change
who you are inside or what we mean to each other," he said,
understanding.
"No, of course not," Serenity said, "but I was not honest
with you."
"It explains why you always wear that cloak with the hood
on it. People would recognize your trademark hair if you let it
down."
"Yes," Serenity admitted.
He sat down, and Serenity sat down beside him. "I will
leave you two alone," Miriam said walking off.
"Take care Miriam. See you next time," Serenity said.
"Take care," Miriam smiled in her direction and walked off
making her trademark V with her fingers.
"What is it like, being a princess, and the Moon Princess
no less? Is she a princess too?" he asked.
"Yes, she is the princess of Venus."
"Ah yes, Princess Miriam. I have heard of her I think."
"Being a princess is...I do not know how to explain it. It
is different. Better and worse. I live in much better conditions,"
Serenity explained, "but there is so much more pressure and so many
fake snobs to deal with."
"You think they are fake snobs?"
"Well...yes," Serenity said hesitantly. "I mean I know I
should not pass judgment on others. It is just the opinion of
Miriam and I. They live only for themselves, think only of
themselves, and always live 'inside the box' as Miriam would say."
Wesley nodded. "I know what you mean. Most of the ones who
live in town are the same really. Some of them think of others,
some do not, but most all of them simply think inside that same box.
They may not have the superior attitude, but they are resigned to
living according to set standards without even questioning those
standards or daring to think differently."
Serenity smiled warmly. "You will never find me not
questioning something. In fact, I am known for my annoying,
constant questioning."
Wesley smiled fondly. "I like that."
They sat. Their feet swinging back and forth through the
shimmering, cool water as Serenity explained the situation with
her magic, the training with Lune, the treatment by her parents,
her friend Darla and missing her birthday event. Wesley held her
in his arms as they watched the pink and orange light of the
sunrise peeking through the treetops.
"Oh no. I must go. It must be around 6 in the morning,
and I do want a little sleep before my maid wakes me up."
"Your maid wakes you up? You certainly do live a
different life Serenity darling. Can I call you that?"
Serenity's smile lit up her entire face. "Yes."
As she turned to go, he said, "goodbye darling."
"Goodbye darling. Next time we talk I hope to hear more
about you."
That afternoon Serenity was not too far from that spot
by the river while she practiced magic with Lune in the field
just outside Lune's hut that was a few minutes off the side of
the river, hidden in the foliage.
Serenity had mastered moving large objects awhile ago,
and she had recently learned to move parts of objects. For
example, right now she was spinning two treetops in the air.
Lune said, "you are much more connected to the magic now. I
just need to check that if I greatly upset and/or anger you that
you will not accidentally use your magic. I do not think it will
be an automatic reaction for you based on your emotions any
longer." Serenity nodded and set the two treetops down on top
of their trunks lightly. "You know Serenity, I have something
serious to tell you. Sit down please."
"What is it Lune?"
"It is...Miriam. She is...She is gone, dead. I am sorry
Serenity I could not save her from those monsters. I...I tried."
"Lune, is this part of the test?"
"The monsters...they came out of nowhere. Even I did not
sense them. They are very good at hiding themselves, burying so
far inside that I could not sense them. Perhaps I am losing
myself a bit. Things have been getting so hard."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Serenity screamed,
falling to the ground, her body wracked with sobs.
"Serenity," Lune cried, dropping down beside her and
grabbing her quickly. Then wrapping her arms around Serenity.
"I am sorry Serenity. It was the test. I am sorry. She is all
right. There were no monsters."
"What?"
"There were no monsters Serenity. I needed to see that
you would not react to such devastating, angering news with
magic. Seeing as all is intact, it is obvious you have connected
with your powers well Serenity."
Serenity jumped up and said in a monotone, emotionless
voice, "I passed then," and she walked off.
"Wait Serenity. I am so sorry." Lune ran up to Serenity.
"I should have known that was the wrong thing to do. I should
never mess with your emotions that severely. I thought it was
important, but I did not consider the consequences."
"You always consider the consequences," Serenity said in
a tight voice.
"Serenity, you have every right to be upset. Yell at me,
scream at me. I am so sorry. I do not know what is wrong with me
lately. I miss her so much that it tears me up, clouds my
judgment sometimes..." Lune trailed off.
Serenity stopped and turned around, concern in her eyes.
"Miss who Lune?"
Lune stopped too and looked away. "No one Serenity. That
is not of your concern anyway."
I am your friend. It is of my concern. It concerns me
greatly Lune because you mean so much to me," Serenity said
passionately.
"You are so fervent Serenity. It means so much to me that
you care. I am sorry. I cannot talk about this. Despite your
beliefs, some things cannot be taken away and talking will not
help me right now. Perhaps another time."
"You promise?" Serenity implored.
"I do not promise Serenity...but perhaps." Serenity
hugged Lune compassionately. Lune's eyes opened in astonishment
then filled with tears as she hugged the young girl back. "Thank
goodness for you Serenity. Thank goodness for your light in my
life."
Serenity gasped. "Light? Me? Are you crazy?"
"No dear. You will see it someday, I hope. Always be
proud of yourself Serenity. Not arrogant or egotistical as I
know you are not, but be proud...you are an incredible person."
After some silence she asked, "do you feel ready to show your
parents that you have your powers under 'control' as they wish?"
"But Lune I will not see you anymore after that."
"You will see me. We will meet as you and Miriam and
you and Wesley do sometimes. I promise. I could not bear to
lose you now. So much for keeping this relationship strictly
concerned with master and apprentice of magic. I should have
known you represented a turning point in my life."
Serenity looked down. "I cannot believe I changed
someone's life."
"You change so many people's lives for the better
Serenity. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise."
As they returned to her chamber, Serenity mechanically
went through the motions to show her parents the magic was
under control, and Lune was dismissed. Serenity was even given
a pat on the back by her father and even received a smile from
her mother. She was to prepare to resume activities next week,
and her maid, Christine, would be returning to the bedchamber
to help her tomorrow. Although Christine had begun waking her
up again these last few months as her parents were told that
would be safe by Lune to show they were makingprogress,
Christine would now be able to help her prepare and be there
for all her duties as maid now. Serenity lay in bed that
night, hearing the echo of Lune's kind words and sad voice
go through her mind. "She is the most wonderful adult I have
ever met. I want to be like her when I grow up," she wished.
To Be Continued...
"Hoot, hoot, hoot..." the eerie sound of an owl filled the
thick night air. Serenity was walking through a dense fog. The cool
feeling of dew refreshed her skin, but the thick taste of the fog
that surrounded her and closed her in made her feel as though she
were suffocating. She found it hard to walk farther, but in the
distance she could hear the trickling of water. She wanted to find
that water. *It will taste good. It will be a relief,* Serenity
assured herself and continued on through the fog. Although as she
trudged on through the fog she found the fog getting more and more
heavy, she also found herself gaining more courage and strength
to battle the thick, dense fog. When she reached a clearing, she saw
the most beautiful fountain. The clear, sparkling water spurted
from the mouths of angels, and trickled down into the pool of pure
water surrounding the beauty of nature.
A sound startled Serenity, and she woke up. She turned to
look at the clock on her vanity. Her eyes squinted. *Does that clock
say 4:15 a.m.?* She slowly got up, yawning, to look at it and saw
that it was indeed just turning to 4:16 a.m. *Oh nooo, I was
supposed to meet Miriam at 4:00 a.m. as I do every Tuesday, Friday,
and Sunday morning.* Serenity grabbed the black velvet cloak Lune had
given her a few months ago as a present for her 15th birthday, and
she snapped it into place, pulling the hood over her head. Rushing
out of the doors, throwing down the ladder they had created before,
hurrying down the ladder, and jumping onto the ground, she ran
toward the river as quickly as her feet would allow her.
Serenity decided to try to cut through the town to the
river. *I know it is risky if anyone sees me, but I do not think
many people will be out this early. Also, it will get me there ten
minutes sooner, thus cutting my time in half.* She slowed down some
to weave her way through the maze of the town. It was not until it
was too late that she saw the young man behind the hut as she was
passing by. He had light brown hair, smoothly cut just above his
ears, and sparkling blue eyes. Serenity noted momentarily that he
must have been born with such smooth hair because he was in a poor
section of the town and even the lunar beings from the richer
sections of town usually could not pay to have their hair smoothed.
That luxury was reserved for royalty and their guards only usually.
She only stopped for a moment, but it was long enough for him to
take notice of her. Just as she began to run off again, his crystal
clear voice stopped her. "Hello. Are you all right miss?" he asked,
his voice ringing through the thin morning air and leaving an
imprint in her soul.
"I am," she responded, nearly breathless. "I mean, I am late,"
she added. "Yes. Very late."
He nodded, "Do not let me keep you then miss."
"Yes, all right. Thank you." Everything in her heart and soul
screamed at her to stay and talk with him, but she knew she could not
keep Miriam waiting any longer. Just as she began to walk off, his
voice stopped her again.
"Wait, please," he asked hesitantly.
"All right," she said reluctantly yet with joy in her heart.
"I do not think I have ever seen you around. You are clearly
not from this village. Are you lost? I would be much obliged to help
you find your way miss."
"I am not lost."
"But you are not from around here. My name is Wesley. What is
yours?"
Serenity smiled. "My name,"and her mind panicked. *Pick a
name Serenity; pick a name.* "My name is Samantha," she said.
Wesley nodded. "Well then, you are most certainly in a hurry.
I am sorry to keep you."
Serenity glanced at him. "It was nice to meet you Wesley."
"Likewise."
Then, as she started off again, his voice added one last
phrase that stayed in her heart for many days to come. "I hope to see
you again."
When she got to the river, Miriam was pacing back and forth
anxiously. "Serenity!" she exclaimed. "Thank goodness you are all
right. I was so worried about you."
"I am so sorry. I was having a dream...or a nightmare. I am
not sure, and so I woke up late."
"I am just glad you are all right Serenity. I understand. We
should hurry back to our places. I will see you early Sunday morning
though will I not?"
"Yes, of course. I wish I could make my alarm clock go off,
but the sound could wake someone else in the palace up. I cannot take
thatrisk. Next time if I am not here in time just return to your
place. We will meet on the next appointed day to clear things up."
Miriam nodded in agreement. "Goodnight Serenity. You are in my
soul always."
"As you are in mine soul sister," Serenity said happily. As
she walked off, she was aware of the longing inside of her to go back
through the town, but it was after 5 a.m. She thought the workday
might have started or be beginning soon. *Another time,* she promised
herself. *After all he did say he hoped he would see me again.*
After sleeping a few more hours, she was awakened by
Christine, having regained that "privilege" recently. "Serenity,
Serenity," she said, shaking the girl. "Get up. It is time to dress
and prepare for breakfast. Then you must prepare for some new
reading material, and then of course you train with Lune."
"All right," Serenity said, rising and going into the bathroom
adjacent to her room to use the toilet and to prepare her hair. After
running last night it had come undone, so she decided to use that as
her one night of the week to let her hair down while sleeping.
She went slowly through the day.
Putting down her books as the door opened, Serenity saw Queen
Selenity enter with Lune by her side. "Good day Serenity," Lune said,
with a nod of her head and a wink as Queen Selenity left and closed
the door behind her.
"Good day Lune," Serenity said quietly.
Lune frowned. "Sit down Serenity. What is wrong?"
"Nothing," Serenity mumbled.
"Serenity," Lune nudged. "What is wrong?"
Tears filled Serenity's eyes. "It is just too hard Lune. It
is just too hard."
"You have the strength inside you to make it through this
Serenity, though I know that is little comfort. Believe me there will
come a time when you are free of all this."
"How did you know what I was speaking of?" Serenity asked.
"Did it not seem as though I was speaking of the magic?"
"Dear, I know you were not speaking of just the magic. I know
you were speaking of it all. They will not control you forever
Serenity. They truly should not control you now. If you would only
break free of them. If you realized that you should, I would help you
to be free in a heartbeat."
"Leave? My parents? Lune, I could never do such a thing."
"I know," Lune said. "I hope in time. Yes, perhaps in
time."
They sat for awhile before Lune said, "Tell me when you
are ready to begin the training Serenity."
"Can we just sit please?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, of course."
However, before the end of the training session, Serenity
wanted to try to lift the hairbrush again.
"You seem to feel as though this is the right time," Lune
commented.
"I have an idea of how to draw on that peace inside. May I?"
"Of course, Serenity."
Serenity closed her eyes, and she thought of Wesley. She
thought of his crystal clear voice, his smooth brown hair, his
sparkling blue eyes, and his kind soul. *Kind soul? I do not even
know him.*
"Do not stop and think about your thoughts Serenity. Simply
allow them to keep flowing," Lune said.
Serenity nodded, and she felt Wesley's presence, and then she
felt Miriam's presence. They were sitting by the river. Each one with
his or her foot in the cool water. Each one of them saying nothing,
yet understanding everything with their connected souls. Now she saw
the fountain with the angels and the pure water. She could see the
foliage around it, the beautiful clear blue sky, and she could hear
the trickling water. She could imagine it would be cool and
refreshing. She felt the peace, and she told herself to levitate the
hairbrush. When she opened her eyes, the hairbrush was floating.
However, she did not really see. She saw, but it was different. She
saw the beauty of Lune's soul. She saw the phony, pretentious palace,
and she saw the splendor of the sky and earth outside her window. It
was as though all of her feelings were being crystallized into
sights. From through a distance she heard Lune speak. It was as
though there was a large gap between them causing Lune's voice to be
distorted and sound far away, but yet such a strong connection with
their souls that the distance did not matter. She vaguely heard Lune
ask her to let the hairbrush come down slowly. So, she allowed the
peace to slowly leave her, and her mind slowly let go of its grasp on
the hairbrush. The hairbrush gently came down upon the table, and
Serenity and Lune smiled.
"You did so well Serenity. I am glad you felt that peace
within yourself. No one can truly control you once you get a handle
on that peace and become more confident."
"I am not good at being confident," Serenity confided.
"The confidence will come in time with the peace dear. Now I
must be going. I will tell Miriam if you like, or you may wait to
tell her tomorrow night if you wish."
"You may tell her. So kind of you to ask Lune."
"I will always ask you to make your decisions on matters
concerning your own life, and I will always respect the decisions
you make. In time I hope I will not have to ask. You will hopefully
learn that your life decisions are yours alone, not without taking
into account the thoughts of those involved in and respectful of
your life I am sure," Lune said.
As she left, Serenity's words came to Lune's ears. "I love
you
Lune."
Lune stopped, her hand poised on the door handle. Serenity
could not see the smile on Lune's face; instead she heard only the
monotone response from Lune, "and I you dear Serenity."
Miriam and Serenity were sitting on the edge of the river.
Each of them had their feet dangling in the cool freshness of the
water. They both dipped their hands in the water. Miriam cupped her
hands together and scooped up the water. Then she put her hands
above Serenity's head and dropped the water on Serenity's head. The
water trickled down her body as Serenity giggled and started
scooping up water and throwing it onto Miriam. Soon they were both
slapping the water toward each other in amusement. Due to it being
4:15 in the morning, they both got tired quickly though, and as
they quieted down, Miriam turned to Serenity. "Do you have
something on your mind soul sister?"
"I do," Serenity admitted. "I cannot put anything past you,
can I?"
Miriam giggled. "No Serenity, you never ever can." She
laughed in her mock evil laugh.
"Oh no, your evil laugh," Serenity giggled.
"What is his name Serenity?"
Serenity sighed. "How did you know?"
Miriam's eyes turned serious. "I am the Princess of love my
soul sister. Tell me about him."
"His name is Wesley. He has the clearest voice and the
smoothest hair."
"Is he a prince or a guard?" Miriam asked in excitement.
Serenity hesitated.
"Serenity?"
Still there was silence.
"I am here for you."
"Oh Miriam, I know you are. Friday morning I took the
shortcut through town to get here."
"That was risky Serenity. I admire that. Was he in the
town?"
"Yes."
"Ah, now the truth about why you were so late comes out."
"Oh no, I really did sleep too late."
"I know. I am just joking. So, what did you both say? What
do you feel?"
"We did not say much. He did mention hoping to see me
again...I feel... I do not know how to describe it. I tapped into
that feeling to feel the peace for the first time, along with
thoughts of you, and a fountain I saw at the end of my dream
Friday morning."
"Oh Serenity. It must be true then. I can feel it."
"Do you think so? Oh, thank you Miriam."
"You should go see him again."
"I want to.'
"Why do you not go see him this morning before returning
to your bedchamber?"
"What will I say? Who will I be? I told him my name was
Samantha."
Miriam laughed. "You are so adorable Serenity. Hmmm…I
suppose you
could be from another part of town."
"But I do not know the parts of town."
"There is another town across the river. Why do you not say
that you came from there? I doubt that he has ever been over there.
Just give vague answers and avoid specifics and details about the
town. It will work Serenity. I believe in this."
"Oh Miriam, I want to believe in it. If you do then it must
be possible."
"Please go Serenity. I will see you again Tuesday morning."
"All right. Goodbye soul sister."
"Goodbye. See you soon."
As she walked toward the town again, flashes of scenes from
the dream came to Serenity's mind. *The forest.* She sees the town
up ahead. *The fog.* She walks toward the town. *The feel.* She
cannot remember exactly where she saw Wesley. *The suffocation.* I
hope I can find him. I want to get out of the town before 5 a.m.
*The trudging.* I only have about 10 minutes. *The trying.* There
is the edge of the town. *The fear.* She is in the town, and she
sees the cluster of huts, a few clusters ahead, that she remembers
being his cluster. *So hard.* Now which hut? *There is a clearing.*
She walks to the cluster and looks behind the first hut. *Still
feels the thick dense fog.* Not there. She looks behind the
second hut. *There is a clearing.* There is Wesley sitting on a
log, carving wood. *There is the fountain.* She approaches him.
"Wesley," she said softly.
He looked up from his wood. His dazzling blue eyes locked
into her soft purple eyes. Serenity swallowed and attempted a small
smile.
Wesley smiled kindly. "Samantha." He stood up. "You came."
Serenity
nodded her head. "I am glad."
"How are you?" Serenity asked.
"I am feeling all right. How are you?"
She smiled, "I am glad. I am all right too." He sat back
down to begin carving the wood again, and she sat down beside him.
"Have you ever done this?"
"No, I have not," Serenity admitted.
"Really? Hmm...what town did you say you came from?"
Serenity looked down at the ground. "I...umm, well, there
is a river. It is beyond that. You have probably never been there."
"Trotcha? Or Balinverd?"
"Umm...well it does not really matter, does it?"
He put his hand underneath her chin and gently nudged her
head to look up at him again. "Do not be ashamed. They are both
beautiful towns from what I have seen. We all have our problems. I
will not inquire into your town anymore though if it makes you
uncomfortable. I have never been to either, but of course I have
heard about them both. You are quite an interesting girl to come
across the river and through here. I assume you were going to a town
or section past here and then returning from that town or section
when I saw you the other morning. The river is beautiful."
"Yes," Serenity admitted. "I like to go there to think
sometimes."
Wesley smiled. "Me too."
"You go to that river too?" Serenity asked.
"When I can find the time," Wesley said.
There were a few moments of silence before Wesley picked up
a block of wood and extended it toward her. "Want to learn to carve
wood miss Samantha?" Serenity nodded. "May I take your hand?"
Serenity smiled. "Yes. You may." He was more polite than most
of the princes she had ever met, and they were trained and required to
be polite. *With Wesley it is a genuine kindness,* she realized. He
moved over to the log she was sitting on and sat beside her.
"Here," he said, gently taking her hand and placing the wood
in it. He handed her the curved knife he was working with. She fumbled
with the knife, and it dropped. Wesley looked at her in surprise. "One
would think you have never held a knife before," Wesley joked, picking
up the knife and handing it to her again. Serenity blushed and looked
down. "You have held a knife before have you not?" he asked in
confusion.
"Well..." she looked at Wesley's astonished face. "Yes...yes,
of course I have."
"It is all right," he said kindly. He hesitantly took her hand
again, and she nodded her head to indicate it was all right. He began
to guide her hand along the wood. "This is how to carve off shavings,"
he said. "Now you try on your own." She fumbled with the knife, but
slowly cut off small shavings. "You need more control in your hand,"
he said. "Try tightening your hand around the knife. Now make a sharp,
quick movement down the wood length-wise." Serenity tried, and the
knife flew out of her hand and landed in the ground a few feet away.
Wesley chuckled and went to pick up the knife. He sat down beside her
again. "You are a strange girl. I have never met a town girl who had
did not use knives nearly everyday, and you have not ever used
knives." Serenity blushed and looked down guiltily again.
"Oh, it is ok miss Samantha," he said softly, nudging her head
upwards again. "Do not be ashamed...You...You interest me," he
admitted.
She smiled. "I feel content when I am with you," she said.
He looked down, embarrassed. "I feel the same contentment
around you."
She smiled. "Really?"
"Yes, truly," he promised.
She held the knife firmly and cut sharply and quickly down the
wood. A nice, large, curly shaving like the ones Wesley had been cutting
fell to the ground. He smiled. "You did so well."
She smiled. "I did? Thank you."
An older woman's voice interrupted them. "Wesley, are you done
with the shavings for the fire? It is almost time for breakfast. Then I
need help with lunch all right?"
"Yes, all right mother."
Serenity jumped up, the knife falling out of her hand.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, I am sorry. I hope you do not get in any trouble. I will
go," and Serenity ran off much to Wesley's surprise. Even more surprising
she was running in the opposite direction of her town.
When Serenity got home, she could not fall asleep. She lay staring
at the ceiling, images of sitting by the river with Miriam and carving wood
beside Wesley filled her mind and soul with contentment as well as
preventing her from sleeping. When she did fall asleep, it was a restful
sleep with no nightmares for the first time in many years.
That afternoon Lune came, and they practiced levitating the
hairbrush as well as other objects around the room. "Tomorrow we will try
to levitate the larger objects. I feel you are ready," Lune said.
"All right. I suppose I can try." Serenity sat down on one of the
plush velvet red chairs. Lune sat down on a plush blue one across from it.
They were near the window-doors, so Serenity kept glancing outside.
"It has been a beautiful summer," Lune commented after a
considerable silence.
Serenity nodded her head in agreement.
"Serenity."
"Yes Lune."
"Be careful all right?"
"Careful of what Lune?"
"My dear Serenity. I sensed such a change in you the last time
I came, but the change is deeper now. How did you sleep last night?"
"Well. I slept well for the first time in many years Lune."
"Yes. It is nice to have those nightmares gone, but they will
not stay away that easily my dear."
Serenity nodded. "What is it that I should be aware of and
careful of Lune?"
Lune did not answer. However, after some time had passed, she
asked Serenity, "What is his name?"
Serenity looked down. "Wesley."
"Do not be ashamed my dear."
Serenity looked up. "Those are his words."
"Are they? Well, he is certainly wise for his age."
"You know him?"
"Yes...and no. We have never met. I do not know him by your
definition of the term."
"How do you know him?" Serenity asked.
"Always so full of questions...you will understand in time my
dear, in time."
Serenity ached to know now, but she nodded her head in
agreement, aware that she could not convince the always stubborn Lune.
"You think I am stubborn. Yes I suppose that is true. It is
more than that though. It is years of knowledge and wisdom that
brought me to the point I am at today. You will become wise too.
Perhaps wiser than I am, in some ways."
"I should be careful of him?" Serenity asked after some time.
"Not of him...of events to come involving him."
"You can see the future too?"
"Not exactly."
"What events should I be careful of?"
"I do not know Serenity, and neither of us needs to know. If
you are aware and alert you will notice the events to be aware of, and
if you are wise you will be careful."
"What if I miss the events?"
"I and Miriam will stay on alert too. All of us are intelligent
beings. Someone will notice in time. I have faith in that."
"I wish I did."
"Someday you will learn to have faith Serenity. Not everything
works out for the best, but if you are aware and constantly learning
you will always come through in the end."
"And if I do not?"
"Everyone dies eventually Serenity, but you will always come
through in life until death in which event someone else or some others
will come to do things as great as or greater than you. Thus the cycle
of life continues always. Faith does not mean believing that all will
work out the way you want it to in the end. It is believing there is
some purpose for what happens and that the cycle of life will always
continue. All else is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things."
"All else may be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but
when it is a part of my life or the life of someone I know it will
affect me." Lune's eyes conveyed such sadness that Serenity almost
stopped, but she wanted to make her point. So she continued. "And
because I am sensitive, events and people tend to affect me
greatly."
"Yes Serenity," Lune said sadly. "Unfortunately life is
full of hardships, sorrow, and terror. There is no getting around
that affecting us, hurting us, changing us. We live in our lives.
We do not have the advantage of seeing all from a distance. Thus
despite being irrelevant to the grand scheme of things, the events
and people will always greatly affect our lives whether we are
sensitive or not really."
"Are you sad Lune?"
"Yes, Serenity dear. Life has never been easy on me, nor
will it be for you. I wish I could spare you this pain."
"You are in pain Lune. How can I ease it?"
"You do ease it Serenity; you do. No one can take it away."
"Surely...surely there must be some way to help undo
whatever has been done or at least undo the effects. If you have
true friends and love there for you through everything it will
conquer that sadness. Maybe not right away but at least in time."
Lune was looking outside, but she turned and looked at
Serenity directly with eyes full of certainty as well as sadness.
"No Serenity," she stated sadly. "Nothing will ever take it away,"
and she walked out of the room quietly.
As the days came and went, Lune and Serenity continued
training. Wesley and "Samantha" continued to spend many mornings
together and got closer and closer with each passing day. Miriam
and Serenity discussed both the subjects of Lune and Wesley
extensively by the river. Both of them had plenty of ideas as to
what could have affected the always strong and sturdy Lune so
much, but neither of them really knew what could have hurt her
so badly. Both wished with all their hearts they could undo it,
and they both believed that if Lune would confide in them and
let them help her that they could at least mostly undo the pain.
Miriam agreed with Serenity that those pains in life could be
taken away by talking about them, writing about them, and with
the help of true friends and love. Neither understood Lune's
defeatist attitude. She was resigned to the pain ,and they
wanted so badly to help her. "At least she knows we will always
support her and that we are here for her if she ever does give
in," Miriam had said.
Although Serenity could no longer go to the balls until
her magic was completely under control, Miriam was still
obligated to go to them, and they often spoke of how everyone
was doing. "How is Princess Darla doing?" Serenity asked.
"She is doing well Serenity. She told me to tell you
she hopes you return to the balls, ceremonies, and other
events soon. She misses you."
"Oh tell her that I miss her as well. I do not miss the
events or envy you two at all though being stuck at those
snobby, boring events." Serenity chuckled, "but I miss her
very much," she added seriously.
"I know. I will tell her at her 16th birthday
tomorrow," Miriam promised.
"Oh no. I am missing her 16th birthday," Serenity
said sadly.
"It is all right. I am sure she understands."
"How is Michael?" Serenity teased.
Miriam smiled happily. "He is doing well. We spent most
of the evening together with Darla and Alan."
"Are Darla and Alan together?"
"Yes. They got together a few days after Michael and I
started officially dating."
"Officially dating? You never told me about this Miriam."
"I am sorry. I guess we both had so many other things on
our mind, like Lune. It simply did not come up. Anyway we both
knew it was inevitable."
"That is true," Serenity admitted. "I am so happy for
you both."
"Thank you!" Miriam exclaimed. After a silence and some
splashing of the river water on one another, Miriam said, "you
have been training so much with Lune. Do you think you will have
your magic under complete control soon?"
"Magic is not really to be controlled. I have learned that
from Lune," Serenity said. "Magic is a part of me and you, just as
we are a part of it. I do hope to be in tune with it enough soon
to convince mother and father that I have it under 'control'
though."
"I hope you are able to soon as well," Miriam said.
"We have been practicing outside. It is only a matter of
time," Serenity said.
"You sound like Lune saying 'it is only a matter of
time.'" They both giggled.
A voice rang through the forest from behind them. "It is
only a matter of time until what?" Miriam whipped her head around.
"Wesley," Serenity knew before even turning her head
around.
"Wesley?" Miriam asked.
"How did you know it was me, and who is this?" Wesley
asked as Serenity turned around, and Serenity and Miriam stood
up.
"I knew it was you because of your voice. It rings through
the forest, like a silver bell," Serenity said.
Wesley smiled. "Do I get a hug miss Samantha?"
Serenity smiled and hugged him quickly. "This is my best
friend, my soul sister, Miriam," Serenity said in his embrace.
Miriam smiled happily. "So nice to finally meet you."
"Ah, I have heard of you Miriam. Though she had never told
me your name. You and Samantha are so close are you not?"
"Yes, very," Miriam looked at Serenity practically
laughing to hear her name was Samantha now.
"What is it?" Wesley asked, noticing the exchange of
glances between Miriam and Serenity.
"Nothing," they both said quickly.
Wesley chuckled. "You even finish one another's sentences.
How quaint."
"Do you find it attractive?" Miriam asked bluntly.
"Miriam!" Serenity exclaimed.
"Sorry Serenity. You know that I cannot help myself,"
Miriam said.
"Very attractive," Wesley admitted. "Why did you call
her Serenity?" he asked.
Miriam looked at Serenity who looked down at the ground.
"Samantha?" Wesley asked. "It is all right." His hand was
under her chin again, but this time she pulled away.
"I cannot do this any longer," Serenity admitted tearfully.
"Do what?" Wesley asked.
Miriam was at Serenity's side instantly. She held Serenity
close. "Tell him Serenity. He has to know eventually. We both knew
this day would come. He will still accept you. I promise."
"Whatever it is, I will accept you always. You are my
closest and dearest friend," Wesley admitted compassionately.
"My name, it is not Samantha. My name is Serenity."
Wesley nodded. "It is a beautiful name. Is it not the name
of the Moon Princess? Makes you sound like royalty," he joked.
Miriam bit her lip, trying not to laugh at the irony of the
situation.
Serenity looked down at the ground, tears filling her eyes.
"I am right here Serenity," he said compassionately,
reaching out his hand.
"Take his hand Serenity. Tell him," Miriam requested. "He
will understand."
"Please forgive me," Serenity asked quietly. "Please Wesley.
I should have told you before. I would have, but I was afraid you
would not understand."
"Serenity, please take my hand. Whatever it is, I forgive
you. We all make mistakes. I always sensed you were hiding so much
of yourself from me anyway, but I know you were not hiding your true
self, your soul inside you showed perfectly. It is beautiful. Tell
me Serenity. I am here for you."
"Oh Wesley. You mean so much to me," Serenity said,
hesitantly taking his hand.
"You mean so much to me too Serenity dear."
"I am...I mean...I am…the Serenity you are thinking of,"
Serenity managed to stammer.
Wesley's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You mean..." he
said tentatively. "You mean, you are the Princess Serenity?"
Serenity looked down. "Yes," she admitted quietly.
Miriam looked at the scene with tears in her eyes, silent
for once.
There was silence for a few minutes. Serenity quietly
removed her hand and stepped backwards.
Wesley's eyes shone with compassion and love. He stepped
forward hesitantly and reached out his hand. "This does not change
who you are inside or what we mean to each other," he said,
understanding.
"No, of course not," Serenity said, "but I was not honest
with you."
"It explains why you always wear that cloak with the hood
on it. People would recognize your trademark hair if you let it
down."
"Yes," Serenity admitted.
He sat down, and Serenity sat down beside him. "I will
leave you two alone," Miriam said walking off.
"Take care Miriam. See you next time," Serenity said.
"Take care," Miriam smiled in her direction and walked off
making her trademark V with her fingers.
"What is it like, being a princess, and the Moon Princess
no less? Is she a princess too?" he asked.
"Yes, she is the princess of Venus."
"Ah yes, Princess Miriam. I have heard of her I think."
"Being a princess is...I do not know how to explain it. It
is different. Better and worse. I live in much better conditions,"
Serenity explained, "but there is so much more pressure and so many
fake snobs to deal with."
"You think they are fake snobs?"
"Well...yes," Serenity said hesitantly. "I mean I know I
should not pass judgment on others. It is just the opinion of
Miriam and I. They live only for themselves, think only of
themselves, and always live 'inside the box' as Miriam would say."
Wesley nodded. "I know what you mean. Most of the ones who
live in town are the same really. Some of them think of others,
some do not, but most all of them simply think inside that same box.
They may not have the superior attitude, but they are resigned to
living according to set standards without even questioning those
standards or daring to think differently."
Serenity smiled warmly. "You will never find me not
questioning something. In fact, I am known for my annoying,
constant questioning."
Wesley smiled fondly. "I like that."
They sat. Their feet swinging back and forth through the
shimmering, cool water as Serenity explained the situation with
her magic, the training with Lune, the treatment by her parents,
her friend Darla and missing her birthday event. Wesley held her
in his arms as they watched the pink and orange light of the
sunrise peeking through the treetops.
"Oh no. I must go. It must be around 6 in the morning,
and I do want a little sleep before my maid wakes me up."
"Your maid wakes you up? You certainly do live a
different life Serenity darling. Can I call you that?"
Serenity's smile lit up her entire face. "Yes."
As she turned to go, he said, "goodbye darling."
"Goodbye darling. Next time we talk I hope to hear more
about you."
That afternoon Serenity was not too far from that spot
by the river while she practiced magic with Lune in the field
just outside Lune's hut that was a few minutes off the side of
the river, hidden in the foliage.
Serenity had mastered moving large objects awhile ago,
and she had recently learned to move parts of objects. For
example, right now she was spinning two treetops in the air.
Lune said, "you are much more connected to the magic now. I
just need to check that if I greatly upset and/or anger you that
you will not accidentally use your magic. I do not think it will
be an automatic reaction for you based on your emotions any
longer." Serenity nodded and set the two treetops down on top
of their trunks lightly. "You know Serenity, I have something
serious to tell you. Sit down please."
"What is it Lune?"
"It is...Miriam. She is...She is gone, dead. I am sorry
Serenity I could not save her from those monsters. I...I tried."
"Lune, is this part of the test?"
"The monsters...they came out of nowhere. Even I did not
sense them. They are very good at hiding themselves, burying so
far inside that I could not sense them. Perhaps I am losing
myself a bit. Things have been getting so hard."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Serenity screamed,
falling to the ground, her body wracked with sobs.
"Serenity," Lune cried, dropping down beside her and
grabbing her quickly. Then wrapping her arms around Serenity.
"I am sorry Serenity. It was the test. I am sorry. She is all
right. There were no monsters."
"What?"
"There were no monsters Serenity. I needed to see that
you would not react to such devastating, angering news with
magic. Seeing as all is intact, it is obvious you have connected
with your powers well Serenity."
Serenity jumped up and said in a monotone, emotionless
voice, "I passed then," and she walked off.
"Wait Serenity. I am so sorry." Lune ran up to Serenity.
"I should have known that was the wrong thing to do. I should
never mess with your emotions that severely. I thought it was
important, but I did not consider the consequences."
"You always consider the consequences," Serenity said in
a tight voice.
"Serenity, you have every right to be upset. Yell at me,
scream at me. I am so sorry. I do not know what is wrong with me
lately. I miss her so much that it tears me up, clouds my
judgment sometimes..." Lune trailed off.
Serenity stopped and turned around, concern in her eyes.
"Miss who Lune?"
Lune stopped too and looked away. "No one Serenity. That
is not of your concern anyway."
I am your friend. It is of my concern. It concerns me
greatly Lune because you mean so much to me," Serenity said
passionately.
"You are so fervent Serenity. It means so much to me that
you care. I am sorry. I cannot talk about this. Despite your
beliefs, some things cannot be taken away and talking will not
help me right now. Perhaps another time."
"You promise?" Serenity implored.
"I do not promise Serenity...but perhaps." Serenity
hugged Lune compassionately. Lune's eyes opened in astonishment
then filled with tears as she hugged the young girl back. "Thank
goodness for you Serenity. Thank goodness for your light in my
life."
Serenity gasped. "Light? Me? Are you crazy?"
"No dear. You will see it someday, I hope. Always be
proud of yourself Serenity. Not arrogant or egotistical as I
know you are not, but be proud...you are an incredible person."
After some silence she asked, "do you feel ready to show your
parents that you have your powers under 'control' as they wish?"
"But Lune I will not see you anymore after that."
"You will see me. We will meet as you and Miriam and
you and Wesley do sometimes. I promise. I could not bear to
lose you now. So much for keeping this relationship strictly
concerned with master and apprentice of magic. I should have
known you represented a turning point in my life."
Serenity looked down. "I cannot believe I changed
someone's life."
"You change so many people's lives for the better
Serenity. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise."
As they returned to her chamber, Serenity mechanically
went through the motions to show her parents the magic was
under control, and Lune was dismissed. Serenity was even given
a pat on the back by her father and even received a smile from
her mother. She was to prepare to resume activities next week,
and her maid, Christine, would be returning to the bedchamber
to help her tomorrow. Although Christine had begun waking her
up again these last few months as her parents were told that
would be safe by Lune to show they were makingprogress,
Christine would now be able to help her prepare and be there
for all her duties as maid now. Serenity lay in bed that
night, hearing the echo of Lune's kind words and sad voice
go through her mind. "She is the most wonderful adult I have
ever met. I want to be like her when I grow up," she wished.
To Be Continued...