A.N. Well, I hope you all enjoy this first chapter. It's not my best but I really wanted to get it posted. Please be nice with reviews. If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all. And I am having such trouble figuring out a title for this, please help me out. Happy reading!

Chapter One

Music flowed through the air and into the hearts of the villagers. The young danced and sang together. All were enjoying the party. Men eye the women and they in their turn would flirt back.

One certain young man had his eyes set on the highest "prize" of them all, Relena. She was the governor's daughter, and all but untouchable to any male around, all but him. He befriended the young girl and grew with her. He gained respect from her father and jealous looks from other young men. But all the years they were friends, he grew to love her. Not only love her, but became obsessed with her. He believed he was the only one good enough for Relena.

He took one more glance around at the party and set off towards his angel.

"Don't look now Rena but your husband to be in on his way."

Relena swatted her friend's hand off her arm. "Be quiet Hilde. That's not proper and you know it."

"Well, it's true. And most likely you'll end up with him, no matter how much I can't stand him."

Darkness fell over Relena's face. She hated the idea of arranged marriage. She wanted to marry for love. The idea of having someone else choose her life long partner and lover frightened her, even if it was her own father doing the picking.

The man of their conversation interrupted her thoughts.

"A face as beautiful as yours shouldn't look so sad. Smile for me Relena, it pains me to see that look on your face."

Hilde rolled her eyes and held back a smirk.

"You've been wearing that grin all day Andrew. Pray tell, why?"

He looked slightly at Relena and his smile reached his ears. "You really want to know?"

"Stop trying to be charming/ mysterious and just tell her."

He shot a dirty look Hilde's way. He had never really liked the dark haired impish girl. She was too smart for her own good. 'Well, once Relena is my wife, that girl won't be allowed to even look at her.' He swung his gaze back to Relena.

"Come. I believe your father would be the one to tell you."

Relena looked desperately at her friend and Andrew dragged her away. But there was nothing she could do. She knew what was happening and Relena was scared. Hilde didn't like Andrew and more than he did her. She didn't want Relena marrying the pock-faced bastard. And she couldn't believe it when she took him in as her friend. He was terribly possessive of her and Hilde had caught him on more than one occasion scaring off and other suitors. Around Relena's father though, he was completely respectful and polite. Now the governor was going to give him Relena's hand in marriage.

Hilde ran after them and came upon them talking to John Henry. Well, Andrew was talking, Relena was standing completely still, a mixture of shock, sadness and rage filled her blue eyes. As Hilde came closer she heard J.H. say something like they would "..be very happy together..". As soon as the words left his mouth Relena jumped forward and threw her hands into the air.

"How could you father?! You know how I feel about arranged marriage! You said you would let ME choose who I wanted to be with! I'm sorry Andrew, but I don't love you and I want to marry for love."

Both men were taken aback by her outburst. Relena was usually so calm and serene. They had hardly ever seen her this angry. John Henry thought she would be happy marrying a friend and not a stranger. She and Andrew seemed perfect together in his eyes. Andrew was everything he wanted in a son-in-law. He treated Relena with respect and adored her every waking moment. At least, he thought Andrew was perfect.

Before J.H. could pacify his daughter, Andrew stepped forward and grabbed Relena's wrist. "You will marry me. Your father has said so, and I say so. Whether you like it or not you will be my wife."

"Do not speak to my daughter that way young man. She does have a choice. Relena, don't turn Andrew down just yet. Please consider, take your time and think about it."

She nodded and left the field. J.H. shook his head and turned to finish speaking with one of the new farmers. Before Hilde could join her friend Andrew stepped in front of her.

"Don't think to try to change her mind. She will marry me. I'll make sure of that."

After Andrew had left, Hilde found Relena walking through the village towards the forest.

"Cheer up Rena! At least you don't' have to marry him if you don't want to. And I say don't. He's a horrible person."

Hilde continued to talk and they crested Raven Hill, named after the birds who nest there during the summer.

"I just say forget him and never marry. That's what me and Miranda plan on doing….."

Relena's hand shot over her mouth as they came to the crest of the hill. She put her finger over her own mouth, signaling her friend to be silent. Hilde nodded and Relena removed her hand and pointed through the trees.

There in Lilac Valley was the Sank Army, camped and lying in wait for God knows what.

Hilde's voice dropped to a whisper. "Why on earth would they be here Rena?"

She shrugged her shoulder's. "I don't know. Maybe they are just passing through."

"You think?"

"I hope so."

Relena continued to observe the massive armament. There were rows of tents for the soldiers and she could pick out the commander's tents by the flags flying from their peaks.

As her gaze traveled over the encampment Relena saw that it was like a small moveable town. There was an armory and a large fire off to one side for cooking. It was quite a sight for the two women.

Hilde shook Relena out of her ravine, "Come, we must tell your father."

She nodded and the ran back to the party. Little did either know what awaited them when they arrived.

Well? How is it so far? Please review. I'll have the next chapter out soon!

Rhapsody a la Selene (Music of the Moon)