Chapter
Fourteen
An Echo From the Past...
Universe crossed the floor of the ballroom and the white gown flowed around her as she moved. Charon was relieved and happy as she and Mercury walked behind her. Mercury had succeeded where she herself never could have.
Universe curtsied gracefully for Queen Serenity and she moved with pride and grace. Serenity gazed at her purple haired charge in sheer wonder.
Once again Universe had undergone a transformation. Charon and Mercury had undressed her in the back room and put her in the silk opera gown and gloves. Universe was now wearing the sandals and the ties were done up above her ankles. Finally her hair which Mercury had brushed and now flowed wavily down her back was held back by the beautiful headband.
Serenity smiled softly as Universe stood up again before her. She felt so proud of Universe in that moment and something she saw in her eyes told her that somehow she had come a long way this evening.
"Queen Serenity I have a song...it might not be much but I have known it all my life." her purple-haired Princess's voice was cool and steady. "If you would like to hear it then I'd like to sing it for you."
Serenity smiled proudly. "I would love to hear your song." she replied beaming. "Sing Universe."
Universe gave a nod and Estrella and Charon leaned forward eagerly. Universe breathed deeply and the knot in her stomach was suddenly gone. Actually it had been gone since she and the others had come out of the back room...until now she just hadn't noticed. She began to sing in front of all the people of the royal court for Queen Serenity.
Queen Serenity's eyes widened and her breath left her as listened to Universe's beautiful voice. Mercury felt tears running down her cheeks but for a very different reason this time. Jupiter's eyes were amazed. Who would have known that Universe was capable of something so beautiful? Everyone in the room was taken away by the haunting song and the Princess's beautiful voice. Venus - ever quick to laughter and emotion - actually wept as she listened.
The song finally ended and time waited. Wordlessly Queen Serenity leaned towards Universe. Universe's eyes expressed a lot as the queen kissed her soundly on the forehead.
Stepping back Serenity regarded her for a long time. "Why in the world did you not tell me that you could sing?" she asked simply, then she smiled. "That was beautiful Universe. You must sing for us again some time."
Universe nodded slowly. "I'm a fighter not an opera singer!" she suddenly laughed.
Serenity laughed as well. "Perhaps. Oh and you look very pretty Universe." she told her sincerely and her eyes shone warmly at the girl who stood in front of her.
That comment hit Universe far harder than any insult could possibly have done and as she stared speechlessly at the Queen, Mercury quietly approached her and linking arms with her led the purple-haired girl tactfully away.
As she was led Universe just happened to meet the eyes of Duchess Ashral who was staring at her, hands on hips – the Princess had not seen Ashral since she had forced herself to apologise to her and her son and the sight of the Duchess' pursed lips and frosty eyes made Universe grin evilly.
Her blood boiled at the sight of this woman – following Serenity's quiet suggestion, she has asked Charon for the story behind Ashral's absence from Court and the Psychic Princess had warily given it.
If Universe had despised the Duchess before their first meeting then she viewed her as a mortal enemy after hearing about the Lyanore-skin coat that the noblewoman had once owned…
Wearing the skin of a LYANORE was little better than wearing the flayed flesh of another human being…actually, no, it was infinitely WORSE.
It was sealed…Universe hated Ashral.
"Hiya – how've you been?" the purple-haired Princess asked cheekily as she passed the Duchess.
Ashral stared after her for a moment and then turned away and tossed her head as if to say that she hadn't REALLY wanted the Princess who looked so lovely in white silk and sang like a bird as her daughter-in-law anyway…but it wasn't as fun when it didn't infuriate somebody.
"That was wonderful Universe!" Venus exclaimed as she rushed forward to meet them. "Just wonderful Universe! How did you do it?!"
Universe ignored her as she looked at Mercury who simply gazed wordlessly back at her – her blue eyes serene as she returned her grateful look. "Thanks." The purple-haired girl said in the end.
"No…" Mercury shook her head. "Thank YOU Universe."
Then Universe gave a sudden laugh. "Do you know what Mercury? You're way stronger than I can ever hope to be!"
Venus giggled as she thought about something. "Did you see those ladies in the front row?" she exclaimed between her bouts of laughter. "Well your song absolutely DESTROYED them!!!"
Queen Serenity watched as they all laughed merrily at Venus's remark and she smiled as she saw Universe enjoying herself with the others and she was delighted that the purple-haired girl was feeling unconditionally happy in the company of her friends.
The queen did not completely understand the reason for the sudden renewal of Universe's confidence to sing for her in front of the Royal Court nor the reason for her hiding her beautiful singing for so long. However as she watched Universe laughing with the other Princesses she knew that her new-found happiness and willingness to stop hiding her lovely gift had surely been brought about by the friendships of Charon and Mercury.
Mercury and Charon had flanked Universe as the three of them had walked towards her offering the purple haired girl support and encouragement with every step and Universe had positively glowed with courage and she had flowed with a confident grace as she had basked in their friendship and love for her.
Queen Serenity felt happy as she watched Universe flourishing in the company of her dearest friends and feeling truly happy and at home for what the queen knew was the first time in her life. Universe was finally home with friends who she cherished and loved deeply. The eyes of the Queen of the Moon were relieved as she knew that Universe felt peaceful now for what may have been the first time in her life and yet there was at the same time a deep worry glimmering at the very corners of her lilac eyes.
All night a deep and ever present worry had been nagging away at her all the while...
Her eyes lingered on Charon who was laughing with the others and Serenity's face clouded slightly as she began to feel deeply worried about something that had been troubling her all night long. Where can they be? she thought anxiously as she found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the contented Charon. It is growing so late now... A sad light dawned in her lilac eyes as a very unwelcome thought struck her.
Perhaps they were not coming after all. Had something happened to prevent them from being able to be here tonight?
Serenity's face was becoming more and more upset and troubled as she worried about this very upsetting possibility. As she gazed at Charon who was having such a splendid time with her friends Serenity now felt very thankful indeed that she had decided not to tell the Princess that she had invited her mother, father and brother in order for it to be left as a surprise for her.
At least now the Charonian had been spared the dreadful disappointment that Serenity was feeling herself. That was one consolation but Serenity was unable to ignore her own disappointment for she was so rarely able to be with her dearest friend Queen Chara and this was such a perfect chance for the two of them to see each other again even though it was only one night...
Serenity had been so eager for days now since she had sent Xizor to Charon with her message for them, eager to see her friend again so that they may talk about the old days they had shared together when they had been young and had had shared so much fun together. Laugh together at the old times they had spent simply being with each other. But now it seemed that it was not to be and the bitter disappointment weighed heavily in her heart. You promised that you would come... she thought sorrowfully as she gazed at Charon and her eyes were wistful.
However seeing that Universe and Charon were enjoying the night so much the queen made a real effort to hide her own unhappiness for their sakes knowing that they would not be able to enjoy themselves if they knew that she was feeling sadness. After all even though she felt disappointed about the lack of her friends presence tonight she still wanted them to have a good time and enjoy this night so she smiled despite her own sadness as she beckoned to Universe and Charon who came up to her immediately.
"Universe, Charon...I am very proud of you both. You both did very well tonight although you were both nervous and you were both absolutely splendid." she told them warmly as she smiled at them both. "Charon I am delighted to have been able to have you dance for me for the first time and I hope that you will do so again sometime very soon. You are the most graceful dancer I have ever had the pleasure to see and the reason for your natural skill is the joy you put into your performance and the years you have spent practising."
Charon blushed as she felt the compliment washing over her and she smiled prettily as she clasped both of her hands together to prevent herself from giggling in delight.
Queen Serenity smiled at her with love in her eyes as she again felt glad that Charon did not have to feel the disappointment she herself felt and then she transferred her attention to Universe. "And your song Universe - your voice was so beautiful!" she smiled as the brown eyed Princess lowered her eyes shyly as her cheeks became a pleasant pink. "I sincerely would love for you to sing for me again in the near future - you have such a natural talent that you simply must do it more often!"
Universe just smiled and said nothing as her cheeks burned but not uncomfortably.
Serenity addressed the others who were watching from where they had been standing a few moment before. "Thank you all again for your wonderful efforts tonight - now please enjoy yourselves tonight!"
With that she dismissed Universe and Charon with a wave of her hand and a smile. As Universe rejoined her Mercury linked arms with her and they both walked away from the other Princesses across the dance floor which was now packed with flocks of waltzing couples who they had to be quick on their feet and aware to walk around without collision.
"Well that went pretty much okay." Universe remarked after a while when her blush had begun to fade and she could once more.
Mercury looked up at her and nodded. "It did." she agreed.
Universe sighed coolly and she glanced around at the area they had arrived in which she now noticed was rather clear of dancers. Her eyes sparkled in excitement as she looked at Mercury and an idea crossed her mind which she found very appealing. "Soooo...." she began in a voice that was too casual and light hearted to sound convincingly so. "What do we do now?"
Mercury looked around at nothing in particular and shrugged. "I don't know..." she murmured.
"Well - I wanna dance! C'mon you!!"
Before Mercury had the chance to object Universe had grabbed her hands in her own and was towing her into a suitably wide space with the Mercurian's gasping and struggling to wriggle free. "NO!" she exclaimed as her eyes widened. "Universe I cannot dance!!"
Universe glanced over her shoulder at her and gave a dismissive shrug. "Neither can I. So what?" "You can't?" Mercury could not hide her surprise.
"Nah. So we should be able to do badly together pretty well right?" Universe laughed. "Now c'mon!"
Mercury struggled to get away but Universe used her superior strength to pull the other girl closer to her until their bodies were nearly touching and as Mercury tried to frantically tweak her hand free Universe guided it around her own back and pressed it again her shoulder.
Mercury's struggles were ended when Universe laughed deeply causing the blue-haired girl to look up at her and stare at her grin.
"C'mon Mercury!" Universe insisted as her eyes sparkled merrily. "C'mon dance with me! C'mon you're my friend!"
Mercury groaned and stopped struggling. "Alright...after all it's only fair after you sang because I asked you to." she said resignedly.
"Great!!" Universe grinned ecstatically as she put an arm around Mercury's shoulder...
"Your Majesty." Xizor greeted Queen Serenity as he walked onto the balcony he had noticed her sitting out on by herself.
Serenity had been sitting all alone looking sadly at the stars as she wondered with great sorrow what had happened to prevent Chara from coming tonight like she had promised and what she was doing at that very moment that she was gazing at the sky in the direction of Charon.
The queen looked around inquiringly at her ambassador and her eyes were sad but her face was calm and composed, her bearing dignified as she gazed at him expectantly. "Yes Xizor?" she inquired politely although her voice made it quite plain that whatever it was she was disinterested.
Xizor was puzzled as he sensed that his queen was feeling depressed and wondering why he continued. "New arrivals have come and wish to greet you."
"Oh." Serenity smiled in a tired way. "Thank you - I will be right there."
"Very well your majesty. I will go at once to inform them." Xizor bowed formally and turned to go.
"Oh and Xizor?" Serenity called after him as a thought struck her.
"Yes your majesty?" he turned back just as he had been about to stride from the balcony.
"Who are they?" she asked as she raised an eyebrow.
Xizor gasped. "Ah!" he said with an extremely sheepish smile. "Your pardon majesty! The new arrivals are Queen Chara of Charon and her..."
Serenity's eyes widened in an instant as she gasped sharply. "What?!" she exclaimed loudly startling him as she rose to her feet quickly. "Are you sure?!"
Xizor eyed her nervously. "Y-yes! I-I think so!" he stammered. "Accompanying her are her son Prince Char and her husband the King."
Serenity's wistful demeanour had now entirely evaporated as though it had never been there. Her eyes were sparkling with joy as her mouth slowly tugged into a smile of childlike delight. "Why didn't you tell me?!" she cried and then like a light trickling mountain stream she began to laugh joyously.
Xizor shuffled uncomfortably. "Well...you seemed to want to be left alone so I didn't think that I ought to bother you with the details..."
"Oh you...!" she simply laughed out of sheer happiness, leant over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then turned and left the balcony in a hurry.
"Oh my...!" Xizor stuttered as he went red from ear to ear.
Serenity was no longer listening however for she was eagerly heading on her way to greet her beloved Chara who had come after all - just as she had promised.
Universe laughed as she led Mercury in a dance number she'd seen a while ago on a planet a great distance away from their galaxy. It had been so long a time ago that the name of the planet was nothing more than a lost memory to her which slipped away from her for as long as she tried to recall it. "See? Dancing with me isn't such a bad thing now is it?!" she laughed enjoying herself thoroughly.
Mercury just smiled as she struggled to keep the pace with her friend.
Just as the music reached a slow and ponderous period Universe began to slow down her movement much to the relief of the Mercurian Princess - however Mercury's relief was short-lived. Her lips parted as Universe tugged her slowly towards her until her breasts where touching her own. Mercury could feel her heart beating faster and faster now as Universe put her arm around her shoulders and her hand softly on the back of her blue haired head. Mercury's eyes were strangely blank and expressionless as Universe pressed the side of her head against her chest stroking her blue hair all the while.
Universe's eyes were full of love as she looked down at Mercury and moving her fingers away from her head she started to stroke the blue-haired Princess's face and smiled at her. "Your skin's so soft..." she whispered.
"Oh?" Mercury asked whispering.
"Yeah." Universe started to tuck Mercury's strands of hair behind her ear. "Mercury...you're so gentle and warm. You're something I don't deserve...something I can't keep..."
"What do you mean?" Mercury whispered.
Universe's voice sounded so sad...
Universe smiled softly and brushed her lips slowly across the other girl's forehead. "Nothing."
"Princess Mercury, Princess Universe?" The peculiar voice startled them both causing them to draw away from each other.
Standing there before them was a dark-skinned man, his skin was not brown nor black but instead a dusky tone. His eyes were a light grey as he gazed at them in the lavish light of the ball room. His face bore a very peculiar expression for although his manner was courteous and his face pleasant enough his look was noticeably curious as he looked at them - or rather at Universe. His hair was shoulder length and of the most frictionless black and held out of his face by a circlet which was set with a red gem that Mercury mentally identified as a garnet. Although his skin, hair and eyes were all grave his clothes were very colourful for he wore a green mantle with golden shoulder tassels and a tight but comfortable looking earthy brown tunic which made his adequately muscled chest apparent and leather pants which were slit up both legs and held together by tiny leather strips which were threaded in crossed through silver button-hooks which ran up the sides of his thighs.
There was a courteous and polite smile on his face as he gazed at them both with his striking eyes which seemed honest and friendly enough.
Mercury and Universe gazed at this dashing and striking man curiously - he was so peculiar...so refined and courteous and yet so unusual and outlandish.
He certainly is an enigma... Mercury thought as she gazed at him.
The man smiled and bowed respectfully to them, his eyes sparkling like polished grey orbs all the while. "Well met your highnesses." he greeted them, his peculiar accent again apparent as he politely took Mercury's hand carefully in his own and quickly kissed and then carefully lowered it back to the Princess's side where it had been the moment before and released it.
Mercury could not help but smile as she turned a light pink - yes. She liked him. "Good evening my lord." she returned his greeting as she curtsied gracefully to him.
The man smiled warmly approving of her well manner and turned to face Universe as his vaguely curious look returned to his eyes. He guessed that Universe would not like the same greeting he had given Mercury so instead he took her hand in his own and shook it graciously. As he smiled gladly at her Universe could not help but notice that his handshake was very firm. She could not help but feel comfortable with him - just as she was with Queen Serenity and Xizor. Serenity because she had always treated her like a normal girl and Xizor who was also comfortable around her knowing what she had once been.
Universe had just never felt comfortable around other noblemen and women of the court - they had simply had nothing in common with her and did not understand her. But this man just seemed to be so genuine and honestly friendly. "Hey." Universe grinned at him in a friendly manner as he politely released her hand.
"Good evening." he smiled warmly at her. "I am honoured to speak with you two young jewels of the Universe. I have come from a distant place where women are beautiful and yet none are fairer than those I have met this night."
Mercury felt her blush deepening pleasantly as she smiled shyly at the compliment. Even Universe did not roll her eyes sceptically - he had not used any long and complicated words in order to impress them but instead he had simply told them what he thought honestly.
Universe liked that...
"Thank you very much my lord." Mercury smiled shyly. "But might we not know your name?"
The man's eyes twinkled oddly at the Mercurian Princess. "My name your reverence is Jujuka." he told her smiling in a friendly way. "I am a merchant of no small water from Reimo where I came to own an estate a few years ago. I am also a scholar of Universal History and..." he stopped as he noticed the look on Universe's face and he gave an infectious chuckle. "Oh I am sorry your highness! I am afraid that I quite enjoy talking about myself but after all I have had a good life and would not trade it for any other. But I can see that you seem distracted Princess Universe - am I by an chance boring you?"
Universe jumped embarrassed to have been caught rolling her eyes at him. "Oh no!" she stammered as she blushed furiously. "That is...ERRRM..."
Jujuka simply laughed pleasantly and made a dismissive gesture with an assuring grin. "Do not worry yourself your highness - I understand perfectly. Put it out of your mind."
Universe gave him an abashed grin as she felt genuinely grateful to him for letting her off the hook.
"I had the pleasure of being able to observe your performances tonight - Princess Mercury my breath was quite taken by your poem." Jujuka complimented the Mercurian honestly. "Your verses were very poignant and indeed I might say rather wistful. Yes indeed, you succeeded in provoking my thought. Your highness certainly commands the attention of the human heart."
Mercury's heart was beating faster as her smile became more and more flattered and pleasurable. "Why thank you, sir Jujuka." she smiled.
Jujuka returned her smile with one of his own then turned to gaze attentively at Universe. "Oh Princess Universe..." he breathed as a lingering longing entered his eyes as he looked at her. "I cannot even begin to describe to you how much your glorious song touched my heart. Never have a heard such a wonderfully beautiful voice. I can honestly say that you almost succeeded in breaking my heart and I sincerely hope that I may have the chance to hear you sing again one day."
Universe laughed. "You just did!" she teased him with a grin. "And hey don't let your heart fall to pieces - maybe I'll do it again just for you one day."
"Be wary your reverence - I may choose to hold you to your word!" Jujuka laughed and then his face became serious and his eyes questioning as he gazed into hers. "But I am curious my Princess...as I told you I am a scholar in the history of the Universe. Why have you revived something which has been dead for over a thousand years?"
Universe gazed at him, still grinning as she realised what he had just asked her. "Huh?" she asked as a tiny puzzled expression crept slowly into her face and her expansive grin faded into a confused and awkward smile.
Mercury felt surprised as she looked at Universe and then she curiously gazed back at Jujuka wondering what he could possibly have meant.
Jujuka's eyes had not left Universe's face for a single second as he gazed inquisitively at her all the time waiting for her to answer his question. Universe's eyes were now baffled - what had Jujuka meant?
Finally Mercury could no longer bear the thick silence that had settled over them and so she broke it. "Whatever do you mean sir Jujuka?" she asked, her blue eyes fixed upon him curiously.
"It is Princess Universe's song which I speak of your highness." the merchant elaborated for her benefit as he continued to gaze searchingly at Universe.
Universe stared at him blankly for another few minutes and then she shook her head as if to clear away a little of her confusion. "My...song?" she repeated slowly.
Jujuka nodded vigorously. "Indeed your highness - the song which I heard you sing tonight. It has indeed been long since I heard that enchanting melody. A very long time indeed."
"Oh...so it's a rare song then?" Universe inquired as her heart almost skipped a beat - although she had no idea why.
From the effect her words had on the merchant anybody else who had just began to listen in on their conversation at that point might have thought that she had asked him if she could tear his heart out of his chest and eat it in front of him.
As Universe and Mercury both stared at him, startled beyond words Jujuka's eyes widened and he gave a gasp of astonishment as his mouth began to open and close like a stricken fish. "Rare?!" he spluttered in shock. "You just asked if it that song is RARE?! Why your reverence...the song which you sang tonight...." just as he was about to come out with it however he suddenly stopped speaking, something had just crossed his mind which told him silently to keep whatever he had been about to say in check.
As Jujuka controlled himself he directed a hard and unflinching look at Universe and the purple-haired girl was inwardly surprised to see the piercing new expression in his deep grey eyes.
"Where exactly DID you learn it?" Jujuka asked in a voice which, although composed, very quiet and laced with a partially concealed urgency.
Mercury was by now deeply astonished by this conversation and gazed at Universe expectantly. Universe could feel herself trembling with...well what?
Why am I shaking like this? Why is my song so important?
To her it had simply always been a thing that she had known ever since she had been small - indeed it was the very first thing that she could remember from her very early days...her ONLY memory of her childhood. Something which she had always taken for granted was hers and had never wondered about.
But that look in Jujuka's eyes...
When Universe spoke again her voice was unusually mild and quiet. "I...don't know." she responded gazing at him sombrely. "I've always known it though ever since I was little..."
Jujuka's face now registered confusion and what seemed to be disbelief as he got to grips with what she had just said.
Universe furrowed her brow with deep thought - why disbelief? Didn't he believe her or something? No...that wasn't it at all. She got the feeling that Jujuka wasn't the sort of man to distrust the words of anyone unless he knew that they were a liar, much less the words of a lady. Unexpectedly a tiny grin crept into the corner of her mouth. Strange...when exactly had she begun to think of herself as a lady?
Mercury's face was wondering as she gazed at both Universe and Jujuka switching her gaze from one to the other every few seconds - why was he so interested in Universe's song?
Then Universe asked him that very question in a strangely quiet voice. "Jujuka...what's so special about my song?"
Jujuka's eyes were serious as he gazed at her and several things raced through his mind all at once - just as they had been doing ever since she had told him about how she knew the song.
His eyes were grave and serious as he spoke once more. "My dear - that song is so old that it is no longer sung anywhere in the Universe...in fact I only know of its very existence since I am a historian scholar. It is so old that I only realised just what it was exactly when you were halfway through singing it. When I realised just which song it was I was extremely curious for I have only heard of it from an old book - and so I thought that you must have looked it up from that very same book and decided to sing it tonight." There now appeared in his eyes, a very peculiar look as he gazed at her with a penetrating gaze. "But..." his voice dropped to a murmur and then left off what he had been about to say as he simply gazed at her with that strange look on his face.
Universe was breathing deeply now and her eyes were wide and shining. "WHAT? What IS it?" she demanded...
Queen Serenity's hands were tightly clasped together as she almost held her breath in waiting for the arrival of her dear Chara. She was almost trembling with nervous expectation as she gazed around the Ball Room in search of her dear friend. Her fathomless eyes were glistening as they flitted around from person to person - over there were Venus and Mars watching Charon dance as the Charonian was observed by her many admirers who ranged from longing males to sighing, admiring females alike - over there her own daughter and Jupiter talking quietly with each other - and there were Universe and Mercury who were both apparently in deep conversation with the peculiar merchant who had arrived earlier that night...Jujuka she recalled, she had spoken with him only briefly but she had come to like him in that short while for he was simply so sincere and he only spoke things that he meant - a very rare quality these days.
But where could Chara be?
And then the answer came to her as a familiar fragrance which she had never forgotten from the day she had first experienced it. Her heart was waiting now - waiting for the sound of her voice. How much she had wished to have the person who was attached to this wonderful sensation in her life again. A light and yet lingering touch rested tenderly on her shoulder and she realised that her fondest wish had finally come to pass - she was at last reunited with the beloved friend she had missed for such a long time now.
TOO long a time.
A quiet and faintly teasing laugh, filled with amusement for the world although the person who gave it would also be grave when time called for it and was able to laugh even brighter than she now did when all was well and cry during times of sadness and loss, chuckled into her ear softly.
"I'm here Serenity - didn't I promise you that I'd come?" her friend breathed in a voice which was slightly admonishing and yet at the same time altogether affectionate and loving.
Serenity had been breathless and her face emotional but now a smile of happiness adorned it as she placed her own hand on the delicate fingers which rested on the soft skin of her shoulder. As she turned to face the woman who had come up behind her with the quietness of the wind her eyes met with those of her oldest and most loved friend Queen Chara. Both of the Moon Queens, Inner and Outer, smiled as their eyes met and their faces seemed to glow as they stood together after so long and so much longing for each other.
Always had their friendship endured during the long years during which they had been separated by the relentless cry of duty but now that they stood together again, both of them realised just how much they had missed the other.
"Chara my dear..." Serenity murmured softly as she basked in the delicate scent of her dear friend and her voice trembled with emotion as she recalled all of the history between the two of them.
Chara was feeling similarly as her eyes glistened with the memories of her childhood and the fun she had, had in Serenity's company as well as their nights together when the stars had filled the sky of Charon or this moon. It had never mattered where they had been as long as it had been with each other. Chara had been in such a playful and gleeful mood when she had spotted Serenity from across the other side of the room and decided to surprise her but now that she was beneath her warm gaze once more she found that she was now lost for words and could even feel just the faintest hint of a lump beginning to form in her throat.
As she stood and simply couldn't think of anything to say Serenity's eyes were sparkling happily. "Please...speak! Say something!" she pleaded in a low and warm voice. "I've wanted to see you more than anything for so long...please don't be silent!"
As one the two friends raised their right hands almost instinctively slowly as they both savoured the moment they pressed their palms together just as they had always done when they had met again after being apart for any amount of time. Their special greeting - the lingering touch they had first shared had lasted forever.
Chara's eyes gleamed as she found her voice. "Oh Serenity...my dear Serenity. I am so happy to see you again!" she breathed in joy. "I too have longed to see you again my dear friend...I thought that tonight would never come!"
Serenity almost trembled with emotion. "Oh Chara...I thought that you had not come..."
Chara's eyes widened in surprise. "Serenity...I could never miss this night! It would have meant missing the chance to be with you even if it is only for a short while...and I could never do that to you for anything in the Universe!"
Tears of joy and contentment sparkled in their eyelashes as they held each other as though they never meant to let go even though in a way they never had done.
"Oh...I'm so happy." Serenity breathed blissfully as they looked at each other carefully for a long while as though they were trying to see as much of each other as possible before they were parted once more. "Even though I know this moment cannot last forever..."
"As am I. Serenity...let's just enjoy the night my dearest friend. Enjoy the time we have here and now instead of worrying about the future." Chara suggested with grave eyes which shone as she looked at her friend.
A glad smile glowed on the lips of the Queen of the Moon as she felt relieved that it was not she who had, had to be reasonable. "You always were the more sensible of the two of us."
Chara's eyes sparkled. "Perhaps." she chuckled and then laughed even louder as Serenity's face became slightly indignant that she had agreed with her but then her face softened and she too began to laugh as she forgot her sadness - at least for a time.
After a while Chara made an effort to settle down and with a straight face she asked "Oh...are you certain that my daughter has no idea that we are here?"
Serenity nodded and she smiled secretly to herself as she remembered how glad she had been earlier that she had not told Charon that she had invited the Princess's family to come tonight. And now she was far gladder that she had not mentioned it although for a very different reason now. "Of course not. I thought that it would be a wonderful surprise for her to see the three of you tonight. Oh and by the way Chara, you didn't by any chance...?" she left the question unasked as she saw in Chara's eyes that she had.
Chara grinned and nodded her head reassuringly. "Oh but of course I did! You didn't think that I would miss the Princesses perform did you? All of us were watching the entire thing on our way here with a little help from the link in our ship!" she smiled as she thought about what she had seen that night. "All of them did so splendidly! Your daughter's music was quite lovely!"
"Why thank you!"
"There's no need to thank me for telling the truth Serenity. And what did you think of my daughter?"
"She was wonderful - she certainly has a natural talent Chara. I'm sure that she's the best dancer I have ever had the pleasure to see!"
Chara sighed wistfully as she thought about the grace with which her daughter had danced before the Court earlier that evening. "I knew that I could count on you to say the right thing." she murmured and then she cleared her head. "Oh and I also noticed that you seem to have made a new addition to your court?" she inquired with a meaningful look in her eyes.
Understanding who she meant immediately Serenity smiled warmly and nodded her head. "Indeed. The one who sang is Princess Universe, Chara, and I brought her here only a few months ago."
Chara grinned merrily. "Ah now that is a name I recognise!" she exclaimed. "I remember that Pluto told me of her encounter with Universe a while ago." she began to laugh at this memory. "She certainly sounds like an especially spirited and fiery young woman!"
Serenity had to laugh in agreement. "You can rest assured that she certainly is!" she grinned pleasantly. "But although she tries to hide it she is very sweet and gentle beneath it all."
"Hmmm?" Chara raised an eyebrow as she thought about the encounter Pluto had described to her and smiled slightly. "Well you simply must introduce us!"
"Oh I will, don't worry about that."