I know I'm slow. Can't help it. Anyway, 3 chapters (4 including Prologue) and 74 reviews! My Holy God in Heaven! Do you people really love me that much? Don't I feel special. *_*
Reviewers:
Wavewalker
Mademoiselle Morte
Clare
JaminJellyBean
DaughterofDeath
Rose- I haven't changed my mind. :)
Suicidal Fox- I know this and hopefully more will be explained as the story continues, and I thank you personally for not being so rude.
MoonGoddess
Serenity Silvermoon
Lady Cinnibar
Trunks' and Legolas' Dream Maiden- One for every chapter... YAY!
Trapped in Icy Flame
Senshi's Tenshi
A Watcher
Usagi Asia Maxwell
Kyuuka-Kaimei
Lady Light
Chapter Four- Trusting
Aragorn turned slowly, shock reverberating throughout his nerves.
"How is it you do not know of the Firstborn?" he questioned with wide eyes, forgetting the fact that the woman before him was from a foreign world.
She gave him a incredulous look.
"Not from here, remember?"
The ranger smiled and bowed deeply.
"Of course, your majesty."
The moonchild made a face of mild disgust.
"Don't do that. And the name's Serena, but if you insist on being so formal you can call me Serenity. 'Kay?"
At his frown of confusion she elaborated.
"All right?"
The smile returned.
"As you wish, Serenity."
The two walked slowly, Aragorn gently guiding the small woman towards the distant glow of the campfire. He accepted who she said she was without a doubt. Why?
As if she sensed his thoughts she spoke, breaking the stillness of the night.
"I know you're a little tense about trusting me so easily."
He started to shake his head, ready to tell her it wasn't true. Even if it was. She seemed so fragile, so easy to break.
Serena grinned. "Don't lie. I know it's true because I made it that way."
The man paused. Releasing her hand he turned towards her, suspicion battling once more with the peace he felt.
Seeing his weary look and the discharge of her hand caused her eyes to water before she blinked the tears back.
'No. I am not a child anymore. I won't cry. I won't. No more.'
Azure eyes closed briefly, resolve settling through her.
"I am sorry for the deception, but I had to do it. While your trust in me has been slightly forced, mine in you has not."
Unbidden tears started to gather, her nose burning.
"I have to trust someone. I *need* to trust someone."
'Damn it all!'
The tears came forcefully, refusing to be held back any longer. Her knees buckled and she slipped to the ground, but before she hit the forest floor strong arms wrapped around her and she was hauled against a warm body.
Not caring who it was, only the comfort they offered, Serena clung on tightly. With her head buried against a broad shoulder she breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of musk and leather.
How could she do this? The first time around was hard enough, how could she survive it again?
At a lost for what to do Aragorn gently held the sobbing woman. In the hope of soothing her he rubbed her back, something Elrond once did for him as a boy whenever he was troubled.
Something happened to her. Something shattering and life changing. Something that made her so desperate she needed someone, anyone, to trust; and she needed to be trusted in turn. He could see it plainly in her deep, haunted eyes.
Could he really deny this sweet child that?
"Please don't cry, my lady. I mean not to upset you, yet these are dangerous times. One must be careful."
At last her sobs subsided and after a moment of silence she pulled back slightly, peering up at him.
"I know," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "That's why I'm here."
Serena sighed at his skeptical look.
'Of course he won't believe me. Do I look like much of a warrior, cryin' all over the poor guy?'
She was caught between indecision. She wanted him to trust her, really trust her, but she didn't want to explain the past. She wasn't ready. So what else could be done?
Aragorn stared surprised at the woman who jumped away from him with a triumphant shout.
"I got it!"
She started pacing back and forth, obviously excited, with her hands clasped in front of her.
"Pluto warned that I can only do it once, so I have to be careful with who I choose. She said I really have to take time with it, but I can't wait, so I choose you. What do ya say?"
Aragorn fought the grin that threatened to surface at her jubilation. In the back of his mind he briefly wondered how she was able to change moods so quickly. He genuinely had no clue what she said and had no qualms about telling her so.
Serena smiled sheepishly, blushing with embarrassment. She really needed to slow down.
"A friend of mine has allowed me the privilege to show anyone I choose the story of my past. If you are willing I would like you to be that person."
The man's jaw fell open and she was certain that it didn't happen often. She was hard pressed not to giggle but the importance of his answer wasn't lost on her. In all honesty she really did want him to be the one she could confide in. His aura told her much. He was subject to a fate he didn't want, but knew it to be his duty. That made them equals.
Shock dominated his mind, once again. He found she was just teeming with surprises. How could he be shown the past? But most of all, why would she choose him? She said herself that it could only be done once, so why him?
"Yes or no."
She changed again. A royal he saw. In her stance, in her gaze. She knew what she was doing, he saw that now. The only question was, could he do this, but such blind trust in someone he didn't know?
"Yes."
The smile was beautiful. She turned away from him, dropping his cloak, and tilted her face up towards the moon. He followed her gaze, but was forced to shield his eyes from the blinding light the glowing orb suddenly admitted.
When the light died down and he could finally see, Serenity stood before him in all her royal splendor. The dress seemed to be made of moonlight itself and fell about her in waves. Her hair was brushed into a shining sheen and fixed into what he thought to be the oddest of hairstyles, pearls embedded throughout the duo colored locks. However, what caught most of his attention was the golden upturned crescent moon on her forehead, shining with a light all its own.
Serenity smiled at his wonder and slowly approached him. As soon as she stood directly in front of him she gazed into his storm gray eyes.
Looking so deeply, Aragorn noticed just how old her soul was. Like the elves she appeared youthful, but her eyes gave her away. Eyes that now held flecks of silver. Such ancient eyes. Gentle and sad. Suddenly he was struck with the longing to see his beloved again. His thoughts were forced back to the present when he felt the gentle pressure of soft fingertips.
Serenity noticed the longing gleam in his eye and decided to question him later. Whatever it was he seemed determine that he could not have it. Maybe, as thanks, she could help.
"Close your eyes and open your mind. I will do the rest."
The ranger did as told and soon felt a searing heat beginning at his temple and quickly spreading to encompass his entire being. Then, in his mind's eye, he saw.
A beautiful kingdom, beautiful rulers, beautiful guardians, beautiful people. Peace and happiness.
He saw Serenity as a child sneaking away from her lessons. He saw her bickering with her protectors and friends about earth. He saw her as she fell in love. A handsome man with hair the color of ebony and eyes like the ocean at night. He saw their end and heard the great Queen's promise.
He watched as she grew in a world like nothing he had ever seen. He watched her first battle. He love was soon found and one by one the Senshi were rediscovered, old bonds renewed. For the first time in a long while she felt complete, but hovering at the back of her mind was the knowledge that she wasn't. There was a hole, so small it was easily ignored.
One after another enemies come, but still she fought with a strong heart. Behind her and at her side they were there, offering their strengths. She continued with the knowledge that, should she fall, they were there to catch her.
Then came the ultimate devastation. All dead. All but one. Loneliness like never before, but still, lingering in the dark... hope.
Aragorn staggered back, visions still bombarding his mind before finally coming to a halt. Opening his eyes he saw his Serenity on her knees, dress and hair splayed around her, as she struggled to catch her breath. The golden crescent flickered before slowly fading out of existence altogether. With the symbol's disappearance, the sparkling gown faded and was replaced by boots, breeches, and blouse of soft beige.
As she gazed up at him he noticed the silver in her eyes had gone replaced by the previous deep solid sapphire.
"Now you know."
He moved to help her stand and picked up the discarded cloak from the ground. She smiled gratefully as he settled it back over her slender shoulders.
"Strider?!"
*******************************************************************************************
Great, eh? I thought so. Anyway, remember to REVIEW and give me your opinions.
I'm kinda on a role here, so the next chapter should be out in two weeks. Should, being the key word. I'm not making any promises, people.
Oh! How should Boromir fit into this. Mean? Suspicious? Noble? Brotherly? Secret admirer? C'mon. Need clues here.
Feel free to ask any questions your little hearts desire.
Chow!
Reviewers:
Wavewalker
Mademoiselle Morte
Clare
JaminJellyBean
DaughterofDeath
Rose- I haven't changed my mind. :)
Suicidal Fox- I know this and hopefully more will be explained as the story continues, and I thank you personally for not being so rude.
MoonGoddess
Serenity Silvermoon
Lady Cinnibar
Trunks' and Legolas' Dream Maiden- One for every chapter... YAY!
Trapped in Icy Flame
Senshi's Tenshi
A Watcher
Usagi Asia Maxwell
Kyuuka-Kaimei
Lady Light
Chapter Four- Trusting
Aragorn turned slowly, shock reverberating throughout his nerves.
"How is it you do not know of the Firstborn?" he questioned with wide eyes, forgetting the fact that the woman before him was from a foreign world.
She gave him a incredulous look.
"Not from here, remember?"
The ranger smiled and bowed deeply.
"Of course, your majesty."
The moonchild made a face of mild disgust.
"Don't do that. And the name's Serena, but if you insist on being so formal you can call me Serenity. 'Kay?"
At his frown of confusion she elaborated.
"All right?"
The smile returned.
"As you wish, Serenity."
The two walked slowly, Aragorn gently guiding the small woman towards the distant glow of the campfire. He accepted who she said she was without a doubt. Why?
As if she sensed his thoughts she spoke, breaking the stillness of the night.
"I know you're a little tense about trusting me so easily."
He started to shake his head, ready to tell her it wasn't true. Even if it was. She seemed so fragile, so easy to break.
Serena grinned. "Don't lie. I know it's true because I made it that way."
The man paused. Releasing her hand he turned towards her, suspicion battling once more with the peace he felt.
Seeing his weary look and the discharge of her hand caused her eyes to water before she blinked the tears back.
'No. I am not a child anymore. I won't cry. I won't. No more.'
Azure eyes closed briefly, resolve settling through her.
"I am sorry for the deception, but I had to do it. While your trust in me has been slightly forced, mine in you has not."
Unbidden tears started to gather, her nose burning.
"I have to trust someone. I *need* to trust someone."
'Damn it all!'
The tears came forcefully, refusing to be held back any longer. Her knees buckled and she slipped to the ground, but before she hit the forest floor strong arms wrapped around her and she was hauled against a warm body.
Not caring who it was, only the comfort they offered, Serena clung on tightly. With her head buried against a broad shoulder she breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of musk and leather.
How could she do this? The first time around was hard enough, how could she survive it again?
At a lost for what to do Aragorn gently held the sobbing woman. In the hope of soothing her he rubbed her back, something Elrond once did for him as a boy whenever he was troubled.
Something happened to her. Something shattering and life changing. Something that made her so desperate she needed someone, anyone, to trust; and she needed to be trusted in turn. He could see it plainly in her deep, haunted eyes.
Could he really deny this sweet child that?
"Please don't cry, my lady. I mean not to upset you, yet these are dangerous times. One must be careful."
At last her sobs subsided and after a moment of silence she pulled back slightly, peering up at him.
"I know," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "That's why I'm here."
Serena sighed at his skeptical look.
'Of course he won't believe me. Do I look like much of a warrior, cryin' all over the poor guy?'
She was caught between indecision. She wanted him to trust her, really trust her, but she didn't want to explain the past. She wasn't ready. So what else could be done?
Aragorn stared surprised at the woman who jumped away from him with a triumphant shout.
"I got it!"
She started pacing back and forth, obviously excited, with her hands clasped in front of her.
"Pluto warned that I can only do it once, so I have to be careful with who I choose. She said I really have to take time with it, but I can't wait, so I choose you. What do ya say?"
Aragorn fought the grin that threatened to surface at her jubilation. In the back of his mind he briefly wondered how she was able to change moods so quickly. He genuinely had no clue what she said and had no qualms about telling her so.
Serena smiled sheepishly, blushing with embarrassment. She really needed to slow down.
"A friend of mine has allowed me the privilege to show anyone I choose the story of my past. If you are willing I would like you to be that person."
The man's jaw fell open and she was certain that it didn't happen often. She was hard pressed not to giggle but the importance of his answer wasn't lost on her. In all honesty she really did want him to be the one she could confide in. His aura told her much. He was subject to a fate he didn't want, but knew it to be his duty. That made them equals.
Shock dominated his mind, once again. He found she was just teeming with surprises. How could he be shown the past? But most of all, why would she choose him? She said herself that it could only be done once, so why him?
"Yes or no."
She changed again. A royal he saw. In her stance, in her gaze. She knew what she was doing, he saw that now. The only question was, could he do this, but such blind trust in someone he didn't know?
"Yes."
The smile was beautiful. She turned away from him, dropping his cloak, and tilted her face up towards the moon. He followed her gaze, but was forced to shield his eyes from the blinding light the glowing orb suddenly admitted.
When the light died down and he could finally see, Serenity stood before him in all her royal splendor. The dress seemed to be made of moonlight itself and fell about her in waves. Her hair was brushed into a shining sheen and fixed into what he thought to be the oddest of hairstyles, pearls embedded throughout the duo colored locks. However, what caught most of his attention was the golden upturned crescent moon on her forehead, shining with a light all its own.
Serenity smiled at his wonder and slowly approached him. As soon as she stood directly in front of him she gazed into his storm gray eyes.
Looking so deeply, Aragorn noticed just how old her soul was. Like the elves she appeared youthful, but her eyes gave her away. Eyes that now held flecks of silver. Such ancient eyes. Gentle and sad. Suddenly he was struck with the longing to see his beloved again. His thoughts were forced back to the present when he felt the gentle pressure of soft fingertips.
Serenity noticed the longing gleam in his eye and decided to question him later. Whatever it was he seemed determine that he could not have it. Maybe, as thanks, she could help.
"Close your eyes and open your mind. I will do the rest."
The ranger did as told and soon felt a searing heat beginning at his temple and quickly spreading to encompass his entire being. Then, in his mind's eye, he saw.
A beautiful kingdom, beautiful rulers, beautiful guardians, beautiful people. Peace and happiness.
He saw Serenity as a child sneaking away from her lessons. He saw her bickering with her protectors and friends about earth. He saw her as she fell in love. A handsome man with hair the color of ebony and eyes like the ocean at night. He saw their end and heard the great Queen's promise.
He watched as she grew in a world like nothing he had ever seen. He watched her first battle. He love was soon found and one by one the Senshi were rediscovered, old bonds renewed. For the first time in a long while she felt complete, but hovering at the back of her mind was the knowledge that she wasn't. There was a hole, so small it was easily ignored.
One after another enemies come, but still she fought with a strong heart. Behind her and at her side they were there, offering their strengths. She continued with the knowledge that, should she fall, they were there to catch her.
Then came the ultimate devastation. All dead. All but one. Loneliness like never before, but still, lingering in the dark... hope.
Aragorn staggered back, visions still bombarding his mind before finally coming to a halt. Opening his eyes he saw his Serenity on her knees, dress and hair splayed around her, as she struggled to catch her breath. The golden crescent flickered before slowly fading out of existence altogether. With the symbol's disappearance, the sparkling gown faded and was replaced by boots, breeches, and blouse of soft beige.
As she gazed up at him he noticed the silver in her eyes had gone replaced by the previous deep solid sapphire.
"Now you know."
He moved to help her stand and picked up the discarded cloak from the ground. She smiled gratefully as he settled it back over her slender shoulders.
"Strider?!"
*******************************************************************************************
Great, eh? I thought so. Anyway, remember to REVIEW and give me your opinions.
I'm kinda on a role here, so the next chapter should be out in two weeks. Should, being the key word. I'm not making any promises, people.
Oh! How should Boromir fit into this. Mean? Suspicious? Noble? Brotherly? Secret admirer? C'mon. Need clues here.
Feel free to ask any questions your little hearts desire.
Chow!