Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: I'm 23, and I can't draw for crap. So obviously I am not the one who created Sailormoon.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Two: Gifts and Stares
Rating: PG
Serenity looked over her packages with a smile. She had almost forgotten that she had sent Naru on those errands with all the excitement going on. Looking over the array, she had to admit she might have gone a little overboard. She had picked out quite a few gifts for her mother, but had other items ordered also. A few new dresses, which she was glad she had done now. She might need them on her trips to the other planets. A few new jewelry pieces were in there, also. She never wore much, but she liked to have a wide selection to choose from.
Bending down gracefully with a little rustle of her gown, she gently grasped one of the smaller packages in the pile and opened it. Upon seeing what was inside the box, she smiled. She knew her mother loved lunar pearls. Only found in the Sea of Serenity, these special little rocks cost a fortune on the moon and she couldn't even imagine what the cost would be elsewhere.
She quickly picked up the gifts she had picked out for her mother and set them aside. Opening one of the larger boxes, she gasped. Inside the most beautiful silver white gown lay. She gingerly reached in and raised it out of its box. Her eyes grew as she saw the exquisite work the gown was. She quickly stood up and hurried into the adjacent bathroom to change.
Quickly shedding her traditional gown, she looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. She never had much faith in her body, she remembered. Yet, even at 21 she looked, in her opinion, like a young girl. Her breasts were too small. She was too thin. No curves to speak off, not like the Senshi. She sighed wistfully. How she wished she could have the body of one of the Senshi. She sighed before turning away from her depressing reflection and reverently putting on the gown she had just purchased. The spaghetti strap gown transformed her, it seemed. The dangerously low cut back showed off a fetching amount of skin, yet left some to the imagination. The front showed more cleavage than she dared to attempt before, but she felt the need tonight. The need to show people she was a grown woman now.
After admiring herself in the mirror, she turned to return to her rooms. She quickly took down her hair and brushed it. Expert hands then remade her 'odangos' perfectly. Turning towards her dressing table, she opened the large box there and gently picked up the diamond tiara within. She sighed, defeated. She hated such signs of her station, and yet, protocol was protocol sometimes. And tonight was *not* a night to disobey. She gingerly placed the tiara upon her silver head and returned to the large mirror in the bathing room. She pronounced herself presentable and moved back into her chamber. She quickly grabbed her mother's gifts and exited her room.
~~~
Knocking on the large door, Serenity waited patently for her mother to answer.
"Come in," a soft voice flowed through the door. Serenity quickly opened the door and stepped inside the chambers. Looking around the room her eyes quickly found her mother already dressed and sitting at her dressing table, an attendant arranging her hair.
"Mother," Serenity began. "I wanted to give you my gifts before the ball."
The Queen looked up at Serenity's reflection and smiled. "Of course, dear. We're almost done with my hair. Sit down, Serenity."
She gracefully made her way to a comfortable chair beside the balcony and sat down, putting her gifts beside the chair. She watched her mother's attendant expertly arrange her perfect hair into the traditional 'odangos'. As the attendant made her way out, her mother stood up and made her way to the chair adjacent to Serenity's.
"Mother, I wanted to let you know I understand about your decision. I understand the importance of it, and although I did resent it at first, I am actually beginning to look forward to it."
"Thank you, Serenity. I am so proud of you. You are the perfect daughter, princess, everything. You have grown into a beautiful woman."
Suddenly a mischievous glint entered her mother's eyes. "So, what did you get me?" She asked in childlike glee. Serenity had to laugh; in that, mother and daughter were the same.
Serenity bent down and picked up the small box she had opened earlier. She handed it to her mother. "This is first..."
Queen Serenity smiled and gracefully opened the small box. She gasped in surprise and lifted the pearls out of the box reverently. "Oh, Serenity..." she whispered in awe. "They are beautiful."
Serenity blushed faintly. She loved to please people. Especially those close to her. On birthdays and other holidays, she showered her friends and family with gifts that had special meaning to each of them. She especially loved to please her mother by such simple gifts. It was becoming increasingly difficult to find gift that brought such joy and happiness to a Queen who had everything. Let alone a woman who has been in this world for 400 years.
"Thank you, dear," the Queen said softly as she continued to admire her pearls.
"I didn't have them made into jewelry because I thought you might be able to think of something better for them you'd rather have," the young woman said with a smile as she gazed at her entranced mother.
"Yes, dear, I can. Do you know why I love moon pearls so much, dear?" The Queen asked as she gently put them back in their box.
"No, I don't believe I do, Mother."
"They have always been a sign of our family, you realize." At her daughter's nod, she continued. "When I was about ten, I think. Has it really been that long ago? It feels like yesterday when I escaped my court and ventured into the fields of wild flowers surrounding the Sea of Selenity. Much like you used to do, remember?" The Queen smiled at her daughter as she flushed in embarrassment. She hadn't known her mother was aware of her antics.
"I remember exactly how everything looked and felt and even smelled to this day. It was late, stars shining in the vast sky, twinkling merrily. The wind was gentle and only faintly cool. It brought with it the scent of silver buttercups, daisies, pale violets, lunar lilies, and white lilacs (yes, they were imported even then, dear, although, I have never had your fascination for them). The Sea was clear and calm as glass, as is its want. Everything that night was perfect.
"I was playing quietly by the shore, gathering up shells and pretty rocks as children are apt to do. I don't know exactly what happened, maybe I slipped on a slippery rock or simply tripped, but the next thing I was aware of, I was in the Sea. Only, I couldn't swim. Only the fisherman swam on the moon in those days, as we don't have many bodies of water. So, I was never taught. Slowly throughout my reign, I have introduced others to swimming and it is why I allowed Mercury to teach you and the rest of the Senshi to swim. But I digress.
"I remember the shock of the cold and I remember inhaling the frigid water as I gasped in shock. I had never known fear until that day, since I was very much a sheltered princess. The time I spent underwater seemed to last an eternity. However, salvation came to me that day. I felt hands grasping me in a strong grip as I was pulled against a strong body and then I breathed air. Never had I felt something as wonderful as simply breathing. I gasped the air greedily until I felt faint. I opened my eyes and found my tiny body enveloped in someone's fierce embrace. I looked up at beheld my savior. Blond like I've never seen. Being only ten, I knew nothing of men. I knew he was beautiful. Only because he saved my young life. I smiled at him and hugged the man with everything my young body possessed.
"I remember whispering thanks over and over again, I was so happy. He laughed shakily before releasing me from his arms. He told me I should be more careful. I looked up at him in worship and nodded my head. I remember then how he smiled at me. An angel couldn't have looked as well as he did to me then. And he was my angel. My very own angel.
"That is how I met your father, Serenity. I didn't fall in love with him then, per se. I loved him as my angel, my savior, the brother I never had. He was sixteen then. Every bit the gentleman. He asked me what I was doing out there alone and when I showed him my collection of 'pretties'. He laughed his beautiful laugh then. He reached into his pocket about out the loveliest gem I had ever laid eyes on. A lunar pearl. The starlight hit it slightly and made it even more mystical. I gasped in shock at it. He then gently put it into my tiny hand and closed my fingers over it. He told me then that it was a sign of my family, but he bought that one at Haven earlier that day but thought I would enjoy it more than his mother would and he'd just pick out another gift for her.
"Although we began our relationship with a friendship, love grew out of it. Every year since then, on the same day, he gave me a lunar pearl. Every time Destiny threw us obstacles and when things got difficult, he gave me another pearl and life never seemed so hard. The lunar pearl wasn't only the sign of our family; it was a symbol of your father's devotion to me, and a symbol of our entire relationship. That is why lunar pearls are so special to me. How I wished you had knew your father, Serenity. He was a wonderful man." Queen Serenity came out of her reverie, a faint sheen of tears sparkling in her eyes. She looked at her daughter to find a very solemn princess. She smiled through her tears and took her daughter's hand. "What else have you brought me, dear?"
~~~
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she openly waited with something akin to dread as she was announced. She smoothed her gown self-consciously, if needlessly. She was unaware of the admiring gazes she was receiving from the heralds. 'Maybe I shouldn't have worn this dress.'
"Her Highness, Princess of the Lunar Kingdom, and High Princess of the Silver Millennium, Serenity!" The herald's clear voice rang though the ballroom. She stepped through the large open doors and made her way gracefully down the large room towards her court and the Queen. She felt the entire room gazing at her. Although she had long been the center of attention, much though she hated it, she was used to it. Tonight, however, she felt extremely insecure, wearing what she was.
Taking a quick glance around her, her training nearly failed her. She almost gaped to see such admiration in the eyes around her. And little appreciative glances from the men of the ball, which also earned her some jealous glares from the women. Yet, she never expected to be looked at like such. Looked at like the people stared at her mother. She was shocked. Shocked and flattered. Yet, she still felt a little unworthy of such admiration.
Reaching her mother, she curtsied deeply in respect. Her mother proudly smiled at her and nodded her head in acknowledgment. The Princess rose fluidly before nodding her head towards her Senshi, who all looked stunning. Mercury, dressed in an aquamarine modest gown that hinted more at her beauty than a more revealing gown would have. Her blue hair was held by delicate white clips and adorned with Mercurian Aquilegias, a native flower of Mercury, and one of her favorites.
Mars, as usual, was dressed in red. Her spaghetti strap gown showed a daring amount of skin, yet didn't appear indecent. Her hair cascaded down her back, a cluster of Fire Sprites, a flower native to Mars, decorated her shiny black hair. Its small leaves tipped in red, it stem striped with pink.
Jupiter wore a dark green gown that fell just below her knees. It was short for the Lunar Kingdom; however, shorter gowns were the fashion on Jupiter. Her hair fell loose, unusual for her, held by small clips topped with Jovian oak leaves.
Venus was dressed in a lovely orange floor-length gown that fetchingly hugged her figure. Strapless, the gown seemed to defy even the slight gravity on the moon. Her hair flowed free, held only by a large white clip in the shape of a dove in flight.
Uranus, surprisingly, wore spaghetti strapped gold dress that fell to the tiles of the ballroom. A perfectly blue colored clip held her short blond hair. Serenity knew that it was the exact color of her planet.
Neptune was dressed in aquamarine. The graceful gown flowed from her slender frame, enhancing every movement she made. Surprisingly modest, it had wide straps that lay across her shoulders. It only served to enhance her beauty. Her medium length marine blue hair was held by two trident shaped combs that left the rest free to spill down her shoulders.
Young Saturn was dressed in a black gown that fell to her feet. Her arms were covered with silky sleeves that flattered her small limbs. Her dress covered her up to her slim neck, making her seem extremely fragile, yet beautiful. Her short black hair was held partially back by a fluorite clip, emphasizing her small face.
Pluto wore a long dark red colored gown, which hinted at her slender curves. Strapless, the dress brought out her seemingly timeless appearance. Her hair was half held in a bun, held in place by a garnet comb.
Her mother looked the most radiant. Long, shiny silver hair held in the two buns atop her head. Her frame covered by an impossibly white gown that seemed to emit light of its own. Her sleeveless gown enhanced her shapely shoulders and arms. Her ears were adorned with small pearl earrings. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her daughter.
"Daughter," the Queen whispered to her. "You look stunning, dear."
"Thank you, Mama," Serenity whispered back, using the name she hadn't used since she was five years old. The radiant Queen smiled lovingly at her daughter before turning towards the group of dancing people.
"Princess, tonight after the ball, the Senshi are to meet in your gardens. We would like you to join us." Mars said quietly to her charge.
Looking up in surprise at her, Serenity nodded slightly. She had never been privy to their midnight meetings before, and couldn't understand why she would be now. They trained in secret, but she knew this was not a training session. Pushing her rapid thoughts to the back of her mind, she resolved to think of that later. Tonight was for her mother. Even if it was slightly boring, as she found all balls such. No one dared ask the Senshi or the High Princess to dance, as no one was within sufficient rank usually. And the few that did show up that were of rank were often too nervous to ask the Legendary Senshi to dance, let alone the High Princess, who was rumored to have incredible power. Power she had yet to see within herself, she had to admit. Not like her mother, who positively radiated it.
Serenity pushed that thought away, also. Although, dancing was a rare occurrence for them, they often gathered to make polite chat at the frequent balls on the Moon. Serenity sometimes wished that members of other courts were invited to some of these balls. Unfortunately, it was rare to see non-Lunar people on the Moon. The exception being the Senshi, of course.
"Princess?" A voice intruded on her reverie.
"Yes, Pluto?" Serenity answered with a smile as she turned toward the mysterious Time Senshi.
"You looked so serious, Princess," Pluto gently prodded.
"I apologize, Pluto. I was just thinking."
"About what, Princess?"
"I was thinking that the Moon is truly isolated. It is a very rare occurrence that people from the other planets come to the Moon or any of the balls. How the Senshi never get asked to dance, because of protocol and fear. Fear of their legendary power. Or my so-called power. I think it's silly, sometimes. How isolated we truly are. If we are the rulers of the Millennium, how is it that we have almost no contact with the other planets? Outside of the Senshi, I mean."
"That is the way it has been for thousands of years, Princess. Each Queen has brought changes to the Moon during her reign, and your mother is one of the most radical of them all. Her mother appointed her to Ambassador to the Planets, which was unheard of at that time. Your mother has brought about major changes to the Moon, just as you will. Change takes time, Princess. Perhaps, you will change the tradition of Lunar isolation."
Pluto looked down at the petite woman beside her with a smile. "You will be a wonderful Queen someday, I'm sure. Don't worry so much, right now. Enjoy the ball. Tomorrow is time enough to worry about your duties."
"Thank you, Pluto," Serenity said to the Senshi, thoughtfully. She knew the wiser woman was right. Tomorrow was time enough to worry about the Moon's isolation and her trip to Mercury. Tonight was to let the worries flow away. Tonight she would enjoy the conversation and the company. Tomorrow, however, was a different story.
~~~
AN: Wow, this is another part of what *used* to be Chapter One, but I had to break it up. All the flowery descriptions (What the heck was I thinking when I wrote this? I bored MYSELF!) make 18 pages a little too much.
Thanks to the caffeine fairy, Cookie Pixie (Yeah, I know it's too flowery. It was written a long time ago, and I didn't have the heart to change it. Don't worry, it gets less romanticized later ^_^), sqeekers, and Melody-chan19!
Lovies!
Disclaimer: I'm 23, and I can't draw for crap. So obviously I am not the one who created Sailormoon.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Two: Gifts and Stares
Rating: PG
Serenity looked over her packages with a smile. She had almost forgotten that she had sent Naru on those errands with all the excitement going on. Looking over the array, she had to admit she might have gone a little overboard. She had picked out quite a few gifts for her mother, but had other items ordered also. A few new dresses, which she was glad she had done now. She might need them on her trips to the other planets. A few new jewelry pieces were in there, also. She never wore much, but she liked to have a wide selection to choose from.
Bending down gracefully with a little rustle of her gown, she gently grasped one of the smaller packages in the pile and opened it. Upon seeing what was inside the box, she smiled. She knew her mother loved lunar pearls. Only found in the Sea of Serenity, these special little rocks cost a fortune on the moon and she couldn't even imagine what the cost would be elsewhere.
She quickly picked up the gifts she had picked out for her mother and set them aside. Opening one of the larger boxes, she gasped. Inside the most beautiful silver white gown lay. She gingerly reached in and raised it out of its box. Her eyes grew as she saw the exquisite work the gown was. She quickly stood up and hurried into the adjacent bathroom to change.
Quickly shedding her traditional gown, she looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. She never had much faith in her body, she remembered. Yet, even at 21 she looked, in her opinion, like a young girl. Her breasts were too small. She was too thin. No curves to speak off, not like the Senshi. She sighed wistfully. How she wished she could have the body of one of the Senshi. She sighed before turning away from her depressing reflection and reverently putting on the gown she had just purchased. The spaghetti strap gown transformed her, it seemed. The dangerously low cut back showed off a fetching amount of skin, yet left some to the imagination. The front showed more cleavage than she dared to attempt before, but she felt the need tonight. The need to show people she was a grown woman now.
After admiring herself in the mirror, she turned to return to her rooms. She quickly took down her hair and brushed it. Expert hands then remade her 'odangos' perfectly. Turning towards her dressing table, she opened the large box there and gently picked up the diamond tiara within. She sighed, defeated. She hated such signs of her station, and yet, protocol was protocol sometimes. And tonight was *not* a night to disobey. She gingerly placed the tiara upon her silver head and returned to the large mirror in the bathing room. She pronounced herself presentable and moved back into her chamber. She quickly grabbed her mother's gifts and exited her room.
~~~
Knocking on the large door, Serenity waited patently for her mother to answer.
"Come in," a soft voice flowed through the door. Serenity quickly opened the door and stepped inside the chambers. Looking around the room her eyes quickly found her mother already dressed and sitting at her dressing table, an attendant arranging her hair.
"Mother," Serenity began. "I wanted to give you my gifts before the ball."
The Queen looked up at Serenity's reflection and smiled. "Of course, dear. We're almost done with my hair. Sit down, Serenity."
She gracefully made her way to a comfortable chair beside the balcony and sat down, putting her gifts beside the chair. She watched her mother's attendant expertly arrange her perfect hair into the traditional 'odangos'. As the attendant made her way out, her mother stood up and made her way to the chair adjacent to Serenity's.
"Mother, I wanted to let you know I understand about your decision. I understand the importance of it, and although I did resent it at first, I am actually beginning to look forward to it."
"Thank you, Serenity. I am so proud of you. You are the perfect daughter, princess, everything. You have grown into a beautiful woman."
Suddenly a mischievous glint entered her mother's eyes. "So, what did you get me?" She asked in childlike glee. Serenity had to laugh; in that, mother and daughter were the same.
Serenity bent down and picked up the small box she had opened earlier. She handed it to her mother. "This is first..."
Queen Serenity smiled and gracefully opened the small box. She gasped in surprise and lifted the pearls out of the box reverently. "Oh, Serenity..." she whispered in awe. "They are beautiful."
Serenity blushed faintly. She loved to please people. Especially those close to her. On birthdays and other holidays, she showered her friends and family with gifts that had special meaning to each of them. She especially loved to please her mother by such simple gifts. It was becoming increasingly difficult to find gift that brought such joy and happiness to a Queen who had everything. Let alone a woman who has been in this world for 400 years.
"Thank you, dear," the Queen said softly as she continued to admire her pearls.
"I didn't have them made into jewelry because I thought you might be able to think of something better for them you'd rather have," the young woman said with a smile as she gazed at her entranced mother.
"Yes, dear, I can. Do you know why I love moon pearls so much, dear?" The Queen asked as she gently put them back in their box.
"No, I don't believe I do, Mother."
"They have always been a sign of our family, you realize." At her daughter's nod, she continued. "When I was about ten, I think. Has it really been that long ago? It feels like yesterday when I escaped my court and ventured into the fields of wild flowers surrounding the Sea of Selenity. Much like you used to do, remember?" The Queen smiled at her daughter as she flushed in embarrassment. She hadn't known her mother was aware of her antics.
"I remember exactly how everything looked and felt and even smelled to this day. It was late, stars shining in the vast sky, twinkling merrily. The wind was gentle and only faintly cool. It brought with it the scent of silver buttercups, daisies, pale violets, lunar lilies, and white lilacs (yes, they were imported even then, dear, although, I have never had your fascination for them). The Sea was clear and calm as glass, as is its want. Everything that night was perfect.
"I was playing quietly by the shore, gathering up shells and pretty rocks as children are apt to do. I don't know exactly what happened, maybe I slipped on a slippery rock or simply tripped, but the next thing I was aware of, I was in the Sea. Only, I couldn't swim. Only the fisherman swam on the moon in those days, as we don't have many bodies of water. So, I was never taught. Slowly throughout my reign, I have introduced others to swimming and it is why I allowed Mercury to teach you and the rest of the Senshi to swim. But I digress.
"I remember the shock of the cold and I remember inhaling the frigid water as I gasped in shock. I had never known fear until that day, since I was very much a sheltered princess. The time I spent underwater seemed to last an eternity. However, salvation came to me that day. I felt hands grasping me in a strong grip as I was pulled against a strong body and then I breathed air. Never had I felt something as wonderful as simply breathing. I gasped the air greedily until I felt faint. I opened my eyes and found my tiny body enveloped in someone's fierce embrace. I looked up at beheld my savior. Blond like I've never seen. Being only ten, I knew nothing of men. I knew he was beautiful. Only because he saved my young life. I smiled at him and hugged the man with everything my young body possessed.
"I remember whispering thanks over and over again, I was so happy. He laughed shakily before releasing me from his arms. He told me I should be more careful. I looked up at him in worship and nodded my head. I remember then how he smiled at me. An angel couldn't have looked as well as he did to me then. And he was my angel. My very own angel.
"That is how I met your father, Serenity. I didn't fall in love with him then, per se. I loved him as my angel, my savior, the brother I never had. He was sixteen then. Every bit the gentleman. He asked me what I was doing out there alone and when I showed him my collection of 'pretties'. He laughed his beautiful laugh then. He reached into his pocket about out the loveliest gem I had ever laid eyes on. A lunar pearl. The starlight hit it slightly and made it even more mystical. I gasped in shock at it. He then gently put it into my tiny hand and closed my fingers over it. He told me then that it was a sign of my family, but he bought that one at Haven earlier that day but thought I would enjoy it more than his mother would and he'd just pick out another gift for her.
"Although we began our relationship with a friendship, love grew out of it. Every year since then, on the same day, he gave me a lunar pearl. Every time Destiny threw us obstacles and when things got difficult, he gave me another pearl and life never seemed so hard. The lunar pearl wasn't only the sign of our family; it was a symbol of your father's devotion to me, and a symbol of our entire relationship. That is why lunar pearls are so special to me. How I wished you had knew your father, Serenity. He was a wonderful man." Queen Serenity came out of her reverie, a faint sheen of tears sparkling in her eyes. She looked at her daughter to find a very solemn princess. She smiled through her tears and took her daughter's hand. "What else have you brought me, dear?"
~~~
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she openly waited with something akin to dread as she was announced. She smoothed her gown self-consciously, if needlessly. She was unaware of the admiring gazes she was receiving from the heralds. 'Maybe I shouldn't have worn this dress.'
"Her Highness, Princess of the Lunar Kingdom, and High Princess of the Silver Millennium, Serenity!" The herald's clear voice rang though the ballroom. She stepped through the large open doors and made her way gracefully down the large room towards her court and the Queen. She felt the entire room gazing at her. Although she had long been the center of attention, much though she hated it, she was used to it. Tonight, however, she felt extremely insecure, wearing what she was.
Taking a quick glance around her, her training nearly failed her. She almost gaped to see such admiration in the eyes around her. And little appreciative glances from the men of the ball, which also earned her some jealous glares from the women. Yet, she never expected to be looked at like such. Looked at like the people stared at her mother. She was shocked. Shocked and flattered. Yet, she still felt a little unworthy of such admiration.
Reaching her mother, she curtsied deeply in respect. Her mother proudly smiled at her and nodded her head in acknowledgment. The Princess rose fluidly before nodding her head towards her Senshi, who all looked stunning. Mercury, dressed in an aquamarine modest gown that hinted more at her beauty than a more revealing gown would have. Her blue hair was held by delicate white clips and adorned with Mercurian Aquilegias, a native flower of Mercury, and one of her favorites.
Mars, as usual, was dressed in red. Her spaghetti strap gown showed a daring amount of skin, yet didn't appear indecent. Her hair cascaded down her back, a cluster of Fire Sprites, a flower native to Mars, decorated her shiny black hair. Its small leaves tipped in red, it stem striped with pink.
Jupiter wore a dark green gown that fell just below her knees. It was short for the Lunar Kingdom; however, shorter gowns were the fashion on Jupiter. Her hair fell loose, unusual for her, held by small clips topped with Jovian oak leaves.
Venus was dressed in a lovely orange floor-length gown that fetchingly hugged her figure. Strapless, the gown seemed to defy even the slight gravity on the moon. Her hair flowed free, held only by a large white clip in the shape of a dove in flight.
Uranus, surprisingly, wore spaghetti strapped gold dress that fell to the tiles of the ballroom. A perfectly blue colored clip held her short blond hair. Serenity knew that it was the exact color of her planet.
Neptune was dressed in aquamarine. The graceful gown flowed from her slender frame, enhancing every movement she made. Surprisingly modest, it had wide straps that lay across her shoulders. It only served to enhance her beauty. Her medium length marine blue hair was held by two trident shaped combs that left the rest free to spill down her shoulders.
Young Saturn was dressed in a black gown that fell to her feet. Her arms were covered with silky sleeves that flattered her small limbs. Her dress covered her up to her slim neck, making her seem extremely fragile, yet beautiful. Her short black hair was held partially back by a fluorite clip, emphasizing her small face.
Pluto wore a long dark red colored gown, which hinted at her slender curves. Strapless, the dress brought out her seemingly timeless appearance. Her hair was half held in a bun, held in place by a garnet comb.
Her mother looked the most radiant. Long, shiny silver hair held in the two buns atop her head. Her frame covered by an impossibly white gown that seemed to emit light of its own. Her sleeveless gown enhanced her shapely shoulders and arms. Her ears were adorned with small pearl earrings. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her daughter.
"Daughter," the Queen whispered to her. "You look stunning, dear."
"Thank you, Mama," Serenity whispered back, using the name she hadn't used since she was five years old. The radiant Queen smiled lovingly at her daughter before turning towards the group of dancing people.
"Princess, tonight after the ball, the Senshi are to meet in your gardens. We would like you to join us." Mars said quietly to her charge.
Looking up in surprise at her, Serenity nodded slightly. She had never been privy to their midnight meetings before, and couldn't understand why she would be now. They trained in secret, but she knew this was not a training session. Pushing her rapid thoughts to the back of her mind, she resolved to think of that later. Tonight was for her mother. Even if it was slightly boring, as she found all balls such. No one dared ask the Senshi or the High Princess to dance, as no one was within sufficient rank usually. And the few that did show up that were of rank were often too nervous to ask the Legendary Senshi to dance, let alone the High Princess, who was rumored to have incredible power. Power she had yet to see within herself, she had to admit. Not like her mother, who positively radiated it.
Serenity pushed that thought away, also. Although, dancing was a rare occurrence for them, they often gathered to make polite chat at the frequent balls on the Moon. Serenity sometimes wished that members of other courts were invited to some of these balls. Unfortunately, it was rare to see non-Lunar people on the Moon. The exception being the Senshi, of course.
"Princess?" A voice intruded on her reverie.
"Yes, Pluto?" Serenity answered with a smile as she turned toward the mysterious Time Senshi.
"You looked so serious, Princess," Pluto gently prodded.
"I apologize, Pluto. I was just thinking."
"About what, Princess?"
"I was thinking that the Moon is truly isolated. It is a very rare occurrence that people from the other planets come to the Moon or any of the balls. How the Senshi never get asked to dance, because of protocol and fear. Fear of their legendary power. Or my so-called power. I think it's silly, sometimes. How isolated we truly are. If we are the rulers of the Millennium, how is it that we have almost no contact with the other planets? Outside of the Senshi, I mean."
"That is the way it has been for thousands of years, Princess. Each Queen has brought changes to the Moon during her reign, and your mother is one of the most radical of them all. Her mother appointed her to Ambassador to the Planets, which was unheard of at that time. Your mother has brought about major changes to the Moon, just as you will. Change takes time, Princess. Perhaps, you will change the tradition of Lunar isolation."
Pluto looked down at the petite woman beside her with a smile. "You will be a wonderful Queen someday, I'm sure. Don't worry so much, right now. Enjoy the ball. Tomorrow is time enough to worry about your duties."
"Thank you, Pluto," Serenity said to the Senshi, thoughtfully. She knew the wiser woman was right. Tomorrow was time enough to worry about the Moon's isolation and her trip to Mercury. Tonight was to let the worries flow away. Tonight she would enjoy the conversation and the company. Tomorrow, however, was a different story.
~~~
AN: Wow, this is another part of what *used* to be Chapter One, but I had to break it up. All the flowery descriptions (What the heck was I thinking when I wrote this? I bored MYSELF!) make 18 pages a little too much.
Thanks to the caffeine fairy, Cookie Pixie (Yeah, I know it's too flowery. It was written a long time ago, and I didn't have the heart to change it. Don't worry, it gets less romanticized later ^_^), sqeekers, and Melody-chan19!
Lovies!