Title: Moon Destiny
Chapter 1
Author: Fione
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Action
Alternate Reality
Setting: Silver Millennium
Disclaimer : I don't own Sailor Moon it belongs, to Naoko Takahashi and the various Companies
that published it.
Author Notes: This will be a multipart story with long chapters but also longer uploading periods. I hope you enjoy the beginning. Please give me feat back on my writing. Flames are allowed as long as they are productive. Thanks.
The white veils fluttered, indicating the soft breeze that swept through the grand chamber which was illuminated by the soft light of the Earth hanging in the night sky. The glow of the blue pearl fell on the light furniture, the elegantly designed fireplace and the finely carved four-poster with its silky covers. Golden hair glittered, flowing over the borders of the queen-sized bed before spilling on the silver floor. The angel in the bed was sleeping deeply, her normally shining azure eyes shut while she revelled in the warmth of her dream. Occasionally she would sigh in bliss at the thought of the wonderful flowerbeds that surrounded her, for this young woman knew nothing of the dark that would soon befall her future kingdom.
Innocently she fulfilled her duty by day and dreamed of luxuriant meadows which she yearned to stand in at night. She was loved by the people and even if the crescent moon signal that shone on her forehead signified her as the Moon Princess and of the highest rank in the universe, did she treat all the people surrounding her as equals. But her innocent and overly kind mind would soon be troubled by the difficulty and hurt of a great decision that would have to be made.
As the Earth reached its highest point in the darkness of the night sky the veils suddenly stilled in their movement. But instead of tension a calmness spread throughout the room as a silver gleam began to sparkle at the princess' bedside. It intensified while slowly a frail but at the same time firm form appeared in its centre. Silver tresses mixed with the golden, the very bottom of a sparkling cloth reached the ankles of the female goddess that had just entered the room and the gleam didn't fade as her feet touched down onto the silver floor. She observed her descendant lying peacefully under the covers but her eyes surprisingly filled with grief and despair at the sight of the next heir to the moon. Before this innocent being lay a hard path and while the goddess knew which choice her charge would make she did neither know the outcome nor how many hardships she would have to overcome. Still she had to give her the choice in fate's name, for even if the answer was evident it had to be voiced by the young woman in the bed.
To even speak of a choice was wrong, the silver clad woman thought, as the princess could only chose one path for everything to prevail for the other would mean the end of this time. As the guardian of the moon and the princess' ancestor, she had the terrible task to deliver the news of her destiny to the peaceful young woman in the bed. "You do not deserve what I have to ask of you, my child.", she whispered in a silky voice, looking at the golden child, her eyes growing even more remorse. "You do not deserve this fate.", the goddess repeated before her face grew emotionless and she lifted her hand to rouse her charge. The time of choice had come. The moment the princess would have made her decision she would have to follow the chosen path without help and to the gleaming woman's even greater sorrow without memory.
Serenity who had been running through beautiful flowerbeds to reach the waterfall she saw in the distance suddenly found her surroundings fading and her body immobile of moving any further. Confused she looked around herself as a white light slowly penetrated the nothingness, drawing her into consciousness. Finally coming to her senses she opened her eyes to an awing sight. At her bedside stood the guardian goddess of her planet. She was truly a breathtaking sight and the princess suddenly felt small. "Good evening, my child.", the silver woman greeted. Serenity gasped at the sound of her soothing but at the same time emotionless voice.
Why had the Moon Goddess came to her? Did she have a task to fulfil? Would she be involved in the awing woman's plans? Gradually curiosity rose in Serenity, forming question over question in her mind while the Goddess Selene looked at her expectantly. The princess suddenly remembered her manners. Quickly she got out of bed, suppressing a gasp as her feet hit the cold ground. Adjusting her nightwear she took a breath before falling into a perfect curtsey. Selene had difficulties to not let her emotions show as she watched her charge giving polite greetings. Why, oh why had she to be the one to tear this innocent woman from her peaceful life?
When Serenity drew herself up again she boldly looked into the guardian's eyes, her own full of determination. Selene wouldn't have appeared at her bedside without reason and whatever the reason was she decided to help the goddess. The silver woman was startled by the sudden change in the princess attitude but grew more confident in fulfilling her task. This golden child wouldn't give up that fast. Under the innocent cover she was a fighter. " My child, I've come to you this night because you are to be given a hard choice. After you have chosen your path you will be on your own to achieve your destiny. Are you ready to hear which two paths now lay before you, Serenity of the Moon?", Selene asked the young woman regally and her charge unconsciously drew herself further up. Inquiring and bold eyes met the goddess' all traces of the innocent, helpless looking girl vanished. The princess wasn't as unaware of what was going on around her as she appeared to be. She just didn't always acknowledge it and Selene slowly began to understand why her precious descendant had been chosen for living this difficult choice. "Yes", the simple, but determined spoken word echoed through the room.
The Moon Goddess nodded before training her intense eyes on her charge. "Princess Serenity I, heir to the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millennium, I am here to present you with two paths. You are to make your choice immediately and I will act accordingly to your decision. Dark times are approaching and you are the key character to the universe's future. Tonight you shall decide if you either go to Earth without memories and without a trace, to achieve your destiny and save this universe when the time is right or remain here ridden of the memory of our meeting and unaware of the danger approaching but with your family and friends. The choice lies with you, my child."
Selene observed the emotions that ran over the princess' face, waiting for an answer. Serenity felt totally numb after the goddess' words. What kind of choice was this? Either she would have to leave without any of her memories or she could remain and her family, friends and her people would possibly die. Suppressing tears she still answered in a determined voice. "I shall go to Earth, deity."
Selene once again had difficulties with covering her emotions as she heard the words that sealed Serenity's fate because even if she was a goddess she was helpless now. Her child was on her own. "Your family will never hear of this meeting or the choice you made. The reason of your disappearance will remain unexplained by us and your memories shall be taken. With you shall only remain your knowledge and this riddle: In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love, and try to see more than darkness under Envy. Good Luck, my child.", the goddess concluded and Serenity's tears finally flowed freely down her cheeks. There was no turning back. She didn't want to hurt her mother with her disappearance but that was the only way to protect the ones she loved so dearly.
Suddenly the Moon Princess found herself in a white void, alone, her memories and Crescent Moon Signal fading into nothingness. Azurite eyes grew grey, her hair dimmed a shade and her body was adorned in lesser clothes. She had chosen her path. Now she had to live her choice.
The sun was about to rise when Molly Wales, maid at the Golden Palace of Earth made her way over the courtyard to the clothes-lines behind the stables, to take in the various garments for pressing. As she neared her destination the neighing of horses reached her ears and she could smell the fresh straw that was just put into the boxes by the stable hands. When the young maid turned the corner after passing the entrance of the stables the ground grew muddy and she reminded herself to change shoes before entering the palace again or Francis, the head maid, would throw a fit which usually wasn't a very happy sight. But the thought of her raging superior left her as she turned the last corner. Molly gasped loudly at the sight that met her eyes.
There, not more than two feet away a beautiful young woman lay in the mud obviously unconscious. Rushing over to the limp form Molly shook the maiden. "Please be alright", she chanted over and over again hoping that the young woman had just fallen asleep. The maid had never seen her at the palace before and didn't believe her to be a servant. Still her clothes didn't indicate her to be a lady even if her skin was a light cream colour. The auburn-haired maid shook the unconscious woman another time and was just about to call for help when she heard a groan. Turning her attention back to the now awakening maiden, who lifted a slender arm to her hammering forehead Molly asked herself who she could be.
The consciousness of the blonde woman slowly return as the enveloping darkness around her began to lighten. Somebody was shaking her and her body felt like it had been run over by a horse cart. How strange. She couldn't remember running into one. Trying to think back she found that her mind was totally blank. Who was she and what had happened to her? Slowly she opened her eyes and was met by a face she couldn't recall. She couldn't remember her own name. Where was she?
Molly was surprised when she found grey eyes staring back at her confusedly. She had never seen anyone with grey eyes before and they seemed somehow out of place in the young woman's face but she didn't acknowledge the fact for long, letting a relieved smile grace her lips. The woman seemed to be alright. "For a moment there I thought you were seriously hurt when you didn't wake, Miss. I'm Molly Wales, personal maid at the Golden Palace. May I ask your name?", the maid decided to ask politely.
The woman was surprised at the maid's merry behaviour and felt bad when she knew that she wouldn't be able to answer her question. Should she give her any name or the truth. She didn't know. But as Molly once again asked she decided on the truth. Maybe the maid would help her.
"I do not know." When the formerly unconscious woman finally spoke Molly was startled. Not only by her words but also by her voice which was soothing and powerful at the same time. Seeing as the young woman helplessly looked around herself no spark of recognition showing in her eyes, Molly decided that she must have lost her memory and needed help. 'Well, I guess this is more important than a few dresses.', she concluded and got up, giving the woman still on the ground a friendly smile. "That's okay. Don't worry, Miss. I'll help you. I think the best would be if we bring you to the queen, she may be able to help you."
"The Queen? Excuse me, M...Molly, but may I ask where we are? And please do not address me as miss, I don't think I am of such breed and I have to admit it makes me rather uncomfortable?", the irritated woman asked earnestly and Molly looked at her with sad eyes before nodding. Still she noted the noble way of the woman's speech. Whatever had made this woman loose her memory must have been either of good reason or terrifying. "Well then how shall I call you, Miss?", she asked, wanting to know how to address the lady who surprisingly gracefully got up and diligently straightened her muddy dress.
When her grey eyes met Molly's again she smiled and the confusion in them had vanished, being replaced with determination as well as a gentle warmth. "Please call me Serena. That name seems comfortable to me. It is nice to meet you. I thank you for your trust and would be honoured if I could call you my friend as I don't believe that I shall retain my memory anytime soon.", the golden haired woman stated softly, making the maid smile. "Of course.", she answered enthusiastically before remembering Serena's former question. "To answer your previous question. We are at the Golden Palace, Residence of the Royal Family of Earth."
Earth. Somehow that struck a nerve in Serena and a soothing voice suddenly flowed through her mind. In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love and try to see more than darkness under Envy. What could it mean? Searching her mind she once again came up with no answer. Maybe she wasn't to understand or remember yet. 'Just stay calm', she told herself and nodded as Molly told her to follow.
The sun was just rising as they crossed the court together. Serena was fascinated by the sight of the sky coloured a red shade and began to feel at peace. She knew she would remember when she needed to. She just had to be patient. Maybe if she had luck she would be able to help at the palace. Grasping the idea the grey eyed woman quickly caught up with her new friend.
Stepping into the palace through a servant entrance Molly turned her attention back to Serena, looking apologetically. For a moment the memory-less woman felt the fear that Molly would leave her on her own rise but her expression and stance revealed nothing of her worries to the maid before her. A curious smile graced her lips. "I am afraid that you will have to see Francis, the head maid, first, Serena. She is the only one who can give the permission to see the queen.", Molly admitted sighing, regret shining in her eyes which confused the other woman. Not understanding Serena asked. "What is it Molly? I'm sure there is no problem in speaking with the head maid."
Molly shook her had, suddenly looking troubled. Once again a sigh escaped the redhead's lips. "You can say that Serena, because you do not know her. She wouldn't even give a dying servant permission to see the queen if she does not feel him worthy." The confession let the grey eyed maiden's fear rise again but at the same time a strong determination sparked in her. She would try to speak to this Francis character.
Giving a soft smile she asked her new friend to lead her to the head maid's office which Molly did rather reluctantly. Francis didn't like her in the least. Nor any other servant for the matter. Still she fulfilled the mysterious woman's wish. Reaching a high oak door she stopped, faltering when she reached for the handle. Turning around to Serena again an inquiring look entered the maid's eyes. "Are you sure? She will demand to know who you are and you do not remember. Don't you think it would better to wait until you regain your memory?" Taking a breath she paused for a moment, lowering her head somewhat ashamed before continuing. "I know that I suggested to bring you to the queen but I didn't think of passing Francis then. She is terrible, Serena, taking herself for the best, making the servants work like slaves when the royals don't look. I..." The red haired maid's triad was stopped by a soft and comforting hand on her shoulder.
Looking up Molly locked eyes with grey orbs. Fear and uneasiness as well as a deep confusion was present in them, letting the woman without a past seem totally vulnerable. "I have to try.", Serena repeated in a whisper before the emotions in her eyes were closed up again and only determination shone in them. Stepping past Molly she took the handle before turning back one last time a sympathetic look on her face. "You can remain here and wait for me, Molly.", she offered graciously but the maid that had found her was a loyal soul and vehemently shook her head, stepping up beside her. "Would I be in your situation, Miss, I would wish for somebody to stand by me." Nervousness let Molly become formal again and a giggle rose in Serena, relaxing her new friend. "Call me Serena.", she reminded, turning back to the oak door. "And thank you, Molly."
Slowly Serena knocked and on an annoyed 'Come in' the two women took a deep breath before entering the lion's den. Both hoped that the meeting with the obviously already agitated head maid would have a good outcome. But they began to doubt it the minute they saw the disgruntled face of the middle-aged woman behind the desk. Her greying hair drawn into a tight bun, her bone thin frame clad in a thoroughly black dress and her fingers drumming expectantly on the desk, Francis Weyonim darkly looked down her nose at the two young woman who had just entered her office. How dare they interrupt her while drinking her morning tea, she huffed mentally, thinking of the, at the moment, abandoned teacup in the corner of her desk.
Her gaze focused on the grey eyed, blond woman in muddy clothes who stood rather upright and determined in her office, seemingly obvious to her appearance. Francis frowned disapprovingly as her eyes fell on the muddy shoes that she wore and her gaze quickly shifted to the feet of the maid standing a bit behind the strange woman. Mory or something was her name, the head maid thought displeased as she found that both women had dared to enter her office in filthy garments. And at that sight it was decided for Francis. Whatever her two impertinent 'guests' wished would be denied. Slowly she lifted her scrutinising gaze to coldly look at the red haired maid and the grey eyed woman. "What do you want?", she finally snapped her eyes forming slits.
Molly shivered at the head maid's peeved exclamation while Serena seemed to be totally unfazed. Calmly she took a step forward, drawing herself up even straighter. "I came here to ask permission to meet the queen, respectable head maid. Unfortunately I can not tell you my identity for I myself do not know who I am. That is also my reason for wishing to see the royal highness. I hope that she may be able to aid me in finding my past." Molly was surprised as Serena spoke up with a sureness and speech that was normally reserved for the ladies or even royals but not for a plain woman. Francis seemed to be taken aback as well as she drew back for a moment before rage could be found rising in her eyes.
Outraged the head maid jumped from her seat behind her desk and let her hands shoot down on the table, resulting in a loud smacking noise and the teacup tilting dangerously, spilling some of the delicious green tea on the papers. Molly flinched considerably while Serena only blinked her eyes in surprise but otherwise remained passive.
"How dare you suggest such a thing, stranger. Why should I permit a muddy woman that appears out of nowhere, to see the queen if I wouldn't even do so for the most trustworthy of my servants. And maid, how dare you bring her here. For this I will see that you are punished.", Francis spat viciously and Serena saw her friend draw back. She was about to say something when the outraged woman turned her accusing gaze onto her again and continued her tantrum. "And you. Either you leave the grounds of the palace immediately or you join your silly friend in her punishment and then report to Hans. Whatever you do, girl, be quick to decide and leave my office. Maid, you are to sweep the entire front hall and remember: A servant is to remain invisible. If I hear any stories of you being seen I will set you out on the street. Is that clear? Now go."
A bony finger was directed at the door and the glare of the beyond mad head maid could not have got darker. Knowing that she had lost for the time being, Serena turned to Molly and smiled apologetically at the shell-shocked maid. Slowly she walked to the door, lightly tucking the red haired young woman along as she exited quickly as to not agitate the woman in the office any further.
After the door was closed, Serena leaned heavily against it, trying to order her feelings. Even if she had for some unknown reason seemed totally calm in the office, she really was in an inner turmoil. What should she do now? How would she be able to regain her memory and what meant the sentence that echoed in her mind over and over again? A sigh escaped the blond woman and her body sacked against the door before she immediately drew herself up again as she remembered Molly. The frightened maid had her arms crossed over her chest as if cold and her eyes stared at the wall, unfocused. Serena suddenly felt sorry for her but it had been Molly's own choice to follow her.
"I guess, that did not go the way I thought it would. Forgive me, Molly, you tried to warn me but I didn't hear." The young woman's voice showed her deep regret as she spoke up concentrating on the only friend she had in this to her totally foreign surroundings. The maid nodded at her words, shivered and straightened as well, sighing before turning her eyes on the exotic-looking woman she had found unconscious only that very morning. Already she felt comfortable with her as if it was meant for them to be friends. But for how long was the question as Serena now had the chance to leave or to stay and Molly shuddered again at the thought of this delicate woman working under the orders of the ruthless master of the stables, Hans Fieldman.
She should leave, Molly told herself and voiced the very thoughts to Serena who for a moment looked undecided before sighing and shaking her head. Slowly her head lifted, a sad smile gracing her features. "I can not leave, my friend, because this is where I woke up and I have a feeling that I should remain here. I'm sure the key to my past lies within this property.", Serena answered in a sure voice and let her gaze drift up and down the white hallways until her new friend suddenly spoke up again.
"But you don't know Hans, Sere. He is just as bad as Francis if not worse. He will drive you like a slave. Besides normally only men work in the stables. The women are either maids or kitchen aids and to me you do not seem to have ever worked in the kitchen. If you worked at all in your life than you must have been a maid. Please consider it, Sere." Desperation was heard in the maid's voice as she stepped in front of the blonde woman and fixed her worried, green eyes on Serena. But the blonde knew that she had to remain at the palace at all costs. Even if it meant doing a man's labour.
"I can not leave, Moll.", she whispered regretfully, addressing her friend with the same familiarity. It felt as if they had known each other for years. "I guess this is my punishment for not listening to you in the first place.", the grey eyed woman stated, smiling weakly. "But that's not fair, Sere. You do not deserve to do this work when you could be free.", Molly continued in despair, beginning to walk up and down in front of the memory-less maiden.
At the maid's statement Serena suddenly felt as if it hadn't been the first time in her life that something unjust had come to pass and a strong will to master this situation washed over her. "Life never is fair, Molly. I woke up here and I am meant to remain here, no matter the costs. Please do not trouble yourself, Moll. I am sure that everything will be alright." And with that Serena smiled even if for some unknown reason she felt a deep grief rise in herself. Difficult times were to come but she knew that she would be able to confine in green eyed woman before her. Molly would be a dear and loyal friend, something that the grey eyed woman didn't know how to thank the gods for.
As Serena had followed her train of thoughts a thick silence had settled upon the two friends. Deciding to lighten the mood the maiden clapped her hands, catching the maid's attention. "Well then," she said light-heartedly, her eyes twinkling, " let's get to work and not give the head maid another reason to hate us." Her red haired friend stared at her in wonder as the delicate blonde who began to walk down the hallway they had come. Molly looked after her until Serena stopped and turned back to face her, giving her a sheepish look.
"Where is the entrance hall?", she whispered nearly inaudibly as her cheeks tinted a becoming rose. The young woman still standing in front of the head maid's office couldn't help but laugh, catching up with her embarrassed friend. As she took the grey eyed maiden's arm her gaze focused on the mud that was already crusting on Serena's dress. Looking down her own body Molly found herself in no better state and shook her head in amusement. No wonder Francis flipped.
"We should better change before we take care of the entrance hall.", the redhead suggested to which her friend agreed wholeheartedly after inspecting her clothes. But as the maid stirred the memory-less woman to her quarters, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks when Serena wasn't walking beside her anymore. Looking back she found her with a troubled expression on her face. "I do not have any clothes to change, Moll. At least none that I remember."
The totally absurd statement made the maid laugh again while the blonde gave her a strange look. " Sometimes you are really naive, Sere. I think, we have about the same size so I will give you one of my uniforms until you will hopefully get some proper garments from Hans. Even if I doubt he will offer you anything else but pants and a flimsy shirt. Everything else would be overly generous from his side. By staying you have made a hard choice, Sere.", Molly ended in remorse but quickly recovered, tugging the grey eyed maiden the rest of the way to her quarters.
The room that Molly shared with two other maids was small but still comfortable looking. A small wardrobe stood in one corner while three beds and a sink took up most of the space. Still it didn't seem as if the servants were not cared for. Retrieving two black maid uniforms that were adorned with a entwined golden E and G, the maid turned to her friend offering one. Then she explained somewhat embarrassed that their was no private area for changing. Seeing the understanding nod Serena gave, the two woman quickly changed with their backs to each other before they went to the sink to wash away whatever mud had marred their skin since their meeting.
Now that she wore black Molly became even more aware of her friend's creamy skin and that her hands held absolutely no sign of hard work. Maybe she was even a lady who had never lifted a finger before the loss of her memory. As these thoughts crossed the maid's mind she hoped them to be wrong because then the work at the stable would be even more torture for her delicate friend. Sighing, which brought a worried question from Serena, the redhead righted her skirt and told the grey eyed maiden beside her that everything was alright before giving a smile and walking into the direction of the great broom closet, her friend following.
Entering the great room which held all the cleaning utensils, Molly took note of Serena standing patiently in the doorway, seemingly waiting for her to give instructions of what was to be done next. The sight made the maid sigh once more, strengthening her suspicion that the memory-less young woman never had to do the work of a maid or a kitchen aid. She also knew that Francis would neither listen nor believe her if she told her of her assumption, so Molly could only hope that others would notice soon as would Serena herself.
Taking two simple brooms and a bucket from the storage room she walked by her new friend, mentioning to follow her which the blonde did with light steps. The maid was surprised that the grey eyed woman didn't seem troubled in any way. It must be hard to spoil her mood, but she will need that in the upcoming time, Molly concluded as they descended the stairs of the entrance hall as silent as possible. They knew that if they were to remain as invisible as possible no word should be uttered while cleaning.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase Serena halted for a moment to admire the grand and ornate hall. Everything was held in light cream marble occasionally interrupted by golden linings. Bronze statues of well defined men and women bodies in various, ancient-looking outfits stood guard at its outer walls. Suddenly a broom handle was shoved in front of her eyes, braking her daze as her green eyed friend gave her an apologetic look.
Nodding in acknowledgement the grey eyed maiden took the offered cleaning utensil and concentrated on the maid before her who now explained the way they would work themselves through the whole hall by gesturing to different parts of the massive marble floor. Giving another nod the two spoke not one word while sweeping. Whenever somebody was heard to come their way Molly mentioned for Serena to melt into the shadows, earning themselves some funny looks from the otherwise stoic guards at the great oaken entrance. The grey eyed woman took no notice of the people passing but used these short breaks to let the bones of her back snap back into place. When finally the last corner of the hall was swept the sun was already setting and both women's stomachs ached because they hadn't eaten all day. Tired and aching they returned their brooms and the bucket to the storage room and shuffled their bodies as unnoticeable as possible to the vast palace kitchen.
End Chapter 1
That's it for the beginning. Next time will feature the meeting of the kitchen aids and cooks with Serena as well as the unpleasant introduction to Hans. I hope you enjoyed the story so far, even if it's not much. Please write me a review on your opinion. The next chapter will be up as soon as school allows me to write it. See you.
Fione
Chapter 1
Author: Fione
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Action
Alternate Reality
Setting: Silver Millennium
Disclaimer : I don't own Sailor Moon it belongs, to Naoko Takahashi and the various Companies
that published it.
Author Notes: This will be a multipart story with long chapters but also longer uploading periods. I hope you enjoy the beginning. Please give me feat back on my writing. Flames are allowed as long as they are productive. Thanks.
The white veils fluttered, indicating the soft breeze that swept through the grand chamber which was illuminated by the soft light of the Earth hanging in the night sky. The glow of the blue pearl fell on the light furniture, the elegantly designed fireplace and the finely carved four-poster with its silky covers. Golden hair glittered, flowing over the borders of the queen-sized bed before spilling on the silver floor. The angel in the bed was sleeping deeply, her normally shining azure eyes shut while she revelled in the warmth of her dream. Occasionally she would sigh in bliss at the thought of the wonderful flowerbeds that surrounded her, for this young woman knew nothing of the dark that would soon befall her future kingdom.
Innocently she fulfilled her duty by day and dreamed of luxuriant meadows which she yearned to stand in at night. She was loved by the people and even if the crescent moon signal that shone on her forehead signified her as the Moon Princess and of the highest rank in the universe, did she treat all the people surrounding her as equals. But her innocent and overly kind mind would soon be troubled by the difficulty and hurt of a great decision that would have to be made.
As the Earth reached its highest point in the darkness of the night sky the veils suddenly stilled in their movement. But instead of tension a calmness spread throughout the room as a silver gleam began to sparkle at the princess' bedside. It intensified while slowly a frail but at the same time firm form appeared in its centre. Silver tresses mixed with the golden, the very bottom of a sparkling cloth reached the ankles of the female goddess that had just entered the room and the gleam didn't fade as her feet touched down onto the silver floor. She observed her descendant lying peacefully under the covers but her eyes surprisingly filled with grief and despair at the sight of the next heir to the moon. Before this innocent being lay a hard path and while the goddess knew which choice her charge would make she did neither know the outcome nor how many hardships she would have to overcome. Still she had to give her the choice in fate's name, for even if the answer was evident it had to be voiced by the young woman in the bed.
To even speak of a choice was wrong, the silver clad woman thought, as the princess could only chose one path for everything to prevail for the other would mean the end of this time. As the guardian of the moon and the princess' ancestor, she had the terrible task to deliver the news of her destiny to the peaceful young woman in the bed. "You do not deserve what I have to ask of you, my child.", she whispered in a silky voice, looking at the golden child, her eyes growing even more remorse. "You do not deserve this fate.", the goddess repeated before her face grew emotionless and she lifted her hand to rouse her charge. The time of choice had come. The moment the princess would have made her decision she would have to follow the chosen path without help and to the gleaming woman's even greater sorrow without memory.
Serenity who had been running through beautiful flowerbeds to reach the waterfall she saw in the distance suddenly found her surroundings fading and her body immobile of moving any further. Confused she looked around herself as a white light slowly penetrated the nothingness, drawing her into consciousness. Finally coming to her senses she opened her eyes to an awing sight. At her bedside stood the guardian goddess of her planet. She was truly a breathtaking sight and the princess suddenly felt small. "Good evening, my child.", the silver woman greeted. Serenity gasped at the sound of her soothing but at the same time emotionless voice.
Why had the Moon Goddess came to her? Did she have a task to fulfil? Would she be involved in the awing woman's plans? Gradually curiosity rose in Serenity, forming question over question in her mind while the Goddess Selene looked at her expectantly. The princess suddenly remembered her manners. Quickly she got out of bed, suppressing a gasp as her feet hit the cold ground. Adjusting her nightwear she took a breath before falling into a perfect curtsey. Selene had difficulties to not let her emotions show as she watched her charge giving polite greetings. Why, oh why had she to be the one to tear this innocent woman from her peaceful life?
When Serenity drew herself up again she boldly looked into the guardian's eyes, her own full of determination. Selene wouldn't have appeared at her bedside without reason and whatever the reason was she decided to help the goddess. The silver woman was startled by the sudden change in the princess attitude but grew more confident in fulfilling her task. This golden child wouldn't give up that fast. Under the innocent cover she was a fighter. " My child, I've come to you this night because you are to be given a hard choice. After you have chosen your path you will be on your own to achieve your destiny. Are you ready to hear which two paths now lay before you, Serenity of the Moon?", Selene asked the young woman regally and her charge unconsciously drew herself further up. Inquiring and bold eyes met the goddess' all traces of the innocent, helpless looking girl vanished. The princess wasn't as unaware of what was going on around her as she appeared to be. She just didn't always acknowledge it and Selene slowly began to understand why her precious descendant had been chosen for living this difficult choice. "Yes", the simple, but determined spoken word echoed through the room.
The Moon Goddess nodded before training her intense eyes on her charge. "Princess Serenity I, heir to the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millennium, I am here to present you with two paths. You are to make your choice immediately and I will act accordingly to your decision. Dark times are approaching and you are the key character to the universe's future. Tonight you shall decide if you either go to Earth without memories and without a trace, to achieve your destiny and save this universe when the time is right or remain here ridden of the memory of our meeting and unaware of the danger approaching but with your family and friends. The choice lies with you, my child."
Selene observed the emotions that ran over the princess' face, waiting for an answer. Serenity felt totally numb after the goddess' words. What kind of choice was this? Either she would have to leave without any of her memories or she could remain and her family, friends and her people would possibly die. Suppressing tears she still answered in a determined voice. "I shall go to Earth, deity."
Selene once again had difficulties with covering her emotions as she heard the words that sealed Serenity's fate because even if she was a goddess she was helpless now. Her child was on her own. "Your family will never hear of this meeting or the choice you made. The reason of your disappearance will remain unexplained by us and your memories shall be taken. With you shall only remain your knowledge and this riddle: In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love, and try to see more than darkness under Envy. Good Luck, my child.", the goddess concluded and Serenity's tears finally flowed freely down her cheeks. There was no turning back. She didn't want to hurt her mother with her disappearance but that was the only way to protect the ones she loved so dearly.
Suddenly the Moon Princess found herself in a white void, alone, her memories and Crescent Moon Signal fading into nothingness. Azurite eyes grew grey, her hair dimmed a shade and her body was adorned in lesser clothes. She had chosen her path. Now she had to live her choice.
The sun was about to rise when Molly Wales, maid at the Golden Palace of Earth made her way over the courtyard to the clothes-lines behind the stables, to take in the various garments for pressing. As she neared her destination the neighing of horses reached her ears and she could smell the fresh straw that was just put into the boxes by the stable hands. When the young maid turned the corner after passing the entrance of the stables the ground grew muddy and she reminded herself to change shoes before entering the palace again or Francis, the head maid, would throw a fit which usually wasn't a very happy sight. But the thought of her raging superior left her as she turned the last corner. Molly gasped loudly at the sight that met her eyes.
There, not more than two feet away a beautiful young woman lay in the mud obviously unconscious. Rushing over to the limp form Molly shook the maiden. "Please be alright", she chanted over and over again hoping that the young woman had just fallen asleep. The maid had never seen her at the palace before and didn't believe her to be a servant. Still her clothes didn't indicate her to be a lady even if her skin was a light cream colour. The auburn-haired maid shook the unconscious woman another time and was just about to call for help when she heard a groan. Turning her attention back to the now awakening maiden, who lifted a slender arm to her hammering forehead Molly asked herself who she could be.
The consciousness of the blonde woman slowly return as the enveloping darkness around her began to lighten. Somebody was shaking her and her body felt like it had been run over by a horse cart. How strange. She couldn't remember running into one. Trying to think back she found that her mind was totally blank. Who was she and what had happened to her? Slowly she opened her eyes and was met by a face she couldn't recall. She couldn't remember her own name. Where was she?
Molly was surprised when she found grey eyes staring back at her confusedly. She had never seen anyone with grey eyes before and they seemed somehow out of place in the young woman's face but she didn't acknowledge the fact for long, letting a relieved smile grace her lips. The woman seemed to be alright. "For a moment there I thought you were seriously hurt when you didn't wake, Miss. I'm Molly Wales, personal maid at the Golden Palace. May I ask your name?", the maid decided to ask politely.
The woman was surprised at the maid's merry behaviour and felt bad when she knew that she wouldn't be able to answer her question. Should she give her any name or the truth. She didn't know. But as Molly once again asked she decided on the truth. Maybe the maid would help her.
"I do not know." When the formerly unconscious woman finally spoke Molly was startled. Not only by her words but also by her voice which was soothing and powerful at the same time. Seeing as the young woman helplessly looked around herself no spark of recognition showing in her eyes, Molly decided that she must have lost her memory and needed help. 'Well, I guess this is more important than a few dresses.', she concluded and got up, giving the woman still on the ground a friendly smile. "That's okay. Don't worry, Miss. I'll help you. I think the best would be if we bring you to the queen, she may be able to help you."
"The Queen? Excuse me, M...Molly, but may I ask where we are? And please do not address me as miss, I don't think I am of such breed and I have to admit it makes me rather uncomfortable?", the irritated woman asked earnestly and Molly looked at her with sad eyes before nodding. Still she noted the noble way of the woman's speech. Whatever had made this woman loose her memory must have been either of good reason or terrifying. "Well then how shall I call you, Miss?", she asked, wanting to know how to address the lady who surprisingly gracefully got up and diligently straightened her muddy dress.
When her grey eyes met Molly's again she smiled and the confusion in them had vanished, being replaced with determination as well as a gentle warmth. "Please call me Serena. That name seems comfortable to me. It is nice to meet you. I thank you for your trust and would be honoured if I could call you my friend as I don't believe that I shall retain my memory anytime soon.", the golden haired woman stated softly, making the maid smile. "Of course.", she answered enthusiastically before remembering Serena's former question. "To answer your previous question. We are at the Golden Palace, Residence of the Royal Family of Earth."
Earth. Somehow that struck a nerve in Serena and a soothing voice suddenly flowed through her mind. In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love and try to see more than darkness under Envy. What could it mean? Searching her mind she once again came up with no answer. Maybe she wasn't to understand or remember yet. 'Just stay calm', she told herself and nodded as Molly told her to follow.
The sun was just rising as they crossed the court together. Serena was fascinated by the sight of the sky coloured a red shade and began to feel at peace. She knew she would remember when she needed to. She just had to be patient. Maybe if she had luck she would be able to help at the palace. Grasping the idea the grey eyed woman quickly caught up with her new friend.
Stepping into the palace through a servant entrance Molly turned her attention back to Serena, looking apologetically. For a moment the memory-less woman felt the fear that Molly would leave her on her own rise but her expression and stance revealed nothing of her worries to the maid before her. A curious smile graced her lips. "I am afraid that you will have to see Francis, the head maid, first, Serena. She is the only one who can give the permission to see the queen.", Molly admitted sighing, regret shining in her eyes which confused the other woman. Not understanding Serena asked. "What is it Molly? I'm sure there is no problem in speaking with the head maid."
Molly shook her had, suddenly looking troubled. Once again a sigh escaped the redhead's lips. "You can say that Serena, because you do not know her. She wouldn't even give a dying servant permission to see the queen if she does not feel him worthy." The confession let the grey eyed maiden's fear rise again but at the same time a strong determination sparked in her. She would try to speak to this Francis character.
Giving a soft smile she asked her new friend to lead her to the head maid's office which Molly did rather reluctantly. Francis didn't like her in the least. Nor any other servant for the matter. Still she fulfilled the mysterious woman's wish. Reaching a high oak door she stopped, faltering when she reached for the handle. Turning around to Serena again an inquiring look entered the maid's eyes. "Are you sure? She will demand to know who you are and you do not remember. Don't you think it would better to wait until you regain your memory?" Taking a breath she paused for a moment, lowering her head somewhat ashamed before continuing. "I know that I suggested to bring you to the queen but I didn't think of passing Francis then. She is terrible, Serena, taking herself for the best, making the servants work like slaves when the royals don't look. I..." The red haired maid's triad was stopped by a soft and comforting hand on her shoulder.
Looking up Molly locked eyes with grey orbs. Fear and uneasiness as well as a deep confusion was present in them, letting the woman without a past seem totally vulnerable. "I have to try.", Serena repeated in a whisper before the emotions in her eyes were closed up again and only determination shone in them. Stepping past Molly she took the handle before turning back one last time a sympathetic look on her face. "You can remain here and wait for me, Molly.", she offered graciously but the maid that had found her was a loyal soul and vehemently shook her head, stepping up beside her. "Would I be in your situation, Miss, I would wish for somebody to stand by me." Nervousness let Molly become formal again and a giggle rose in Serena, relaxing her new friend. "Call me Serena.", she reminded, turning back to the oak door. "And thank you, Molly."
Slowly Serena knocked and on an annoyed 'Come in' the two women took a deep breath before entering the lion's den. Both hoped that the meeting with the obviously already agitated head maid would have a good outcome. But they began to doubt it the minute they saw the disgruntled face of the middle-aged woman behind the desk. Her greying hair drawn into a tight bun, her bone thin frame clad in a thoroughly black dress and her fingers drumming expectantly on the desk, Francis Weyonim darkly looked down her nose at the two young woman who had just entered her office. How dare they interrupt her while drinking her morning tea, she huffed mentally, thinking of the, at the moment, abandoned teacup in the corner of her desk.
Her gaze focused on the grey eyed, blond woman in muddy clothes who stood rather upright and determined in her office, seemingly obvious to her appearance. Francis frowned disapprovingly as her eyes fell on the muddy shoes that she wore and her gaze quickly shifted to the feet of the maid standing a bit behind the strange woman. Mory or something was her name, the head maid thought displeased as she found that both women had dared to enter her office in filthy garments. And at that sight it was decided for Francis. Whatever her two impertinent 'guests' wished would be denied. Slowly she lifted her scrutinising gaze to coldly look at the red haired maid and the grey eyed woman. "What do you want?", she finally snapped her eyes forming slits.
Molly shivered at the head maid's peeved exclamation while Serena seemed to be totally unfazed. Calmly she took a step forward, drawing herself up even straighter. "I came here to ask permission to meet the queen, respectable head maid. Unfortunately I can not tell you my identity for I myself do not know who I am. That is also my reason for wishing to see the royal highness. I hope that she may be able to aid me in finding my past." Molly was surprised as Serena spoke up with a sureness and speech that was normally reserved for the ladies or even royals but not for a plain woman. Francis seemed to be taken aback as well as she drew back for a moment before rage could be found rising in her eyes.
Outraged the head maid jumped from her seat behind her desk and let her hands shoot down on the table, resulting in a loud smacking noise and the teacup tilting dangerously, spilling some of the delicious green tea on the papers. Molly flinched considerably while Serena only blinked her eyes in surprise but otherwise remained passive.
"How dare you suggest such a thing, stranger. Why should I permit a muddy woman that appears out of nowhere, to see the queen if I wouldn't even do so for the most trustworthy of my servants. And maid, how dare you bring her here. For this I will see that you are punished.", Francis spat viciously and Serena saw her friend draw back. She was about to say something when the outraged woman turned her accusing gaze onto her again and continued her tantrum. "And you. Either you leave the grounds of the palace immediately or you join your silly friend in her punishment and then report to Hans. Whatever you do, girl, be quick to decide and leave my office. Maid, you are to sweep the entire front hall and remember: A servant is to remain invisible. If I hear any stories of you being seen I will set you out on the street. Is that clear? Now go."
A bony finger was directed at the door and the glare of the beyond mad head maid could not have got darker. Knowing that she had lost for the time being, Serena turned to Molly and smiled apologetically at the shell-shocked maid. Slowly she walked to the door, lightly tucking the red haired young woman along as she exited quickly as to not agitate the woman in the office any further.
After the door was closed, Serena leaned heavily against it, trying to order her feelings. Even if she had for some unknown reason seemed totally calm in the office, she really was in an inner turmoil. What should she do now? How would she be able to regain her memory and what meant the sentence that echoed in her mind over and over again? A sigh escaped the blond woman and her body sacked against the door before she immediately drew herself up again as she remembered Molly. The frightened maid had her arms crossed over her chest as if cold and her eyes stared at the wall, unfocused. Serena suddenly felt sorry for her but it had been Molly's own choice to follow her.
"I guess, that did not go the way I thought it would. Forgive me, Molly, you tried to warn me but I didn't hear." The young woman's voice showed her deep regret as she spoke up concentrating on the only friend she had in this to her totally foreign surroundings. The maid nodded at her words, shivered and straightened as well, sighing before turning her eyes on the exotic-looking woman she had found unconscious only that very morning. Already she felt comfortable with her as if it was meant for them to be friends. But for how long was the question as Serena now had the chance to leave or to stay and Molly shuddered again at the thought of this delicate woman working under the orders of the ruthless master of the stables, Hans Fieldman.
She should leave, Molly told herself and voiced the very thoughts to Serena who for a moment looked undecided before sighing and shaking her head. Slowly her head lifted, a sad smile gracing her features. "I can not leave, my friend, because this is where I woke up and I have a feeling that I should remain here. I'm sure the key to my past lies within this property.", Serena answered in a sure voice and let her gaze drift up and down the white hallways until her new friend suddenly spoke up again.
"But you don't know Hans, Sere. He is just as bad as Francis if not worse. He will drive you like a slave. Besides normally only men work in the stables. The women are either maids or kitchen aids and to me you do not seem to have ever worked in the kitchen. If you worked at all in your life than you must have been a maid. Please consider it, Sere." Desperation was heard in the maid's voice as she stepped in front of the blonde woman and fixed her worried, green eyes on Serena. But the blonde knew that she had to remain at the palace at all costs. Even if it meant doing a man's labour.
"I can not leave, Moll.", she whispered regretfully, addressing her friend with the same familiarity. It felt as if they had known each other for years. "I guess this is my punishment for not listening to you in the first place.", the grey eyed woman stated, smiling weakly. "But that's not fair, Sere. You do not deserve to do this work when you could be free.", Molly continued in despair, beginning to walk up and down in front of the memory-less maiden.
At the maid's statement Serena suddenly felt as if it hadn't been the first time in her life that something unjust had come to pass and a strong will to master this situation washed over her. "Life never is fair, Molly. I woke up here and I am meant to remain here, no matter the costs. Please do not trouble yourself, Moll. I am sure that everything will be alright." And with that Serena smiled even if for some unknown reason she felt a deep grief rise in herself. Difficult times were to come but she knew that she would be able to confine in green eyed woman before her. Molly would be a dear and loyal friend, something that the grey eyed woman didn't know how to thank the gods for.
As Serena had followed her train of thoughts a thick silence had settled upon the two friends. Deciding to lighten the mood the maiden clapped her hands, catching the maid's attention. "Well then," she said light-heartedly, her eyes twinkling, " let's get to work and not give the head maid another reason to hate us." Her red haired friend stared at her in wonder as the delicate blonde who began to walk down the hallway they had come. Molly looked after her until Serena stopped and turned back to face her, giving her a sheepish look.
"Where is the entrance hall?", she whispered nearly inaudibly as her cheeks tinted a becoming rose. The young woman still standing in front of the head maid's office couldn't help but laugh, catching up with her embarrassed friend. As she took the grey eyed maiden's arm her gaze focused on the mud that was already crusting on Serena's dress. Looking down her own body Molly found herself in no better state and shook her head in amusement. No wonder Francis flipped.
"We should better change before we take care of the entrance hall.", the redhead suggested to which her friend agreed wholeheartedly after inspecting her clothes. But as the maid stirred the memory-less woman to her quarters, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks when Serena wasn't walking beside her anymore. Looking back she found her with a troubled expression on her face. "I do not have any clothes to change, Moll. At least none that I remember."
The totally absurd statement made the maid laugh again while the blonde gave her a strange look. " Sometimes you are really naive, Sere. I think, we have about the same size so I will give you one of my uniforms until you will hopefully get some proper garments from Hans. Even if I doubt he will offer you anything else but pants and a flimsy shirt. Everything else would be overly generous from his side. By staying you have made a hard choice, Sere.", Molly ended in remorse but quickly recovered, tugging the grey eyed maiden the rest of the way to her quarters.
The room that Molly shared with two other maids was small but still comfortable looking. A small wardrobe stood in one corner while three beds and a sink took up most of the space. Still it didn't seem as if the servants were not cared for. Retrieving two black maid uniforms that were adorned with a entwined golden E and G, the maid turned to her friend offering one. Then she explained somewhat embarrassed that their was no private area for changing. Seeing the understanding nod Serena gave, the two woman quickly changed with their backs to each other before they went to the sink to wash away whatever mud had marred their skin since their meeting.
Now that she wore black Molly became even more aware of her friend's creamy skin and that her hands held absolutely no sign of hard work. Maybe she was even a lady who had never lifted a finger before the loss of her memory. As these thoughts crossed the maid's mind she hoped them to be wrong because then the work at the stable would be even more torture for her delicate friend. Sighing, which brought a worried question from Serena, the redhead righted her skirt and told the grey eyed maiden beside her that everything was alright before giving a smile and walking into the direction of the great broom closet, her friend following.
Entering the great room which held all the cleaning utensils, Molly took note of Serena standing patiently in the doorway, seemingly waiting for her to give instructions of what was to be done next. The sight made the maid sigh once more, strengthening her suspicion that the memory-less young woman never had to do the work of a maid or a kitchen aid. She also knew that Francis would neither listen nor believe her if she told her of her assumption, so Molly could only hope that others would notice soon as would Serena herself.
Taking two simple brooms and a bucket from the storage room she walked by her new friend, mentioning to follow her which the blonde did with light steps. The maid was surprised that the grey eyed woman didn't seem troubled in any way. It must be hard to spoil her mood, but she will need that in the upcoming time, Molly concluded as they descended the stairs of the entrance hall as silent as possible. They knew that if they were to remain as invisible as possible no word should be uttered while cleaning.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase Serena halted for a moment to admire the grand and ornate hall. Everything was held in light cream marble occasionally interrupted by golden linings. Bronze statues of well defined men and women bodies in various, ancient-looking outfits stood guard at its outer walls. Suddenly a broom handle was shoved in front of her eyes, braking her daze as her green eyed friend gave her an apologetic look.
Nodding in acknowledgement the grey eyed maiden took the offered cleaning utensil and concentrated on the maid before her who now explained the way they would work themselves through the whole hall by gesturing to different parts of the massive marble floor. Giving another nod the two spoke not one word while sweeping. Whenever somebody was heard to come their way Molly mentioned for Serena to melt into the shadows, earning themselves some funny looks from the otherwise stoic guards at the great oaken entrance. The grey eyed woman took no notice of the people passing but used these short breaks to let the bones of her back snap back into place. When finally the last corner of the hall was swept the sun was already setting and both women's stomachs ached because they hadn't eaten all day. Tired and aching they returned their brooms and the bucket to the storage room and shuffled their bodies as unnoticeable as possible to the vast palace kitchen.
End Chapter 1
That's it for the beginning. Next time will feature the meeting of the kitchen aids and cooks with Serena as well as the unpleasant introduction to Hans. I hope you enjoyed the story so far, even if it's not much. Please write me a review on your opinion. The next chapter will be up as soon as school allows me to write it. See you.
Fione