Title: Moon Destiny
Chapter 2
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: Hi everyone. I thank you for reading and reviewing my last chapter. Thanks for giving me your opinion. Here is the continuation of Serena's adventures.
The door creaked as Molly opened it to reveal the kitchens, but nobody in the bustling room seemed to notice. Multiple counters were filled with either finished meals or various ingredients which were just formed into another delicious course for kings. Smoke rose from the many pots on the stoves and kitchens aids sat on small stools, peeling potatoes or were whizzing to cupboards to bring the cooks whatever they needed. Through a door on the opposite side of where Molly and Serena had just entered came a personal maid, as the red head informed her friend, and met with a friendly looking, elderly woman, who Molly identified as Trin, the head of the kitchens. Serena stood fascinated by everything that was going on in the room until her stomach began to growl.
A blush rose on her cheeks as her new friend laughed before grasping her arm and slowly dragging the hungry woman across the kitchens into the direction of Trin and the personal maid, carefully avoiding the various things that were strewn out on the floor and kitchens aids that rushed back and forth. Finally reaching the head of the kitchens, the personal maid had just left the busy room, and Trin turned around about to give some orders when she came face to face with an highly amused maid she knew as Molly and an embarrassed looking but stunning maiden that she had never seen before. A smile began to grace the elderly woman's face as curiosity rose in her wanting to know who the new friend of the red head was and why both had entered her kitchens looking quite exhausted, not to mention famished.
"Good Evening, Molly. Who is your new friend?", Trin asked rather bluntly. Serena grew worried. What would Molly tell her? Would they be punished again? Unfortunately the memoryless woman didn't catch her friend returning the smile. "Direct as ever, aren't you, Trin?", the maid greeted not really waiting for an answer but continuing immediately by introducing the story of Serena to the head of the kitchens which caused the subject of the conversation to stiffen in uneasiness. The blonde who was now partially hidden behind her friend flinched in surprise as Trin gave an outraged gasp. Since she hadn't followed the telling of her story Serena now found herself confused and even a little bit fearful.
That was until the head of the kitchens finally found her voice again and turned sympathetic eyes on her while Molly turned to watch her in concern. The next instance the delicate woman was nearly crunched in a strong hug. Having closed her eyes as she had seen Trin suddenly rush forward Serena now dared to open one eye then the other, only to find that the activity in the kitchens had stopped. Absolute silence hung in the room that you would have heard a pin drop. Serena began to shift uncomfortably until the elderly woman loosened her hold on her and softly but determined told the people in the kitchens to continue her work. Molly giggled, causing Trin to raise an eyebrow at her which the maid ignored pointedly, focusing her attention back on the quite confused blonde.
The head of the kitchens suddenly seemed to remember where she had been minutes ago, promptly taking the blonde back into a hug. "Oh, you poor dear.", she exclaimed emotionally before her grip on Serena grew even tighter. Trin raised her gaze to the opposite wall, the next moment giving the impression as if she wanted to melt the stone with her heated gaze. "That witch of a headmaid.", she hissed through gritted teeth, her eyebrows knitting together and wrinkles appearing on her otherwise smooth face. The kitchens' activity stopped again and Serena's mouth dropped open as the head of the kitchens began to curse about Francis and Hans in quite colourful language.
After quite some time the elderly woman was stopped by Molly who started to laugh wholeheartedly. Soon the whole kitchens personnel joined the maid and even Serena felt laughter rise in herself. When everyone had calmed down again most went back to work. Trin cleared her throat which was the only action that showed her slight embarrassment but it seemed to pass quite fast because in the next instance the elderly woman was already busily pushing Serena and Molly to one of the counters. They were shown to sit on two high stools before the head of the kitchens skilfully made her way to a kitchen aid who was totally concentrating on her task of peeling potatoes in a somewhat silent corner of the room. Trin exchanged a few words with the young girl who nodded in understanding, before getting up and vanishing through a door, cleaning her hands on her apron as she stepped out of the steam-filled room.
The head of the kitchens returned to the two women sitting at the counter, letting herself sink into a third stool. She sighed and her hand came up to massage her shoulder as she leaned against the counter. "Getting old, Trin.", Molly asked her eyes twinkling but the elderly woman just gave her a bored look before she removed her hand from her tense muscles. Rolling her shoulder the head of the kitchens finally spoke up again inquiring about the rest of the day's story and totally ignoring Molly's comment, which caused Serena to smile at their obviously close relationship.
The maid just signed and retold the final day events only to have Trin's eyes widen at the mention of their punishment and to receive a great sigh when she was finished. "I guess, the witch will never care about anyone of the palace's personnel other than herself. Until now I thought that there could have been a chance but ruling over Serena's fate is a new level of cruelty even for her.", the head of the kitchens concluded bitterly before fixing her gaze on Serena. "You know, young one, Molly was right when she told you to leave and you can still do so. I'm not telling you this because I don't think that you are likeable, because you definitely are, but Hans is as bad as Francis if not worse. Not to mention that he has only had to 'deal' with men so far. He won't be happy with having to keep an eye on you as well. That fact surely won't lighten his mood. For your own good I advise you to leave. Even if you can't remember who you are, you would still be free then.", Trin revealed her thoughts softly as if afraid that the delicate woman next to her would break at her carefully voiced opinion.
But the elderly woman found herself surprised as Serena's face grew determined and even a bit hard. Still the blonde spoke in a voice as light as a breeze. "I appreciate your concern for my wellbeing and of what I have been told so far it may be quite convenient for you to worry but I believe that there is a reason as to why I woke up here and why Molly found me, maybe even why Francis gave me the choice between either working for Hans or facing a world I neither remember nor know. I'm sure that the answers to these questions lie within the walls of this palace and if the means of staying here are to work for Hans, then I shall do so because this place is at least a starting point in the search for my memory. Outside these walls I would be totally lost. Beside that I have you to help me if it should get rough."
Serena now looked to both her sides, uneasiness crawling up in herself. "You will be there for me won't you?", she asked nearly inaudible and suddenly was hugged from both sides. Hearing another " Oh you poor dear." and an enthusiastic "Of course.". The blonde gave both her new friends a tearful smile when they finally pulled away which only caused the two women to hug her again, what then again resulted in the three laughing and some of the people in the kitchens giving them odd looks.
They were interrupted in their short joyful moment by the kitchen aid that Trin had spoken to just minutes ago. She had returned and was now laden with various plates of food and a pitcher in which cold water was about to swap out. Quickly the kitchens aid relieved herself of the weight before there was any danger of dropping it. After a second, short disappearance she presented Molly and Serena with wooden plates. As soon as the two women began to pile food on their respective dishes the kitchen aid left without ever speaking a word. Serena's gaze followed her, confused.
"She hasn't spoken a word since she was brought here. We do not know what happened before she started working here.", Trin's voice reached the blonde's ears in a whisper. The memoryless woman watched the young kitchen aid a little longer before turning to face the head of the kitchens. " So she is mute.", Serena stated silently, a sad undertone swinging in her voice. Trin shook her head sorrowfully before answering. "No, she has just never said anything." Serena nodded, looking back at the young woman who had returned to the corner and to peeling the potatoes.
"What is her name, Trin?", the delicate woman at the counter asked softly after another pause, while Molly began to eat quietly. "We call her Ryan, but we don't know her real name. Don't worry she didn't make an attempt in wanting to talk and we didn't push her to.", Trin replied before getting up and excusing herself. Molly waved her hand, her mouth stuffed at that moment and Serena gave a small smile as well as thanking the elderly woman for her help. Trin just shrugged it off, leaving with a grin. Glancing at the silent kitchen aid in the corner for a last time Serena finally turned to her food, deciding to dwell on it later.
The two young woman finished their meal in silence, too tired to really come up with an entertaining conversation. When their plates had been cleared and handed over to one of the dishwashers, Trin suddenly appeared beside them again, giving Serena a sympathetic look before she told Molly to return to the maids' quarters while she would lead the blonde to the stables. "I will certainly not return to my room and leave you two alone to face Hans.", Molly protested stubbornly, but it was soon to be found that the head of the kitchens could be just as hard-headed. After a few minutes of watching their heated debate Serena finally couldn't help herself any longer and burst out laughing. The two bickering woman immediately cease their quarrel hearing the memoryless woman laugh freely for the first time. It was as if in an instance their argument had become totally unimportant and that everything would be alright as long as this young woman wouldn't forget how to laugh. How strange.
When Serena had finally calmed down, she observed them with shining eyes before she told them to cease their fight and just finally guide her to her new working place. "It is inevitable anyway and there is no great difference in appearing there with you alone, Trin, or the both of you.", the blonde reasoned still highly amused and for the first time feeling somewhat comfortable with her situation. The elderly woman and the young maid sighed, conceding to the grey-eyed maiden's reason by each giving a resolute nod and beginning to walk down one of the endless hallways.
A cold gust of wind met them as they stepped into the dark court yard through the servant entrance, swiftly heading for a great building complex. As the three neared the stables Serena recognised them from that morning and she was hit again by the memory of a single phrase. 'In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love, and try to see more than darkness under Envy.' Why this sentence again? What did it mean? Serena felt its importance but couldn't place where she had been told these seemingly foreboding words.
Her debate on the phrase's meaning was once again interrupted by the small group arriving at a rather simple but big building at the north end of the stables. Another gust of wind chilled the women as they stepped up for Trin to knock at the oaken door, that served as the buildings seemingly only entrance. After a good five minutes the door opened to reveal a grim looking man in his late forties, hardly to make out in the slightly opened door due to the darkness that seemed to reign behind the thick wood. Molly involuntarily shuddered which caused a cruel grin to appear on the man's face. Serena, on the other hand, found her stomach in knots and nervousness rising in herself. Was this Hans?
Trin was the only one who didn't seem offended by the grumpy character behind the door but displayed her great dismay openly by huffing loudly, a deep frown gracing her face. "How can I help you, kitchen witch?", the man asked slyly in a raspy voice. Trin let her breath escape through her nostrils, agitated. " I know you wouldn't help me in a thousand years, Hans, so don't even ask.", the head of the kitchens hissed back causing the grin on the face of the head of the stables to widen. "Too true.", he said nearly wistfully which resulted in Trin stamping her foot into the ground, utterly peeved. Seeing that the conversation between these two would lead nowhere Serena began to gather her courage to speak up. Finally after taking a deep breath she brought her emotions under control and stepped forward with an expressionless face.
Hans now trained his scrutinising eyes on the seemingly delicate woman before him and his grin widened to the point that his unusually sharp teeth appeared behind the thin lips. "What do we have here?", the head of the stables said with played interest, looking Serena, who bravely met his gaze, up and down. "I am called Serena and the head maid told me that I would be under your guidance from now on, Hans.", the blonde responded resolutely, her eyes piercing the man in the door. All fear seemed to have left her and she felt no threat in talking so freely to her future supervisor, even if she knew that this right taken freely would be punished later. Serena had already decided that she would not let this man control her, she would act on her instincts and now they told her to take a determined stance and rise to this man's challenges in every aspect. "Is there any matter to be discussed or may I say good-bye to my friends and be lead to my accommodations?", the blonde now asked more in the tone of one wielding great power than one who was about to step into a life that was surely filled with many horrors due to another having power over her.
Hans didn't seem to like her attitude and his eyes began to glint dangerously. "How dare you talk to me like that, little girl.", he hissed while one strong arm shot out of the crack the door was opened to painfully grip her arm and draw her near. Behind Serena Trin took a step forward as if to protest but the head of stables fixed his piercing gaze on her stopping the elderly lady in her tracks as she saw the malice shining in them. For the first time fear grabbed at her heart, her eyes desperately trying to meet Serena's. But to her surprise the delicate woman in Hans' grip steadily met the agitated man's gaze as it was turned upon her. The fact that someone dared to meet gaze with him enraged the head of the stables even more. With a swift movement he drew Serena of her feet and into the darkness behind the door, which closed with a loud bang.
Molly fell to her knees, terrified and deeply worried about her friend. Trin only then remembered that she was present as well but needed a moment to fight her own desperation. As she turned to the young maid on the floor the elderly woman, for the first time in years, felt the urge to cry because of the injustice done by Francis. But the head of the kitchens knew that if she would do so now then Molly would fully break down which couldn't happen because it would satisfy Francis and Hans far to much. And exactly that is what she explained to the redhead as she helped her up, making her way back to the palace together all the while soothing the young maid. Molly didn't answer her, her normally cheerful aura having vanished. "Do not worry, Molly. If there is one person to manage to show Hans what a bastard he really is than it is Serena. I don't know her that long but I have the felling that she carries with her a great determination and sometimes even the power to give the impression that whoever stands against her, will meet a great challenge. Didn't you see how she met eyes with Hans? Even if it enraged him, it also intimidated him. Besides Serena is a clever girl I think, she will be alright.", Trin stated as they reached the entrance to the maid's quarters.
Molly finally straightened at her words. "You are right, Trin. I saw it as well and now that I think about it, she also wasn't intimidated by Francis... I would really like to know who she is but I guess she would like to know that as much as I do, wouldn't she?" The elderly woman nodded with a smile, before laying a comforting hand on the redhead's shoulder. "I'm sure. But she has us to help her find the answers to her questions and to help her through the hard times that will surely come under Hans' supervision. She is not alone, because we won't give her up, right?" "Right. I'm just worried.", replied the maid, looking deeply troubled. Trin sighed. "So am I. So am I, Molly.", with that said the head of the kitchens gave a half-hearted smile and wished the young woman a good night before she turned to return to her own sleeping chamber. The young maid gave a sigh and prayed to Gaia for help as she entered her own room to get some rest before the sun rose early the next day. "Be save, my friend.", she whispered sadly, as her eyes drifted close.
As soon as the door fell close even the faint moonlight vanished in the corridor and only darkness remained. Serena had to suppress a shiver as she was dragged on. The maiden could neither see Hans nor whereto he lead her. Every nerve in her body was alert as the blonde had to collect all of her willpower not to falter in her steps. What would await her? Serena didn't know, fear growing in her. Slowly her eyes became used to the blackness, enabling the young woman to make out shapes in the darkness. She now recognised the silhouette of Hans who was still roughly dragging her to a place she didn't know. Serena became aware of the fact that she was lead through a corridor, deeper and deeper into darkness. Left and right she could sometimes make out shapes that she thought to be similar gates to the one she had been brought to by Molly and Trin. Stifling a sigh the memoryless woman hoped that she would see her friends again soon.
Suddenly a blinding light was brought to life before her, causing Serena to back away only to be immediately stopped in her movement by the hurtful grip on her arm. Hans hold on her hadn't lessened yet. The blonde quickly closed her eyes to protect them from the sudden invasion of light but the action only caused her to nearly trip on the first steps of the stairs she was now being dragged up. Getting her wits back together she took hold of her skirts and slowly opened her eyes to find herself on her way up a winded staircase that looked clean but not really inviting with all the shadows lurking around. A cold breeze brushed the woman's delicate form and she shivered. As she look up to see her new superior's expression she found a satisfied grin on his lips. "Cold?", he asked without any pity, raising an eyebrow. Obviously he didn't want an answer as the head of the stables began to drag her further even faster.
Finally after about another minute of rushing up the small steps the stairs reached an end, leading them to an old, rotten, small door. The wind was whistling through cracks in the wood and Serena shivered violently as Hans opened the door with a loud creak to relief some kind of attic. An icy breeze met the blonde and the grumpy man as they stepped into the windy and cold room. In the shadowed corners shapes of great wooden boxes could be made out as the light of the torch Hans carried fell into the room. The fire danced in the breeze, wood creaked and whistled and in the few windless places cobwebs could be made out. Serena wrapped her arms around herself to shield at least some of the cold air but it didn't really help much.
As she turned to face the head of the stables she found a nearly cruel smile on his face. "I hope you will sleep well in these luxury accommodations, me lady?", the man said in a raspy voice. Serena stared at him. Was he crazy? This room was far to cold for somebody to sleep in. As if to answer her question an old, dirty blanket was thrown at her. "That should be enough for you. Have a nice night.", continued Hans generously, beginning to turn around to leave. The blonde was speechless and too shocked to find her voice to protest. All she could do was watch the scene as if watching a scene in a play.
Just as the head of the stables was to set a foot out of the room he seemed to remember something. He turned back around and Serena finally came out of her stupor as he drew a knife, moving in on her. Backing up in fear she tripped over a box and knocked her head on another. Her vision blurred as she saw the light of the torch and with it the danger nearing before her world went black. One last question crossed her mind as her body went limp. Was this the end?
The next morning dawned with a dull sun as an icy breeze swept over the palace grounds. In a windy attic-like room in the stables a delicate woman stirred from her unconsciousness. Her head throbbed and her muscles were stiff as she worked hard to open her eyes only to have light invade them. Wincing she waited until her eyes had adjusted before she dared to heave herself into a sitting position. Confused and lost the maiden looked around the room until the memories of the day passed came back to her. Serena sighed as she slowly became fully awake. She was under the supervision of the head of the stables who didn't seem that nice of a man. The young woman gave a wistful smile for she knew that that was a blatant understatement. Hans would make her life hell if he could. Then she suddenly froze as she remembered the last thing she had clearly seen the day before. Why had Hans drawn a knife if not to kill her?
She asked herself and fate choose that very moment to make her aware of the fact how light her head suddenly felt if you ignored the throbbing headache. As if in trance Serena reached for her hair to find it no longer than that of a man. The young woman didn't know where they came from but suddenly silent tears rolled down her cheeks. Since she had awoken the day before without her memory her life had been an emotional roller coaster. What was she to expect next? She didn't know but fate decided to answer the question soon enough as the blonde heard footsteps outside the room. Quickly getting rid of her tears she folded up the thin blanket she had received from Hans, shivering as the cold air of the room now hit her without real protection, not that the dirty piece of clothes had been much. Hiding behind one of the great boxes Serena awaited her 'visitor'.
The rotten door creaked loudly and Serena moved even more into the shadows. She wanted to know who had entered before showing herself. Into the room stepped Hans wearing dirty, brown leather pants and a thick jacket over a yellowed linen shirt. Black riding boots adorned his rather large feet and his knotted, greying hair was drawn into a lazy ponytail. He looked around the room with scrutinising eyes, a grumpy expression on his face. When Serena finally stepped out of the shadows she wore a determined expression and was ready to rise to every challenge given. This man needed to learn a lesson about life and even if the blonde wasn't sure why she should teach it to him she had already decided that she would. She had a feeling that she was meant to be the one.
Suddenly another pack of clothes was thrown at her which she caught out of reflex. Looking through it she found a similar outfit to the one Hans wore and was surprised that he hadn't accidentally forgotten to give her a leather jacket or thicker pants due to the break of winter. "Put them on and be down in five minutes sharp. No more, no less or I'll have to punish you. And I also don't want you to be recognised to be a woman, so keep your hair short and your chest hidden. Understood?", the head of the stables ordered intimidating and Serena immediately straightened, once again boldly meeting his eyes. "Yes, Hans.", she answered, not even thinking about addressing him with 'sir'. The grumpy man gritted his teeth at her response and his eyes narrowed. "Be careful, girl.", he hissed before turning and leaving the room in a hurry.
The old door fell closed with great noise and the maiden that remained asked herself why she dared to be so rude to her superior. It was as if her fear vanished whenever it should be strongest. Strange. But she didn't have the time to think about that now because even if the blonde dared to stand up to Hans verbally she wouldn't do so in the means of orders. Changing quickly as to avoid most of the cold air in the room she bandaged her chest down with a piece of her blanket. The maid uniform she had still been wearing from the day before she hid in one of the boxes. Maybe it would aid her someday as it also adorned a hat which would hide her short hair.
Exactly five minutes after the head of the stables had left the windy attic a seemingly lithe lad came walking down the small steps of the winded stairs to end up in a corridor. A strong hand came down on Serena's shoulders and she was swiftly turned around. Slowly, nearly awed the petit blonde began to raise her head to look into the eyes of a giant of a man. He had a board and muscled stature but a friendly expression showed on his face. "You must be the new lad, am I right?", he asked in a strong but welcoming voice. On Serena's nod he asked for her name. "My name is Ser...", she was about to answer when she saw the friendly expression on the giants face suddenly be covered and a raspy voice behind her answered gruffly. "His name is Sertis, Randall, and he will be under your supervision. He will take care of Rios.", the head of the stables ordered and the young woman in disguise could see the near horror that overcame Randall at the mention of Rios but it was quickly covered as he got his composure back.
"Are you sure, Sir? Not even I have been able to get near that beast and we both know why nobody else has been able to as well.", the giant probed tentatively. On the raising of an eyebrow from his superior Randall continued. "We know that this stubborn horse will choose its own master and it surely won't choose a lad like this one. The only thing that will happen when the young one here enters space is that Rios will give him a painful flight out of the box." Serena had to suppress a wince as she heard about the horse she was about to tend but surprisingly found no real fear in her. Things were becoming a great mystery to her.
"Randall, that's humbug. A horse is a horse and this lad will be tending to Rios if the horse likes it or not. And if the beast kicks him out... well then, he will have to get up again and back in, I guess.", Hans sneered before walking by them. "I will make a visit at noon to look how's it going. Good luck with the lad, Randall.", the grumpy man added as he vanished in one of the various doors in the barely lit corridor. The broad man turned back to the lad and was surprised to find neither fear nor anticipation in his eyes but only determination. The first challenge had been given and Serena was ready to rise up to it. This lad has a good portion of courage, Randall thought to himself, not only will he rise up to Rios but he also isn't intimated by Hans. Lets see were it leads him. I at least will have an eye on him.
"Well then, lad. I think Hans doesn't really like you?", Randall asked his friendliness back and Serena couldn't help but laugh. "That I am sure off, Randall. I shall surely not be his favourite." The giant of a man shook his head in confusion as the lad suddenly spoke in noble language. This young man was definitely strange. If it was for the good or for the worse he didn't know yet but he would definitely watch this one. When Sertis turned questioning eyes on him Randall gave a small smile and told the disguised maiden to follow him. While they walked through the sparely lit corridor until they reached the right door Serena asked herself why Randall hadn't seemed the least bit confused by the high tone of her voice?
Or had that been the reason why he had shaken his head just a minute ago. She didn't know and decided to leave the topic be for the time being. Her greatest worry should be how to tend to this supposedly ill-mannered horse, Rios.
A/N: It took me quite a while to write this chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it. Please review and give me your opinion.
Fione
Chapter 2
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: Hi everyone. I thank you for reading and reviewing my last chapter. Thanks for giving me your opinion. Here is the continuation of Serena's adventures.
The door creaked as Molly opened it to reveal the kitchens, but nobody in the bustling room seemed to notice. Multiple counters were filled with either finished meals or various ingredients which were just formed into another delicious course for kings. Smoke rose from the many pots on the stoves and kitchens aids sat on small stools, peeling potatoes or were whizzing to cupboards to bring the cooks whatever they needed. Through a door on the opposite side of where Molly and Serena had just entered came a personal maid, as the red head informed her friend, and met with a friendly looking, elderly woman, who Molly identified as Trin, the head of the kitchens. Serena stood fascinated by everything that was going on in the room until her stomach began to growl.
A blush rose on her cheeks as her new friend laughed before grasping her arm and slowly dragging the hungry woman across the kitchens into the direction of Trin and the personal maid, carefully avoiding the various things that were strewn out on the floor and kitchens aids that rushed back and forth. Finally reaching the head of the kitchens, the personal maid had just left the busy room, and Trin turned around about to give some orders when she came face to face with an highly amused maid she knew as Molly and an embarrassed looking but stunning maiden that she had never seen before. A smile began to grace the elderly woman's face as curiosity rose in her wanting to know who the new friend of the red head was and why both had entered her kitchens looking quite exhausted, not to mention famished.
"Good Evening, Molly. Who is your new friend?", Trin asked rather bluntly. Serena grew worried. What would Molly tell her? Would they be punished again? Unfortunately the memoryless woman didn't catch her friend returning the smile. "Direct as ever, aren't you, Trin?", the maid greeted not really waiting for an answer but continuing immediately by introducing the story of Serena to the head of the kitchens which caused the subject of the conversation to stiffen in uneasiness. The blonde who was now partially hidden behind her friend flinched in surprise as Trin gave an outraged gasp. Since she hadn't followed the telling of her story Serena now found herself confused and even a little bit fearful.
That was until the head of the kitchens finally found her voice again and turned sympathetic eyes on her while Molly turned to watch her in concern. The next instance the delicate woman was nearly crunched in a strong hug. Having closed her eyes as she had seen Trin suddenly rush forward Serena now dared to open one eye then the other, only to find that the activity in the kitchens had stopped. Absolute silence hung in the room that you would have heard a pin drop. Serena began to shift uncomfortably until the elderly woman loosened her hold on her and softly but determined told the people in the kitchens to continue her work. Molly giggled, causing Trin to raise an eyebrow at her which the maid ignored pointedly, focusing her attention back on the quite confused blonde.
The head of the kitchens suddenly seemed to remember where she had been minutes ago, promptly taking the blonde back into a hug. "Oh, you poor dear.", she exclaimed emotionally before her grip on Serena grew even tighter. Trin raised her gaze to the opposite wall, the next moment giving the impression as if she wanted to melt the stone with her heated gaze. "That witch of a headmaid.", she hissed through gritted teeth, her eyebrows knitting together and wrinkles appearing on her otherwise smooth face. The kitchens' activity stopped again and Serena's mouth dropped open as the head of the kitchens began to curse about Francis and Hans in quite colourful language.
After quite some time the elderly woman was stopped by Molly who started to laugh wholeheartedly. Soon the whole kitchens personnel joined the maid and even Serena felt laughter rise in herself. When everyone had calmed down again most went back to work. Trin cleared her throat which was the only action that showed her slight embarrassment but it seemed to pass quite fast because in the next instance the elderly woman was already busily pushing Serena and Molly to one of the counters. They were shown to sit on two high stools before the head of the kitchens skilfully made her way to a kitchen aid who was totally concentrating on her task of peeling potatoes in a somewhat silent corner of the room. Trin exchanged a few words with the young girl who nodded in understanding, before getting up and vanishing through a door, cleaning her hands on her apron as she stepped out of the steam-filled room.
The head of the kitchens returned to the two women sitting at the counter, letting herself sink into a third stool. She sighed and her hand came up to massage her shoulder as she leaned against the counter. "Getting old, Trin.", Molly asked her eyes twinkling but the elderly woman just gave her a bored look before she removed her hand from her tense muscles. Rolling her shoulder the head of the kitchens finally spoke up again inquiring about the rest of the day's story and totally ignoring Molly's comment, which caused Serena to smile at their obviously close relationship.
The maid just signed and retold the final day events only to have Trin's eyes widen at the mention of their punishment and to receive a great sigh when she was finished. "I guess, the witch will never care about anyone of the palace's personnel other than herself. Until now I thought that there could have been a chance but ruling over Serena's fate is a new level of cruelty even for her.", the head of the kitchens concluded bitterly before fixing her gaze on Serena. "You know, young one, Molly was right when she told you to leave and you can still do so. I'm not telling you this because I don't think that you are likeable, because you definitely are, but Hans is as bad as Francis if not worse. Not to mention that he has only had to 'deal' with men so far. He won't be happy with having to keep an eye on you as well. That fact surely won't lighten his mood. For your own good I advise you to leave. Even if you can't remember who you are, you would still be free then.", Trin revealed her thoughts softly as if afraid that the delicate woman next to her would break at her carefully voiced opinion.
But the elderly woman found herself surprised as Serena's face grew determined and even a bit hard. Still the blonde spoke in a voice as light as a breeze. "I appreciate your concern for my wellbeing and of what I have been told so far it may be quite convenient for you to worry but I believe that there is a reason as to why I woke up here and why Molly found me, maybe even why Francis gave me the choice between either working for Hans or facing a world I neither remember nor know. I'm sure that the answers to these questions lie within the walls of this palace and if the means of staying here are to work for Hans, then I shall do so because this place is at least a starting point in the search for my memory. Outside these walls I would be totally lost. Beside that I have you to help me if it should get rough."
Serena now looked to both her sides, uneasiness crawling up in herself. "You will be there for me won't you?", she asked nearly inaudible and suddenly was hugged from both sides. Hearing another " Oh you poor dear." and an enthusiastic "Of course.". The blonde gave both her new friends a tearful smile when they finally pulled away which only caused the two women to hug her again, what then again resulted in the three laughing and some of the people in the kitchens giving them odd looks.
They were interrupted in their short joyful moment by the kitchen aid that Trin had spoken to just minutes ago. She had returned and was now laden with various plates of food and a pitcher in which cold water was about to swap out. Quickly the kitchens aid relieved herself of the weight before there was any danger of dropping it. After a second, short disappearance she presented Molly and Serena with wooden plates. As soon as the two women began to pile food on their respective dishes the kitchen aid left without ever speaking a word. Serena's gaze followed her, confused.
"She hasn't spoken a word since she was brought here. We do not know what happened before she started working here.", Trin's voice reached the blonde's ears in a whisper. The memoryless woman watched the young kitchen aid a little longer before turning to face the head of the kitchens. " So she is mute.", Serena stated silently, a sad undertone swinging in her voice. Trin shook her head sorrowfully before answering. "No, she has just never said anything." Serena nodded, looking back at the young woman who had returned to the corner and to peeling the potatoes.
"What is her name, Trin?", the delicate woman at the counter asked softly after another pause, while Molly began to eat quietly. "We call her Ryan, but we don't know her real name. Don't worry she didn't make an attempt in wanting to talk and we didn't push her to.", Trin replied before getting up and excusing herself. Molly waved her hand, her mouth stuffed at that moment and Serena gave a small smile as well as thanking the elderly woman for her help. Trin just shrugged it off, leaving with a grin. Glancing at the silent kitchen aid in the corner for a last time Serena finally turned to her food, deciding to dwell on it later.
The two young woman finished their meal in silence, too tired to really come up with an entertaining conversation. When their plates had been cleared and handed over to one of the dishwashers, Trin suddenly appeared beside them again, giving Serena a sympathetic look before she told Molly to return to the maids' quarters while she would lead the blonde to the stables. "I will certainly not return to my room and leave you two alone to face Hans.", Molly protested stubbornly, but it was soon to be found that the head of the kitchens could be just as hard-headed. After a few minutes of watching their heated debate Serena finally couldn't help herself any longer and burst out laughing. The two bickering woman immediately cease their quarrel hearing the memoryless woman laugh freely for the first time. It was as if in an instance their argument had become totally unimportant and that everything would be alright as long as this young woman wouldn't forget how to laugh. How strange.
When Serena had finally calmed down, she observed them with shining eyes before she told them to cease their fight and just finally guide her to her new working place. "It is inevitable anyway and there is no great difference in appearing there with you alone, Trin, or the both of you.", the blonde reasoned still highly amused and for the first time feeling somewhat comfortable with her situation. The elderly woman and the young maid sighed, conceding to the grey-eyed maiden's reason by each giving a resolute nod and beginning to walk down one of the endless hallways.
A cold gust of wind met them as they stepped into the dark court yard through the servant entrance, swiftly heading for a great building complex. As the three neared the stables Serena recognised them from that morning and she was hit again by the memory of a single phrase. 'In the hidden find Water, Fire, Lightning and Love, and try to see more than darkness under Envy.' Why this sentence again? What did it mean? Serena felt its importance but couldn't place where she had been told these seemingly foreboding words.
Her debate on the phrase's meaning was once again interrupted by the small group arriving at a rather simple but big building at the north end of the stables. Another gust of wind chilled the women as they stepped up for Trin to knock at the oaken door, that served as the buildings seemingly only entrance. After a good five minutes the door opened to reveal a grim looking man in his late forties, hardly to make out in the slightly opened door due to the darkness that seemed to reign behind the thick wood. Molly involuntarily shuddered which caused a cruel grin to appear on the man's face. Serena, on the other hand, found her stomach in knots and nervousness rising in herself. Was this Hans?
Trin was the only one who didn't seem offended by the grumpy character behind the door but displayed her great dismay openly by huffing loudly, a deep frown gracing her face. "How can I help you, kitchen witch?", the man asked slyly in a raspy voice. Trin let her breath escape through her nostrils, agitated. " I know you wouldn't help me in a thousand years, Hans, so don't even ask.", the head of the kitchens hissed back causing the grin on the face of the head of the stables to widen. "Too true.", he said nearly wistfully which resulted in Trin stamping her foot into the ground, utterly peeved. Seeing that the conversation between these two would lead nowhere Serena began to gather her courage to speak up. Finally after taking a deep breath she brought her emotions under control and stepped forward with an expressionless face.
Hans now trained his scrutinising eyes on the seemingly delicate woman before him and his grin widened to the point that his unusually sharp teeth appeared behind the thin lips. "What do we have here?", the head of the stables said with played interest, looking Serena, who bravely met his gaze, up and down. "I am called Serena and the head maid told me that I would be under your guidance from now on, Hans.", the blonde responded resolutely, her eyes piercing the man in the door. All fear seemed to have left her and she felt no threat in talking so freely to her future supervisor, even if she knew that this right taken freely would be punished later. Serena had already decided that she would not let this man control her, she would act on her instincts and now they told her to take a determined stance and rise to this man's challenges in every aspect. "Is there any matter to be discussed or may I say good-bye to my friends and be lead to my accommodations?", the blonde now asked more in the tone of one wielding great power than one who was about to step into a life that was surely filled with many horrors due to another having power over her.
Hans didn't seem to like her attitude and his eyes began to glint dangerously. "How dare you talk to me like that, little girl.", he hissed while one strong arm shot out of the crack the door was opened to painfully grip her arm and draw her near. Behind Serena Trin took a step forward as if to protest but the head of stables fixed his piercing gaze on her stopping the elderly lady in her tracks as she saw the malice shining in them. For the first time fear grabbed at her heart, her eyes desperately trying to meet Serena's. But to her surprise the delicate woman in Hans' grip steadily met the agitated man's gaze as it was turned upon her. The fact that someone dared to meet gaze with him enraged the head of the stables even more. With a swift movement he drew Serena of her feet and into the darkness behind the door, which closed with a loud bang.
Molly fell to her knees, terrified and deeply worried about her friend. Trin only then remembered that she was present as well but needed a moment to fight her own desperation. As she turned to the young maid on the floor the elderly woman, for the first time in years, felt the urge to cry because of the injustice done by Francis. But the head of the kitchens knew that if she would do so now then Molly would fully break down which couldn't happen because it would satisfy Francis and Hans far to much. And exactly that is what she explained to the redhead as she helped her up, making her way back to the palace together all the while soothing the young maid. Molly didn't answer her, her normally cheerful aura having vanished. "Do not worry, Molly. If there is one person to manage to show Hans what a bastard he really is than it is Serena. I don't know her that long but I have the felling that she carries with her a great determination and sometimes even the power to give the impression that whoever stands against her, will meet a great challenge. Didn't you see how she met eyes with Hans? Even if it enraged him, it also intimidated him. Besides Serena is a clever girl I think, she will be alright.", Trin stated as they reached the entrance to the maid's quarters.
Molly finally straightened at her words. "You are right, Trin. I saw it as well and now that I think about it, she also wasn't intimidated by Francis... I would really like to know who she is but I guess she would like to know that as much as I do, wouldn't she?" The elderly woman nodded with a smile, before laying a comforting hand on the redhead's shoulder. "I'm sure. But she has us to help her find the answers to her questions and to help her through the hard times that will surely come under Hans' supervision. She is not alone, because we won't give her up, right?" "Right. I'm just worried.", replied the maid, looking deeply troubled. Trin sighed. "So am I. So am I, Molly.", with that said the head of the kitchens gave a half-hearted smile and wished the young woman a good night before she turned to return to her own sleeping chamber. The young maid gave a sigh and prayed to Gaia for help as she entered her own room to get some rest before the sun rose early the next day. "Be save, my friend.", she whispered sadly, as her eyes drifted close.
As soon as the door fell close even the faint moonlight vanished in the corridor and only darkness remained. Serena had to suppress a shiver as she was dragged on. The maiden could neither see Hans nor whereto he lead her. Every nerve in her body was alert as the blonde had to collect all of her willpower not to falter in her steps. What would await her? Serena didn't know, fear growing in her. Slowly her eyes became used to the blackness, enabling the young woman to make out shapes in the darkness. She now recognised the silhouette of Hans who was still roughly dragging her to a place she didn't know. Serena became aware of the fact that she was lead through a corridor, deeper and deeper into darkness. Left and right she could sometimes make out shapes that she thought to be similar gates to the one she had been brought to by Molly and Trin. Stifling a sigh the memoryless woman hoped that she would see her friends again soon.
Suddenly a blinding light was brought to life before her, causing Serena to back away only to be immediately stopped in her movement by the hurtful grip on her arm. Hans hold on her hadn't lessened yet. The blonde quickly closed her eyes to protect them from the sudden invasion of light but the action only caused her to nearly trip on the first steps of the stairs she was now being dragged up. Getting her wits back together she took hold of her skirts and slowly opened her eyes to find herself on her way up a winded staircase that looked clean but not really inviting with all the shadows lurking around. A cold breeze brushed the woman's delicate form and she shivered. As she look up to see her new superior's expression she found a satisfied grin on his lips. "Cold?", he asked without any pity, raising an eyebrow. Obviously he didn't want an answer as the head of the stables began to drag her further even faster.
Finally after about another minute of rushing up the small steps the stairs reached an end, leading them to an old, rotten, small door. The wind was whistling through cracks in the wood and Serena shivered violently as Hans opened the door with a loud creak to relief some kind of attic. An icy breeze met the blonde and the grumpy man as they stepped into the windy and cold room. In the shadowed corners shapes of great wooden boxes could be made out as the light of the torch Hans carried fell into the room. The fire danced in the breeze, wood creaked and whistled and in the few windless places cobwebs could be made out. Serena wrapped her arms around herself to shield at least some of the cold air but it didn't really help much.
As she turned to face the head of the stables she found a nearly cruel smile on his face. "I hope you will sleep well in these luxury accommodations, me lady?", the man said in a raspy voice. Serena stared at him. Was he crazy? This room was far to cold for somebody to sleep in. As if to answer her question an old, dirty blanket was thrown at her. "That should be enough for you. Have a nice night.", continued Hans generously, beginning to turn around to leave. The blonde was speechless and too shocked to find her voice to protest. All she could do was watch the scene as if watching a scene in a play.
Just as the head of the stables was to set a foot out of the room he seemed to remember something. He turned back around and Serena finally came out of her stupor as he drew a knife, moving in on her. Backing up in fear she tripped over a box and knocked her head on another. Her vision blurred as she saw the light of the torch and with it the danger nearing before her world went black. One last question crossed her mind as her body went limp. Was this the end?
The next morning dawned with a dull sun as an icy breeze swept over the palace grounds. In a windy attic-like room in the stables a delicate woman stirred from her unconsciousness. Her head throbbed and her muscles were stiff as she worked hard to open her eyes only to have light invade them. Wincing she waited until her eyes had adjusted before she dared to heave herself into a sitting position. Confused and lost the maiden looked around the room until the memories of the day passed came back to her. Serena sighed as she slowly became fully awake. She was under the supervision of the head of the stables who didn't seem that nice of a man. The young woman gave a wistful smile for she knew that that was a blatant understatement. Hans would make her life hell if he could. Then she suddenly froze as she remembered the last thing she had clearly seen the day before. Why had Hans drawn a knife if not to kill her?
She asked herself and fate choose that very moment to make her aware of the fact how light her head suddenly felt if you ignored the throbbing headache. As if in trance Serena reached for her hair to find it no longer than that of a man. The young woman didn't know where they came from but suddenly silent tears rolled down her cheeks. Since she had awoken the day before without her memory her life had been an emotional roller coaster. What was she to expect next? She didn't know but fate decided to answer the question soon enough as the blonde heard footsteps outside the room. Quickly getting rid of her tears she folded up the thin blanket she had received from Hans, shivering as the cold air of the room now hit her without real protection, not that the dirty piece of clothes had been much. Hiding behind one of the great boxes Serena awaited her 'visitor'.
The rotten door creaked loudly and Serena moved even more into the shadows. She wanted to know who had entered before showing herself. Into the room stepped Hans wearing dirty, brown leather pants and a thick jacket over a yellowed linen shirt. Black riding boots adorned his rather large feet and his knotted, greying hair was drawn into a lazy ponytail. He looked around the room with scrutinising eyes, a grumpy expression on his face. When Serena finally stepped out of the shadows she wore a determined expression and was ready to rise to every challenge given. This man needed to learn a lesson about life and even if the blonde wasn't sure why she should teach it to him she had already decided that she would. She had a feeling that she was meant to be the one.
Suddenly another pack of clothes was thrown at her which she caught out of reflex. Looking through it she found a similar outfit to the one Hans wore and was surprised that he hadn't accidentally forgotten to give her a leather jacket or thicker pants due to the break of winter. "Put them on and be down in five minutes sharp. No more, no less or I'll have to punish you. And I also don't want you to be recognised to be a woman, so keep your hair short and your chest hidden. Understood?", the head of the stables ordered intimidating and Serena immediately straightened, once again boldly meeting his eyes. "Yes, Hans.", she answered, not even thinking about addressing him with 'sir'. The grumpy man gritted his teeth at her response and his eyes narrowed. "Be careful, girl.", he hissed before turning and leaving the room in a hurry.
The old door fell closed with great noise and the maiden that remained asked herself why she dared to be so rude to her superior. It was as if her fear vanished whenever it should be strongest. Strange. But she didn't have the time to think about that now because even if the blonde dared to stand up to Hans verbally she wouldn't do so in the means of orders. Changing quickly as to avoid most of the cold air in the room she bandaged her chest down with a piece of her blanket. The maid uniform she had still been wearing from the day before she hid in one of the boxes. Maybe it would aid her someday as it also adorned a hat which would hide her short hair.
Exactly five minutes after the head of the stables had left the windy attic a seemingly lithe lad came walking down the small steps of the winded stairs to end up in a corridor. A strong hand came down on Serena's shoulders and she was swiftly turned around. Slowly, nearly awed the petit blonde began to raise her head to look into the eyes of a giant of a man. He had a board and muscled stature but a friendly expression showed on his face. "You must be the new lad, am I right?", he asked in a strong but welcoming voice. On Serena's nod he asked for her name. "My name is Ser...", she was about to answer when she saw the friendly expression on the giants face suddenly be covered and a raspy voice behind her answered gruffly. "His name is Sertis, Randall, and he will be under your supervision. He will take care of Rios.", the head of the stables ordered and the young woman in disguise could see the near horror that overcame Randall at the mention of Rios but it was quickly covered as he got his composure back.
"Are you sure, Sir? Not even I have been able to get near that beast and we both know why nobody else has been able to as well.", the giant probed tentatively. On the raising of an eyebrow from his superior Randall continued. "We know that this stubborn horse will choose its own master and it surely won't choose a lad like this one. The only thing that will happen when the young one here enters space is that Rios will give him a painful flight out of the box." Serena had to suppress a wince as she heard about the horse she was about to tend but surprisingly found no real fear in her. Things were becoming a great mystery to her.
"Randall, that's humbug. A horse is a horse and this lad will be tending to Rios if the horse likes it or not. And if the beast kicks him out... well then, he will have to get up again and back in, I guess.", Hans sneered before walking by them. "I will make a visit at noon to look how's it going. Good luck with the lad, Randall.", the grumpy man added as he vanished in one of the various doors in the barely lit corridor. The broad man turned back to the lad and was surprised to find neither fear nor anticipation in his eyes but only determination. The first challenge had been given and Serena was ready to rise up to it. This lad has a good portion of courage, Randall thought to himself, not only will he rise up to Rios but he also isn't intimated by Hans. Lets see were it leads him. I at least will have an eye on him.
"Well then, lad. I think Hans doesn't really like you?", Randall asked his friendliness back and Serena couldn't help but laugh. "That I am sure off, Randall. I shall surely not be his favourite." The giant of a man shook his head in confusion as the lad suddenly spoke in noble language. This young man was definitely strange. If it was for the good or for the worse he didn't know yet but he would definitely watch this one. When Sertis turned questioning eyes on him Randall gave a small smile and told the disguised maiden to follow him. While they walked through the sparely lit corridor until they reached the right door Serena asked herself why Randall hadn't seemed the least bit confused by the high tone of her voice?
Or had that been the reason why he had shaken his head just a minute ago. She didn't know and decided to leave the topic be for the time being. Her greatest worry should be how to tend to this supposedly ill-mannered horse, Rios.
A/N: It took me quite a while to write this chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it. Please review and give me your opinion.
Fione