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Author's Note: I'm SO SORRY that this took SOOO LONG!!! I *really* appreciate all of you who have continued to read this! I hope it's to your liking!!! This one is for KELLY BEAN because the review I got was what really kicked me into gear--I can completely relate!! I just never made the connection that someone might want to read mine and feel the same way I do about other peoples' fics. It's really flattering! So, from now on, readers *should* be getting LONGER chapters that *should* come out at a faster rate!
*Oh god! What am I setting myself up for?!?!?*
Not a lawsuit--that's for sure! I don't own Sailor Moon or anything of the like as I am no where near talented enough or creative enough. . . but I can dream, right?
Onto the story!
Enjoy!
REVIEW!!
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Columbia had practically splayed herself across Lord Lui Chai's lap, her eyes all-absorbing wide saucers. Serenity sat with a stiff back against a tall brown velvet chair that was positioned beside the fireplace in the Avenroi living room. She had managed to avoid the two nobles for the better part of two weeks, claiming to be too weak from her fainting episode (her father explained the situation as too much excitement for her to handle--poor little girl!) Lord Toshio Yiio had been discussing the finer aspects of sporting using a traditional bow with Serenity before she expressed her dislike of anything related to the killing of animals. He had prompted silenced his boasts.
". . . Isn't that right, Serenity?"
The golden-haired angel lifted her head in confusion. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"That they would be more than welcome to go! Oh! Lord Chai! It would be fabulous fun!"
Serenity arced a slender eyebrow, and Columbia gave her a look of disbelief. "Don't you listen to anything I say?" Columbia waited for Serenity to say something but continued after realizing her sister would not give her a response. "The Snowball."
"The Snow Ball?" Lord Chai grinned; his mouth full of yellow teeth.
Columbia burst out in veracious laughter. "No! The Snowball! It was once a festival that we had here, but now it's just a costume ball. . . but it's so much fun! You simply must come!"
"That would depend on when it is happening. We have to return to our own estates, milady," Lord Lui Chai chortled at Columbia's enthusiasm.
"Oh! It's just in a few weeks! The night of the eclipse, actually," she shrugged, dismissing the novelty. "But it'll be extra special with you there, Lord Chai! You too, Lord Yiio! Oh, say you'll go! The seamstress in town will be able to design you both masks! Oh! Say you'll go!"
Serenity stood up abruptly and smoothed over the front of her skirt. "Excuse me, my lords, Columbia, but I have some things I need to attend to."
Lord Toshio Yiio stood and offered Serenity a sweeping bow. "You will be attending the Snowball, sweet lady?"
"Of course she is!" Columbia interjected before Serenity could make some excuse for her absence. "Everyone goes to it! Serenity no exception. She's even decided on her costume!"
"Really? Sweet lady, do tell me what you plan on going as so that my costume will be a complement, not an insult, to yours," Lord Yiio gushed with an ominous smile. He swiped a handful of loose gray hair from his eyes and waited expectantly.
"I-I don't--" Serenity stumbled.
"She wants it to be a surprise, but I'm not as secretive as she tends to be," Columbia snorted before she reached out and touched Lord Chai's arm suggestively. "I am going to be a white cat. Just wait until you see my gown, Lord Chai! It matches my mask and tail perfectly!"
Lord Chai continued to listen to Columbia with good-humour, amused by her energy. Serenity turned to leave the room, but Lord Chai caught her arm, just above her elbow. "Sweet lady, please," he said, "give me but a colour to wear in honour of you."
"I-I am sorry my lord," she said as she detached herself. "I cannot."
Lord Yiio considered her refusal for only a moment, and then his horrible, leering smile returned. "I admire a woman who can stick to her morals, sweet lady. I will wear black because it upsets no other colour."
Serenity merely dipped her head in acknowledgement and left the room. The halls were emptied of occupants, the majority of hired help would tend the kitchen at this time. She was grateful for the relative peace. Even while she was bedridden following the fainting incident, Serenity had not been left alone. The doctor had been sent for, and Ami had been sent in his place. Lord Tsuniko had stormed about the small bedroom, snapping at Ami for her assessments of Serenity. In the end, Ami had won out over the angered lord, and Serenity was told to stay in bed for the remainder of the week. When Lord Tsuniko had left to explain to his guests Serenity's absence, Ami had confessed that there was nothing wrong with Serenity, that Serenity had just been overwhelmed and that shock had temporarily shut down her body's normal functioning system.
Serenity paused by the stairs, one of her rose-lily hands resting on the banister, her head facing downward. Ami had asked about Endymion when Lord Tsuniko had left, asked if Serenity had heard anything about him. She could not hide her hurt from her friend; she could not hide her feelings toward Endymion. . .for Endymion. She did not understand how she felt, herself, and explaining the confusing emotions to Ami proved a most tiresome and impossible task. Serenity tried to justify her reaction-- saying that what she had seen had been offensive to her--but Ami wouldn't buy into any of her excuses. Eventually, Ami let the issue slide, but only after she had told Serenity that Gizbourne, Ami's father, had decided to allow all of the soldiers in the area attend the Snowball. It was then that Serenity had sword that she would not go.
Lord Yiio would hopefully understand if she suddenly came down with a migraine headache the night of the festival, and not pursue or question the matter further. How could she bare to see Endymion again? Away from his presence she had nearly succeeded in convincing herself that she had never felt anything for him. If she was forced to see him again. . . .
Serenity started up the stairs.
"Serenity!"
She turned to find Lord Tsuniko watching her from down the hall by the den. "Yes, father?"
He moved forward at a casual pace, asserting himself as the dominate figure as Serenity waited patiently for him to speak. He thrust a small envelope into her hand and pinched her wrist between his thick thumb and forefinger. "You will find something to wear to the festival, and it will be something nice, Serenity. Make it match something black--white maybe. Am I understood?"
Serenity flinched as the force exerted on he wrist increased. "Yes."
He brought his face close to hers and narrowed his eyes. As a child, Serenity would be given the same treatment, and at one point, the loathsome glare would have instilled a great fear inside of her mind. He dropped her wrist and snatched the envelope away. "Stay there."
Serenity did not move. Lord Tsuniko disappeared into his study and did not reemerge for long moments. Serenity massaged her wrist and waited. When Lord Tsuniko reappeared, the envelope had gotten thicker and was sealed with wax and imprinted with Avenroi's sigil. He returned the envelope to her. "Give this to the seamstress. I don't trust you enough to pick out your own costume. You will leave now, while they are distracted by Columbia's nonsense. At least you had brains enough to say that you had things to do. Your nonattendance will be unquestioned now."
Lord Tsuniko turned and left Serenity with the envelope in hand.
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Warm air, strong with the smell of apples and fresh bread, rushed to meet Serenity as she let herself into the grocery store on Auel Street. The grocer, Simon Ce, raised a hand in greeting, and Serenity dipped her head in acknowledgement. Simon Ce was a nice man, friendly and smart, but very outspoken and blunt. His wife was Taka Ce, the town's seamstress who operated in a smaller room at the back of the store, and was equally candid. Serenity remembered many times throughout her life when at least one of the two had made her feel utterly awkward or incompetent. Between the two of them, Serenity had learnt that she was too skinny, her legs too scrawny, her breasts too small, her bottom too flat, among many other physical flaws. They were well-meaning and thought that Serenity should keep her downfalls in mind so that she could play up what she did have (the one item of which was her large, innocent eyes, according to the couple).
"Coming to get your dress for the festival, are you?" Simon asked from over the counter as soon as he had plotted out her destination.
"Yes, sir."
A bemused smile played on his lips. "And just what did you want to go as this year? A peacock again? The feathers did cover up your forehead nicely, didn't make it seem too broad. I think that that costume would be a wise choice."
"Thank you for your suggestion," Serenity cringed before reaching the relative safety of the seamstress' door. She twisted the gold-coloured knob and pushed against the glass panes of the door. A bell positioned above the door rang to announce her arrival. Inside of the seamstress' shop, the air smelt of must and mango--an unpleasant combination of which Taka never took notice. The seamstress was crouched over a small brown counter, her fingers threading pink and blue feathers through a mesh mask. She did not raise her head when Serenity entered, but grunted her acknowledgement of Serenity's presence. Serenity stood close to the door, as though guarding her escape, and waited for the woman to finish.
The seamstress looked up and pulled the thick-rimmed glasses from her nose. "Ah, Serenity, I was beginning to wonder about when you'd be coming in. You're normally in with Columbia, and she came to see me weeks ago. You've left this a little late, don't you think? The festival is only in a little less than two weeks. I won't be able to make you a dress now, you'll have to look through the ready-made ones. They're hanging on the rack that spans the back wall over there. Go take a look."
"My father asked me to give this to you, Taka," Serenity said. She handed the older woman the sealed envelope.
"Sealed? I hope that he doesn't expect to pay me later. I don't do courtesies," Taka said. Her aging fingers slid along the seal and peeled it away from the paper, opening the envelope. A large sum of money fell onto her lap bound together with simple twine. Taka's watery gray eyes ballooned, and she quickly read the letter.
Serenity delayed in going to the back of the store after having seen the vast amount of money now in Taka's possession. Taka looked up from the letter and smirked at Serenity. "Forget about those dresses, Serenity. I have the perfect one for you in my workshop area. I keep a few special dresses for occasions like this. Excuse me while I go and get it."
Serenity watched Taka scamper off to the small room behind the counter, money in hand. The letter had been left discarded beside the desk. Curiousity scratched at Serenity's mind; she leaned over the ledge to see what Lord Tsuniko had written.
"Here you are!" Taka called out cheerfully as she reentered the shop. Serenity recoiled in embarrassment, but the seamstress did not seem to have noticed what she had tried to do. "Go into one of the change rooms and be quick. I'll need to get full measure of what adjustments need to be done."
A pile of white was thrust into Serenity's unprepared arms and forceful pushes from Taka guided her, stumbling, to the change room. The seamstress proved entirely impatient, and Serenity had no time to actually look at the dress before throwing it on. The hem of the dress was long on her, but the bodice fit snuggly. Taka practically pulled Serenity from the curtained enclosure and tossed her onto the small stool in the center of three large mirrors. Serenity went pink with embarrassment when she saw the innumerable views of the dress on her body.
Two thin white straps wrapped around her neck and met each other in the back, leaving her shoulder-blades and back bare and exposed until about two- thirds of the way down. The front of the white gown clung to her chest and stomach. The glittering fabric created a smooth border just above the swell of her breasts that dipped to make a low border on her back. Fanning out beneath the bodice, bright white folds in the gown's skirt revealed tiny sparkles that only caught the light at very particular angles. A small train flowed out from the back of the eye-catching gown and was just long enough to attract attention but avoid being stepped on.
Taka set to work immediately. She pushed at Serenity's waist to begin with, muttering the differing size adjustments and numbers. She wielded the measuring tape like a trained swordsmen, whipping it out to poke and prod at Serenity only to sheathe it again when it became unnecessary. Serenity could only stare into the mirrors in astonishment; she had never looked like this before.
". . .feather mask."
"I'm sorry, Taka. What did you say?" Serenity asked as she fumbled out of her trance.
"A white feather mask, Serenity; you could be an angel. That should get your lord palpitating and catch the attention of something else."
Serenity's eyes bulged in both horror and disbelief. "W-what?"
Taka cast her a disapproving stare before she left Serenity to stand alone on the stool. Serenity's hands clutched at the flowing gown nervously; she felt as though she had no right to wear such a gown. Taka's snide comment regarding Lord Yiio had driven that feeling even deeper into her mind.
"Here you go, try it on. I think it'll play down your nose; it's a bit big, don't you think?"
Serenity took the mask and ignored the comment. She slipped it over her head, the white feathers tickling her cheeks. She looked in the mirrors again; she could barely recognize herself. Her right hand fluttered to the mask. The bell above the door rang and admitted another patron. Serenity suppressed the urge to run in abashment.
"Oh! Hello, general!" Taka beamed as a mahogany-haired general entered the small room. "I have your orders ready; it's just in the back. I'll go grab it for you now. You caught me at a good time. I was just about to resume my measurements. Excuse me for a moment, and I'll be right back."
Taka left the room, and the general turned to face Serenity. "That is a beautiful dress, milady. I do not believe that we have met. My name is Jedeite."
Serenity tiptoed around on the stool and stared at the general. Her eyes seemed even more blue from beneath the mask, and Jedeite found himself hypnotized by the expression of bright curiousity. In one fluid movement, Serenity removed the mask and held it by her hip. Her face was sad but did hold some affection for the general. "You've forgotten me already?"
"Serenity!" Jedeite's face dove to a deep shade of crimson. "Serenity, I did not recognize you with that--you look even more beautiful, like an angel. Please forgive me for not recognizing you. . .and for my bluntness; I am not myself. You--you are attending this Snowball?"
Serenity broke her gaze with the general, her eyes on the worn carpet floor. "I am. You. . .and the others. . .are going to be there?"
Jedeite understood where she was going with her question, but gave her the privacy she seemed to want. "We will."
Serenity nodded and turned back to the mirrors, her head still down. "Jedeite?"
"Yes?"
"Jedeite, will. . .will Endymion be there?"
Jedeite suppressed a cringe and nodded. "Yes."
Serenity's head dropped further. Jedeite watched as she slipped the mask over her eyes. The white feathers could not hide the watery hurt. Jedeite could not understand why or how Endymion impacted her at all. He saw the same thing in Endymion, though.
He knew from the moment Endymion had struggled to stand after receiving the general's harsh blow to the stomach, and his lack of acceptance to forget Serenity, that the soldier housed something for Serenity. Endymion had tried to find excuses to go and see Serenity over the past two weeks, and it was only through Nephrite's careful watch that none of the plans had been carried out. They had all been legitimate and entirely plausible, but none of the generals wanted Endymion to go; Serenity was not for him. Endymion had never been serious about anyone, and they believed that Serenity would be no different. For Endymion, Serenity was just a challenge; he had already played the golden-haired angel's heart enough for the general's liking.
"Here you are, general," Taka said. "Will you need assistance with them?"
"No, thank you. This has been most convenient, Taka," Jedeite said as he took the bundles from Taka's arms. He turned to Serenity one last time. "Take care, Serenity. I look forward to seeing you there. Perhaps you would consider granting me a dance?"
Serenity did not answer the general. Instead, she continued to look into the mirrors, all of her insecurities coming back even stronger than before. Somewhere behind her, a bell rang and the general departed.
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Lord Tsuniko swallowed the hot jasmine tea and savoured the rich flavour the western leaves left in the hot water. Lord Toshio Yiio and Lord Liu Chai sat in opposing chairs, enjoying their own tea. The sky had thrown night's dark cloak over its shoulders hours before, and much of the Avenroi household had long since retired. The three men--the three nobles-- sat and drank their tea; the conversation between them had ended and deals had been made. They had agreed to leave judgement on Serenity until after Snowball; Lord Yiio had not appreciated the young woman's blunt slights. Columbia's fate, however, had been bargained, dealt, and done. She would leave with Lord Chai the day following Snowball. Lord Tsuniko could now only hold his breath and hope that Serenity impressed the other lord at Snowball. If she did, her fate would be as sealed as Columbia's by the next morning, and Lord Tsuniko would have relieved himself of both unwanted burdens.
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"You shouldn't complain, Endymion," Zoicite quipped as she drummed her fingers along the kitchen table's wooden top . "Even I have to wear a tux, and I am a woman!"
Endymion eyed the currently-male Zoicite from his seat. He seethed with rage, although he could not justify why. "Hard to believe, even without your pendant on. You're as attractive a sexless, blood-soaked youma--and that's on your good days. You'll never be a real woman. Even male prostitutes have better feminine attraction than you."
Zoicite's eyes became slender slits, and she unconsciously grabbed the sex-changing charm that hung about her neck. The soldier's treatment of the generals had degraded severely since the incident in the tavern. He was much more harsh. . .cruel. Zoicite forced his words from her mind in anger. She snickered at Endymion, her dismissive nature replaced by a more incisive temper. "Like you would know what a real woman felt like, Endymion. You've only ever had tavern whores and high-born harlots. That's all you'll ever get. That's all you're good for, Endymion: banging up whores who have to be paid to bed with you. Serenity must be sending out devotions of thanks to us before she crawls into her bed at night!"
Endymion snatched Zoicite's hair and slammed the general into the closest wall, the chair fell to the floor with a loud clap. "That's not true!"
Zoicite parried low, one of her three blows rebounding off Endymion's hip. He paid her next to no notice and slammed a fist into her stomach. Zoicite crumpled to the ground. Endymion continued to beat on her back; the general fought back with rage. Equal blows were exchanged in the quarrel, gentler than full-strength, but still intended to hurt and harm. Kunzite, who had been napping in the bedroom beside the small kitchen, pulled himself from the sleeping quarters and tried to focus on the scene before him. When his conscious awareness returned to him, he immediately leapt into the fray. Endymion found himself flung against the far wall; the impact's quiver roused Nephrite from his book in the den.
"What are you bloody idiots doing in here!" he bellowed. Endymion did not answer; Kunzite and Zoicite were much too involved in each other to even respond. "What happened?!"
"The soldier took it upon himself to attack me," Zoicite said.
"Somehow, Zoicite, I doubt that that was the case," Jedeite muttered as he entered the house. He dropped the costumes on the kitchen table and proceeded to remove his boots. "As intolerant as Endymion has been recently, I do not believe that he is so far gone as to attack you without some catalyst at play. Perhaps you would like to explain yourself, Endymion?"
"There is nothing to explain."
Jedeite groaned. "I am asking you first so that you may have a fair say before Zoicite."
"We fought. There is nothing else to it."
"Endymion, I know that you have been thinking that things are not ideal for you right now, but you have to handle yourself better than this. Not only is Zoicite your militant superior, she is your friend, and she deserves better than--"
"Why does everyone deserve better than me?" Endymion whispered. "Why does she deserve better than me?"
"She doesn't deserve better than you, Endymion. Zoicite just needs to be respected a little--"
"I'm not talking about Zoicite!"
Jedeite could not suppress a cringe. "Who. . .who are you talking about, Endymion?"
Endymion ripped his hand through his hair, brushing it away from his ice blue eyes. Jedeite cringed yet again upon seeing the pain and hurt the twin orbs professed. The soldier had truly given something to Serenity. . . . Endymion's eyes alone avowed his affection for the young woman. . .revealed that there was more to his persistence than a simple conquest of the golden-haired angel. "You know who I'm talking about, Jedeite," Endymion's voice was husky and strained. . .so much pain. "She's inside of my mind. . . . I keep thinking that I can feel her. . .feel where she is, how she's feeling. . . . I feel connected to her, and you cannot deny me that! Why, Jedeite? Why does she deserve better than me?"
Jedeite could only stare in shock and disbelief. The other generals were no better off. Endymion had just displayed more emotions in the past few moments than they could recall throughout his entire lifetime. Yet, even with the soldier's deep disclosure, they could not grant him what he sought. They could not tell him that Serenity deserved him, or would be good with him. Endymion dropped his beautiful, sorrowful eyes to the ground, having had found no support within those who he held closest. The room fell silent. Quietly, one by one, the occupants left, and the kitchen was empty.
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Well, that IS all for now. . . . There will be more as outlined in my "Author's Note." And that "more" will involve Snowball, and Endymion and Serenity, and, well, Beryl, and ENDYMION AND SERENITY. . . . But, yeah, please don't be disappointed, because it's really not going to be anything spectacular due to writing talent limitations! But, hey! I'LL DO MY BEST! AND IT'LL BE OUT SOONER THAN THIS ONE WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author's Note: I'm SO SORRY that this took SOOO LONG!!! I *really* appreciate all of you who have continued to read this! I hope it's to your liking!!! This one is for KELLY BEAN because the review I got was what really kicked me into gear--I can completely relate!! I just never made the connection that someone might want to read mine and feel the same way I do about other peoples' fics. It's really flattering! So, from now on, readers *should* be getting LONGER chapters that *should* come out at a faster rate!
*Oh god! What am I setting myself up for?!?!?*
Not a lawsuit--that's for sure! I don't own Sailor Moon or anything of the like as I am no where near talented enough or creative enough. . . but I can dream, right?
Onto the story!
Enjoy!
REVIEW!!
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Columbia had practically splayed herself across Lord Lui Chai's lap, her eyes all-absorbing wide saucers. Serenity sat with a stiff back against a tall brown velvet chair that was positioned beside the fireplace in the Avenroi living room. She had managed to avoid the two nobles for the better part of two weeks, claiming to be too weak from her fainting episode (her father explained the situation as too much excitement for her to handle--poor little girl!) Lord Toshio Yiio had been discussing the finer aspects of sporting using a traditional bow with Serenity before she expressed her dislike of anything related to the killing of animals. He had prompted silenced his boasts.
". . . Isn't that right, Serenity?"
The golden-haired angel lifted her head in confusion. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"That they would be more than welcome to go! Oh! Lord Chai! It would be fabulous fun!"
Serenity arced a slender eyebrow, and Columbia gave her a look of disbelief. "Don't you listen to anything I say?" Columbia waited for Serenity to say something but continued after realizing her sister would not give her a response. "The Snowball."
"The Snow Ball?" Lord Chai grinned; his mouth full of yellow teeth.
Columbia burst out in veracious laughter. "No! The Snowball! It was once a festival that we had here, but now it's just a costume ball. . . but it's so much fun! You simply must come!"
"That would depend on when it is happening. We have to return to our own estates, milady," Lord Lui Chai chortled at Columbia's enthusiasm.
"Oh! It's just in a few weeks! The night of the eclipse, actually," she shrugged, dismissing the novelty. "But it'll be extra special with you there, Lord Chai! You too, Lord Yiio! Oh, say you'll go! The seamstress in town will be able to design you both masks! Oh! Say you'll go!"
Serenity stood up abruptly and smoothed over the front of her skirt. "Excuse me, my lords, Columbia, but I have some things I need to attend to."
Lord Toshio Yiio stood and offered Serenity a sweeping bow. "You will be attending the Snowball, sweet lady?"
"Of course she is!" Columbia interjected before Serenity could make some excuse for her absence. "Everyone goes to it! Serenity no exception. She's even decided on her costume!"
"Really? Sweet lady, do tell me what you plan on going as so that my costume will be a complement, not an insult, to yours," Lord Yiio gushed with an ominous smile. He swiped a handful of loose gray hair from his eyes and waited expectantly.
"I-I don't--" Serenity stumbled.
"She wants it to be a surprise, but I'm not as secretive as she tends to be," Columbia snorted before she reached out and touched Lord Chai's arm suggestively. "I am going to be a white cat. Just wait until you see my gown, Lord Chai! It matches my mask and tail perfectly!"
Lord Chai continued to listen to Columbia with good-humour, amused by her energy. Serenity turned to leave the room, but Lord Chai caught her arm, just above her elbow. "Sweet lady, please," he said, "give me but a colour to wear in honour of you."
"I-I am sorry my lord," she said as she detached herself. "I cannot."
Lord Yiio considered her refusal for only a moment, and then his horrible, leering smile returned. "I admire a woman who can stick to her morals, sweet lady. I will wear black because it upsets no other colour."
Serenity merely dipped her head in acknowledgement and left the room. The halls were emptied of occupants, the majority of hired help would tend the kitchen at this time. She was grateful for the relative peace. Even while she was bedridden following the fainting incident, Serenity had not been left alone. The doctor had been sent for, and Ami had been sent in his place. Lord Tsuniko had stormed about the small bedroom, snapping at Ami for her assessments of Serenity. In the end, Ami had won out over the angered lord, and Serenity was told to stay in bed for the remainder of the week. When Lord Tsuniko had left to explain to his guests Serenity's absence, Ami had confessed that there was nothing wrong with Serenity, that Serenity had just been overwhelmed and that shock had temporarily shut down her body's normal functioning system.
Serenity paused by the stairs, one of her rose-lily hands resting on the banister, her head facing downward. Ami had asked about Endymion when Lord Tsuniko had left, asked if Serenity had heard anything about him. She could not hide her hurt from her friend; she could not hide her feelings toward Endymion. . .for Endymion. She did not understand how she felt, herself, and explaining the confusing emotions to Ami proved a most tiresome and impossible task. Serenity tried to justify her reaction-- saying that what she had seen had been offensive to her--but Ami wouldn't buy into any of her excuses. Eventually, Ami let the issue slide, but only after she had told Serenity that Gizbourne, Ami's father, had decided to allow all of the soldiers in the area attend the Snowball. It was then that Serenity had sword that she would not go.
Lord Yiio would hopefully understand if she suddenly came down with a migraine headache the night of the festival, and not pursue or question the matter further. How could she bare to see Endymion again? Away from his presence she had nearly succeeded in convincing herself that she had never felt anything for him. If she was forced to see him again. . . .
Serenity started up the stairs.
"Serenity!"
She turned to find Lord Tsuniko watching her from down the hall by the den. "Yes, father?"
He moved forward at a casual pace, asserting himself as the dominate figure as Serenity waited patiently for him to speak. He thrust a small envelope into her hand and pinched her wrist between his thick thumb and forefinger. "You will find something to wear to the festival, and it will be something nice, Serenity. Make it match something black--white maybe. Am I understood?"
Serenity flinched as the force exerted on he wrist increased. "Yes."
He brought his face close to hers and narrowed his eyes. As a child, Serenity would be given the same treatment, and at one point, the loathsome glare would have instilled a great fear inside of her mind. He dropped her wrist and snatched the envelope away. "Stay there."
Serenity did not move. Lord Tsuniko disappeared into his study and did not reemerge for long moments. Serenity massaged her wrist and waited. When Lord Tsuniko reappeared, the envelope had gotten thicker and was sealed with wax and imprinted with Avenroi's sigil. He returned the envelope to her. "Give this to the seamstress. I don't trust you enough to pick out your own costume. You will leave now, while they are distracted by Columbia's nonsense. At least you had brains enough to say that you had things to do. Your nonattendance will be unquestioned now."
Lord Tsuniko turned and left Serenity with the envelope in hand.
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Warm air, strong with the smell of apples and fresh bread, rushed to meet Serenity as she let herself into the grocery store on Auel Street. The grocer, Simon Ce, raised a hand in greeting, and Serenity dipped her head in acknowledgement. Simon Ce was a nice man, friendly and smart, but very outspoken and blunt. His wife was Taka Ce, the town's seamstress who operated in a smaller room at the back of the store, and was equally candid. Serenity remembered many times throughout her life when at least one of the two had made her feel utterly awkward or incompetent. Between the two of them, Serenity had learnt that she was too skinny, her legs too scrawny, her breasts too small, her bottom too flat, among many other physical flaws. They were well-meaning and thought that Serenity should keep her downfalls in mind so that she could play up what she did have (the one item of which was her large, innocent eyes, according to the couple).
"Coming to get your dress for the festival, are you?" Simon asked from over the counter as soon as he had plotted out her destination.
"Yes, sir."
A bemused smile played on his lips. "And just what did you want to go as this year? A peacock again? The feathers did cover up your forehead nicely, didn't make it seem too broad. I think that that costume would be a wise choice."
"Thank you for your suggestion," Serenity cringed before reaching the relative safety of the seamstress' door. She twisted the gold-coloured knob and pushed against the glass panes of the door. A bell positioned above the door rang to announce her arrival. Inside of the seamstress' shop, the air smelt of must and mango--an unpleasant combination of which Taka never took notice. The seamstress was crouched over a small brown counter, her fingers threading pink and blue feathers through a mesh mask. She did not raise her head when Serenity entered, but grunted her acknowledgement of Serenity's presence. Serenity stood close to the door, as though guarding her escape, and waited for the woman to finish.
The seamstress looked up and pulled the thick-rimmed glasses from her nose. "Ah, Serenity, I was beginning to wonder about when you'd be coming in. You're normally in with Columbia, and she came to see me weeks ago. You've left this a little late, don't you think? The festival is only in a little less than two weeks. I won't be able to make you a dress now, you'll have to look through the ready-made ones. They're hanging on the rack that spans the back wall over there. Go take a look."
"My father asked me to give this to you, Taka," Serenity said. She handed the older woman the sealed envelope.
"Sealed? I hope that he doesn't expect to pay me later. I don't do courtesies," Taka said. Her aging fingers slid along the seal and peeled it away from the paper, opening the envelope. A large sum of money fell onto her lap bound together with simple twine. Taka's watery gray eyes ballooned, and she quickly read the letter.
Serenity delayed in going to the back of the store after having seen the vast amount of money now in Taka's possession. Taka looked up from the letter and smirked at Serenity. "Forget about those dresses, Serenity. I have the perfect one for you in my workshop area. I keep a few special dresses for occasions like this. Excuse me while I go and get it."
Serenity watched Taka scamper off to the small room behind the counter, money in hand. The letter had been left discarded beside the desk. Curiousity scratched at Serenity's mind; she leaned over the ledge to see what Lord Tsuniko had written.
"Here you are!" Taka called out cheerfully as she reentered the shop. Serenity recoiled in embarrassment, but the seamstress did not seem to have noticed what she had tried to do. "Go into one of the change rooms and be quick. I'll need to get full measure of what adjustments need to be done."
A pile of white was thrust into Serenity's unprepared arms and forceful pushes from Taka guided her, stumbling, to the change room. The seamstress proved entirely impatient, and Serenity had no time to actually look at the dress before throwing it on. The hem of the dress was long on her, but the bodice fit snuggly. Taka practically pulled Serenity from the curtained enclosure and tossed her onto the small stool in the center of three large mirrors. Serenity went pink with embarrassment when she saw the innumerable views of the dress on her body.
Two thin white straps wrapped around her neck and met each other in the back, leaving her shoulder-blades and back bare and exposed until about two- thirds of the way down. The front of the white gown clung to her chest and stomach. The glittering fabric created a smooth border just above the swell of her breasts that dipped to make a low border on her back. Fanning out beneath the bodice, bright white folds in the gown's skirt revealed tiny sparkles that only caught the light at very particular angles. A small train flowed out from the back of the eye-catching gown and was just long enough to attract attention but avoid being stepped on.
Taka set to work immediately. She pushed at Serenity's waist to begin with, muttering the differing size adjustments and numbers. She wielded the measuring tape like a trained swordsmen, whipping it out to poke and prod at Serenity only to sheathe it again when it became unnecessary. Serenity could only stare into the mirrors in astonishment; she had never looked like this before.
". . .feather mask."
"I'm sorry, Taka. What did you say?" Serenity asked as she fumbled out of her trance.
"A white feather mask, Serenity; you could be an angel. That should get your lord palpitating and catch the attention of something else."
Serenity's eyes bulged in both horror and disbelief. "W-what?"
Taka cast her a disapproving stare before she left Serenity to stand alone on the stool. Serenity's hands clutched at the flowing gown nervously; she felt as though she had no right to wear such a gown. Taka's snide comment regarding Lord Yiio had driven that feeling even deeper into her mind.
"Here you go, try it on. I think it'll play down your nose; it's a bit big, don't you think?"
Serenity took the mask and ignored the comment. She slipped it over her head, the white feathers tickling her cheeks. She looked in the mirrors again; she could barely recognize herself. Her right hand fluttered to the mask. The bell above the door rang and admitted another patron. Serenity suppressed the urge to run in abashment.
"Oh! Hello, general!" Taka beamed as a mahogany-haired general entered the small room. "I have your orders ready; it's just in the back. I'll go grab it for you now. You caught me at a good time. I was just about to resume my measurements. Excuse me for a moment, and I'll be right back."
Taka left the room, and the general turned to face Serenity. "That is a beautiful dress, milady. I do not believe that we have met. My name is Jedeite."
Serenity tiptoed around on the stool and stared at the general. Her eyes seemed even more blue from beneath the mask, and Jedeite found himself hypnotized by the expression of bright curiousity. In one fluid movement, Serenity removed the mask and held it by her hip. Her face was sad but did hold some affection for the general. "You've forgotten me already?"
"Serenity!" Jedeite's face dove to a deep shade of crimson. "Serenity, I did not recognize you with that--you look even more beautiful, like an angel. Please forgive me for not recognizing you. . .and for my bluntness; I am not myself. You--you are attending this Snowball?"
Serenity broke her gaze with the general, her eyes on the worn carpet floor. "I am. You. . .and the others. . .are going to be there?"
Jedeite understood where she was going with her question, but gave her the privacy she seemed to want. "We will."
Serenity nodded and turned back to the mirrors, her head still down. "Jedeite?"
"Yes?"
"Jedeite, will. . .will Endymion be there?"
Jedeite suppressed a cringe and nodded. "Yes."
Serenity's head dropped further. Jedeite watched as she slipped the mask over her eyes. The white feathers could not hide the watery hurt. Jedeite could not understand why or how Endymion impacted her at all. He saw the same thing in Endymion, though.
He knew from the moment Endymion had struggled to stand after receiving the general's harsh blow to the stomach, and his lack of acceptance to forget Serenity, that the soldier housed something for Serenity. Endymion had tried to find excuses to go and see Serenity over the past two weeks, and it was only through Nephrite's careful watch that none of the plans had been carried out. They had all been legitimate and entirely plausible, but none of the generals wanted Endymion to go; Serenity was not for him. Endymion had never been serious about anyone, and they believed that Serenity would be no different. For Endymion, Serenity was just a challenge; he had already played the golden-haired angel's heart enough for the general's liking.
"Here you are, general," Taka said. "Will you need assistance with them?"
"No, thank you. This has been most convenient, Taka," Jedeite said as he took the bundles from Taka's arms. He turned to Serenity one last time. "Take care, Serenity. I look forward to seeing you there. Perhaps you would consider granting me a dance?"
Serenity did not answer the general. Instead, she continued to look into the mirrors, all of her insecurities coming back even stronger than before. Somewhere behind her, a bell rang and the general departed.
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Lord Tsuniko swallowed the hot jasmine tea and savoured the rich flavour the western leaves left in the hot water. Lord Toshio Yiio and Lord Liu Chai sat in opposing chairs, enjoying their own tea. The sky had thrown night's dark cloak over its shoulders hours before, and much of the Avenroi household had long since retired. The three men--the three nobles-- sat and drank their tea; the conversation between them had ended and deals had been made. They had agreed to leave judgement on Serenity until after Snowball; Lord Yiio had not appreciated the young woman's blunt slights. Columbia's fate, however, had been bargained, dealt, and done. She would leave with Lord Chai the day following Snowball. Lord Tsuniko could now only hold his breath and hope that Serenity impressed the other lord at Snowball. If she did, her fate would be as sealed as Columbia's by the next morning, and Lord Tsuniko would have relieved himself of both unwanted burdens.
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"You shouldn't complain, Endymion," Zoicite quipped as she drummed her fingers along the kitchen table's wooden top . "Even I have to wear a tux, and I am a woman!"
Endymion eyed the currently-male Zoicite from his seat. He seethed with rage, although he could not justify why. "Hard to believe, even without your pendant on. You're as attractive a sexless, blood-soaked youma--and that's on your good days. You'll never be a real woman. Even male prostitutes have better feminine attraction than you."
Zoicite's eyes became slender slits, and she unconsciously grabbed the sex-changing charm that hung about her neck. The soldier's treatment of the generals had degraded severely since the incident in the tavern. He was much more harsh. . .cruel. Zoicite forced his words from her mind in anger. She snickered at Endymion, her dismissive nature replaced by a more incisive temper. "Like you would know what a real woman felt like, Endymion. You've only ever had tavern whores and high-born harlots. That's all you'll ever get. That's all you're good for, Endymion: banging up whores who have to be paid to bed with you. Serenity must be sending out devotions of thanks to us before she crawls into her bed at night!"
Endymion snatched Zoicite's hair and slammed the general into the closest wall, the chair fell to the floor with a loud clap. "That's not true!"
Zoicite parried low, one of her three blows rebounding off Endymion's hip. He paid her next to no notice and slammed a fist into her stomach. Zoicite crumpled to the ground. Endymion continued to beat on her back; the general fought back with rage. Equal blows were exchanged in the quarrel, gentler than full-strength, but still intended to hurt and harm. Kunzite, who had been napping in the bedroom beside the small kitchen, pulled himself from the sleeping quarters and tried to focus on the scene before him. When his conscious awareness returned to him, he immediately leapt into the fray. Endymion found himself flung against the far wall; the impact's quiver roused Nephrite from his book in the den.
"What are you bloody idiots doing in here!" he bellowed. Endymion did not answer; Kunzite and Zoicite were much too involved in each other to even respond. "What happened?!"
"The soldier took it upon himself to attack me," Zoicite said.
"Somehow, Zoicite, I doubt that that was the case," Jedeite muttered as he entered the house. He dropped the costumes on the kitchen table and proceeded to remove his boots. "As intolerant as Endymion has been recently, I do not believe that he is so far gone as to attack you without some catalyst at play. Perhaps you would like to explain yourself, Endymion?"
"There is nothing to explain."
Jedeite groaned. "I am asking you first so that you may have a fair say before Zoicite."
"We fought. There is nothing else to it."
"Endymion, I know that you have been thinking that things are not ideal for you right now, but you have to handle yourself better than this. Not only is Zoicite your militant superior, she is your friend, and she deserves better than--"
"Why does everyone deserve better than me?" Endymion whispered. "Why does she deserve better than me?"
"She doesn't deserve better than you, Endymion. Zoicite just needs to be respected a little--"
"I'm not talking about Zoicite!"
Jedeite could not suppress a cringe. "Who. . .who are you talking about, Endymion?"
Endymion ripped his hand through his hair, brushing it away from his ice blue eyes. Jedeite cringed yet again upon seeing the pain and hurt the twin orbs professed. The soldier had truly given something to Serenity. . . . Endymion's eyes alone avowed his affection for the young woman. . .revealed that there was more to his persistence than a simple conquest of the golden-haired angel. "You know who I'm talking about, Jedeite," Endymion's voice was husky and strained. . .so much pain. "She's inside of my mind. . . . I keep thinking that I can feel her. . .feel where she is, how she's feeling. . . . I feel connected to her, and you cannot deny me that! Why, Jedeite? Why does she deserve better than me?"
Jedeite could only stare in shock and disbelief. The other generals were no better off. Endymion had just displayed more emotions in the past few moments than they could recall throughout his entire lifetime. Yet, even with the soldier's deep disclosure, they could not grant him what he sought. They could not tell him that Serenity deserved him, or would be good with him. Endymion dropped his beautiful, sorrowful eyes to the ground, having had found no support within those who he held closest. The room fell silent. Quietly, one by one, the occupants left, and the kitchen was empty.
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Well, that IS all for now. . . . There will be more as outlined in my "Author's Note." And that "more" will involve Snowball, and Endymion and Serenity, and, well, Beryl, and ENDYMION AND SERENITY. . . . But, yeah, please don't be disappointed, because it's really not going to be anything spectacular due to writing talent limitations! But, hey! I'LL DO MY BEST! AND IT'LL BE OUT SOONER THAN THIS ONE WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!