NOTE BEFORE READING:: Here's another chapter (Jump for joy)! This chapter is a bit lengthier than the last two. I also want to clarify something; this story takes place on Earth in some whatever time you want to believe.
Hearts' Remedy
Chapter 3
Serena was rummaging through her closet and drawers, taking out only her plainest clothes. On her journey she would not want to be recognized as being the princess. Who knows where she will end up in the end? Sighing heavily she dropped her packed bundle on her bed. Pulling out a piece of parchment and quill she began to write a short note to her mother and sister.
All her life Serena was never much of a writer. She always had the defect of not being able to choose the right words. Her quill moved across the paper leaving behind trails of elegant words. Each time she finished a word she curled the last letter with a flourish of her hand. Smiling softly, she reminisced her first time writing, which was quite sloppy when she was a child compared to the graceful curves she made for each letter now. What a difference! No matter how unorthodox a princess she is, she still did things that not only surprised herself, but her sister and mother.
For her mother and sister she was doing the right thing. She was going to get rid of the burden for them by leaving. What was there to lose, except for a good-for-nothing princess who knew nothing of diplomacy or etiquette? She was clumsy and a huge disappointment to her family. The best way to undo it all is to forget Princess Serena. No one cared for her, not even on her birthday.
Finishing her letter with her signature Serena dropped her quill malevolently. Serena released her buns, for once feeling the heavy weight of her golden hair that fell well pass her knees. She moved to one of her drawers again and pulled out a white shawl. She wrapped the shawl around her face. Now no one could recognize her. Leaving her room surreptitiously she moved down the hall like a scared rabbit.
It wasn't until she was outside the castle did she truly feel free. Smiling behind the shawl she stared up at the clear blue sky. She refrained from dancing in case she drew any unwanted attention. It was still early in the afternoon and the sun shown brilliantly. Looking wildly across the castle grounds she caught sight of a wagon at the gates. The rider seemed to be away at the moment and the only person there was one guard. That one guard peered curiously under the burlap blanket over the wagon before he took his post again. The light bulb in her mind suddenly flashed on as she stared at a perfect escape.
"Serena!"
Serena nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a familiar voice. It was Luna. How could she have known it was she? The cat moved next to the girl and casually sat down.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"I was wondering the same thing of you. Why are you out here dressed like that?"
She was so close! How did Luna know where to find her?
"Serena, you mind as well tell me what you're up to since I already have a clear idea..."
"If you have such a clear idea why don't you just tell everyone?! I hate you! You ruin everything!" Serena cried, knowing that her guise had been blown.
Taken aback, Luna spoke. "Hush Serena, I'm not going to tell anyone-"
Serena covered her eyes with her hands. "Yes, you are-You're not?"
"No I'm not, so stop being such a baby..."
"Then... Then what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to follow you," she said in a determined voice.
"What?"
"You heard me, Serena. I'm coming with you whether you like it or not. You can knock me unconscious now and I'll just wake up to tell your mother. The whole army will be on your tail in a flash and before you know it you'll be dragged home-that is if you refuse me."
"No! I mean, Mother needs you..."
"You need me, Serena! I have not forgotten that you are still a child."
"I am not-"
"We are wasting time, Serena. It's now or never."
"Right."
Together, they rushed toward the wagon. Just as they reached the horses the guard heard their rushing feet. He spun around, his face distorted in alertness. "Who's there?"
Serena ducked behind the wagon so fast her head nearly collided with the hard wood. She held her breath as the guard circled around the wagon suspiciously. With her head down Serena made a circle around the wagon herself keeping an even distance behind and in front of the dimwitted guard. The cat skulked beside her the whole time. After traveling a full three sixty around the wagon he figured it was just the wind or something. Standing up right and scratching his head he turned around again. Meanwhile, princess and guardian slid under the burlap blanket.
There wasn't much, only hay. It was stuffy under the blanket, but Serena was listless. She moved slowly across some hay and found a comfortable resting spot.
"Serena, what are you doing?" Luna hissed.
Serena yawned. "It's going to be a long ride, mind as well get comfortable."
"But what if someone finds us here."
"Well, that's what you're for... You'll be on the look out, won't you?" Serena murmured, half asleep already.
The cat rolled her eyes and lay beside the girl.
"Hey, Laddy thanks for waitin', took me a while ter speak with all them high people." Luna heard the muffled speech of a man.
"Glad to be of help. Now, you have a nice trip, Sir. Good day to you," the guard said.
"Yeh, you too."
There was a sudden lurch as the wagon suddenly started. Luna slid and her bottom hit the princess' stomach. She turned her head to see if she had wakened the girl, but Serena was sound asleep. She groaned and closed her own eyes, drifting off to a dark world.
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"Whoa, this is are stop!" The wagon rattled as it halted unexpectedly. Right away Luna was alert.
"Serena," she whispered urgently.
"One more minute, Mother..." She groaned before turning over on her side.
"Sereeeeena, you have to wake up." Now Luna's paws were on the girl's side as she shook her gently. "Come on Serena, before we are seen."
"Huh? Where are we?" Still groggy she opened her eyes focusing her blurry vision on the cat.
"That's what I'm going to try and find out. Stay low."
Luna poked her head out of the burlap blanket and peered out. There was no one to be seen. She was looking out at a green pasture with a white fence surrounding it. Over to the side there was a red house and a shed really close by it. The setting sun was now an orange glow half visible.
"It's hot and I'm hungry," Serena complained from behind the cat. Suddenly the cat felt nothing over her head. Serena had flung the blanket right off the wagon.
"Serena!"
"There isn't anybody here to see us."
"Still, you had no idea! What if there were people? What if we did get in trouble? What if we were caught?"
"All these 'what ifs' from you when it all didn't happen." Serena placed a hand on top of her stomach as it grumbled in protest. "I'm hungry," the girl wailed again. She leapt off the wagon and hurried away. Luna trailed behind in aggravation. They walked onto the main road and caught sight of a small town at a distance.
"Hey, Luna. Look over there... Something's calling me... I smell food!"
"Serena be careful. Don't you ever think with your head instead of your stomach?"
Serena sniffed indignantly. "You are so insensitive, Luna... Can't a girl walk with a full stomach?" She took off at the speed of a lightning bolt with the cat huffing angrily behind her.
Reaching the town with anticipation and renewed excitement, Serena laughed. The houses were built by wood. And standing here and there beside these wooden two, storied huts, were stands. Some people sold china, fabrics, jewelry, and more. But Serena only had eyes-or a nose-for only the aroma of fresh baked bread and other cuisine. Serena jumped and clapped her hands in ecstasy. "Goody, there's more than enough for us!" She rushed to the nearest food stand, mouth agape and eyes shining, examined the delicacies. She reached out to grab a cookie, but the man behind the stand stopped her with his hand. "Eh? You got money?" He questioned her.
"Ah... Money?"
The man reached into his apron, brandishing a polished copper coin.
"I do not have that."
"Then no cookie. Now, beat it. I have a business to run."
"Humph!" Serena strode away angrily keeping her head held up high. Then she swiftly stopped and bent over to talk to her cat. "That man is so rude!"
"What did you expect? This is the real world. Out here you are not princess."
"So you have that?"
"What?"
"Money."
"Serena, does it look like I can carry something like that!" Luna shouted. People started to stare at Serena. They had thought that she had shouted at the cat. Serena started to sweat because she had forgotten that people didn't know that a talking cat existed. Trying to act innocent, Serena smiled at anyone who gave her a strange stare. Then, she quickly gathered the cat in her arms and took off.
As she walked she moaned again. "I'm still hungry..." This time Luna did not comment. "I should have eaten a buffet before I left. I'm so hungry!"
"Did I hear you say you are hungry?"
Serena turned around to see who had spoken. It was a young woman with kind hazel eyes, holding a basket of groceries. Her auburn hair was tied neatly atop her head. Her fingers were slipping from the basket as she spoke again. "Well, are you hungry?"
Serena nodded enthusiastically.
"My husband owns a bakery just down the road. If you help me with this basket I'll offer you free bread as a reward." She shifted the basket in her arms.
"Really? No money necessary?"
"What does free mean, cutie?" She laughed.
"In that case... Okay!" Serena reached up to take the basket and the woman thankfully dropped it into the circle of her arms. The woman swiftly walked up ahead as Serena stumbled forward to follow. Luna quickly whispered to her, "Are you sure you can trust her?"
"Certainly! She's nicer than that man earlier."
"I don't know..."
They reached a homey looking cabin. Its windows glowed a soft light with white fringed draping hanging on the sills. The woman led Serena in as she took the basket from her. And the moment Serena walked in she took a good whiff of cakes and bread. Her mouth watered as she took in the scent.
The woman laughed again. "You act as if you haven't eaten all day."
"Well that's exactly right." Serena said her voice edging with a hint of sorrow.
"Oh and why is that?"
"Everyone's so busy they forgot to feed me."
Now the woman frowned. "Too busy? They forgot to feed you?"
"Well, you see, today's my birthday-"
"Well gee! Why didn't you say so! Cake and bread for the birthday girl!"
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Serena and Luna walked out of the bakery, both with their appetites satisfied. Sighing, Serena asked, "So, where to now?"
Luna looked worriedly up at the sky. "I don't know. It's getting late and we don't have a place to stay. No money, no shelter... Just great... I'm stuck with a girl who expects me to know what to do next..." Luna mumbled to herself.
"Look on the bright side!"
"There is no bright side."
Solemnly, they walked, not knowing what the future held for them. Were they really going to die if they didn't find a place to stay? Soon they reached a farm where a man was tying his wagon up to his horses.
"Hey, Luna, do you think we can ask for a ride?"
"I don't know." Luna's voice hinted misgiving.
"Come on, we can at least try."
"Hey, mister!" Serena waved at him as she ran. The man raised his eyes to look up at the girl. "Where are you off to?"
The man moved his eyes away from the girl for a moment as he secured the restraints of the luggage that lay in the wagon. "Kingdom of Terra. What's it to you?"
"Um, I was wondering if you can take us with you?"
"Us?"
"My cat and I," Serena answered quickly.
"Cat." He scowled at the feline that stood beside Serena. "What would your folks say about you talking to a stranger and taking a trip far away from Luneria?"
"Well, they don't know."
"Don't know?"
"Yeah."
"Fine then. Let's go."
"That's it?"
"Sure. If you changed your mind already I suggest you leave then. You're on my property."
"No! I mean, I want to go to Terra."
"Then, let's go. I don't got all night."
"Um, where do I sit?"
"In the back, of course. Who do you think you are, the princess of Luneria?"
Serena did not remark to his mocking tone. She only obeyed by sitting in the back facing forward. The man tossed her a blanket. "Thank you."
"Yeah, what ever."
The rode was bumpy and it paid no heed to the princess who was not used to road trips. Yet, what annoyed her most was the quietness of the stranger she rode with. One thing Serena hated most was awkward silences. This was quite awkward for her. "Um, when will we get to Terra?"
"We'll be there by late afternoon tomorrow, that's about when."
"Why do you travel by night?"
"Because it's less busy then."
"Do you go to Terra often?"
"Maybe."
"What is your profession?"
The man grunted. "What is this, an interview?"
Serena recoiled at the sound of his voice pulling the cover more tightly around her body. "Ah, sorry. It's just that I don't travel much, so I'm very excited. And sometimes excitement makes me babble. Tell me if I babble too much because I will stop if you want. My mother always said that I have a big mouth."
"Stop," the man said bluntly.
"Okay," Serena said despondently.
The man rolled his eyes "Alright, the hell with it. Babble all you want."
Serena opened her mouth cheerfully preparing to orate when Luna abruptly scratched the girl's hand. A drop of blood trickled from the scar as Serena yelped. "Ow, Luna!" Luna glowered at the girl with a cold admonition in her deep lavender eyes.
"What'sa matter with you?" The man questioned, with his back still turned against the two.
"Nothing! Just my cat, she attacked me for no reason."
"So that beast is fierce, is it?"
"No, just a little smarter than it looks."
"Well, Cats are good-for-nothing-old-trash. Don't know why they look lovable. They scratch, drop, and drag those lazy carcasses they call bodies nowhere. Don't forget there's always that extra mouth to feed. Why don't you toss that thing in the privy where all them trash belong."
Serena smiled slyly, "I don't see why not."
Luna, miffed, got up and paced to the other side of the wagon. Serena was forgetting that this particular cat had feelings.
Hours passed and midnight soon came. Luna was still not speaking to Serena, which baffled and hurt the girl much more than expected.
"Luna, please eat." Serena stuck the breadcrumb in the cat's face, but the cat pushed her away. Luna took precautions, she knew this man was not to be trusted. Naïve Serena, on the other hand, does not realize that not everyone can be trusted.
They had stopped to make camp. The man ordered Serena to sleep in the wagon with Luna while he kindled a fire and kept watch for bandits. Serena shivered at the thought of men stealing things from people. Luna sat beside Serena suspicion edging in every thought of her mind. This man was not to be trusted. Even if he were, Luna would keep an eye out for thieves herself.
Hours later the man looked up from his dying fire to stare at the golden haired beauty. He fantasized touching her every part and leaving her dead afterwards in the dark of the woods. No one would know of his crime, then, because the girl would be dead. She would have no way of going back to her family. He imagined again of the sheer enjoyment of tearing those garments off that innocent angel. She would be helpless in defending herself from his onslaught. Of course, he would enjoy what is alive first.
The man got up from his spot and stretched his muscles. He looked over at where the girl lay again. Vigilant lavender eyes stared right back at him. He nearly jumped and howled in fright. Wasn't that cat sound asleep?
Luna had been laying beside Serena her eyes closed, but her senses quite open. She heard a soft creaking of bones and opened her eyes suddenly. She hastily sat up to stare at the man stretching. She growled slightly at the sight of him. What was he up to?
The man blinked a couple of times in astonishment. Then, cautiously he tiptoed over to them. Luna's eyes followed him, though they were glazed over by listlessness. As his hand rested upon Serena's shoulder, the growl of the black feline became coherently audible. He immediately withdrew. Luna barred her teeth. It didn't matter how long this vigil had to last: Luna would not blink.
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Back in the castle of Luneria music and dancing was held in the main hall. Queen Serenity smiled as she watched her oldest daughter dancing with one of the many princes who had come to celebrate her youngest daughter's coming of age. Selene could not stop smiling, she had immediately been lured by the charms of the prince the moment he started a conversation with her. Her heart felt like a light feather, something she never felt before. Serenity would have been satisfied with everything, but so far she had not seen Serena anywhere.
Serenity, knowing her youngest, did what she knew best when her daughter was in a rage: she left her alone. And now she wondered if that was the right thing to do. At present the queen could not leave from her place at the throne to see to Serena, so she waited a little longer.
As the hours flew by all guests acknowledged the absence of Serena. Serenity could not stand it anymore, she got up from her throne to meet with Selene. With sincere guilt for disturbing Selene at one of her happiest moments with her prince, Serenity bade Selene go get her sister.
Selene had not notice that her sister had been missing all night. Embarrassed for forgetting Serena she obeyed her mother. She rushed to her sister's room in annoyance. 'It's just like Serena, being as stubborn as an ox. That girl is never reliable,' Selene thought.
Taking a deep breath, Selene rapped the door lightly. "Sister, are you still mad?"
There was no reply.
"Serena, come on out, it's not like you to forget your obligations."
Still there was no reply.
"I'll tell you something... I just met the greatest guy. He has fair hair, and the most stunning emerald eyes." Selene sighed dreamily. At the same time her face displayed smugness because she knew this piece of news would draw the younger girl's attention. However, she was taken aback by the sound of silence.
Selene turned the doorknob and opened the door slowly. "Serena?" There was nobody there. Selene walked about the room eyeing every corner. Then she noticed the parchment that rested upon the princess' bed.
************
My dearest Mother and Sister,
I leave you now on a quest. I am sorry I have failed you as a princess and above all, as a daughter and sister. I hope that by going away I can leave the both of you in peace. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I pray that our people will forgive the suddenness of my departure. I leave my post now. Good luck to the both of you.
With love,
Serena
****************
Selene took off for the door, her mind in total disarray.
Serenity had been talking to the prince that Selene had been so enthralled by when the doors burst open. All eyes turned to the disheveled crowned princess, who stood, tears streaming from her eyes.
"What happened to you?" Serenity cried in worry as she approached her daughter.
The parchment slipped from Selene's hand as the girl covered her face. The prince embraced her in comfort as the crowd thronged in a circle around the three. Selene caught the letter and read it closely.
"No," the queen's voice came trembling out as she fell to the floor.
"Mother!"
The servants rushed to pick up the limp queen's body. Immediately, Selene stepped out of the arms of the prince and spoke in a shaky yet powerful voice silencing the gasps and the hushed voices.
"The princess ran away." She faced the guards drying her tears with the swipe of her hand.
"Inform the general and bring her back home!"
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Okay, in case you're confused about exactly where this story takes place on Earth, Serena is the Princess of Luneria. She is leaving Luneria to go to Terra.
That's all, folks. Sayonara, thanks for reading. Now, please Review.
-MistyWing
Hearts' Remedy
Chapter 3
Serena was rummaging through her closet and drawers, taking out only her plainest clothes. On her journey she would not want to be recognized as being the princess. Who knows where she will end up in the end? Sighing heavily she dropped her packed bundle on her bed. Pulling out a piece of parchment and quill she began to write a short note to her mother and sister.
All her life Serena was never much of a writer. She always had the defect of not being able to choose the right words. Her quill moved across the paper leaving behind trails of elegant words. Each time she finished a word she curled the last letter with a flourish of her hand. Smiling softly, she reminisced her first time writing, which was quite sloppy when she was a child compared to the graceful curves she made for each letter now. What a difference! No matter how unorthodox a princess she is, she still did things that not only surprised herself, but her sister and mother.
For her mother and sister she was doing the right thing. She was going to get rid of the burden for them by leaving. What was there to lose, except for a good-for-nothing princess who knew nothing of diplomacy or etiquette? She was clumsy and a huge disappointment to her family. The best way to undo it all is to forget Princess Serena. No one cared for her, not even on her birthday.
Finishing her letter with her signature Serena dropped her quill malevolently. Serena released her buns, for once feeling the heavy weight of her golden hair that fell well pass her knees. She moved to one of her drawers again and pulled out a white shawl. She wrapped the shawl around her face. Now no one could recognize her. Leaving her room surreptitiously she moved down the hall like a scared rabbit.
It wasn't until she was outside the castle did she truly feel free. Smiling behind the shawl she stared up at the clear blue sky. She refrained from dancing in case she drew any unwanted attention. It was still early in the afternoon and the sun shown brilliantly. Looking wildly across the castle grounds she caught sight of a wagon at the gates. The rider seemed to be away at the moment and the only person there was one guard. That one guard peered curiously under the burlap blanket over the wagon before he took his post again. The light bulb in her mind suddenly flashed on as she stared at a perfect escape.
"Serena!"
Serena nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a familiar voice. It was Luna. How could she have known it was she? The cat moved next to the girl and casually sat down.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"I was wondering the same thing of you. Why are you out here dressed like that?"
She was so close! How did Luna know where to find her?
"Serena, you mind as well tell me what you're up to since I already have a clear idea..."
"If you have such a clear idea why don't you just tell everyone?! I hate you! You ruin everything!" Serena cried, knowing that her guise had been blown.
Taken aback, Luna spoke. "Hush Serena, I'm not going to tell anyone-"
Serena covered her eyes with her hands. "Yes, you are-You're not?"
"No I'm not, so stop being such a baby..."
"Then... Then what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to follow you," she said in a determined voice.
"What?"
"You heard me, Serena. I'm coming with you whether you like it or not. You can knock me unconscious now and I'll just wake up to tell your mother. The whole army will be on your tail in a flash and before you know it you'll be dragged home-that is if you refuse me."
"No! I mean, Mother needs you..."
"You need me, Serena! I have not forgotten that you are still a child."
"I am not-"
"We are wasting time, Serena. It's now or never."
"Right."
Together, they rushed toward the wagon. Just as they reached the horses the guard heard their rushing feet. He spun around, his face distorted in alertness. "Who's there?"
Serena ducked behind the wagon so fast her head nearly collided with the hard wood. She held her breath as the guard circled around the wagon suspiciously. With her head down Serena made a circle around the wagon herself keeping an even distance behind and in front of the dimwitted guard. The cat skulked beside her the whole time. After traveling a full three sixty around the wagon he figured it was just the wind or something. Standing up right and scratching his head he turned around again. Meanwhile, princess and guardian slid under the burlap blanket.
There wasn't much, only hay. It was stuffy under the blanket, but Serena was listless. She moved slowly across some hay and found a comfortable resting spot.
"Serena, what are you doing?" Luna hissed.
Serena yawned. "It's going to be a long ride, mind as well get comfortable."
"But what if someone finds us here."
"Well, that's what you're for... You'll be on the look out, won't you?" Serena murmured, half asleep already.
The cat rolled her eyes and lay beside the girl.
"Hey, Laddy thanks for waitin', took me a while ter speak with all them high people." Luna heard the muffled speech of a man.
"Glad to be of help. Now, you have a nice trip, Sir. Good day to you," the guard said.
"Yeh, you too."
There was a sudden lurch as the wagon suddenly started. Luna slid and her bottom hit the princess' stomach. She turned her head to see if she had wakened the girl, but Serena was sound asleep. She groaned and closed her own eyes, drifting off to a dark world.
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"Whoa, this is are stop!" The wagon rattled as it halted unexpectedly. Right away Luna was alert.
"Serena," she whispered urgently.
"One more minute, Mother..." She groaned before turning over on her side.
"Sereeeeena, you have to wake up." Now Luna's paws were on the girl's side as she shook her gently. "Come on Serena, before we are seen."
"Huh? Where are we?" Still groggy she opened her eyes focusing her blurry vision on the cat.
"That's what I'm going to try and find out. Stay low."
Luna poked her head out of the burlap blanket and peered out. There was no one to be seen. She was looking out at a green pasture with a white fence surrounding it. Over to the side there was a red house and a shed really close by it. The setting sun was now an orange glow half visible.
"It's hot and I'm hungry," Serena complained from behind the cat. Suddenly the cat felt nothing over her head. Serena had flung the blanket right off the wagon.
"Serena!"
"There isn't anybody here to see us."
"Still, you had no idea! What if there were people? What if we did get in trouble? What if we were caught?"
"All these 'what ifs' from you when it all didn't happen." Serena placed a hand on top of her stomach as it grumbled in protest. "I'm hungry," the girl wailed again. She leapt off the wagon and hurried away. Luna trailed behind in aggravation. They walked onto the main road and caught sight of a small town at a distance.
"Hey, Luna. Look over there... Something's calling me... I smell food!"
"Serena be careful. Don't you ever think with your head instead of your stomach?"
Serena sniffed indignantly. "You are so insensitive, Luna... Can't a girl walk with a full stomach?" She took off at the speed of a lightning bolt with the cat huffing angrily behind her.
Reaching the town with anticipation and renewed excitement, Serena laughed. The houses were built by wood. And standing here and there beside these wooden two, storied huts, were stands. Some people sold china, fabrics, jewelry, and more. But Serena only had eyes-or a nose-for only the aroma of fresh baked bread and other cuisine. Serena jumped and clapped her hands in ecstasy. "Goody, there's more than enough for us!" She rushed to the nearest food stand, mouth agape and eyes shining, examined the delicacies. She reached out to grab a cookie, but the man behind the stand stopped her with his hand. "Eh? You got money?" He questioned her.
"Ah... Money?"
The man reached into his apron, brandishing a polished copper coin.
"I do not have that."
"Then no cookie. Now, beat it. I have a business to run."
"Humph!" Serena strode away angrily keeping her head held up high. Then she swiftly stopped and bent over to talk to her cat. "That man is so rude!"
"What did you expect? This is the real world. Out here you are not princess."
"So you have that?"
"What?"
"Money."
"Serena, does it look like I can carry something like that!" Luna shouted. People started to stare at Serena. They had thought that she had shouted at the cat. Serena started to sweat because she had forgotten that people didn't know that a talking cat existed. Trying to act innocent, Serena smiled at anyone who gave her a strange stare. Then, she quickly gathered the cat in her arms and took off.
As she walked she moaned again. "I'm still hungry..." This time Luna did not comment. "I should have eaten a buffet before I left. I'm so hungry!"
"Did I hear you say you are hungry?"
Serena turned around to see who had spoken. It was a young woman with kind hazel eyes, holding a basket of groceries. Her auburn hair was tied neatly atop her head. Her fingers were slipping from the basket as she spoke again. "Well, are you hungry?"
Serena nodded enthusiastically.
"My husband owns a bakery just down the road. If you help me with this basket I'll offer you free bread as a reward." She shifted the basket in her arms.
"Really? No money necessary?"
"What does free mean, cutie?" She laughed.
"In that case... Okay!" Serena reached up to take the basket and the woman thankfully dropped it into the circle of her arms. The woman swiftly walked up ahead as Serena stumbled forward to follow. Luna quickly whispered to her, "Are you sure you can trust her?"
"Certainly! She's nicer than that man earlier."
"I don't know..."
They reached a homey looking cabin. Its windows glowed a soft light with white fringed draping hanging on the sills. The woman led Serena in as she took the basket from her. And the moment Serena walked in she took a good whiff of cakes and bread. Her mouth watered as she took in the scent.
The woman laughed again. "You act as if you haven't eaten all day."
"Well that's exactly right." Serena said her voice edging with a hint of sorrow.
"Oh and why is that?"
"Everyone's so busy they forgot to feed me."
Now the woman frowned. "Too busy? They forgot to feed you?"
"Well, you see, today's my birthday-"
"Well gee! Why didn't you say so! Cake and bread for the birthday girl!"
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Serena and Luna walked out of the bakery, both with their appetites satisfied. Sighing, Serena asked, "So, where to now?"
Luna looked worriedly up at the sky. "I don't know. It's getting late and we don't have a place to stay. No money, no shelter... Just great... I'm stuck with a girl who expects me to know what to do next..." Luna mumbled to herself.
"Look on the bright side!"
"There is no bright side."
Solemnly, they walked, not knowing what the future held for them. Were they really going to die if they didn't find a place to stay? Soon they reached a farm where a man was tying his wagon up to his horses.
"Hey, Luna, do you think we can ask for a ride?"
"I don't know." Luna's voice hinted misgiving.
"Come on, we can at least try."
"Hey, mister!" Serena waved at him as she ran. The man raised his eyes to look up at the girl. "Where are you off to?"
The man moved his eyes away from the girl for a moment as he secured the restraints of the luggage that lay in the wagon. "Kingdom of Terra. What's it to you?"
"Um, I was wondering if you can take us with you?"
"Us?"
"My cat and I," Serena answered quickly.
"Cat." He scowled at the feline that stood beside Serena. "What would your folks say about you talking to a stranger and taking a trip far away from Luneria?"
"Well, they don't know."
"Don't know?"
"Yeah."
"Fine then. Let's go."
"That's it?"
"Sure. If you changed your mind already I suggest you leave then. You're on my property."
"No! I mean, I want to go to Terra."
"Then, let's go. I don't got all night."
"Um, where do I sit?"
"In the back, of course. Who do you think you are, the princess of Luneria?"
Serena did not remark to his mocking tone. She only obeyed by sitting in the back facing forward. The man tossed her a blanket. "Thank you."
"Yeah, what ever."
The rode was bumpy and it paid no heed to the princess who was not used to road trips. Yet, what annoyed her most was the quietness of the stranger she rode with. One thing Serena hated most was awkward silences. This was quite awkward for her. "Um, when will we get to Terra?"
"We'll be there by late afternoon tomorrow, that's about when."
"Why do you travel by night?"
"Because it's less busy then."
"Do you go to Terra often?"
"Maybe."
"What is your profession?"
The man grunted. "What is this, an interview?"
Serena recoiled at the sound of his voice pulling the cover more tightly around her body. "Ah, sorry. It's just that I don't travel much, so I'm very excited. And sometimes excitement makes me babble. Tell me if I babble too much because I will stop if you want. My mother always said that I have a big mouth."
"Stop," the man said bluntly.
"Okay," Serena said despondently.
The man rolled his eyes "Alright, the hell with it. Babble all you want."
Serena opened her mouth cheerfully preparing to orate when Luna abruptly scratched the girl's hand. A drop of blood trickled from the scar as Serena yelped. "Ow, Luna!" Luna glowered at the girl with a cold admonition in her deep lavender eyes.
"What'sa matter with you?" The man questioned, with his back still turned against the two.
"Nothing! Just my cat, she attacked me for no reason."
"So that beast is fierce, is it?"
"No, just a little smarter than it looks."
"Well, Cats are good-for-nothing-old-trash. Don't know why they look lovable. They scratch, drop, and drag those lazy carcasses they call bodies nowhere. Don't forget there's always that extra mouth to feed. Why don't you toss that thing in the privy where all them trash belong."
Serena smiled slyly, "I don't see why not."
Luna, miffed, got up and paced to the other side of the wagon. Serena was forgetting that this particular cat had feelings.
Hours passed and midnight soon came. Luna was still not speaking to Serena, which baffled and hurt the girl much more than expected.
"Luna, please eat." Serena stuck the breadcrumb in the cat's face, but the cat pushed her away. Luna took precautions, she knew this man was not to be trusted. Naïve Serena, on the other hand, does not realize that not everyone can be trusted.
They had stopped to make camp. The man ordered Serena to sleep in the wagon with Luna while he kindled a fire and kept watch for bandits. Serena shivered at the thought of men stealing things from people. Luna sat beside Serena suspicion edging in every thought of her mind. This man was not to be trusted. Even if he were, Luna would keep an eye out for thieves herself.
Hours later the man looked up from his dying fire to stare at the golden haired beauty. He fantasized touching her every part and leaving her dead afterwards in the dark of the woods. No one would know of his crime, then, because the girl would be dead. She would have no way of going back to her family. He imagined again of the sheer enjoyment of tearing those garments off that innocent angel. She would be helpless in defending herself from his onslaught. Of course, he would enjoy what is alive first.
The man got up from his spot and stretched his muscles. He looked over at where the girl lay again. Vigilant lavender eyes stared right back at him. He nearly jumped and howled in fright. Wasn't that cat sound asleep?
Luna had been laying beside Serena her eyes closed, but her senses quite open. She heard a soft creaking of bones and opened her eyes suddenly. She hastily sat up to stare at the man stretching. She growled slightly at the sight of him. What was he up to?
The man blinked a couple of times in astonishment. Then, cautiously he tiptoed over to them. Luna's eyes followed him, though they were glazed over by listlessness. As his hand rested upon Serena's shoulder, the growl of the black feline became coherently audible. He immediately withdrew. Luna barred her teeth. It didn't matter how long this vigil had to last: Luna would not blink.
_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:_:~:
Back in the castle of Luneria music and dancing was held in the main hall. Queen Serenity smiled as she watched her oldest daughter dancing with one of the many princes who had come to celebrate her youngest daughter's coming of age. Selene could not stop smiling, she had immediately been lured by the charms of the prince the moment he started a conversation with her. Her heart felt like a light feather, something she never felt before. Serenity would have been satisfied with everything, but so far she had not seen Serena anywhere.
Serenity, knowing her youngest, did what she knew best when her daughter was in a rage: she left her alone. And now she wondered if that was the right thing to do. At present the queen could not leave from her place at the throne to see to Serena, so she waited a little longer.
As the hours flew by all guests acknowledged the absence of Serena. Serenity could not stand it anymore, she got up from her throne to meet with Selene. With sincere guilt for disturbing Selene at one of her happiest moments with her prince, Serenity bade Selene go get her sister.
Selene had not notice that her sister had been missing all night. Embarrassed for forgetting Serena she obeyed her mother. She rushed to her sister's room in annoyance. 'It's just like Serena, being as stubborn as an ox. That girl is never reliable,' Selene thought.
Taking a deep breath, Selene rapped the door lightly. "Sister, are you still mad?"
There was no reply.
"Serena, come on out, it's not like you to forget your obligations."
Still there was no reply.
"I'll tell you something... I just met the greatest guy. He has fair hair, and the most stunning emerald eyes." Selene sighed dreamily. At the same time her face displayed smugness because she knew this piece of news would draw the younger girl's attention. However, she was taken aback by the sound of silence.
Selene turned the doorknob and opened the door slowly. "Serena?" There was nobody there. Selene walked about the room eyeing every corner. Then she noticed the parchment that rested upon the princess' bed.
************
My dearest Mother and Sister,
I leave you now on a quest. I am sorry I have failed you as a princess and above all, as a daughter and sister. I hope that by going away I can leave the both of you in peace. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I pray that our people will forgive the suddenness of my departure. I leave my post now. Good luck to the both of you.
With love,
Serena
****************
Selene took off for the door, her mind in total disarray.
Serenity had been talking to the prince that Selene had been so enthralled by when the doors burst open. All eyes turned to the disheveled crowned princess, who stood, tears streaming from her eyes.
"What happened to you?" Serenity cried in worry as she approached her daughter.
The parchment slipped from Selene's hand as the girl covered her face. The prince embraced her in comfort as the crowd thronged in a circle around the three. Selene caught the letter and read it closely.
"No," the queen's voice came trembling out as she fell to the floor.
"Mother!"
The servants rushed to pick up the limp queen's body. Immediately, Selene stepped out of the arms of the prince and spoke in a shaky yet powerful voice silencing the gasps and the hushed voices.
"The princess ran away." She faced the guards drying her tears with the swipe of her hand.
"Inform the general and bring her back home!"
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Okay, in case you're confused about exactly where this story takes place on Earth, Serena is the Princess of Luneria. She is leaving Luneria to go to Terra.
That's all, folks. Sayonara, thanks for reading. Now, please Review.
-MistyWing