-Chapter 5-
The Sixteenth Night Pt. 2
"I can't explain what I did tonight…it all happened so fast. Something inside of me brewed. Something I've never felt before…what was it?
Whatever it was…it caused me to hurt those around me, those I cared about. How could this have happened? Am I cursed? Am I a threat to all those around me?
What is this feeling?
I ran…I ran as fast as I could. Hearing the sounds of my heels clicking hard against the ground beneath me. My feet were hurting badly from the running, yet I continued. The ringing bell from the collar of my beloved pet; who was not scared of what I did. Running with me. I don't know where I'm going.
All I know is I kept running…running away from myself.
Then suddenly…I stopped…I looked around me. The night sky was clear, the two moons lit up as bright as they can be. I rubbed my hands against the stone in front of me. They felt cold, the wind breezed through my hair and dress trying to carry them away. I stood still.
I keep looking out in the distance…I see many lights on the ground, I felt taller than normal suddenly…I looked down seeing more stone walkways, a small line full of colorful banners traveling along.
A small shimmering light appeared before me, my eyes felt heavy, more small shimmering lights appeared before me.
Of all nights…I failed…
I failed my mother…"
"What am I going do? I ruined everything tonight."
Sarah lowered her head against her knees as she sat on top of the cobblestone edge. The wind blew past her as it made a whistling sound. Sarah found herself crying in her knees. A whimpering sound started behind her followed by a gentle howl.
"Zoe…please…leave me alone." Sarah said as she shook her head. Zoe stood up on her hind legs with her forepaws against the stoned wall while letting out gentle barks.
"Zoe…please! I want to be alone!" Sarah cried out. "I don't want anyone to find me here!"
Sarah looked over the edge spotting the large body of water below her, empty seats near the edge and the balcony of the throne in her sights. The height of where she was didn't scare the young princess, where she sat was where her mother took her first leap of faith into the world outside of the palace.
Sarah continued to let her tears stream down her face, causing her make up to bleed off her skin, showing dark tear marks on her. She didn't care for all the work she had undergone for her birthday, nothing could compare to the incident she had caused. It was the only thing on her mind.
"Kirameku sanrei waki-dasu tsumetai mizu wa"
Zoe's ears perked up as she looked over herself then back at Sarah; she began barking to her as Sarah looked over.
"Zoe…stop it..."
"Shiratsu matotta-"
Sarah stopped her sobbing briefly as she began to hear someone singing from a far distance.
"kiyorana mori ni shimi-iru-"
"Who…whose there?" Sarah called out.
"Kidaki sugatade-"
Zoe pushed herself off the stone wall and dashed off, catching Sarah off guard.
"Zoe!? Where are you going!? ZOE! Oh gods!" As Sarah pulled her legs from the edge she spotted her heels falling off the edge where she sat; landing in the water.
"Great…as if things couldn't get any worse…" she shook her head and pushed herself off the edge and onto the tower's walkway.
"sakihokoru sono hana no-"
Sarah picked up her dress and made a dash to follow Zoe wherever she fled; she ran down the tower's long stairway following the sound of the voice.
"Yose-au hana-bira usumurasaki ni kagayakite-"
Sarah reached the bottom of the tower's stairway spotting Zoe waiting for her, Zoe began running again as Sarah gave chase.
"Zoe! Where are you going? ZOE!"
"Fukisusabu kaze ni sae mukuno hitomi wa kesenai"
Sarah continued giving chase to Zoe; the two ran through many halls inside the empty palace. Not a single person was present in the palace. The mysterious singer's voice was the only thing that Sarah could hear as she ran; she constantly kept calling her pet who seemed focused on finding the mysterious voice.
"Hikari ga atsumaru yasashi kozue no moto de"
The two ran through the hallway after coming in from the Prima Vista landing area, Zoe darted up the stairs with Sarah breathing heavily from all the running she gave.
"Osanai kokoro ni fushigina chikara yadorite"
Zoe stopped in front of the double doors leading to the throne; she began pawing aggressively against them, wanting to be let in. Sarah finally caught up as she watched Zoe paw the door.
"Zoe?" she paused looking confused. "What's gotten into you?"
She slowly walked to the door as Zoe looked over trying to beg Sarah to let her in. Sarah slowly walked to the door, she grabbed the handles gently. She cautiously opened the doors and Zoe rushed in without waiting. Sarah felt a wind breeze pass through her.
"Yutaka ni sosoida hotaru no kawa no nagare ni"
Sarah slowly walked along the carpet as the voice became clearer and louder as she approached the throne.
"Dakarete nemureba-"
Sarah walked along side towards the stairway leading down towards the throne, she spotted Zoe sitting and panting happily. It confused her at sight; she began slowing her pace more as the voice became more coherent to her. As she walked down the stairs, she saw a mysterious person wearing a large oversized worn out beige colored rain poncho with a hoodie. Sarah let out a silent gasp as she witnessed the mysterious person.
"-harukana omokage izuko."
Sarah stopped on the last step down onto the balcony; her heart felt some beats skipping. She didn't know who the person was and why they were there. She felt conflicted inside of her, still sad but at the same time afraid.
"Who…who are you and…why are you here? This is a restricted area." Sarah said trying to sound confident in her voice but somewhat not found believable.
The person looked up towards Alexandria in the distance, they stood silent as Sarah couldn't decide whether to take another step or stay where she was.
"I ask again, who are you and what are you doing here?"
The person left no response.
"Zoe…get away them…Zoe!"
Zoe looked over to Sarah then back at the person, who then moved their hand towards her and Zoe gently started licking it.
"Zoe!"
"Companionship is such a wonderful bond…isn't it?" The person spoke with a melodious voice as it startled Sarah.
"Get away from her!" Sarah snapped.
"Why?"
"Because…she's my dog and you're trespassing!"
"Are you afraid?"
Sarah paused for a moment as she observed Zoe still licking the person's hand. It confused her on why her pet was not afraid or being aggressive towards the trespasser. Especially after taking out her aggression on a guest earlier during her birthday celebration.
"…Who are you?"
"Neither enemy or friend." The mysterious person soon started petting Zoe's head as her tail began wagging.
"I must say you must scared child, I saw what happened earlier."
Sarah gasped.
"How…how did you see? I didn't see the likes of you anywhere in the garden tonight…all there those in attendance tonight were…."
"Nobles?"
"How…how did you know?"
The person stopped petting Zoe.
"I've been watching you for a very long time, since the day you were born."
Sarah felt a chill down her spine that flowed to her tail.
"Your bow was given to you by your auntie Mikoto, was it not?"
"How…did you know?"
"And you helped your mother overcome her emotional trauma as you grew up."
"If this is some kind of prank, I'm not laughing. I've already had a bad night and this is not making it any better."
"You brought home this poor animal whom lost her mother when she was young."
"STOP IT! ENOUGH!" Sarah threw her arms out.
"There's no need for language my child…I am not here to cause you any harm."
"Then tell me…who are you and how do you know about those times in my life?"
"I believe the real question here is…do you know who you are my child?"
Sarah gasped softly, she began feeling agitated.
"I'm Sarah til Tribal the first…daughter of Garnet til Alexandros the seventeenth and Zidane Tribal…"
"Do you know the origin of your name?"
"Of course I do…I'm named after my mother's true birth name."
"And what is her true birth name?"
"It's Sarah! Sarah…til…" Sarah paused.
"You do not fully encompass her true birth name…do you?
Sarah looked away from the person and stared a to her mother's large seat on the throne. It was one of the mysteries she did not know about her own mother, what was her rightful birth name? Not even her own father knew of it, only the small tidbit was revealed on the Eidolon Wall while the rest remained a mystery.
"I see my child…in due times you will seek the truth about yourself."
Sarah looked back to the person.
"What…what do you mean by that?"
The woman looked out to the stars above Alexandria.
"The crystal chooses where our souls and memories are to be circulated on our home planet. It's brought me back here with a purpose, when my time came, I accepted my fate and have been walking forth to do what I must to preserve the memories and souls of those who past our time."
Sarah felt her chest compressing itself; the words struck something in her mind, something she had been wondering for a long time.
"…You…you must be the voice…I've been hearing…"
"I believe my time here has been over welcomed…but I will continue to watch over you, do not be afraid I bid you no harm."
"….who are you?" Sarah said softly.
The person smiled indirectly towards Sarah.
"Allow me to say, we're no different you and I; we bear blood, we bear memories, we bear the weight of the world on our shoulders, and most of all we bear ambition to seek the truth. In due times, you will understand your true self my child." The person slowly looked over towards Sarah.
Sarah let out a shocking gasp as she witnessed the woman's face revealed to her covered by her hood, striking an exact resemblance of her own mother smiling as she took a step back and trip over the stairway falling backwards as the woman smiled innocently.
"SARAH!?"
Sarah looked over her shoulders to the call of her name, she looked back in front of her and the mysterious woman was gone as Zoe was looking to her panting.
"Sarah!" The voice sounded louder; Sarah couldn't work the courage to respond as she found herself in a state of panic from the encounter.
Appearing onto the throne in distress Garnet looked around spotting her fallen daughter and rushed towards her; she walked around her and kneeled before her paralyzed.
"Sarah? Oh dear gods are you alright?" The mother embraced her daughter with tears dripping down her own cheeks. Sarah blinked a few times and shook her head, she saw her mother's black short hair in her sight and looked back over to where Zoe was, the family pet approached her and her mother and sat beside the Queen.
"Mother?" She finally said.
Garnet pulled away and looked deep in her daughter's scared blue eyes.
"Sarah…I'm so sorry…I'm so sorry for everything tonight."
Sarah gently licked her lower lip and shook her head snapping out of her trance.
"I…no…no…mother…I'm sorry…for everything…" Sarah as she adjusted herself on the steps, trying to sit up. "Mother…I've let you and everyone down tonight…I…I even hurt people…" Sarah shook her head and looked down.
"No Sarah…you were only scared…you were only frightened by…"
Garnet gently grabbed her daughter's hands as they looked at them together.
"Sarah…I believe I know…what may have happened tonight"
Sarah blinked as few times.
"What…do you mean?" Sarah looked up to her mother.
"I worried that this day would come…and I didn't prepare you it. I should've…I doubted myself to reveal that you may have potential… abilities myself and Eiko...possess."
Sarah looked up to her mother, her eyes still staring at her hands. She never during her years growing up ever thought about asking if she would someday possess the powers her own mother still holds to this day. Despite not using them as frequent as she use to during her travels, it never really dawned on the princess to ever ask to learn them. Garnet herself did question if such abilities were worth learning yet at the same time feared of backlash from those who know of the Queen's ability and wondered if Sarah could hold such powers within her that could be seen as threatening.
"Mother…does this mean…I could…summon as well?" Sarah said as she pulled her hands away from Garnet. The Queen looked to her daughter's eyes.
"…Yes…you may be able to as well…" The Queen responded solemnly.
Sarah looked down to the palm of her hands, spotting many lines across holding together her structure. She rotating her hands back and forth while curling her fingers carefully.
"Mother…I shouldn't hold such tremendous power…let alone…I could potentially cause harm to others…"
Garnet shook her head.
"Sarah, what we saw tonight, was only a mild part of what you may have. You were only scared…and-"
"I could've unintentionally summoned an Eidolon before all of us tonight…and gods only know whom it could've been…" She began to panic. Garnet instinctively wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"Sarah…please don't panic." She assured as her daughter begun to tremble in her arms.
"But mother…I could've…I could've killed everyone…"
Garnet shook her head.
"You don't possess the heart to do such thing."
Sarah pushed her mother off her while shaking her head.
"That doesn't mean I still would have…" Sarah lowered her head. "The last thing I want to do…is be a murderer. I wouldn't be able to live with myself." Sarah let out a sniffle. "I could've killed…even you…" She couldn't hold back her tears and began to cry.
Garnet wiped the tears from her daughter's eyes as she continued to cry. Her daughter was right about her possibility of causing harm tonight; Garnet knew that if her own daughter unintentionally summoned an Eidolon upon them would not be because she had the intent to do so. She began rubbing her daughter's shoulders trying to calm her.
"Sarah…chin up sweetie." She softly called to her daughter. The princess let out some sniffles and slowly looked up to her mother's brown eyes.
"I remember the first time you cried in my arms…in that moment; I became scared that you were not well. So scared that I pushed people away from you and I; even your own papa of all people. Because I was so paranoid that someone was going to harm you if they got to close to you. All the years of bottling up my fears of something happening to you took on a life on its own. One you are very familiar with, all because I was afraid…afraid that harm would come unto you."
Sarah blinked a few times as she wiped off some tears flowing down her cheeks.
"The truth is…we shouldn't live our life in fear of the unknown that surrounds us, during those years I succumbed to those fears that caused great harm to all of us here. Despite all of that you at such a young age wanted of your own free will to help free me from those fears. You gave me hope for myself with everyone who partook and never gave up on me. I know at times I may not be the perfect mother you wish for…but I did all I could to raise you into the daughter you are today."
Zoe started wagging her tail happily as she looked at Sarah, the pet let out a gentle bark as Garnet and Sarah looked at her. Garnet took her hands off Sarah's shoulders.
"You know…I once read that, dogs can sense the good in people even when they are afraid. When we are afraid they come to our aid to bring us comfort." Garnet placed her right hand on Zoe's head and began massaging it.
"And they will always protect you from the dangers around us, they have an extra sense that read our emotions well and act upon them."
Zoe raised her right foreleg and brushed it against her nose briefly; she scooted herself closer to Sarah, she tilted her head while letting her tongue hang out and her ears perked up.
"She senses you're afraid and is trying to distract you with her heartfelt cry to you. Even simple gestures she does is her way of trying to comfort you."
Sarah gently laid her hand just past Zoe's ear; she slowly brushed her pet's fur, the strands of fur flowing past her fingertips felt relaxing. She found her hand brushing between the animal's black and white fur on her neck, the more she brushed the more she felt relaxed.
"As…I've spoken before to you Sarah…" Garnet looked to her daughter; Sarah looked back towards her mother as she stopped brushing Zoe.
"I know you may be feeling pressured from many things in your life, I know that…tonight you were holding yourself back from all that pressure and were trying to maintain your willingness to not let anyone down. My support for you no matter what the decision will always remain, you will never be a failure in my eyes…even after tonight, you've failed no one."
"But mother…what about the people I've hurt? Of all people I hurt the most…I hurt Rose…I…I would never in my life ever want to harm her the most…I even hurt our own people…I can't believe I hurt Nadine and Sakura tonight…even that god awful Radcliff…"
Garnet rested a hand on Sarah's cheek.
"Those who truly care about you will forgive you; you meant them no harm."
Sarah closed her eyes.
"But it's no excuse for my actions…"
"Even so…we all do things we're not proud of but if there was no malicious intent…they know that your actions were just an honest mistake."
Sarah opened her eyes.
"But…I can't use that excuse on that boy though…"
Garnet shook her head.
"Though despite your unintentional mishap…I doubt you'd forgive him for his harsh words."
Sarah looked away from her mother's concerning eyes, letting her head lower itself slightly as Garnet pulled her hand off Sarah's cheek.
"…No.." she whimpered. "He…said so much hateful things…I…I couldn't control myself…"
Garnet let out a gentle smile.
"Even a mother hen loses self-control when protecting their young, it's only a natural instinct to defend yourself from those who wish harm to us."
Sarah looked back at her mother.
"But…what about you? I must've caused so much grief from what I did tonight…"
Garnet shook her head.
"I can hold my own well sweetie…you are more important than a bunch of…self-centered and distasteful brute of nobles any day."
Sarah let out a silent gasp.
"Mo…mother you've…never said such things before…"
"Hehe…I would be lying if I didn't say I've…had some of my fair share of moments when I was your age too." Garnet stood up and offered Sarah a hand. Sarah gently grabbed her mother's hand and was helped up to her feet. Garnet gently brushed her daughter's dress.
"You and your papa are all that I care for in the world Sarah. I don't wish to make your life miserable, I wish to let it flourish on your own accord and not of my own and others." Garnet cupped her daughter's cheeks with her hands.
"You will stand tall my daughter, as you have while growing up and as you will from this day forth."
Sarah felt her mother's eyes through her own. It was as if she was seeing herself through her. Her calm brown colored eyes and gentle smile helped ease the distress in her. How could she doubt her mother given all that's happened between them throughout her childhood. Her soft warm hands soothed her cheeks, she felt as if she was little again, she could hear her own laughter as she continued gazing upon the eyes of a loving and caring mother before her.
"Mother…" Sarah spoke feeling hypnotized by her mother's eyes. "I…I don't deserve you…as a mother…" Sarah lowered her eyes as Garnet shook her head.
"I gave birth to you, I nursed you while you lay in my own stomach waiting for your arrival, and most of all I raised you against all odds. Nothing speaks louder than having you as my daughter and being proud to be your mother." Garnet lowered her hands resting them on Sarah's bare skin shoulders as her daughter looked back to her mother.
"And nothing will ever change that."
Sarah closed her eyes briefly; her hands lifted themselves finding their way to behind her mother's back.
"Will I ever be as…resilient as…you…mother?"
Garnet smiled.
"As long as your heart is in the right place my dear daughter."
Sarah with all her relief let out a smile that left the Queen feeling pleased and relieved she was able to reach her daughter. Garnet took her arms off of Sarah as she took her hands off her mother.
"Why don't return to the garden? Everyone's worried about you."
Sarah slowly looked away from her mother with her head following along.
"I'm not…really certain if that is…wise…"
"Your papa and I took care of everything, even Eiko and Beatrix helped cure those who were accidentally blinded."
Sarah looked back at her mother with her eyes.
"But…how? I hope you didn't have to…"
Garnet smiled.
"A mother always protects her young when they are endangered, by any means necessary."
Sarah let out a small gasp.
"Mother…you didn't…do…what…I think you did…?"
Garnet nodded.
"Come and see for yourself." She extended her left arm out towards the stairs behind her.
"Oh…but…oh dear…uhm…I…I."
Garnet arched an eyebrow.
"Is something wrong?"
"Well…" Sarah looked down towards her dress. "I…uhm…lost your…heels…"
Garnet held her hands together on top of her waist.
"And how did that happen?" The Queen tilted her head.
"Uhm…I…I was on top of the tower where you…first leapt off of. I was on top of the edge and…when I decided to come off…I accidently knocked them off, after taking them off to rest my soles…they were in a bit of pain from all the running…"
Garnet let out a soft chuckle.
"Goodness I hope there's no splinters on you. Here…take mine then." Garnet slipped out of her own heels, she lifted her dress as Sarah looked down spotting a pair of clean white heels before her.
"But mother…what about you?" Sarah looked back up.
"I'll be alright." Garnet smiled, confusing Sarah. Her daughter looked back down towards the pair of heels before her; she lifted her dress then rotated herself sideways and slid her feet in one at a time. She carefully adjusted her balance followed by Zoe walking up to her and sniffing at her legs and heels.
"Zoe! Cut it out I'm trying to balance myself." She chuckled. She lowered her dress that made Zoe pull her head back and looking up to her panting. Sarah looked up only to find her mother taking a seat on her chair.
"Mother?" She walked to the side of the three chairs to gain a better view of her mother.
"Mother what are you…huh?"
Garnet exposed a pair of white flats being worn while slowly wiggling them.
"I always keep a pair underneath my seat here; just in case I have to wear those heels for such long hours…it does get tiring from time to time." She smiled as she laid her feet on the ground.
"Oh mother." Sarah said trying not to laugh but let out a smile. "Was this what the maids meant by a Queen has her secrets?"
Garnet softly chuckled.
"Perhaps." She winked as she stood up. "Let's go back to the garden sweetie; we don't want to keep everyone waiting now."
Sarah nodded.
"Hmm!"
"Come on Zoe." Garnet called their pet as she excitedly stood by the Queen; Garnet took the lead with Zoe and Sarah following along. As Sarah reached the final step on top of the stairway, she paused and looked over her should towards the balcony.
"Who were you?" she thought to herself.
…
"Mother…where…where did all these people come from? And they're all dressed very…casually and dancing?"
The confused princess looked around the garden area as many new faces took to the dance floor dancing to a lively upbeat music playing. There was much excitement in the air, drinks being served, glasses clanking one another cheering in the name of Sarah, chatter about the decorations with nothing more than positive feedback, and to the Princess' surprise, a newly added table close to the maids serving tent full of color wrapped boxes with several people in passing dropping off more. The maids were finding themselves much lively with the new crowd; all were dancing along while serving the guests to the beat of the music. Many people of all ages were enjoying the environment; coming out from the crowd a familiar blonde haired wearing a white dress shirt, khaki pants with suspenders holding them up and still black dress shoes approached here feeling excited to see the princess.
"And there's three beautiful ladies of the night" Zidane called to her as he took her right hand by surprise. Zoe's ears perked up as she looked up towards Zidane.
"PAPA!? Where…where did your suit go?" The confused princess asked.
"Bahh that thing was itchy…besides this is the real deal party now!" Zidane extended an arm out towards the crowd behind him.
"Wait…you and mother…?" She looked to her mother beside her who smiled innocently towards her daughter.
"Well…some nobles did stay behind because they sided with our reasoning for kicking those who protested against the incident." Her mother responded.
"And besides now everyone's having a good time! Hells all of our friends finally got in!" Zidane pointed over to a small group of little black mages dancing near the orchestra stand with several familiar faces with them as Sarah looked along.
"See there's Bibi, Cici, Gigi, Lili, Mimi, and Vivi dancing over with there with Eiko."
Zidane pointed to another part of the garden area.
"There's grandpa Baku…getting…a little too much to drink and probably trying to chat with Regent Cid and Hilda…oh and uncle Blank and auntie Ruby dancing together in the middle of the crowd of dancers over there. And let's see oh there's also Celes dancing with Cinna."
Sarah kept following along with her father seeing how happy everyone was before her eyes.
"And see Freya over there with the Burmecian and Cleyran dance troupe? They're definitely having a great time. I think Fratley is probably grabbing a drink too."
"Papa…where's…where's Rose? And…wait where are Nadine and Sakura? Are they alright?"
"Well Nadine you can see her over there, she's serving up a storm with the rest of the maids and I think oh there's Sakura right over there, they're both doing a okay."
Sarah spotted the two maids she recalled blinding, she felt relieved they were alright and showed no visual bruising.
"Papa, what about Rose?" Zidane looked around for her daughter's friend.
"She might be with her parents helping more guests into the venue on the dock; the guests have been coming in by boats." Zidane looked to his daughter.
"By…boats? You…is everyone here…from Alexandria?"
"Yes they are." He smiled. Sarah looked towards her mother.
"And it's what we should've done from the beginning…and not let old traditions dictate our lives…and we should've asked you the most what you wanted to do for your own birthday."
Zidane nodded and placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder as she looked up to him.
"We're both sorry Sarah, we didn't mean for you to have an old traditional birthday and force you to take someone's hand in marriage." Zidane gently rubbing his daughter's shoulders.
"Would you forgive us for causing much burden from tonight?" Garnet added.
Sarah looked past her parents, observing the guests mingling with every single person present, even with all the helpers and solders partaking in the many conversations taking place. The atmosphere certainly caught the princess' attention well, seeing the difference between noble guests and those in attendance presently. It felt more welcoming than earlier when she arrived; the positive energy in the air made her feel more comfortable than being overwhelmed by a more judgmental crowd. Sarah looked at her parents smiling at her.
"You're my parents…there's nothing in this world that would ever make me feel upset at the both of you. I know you mean well for me and I know you'll do everything you can pave my path forward; while taking on the responsibilities I need to do to walk forward." Sarah sniffled as she brushed across her partially watered eyes. "You both worked so hard for me and…it's my time to give back to the both of you."
Garnet and Zidane smiled proudly, their once energetic young child that ran around the palace carefree, was now before their own eyes a responsible young adult embracing the future ahead of her.
"I forgive you both…I just…want to enjoy the rest of the night with everyone here now." Sarah smiled.
The princess spread her arms out; Garnet and Zidane took it as a signal to share a family embrace as they wrapped their arms around one another. Zoe started panting and slowly paced around the family happily with looking up to them. The whole family held one another closely savoring the moment the moment as the music came to a slow stop with people applauding. They didn't seem to care whether the applause was for them or for the orchestra. Sarah snuck in a peck for her parent's cheeks. The family pulled away from each other looking to one another.
"HEY! AIN'T YA GONNA INTRODUCE MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO ALL THE FOLK HERE?" A rugged voice called out. The family looked over to the voice spotting Baku stopping before them, followed by giving Zidane a powerful punch to his chest nearly audible to the whole audience. Zoe let out a gentle bark at Baku.
"GHA HAHAHA!" he laughed as Zidane held the pain filled area of his chest.
"GODS! EVEN ON MY OWN DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY?" He snapped back as Sarah laughed.
"He'll be crippled before I ascend onto the throne." Sarah teased.
"Baku, I do need my husband after all." Garnet teased along.
"Gods! That friggin hurt!" Zidane felt his teeth clenching and his eyes semi-twitching.
"Weak ass! Well ain't ya gonna introduce her or do I gotta give ya another whipping in front of yer entire family and kingdom? And the pooch ain't gonna be doin it for ya!" Baku crossed his arms as the orchestra began playing a new song.
Garnet chuckled as she looked over to the entryway to the dock seeing Rose escorting a small family into the garden area as she extended her arm towards the venue.
"I believe only one person should have the honor of helming such responsibility." Garnet smiled as Sarah looked along as well spotting her close friend; gasping with delight.
"ROSE!" She called out and waved a hand towards her friend. Rose looked over to her name being called she let out a gasp and covered her mouth in surprise, she nervously looked away from Sarah.
"Rose!" Sarah gently raised the front of her dress and darted towards her friend with Zoe following along. She weaved between the guests as they each greeted the princess in passing while responding with thank you and hellos. She managed to reach her friend still looking away and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Rose…are you alright? Rose I'm so sorry about earlier." Sarah said while trying to catch her breath that startled her friend.
"Sa…Sarah…you're alright." Rose responded weakly as she turned her attention to her friend.
"Rose…I'm really sorry again for earlier…I hope I didn't hurt you badly…"
Rose shook her head.
"It…doesn't hurt anymore but…I'm sorry for not…catching you when you fell…I…I didn't protect you as I promised you I would…" Rose lowered her eyes.
Sarah placed her other hand on Rose's shoulder, gently turning her friend towards her.
"No Rose…you did everything right tonight…I mean it…I felt very safe when I was with you tonight." Sarah smiled.
Rose looked up to her friend's gentle blue eyes smiling at her.
"You…you were?" she stuttered.
"Of course…Rose…I would never let anyone into my life hurt you in any way. We've always looked out for each other and that will never change. It's what best friends do for one another, nobody can hurt you…and if they do, then I will make them pay for it." Sarah's tail thrashed gently.
"But…what about…that boy? The one who…who-"
"He got what he deserved…I know I didn't mean to blind him but nobody talks badly about you, ever!"
Rose briefly looked away from her friend staring at the large hedge beside them, feeling under the weather from the aftermath of the incident. She still felt bad for not doing enough to protect her own friend despite not being at full fault for any backlash Sarah received from her potential marriage candidates. Zoe let out a small whimper looking up to Rose as she laid her head against her leg. Rose looked into Zoe's innocent eyes feeling. She briefly recalled the moment and took a deep breath, then returning her attention to her friend.
"I just…hope…he won't hurt you down the line Sarah…"
Sarah shook her head.
"As long as I have you and everyone else we know; that's something I'll never have to worry about."
"…Re…really?
"Of course Rose and besides…you know what's the best part about this celebration now?"
Sarah let off her right hand and stepped aside revealing the entire venue in its entirety with the cheerful crowd.
"I get to enjoy all of this even more now; I can finally see all your hard work in its full display and seeing the people enjoying the environment. I really loved what you did with the garden Rose…and everyone here is enjoying themselves too." Sarah said as she and Rose looked together.
Rose studied the garden along, seeing the difference between the nobles who were present earlier to the new guests taking full advantage of the venue. The endless laughter and cheers was all that could be heard. It surprised Rose and she could see with her own eyes how well her work had paid off.
"And not one single person has any negative feedback." Garnet spoke as she, Zidane and Baku approached them as Sarah and Rose looked over to them.
"Hells even the band loves this more than them nobles hoggin up the place. This is my kind of party now that all of them took a hike." Baku said.
"If anything, I believe everyone is entitled to a generous redo." Zidane smiled.
"What do you say Rose, care to introduce my daughter once more?" Garnet smiled as Rose looked up to the Queen.
"I….me?" She stuttered.
The Queen nodded, Rose looked to everyone smiling to her. She felt a little nervous but Sarah gave her friend a gentle nudge.
"You can do it Rose." She smiled. Zoe let out a gentle bark catching Rose's attention, she looked out to the crowd, she could feel her body slightly tremble, she slowly took several steps forward as Sarah took her hand off her shoulder.
"HEY YOU FOOLS ON STAGE! PIPE DOWN FOR A MINUTE!" Baku screamed as Rose was startled by his yell.
The orchestra abruptly stopped playing as everyone in the area looked towards the stage first confused then looked over towards Baku.
"What!? I ain't saying nothing! This little lass is. Ghahahaha!" Baku put Rose in the spotlight as she cleared her throat and held her hands together.
"Uhm…ladies and gentlemen…" she called out.
"It's…ahem…it's a great honor to…welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah til Tribal 1st."
The crowd cheered and clapped as Sarah stepped beside her friend while waving towards the guests. Many people could be heard yelling happy birthday to the young princess as she embraced the warm welcome.
"Hello everyone!" She yelled out as everyone cheered louder for her. "I hope everyone's having a good time tonight…I'm sorry for earlier when we were at full capacity but…now that we have more room to spare…I hope everyone will enjoy tonight." Sarah yelled out feeling happier with more cheers erupting.
"I see that there's many people dancing here tonight so…I don't wish to hold everyone up so…lets celebrate together!"
The crowd cheered again with several guests throwing their hats in the air and began dancing in different areas of dance floor. The orchestra started up their music to a generous fast tempo melody with their fiddlers and accordions dominating the sound with the drums and banjos following along.
"Atta girl!" Baku placed his hands on Sarah from behind as she looked over laughing.
"Grandpa!" she said.
"EY! Don't call me that. I don't wanna feel any older than I already am! Sheesh!" He said shaking his head.
"Cousin!"
Sarah looked forward spotting Eiko stopping before her.
"Are you alright?" Eiko asked while holding her hands behind her back.
"I am…are you alright as well?" Sarah said.
"I'm alright…besides that was one unexpected term of events tonight huh?"
Sarah shook her head.
"I didn't…scare you…did I?'
"Nah! I've seen worse! Don't worry, we took care of everyone." Eiko winked at the princess.
"Besides we all look out for each other." Zidane said as he and Garnet stood before their daughter beside Eiko.
"And we will always make sure that we're all safe as well." Garnet chimed in.
Sarah smiled.
"Are we just gonna sit here and mop about what happened earlier? Come on! It's a friggin party! Let the birthday girl enjoy herself tonight! SHEESH!" Baku snorted.
"Baku's got a point! Come on cuz! Lets dance!" Eiko reached a hand out.
"Huh? Wait! What abou-"
Eiko grabbed Sarah's hand and dragged her to the dance floor as the princess' family and friend watched struggling to keep up with her cousin.
"She needs to enjoy the night y'know." Baku crossed his arms.
"She only gets one opportunity to be young." Zidane smiled.
"Hmm." Garnet looked to Rose.
"Rose…thank you again for everything tonight." Garnet smiled as Rose let out a small gasp while looking towards the Queen.
"Uhm…thank you…Your Majesty." Rose gently bowed to the Queen.
"Please Rose, enjoy yourself as well. You've earned it." Garnet said, she looked down towards Zoe who looked up to her panting happily. "And thank you for keeping my daughter company during her excursion." Garnet winked as Zoe happily wagged her tail. Garnet smiled and looked out into the crowd watching her daughter be taken to a small group of people dancing in a circle near the edge of the dance floor near the gazebo.
"But Eiko! I still want to at least…see Nadine and Sakura…" The princess said while being pulled.
"Oh don't worry you'll see them soon! Hey look its Vivi's kids!" Eiko pulled Sarah into the small crowd of dancers in a circle as the small black mages took note of Sarah's arrival.
"AHH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS SARAH!" They all cheered as other fellow guests greeted the princess.
"Oh goodness! You're all here!" Sarah said as the small black mages surrounded her.
"We wanted to see you tonight!" Bibi said.
"You're very beautiful tonight!" Mimi said dazzled by the princess' dress.
"Wah! So beautiful!" Cici shouted out loud.
"Sarah you look amazing!" Gigi said.
"You look like you came out of a fairy tale!" Lili said.
"Sarah you looks pretty!" Vivi said.
"Oh my goodness, thank you everyone. I hope it wasn't too much trouble for all of you getting in here tonight." Sarah kneeled.
"It was a really long wait but when everyone started running away we were kinda confused but then Beatrix and Steiner let all of us in." Vivi said as she fixed his steeple hat.
"Yeah we were really sad we didn't come early enough to get in…so many nobles were lined up." Cici held her hands and swinging them gently side to side.
"Oh goodness…I'm so sorry…gods…if I had known I would've asked for all of you to have been expedited in." Sarah said looking to all the black mages.
"I believe I take responsibility for our tardiness." A voice called out from outside the dance circle as Sarah looked up spotting her aunt weaving through the crowd dressed surprisingly in a generous puffed pink and white colored single layered dress. Sarah let out a delight gasp with Eiko and all the black mages looking towards the genome.
"Auntie Mikoto! You look gorgeous!" Sarah said as she stood up and walked to her aunt.
"A…happy birthday to you my niece…though…I still don't comprehend having to say this every year still." Mikoto said curling a finger beneath her chin.
"Hehe! Oh auntie it's just tradition that's all." Sarah embraced her aunt who in returned embraced her back. The two pulled apart.
"I couldn't comprehend the necessity of being forced to…what was it again? Oh yes, being forced to upgrade my seating arrangement when I need to chaperone these youngsters here."
Sarah and Eiko coincidently let out a small chuckle.
"You…you got a free upgrade and you actually complained about it?" Eiko placed her hands on her hips.
"What am I supposed to do with the extra leg room? I can't let these youngsters constrict together if only one seat is available." Mikoto tilted her head.
"But auntie, the airship crews were upgrading your seat class, not arrangement." Sarah covered her mouth and started laughing, leaving all of the black mages confused.
"Upgrade…my seat?"
Sarah lowered her hand.
"It's common for airship liners to upgrade people's seats for free. Oh auntie Mikoto you're still funny."
"And yet…I've no idea how to dance here…" Mikoto looked around studying every guests dance movement. "The idea of just…moving around and…holding someone just seems rather…odd to me."
"It's all about moving to the beat of the rhythm, here watch!"
Sarah took a few steps back from her auntie, she gently picked up the front of her dress slightly and started gently waving the layers in front of her while her feet began tapping the dance floor to the drum beats of the song playing out loud. Eiko started clapping while guests cheered for the princess and began clapping altogether.
"See? It's simple auntie!" Sarah smiled.
Mikoto watched with great interest as Eiko joined along and the small black mages all began tap dancing to the music. It was not often Mikoto was exposed to any dances, whether be formal or informal. The genome saw in Sarah's smile how happy she was in the moment; many guests took turns dancing beside the princess as she interacted with each one.
"Fascinating." She said out loud. Eiko looked over to Mikoto and danced her way towards her.
"And what's fascinating?" She asked while looking up and keeping her body still moving.
"I recall during my brother's wedding everyone seemed really thrilled to be dancing…I never understood why but seeing my niece dance…it reminded me of how…happy my bother was on his wedding day with the Queen." Mikoto said while curling her fingers beneath her chin.
"You're seriously going to be doing this now? Of all times?" Eiko pouted. Mikoto looked towards the summoner.
"What…do you mean?"
"For gods sake stop studying everything! It's a party and it's your niece's birthday! Save all that for another time!" Eiko let out an angry look towards Mikoto.
"Uhm…" Mikoto looked back to her niece, seeing her dancing still made her intrigued by the similarities between her and Zidane during their moment to shine parties. Still learning the cultural aspects of Gaia the genome never once took the time to learn about the many cultural influences in one person's life. She looked around the garden area seeing the guests all happy and dancing with mingling here and there. The night was still young and all those in attendance were here for her niece to mark a huge milestone in her life of turning sixteen.
"I guess…I could learn more about it…later…" she tenderly said. Eiko sighed with relief.
"Good, lets enjoy the night for Sarah's sake." Eiko smiled.
A large cheer erupted on the other end of the dance floor as Sarah looked over seeing her parents dancing together. Zidane twirled Garnet, pulling her all around him as she laughed and followed his lead. She had one hand flapping her dress to the tempo of the song playing while her other hand was being led by Zidane's hand. She saw how happy her parents were, much different than earlier, livelier and genuine. Garnet let go of Zidane's hand and started flapping her dress along the beat while Zidane held his hands to the side and tapped his feet on the floor. Zidane began dancing around Garnet while they kept their eyes on one another. They soon connected their arms to one another and started circling each other.
Sarah briefly looked over to Eiko and Mikoto.
"I'm gonna go see mother and papa real quick." She said.
"Please by all means, they're really having a time!" Eiko smiled.
"It appears my brother is…reliving his wedding day with the Queen." Mikoto noted.
"Hehe! I can imagine." Sarah looked around to all of the black mages dancing.
"I'm gonna go see my parents real quick." She said to them.
"Okies!" They all said together.
Sarah looked back over to her parents and started making her way over, she weaved through a small group of people as they all wished her a happy birthday; she made an effort to say thank you to everyone she crossed. Sarah gently tapped the shoulders of a small crowd watching the Queen and Zidane as they apologized and stepped to the side letting the princess in, she paused before the two as Zidane dipped Garnet and held her. The crowd applauded loudly as they both waved back at everyone, Zidane pulled Garnet up and gently brushed her dress.
"Mother…papa, I never knew you danced so well." Sarah said as she slowly walked up to them. Zidane let out a wicked grin as he looked to his daughter.
"It's not everyday we get to dance together like this." He said as he let his left hand hold Garnet's hand.
"I haven't danced like this since our wedding night." Garnet smiled.
"You're both such wonderful dancers."
"Like your mother said, we haven't danced this much since the wedding, if anything with all these people here actually dancing, it really is a party now." Zidane pulled Garnet closer to him as she let out a gentle laugh.
"Zid, don't you think it's time for the father daughter dance?" Garnet winked at Zidane.
Zidane looked at Garnet.
"I think it is about that time." Zidane looked over to the band stand. "HEY! It's time for the father daughter dance! Whip up something good!"
The band conductor looked over towards Zidane and waved his hand; he returned his attention back to the band and signaled the band to slowly end the current song being played. As the song ended the guests applauded shortly they started playing a slow melody. Zidane extended his hand towards Sarah.
"May I have this dance?" Zidane asked.
Sarah smiled and nodded, she gently took her father's hand. Zidane released his other hand that held Garnet's and escorted his daughter to the center of the dance floor as those in their path stepped to the side as everyone watched. The two took center stage, Zidane wrapped his free arm around his daughter's waist as his daughter did the same, and they raised their held hands in the air and began slowly leaning left and right in rhythm of the band's song.
Several guests could be heard praising the father and daughter, smiles and compliments shouted out towards them with Sarah smiling with much delight. Zidane kept his eyes on her daughter's blue eyes with a sincere smile that reminded Garnet of their first dance together at their wedding.
"Papa…I'm…I'm still sorry for earlier." She whispered. Zidane shook his head.
""Sarah, you don't have to apologize for anything…we should've asked you what you wanted to do for today." He said.
"Hmm…I just…I didn't mean to cause so much ruckus for your and mother…that's all…"
"Your mother has very thick skin; she's very much capable of handling all her dignitary needs."
Sarah took a quick peak at her mother over her father's shoulders as she looked back towards her with a smile as bright as the two moons.
"Isn't she beautiful with her smile?"
Sarah looked back to her father.
"Hmm!"
"See, every time she smiles, doesn't it give you a wonderful feeling inside that makes you feel all good and such?"
"It does…her smiles are always relaxing."
"Anytime I see her smile, I can never stop thinking of all the times we spent together. The first time we met, to our adventures, to our wedding, and even thinking of you."
Sarah blinked a few times.
"Me?"
"You betcha…if there's one thing you and your mother share, is your smile. They're uncanny and without a doubt, a thing of beauty."
Sarah's face let out a small blush and she looked slightly away.
"Papa!"
Zidane grinned.
"Can't ever let a gorgeous lady not hear a compliment." Zidane winked.
Sarah let out a gentle laugh.
"Oh papa." Sarah laid her head on her father's left shoulder and closed her eyes. "Thank you for tonight…you and mother."
Zidane smiled and leaned closer to his daughter placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. The song playing had finished and the crowd applauded the father daughter duo. They both pulled away from each other and waved towards the crowd. The two bowed together with the cheering growing louder.
"Ey you fools! Lets lighten up the party now, pick up the pace!" Baku ordered the band.
"We know just the thing!" The conductor looked over his shoulder in response. A drummer began beating his drum fast followed by the fiddler playing a fast pace melody with the rest following along. The entire crowd broke out in to dance as they began crowding closer to Zidane and Sarah. Garnet managed to quickly meet her family as the crowd danced.
"Shall we partake too?" Garnet asked.
Sarah smiled.
"I'd love to mother." Sarah responded. Garnet gently grabbed her dress lifting it up lightly and started twirling the frills to the rhythm of the song with Sarah following along. Zidane placed his hands on his taps while tapping his shoes on the dance floor standing center between his wife and daughter; the entire audience cheered for the royal family with claps following along the beat of the song.
It was such a sight to see for everyone, all dancing and cheering nonstop; several maids themselves found themselves partaking in the festivities, to even Sarah's own surprise she spotted Melody and Allison dancing along with several guests just several feet away from where she was dancing. The atmosphere was without a doubt more livelier than earlier. The princess continued dancing along with her mother and father, she took note of her own maid carrying a serving plate weaving through the dancers trying to collect empty bottles on the tables.
"Mother, papa I'll be right back." She said.
"Don't be out for too long now." Zidane said as he and Garnet looked at their daughter as they dance.
"We'll be here when you returned sweetie." The Queen smiled.
Sarah nodded and carefully danced her way out of the crowd slowly making her way towards Nadine as the crowd stepped out of her way. She soon started walking fast towards the maid as she extended her hand out in the air.
"Nadine!" She called as the maid looked over seeing Sarah in sight.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" She responded as Sarah approached her.
"I…I am…but…are you okay? Is Sakura okay too? I'm so sorry for what I did to both of you…I…I didn't mean to hurt you both…"
Nadine shook her head and smiled back at the princess.
"It's quite alright Your Highness; you were only frightened that's all. Mei is taking care of Sakura at the moment, she's doing quite well."
"Oh goodness…I feel awful for hurting you…I just got so upset by what that awful…bastard said about everyone around me…"
Nadine shook her head.
"Your Highness, you were only defending yourself and those you care for, tis only a natural feeling to have against those who cause malice towards you. I more than likely would've done the same if I were in your shoes."
"You…you would?"
Nadine smiled.
"I protected Mei when we were in the orphanage, some people made fun of her for being so quiet when she was only scared. I've let out a tongue or two."
Sarah let out a small gasp in disbelief.
"Nadine…I…I never knew…"
"Hehe we all do what we can to protect those who mean to us, no matter who expresses their malice towards you, your family and your friends Your Highness, don't ever let them get the better of you."
Sarah smiled.
"I hope we're not over working you and everyone else tonight."
Nadine shook her head.
"On the contrary, it's been quite a wonderful evening with this new crowd. I've given my compliments to your parents for allowing the citizens of Alexandria to partake in your celebration."
Sarah looked over her shoulders watching the crowd and her parents dancing along with one another. She noted Nadine's observation judging the two different crowds that attended her party; the smiles, the cheers, the music, everything was more expressive than a monotonous crowd boasting about their accomplishments and riches. All she heard from the crowds were cheers and talks of her as the Princess of Alexandria and how she ventures the city streets like her mother does; taking the time to meet with everyone in her path, learning about her people, conversing with their needs and wants, only a small tidbit of responsibilities she knew she would helm when taking on the throne of Alexandria.
"Your parents will always look out for your well-being Your Highness, I'm sure that you will never forget." Nadine smiled.
Sarah looked back to her maid and smiled.
"I'm glad that…you're not upset at me Nadine."
Nadine shook her head.
"There's nothing on Gaia that would ever make me upset at you Your Highness. That's no lie."
Sarah looked at the maid's necklace, seeing the small replica pendant reflect the lights lit above them. Her family's gift to the maid who did much for her and her family; years of not only service but being an emotional supporter for her mother. Sarah looked back to Nadine's gentle smile.
"I'm so grateful for you as well Nadine."
The maid smiled.
"As I as well, Your Highness, please enjoy the rest of the night, it is your birthday after all." The maid smiled as she started walking towards the serving tent with Sarah watching. The princess felt a gentle tug from her dress as she looked down seeing a small child looking up to her with a pair of innocent eyes, wearing a wool newsy hat, clean white dress shirt with small suspenders holding his tan wool trousers and freshly polished dress shoes.
"Excuse…me Your Highness…" his soft voice spoke up in awe by the presence of Sarah. "May…I have…this dance?" He asked. Sarah felt her mouth hanging in awe by the young child's request she let out a soft chuckle and kneeled before the child.
"Well aren't you the best looking guy here." She smiled as the child looked into Sarah's blue eyes with his own. "Thank you Your Highness, you're…very purdy." He replied with his cheeks warming up then letting out a small red blush. Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and gently let out another chuckle.
"You're the sweetest young man I've ever met tonight, well…I do believe I've yet to answer your request. My answer to you is yes, I would love to have this dance with you." Sarah hung her hand palms up before the young child as he placed his tiny hand into the palm of Sarah's. His entire hand fit perfectly on top of Sarah's palm, his soft small hand felt gentle and soft on hers. She gently closed her hand with her fingers wrapped around his hand.
Sarah lifted herself up carefully and kept her knees bent; allowing the child to keep his hold on the princess. He then started swinging Sarah's arm as best as he could to the beat of the song playing. She smiled at the child's attempt; she started twirling her dress with her free hand as he kept swinging their arms and tapping his shoes to the dance floor. It caught the attention of the guests who cooed at the two and cheered for them.
The two became the center of attention, it even earned her parent's approval as they saw Sarah and the child dancing. The audience began clapping along to the song as Sarah leaned in to the child.
"Want to spin me?" she asked as he tilted his head curiously. "Swing…you?" He asked.
"Raise your hand as high as you can." The child raised his small arms up, Sarah smiled and carefully pulled her hand just to meet their tips. "Hold your hand there and-" she carefully spun in place with her hand still touching the child's fingertips. The crowd cheered and she gently closed her hand holding his.
"Good job!" You're quite the dancer. The child let out a small giggle and looked away feeling a bit shy. "Don't be shy now, keep up the wonderful dance, I'm enjoying our dance together." She encouraged.
The small child looked back at the princess and resumed swinging her hand. Sarah continued her dress twirl and could hear the crowd complimenting the two; even hearing parents showing their appreciation for her mannerism with the child. They kept dancing and dancing to the sound of the music and the clapping, the song slowly came to an end as everyone clapped and cheered altogether. Sarah gently released her hold on the child's hand and bowed to him.
"I thank you for this wonderful dance young man, may I ask for your name?" she smiled.
"…Da…..Dante." he replied in a chipper tone.
"Dante…" she curled her fingers beneath her chin while studying the young child. "That sounds like a valiant name, your parents must be very proud of raising such a well manner young man."
Dante smiled.
"Thank you Your Highness."
"I will certainly never forget you Dante, in fact; because you were so kind and a wonderful dancer, I'm going to give you something very special that most young men were trying to earn from me. Something that you have earned very well."
Dante tilted his head curiously.
"What would that be Your Highness?"
Sarah smiled and gently kneeled, she placed her hands on Dante's tiny shoulders and she leaned in, giving Dante a gentle kiss on his right cheek. She pulled back as the child giggled and sheepishly held his hands together, his cheeks flourished with red.
"Tha…thank you…Your Highness." He said.
Sarah smiled.
"You're most welcome Dante. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the night here and don't stray afar from your parents." Sarah said.
"Mama and papa are right there." He looked over and pointed over to his parents among the crowd who smiled and waved to them. Sarah smiled and waved back to them. She looked back at Dante.
"Now then, run back to your parents Dante and I won't ever forget about our dance. I hope you won't either." Sarah smiled.
"I…won't Your Highness."
"And you may also let your parents know, that if you ever wish to visit the palace to see me, you are more than welcome too, I'll be sure to let the guards know you and your parents are free to visit at your leisure."
Dante smiled.
"Okay I'll tell mama and papa." he nodded.
"Bye for now Dante, don't stay up past your bed time too." Sarah winked.
"Bye bye Your Highness." Dante waved with Sarah waving back. Dante dashed to his parents as Sarah watched, his father picked him up and his mother hugged him as he was rested against his father's shoulders. The child told his parents what Sarah mentioned to him, the two were surprised and looked towards Sarah who smiled at them. The mother made her approach towards the princess as she bowed to her gently.
"Thank you so much Your Highness, you're as kind as your mother." The mother praised.
"You have a wonderful son, he's quite the gentlemen; you've raised him very well." Sarah complimented.
"Oh Your Highness, your kind with your words."
"I meant every word; I wish you and your family the joyful rest of the evening. And please by all means you and your family are more than welcome to visit the palace at your leisure. If I may ask, what is your family's name?"
"We're the Bare family, we own a shop in town as well." The mother replied happily.
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear, well, I'd love to hear more about it when you come to visit."
The mother smiled.
"Thank you so much Your Highness and I wish you the happiest of all birthdays."
Sarah gently bowed her head.
"Thank you very much, please enjoy yourselves too." Sarah smiled.
"We shall Your Highness."
The two waved at one another and the mother walked back to her family.
"That young kid is gonna remember that for the rest of his life."
Sarah turned around seeing her mother and father standing before her with approving smiles.
"And you've definitely made their night." Zidane added along.
"I'm so proud of your Sarah; you've given much for the child to look forward to in his life." Garnet said.
"Thank you mother and papa." Sarah smiled.
"Sarah I hope we were able to help make up for earlier tonight." Zidane said.
"Papa…you and mother have done more than enough for me tonight. I'm very happy with how this night is turning out."
Garnet and Zidane smiled.
"I'm glad to hear sweetie. If there's any more we can do for you tonight. By all means please don't hesitate to ask." Garnet said.
"I've everything I've wanted already…I couldn't ask for anymore." Sarah smiled.
The music began playing in the background as everyone around them began dancing. The family looked around spotting their friends approaching them one by one.
"Well certainly you're quite the popular one tonight Sarah." Freya greeted while wearing her Cleyran traditional dancer tan color silk frilled dress with her hair tied up with her golden tiara.
"Freya! You look so beautiful tonight!" Sarah complimented delightfully.
"Thank you Your Highness and a happy birthday to you as well." Freya gently bowed.
"Aww thank you so much! I hope you and your friends are having a wonderful time tonight, I can't wait to watch your troupe dance tonight. Will Mei be partaking as well?"
"She certainly will be, she'll be changing into her outfit soon, I believe this'll also be her first time partaking in the dance for the coming of age."
"I can't wait to see!"
"Howdy Sarah! Me and Blank wishin ya a happy birthday!" Ruby said as she nudged Blank towards Sarah.
"Uh yeah what she said…happy birthday niece." Blank said trying not to lose his balance. Sarah let out a small chuckle.
"Thank you auntie Ruby and uncle Blank, I hope you're both having a wonderful time!" Sarah replied.
"Yeehaw we are now dem snot nosed nobles high tailed it outta here."
"I think I need another drink." Blank rolled his eyes.
"WHACHU SAY!?" Ruby smacked Blank's back hard enough that made several people cringe by the painful impact it left. "BLANK YOU INCONSIDERATE TWIT! IT'S SARAH'S BIRTHDAY NOT A HOOTINANY!"
Garnet, Sarah, Zidane and Freya let out a hesitant laugh.
"Can we…uh not have any bodies on the floor tonight you two?" Zidane hesitantly spoke. Ruby turned her attention towards Zidane with a death glare.
"Come again pardner?"
"Uhh…Ruby, now's not a good ti-"
Ruby stepped closer towards Zidane still glaring at him with look ready to murder him.
"Ain'tcha gunna defend me on this Zidane? Y'know Blank will find any excuse to dri-"
"Ruby please! It's my daughter's birthday!" Zidane pleaded.
"Uhh! Someone call for reinforcements?" A voice called out. Every turned their attention to their all too familiar horned summoner of the party. "Hey Ruby, my cousin would love to have a birthday bash, not a round up thrash. Just sayin." Eiko pleaded.
"Fine then! Only if Blank gives a nice massage after all this." Ruby replied crossing her arms.
"Ugh! Just my luck!" Blank thought.
"Anyways! Cuz I think we're all here for you and we'll always be by you side." Eiko smiled.
"Even though I still don't understand the concept of…birthdays…" A monotonous tone voice spoke up as everyone turned their attention to Mikoto standing with her fingers curled under her chin. "I believe one must say that…celebrating your birth serves great achievements of life milestones and future endeavors."
Sara smiled.
"Thank you auntie Mikoto, I appreciate your kind words."
"And as long as you fools don't hurt my granddaughter, I won't have to beat the living hells outta ya." Baku popped in crossing his arms. Sarah turned around spotting Baku towering over her and smiled.
"I don't think I'll ever have to worry about that, I've wonderful family and friends looking after me." Sarah said.
"Well good! Cause especially your pops, he'll get double from me! Ghahahaha!"
Zidane rolled his eyes and shook his head while Garnet let out a silent chuckle.
"Cause if he doesn't-"
"Then we'll beat him up for ya!"
Marcus and Cinna popped up from behind Baku waving at Sarah.
"Uncle Marcus! Uncle Cinna! I'm so glad to see you here!" Sarah shouted joyfully.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world! Now that all the nobles left, we can party!" Marcus said.
"And I didn't even have to use my hammer to knock some people out for running your night!" Cinna said as he pulled out his hammer from out of holster.
"Oh dear uncle Cinna we don't want to have anyone get hurt now…we already seen enough of that tonight." Sarah said.
"Ah don't worry it's only if the mess around with you!"
"And we shall gladly continue to serve under you Your Highness." Steiner
Sarah turned slightly to her right after hearing Steiner's voice, spotting Beatrix, Rose, Steiner and Zoe at Rose's side panting.
"We live to protect and serve you until the end of our days Your Highness." Beatrix said smiling at the young princess.
"And…and…"
Rose held her hands together and lowered her head slightly.
"I hope…we'll…still be friends…forever…" Rose stuttered.
Sarah let out a small gasp as her friend raised her eyes to her. She then smiled and walked towards Rose.
"Oh Rose, we'll always be friends forever." Sarah laid her arms on her friend's shoulders. "There is nothing on this world that will ever separate us and I promise we'll always be together forever."
Rose swallowed her breath, she felt nervous in the moment, hoping she didn't overstep her words to her friend but was given clear assurance of their friendship still remains.
"Thank you…Your…er…Sarah." Rose looked up to her friend's smile.
Zoe let out a gentle bark as Sarah looked down towards the pet and smiled.
"And thank you too Zoe." She kneeled briefly giving her pet a gentle pat on the head. Then raised herself back up.
"And from all of us to you my dear daughter." Garnet spoke as Sarah turned towards her parents.
"We wish you a happy birthday!" The family and friends cheered altogether as the crowd around them overheard the cheer and began applauding the princess.
Sarah looked around her seeing her family, friends, guests and maids all applauding together in unison, with cheers being hollered and many more wishing the princess a happy birthday. She felt slightly overwhelm by the applause, she found herself holding her pendant as she continued to observe the crowd. Within a moment as if on cue, several loud explosions began exploding in the night sky above as Sarah and everyone spotted the colorful fireworks igniting.
Many colors exploded into the night skies, dazzling the guests with much delight as the music continued playing along to the night sky show. It was as if the skies were now partaking in the festivities as well, all for the celebration of the Princess of Alexandria.
"Mother…Papa, did you guys plan this too?" Sarah asked. Garnet and Zidane looked at one another, then at everyone else who seemed confused.
"We…we didn't…who…who did?" Garnet asked around.
"Wasn't us, we didn't bring them out tonight." Baku acknowledged.
"We were not made aware there would be fireworks tonight." Beatrix said.
"Wasn't from us either." Freya added in.
"So…then who…who did then?" Sarah asked and looked around.
Everyone looked to one another then continued looking at the skies spotting where the fireworks were being launched from.
"Wait a second…they're…they're coming from the lake!" Steiner noted.
Zidane followed the trail from several fireworks that shad spiraled into the skies.
"Hey, you're right they are!" He said.
"Wait…then that means…the people on the boats! They're firing them up!" Sarah said as she looked to her parents.
"Well now, it seems the people of Alexandria whom are still on the lake are sending their appreciation for you as well Sarah." Garnet looked to her daughter.
"Even though…we've much room to allow them into the garden?"
"Well I think since they feared of overcrowding, they may have decided to send their well wishes to you in a different way."
"Oh goodness…I'm…I'm really surprised, I do feel awful they feel left out."
"Garnet shook her head.
"I can more than likely promise you that all of Alexandria is celebrating your birthday in their own way whether it is here, on the lake, or even in the city itself. After all, many who are waiting to meet you during your next excursion into the city."
Sarah smiled.
I hope to meet every single person here in Alexandria…I don't want to let them down."
Garnet placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"You won't Sarah. I know deep in my heart…you won't." The Queen assured.
"The night continued on, everyone around me were full of smiles and cheers as the sky lit up with colorful fireworks lighting the night. After all that I've done tonight, everyone continued to stand beside me. My dear parents, my faithful pet, my best friend, our family friends, my own maids, and the people of Alexandria.
I feel I do not deserve everyone's good graces for my actions tonight…yet they forgive me.
As much as I wished for a simple birthday, this night proved to me that my dear parents truly care for me against those who stand against them. They're brave to throw away their status for my own wellness. They realized tonight they made a mistake and did everything they could to make it all right. I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to be parents of a child with significant importance to a kingdom who have eyes on me. I do not blame them whatsoever for bringing me into this world; it's my responsibility to hone up to our adopted home's namesake as the successor to the throne.
I've so much to learn when the night is over yet I cannot shake some thoughts about tonight.
Do I possess the powers that mother and Eiko have? Do I have the ability to summon? And most of all who was the mysterious woman I saw on the throne?
And…
Why did she look exactly like mother?"