Lunar Tradition
In the growing dusk of late summer, an unlikely pair strolled through the lushly scented gardens of the Earth's sprawling palace grounds. Ahead of them - whispering, murmuring, and lost to anyone but themselves were the Crown Princess of the Lunar Kingdom and High Prince of the Earth.
"Will she return the same time next week?"
The blonde looked up, startled at her companion's deep voice and answered, "No. She has court commitments for the holiday."
"Oh?"
Unable to decide if he was being polite or expressing genuine interest, she coolly explained, "The Lunar new year takes place over the weekend."
As the royal pair stopped and sat on a bench, the Venusian senshi and General Kunzite halted and paused in the privacy of a great oak tree, his great cape sweeping aside a wave of leaves, her intricate silver chain swinging gently at her side. Although the interactions between Serenity and Endymion had been limited, both their guardians understood it could be awhile before they moved again.
From the corner of his eye, Kunzite considered the young woman at his side, dropped into his life from the heavens above. She was unlike any one he had ever met - he detected a great intelligence, overwhelming loyalty, and deep strength in his counterpart.
Defaulting to her court manners, she politely questioned, "When is your new year celebrated?"
"On the deepest and coldest day of Winter."
Descended from an eternally warm climate, she visibly shuddered at the suggestion and he chuckled softly at her obvious distaste. Indulging his curiosity, he asked, "How do you celebrate?"
"Representatives from all over the solar system arrive to exchange and renew important commitments for the year ahead. After all of the official meetings and politics are completed, there is a grand ball held until dawn."
He noted that her blue eyes warmed and twinkled brightly at the description. Enjoying this new side of her, he questioned, "Do you incorporate any special customs from your home planet?"
She looked ahead at her regent and answered lightly, "We do."
When she didn't elaborate, he wondered if he had offended her. It was difficult to determine where he stood with her. On Earth, his interaction with the fairer sex was limited and until now, their conversations had been rather confined to the topics of security and discretion.
She turned to look at him directly and continued, "When the final grain of sand floats away, and the great hourglass is reset for the new year, it is a token of good luck and fortune to share a kiss."
A short time later, Venus joined Serenity and they returned to the shining satellite above. Kunzite looked up to the sky. He thought of his conversation with the warrior and princess from Earth's twin planet. Was he imagining things, or did he detect a hint of a challenge in her voice? Closing his eyes, an unbidden image crept into his mind. Venus, in a luxurious ballroom, adorned in a clinging, shimmering gold dress, blonde tresses floating softly around her exposed shoulders and back. Who would she embrace? Did she have someone waiting for her now? He clenched his jaw forcefully and realized, hastily...
"What are you thinking of?" Endymion interrupted his thoughts.
"A suggestion, my lord." The words tumbled out, a surprise to their speaker.
"Yes?"
"Perhaps a visit to the Moon is needed. I've been informed there is a celebration shortly. I believe there is much to learn about Lunar culture by our attendance."
"I'll take that into consideration, Kunzite."