Title- Patience
Author- kawaiichiisaikitsune (pirate-kiari)
Rating- K+
Pairings- LuffyxNami, NojikoxOC, UsoppxKaya reference (may be more later on)
Summary- 'Balls weren't really what everyone said them to be. At least, to this young girl they weren't.' A story about a royal family, a farmer boy, a series of balls/dances, and everything in between. AU, LuNa
Kiari-san is terribly, terribly, TERRIBLY sorry she hasn't updated in... Years! Decades! She hopes that you all forgive her, but she will understand if you may not. She just hopes people are still interested in this story of hers. Well, enjoy the horribly delayed chapter five.
Disclaimer- Kiari-san will never, ever, own One Piece. Sad, isn't it:sniff:
Patience
-Chapter Five: Nighttime Scenery-
Princess Nami and Princess ViVi chatted lively with each other as other guests piled into the rich ballroom. Soft music flitted around the elegantly large room, inviting the royal guests to dance with their partners. Servants walked leisurely about, offering drinks or some sort of treat to guests. Everything was going well.
Minutes later another princess that the carrot-topped girl knew well entered. She was a pale girl, with fair hair that crowned her heart-shaped face nicely and deep, caring navy eyes. Her name was Kaya, and she had some sort of horrible disease that made her a very fragile person, but she was quickly recovering. On her small body fitted a simple, loose pastel dress with a thin ribbon tie in the back.
Noticing the frail girl, both princesses called her over to them. She complied, walking over with a delicate smile on her thin lips. They greeted with hugs and grins and let her join in their earlier conversation.
Soon another princess entered the nearly full ballroom, alone. Her name was Nico Robin, a well-known princess to many. Her raven hair was pulled back in an extravagant metal clip and her dark eyes gleamed with interest. Hugging her lean form was a knee-length white skirt and a pale yellow sleeveless shirt with a silken violet shawl draped over her square shoulders.
Without call she walked over to the small group of princesses and was greeted with warm welcomes.
The four talked animatedly with one another, telling of their recent activities and gossiping about the rumors they had heard around their homes. Each had an interesting tale to tell but Nami, who had decided to keep her adventure a secret.
"Nami-chan?" Kaya spoke up sweetly as ViVi and Robin had begun arguing with each other about something, "Have you not a story to tell?"
The questioned princess plastered a smile as she replied, "No, nothing has really happened around here. Everything is the same so, there is nothing much to tell."
The pale blonde gave an understanding smile; though she believed what she heard was far from the truth. "I-it's quite stuffy in here. Would you mind leading me to a balcony for some fresh air?"
"Of course, follow me," Nami agreed kindly, starting up the stairs and into the study where spotless glass double doors led them onto a balcony. They stepped upon the marble floor and brought themselves over to lean against the marble railing.
Together they gazed in silence out at the dark sky that glittered like a million jewels all scattered around the vast universe above them. The moon was not full, but not new either. It was at its monthly crescent shape, though much thinner than either princess had seen it before. It looked like a curved sliver of bold silver whose sharp tips curled to almost touch the other. The small town just miles outside the castle was darkened by the time, but lights from some open houses still glowed in a burning orange-yellow hue, casting shadows against the soiled ground with which the lights bounced off. And far off still, one could see a hill looming harmlessly over the town, outlined by the moon's faint white glow along with the small cottage sitting atop it.
And the more Nami stared out at the brilliant nighttime scenery the more she found herself entranced by its ethereal glory.
"It's beautiful out there," she faintly heard her companion gasp in awe. She gave a smile as she looked over at her.
Kaya glowed against the outside world in which she adored. Her pale skin, her fair hair, and her light dress were all polar opposites of the heavy blacks and navies around her. It was as though the fragile girl beside her didn't belong in this dark world, but to a world where lights glittered in soft pastels and darkness was not allowed to leisure. Thus what made this picture more ethereal and beautiful than anyone could have imagined.
Nami grinned to herself as she silently back out the door. "I'll be right back," she spoke softly as to not disturb, but loud enough to be heard. When she got her simple reply she backed out of the study and made her way down the hall. Her room was but a couple more doors down, but first she stopped off at her latent room to make sure it was still locked for she wasn't carrying the key with her this time. She had left it in her room in one of her dresser drawers.
As expected, it was still locked, and Nami gave a quaint little smile before starting off towards her room. The thick wooden door to her room was shut, just as she'd left it, so when she pulled it open she did not expect anyone to be within its confines...
"Tashigi?" the carrot-topped princess questioned in utter confusion.
The maid, startled from what she was doing, whipped around, and a little too fast as she lost her balance and fell to her knees. "I-I'm sorry ohime-sama!" she cried guiltily as she frantically searched for her dropped glasses.
Nami helped her personal maid back onto her feet as she reset her thin-framed glasses over her nose. "What were you doing?" she puzzled, looking at where the other had been busying herself.
It was her desk.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Tashigi bowed quickly, ashamed, "I know I shouldn't have been snooping around in your things. I just couldn't help myself. Please, forgive me."
The princess gave an amused smile as she patted the bespectacled maid's shoulder. "Curiosity killed the cat, is it?"
She paused, looking up slowly, "Yes... I-I suppose it did..."
Nami gave a forgiving smile as she walked over to her desk, pulling open a drawer. Encased in that wooden confinement was the sketch book she had recently been using. Carefully she took the thick book into her hands and lifted it out of the drawer. Before shutting the drawer she fished out a soft pencil, a shaver, and an eraser. Then she looked at Tashigi with a grin. "I'm off. Do your work well, Tashigi-chan."
"Y-yes ma'am," she heard as she left, carefully closing the door behind her.
The orange-haired princess headed down the hall, careful of passing by maids and servants and the occasional guest as she made her way back over to the balcony where her friend was awaiting her. On the stoned surface resided a patio table set of metal. She drew one of the chairs away from the small, circular table, making a soft scratching sound on the stone. This grabbed the blonde's attention.
"Nami-chan, what are you doing?" she asked.
"Stay still will you," she returned with a slight order, seating herself in the chair and propping her sketch book upon her knees; "You can talk if you want, but don't move, all right?"
"All right," Kaya answered, albeit slightly confused. She turned back to the scenery before her, hands placed upon the railing and the picking up breeze billowing her hair and her dress. It was a couple long minutes until she spoke up again; "I met an interesting lad back home."
"Really? Tell me all about him," Nami spoke, not lifting her head from her work as her hand glided quickly and diligently across the paper, making a soft sound of etching.
"He's really quite funny," she giggled to herself, "He likes to tell me stories and jokes and they really are rather interesting and funny. His name's Usopp and he usually just happens by the study window during tea time. It's funny when I realize I hadn't recognized him before, but he's our stablehand."
The other didn't answer for a while, concentrated on her sketch. When she looked up, she realized the blonde had stopped and blinked in deeper realization that she was waiting for her to say something. "Do go on," she smiled, "Why don't you tell me one of his stories." Even buried in her concentration, she had still heard the other.
Time went on in much of that fashion, Kaya relating the stories she heard from her newest interest and Nami listening silently as she sketched the scene before her. Occasionally she'd look up at the pale princess and comment as the other laughed that dainty giggle of hers. She even boldly and bluntly asked if she had more than the usual liking for someone for the stable boy. The answer she received was a shy affirmation, but she was glad to hear it. Kaya was such a shy, delicate girl she feared for her like an older sister. And being that they were nearing the ripe marrying ages, she was afraid she'd never get out to meet someone she enjoyed. There was always a posibility that her counselor could find her a fine husband, but it was much more exciting, she reason, to go out and find one for one's self.
Once the hosting royalty finished her rather rough drawing, she stood up from her spot on the metal chair. Her rear had gone rather numb after sitting so long and it'd grown uncomfortable to sit on the cushionless chair. So, she was grateful to be finished and up on her feet again.
Kaya heard the scraping of metal against stone as Nami pushed her chair back in place and turned around to face her. "What have you been doing this whole time?" she asked curiously.
"Sketching," she replied after a slight hesitance. She stepped over to the other princess and revealed the drawing to her. There was a sharp intake of amazed breath.
"It's awe-striking, Nami-chan!" she exclaimed softly, "I'm shocked. I had no idea you knew how to draw so well. You must share this with the others. They'll adore it."
The older princess hesitated once again; longer this time. "I'd rather not," she said at last, soft and rather shy, "I enjoy keeping this hobby a secret."
"Why is that?"
"I'm not quite certain. Perhaps it's the rush of secrecy you don't really get around here, or not. I guess, maybe, I just like having something of my own. You won't tell a soul, will you, Kaya-chan? Only you, Tashigi, and a couple famers know about this."
"All right, but I don't see much reason why. You're skill is unique and beautiful for a princess and I think you should share it more with the people around you."
"Maybe... But not now. As great as I may be, I actually don't think I have the confidence to reveal such a talent right now. Do you understand?"
"Of course I do," Kaya's face softened as she looked upon the young orange-haired woman, "But I assure you they won't like you any less than they do now; and you're quite loved."
Nami smiled, "Thank you." She closed her sketch pad and tucked it under her arm. "I need to run this back to my room quickly, but we should both be heading back into the ballroom. Robin-chan and ViVi-chan must be dieing without us there to keep them company." The blonde giggled and agreed with a nod.
"All right. I shall meet you down then." The artist nodded and the other started out of the room without her.
II
After the ball had ended around about two in the morning, Nami headed out onto the balcony, instead of heading straight to bed. She folded her arms over the flat marble railing and leaned slightly upon them and over the edge. She looked out at the village under her. She'd never realized just how big and beautiful it actually was. It was simply breathtaking, especially in the silver light of the hanging moon and stars.
By this time of night, all other lights had dwindled down to nothing, blanketing the stone and gravel and dirt streets in a black only penetrated by the moon's ethereal glow. It was quite a spectacle for those who had the chance to gaze upon it and she adored the chance she got. It was simply beautiful.
Some long minutes later, the talented princess felt herself growing more and more tired and decided to retire to her bed. With one last sweeping glance at all the village below her, she turned on her raised heel and headed off of the balcony and toward her room. It took her a slow while to reach her room, shrug out her dress and into her pajamas, turn off the lights and snuggle into bed.
She was alseep in less than a minute, dreaming of nighttime scenery.
-TBC-
Kiari-san is terribly, terribly, TERRIBLY sorry she hadn't updated in… Years! She hopes that you all forgive her, but she will understand if you may not. She just hopes people are still interested in this story of hers. Well, she hoped you enjoyed the horribly delayed chapter five.
She's also gone back and revised her earlier chapters. She realized some hadn't made much sense and were littered with mistakes. She hopes she's cleared them all up, but if you notice something completely off and wrong, don't hesitate to bring it up in a review. Thank you everyone:)
--Review Replies--
-Chapter One-
Treestar- Really? Thank you for telling her. She's been getting on that. Yes, yes, Kiari-san understands exactly what you mean. It takes away time from the story if you have to sort everything out yourself. Really? Awesome! What do you write about? Oh! That'd be great! Kiari-san's been learning Japanese at her school, but she bets your help would be very nice still indeed.
Your Story- Glad you enjoy it. Again, sorry for the very long wait.
-Chapter Three-
Treestar- Yeah, Kiari-san doesn't think she'll need a beta reader... She just tends to miss things. Happens to everyone, right? But if you'd still like to be her beta, go ahead. She'd be pleased. Thank you. (Her email is pirate(underscore)kiari(at)yahoo(dot)com if you need it.) Yeah, LuNa is just too cute! Kiari-san just wuvs 'em!
Invader Hog- Yesh!
-Chapter Four-
AssaianQueen- Thank you. Oh, you're nearing Ace if you've gotten up to Chopper already. Kiari-san will give you the site, but it won't exactly be in link for-like. (http://)groups(dot)msn(dot)com(slash)OnePieceManga
Big R- Thank you.
Deblas- Yep yep, aren't you happy? Kiari-san's doing her best to add LuNa moments, but she knows for certain she shall put some in the next chapter. For sure, for sure.
star pana- Yay! Kiari-san has gotten someone to speak in third person. It is very fun; very much fun indeed.
tori007otaku- Ah, that's okay. School takes away everyone's time. Thank you.
Invader Hog- Thank you.
Uozumi- Thank you for your review. Hm, Kiari-san has never thought of that, actually. She thinks she had Lyserg from Shaman King in her head as she made the child. He has green hair as well.
Koinu- Sorry for taking so long.
Meethzoonk- Thank you for the cookie. :nibbles: Sorry for the very long delay.
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God'sAngel- Aww, Kiari-san thanks you so much. She would especially love help from her awesome reviewers. She has been slightly stuck on a better plot for her story; ideas would be great:)
Lunalove101- Thank you. No, no, she'll manage off her own payment. XDD
Thank you all for your reviews! Kiari-san is terribly, terribly sorry for the very loooooong delay! Now then, flames are ignored, constructive criticism is highly appreciated, and praise is great for Kiari-san's ego.