When Serenity reached earth it was morning. The sun was shining brightly and the air was fresh. The people and animals were awake and going about their days. But she only sought one thing. She raced through the ruins searching for him. Trying to find his thick head of black hair and kind face. She heard voices up ahead and slowed her pace. Hiding behind a broken pillar she peaked out and saw Endymion, finally. He was talking to a man, Serenity recognized him as one of his guards that were there on her last visit. Endymion sighed and rubbed his face with his hand. The second man bowed then turned and left. Serenity emerged slightly from behind her hiding place. Endymion caught a bit of motion and swirled around, startling Serenity. As she gasped he saw her fully and for once could not believe his eyes. Both of their faces were a mixer of shock, joy, and realization that they were finally together. Serenity stepped out from behind the pillar and Endymion rushed towards her, engulfing her in his arms. Hugging her fiercely. He was so happy and overjoyed to see her. But he had not forgotten his promise to try and dissuade her from a relationship with him. But for now he was too happy to see her to care. They pulled her apart slightly and he could see tears welling up at the corners of her eyes. He cupped her face and wiped them away.
"I thought I would never be able to see you again." She said in a soft voice. "I could not stand being away from you." She looked down then straight at him as she finished.
"I never stopped hoping you would return. Every night I would check the roses and stare and the moon hoping I could wish you here." He smiled and cupped her face in both his hands as tears began to fall down her face. She hugged him. Holding him as tightly as her small, thin arms could. "Let's go for a walk." He took her hand knowing that he must try to stop this from going further. Even though every part of him screamed for him to be with her, to kiss her and hold her, to never let go. He knew he must not. For her and for him.
As they walked, they talked, telling each other of themselves, their families, and their people. Sometimes they were silent, just happy to be with one another. Serenity watching the sun slowly move, knew there would be a price to pay for today when she returned. She banished those thoughts, focusing on Endymion and the time she had left with him. They stopped by a small lake with trees of every kind surrounding it. Endymion held her in his arms silently praying this wouldn't be the last. She saw his fear though. Noticing his worried look she touch his cheek, as he cupper her jaw in his hand.
"What troubled you?" She asked. I knew it had to come soon.
"What will happen when you return to the moon?" Her hand slipped from my face as she looked away. Her eyes watered but she didn't answer.
"That's not important." She finally whispered, almost too low for me to hear.
"It is Serenity, what will happen to our people and out families, if we have to choose between each other and our people. What if this ends and starts another war. We must think."I said pleading for her to understand. Her tears rolled freely down her face. She had not looked at me yet.
"Why do we have to choose? Why does this have to end badly? Cannot we have both? Cannot we not choose our own paths?" She looked at me then, her eyes shimmering with fresh tears. "I chose to be with you and I refuse to let possibilities and what-ifs to stand in our way."
"We mustn't keep meeting like this." I said trying to make her see reason.
"Why?" She whispered. Why was she so stubborn?
"Communication between people of the Moon and the Earth is forbidden, it is the way of the gods." This was my last shot at trying to make her understand what I was telling her, for me to believe what I was telling her. "We mustn't fall in love…" I said softly, but it was too late her fingers were entwined with mine and our faces were nearly touching.
"But it's already too late…" She said, as I leaned down and kissed her, softly, but with more passion and feeling than I thought I was capable of. I knew then that I could never let her go. No matter what might happen in the future I knew I would always stand by her, even if I had to fight my own people to save her I knew I would. I just hoped that day would never come.
Okay, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed and read my story, it is very much appreciated. I hope everyone like this chapter. I love this story and would love to go further into their relationship but I'm unsure if I should continue. If you think I should please let me know what you think. All types of criticism is appreciated and I would love to hear from everyone. Please let me know if you think I should continue. Thank you for all the support!