A/N: Important! As clarification, just because the name of Revlis El'inmilnum is an anagram for Silver Millennium, it's not related to the SilMil that we know from canon. I use anagrams to provide a name and title that reflect back to Sailor Moon, but not necessarily relate to it. …If that makes sense…
Many thanks again to my beta Soleil-Lune, who despite having much more important things to do in life, still beta-read this for me. And trust me, this is a good thing. This wouldn't make any sense without her.
Revlis El'inmilnum
Chapter One: Contract
She watched from the arched window that opened into the sky with her element swirling by, teasing her hair and kissing her skin. Its touch was both refreshing and comforting as she sat in the window ledge. Her back rested comfortably against the narrow wall inside the arch, while one long leg dangled down and the other stretched out the length of the sill.
Her feet were bare, and her legs were covered by loose dark gray pants woven from cotton. The garment that hung from her upper body accentuated her figure. It was belted at the hips by a strip of aged brown leather. She had a long, almost lanky frame, but it was well-defined and feminine despite the androgynous clothes. Her face with its strong jaw line, straight nose, and high cheekbones, at first glance, appeared handsome, but at the second, it could only be said to be beautiful. Her hair, cut short, was nothing less than gold in the sunlight, and her eyes, both passionate and pained, were emeralds.
Her long-fingers reached into void that was her heavens and let her power become tangible in her palm; a swirling, condensed mass of air. With a smile, she released it, letting the air join the freedom experienced by its brethren.
"…I wish I could join you…"
Her words were but a faint murmur, quickly lost into the winds of the sky. She continued to survey the world from her window, noting the wispy clouds even higher above and the rocky face of the mountain jutting down beneath her. The other mountains surrounding her rose high, but there were not near as elevated as her dwelling.
She resided on top of Suwdin G'nrih, highest mountain in all of Revlis El'inmilnum, alone in her shrine Miranda. The mountain was steep and rocky, there was but one small path and a three day journey from the base to her airy, isolated shrine. Trees dotted its surface below, and though the surrounding mountains all displayed snowcapped peaks, Suwdin G'nrih was unique with its shrine. Surprisingly, it was warm on the top; the weather matched what was found at its base, the result of an ancient magic as old as Miranda.
Miranda, with its sand colored stones, had narrow, spiraling towers, each marked with the symbol of the Guardian of the Heavens. There was no glass or shutters to be found, but only open windows and archways that looked out into sky. The shrine was not lacking in comfort, despite its stone appearance. Thick rugs, overstuffed pillows, and billowy sheets were numerous, ancient as well, but preserved with the magic of the shrine.
Long had she dwelled there, only known to the world as Uranus, the Guardian of the Heavens. She guided the winds of Revlis El'inmilnum, bringing a cool breeze on a hot summer's day or ushering in clouds when the lack of rain was just too much. It was monotonous for her, one who years ago had treasured her freedom. Now she was bound to the shrine, Miranda was her home and would remain so as long as the kingdom stood.
Damn them.
It was long ago, but the memory still burned. She felt no love for the country, and those individuals that originally put her here. She only protected the skies of Revlis El'inmilnum out of her own love for the wind and heavens, and a bit of lingering duty and love to the ancient and long deceased Queen Serenity. Only a taste of bitterness accompanied thoughts of the kingdom now, the kingdom that damned her to the heavens away from almost everything she cared for and alone for generations.
How long had it been since she stepped outside the sacred grounds of Miranda? How long had it been since she had last seen the one she loved?
Eyes closed, and facing the wind, she concentrated. She felt the individual breezes sweeping across the kingdom. It mattered not that it was days, weeks away for this was her domain and her power. She picked one and guided it, feeling the hint of the ocean as the wind broke against its surface.
Green eyes opening, Haruka smiled.
Some days that was all she could do. She would sit on her favorite window ledge, facing the distant ocean, and guide the wind into constantly grazing the sea.
A stray breeze caused her to sit up sharply and break her reflection.
People. People on Suwdin G'nrih, on her mountain. Nearly at the entrance to Miranda.
Her eyes narrowed in contemplation. It was not time for the yearly festival in her celebration, in which a few brave souls were chosen to climb Suwdin G'nrih and offer her, Uranus, the Guardian of the Skies, gifts.
The breeze brought with it, a hint of darkness…it was…
Unsettling.
She leapt to her feet in quick grace, leaving her favorite window ledge behind. Placed carefully against the wall next to her were two swords. One was a long sword for two hands in a wooden scabbard adorned with carvings that embodied the wind. The other had a slightly wider curved blade and decorative hilt made for one hand, its scabbard, however, was leather with a simple metal finish that slipped over its edge. Grabbing both, she slipped the longer one onto the left side of her belt, and the other went to the right.
She did not quite dash through her home, but she took it at a fast walk; better to greet these people when they arrived and see what they wanted. Down through spiraling staircases, crossing open breezeways, and through the curving hallways, she arrived to the entryway of her home. The entrance had huge stone columns and a roof over head. A thick royal blue rug guided the way to a few carved steps that led to the path down the mountain.
She knew that last step particularly well, for it was as far as she could ever go.
She waited at the top of the steps, arms casually crossed, and hearing their footfalls steadily grow louder. The first to make it around the final curve of the path to the top was a man in dark nondescript clothing with light leather armor. He froze upon seeing her staring down at him from the top of the steps, his only movements coming from his heavy breathing. She could visibly see him gulp and allowed herself to smirk ever so slightly.
He took a step back and turned, calling out to those behind him. "Y-Your Majesty…w-we're here."
She raised an eyebrow at that. Could it be that she had not been entirely forgotten by the royal family?
The next man to appear was powerfully built with thick dark hair and no armor to speak of. A baldric wrapped around his black shirt and the hilt of a hefty sword protruded from underneath his traveling cloak. There was a trail of about a dozen people following him, all panting from exertion. He alone seemed to break no sweat. She was surprise to see the first man bow as this one past him.
In confusion, she narrowed her eyes at him. He was not of the royal line of Revlis El'inmilnum. Who was he then? Why was he here?
"Honored Guardian, Uranus of the Heavens, please permit me an audience. I have traveled far and high to see and speak with you."
His words were polite and gracious, but they did nothing to make her fill at ease. His black eyes seemed to smolder and no sunlight reflected in them. He stood tall, and did not bend his head even a little.
Despite her unease, she nodded her head and turned her back. If nothing else, this would prove to be a break from the monotony. She took a few steps, then paused and turned back around, remembering something.
"Tell your men that there's fresh water here if they need, gathered from the clouds. Just follow this rug straight through the hallway and you'll find the pool."
She watched him turn to consider those following him and then nod his head. She smirked at the grateful sighs following the action. She pivoted and begin walking slowly, allowing him to catch up.
"Who are you?" She spoke once she guided him out of the entryway, passing through the sandstone hallways at a leisurely pace.
"Ochas, the Emperor-King of Areth." His voice was smooth and deep, it should have put her at ease, yet the unsettling feeling only magnified.
"Areth? The only Areth I know was once a city-state."
"Areth is now a great empire, controlling most of the territories north of Revlis El'inmilnum. You have been bound here a long time, haven't you Haruka?"
She whirled at the name, so lightly spoken; the first time that name had passed lips in ages. In a blink she had her sword drawn, the one from her left hip, and steadied at his exposed throat.
He held up his hands disarmingly and smiled.
"What is your business with me?" Haruka hissed. The winds swirled angrily, the stranger's cloak flapping in the breeze.
"I require your assistance Uranus...or Haruka, whichever you prefer."
His lighthearted tone and words only made her angrier. Sneering, she pushed forward, backing him toward the edge of a window that she knew dropped several hundred feet down the sheer face of Suwdin G'nrih. "Do not call me Haruka, stranger. You have not earned my trust. How do you even know such a name?"
He seemed unworried by the threat she was presenting and replied back easily. "I read. Quite extensively mind you. From books and records long forgotten, you can find knowledge no one else is aware of. Of course, these books are often difficult to find and obtain."
"What do you want?" She growled, cutting off his casual ramblings.
"I have a proposition."
"And why should I even listen to it." Haruka pushed the blade forward even more, so that the tip of it grazed his neck.
"Because I think you value your freedom. I think you value your chance to live in the world again." His voice dropped low to that of a near whisper, "I think you would value any opportunity to see her again."
She froze, her breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounding hard inside her chest. Was he possibly suggesting…?
"Yes." He replied immediately as if able to read her thoughts. "I can break the magic binding you here. I told you, I read. You can learn many things by reading."
"What's the catch?"
Ochas laughed; a deep throaty chuckle that sent shivers down her spine. He raised a hand, and pressed two fingers on the blade threatening his life. Haruka found herself letting him push it downwards and away.
"You'll have to serve me. Assist me in taking over this kingdom that you protect."
"Serve you? No thanks." She sneered, tightening the grip on the sword in her hand.
"Don't be so hasty. I'll still let you have your freedom. But I need your power. The heavens answer to you, how can I possibly battle that?" Ochas answered.
Something about his last words made her feel even more decidedly uncomfortable. First was the unsettling feeling and his knowledge of her name. Then there was the fact that he at least claimed to possess the power to break the magic binding her to Miranda. And finally, the way he posed this question, rhetorical and offhanded.
"Besides, what loyalty do you owe to Revlis El'inmilnum? The same country that betrayed you so many generations ago! Your only ally, the royal family, has long since forgotten you. And yet, you still guard their skies. You owe them nothing."
"Nothing…" She echoed him. Ochas made sense, perhaps too much so.
"I'll give you your life back, and your love. Michiru…Isn't that what they use to call her?"
Her sword was up in a flash, back at his throat and the winds howled, even more than before. She saw a blink of surprise cross his face. Satisfied, she growled, pressing in close. "You have no right to speak her name!"
His voice did not quaver, nor was there any sign of lingering surprise when he spoke. "Neptune then. No matter, I can give you a reunion. All you have to do is serve me."
Haruka stared at him hard, trying to peer into his soul. All she saw was the endless black depths of his eyes. There was nothing there to tell her what kind of man this Ochas was, nothing to go on. Yet he spoke truth. Bitter truth.
Revlis El'inmilnum had kept her locked away high upon Suwdin G'nrih for so many years that time had begun to melt and become utterly meaningless. She had been separated from everything and everyone. What allegiance did she owe the kingdom? And Michiru…
Lowering her sword, she closed her eyes for a moment and collected herself and her resolve.
Opening them, she met the steady gaze of Ochas and gave her answer.
"Done."
Ochas smiled. "Excellent."
She watched curiously as he held out his right hand, fingers bent at the knuckles. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Obsidian energy began to wrap around his fingers, twisting and coiling, until it enshrouded his entire hand and wrist. Then he gestured for her to take it.
Haruka hesitated, but only for a moment. And then took his hand.
The obsidian power immediately began winding up her arm and gradually down her entire body. It swirled around her like her own winds, but thicker and darker. And then she felt the magic binding her to Miranda, a heavy constriction that she was always faintly physically aware of, being smothered. The dark energy of Ochas swooped in on her. She felt it enter her being, and she was bound all over again. It was akin to what tied her to Miranda, the chains were not visible, but they were there. She cried out at the sudden painful wrenching constriction, similar, she remembered to what happened so many years ago. This time though, it was darker and heavier.
And then it was done.
She gasped, shaking off the pain and realized Ochas was breathing heavily too. She recognized his weakness, a faint reassurance that he was not all powerful and his actions did take a lot out of him.
Once she somewhat recovered, still panting with her head bowed, Haruka looked up, fury etched onto her face.
"What was that!? You took away the binding magic only to replace it with another!"
He frowned, wiping sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. "A magical contract. You agreed to it."
"You never mentioned-" She started to protest, but was quickly cut off by Ochas.
"Does it matter? Don't worry. You'll still get what you want. This is just to make sure I get what I want."
"Bastard!" Haruka growled, wanting to raise her sword against him, only to find the magical contract prevented it.
"No." Ochas answered matter-of-factly. He began to walk, heading back the way they came, and calling back to her. "I'm not cruel and I won't go back on my word. You'll still get your freedom and your beloved. Gather your things. We will leave soon. There is much to do."
Her father had served as the head court musician for the Lord and Lady Onom of Talrysc Kotyo since his early years. He had been skilled in all forms of music, and had even developed a new instrument which he named the violin. He always told her it was his most favorite accomplishment after her.
She had been brought up in the keep of the Onom family, a small, comfortable castle of ancient origins. From there, the Onom family had ruled the gradually expanding city-state of Talrysc Kotyo. The city had always been prosperous, but she remembered how quickly it grew during her childhood, especially after the premature death of both the Lord and Lady Onom. The Lady Serenity Onom had always been something beyond the ordinary.
She remembered from an early age how composed the older girl had been. Wise, graceful, and full of warmth, even from afar. Serenity had been her elder by a few years and the Lord and Lady's daughter, while she had merely been the daughter of the court musician, no matter how highly praised. The first time they spoke was after she first performed on her father's violin for the Lord and Lady Onom. She had pledged her loyalty to Serenity after that one brief exchange at a mere seven years of age. That same night she had heard the ocean calling for her for the first time.
The Lord and Lady Onom died not shortly afterwards. The Lady murdered by an assassin from a conniving neighbor city-state, jealous of Talrysc Kotyo's prosperity. The Lord Onom perished in the subsequent war that followed. Bitter disputes echoed throughout the numerous city-states in the next few years. None could really say how the peninsula became entirely engulfed in battle and many fell. Her father had been included in that number, thwarting an assassination on the last surviving member of the Onom family. That was the second time she had spoken to Serenity. She had been eleven, Serenity eighteen.
"I'll bring peace to the land. Your father…"
"My lady…please. You know the loss just as much as I do."
Serenity had smiled, sadly. "Michiru…you are more of a lady than I am, even at your age. I'll make things better though, for everyone."
Serenity was right. In five more years, she was well on her way to uniting all the city-states of the peninsula and had already formed the fledgling kingdom of Revlis El'inmilnum with Talrysc Kotyo as the capitol.
In that same five years, Michiru grew closer to Serenity, aiding her whenever possible even if it entailed nothing more than playing a relaxing melody on her father's violin to soothe her spirit. Incredibly, Michiru found herself surpassing even the greatest of water mages during that same span of time. She felt the sea answering to her and whispering to her secrets of its depths. Even in Talrysc Kotyo, a good distance from the shore, she found that she could calm the seas to guide a ship safely to harbor. She could manipulate her water with barely an effort, calling on it to aid, defend, or attack. She was unequaled in the new kingdom, except by Serenity herself.
And then, one day, Michiru woke up and her world changed.
It was a morning like most other mornings in Talrysc Kotyo. The old keep, her home for all these years, was currently being expanded to better fit a home of a true royal family, and was bustling under the construction. She awoke to the yelling of men, busy in their work. Rising out of bed, she was quick to brush off sleep and sat about making herself presentable.
She quickly found the bucket of water left in her chambers over the night. Taking a cloth, she dipped it in the water and washed her face. Feeling fully awake, she slipped out of her nightgown and after looking through her modest selection of clothes, chose a simple dark tunic and loose pants - clothes for working and training. Once she had her sandals on, she picked up her ivory brush and took a seat at the small bench sat up at her window. She opened the wooden shutters and looked out over Talrysc Kotyo.
The sun had mostly risen and the city was awakening beneath her. She much preferred this view compared to the old one. Her quarters had been moved closer to Serenity's since her father's death, and now she had a view of the city and of the river running through it.
Michiru smiled contentedly and began to brush through her aqua hair. No others held this particular shade of blue and green with the waves and curls that fell perfectly around her face. She was aware that many saw it as a physical reminder of her power over the ocean, with its hue and style. Finished, she sat the brush down on the bench and stole a glance out of her brass mirror at the delicate face that had been called beautiful by many. She gave herself a moment to wonder briefly on her parents, the father she knew for a dozen years and the mother she could not remember. Her sea-blue eyes must be from her mother for her father's had been slate grey. Her hair too, as her father's hair was ink black and straight in his prime.
Michiru snapped out of her reverie and withdrew her gaze from the mirror. She briefly shook her head, wondering what it was about mirrors that always made her see more than the tangible. Finished, she left her chambers.
Her first objective of the day was to find breakfast and then the Queen. With any luck, she would find both together. She navigated the hallways with ease, passing by all manners of people with their own agendas. Many gave nods of respect as they brushed by, something she was still growing accustomed to.
Cutting through numerous hallways and rooms, she arrived to the large terrace where she knew Serenity liked to have breakfast and a bit of peace if the day was nice. Just like she thought, Serenity sat there at a small table in the corner, looking out over the gardens. She had changed little in five years and showed no signs of aging yet. This was despite the stress Michiru knew she was under. Her silver blond hair, worn piled in two buns at the top of her head glittered in the morning sunlight and she was wearing a simple yet elegant green dress. Michiru always felt she paled in comparison to Serenity.
"Michiru, good morning."
"Good morning Serenity."
Serenity smiled at the greeting and gestured toward the breakfast laid out at the table. Michiru nodded her thanks and took a seat beside the queen.
"I am glad someone around here still calls me that. Even my old nursemaid calls me 'your majesty' now." Serenity replied, spreading strawberry preserves onto a biscuit.
"I only call you Serenity because you've been after me for years to call you that. My stubbornness could not hold up to yours." Michiru said, picking up a piece of fruit.
"You turn seventeen next week do you not?"
"Yes."
"We'll have to do something to celebrate."
"That's…unnecessary." Michiru swallowed.
"Nonsense. Besides, too many people know of you and they would not accept a lack of a celebration."
"Please, Serenity. I'm not a noble or from any important family."
Serenity's gaze intensified on Michiru, who was once again reaffirmed with just a look as to how the queen managed all that she did. "What have I told you?"
Michiru felt herself weakening under that stare. A look that leveled the greatest of city-states. "That bloodline and status are not important."
Serenity smiled and Michiru felt warmth replace the previous cold. "Exactly."
"Even if you say that, I think it would be hard to change those that have lived and upheld that tradition for ages…"
"Everyone deserves love, freedom, and equality Michiru. Everyone. Well perhaps we can reach a compromise on your birthday later. I've been meaning to ask you, but it keeps slipping my mind, how is your progress on creating another violin?"
"Difficult. I can't seem to hollow out the wood just enough like my father did. And I've been busy with other things; there hasn't been much of chance to work on it. At this rate, the only violin in existence will be my father's creation."
"I'm sure you will get it at some point."
A peaceful silence fell between the two as they basked in the morning sun. Michiru finished her apple, placing the core in front of her to be gathered later by the staff. Serenity wiped daintily at her mouth with the corner of her napkin and then spoke again.
"There will be a feast tonight, to welcome our newest ally."
"Your vassals, Serenity."
"Ally, Michiru." Serenity admonished. "The last surviving heir of the Tenoh family, an ancient and noble family that has long ruled over its land and holdings. If only they could have joined us sooner…"
"They're our enemy."
"Up until last night. I grieve for their losses. At least now, less blood will be spilt. Peace grows ever closer."
Michiru thoughts spun into reflection. From an early age, she had done her best to emulate Serenity. She was a perfect lady in every aspect, composed, beautiful, and polite. Yet Serenity held a compassion and love for all people, something that Michiru could not even begin to understand. To care even for the losses of the enemy…
This was good news though. The land that the Tenoh family ruled over was large and held vast amounts of fertile soil. Serenity won back her attention with a light touch at her wrist.
"Will you play tonight?"
"Yes, of course."
Serenity smiled her thanks before standing and Michiru quickly jumped to her feet with her. "I'll call for you if I need anything during the day. What will you be doing?"
"Honing my magic for the most part. I suppose I will go through a few songs on the violin as well to make sure I have something for tonight. When is the Tenoh heir supposed to arrive?" Michiru replied.
"Not until late afternoon thankfully. I have much to do today."
They parted ways there. Michiru lingered, watching Serenity as she gracefully exited the terrace only to be swamped with attendants and messengers immediately after she passed through the glass doors, signaling the start of her work for the day.
Michiru left the peaceful garden and wound her way through the old. Taking a detour to avoid construction, she made it to a side gate of the keep walls. She slipped through with a wave to the guard and found herself among the busy city streets of Talrysc Kotyo. She navigated her way through the crowded streets, avoiding attention adeptly. Eventually she arrived at the newly expanded city walls, and with a nod to the guardsman, let herself out of the small door by the river.
Michiru preferred the upstream river outside of the city. Downstream, once the river had snaked its way through the streets and back out again, the water was often filthy and unfit for anything except irrigation. But upstream, the water was clear, and the riverbed could be seen even a few feet deep. There, still in sight of the road, but with plenty of privacy, she would practice her magic, bending and creating water for her use. She would often sit on the riverbank too, and listen for hours to the ocean and its call.
A year ago, she had been challenged to a mage's duel by one who at the time had been regarded as the greatest of water mages in the fledgling Revlis El'inmilnum. He had been annoyed at her cool confidence and politely veiled words. He was determined to show her she was still much too young and inexperienced. Oh, she had never been boastful, it was not ladylike at all, but she was never one to hide her power either. The duel had ended before it barely began, in her favor of course.
The day passed quickly for her, lost in the world of her sea. The sun was approaching the horizon when she decided to head back to the palace to prepare for the evening. She followed the riverbank back to the city walls, ignoring the road just a few paces away in favor of the water. She played it with barely a thought, a flick of her finger and blink of her eyes sending arcs of water skipping and spouts shooting up over the surface. Hearing hoof beats echoing off the road, she let the water alone, unwilling to draw attention. Mages were not uncommon, but in any case, she preferred to go unnoticed and mages playing with their element were hardly overlooked.
She continued to walk along the riverbank with the hoof beats leveling closer to her. About a half a dozen horses at most, she guessed. And compelled, she looked up to examine the riders. It was but a moment, but the world seemed to still.
Michiru was suddenly aware of a strong breeze, picking up and playing with her hair, ruffling her clothes. A pale hand went to her face, moving an errant strand of hair and in that instance sea-blue met bright green.
The horses thundered past, and Michiru frozen, could only stare after them, the breeze dying down and then stilling. Lips slightly parted, the edge of her fingertips lingered at her cheek in remembrance of the cool touch of the breeze.
She blinked and the moment passed, leaving her with a bemused smile, and wondering exactly what had just occurred. Without giving it another thought, she continued her trek back to the city walls, noticing the riders had taken the road around toward one of the main gates.
Her journey back to the keep went as smoothly as her journey out. She was quick to prepare for the evening, first visiting the women's bath, before returning to her chambers. Out of her modest selection of clothes, she choose a sunset red dress with divided elbow length sleeves that tied over the shoulder and arms, and a generous square neckline. The skirt was long and relatively loose, but also held a thigh-high split to aid with movement as was the current fashion.
And then with care, she slowly picked up her father's violin from its resting place. Running her fingertips over its smooth mahogany surface, she smiled at her father's creation. A knock on her door, broke her out of her reverie.
"Come in."
A servant entered, remaining respectfully in the doorway. Bowing her head, she spoke, "Lady Michiru, the Queen says to come whenever you are ready."
"Tell her I'll be right there." Michiru replied impassively, but she turned away to hide the smirk creeping up on her features. That was Serenity's way of telling her to come immediately.
The servant nodded her head at the dismissal, and left, closing the door gently behind her.
Michiru brought the violin up to her neck, and taking the bow, ran a few warm up cords across the strings. "Lady Michiru?" Really. Just five years ago she was nothing but a musician's daughter that was ladylike in behavior, but not in name where it mattered most. She played through a scale, and then launched into the beginning of the song that she had already chosen to play. Satisfied, she lowered the violin and bow, and forced herself to give just a spot check in her mirror before leaving her chambers without dwelling on any other thoughts.
The halls were mostly empty, evidence that the feast was underway. She made her way quickly to the new and opulent grand hall, where all feasts where held since its completion a mere six lunar cycles ago. She heard the noise and mirth echoing through the hallways as she approached. She passed by the kitchens, inhaling the food, and remembering she had only had a piece of fruit earlier than day. She put the thoughts aside, knowing she could eat after she played.
Michiru entered the grand hall through a side door as was her habit, near the kitchens' entrance. The hall was packed. Nobles and important individuals from Talrysc Kotyo and the representatives of the different, old city-states that were now apart of Serenity's court, crowded the three long tables. The main courses had been laid out and wine was pouring from every cup. Many were sampling the breads, fruits, vegetables, and a variation of cheeses. Servants darted in and out, refilling cups and fetching more food, or playing messengers between the people gathered.
Serenity, from the head of the middle and largest table, looked up and nodded as she entered. Michiru was aware of eyes following her as she made her way to Serenity, protectively holding the violin. Beside Serenity, to her left, was one empty seat, and to her right, was the back of a figure with short blonde hair in a finely tailored blue shirt with gold stitching along the collar and sleeves. Michiru took her position a few paces behind and to the left of the queen, waiting for her cue to begin.
Serenity turned in her seat to smile warmly at Michiru who returned it with a small smile of her own. The queen then stood, holding her wine glass, and the grand hall immediately quieted. As soon as silence reigned, she gestured toward Michiru with her right arm. That was all the introduction that was needed, and she raised her bow. With one mellow note to set the key, she launched into the song, which was a jaunty, cheerful melody that took the listener through a busy city market.
She played unaware of the eyes upon her, or the stillness in the grand hall and even the lack of noise issuing forth from the kitchens. Her own eyes closed, directing the song instinctively, weaving a complicated melody.
It was sudden; a light breeze brushing against her. It could not be real, not in this hall where the air was still. Yet she felt it nevertheless. Compelled again, just like she had experienced earlier by the river, her eyes opened and met bright green. The song wavered, unnoticed by the rest, a sixteenth note going sharp, but Michiru was a professional and quick to recover.
She finished the melody, and, as always, the applause was thunderous. Michiru smiled politely and bowed her head. For her, however, it was never about the applause and praise. The elation that she received from music and the smile that she received from Serenity was worth more than the acclamation of any.
A servant appeared at her side, one that she knew and trusted. With care, she placed the violin into his hands and supplied him with a nod of thanks. The servant hurried off, aware of his duties in accordance to the treatment of the prized instrument, while Michiru took the empty seat before her. It was another argument that Michiru lost to Serenity. She was aware of the many that were offended by the seat immediately next to the queen that was reserved for her alone.
"Excellent performance as always." Serenity said with radiating warmth and happiness radiating, and commanding her attention.
"Thank you." Michiru replied, reaching patiently for the food placed before her. Her hunger was suddenly prevalent, yet she selected small portions, maintaining the ever-present ladylike dignity that was of the utmost importance to her. Then suddenly, without anything else to distract her, she looked up and across.
She couldn't breath, but she could feel her heart almost painfully beating in her chest. There were the green eyes, intense and beautiful. But it was more than that; Michiru could feel the other's presence, a powerful, confident aura that was nonetheless underscored with warmth and playfulness.
"Yes…" The green-eyed stranger spoke, "That instrument and… your playing were beautiful. It was quite unlike anything I've ever heard before."
There was something more to those words. A sliver of a question? A hint of uncertainty?
Serenity laughed, obviously pleased. For once, she seemed not to be picking up on the atmosphere, a cautious curiosity between the two. Or perhaps she was aware of something presently beyond either of them. "Haruka of house Tenoh this is Michiru from the Kaioh family, my personal musician and friend."
So this was the Tenoh heir, Michiru reflected, the owner of the green eyes that compelled her attention. She was beautiful.
And there was something else there, beyond the green eyes and the aura. Something that caused the breeze on the road to react so curiously and the bit of wind that interrupted her song from nowhere. Something that echoed similarly in her own soul.
"Lady Michiru-" Haruka began seriously, but with interest etched into her features..
"Just Michiru, please."
Haruka nodded, and without hesitation continued, an intense stare directed upon her. "I hope we get to see much more of each other."
Fin Chapter
A/N: Time to unscramble the words! Here are the ones for this chapter.
- Suwdin G'nrih
- Onom
- Talrysc Kotyo
Think Sailor Moon for the second two, they're relatively easy. The last one is two words, but each of the letters are restricted to the word they're currently in. The first is hard, and I'll be really impressed if you get it. I give Soleil-Lune credit for coming up with it. A hint or two for the first one: it really is all mixed up (two words, but letters aren't restricted to the word they're currently in), and, more importantly, think elemental.
The prologue's anagrams, which most of you got were: Chaos, Earth, and Silver Millenium.
To preview for next chapter: We pay a visit to the current Talrysc Kotyo and get to meet up with nearly all the rest of the cast.
All reviews are, of course, appreciated!