A/N: Thank you everybody, for the warm support I've received thus far.
Major props to Soleil-Lune for beta-ing.
Revlis El'inmilnum
Chapter Two: Foreboding
"I can feel it you know. The sea doesn't even have to tell me. The winds are wild and dark…What are you doing?"
Though her voice was soft, it caught and echoed off the walls. She looked down into a hand mirror. The mirror was ancient and sublime. Its handle and frame tinted burnished gold. A willowy nymph that bent around the mirror in a sweeping curved line graced over the edge of its surface. Despite her willpower, its face remained a slate, not even issuing a reflection. It had been as such for a while.
Her own face remained impassive, a cool mask of elegance and beauty, but the sea responded to her worry. It receded deep around Triton, before rushing back to crash against its walls.
Smoothly, she tucked the mirror securely back into her belt and looked out over the sea. Her eyes ventured to the land in the distance, wishing, once again, to leave her oceanic prison.
Queen Serenity XI leaned back in her throne and regarded the weary man before her. The messenger was young, his clothes ripped and torn. Dirt and bloodstains clung to the material of his garments. He stood unsteadily on his feet, and though he kept his eyes downcast, she could feel the anguish pooled there.
"Rest now. Your journey has been long, and I know your sorrow must be deep. You have seen things that should only be reserved for nightmares, yet still you traversed as swiftly as you could in loyalty to your kingdom. Words are useless in expressing the thanks that you deserve. Please, if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
The man sank to his knees then, exhaustion and a sliver of relief winning out and reflecting in his voice. "T-Thank you, your majesty."
Serenity turned her head, finding one of her personal servants standing in the shadows of the throne room. Reaching out an arm, she beckoned to him. The servant approached quickly, climbing the few steps of the dais, and with a short routine bow, waited at the left arm of the throne.
"Take him to one of the guest rooms. Make sure he has food, water, and wine. Show him where the baths are, and get him some new clothes."
The servant nodded his head, and moved to assist the messenger. The Queen took a moment to consider the large throne room and its myriad of occupants from all different stations in life. Some of the people were illuminated with the sunlight that filtered in through the high windows. Others remained in the shadows cast by the marble white columns, and still others leaned against the walls where banners hung depicting the crescent of Revlis El'inmilnum.
The Queen stood just as the servant led the messenger out of the room via one of the backdoors. She smoothed out the front of her dress, a simple flowing design which matched her eyes, a brilliant silvery blue that inspired confidence and regality. The only sign of her age were the small crow's feet at the corners of her eyes. She brushed a strand of her unbound silver hair aside, and turned toward the two figures, a male and a female, waiting at the bottom of the dais, parallel to her throne. They both nodded simultaneously, but that was where the similarities ended.
He had long straight white hair and dark eyes. His face was handsome, although normally jovial, a slight frown graced his features currently. Tall, his stance was relaxed, and he wore his loose white shirt well. He carried no weapons, and the only adornment he had was a crescent necklace, the ancient symbol of Revlis El'inmilnum.
She stood more stiffly; a tenseness about her shoulders. Her dark hair curled around her face and tumbled down her back. Her worry was evident, her jaw clenched, and lavender eyes hard. Her dress was short (one of the current trends) and its yellow color contrasted nicely with her dark hair. Unlike the rest of the women gathered in the court, she wore no jewelry, but she needed none.
They stepped behind the Queen as she made the walk down the red stretch of carpet, keeping to the customary paces behind her in this orthodox setting. Nobles and servants alike bowed as she passed, officially ending the public court for the day by traditional standards. Two final servants bowed as they pass through the great doors of the throne room. As soon as all three had stepped through the doorframe and entered the main hallway of the palace, Serenity spoke.
"Honestly you two, walk with me, not behind me. You should know that by now."
Artemis smiled helplessly and exchanged a meaningful glance with Luna. They both caught the meaning of Serenity's short tone and her quickening pace. She was agitated, and more than that, she was worried.
"Of course, Serenity." Luna responded as both quickened their steps to match the queen's.
Silence prevailed as they made their way down the hallway until Serenity sighed suddenly, slowing her pace. She gave them a wan smile. "I apologize. That was uncalled for."
"It's okay. We know you didn't mean anything by it." Artemis said reassuringly from her left.
A glimmer of amusement played in her eyes. "I suppose we've been over it enough times, I know when to pick my battles with my citizens. And I don't think we'll ever be able to shake off such stifling traditions without giving any of the nobles or aristocrats a heart attack."
Artemis chuckled, running a hand through his white hair, while Luna gave an appreciative smile.
They turned and began climbing one of the grand staircases of the palace, earning respectful nods from some passing minor nobles and deeper bows from servants on the way. At the top of the staircase, they proceeded straight ahead, into the private wing of the palace, reserved for the royal family.
As per custom, two of the Asliro, identified by their black, lightweight armor with the royal crescent etched into the thin metal, waited at the entrance of the hallway. These elite warriors were the best of the best, and were always at constant vigilance. Each was proficient in some type of magic and in weaponry and considered to be the most dangerous fighters in Revlis El'inmilnum. They bowed as the queen passed, immediately resuming their stances.
Serenity took the first door on the left, opening it to reveal a large study. The color scheme was a comforting deep crimson. Full story windows bathed the room with the late afternoon sunlight. Serenity glided past the overstuff armchairs and lounges to the large windows that overlooked the palace gardens. Artemis chose a seat on one of the lounges, stretching out his long legs, casting his eyes on the queen. Luna ran a finger distractedly over a few of the books organized on the shelves built into the wall, seeing, but not reading the words inscribed on their spine. They waited, knowing Serenity would speak in a moment when she was ready.
"My daughter and her friends, outside enjoying the pleasant day." Serenity remarked offhandedly with a smile, her palm against the windowpane as she looked down at the figures in the garden. "What kind of kingdom will she inherit at this rate?"
Serenity moved away from the window and chose a seat opposite of Artemis. Meanwhile, Luna left the books and bent over a nearby desk, her attention directed on something placed there.
"This is the fourth and largest town destroyed in half a lunar cycle. I'm surprised that boy lived." Serenity murmured.
"Survival instincts." Artemis responded.
"At least with this attack, we can see that there is a definite pattern." Luna said, turning around and holding a map of Revlis El'inmilnum in her hand. She walked forward and placed it on the table between Serenity and Artemis. "There. It's a steady line down the coast."
"Pirates, maybe?" Artemis queried, sitting forward and looking down at the map.
"Not from what the boy said." Luna replied, "Too well-organized and too well-equipped. Plus they had mages. There are very few pirate mages."
"And there was that one wind mage, he said, with awesome power." Artemis recalled.
"But how much can we trust those words? No doubt his perspective with the world crashing down around him was a little distorted. Perhaps this mage is only a little stronger than normal."
"The winds of our kingdom have been skewed lately. Unsettled. Whatever the matter, they are not right. There's an ill wind sweeping through Revlis El'inmilnum and it worries me." Serenity said, her voice distant.
"Uranus has long guarded the skies of the kingdom." Artemis gave a slight smile, "Maybe she's taking a break?"
"Artemis," Luna scolded, "be serious!"
"I am being serious!" Artemis responded indignantly.
"My mother mentioned something to me about Uranus once. And Neptune." Serenity interrupted, eyes closed in recollection, "Something…The history behind them has long been forgotten, yet there was something about them…Something important. Something that was lost to her and to her mother and now to me."
Luna and Artemis watched her curiously as she blinked out of her reverie.
"Ah, never mind me." Serenity quickly changed the subject. "Can we predict where there might be the next attack?"
"Here, perhaps..." Luna tapped the map with a finger, "It's just a small fishing village though. They might pass over it."
"Do we send out an army?" Artemis asked.
"The chances of our forces catching up from this distance…" Luna trailed off.
"It'll take days, even if we send out the swiftest regiment. Yet, I can't just abandon my people either." Serenity said.
"There is also the chance that this is some sort of diversionary force, waiting for you to weaken the capital's defenses." Artemis added, looking troubled.
"What is their purpose, these attackers?" Serenity murmured, eyes lingering on the map. "There is nothing there of major importance. Our most prosperous port city is to the north, and all of our raw minerals are inland. The crop land there isn't even the best we have to offer."
"There must be something! Something that we are overlooking." Luna said, agitation apparent as she paced over to the window Serenity previously stood at. She looked out the window, arms crossed.
"Unless they just want to destroy." Artemis replied in the silence that followed.
"We need to find out who 'they' is." Serenity answered, her voice calm.
"The boy said he didn't see any sort of insignia, nor any distinguishing figures up close." Artemis reminded.
"None of this makes sense. We have more than enough power to take on any threat nearby. We have the best generals and some of the strongest mages in this land." Luna said looking over from her position by the window. "There is no way-"
Serenity held up a hand, interrupting her. She smiled slightly, to put her advisor at ease. "That's enough Luna, I understand. Schedule a meeting with Areth's ambassador first thing tomorrow morning."
Artemis looked up sharply, "You don't think…"
"I don't know. I just want to talk to him, see if he seems to know anything."
"Areth would be fools to move against us. Sure they have expanded both north and west and their army is formidable, but their mage power…" Luna said.
"Is laughable." Artemis supplied.
"Yes, you don't have to remind me. But, Luna, go ahead and schedule the meeting. I shouldn't have to remind you of the one time I met with the king of Areth. He was a man of certain devious ambition. And Artemis, set up a meeting with my generals before lunch. We'll decide officially what to do there."
Serenity stood, while Artemis immediately reciprocated this action in a sign of respect. Luna walked over from the window, pausing at an armchair.
"I'll be in the library this evening. Can one of you have my dinner sent there?" Serenity asked.
"What are you searching for in the library?" Luna asked.
"I'll let you know if I find it." Serenity responded in a clear dismissal. She began to move to the door of the study.
"Of course, Serenity."
The queen turned back, hand on the door handle. She smiled, looking at her two advisors. "Tell my daughter where I am if she asks."
A girl in the loose grey robes reserved for the everyday-wear for the palace scholars sat underneath the large tree. Its canopy cast plenty of shade over her and the large book in her hands. Her head was bent over the book, and her blue hair, cut short as it was, did not impede her task. Ami was barely aware of turning the page with a pale hand. Her deep blue eyes were intent on the words and the meaning gathered there, quickly adding more knowledge to the vast amounts she already possessed.
She failed to notice the figure looming over her, focused as she was solely upon her intellectual pursuit. She did notice when the figure bent down over her shoulder and gently closed the book in front of her.
"Ami, it's the only day out of the lunar cycle in which none of us have had any training or tutoring, don't read."
Ami was very familiar with that voice and presence. She turned her head as the tall figure was straightening up, her eyes meeting the familiar face with chestnut hair and forest green eyes.
"Makoto, I like reading." Ami reminded with a small smile.
Makoto raised her arms and her hands caught a branch of the tree just above her head. Her shirt cropped up, revealing a sliver of toned stomach. She rested the weight of her lean frame against the branch, looking down at Ami expectantly.
"I hope you like me more." Makoto teased.
Ami blushed, eyes darting to the ground. Makoto smiled at the endearing gesture, and reached a hand out. Ami looked back up meeting the taller girl's eyes and accepted the help to her feet, leaving her book behind on the grassy floor.
Makoto let the tree branch go, but kept Ami's hand in her own, pulling her closer. She kissed the smaller girl, slightly disappointed but understanding when Ami pulled back.
"Not here Makoto." Ami said in a hushed whisper, never one for public displays of affection, but she kept a tight grip on Makoto's hand. "We're in the palace gardens! Anyone could be watching."
Makoto's eyes caught something in her peripheral vision and she smiled again. "Like our friends?"
Ami smiled and blushed. "Yes."
"Makoto!" The yell was sudden, breaking the peace of the gardens and sending a few birds angrily chirping into the sky. "We told you to get Ami! Not kiss her!"
Makoto rolled her eyes and Ami could only smile at the exasperated amusement she found on the other girl's face.
"It's okay. I do like you more." Ami said softly.
Makoto smiled and bent down to pickup the book with her free hand. Hands still clasped, and the book under Makoto's arm, they began the short walk across the grass to where their three other friends were gathered.
The palace gardens were extensive, especially for having its land framed inside a city as large as Talrysc Kotyo, and extended south from the main palace building. Its vast perimeter was fenced with thick stone walls that were patrolled only lightly. Flowers of all types were grown and carefully manicured in certain areas. Other parts were laid out just for the careful cultivation of trees, many of which had been there since the founding of the kingdom. And still more areas were composed of winding paths and ever green grassy lawns that were made for frequent traversing. Along with the numerous regular garden staff were earth mages, hired to help maintain the eternal green of trees and bloom of the flowers.
Presently, the small group was a little off the normal path, in a section that curved around the royal family's wing of the palace and was guarded by wild hedges. It was just enough off the normal path to generally give them some privacy without having to delve deeper into the gardens. And here, there were just enough trees to provide sufficient shade, just enough flowers to add a taste of naturalistic radiance, and plenty of soft green grass to run about on. In the middle of this there was a clear pond that was fed water from the numerous brooks that winded through the garden. Across the pond, they generally could see others moving about one of the main sections of the gardens, but it was was enough to give them a haven inside of the bustling palace.
Sitting at the edge of the pond, were three striking girls. One of the blondes, with long unbound hair, was animatedly telling a story. She was wearing a simple, yet finely tailored off-the-shoulder green dress that brought out the blue of her eyes. Another girl, this one with dark hair and eyes, listened intently, a slight smile playing at her face. She was dressed in a sand-colored tunic highlighted with red, belted at the waist, and leggings, also simple, but perfect for a relaxed day such as this one. Her eyes darted between her two companions, but rested longer on the final girl. This one also had blonde hair, but it was pulled back into two buns at the top of her head that truthfully, only her family could pull off. Even in her unassuming pale blue dress, she caught attention and trust. There was something about her as she listened to the story with a wide amused grin that was both innocent and mature.
Ami let go of Makoto's hand, choosing to take a seat, while the taller girl stood behind them, arms crossed. She looked imposing, but her tone was lighthearted. "Minako, the yelling was unnecessary."
The girl with long unbound blonde hair raised her arms in a stretch before falling backwards onto the grass, looking up at Makoto. "You were taking too long."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Last I heard you were ninth in line for the throne. I don't think people will be obeying your every whim anytime soon."
The dark-haired girl reached over and poked the other blonde in the arm. "But people will eventually be listening to everything buns-head rabbit has to say…the horror."
"Rei!" The girl nearly growled, batting at the offending hand and sticking her tongue out.
"Usagi!" Rei responded, retaliating with the same childish act.
The other three could only stare for a moment as the girl who was often the most mature and sullen of them fought with the girl who would eventually be Serenity XII. They tried not to dwell on these details for fear of the future even if these juvenile quarrels were common.
"Okay! That's enough! No fighting on our day off either!" Minako finally interrupted, getting between the two and pushing them apart. She stood up as the other two relaxed, hands on her hips, surveying her friends. "We need to do something to celebrate!"
At that, the rest either sighed or groaned. Makoto sank to the ground beside Ami who popped open her book. Usagi's hand rubbed the back at her neck, unwilling to shoot down her distant cousin, while Rei glowered.
"Last time we celebrated with your idea, we all had to scrub the floors for a week. And that was on top of the extra training and tutoring." Rei said, pulling Minako down beside her.
"But we did have fun, didn't we? Sneaking out on the festival day and enjoying the street party with the rest of Talrysc Kotyo! No one recognized us or even Usagi at all!" Minako said wistfully, getting caught up in the memory.
"Yeah, it was all fun until we got back." Makoto responded leaning back to lie on the grass.
"I still have never had my mother so angry at me." Usagi added. "And having the queen that angry at you is never a good thing."
"I don't know if I would really want to celebrate right now anyway." Ami said softly, eyes darting to the side.
"Hmm? Ami, what's wrong?" Makoto urged sitting up on her elbows, concern etched on her face.
Ami bit her lip, looking briefly at Makoto and then at the others before looking back down.
"Ami?" Makoto sat up fully, and reached out her hand, laying it on top of Ami's.
"It's the wind, isn't it Ami?" Usagi suddenly said. "It's tainted…"
Ami looked up, eyes wide. "I didn't know for sure, but all the other scholars have been talking about it, that something was not right in the kingdom. I've felt it too. Maybe just a resonance of some sort, but something is wrong."
"Foreboding…menacing…sinister…" Rei murmured. She held the palm of her hand open in front of her. Without any visible sign from her, a single flame appeared in her palm. The edges blue, the fire flitted and flickered, almost alive.
"Rei..." Minako said concernedly.
Rei's dark eyes were cast at Minako only momentarily before they rested on Usagi. She closed the palm of her hand, the flame extinguishing and spoke in low tones. "That's all I've gotten from the fire the past few days. It's only grown worse each lunar rise."
Silence fell in the group, and only the hum of palace life could be heard. Makoto's eyes went across the pond to a gardener, carefully examining a bed of indistinguishable flowers, but her attention returned to Ami as she felt the grip on her hand tighten.
"Let's forget about it for now and just relax and enjoy our day off." Ami said, setting her book aside with her free hand.
Minako brightened up visibly, immediately picking up the chance to change topics. "Finally, we're getting through to her! Ami has shut her book!"
The others laughed in response. It sounded unnatural to all of them.
The forced cheeriness deflated from Minako and this time the silence that followed was strained and awkward, a rare event for them.
"Hey, everyone, promise me something?" Usagi asked suddenly.
"Anything Usagi." Rei answered.
"That no matter what happens…we'll always be friends. But don't ever let me hold you back, and don't ever put your life down for mine." There was an infliction of passion to her voice and power behind her words despite her awkward fumbling speech. It struck her as ageless in that moment like a true Queen Serenity, instead of the seventeen year old princess that she was.
Before any of them could answer their princess, they could hear and feel that someone was quickly approaching their location. They all turned their heads and found a tall dark-haired young man striding rapidly across the green lawn. He was dressed in the off-duty uniform of the Asliro, a leather jerkin over a light shirt and thickly woven pants tucked into his boots. The hilt of the sword at his waist was tied with a white ribbon, an ancient custom to further signify he was off-duty and would not draw his sword in the palace.
Usagi leapt to her feet at the sight of him, the others gradually following suit with less enthusiasm. Rei was the last to stand, her expression impassive.
"Mamoru! What are you doing here?" Usagi exclaimed.
"Hello princess, my ladies." He stopped in front of them, bowing at the waist.
"Don't you have practice and drills right now Mamoru?" Minako asked curiously.
"Oh, I finished early Lady Minako."
"Impressive as always Mamoru." Rei said somewhat coolly.
"Thank you." He nodded, long use to the way she regarded him.
Makoto gave an easy grin, "We need to spar again Mamoru. It's been awhile since last time."
"I don't know if I'll be able to beat any of you any more. Word has gotten around recently that each of you has surpassed the greatest of mages in your respective magics."
"Eh?!" Usagi gaped, turning dramatically to look at each of them. "Rei! Is this true? Ami? Makoto? Minako? I know you're talented, but I didn't know you were that good! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Usagi, it doesn't matter, does it? We're your friends, but we're also your protectors." Ami said kindly, ever voice of reason.
"Of course. I never meant-"
Rei smiled warmly as she interrupted Usagi, an expression that Mamoru rarely saw from her. "Always over-reacting, our princess."
Usagi blushed, smiling bashfully and bowing her head.
"Did you have a reason for coming out here Mamoru?" Rei asked, immediately impassive and cool again.
"Ah, yes." Mamoru's face hardened. "There's been another attack. A messenger came just a while ago."
That drew all their attention and Usagi immediately sobered. "Is…Was it bad?"
"Yes." Mamoru responded gravely. "The messenger was perhaps the only survivor."
"Why? Who are they and what are they after?" Makoto seethed. A cackle of electricity sparked over her hands, which were clenched at her side.
"Are they still heading down the coast?" Minako asked. Her demeanor was completely serious and all traces of previous joviality, forced or otherwise, were gone.
"Yes." Mamoru responded, "Whatever this is, whoever is causing it-"
Usagi turned, blocking out the rest of the conversation. She looked up to the window that she knew was her mother's study. The wind caught her as it blew across the garden and she shivered. "What are you going to do mother? I don't know what I would do…"
She started as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She whirled, taking a step back.
"Easy princess." Mamoru said softly, kindly. "We're all heading back into the palace."
She looked past him to see her friends waiting. Minako, her distant cousin, so alike her with long blonde hair and blue eyes, yet her normal cheerfulness and flightiness abated and her face showcasing a determination and composure that Usagi felt she still lacked. Ami, standing close to Makoto, had her book clutched to her chest, blue eyes peering at her with worry, but there was no sign of her usual shyness. Makoto, brown tendrils of hair brushing her face in the wind, always strong and independent, displayed no less, despite the concern hiding in her eyes. And Rei. Caring, teasing Rei. The Rei that annoyed her and comforted her. Her dark eyes slid past Mamoru and rested on her, questioning, fretting, and…something…
"Yes…" Usagi answered slowly. "The wind has turned cold and gray…"
Fin Chapter
A/N: Anagram time! …I think we only have one this chapter and I believe it's fairly easy.
-Asliro
As for last chapter's, the unscrambled words are: Rushing Wind, Moon, Crystal Tokyo
So we're now at the end of the second chapter of the story…and almost all the characters have been introduced. I can only hope I've caught your interest.
To preview for next chapter: A reunion, some happiness, and some history.
As always, all reviews are appreciated!