Sunlight filters through the lush canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Though Endymion and Usagi walk in companionable silence, he swears he can hear her eyes tracing over everything they walk past. Her eyes move constantly, taking in the world around them, but Endymion finds his eyes only stray to her, captivated by her innocence and beauty. Usagi's hand reaches out, touching a delicate flower as they continue along their path. Although curious about the forest around them, Endymion can still see the caution and fear that hides behind her eyes.
An hour has passed, and the only sounds between them are the chirping of the birds and the leaves rustling in the slight breeze. When they round the path, they come across a small river. Usagi's eyes light up with excitement and dart back to Endymion's, making sure there is no danger. When he gives her a slight smile she steps close to the water's edge, bending her knees to dip her hand in the cool stream. The thought that this was the first time she had seen natural running water pulled the corners of his mouth back down. Endymion takes a moment, carefully considering his words, not wanting to spook Usagi or get attacked again.
"You must be in great danger for your mother to have kept you in that tower." He pauses before adding, "It would be easier for me to keep you safe on our journey if I knew why you need protecting." It also wouldn't hurt that it would appease his curiosity. Usagi slowly pulls her hand out of the water, wringing it dry in her skirt before answering without looking at him. Endymion regrets his words altogether as he sees the excitement dimming from her, her shoulders slightly curving in on herself, her head bowed watching her fingers wringing together.
Eventually, she replies. "The less you know about me, the easier it will be for you to forget we ever met."
Endymion's frown deepens. He has a feeling that even in his short time of knowing her, he would not soon forget this strange beauty. He looks at her a moment longer, watching that glimmer of longing and resignation of being alone that seems to have settled in her soul after being isolated for so long. He moves to stand next to her, looking down into the river and seeing the glimmer of fish swimming along the current.
"You know, growing up I had a lot of expectations placed on me by my family." She glances at him from the side of her eyes as he continues. "It took me a long time to learn that the only expectations that I could live up to, that I could be happy with, were the ones I set for myself. I'm sure your mother is doing the best she can, but maybe there is a better way."
Usagi crosses her arms, face set, determination filling her tone. "You don't know what you are talking about."
Mamoru responds, "You're right, I don't. You haven't explained anything about your situation which means I can't help you." She turns her face away from him again, shoulders tensing. "Look, you don't have to open up to me, but just think about what you want, and what is best for you because only you can answer that for yourself. Then maybe, if you feel like you can trust me, I can help you to make that happen." Usagi continued to stare at the water for a long moment before releasing the tension in her shoulders.
"You know, I never really considered a life beyond my home." Endymion keeps his eyes locked on her profile as she continues, "The only thing I've ever really wanted that was beyond my tower was to see the lights up close. But, now that I'm here, now that I'm seeing what the world can offer, can I go back to how it was before?" Her eyes find his, looking at him like she wants to see the answer to all of life's questions in their depths. He watches her, sensing a lingering ache for companionship, for a person she can share all of her deepest thoughts and desires with. He smiles at her, the kindness in his eyes also makes her smile.
His hand brushes hers as he answers, "How about we deal with the next few days, and see how you feel then? If you don't want to return to your home, I will help you go wherever you want." Usagi gives him a smile that is so full of life and warmth that once again Endymion can't help but think, 'How would anyone ever be able to forget this woman.'
True to his word, they came across a cottage nestled deep within the woods right before the sun was to go down. The house is amidst a grove of ancient towering trees, its exterior constructed from timeworn moss-covered stone and weathered wooden beams. Soft ivy gracefully cascades down the walls, intertwining with delicate wildflowers. In the front, tending to an herb garden, Endymion spots Makoto, a dear friend of his sister. Hearing their approach she stands, wiping the dirt from her hand onto the apron tied around her waist. Standing just below Endymion's nose and towering over Usagi is the young woman who embodies a combination of strength and femininity. Waves of chestnut hair, pulled in a high ponytail, leaving wisps stuck to her warm and resilient face currently covered with a light sheen of sweat. When she spots the prince she races towards him, enveloping him in a hug that almost lifts him off of the ground. Luna peaks around Usagi's leg, studying the brunette Amazon before making her way over.
"Mamoru!" She exclaims, "It's been way too long!" Luna sits at her feet, meowing until she receives the attention she desires. Makoto looks down and smiles, happy to indulge the cat by scratching her under the chin. "And you brought a new friend" She chuckles before her eyes land on Usagi and they widen. She looks back over to Mamoru, raising one eyebrow in question, "You brought two new friends". Endymion blushes as he recalls all the times his sister and her friends had needled him, trying to find out his type to try to set him up. Not knowing that he was the future king and his marriage would most likely be the result of a treaty like his parents.
"Usagi," Endymion says as he clears his throat, "this is my dear friend Makoto. Makoto, this is Usagi. I will be escorting her to watch Serenity's tears tomorrow so we will both need a place to spend the night, if that's alright." Makoto winked at Endymion before wrapping Usagi in a hug so quickly it was over before she even knew what was happening.
"Of course!" Makoto responds. "You know you are always welcome here!" She steps back over to the garden, picking up a basket of fresh herbs as she goes and gestures to them to follow her inside. "I hope you're hungry. I'm just about to start dinner, and we always have extra."
Endymion remembers the first time he was at this cottage as a young teenage boy. His father had just told him that he had a half-sister. Endymion knew his father didn't love his mother romantically, but it was still a shock to learn he had a secret family who had no idea who his father was. The king allowed Endymion to meet them on the condition he never told them this secret.
Rei's mother has since passed, but the girls had all practically lived there since they were young. He hadn't been deprived of affection, but as a prince, there was always an air of formality so he was not prepared for the warmth and familiarity that immediately enveloped him. Usagi, having only Luna and her mother for company may not be ready for what was about to happen. He steps into the doorway and reaches his hand to her, hoping to ground and comfort her in this new setting. Endymion watches her consider his extended hand briefly before ignoring it and walking inside.
Inside, the open-plan living space is opened to the rafters, showing off the intricate woodwork that supports the home. The early evening sunlight streams through a stained glass window, casting a colorful pattern upon the wooden floor. The room is adorned with plush, comfortable furniture. In the corner of the room, next to a tall bookshelf stuffed full of all sizes of books, a soft, embroidered throw drapes over the back of a well-worn armchair occupied by another of the girls.
Ami looks up from her book, pushing her glasses up her nose, and smiles widely when she sees Endymion enter behind Usagi. She lifts her graceful body from the chair and starts to walk over, her chin-length blue hair framing her face. Nearby, Minako stands next to the cracking fireplace that fills the space with a gentle warmth and an aroma of burning wood. Sparkling sapphire eyes crease with joy upon seeing their guests. Long cascades of golden hair flow behind her as she runs to greet them.
As they are greeted and moved into the kitchen area, Endymion notices with delight that Usagi blends seamlessly in with the girls. As they walk into the kitchen, Usagi is entranced by the array of herbs and spices that line the windowsill, filling the air with their fragrant bouquet. Mokoto and Usagi quickly begin discussing cooking and the uses of the different spices. Usagi picks up spice after spice, explaining to Makoto how she has only ever read about some of them, never actually having had a chance to use any of them herself. Minako sits on a stool by the counter, nibbling on their ingredients, sharing with Luna who has found a new spot in Mina's lap, as Usagi and Makoto work together cooking dinner.
Ami walks over to Endymion, who is nursing a drink poured by Minako, watching with an amused smile on his face. "She is something special," Ami says as she glances back at the scene in the kitchen. "Where did you find her?"
Endymion considers his answer as he watches Usagi laughing at a story Minako is telling, her arms flailing wildly. He shouldn't have worried about Usagi, even growing up isolated she was a natural people person. As he feels Ami's stare on him, he says "It's a long story." After downing the rest of his drink he places the glass on a nearby table and then turns to Ami. Now that Usagi was settled, it was time. "Where's Rei?" He asks.
"She's been taken to meditating in the back garden at sunset. She should still be back there." In the back of the cottage is a garden filled with vibrant flowers, meandering paths, and a small trickling stream that winds its way through the foliage. Where the paths join together is a stone bench, and on top of that sits Rei.
Rei had always resembled Endymion, with her ebony black hair, but she took after her mother more. She has her mother's deep amethyst eyes, like the depths of an alluring enchantment, that hold a fire that burns with intensity and determination. Those eyes turn to him now, worry drowning out her usual flame. "How is he?" she asks him as he approaches.
Yes, when they first met she did not know the truth, but his father had underestimated how curious and resourceful she was. By Endymion's third visit, she had already learned the truth, confronting him and his father. They all agreed to keep the secret from her friends, but Endymion always wondered how much they knew. He sits next to her, and they watch the sunset together. He lets out a long breath before he answers her.
"It's not good Rei, the doctors aren't sure he'll make it through the week." Rei's hand clench at her sides as he pulls the satchel up and hands her the letter from their father.