A/N: Salutations all, well I didn't expect this to happen but…with great inspiration from my two favorite authors Anti-Broadcast and Jota, I've decided to give my previous fanfic Voices Past Present a sequel. What much further can I build from the original? Well I've decided to expand in this world so I hope it'll surpass the life I gave from the previous title and I especially must thank Anti-Broadcast for giving me the drive to continue this world. Please by all means give her and Jota a read of their fanfics, they're amazing and wonderful! Without further ado, I present to everyone-
Finding a Voice
-Chapter 1-
The Calling
"Kirameku sanrei waki-dasu tsumetai mizu wa
Shiratsu matotta kiyorana mori ni shimi-iru
Kidaki sugatade sakihokoru sono hana no
Yose-au hana-bira usumurasaki ni kagayakite
Fukisusabu kaze ni sae mukuno hitomi wa kesenai
Hikari ga atsumaru yasashi kozue no moto de
Osanai kokoro ni fushigina chikara yadorite
Yutaka ni sosoida hotaru no kawa no nagare ni
Dakarete nemureba harukana omokage izuko."
A voice fading away into darkness, into an unknown abyss of time and space. The soft yet gentle toned voice traversed across the unknown world flowing like an endless stream. Where did it come from? Was the voice calling for someone? It continued to fade away into the darkness, softer and softer the voice became. The endless darkness seemed forever, was there an end? A beginning? Where did it seem to travel? It continued traversing through the dark space, its gentle harmony passing by with an unknown destination. The words echoed across, no end in sight.
A pair of eyes squinted, the sound of groaning became audible, a sound of something being pulled, restless but slowly waking up to life. The eyes opened with breathing sounds deep and clear following along. Despite the small blurred vision, the eyes slowly focused before them, looking up at a beautiful painted starlit night painting with a clear veil protruding at the edges. The eyes began moving up angling themselves spotting a red silk comforter before them. A yawn can be heard as a young woman found herself stretching her arms as far as they would allow themselves, stretching her fingers as far as they can stretch, gently clenching fists. She found her hands brushing her soft black short silky hair back with a few strands sticking out.
She looked around the room from her canopy bed with her blue eyes. The small hints of light creeping through her red velvet curtain covered windows. She let out a relieving sigh; she gently shook her head with her eyes gently blinking. "Was it a dream?" she asked herself in a melodious soft voice. Her legs raised themselves from underneath her heavy comforter, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around her knees, laying her head on her knees. It felt relaxing to her while giving thought of the dream she just had.
"That voice…why…does it sound familiar?"
The young lady closed her eyes, hearing her own breath, while pressing her lips together. She let out another sigh as she opened her eyes and raised her head looking around her room. Her decorated room filled with many plants in each corner and on her night stands. A beautifully white floral décor walls with a beautiful marble flooring giving a refreshing aura fit for the young lady. On her right beside her night stand stood a large silver edged mirror next to a tall oak carved dresser. In the middle of her room a beautiful small oak table and chair set with a small pot containing a generous sized wisteria centered on the table. Past the table stood a large painting of a castle by a lake, with a large sword like structure in the center of four large arch like towers.
The young lady looked at the painting, it helped ease her thoughts of her recent dream, she let out a small smile.
The door creaked open as she heard a pair of footsteps, one thumping from the sound of boots, the other light clicking connecting to the marble flooring. The door closed, the woman turned her head to the source of the sound as two maids approached her wearing their blue one piece dress with a white apron donning front, with one maid wearing a pair of glasses with her short black hair, soft blue gentle eyes and a beautiful crystal necklace hanging from her neck. The other with a rat like face and brown short hair flowing with her ears piercing through with a pair of marble green eyes. The two stood before the young woman as they curtseyed to her.
"Good morning Your Highness." They greeted her with a smile. She smiled back.
"Good Morning Nadine, Good Morning Mei." She said happily.
"Have you slept well?" Nadine asked. The young woman nodded. "I…I have…is mother alright?"
The maids nodded. "Your mother is quite well this morning; it's been almost three weeks since her last traumatic flashback." Mei said in a chipper tone.
"I'm glad to hear that…is…papa up as well?"
"He's…well you know how he's not much of a morning person." Nadine teased. The young woman chuckled. "That sounds like him alright, do you think mother and I need to…you know…do our usual routine?"
The maids chuckled.
"Even though you're older?" Nadine teased again. The woman shook her head. "I never grew tired of flicking his nose."
"Some things never change do they?" Mei asked. The woman smiled. "Nay…I wouldn't ever dream of having it change. I've the best life I could ever ask for, two loving parents, and a large extended and caring family."
The maids smiled.
"Shall we prepare you for morning meal?" Nadine asked. The woman nodded, she pulled the sheets away from her lower half of her body. She slid her legs over the side of her bed, pushing herself off as her feet landed on top of her white slippers beside her bed. The bedsheets started being dragged along slowly uncovering a brown furred tail with a tiny sky blue bow wrapped near the tip. The two maids walked to the oak wardrobe as the young woman stood up and watched the maids, Mei opened the drawer revealing the young woman's assortment of clothes.
"What shall it be today Your Highness?" Nadine asked as the two maids looked over their shoulders to the young princess. "Hmm…I would love Auntie's clothing for today." She replied smiling.
"Tis never a style that gets old." Mei complimented. The princess chuckled. "I agree Auntie Mikoto has been so kind to make remake my favorite outfit as I grew taller."
The maids smiled and pulled out an assortment of layers of clothing. They walked towards the princess with the many layers in their hand of her choice of clothing for the day. "Shall we?" Nadine asked. The princess nodded. The two maids laid her clothes on her bed; one gentle pink blouse with fluffed sleeves, a large one piece tunic with three stripe flowing down the center with an ocean blue, mint green, and light red colors, and a large light blue unwrapped obi. They directed their attention to her as she spread her arms out. The maids began taking off the princess' white night gown.
"My name is Sarah til Tribal 1st. I am the daughter of Queen Garnet til Alexandros 17th and Zidane Tribal. Known by many as the heroes of Gaia who saved the world we live in from destruction…by my Uncle…named Kuja. I am the first from my papa's side to be born from a creation of genomes from a planet called Terra. My Auntie Mikoto was also created as well; she lives in Black Mage Village serving as a researcher to study the emotional aspects of life for the genomes. To learn that my papa and aunt were created, was certainly an eye opening experience for me. Never in my life one would ever think that their parent were created for a different purpose in their life, yet his heart was full of kindness and caring for the people he cared about. No doubt in my mind, he is the greatest papa in the world, he cares about me deeply the same way he cares about my mother.
I am fifteen years old living in a kingdom called Alexandria on the Mist Continent. I like to think, I have a normal life…growing up, my childhood did have a minor struggle with my mother suffering from an illness known as post-traumatic stress illness, an illness she suffered from her years of experiencing traumatic events that changed her life forever. She was born in Madain Sari, she is one of three last known summoners on Gaia. The other is my cousin Eiko and lastly…myself. Though I've not been taught the means and ways of the summoner but I know that it runs in my heritage of who I am. Thus also making me the first newborn summoner presently.
The village of Madain Sari was destroyed by the hands of a madman who created my papa, aunt, and uncle. Who in the process killed my biological grandparents, and destroyed my both of my mother's homes; Madain Sari and Alexandria; and allowed my Uncle to kill my adopted grandmother who raised my mother the most in her lifetime. Til this very day, she still suffers occasional flash backs of her past. However I and many of those who knew her closely helped her slowly overcome as best as she could. She no longer lets it hinder her life, she's living her life to her fullest the same way I was able to live mine growing up.
My maids Nadine and Mei, who I see every day, are part of my family. They too suffered the same illness my mother has; they both witnessed the destruction of Alexandria before their very eyes the night Bahamut caused havoc in Alexandria and then witnessed the Invincible destroying the kingdom. Nadine was the first to arrive at the palace, she and my mother did not start off well with one another, as my mother's illness caused Nadine to feel her unintentional emotional abuse to her, to which never did Nadine ever hold any ill will to my mother for she understood her pain. They reconciled their differences and worked together to help my mother curate this illness.
Mei whom came from Burmecia, was invited to move in with us, because after my mother heard Nadine's story of how she made her way back to Alexandria, felt bringing Mei would help Nadine overcome her illness too. Not only that but Mei was kind enough to offer my mother help in the process which has helped her curate her illness in a more stable condition whereas before, would occur more often. My mother may have wanted to rid of the illness but she was able to accept her fate of living with it and was able to stabilize the occurrence much more.
From all of this, I'm proud of my mother for handling her illness. Everyone who knows her cares for her deeply and I would not expect any less. We all banded together to help my mother…she means the world to me. I wouldn't want to ever lose her the same way she lost her biological parents and adopted mother; with the exception of her adopted father who passed away from an unknown illness when she was young. She and my papa mean everything to me in the world. I feel as if my life was a gift from everything I have. We're not exactly a traditional family yet what we have is the most wonderful feeling I could ever ask for.
Lastly my best friend in the world; who I've practically known since she was born. Rose Beatrix Steiner. She lives in the palace as well, growing up with her we pretty much know each other inside out; she has a gift of growing many plants that are now flourishing at the palace. Even my own room was decorated with plants galore, her mother Beatrix is the most revered General of Alexandria. Rose looks up to her dearly, at times I wonder if she too will follow her footsteps, then again I feel like her being a florist suits her calling more than being a soldier. I can't think of where I would be without Rose, she's practically my sister and we look out for one another.
I guess you can say my life isn't normal now is it? Although lately I've been having these dreams…dreaming of a white light and a woman singing a song that seems to not only bring me comfort…but…for some reason…I get the feeling she's calling to me. Somewhere…somewhere out in the world of Gaia. As if I need to be somewhere…"
"All done Your Highness."
Sarah looked over her shoulder as Mei and Nadine finished tying her obi into a bow. The two maids stood up as Sarah turned her body to her right seeing her reflection in mirror. She smiled happily, she turned her body left and right while keeping her eyes on the mirror, she twirled around feeling comfortable in her wardrobe for the day.
"Thank you very much you two. I love it." Sarah said as she turned to her maids behind her. The maids smiled.
"Do you remember what you use to say every time we finished dressing you for the day?" Nadine asked. Sarah chuckled. "How could I ever forget…am I pretty?" The princess smiled.
"You certainly are." Mei smiled while Nadine chuckled. "I'm amazed how much you've grown Your Highness. Certainly the most memorable moments were always dressing you up for the day. Full of energy, joy, and passion. I do miss those days. "
"Nadine." Sarah said sincerely as she smiled. "I miss those days as well, time has passed quickly. It's hard to imagine that…my sixteenth is around the corner."
Nadine nodded. "It must be quite exciting to know that you are about to become of age. Let alone must also be time to select a suitable future husband." Sarah tilted her head while lowering her eyes to the ground. "Uhm…I never really…spoke to mother of that topic…to be honest…"
"Why is that?" Mei asked curiously.
"Well…given papa and mother's circumstances…I don't feel really confident in following Alexandria's traditions…let alone, we're…you know…"
"Say no more." Nadine smiled as she placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. Sarah looked up to her maid. "I understand, you and your parents are not of royal descendants. Given your circumstances, there's really no reason why your parents would disapprove of your choice. Your parents will always support your decision no matter what it may be. Let alone your heart bears the decision on whom you wish to spend your life with. There is no reason to be afraid to speak the truth to them."
"Nadine is right Your Highness, only you may decide the fate of your future. I'm sure you recall the day your mother spoke the truth of who she was to all of Alexandria; you recall how they perceived her. She is still the ruler of this kingdom, so what if many nobles disapprove of her helming the throne. The people of Alexandria spoke for themselves."
Sarah looked to Mei; she could feel their assurance in her current state of mind. Her sixteenth birthday meant her time to helm the full responsibilities as the Princess of Alexandria. Unlike her mother's sixteenth birthday that led to her false kidnapping and adventure to save Gaia, Sarah knew her upcoming birthday would be the traditional birthday Alexandrian royalties. She knew her obligations require her best behavior; meeting with dignitaries, nobles, and her kingdom's people; partaking in dances, give speeches, and follow eating etiquette; which she never was one for as she was accustomed to casual dining with her family and friends.
"Mei…Nadine…thank you both so much for your words. They mean much to me to hear from you both."
Nadine removed her hand from the princess' shoulder taking a few steps back to stand beside Mei, they both bowed to the young princess. "Shall we escort you to the dining hall for morning meal with your parents?" Nadine said. Sarah nodded. "Of course."
"Before we do…aren't we forgetting something?" Nadine pointed towards the Silver Pendant on the night stand beside the bed as Sarah looked over. "Oh…I almost forgot hehe." Sarah walked towards her pendant, she picked it up, lowered her head slightly letting one hand lay the strap on her neck and with her other hand gently released the pendant as it rested against her tunic. She turned around and before she could get a step in. "And?" Mei pointed below her bed to her black flats. "Oh dear…that would've been embarrassing." Sarah scratched the back of her head. The maids chuckled as Sarah slid her feet out one at a time from her slippers and into her flats. She walked back to her maids standing before them.
"Did I forget anything else? I feel like I'm becoming like papa...forgetting little things here and there."
The maids chuckled softly and shook their heads. "Nay, you have everything you need. Please right this way Your Highness." Nadine said as she and Mei stepped aside extending their arms towards the door leaving Sarah's room. The princess smiled and started walking as the maids followed along.
The princess and maids entered the royal hall, with its high ceiling, marble flooring with a red with gold trim carpet in the center that lead to the Queen's chambers and towards the hallway leading to the throne. The two large circular pillars with their three soldiers with their giant shields and weapons dominated the area besides the Queen's chamber entrance.
She looked around the well-lit hall; she took in a deep breath embracing the calmness. She set forth towards the nearby double doors leading towards the hallway that lead to the balcony, the throne, maids quarters, Pluto Knights barracks and the landing area. As she continued walking she heard the sounds of something running in her direction. "Is…is that?" she heard several barking sounds echoing the hall as she stopped walking with her maids pausing as well.
"Zoe!?"
Appearing in a split moment from the doorway opposite of the Queen's chamber a large size black and white border collie appeared before the Princess' eyes as the animal rushed with excitement towards her. "ZOE!" Sarah dropped to her knees extending her arms as the dog nearly pounced the princess licking her face with her tail wagging fast. Sarah laughed happily as she wrapped her arms around dog. "Good morning Zoe! How's my doggie?" She said looking into her dog's brown eyes as it was panting. "You seem happy? Are you happy?" Zoe barked lightly as Sarah kissed the dog's forehead.
"Oh my, looks like she's in a very happy mood to see you, Your Highness." Nadine complimented with a smile. "Aww Zoe looks so adorable!" Mei added in.
"Zoe…sit!" Sarah commanded as Zoe pulled herself away and planted her hind flat on the marble floor looking up to Sarah still panting. "Now…speak." Zoe barked. "Good! Now…down." Zoe planted her fore body on the ground with her front legs resting in front. "Good girl!" Sarah kissed Zoe on the forehead and petted her body.
"So well-trained, you've certainly done well taking care of her Your Highness." Mei complimented as Sarah stood up and turned her attention to the maids. "Aww thank you Mei. Mother, Papa, and I did our best to train her. Right Zoe?" Sarah said as she looked over her shoulder towards her pet. Zoe barked in response as the group shared a laugh together.
"Shall we continue forth?" Nadine asked. Sarah turned her attention back to the maids. "Of course." She turned around and looked at Zoe. "Come on Zoe it's time for breakfast." Sarah said as Zoe raised herself. The group resumed their walk to the dining hall, they entered the stairway hall, following the red carpet to the second level of the palace and making their way to the main entry hall of the palace. As they entered the hall, Sarah walked towards the balcony resting her arms on top of the gold rodded railing staring at her family painting that overlooked the entire hall.
The newly hung oil painting replaced former Queen Brahne's portrait, inside its oak framed finishing featuring Garnet; with her short hair; Sarah; at her current age; Zidane and Zoe. Sarah sat gracefully on an oak framed with red cushion chair wearing her tunic with her body turned slightly towards her right and head turned towards her left as if she was looking towards anyone viewing the painting, her hands were resting on her lap with her legs crossed and her tail visible in front of her mother's dress with her sky blue ribbon attached. Garnet and Zidane were standing behind their daughter shoulder to shoulder with Garnet on the left and Zidane on the right. Garnet wore her white green ivory dress while Zidane wore his white under shirt with a short teal vest topped with leather accents at the shoulders and back, a lacy white jabot topped with a green ribbon tied bow, blue jodhpur pants, belts, light green gloves with large blue cuffs, and boots. The parents had their hands closest to Sarah laid on her back; during painting sessions Zidane held onto Garnet's hand; while their opposite hands were on their hips. Zoe with her body flat on the ground laid in front of Garnet just slightly close by Sarah's chair with her mouth open and tongue sticking out in a panting like motion. Garnet and Sarah shared an indistinguishable gentle smile that brought warmth to the painting while Zidane bore a grin many of their friends knew as his trademark, especially to Garnet and Sarah nonetheless.
The painting was praised by Alexandrians and guests from across Gaia; with the exception of a few grumbling nobles here and there; who visit the palace. The Queen had requested the family portrait demonstrate the family's true identity, which there was no disagreement from Zidane and Sarah. The princess smiled at the painting letting out a sincere sigh. "It's the most beautiful painting to ever grace the walls." Nadine complimented. Sarah nodded.
"I'm happy mother came up with the idea, anytime I happen to be nearby I always hear the wonderful feedback from visitors. Of course…the nobles from Treno…beg to differ. I honestly can't comprehend why they must be…passive aggressive with my mother and her choices."
"Some people just want livelihoods to stay a certain way…however this is Alexandria, your mother rules the land, not them. Try as they may try as they might, your people follow your mother. If anyone from Treno is going to sway your hand, they have much to prove their worth." Mei said as she gazed at the painting too.
"I agree with Mei as well, your mother has her heart in the right place, I know it must be a lot to think about before your birthday Your Highness…but remember, she cares about you more than her kingdom and outside influences. She only wants you to live the life you feel best suites your interest." Nadine said as she fixed her glasses.
The young princess looked over her shoulder to her maids as they smiled at her. Knowing her birthday was around the corner, she felt the pressure coming onto her like an airship preparing to lift off into the skies of Gaia. She knew the day was coming, she knew all eyes would be on her on the day of her birthday. The princess swallowed her breath.
"Would…you two still…stand beside me? If I decided…to…well…you know…" she gingerly spoke.
The maids nodded.
"I would never dream of leaving your side." Nadine smiled.
"Neither would I." Mei added in.
Sarah smiled.
"Thank you…both of you…I'm glad you'll still care about me."
"You know we're always willing to speak to you about anything Your Highness." Nadine said.
"No matter what." Mei added.
Zoe let out a gentle bark as everyone looked to her and laughed. "Zoe too." Sarah smiled as the dog started panting, she looked back up. "I'm sorry for dragging on, lets continue?" The maids nodded and Sarah took the lead to the left of the balcony's intersection as everyone followed her. They turned into the dining hall passing the entry way as she saw her mother, wearing a silk white ruffle blouse and orange long knee length skirt sitting at a small Versailles style with platinum finished round table with two additional seats for her and Zidane. Her mother took note of her entry and smiled while Sarah stopped just a few feet away from the table.
"Good morning sweetie." Garnet spoke in a pleased tone.
"Good morning mother." Her daughter responded with a smile.
"Good morning Your Majesty." The maids said as they curtseyed in unison.
"Good morning Nadine, good morning Mei." The Queen responded. Zoe started wagging her tail as she stared at the Queen and let out a bark. Garnet smiled. "And good morning Zoe." Sarah let out a silent chuckle. She approached her mother with Zoe following along. Garnet rose from her seat and approached her daughter as they embraced one another. They pulled apart as Zoe looked up watching the mother and daughter with her tail still wagging.
"How are you mother?"
"I'm well, thank you for asking, and you?"
"Hmm, not as tired as papa appears to be since he's not here yet."
Garnet chuckled. "He never was the morning person, after all the only time he would be is if something happened to me or you."
"Perhaps maybe we should have Zoe wake him up, like last time where he thought he was kissing you in his sleep." Garnet chuckled. "That was quite amusing to witness." Garnet looked to Zoe as she knelt down giving Zoe a massage behind the dog's flopped ears. "Zoe you're such a good little girl, perhaps you should be Zidane's wakeup call anytime we need him up right away." Garnet winked at the dog.
"Papa would certainly not enjoy that. He'd rather it be you instead mother." Sarah teased as she knelt down beginning to pet underneath Zoe's neck. "You're not wrong about that." Garnet stood up with Sarah following along. "Shall we?" Garnet asked as she extended her hand towards the table. Sarah nodded and walked to the table with her mother and Zoe following, the two sat down while Zoe laid on the ground next to Garnet looking up to her.
"Your Highness, is there anything else you need from us?" Nadine asked as her and Mei approached stopping beside the table. Sarah looked over her shoulder to the maids. "That will be all, in fact, why don't you both take the rest of the morning off?" Sarah smiled.
"Oh…are you certain?" Mei asked taken by surprise.
"Hmm! I'll clean my room today; I'm actually quite fond of taking care of it on my own."
"Oh…well…if that is your wish. Then we shall certainly honor your request." Nadine said.
"Thank you, may you both enjoy the rest of your morning." The young princess smiled.
"You as well Your Highness, enjoy your morning."
"Thank you very much Your Highness, may you and Your Majesty enjoy the rest of your morning as well." Mei added in. The maids curtseyed the family as they took their leave from the dining hall. Sarah turned her attention to her mother giving her an approving smile.
"Sarah…I'm very proud of you for taking on the responsibilities of your livelihood." The Queen said as Sarah let out a sincere smile. "I learned from everyone here mother…I don't wish to always be dependent when the time comes for me to…well…be able to care for myself and for others as well."
"Hmm…I'm just…" Sarah tilted her head as Garnet let out a relieving sigh as she stared deeply into her daughter's blue eyes.
"I'm just so amazed how much you've grown…no matter how old and big you become…you'll always be that carefree daughter I remember seeing running around the palace, full of joy, full of spirit, full of energy…I'm just amazed you're all grown up and responsible with your life."
"Mother..."
"I'm very proud of you sweetie…I now know in my heart that…I've done my best to raise you, despite my own hardships, you are who you are now…and I would never ask for anything to change."
Sarah wiped her eyes while letting out a small sniffle; she looked to her mother's brown eyes feeling her words sooth her mind. The years leading up to today made her feel accomplished with her outlook on life. With each year passing, Sarah grew more knowledge of the world around her. From the history of civilization of Gaia's past and present, to many cultural differences from each nation and villages on Gaia, to learning about her people in Alexandria, to bonding with her parents, and even her life style in the palace. Alexandrians praised Sarah's willingness to continue to learn more about the world inside and outside of Alexandria. While many praised her beauty taken after her mother, most of Alexandria was taken by her smarts. Many who lived outside of Alexandria saw Sarah for her beauty rather than her smarts in a similar fashion her mother was seen when she was the Princess of Alexandria.
"Thank you mother…I'm…I'm glad I made you proud." Sarah said feeling a bit flustered yet maintaining her grace. "You're welcome sweetie. All I've ever cared about was for you to live your life to the fullest. I'm grateful to have helped build your foundation."
"Hmm. I'm grateful for everything you've given me mother."
Garnet smiled.
"No matter what your future holds Sarah, I will always love and support you to the very end."
Sarah smiled.
"I would expect no less from you mother. I appreciate all that you've done for me."
"And I better get some of the love too angel!"
Sarah and Garnet looked over to the entrance of the dining hall with Zidane standing before them arms crossed and grinning with Allison behind smiling. Zoe's ears perked up and looked over to the genome. "Papa!" Sarah called out as she darted from her seat making a dash to Zidane with his arms opening out. She wrapped her arms around her father as he wrapped his around her. Zoe rushed towards the father and daughter wagging her tail while circling the two. "Good morning papa." Sarah said as Zidane pecked her cheek. "And good morning to you too Sarah." He said as they pulled away from each other, he then looked towards Zoe who was panting with her eyes on him. "And good morning to you too Zoe." He smiled as Zoe let out a bark.
"Good morning Your Majesty and good morning Your Highness." Allison spoke as she curtseyed. "Good morning Allison." Garnet replied as she waved to the maid.
"Good morning Allison, did it take longer to wake up papa?" Sarah teased.
"Sarah!" Zidane yelped as he looked at his daughter.
"Always, nothing I can't handle." The maid teased back. "Allison!" He turned to the maid as she chuckled with a hand covering her mouth.
"She's not wrong papa, after all…Zoe didn't have to wake you up this time." Sarah teased while kneeling down petting the dog's head.
"I swear…"
"I was almost half tempted to send Zoe to wake you up again although it wouldn't be fair if our daughter wasn't given a chance to wake you up the usual way." Garnet snickered lightly while covering her mouth with a hand.
Zidane hung his head. "Will I ever get any love around this household?"
"NO!" All the women yelled out together.
"Geez…." Zidane shrugged. Zoe barked. "Even the dog too…" he shook his head.
"Oh papa." Sarah stood up and laid a surprise peck on his cheek as he raised his head with a perplexed smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way with everyone here." He said happily as he kissed Sarah on the cheek.
"Will you be needing anything else Lord Zidane?" Allison smiled as Zidane turned around. "Nope, I'm good for now, thanks again for everything Allison." Zidane waved a hand.
"You're very welcome; please by all means call for me if you require anything else. May you and everyone enjoy your morning meal." Allison said as she curtseyed the family.
"You as well, see ya later!"
"Bye Allison." Sarah waved. "Have a wonderful morning Allison." Garnet waved along.
"Thank you all very much, may you all as well."
Allison turned toward the entry way and made her exit. Zidane turned to his family. "Shall we?" He asked his daughter as she nodded. The two and Zoe walked to the table, Sarah took her seat first as Zidane walked beside Garnet, he first knelt down to Zoe as she began wagging her tail, he patted her head. "Good girl." He said. He stood walking around Garnet's chair as she watched; he leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek as she blushed. "And good morning to the best looking lady in the room." He teased as Garnet chuckled softly. "Zid." She playfully slapped his chest almost tearing off his jabot. He laughed as he adjusted his jabot and brushed his head into her short black hair as she continued laughing playfully. "Zid!" She called out all while Sarah watched her parents enjoying themselves that left her smiling.
"You're too much Zid." Garnet said as she gently pushed him off. "Papa, you've been more jubilant lately." Sarah said as he took a seat next to her mother. "What can I say? I have your mother; I have an amazing daughter, a large extended family, and a pooch that's adorable. Life's been good and I'm embracing every minute of it." He smiled.
"I must agree much has become well recently, after all it's also in part thanks to you Zidane that the new airship port has become successful." Garnet said looking to him. He scratched the back of his head and let weakly smiled.
"Hey, that was all you, I'm not one to take the credit, you were the one who made it happen, I just spread the word about it needing help and well…people came of their own free well. I had nothing to do with it."
Garnet shook her head.
"I couldn't have done without you…I asked you to seek the help that was needed to build it…let alone it gave us the chance to relocate the Red Rose there, giving the palace more space to bring more scenery to it. Something I know you wanted also Sarah." Garnet turned to her daughter who let out a gentle chuckle.
"Mother…I was so young when I spoke of wanting another garden at the palace." Sarah said.
"And I wanted to bring one for you, along with letting Rose helm the renovation of the whole landing area. Her beautiful garden certainly compliments the palace even more, I'm grateful for all of her work bringing it to life. It's such a peaceful area now, with the water flow of the lake, to all the birds resting nearby, and it's calmness that it brings."
"I definitely love it, sometimes after long days of traveling around with the band on the Prima Vista, coming back here and taking refuge in that garden with your mother is definitely peaceful." Zidane said.
"Hmm…and when taking Zoe on her walks too." Garnet looked down to their family pet as she let her tongue out beginning to pant. Sarah smiled. "I'm grateful for the beautiful garden mother; you and Rose did such a wonderful job bringing it to life." Garnet looked up to her daughter and smiled.
"I'm certain Rose must hear your complimenting her workmanship much."
"There's never a day where I don't tell her, she'll never hear the end of it from me."
"She's got a huge gift for touch of being a florist, I wonder if Beatrix and Steiner will nurture that gift." Zidane said. Sarah looked to her father. "She has told me on some occasions that she's torn between that and following her mother's footsteps."
"Ahh, well if anything whatever choice she chooses, I know Beatrix and Steiner will support her no matter what."
Garnet looked to Zidane.
"Speaking of choices…"
Zidane looked to Garnet, then they turned their attention to Sarah who started feeling some butterflies in her stomach and she felt her eyes gently tense up.
"Sarah…I…I know we haven't spoken of…your upcoming birthday…" Sarah swallowed her throat and started playing with her hands on her lap and felt her tail tense up as she gazed at her mother who gave her what appeared to be a concerned look yet didn't feel like one in Sarah's mind.
"I…I know we haven't touched the subject of it yet but I'm certain you are aware of the meaning of your upcoming birthday."
Sarah nodded her head gingerly as she pressed her lips together while trying to keep her posture yet it felt like something was pressing down her shoulders.
"When…my sixteenth birthday came about, it wasn't…the royal family tradition that our adopted family is accustomed to. Given the fact that your adopted grandfather passed away and grandmother was under the influence of your uncle…I did not follow the tradition of finding a suitable husband to take my hand as their future bride to be when my birthday came about. I know that…you've more than likely have read about it."
Sarah slowly nodded her head while she continued to play with her hands.
"Mother…I…I have read from my lessons…in regards to our adopted home's traditions…I've…I've been nervous to speak with you and papa about it…"
The parents nodded as they could see their daughter's nervous expression. Sarah learned of sixteenth birthday tradition for the princesses of Alexandria, it meant she would be required to seek a suitable husband to be at her side when ascending to the throne to continue the lineage of the royal family. Fully aware of her current heritage, she felt conflicted whether or not to continue the traditions, knowing in the eyes of Alexandria and influences outside of kingdom, her decision will change her life forever. In her own views she wanted to continue to please her mother while at the same time she did not feel the desire to go through with the tradition.
"I just...I just…" Sarah's voice drifted away, she tenderly lowered her head looking at her motionless hands on her lap. Her feelings torn and her mind struggling to find the right words to speak. She wondered if what she said next would be met with displeasure.
"Sarah."
She looked up to her father who called for her.
"I'll be honest with you, as your papa, I will do anything to take care of you, to love you, to look out for you, and give you any advice you need about the world around you. I may not know all the answers but if there's one thing that's true, it's anytime I talk to you about what I want from you. It's because I want you to succeed in your life, I want you to live your life at its best; I want you to be strong, smart, and resourceful. Watching you grow up was the best part of my life, raising you with your mother, was the greatest feeling I've ever had. You stand before us, strong minded, well knowledge, beautiful, and most of all, true to your heart."
Garnet looked to Zidane. "Your papa's right." Sarah looked to her mother as she turned her attention towards her. "Sarah…I know it's a lot to take in, I know that we never really took the time to speak about this matter. It's…no excuse for myself and your papa to have pushed it off this long. Yet…I was torn as well since I know you are capable of making the right decision for yourself. I did not wish to bestow more pressure on you, I know you're smart and are aware of the severity of this decision, how it will perceive outside these walls."
Sarah adjusted her eyes keeping her parents in her field of vision. Some part of her felt a small sense of relief, at the same she kept wondering about making the right choice in the topic at hand.
"And Sarah…no matter what you decide in this world. Never forget, I am your mother, I love you dearly, and I will always support you, nothing will ever change that. I'm very proud of you and I'm proud of what you have become. I assure you, whether you decide to accept someone's hand or not, your papa and I support your decision no matter what."
"And that's no lie angel, I'm not really all for…formalities and all that mumbo jumbo but your mother and I love and support your decision. Nothing on this planet will ever change how we feel about you. I promise you that your mother and I did speak about this beforehand and we both agreed that, this is your decision and yours alone. Don't let anyone at your birthday mislead you, let your heart decide. If there's no one there then so be it, no big deal. Life will move on and maybe somewhere further down the line you'll find someone else." Zidane said wholeheartedly.
The parents smiled at their daughter, Sarah let out a small sigh. The butterfly feeling went away in her stomach, her mind remedied from the words of her parents. She raked her hair with a hand and looked at her mother. She wondered if someday her life would be like Garnet's when she becomes the future Queen of Alexandria. At such a young age, Garnet was considered the youngest Queen to ever ascend to the throne. Sarah wondered if that could potentially be her fate, yet the thought of losing her mother at an early age rarely crossed her mind but at times when learning of Alexandria's monarchy, many kings and queens of the past passed away from illnesses of many. The thought hindered in the deepest parts of her mind. Can she be as good as a Queen as her mother? Is she ready to ascend to the throne?
"Mother…papa…..thank you." She said solemnly as she wiped off a small hint of tears escaping her eyes. "I…I've been thinking a lot about this…I don't want to be a disappointment to Alexandria and to the both of you."
They shook their heads.
"You'll never be a disappointment sweetie." Garnet assured her daughter. "Not in a million years." Zidane added. Zoe let out a bark from below the table as the parents laughed. "Even Zoe agrees too." The Queen smiled. Sarah let out a weak chuckle and cleared her throat.
"Mother...papa…I hope my decision will be well met." The princess said letting out a small sigh of relief. Her parents smiled.
"Sarah sweetie, we'll always be here if you ever need us."
"Don't ever be afraid to ask us for help, no matter what it relates to. We will help you. Heck even if its boy problems, you know your papa will protect you against anyone who messes with my daughter." Zidane patted his chest proudly while smirking. Garnet let out a silent chuckle while Sarah blushed at the idea of her own father protecting her from the boys who approach her yet she couldn't help but smile.
"I hope it won't have to come to that papa…but…the thought is nice. And mother…thank you for always being here for me and papa…I'll be sure to ask should I need guidance."
The parents smiled.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." A familiar voice called out from outside the dining hall as everyone looked towards the sound of the voice along with Zoe whose ears perked up and turned her head along as a familiar maid entered the room with her short light brown curled hair, gentle emerald eyes and glasses. "Melody!" Sarah called out to her as the maid stopped before the family curtseying to them. "Good morning Your Majesty, Your Highness, Lord Zidane, and Zoe too." She responded.
"Good morning Melody." Garnet and Zidane spoke together waving at the maid.
"How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?" Garnet asked.
"Much better thank you for asking, no sickness will ever keep me away from my duty here. I hope my substitute was holding herself well for you Your Majesty. I'm certain Allison, Nadine, and Mei send their regards of not being able to hold over for me." Melody smiled. Garnet nodded and smiled.
"There was no need for their apologies, in fact your substitute was wonderful, Esmaldra was such a pleasure to be with, she inspired to be a novelist someday and her wonderful ideas sparked my interest in hopes someday be able to publish her novels."
"That's wonderful, I'm happy the two of you got along well. She's shared some of her stories during our breaks in the maid's quarters from time to time and they're well written. I figured the two of you would get along so well being indulged in reading. I made sure Rubie would selected her to hold over for me while I recovered in light of our shorthanded staffing presently since we may have overlooked many maids taking holiday this month. "
"I've no worries about the maids when it comes to being short staff, I always see everyone pulling together and I do emphasize on having everyone take their holidays. In which I also I greatly appreciate the thought of Esmaldra's presence; by all means please send her my praises when you see her again since…I'm sure she'll be returning to her original duties after today."
"Most certainly, I will give her your praises and how about you Your Highness?"
"I'm well, thank you for asking, I missed seeing you when you were sick, it's never the same when you're not around, even during your holidays as well." Sarah smiled as Melody let out a chuckle while covering her mouth.
"You sweet child, even at your age you're always so sincere about my wellness. Thank you for your kind words. And how are you Lord Zidane?"
"Peachy! It's been a great morning so far." Zidane grinned.
"I'm happy to hear, I'm glad everyone is having a wonderful morning. Shall I present the morning meal menu for today?"
"Please by all means." Garnet smiled while Zidane and Sarah nodded along.
"Splendid, today's morning meal as presented by Chef Quina will be starting off with a small bowl of mortrew which contains cut chunks of pork in gode broth seasoned with saffron, cloves, and ginger. The main course will be served with fried salmon topped with hollandaise sauce with a side of eggs and a small bowl of fruit assortments. For drinks we'll be serving water, orange juice, and of course a small cup of wine for the parents and for Her Highness your favorite, peach lemonade. Lastly for our special little pet, a soaked in beef soup broth rib eye steak." Melody announced with Garnet, Sarah, and Zidane applauding the maid with smiles all around.
"The menu sounds wonderful, thank you very much Melody." Garnet complimented.
"Thanks for the peach lemonade Melody; I can never get enough of it." Sarah smiled.
"Can't wait to feast!" Zidane grinned. Melody gracefully curtseyed the family. "Thank you everyone, I will meet with the kitchen staff to have your meals delivered as soon as possible."
"Thank you." The family spoke together. Melody smiled and took her leave walking around the table heading towards the kitchen as everybody watched.
"Mornings like this, I always forget that I do have a family that love and care about me. This is what I love about them, their willingness to look out for me, to love me, to care for me, to support me no matter where I go or what I do with my life.
I wonder sometimes if I truly am lucky to be a part of this family. Not because they were heroes, but because they selflessly gave me the foundation that I have now. My sixteenth birthday is right around the corner, all of Alexandria will be watching although be fairly honest, all of the Mist Continent will be watching me. I can feel the weight of the world on my shoulders now. I know I have much to live up to when my time comes to ascend to the throne. The expectations are higher for me, I will never blame my mother for these expectations, she served our adopted home well, and she earned her respect from the people.
The life before me is unknown and I face it for the first time, like a path road being freshly built. Like my parents before me, they never knew that they would be the saviors of Gaia. I've learned much thanks to them, I'm forever grateful for all that they have done for me.
Although…I wonder…
Is my life going to change after my birthday? The same way my mother's life did on her sixteenth?"
A/N: The song in the opening is called "Shenhua" from the hit series Shenmue; I chose this song because I love the lyrics and found it very fitting for this story. Expect to see more of this song throughout the story.