"For Serenity's Sake"
By:  Isis @}->--
isis@moonkingdom.com
Rated:  G
Disclaimers:  Please do not copy
AN:  How often we do not like surprises when we are unsure of 
what exactly we are getting?  Dedicated to anyone who thinks their 
parents are nuts, don't worry, they steadily get smarter as you get 
older.  Listen!


Chapter 1
@}->--


"Mother?"

The thrown room's long hall was deserted.  Blue and green 
curtains of color streamed from the vaulted ceiling to pool alone at 
the sides of the grand walkway.  Golden tiles passed by underfoot 
as the young man quickly strode the length of the room.  He 
arrowed his way directly toward a dark haired woman standing 
quietly behind the thrones.

The back wall was covered over with the royal colors of the 
kingdom.  Satin sheets emblazoned with the crest of their world 
hung solemnly between the slender floor-to-ceiling slits that served 
as windows.

The dark haired man mounted the dais's steps and called again to 
the woman standing next to the window's pane.  "Mother?  You 
asked for me?"  His voice, echoing through the deserted room, 
sounded dull and tired.

"Such gloom to you, child.  You match the clouds above us these 
days," she spoke quietly.  Without response he moved to her side 
and gazed out of the glass as well, dark blue eyes focused on 
nothing.

"These rains will wash the creeks to rivers, and the rivers to 
worse," he said quickly.

The woman chuckled lightly, "I care nothing for rain save that our 
people are not drown by it."  She turned her soft stare from the 
window's view and fixed it on her son.  Grudgingly he turned to 
regard her deep sea-green eyes.  She merely contemplated his a 
moment before tuning to step gracefully around him.  Loose black 
hair, as dark as her son's, trailed her wake as she moved to her 
throne and took a slanted seat upon it.  Sitting comfortably she 
again eyed her son who had not moved from his position.

"Perhaps I should be much less gloomy with my wedding so 
immanent."

The queen sat silent a moment, contemplating the man before her.  
"Do you feel we have wronged you so much?" she whispered.

He closed his eyes to darkness a moment.  "It is not I that I fear has 
been wronged.  She is but a child, Mother.  How prepared for this 
could she be?"

"A woman is prepared for her wedding by her birth alone."

He sighed softly but did not turn from the glass or answer her.

"Indeed I know this meeting is rushed, and not for what you had 
hoped, but you must have faith in us Endymion.  No parent would 
throw their child into unhappiness without a cause for joy."

"It is not joy or unhappiness that my mind dwells on.  My bride is 
little more than a child."

The woman twirled a lock of her hair mindlessly as she closely 
watched her son's movements.  He stood straight and tall, a 
powerful figure clad in armor and clothed again with a sweeping 
black cape.  But there was no anger in the set of his jaw.  His 
stance showed only a resigned worry.  The set of his eyes as he 
watched the shadows of clouds float past the outside world told 
only of a deep contemplation.

"Can you argue with your bride's mother?"

"I could argue with Heaven if good it would do her."

A small laugh escaped her as he rounded and walked toward her.  
"If anyone should be called upon to bargain with the gods may all 
agree it should be you."  He looked at her once and seated himself 
easily on the top step of the dais at her feet.  "But now tell me what 
fears keep you from sleep these nights," she commented

"She is a child of barely fourteen."

"Many have married earlier."  The assurance in her voice did not 
settle well in him.

"But one of royal blood should be allowed her youth."

"And do you consider yourself such a heavy burden?"  He did not 
need to turn to see the small smile playing on her lips.

"Marriage is a burden strong enough to crush two."

"Marriage is a composite of many things.  You should be grateful 
of youth at the beginning.  Beginnings are much less easy on the 
aged."

"Beginnings are hard enough on any age, but they compound 
easily."  Frustration showed slightly on his brow as he rose again 
and walked back to the window.  The twilight of a rainy day 
filtered in to find him there, yet it offered no support to his 
argument.  "Must we rush this so much?  It has been but a week 
since the news was published of our betrothal, barely over a week 
more and we meet at the alter."

"You should know by now why we are so hurried."

"Knowledge makes me feel no better."  Turning sharply he strode 
back to her and paused.  "The people have not taken this so badly.  
You received far less than riots in the streets, Mother.  Setting 
aside the constant bickering between the Earth and the Moon is 
foremost in everyone's mind.  Why not set aside more for 
preparation?"

The queen sat comfortably upon her throne and gazed at her son.  
"The common people now have no joy or worry over your 
alignment.  Unfounded bitterness never stalls people's minds long.  
They will be happy to welcome their new princess."

"Then why force this issue so fast?"  Hope, that had lain hidden 
and squashed inside him for two weeks dared to rise unbidden in 
him again.  "Why not allow us time?"

Sympathy shown clearly in her eyes and all hope again withdrew 
from him.  "You know as well as I that the people are pawns that 
some will use to crown themselves, they must not be molded by 
those.  It is why your father, I and Queen Selenity worked through 
this in silence for so long; why you were not even told."

"The inner council has collapsed into a mixed group of whining 
old men."  He willed anger to flow but the emotion created was 
only a dull blade twisting slowing in his mind.

"And these old men are the ones that you must be cautious of.  
Their fear of the Moon's kingdom is real and strong.  Its seat holds 
power over the Solar System and demands strength over us."

Endymion paced slowly down the steps and then back and forth 
before her, contemplating her words.  "Why such unfounded fear?  
Surely even they realize that our marriage could not harm them.  It 
would place us on par with the Moon."

"There is a long history of hatred between neighbors, a history that 
they shall not leave behind.  And there is no such thing as being on 
par with your governor.  They fear only that we will be sucked 
more and more under their direct control."

The silence echoed back to her as the young man's gaze was stolen 
by the window's deepening gloom.  The queen leaned forward in 
her seat and laid her chin against her hand.  "You worry for her?"

Again there was a moment's peace.  "Yes, Mother.  I fear the 
child's reaction."  Finally he turned once more to face her.  "I fear 
her fears."

A light laugh escaped her and the woman moved from her seat and 
lightly hugged her son comfortingly.  "My dear child, know you 
nothing of this matter?  Fears marry each other long before people 
do."


"I do say, the poor princess…"  The hushed voices became 
nonexistent as Serenity turned the corner.  The two High Council 
members nodded to her formally as they passed by down the hall.  
Over the past week she had grown accustomed to the bickering 
officers and half heard conversations.  Yet, even with custom she 
felt no better over the fact.  Her mother, Queen Selenity, had 
warned her that there would be much talk over her newly 
announced betrothal, yet that left her no comfort either.

"Please, Milady, pay the old men no attention."  Idon, her servant 
and confidant, placed a light hand on her arm and led her along 
toward her quarters.  "What have they to know of such things?  
Their wives were chosen the same way, and with much worse 
results I think."  The girl batted an innocent eyelash as she opened 
her mistress' door for her.

"The elders do not believe in my betrothed."  It was nearly the only 
words spoken through dinner and the subsequent entertainment.  
Serenity seemed unable to find words for anything in many nights, 
though her mother had pressed her for speech.

"The elders do not believe in romance either."

"Serenity walked quietly to her balcony doors; opening them she 
motioned the young woman out with her.  "You are only a year 
heavier than I, Idon, yet you took your vows more than that time 
ago."

"Yes, and blessedly so.  Balder is a good husband to me, and my 
very sanity sometimes."  The girl busied herself with retraining the 
ivy on the lacteous work of the palace walls.  "You may find 
yourself happy for such an early start."

"He is past the age of manhood."  Serenity studied the curve of the 
green and blue planet that hung just at the edge of her perception 
this night.  "Is Balder much your senior?"

A happy chuckle resounded from behind her.  "Eleven years 
separate us Milady.  Though anymore I never notice, save that he 
still cares for me as one would a child.  But come," Serenity was 
gently turned to face the other, "why all this worry?  Would your 
mother cast her beloved daughter into harm's way?"

She shook her head slowly knowing that it was the truth.  "Then 
why all this concern?  Earth is not such a barbarous place as some 
would make out.  Balder has told me of its beauty many times 
over."

"He has seen it?"  For an indescribable reason a joy or hope filled 
her solemn heart.

"Well of course."  The girl's brown eyes sparkled in the muted 
twilight.  "Most of the palace guards have gone to Earth.  It is part 
of their training.  You see, even the elders trust their own security 
to men who have had the 'evil planet's' influence on them."  She 
giggled lightly and Serenity turned back to the vision of the world.

"He speaks well of it then?"

"Well of it and well of its people."  A warm breeze brushed past 
the balcony, catching the hems of her long skirts and the ends of 
her nearly as long blond hair.  "If you wish Milady, why not speak 
with someone who has actually been to our neighbor?  They can 
tell you more than even the councilor's court."

For once in as many days Serenity broke out into a genuine smile 
and spun back to her maid.  "I suppose.  You have been wishing 
for me to meet your beloved anyway."

"Indeed Milady!  I shall set the meeting up and I have no fear that 
my joyous husband will have no qualms with relating his stay 
there."

The girl bounced slightly as she turned and entered her quarters 
again to prepare it for the night's rest.  Serenity gazed once more at 
the disappearing planet, saying a silent prayer that all would be 
right when she finally ventured to its surface.


Balder was a tall, strongly built man of twenty and six years.  He 
had light, sandy hair and a closely groomed beard to match.  
Closely set dark eyes made him seem more imposing than his light, 
joyous demeanor would naturally allow.

"Princess Serenity," he announced and formally bowed low before 
her.  "It is an honor to speak with you Highness, though my wife 
has told me much of you."

Serenity smiled at the man before her.  "I too have been told much 
of you."  She sat at the small outdoor table and breathed in the 
fragrance of the flower gardens around her for a moment as Idon 
embraced her mate fondly.

"But then, you have come to ask about the planet of your 
betrothed, yes?  I warn you that it is not as gentle as our home, but 
it is not as horrible as some would make it be."

The couple seated themselves opposite her and she found herself 
wrapped in Balder's tale.  He spoke of the training camp they had 
been stationed in and how it was placed snuggly in the most 
beautiful range of mountains he had ever seen.  There were ghostly 
stories of the turbulent changes in weather that seasons on Earth 
brought, and descriptions of the officers of the Earth's defense that 
gave their training.

Serenity swallowed all of it eagerly, not taking the time to sort 
good from bad.  Colors filled her imagination as he spoke and a 
renewed longing lit in her to finally see the place where so many of 
her dreams took place.

"In truth Highness, I know not why so many speak ill of the place, 
or of your betrothed.  They both sit very well in my memory," 
Balder concluded his speech.

"My betrothed?"  Serenity blinked a bit at the reference.  "Do you 
know of him?  Of him personally?"  An eagerness she had not 
known before galloped to her throat.

"Not personably Highness.  Reputations precede many; I have 
heard much.  The General of the Earth troops always spoke highly 
of the young prince.  Nearly affectionate was he at times, as though 
he were a blood relative.  You see Highness, the General had a 
hand in teaching the boy leadership of his army."

"Army?  Endymion leads his forces?"  The eagerness turned sour 
and cold within her chest.  Was this man a warlord?

"Yes Highness, King Odin gave the reigns of command to the 
prince once he reached the age of manhood."

"Is it normal for the son to take such responsibility from his 
father's shoulders?"  Visions of the noble, if not crude, prince she 
had been led to see vanished from her mind.  The replacement 
found leave to make her even colder than before.

"Not normal, but I dare say natural in this course.  The prince is 
claimed to be a superior soldier and fearsome warrior, yet he is 
cunning as few have seen before.  Masterful, it is said, with sword 
or strategy."  She could detect the hint of awe in the man's voice as 
he recounted this to her.

"It sounds as though he is a true warrior."  Only part of her could 
feel the warm sun on her back.  The other wished to run from this 
knowledge and never claim it again.

"Indeed it does," Idon interrupted, "but women have no stomach 
for such things.  Know you anything more gentile about the man?"

Balder scratched at his chin thoughtfully.  "Save for his natural 
leadership, I know no more of him.  Though I shall tell you 
Highness, that his cunning is renowned, and though I speak of the 
act of war his pursuits are many.  And be it my place or no, I do 
say that love and war are much similar."


"Serenity?  Darling, are you ready?"  Queen Selenity place a 
comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.  Princess Serenity 
stood staring silently out of the small windows across the wall of 
the receiving room.  It was a bright, warm day, yet she wondered 
what the weather would bring them below.

"Yes Mother," she answered turning to the silver haired woman.  
Her heart hung heavy in her chest but there was an excitement that 
threatened her as well.  This would be her first venture off of her 
home world.  Even if it was also to be the first meeting of her 
betrothed.

"It is time girls."  The queen carefully stepped to the center of the 
room and Serenity and her four guardian soldiers stepped in with 
her.  A brilliant flash of rainbowed light assaulted them as they 
vanished.

Serenity had traveled magically before, but never off the Moon.  
She had only a second to contemplate the difference before an 
invisible hand reached out and nearly slapped her to the ground.

She gasped audibly as the light vanished from her eyes.  She felt a 
strong arm wrap around her waist to keep her from falling 
backwards as she suddenly felt a lead cloak being draped around 
her shoulders.  Looking up she found one of her guardians 
supporting her easily.  Lita, of the planet Jupiter, smiled a bit down 
at her.

Only then did Serenity remember her friend's warning of the world 
greater force.  The Moon had the lightest gravity of any habitable 
planet locked within their Solar System.  Here on Earth it was 
much more normal, unfortunately she found herself unable to stand 
without Lita's support.

"Queen Selenity!  It is good to see you again."  A beautifully calm 
voice startled her back into reality.  She turned, wide-eyed, to look 
toward the direction of the greeting.  Her mother locked hands with 
a woman dressed in a flowing, medium blue gown; long black hair 
shimmered around her and was kept back from her face by a tiny 
silver tiara.  Deep sea green eyes sparkled as she greeted the other 
queen warmly.

Serenity pushed herself to a straight standing position with Lita's 
help.  The taller brown haired girl calmly became a leaning post 
for her as she held one of her arms against her own.  Serenity 
welcomed the support as she turned her attention to the rest of the 
welcoming ante rage.

Her mother had moved to take the hands of the man aside this 
woman and Serenity recognized the pair:  King Odin and Queen 
Freya of the Earth kingdom then.  Yes, this would be the ruling 
couple.  The king stood tall with dark brown hair and matching 
beard.  Dark blue eyes looked on her mother happily as she turned 
again to face her daughter.

"I am also happy to present my daughter, Princess Serenity to 
you."  At the formal introduction Serenity stepped forward, with 
Lita's help, and curtsied low before the two.  Rising again she felt 
weighted to the floor.

Her mother introduced all four of her guardians, Mina of Venus, 
Rei of Mars, Amy of Mercury, and Lita of Jupiter.  All four bowed 
when their names were called, yet as the introductions were recited 
the princess took the chance to sweep her gaze over the room.  To 
her shocked surprise, the royal couple and one other servant were 
alone in attendance.  Her betrothed was nowhere to be seen!

The Earth's receiving room was tiled much like their own, except 
that no windows opened out of it.  The walls were dressed instead 
with blues and greens, with beautifully carved torch stands 
guarding the room's corners.

Yet there was no one else here to greet them.  Serenity's mind 
twirled with that fact and came to no happy conclusions.

"Princess Serenity then."  The words caught her by surprise as the 
Earth's queen moved to take her hands.  Carefully she released 
Lita's arm, feeling still insecure on her own feet, and embraced the 
woman's hands.  "I am happy to finally meet with you."

"As I with you, Queen Freya."  There was a genuine enough smile 
on both of their faces, though she knew the older woman was 
much more comfortable with this than she.

"I truly wish I could introduce you to your betrothed, but I fear I 
can not."  A look passed her eyes that made Serenity freeze for a 
moment.  Worry, a motherly worry, passed her face before she 
turned from her to her mother.  "I am afraid Endymion is not 
here."

"Is something wrong?"  The second queen was quick to pick up on 
the mood shift as well.  "Has something befallen your son?"  The 
implication opened Serenity's eyes wider in fear of the answer.  
Though she had never met with the man, and indeed feared their 
union as she would her own death, she felt worry over his health.

"I pray not," Freya replied quickly, yet before she could explain 
herself her husband stepped forward to take his wife's hand in his 
own.

"My wife fears all things in our son's life."  There was a slight 
chuckle as the queen turned to regard him incorrigibly.  "You see 
Selenity, we have not had the fairest of weather here the last 
month.  Constant rain has pounded the ground and swollen the 
rivers to twice their size.  I am afraid some of our people are in 
desperate need of help."

"Endymion and Odin have been in constant charge of our reserve 
forces in order to block the flood waters.  Though I fear he has not 
yet made it back this evening."  Freya concluded squeezing her 
husband's hand just noticeably.

"Evening?"  Lita whispered once again at Serenity's side.

She looked up at her guard, barely noticing the reference but 
thinking it odd nonetheless.  It was then that she noticed that the 
group of her friends had shrunk around her as they would if she 
were in some physical danger.  Though a twinge of fear did claim 
her fragile heart.

"Could he be in danger?"  Selenity asked, worry taking her voice a 
note up.

"None at all I am sure," the king spoke in place of his wife.  "I 
have every faith in my son and his guardians."  He rubbed the back 
of his wife's hand and then kissed it lightly.  "We need have no 
fear over his safety."

The reassurance that he gave to the group and to his emotion-
baring wife did not escape her notice.  Such barbarous people were 
these?  For the first time since she was told her fate Serenity began 
to see light in her position.

"Indeed I am sure that it is only the most dire of circumstances that 
keeps him from your presence this evening."  Freya turned back to 
the young princess and touched her arm lightly.  "Yet I am sure he 
will meet with you tonight at dinner."

"I understand, Queen Freya."


The castle of the Earth's rulers was a sight to behold.  Though 
Serenity hung tightly to Lita's arm lest she tumble to the floor, she 
was in such constant awe of her surroundings that her handicap 
seemed to pale.  They were led from the receiving chamber into 
what the king referred to as the Grand Hall.

The group entered from the South passage into something that 
resembled a huge square indoor courtyard.  The ceiling rose a full 
six stories above them and was painted in bright colors though she 
could not place their significance.  Lamps shown down from a 
servant's balcony that cut across the top floor.  Below it stood 
archways silent and three stories tall.  Lights attached to their 
pillars gave off a romanced glitter through the marble and granite 
clad hallways stretching to their left and right, leading into the 
mysteries of the castle beyond.

Directly in front of them stood a staircase designed on the grandest 
scale that she had ever witnessed.  Its fine curved wood rails stood 
far enough a part that twenty men could pass untouched.  The steps 
were polished marble leading up a full story.  At the landing it 
curved off in both directions to lead one to the second balcony.

Smaller hidden stairways led through the walls to the subsequent 
balconies of the floors above them visible through the archways 
that supported them.  As they trekked toward the step's way, 
Serenity marveled at the ornate bras lamp trees to either side 
lighting the grandeur of the stone and carvings, the paint and 
sculpture locked within these walls.

She heard a soft chuckle and looked back to find the three older 
rulers watching the group of five girls.  Her guardians had been 
taken in by the beauty and perfection surrounding them as she had 
been.  They stood in the center of the hall watching the walls in 
awe as though they should come to life before them.

"I am pleased that our humble estate can still swade youth to 
admiration," Freya said happily still watching them as the princess 
blushed slightly at being caught.

"May I say that your palace seems humble in nothing, Queen 
Freya."

"Indeed, your architecture is of the grandest scale, Your 
Highness," Ami commented from behind her.  Her gentle spoken, 
intellectual friend would no doubt be more interested than even the 
rest to know the details of the room's design.

"Thank you, I will make sure that you receive the full tour, but you 
are not used to the time change yet.  Perhaps in the morning we 
will find the time to explore the palace proper."

The girls nodded eagerly as the queen, with her husband at her 
side, made their way up the stairway and on again to the second 
floor.  Without much ceremony they directed the six women to 
their assigned rooms and reminded them that two hours remained 
until dinner was to be served.

Lita helped Serenity to her door where she was waved off from her 
burden by the maidservant who had followed the group from the 
receiving room.  The queen took a moment to introduce the two 
before following after her husband and Queen Selenity.  The 
woman of perhaps better than fifty years was named Minerva, head 
of the palace's servants and general over-seer for the daily running 
of the house.

She bowed slightly to her as her name was mentioned, but there 
seemed so much to be a confidence and friendly manner between 
herself and the queen that it seemed unpracticed.  The older 
woman took her arm as the others entered their own chambers.

"I am pleased to finally meet you, Princess," she said easily.  "I 
have heard much of you though."  She helped Serenity to sink into 
a soft sitting couch set in front of the fireplace and though there 
was no flame in it she still felt warmed by its presence.

The server-woman went on to arranging the room as Serenity 
looked about her new quarters.  A plush white rug lay over the 
floor, and the chair and couch she lay upon were done the same.  A 
beautiful red wood was used on the furnishings as well as the 
doors, but the mantle and widespread window off to her right were 
done in carved white stone.

Set in the far, muted blue, wall the window caught her attention.  
Outside it was dim, but heavy clouds could be seen crowding the 
sky and the raindrops fell diligently against the darkening glass.

"Your bags will be brought along by the servants soon but if you 
wish…"  Serenity heard Minerva trail to halt in her rambling 
speech and turned to face the woman.

"Your prince is still out in this?  Even with the weather the queen 
said that you have been plagued with?"  She could not name the 
numbing emotion within her.

The woman smiled gently down at her and for the first time she 
saw wisdom filled brown eyes that searched hers.  Brown hair, 
graying at the temples and salted here and there, was swept into a 
crown of braids on top of her head.  And she stood above her now 
and nodded and bit sadly.

"Endymion and his generals are without to this hour.  I do know 
that he wished to be here in order to meet you properly, though I 
can not tell you what keeps him."  She too turned to the window, 
eying the storm.

Serenity watched with her a moment, pausing to wonder at the 
woman's use of the prince's given name, before attempting to raise 
herself from the couch.  Though the unusual gravity clawed at her, 
she rose on her own and waved off Minerva's helpful hand gently.  
Cautiously she made her way across to the window before turning 
back to the maid.  "If I am to remain here a week I had best to 
learn to walk under pressure," she stated, making light of her 
handicap.

"Indeed, just do not exhaust yourself too soon," the other 
cautioned.  Serenity nodded and leaned against the cool stone 
around the window.  Looking out she could catch only the last 
fleeting glimmers of sunlight which tinged the westerly edges of 
clouds a lighter shade of blue.  There seemed no end to the quilted 
blanket covering over the sky and rain splashed cold against the 
glass.

"Do you know the prince?"  She hugged her arms to her and 
continued to watch what she could of the raindrops.

Minerva's chuckle was soft but knowing.  "Indeed, I feel I can say 
I do."  Serenity turned to regard her.  The maid walked gracefully 
to stop in front of her as though to keep vigil of the rain with her.  
"I was there at his birth and have not left his confidence since."

She gazed up at the woman, searching her face and her words for 
indications of her betrothed.  The woman's voice held a warm note 
to it and her eyes, softly scanning the dripping weather without, 
were touched with worry.  Closing them momentarily as though in 
prayer she opened them again to the young princess.

"But now, you must be curious of your bride-groom."

"Can you tell me of him?" she asked meekly.

Minerva smiled happily down at her.  "Of course I can.  I would 
like it no other way," she mused merrily.  Gracefully she glided 
back towards the couch as Serenity slowly followed, wondering if 
this woman was not royalty under false garments.  She was certain 
that this servant practiced her part more than she found herself 
capable of just now.

Once the two were settled in comfort the older woman turned with 
all seriousness to her newfound pupil.  "Tell me what you have 
heard of him."

The youth found herself nearly tortured by her lack of knowledge 
and reluctant to speak her mind though the other showed no signs 
of beginning the conversation of her own.  "I fear I know very little 
of my betrothed.  The Elders of the Moon do not hold him in such 
right esteem, though others do.  I have been told that he holds a 
great title for himself as an excellent warrior."

Minerva's soft laughter halted her retelling.  "Oh indeed, our dear 
Endymion is very renown for his prowess and strategy.  That does 
seem to be the most outstanding of his reputations, but it is far 
from his only one.  Heard you nothing else?"

Serenity felt a small beam of light shine through the darkening 
room.  A light of her own hope.  These people were nothing of the 
barbarous race she had mistakenly envisioned, and in truth the 
groom for her wedding may sit well with her despite all fears that 
she possessed.  "I do know no more of him, until now I had feared 
a warlord."

Again the woman chuckled and turned to the small table aside her 
to heighten the lamplight.  "No child, nothing of the sort.  Men 
speak of his knowledge of war, yet I myself have never seen it in 
him, though I certainly have no fear of my safety while the army is 
under his control."

"Then he has taken the forces from the king's control?"

"Indeed," she nodded to her.  "Though his father holds every 
control over it as he did, but his son controls the title and 
responsibility.  But now, do such things truly interest you, 
Princess?"

She smiled back at the sparkle in the other's eyes.  Curling her 
knees up close and leaning heavily into the white cushions of the 
couch she prepared to listen.  "I suppose not.  What else can you 
tell me about the prince?"

"Oh, I can tell you much, though I do not believe he would 
appreciate your hearing of my stories."  They found themselves 
wrapped with giggles and Serenity began to feel warm, even with 
such variables and pressures upon her.

She had ventured outside of her safe little world, and though she 
still felt assaulted, there was light to her world once more.  Fears 
crowded close but Minerva had offered her an ear as well as a path.  
Yet she had gained more than just that, she had gained a friend.  
And a friend that knew so much…


The hallways echoed back hurried footsteps as Endymion rushed 
into the Grand Hall.  The lamps burned with a much preferred 
warm glow as he shrugged off the saturated riding cloak.  Cold 
rainwater dripped from its hem and clung to the young prince's 
hair and clothing.  Hurriedly he scanned the corridors for signs of 
life, yet he saw no one that would imply that the Moon's court had 
arrived.  Could they have been delayed after all?

"Endymion!  Where on dear Earth have you been?"  He stopped 
and watched Minerva sweep down the staircase.  With a groan he 
stood to confront her roaming eye.  In one scowling look she took 
in the drenched black uniform, gleaming silver armor, tousled hair 
and tired expression.  "Do you realize how late you are?"

He sighed and began his hurried march up the stairs past her.  "I 
suppose that it would be too much to hope that the group was 
delayed then?"

"Much to much!" she said following behind him.  "The queen 
seems to be the punctual type."  Minerva took the cloak from his 
hands and stopped his steps demanding his jacket as well.  "You 
have not long before dinner either.  It is not normally a good thing 
to leave your betrothed deserted."

"I meant nothing of the sort," he said unclasping the heavy black 
jacket he wore over his breastplate.  "At the same time, I can not 
imagine it went over well."

"No, your mother is worried terribly.  What has befallen Liddrall 
that you were away so long?"  There was more than a slight worry 
in her tone and Endymion stopped and looked at the woman before 
him.  She had been more than a maid to him, more even than a 
friend, nearly a second mother through his life.

"The banks of the river can not be seen.  The flood took with it 
farm land and meadows but it did not succeed in taking the town.  
Every man to be found, and most of the women, took to blocking 
the water's advances, but your sister's schoolhouse stands dry."  
He touched her shoulder reassuringly, "Which is a good thing, it 
would have taken the five of us to drag her out of it."

The older woman smiled and nodded thankfully to him.  "I am as 
thankful of that as to know that you and your generals have 
returned safety."

He sighed once more and attempted to focus on what lay ahead of 
him yet this night.  "So tell me then, what is your report of my 
young bride?"

He was surprised to see a smile spread widely on her face.  "Oh I 
believe you will find her a lovely child."

He paused to look at her a moment.  "Minerva, I have had your 
opinion of every visitor to this castle and never have you 
sugarcoated your judgment of them to me."  Continuing to shed his 
armor he began to climb once again.

She blinked innocently at him as she followed behind.  "And do 
you believe I contradict myself now?"

Endymion continued his trek to the first landing of the stairway.  
"Never in all my years have you found a single person without 
their flaws, especially any potential suitor.  Why should you start 
now?"  Turning to her he prepared himself for any truth he would 
gain from her.  "Tell me your true judgment."

She looked up at him from her petite frame and found his eyes.  
"My true judgment is the same.  She is a lovely girl, Endymion."  
There was the slightest of hesitations as she lost her gaze from his 
again.  "Yet she is still a child."

A child, so his bride seemed as young as her years would indicate.  
Yet she was to be married in barely more than a week to a man 
she, as yet, knew nothing of.  Again the prince felt a protective 
anger at this injustice to her.

"Oh do not begin again with that look," she scolded.  "I wish to 
hear no more about your theories of hurting her in this rushed 
marriage."

He looked at her a bit surprised by the emotional berating but knew 
where this came from.  "Am I to take it then that you have been 
talking with her?"

She smiled happily at him, "I have only now just left her.  She is a 
truly sweet girl, curious and enthusiastic, yet lost in her present 
situation.  She's frightened as any bride would be but she holds 
you accountable for none of it."

"Frightened?" he asked.  What new fears would she be having that 
he had not thought of?

"Frightened of much.  She is an emotional child whose heart 
always leads.  It seems part of her charm," she added smiling as 
she took his arm and led him through the main door towards his 
rooms.  "Though I shall tell you to be extremely gentle and slow 
with one so innocent."

The two hurried down the main first-floor hall oblivious of the 
young blond haired woman standing within the shadows of the 
balcony pillars only a story above their heads.  The small figure 
slowly turned from her half seen position to shakily retreat towards 
her own rooms.


@}->--_____________
"I don't think of myself as single. I'm romantically challenged." - 
Stephanie Piro

"Friendship is one mind in two bodies." – Menclus