Hello again. Here is chapter 10. I hope you enjoy this one, I certainly did! I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for all your great and encouraging comments! Thanks to 'A Sailor Romance' and Sailor November for posting my stories! Most of all to Naoko, for inspiring me to write about her wonderful characters, Serena and Darien! (I wonder if she ever reads any of this stuff that gets posted?) Anyhow, I don't think I have ever been so obsessed about anything, except getting this story done. There are probably five to six chapters left in this saga, maybe alittle more, for those of you who are curious. Again, all the regular disclaimers apply. And this is a story, alittle intricate, with some hentai, and hopefully tastefully written to you, the readers. Oh yeah, the words and music to the song that Serena dances to was inspired by Madonna's "Frozen". When you read this chapter, you'll understand why the song is so fitting! This story has been self-edited, you've been warned. Read on, if you dare! Lady M. Harris.

 

MOONLIGHT MIDNIGHT GLORY

 

Chapter 9

 

  Serena caught sight of Darien a couple minutes later, after telepathically communicating with him. Because she had been the last in their group, it had surprised everyone as she sprinted past their party in a full gallop.

She caught the startled look that came across Lady Beryl's face, but ignored it. For once, she commanded all of Darien's attention. Not that it mattered to her, she thought. But, of course it did, the little voice whispered back to her.

Darien's gaze was intense as he watched her horse gallop towards him. He admired her soft curves and the way she handled her horse. Her long, silver braids trailed behind her like two swirling banners. Her face was flushed with pink color as the wind guided her forward towards him and Chi-Chi.

He could hear Chi-Chi's in-drawn breath and exclamation of admiration as he gazed at Serena. She seemed to have that kind of effect on men. Darien again, had time to let his gaze wander over Serena. Time and time again, he was amazed that this woman was his wife. She was probably, the most loveliest woman he had ever seen. Yes, she was a woman, now. A full blooded, vibrant woman. He had made sure of that. Why was he driven to want her so much? She sparked a certain fire that ignited him, and flamed his desires as no other woman before her had ever done. She had spirit and intelligence that drew him yet, again and again. He looked over to Chi-Chi, trying to see what he thought of his bride.

There was now a certain maturity that was beginning to blossom within Serena, since her transition from girlhood to womanhood. It was this transition that fully captured and commanded all of his attention. She had been very alluring as a girl, who had been on the verge of womanhood. Yet, as a woman, she was enticing, exciting and challenging.

He sighed.

That was just the problem. She was more than he had ever expected from her, and then some. He should have been bored with her by now. Yet, he was not. He looked forward to the times he spent with her, however exhausted he had been lately. As no woman before her, she was like a breath of fresh air. Captivating and full of surprises, she was to him. She and the others had not noticed it yet, but the changes of motherhood were also very visible to him. Watching the changes that were already affecting him as well, made her even more lovelier than he had ever thought a woman with child could be. There was a noticeable glow to her already beautiful complexion that motherhood was famous for endowing on a female who had conceived. He knew her stomach was still flat, but he had already noticed the aureoles of her nipples enlarging. Her breasts had also seemed fuller.

He shifted on his mount.

Damn, he thought, uncomfortable as his mind and body wandered down that isle. It reminded him of the past few nights, and how he had not touched her. He had been weary from all the scouting he was doing lately, and thoughts of the Silver Crystal near bothered him more than he cared to admit. He was feeling a certain urgency to get the damn rock and be over with whole situation. He wanted nothing more than to snatch Serena and their child away from the world and hide them from any type of evil. He didn't understand the depths of his protectiveness that overwhelmed him and scared him. Yet, he desired nothing more than do to as instinct told him and to guard the galaxy's most precious commodity, Serena and their future child.

Another burgeoning problem were all the warning bells he was receiving from Chorn. The fact that none of Beryl's numerous spies had not shown up, was too much of a coincidence with Beryl and her new companion, Chorn. When Darien had put up force fields around Madame Winsdor's bordello, he had also sent out feelers within the vicinity. Remnants of something distasteful had returned to him. To his frustration and disgust, he had not been able to pinpoint where it had come from. Watching Chorn carefully, yet discreetly had puzzled him, also.

Dispite the fact, that Darien was well aware of his interest in Serena, there was something else that seem to burn within Chorn. Chorn wanted something, he just couldn't figure out what it was. Darien knew that Chorn was of Earth, that much was evident, when he had intentionally bumped into him the other day. Unable to use his powers to gauge the uneasiness he was feeling around Chorn, waried him.

Chorn had no idea how much Darien wanted to pulverize him for touching Serena. No other, but him had rights to her. Yet, he was forced to allow the man's interest in her to continue. He had also noticed Serena's disguised dislike for the man. He was hoping against all odds that Chorn would reveal his true nature and intent before they parted company.

Keeping Chorn interested in Serena seemed to be proving effective, as much as he hated the idea. He was also forced to keep Lady Beryl busy and distracted from her companion. He had also dropped subtle interrogations on Lady Beryl as he tried to weed information out of her. He was beginning to get bits and pieces from her. Which then was beginning to confirm his suspicious about Chorn and how Beryl fit into the picture. He then, wondered how he had ever endured Lady Beryl's senseless chatter and tactics, after being forced to listen to her. Within five minutes of their conversation, he was ready to terminate it. Of course, he understood all too well the bases for their past relationship, it had merely been for the sex. Just like the others in the past, desire gave way to boredom. Beryl then began demanding and hinting for marriage, which was out of the question to Darien.

"Well, Darien are you going to introduce me to your friend or are you are planning on burning a hole into my chest with your stare?" Serena asked as she halted her horse before him and his friend.

"Serena, this is Chi-Chi of the Cienna tribes, they are a native of this area." Darien nodded to his long time friend, Chi-Chi. "And Chi-Chi, this is my wife, the Supreme Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."

"It is indeed, a great pleasure, your highness." Chi-Chi nodded to her warm inclination.

"Please, just Serena." Serena asked, smiling.

"Thank you, Serena. But, if you will excuse me for now as Darien will be bringing you into the village. I will be guiding the rest of your party into the tribe."

"I take it, that you've been to this village before?" Serena asked as Chi-Chi left them, her silver brow quirked upwards at him. His horse began to trot and hers followed the lead of his stallion.

"Don't you trust me?" He smirked back.

"It's not a matter of trust, but of self-preservation, darling."

At that, he burst out laughing.

Startled, Serena stared. His face was alive with laughter. She had never seen him laugh with this kind of freedom or abandon, without it being for a reason. This was new to her. It was like watching a transformation take place. There was a gleam to his usually hard, blue eyes. His smile was absolutely beautiful, before she shook her head trying to figure out whether or not she had heard right. No wonder where ever they went, women, young and old were so attracted to him. His smile was also catching, as she found herself smiling back. As they made their way closer to the village, she noticed that his body seemed more relaxed. She had no idea as she continued to glance every once in a while in his direction, how her intense her was gaze as they touched the planes of his face.

"Actually, Chi-Chi and I go a long way back." Darien stated after a moment of comfortable silence.

"Oh? And how is that?" She asked, curious now.

"He is part of my other family, Serena." He said as he glanced at her.

"Other family? I don't understand." She asked, slightly confused.

"After we have settled, perhaps then, I'll have some time to tell you about them." He smiled at her. She looked slightly stunned, again. Looking forward, she noticed they came upon a ledge that overlooked into a tiny, hidden valley. Nestled within the valley, sprawled a quiet village. A dozen or so of tiny huts, some with smoke coming from a so-called chimney. Children and animals were scattered about the village with abandon. As various adults moved to and from the huts. Some in groups and others moved with purpose. To the slight left of her, she could even see a small, precious stream running through the valley from the mountain. A sizable herd of horses grazed close to the small stream. To her, it was like an oasis.

"It's like a fairy tale, only real!" Serena exclaimed, as her eyes took in the scenery below them.

"Yes, it is. Come, they have already noted our arrival." Darien said as they began their descent over and down the ledge. The path was just wide enough to fit the two horses and it's passengers.

 

 

When they arrived at the village, they were surrounded by the entire village coming to greet the new arrivals. Of the first, they knew well and welcomed home. The other, with her silver, shinning hair, and lovely appearance brought great curiosity.

Out of the blue, a young, beautiful woman with long and curling waves of blue-black hair rushed out of one the huts to whirl herself into Darien's laughing arms. An older man and yet, an even older woman, her skin seemly withered and a young boy emerged from the same hut with smiles on their faces.

Serena could barely maintain a polite smile as she gazed at the woman who was kissing and touching Darien's face with tenderness. While he laughed and hugged her back. Serena could feel her heart hammering as jealously seized her inner most insides and clamped like a vise. Was this the one that really held his heart, she thought despairingly? Tears threatened escape as she continued to gaze at the couple. Taking notice of Serena, the woman spoke to Darien.

"Darien! Who is this?" The woman asked Darien as she pinpointed her sapphire gaze with genuine friendliness at Serena.

Serena's eyes opened wide with amazement as she gazed back at the Darien and the woman. Her features were so similar to his that she could been no other, than Darien's sister!

"She, my dear, is Serena. She is my wife, the Supreme Princess of the Moon Kingdom." Darien chuckled at the woman's gasp of exclamation. "Serena, this is my ever pain-the--!" He got a playful punch in the stomach, before finishing. "--my half-sister, Water-Weaver."

"Half-sister?" She questioned, slightly confused by the turn of events.

"Darien! I can't believe you haven't told her!" Water-Weaver berated her brother. She wondered what else her older brother had kept from his new bride. His bride! She thought, almost delirious with the notion that he had finally married. Of course, he would choose the most amazingly, beautiful woman she had ever seen. And to think how she fussed and worried over him every time he decided to show up at the village.

This bride of his, was certainly not his taste. She had heard of Darien's infrequent affairs and worldly ladies who were usually associated with him. His bride, looked naive and nervous, and also not of this world.

"It's a long story, Serena. And yes, I will tell her." He empathized for the benefit of his sister who smiled back. "Serena still has many acquaintances to make, Water-Weaver, in case you've forgotten." He chuckled again as Water-Weaver giggled, looking over her shoulders to their audience.

 

 

They were given their own hut. Malachite, Mina, Lady Beryl and Chorn shared another hut. Serena then met Water-Weaver's and Chi-Chi's four year old son, Sun-Gazer, the older Swift-Wind, and Swift-Wind's mother, Sun-in-the Sky. Although the hut was probably no larger than a small room, it was warm and cozy. A cheery fire was lit in the middle of the hut, and furs and rugs lined the dirt floor. Their hut was alive with many of the village women gossiping and bringing gifts for the new bride.

Darien was no where in sight. Water-Weaver told her that Darien had gathered with the men of the village, in the leader's hut.

By early evening, Serena was led away from the hut by the women to the small stream, where all of the women participated in bathing her. Serena blushed and stammered around the women, who laughed and admired her as they washed her rounded curves, exclaiming over her long, silver hair. Water-Weaver also participated in the ritual, giggling and reassuring the anxious Serena that it was just merely custom to bath the new bride.

When they returned to the hut, the stars shone brightly against the velvet sky. The air had turned noticeably cooler. Within the confines of her hut, the women gathered around Serena again. Mina had joined them by this time. She had also bathed and changed clothes. Mina had told her that Beryl had turned her nose up to some of the friendly gestures of the women of the village. The women had then promptly abandoned her for the night, to strew in their hut.

The women then presented Serena with an exquisite dress to wear for the evening for her husband. Serena on the other hand, balked as she blushed red and refused to wear the dress. Mina laughed heartily as Water-Weaver giggled.

"But Serena," Water-Weaver began, "You must wear it! It is customary and he is expecting you in it! It was his mother's and it means much to him!"

"That thing is not a dress! It's nothing more than a bunch of sheer gauze. You can see everything!" Serena said as she looked at the intricate and delicate beading of the pearls that were woven within and throughout the dress.

"It's not like he hasn't seen any of you, ninny!" Mina said sourly.

"I know that!" Serena huffed, indignant. "But, everyone else hasn't!"

"Do not worry, Silver-One. There will be other ladies joining you in the dance, their dresses similar. Perhaps not as rich or elegant in their fabrics. But then, mama had been special to Swift-Wind." Water-Weaver answered, laughing again as she twirled around the hut. Some of the women in the hut laughed with her.

"What dance?" Serena asked hesitantly, as she put the dress down. She was also curious about Darien's mother, but she kept quiet.

"The Dance of the Heart. Ladies who are seeking mates and those who have recently married will be dancing tonight. You and if Mina wants to, will be participating in the same dance." Water-Weaver finished before Serena.

"Hey, that sounds like a lot fun!" Mina said smiling. She thought of Malachite. She wondered if she could replace the image of Celine in his mind with a tantalizing view of her instead. She couldn't believe that she was jealous and arguing with herself. The matter was almost laughable, when she thought about it.

"Yeah, but you don't have to display yourself practically naked in front of an audience, either!" Serena moaned.

"All you have to do is pretend that Darien is the only one watching you and follow the movements of the other women. The rest will come naturally!" Water-Weaver said as she pulled Serena up from her sitting position. "Trust me, I did the same for Chi-Chi." She sighed as her eyes glazed over, remembering her dance. Snapping out of her trance, Water-Weaver began brushing Serena's silver mane. "Come now, don't be shy! We are all women here. You will put that dress on, because you know you can't refuse him in the end. I know how my brother is. And you love him," Water-Weaver stated behind her back, "And you will show him tonight, how much!"

 

 

"Have you told her, Darien?" Water-Weaver had asked earlier, before she returned to Serena's and Darien's hut to help prepare his wife for the evening celebrations. Water-Weaver could tell that this woman, who now was a part of his life, was a real contender for his love. Perhaps, he didn't realize it, but she was more than capable of understanding what he was feeling. She knew how he didn't believe in real love. She had a good feeling that this Serena could change everything about the way he thought. The fact that he had told her to take Lily's dress for Serena spoke more volumes than any words could ever. Besides, she already liked the down-to-earth princess. When compared to other, whom she had disliked from their first meeting.

"It is a matter that I'm saving for tonight, nosy." Darien smiled. He had a lot of explaining to do before the night was over.

"She has a right to know, especially since both of you are users of the Silver Crystal." Water-Weaver stated as if she hadn't heard her brother. Then she thought of something else, "My God, Darien you haven't even told her of why the Cienna are here or that you already know where the Crystal is, have you?" She asked, horrified.

"No, I haven't and there have been legitimate reasons for my actions. I will tell her soon enough. I wanted to wait until we reached here to tell her." Darien sighed, annoyed.

A long time ago, according to the Cienna legends, a goddess came to the people of Cienna and entrusted them to guard the Silver Millennium Crystal that was buried deep within the mountain caverns. Of course, Darien knew now that the goddess could only be Serena's grandmother. The Cienna must always stay at the bottom of the mountain, never to allow anyone to pass through the mountains without their express consent or guide over the terrain. They were never to repeat outside of their tribe who or what they were guarding, or suffer the consequences of their world perishing as well as the other planets. Someday, the rightful owners would return to claim the crystal to restore peace among the planets. In return, the goddess promised prosperity to the tribe. No disease or hunger would touch them, when the rest of the world fell pry to those problems. True to the goddess' word, the tribe of the Cienna throughout the centuries remained untouched and unscathed. Birthrate however, stayed small and so the tribe was able stay as one, and keep their secret from any outsiders.

It was because of the crystal, why Lily, his mother was so drawn to the people of the Cienna and why she had married one of the Cienna. She, as well as the rest of the Cienna, guarded the crystal with their lives. Lily had also known how her son, Darien was the only one who could actually handle the crystal. This had reaffirmed the Cienna's belief in the goddess, knowing that one of their own was one of the Rightful Owners to the crystal.

"It had better be a very good reason, Darien." Water-Weaver sighed. "Otherwise, she's going to be very angry with you!"

"I'm well aware of that fact. Yet, I have my suspicious about our other traveling companions, Lady Beryl and Chorn. Especially about Chorn. Something just does not click right about him and I don't trust him." Darien stated.

"But, why not tell Serena of your thinking?" She asked, confused about her brother's reasoning.

"Serena is with child." Darien replied, as Water-Weaver gaped. "With my child. The less she knows, the less likely she will be a target, if there's a confrontation."

"My God, Darien! Why is she here, then?"

"She is the other Rightful Owner of the Silver Millennium Crystal." He finished.

 

 

The evening was filled with great anticipation and delight. Because they had arrived on the eve of the dance, the women and men ate at separate fires. This was not the usual practice, Water-Weaver explained as the women dined on a sumptuous, yet simple meal. The recently married ladies all had donned on their finery, but their dresses were covered. Only to be revealed during the actual dance. The ones seeking mates were also dressed in their finery, although not as elaborated as the married ones.

Serena and Mina noticed that Lady Beryl was not present with the rest of the women. Water-Weaver explained that Lady Beryl was dining with men, shunning the tradition of the people. She did not seem very pleased with Lady Beryl's hauntiness. She and the rest of women had apparently decided to ignore Lady Beryl's presence, thus insulting her with their silence.

Just as Serena was beginning to enjoy the lighthearted evening by relaxing and mingling with the general gossip and jokes, the drums began to beat. She saw in the small distance, where the men were all gathered around an enormous fire that blazed and lit the entire village, casting an orange glow over everything it touched.

Serena glanced over to Mina, who looked slightly startled at the sound of the drums. As the women gathered got up from their positions, their voices beginning to mingle with drums, forming noticeable words to the song.

"I know this song, Serena." Mina whispered to her as they also got up from their sitting positions. At Serena's question look, she replied, "It is one of the Venus Passage of Rites ritual songs." She said as they followed the women towards the burning fires. As they drew closer to the beating drums, the sound steadily increased, becoming louder and incessant. There was a subtle change and a shift in the drum's tempo and a new dance and song formed. As the first ladies reached the circle of light, they began shedding their coverings. Leaving a trail of discarded clothing. The women who were not dancing sat down besides the men, but they were ones that formed the music. The dancers formed the words to the magical songs.

"Incredible," Mina breathed. Serena echoed her thoughts as they stepped closer to the fire. The women already in the circle of light, threw themselves wholeheartedly into the song. Their bodies undulated, as they pranced and swung their bodies to the beat of the music. The meaning was obvious. The intent was clear. This was a song of pure seduction.

"Here it is, Serena. Go and follow your heart." Water-Weaver whispered in the glowing light of the fires as she urged Serena forward, taking her covering off at the same time. Mina had already stepped forward into the light, her elegant dress of orange blossoms seemly to blend with her skin. Then Mina disappeared into the throes of the women as they began to surround her in array of unfolding movements.

The incessant tempo of the drums brought her into the light of the burning fires. Lifting her trembling arms up over her head, she followed the lead the other women. She threw her head back, letting the wave of her hair brush against her neck and body. In the firelight, the silver curtain of her hair was bathed in the color of blazing orange. The white, gossamer dress clung and lovingly hugged her rounded hips as they undulated with the sound of the music. Tiny, intricate pearls weaved and tightened the back of her dress, showing every full, round detail of each breast. All the way down to her pink-tipped, hard nipples. Likewise, her concave stomach and long legs were silhouetted by the light of the raging fires behind her. The brush of her curly mound between her soft thighs, was visible to even the most discerning eye. The rest of her dress billowed and flowed like an apparition.

With the beat of the music flowing through her veins, Serena felt her body relax and began to flow naturally to the music. The words of the music began to make sense to her, and she felt as if she could relate the song. A desert nymph in love with a loner and wandering shape-shifter. A roaming wolf during most of the day and night, except when the moon was full. Under the pretense of the moon, the wolf became a man. A handsome man, whose heart was frozen to love. The desert nymph wanted to melt his cold heart, so that he could finally open himself to love.

In the lime of the burning fires, Serena's eyes searched and found her heart's desire. Their gazes connected and remained locked. He was there, sitting besides Malachite, paralyzed, mesmerized and enraptured. Lady Beryl sat on the other side of him, scandalized and forgotten. She could feel Darien's deep gaze all the way to down to her bare bones. With the intensity of their gazes, Serena could feel her body beginning to heat. Her skin flushed a warm, rosy hue as her breasts swelled with heated pressure. Even with the warmth of the fire burning behind her, her nipples puckered erect as Darien's gaze swept over her figure. She was now dancing in front of him, the silver lush of her long hair swirling around her like an enveloping rose, like the opening of delicate, rose petals.

She could feel his hard, blue gaze stripping her of the delicate material that was her dress. The crowd of dancers fell back as Serena was given the spotlight. All laughter and talking died to a hush, as everyone watched the engrossed couple. Yet, to them, no one existed except the two of them.

Darien got to his feet, dazed, unable to believe what he was watching. She was a temptress. A witch. A nymph. A seductress. He could see clearly, every curve and hollow, silhouetted by the fires that burned in the background, exciting and tantalizing him. He knew that there wasn't a man here who wasn't turned on by the alluring picture she made.

Serena came forward and clasped her hands onto his broad shoulders, her upper torso boldly brushing his hard chest. She could feel her aroused nipples graze his shirt as his hands reached forward to grasp her waist. She felt his harsh breathing on her neck as her head whipped around to hold his dark gaze. She could see the harsh, sharp planes of his face, could feel his strength that was held in check within his powerful body. He reminded her of one of Earth's creatures, the panther. Sleek and powerful. Just as he touched her waist, she whirled away from him, her hips almost leading her steps. He stood there momentarily, then took a couple of steps towards her. Teasingly, she dance towards him again. This time, when she reached him, she danced and swayed around him. Caressing and touching him here and there, with her trailing fingers. Trying to illicit a response out of him. All the while the drums beat on, louder and louder, her steps never missing a rhythm. Then, she stopped behind him, her breathing heavy from her exertion and excitement. Lifting her arms, she reached forward to clasped him in a seductive embrace. His body stiffened, and she could her his breath in-drawn above the music. She knew he could feel every line of her body against the back of him.

"Serena." She heard him whisper hoarsely, before she whirled away from him again.

When she stopped again in front of him, she could see his nostrils flaring with arousal. There was a feral gleam in his eyes, that made Serena's heart stop. Her steps faltered as he made his way towards her, his stride sure and powerful.

Applause and cries of approval erupted from their audience as Darien swept Serena up and into his arms.

"Run-with-Fire!" They shouted and chanted at the same time with glee, Darien's warrior name.

They disappeared into the night and from the sight of the onlookers.

 



"Who are you dancing for, Silver-One?" Darien whispered huskily to her. The nickname was like a lover's caress on his lips. She stared mutely into his face, her chest heaving from all the emotions running rampant within her.

"You! Darien! Only you!" She cried as their lips met in a deep kiss.

 

 

Within the crowd of the onlookers, Chorn gnashed his teeth in jealousy. Tonight, when they were least expecting it, he was going to take the Blue Crystal. He had watched it glow around Serena's neck, but her dance had distracted him from the crystal. What a woman! He was taking her too, damnit. She was worth a million times over the Blue Crystal.

The music resumed for the rest of the dancers and onlookers as Chorn sat back to bide his time. Metilla will have her crystal and he would have his prize, in a matter of hours. He sat back and smiled, a smile that did not reach his eyes.

 

 

 

Please stay tuned for chapter 10, as the action begins!