MOONLIGHT MIDNIGHT GLORY

 

Chapter 15

 

"Oh mum! There's not a lady on earth who could match your beauty!" Serena's personal maid exclaimed as she looked over the princess' appearance. She had spent over two hours helping the princess prepare for the ball, this evening. Indeed, the princess was simply, breathtaking. The princess' taste for cloths and materials was exquisite.

Serena chuckled quietly at her maid's comments as she stared at herself in the mirrors. "Thank you, Theresa. But you have outdone yourself, too. I could have never accomplished this look with my hair." Serena said sincerely, as she smiled at her maid in the mirror. Serena's hair was swept up in the traditional, moon princess hairstyle. The usual balls were there on her head, but intertwined with gleaming, lapis blue ribbons that trailed the length of her loose silver hair. The white, silk, ball dress hugged her figure like a clinging, velvet glove. Whenever she moved, the dress displayed iridescence colors of indigo, blue shades. The heart-shaped neckline scooped dangerously low, giving one a generous view of her shapely cleavage. Her neckline remained unadorned, to draw attention to the graceful curve of her neck. The rest of her dress was sleeveless and flared elegantly out at the skirts. White, satin gloves adorned her arms. Diamond studs and a single row of diamonds adorned her ears and wrist. Her large, wedding diamond ring sparkled like a burst of white lights underneath the low lights of her room.

Serena had taken extra care with her toilette. She dismissed that feeling of silliness as her heart pitter and pattered, waiting and wanting to see the gleam of approval in Darien's gaze. She could finally feel the excitement of the ball beginning to sing within her veins. She hadn't seen Darien all day and knew from the servants' comments, that he had already been seen downstairs as a huge entrouge of servants helped prepare the last of the preparations for the ball.

"You know, that this wing will be closed off because of the ball?" Her maid reminded her.

"Yes, I do." Serena nodded as she pinched her cheeks for some more color. "Although, I don't know the servant's entrance very well, yet."

"That shouldn't be a problem, just follow the hallway and knock on the double doors at the end." Her maid said over her shoulders, as she began picking up the discarded clothing within the room. "And the guards will let you in."

Serena went downstairs to meet with Mina. Guests were beginning to arrive and were beginning to fill up the ballroom. There were large crowds of people already gathered within the ballroom, some were important delegates, while others were friends of the royal houses and palace. The musical tinkling of glasses could be heard above the chatter. An occasional burst of laughter erupted from a crowd, while the musicians began tuning up their instrustments for the evening's entertainment.

"My God, Serena! That dress is absolutely beautiful!" Mina exclaimed as she came up to Serena. Mina was wearing a lovely, free flowing gown of silk, in pale blue tones. The dress complimented her golden complexion, nicely. "Of course, when you're as big as a house, like me, it's hard not to envy anyone with a tiny waist!" She laughed, merrily.

"Thank you, Mina. But you aren't half as big as I was at six months with Ruark and Rini." Serena grinned, ruefully. "And besides, you're dress is lovely!" She added as they made their way slowly towards the tables filled with food. Guests were already dipping into the large array of appetizers that was available, displayed for every conceivable taste.

"Have you seen Darien, yet?" Mina asked as she took a bite of some sliced, cold ham.

"No. I was told that he was down here already meeting some of the guests." Serena said as she scanned the heads and shoulders of the guests in the ballroom. Her eyes touched lightly on Lita who smiled back at her from her group, who consisted of Amy, Nephrite, Zoisite and another couple whom she didn't recognize. Amy's eyes light with excitement as she smiled and waved at them, when she spotted Serena and Mina. "But I don't see him anywhere, do you?" Serena asked as she waved back to Amy.

"No I don't. Maybe we should ask Lita and Amy? They might've seen him." Mina recommended.

"Have any of you seen Darien?" Serena asked the women and men when her and Mina arrived at their group.

Amy and Lita both nodded their heads, negatively.

"Actually, we saw him a short while ago." Nephrite interjected, grinning a mischievous smile to the ladies. He was dressed formally, like the other Ambassadors. Their uniforms looked crisp and smart, right down to the high sheen of their tall, black boots. A small, intricately and elegantly embroidered emblem representing each royal house was stitched to the bottom corner of each lapel of their dress jackets. Their scabbards were polished to a gleaming, silver shine held within their sheaths.

"Yes, and I do believe he grumbled something about a certain wife taking her sweet time, coming downstairs?" Zoisite joined in on the conversation, his golden brow raising somewhat to Amy. She frowned back at him as she flushed becomingly and his grin grew wider. Serena had the distinct feeling of undercurrent clashes between the two.

"Really Zoisite, he didn't grumble. We're merely teasing you, princess." Nephrite laughed huskily as Serena flushed. Then serious, he added, "He merely stated that he was returning to your chambers to fetch you." He finished, smiling sincerely.

"Thank you, Nephrite, but I think that I'll go and meet him halfway." Serena said as she left them.

Serena left the ballroom and went through the back way to the servants' hallway, remembering her maid's warning of their wing being closed off. A slight frown creased across her forehead as she remembered only going through this hallway only once, when her and the twins had first arrived. It was one of the few, least important tours of the palace. Yet, Serena continued to frown as she made her way down the long and narrow, dark hallway. It was completely deserted as she expected it to be, but for some reason she had a nagging feeling that she been down this same hallway before. There was a certain, déjà vu feeling that hovered at the back of her mind. She continued to frown, still trying to recall what it was about the hallway that nagged at the back of her mind, like a key that was slowly, but surely turning the lock.

Abruptly, all of her thoughts disappeared as she came before two, large wooden, double doors. Funny, she thought to herself in the dimly lit hallway, I don't remember this being here.

Then, another thought struck her odd, as she remembered something from the past about Moon Haze. She chewed on one of her nails, wondering why she would think about Moon Haze at such an odd moment. Clearing her mind at the intruding thoughts and shrugging her shoulders, she took a deep breath and knocked on the dark doors, impatiently waiting for the guards. Even as she lifted her hand from the door, she had another strange feeling that she had done this before.

The door was opened quickly, firm hands grasped hers, and she was dragged unceremonious into a dark chamber. She was dimly aware of the door thudding shut behind her, too startled to say a thing, but to gasp in dismay, as she found herself gazing into the most startling pair of familiar blue eyes, with the longest, darkest eyelashes that had ever graced a man.

Darien.

For a moment, she blinked her eyelids rapidly. Suddenly, she was trying desperately to sort through the flood of memories, that was rushing forward like a rapid river. Like a windswept moor on a stormy morning, the memories overwhelmed her, staggering her with its intensity as they continued to crash over her like thundering sea-breakers. She blinked her eyes once again, as the tides of memories suddenly subsided, like the calm cool, ocean on a bright, clear sunny day.

Darien's eyes gleamed wickedly at her, narrowing as they boldly and openly, assessed her figure. "Well," He drawled, as he studied her slowly, as his gaze lovingly caressed her features. "I was wondering if my two besotted generals would even get the plan the right." He said as he quirked a roguish eyebrow at her.

Her hands were still being firmly held within his, and before she had a chance to utter a word, she found herself jerked forward and drawn into the circle of his embrace, as his lips suddenly came down hers, hard and possessively.

She felt his body become still as her arms came up to clasp to him even closer. Her mind began to sing, as laughter of pure joy escaped from her smothered lips. Dazedly, she remembered herself in this same precarious position, this same thrill running crazily within her blood; as she was held within the arms of the man she loved with all her heart and soul. Has it really been almost two years ago, she thought to herself? It felt like some strange and wonderful dream that had happened for what seemed a lifetime ago, finally awakening from its dormant sleep.

Darien pulled reluctantly away from her lips to stare down with puzzlement into the face of the woman he loved. "Have I lost my touch? Or are my kisses making you laugh now?" He ventured, huskily. When she raised her lovely, blue orbs to gaze into his eyes, he almost gulped at the site that greeted him.

"Darien?" Her fingers came up trembling, to trace the contours of his face, revealing in the strength she found there.

"What is it?" He inquired, yet hesitant at the look that came over her face as her fingers continued to touch his face in wonderment.

"I remember." She whispered. At his silent-questioning look, she smiled tremulously. "I remember, everything."

"Do you?" His voice taut and low as he continued to stare at her. His gaze still was questioning, as it steadily stared back at her.

"Yes, I remember the crystal and that I was dead, but now it beats within my chest, in place of my heart. And it will continue to beat and synchronize with the one within you. All long as you live, the crystal will continue to give me life." She whispered, amazed at herself and how she seemed to know so much about the Silver Millennium Crystal buried within the cavity of her chest. Yet, somehow she KNEW. There was so much power within the crystal, that the thought almost terrified her. But she also knew that she wasn't alone in sharing the power. There were some things that Darien knew about the crystal that she had no knowledge of. And again, there were some things that she knew of the crystal, which he in return had no knowledge of. The crystal had evolved in its strange and frightening powers, within the hearts of two, caring humans. And when the time came to relinquish the crystal to a new user, the crystal would choose a user who would use its power for the good of humanity.

"Well then, I guess I'll just have to outlive you, huh?" He laughed quietly, still holding her tightly within his arms.

"I love you, Darien." She began quietly, her eyes shining brightly, like two tinkling starlights within the dark chambers of their room as she continued to gaze up into his face. "Even without the memory, I love you and as the night I danced for you, I loved you then, too. I would give my life for you again, and until the hell freezes over." She spoke huskily, her cheeks flushed hot with wet tears that began to stream down her face. She heard him mutter underneath his breath at the sight of her tears as his arms tighten around her, tenderly. And then she heard him murmur the words that she waited so long to hear.

"Serena…Silver-One…my moon princess--you've driven me half-mad ever since I set eyes on you! Didn't you sense, with all your woman's intuition that I loved you? That I always loved you?" He whispered to her in Cienna, whispering out all the other love words in that strange language. "Serena--mil alma, mil vida--amada mia…" My one, my only and one love, he finished for her in English, gruffly.

Strains of tilting music drifted up to their chambers as they continued to hold each other. They gazed into each other's eyes, their minds binding, again as one. Binding as Soul Mates.

The large, French balcony doors flew open and the draperies to their chambers flared open with invisible hands. Moonlight and starlight filled the once dark chambers, as the occupants of the room continued to gaze at one another, heedless of the commotion within their chambers.

"May I have this dance, fair princess?" Darien asked, suddenly and huskily, bowing deeply and gracefully to her.

Lifting her fingers to place them within his outstretched hand, "But of course, my prince!" She whispered back as he drew her back into his waiting arms. And in that moment, she knew without a doubt that all her memories in the future would begin with this moment.

 

 

 

 

 

Epilog…

 

 

"Where's Rini and Ruark?" Serena muttered as her gaze searched the outer expanse of the lake.

"Don't you know, darling?" Darien asked, as he came up behind her and grabbing her waist in a great, bear hug. He nipped at her neck with his teeth, causing her to giggle as they both looked over towards some suspicious looking shrubs, that seemed to be moving all of their own accord.

"Where else would they--ouch!" Jadeite roared at Raye, who currently cradled his head in her lap. "Did you have to bite my finger, woman?" Jadeite accused her, his gaze fierce. "Last time I ever feed you grapes, wench." He uttered under his breath, and sucking on his pounding finger at the same time.

Raye ignored her husband of seven years and got up from her sitting position, further causing Jadeite's head to bounce unceremoniously on the blanket that they were lounging on. He yelped like a wounded puppy and glared at his wife. Raye and Jadeite were expecting their first child, and Raye had not told Jadeite of the wonderful news. Jadeite's older sons from previous relationships; the ones that were present at the picnic, were quietly playing a game of chess and another was swimming in the lake with other relatives. Serena already knew that Raye would have a daughter, in the image of herself. She suspected that Raye was waiting for the right moment to spring it on her husband. With six strapping boys, her and Jadeite were wishing for a girl, someday.

"You cheated!" Zoisite hollered suddenly, getting up from the table that he had been sitting at, effectively scattering the chessmen on the board.

"I did not! You're just a lousy loser and a sorry sport, Zoisite." Amy huffed, indignantly. She was still sitting down across from Zoisite. One of Jadeite's sons, Kared smiled starry-eyed at Amy, delighted at the prospect of trying to beat her at chess. Amy had changed the most, out of all the Senshi. After marrying Zoisite, and having their sons, Amy's body had matured significantly. She let her hair grow, and Zoisite suddenly saw himself jealous over any man looking cross-eyed at her. Even after having two sons, both seven, Amy seemed to become even lovelier with each passing year. Kared was sixteen and in the throes of his first crush, much to Zoisite's disgust and annoyance, over his wife's swans.

Mina rolled her eyes heavenward and continued to lie out the food on the table, that they had brought with them for the picnic. She glanced over at her own husband, to see Malachite's fishing line moving crazily in the water. Although, he looked attentive, an audible snore could be heard coming from underneath Malachite's fishing hat. She smiled, indulgent and her eyes continued to scan the surrounding lake also looking for their daughter, Celine. Her and Malachite would laugh quietly over the name, reminded of their first night together. Serena and Darien would look over at the two, curiously, and knowing that Mina and Malachite were sharing a private joke.

Mina and Serena's gaze glanced over to where Lita and Nephrite were, holding hands. There were a few paces down the lake, sharing a quiet moment together. They were still newlyweds and love seemed very new and exciting to the two. Even though, Serena knew that Lita had been in love with Nephrite every since she had set eyes on him, several years ago. Circumstances and other problems had kept the two apart, until now.

Serena sighed, remembering also, how it had felt at the beginning. The rush of excitement, the blazing passion roaming freely within one's veins and then finally, the fulfilling love that had followed. Her and Darien's gaze met as their eyes followed the shrubs, where they had witnessed movement from across the way of the lake.

Suddenly, a piercing, curdling shriek lit across the lake, causing all the hairs on the men's skin to raise goosebumps. Birds squawking loudly, erupted into the sky, startled from their chattering perches in the nearby trees. Two of the men remembered the familiar and similar cry, once long ago, on a quest for the Silver Millennium Crystal. Two, young girls burst through the shrubs racing at top speed. Rini, eight years old with long, trailing silver hair, and the other, Celine at seven with golden-white hair. They both could have been sisters, with their similar looks and both wielded play swords. Deeper, answering cries greeted the girls, as three boys rushed forward from the surrounded shrubs to attack the girls with their swords. Shouts and whoops of laughter erupted from the group as the girls plunged forward to challenge the boys. The boys had mud marked all over them, indicating their warrior paint. They had just spent the last month, visiting and training with the Cienna men.

Darien laughed heartily at the sight of the boys, causing the rest of the picnickers to gaze in the direction and the object of his laughter. Ruark stood a whole head above the rest of the boys, even though he was just a year older than Amy and Zoisite's boys, Morgan and Marcus.

Morgan and Marcus were also twins. Both of the boys were miniature versions of Amy and identical at that. Sometimes, Zoisite couldn't tell the two apart. Which only annoyed Amy to no ends, having to deal with whomever was the wrong doer.

Serena groaned at the sight of her son. She could just imagine Augusta's face when, her and Damian returned from swimming.

"Boys will be boys, my love." Darien chuckled into Serena's ears.

"Yes, I imagine so." Serena chuckled, too as she turned around to gaze into her husband's eyes. "Especially since, I know that you and Malachite had a old grand time the boys, last month while visiting your sister?" She asked, quirking her silver brow upwards as his arms came around her waist to hold her close to him.

He was silent for a moment, thinking and still gazing down into her fathomless depths. He looked up then, his gaze sweeping the scenery and everyone he had come to love and cherish. They were his family. "Do you think it's possible, that even after we're gone, that our love will live on like this?" He queried, hoarsely.

She was silent for a moment, knowing how serious he was. "Yes." She began. "I think our love will go on, perhaps we'll even be reborn." She answered after a moment. "Reborn to love again. That would be wonderful." She laughed and shrugged her shoulders, and grinned up at him, her face even more lovely with each passing day.

"Well, it has a romantic sound to it, anyway." Darien chuckled as he kissed her upturned lips. Liking the taste of her honeyed lips, he kissed them again. This time, he lingered somewhat slowly as he watched her eyes begin to smolder like swirling smoke.

"Auugh, momm! Do you guys always have to do that?" Ruark retorted, suddenly beside them, interrupting their kiss. "God, and in front of everyone, too!" He said, affronted at the sight of his parents kissing in plain view. His body was almost completely covered with mud. Some of it was beginning to crack, where it had dried.

"They're always smooching, too!" Rini said in a disgusted voice to her best friend, Celine.

"Yeah, I know. Mom and Dad are always doing that kissy-face thing, too." Celine replied, copying her mother's famous rolling the eyes heavenward.

Mina, Raye, Jadeite, Amy and Zoisite erupted in laughter as they noticed Morgan and Marcus, making faces and googely eyes at Malachite as he continued to snore, blissfully still in dreamland. His pole had fallen over, the fish long gone with the detectable bait. Lita and Nephrite joined in on the laughter as they walked up to the group.

Not letting go of Serena in his arms, Darien winked at her mischievously and mouthed the words: I love you.

 

 

The End….for now.