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	   	      Written by Avanla Mireille

Book Two, Chapter One - "Last Words, New Beginnings"
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	Serena rode her white horse, Claudissa, through the forest, a 
trail of guards following and flanking her. But there seemed to be no
danger, for the forest was calm, the only noise being the horses and
the birds.

	"Are we almost there, your majesty?" Her captain said, pulling
up beside her. Serena smiled at him, nodding her head.

	"Yes captain, but sit back, enjoy the ride." She chuckled.
Broc rode up next to her, sporting a silver platted outfit while the
rest wore black armor. 

	"I missed the smell of the forest." Broc breathed in, exhaling
loudly. It's been almost a year since Serena's ascension, and Alvediaca was
beginning to piece itself back together. Now they were going back to 
the village to pay Mina a visit.

	"Ah, there it is." Broc sighed. Serena looked up through the
clearing to see the little hill her home had rested on. An excited 
smile came to her lips as she kicked her horse and sped up the hill.

	She galloped through the village, and when people caught sight
of her they started a chain reaction. Soon the whole village was knelt
before her. Serena got off her horse and rolled her eyes.
	
	"Get up, please!" She sighed exasperated. "You, can you tell
me where Mina is?" She pointed to a woman. The woman lifted her head
and pointed to the store to the right.

	"I do believe she's in there majesty." She replied and bowed
her head.

	"Thank you so much." Serena nodded and walked to the store. She
turned around and sighed. "You can get up now!"

	"I'd like some barley too, please." A familiar voice rang 
through the store.

	"Do you dare stand before royalty?" Serena deepened her voice. 
The store keeper looked up sharply and plummeted to the floor, but Mina
just sighed and turned around.

	"Oh, it's only you Serena. I thought it might be someone 
important." Mina smiled, placing her basket on the table. Serena raced
to her friend and embraced her.

	"Oh Mina, I missed you so!" Serena sighed.

	"As did I." Mina smiled as they pulled away. "Oh do come, the
family is dying to see you!"

	Mina pulled Serena out of the store and across the hill to 
Mina's house.

	"Mother! Look who's come to visit!" Mina shouted and soon Rita
came out of the house wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes lit up
when they resting on Serena.

	"Serena!" Rita shouted, giving her a big hug and then bowing
curtly. "It's so good to see you! Andrew, come here and see who it is!"

	A moment later Andrew and Kaleb emerged from the workplace
attached to the house. They both beamed at Serena and gave her brotherly
hugs, then bowing afterward.

	"Now the village is complete. Is Broc and Maxxel here too?"
Andrew asked, and as he did Broc and the others rode up the street.

	"Only Broc I'm afraid, Maxxel had to stay behind and take over."
Serena responded as Broc got off his horse.

	"Andrew, Kaleb." Broc smiled as he shook their hands.

	"Oh look, the farmer returns from the big city." Andrew joked.
"It's good to have you back, Broc."

	"Good to be back." Broc chuckled.

	"Oh, Serena I have something for you." Rita's tone was quiet,
almost unwilling. "Come." Serena followed Rita into the house, where
she got something from a box on the mantle. She turned around, holding
the rolled piece of paper between her hands, twisting it.

	"This came right after you left with Broc and Maxxel to go 
train in the hills. I didn't see you again till now." She handed Serena
the paper and she stared at it not understanding.

	"But, what is i-"

	"It's from Seiya." Serena looked up sharply, tears almost 
instantly coming to her eyes. She fumbled for a chair and sat down
roughly.

	"From..Se- But how can this be?" Serena shook her head.

	"One of the soldiers that fought with him had it, his name was-
oh, I believe Kieven D'Anouheu. He's visited once or twice since then,
he was Seiya's good friend. But anyways, Seiya gave it to him to keep
safe. Kieven was injured, and wasn't able to return it to you until a
year ago. I didn't want to give it to you until you were settled. I 
haven't read it, I wouldn't dare."

	"Oh, I have to, I have to get out of here." Serena muttered,
leaving the house and disappearing into the woods. Broc and Andrew 
looked after her, confused glances on their faces. Rita came running
out, and Andrew looked to her.

	"I gave it to her." She said, and he mouth and 'Oh'.

	"Gave what, gave her what?" Broc asked.

	Serena ran blindly, her feet knowing the way. She climbed down
the large rock and into the cave that held so many memories for her,
for them. She sat down on one of the chairs below the opening in the
rocks. She breathed deeply, staring at it like it was going to come
alive. Slowly she took off the tie around the letter and unraveled it.
Something fell out of it and into Serena's lap. 

	It was a necklace made of silver. On it hung a beautiful 
cross, made of pure silver. It was not too big, but not too small, and
shined up into Serena's eyes. Intricate carvings went around the edges, 
with figure eight designs on the branching arms. A blooming red rose 
was placed in the middle with small green leaves and drops of blood 
tears going down the trunk of the cross. Serena recognized it as the
cross Seiya always wore, and had made a long time ago when he apprenticed
under Andrew for awhile. He was always good with arts and drawing, and 
had left many unfinished paintings behind. Serena smiled ruefully, laying
it across her lap, and picked up the letter.

Dearest Serena,

	How is everything faring at the village? I hope all is well
with you, and you do not miss me too terribly much. For there has not
been a moment of every single day that your beautiful face has not
plague my very eyes. Not that that is a bad thing of course, do not
misconceive me. But it does get in the way when one is trying to fight.
I will not even burden you with the subject of war, for it is not for
you to know, just yet. But I wish I was back home, I don't even want to
be here. Kaleb and Andrew have been separated from me, and I do not 
know how they fare. Oh Serena, I didn't know how much I'd miss you
until now! I wish I was back home, just touching you. I still remember
your voice, your eyes. But that is not enough! But soon I will be
home, when I am released from this pointless war. I will hold you 
once again, and we will dance in the rain, and play diskette again,
and just be with each other again! I long for that day, and for the
day when I make that ring something worth while. Till then Serena, you
will always be in my thoughts, in my dreams, in my heart. Wait for me,
I shall return, as promised.
				With more love than imaginable,
						Seiya

	Serena whimpered, dropping the letter to the ground. She
covered her face with her hands, and began to shake. She fell from the
chair and to her knees, sitting on her legs.

	"Oh Seiya, I waited. But you didn't keep your part of the
bargain." She raised her head upwards, shouting up to the cave. "You
didn't keep your part! You lied to me, YOU LIED!!"


	An hour later Serena came sulking out of the forest, her dress
spotted and her arms torn. Her cheeks were red, and her eyes puffy.
Broc spotted her first, and the whole of her guards plus Mina too came
rushing towards her. Mina grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her
lightly.

	"Serena, where did you go? You had us so worried!" Mina sighed
and gasped as she gazed at Serena's eyes.

	"Oh I'm so sorry Serena, I should've never given that to you."
Rita came up, wiping away her tears. Serena lifted her head and smiled,
shaking her head slowly.

	"No, no thank you Rita." Serena said and grabbed her hand. 
"This is the last thing I have of him, his last words. But onto why 
I came here." Serena cleared her throat, changing the subject. "Mina,
I wanted to ask you something."

	"Yes?"

	"Will you come back with me, and be my lady? It would bring me
great joy to be with you." Serena asked and Mina looked back to her
parents. Both wanted a better life for their daughter and nodded. Mina
looked back at Serena and hugged her.

	"Of course Serena, your majesty." Mina said, taking her hands
and bowing before her on one knee. "I am in your service."

	"Thank you Mina." Serena smiled, bringing her up into another
hug. "Now, let's get back to the palace before Maxxel has a heart 
attack."

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	"Oh, wow..." Mina sighed as she eyed the palace. Serena looked
on at her friend, amused. "So that's what it looks like. Why didn't
you ever tell me it was so amazing?"

	"I wanted you to see for yourself." Serena smirked as they rode
to the huge gate doors, which were reinforced with steel. The guards
bowed and started to open the heavy doors slowly. A few moments later
they entered the palace and made their way up the golden path to the
Main Entrance. A valet took their horses to the stables and they walked
hand-n-hand up the large white marble staircases. 

	Mina gasped at the exquisite arts painted all around the hall
and at the dome ceiling which was made of glass. The Main Entrance branched
off into three hallways. The one in the middle, the Main Hall cut a 
straight line through the center of the palace, but in the middle 
circled around a small garden and gazebo and then straightened back out
all the way to the end.

	The two other hallways, the East and the West Wings curved
around the palace and met the Main Hallway at the other end. Where they
met two arching staircases lead up to the second floor where the
guest rooms, baths, and the throne room were located. Serena's quarters
were located on the third floor, where she had her own personal bath,
study and large king sized room. Five smaller rooms were located up
there as well, which only two would be occupied by Setsuna and Mina.

	"The East Wing is all the fun stuff." Serena explained. "The
pool, the game room, the training room, and the old ballroom. The West
Wing is all the political nonsense, the Council Room, the Debate Hall,
the Library and Study. The new Ballroom that Rosmund built is located
at the end of the palace."

	"Well, what's the old one used for now?" Mina asked as they
walked in that direction. Serena smiled secretively and placed her 
hand on the doorknob.

	"You'll see." She opened the door and it took Mina a few
moments to adjust to the lighting. She gasped and placed
a hand over her mouth. Rosmund had turned the old Ballroom into an 
aquarium, with a large pond in the middle. Seven large tanks made a 
crescent around the pond, and were filled with exotic fish from the
seas. Mina went around and touched the glass, causing the fish to move.
The pond was fenced around with wire and wood. In it resting a albino
crocodile. The pond continued underneath the floor and went out to a 
larger holding area.

	"He's beautiful, beautiful and deadly. Just like Rosmund liked
everything." Serena sighed, fighting back the rage she held for that
man. "I didn't have the heart to kill it."

	"This is so wonderful Serena." Mina marveled. "I've never seen
such wonder. All I've seen is trees, trees and more trees. Please show
me everything!" 

	Serena laughed and grabbed her hand, dragging her out the door
and through the palace. For a moment the two were children again, and
since Serena was empress, there was no one to stop them this time.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	
	Serena sat upon her throne, looking down at the audience of 
Broc, Maxxel, and two former members of her father's council. 
		
	"So, what are we to do first?" Broc asked.

	"Well, the immediate thing I should say is to pick council 
members and establish the palace before moving on to anything else."
Maxxel suggested. "Your majesty?"

	"Yes, yes." Serena repeated thoughtfully, getting off her
throne. "But I think we shall do it differently from now on."

	"How-how differently?" Gorgie, the middle-aged bald council
member raised an eyebrow. Serena walked purposefully to the window,
placing her folded hands upon her chin.

	"First of all, a council member shall be picked from each of my
provinces and territories, instead of just randomly picking them from
this town. But I will not pick them." Serena shook her head, and looked
over to the others. "We will hold..an election. The people will choose
who their council member shall be, not I."

	Martrie, the other council member was first to counter-attack.
He was a squirmy man with the face of a snake, if you will. Serena didn't
like him at all, and the feeling seemed to me mutually.

	"Let the-let the people pick? But that's absurd." He shook his
head disapprovingly.

	"Only because you will not be picked." Serena replied, and his
face turned red with anger. "Corruption has always run in politics, 
the nobles forcing their way to the king or queen, and putting on this
demeanor of innocence." She huffed, shaking her head. "I have seen it
before. Yes, the people shall choose, and the council members shall
act upon their people's wishes, relaying them to me. What do you think
Maxxel? Broc?"

	The two looked at each other and started discussing the matters
quietly. Maxxel looked back and smiled at her.

	"We think it's an excellent idea, your highness." Maxxel said
and Serena smiled in relief. "But there are other positions that need
to be filled. Like-advisor." Serena laughed at his antics and waved
her hand.

	"You will not just be my advisor, but my Prime Minister, my
replacement incase something should happen. For I trust you more than 
anyone else. And Broc, Broc shall be my Commander in Chief, lord of my
armies, the one person I would trust with my life." Both men bowed 
respectfully, happy smiles on their faces. 
	
	"Well, let's get started shall we?" Serena smiled, happy with 
herself. 

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	After two months of non-stop work, the new council members were
chosen from Alvediaca's twenty-six provinces and territories. Fifteen
noblemen, seven farmers, and four women. Women were a first in the 
council, but of course I approved. 

	I hosted a ball for my new council, also inviting the rulers
of my territories. It was my first official appearance, and I was
frightfully nervous. But something happened that night that changed
my life again. For better or worse, well, that's yet to be said...

	Serena stood in front of her long mirror, waiting patiently for
Setsuna and Mina to finish. She was dazzlingly dressed in a light
pink, like a sunset color, and gold gown. It was low cut and hung off
the shoulders. Slits were cut at the elbows and shoulders, were the
gold material was pulled through and tufted slightly. The sleeves went
straight down her arm and connected to her middle finger by a ring. The
dress stayed close to her body, but not too close, and sparkled with
glitter and was swirled with golden color. 

	A triangle was cut down the skirt to show the golden color 
underneath the light pink. Her neck was left bare for her hair cascaded
down her body in tight ringlets, with light pink ribbons attached 
through it. Her lips were glossed over and golden eye shadow rested below 
her brows. Simple golden earrings shaped like dream catcher's hung from
her ears. A golden crown rested on her forehead, with small little peaks
shaped like clovers going all the way around, and light pink jewels placed
in the center of each one.

	"There you go, majesty." Setsuna said and looked at Serena's
reflected. Serena sighed nervously, turning to face her. 

	"Are sure it's not too plain? I mean-Oh, I don't know. I feel
I should be decked out in a big skirt and tons of make-up or something."
She sighed again.

	"It's perfect, trust me. It's plain and simple, yet elegant.
It shows that you are not a woman of possessions and are in control of
everything. Besides, you're absolutely gorgeous in anything you wear,
weather it be exquisite gowns or stable dresses." Mina encouraged.
	
	"Thank you, Mina. You were always the fashion one." Serena smiled
and gave her a quick hug. "Now, let's go."

	The trumpet sounded and all looked up the steps to the light 
white and silver doors. Serena straightened her posture and walked
in with her head held high, but still couldn't take her gaze from the
magnificent ballroom. From the top platform, before you would descend
the steps onto the dance floor, to the right and the left staircases
led upward. They wrapped around the oval dance floor, like reversed
balconies. At the end they met and rounded out in a semi circle
to hang over Serena's throne. Seventeen pillars supported the balcony
and formed around the dance floor. The ceiling was made all of glass,
and a waxing moon shone down upon them. Two rooms were attached to the
sides. To the left, the bathrooms, another parlor and the entrance to
the gardens. To the right, the dinning hall and the exit of the gardens,
which wrapped around the back of the palace in a huge semi-circle. 

	By now Serena had reached the dance floor and walked through 
the parted crowd to the throne. It was made of excellent cherry wood
and platted in gold. Two strong pillars stood on either side of the
risen platform where it was located. As she went people were left
bowed in her wake, and Serena fought back the urge to blush. She never
liked this bowing business, believed that she didn't deserve it after
spending a good part of her life in the forest. 

	Serena turned, making a small bow and sat down. Maxxel then 
approached, holding a long sheet of parchment. He then proceeded
through the long list of attendance. 

	"The rulers of the territory of Portrai, King Diamond, Princess
Emerald and Prince Sapphire, plus their council member, Beryl
Devenshire." Serena looked up at the interesting foursome that made
their way towards her. 

	The one in the lead was dressed in a white outfit with a 
purple V going across his chest and a purple belt. A white dragon outlined
in blue, with a long tail and emerald red eyes rested in the middle of his
long white cape that flew behind him. It held a sparkling diamond in its
mouth and a spear in its claws. His hair was shock white, and a purple 
band went around his head, with white and purple feathers resting on 
either side of his face. Which, as Serena looked, was absolutely 
gorgeous. His face was slim, his nose pointed just right. His complexion
was just slightly tanned, clashing with his light violet eyes. He seemed
to be a man of character and nobility, making sure to keep his head 
held higher than the others behind him.

	The two people that trailed him obviously were the prince and 
princess. The princess was just as beautiful as her brother, but in a
different sense. She held a darker beauty, her dress black and very 
immodest. It held tight to her voluptuous curves, the bust low-cut and 
tied in the front, gaping in a teardrop form. Her cape was black as 
well and came around her neck in a high collar and the tie came down and 
rested down to her bust-line. The cape wrapped around and connected to her
middle fingers. It shinned and shimmered with emeralds all over. Peacock
feather's hung from her earrings, and her wavy, lush emerald hair
cascaded down her back. Her black dress contrasted with her skin, which
was hauntingly white, her emerald eyes gleaming up at Serena. 

	Beside her was the youngest of them all, Prince Sapphire. You
could tell he was a spirited young individual by the way he dressed.
His shirt was made of metal links and his muscles showed through. He
wore baggy black pants and black boots. Around his tanned arms were
two armbands, which blue feathers hung from. Sapphire studded earrings
rested in each ear and his dark blue eyes twinkled with mischief. His
blue hair was thick and rich, spiked up in the front. 

	Behind them all walked a woman with fiery red hair. It went
down her back in long waves. She was sulky and sensuous, but less-assured
than her emerald-haired comrade. She was dressed in a dark purple and
red gown. The top red layer was red and was cut out like Swiss cheese,
letting the purple underneath sparkle through. A shinning ruby rested
on her neck, and two bands wrapped around her wrists with red feathers
attached. They approached the throne and bowed respectfully.

	"The Jewels or Portrai, it's a great pleasure to finally meet
you." Serena nodded as they rose.

	"And it's even more so a pleasure to live and serve under your
protection." King Diamond said. "Allow me to introduce my sister,
Princess Emerald, my brother, Prince Sapphire, and our cousin and
Portrai's council member, Lady Beryl Devenshire." Each bowed at the
mention on their name.

	"Welcome to Alvediaca." Serena nodded and then smiled up to 
the crowd. "Now it is time to dine!"

	Serena stood off by herself, watching with amusement as Mina
tried to pick up some men. Setsuna was located talking to the other 
ladies. Suddenly her attention was drawn elsewhere as someone lightly
tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around to find the luring eyes
of King Diamond. He bowed swiftly and put out his hand.

	"Will you be so kind as to let me have the honor of dancing
with you?" He asked, raising his eyebrow in expectation. Serena smiled
and placed her hand in his. She watched as he slowly curled his long
fingers around her hand. 
 
	He led her out onto the dance floor and took her into his arms,
swaying to the music.

	"You should really learn to relax." Diamond said and Serena
looked up at him sharply.
	
	"Whatever do you mean?" Serena shrugged indifferently.

	"It's obvious you've been nervous all night." Diamond smiled
cunningly and Serena blushed.

	"It's just that I feel everyone is staring at me, waiting for
me to mess up." She said.

	"They are watching you, but not for that reason." Diamond said
and spun her around, bringing her back closer than before. Their faces
were mere inches apart, and Serena felt something tingle inside her.
"They're watching you because you're the most beautiful woman in the
room, and you don't even try." Serena blushed a becoming shade, turning
her face aside a little. 

	'What's this feeling?' She asked herself, as she felt the tingle
becoming a vibrated aura. 'Could this be love? But how can it be? I 
was sure Seiya was the one for me..'

	Diamond twirled her around, and with a gasp from Serena brought
her close again. Serena stared up at him with slightly widened eyes and
an O shaped mouth, while Diamond grinned dashingly down at her, a 
fallen strain of white hair catching in his violet eyes. Without even
thinking Serena reached up and pushed it back. Diamond widened his
grin to show his pearly white teeth. 

	'...WHAT?' Serena shook her head and stepped away from him, 
blushing extravagantly. 
	
	"I'm sorry." She muttered.

	"No it's quite alright." Diamond chuckled as she looked up
at him. "It was in my way of looking at you." Serena blushed even more,
turning her face over his left shoulder.

	"Diamond!" Miraculously Serena was saved from the embarrassing
moment, as Princess Emerald came over. She weaved her arm through her
brothers and snuggled close to him. "Do come and dance with me. You
promised."

	"Alright Emerald." Diamond smirked and looked back at Serena,
bowing slightly. "It was a pleasure highness."

	"Likewise." Serena said and sighed as they were out of hearing
range. 'Did it suddenly get hot in here?' She thought, and headed out
to the gardens. 

	"Oh, excuse me." Someone apologized as they bumped into each
other at the entrance. Serena looked over to see Prince Sapphire
standing beside her. "Oh, good evening your majesty."

	"Good evening prince." Serena nodded. "Would you care to take
a walk with me? I'm anxious to hear about your family and Portrai."

	"I'd be delighted." Sapphire said as they walked out together.
"It's a very beautiful castle, a technological feat."

	"I aim to please." Serena smiled. "And you, I've heard you have
a room souly made of precious jewels. What if someone were to come and
steal everything in the room?"

	"Ah, we'd just replace everything! Portrai is almost covered
in precious jewels. It's not very hard to find some."

	"I see." Serena nodded as they walked calmly through the 
large gardens. "So tell me the history of your country, how did your
brother assume command?"

	"Well, he killed my father actually." Sapphire shrugged while
Serena gasped silently.

	"Are you serious?" Serena asked, surprised.

	"Well, it's not like that you know." Sapphire shook his head.
"He had no choice. Father was drunk and he tried to kill Emerald and
so Diamond went to protect her and...well-The rest is history."

	"Your brother must be heartbroken." Serena shook her head.
	
	"Yes he was. Now he watches over us just like a father would."
Sapphire said.

	"How old is your brother from you?" Serena questioned.

	"Oh, seven years. Diamond is twenty-four, Emerald is twenty
and I'm seventeen." Sapphire replied. "Yes, you probably thought I was
younger. I don't blame you, everyone does. It's because I'm immature
and stunningly handsome." Serena chuckled as they came to an intersection
in the gardens. 

	"Well I must go entertain the crowds, it was nice talking to you."

	"Likewise." Sapphire bowed, taking her hand and kissing it
lightly. Serena blushed, retracting her hand. On her way back to the
dance floor she bumped lightly into Princess Emerald.

	"Oh, Princess Emerald, how clumsy of me." Serena apologized.
Emerald looked down at her from her 5'9'' height, one eyebrow slightly
raised higher than the other.

	"It's quite alright Empress." Emerald replied.
	
	"Are you having a good time?" Serena asked.

	"As good as can be expected." She smiled coolly. "Good day,
Empress." Emerald said and brushed past her. Serena breathed in and
sighed, shaking her head slightly. She walked to her throne and looked
over the crowd. A smile came to her lips, as she saw everyone from her
different provinces and territories getting along and talking peacefully.

	'Things will be different now.' Serena thought, as she sat down.
She looked over to find Diamond, who was returning her gaze. She blushed
slightly, and smirked at him. There was definitely something between
them. You could feel it in the air.

	'Yes, very different.'
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-