(Untitled)

[selene_queen]

It creeps insidiously on the air through the hallway. It sneaks into the adjacent rooms and infiltrates them. It hurries here and there with malicious flightiness, just in and out of reach, growing as it moves. Finally, the unmistakeable aroma of baking has taken over the entire palace wing

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[selene_queen]

"Serenity. I am able to see you once more." Selene smiles softly at Usagi. Perhaps something inside her had told her she'd have such a visitor, as the cakes seem somehow strange for her, in this vast and empty castle.

[selene_queen]

"Come," Selene invites Usagi. "Stand by me, my daughter." She steps gracefully aside, making room for both of them to use the counter and its space. The smallest of smiles stays at her lips, polite and gracious.

"You resemble your appearance from the past very strongly still," the queen remarks.

[selene_queen]

"Have you remembered it?" Selene asks, and her urgency is betrayed by the tiniest gathering of strength in her voice, the faintest lines of worry on her face. "Have you remembered our kingdom in the Silver Millenium, and yourself?"

[selene_queen]

Not at all? Selene's eyes seem to lower, to turn inward with introspection. How much to say when she wants to say everything, when she's abuzz with the very feeling of finally seeing Serenity again, only to learn there is still a barrier between them, still a reason they can't truly meet and touch. She reaches out for Usagi's hand, as if they still can.

"You will come to understand and remember when the time is right," she promises both of them.

[selene_queen]

"That is all that is asked of you," Selene assures Usagi, and she threads her fingers through her daughter's. Her touch is warm and gentle, with little pressure yet making her presence felt undeniably.

"We will finish here, and I will show you our Silver Millenium," she decides. "Perhaps it will help you to remember."

[selene_queen]

"Come. Let us walk together, Serenity." Selene releases Usagi's hand long enough to pour in the last ingredients, stir, and place the batter in the oven. When she turns back to her daughter, she reaches for the hand again.

"I will show you everything."

[selene_queen]

They walk the quiet halls where Selene's slippers make no sound. She moves slowly, accommodating the train of her gown. The feelings of a mother can't truly be buried, and she tastes the bitter sweetness of their brief time together.

Watching, she reflect, does not always let one see everything. She's seen her daughter grow up into a new life with the reborn senshi, but that doesn't tell her the little things a mother wants to know.

"I want you to tell me about your life on Earth," she says.

[selene_queen]

A boy she likes; that must be the prince, Chiba Mamoru now. She knows already what they may not know yet, what they may not realize for a very long time: Selene knows just how far Beryl would go to separate that love.

"I wish for you to be happy with him," she tells Usagi, and the wish is sincere, although the thought of the troubles that await them disturbs her.