Savéol by Jessica Pendragon

The Queen of Hearts and The Foolish Prince

Is it something so good
Just can't function no more?


"Ah, I thought I might find you here."

It was a long time before Kunzite felt strong enough to leave his rooms. After the incident with Sailor Venus two days ago, he could not completely trust himself, or anyone else around him. What he had felt that night had shaken him to his core. He was not one to waste emotions. It was what he was taught under the Shom-car; control your emotions, control your destiny. If he was not guided solely by emotions, he could watch those of others more closely. See the truths and lies in the way their eyes moved, find their weaknesses in the heated words they spoke. To quiet his own thoughts and emotions opened him up to the whims of others. In his position as his master's guardian, it was paramount he judge accurately those that meant to help, or harm Prince Endymion. His life could hang in the balance of one missed glance, of one overlooked word.

Kunzite had always been too wrapped up in all the shadowy emotions, it was easier to forget about the brighter ones: hope, kindness…love.

Only when Kunzite ran out of good excuses and gossip to tell his master did he decide it was best to venture out into the Venusian world again, lest Prince Endymion become too suspicious. He feared finding Sailor Venus roaming the halls, but Queen Jocelyn had found him first.

"Queen Jocelyn," he greeted, giving her a gracious bow.

"I was wondering if you would care to join me for a walk through the city? I have something I must do and I fear we have neglected you for far too long."

Deep inside all Kunzite wanted to do was be alone, to return home and forget this wonderful, wretched place, but he put on a smile instead. "I would be delighted, your majesty."

"Great. We will be venturing to the White Market today, which sits to the east. There has been no Delar activity, but just in case, I will send some Venusian clothes to your rooms. We will be well guarded and I'm sure there is nothing to worry about, but I think it will be best to blend in anyway. I will meet you outside your rooms in fifteen minute's time."

And with that, she swept back down the hall and out of sight. Kunzite followed her directions and found an outfit of muted browns and blues awaiting him. He felt like he was betraying his home as he wrapped the vest around his heart, but if he wished to escape the palace, he had little choice. He decided to sweep back his hair in a low ponytail as well. There were a few citizens with light hair, but none as white as was his own.

When Jocelyn took in his appearance, she gave an approving nod. "I didn't even think to tie back your hair, excellent idea. Now let's go, shall we?"

They took a quick route through the palace and down towards the city level. As they walked through the crowded streets, Kunzite felt the palace above looming over them like the mountains watched over the plains of his home. They walked for some time in silence, accompanied by several guards who kept a respectful distance. They didn't draw attention to the traveling nobles, but could easily reach them in an instant if required. Kunzite appreciated the skill of their training, but as they continued, his eyes turned to other things. He noticed the colors of the streets- bright reds, purples, and yellows. The beige stone beneath their feet sparkled with minute crystals that ran through the architecture also. The unique stone cast the city in a glow under the ever-watchful sun.

There was an excited air to the streets and the people moving past them. Venusians talked loudly and the sound of children's laughter echoed off the walls like falling water. In the organized chaos, Kunzite felt himself able to let go of the tension. He imagined himself melting into the crowd, his issues dissolving away in the heavy stream of emotions and thoughts around him.

He let out an audible sigh and turned to Jocelyn, seeing her wearing a knowing, caring smile. He silently thanked her when she moved on, choosing to forget what she thought or knew.

"The White Market is my favorite place to go. It's far enough away from the palace that I feel I have escaped, but close enough I don't need to make a day trip about it."

"Why is it called the White Market?"

"Oh, you will see. I don't want to spoil the surprise just yet," she said in a tone that reminded him of her golden daughter.

"What are we on a mission for, your highness?"

"A Savéol gift for my jolly husband; I have something in mind and another perk of the White Market is that it is much too far away for Marceneau to venture," she replied.

"What is this Savéol I have heard so much about since I arrived? I only know it is part of the New Year celebrations, but it appears to be important to everyone here as well."

"Ah, well, let me ask you a question first. Do you know what it is I do? Besides being queen, that is."

"I do not."

"I am a Kirabati, a Matchmaker. In the expanse of time and space, I find two souls that were made perfectly for one another. In Venusian culture, we are not complete until we find our counterparts and our two souls join as one. You may not believe in true love, Kunzite, but these practices have been around for a very long time on our planet," she paused, looking at him thoughtfully and went on, "We have many words for Love in our language. The highest form of love, of sharing souls between two destined lovers, is Savéol. During the month of Savéol, I and others like me match those true loves together and then we celebrate the greatest love we know with the greatest festival we can muster."

"Every person on Venus does this?"

"There have always been those afraid of destiny. In recent times, since the Silver Millennium began, some look down upon Savéol and embrace a more modern look on love. Some choose to find their beloveds without our help, for if, they are destined to be together, they will eventually meet on their own. Others like to be joined as soon as they can. We begin Matchmaking at the sixteenth year, what our ancient culture considered adulthood. Those of the Silver Millennium think it is too young of an age for a child to decide their fate."

"As I understand it Sailor Venus was taken to train as a Senshi when she was much younger than that," Kunzite commented.

Jocelyn laughed without humor. "I have often thought the same thing. I suppose it's perfectly fine when it comes to creating legendary guardians."

"And what about Prince Marceneau, he is sixteen now isn't he?"

Jocelyn grew even more sober at that question. "My family has a sordid relationship with destiny, Kunzite. We must embrace it, but we pick our battles when we can. Marc has chosen not to have his fortune read but to find out his fate in a different way. As for myself...when Marceneau first walked through my door, well, I knew he was the one. I knew I would see myself in his fortune. It was both romantic and terribly awkward. We just stared at each other for the longest time, unsure where to start."

"What of other people on other planets? Do you ever see a Jovian in the water, or a Martian?"

"Oh yes, it is not unheard of."

She must have known where Kunzite's train of thought would inevitably lead him. Why stop with people from Mars, Mercury…why not Earth as well? If the Kirabatis saw Terrans in the water, it would mean Venusians were surely on Earth, searching for or living with their supposed soul mates. To relate this information to Kunzite was a calculated risk indeed; if he told the wrong person, it could begin a fiery witch-hunt for every Otherworlder on the planet. What could she possibly gain from sharing her planet's finest secrets?

"Lately I've seen odd things in the water, as well," she said, choosing again to move on and let Kunzite do what he would with the thoughts she gave him.

"What do you mean?"

"I've gazed upon strange cities with strangely dressed people. There are streets and vehicles, but none like I have ever known. There are people everywhere, filling the roads like a living flood. We thought perhaps it might be some place on Earth we've never seen or heard about, but no city that has opened up to us is similar. Some have ventured out of the Solar System, hoping they will find this other world. I fear they will search forever. I don't know what it means exactly, but I have a feeling that something monumental is going to occur soon."

"Strange things are happening now, your highness."

"Yes, yes of course you're right. Well, here we are."

Kunzite understood why it was called the White Market. Before them lay an oval shaped area made completely of white stone. It was a glossy substance, almost like marble, with veins of dark blue running through every slab. It must have been a very old structure, for some stones were chipped and a few ancient pillars slept on their sides or were missing altogether.

"This used to be a fighting arena long ago when another city rested where we are now. There are only a few places like this remaining. Come, my seller is over here."

As they ambled towards the right side of the market, Kunzite was surprised to see a familiar face at the booth.

"Lord Kunzite!" Lelaine shouted, attracting some attention their way.

"Ah of course, out of the thousands of citizens on my planet, you would know the one I've come to see today." Jocelyn shook her head and Kunzite could do nothing but the same.

"Oh, your highness," Lelaine offered a quick bow. She stood amidst sparkling jewelry, lavish material and furniture made of sturdy wood. It surprised Kunzite to see so much of his home in such a foreign place. It was as if all of Earth's cultures had been crammed into a tiny plot of space. Kunzite's eyes fell to shimmering pieces of silk fanned out before him. He touched a piece of red fabric and was instantly reminded of Sailor Venus and the story she had shared the night before.

"Hello dear. I thought your father would be here today?" Jocelyn said.

"He had to step away for a few hours and called me to take his place. He said you would be coming and gave me instructions." The Terran girl from Portia reached under the table and procured a small box made of dark, rich wood. The lid held an exquisite painting of an elephant and a tiger set against the backdrop of a lush jungle. When Lelaine lifted the lid, he saw the contents held an equally splendid pipe made from ivory and gold. A fine velvet bag full of what Kunzite could only imagine was expensive tobacco rested inside as well.

"It's beautiful, thank you. Here is the payment as agreed." Jocelyn handed over a hefty looking sack full of coins and then watched as Lelaine carefully wrapped the package up before handing it to the queen. "Give your father my thanks and regards."

"Goodbye your highness, goodbye Kunzite."

"Clear skies," he said.

Lelaine smiled at that. "Strong winds."

Jocelyn and Kunzite walked silently back the way they came. Jocelyn had handed her bounty to one of the guards and now held an ornate purple fan, which she used to cool herself off. He did not mind the quiet; Jocelyn had given him much to think about and had shown him just as much as well. Venusians could find whatever they liked of Terran design, as long as they had the coin for it. People like Lelaine's father would not see the error of such open trade until it was too late. He would need to discuss this with Endymion.

They did not speak again until they reached the inside of the palace and were nearing Kunzite's rooms.

"So that is the woman my daughter assigned to assist you for the rest of your stay."

"Yes."

"She is a charming creature. I have seen her around the palace numerous times. I'm glad you have found a kindred spirit here to ease your stay. Now, tomorrow is the beginning of our Savéol festivities. We will be travelling to the Marncarne stadium and of course, you will be in our transport. We want you to stay close to us at all times, not just for your protection, but also to show our partnership in this alliance. We support you, Kunzite, and I'm sorry if it has seemed otherwise."

"I appreciate your faith in us, Queen Jocelyn," Kunzite said. "I thank you for sharing some of your world with me today."

"It will be important come tomorrow when everything seems utterly strange. There will be dignitaries from every city on Venus as well as a crowd watching your every move. I would stay close to Sailor Venus as she can offer you the most support and information. Is there anything else you would like to know?"

"Many things, Your Highness," he said, eliciting a laugh from the faired haired monarch.

"I think everything will become clearer with time," she said and gave him a look like she meant so much more than just tomorrow. "Goodnight Kunzite."

There first thing Kunzite did when he entered his rooms was make a call to his master. The Shitennou imagined Endymion looked as haggard as Kunzite felt when his face came into focus.

"I'm sorry to call so late, Master," he apologized.

"I think it constitutes as early now," Endymion replied and stifled a yawn behind his hand. "What can I do for you, Kunzite?"

Kunzite relayed the day trip in every detail, not leaving out even how their guards performed on the crowded streets. He felt almost guilty at revealing the secrets of Savéol. Yet Queen Jocelyn had not given them in hushed whispers or with hesitation, so he had to imagine the monarch would know Savéol would be shared. She had not demanded silence for the lessons learned at the White Market as well. It was almost as if she wanted Endymion to know these things, or perhaps to test what Kunzite would withhold and what he would share.

"I must have a discussion with the traders in this city, and especially Portia. Trade with the Silver Millennium can only help our relationship, but it must be monitored closely. Although I doubt there would be many Terrans willing to so openly trade with Otherworlders." Endymion paused as he wrote something down. "Savéol sounds very interesting, however. It seems like they tie their coming of age to relationships. We are not all that different I suppose; the day we come of age is the day we can begin to seriously pursue marriages and courtships."

"Love is something they take very seriously, Master."

"I guess the rumors of the intergalactic promiscuity are unfounded then?"

"I cannot say for certain. They carry themselves in such a way, but they are conservative in their beliefs on true love. Perhaps they are all bark and no bite, as it were."

Endymion laughed. "A strange comparison to make, but it works. Are you all right, Kunzite? You look a little strange."

"I could say the same for you. Is there trouble?"

"No more than usual," Endymion replied and the look in his eyes told Kunzite what ailed the prince. The young ruler stood still for a moment and appeared like a solemn portrait to Kunzite's eyes. "I know that we're meant to be together. Much like I imagine the people of Venus believe in their destined mates. When I touch her hand…it's like there's a spark between us."

Endymion's words sent chills down Kunzite's spine. He had seen the way his prince and the enchanting princess looked at each other when no one else was watching. He had heard this speech a hundred times from his chained master, but never understood the complete meaning until now. Was it too much to even consider? Kunzite had given up on love, true or not, when he took his vows to serve and protect Endymion. Could Kunzite actually have a chance at what Endymion had? Yet hadn't this fated love only brought Endymion pain?

"But we can never be together," Endymion continued. "Our duties bind us both. How can destiny bring us together, but demand we remain apart?"

"I'm sorry, Master. I wish I knew how to help," Kunzite said for the hundredth time.

Endymion smiled sadly. "Perhaps in another life we'll be together. I know one thing above all: no matter the pain I feel I would never trade meeting her for an ignorant life without her. I hope you find a love like that someday Kunzite, albeit one not so tragic."

"Thank you Master, but I keep none of that hope for myself. You deserve happiness above all others."

"Kunzite…" Endymion sighed, the weight of countless arguments over his faithful Shitennou pressing his shoulders down. "I wish fate had been kinder to us all."

Kunzite inclined his head, visions of a golden goddess blurring his sight. "That, perhaps, I can agree to."

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