Name of the Storyline: Silver Lights
Name of the Creator: Sailor Venus
Forum: Silver Millennium
Plot Summary: Silver Lights is a storyline that explores the relationship between Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity during the Silver Millennium. There is no over-arching plot, but rather just an opportunity for character development during a time of the Sailor Moon series we know little about.

Details on any necessary information: This takes place during the Silver Millennium and will focus on characters with underdeveloped relationships, such as Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity or Luna and Queen Serenity.
Restrictions:
---Canon: Senshi: Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity, and Luna. Others are welcome // Villains: None
---Otaku: Otaku Senshi: None. // Otaku Villains: None

Although moments such as these were relatively rare, Queen Serenity treasured every time she could place her duties as the queen aside while she enjoyed the serenity and calm of the moon. In particular, she enjoyed the gardens. The palace was graced with the presence of several gardens, although Queen Serenity could not decide on which was her favorite garden.


This was one of the specific days she set aside for her daughter, Princess Serenity. The life of a queen was very busy and rather frantic with activity, but these were not excuses for neglecting her only daughter In order to keep their relationship strong, these days were to be uninterrupted, as best as could be managed, and kept relatively unadorned by others. Of course, it was permissible for Princess Serenity's senshi guardians or Luna to attend, but typically they knew the moments mother and daughter were able to spend together were precious.
Speaking of which, her daughter should be along shortly. Queen Serenity smiled as she gently stroked the petal of a flower.

Luna was looking forward to time to herself. She spent so much time chasing after the princess and helping the queen that she rarely got a chance to relax. She wanted nothing more than to spend the day in the sun. Sighing she sat down on a bench and looked out to Earth. It was beautiful and she could see why the princess was always trying to go there. She wondered what it would be like to go there one day.

Luna shook her head. Thoughts like that wouldn't end well. She knew that and it was her duty after all to be here where she was needed. She head footsteps and looking in the direction they were coming from.
The Queen was out and about. That's right today was one of the few days that she took to spend with the Princess. Smiling she walked over to her. "My lady." She said curtsying. "How are you today? Looking forward to time with your daughter?" Luna would never tell anyone but she wanted to be a mother herself someday. She almost envied the Queen for her child but then she didn't Serenity was a handful. She hoped her child wouldn't be such trouble.

Queen Serenity enjoyed the garden as she patiently waited for her daughter. When one had lived as long as she had, patience became a necessary trait. Well, perhaps patience as became a necessary trait when one had Princess Serenity as a daughter. She smiled fondly as several of her daughter's past exploits came to mind. Nearly all of the members of the palace enjoyed the excitement and youthful energy the princess and her royal guardians exuded.

When someone entered the gardens, Queen Serenity turned around with a greeting. "Good morning, Luna." She said, smiling gently. Luna had truly been a very wonderful asset and trusted friend to the queen. The two of them had shared the wonders and stresses of raising Princess Serenity and governing the Silver Millennium. The young woman had risen admirably to the challenges presented to her and had performed her duties wonderfully.

"I am doing well, thank you for asking." The day had not yet started and many delightful events were no doubt in store. "These days are truly special to me. Today will be enjoyable." Although Queen Serenity was well aware of her advisor's duties and responsibilites, she asked "what are your plans for this day?"

Luna smiled."Oh nothing really." She said. She was hoping for a quite day to relax. It was rare that she could after all. "I was hoping to get some reading done, and paper work that never seems to go away." Luna said sighing. She wondered if she would having the time of a long bath. Even though she was sure she would have to find either the princess or the queen in the course of the day, she still hoped that maybe this time wouldn't be like the last. "Over all I wanted to check if there was anything else you needed from me before you started your day with the Princess?" Always trying to help make her queen's life easier, Luna would go out of her way to check on both the queen and the princes. Luna bent to smell the flowers in front of her. The smell reminded her of a time when she just arrived here. She was still young then and she hadn't known of the friends she would make here. Now so much time has passed and she would do what she could to help the queen. "So Highness, is there any thing you need?"

(OOC: Unless we get another Princess Serenity, it might be just you and me! However, feel free to NPC Princess Serenity if you want to bring her in the storyline.)

Queen Serenity smiled and sighed when Luna discussed the never-ending pile of paperwork. She was very well aware of the endless supply of administrative and governmental duties that needed attending. "Yes, the paperwork never seems to end. Sometimes I wonder what the last paper will say, but I never seem to reach the bottom of the stack!" Queen Serenity laughed. Of course, the bottom of the stack was reached or else duties were neglected.

Then, Luna asked if anything was required. Queen Serenity thought for a moment. There was always something that needed to be done, but if she said so, then Luna would never take a rest for herself. The elder would much rather Luna not sacrifice her good health rather than complete yet another task. "No, I am unable to think of something at the moment. Why don't you take some time for yourself?" She suggested with a smile. "If you would like, both Princess Serenity and I would love if you would join us today for some quality time. We both appreciate you very much."

Luna smiled. She loved the sound of the Queen's laugh. It always made her feel happy. It was true they were always working on something, and the work never seemed to end, but it was usually for the people so Luna rarely minded. "Oh I don't wish it intrude on your time together." Luna said at the invitation. "But I would love to keep you company till the Princess shows up." She smiled again. The Queen was one of her oldest friends and she did love spending time with her. Luna didn't have anything else to do today she might just tag along but she hated the thought of intruding on her time with the Princess. Maybe Luna she should go check on the younger girl. "What do you have planned for your outing?" Luna asked the Queen.

((OOC:Cool. Works for me.))

Whether or not Queen Serenity would be able to enjoy Luna's company for the rest of the day had yet to be determined, but she would enjoy what little time they could share together before Princess Serenity arrived. Her daughter did tend to be a few moments late for outings, but had noticeably improved as she had aged.

"Thank you, Luna," she said with another smile. "I have yet to finalize today's events with Princess Serenity, but I do have a few places in mind. "We, of course, have plans for lunch, Princess Serenity's choice. Afterwards, shopping always brings a smile to her face." Yes, most of the day's events did revolve around her daughter, but Queen Serenity would not have it any other way. "Then, I hope to perhaps take a boat ride around a nearby lake."

Luna smiled. "That sounds wonderful, Highness." Luna said. She wondered again what could be keeping the princess, but soon found that she'd rather not thing about that, seeing as it might be something she'd rather not know about, like a certain Earth Prince. That girl was hard to handle but she was sweet. Luna let a long breath out and looked out across the gardens. Things seemed to be quite, and Luna loved it. She took a seat on a bench and watched at the Earth rose slowly in the distance. She never thought that she would give up her home on Mau for this, but she wouldn't trade it for the world now. The moon was her home and she would do what she needed, which at that moment was a mountain of paper work. Well that could wait a little longer, since it's waited this long. She smiled and wondered if she would see Artemis today.

Princess Serenity was well-known amongst her friends for being a little late to events when she was left to her own devices. Even when she had the best of intentions time seemed to slip away from her. With a quickness in her step, she emerged into the garden with a beautiful, full smile.
"Good morning, mother, Luna," she said to each individual in turn with a polite curtsy. Then, with a twinkle in her eyes, she clasped her hands together excitedly and stepped closer to Luna. "Will you be joining us today, Luna?"
Queen Serenity enjoyed her daughter's excitement. She rose to meet her daughter with a gentle hug. Strict propriety could be dropped in the presence of Luna, who would likely encourage the close bond between mother and daughter.

"If both of you wish it, then, yes, Luna is welcome to join us today on our outing." Queen Serenity said. Princess Serenity's smile grew wider and she emitted a small squeal of delight. She moved to throw her arms around Luna. Yes, strict propriety could be dropped amongst a close circle of friends and family.

Luna giggled and hugged the young princess back. "I suppose I will for a time at least." She said looking at the princess. "I'm always being told I'm always stuck in that palace to much." She said winking at the princess. "Thank you for having me along." She said her hands still resting on the younger Serenity's shoulders.

Luna always loved seeing the mother and daughter acting like well mother and daughter instead of the usually Queen and Princess. It was always refreshing to her to see that even with the weight of the people on their shoulders, they were still living people and that made it worth the while all the work they did.

"So where will we be going today, My Ladies?" Luna asked.

Spoiler:

Princess Serenity beamed a bright smile in Luna's direction, then a twinkle lit in her eye as she adopted a teasing tone. "You do work very hard, Luna. Why, if you do not mind your personal responsibilities of play and relaxation, I think the stress will cause your face to wrinkle." She smiled playfully and appeared to ponder her friend's face closely. "Do I see a wrinkle?"

Queen Serenity managed to maintain a straight face, but was secretly amused by poor Luna's plight. "Now, Princess Serenity," she lightly scolded. Then, she said "Luna and I have already discussed some of the details concerning our outing today. I have suggested we dine at a restaurant of your choice, which will be followed by some light shopping."

Princess Serenity's appeared contemplative when her mother said the decision for lunch would be decided by the princess, but her face lit up when Queen Serenity mentioned a shopping excursion.

"Afterwards, I suggest we finish the day with a boat ride at the lake."

Princess Serenity smiled, "that sounds delightful. Could we have lunch at the new restaurant that opened last week near the market? I have heard their food is delightful and the restaurant would likely receive more business after the locals hear we have eaten lunch there."

Luna smiled at the princess to make her face seem wrinkled."Then it's a good thing I have you to help me see that my play and relaxation duties are seen to, Princess. She laughed as the princess tried to find some sign of age in her face. "Oh that sounds wonderful, but you might have to count me out on the boat ride." Luna had never been overly fond of water, but that wouldn't stop her from watching the royal pair from the shore. Besides they needed time together.

"I had heard that too, Princess."Luna smiled at her. She was growing so fast. "They're said to have some of the better food by the market anyway, and if I recall isn't that around your favorite shops?" She asked her eyes lighting up with mischief. While Luna tried to make sure the Princess stayed on course with her studies and other royal things, Luna wasn't above helping the princess into some fun now and again.

"Shall we go then?" Luna asked. "If we want to beat the rush, that is, or will you be wearing cloaks this time?" She asked the mother daughter pair. Last time they went out it would have been quite a mess if the Queen hadn't been thinking so quickly on her feet. Luna only wished she could have been there to see it.

Princess Serenity was rather unsuccessful in her attempts to find a sign of age, which would have besmirched the fair Luna's face. However, she was far more successful in her attempts to convince Luna and Queen Serenity to eat at the new restaurant near the market. The young blonde smiled when Luna commented on the closeness of the princess' favorite shops to the restaurant. "Why yes, I do believe they are."

Queen Serenity smiled and nodded in agreement with Luna's suggestion to begin the journey. "Yes, let's depart." Luna reminded the present royalty about the misadventures they had experienced during the last outing. That had been a rather... eventful outing, to say the least. Princess Serenity had gained more admirers that day, but Queen Serenity had gained a few more grey hairs.
Thankfully, Queen Serenity was prepared, this time. "We will be using cloaks this time." She gestured toward the nearby bench. "There are three cloaks underneath the bench, one for each of us."

Luna grinned. She wasn't all that well known around town but it would look strange to see the royal advisor out and about with 2 cloaked figures. She had to admit though, she loved the air of mystery that cloaks seemed to grant the wearers. She wouldn't tell anyone lest of all the pair before her but she still felt like a school girl wearing her mother's heels for the first time or going to the big dance in the best dress. It was something she missed. But at least this was a fun day out. Luna walked over and picked up the cloaks. "Here, My Ladies, let me help you." She said helping the younger Serenity into her Cloak and then holding the queen's out for her to slip into.

After helping the Queen with her cloak Luna donned her own with the littlest "help" from the princess. "Alright, shall we be off then?" Luna asked barely keeping the giggle out of her voice.

Spoiler:

Queen Serenity graciously accepted the help Luna offered with the cloak. When the three were ready, the queen nodded in response to Luna's question. The appropriate people already knew where the royalty would be and what they would be doing and Queen Serenity had a communicator. And so the day began as Queen Serenity led her small group toward an exit, which would lead them to their destination.

Of course, the royalty could not be left completely unattended. The appropriate guards were positioned nearby, but did have orders to blend into the crowd and only to interrupt that day's outing if matters presented themselves. The walk to the restaurant was relatively short, but the view was pleasant. Their lively discussion was cut short when the small group arrived at the restaurant selected by Princess Serenity.

Queen Serenity accepted the small placards detailing today's selections and passed one each to Princess Serenity and Luna. As she browsed the offerings, the mother attended to the duties every child hates to hear. "So, my dear, how are your studies progressing?" Of course, she was an attentive mother and regularly received reports from the tutors and Luna, but it never hurt to discuss such things with the one doing the studying.

Luna knew where this would go the moment the Queen asked about the Princess's studies. With an exasperated sigh from the younger Serenity. Hiding a giggle, Luna perused the menu. She saw several things she would like to try, but she selected one and settled in for the fun. Conversations light and easy were hard to come by for the three of them.

"Luna! What did you tell Mother?" The Princess asked, knowing that luna couldn't keep things from the Queen even when she wanted to.

"Nothing but the truth."Luna said giving and knowing look to the young Princess. With that Luna sat back to watch and listen to the conversation unfold.

Queen Serenity smiled as Princess Serenity questioned Luna's motives concerning the reporting of the princess' studies. "Well, daughter, your tone of voice with Luna suggests there is something concerning your studies you wish not to tell me," the mother teased, knowing full well that Princess Serenity was progressing well in her studies.

The silver-haired queen took another moment to peruse the menu and finally settled on a lighter meal accompanied by a pot of tea for the table. Not long after Princess Serenity made her choice, a restaurant worker came by to collect the requests for food and drink.

"If you'd rather, we could always discuss the topic of your impending decision concerning a betrothed." The mother continued to tease. "Although, I'm sure you have other topics on your mind."

Luna watched as the Princess restrained herself from dropping her head to the table at the mention of betrothal. Hiding a giggle, Luna new that the Princess had her betrothal farthest from her mind. "Well all in all My Lady, the Princess is coming along well." Luna chimed in trying to save the girl from further embarrassment. "She's done especially well on her last several tests and she's catching on quick in her new studies." Luna said again hoping that it helped the Princess.

Luna always loved the tea selections that the Queen picked. Always something different and always just right. How the Queen knew what tea to choose Luna could never figure out and as time went on she gave up trying. Luna guessed it was just a talent picked up over the years as a Queen.

Luna had heard that the food was great here, but she didn't expect what came to the table. No wonder the princess wanted to come here. The food looked amazing, Luna could hardly keep from gasping. "Oh this all looks wonderful!" Luna said clapping her hands together once before smiling. "This was a wonderful idea, Princess."

Queen Serenity smiled and chuckled lightly at her daughter's momentary distress concerning the topic of a betrothal. The mother and queen had not pushed the topic too hard, although it did need to be addressed within the next year, perhaps two. Most royal families had such special occasions planned out far ahead of time, but Queen Serenity did want to give her daughter the chance to marry for love or something which would become love if given time.

"That is wonderful to hear, Luna." The queen said, giving into the new discussion topic rather quickly. The discussion of betrothal had only been a tease, after all. "You do not need to feel ashamed of such marks, Serenity," the mother said with a soft tone. She reached for a cup of tea as she said, "but, do tell me, what do you wish to do during these upcoming months?" Wanting to prevent any confusion, she said "studies or otherwise."

Luna listened as the Queen and Princess talked about what the Princess wanted in the future. Luna's mind wandered to what she wanted for the future. She was happy to think that the rest of her life would be spent in the service of the Moon. She had grown up with the queen in someways, in those quiet special moments when it was just them, it was like they sisters, in a way. Luna wouldn't suggest any of this to the Queen, she didn't have to. She had a feeling that the Queen might feel the same as she did. Luna smiled at the mother daughter pair. At some point in her future she hoped she becomes a mother. She would love to have a daughter of her own, or a boy. As long as the child was healthily she didn't mind.

Looking at the princess. The girl was like her niece. Luna had watched her grow into the young woman she was now. She wondered what soft of queen she would become. Luna finished her tea and set the cup down. "It's such a wonderful afternoon." Luna mused quietly. "So glad I tagged along." Her voice still low not wanting to interrupt the conversation of the Princess and Queen. Honestly, Lun couldn't wait to go shopping. It'd been to long she she last went, and maybe this time she could find a pair of shoes that didn't hurt her feet. She giggled lightly and looked down at her feet by the side of her chair, bare and lightly tanned, just like the rest of her. Shoes were so uncomfortable, she never wore them, but the princess seemed to love them so. Seeing the princess nearly drool over a pair made Luna wonder why. Maybe she would find out on this trip.

Spoiler:

Princess Serenity's eyes light up, because she had several fun things planned for her recent future. She began to talk about an outing with her senshi guardians to a vacation spot reserved for the royal family and associated guests. In addition, the princess has big plans for a certain senshi guardian's upcoming birthday. Queen Serenity smiled and added her own opinions to the mixture that was Princess Serenity's ambitious short-term plans.

Of course, Queen Serenity had her own future plans and judging by the musing look on Luna's face, the royal advisor also had her own future plans. Perhaps such plans would involve a certain special someone? The advisor to the royal family was beautiful and accomplished. Queen Serenity had received several requests concerning Luna, but the queen deferred and wished for Luna to find her own true love.

Queen Serenity smiled as she gazed upon the beauty of the outdoors. Although they were near to the marketplace, the area was landscaped for comfort. "It is a lovely day. And, of course, we are pleased to have you accompany us on our outings." She reached for Luna's hand, "you are family to us, Luna." Naturally, Princess Serenity agreed.

Luna smiled and gave the Queen's hand a gentle squeeze. "And you are mine, Lady." She said. "It is nice to get away from the hustle of the palace once and a while." She always enjoyed getting out with them. It was almost like they were normal people for a while, something that was lost at times at the palace.

When they were the polished Queen and Princess it was easy to forget that they were women too. Luna knew that very few people saw that. Most only saw the Queen and her daughter, and aside from the senshi guardians and a few advisors, no one knew the real them. The women they were when they went to sleep at night. The hopes and fears they had for the future. Sighing and pushing aside thoughts of what could be if they had been born under different stars, Luna smiled.

"So your vacation sounds wonderful." Luna mused, but again, being close to the beach and water well she didn't really care for that. "And if you need help with your party planning, let me know." Luna said smiling at the princess. The likelihood that the Princess would need help planning a party was slight, if there was one thing the princess was good at it was parties.

"Also, Princess." Luna began catching the princess' attention."I was hoping that you might be able to help me find a pair of those shoes you love so much." At this the princess' eyes light up.

"Oh yes Luna!" The Princess exclaimed. "It's about time you started wearing shoes!" The princess giggled, knowing that it wasn't likely Luna would ever wear shoes.

Queen Serenity returned the smile and the gentle squeeze to Luna. The young woman had been very dear to both Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity. Luna was very multi-talented and served a variety of roles, but both the princess and the queen valued her role as a friend and member of the family the most.

Queen Serenity crossed the fork and knife on her plate, then finished her serving of hot tea. While patting her mouth with her napkin, she observed the other's progress with their meals. Princess Serenity seemed to be relishing every bite, but there was not much left on her plate for the blonde teenager to cherish.

"Well, perhaps we shall search for a pair of shoes for Luna on our shopping excursion." She looked at her daughter fondly and said, "I'm sure my daughter will be delighted to find you the perfect pair of shoes." Princess Serenity beamed brightly as she lightly teased Luna for a noticeable lack of shoes.

"If you ladies are finished, I shall give my regards to our host and we shall continue our day with a delightful shopping excursion." Said the queen as she excused herself from the table to pay her dues for the meal. "I will only be a moment, but feel free to mill about in the front area of the restaurant. Stay nearby, please."

Luna smiled at the Queen's teasing. Luna had never been known to wear shoes, or anything really on her feet, even to formal functions which at first had caused a stir but that had died down over the years Luna had been on the Moon. It was something everyone knew. Now it would be strange to see her with shoes than with out. Maybe Luna was out to stir up rumors again, she wasn't quite sure, but she did know that it would make the princess happy to help. So Luna was going to indulge the younger girl in shoe shopping.


Luna and Princess Serenity finished the last of their meal and made their way to the front of the restaurant. Standing just to the left of the door they waited for the Queen. The Princess was nearly bouncing on her feet from the idea of and all day shopping trip. Luna smiled again. "This does promise to be fun." She said to the bouncing teen.

Nodding, The Princess, nodded. "You bet Luna!" She enthused. Luna guessed that she was just happy to be out of the palace for a while.

While Princess Serenity and Luna began to prepare and discuss the next event, shopping, Queen Serenity paid her compliments to the restaurant paid for the meal. The meal had been delightful and she made sure the restaurant staff were aware of that. When that was taken care of, she approached the excited couple with a smile. "I am ready," she said, indicating with her hand that they could begin the next event of their day.

Of course, Princess Serenity led the way. The older woman could appreciate the thrill of shopping and purchasing a new item, but she often refrained from materialism. Naturally, her position did come with a necessity for some materialism, but she largely as part of the political process. Her palace and herself needed maintain a certain standard, after all.

However, she had no need to purchase materials for the palace right now. Other people claimed that responsibility. Instead, Queen Serenity would keep an eye out for meaningful trinkets and items to give to her cherished friends and family.

They made their way to the shops that lined the street near the restaurant. Luna saw a few thing that were to her liking but didn't stop. She always liked shiny things and the things she saw were indeed shiny. There must be something of a cat or ferret in her, to draw her to these things like she was. Paying it no mind, walked next to her Queen and Princess, a smile always on her lips. She was glad that they were able to get out like this, even if they had to hid themselves to do so.

They stopped at one of the Princess' favorite shops and when inside. There Luna was assaulted with so many choices of shoes. Those very things she never understood. Why would one cover their feet? She would never know but she knew that it was custom and that was one she paid no mind. Having always preferred to be barefoot.

The Princess ran around choosing all manner of shoes for Luna to try once they found her size. Smiling Luna tried them all. Maybe she would find a set she liked.

Queen Serenity smiled as she watched Princess Serenity fawn over many precious items. The way she crooned so enthusiastically brought a smile to many a shopkeeper's lips. Even a few items caught the eye of Luna. As Princess Serenity walked into one of her favorite shops, Queen Serenity leaned over to whisper into Luna's ear. "Feel free to admire the fares, Luna. I give you leave to purchase what you like." She uprighted herself with a dazzling smile, "you fully deserve a treat to yourself and then some."

Queen Serenity perused the store's wares as Princess Serenity tried enthusiastically to find the perfect pair of shoes for Luna. If she was lucky, maybe she could even find the perfect accessories for the shoes. Maybe even an entire outfit? The princess' eyes lit up as she began to think of all the clothing options for one of her dearest friends. She held up another pair of shoes for Luna's inspection.

Queen Serenity smiled in amusement as Princess Serenity approached exhaustion of available shoe options in this store. When the princess had set her mind to something... Oh, nothing could stand in her way. Well, expect maybe for her mother.

Luna had been caught eyeing some of the things in the small shop. Smiling she nodded when the Queen reminder her that she needed some pampering too. Maybe their next outing could be a spa day. Luna knew the princess would love that. Before Luna could really look at the wears the shop had, she was pulled off by the Princess towards the clothing and shoes. Luna suddenly wished she hadn't suggested finding shoes, she now thought that finding shoes would turn to "finding something for Luna that wasn't yellow", one of the Princess' favorite shopping games.

Luna sat down and let the princess have her fun. It wasn't often that they all just were able to be girls out on the town. Luna tried on pair after pair of shoes, before she felt that she had tried on every pair of shoes in her size in the shop, and still the Princess hadn't found the perfect pair of shoes for her beloved Luna. "None of these are 'you'." the princess stated matter of fact-ly. "There is a pair out there for you Luna, but Mother, these are perfect for you!" The Princess exclaimed proffering a beautiful pair of low heels. They were white in color with a slight sliver sheen to them and rhinestones glitter along the tops like stars on a milky sky. "They would match that new dress you just had made." She smiled and handed them to her mother to try.

The Princess turned back to Luna. "Luna if it takes all day, I will find something for you that isn't yellow and has shoes to match." Bouncing off the Princess went to find the prefect not yellow outfit for Luna.

Luna turned to the Queen and a deep heartfelt laugh escaped her lips. "She is determined to get me out of yellow it seems." Luna giggled, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye. "Oh thank you again, My Lady for inviting me to come along today. It has been so much fun, and I do hope the Princess succeeds in her endeavor to find something for me that isn't yellow. She's be at it for so many years now." Luna's bright eyes still held the gleam of her laughter.