Authors Note: Warning this story does contain some bad language. It may not be overly offensive but for the younger readers out there this is a fair warning. E-Mail: k340029@yahoo.com Plug: Come to Sailor Scribbles web site. I'm helping her with it so I of course think everyone will love it. So come please. www.geocities.com/k340029/index.html Dislcaimer: As always it is my sad duty to remind everyone, including myself that I do NOT own Sailor Moon or anything that goes with her. I'm just borrowing the characters for a bit. Rating: PG-13 (for language) Date: 3/11/00 * * * A Merging of Hearts A historical fiction fan-fiction by Ceila * * * April 1st, 1860 St. Louis Missouri "Hey Serenity can you throw me that shoe?" asked Motoki as he took a moment to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Shoeing horses was no walk in the park, especially with the horses in the Seven Gables barn. "Sure but are you sure you want me to throw it? You do remember what happened the last time you said that don't you?" asked a thin blonde woman as she tossed the heavy iron shoe from hand to hand. "Oh please don't remind me. I had a lump on my head for weeks after that. Just hand it to me please." "So what do you think made Rei come running home so suddenly?" "Maybe she used up her husbands credit and needs to use your dad's." "Wouldn't that be all too fitting of Rei. No, I bet she just needs a loan for some new frilly French dress and what's his name won't give her a bigger allowance," grumbled Serenity as she put more oil on her cloth and started cleaning the saddle in front of her. "You know that she isn't that bad," said Motoki as he fastened on the final shoe. "Getting married must have tamed her shopping habits." "Never doubt the great shopping queen Rei Tsukino. She could buy out all of Paris in one trip." "Its Rei Hino now remember?" "Oh yeah that's right she married that Hino guy. I can never remember his name." "That's cause you fell off that horse you broke last month one too many times." "I did not! You know full and well that bronco threw dad's most experienced cowboys before I got a hold of him." "But still, I think you knocked something loose up there." "I did not." "Besides," said Motoki with a grin; "bronco bustin is a man's job." "What did you say?" said Serenity her voice too calm and cold as ice. "A girl shouldn't be doing a man's job." "Prepare to die horse boy." Serenity leapt at Motoki and the two started wrestling on the floor of the barn. Thirty seconds later a very mad female had Motoki pinned to the floor of the barn. She smiled down at him with evil intent gleaming in her sky blue eyes. Serenity was about to make her victory speech when a blue skirted figure appeared in the doorway of the barn. "Miss Serenity your father wants you to meet him when he gets in," said the wisp of blue as she wrung her hands in her white apron. "I know and I fully intend to just as soon as I teach this boy a lesson about the "weaker" half of the human species," said Serenity as she returned her attention to the boy pinned below her. "Well that's all fine and good but you really should come back to the house now miss." "Ami would it do me any good at all to tell you to call me Serenity like the rest of the world?" "I would but it's just inappropriate for me to be so casual with my employer and," "I get the point Ami. Now can I please finish this poor boy off?" "That's just it, your father is pulling in now and," "Fine I get the point," said Serenity as she jumped up to her feet and offered a hand to Motoki. "I'll finish you later." Motoki just smiled as Serenity and Ami left the barn. He just could not get over the fact that a girl that weighed no more than 120 pounds could pin him that fast. "Oh well she's her fathers daughter." * * * A sleek black carriage turned into the drive of Seven Gables. The Two black stallions that pulled it trotted down the final stretch of their journey. As the coach came to a stop, Serenity opened the door and offered her hand to the man inside. A black gloved hand grabbed hers as a short but well built man descended from the carriage and hugged the dirty blonde. "Serenity Tsukino is there any chance that one of these days when I come home you'll be wearing something other than trousers covered in dirt?" asked the man as he ran a hand through his pepper and salt hair. "Papa you must be joking? What's wrong with a good pair of jeans and a clean shirt?" asked Serenity as she looked over her attire. A pair of brown boots caked with mud covered her feet. A pair of dusty jeans clung to her legs in the afternoon heat and a white shirt with several grass stains was half tucked in. Her long blonde hair was up in it's usual bun on her head but by now it was half falling down framing her face in a fuzzy halo. "Nothing wrong with it at all. You wouldn't be my Serenity without them. Now I have two surprises for you and I know you're not going to like either very much." "Figures as much. Oh well a good day can't last forever." The two walk into the house together and are met by a frazzled Ami who gives a formal hello to Mr. Tsukino and runs back to the kitchen. Both father and daughter shake their heads thinking the same thing, that girl has got to loosen up. In his study Serenity takes a seat in her favorite leather chair and props her feet up on his desk. Her father takes his seat behind the flat top desk and in front of his roll top home office and turns to face his daughter. Glaring at her feet she reluctantly drops them to the floor and plants her elbows on her knees and her chin on her hands. "I have two things that I need to tell you and you have to promise not to throw a fit and run out of here before I have my say," said Mr. Tsukino. "Gee dad you make it sound like you signed my life away," said Serenity rolling her eyes. "Not quite but I do need to ask you to share a room with your sister when she gets home." "What!" shrieked Serenity as she jumped up from her chair. "I can barely share the house with that snob let alone the same room." "You promised you would stay for the rest," called her father. "Welcome home Kenji," said Makoto as she walked into the study with two frosty glasses of lemonade. She carefully maneuvered around the fuming Serenity and set the glasses on the desk. Then left just as carefully. "You better have a damn good explanation for that request dad," said Serenity as she dropped back into the chair. "Watch your language, after all you are a female of sorts," said Kenji as he took a sip of the lemonade. "Mmmm Makoto makes the best lemonade this side of the Mississippi." "Papa." "Alright, alright, I'll tell you. I have one of my new business partners coming for a visit and he will be staying here with us." "That's great I mean we have plenty of room and all but why does he need my room?" "Well we only have four bedrooms in the main house and there will be five people staying here for the next month so," explained Kenji in a calm voice. "Papa forgive me but three plus one does not equal five," said Serenity as she grabbed her lemonade. "Well my new partner is not traveling alone. His cousin will be joining him." "Why can' they share a room? I never heard of two guys throwing a fit over sharing a room." "His cousin is a woman about your age, that's why." "Oh." "Now for the other small matter," said Kenji as he pulled out a manila envelope from his vest pocket. "Serenity, your 22 years old and I feel that I've failed you in some areas." "Papa you raised me the best any girl could have hoped," said Serenity looking with concern on her father's face. "I raised you like I was raised, horses, chores, pants," "And a few choice words." "Don't interrupt please. After your mother died I'm afraid the female influence around here died out. I'm surprised that Rei turned into the woman she has. I worry that you won't find a proper husband before I'm gone. I want to be sure that you're taken care of." "Papa, don't worry I can take care of myself. You taught me how to, remember?" "That's not what I mean and you know it. The wilderness is one thing and polite society is another. That's why I have arranged for you to marry one of my business partners." "WHAT!" Shrieked Serenity as she shot bolt upright. "You just signed my life away to some stranger and I'm supposed to take it lying down. I don't think so. It'll be a cold day in hell before I marry any man." "The matter is already settled. I have the license here in this envelope. You'll be married in one month, May 1st." "I won't, I can't, you can't make me. I mean I don't even know the man. How can I marry a complete stranger?" "Arranged marriages are common place and often times work out for the best. Look at your mother and myself. Our marriage was arranged and we were madly in love until the day she died." "That's all well and good but what if," "Not another word Serenity. I know you don't like this idea but for once I'm putting my foot down. You will be married in one months time and that's final." Serenity stood for the longest time dumbstruck. Her? Married to a man? It just didn't seem to fit. Finally rational thought returned to her brain and tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Before she would let her father see them she turned and ran from the study to her bedroom and slammed the door. * * * April 2nd The sun rose and cast its golden rays over the Seven Gables ranch. Seven Gables always managed to look good no matter the weather, but in the morning on a clear spring day, it was nothing but gold. The rose trellis that covered the east wall of the house came to life as the morning warmth coaxed the blossoms from their sleep. The array of red, white, and pink roses gave off the most beautiful fragrance that filled the house if the breeze was right. Another was also coaxed from sleep, but this was for an entirely different reason. Motoki looked around through sleep filled eyes as he listened to the feminine voice down below as it uttered every curse he had ever learned, and then some. Finally crawling to the edge of the hayloft and looking down his eyes met with the sight of Serenity cinching the saddle on Luna. Satisfied it was secure she hopped into the saddle and headed west at a full out gallop. "Better go tell Kenji," he muttered to himself as he started searching for his boots. * * * Halfway to the house a still groggy Motoki stopped and lifted his head high in the air taking in a full breath. "Mmm Makoto's up with the sun too," he said to himself as he inhaled the tantalizing aroma of fresh biscuits, bacon, and eggs. He sped up his pace and was in the kitchen in under a minute. "Morning Makoto. Got some grub for a growing boy?" "I got plenty of food for any growing boy, especially one as cute as you Motoki," said Makoto as she set a full plate of food in front of him. "Why are you up this early? Don't tell me you smelled this all the way out in the barn?" "Nope, but almost. No, I'm up cause a certain someone was cussin' up a storm while she saddled her horse this morning." "Would that someone be a blonde whirlwind who loves to pretend she's a boy?" "Yep." "Her father must have really riled her up yesterday cause she was out of here before the sun." "I never would have believed it had I not seen it with my own two eyes. That girl never gets up before noon if she doesn't have to." "Good morning Miss. Kino," said Ami as she walked into the kitchen. She was dressed in her usual white apron and yet another of her famous blue dresses. "Morning Motoki. Mind if I join you for breakfast?" "Not at all sit right down cousin," said Motoki as he pulled out a chair for his younger cousin. "Ami am I ever gonna get you to learn my name?" asked Makoto as she set a plate of food down before her. "Maybe but for right now I'm still too new around here," said Ami as she picked up her fork and set to work on breakfast. The trio ate in silence until their forks scraped bare china. Motoki pushed his chair back and patted his stomach with one hand while running the other through his short blonde hair. Ami and Makoto watched and waited sensing that something wasn't right. "Either of you know where I can find Kenji this morning?" he asked. "I believe that Mr. Tsukino is in town on business until three, why?" answered Ami. "Well I figured he ought to know that Serenity took off like a bat out of hell this morning." "Motoki!" "Sorry Ami. I'll watch my mouth better around you." "Don't worry about telling Kenji, after all most times she's back by dark anyway. She just has to ride out her frustrations. I would worry about poor Luna though, she's getting the worst of it," said Makoto as she cleared the dishes from the table. "That's for sure Luna's gonna need a very good rub down when they get back," said Motoki. "Could I have some milk please Makoto?" "Of course. I'm sorry I didn't give it to you sooner." "So what frustrations is Serenity running out on Luna this time?" "Mr. Tsukino has arranged a marriage for her and she is to be wed in one month. She just found out yesterday," said Ami as she sipped the coffee that Makoto had given her. "I'd love to be getting married," said Makoto with hearts in her eyes. "Of course I'd want it to be for love. I feel kind of bad for Serenity, being forced and all." "Well I thank you ladies for the food and the gossip but now I will leave you to return to my humble abode." The girls both giggled at the 27 year old who still acted like a teenager. With him around it was no wonder that Serenity spent most of her time out in the barn. But this was just a typical start to an average day at the Seven Gables Ranch. * * * April 2nd, 1860 Davenport Iowa A tall dark haired man leaned against the outside of a small boarding house and looked to the sky with his deep blue eyes. He was well built and a little over six feet tall. His ebony hair caught the sun's rays giving it a fluid quality. His strong fingers fidgeted nervously picking nonexistent lint from his perfectly tailored black suit. His matching black boots nudged the two suitcases at his side to make sure that they hadn't wandered off as he continued to wait. Then a vision of orange and gold flew out the door on his left dragging a very large suitcase behind her. She caught sight of the man waiting outside and a smile appeared on her face that touched her blue eyes making them dance like the stars. She launched herself in his direction obviously catching him off guard by the look of shock on his face. Heedless of wrinkling the fine orange fabric that her dress was made of she embraced him tightly. "Minako, air, please," gasped the boy as he desperately tried to pry her arms from his torso. "Oh sorry Mamoru," said the blonde as she loosened her grip and stepped back to look at her cousin. "You still have quite the death grip there Mina." She blushed and pulled her blonde hair around her face to try and hide it. "I'm sorry Mamoru it's just I'm so glad to see you." "I understand don't go hiding that face ok." "Ok." "Is that all your bringing with you to St. Louis?" "Oh no that's just the only one I could drag by myself. I have four others up in my room still." "Four more!" "Plus Artemis," she said nodding to the white cat that had followed her out. "That cat is not coming with us," said Mamoru. "But Mamoru he was Mama's." "Fine but he rides with the luggage." "If he rides with the luggage I get the window seat on the train." "Deal, now let's go or we're gonna miss the 12 o'clock." * * * "All aboard!" called the conductor. "Last call for all \passengers heading to St. Louis!" "Come on Mina we're going to miss the train," complained Mamoru as Mina checked the cage that Artemis would be riding in for about the tenth time. "But this is his first train ride and I want to be sure that he'll be comfortable," pleaded Mina as she stuffed a scarf in-between the bars of the cage. "He would be a lot more comfortable if you didn't bury him alive with scarves. Now come on its time to board." "Maybe one more." "Mina!" "I'm coming already." * * * "What compartment are we in again?" asked Mina as she moved through the passenger car. "Compartment four," said Mamoru as he nudged through the crowds. "Is it a private compartment?" "No we have another person with us." "Oh pooh then I have to behave for once." "I never thought of that aspect of sharing the compartment with a stranger. Thanks for finding something good about it Mina." "Very funny Mamoru." "I thought so." The two enter compartment four with Mina pouting and Mamoru smiling wickedly. Neither spoke a word to the other. Mina stared out the window watching the late arrivals run to the train and Mamoru pulls out his newspaper. Neither looks up as the other passenger in their compartment enters and takes a seat. The train begins to move and the whistle sounds as they pull away from the station. The five hour ride hopefully wouldn't be that bad. Five minutes out of the station there is a rap on the compartment door and the conductor slides it open. "Tickets please," he said in a bored voice. "Well I really wish you people would have told me that I needed to keep that thing out," replied a female voice. "I just put it away and now you want me to get it out again? I'll have to take everything out of my little bag to find it now." "I'm sorry Miss but this is policy and if you ride the train," "Don't try to explain yourself I'll get it just start with them first." "Yes mam. Your ticket sir." "Here you are," said Mamoru as he handed over the ticket from behind his paper. He did not even want to look at the female who was causing all the trouble. "Thank you Mr. Chiba. Your ticket please Miss." "Here you are sir," said Mina in her most polite voice. She did not want to be anything like the woman seated next to her. "Thank you Miss Aino. Have you found yours yet Miss?" asked the conductor as he looked at the pile of trinkets that had accumulated on the seat next to her. "I think I see it, ah yes here it is," she said as she pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and handed it to the conductor. "Thank you Miss Tsukino and I do apologize for all the trouble." "Yes well next time you should remind us to keep our tickets out when we board." "Yes miss. Enjoy your trip with us." The conductor exits quickly sliding the door closed behind him. Mamoru could have sworn he heard the poor man's sigh of relief as he walked away. Just then the train hit a rough bit of track and lurched to the left scattering Miss Tsukino's pile of trinkets across the compartment. "Damn trains," he thought he heard her say. Then louder, "I really wish they could warn us before we hit those. Now just look at this mess, I'll never find everything. I swear when I tell daddy about this horrid ride this company will be out of business." "Is there any way you could complain in a softer voice miss I'm trying to read," said Mamoru from behind his paper. "Oh I'm sorry sir I didn't mean to disrupt you in your private study," she replied back. "The least you could do when speaking to a lady is look at her directly not through a paper." "And just who are you to tell me how to act," said Mamoru closing his paper and glaring at the girl. He was not surprised to see a very well dressed, very temperamental female across from him. She was dressed to the nines in a red silk dress trimmed in black lace with a matching black lace bonnet to which a single red rose was pinned. The neck was high and made completely of black lace that met with the red silk in a line of tiny roses. Her hands were covered in black gloves and she was currently drumming her fingers on the seat. She threw her long black hair over her shoulder in a wave like motion and her lavender eyes spat fire as she said, "My daddy's only one of the richest men in St. Louis and I demand that you apologize for insulting me." "Oh really. And just who is your father?" "Mr. Kenji Tsukino of Millenium Savings and Loan, that's who." "Then I suppose I should apologize to you seeing as how I'm going to be seeing you quite a bit over the next month, and longer." "I highly doubt that you will be seen in my social circle sir." "Oh and why do you say that?" "Because my friends would never invite someone with such horrid taste in clothing to any of our social events." "Excuse me?" said Mamoru in shock. "This was custom made for me just last week by one of the finest tailors in Davenport." "Well I hope you didn't pay too much for it because the lines are horrid and that green under vest is just all wrong for you." "I suggest you keep your fashion advice to yourself Miss Tsukino while I still hold some respect for you." Mamoru opened his paper and proceeded to pick up where he left off. Minako took this time to look over at the raven haired, hot headed female next to her. She picked up a couple of the scattered items and handed them to her. "Would you like some held cleaning things up?" asked Mina as she smiled at her. "My names Minako Aino." "I'd love your help sweetie," she cooed in a suddenly pleasant voice. "Great I'll get this side and you can get yours." "Well I was kind of thinking you could get the ones on the floor. I mean I am wearing silk and your wearing just that plain cotton thing." "Oh, well it would work better if we worked together." "Yes I know. See you'll clean up the floor and I'll put them back in my bag." "I suppose." "Now be a good dear and hand me that fan from over there." Mina continued to smile even as she thought of ways she could strangle the woman sitting with her. Once the last bobble was back in its place Mina slumped back into her seat and looked out the window. Oblivious to the exhausted girl next to her, the lady in red pulls out the latest copy of Godey's Ladies Book. She didn't even think of thanking Minako. The rest of the ride was silent as the trio became absorbed in their own little worlds. Mamoru fumed over the over dressed female sitting in front of him. Minako pouted over her failure to become friends with the snob next to her. Miss Tsukino absorbed herself in the world of fashion and gossip as she contemplated how cute the man across from her would look in a tuxedo. * * * Motoki paced back and forth across the platform as the train appeared in the distance. He did not like being the first person to greet Miss Rei Hino after a long train ride. No not Miss Hino, Miss Tsukino. Motoki had to remember his orders to use her maiden name. Kenji had been very specific in that respect, he was not to let on that Rei was married already. He did however, look forward to meeting Mr. Chiba and his traveling companion Miss Aino. Kenji had also told Motoki that Chiba and his cousin were very nice. The merger that was bringing them to St. Louis would make Mr. Chiba's Bank, Rose Savings and Loan, a branch of Millenium Savings and Loan and Kenji was sealing the deal with the young man by offering his daughters hand in marriage. The train rolled into the station and with a loud whistle and lots of steam it stopped. The conductor set down the step and immediately a woman in a red silk dress with long black hair came storming towards him. Motoki couldn't help but feel sorry for whoever had to ride with her this time. "Evening Miss Tsukino," said Motoki as he offered her a seat on the bench he had been saving. "Evening Motoki. When do we leave for home? I can't wait to get there and soak in a nice hot bath," said Rei as she pulled out her fan. "We leave soon as the other two people we're taking back to Seven Gables get off the train and I make arrangements for the luggage to be brought tomorrow." "Tomorrow? I can't wait till tomorrow to have my dresses at home Motoki. I'm taking at least two trunks with me now." "I have to fit two other people in the buggy Miss and I can't guarantee that they'll fit." "Make them fit. I want at least two trunks home tonight so I have something to wear in the morning." "Yes miss." Motoki turned his attention back to the train once again and watched as a young man with dark hair exited the train and then turned to offer his hand to the woman behind him. She was a vision of golden beauty that he couldn't keep his eyes from staring at. She wore an orange dress trimmed with yellow roses and her golden hair was long and loose down her back. Her blue eyes shone with happiness as she looked to the man who had helped her down. Motoki immediately felt a pang of jealousy that he was not the one she was smiling at. The couple walked a few steps then concern crossed her perfect face and she quickly ran towards the end of the train. The man just stood there half smiling until she returned with a small cage filled with scarves. Then the two headed straight for Motoki and suddenly she was smiling at him. "Are you Motoki from Seven Gables?" asked Mamoru to the obviously love struck boy. "Yes I'm here to give you and this vision a ride to your home for the next month," said Motoki as he took one of Mina's hands in his and kissed it. "Why thank you Motoki," said Mina with a blush. "Motoki I made arrangements for two of my trunks to be loaded into the buggy so you needn't worry about that. Now can we please go home?" asked Rei with only a short glance at her traveling companions. "I suppose you knew the whole time that you were staying at my house." "Yes I did and I am also aware of the other arrangements that have been made and I'll be signing the final contracts tonight," said Mamoru as he offered his arm to Rei who grudgingly took it. "I told you I would be seeing a lot of you." "May I carry that for you Miss Aino?" asked Motoki pointing to the cage. "Thank you but no I think I better keep this with me or Artemis might throw a fit. You could do one thing for me though," said Mina. "Anything Miss." "Call me Mina." "Gladly Mina." Four people, two trunks, and one cat cage later they were all loaded into the buggy and headed for Seven Gables. Rei and Mamoru were in the back seat together neither saying much to the other. Motoki had the reins in one hand and the other around Mina's slender waist as they sat in the driver's seat together. Poor Artemis's cage was tied to the top of the trunks and on every bump you could here a howl of annoyance. They arrived at Seven Gables just as the last rays of the sun set the sky ablaze with color. As soon as the carriage came to a stop Rei jumped out and stormed into the house. Mamoru, Mina, and Motoki took their time as they watched the colors fade away. When they were heading in Mina wasn't really looking where she was walking and was nearly run over by a horse and rider as they stormed down the drive and into the stables. "What was that," gasped Mina as she clung to Motoki's arm for support. "That was a Tsukino in a bad mood," said Motoki as he guided them into the house. "I'll have to have a talk with that young man later and make him apologize to Mina," said Mamoru as he followed the others inside. * * * "Motoki welcome back. Come on in and introduce our houseguests," said Makoto as she met them at the door. "Especially that cute guy you brought home." "Makoto I'd like you to meet Mr. Chiba and his cousin Miss Minako Aino. This is our talented chef extraordinaire Makoto Kino but everyone just calls her Makoto." A chorus of hello's and nice to meet you's followed handshakes as Makoto led them into the sitting room. "I'll go bring in some lemonade I'm sure you're thirsty after the long drive. Ami should be down in a bit. Miss Tsukino is probably lecturing her just about now on the importance of a properly drawn bath." "Thank you Makoto," said a new male voice as an older man with pepper and salt hair walked into the room. "I'm sorry you got stuck traveling with my daughter she can be quite the interesting one." "That's all right Mr. Tsukino it just made our ride all the more fun," said Mina with a polite smile. "Please call me Kenji everyone does. Now tell me all about your trip." Motoki slipped out of the room just as Makoto was bringing in the lemonade. He mouthed stables to her and Makoto nodded her head in understanding. The real fun was about to begin. They weren't disappointed. The front doors were thrown open and in stomped the rider that had nearly run over Mina. The group in the parlor looked up and conversation stopped as they stared at the dirty new arrival. Mamoru glared at this man who so recklessly had ridden in nearly hitting his cousin. The boy obviously had yet to learn proper etiquette. He had to admit that the boy did look young and almost had a feminine figure, but that was still no excuse. His boots, jeans, jacket, hat, and face were covered with a layer of brown dirt. Not a wisp of hair was visible just a straight line of a mouth and two crystal blue eyes that rivaled the summer sky. The boy never looked at Mamoru just glared at Kenji and stormed up the stairs. "I apologize for that," said Kenji as he looked to his guests. "Guess you've seen the worst of both my children today." "We all have bad days Kenji. I'm sure that tomorrow morning all will be explained," said Mina with a smile. Kenji was about to reply when a scream floated down from upstairs. Then Rei came down the steps in a very unladylike fashion. "Papa that heathen is in my room! You can't possibly expect me to share a bed with that animal," sputtered Rei. "You and your sister will just have to work things out. I asked her to share with you so that Mina here could use Serenity's room for this month," said Kenji. "But poppa, me share a room with that amazon?" "Speak kindly of your sister Rei. After all she just found out about her betrothal last night, she'll be back to normal by tomorrow." "I don't know how you found someone dumb enough to marry that whirlwind but I suppose she'll be out in the stable with Motoki most days." With a smile to the now stunned looking Mamoru Rei went back up the stairs to her room. Soon a very frazzled looking blue haired maid came downstairs loaded down with the dirt covered clothing. Then another argument could be heard as Rei started screaming about the bathtub. Splashes ensued and soon after a door slammed and then quiet. Kenji looked to each of his guests and said, "Welcome to Seven Gables." * * * That evening an erie calm fell over Seven Gables as a full moon painted it silver against the night sky. A lone fire fought the oncoming darkness as it threw light across the small room. Two figures, one sitting by the fire, the other in the shadows, talked in whispers. "Is the deal finished," asked the first shadow. "Yes the papers are signed and there's no escaping fate now," replied the second. "Do you regret the decision?" "No but still I worry about manipulating matters of the heart." "Don't worry, when it comes to matters of the heart I'm better than cupid. Before the sun sets on the final day their hearts shall be united as one." "I hope you're right," said the second shadow as it extinguished the flames. * * * Authors Note: I know I know not much happens here at first but it's gonna get better. The romance comes but you need to know the way things are set up here. In case you hadn't guessed this takes place in the late 1800's on the American frontier. I wasn't kidding when I said this was a Historical Fan fiction. The places are real and I'll try and do a good job at describing fashions and architecture and such. The Godey's Lady's Book that is read by Rei on the train is a real magazie from that time that is the start of what will eventually be Cosmo. My apologies to anyone who is confused by the way the names are used in this work. They are the original Japanese names written in the American style. There is a reason that I refer to Endymion as Mamoru so hold in there. As always e-mail should be sent to me, Ceila, at k340029@yahoo.com. I love to hear form you so please please please send me comments be they good or bad. Thanks bunches.