MOONCHILD
BY
LYLLY

DISCLAIMER: This tale is based on the characters and places of the author of: The NES The characters: Mandor, Brijatte, and the maid belong to me. Please do not use them without my written consent. Thank you. Please send all feedback, comments, suggestions, etc. to:
E-MAIL: TO LYLLY
ACKNOWLAGEMENTS: I'd like to thank everyone who has helped with this story
RATING: This chapter is rated anywhere from PG to PG-13 for mild swearing & other stuff. :-)
And now, on with the story!

Chapter One: The Empress

The red gold of the rising sun cams slowly across the horizon, bathing the Howling Forest in its light. Chirps of birds could be heard from the tress or the sky as they called to one another. Small mice and other creatures scurried along the cold, damp ground. A unicorn's head lifted as a branch nearby snapped. It paused, then lowered its head again to continue it's breakfast.

In the lighting sky, a snowy owl flew towards an effulgent structure nestled in a heap of mountain in the distance. As it drew near, this owl could make out the elegant mass of trees and plants that made up the massive garden surrounding the building it was heading for. There were ivy entwining all up and along the great stone walls outlining the building. These walls seemed to be made of the finest stone in all of Fantasia for they seemed to gleam with an unearthly light. The owl swooped into the garden, weaving its way through the branches of trees. It passed indiscrete pools of water; fine marble benches embedded here and there into the stone walls. It glided alongside perfectly tended clusters of flowers. Roses in every color one could think of, carnations, violets, lilies-of-the-valley, and so many unknown others. Their brilliance of color and fragrances along with the exotic trees and plants dazzled all those who made their way through this piece of land.

But the garden was nothing compared to the building that rose above it. Tall, sleek, with numerous towers, archways, terraces, balconies, stables, and so much more, rising to reach the heavens, the topmost tower was hidden in the clouds. All of this, every square inch of this building was made of the finest ivory in all Fantasia. This whole place was so white, if one were outside the towering mountain this piece of land was enclosed in, both people and creatures would have to shield one's eyes to keep from getting near-blinded by reflection of the sun.

This majestic region was the heart of Fantasia. Its name was the Ivory Tower and was the home to the Childlike Empress Moonchild.

Inside the Tower, was a perfect marble and tiled maze of hallways, rooms, and stairways. Like the outside, it was all constructed of ivory. On the main floor there were sitting rooms, a ballroom, a dining room as well as a banquet hall, two kitchens with adjoining pantries. One was for the servants victuals and the other was where meals for the Empress and her court were prepared There were sewing and mending rooms, a few fitting rooms, a conference/meeting room, - this was mainly used by the Empress's advisers rather then the Empress herself - a music hall, the servants quarters and a few large heavily locked rooms where the treasury was kept. Not to mention amongst all of this was the throne room.

The second and third floors held a few offices where bookwork was done, libraries, and washrooms for those who were staying less then a day. Refined hallways led to guestrooms and even a few more sitting areas. There were curved or straight stairways leading up to towers or down to the basements and dungeons. All the floors of the Tower were made of either ivory marble or tile. Along the hallways were soft, thick carpets of ivory, cream or some pale pastel shade with simple, elegant designs upon them. Rich, delicately made tapestries hung alongside the pictures hanging on the walls. Some pictures or tapestries held animals, flowers or scenery. There were beautiful paintings of dragons or unicorns, mermaids, horses, - both normal and winged - fairies and elves.

Some of the windows even had simple stained glass carvings on them. At the end of a long exquisite, hall on the third floor, was a pair of enchanting plain double doors. Beyond those doors, lay an enormous bedchamber done in nothing but the purest white, ivory fabrics and furnishings. At the far end of the room was the most exquisite canopied divan: the soft pillows and comforter were made of the finest ivory satin, the sheets were the whitest silk, and the blankets in between the sheets and comforter had been made from the softest wool. Above, a satin and lace mass of ivory fabric came down in a triangular shape on all sides of this bed that could easily fit three people if not more. The sides of the canopy were gracefully pulled back and held together by pieces of silk that fell delicately to the carpeted floor surrounding the bed.

Sun streamed in from a nearby window, its light falling upon the pillows. Seventeen-year-old Moonchild's eyes opened halfway before closing again. She rolled over to her other side mumbling slight curses beneath her breath as she pulled the warm bedclothes over her head, and went back to sleep.

An hour later she was still buried underneath the bedspread, but now she was lying on her stomach with one arm dangling over the side of the bed where only her wrist, hand, and fingers were visible. A knock from the other side of the bedchamber doors roused her senses and she groaned, but made no response. The knock came again, louder this time. "Your Highness?" Great, it was Brijatte, her head chambermaid. Just what she needed at seven o'clock in the morning.

Moonchild groaned again, she wanted to stay put. "What is it..?"

"Are you up?"

"No." I'd rather sleep for another couple of hours she thought. Knowing Brijatte, she would never get the chance. She was right.

"But, Your Highness, you need to get up. For you have a meeting just before noon, then, you have that appointment in the throne room with one of the ambassadors from the silver city this afternoon as well as that appointment with your seamstress for a new dress right after that, and then."

"Brijatte may I please do one thing at a time?"

An exasperated sigh could be heard from the other side of the doors.

"Of course Your Highness. Would you like breakfast?"

"Yes, please," came the muffled reply.

"The usual?"

"Uh-huh," then, " Thank you."

"Your welcome Your Highness." Brijatte's footsteps died away. Moonchild smiled to herself and shifted her position; hugging one of the smaller rounded satin pillows closer to her chest. Perfect, now she could get at least another fifteen minutes or so of sleep in.

Nearly a half-hour later, a knock at the doors told Moonchild that Luanna had returned with breakfast. Poking her head out from underneath the comforter, she called her servant and friend in before returning to where she was beforehand - beneath the warm covers. She heard the door open then close and then a pair of feet could be heard crossing the room to the bed. Less then a minute had passed before the gentle rattling of a silver tray containing breakfast being placed on the wide bedside table could be heard. Her stomach growled, but she ignored it. Instead, she turned on her stomach again, burying her face in the plush silky pillows.

"Would you like to have the curtains open?"

There was no denying it; she had to get up. With a half sigh, half muffled wail of protest, Moonchild rolled over onto her back, with the rounded pillow over her face and both arms outstretched on either side of her. "Yes, please." Footsteps could be heard on the marbled floor as they crossed to a window opposite the bed. Moonchild placed both hands on either side of the pillow and stared to lift it off of her face. "So, what is on the menu today? AGGHH, that sun is bright!" The pillow dropped back over her face as a ray of sunlight hit her in the eyes.

The maid who had brought her Empress breakfast smiled and laughed softly. "Sorry, about that Your Highness."

"Brijatte told you to do that, didn't she?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact she did."

The empress's fine eyebrows narrowed. Brijatte had the habit of being mother to everyone - including her - and felt as if Moonchild - even though she was the Empress of Fantasia - still needed to be told what to do and when, what should be expected of her, how she should act and so forth. "I am not going to comment on that one."

Moonchild, after removing the pillow, sat up, pushing disheveled strands of chestnut hair out of her eyes she picked up the silver teapot - something Brijatte would have fainted at the sight of - and filled her cup with tea. Moonchild smiled as she added a bit of milk to her tea then blended it in with her spoon.

"It's a shame Bastian does not come around as much anymore, Your Highness. I mean, he's like a brother to you."

Closing her eyes, Moonchild took a sip of tea. "Yes, he is, and I can understand why he has made the decision not to come as often. He has his own life to lead now, you know." Another sip, "Mmm, this is great." She drained the cup in one gulp A knock from the hallway made them both look up.

"Do you want me to see who it is?" Moonchild nodded her consent and the maid left her side. A few minutes later she was hurrying back, the dark-blue material of her skirts brushing her ankles as she approached the bed, a serious look on her face. "Brijatte says Carion needs to see you in his living quarters immediately."

At her words, Moonchild threw back her covers-the maid in the meantime had managed to seize the tray before it could go flying onto the floor - and leaped out of bed, running towards the door still clad in a sleeveless silk shift that ended just above her calves.

"It must be something urgent!" Carion knew not to disturb her until at least eight-thirty or nine, unless it was absolutely necessary. She reached one of the doors and turned to look back. "Could you bring the rest of my tea please?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. Give me five minutes."

Moonchild dashed out of her bedchamber and past sixty-year-old Brijatte who shrieked in horror: "Empress, come back! You're not even dressed!"

Moonchild ignored her protests and flew down the hallways and stairways toward Carion's quarters with Brijatte, whose feet kept on getting tangled in the skirts of her uniform, running behind her carrying The Empress's robe - which she'd snatched from the bedchamber. All the females of the staff wore the same thing: a long sleeved white blouse, an ankle length pale cream colored skirt with petticoats underneath, and white shoes. Skidding to a halt in front of her head servant and adviser's door, Moonchild gasped, "Carion, it's me!"

"Come in Empress." Moonchild wrenched open one of the double doors then ran inside.

"Carion, what is going on?"

Carion turned around, took one look at his Empress and gawked, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. "Empress," he stammered in near-shock, "please cover up."

"That is exactly what I was trying to tell her as she came by me," a voice from behind snapped. Brijatte, panting, had entered and was now starting to arrange the dressing gown around Moonchild's shoulders.

"What is it Carion?" Moonchild asked, concern filling her voice "What happened?"

"There is a young man here to see you Milady," Carion informed her, "he says that he has a very important message to bring you."

"What is the message?"

"He did not say exactly, all he told me was that it had to do with some sort of beast."

"Who is this person?"

"His name is Mandor, Your Highness. Lord Mandor."

"Then please inform him that I will indeed see him, and at once."

"Not until you are dressed you won't!" Came Brijatte's sharp reply from behind.

Moonchild knew better then to argue. "Give me one hour."

"As you wish Your Highness." Carion bowed and held open the door.

The young maid who had attended to her earlier was waiting outside. As soon as they emerged, she handed the Empress another cup of tea. "Do you need me to do anything?"

Moonchild took the cup and smiled before starting off down the hall at a very fast pace. "Thank you for the tea, and yes, will you please go run me a bath?"

Her two servants ran to keep up with her. "Right away Milady." The maid hustled past to do her bidding.

Moonchild then turned to Brijatte, "I prefer not to wear one of my fancier gowns today. One of my regular dresses will do."

"As you wish."

Moonchild gave her a 'thank you' smile before running on ahead, taking a gulp of tea every now and then. She sighed; it looked like it was going to be one of those days.

An hour later, the Empress, now wearing an unadorned, courtly snow-white dress, with her hair pulled back in a graceful ponytail, followed Carion into on of the sitting rooms to greet their guest.

As soon as they entered, Lord Mandor rose from his place on the rose and forest-green shaded sofa. He was almost as tall as Carion - who was a good six-foot three - and his body gave a lean, sinewy appearance: His face, pale, arrogant, looked as if it held a secret expression. The brows arching over pale icy-blueness of his eyes were a shade darker then the platinum lightness of his short hair. He was clad in black shirt and trousers that looked as if they'd been perfectly tailored for him. As the Empress of Fantasia drew near, his finely shaped mouth curled into a private, sly smile.

"Your Highness." He bowed slightly and, taking one of her hands laid a hasty butterfly kiss upon the back before dropping it back into place.

"Carion said that you have a message for me," she stared at him seriously with dark blue eyes, "something about a beast?"

"Yes, Your Highness. A dragon."

Moonchild walked briskly over to a decoratively carved armless chair that was overlaid in a deep red cloth with flowers enticed upon its surface, and sat with her hands folded in her lap. "What about it?" Sunlight glistened lightly off of the simple beaded tiara she always wore.

Mandor took a deep breath: "A ferocious black dragon has been raising havoc all over Fantasia, Your Highness."

"What sort of havoc?"

"It has been burning towns and cities, eating children and other creatures of Fantasia. Basically terrorizing the whole land."

Moonchild's eyes narrowed. "When did this all start to occur?"

"About two weeks ago Your Highness. It has taken me a week to get here."

"I see. Carion?"

Carion stepped forward. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"See to it that a room is prepared for Lord Mandor."

"Oh, no, Your Highness, please, you can't"

"Nonsense, you are welcome to stay here until further notice."

"Uh, thank you Milady. That is very kind of you."

"Your quite welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."

"Yes, of course Your Highness." Lord Mandor bowed once more and they all departed to go their separate ways.

That night, after dinner, Moonchild sat rigidly at the head of the table, Flames from the candles standing in their polished silver holders, flickered, illuminating shadows upon the walls. Mandor - sitting at her right - flashed an elusive smile. Moonchild's stomach knotted as she forced a tense smile back, trying not to show any sign that she was uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her. She took a deep breath as she tried to force her mind back onto what her guest was saying, hoping he hadn't noticed her nervousness.

"Your Highness"

Her fingers dug into the fine wood of her chair and it was all she could do to keep her body from jumping about a foot in the air. "Yes?"

"Are you all right?"

Moonchild shook herself and gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Yes, yes, of course I am."

Ice-blue eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"

The Empress closed her eyes for a moment then opened them, "My lord, I am perfectly alright, I'm...just a little tired that's all. There's no need to worry about me."

"I see," Mandor rose from his place, "may I escort you back to your chambers?" Moonchild stared at him. "That is," he continued, "if my lady permits it."

She looked at the offered hand and her eyes shifted away for a moment before flickering upwards to look at him. Another long pause, then: "Why, yes. Of course. Thank you" This said and done, she laid her small hand into his and they left the room.

They walked along the corridors in silence. Moonchild glanced nervously from Mandor then straight-ahead from time to time. She didn't know why, but for some odd reason he was making her uneasy. Stop it, she told herself, all he is doing is taking you back to your rooms like he's supposed to! It is not like he is going to take over the Tower. When they reached the double doors; Mandor paused long enough to open one of them for her.

Moonchild briskly entered and turned to face her guest. "Well, Lord Mandor, I thank you for your generosity this evening. I hope you have a good nights rest and I shall see you in the morning."

Mandor bowed "It is my pleasure, Highness. I too, bid you a good evening." His eyes traveled slyly but quickly along her body as he rose, Moonchild's own eyes tried not to widen in the process. With a curt nod, he left, closing the door in front of him.

Arms wrapped around herself, the Empress leaned against the door, her eyes closed, her finely shaped mouth turning down in a frown as she recalled what just happened. Mandor was courteous, refined, even charming. Everything a nobleman should be. But, still, there were times he did that made her very uneasy. Like the way he called her 'Milady" or how he'd kissed her hand when they first met that morning. Then there were the times when he glanced at her when he thought she wasn't looking. At dinner, Mandor had kept making eye contact in a way as if he knew something she didn't. Things like that.

Moonchild shuddered as she remembered how he had gazed at her as he was bowing to her just a few minutes ago. A sickening feeling passed through her. It was as if he was disrobing her with his eyes. The Empress hurried to her windowsill, fighting off the memory as fast as she could.

Once settled, she drew her knees to her chest as she stared out the window. Why is Lord Mandor making me feel this way? He cannot be evil because if he were, my sixth sense would have told me so. Anyway, if he was to do harm against me - which is very unlikely for none of my subjects have had reason to do so - he wouldn't have come to the Ivory Tower informing me of this black dragon that is terrorizing Fantasia.

How very wrong she was.

prologue --- Chapter2