Because as all things have endings, no matter how wonderful or bitter, there were also beginnings.

Entr'acte

GROUND ZERO

Soft music accompanied the amicable conversations and exchange of pleasantries around her. Everyone seemed to have someone with them and once again, she was reminded of how it felt when she first arrived in this foreign land where though spoke her native tongue, was quite different altogether. If only he would arrive maybe she wouldn't feel like such a stranger. She cast a look on the myriad of people, looking for the familiar sharp angles of his face or the glowing blonde of crowning glory by her grandmother who she arrived with this eve. She hardly paid attention to the appreciative, even predatory gazes of gentlemen around her.

"Would you care to dance, fair lady?"

Now there was a time not too long ago where she would scoff and stomp away from whatever show of pleasantry or flirtation, this memory made her smile and was taken as approval by the young man. Softly she laid her hand on his and another on his shoulder as his rested on her waist. And gracefully, he had begun to spin her around the ballroom. Apparently, silence doesn't bode well with him and being the gentleman that he was brought up to be, he decided to break the ice.

"You seem to be on your own tonight, mademoiselle. A beautiful woman like you should never be left alone, for men would surely flock to your side.."

The beginnings of a smirk tugged on her lips and she averted her eyes in a show of mock coyness. Konoha was definitely on the other side of the world from Kiri.

"I sincerely doubt that they shall flock, monsieur, unless they prefer to be face to face with a sharp edge of a sword.."

His brow lifted and understanding dawned on him. However, he found himself getting more amused by the minute. This young fawn was, rather about to be preyed on by the wolves until he decided to step in, (noblesse oblige, of course) turned out to be quite interesting.

"You are already spoken for then?"

And for the first time since this night, her lips turned into a true smile, eyes sparkling fresh verdant and cheeks stained in rosy wine and he could not, for the life of him help but stare. The young fawn apparently would grow up to be a gazelle, give a few years.

"Perhaps sir, I am.."

He was a lucky chap, he thought. Most likely in his peerage as well, if he were correct, this young lady was the granddaughter of some noble he would yet to remember. After all, this was an exclusive gathering.

"A count, a baron or even a duke?"

And she looked like she was about to laugh but she bit her lip and shook her head. Yes, definitely a gazelle he thought.

"What makes sir say such things? As much as I would very much abhor to correct you sir, I shall for the sake of propriety.. He is none of those, sire…"

Well, polite as she was, he could not help but feel like she was sharing a private jest with herself.

"Perhaps, you are a very modern young woman and prefer, shall we say your own kind?"

And she looked like she was about to choke in mirth. Clearly, she was not easily offended and easy to speak to. Had she been not attached, he might consider setting her up with one of his peers. And when she had regained calmness, she spoke rather amusedly.

"That is something I shant forget, ever sir. He is one of his majesty's guards. A royal guard of Konoha.."

He looked mildly surprised for a moment and collected his thoughts before he spoke again.

"And it does not bother you in the slightest?"

She had tipped her head to the side and could see the outline of the man she knew so well. Her face had again glowed with happiness and the man before her was almost forgotten.

"It matters not to me.. not at all.."

The song stopped and he gently let go of her hand and stepped aside. She was not paying attention to him, something that gnawed at his pride, yet he let it slip. Slowly, he melted onto the throng of people and watched in scrutiny as a tall man of russet mane garbed in the king's colors came for her. And when she was in arms length, he reached a hand and took hers and smiled the same way she had. Apparently, love does exist in this shallow world of haute ton. All's well, ends well.

"My lord?"

And he smiles because he recognizes that voice. And unbeknownst to him, a smile not to far from the young lady's he danced with before blossomed on his handsome face.

"Shall we go, Yuugao?"

And all other thoughts were banished from his mind and it would be another two and a half years before they meet again.

Jacta alea est.

The die is cast.

Author's ramblings:

Not the update people have been badgering about but I just needed to get this out of my system. Ha! I will still update the story (no, I did not drop off the face of the earth) Something Wonderful after my finals. I'm graduating Uni this March so I'm really really busy but I will with all my might try to update.

This incredibly brief interlude (yes it's short) is dedicated to rhonda21, nightwinde, ligerjager and The Cashew Nuts. Without them, I will be sleeping (I finished this or rather started at 2 am) or studying for a quiz right now and not trying to update and not promising to update. Love you guys. (Hey Nut2 where's my poccccccccckkkkkkyy?! Hug!)

Also, special thanks to the following: Gina01 (I hope your chickens are still alive!:)), voicelord, Princess Ren, theoneandonlypowderpuff, MayumiNorika, Frienz4ever, X-Sadistic-Bitch-X, saltedsugar, AngelwingsRinoa, Pixel-the-evil-fairy, xxxSethKisaraxxx, xxIcyangelxx, Cherri, pnaichopstix, princesswan, KawaiiKoneko92, ZiriOkamiOtoko, Kaoru4, sweetdiss69, MagenKyotenChiten, AsylleKlaire, m1xedmam1, B-toot, Ur2tRoUbLeSoMe90, sakura182, kaszster, darkmousey-15, GalsRul, poornmiserable, blondehurricane, meadowspeak, wishfuldeath, MySadisticRemedyIsU, BlackStonesCherry, jHeyTTenallie, KyraLeonhart, fallen-nightingale, al2010, lilxlady-cherryblossom, justhoodies, kasika, shadowsakura321, snuffleschifer, SatuAka, BeautifulDisaster9234, AnimeMangaFreak, angelnessa101, crystaldeath609, AngelOfDarkness1005, Tac03e11hp, tuneless.melody, demonicHime, XVideleX, Kotone111