No Such Luck
Disclaimer: I own nothing of "The Vision of Escaflowne. Otherwise, Folken and Eries would somehow be together.
Note: Another little Folken/Eries piece for Folken's birthday. This is set five years before the events of the series, or approximately when Prince Chid was born. You'll see why.
Forgive the weak philosophical ramblings in this one.
A short, serious look at a "what could have been" from Folken's point of view. I will post Eries' point of view on her birthday, March 18.
Reviews are most loved.
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"When you choose to follow a certain path, others shall be forever closed to you."
Folken of Zaibach knew that well by now.
Fate moves you in one direction and leaves all possible futures only to your imagination. You can only really live according to what fortune throws at you. And this was what he was given, so this was what he would take.
There was no use in dwelling on "if's" and "maybe's". They would never be more than unrealized potential.
He had abandoned his role as the prince of Fanelia and there was no turning back from that. It was the point of no return.
And though it had been difficult to accept at first, to undergo such a radical transformation, not just physically but psychologically as well, he had grown accustomed to it. He had accepted his fortune, and in doing so, he was learning more and more from the man who had saved his life, even when his own country had forgotten him.
It was to Emperor Dornkirk that he owed everything now and Folken was more than willing to help the emperor build his new world.
It was now five years or so since Folken had been rescued from the clutches of the dragon. He was now a special envoy of the Zaibach Empire, a young diplomat being sent to various nations in Gaea to establish ties and to sow the seeds of alliance.
There were deeper motives behind his every mission, of course, but he was following a carefully-laid out agenda by the emperor. The situation called for patience and meticulous planning.
Folken strode down the ancient halls of the Duchy of Freid, preparing for his second audience with the Duke. He had had the opportunity of formally greeting the Duke and his wife along with several other envoys earlier that week but it was this afternoon that he would have a private audience with the leader of Freid.
Despite the seriousness of his task, the young diplomat still could not help but admire the noble architecture of Freid, and all the culture and tradition that had built that small but prosperous realm.
He never lost an opportunity to marvel at the diversity of life in Gaea and to learn as much as he could about a country's history and culture. Not only was this knowledge advantageous in his diplomatic visits, but it was also a cure for any boredom he might feel when he returned to the cold, dark confines of the Flying Fortress.
His timing was excellent since the normally stern Duke was in a very good mood. He had been recently been blessed with a son and heir by his wife, Marlene, the eldest princess of Asturia.
While there had been rumors about the dubious parentage of the young prince, especially considering the princess' rather infamous reputation with heavenly knights, the Duke had paid no attention to these and had readily acknowledged the child to be his.
Folken was looking forward to establishing ties with Freid since its leader was in such an open mood.
And considering the circumstances, Folken thought, the birth of a son is more beneficial to the Duchess as well. This at least cements her position in court and validates her politically advantageous marriage.
He had sensed, after seeing the Duchess, that she was not one to be easily contented by a quiet life as someone's wife. She was beautiful, to be sure, but there was a wild, restlessness in her that he was not quite fond of. Nevertheless, she was vibrant and friendly, no doubt still rejoicing over the birth of her son.
Folken turned a corner and wandered down another, narrower hall that would lead to the meeting chamber. He was still early for the summons and so decided to stroll at a leisurely pace through the palace. This wing was the more private side of the palace, the part where the Duke and family resided and Folken felt privileged to be allowed to trespass in such an area.
He lingered for a while, passing several rooms with locked doors. He rehearsed his speech in his head while thinking of all the other work he would have to do once he returned to Zaibach. He recalled that there was a particularly talented but rebellious young soldier who needed to be trained further.
But he was distracted from all of these thoughts by the soft echo of a woman humming.
While there was nothing remarkable about such a sound, Folken could not help but seek the source. He found that the humming was coming from a small room in one corner, with the door left ajar and a slit of sunlight peeking through.
His first instinct was to move along, and ignore it. And yet, something was drawing him to that small room, daring him to sneak a peek.
He sighed and decided that there was nothing better to do so he took a few steps towards the room. He would only enter if his presence was noticed, so as not to be rude, but he would really rather just observe. After all, he merely wanted to satisfy his curiosity.
So carefully and as quietly as he could, Folken peered through the doorway.
It was a small room, simply furnished, but filled with great warmth and hominess.
Looking at the furnishings Folken realized that he was looking into the nursery of the young prince.
Folken turned his attention to the lone figure standing in the room, rocking the babe gently in her arms.
She was a pale young woman with long, straight, golden hair, and a warm, affectionate smile on her face as she held the child in her arms. She was standing in such a manner that she was bathed in sunlight, and it almost seemed like she was not of this world.
It was not Marlene, of course, but someone else. Since she fortunately had not yet noticed him, Folken tried to get a better look at her. By the dignified way she carried herself and the way she was dressed, he knew that she was no nursemaid. She had the air that only royalty could exhibit, a trait he knew only too well.
And while her features were not as vibrant or as pointedly pretty as Marlene's, there was a clear family resemblance.
It was then that Folken realized that she was Princess Eries Aria Aston, Marlene's younger sister, who had recently arrived to pay her sister a visit. He had not yet had the chance to meet her and he doubted that he would. She was still too young to be included in official sessions although from what he had heard, she could easily hold her own among the veteran ministers of her father's court.
She held the child lovingly in her arms, as if she had never seen anything so beautiful.
Folken felt himself unexpectedly entranced by the scene before him.
He could see now how different Eries was from her sister. She carried herself in a particular way, a slightly stiffer and more formal posture unlike the more carefree Marlene. There was a profound maturity in her countenance that was surprising to see in one so young.
He could just imagine what it had been like to grow up with a sister so admired and desired as Marlene. Eries must have paled in comparison, Folken thought, since common men's standards were already met in the elder sister.
He had heard that there was still another younger girl but that she was growing to be very much like her eldest sister.
So Eries was alone, the middle child whom people tended to forget.
He could sense that slight sadness about her, that awareness that she was so different from her sisters. But she was a strong woman, and she would overcome whatever trials she would have to face.
And though he was not prone to such thoughts, Folken found that he preferred Princess Eries to Marlene.
While she had none of the flashy beauty of her elder sister, Eries had a quiet elegance to her that he found very agreeable. There was something about her that seemed more stable, more constant, and more reliable. And it seemed clear to him that her heart would not be easily touched.
Folken found himself comparing Eries to him and seeing some similarities.
There was a great wisdom in those eyes that he was sure would serve her well in the coming years. Though he meant no offense to Princess Marlene or the youngest princess, Folken believed that Eries would prove to be a greater asset to her father than either two.
He sighed; wondering how had allowed himself to ponder so much on one person. What was this new weakness?
Still daring another glance, he saw her give the child a warm and heartfelt smile.
And it was then that he felt certain that Eries Aston would be a wonderful mother.
Folken did not know what had led to such a conclusion but he found that several other inconvenient thoughts, scenarios that he had been trying to avoid since he had decided to watch Eries, now forced themselves upon his consciousness.
He had been imagining a potential future, a scene in a life he might have had, had his circumstances been different…
A simple home, modest but secure, with everything that anyone could ever need.
A room full of light and love, and an air of contentment.
An affectionate wife, cradling their child in her arms, and humming a soft lullaby.
And strangely enough, he already knew how she would look like.
Straight, long, golden hair, shining emerald eyes, and a serene countenance like no other. No one else would do.
He would arrive home after a long day, tired but happy.
She would look at him, her face lighting up with joy at his arrival, and she would smile, that incomparable smile of hers, and say, "Welcome home, my love."
And he would never want for anything else for the rest of his life.
Folken shook his head violently, the scene dissolving in his mind. Why had he allowed his mind to wander so far? It was pointless.
He recovered his senses and recalled his purpose. Albeit with some reluctance, he stepped away from the nursery door and willed himself to get moving.
He felt certain that he would never see her again, at least not the way he had seen her now. Something told Folken that he had been privy to a rare and sacred scene. He was sure that she did not often let her guard down.
With one final, hasty glance at Eries and Chid, Folken turned around and walked towards the meeting chamber. It was almost the appointed time anyway.
And while he made his way there, he chastised himself for getting so distracted. He reminded himself of the truth.
When you choose to follow a certain path, others shall be forever closed to you.
Beautiful as the scene may have been, it was not in his fortune. He had no such luck.
Folken looked at his metal hand in disgust. Definitely not going to happen.
He sighed heavily, trying to banish the memory of that smile.
He had had a glimpse of what might have been but will never be. And he never expected to feel such a twinge of regret.