Standard Disclaimer: Escaflowne and it's characters don't belong to me. I'm merely borrowing them. Any other characters are from my own imagination. I only write this stuff for fun, I don't make any money off of it, so please don't sue me.
AN: Ok, I said these side stories were going to be one-shots, but the more I play with this, the more I think this one works better as a two-part fic with a short prologue. So, here is the short prologue. The first part will be out sometime shortly. ^_^ Enjoy.
Return to Me
The war was over and Allen was home again, his sister Celena returned to him. The servants at his house were hastily cleaning out the rooms that had gone unused for years. Allen had been away for so long the place had pretty much been closed up. He had just seen Celena settled in her old bedroom. He wandered out onto the large garden to enjoy the cool breeze. It was very odd, having her back after so many years. He didn't want to admit to himself that he had given up all hope of ever seeing her again.
"Sometimes things turn out the way you least expect them to."
Allen turned sharply towards the voice. "Eries." She was there looking as regal as always in a pale silver dress that perfectly complimented her fair skin. She had always been able to read his moods fairly well. "Thank you for helping me out with the house today."
"It was no trouble, Allen."
"But still, I'm totally inept when it comes to running a household."
She smiled slyly at him. "Ah, yes, but you are much better with a sword than I. So you see, it all balances out in the end."
Allen sighed. "Does it, Eries?"
"Please, Allen. Don't go all pessimistic on me again. There's only so much I can handle before I start thinking about finding the nearest cliff so that I can throw myself off of it." Allen only let out another sigh. "Alright, clearly you are in no mood for jesting. Will you tell me what's bothering you?"
Eries. She had always been his one true friend. Ever since childhood, she had shared his darkest secrets and he hers.
"You're thinking about Marlene again, aren't you?" She sighed. "Don't deny it. I can tell by your expression. You are wearing that forlorn look that you've mastered so well."
"Eries, please. Your sarcasm isn't helping my mood to improve."
"Allen, you could always tell me anything. But, if you want to start keeping your own council now, that's quite alright with me. So, I'll just be heading back to the palace then, since my services here are no longer needed. Good-bye." She turned abruptly and began to walk away from him. Suddenly she felt his strong arms wrap around her from behind causing her to pause in mid stride. She could feel his warm breath against her ear; he was so close to her. "Um…Allen?"
Eries had always loved Allen, it's true. But, she had made up her mind long ago to never reveal her feelings to him. She knew Allen had been through so much in his life and she wanted to help him, so she decided to be his friend. She remembered her first meeting with him, years ago. They were both children, and their innocence had yet to be lost.