AN: This is an AU story. It takes place in colonial America, circa mid to late 1600s. I've mixed up American history with elements from Escaflowne, so please bear with me. Think of Freid as a metaphor to Puritan New England (I had the hardest time deciding if I wanted to set it in a New England or Chesapeake Bay setting, but I settled on the more tyranical New England). There is no magic or sci-fi stuff in this story, sorry.

Anyways, the usual disclaimer stands.

Chapter 1: Arrival

Land appeared suddenly on the horizon, breaking sharply into the continuous stretch of sea that had spread out before them for nearly two months. All around, excitement buzzed in the air, filling the void usually occupied by lazy conversation. Instead, finely dressed bodies quickly descended the stairs towards the lower cabins to ready their things for departure; or gangly men began pulling and tugging at the riggings of the ship. All except one lone figure, who stood silently pressed against the railings. He had noticed her when she first set foot back at the port in Bridgetown. There was a dignity in her poise that drew your attention to her right away, an inner strength that emanated from deep within. Her appearance was also quite scandalous, considering that she traveled without a companion. Luckily, his mother had instantly taken her under her wing, and no one on board Fanelia dared hassle her.

"Your first time to America?"

She obviously hadn't heard him approach from behind, for a pair of shocked green eyes swiveled instantly towards him. After studying his face for a second, the fright faded to be replaced by a creeping suspicion. "Yes. Is that Freid?"

Van felt the corners of his mouth twitching in delight, she was blunt, there was not questioning that. Rather than be appalled or insulted, he found her candor to be refreshing. "Aye. But that is the port, the township is farther inland."

She only nodded in understanding, never allowing her eyes to waiver from their approaching destination. It became abundantly clear that she would not offer any other conversation as the seconds drew on. "My mother sent me to get you, she wants to see you off before we reach land."

The sandy blonde girl suddenly turned on him and shocked him with a dazzling smile. Her rather plain features curved into a magnificent smile and the crinkling of the corner of her eyes illuminated the brilliant green. "I was wondering why Van Fanel was speaking to me."

The bewilderment at her sudden transformation was quickly washed away by her cold retort. Indignantly, he squared her shoulders and responded in as neutral a tone he could muster, "She's in her cabin." Curtly, he pivoted on his heels and stalked away. She could just hold her breath until the next time he showed her any kindness if this was how he was to be repaid! Behind him, he heard a barely audible sigh and the quick retreat of her slippered feet down the cabin stairs.

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They would be docking within the hour, the current was in and they should have no problem guiding the ketch into the port. Propping one leg up on the edge of the ship, Van peered towards the row of wooden boards jutting out towards the sea. On the dock, people eagerly gathered to watch the unloading of goods and people. Curiously, he scanned the faces, wondering which one was here to claim the young woman Hitomi Kanzaki. As if reading his mind, a gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Mister Fanel. I am truly sorry if you misinterpreted my earlier statement to you. I meant no disrespect."

Van peered over his shoulder, his eyebrows drawn together in confusion. How altered was this voice that spoke to him now. Earlier there had been a hint of pride, now it was all demure and dignified. Strangely, the change irritated him and he found himself wishing to mock her, just to hear that tinge of pride ring through her words. "It was quite difficult to interpret any other way," he baited her. Rather than rising to the occasion, Hitomi seemed to slump more under the weight of his words.

"It is a fault of mine. Something my family encouraged, but I have yet to learn how to restrain. Your mother warned me that people here would not take kindly to my outspoken ways." As she spoke, Hitomi fiddled with her embroidered kid gloves, keeping her eyes cast downwards.

"My mother speaks the truth." As Van spoke, her could almost see her soul crumple under the toll of his words. "But, people who have always follow convention bore the hell out of me." Her startled eyes flew to his face, and the tell-tale blush of her cheek indicated that she had heard his use of profanity. However, the blush eventually faded and she rewarded him with another dazzling smile, a smile he couldn't help but return. Encouraged, he spoke again. "Just be careful who you show that spit-fire spirit to. The people of Freid are very devout people and do not take kindly to deviance."

The indignant tone of her voice rose slightly, only causing Van to smirk mockingly down at her. "You find me to be a deviant?"

"No, only a nuisance." Though his words were harsh, they were delivered with such good cheer that Hitomi decided to pointedly ignore his remark. It was obvious he was teasing her and she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

"I'd noticed you before, on deck; and your mother speaks of you often. However, today was the first day you really spoke to me. I guess I was just surprised and suspected an ulterior motive."

"As first mate, there are always things to do. I am not allowed the leisure some of my companions can afford. Not to mention, my father, the captain, wants to make sure I know the insides and out of sailing before I take ownership of this or any other ship."

"I would say you seemed quite capable. I remember watching you order everyone around during the storm a week ago."

"Oh. You weren't frightened were you?"

"At first, yes. But I eventually made my peace with myself and my god."

Van threw back his head at her solemn expression. He knew he was being rude, but the serious and thoughtful look on Hitomi's face had been priceless. "That was nothing! Fanelia has been battered by much worse."

Anger flashed through Hitomi's bright eyes and her fists clenched around the silk gloves. "You must remember Mister Fanel that I have never been on such high seas before."

Wiping away at the tears that had begun to pool in the corner of his eyes, Van unsuccessfully attempted to swallow his merriment. Finally, with a large grin spread across his face, he replied, "Van. Mister Fanel is my father. Anyways, you should ready your things Mistress Kanzaki. We will be docking any moment now." After a deep sigh, Van continued. "It would be wise to heed my mother's warning. But you should not be afraid to be yourself. Though the people of Freid are strict, they are reasonable people and I am sure you will find them agreeable."

"Thank you for the advice…Van. It's Hitomi by the way, please. Mistress Hitomi was my mother." With a quick curtsy, Hitomi turned away and head towards the side of the ketch where passengers would be disembarking. As he watched her retreating form, Van couldn't help but question to use of past-tense when Hitomi referred to her mother.

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The port was dank and muddy. Though Van was use to the smell of brine and rotting wood, he couldn't help but wonder what Hitomi thought of her first encounter with America. How this must contrast with the glittering blue sea and shimmering white sands of Barbados where she had first embarked on her journey! Stealing a quick glance at her, he found her standing in the middle of one of the few dry patches of ground, a look of mixed horror and awe etched across her face. Shaking his head, he returned to unloading the barrels of supplies from the hull of the ship. When the task was done, he stood, wiping his hands against the front of his breeches and scanned the thinning crowd. Surprisingly, Hitomi stood in exactly the same spot he had last seen her in.

A slow sense of dread filled him and he walked towards her prone form. "Hitomi? Is there anyone here to meet you?"

Sheepishly, Hitomi chewed her lip before answering. "I left in a hurry, and I sent word of my arrival, but I'm not sure if they received it…" Before she could say any more, A hoarse rasp reached them.

"Hitomi!" Rushing towards them was a thin tall man, his brown locks swept back in a low pony-tail. Upon reaching the two, he slumped over and placed his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "I am sorry I am so late." As he spoke, the man lifted his face to reveal a handsome and young face, though weariness had etched premature lines into his smooth face. Van felt suddenly uneasy releasing Hitomi to his nameless stranger and unconsciously took a step closer to her.

To his disappointment, Hitomi eagerly stepped forward and grasped this stranger's hands in hers. "Amano! I am just glad to see you, where is Yukari?"

"She is at home with the baby. Millernia couldn't spare her this evening. It would appear that Marlene had taken ill again. Well, we should set off, where are your things?"

Hitomi motioned behind her towards the small tower of trunks. Van bit back the chuckle that threatened to fall from his lips when he saw the stricken look in Amano's eyes.

"All of this Hitomi? Five trunks for a visit?"

"Well, Amano. I guess I forgot to state it clearly, but I'm not here for a visit." Hitomi bit the words out slowly, as if afraid to let the words be said at all.

Amano narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Do your parents know? Where is your traveling companion?"

Hitomi suddenly cast her eyes downward. "They succumbed to typhoid fever in the summer. They are dead. As to my traveling companion, I do not have one."

Amano cast a stern glance over the crew of the ship, and Van was sure that in his eyes he and his men appeared to be no better than a bunch of ruffians. Thankfully, Hitomi eased the tension before any words could be exchanged. "Mister Fanel, the captain, his wife and son, Van here, were very kind to me and I never found myself wanting for lack of a companion."

Amano glanced sternly at Van before roughly extending his hand. "I thank you and your family sure for looking after Hitomi." Van grasped the hand firmly and nodded, not trusting his voice at the moment.

Ruefully, Amano returned his eyes to the tower of trunks. "I came by myself Hitomi, and without a cart. I did not expect you to bring so much luggage."

Van wasn't so sure what prompted him, but he found his voice volunteering to help Amano carry the trunks to his homestead. "Balgus can help us. Between the three of us, there will be no problem." Amano pursed his lips and solemnly agreed with Van. Hitomi's eyes met his for a fleeting moment and in them he found shock and gratefulness.

Hoisting two trunks up, one on each shoulder, Van indicated Balgus to do the same. Turning, towards Amano, they waited for him to lift the last trunk and lead them. The entire trip, none spoke a word. Instead, Van took this time to study Hitomi carefully as she trudged ahead of them. Gone was the spirit he had sensed during their month at sea. It was true that he had barely spoken a word to her, but he had seen her on multiple occasions conversing with his mother and occasionally his father. Each time, there had been a light and vitality that he had admired. However, whenever he built up the courage to speak to her himself, the moment was taken from him and he was resigned to learning about her vicariously from conversations with his mother. Now, the vivacious woman he was familiar with was all but extinguished by the foggy Freid morning air. With each step they took he couldn't help but wonder if they were leaving a tropical flower to wilt on alien territory.

TBC

AN II: I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter. I am still working on Fallen Angel, but that story has begun to take on an epic mind of its own and I just wanted to write a simpler straight forward story to help balance the intrigue and mystery of my other story.

If you havne't noticed, some characters are out of character. For one, Van is not nearly as morose as he should be. But hey, Hitomi is the orphan in this story. Besides, it's AU and I can do whatever the hell I damn well please! In addition, I've noticed that a lot of stories tend to take the point of view of Hitomi and I've decided to limit my view point to Van. Should be interesting, trying to get inside his mind.

Thanks to everyone who has been a constant reviewer for Fallen Angel (you are the reason I keep at it!) and a huge kiss and hug to the pleasent reivews I get for stories I posted a while ago. It makes me feel special.