Chapter 3. The reunion of a dragon and a seer
At the heart of the rebuilt Kingdom of Fanelia was the bustling local market. It rose in the morning and changed throughout the night, it's stalls were adorned in ribbons of green and blue marking it in the distinct colours of the remaining samurai tribes. Depending on the hour, vendors hawked various wares: from nice silks, and barbecued everything, to a tool strictly made for getting that stubborn booger out, name it and the Fanelian market had it. The trick was, you had to be at the market the same time your desired ware was there.
Now this particular knowledge never eluded a certain raven-haired king as he pursued each stall. Offering the sellers behind the stalls a kind smile before moving onwards, and walking purposefully around the corner of the best stuffed buns in the city. The nutty smell of ground chestnuts, and spiced meats filling his lungs as he passed.
Arriving at small house, with a larger workshop attached, Van stepped through the open doors, stopping at the sight of an old friend.
What Kal Goda lacked in built, he made up for in craftsmanship, thus earning him the name of Fanelia's finest blacksmith. On this particular day, instead of sweating over a forge Kal was seated over a wooden table across from his eldest daughter. A tiny china cup pinched between his thumb and forefinger, Kal took an equally tiny sip of tea.
"Well, well. Is this how the master Kal spends his afternoons now a days?", Van quipped, leaning against the door frame.
Whipping his head around, the red haired man's eyes landed on his king.
"This is a very important tea", replied an equally red-haired girl. Van eyebrows raised at the comment, "Is that so?"
Kal shrugged, eyes bouncing back between the King and his child, amused.
Nodding her head in a way that made her red waves bounce with the movement, the little girl delicately set down her tea cup, as delicately as any seven-year old could. "This tea can tell your future, just like Lady Hitomi can."
As if Van's eyebrows couldn't rise any higher, they managed to disappear behind his low bangs.
"Don't mind her your Highness, my girl's got quite an imagination", Kal interjected.
"But it's true!", she shot back offended, "Here" and without so much as a word from the men, she poured tea back into her teacup, hopped off her chair, and walking determinedly in front of Van. Tea cup nestled between both hands.
Peering down at the little girl before him, and then to her pro-offered tea Van stooped down and accepted it. The tea inside was surprisingly dark, sediments laying at the bottom. Swinging it down in one gulp, Van returned the cup back into the cupped hands of the waiting girl.
Hoisting the cup up to her face, silence stretched as Goda's girl determined the future of the Fanelian King, turning the cup slowly to the left and then to the right.
As if pleased with what she saw, the girl looked up to Van, face stretching into a bright smile. "The future Fanelian princess shall bear the same name as I".
Van threw his head back in an open laugh, the gall on this kid.
"Now Maya" Kal started, rising from his chair and towards his girl, before resting his hand on her head lovingly. "You have to admit your Highness, you walked right into that one".
"Well Maya" Van chuckled, "We will just have to see, won't we?"
Just then the gallop of a fast-paced horse interrupted the trio. It's rider dismounting a few paces before the door, and stopping short of the King, panting.
"Your Highness", he huffed, "The Duke Chid requests your presence immediately. He says Lady Hitomi of the Mystic Moon has appeared in Freid."
Staring at the frozen King, Kal Goda was increasingly amused at the turn of events.
"Well your Highness, looks like I can fix your steed's shoes at your earliest convenience".
With the sigh Hitomi lay the cold glass of wine against her cheek. The joy of seeing Chid again was slightly tainted by the shroud that covered the duration of her lunch meeting.
Coming back from the unexpected vision, she scanned the silent men. Chid eyes were trained on hers, unwavering and unreadable. The Steward Vissili had leaned back on his chair, arms crossed and a hand absently twisting the hairs of his salt and peppered beard. She felt like she could visibly see the gears turning in his head. And then there was the soldier Garo. His posture didn't give much away, but like Chid he sat straight, alert. However, his eyes revealed an emerald mix of awe and deep consternation.
The grave looks from all the men caused Hitomi's spirit to sink, 'Oh please, please don't let this happen again' she thought. She had buried all the blood, the fighting, and bringing those she loved back from death's door long ago. Forgotten in an old shoe-box beneath her bed.
"Well my lady, I won't pretend to know what this vision means. Or when this attack will happen," Vissili said breaking the silence, "But I do know that only this morning you were transported back to Gaea, and killed a rare Fanelian dragon. I think the fate of the world won't shatter if we simply enjoy the rest of this meal together." He finished, offering her an emphatic smile.
The show of generosity warmed Hitomi's heart.
"Is the wine to your liking my lady" Ami said, bringing her back to reality. The girl had surprised Hitomi with the nightcap just as she arrived back to her room, to wind down for the night. And what a welcome surprise it was.
"The wine is perfect" Hitomi grinned taking a sip, thankful that it fit her palate quite exquisitely. Not too dry that it was distastefully acidic, but it also wasn't too sweet in the same tune. Taking another sip, Hitomi relished the warmth as it slipped down and pooled at the pit of her stomach.
Sinking into the soft cushions of an armchair, she leaned her head against the plush upholstery.
Ami watched as the tiredness seemed to ensconce the seer into the chair.
"My lady, I have brought your nightdress. Would you be needing some help getting into these?"
Hitomi remained a fixture in the chair, not moving "I think I'll manage, thank you."
"Um... also, the Chief Steward thought you might appreciate a stroll through the town tomorrow. And I can accompany you to Mrs. Threthanu's. The Duke requested that she make you a couple more outfits than the two you have now" Ami said while softly inching towards the door.
"Hmm, that sounds lovely. Thank you Ami" was all that Hitomi could mumble out before her door squeaked shut.
Fastening the button on her collar, and moving to smooth down the non-existent wrinkles on her skirt, Hitomi wasn't the least bit concerned that she was wearing the same clothes two days in a row. Her aid, Ami on the other hand looked like her blue hair grew bushier with her vexation.
Hitomi giggled behind her hand, "Honestly Ami, there's nothing that can be down now. It's not like I came here with a full wardrobe on hand."
Nodding along absent-minded Ami said, "I think it's best that we visit Mrs. Threthanu's first, and then we can have lunch at the temple garden".
"Well, shall we?"
Stepping out first, Hitomi was greeted by the sight of Chid leaning casually against the wall directly opposite her door. Who upon seeing Hitomi emerge, pushed off the wall and stood, greeting her with a smile.
"Oh! Duke Chid, is there anything you need?" Ami inquired, as she trailed behind Hitomi.
"No, I am all attended for. I just thought I might accompany you ladies around this morning."
"What of your duties?" Hitomi inquired, brows furrowing at the thought of troubling Chid.
Chid shrugged, "Vissili's got it covered, and he has been my faithful steward ever since my Father's death." Hitomi gave a sympathetic smile to Chid at the mention of the late Duke of Freid. Smiling in return, Chid cocked his head to the right and offered his arm to Hitomi, "Well ladies, shall we?"
By the tenth shirt and skirt with obligatory twirling and accompanying comments from the peanut gallery Hitomi was done. Flopping down in a chair in a cloud of pink taffeta, and soft beige. Their arrival at Mrs. Threthanu's was all that Hitomi had imagined the trip to her shop would to be.
On the left-hand side of her shop, stood rows upon rows of fabric. Which uniquely different from the other both in material, but also in colour. Stacked, in what seemed to be random order, causing the wall to resemble a kaleidoscope displaying every shade and hue under the sun.
While on the right-hand side were a couple racks of skirts, pantaloons, chemises, blouses and various other garments exquisitely cut and hung in organized sections. Mrs. Threthanu herself emerged from behind a large spool of midnight blue, when Hitomi, Chid and Ami entered. The little bell attached to the top end of the door jingling pleasantly as it announced their arrival.
"Up! Up! We have barely begun", Mrs. Threthanu exclaimed behind white-rimmed glasses. She was equalled decked out in all white. Her shoulder-less blouse was tucked in an equally flowy white trousers. Strewn over her shoulder was a slightly deeper shade of pink than the taffeta top Hitomi was currently wearing.
"Darling trust me", Mrs. Threthanu had a penchant for endearments, "This shade compliments you better."
"I agree entirely", Ami nodded, she hair springing up and down. "Madam Threthanu is never wrong about these things you know."
Flicking her hand over at Ami's direction as if to swat away the compliment, Mrs. Threthanu let out a heart laugh, "Oh my dear, you are precious!".
"She is right though" Chid pipped in, his blue eyes shining gleefully at Hitomi's exhausted state. He was leisurely reclined in an armchair beside Hitomi, one leg propped and folded over the other. "Madam Threthanu is the best dresser in all of Freid. There is simply no comparison".
Hitomi stood back up begrudgingly, as Mrs. Threthanu turned her around to the full-length mirror and draped the velvet pink cloth over the previously unsuitable pink. Damn. She was right. The old colour made her look washed out, however this new one gave her a youthful sex appeal.
Behind her Madam Threthanu was pleased, "Love dont worry, you are in excellent hands. Besides I hear that King Van is heading over to Freid, as we speak."
Hitomi all of a sudden forgot how to breathe, "How did word get to Fanelia that soon?"
"By peregrine network, of course." Ami stated, as if the answer was obvious to all, including the women from the mystic moon.
Chid added from behind them all, "It looks like they will arrive tomorrow afternoon." Eyes peering intently on Hitomi, his carefree smile not once betraying his inner thoughts.
Tomorrow, Hitomi thought as she stared at the smiling reflections of Chid, Ami and Madam Threthanu.
Tomorrow.
Only a fool would have hoped to get a wink of sleep that very night. Not with Gaia coming alive with every new sight, and upon each face she met. And especially not with the news of Van and Merle making their way to Freid. By three o'clock in the morning Hitomi was already passed counting sheep, and had promoted onto desperate prayer to any God that would listen to take pity on her plight.
If today was the day she is to be reunited with Van and Merle, the very least she could ask of any ethereal entity is to be able to keep her eyes open at least. Turning once more in bed, Hitomi curled her body around her pillow, face tucked under the crook of her arm.
Once six o'clock arrived with his companion the sun, and hardly enough time spent sleeping long enough for any human being, Hitomi was already tugging on the very clothes she arrived to Freid in. Going for a morning run was the best option she had to shake out the nervous apprehension that clung to the fringes of her imagination.
Am I in love with a vision of the past? I've surely changed, who's to say Van hasn't either?
Not wanting to add more fodder to the mental flame, Hitomi burst through her room as if distancing herself from her room would equate to distance from her thoughts. However, a large black figure crossed her vision suddenly. Gasping in shock, her hand flew onto her collarbone, only to realize that the tall silhouette belonged to Garo.
"Don't scare me like that!" Hitomi huffed, leaning against the door for support.
Garo whipped around to Hitomi with a sympathetic smile, a hand placed on the back of his head sheepishly.
"Sorry my Lady, I was just heading out for a run." He said, glancing down to check out Hitomi's choice of clothing, "From the looks of it you are too"
Hitomi in turn scanned Garo, who was decked in a loose black t-shirt, and black pants that gathered at his ankles.
"There's a nice trail to the right of the garden, if you want to join" He suggested.
"Sure"
And just like that, the new pair were off. Starting off at a relatively quick pace, Garo and Hitomi rounded the corner of the lush garden onto a wide foot-worn path amidst the trees. The crisp morning air filling their lungs.
On a steady pace, they remained side by side. The only sound between them were the rhythmic cycles of their breathing.
"You know, I didn't know running is a thing here in Freid." Hitomi finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"In my profession, it generally pays to be more on the quick-footed side" Garo responded with a smirk. Not having anticipated Hitomi's choice of icebreaker.
"How about quick-witted?"
"That too, I guess", he chuckled heartily. A comfortable silence fell upon them once more.
Eventually Garo braved a hesitant glance in Hitomi's direction. The women herself was solely focused on the path before her.
"My lady may I ask" pausing as Hitomi hmmed, signalling him to continue. "That night you received the vision at Lord Chid's table..."
Hitomi sucked in air, shoulders tensed waiting for his question.
"Are all visions like that? Where you have no control, they just simply come?"
"Yes for the most part. Usually they come whole, not so out of context like yesterday. I see images, and sounds. Just like I am really there, living it..." Hitomi drifted off, as if contemplating her own words.
Garo nodded in silent understanding. "You know my lady, no matter how hard they push for answers to your visions, you are no tool. Not to me" He kept his face trained forward, not venturing to look at Hitomi to gauge her reaction. Nor give her a chance to glimpse into the emotions swirling in his own pair of emerald eyes.
"Men like Duke Chid, Steward Vissili, or even King Van, when faced with the security and well-being of thousands, forget to treat the ones nearest and dearest to them with the same care." He continued, but left it at that as the wooded path broke into the familiar hues and floral tones of the royal garden. Marking the end of their impromptu run, the pair slowed to a stop.
However Hitomi stood staring at him, chest puffing from the exercise, cheeks a rosy pink, but eyes reflecting the confusion brought on my his words. Confusion that appeared to be transforming more scrutinizing the longer she appraised him.
"Rest well my lady, we have quite a day ahead of us" Garo pronounce as he bowed respectfully, right-hand fisted at his chest. And it that Garo swiftly departed, leaving an addled Hitomi in his wake.
"Its here, its here!", Ami burst into Hitomi's room in a flurry of animated glee, and clean towels. "Their caravan can be seen at the entrance!" She squealed, dropping the armful of towels she had carried as she propelled her way towards Hitomi. From the way she was gulping for air, it seemed like she didn't stop running to find Hitomi once she heard the news.
Hitomi, jostled by the abrupt arrival of her young friend, stared at her perplexed, "Who?".
Ami's jaw seemed to unhinge from her skull at Hitomi's response, "Why King Van of course! What are you waiting for?"
Had Hitomi gotten a full night's sleep perhaps she would have been able to register the thrill that seemed to emanate from every pore in Ami's body. However, that was not the case. Only as Ami hurriedly pushed her out the door, that it all clicked.
He finally came. Here.
Ami then whipped her around, fussing with the hem of her pants. "Thank goodness Mrs. Threthanu was able to finish this in time!" Her eyes scanning the silk white tank-top, and velvet pink pants that widened slightly at the bottom for a hint of lint or an unseemly crinkle.
Nodding her approval over Hitomi's presence, and disregarding the frozen state her lady was in. Ami lend Hitomi around the corner, towards the corridor that had an open balcony looking over the city, and more specifically, a view that overlooked Freid's main street that connected to the entrance of Chid's estate.
Judging from the ant like figures clambering around a small caravan that was making the procession down, there was no mistaking it now. Van de Fanel was soon to be back in her life, and all Hitomi could feel is her heart at her throat.
Seeking balance, Hitomi let her hand fall onto the wall beside her. She continued to hug the wall as she followed the length of the corridor slowly. Her eyes trained on the caravan, as she eventually rounded the corner.
"Hitomi!" a very familiar feline voice from her past broke her trance like state. In an inhale, the figures of Merle and Van materialized before her. And in that simple breath, her soul seemed to release the very name concealed in the innermost part of her heart.
Van
A/N: Did you miss me?