Kiches-sarjilian: Thanks for informing me of that mistake. I had promptly fixed it.

Disclaimer: Vision of Escaflowne and its characters and likeliness is copyrighted to its respective company(ies). But the characters I created and this story is copyrighted to me.

Rating: PG-13


The Governess by Cosmos

Chapter 4: Cold Waters

It is a strange phenomenon that the absence of a single individual is more strongly felt than the absence of an entire crowd. Surely, it is less noticeable to the physical eye but it holds a greater impact on the hearts and souls of those left behind.

It was the remnants of this great void that lingered long after Van departed from Eslaie more than a fortnight ago. Once again, business called the young master away from his beloved home—and there would be no ball to detain him this time.

Despite the addition, or one dared say temporary replacement, of another gentleman's presence on the estate, the residences of Eslaie found their master's departure no less sorrowful. Even the young Governess, whom had only resided there for a little over a month and was acquainted with Van in even less time, found the manor just that larger, just that quieter, and just that emptier.

Of course, the solid understanding of her emotions, so subtle as they were, eluded Hitomi. As a result, the young woman attributed her feelings to the absence of the crowd of people she had been accustomed to during the ball, and not to the absence of one particular gentleman.

The voice of duty had lured Van to the far northern village of Hempsford, where it was reported that a recent rainstorm brought much grievances to this small farming community. What business could a gentleman of Van's position and wealth had at such a miniscule town, so far removed from the genteel society of the southern counties? It was a thought that exceedingly puzzled Hitomi when she was first informed of his destination. On the other hand, the young woman was most astonished that Van's influences extended so far. No wonder the Fanel name was so revered and whose connection was very much desired by all who sought to gain from it.

Hitomi observed the young gentleman sitting across from her with a bright smile. She and Chid were enjoying a short respite on the veranda while Merle was studiously practicing her piano with Mrs. Beckam. The sound of elegant music floated peacefully up to them from the open window a level below.

It had taken Hitomi little time upon further acquaintance to notice the stark differences between the two men. While Van was stern, often disagreeable and taciturn, Chid was quite the opposite. He was casual, held a great antipathy for stiff formalities, and more talkative. Certainly Hitomi did not consider the young man a silly chatterbox, far from it, but compared to his detached cousin, Chid was loquacious. How dissimilar the two cousins were. Like day and night. Even their appearances were a great contrast. Chid sported golden blonde hair and bright blue eyes, a sunny smile and shorter stature. Van, on the other hand, was gifted with ebony hair as dark as a moonless night, mysterious eyes the colour of the deepest garnet, a sharp mind, and a tall regal form that certainly displayed his assets well, both material and physical.

"Do you like your position here as Governess, Miss Kanzaki?" Chid asked after a lull in their conservation.

"I like it very much," Hitomi said sincerely.

"Certainly, you did not feel that way at the beginning," Chid stated matter-of-factly.

"Well, I…" Hitomi felt uncomfortable to respond to such a statement.

Smiling kindly, Chid added, "Pardon me, if that seemed rude. But I know Van and Merle far too well to understand what their characters and actions toward a new Governess may be, especially Merle, whose troublesome antics are quite openly known."

Assured that no offense would be taken, Hitomi responded, "Indeed, I did not feel that way at the very beginning but now that I have become accustomed to Eslaie and acquainted with everyone, I must say I have greatly enjoyed my employment here." Turning to the garden spread out below them, Hitomi's eyes shone brilliantly under the sunlight.

Chid observed the young woman without further comments. At length, he turned his attention to the distant horizon where he soon noticed two specks approaching. As the distance between them shortened, the young man made out two older gentlemen on chestnut steeds, trotting at a relaxed pace down the path toward them.

"It appears that we have guests," Chid remarked.

Hitomi gave him a brief glance before following his gaze. "We are not expecting anyone."

"No, but," Chid said as he began to stand up, "as always the expected never comes and the unexpected always do." Smiling, Chid offered his hand to the young Governess: "Let us greet our guests, shall we Miss Kanzaki?"

"It isn't appropriate that I—."

"Nonsense," Chid said, "there is no impropriety to greet guests. There is only so if you do not."

Smiling warmly, Hitomi took Chid's hand, and they both headed downstairs to meet the two men.

"Ah, Vadaelia…Marquise," Chid called out as they entered the foyer.

"Freid?" Kelan said in surprise. "What the devil are you still doing here? I thought you left for Kennessworth weeks ago?" Smiling mischievously, the gentleman added, "Taking advantage of Eslaie's hospitality while her master's away, are we?"

"You are crude," Chid said. "Is there never a time you can be serious Vadaelia?"

"Never," his friend declared proudly. "Not a serious bone in my body, that's the fault. But don't you worry, friend, for I shall grow one and be serious one of these days. Then you will ask that I not be."

"Miss Kanzaki," Eldric said as he bowed to the young woman before him. His forest-green eyes were ever so intense. However, they were warm and friendly.

"Mr. Marquise," Hitomi greeted with a curtsy. "I'm afraid you will find that Mr. Fanel is away at the moment. There is only Merle, Mr. Freid and myself here."

"That is fine," he said.

Hitomi raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed," Kelan declared as he approached them. "What greater pleasure than to call upon such a lovely young lady."

Hitomi smiled warmly but made no response.

"I'm sorry, Freid," Kelan said as he turned to his friend, "but you were not the object of our visit."

"I should be less sorry then," Chid responded.

"I hope we are not intruding," Eldric said. "It was a rather spontaneous decision; since we happened to be riding by, we thought to call upon you."

"No, you are not intruding," Hitomi assured him. "In fact, Mr. Freid and I were simply having tea. Please, come to the veranda and join us."

"Thank you. That would be splendid."

After the two gentlemen were served their cups of tea, Eldric said, "So how long will you be staying here, Freid?"

"I am uncertain," Chid said thoughtfully. "I had hoped to complete this business two weeks ago but things have not gone as speedily or as smoothly as I would like."

"Is Mr. Colton giving you much trouble with that exchange?"

"Surprisingly, no," Chid said as he looked up from his cup of tea. "It is his wife."

"But I had thought she wanted to give up the place?"

"As I thought," Chid said. "But it appears that she may have changed her mind." Letting out a quiet sigh, he continued, "And here I am hoping to move in before the month's end. At this rate, I may have to delay my move or give up the purchase altogether."

"That would be unfortunate," Eldric said, "Aslington is such a beautiful piece of property."

"Agreed," Kelan said. "And one worth the investment."

"You have been rather quiet, Miss Kanzaki." Eldric suddenly commented. "I'm afraid our talks of land have bored you."

"No, not at all," Hitomi said. "I admit I don't know a lot about property buying. Therefore, I felt it best to listen as much as possible."

Eldric smiled, which only made his face even handsomer.

Standing up, the young gentleman suddenly offered his hand to Hitomi and asked, "Will you honour me by taking a stroll about the grounds with me?"

Smiling up at his warm expression, Hitomi acquiesced. Taking his hand, she stood up and they excused themselves from the veranda.

"Another interesting prospect, don't you think?" Kelan commented once the couple was safe from earshot.

"Yes," Chid said but his thoughts were running along a different line. "Very interesting." Whispering to himself, he added, "I wonder how he will make of it?"

If the Eslaie manor was beautiful, then the grounds upon which it rested could not have been any less. The paths that they strolled upon were absolutely charming, winding seemingly endlessly through the large wooded land with eclectic growths of oaks, maples, birches, pines, and other more unfamiliar trees. A chorus of birdsongs saturated the air around them, joined by clicks, thumps, and squeaks of other woodland creatures.

The now late noon sun, shone down upon the path, were shattered into millions of glittering pieces as it traversed the canopy of green leaves, leaving freckles of light upon the brown dirt. On both sides, tall blades of grass wove back and forth in the warm spring breeze that tousled her short hair and rustled the leaves above. Once in a while, a breakage within the wall of tall tree trunks revealed an emerald land dotted with small lakes of which there was one large one at the centre, surrounded by rolling hills and grey boulders. Two rivers, not before noticed, wound around each other like dancing snakes down the centre of the immense estate. The cliff upon which the path they chose had taken afforded this grand view.

"Do you live near here, Miss Kanzaki?" the gentleman asked not more than ten minutes into their walk.

"No," Hitomi said. "I'm afraid my home is three days ride from here," then adding most hesitantly, "in Wesertshire."

"Wesertshire?" the gentleman said, clearly surprised.

Wesertshire was a small village east of Adelain, the county where they presently reside. It was a poor village made up of small farmers and merchants. Certainly a world far removed from the one Eldric grew up in, or ever associated. Hitomi expected the gentleman to become distant, now that he knew how detrimental any association with her would be to his reputation. Surprisingly, however, he seemed quite unaffected by the knowledge. Instead, he commented that it was merely a long distance to travel for work.

"It must not be easy on you to be so far from your family."

"No it isn't," Hitomi said. Normally she would be filled with sadness upon this thought but, at present, she was too overwhelmed by the gentleman's continued unprejudiced behaviour toward her to dwell on anything else.

"If you ever need assistance in your travels to Wesertshire, Miss Kanzaki," Eldric said as he gazed at her kindly, "please do not hesitate to call upon me. I will have my personal carriage delivered to you without delay."

"I," Hitomi was stunned, "I thank you, Sir,…for the generous offer."

In her heart, the warmth of gratitude began to glow.

"Please, there is no need for thanks," Eldric said. "I cannot think to have you travelling that distance in an uncomfortable coach." Turning slightly away from her in sudden shyness, he added, "Besides, with my carriage to deliver you there, I will be certain that you will arrive safely."

He then turned to look at her, holding her gaze within his smouldering green eyes.

She was unable to make a verbal response. But the young woman knew that in this instant she had come to like this kind-hearted gentleman very much.

They had strolled over the land for nearly half an hour now. Entering into conversation here-and-there, and falling into comfortable silence in-between.

Near the end of their leisurely walk, the young man asked, "Eslaie is certainly a beautiful estate, is it not, Miss Kanzaki?"

"Yes, it is," Hitomi said as she looked out upon the land in amazement. The young woman observed that the landscape held a sense of both beauty and mystery. Its shadowy faces seemed to taunt her to unravel its secrets. In an odd way, the wild scenery reminded Hitomi of its enigmatic young master. "It is most breathtaking," she added.

"Delnere," Eldric spoke slowly, most nervously, "isn't as large or as stunning as Eslaie but I hope that you will agree to see it some time."

Hitomi turned to Eldric in surprise. He was looking at her with apprehension, waiting for her response: hopeful that she would agree but also fearful that she might decline the offer.

"I should love to see your estate, Mr. Marquise," Hitomi said rather shyly. She turned and began to stroll on ahead, hiding the noticeable blush that rose to her cheeks.

Eldric let loose an unrestrained, most relieved smile. His eyes were sparkling and his heart was thumping with great excitement. In this short period of time, he had found himself so utterly mesmerized by this woman.

Catching up to her, he said, "This is wonderful. Then I will arrange with Fanel to relieve you of your duty next week, if that is agreeable with you."

"If it is agreeable with Mr. Fanel, then it is agreeable with me. He is my employer after all," Hitomi said with a laugh.

"I'm sure Fanel will find no objections to my proposal."

"Thank you for honouring me with this invitation, Mr. Marquise."

"I assure you, Miss Kanzaki, the honour is truly all mine." He gave her a most handsome smile.

Upon reaching the veranda, Kelan called out, "You have most cruelly used me, Marquise."

The other gentleman looked at him in shock. But before he could respond, his friend continued: "You have taken the liberty of enjoying yourself in the company of a beautiful lady, while I have been left behind to entertain a rather dull Mr. Freid."

"Then I must add to your complaint, Vadaelia," Chid spoke up with humour, "that Marquise has greatly abused me as well—to leave me to endure your insane chatter for nearly an hour. I swear, another minute more and I shall join him in the madhouse."

"Mad?" Kelan fainted offense. "I will have you know, Sir, that I am clearly not mad. I can give you a perfectly coherent recount of all the days of the year, the names of all the months, the number of horses in my stable, or —."

"Fine, fine," Chid said with a laugh. "I have made my point."

"Exactly," Kelan said, paused briefly then cried out. "What?!"

The group of friends broke out into laughter at Kelan's antics. One could always count on him to bring a smile to any moment – whether it be intentional or not.

Suddenly, their little party was interrupted when Mrs. Beckam burst in, nearly faint of exhaustion and fear.

"Mrs. Beckam!" Hitomi exclaimed at the horrid condition the woman appeared in. "What is the matter?"

Eldric immediately went over to support the poor old woman, barely fit to stand in the doorway.

"Miss…Miss…" she gasped, her chest heaving strenuously for air.

"Calm yourself, Madam," Eldric said comfortingly as he seated her in his chair, which was nearest.

"Take a deep breath and calm down," Chid said in a most serious manner. "Then tell us what upsets you."

"It's…it's Miss Merle," Mrs. Beckam managed to exhale.

"Merle?" Hitomi gasped in fear. "What about her? Where is she?"

"That is…the thing, Miss Kanzaki," the woman paused for several more breathes, "I…can't seem to…find her."

"Dear heavens," Hitomi cried out in horror.

"Where did you see her last, Mrs. Beckam?" Chid asked in an uncommonly calm tone.

"She was on her break," Mrs. Beckam said with less exertion. "She said she wanted to take a stroll in the gardens but when I went to fetch her nearly fifteen minutes later I was unable to find her."

"I will search the gardens again," Kelan declared, immediately departing.

"Vadaelia," Chid called out. "Inform Thomason and Beth. Have all the servants search the manor and nearby grounds."

The gentleman nodded before disappearing into the building.

"Elsie!" Hitomi cried out as she also made her way to the entrance.

The young servant ran quickly to her. "Yes, Madam?"

"Fetch Mrs. Beckam some water, and take care of her. I must join the others in search for Merle."

"Yes, Miss Kanzaki."

"Miss Kanzaki," Eldric called out. "I will join you shortly after I see that Mrs. Beckam is cared for."

Hitomi nodded and left the veranda in great haste.

Where can she be? The young Governess thought worriedly. She would not hide at such a time, in the middle of her piano lesson. It is unthinkable. She has never done such a thing. Merle! Merle, where are you?

The manor was gutted inside out, every piece of furniture inspected from even the smallest cupboards to the hall draperies. On the outside, the green lawn of Eslaie was speckled with people, genteel and servants alike, combing the grounds desperately for any signs of the little girl.

Her name was shouted from every direction.

An ominous feeling of dread began to sweep over Hitomi's heart. In such circumstances, one's mind began to create fantastic images of all the most horrible situations and outcomes. The young Governess could feel her body shake in trepidation, cold sweat covering her smooth skin.

She stood at the centre of the main garden and looked wildly about her. Horrified, anxious, and hopeless. She did not know where to look further: which stone she had not yet turned, which bush she had not poked at, or which direction to take next. As her walk with Eldric had obviously indicated to her, the grounds of Eslaie was vast and not without its dangers, especially for a girl so young and small.

Closing her eyes, she could feel the tears rise but before she allowed them to escape, a sudden thought came to her mind. The image of a lake, a picnic, a child's voice commenting it to be a favourite spot of hers and her brother's, all rose to her mind.

"The lakeside," Hitomi whispered to herself. She was about to inform the others when she noticed that everyone had now shifted far away in their search. The young woman decided to head to the lake herself, afraid to waste any more critical time. As she ran down the dirt path Van had indicated during their picnic that led to the lakeside meadow, Hitomi said aloud, "Why did I not think of this sooner. Please, please let her be all right."

Meanwhile, Merle was stretched out upon the soft cool grass beneath the very tree the siblings had often spent time together whenever Van was home. It was their favourite spot beside the great central lake. The winds here were cool, the shades comforting, and the atmosphere tranquil. This particular area by the lake was also especially memorable, not for her times with her brother, but for the last precious moments she had with her family as a whole. It was at a time she could barely remember but remembered she did. In fact, she held tenaciously to those fading images as if her life had depended on it. They were the only truly happy times in a past wrought with grief.

She recalled lying blissfully in the gentle lap of a woman, hearing her own voice calling up to her as "Mama". The bright sunlight shown down from above her, shadowing her beautiful features in a dark silhouette that Merle could now only remember. She was so young then, barely six years. The memory was difficult to retrieve from the depths of an infant's mind. Thus, all she could recall of the woman, a mother she knew for only six years, was the dark silhouette and a gentle laughter. Her father, she recalled, would sit near the side, smiling ever so gently down at her. She could remember his face clearer. There was no shadow to hide his kind features. The fact also that he continued to remain with her for the next two years helped to retain his image in her mind. Despite her age at the time, however, Merle could always sense a great sorrow between her parents. Her mother's laughter had always held certain sadness in it. Her father's eyes always looked worn, guilt-ridden, and regretful. Even now, she did not understand why. She had asked Van but he refused to discuss it.

"What was done was done," he had said enigmatically, although his tone held a slight resentment. "Let us not disturb the dusts of the past." Then, bending down to his young sibling he had added, "Do not worry, Merle. I will never judge you by this. I will always be here for you, my dearest sister."

Letting out a sigh, the child turned onto her side and gazed shockingly into a pair of large, dark eyes set against a green face with a slightly pointed nose.

"Rrrribbit," the creature croaked.

"You're trespassing," Merle said candidly.

The animal blinked its large eyes in response.

Suddenly, a small insect flew in-between them. Both pairs of eyes focused on the intruding arthropod, looking this way and that as the insect flew chaotically from side-to-side. Merle refocused her gaze onto the frog again. Curious to see what the animal would do, the child remained completely still and silent.

A minute passed, and the green creature still sat there with its large eyes focused on the insect whizzing around in front of its face.

Another minute flew by and so did the insect.

It was not until the third minute was nearly gone that Merle noticed the animal opened its mouth slightly, revealing a large pink ball of flesh that was the tip of its tongue. Then, in the blink of an eye, the frog shot its lethal tongue at the flying creature. Bull's-eye. It missed. Instead, the green animal had hit another target, Merle, squarely between the eyes.

The child gasped in shock as she jolted to an upright position. "Eww," she cried, wiping the bridge of her nose. "I've been kissed by a frog!"

She looked down at the creature, which hopped a short distance away due to the disturbance. "I'm going to get your for that," she cried. Her angry waving hands and high pitch shouts only caused the animal to hop farther away in fear. "Come back here, violator!" she yelled as she chased after the animal. "Prince or not, no one licks my face and gets away with it."

"Rrribbit," the creature responded nonchalantly.

"How dare you talk back to me!" the child cried as she pounced upon the animal and gracefully missed. "I'm a gentleman's daughter! You of all creatures have no right to speak to me." Getting up from the ground, she jumped on the frog again, which was slowly making its way toward the lake.

And again, she missed elegantly.

"Argh!" Merle growled as she made a last effort to grab the slippery creature. "Caught you!" the child cried out victoriously, not noticing that she stood at the very edge of the lake.

Turning around, Merle was about to head back with her criminal caught triumphantly between her hands when her feet slipped on the wet blades of grass. Letting out a gasp, the child tumbled head first into the cold, murky depths of the lake. The frog escaped from her loosened grip, and plunged into the water after her.

Instinctively waving her hands and feet in the water, Merle managed to break through the surface and gasped for air before her weight pulled her back under once again. Her hands clapped at the surface helplessly before she was completely beneath the waterline. It did not help that she happened to fall on the particular side of the lake where the shore dropped steeply off like a cliff beneath the water, making it extremely difficult to climb out. Here the depth also was the greatest.

Panicking, Merle continued to wriggle helplessly within the liquid. Each moment of struggle zapped her of her much needed strength and reserved oxygen. The freezing water made her tremble initially; signs that foretold she would soon go numb. Suddenly, above her, the surface of the lake broke in a fog of white foams and bubbles. Merle barely made out a figure diving quickly toward her. The faint light that seeped beneath the water surface illuminated short sandy-blonde hair and a white undergown.

The child instinctively reached out a hand to the young woman, beckoning her to save her quickly. With a determined expression on her face, Hitomi swam as fast as possible to the little girl. She ignored the biting edges of the cold water on her skin. Soon she got close enough to grab Merle's hand and dragged her promptly toward the surface. They broke through the surface, gasping for air. Using her quickly dwindling strength, Hitomi pulled the child toward the shore and then heaved her onto the solid ground.

"M-M-Mer-Merle," the young Governess said as she held onto the edge of the water, too tired to drag herself out of the lake. "T-ta-take my g-gown and…c-cover yourself. W-warm yourself."

Merle did as she was told before turning back to her Governess. Hitomi's lips had now turned a pale blue, and her body was beginning to feel numb.

"Miss Hitomi," Merle cried as she rushed over and grabbed her Governess' hand. Mustering up all the strength she had, the little girl attempted to pull the larger woman out of the freezing water. Her hand slipped and Merle tumbled backward painfully.

Shaking her head, a simple action that now Hitomi was finding difficult to do, she said, "N-no…g-g-go…g-ge—." But suddenly, the young woman slipped beneath the water before she was able to finish her sentence.

"Miss Hitomi!" the child cried out in a frantic voice. "Miss Hitomi!" Merle looked over the edge and was able to faintly make out her Governess' struggling form beneath the dark surface. "Please wait, please wait," the little girl chanted over and over as she dropped the gown and dashed back toward the manor.

Hitomi looked down in shock when she felt herself pulled beneath the surface unexpectedly. In the murky light, the young woman fearfully noticed that a handful of weeds, which grew near the wall of earth beneath the surface, had somehow knotted themselves around her ankle. Her panicked struggle to untangle the web of sickly green blades only caused further entanglement in the blades nearby and shortening of the ones already bound around her foot and leg. As a result, she was more securely imprisoned in the dangerous web of green and pulled further toward the depths of the lake. Bending down, Hitomi grabbed a handful of the vegetation with her cold hands and tried to rip them apart to free herself. However, the blades of weeds were tougher than she had expected, and it did not help that her numbed hands were being very uncooperative.

Soon the coldness sucked life from her and caused all her limbs to go completely numb and unresponsive. Her lungs had begun to burn painfully from the dwindling oxygen supply but the frigid temperature falsely eased the pain away. Slowly, ever so slowly, her struggles ceased as the Sirens' cold watery song began to lull her body to sleep. Her fight against death was now confined to her mind, which itself was being lured into the depths of darkness.

In a muddled state of consciousness, Hitomi could only think with dread and sadness that she should die in such a lonely and cold state – far away from home and away from the arms of the ones she loved.

In her hazy state bordering subconscious and death, she thought she heard the thudding of a horse's hooves on the nearby ground, whose sound travelled cleanly through the water to her ears. However, all senses were soon lost when she fell into unconsciousness, which undoubtedly would mean her death.

Miraculously, as she struggled to hold on to the faint string of her rapidly dissipating life, the young master was just returning from his business a day early. As Van galloped by, the faint fluttering of light green fabric caught his attention. Trotting over on his horse, he immediately noticed that it was the gown of a woman, the owner of whom he knew very well. Speculating on the incredibility of such a notion, Van immediately jumped down from his dark steed and ran toward the water's edge. What he saw beneath the surface shocked his heart to a standstill.

Without any delay, Van stripped his boots off and dove into the frigid water. He pulled himself through the water with powerful strokes of his arms and legs. Upon nearing the young woman suspended motionlessly in the dark, cold water, Van immediately realized the difficulty of the situation. Her entire lower body was entangled in weeds. Van knew that her oxygen level was quickly being depleted and that she would not last through the time required for him to free her. Surfacing quickly, he took a lungful of air before diving under again. As he reached her, he grasped her face between his cold hands and pressed his lips onto hers. Gently, he exhaled the precious warm air into her lungs. Saving a little for himself, Van released her and dove deeper to begin the tedious task of removing the weeds. Since he was stronger and more refreshed than her, having not weakened with worry or running, Van managed to rip through the weeds albeit at a painstakingly slow pace.

Sensing the need for air, the young man surfaced again, gasped a lungful of air, dove back under, breathed half of his supply into her, and continued with his hard task. The gentleman knew that he had to free her as soon as possible, before his own strength gave way or the cold overwhelmed him as well—and most certainly before he could lose her. In the end, Van had to make another two trips to the surface before he was able to release Hitomi's body from the death grip of the merciless blades of weeds. Using all his strength, he struggled to pull the young woman and himself toward the surface and out of the cold lake.

Laying her motionless, pale body on the warm ground, Van took no time to rest before he was shaking her awake. His forceful motions caused a rebalance of pressure within Hitomi's body that forced the water out of her lungs. Coughing and shaking, the young woman instinctively curled up into a ball to warm herself.

"Miss Kanzaki!" Van cried out. "You must stay awake Miss Kanzaki!"

Upon hearing his deep voice, Hitomi struggled to open her eyes. A vision of garnet filled her blurry gaze but she had grown too weak to maintain consciousness. Her eyes began to flutter close and she quickly slipped back under the waves of darkness once again.

"Miss Kanzaki!" Van began to panic when he noticed that she had gone still. Placing his head near her chest, he was assured she was still alive when he heard her rhythmic heartbeat. Looking back down at the pale woman, he let out a sigh of relief. She would survive.

Van hastily wrapped Hitomi in his long grey coat and began to rub her arms and back with his hand to bring much needed warmth to her frigid body. Once her trembling subsided, he hefted her into his arms and carried her back toward the manor. He would have preferred using the horse but, unfortunately, the animal had wandered away to forage.

The shadows had now become long and numerous with the moon appearing in the violet sky. The birdsongs had lessened to mere chirps and peeps here-and-there. The warm late noon wind had transformed into a brisk evening breeze.

Van did not venture out of the woods long before he met up with Chid, Eldric, and Kelan. The three men were running rapidly across the wide meadow that separated the gardens from the forest. It had taken considerable time for Merle to reach them, and more precious time for them to make their way from the other side of the estate to the lake.

The three overly worried men were astonished to see the silhouette of their friend against the blazing crimson face of the setting sun. They immediately noticed Hitomi's frail figure, lying motionless in Van's arms; her head was rested against his chest, one arm draped across her body and the other drooped limply down the side.

From that picture alone, they all feared the worst.

"Van…" Chid spoke once they were in earshot but his cousin interrupted him.

"She's alive," Van stated. The young man passed them without another word or even a glance. His expression was sour and clearly enraged.

Noticing the exhaustion on his friend's face, Eldric offered to carry Hitomi to her room but Van made no response as he continued on his way toward the manor. The gentlemen watched his receding back without another word. At length, they followed Van into the house but each took care to remain out of the young master's way, as it was very evident that he was in a most foul mood; that even civility could not guard against.

His servants were highly surprised to see their master returned so early but their feelings of astonishment were quickly forgotten by the tasks Van immediately set them to do.

"Beth," Van said. "Call Dr. Olife. Tell him to make haste to Eslaie for it is a most urgent matter."

"Yes, Mr. Fanel." Beth immediately sent word to be delivered by the private messenger, residing in the servants' quarter.

"Elsie, bring up some warm water for Miss Kanzaki and a fresh change of clothes. Have Mirna help you. Thomason, I want the fireplace in the Governess' room to be lighted. We must get her warmed up immediately."

"Yes, Sir."

"Oh, and tell Aena to prepare a light broth and some hot tea. Once Miss Kanzaki wakes up, she may want to eat something."

Thomason nodded and departed for the kitchen.

Once everyone was sent off, Van took Hitomi to her room. On his way toward the stairs, he encountered Merle, wrapped in a blanket, approaching from the side hall. Her hair was still wet and her eyes were red with tears.

She looked up at him in surprise while he looked down at her with a grim and questioning expression. The exchange was brief before Van continued on his way. Nevertheless, it was clear that she would face a most solemn tête-à-tête with her brother before the night was over.

Standing aside in the foyer, Chid watched Van in silence. His heart was heavy and he chided himself of things for which he was clearly innocent. However, as with most concerned and caring individuals, they always sought to blame themselves for not preventing things that was not in their powers to inhibit.

Eldric watched his friend carry the young Governess up the staircase before disappearing around the bend in the upper floor. His grievous gaze fell to the marble ground as he gripped his hands tightly by his side in a most wretched state. Had he been more vigilant, he would not have failed to notice that Hitomi was no longer by his side during the search. If it was not for Van, she was surely lost to them all. He felt a terrible ache rose to his chest at such a thought. He could not bear it. He could not endure to lose the woman, where over a short period of time, he had come to love most dearly.

"Thank God," he whispered as he looked back up the stairs, "for Fanel to arrive in time."

Van had not left Hitomi's side since he brought her up, with the exception of decency when her clothes were changed. However, once Dr. Olife arrived, the young master was beckoned to leave her in the doctor's care for the next hour. Van reluctantly quitted the room only after he was assured that she had passed the worst of her situation. Heading downstairs with a brooding air surrounding him, Van called Merle into his private study for an explanation.

All of Eslaie seemed to hold her breath while the two siblings conversed. There was not a single loud outburst that could be heard from the other side of the solid oak door. There were instances where brief murmurs were detected, along with some cries of grievance from the small child but no angry yells from her older brother.

Soon enough, the door was opened and brother and sister stepped out with Merle holding dearly onto Van's hand. He looked down at her with an exhausted expression that was neither angry nor displeased. As it appeared, Van was an understanding brother. He realized upon Merle's recount of the incident that all was merely an accident. A rather foolish action on the child's part, he admitted, but one that was unintentional.

"I'm sorry, brother," Merle said again. "I won't ever do it again. No matter if a dozen frogs kiss me, I won't chase them. I promise."

Crouching down, Van gave his sister an assuring smile indicative of his forgiveness. "I know," Van spoke. He sounded utterly tired. "But next time, please remain near the manor during your breaks. And should you go anywhere beyond the gardens, have Miss Kanzaki accompany you."

His sister nodded solemnly.

Holding her chin between his fingers, Van added with humour: "But should another frog try to kiss you, tell me and I will punish him for you."

Merle tried to smile but found herself unable to do so. The guilt still weighed heavily in her heart.

"Come now," her brother encouraged her. "Cheer up. Do not blame yourself. As I told you, this is not your fault. It was simply an accident that no one could foretell, especially not you."

"But Miss Hitomi…"

"Miss Kanzaki will be fine," Van assured. "She simply needs a lot of rest for the next few days, so I ask that you be good for her, all right?"

Merle nodded enthusiastically. "I will be the best. You'll see, brother."

Letting out a small laugh, Van pulled his sister into his arms. "I'm just glad that you and Miss Kanzaki are safe. You don't know how frightened I was when I saw her under the water and, just now, heard that you were in that lake yourself."

"Do you love Miss Hitomi, brother?"

Van pulled away from his sister in surprise. His hands still on her shoulders as he gave her an astonished look.

"Like you love me?" Merle asked innocently.

Smiling, Van responded, "Yes, I care for you both."

"Me, most of all, right brother?"

Van chuckled. "Yes, I love you most of all, Merle."

Merle hugged Van, as she said, "Don't tell anyone, brother, but I like Miss Hitomi, too."

That evening, Van had invited the doctor and his friends to stay for dinner. Dr. Olife graciously declined since he had several other patients to tend to soon after. Merle had excused herself to bed early. It wasn't surprising, considering how much the child had gone through that day. In the end, the four men found themselves the only ones at dinner.

Little conversation was made as they sat to their meals. Van's few spoken words were hardly a surprise to any of them but Kelan's silence was oddly felt. Perhaps, he was intimidated by Van's brooding air on this night, or secretly concentrating on the serious bone he had threatened to grow.

"So how is Miss Kanzaki, Van?" Chid said after another lengthy silence.

"She is doing fine," Van said before falling back into silence. However, sensing that his statement required further details, he continued shortly thereafter. "Dr. Olife said that she is weak because of the frigid waters and her rescuing of Merle. However, he had assured me that two or three days in bed will be more than enough to see her to full recovery; that she wasn't physically harmed in any irreversible way." Placing his spoon back into his bowl, the young gentleman continued: "But I plan to have her rest for a full week to ensure that she is completely well."

Chid listened quietly before asking, "And how is Merle taking all this? You are aware of the full incident?"

"Yes, I am, cousin," Van said. "I have assured her that it wasn't her fault."

Chid nodded. "Good."

"Fanel," Eldric spoke up beside Van. His eyes were focused on his soup.

Van waited patiently for his friend to continue.

"Do not think ill of me for being uncivil by asking you this but," he paused hesitantly before resuming, "I would like to stay here for the night."

Van was surprised but his face revealed nothing.

"I cannot leave knowing that Miss Kanzaki is still in such a delicate state," Eldric said as he looked up toward his friend. "Despite what Dr. Olife said, I wish to be assured of her health myself. I will not intrude upon you for more than a night."

Chid shifted his gaze from Eldric's sincerely concerned and anxious face to his cousin's unreadable expression.

"You are more than welcome to stay," Van spoke in a voice that was calculated to maintain indifference. "I will have Mirna set up the guest room in the East Wing for you."

"I am very much obliged, Fanel."

"Not at all." For the remainder of that dinner, Van remained silent. If it were not for their close relation or his keen eye for his cousin's character, Chid would not have noticed a slight disturbance in Van's countenance after that conversation.

It was now nearly half-pass midnight, and Kelan had long departed. Eldric and Chid had some time ago retired to their rooms, as did everyone else in the manor. The silent night offered them privacy to contemplate on their own individual thoughts and concerns over the day's event. However, the long dark hall witnessed the forlorn glow of a single, solitary candle floating down its corridor toward the Governess' room. Upon reaching it, the light slipped quietly inside.

Placing the candleholder onto the table nearby, the young man took a seat quietly by the head of the bed. The poignant yellow light illuminated a handsome face whose garnet eyes gazed down at the slumbering woman with a secretive expression. So near to her now, Van could unmistakably sense the spark of an emotion that had been growing steadily with each passing day. And at this precise moment, he realized it had grown into a small flame.

"Just one day," he whispered quietly to himself. "That could have separated you from me."

He looked directly at the moon that hung ethereally in the large window right across from him. Some men would cite beautiful, romantic prose in their hearts during a moment like this. Spout out their devotions and their passions to the cold moon. But Van had no need for exquisite phrases. Instead, he sat in silence and felt it all.


Author's note: HAPPY NEW YEAR'S everyone! Since today is a special day for me, I thought I'd celebrate by posting a new chapter for this story. Hope you all enjoyed it. It is another long chapter but since you all responded so positively to the last one, I thought it would be okay. It seems that with a story like this, I find it a bit difficult to write anything shorter. It's also good to see that no one was confused with the way the names are used. I have to admit that writing this story has really pushed me to certain limits. Anyway, I had a wonderful time reading your responses, particularly about the last scene in the previous chapter where Van's last thought was left unfinished. (heh-heh) Aren't I just evil, leaving you all hanging in that way and…looking at this chapter…I never bothered to reveal it –laughs even more evilly-. In truth, I prefer to leave it up to you readers to fill in the empty spaces. I think it would make the story more fun than if I make things too plain and simple, ne? Maybe he really wanted to say, "Miss Kanzaki, I think you look fat in that dress." or "I want my money back. It wasn't a freebee you know." (actually, he really wanted to say, "I think I look better in that dress than you.") (hah-hah). Alright…I'm getting too crazy with this – blame it on five hours typing straight through :o . Oh, and no insults were meant by my little insane moment.

Always, Thank You to all my wonderful reviewers. You can't imagine how fun you've made writing this story really is. I always look forward to hearing from you after each new chapter. I hope to continue to hear more from you as the story continues. Anyways, now that the holidays are over, I'll be pretty busy with school/work again, so…expect the next chapter in say three weeks. Thanks for everyone's patience.

Daisy31: All your questions will be answered in due time :)

Tigger093061: Thanks for the extended review (refers to the PM). I had a wonderful time reading your comments and guesses. Another reviewer has asked me about Allen as well. Unfortunately or fortunately, however you prefer, I have decided not to use Allen in this story. I just feel that his character has been overly used, and that I wanted someone different in this story. On another note, I can probably say without giving anything away that I will not use the classic line of where the protagonist says something that offends the lady and pushes her to his rival. As you said, it's a classic line that I've seen done so many times in fanfiction; therefore, I will not use it. I like to explore new ideas, if possible, or novel spins to certain concepts as much as I can. So you can expect something much different, I hope, in this story of mine. As to your last comment about what Van had intended to say -smiles enigmatically-.

EsCaFReak101: As far as I know, Chid is rarely used in stories like these, so I felt he should deserve his debut :) .

KK: You know; your comment gave me a very funny idea that I may or may not use in the story. It will basically be one small scene, probably added at the very, very end. If I do include this scene in the story at the end, I'll certainly mention it.

Rainstorm Elegance: I'm sorry to disappoint you but I will not be using Allen in this story. As I mentioned above to another reviewer, I feel that his character has been overused in fanfiction romances that his name alone gives away much of his role and the story. Changing topic, yes, I've watched Gundam Wing. It was actually the first Gundam series I ever saw. But it didn't occur to me until you mentioned it that Eldric shares Zech's last name and hair colour (heh-heh). That is only a coincidence, I assure you. But it is rather a funny coincidence, I must admit. On yet again a different topic…whoot! I got the P&P DVD 10th anniversary collectors edition this Christmas! It was wonderful to watch all five or six hours of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (Darcy and Eliza) again. I was only disappointed that they didn't do a live interview of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. They interviewed most other main casts except those two. Yes, I'm crazy.

Next…Chapter 5: Town and Metropolis

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