A Fate Averted
DISCLAIMER: The Vision of Escaflowne is not legally mine. If it was, Folken and Eries would have been together.
CHAPTER THREE
Three days passed and as promised, Folken returned triumphantly, a red energist in his hand. He raised it up for all to see and loud cheers were heard from the crowd that had gathered to await his return.
His mother and brother greeted him with joy, both being unable to sleep well from all their worrying. And he was likewise greeted with a teary smile by his dear friend, Eries of Asturia.
"I see you are a man of your word, King Folken of Fanelia," she congratulated him earnestly.
Folken smiled brightly at her and thanked her.
"I could not have managed it without you," he told her.
But before they could have any proper conversation, the new king of Fanelia was whisked away by his subjects, who were all in a festive mood.
No one begrudged him his victory, even if it was a second attempt. After all, he managed to complete the task with only one arm, and that was commendable. It was an unquestionable sign that he was indeed meant to rule.
Van joined in cheering loudly for his older brother and boasted of Folken's bravery wherever he went. Queen Varie and Princess Eries followed the parade of well-wishers in relieved gladness. The lady took the princess' hands in her own and expressed her gratitude at how things had turned out.
The next days passed in a flurry with all the preparations for the coronation ceremony. Eries had been allowed to stay long enough to attend this but she was urged to return immediately after.
It was a simple, traditional formality, just publicly announcing Folken as the king of Fanelia. All citizens of that small country had gathered to witness this momentous event.
Varie and Van watched with pride as Folken was sworn in, attired in full army regalia. As soon as the ceremony was concluded, more festivities commenced and the royal family managed to excuse themselves long enough to properly bid farewell to their honored guest.
"Are you sure you cannot stay any longer?" Folken asked with regret. He had not had the time to speak with her at length for the past few days, and he knew that he would miss her company.
"I'm afraid my father has written to me to hurry back home," she answered sadly, "and I am sorry to leave so soon, but I have to. Thank you so much for your hospitality."
"After all you've done for us," Queen Varie replied, "it is we who should be thanking you."
"I'm going to miss you, Princess Eries!" Van cried, not masking his sadness at her departure, "be sure to come and visit us again soon!"
Eries smiled gently at the young prince. Folken felt rather embarrassed by such an outburst but realized that Van had just voiced exactly how he himself felt about Eries' leaving.
"I will try my best," she replied honestly, "although after this unexpected side trip, Father might not let me leave Asturia for quite some time."
"Well, you take care," Queen Varie said, "and you have our eternal gratitude."
"Before you go, there is something I would like to give you," Folken said suddenly.
"That really won't be necessary," Eries protested gently, "you've already sent a ship load of presents for me and my family. I'm sure my father will soon forgive me after he sees all the goodies I'm bringing back for him."
"But this is my gift to you alone," Folken said gravely, while handing her a golden chain with a pendant in the shape of a dragon with glimmering ruby eye.
"It's beautiful," Eries said in wonder. Queen Varie looked at her elder son proudly.
"A small token of my gratitude," Folken told her with a smile, "I would have wanted to give you the dragon energist but I'm not allowed to. It's yours as much as mine, you know."
"Now, THAT would be too much, indeed," Eries protested with a small laugh.
She accepted the necklace with delight and thanked Folken earnestly.
"Eries Aria Aston," Varie said, bowing slightly (with her two sons following suit, although Van did not quite understand what was going on), "Fanelia shall forever remember your contribution to this country, and we shall never forget what you've done for our family."
"And neither shall I forget you," Eries answered shyly, returning the bow cordially.
She was sorry to go, and as she waved good-bye to them from her ship, Eries hoped that she would have the chance to return to Fanelia someday.