Hitomi, Van, and Celena were mute for the remainder of the flight. Van became flustered and stormed off to retreat to the sanctuary of his room. No one could get him to utter a single syllable, not even Merle, who kept a faithful post at his side. Hitomi stretched herself across the floorboards of the cabin she shared with Celena, her legs resting on her cot. She fingered a tear-shaped pendant blankly as Celena read a novel on the next cot.
Hitomi didn't bother looking up when Gaddess entered the room to inform them that they would be landing in Palas shortly. Her platinum blonde companion became animated once more and began sorting through her things. Celena glanced at Hitomi and broke the silence by saying, "I'll see you on the bridge then."
Hitomi nodded, then tucked her pendant under her shirt.
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The air outside was warm, blustery, and salty all at once. Celena loved it. She smiled despite the turmoil brewing inside her. Holding the hat she had donned before disembarking with one hand, she captured Hitomi's wrist with the other. She announced, "We're here. Palas," she sighed wistfully, ignoring Hitomi's sulky expression. Celena loved this city. To the endless canals crisscrossing the city, the salty sea air, and the bustle of its people travelling along brick walkways and by gondola in the canals. This was her home.
"Allen has arranged transport for us to our home." She tugged her friend towards an awaiting carriage.
In the distance, the pair could hear Merle joyfully exclaim with such volume how beautiful the ocean was. And how fresh the air smelled. And how the ocean sparkled. And how many seagulls there were.
"Yes Merle, it's very nice," Van repeated in an endless monotone loop.
"Allen told me they have to take care of a few things before coming home," Celena explained quietly. "They have to disguise Van's guymelef."
They stepped into the carriage after Celena waved to her brother. Hitomi sat with her hands balled against her knees, chin pointed to her chest. The attendant closed the carriage door and signaled for the driver to go. Celena leaned back into the plush green cushions behind her and regarded Hitomi seriously. "That was why you were pushing me away, wasn't it? Visions. Predictions," She rubbed a temple. "Hitomi, it's alright. This is a part of you. You don't need to hide it."
Hitomi opened her mouth to protest, but closed it again and looked away.
"Van told me what you said would happen to Fanalia. Allen mentioned it too. I think Allen believes you." Celena's expression softened. "Aren't you scared?"
"Aren't you?"
The carriage came to a stop in front of a mansion facing the ocean. Separating the two was a large field with long grass swaying and wildflowers beginning to bloom. The sun began to set on the day as the carriage attendants unloaded the carriage. Celena gave Hitomi a quick tour of her home, which consisted of ten rooms, three tub rooms multiple sitting/living rooms, the dining hall, kitchen, and a balcony that sat directly above the main entrance. Hitomi found the over-abundance of space dizzying. It was difficult to believe some people lived like this.
"Our home hasn't always been this grand," Celena shared as she sorted through some dresses in her bedroom closet. "Our father left us with a lot of debt. Allen had this place remodeled shortly after becoming a Knight Caeli. He trained under General Balgus, didn't you know? King Folken trained under him too. My brother was once the king's most trusted guard. Mother would have been proud." Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled.
Hitomi nodded. She sat on an ornately made chair, gingerly picking at imaginary specs of dirt on her pants. Never had she felt so under-dressed. Celena, who watched her fidget out of the corner of her eye, covered a toothy smile behind a hand. She pulled three dresses from out of her closet and laid them over Hitomi's lap, invoking a startled jump.
"These will have to do until we can have some made for you. I understand that you prefer your usual garb, but under the circumstance I think you will find that you will be more comfortable in these."
The honey-haired girl's fingertips brushed against the fabric of one of the dresses, her cheeks coloring. Celena pressed her lips together, analyzing Hitomi's face. "And here I thought you would revolt at the idea," she teased.
Hitomi's face contorted into an indignant expression, the color on her cheeks deepening tenfold. She still said nothing.
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Van suppressed a yawn as he stood in the hallway outside his room. He was mildly surprised he was awake at this hour. It had been a long night. Allen and his crew worked into the night with him disguising Escaflowne to look like a common guymelef Asturia used in its army. He wondered if it would work.
The hallway was empty, as he expected so early in the morning. He made his way across the manor to the balcony. The large glass doors were already open, sheer curtains listlessly swaying into the hall. His hand brushed against the hilt of his sword at his hip. A woman stood on the balcony facing the ocean. She wore a summer dress, its soft folds of creamy ivy fabric brushing against metal rails. Van almost didn't recognize her for she no longer looked rough and worn. She appeared graceful and calm before him now. White gloves covered her small hands, and her waistline appeared delicate. Had she always been this small? He thought about turning around and returning to the comfort of his room, but his feet moved him forward. Whether it was towards enlightenment or more despair he did not know.
She regarded him out of the corner of her jade eyes when he placed his hands on the railing, her heartbeat quickening as she looked purposefully back towards the sea. How long they stood there together listening to the waves crash into shore, she could not say. Her hand went to the pendant at her throat, anchoring her to reality. Where would she go when she no longer belonged here?
"What should I do?" the young man whispered. It was unclear to her whether he had directed the question at her.
She shifted her weight to the front of her feet. "I don't know," she replied, her voice thready.
Hitomi took a step back from the railing and turned to leave, but he was next to her before she had time to take another breath. He gripped her forearm. "Wait," he commanded.
She struggled against him at first, then found herself sinking to the ground, her dress pooling around her. The struggle was fruitless for she knew she had no place to hide. "I don't know what to tell you," she said firmly.
"I need answers," he pleaded softly.
"I don't have them." She snatched her arm back away from him.
A flock of seagulls cried to each other overhead. Van sighed, defeated. He sat down beside her with one leg bent, elbow perched on his knee, chin in his hand. His free hand rested beside him on the ground, almost touching her own.
"I need to know if he'll be alright." The hand dropped from his chin, his eyes full of sorrow and doubt as he looked at her. She didn't look away.
"I'm sorry."
The sunrise crept over the balcony. Hitomi thought he looked as lost and as powerless as a leaf caught in a storm. He raked a hand through his disheveled black hair. She brought her knees up to her chest, hands smoothing her dress over them. They sat until the sun hit their faces. Celena found them shortly after, arching an eyebrow at them both.
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Allen purposefully walked into the throne room, boots clicking against polished granite. He knelt on one knee when he approached King Aston's throne. His arm rested diagonally across his chest as he bowed his head in deference. "Your Majesty," he addressed his king.
"Allen Schezar," the king spoke gruffly, mouth shaped into a frown. He leaned on one arm of his throne. "Has the conflict escalated between Ziabach and Fanalia?"
He tilted his face up towards the king. "Ziabach has encroached on Fanalia's border, Your Majesty. Fanalia has expected them for weeks."
King Aston's expression did not change. He sighed, turning his ear to his advisor at his side. "I see."
"I am certain their swords have crossed by now. Your Majesty, we must send aid."
"Allen Schezar," King Aston's frown deepened as he continued, "now is not the time for such measures." He turned to his adviser. "Summon my Generals. We must take the necessary measures to fortify our defense."
"Majesty!" Allen clenched his gloved fists tightly.
"May I remind you of your place, Sir Schezar?" the adviser interjected. "Please continue your report."
He continued on reluctantly, his heart heavy. Folken had been right about his king. Fanalia was on its own. On his way out from the throne room he spotted the two crown princesses Millerna and Eries. Millerna approached him first, all smiles. Her blonde curls flowed freely over her shoulders in glossy waves.
"Allen! We're pleased to see you have returned from Fanalia. Are you and your sister well?" She looked back at her sister sheepishly. "If I invite you for tea, will you come this time?"
Allen kissed her hand in greeting. "If only my schedule would be so lenient."
Millerna pouted. "Indulge me this once, Allen. I want to hear about your trip. Bring your sister along too."
"I believe Sir Schezar has other matters he needs to attend to," Princess Eries offered. "If you would excuse us."
"Of course." Allen bowed accordingly.
"Please think on it." The younger princess sounded hopeful.
The Knight Caeli took his leave. As he mounted his horse he spotted a grey owl in the sky overhead. It seemed he would not have time for his other errands.
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"Ah! There's another one over there!" Celena pointed wildly at a crab side-stepping across the beach with its pincers at the ready. "Hitomi!"
The dress slowed her down for she worried about tripping on it, but it didn't slow her down enough for the crabs to evade her for long. She scooped it up from behind and plopped it into her bucket with the others. Celena applauded her. "Well done!" They each had a bucket almost overflowing with the shelled creatures.
"You've surprised me," Hitomi admitted. "I honestly thought you wouldn't be good at this sort of thing." She smiled shyly. Today had been pleasant, if she ignored a certain dark-haired prince chasing her shadow. He did not follow them to the beach, fearing he would be recognized.
Celena pursed her lips. "Why is that?" she asked.
The honey-haired girl paused, gripping her bucket with both hands. "I thought you were clumsy."
Celena's pout deepened. "So that's how you see me." Her blue eyes popped open as another crab scuttled past her feet towards the ocean. "Another one!" she cried as she rushed after it. Hitomi watched in dismay as a wave surged inland, knocking into Celena's knees. The platinum blonde toppled over, her dress arching around her. The dress became translucent in the wet conditions, resembling a jellyfish washed ashore. Celena breathlessly attempted to collect the crabs that had escaped her bucket, hands reaching frantically.
Hitomi doubled over, clutching her abdomen as she laughed. Tears of mirth gathered at the corners of her emerald eyes as she genuinely struggled to help Celena to her feet. "Just leave them. Come on, get up before another wave comes." She grinned, still laughing.
"So she can laugh," Celena marveled, sharing a chuckle with her counterpart. She attempted to wring some seawater from the bottom of her dress. It seemed a hopeless task.
Hitomi was still laughing and grinning as they walked back to the manor. Allen greeted them outside the main entrance. "I am glad you are both enjoying yourselves so thoroughly." He regarded Celena's wet attire with a fond smile.
"Brother," Celena addressed him warmly.
"Good-afternoon, Miss Hitomi," he spoke cordially.
"Good-afternoon." She looked up into his deep blue eyes. Polite and handsome, she thought that he must be a favourite among women young and old alike.
Allen's second in command approached them without looking up from the messages in his hand. His other hand scratched at the scruff on his face as he spoke. "Another invitation for tea for you and your sister. That princess is mighty persistent. We also received a message from- Ah!" He looked up at the two women, and after noting Celena's state of dress immediately looked down at his feet.
"We will take this conversation to the map room, Gaddess." The blond man stood in front of his sister. "I saw Natal in the sky. I'm sure he's here waiting for us."
"Right. I will go and collect him," he responded sheepishly, cheeks aglow. "And Van?"
"I will speak with him later."
Celena, seemingly unabashed, stepped between her brother and Gaddess, reaching for the messages in Gaddess' hand. "What invitation for tea?" she asked sweetly. The shade of red on Gaddess' cheeks became three shades redder.
It was Hitomi who pulled her back, firmly but calmly. "You need to dry yourself off. Your undergarments are showing," she managed to whisper to the bold girl.
"Oh," Celena coloured prettily. "Oh my." She hid herself behind Hitomi. "Why did you not tell me before?" she asked quietly between clenched teeth.
"It wasn't important before."
Allen cleared his throat. "Will you be joining us later for dinner?" he addressed Hitomi. She nodded. He plucked the invitation from Gaddess' hand and presented it to his sister. "Are you able to make it tomorrow? If you can, please express my regret to the princess Millerna tomorrow."
"Yes, I can. We have plans in town tomorrow anyways."
"I will arrange transport for you." His eyes met Hitomi's as he spoke. "I would be grateful if you would accompany her and keep her out of trouble." He placed a kiss on the back of her hand, his blue eyes not leaving her gaze until Gaddess cleared his throat and called him away. "Until dinner then."
Dinner was a calm and well-mannered affair. The chef cooked the crab Hitomi and Celena had spent the afternoon catching. Hitomi did not care much for the crab cakes, though she noticed Allen asked for another serving. After the meal ended and Celena felt that all topics of conversation were exhausted she excused herself and Hitomi.
Celena bid Hitomi goodnight and left her alone in the giant guestroom. The honey-haired girl felt small, standing in such a large room. She changed into a nightgown Celena had lent her and hung the dress she had worn in the wardrobe across the room. The blankets on the bed felt luxurious in her hands as she pulled them back. Her nose wrinkled at the smell of smoke. She looked around the room, expecting to find a fireplace she did not notice before. There wasn't one. The room became an oven, her skin felt hot and she could hear the crackle of flames billowing up from the floorboards around her. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for what felt like an eternity for the heat to subside.
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The sitting room was dimly lit with candles. Allen tilted the wine goblet in his hand back and forth, frowning at its contents. He emptied the remaining wine into his mouth, his neck stretching back. Sighing, he reached for the bottle of wine on the table and replenished his goblet. As an afterthought, he filled the goblet across from his own. He offered the drink to his companion who accepted it without words.
"It's not good news, Van." The Knight Caeli took another dreg of his drink.
The raven-haired prince leaned in closer. It must be serious news for the knight not to address him as 'Lord'. "But there is news."
"The king and his close retainers, including Balgus, are not accounted for," Allen told him gravely.
"Accounted for?" the prince questioned.
"Among the living, or among the dead," the blond knight explained.
Van set down the goblet. "And Fanalia?"
"Almost entirely burnt to the ground."
The youth stood, his face fearless. "I have to return. Allen, you must take me back. He could still be alive."
Allen stood and firmly placed a hand on Van's shoulder. "That's what Ziabach would want. You would be playing into their hands. Folken would not want this. We must wait and endure for now. We need more information."
Angry, Van shoved the knight's hand off his shoulder. "If you won't help me then I will have to find my own way home." His cherry-brown eyes welled up with grief.
"Don't be so foolish," Allen snapped. "Your brother has kept you safe. Don't squander his efforts."
The youth looked away dejectedly. "How can anyone expect me to sit here and do nothing? Our homeland has been laid to waste and I am here sitting on my hands."
"Van…" Allen's expression softened.
"And if he does not return? If I cannot find him?" Van asked quietly.
Allen sat back down carefully. He picked up his goblet and took a long drink before answering, "It won't get easier, not knowing what happened to him. Like an ache that won't go away. You can ignore it for a time, but it will still be there when you wake up in the morning."
The prince nodded and bid Allen goodnight, leaving the taller man alone. He sat for a time, head swimming with memories of another lifetime. His gaze slowly fell to a small desk in the corner of the room. He rose, long strides taking him to the desk before he thought better of it. A gloved finger reached out to touch the delicate handle on the top drawer. Another tilt of his head emptied the contents of the goblet into his mouth. He set down the empty goblet on top of desk and opened the drawer. Two hands tenderly retrieved a moderate-sized portrait of a young family. A mother with long blonde hair and kind eyes sat on a chair with a small boy sitting on her lap. Next to her was another boy holding the hand of a little girl with her pale ringlets tied back with ribbon. Behind them was a strong noble looking father, his hand placed neatly on the woman's shoulder. A finger traced the smaller boy in the portrait, gliding smoothly across the canvas. "What happened to you?"
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The tension in the air was thick enough to palpate. Hitomi was glad when Celena announced that they were leaving. They didn't want to be late for tea at the palace. She wondered if they knew about Fanalia's sad fate, but did not want to be around when they did. A palace attendant ushered them down a grand corridor. Lush and vivid wall hangings draped on the walls caught Hitomi's eye as they walked. The corridor was the most lavish place she had set foot in. The attendant opened a door for them and announced their arrival to the two women awaiting them. The first had a slight pout to her girlish lips as Celena greeted her. Golden curls framed a face with large violet eyes. She looked like a perfect storybook princess. The kind that knights stormed castles and slayed dragons for. The second princess had a regal and mature air about. She dressed modestly with lace up to her chin, her long hair flowing past her waist. Her keen blue eyes looked relieved at their arrival.
"He won't be joining us, will he?" Princess Millerna toyed with one of her many curls.
"He sends his regrets, Your Majesty." Celena curtsied.
Princess Eries nodded in return. "What do you take in your tea?" She motioned to the maid on the outskirts of the room.
"Lemon please, Your Majesty." Celena took a seat across from Eries and encouraged Hitomi to do the same. "This is Hitomi. She is staying with us. We became acquainted in Fanalia."
A maid poured the tea, offering lemon to Celena and quietly inquiring about Hitomi's preferences. The honey-haired girl declined all that was offered. Princess Eries sipped at the teacup in her hand.
"Welcome to Palas, Hitomi. I did not catch your family name." Millerna smiled.
"Just Hitomi," Hitomi stated.
"Just Hitomi." The younger princess smile broadened. "I see. Are you Fanalian? You don't look it."
Princess Eries grimaced. "Millerna," she scolded.
The green-eyed girl stared down the younger princess. "Not exactly."
Clearing her throat, Celena addressed Millerna. "I hear you have taken up the study of medicine, princess. How are you finding it?"
Millerna beamed. "My sister does not approve but I am finding it refreshing. I am hopeful that one day that I will be able to make a difference."
Eries raised an eyebrow at her sister. "Once you become queen you will."
The younger princess' expression became sullen. "I can be more than that," she said softly, almost to herself.
Hitomi and Celena exchanged quiet glances as the maids served small cakes and fruit.
"It has been a pleasure, however I have a previous engagement. If you would excuse me." Eries rose from the table.
"And what 'previous engagement' is that, sister?" Millerna inquired.
"Father is meeting with Ziabach shortly. Their army is knocking on our doorstep." Eries nodded to Celena. "Good day."
Millerna stood up from her seat. "Why was I not informed?"
Eries paused before reaching the doorway. "If you had worried less about who was coming for tea perhaps you would have caught on." She did not wait long. Soon her footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Millerna watched her sister leave with ashamed indignation staining her face red. She did not look at her guests. Celena excused herself with a whisper and retreated, Hitomi close behind her. The princess did not say a word.
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Two lines of soldiers faced each other in the throne room, banners unfurled. King Aston exchanged words with a silver-haired youth in crimson armor. The youth, who introduced himself as Lord Albaltou, read from a scroll. A list of Ziabach's terms for peace. He was arrogant and straightforward with his speech, demanding the use of Asturia's vast navy and control of all imports and exports. Smirking, he added that it would be to the country's benefit to become a part of the Ziabach Empire. He made it sound inevitable. King Aston did not interrupt, his flat expression unchanging. His advisers beside him hurriedly scratched their quills across parchment as they made small gasps and exchanged hushed whispers with one another. The Asturian soldiers present were stoic, silently mortified at the words the Ziabach youth spoke. Allen Schezar, who stood among those Asturian soldiers, remained silent for a much different reason altogether.
The youth clad in crimson armor addressing the king so boldly was his brother.
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AN: Thank-you for your support. I appreciated the reviews and the interest. A shout out to Fan and TBlaze. I haven't done this for a very long time. I admit, I have missed it.