Anyone remember me? No? Well! I see I'm not loved!
Okay I'm done with that. It has been over a year and a half since my last post. The job I had at the time I could type while answering the phones. I wish I still worked there. Oh well if wishes where fishes… I'd still starve because I hate seafood.
Disclaimer; I tell you I own Escaflowne! I really do. Oh and I'm the next supreme ruler of the world. Yup that's right I own you too. There will be a massive coup of all the governments all over the world at the same time. Then all the dictators will kill each other off for power. That's when I move in; with my amazing skills for baking I will oppress you all with my mind control muffins! Did I mention I have an over active imagination. It will be cake not muffins.
Far From Home
Chapter 8 Conclusion
Change comes when you least expect it. The sky above though unchanging for hundreds of thousands of year looks as it did before the 'New' moon was sighted. What was considered normal now resembles an empty space beside the cold lonely moon. The News Men and Scientists declared the phenomenon a passing asteroid after all.
She would never believe that something so large and full of mysterious life could just vanish. The eyes may be tricked but the heart knows the truth.
Pink curtains fluttered in the breeze, brushing her skin like a comforting hand. It felt like forever since her little girl disappeared with Gaea. Like a wistful dream they were both gone. Mrs. Kazaki pressed her warm wrinkled brow against the cool window frame in Hitomi's room. Pressing her had to her heart she knew that this was no longer Hitomi's room or even her home. It hadn't been for a very long time.
Looking down at her watch she sighed deeply letting her mind run through the list of ingredients for tonight's dinner in need of preparation. Distracted she wandered towards the open door. As she passed the end of the bed her foot struck something causing her to stumble. Kneeling down she let her work worn fingers caress a hard smooth surface. Pulling at the long cylindrical object she slowly revealed the scabbard hilt then pommel of a sword she knew only in stories. The assessorial crested sword of the Fanel Royal family lay before her as proof of not only her daughter's past adventures but of the ones yet to come.
Clutching the sword to her chest she closed her eyes a sent a silent plea. "Van please take care of her for me."
Hitomi stood a still as possible while the strings of her dress were yanked this way and that. Her hand drifted up to rest over the strong pounding of her heart. Brushing her slender fingers over the silky fabric and finely detailed embroidery, she let her mind race.
"I never did get to tell my mother good bye, but I can't go back to earth anymore." She sighed. Her brow twitched as the laces tightened once more pulling her from the thoughts of her family she would never get to see again, or of Yukari who she would never have the chance to apologize to. No the only thing on her mind right now was… "Merle! Would you stop yanking! I think my stomach is being crushed into my spine!"
"If you can still complain it is not tight enough." The cat-girl stated simply "If you can't talk it will save lord Van a lot of trouble."
"Why you little- Oof" She wheezed trying to get at the girl still holding her firmly by the strings.
Merle sighed using her nails to loosen the ties considerably. "Fine have your way. Blue isn't a good face color for you anyways." Tying the bow quickly she stepped away from the taller girl. "You may only look half bad Hitomi, but you better make him happy!"
"Merle… I-" She started attempting to find the words needed to have a heartfelt moment with the half-cat.
"I don't care! If you're not ready Lord Van will come looking for you and didn't you scream earlier that it was bad luck?!" She stomped her foot with her hands on her hips.
A small smile appeared on her lips at Merle's way of saying that everything would be okay. The now or never attitude was just what Hitomi needed. "Well my hair isn't long enough to do anything with… and you said make up wouldn't help me at all… so what is left?"
A wicked grin spread across the younger girl's striped face. "You can try some of that make up, what little good it would do you… I'll be right back." With this last smart remark she dashed to the door. "And don't mess with the dress or I'll just have to tighten it back up!" She threatened over her shoulder as she darted through the doorway.
With a wince Hitomi let her had fall away from her ties. She made her way over to the vanity with its upright mirror. Cautiously she sat down on the matching stool. Carefully she applied black eyeliner, a little bit of light eye-shadow, and a pink lip gloss. The use of base and blush where both unnecessary; since Hitomi had the feeling that she would have a natural blush without any help. Now that her chore was complete her hands twitched with restlessness. She almost spun on the spot when she heard the door open once more. "Merle what are you up to?"
"Stand in front of the long mirror and close your eyes." Was the only response from the cat-girl with the wicked grin.
"Why?" Hitomi questioned while moving slowly upright. Dutifully she shut her eyes with a grimace. She took in a deep breath preparing herself for the next round of torture. Instead of a yank, pinch, or squeeze the gentle brush and slight weight of something solid settling on her brow was unusual and welcome.
"Well? Open your eyes already or I'll take it back!" The cat-girl threatened.
Emerald eyes fluttered open only to widen with shock and fully take in the stranger staring at her. Dainty embroidered slippers peeked out from under the long flowing skirt. Full and elegant the dress tapered up to hug her hips and slender waist. Gold and green vines weaved upon themselves starting in a point and forming a V across her torso and up to curve around the bodice and breasts. The neck line swooped out into a wide V modest yet reviling leaving both shoulders bare and smooth. Long formfitting sleeves attached and flowed down her arms coming to a point across the back of her slender hands. All the edges were bordered with thin exquisite vines expensive yet tasteful. The fabric was heavy yet silken and the palest shade of blue almost white.
A long slender neck adorned only with a simple gold chain and teardrop shaped emerald pendent. Matching earrings glittered framed by simmering golden brown hair. Full rosy lips open slightly on a little surprised O. Elegant curved nose and shockingly bright green eyes set of magnificently by the emerald accents. To finish of everything a circlet of thin plain gold had been weaved with tiny live vines budding with flowers of light pink, white, and blue.
"Well? Have you finally gone mute as I've always prayed for?" The high-pitched voice brought Hitomi back to the impatient cat girl staring at her.
"Oh Merle it is too wonderful. Everything is so perfect but may I ask why blue?"
"You wouldn't know would you?" She sighed more to herself then anything. "You asked for a white dress which does stand for purity but white gets dirty so easy and though you're only wearing this once, around here a white dress is only worn by people trying to show off their status. Neither you nor Lord Van are showy by nature, so this wouldn't suit you. There is also a Children's rhyme that everyone in Fanelia knows."
"Can you teach it to me?" Hitomi asked sheepishly.
"Let's see if I remember right." Merle paused and switched to a light sing song tone.
"Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back."
"Married in blue, love always true." Hitomi repeated "I like it." She said smoothing a hand down the front of her wedding dress. "In my time we say 'Something borrowed something blue, something old and something new."
"And a Sixpence in your shoe." Merle finished ticking the lines off on her clawed fingers.
"What? I've never heard that before!" The bride exclaimed.
"Well then you don't know anything." The cat-girl smirked "The placing of a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe is to ensure wealth in the couples married life."
"Do I need to do that?" Hitomi frowned
"Of course! Wealth in your marriage is also wealth for the whole country! I say we fill your shoes with money!" She grinned evilly pulling a bag of coins from a hidden pocket in her simple but elegant orange bride's maid dress.
"You wouldn't?" Hitomi began backing up to the foot of the bed, and finding though the gown was beautiful escape was not option.
"Wouldn't I?" Merle smirked grabbing Hitomi's shoulder and pushing her back lightly, letting the other girl land on the tall bed with a soft 'Oof'. Bending down she dropped one coin in each shoe. "Two should be good enough." She smiled in triumph.
"Oh! Its cold!" Hitomi kicked her legs making the coins slide back and forth in her slippers.
"Stop fussing and get up." Merle demanded "You'll spend enough time in bed later. It time for you to go."
Hitomi's cheeks flared red as Merle helped her up, straightened her dress and righted the crown that had begun to slip off to one side.
"Ready?" She asked the blushing bride as she ran claws through her bright pink hair one last time.
Swallowing hard Hitomi could only nod as nervousness set in. She let Merle take her right arm and lead her from the room and down the flight of stairs without stumbling. Two servants smiled slightly as they opened the massive wooden doors leading into the thrown room.
"I'm going first once I get to the end the music will change and then you start down. Don't rush. Don't dawdle. And most of all, don't worry Lord Van is waiting for you. I wish I knew why, but he must really love you to even consider wearing that stuffy suit and going through all this trouble." With that the younger girl gave Hitomi a quick hug before setting off down the aisle.
The longer she looked down the carpeted aisle the farther the distance seemed to grow. Closing her eyes she took as deep steadying breath, or as much of one that the tight dress would allow. The tempo of the music slowed taking on a deeper soothing melody. Opening her bright green eyes she began to walk slowly keeping her back straight and her head high. All the people staring was starting to unnerve her. She looked down trying to focus on just moving forward. After a few steps her eyes began to drift up regaining her composure.
That is when she saw him. Truly saw him, as if for the first time. Mahogany eyes locked with emerald. Van Fanel stood in a ridged military stance with his left hand clasping his right wrist behind him to hide his nervous fidgeting.
Soft suede dark blue boots climbed up his to his knees tied up the front with criss-crossing ribbons of gold and silver. His pants were fine linen, a deep navy blue, and tucked into the tops of his form fitting boots. A vest of red was overlaid with lace of the same blue as his pants, and boots. The red stood out in shocking elegance against the darker attire. Under the vest was a high collared shirt with long loose sleeves and stiff cuffs of the same pale blue almost white as Hitomi's dress. Around his neck was a familiar gold chain and pink stone Atlantian pendent. Over his shoulders was a long rich cape with gold ties and the Fanelian crest over his heart. His ever messy black hair was smoothed only slightly by the weight of his crown.
A small serene smile lit up his handsome tan face and deep mahogany eyes. Then suddenly she was beside him as though the journey was over too quick and yet not quick enough.
With ridged formality Van turned his long cape to the side leaving his left arm free while the fabric draped over obscuring his right side. His now free hand clad in gentlemen's formal gloves rose to accept Hitomi's right hand.
She delicately placed her hand in his larger one; feeling the warmth radiate through to warm her all over. With a smirk he lead her up small stairs to where the clergyman waited. "You look beyond beautiful." Van whispered locking eyes with her once more.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur with long passages about marriage, fidelity, loyalty, and companionship. Not a word was spoken of Love but it needn't be said out loud as the couple remained entranced with each other from the vows to the placement of the ornate gold rings in to the right hands. (In Europe it's the right hands. Only America and countries following their lead do it on the left hand. It changed because the belief that there is a vein in the right hand that goes directly to the heart and therefore a stronger bond. Fanelia has a medieval Europe base so it only makes since to go with those traditions.)
The kiss though light and chaste sent a shock of electricity coursing through the couple's veins.
The music began once more as Merle lead the procession out of the thrown room and down to the spacious ball room.
The first to come congratulate the newlyweds was none other then Queen Millerna. She approached them with a large smile and a warm hug for the Bride. In a light Lavender gown she glowed radiantly as her still scruffy husband hovered behind her. "Well you are finally together! Took you long enough." She laughed happily
"Thank you Millerna." Hitomi smiled back taking Van's hand in her own once more. "I see you had a change of heart as well. Dryden it is good to see you again. Van told me the news congratulations."
"Yes, we are very lucky to have this second chance." Dryden smiled letting his right hand rest on the small baby bump that happened to be forming on Millerna's formally flat stomach. "Should we be expecting little messy haired children from the two of you soon?"
Van began to choke on the wine he had been sipping as Hitomi's face took on varying shades of red.
"Now, now Van do not drink too much, or sleep is all you'll be getting tonight." A warm voice chided from behind them.
"Allen." Van warned his cheeks flaring, but he set the goblet down never less.
The former knight approached and bowed deeply to the group. "I pray that I am not intruding."
"No Allen I think you are just in time." Dryden smiled "I was just about to give the young King here pointers for tonight."
"Yes in all things he has needed advice on technique." The two older men shared conspiratorial looks.
Millerna took Hitomi's arm and began to lead her away. "Why don't you come with me, I'm absolutely starving." Seeing Van's plead for help from the ladies she added "Van must learn to never keep a pregnant woman from her food it could get dangerous."
Once away from the men she turned to Hitomi once more. "If you don't stop blushing so hard your cheeks will bruise." She warned "I take it you'll need some advice too."
"Millerna… no… please… just…" Hitomi tried to plead through her embarrassment.
The older Queen's hands firmly grasped her shoulders to silence Hitomi's protests as well as to keep her from running. "All you need to remember is to relax. You love him right?"
Hitomi let some of her fear and embarrassment fade. "More then anything."
Millerna continued "No matter what remember that. Goings on between a man and his wife are privet, natural, and beautiful. Don't hide your feelings from him. Van tends to be clueless about women in general, but he really tries hard to understand you."
"Thank you Millerna." Feeling more comfortable then she had for a long time Hitomi too her friend by the hand. "Let's get something to eat. That is if you think Van can survive on his own"
"Does he have his sword with him tonight?" Millerna questioned
"No I don't think so." The new bride mused
"Alright then the men will be fine." She laughed her long golden waves of hair shimmered in the light.
The night progressed with much laugher, good natured teasing, and dancing for those willing to participate. The most shocking dance partners were Merle and a handsome cat-boy a few years older then her. He had bright red hair and spots. Hitomi deducted that his name was Graydon without being introduced.
As the guests got merrier by the glass full Van made sure that he and his new wife were served only juice to make it look like the vino others shared. (You know Hitomi can't hold her liquor from the dinner in Asturia.)
Van leaned over to whisper in Hitomi's ear. "It is getting late." His warm breath caressed her neck.
She nodded squeezing his hand under the table.
Escorting her silently as not to gain the attention of their friends Van led the way from the ballroom. Had they been noticed more good natured teasing would have followed them out.
Millearns who was also refraining from vino for other reasons turned to Allen with a smirk. "Are you jealous?"
Setting his glass down he smiled back "Not in the slightest. I wish them both the best."
"So you really are over her?" The golden queen prodded.
"I don't think I ever loved her the way he does. I need someone more mature anyways." Allen's blue eyes met her purple ones. "How is your sister Eries fairing?"
Once the solid wood door of the King and now Queen's chambers shut the couple heaved a sigh of relief.
Without bending over for the prime reason that she didn't know if she could; Hitomi used one foot to remove the other's shoe. Glad to be free of those a lest she walked over to the vanity and began to remove her earrings first. Strong arms rapped around her slender waist. "Van?" She questioned as he rested his head on her bare shoulder. "Your crown will fall off."
He nuzzled his face into the curve of her neck. "Let it fall."
Van's breath was hot on her skin. Gently she removed her flower woven crown and placed it on the vanity. Then she lifted his heavy more elaborate one and set it beside hers. Slowly she turned in his arms to face him. Hitomi hugged him to her placing a gentle kiss on the top of his head. "Can I take off your cloak?" She asked explaining "It seems heavy."
He nodded without lifting his head.
Carefully Hitomi unfastened the ties holding the large weighty mass of fabric. Lifting is off his shoulders she looked around for a place within reach to hang it. Draping it over the vanity stool she let the heavy cloak cascade over trailing on the floor. When she turned her head back to look at the man holding her and was startled that she was not looking a wild black hair instead she was caught by the deep mahogany eyes.
Van's intense gaze made her knees week as he trailed is hands up from her waist. Her breathing hitched as strong hands lightly grazed her chest and continued upwards without stopping. He then paused to remove the gloves letting them drop to the floor. His bare calloused hands gently stroked her neck and fluttered across her jaw. Cupping her face he brushed the hair away from her eyes and leaned in.
Instinctively Hitomi's eyes fluttered shut as his lips captured hers. Lightning warmth melted her insides. She responded tentatively kissing him back with tenderness.
Van released her lips as he stroked her cheek "Well Hitomi Fanel I love you and that is more then enough for me."
"Well Van Fanel if you stop now I might just have to hit you." She rapped her arms around his neck pulling him back to her.
"Do you love me, my violent little wife?"
She answered him with a passionate kiss spreading heat through his veins. As they continued to kiss with ever growing need he began backing up towards the bed. Once the back of his knees hit the bed he went to sit down and pull his bride after him. This did not go as planned; for as soon as he sat down he leapt right back up with a startled 'yip'.
"What is wrong Van?" Hitomi asked confused.
"I- I sat on something." He stuttered embarrassed "If Merle is playing a trick-" He trailed off once he saw the object that assaulted his posterior. Reaching down he grasped the item in disbelief. "I thought it was left behind on the mystic moon."
Hitomi watched with laughter filled eyes as he caressed the Fanelian crested sword. This is the man she fell in love with. Bound by duty, honor, and the immaculate since of bad timing; Van Slanzar de Fanel her husband and true love.
Hot water poured from the faucet soothing her hands as the clink if dishes in the sink resounded through the kitchen. A small frown accentuated the wrinkles plaguing Mrs.Kazaki's forehead. The last of the dishes wash and dried by automatic reflex.
After the discovery under Hitomi's bed hours earlier her mind was constantly running on the safety and health of her oldest child. She had even placed the sword next to her on the counter as she had prepared, cooked, and served dinner to her husband and young son. After a warning glare to her husband and a few firm smacks on the back of the hand to Mamoru; neither male dared ask about the sword taking up residency on the kitchen counter.
Turning off the faucet she dried her hands and reached for the scabbard without looking. Encountering soft petals she drew her had back quickly. In surprise she looked over but instead of a long battle worn sword something else had taken its place. A circlet of thin plain gold that had been weaved with tiny live vines budding with flowers of light pink, white, and blue. A beautiful delicate crown lay before her. Taking it in her hands she held it to her chest. Tears leapt to her eyes knowing her little girl was where she was always destined to be.
The End!
AN: Wow I'm sorry, I had a bit of trouble with the bedroom scene first it was dry and repetitive then well… The rating almost went up. I had planed all a long to have the two items switch places. The crown to show her mother that she had found peace and happiness the sword to symbolize Van has being whole and the guardian protector of Hitomi forever.
Something that really moved me is that Van is never without his gloves. (Unless it is a flash back and he is little) So for him to bare his hand is almost like bareing a part of his soul. It shows care, gentleness and emotion... mabie I'm reading too deeply into it after all I wrote it.
I Finally finish a story! OMG! I know I'm going to have to go back and edit later but… I really have to go to the potty and wanted to post this for you all first. I'm sorry about the flow being messed up at parts and the end… well.
Its over. Thank you all that even considered looking at my story after my LONG absence. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Please tell me what you think. Any votes for a more detailed bedroom scene?
Banryuu
