Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne. My writing is purely for the enjoyment of my readers and myself.
Previously: Van and Folken accepted an invitation to travel with princess Eries and Millerna on a visit to Egzardia. But along the way the small group was attacked by rebel soldiers from Ziabach. Having escaped, they continue on to Egzardia, wounded, frightened, and exhausted.
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Everlasting Love: Chapter Eleven
The castle of Egzardia will be a welcomed sight to the weary travelers from Austuria. The royal escorts were very supportive and protective of their visitors when they saw and heard what had happened to them on the way. Although the trip was finally coming to a close, it proved to be a little too long for the passengers within the coach who have been drifting in and out of restless slumber. Outside, Van and the two surviving Austurian guards are doing their best to keep Folken awake and on his horse. His loss of blood is beginning to take its toll and Van is worried of infection and fever setting in. Zire senses the young king's anxiousness and rides up beside him to comfort and ease his worries.
" I'm sure that Egzardia has excellent physicians available for your brother. He'll be alright, Van. Folken is stronger than he looks." Van simply nods and glances at his older brother who is staring straight ahead and doing his best to remain conscious. Van frowns and notices Folken shiver involuntarily. Riding up to his brother he nudges him lightly. Folken starts and looks over at Van's carefully blank expression. " Just stay awake until we reach the castle, hm?" Van says. Folken nods, his eyes drooping with exhaustion. " I'm alright Van. I just need to lie down and rest before we go on." Folken states calmly and much more softly than he had intended to.
It's another hour before the tired travelers enter the courtyard and are welcomed with open arms by the king himself, along with his daughter and son. But they are deeply worried when they get a good look at the state of which their friends have arrived. Van slides off his horse and winces when his booted feet hit the ground. He stifles a groan and rubs his lower back gingerly. Zire, a few feet to his right, also dismounts and walks over to Folken's horse, helping the servants already attending to the exhausted animal and rider. " Hey, Folken…you still with us?" Zire asks the former Ziabach Lord. Folken nods, but gives no answer. Zire frowns watching Folken's body language and fears that perhaps Van does have reason to worry. Zire hadn't been able to get a good look at the wound on Folken's good arm until now. Folken cradles it against his body protectively and tries to figure out, with a sluggish mind, how to get off the horse without causing himself more pain. Zire watches silently and glances at the other servants standing around with concerned expressions upon their faces. Zire sighs and shakes his head, reaching for the reins. " Folken, let me help you down from there." Zire motions for the others to help him out. " Can you move your arm so that I can help you out?" Zire asks calmly. Folken gingerly lifts his arm and Zire bites his bottom lip as he finally gets a good look at Folken's clothes. The man has lost a lot of blood and it's staining his torso, cape, and sleeve. Zire looks up at Folken's face just in time to see him loose consciousness for a few seconds. The servants and a few soldiers rush over to help Zire get Folken off the horse.
Inside the coach, Millerna and Merle are aroused from their slumber by Eries and Meegan, who are climbing out of the coach into the cool night air. Eries takes in a deep breath and closes her eyes for a brief moment, allowing the cool night breeze to release her from the stuffiness of the coach. She turns around to see several men, soldiers and servants alike, trying to help someone off his horse. She takes a few moments to realize that the individual needing help is Folken. Millerna walks up to meet her and gently rests a hand on her back. " He's going to be okay, Eries. He just needs one or two days rest and will be back on his feet in no time." Eries looks at her sister and nods mutely. " Come on." Millerna continues as a servant maid walks up to the royal sisters. " Lets go inside, get cleaned up and catch some rest, hm?" Eries turns around to see the king walking up to her and her sister. Both princesses bow and smile. " King Sion!" Eries states warmly. The king smiles and hugs each sister tenderly. " Thank God you two are okay." Millerna smiles. " We have Van and Folken to thank for that fact." King Sion raises his eyebrows. " Van and Folken?" Millerna motions to Van who is patting his horse and looking over at his brother. " Van is the king of Fanelia and Folken is his older brother, believed long lost until recently." King Sion smiles. "I will enjoy getting to know them personally." He states confidently. The two sisters give hugs of greeting to the royal family and thankfully take their leave for bed. Meegan and Merle are greeted with equal kindness and say their goodnights to Van and Zire before following the women into the castle.
Van watches as his brother is carefully helped off his horse and releases a sigh of relief when Folken is finally brought into the castle, Zire allowing the weary Folken to lean against him. The king silently steps up to Van and clears his throat. Van turns around and quickly kneels, one hand against his chest in homage. " Your majesty." He states. " Rise, Van, king of Fanelia." Replies the king of Egzardia. The princess and prince step up to their father and watch in silence. The facial features of the royal siblings are hard to make out for the light of the torches, hanging on the walls and held within the hands of the servants, do not reach them where they stand. Van nods his acknowledgement to them before returning his attention to the king. " My friends and I are most thankful for your kindness in accepting us and—" The king raises his hand and smiles kindly. " There is no need for thanks. From what I hear you deserve the best we can offer! You and your brother have taken great risks to get the princesses here safely. Now you must allow my court to aid you in anything you need." " Thank you, Your Majesty." Van states. " Tomorrow we will all eat together and have formal introductions." The king states. " For now, though, I believe it is better if you and all your company rest." Van agrees, bows, and thanks the king once again for his kindness before allowing the servants to escort him to his bedchambers for the night.
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Folken gingerly lies back on the soft, lush pillows and bed sheets as a plump, cheerful physician, and his aids, prepare a bowl of warm water, clean wrappings, and a cup of strong ale, to ease the pain. Folken struggles to keep his eyes open and listens to the soft splash of the water lapping in the bowl as the physician wrings a small towel. A sudden and sharp sting shocks Folken awake and he gasps, nearly jerking his arm away. " Easy there. I'm only going to clean the wound, my Lord. This is the worst it gets." The physician states apologetically. Folken is handed the cup of strong ale before the cleansing process continues. Folken glances around the room and hisses as his wound is rinsed. He quickly gulps down the bitter liquid in his cup and curls his toes in an effort to hold in another gasp of pain. The nurses scurry about doing what they can to help and making Folken dizzy as he watches them. " We hear that you and your king have saved the lives of Princess Eries and Millerna." The physician begins. Folken looks at him and nods mutely, biting his bottom lip as small amounts of vinegar are poured around the wound to disinfect. The physician smiles. " You and your king will be greatly honored for such bravery and kindness. The king loves the Austurian princesses as if they were his own daughters and the princess loves them as her own sisters." The physician continues as he begins to carefully cut off small flaps of dead skin from around the wound. " What we did deserves no reward. Anyone who knows the princesses would have done the same." Folken says softly, struggling to keep his arm still as the skin burns and the muscles throb. The physician smiles. " I'm afraid not, my Lord. You and your king have special hearts." Folken sighs, too exhausted to speak at the moment. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door and Zire walks in.
" Ah! It looks like you have a visitor." The physician smiles as the wolf-man walks over to Folken. Zire smiles and nods at those attending his friend before returning his attention to Folken, carefully studying his face. " Don't worry Folken. You will be feeling better again in no time." The wolf man states confidently. Folken winces as he tries to shift into a more comfortable position. Zire watches Folken scrunch his face in momentary pain while the physician sews up the wound with quick, experienced hands. Zire rests a comforting paw on Folken's shoulder and squeezes it lightly.
Before long, the physician finishes and bandages Folken's arm. " Now be sure to drink a lot of fluids and get much rest, Lord Folken. You don't want to get dehydrated." Folken nods, closes his eyes, and sighs as he leans back on the pillows again. Zire watches him for a few moments in silence while the nurses help the physician clean up. Folken opens his eyes and looks over at the quiet wolf man by his side. " How is everyone doing? Van, Eries, Millerna…" Folken asks with sudden concern. Zire shakes his head in an effort to calm him. " Don't worry. Everyone is fine. Van is resting and Eries and Millerna are preparing to do the same." Folken nods and closes his eyes again. " You and Van were amazing today." Zire states.
Folken opens his eyes again and looks at Zire confused. " What makes you say that?" He asks. " Well, how many princes would risk their lives to save anyone over themselves?" Zire asks. Folken shrugs and shakes his head. " We just did what was right." Zire nods with a bright smile. " Yes. You and Van did what was right. I imagine that is what the two of you will be doing together from now on, right?" Folken looks at him in silence, an expression of hope and uncertainty shining in his eyes. Zire nods. " It's true." He states, moving to rise and releases a huge yawn. Folken raises an eyebrow. " Well, I'm heading for bed. Sleep well Folken. Tomorrow we're going to eat and enjoy this beautiful country, and then we'll eat again!" Folken smirks. " Do all your thoughts and desires always revolve around food?" Zire looks at Folken and smiles, catching the jest. He nods and rubs his belly with exaggerated movements. Folken chuckles and instantly regrets doing so. Zire pats his shoulder carefully, so as not to add to his misery, and turns to leave. Folken watches him and finishes his ale as the door is quietly shut. Folken lowers the cup in his metal hand, soft candlelight glistening across the metal skin and wires. His weariness suddenly overwhelms him and Folken finally closes his eyes, allowing his mind to drift into troubled sleep.
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Night gives birth to dawn and the sun rises from the sea. It takes its rightful place among the soft clouds in the bright, blue sky and sends its rays of light down to the earth where it penetrates every tree, flower, and awakens all in the kingdom of new ideals and fashion. Princess Liliana sits on her balcony brushing her beautiful, long black hair. A soft early morning breeze ruffles her hair and causes the delicate material of her white nightgown to dance within its breath. Her young face is peaceful and calm, her eyes far away. She sighs and enjoys the silence she can always find in these early morning hours. They are the only hours she has in any given day to be alone and not have maids constantly running about her. Here she can be herself and not worry about having to be serious or proper.
Liliana rises from her chair and walks over to the edge of her balcony to look over the edge. She pauses and frowns. What is someone doing outside at this hour? She wonders. Below her a young man has emerged from somewhere within the castle and now stands, watching the sun rise in silence. Liliana squints to get a better look at him and notices the elegant attire he wears. She smiles as he turns around and provides her with a clear view of his face. It's the king of Fanelia! She realizes recognizing from the night before.
Van releases his hold on the pendant that hangs around his neck and takes in a deep breath before pulling out his sword. Folken will be resting for most of the day so traveling is out of the question for the time being. Van releases a frustrated sigh and takes off his top, allowing it to drape over a marble bench, and begins to practice. There are too many worries crowding around in his mind and sword practice always helps to ease the tension. He squeezes his eyes shut and tries to focus on the here and now. With each turn of his body and every swift swipe of his sword Van feels himself grow more and more distant from his surroundings. He listens to the singing swoosh of the sword as it cuts through the air and he soon falls into a more complicated set of exercises.
Above him, and completely unknown to him, the princess of Egzardia watches with silent fascination. Never before has she seen such a handsome specimen of a man. This king is unlike any she has ever heard or met of before. A soft smile finds her lips as she looks Van over appreciatively. Normally a very shy and quiet young woman, Liliana feels safe up here on her balcony. It provides her a safe place to hide should the young man below her coincidentally glance up in her direction. As the princess watches on, something in her heart blossoms and glows and she realizes that her life will never be the same from this moment on.
Her silent spying is interrupted by the sound of several footsteps that reach her ears. Liliana rolls her eyes and reluctantly backs into her bedchamber, pulling the delicate curtains shut over the balcony entrance. Liliana sits herself down upon the small chair in front of her dresser as her maids enter. They curtsy and soon Liliana is ushered away for her daily bath. The princess sighs and smiles to herself softly as her thoughts return to the sweet, quiet moments earlier this morning where heaven so mercifully allowed an angel to stand underneath her bedroom window. Oh dear Lord…I do believe I'm in love! She realizes with joy.
Merle waits patiently for Van to return to his bedchamber. Her tail flicks back and forth and she sighs, leaning against the door. Where could he have run off to? She wonders with a frown. Just then, Van rounds the corner, his face is flushed and sweat glistens all over his chest and forehead. He looks up and pauses in his steps with a smile. " Merle. Did you sleep well?" He asks gently while ruffling her hair affectionately. Merle purrs and shrugs. " Of course, Van. I always sleep well. How about you?" She asks, looking him over. " I can see that you've been out practicing again." She states. Van sighs and cocks his head at her. " Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?" He asks, completely ignoring her statement. Merle nods. " Yes. King Sion sent a messenger to your door, but you weren't here. So I took the message for you." Van straightens up and nods. " Oh, really? What's the message?" " Well, the king would like you to eat breakfast with him this morning in exactly one hour." Van nods and moves to open his bedroom door. Merle follows him inside and frowns, watching Van take off his sword and set it down on a small table beside the bed. " Are you okay, Van?" She asks after a moment. " You look…I don't know…sad." Van looks at her and shrugs. " I'm just tired I guess." He states rubbing the back of his neck. Merle walks up to him and nods. She hands him a clean cloth and holds up a bowl of water for him to clean up. Merle carefully studies his face while he washes up, twitching her whiskers she sets the bowl of water down and takes the towel from him. On instinct she wraps her arms around his waist and embraces him warmly. Van smiles and returns the embrace, albeit a little surprised.
" Don't be sad, Van. Everything will work out…you'll see." Merle murmurs against his chest. Merle smiles as her keen nose picks up the soft scent of soup he just used a few moments ago while preparing for his breakfast with the king. Van nods, resting his chin against the top of her head. " I know Merle…it's just that sometimes my worries get the better of me." Merle sighs. " I know. They sometimes get the better of me too." Van frowns at that and pulls her back to get a better look at her face. " What worries you, Merle?" Merle shrugs. " I worry about the same things you do! Well,…maybe not everything you do, but I worry a lot about you. You don't smile any more, Van. It's as if…" Merle pauses wondering if she should continue with what's in her heart and mind. " Tell me Merle." Van states gently. " It's as if when Hitomi left…she took your happiness with her. I'm sure she wouldn't want you to be so sad." Merle finishes. Van remains silent for several moments and turns to the window, hiding the sudden sadness that has filled his eyes. Merle watches silently, wondering if it was the right thing to say what she just said. " I'm sorry that I've hurt you Merle." Comes his quiet voice. Merle raises her eyebrows in surprise. " No Lord Van! You haven't hurt me. I just…I just love you that's all." Merle states hopelessly. Van turns back to her and nods, a sad smile upon his handsome face. " Thank you Merle." He whispers. Merle remains silent. Van turns back to face the window, his hands folded behind his back. " Have you heard anything about Folken?" Merle sighs. " No…but I should think he's doing better, right?" Merle doesn't really like thinking about Van's older brother, much less talking about him. Van remains silent. Merle picks out a clean elegant white shirt with long, puffy sleeves that remind her of the shirts she often remembered seeing Allen wear. She also snags a beautiful blue vest with golden décor around the neckline and chest before walking up to Van and taking hold of one of his hands. Van smiles vaguely and glances at her. " Can I help you Van?" Merle asks handing the shirt and vest to him. Van nods. " Yes. Could you find out how Folken is doing? We really should continue gaining support with surrounding kingdoms as soon as possible." Merle sighs and nods her head silently. " Okay. I'll see you later." She says, releasing Van's hand and allowing him to get dressed. " Thank you Merle." Van calls over his shoulder as she closes the door.
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Elsewhere in the castle princess Eries and princess Millerna make their way down to the main hall where they meet with princess Liliana. She smiles at them warmly and embraces each in welcome. " I'm so happy the two of you were unharmed on your trip over. I don't know what I would have done if either of you were harmed." Liliana states with tears in her eyes. Millerna pats one of her hands and smiles. " Princess…"Liliana raises her chin and blinks back the unwanted tears. " I asked for the two of you to meet here because I want to ask the both of you a question." Eries looks at Millerna and then at Liliana. " What is it that you want to ask, my dear?" Liliana motions for them to sit down on the plush, red cushioned chairs beside them. The all take a seat and smooth out their skirts before princess Liliana continues.
" I will be turning sixteen tomorrow morning and my father is giving me my first ball tonight!" Millerna is the first to speak. " Oh Liliana! How wonderful!" " Yes! This will be a night to remember." Eries chimes in. Liliana smiles and nods her head. " I was…hoping that the two of you would stay and be present for the ceremony at midnight…" Eries nods and Millerna smiles. " We wouldn't miss it for the world!" Liliana smiles. " Oh good! I'm so glad!" A maidservant walks up to the three princesses and offers beverages of grape juice in golden goblets. Liliana takes a small sip before setting her goblet down on a small table beside her chair. " Now…" She begins gaining Eries's and Millerna's attention once again. " Tell me how the two of you have come to know the king of Fanelia. I have heard that he saved the both of you from the rebel soldiers of Ziabach. Is it true?"
Eries and Millerna glances at each other and set their goblet down simultaneously. " Well,…yes and no." Millerna states with a soft smile. Liliana frowns. " Whatever do you mean?" Eries chooses this moment to speak up. " Van, that is, the king of Fanelia, did save Millerna. But it was his older brother, Folken, that saved me from death in the forest." Liliana's chestnut eyes widen and she leans forward. " Oh please, the two of you must tell me everything!" And so the Austurian sisters retell the story of their near demise and explain to the young Liliana how they came to know the brothers of Fanelia. Liliana feels her heart flutter and throb with excitement. Every moment the image she has of the young king grows stronger and clearer. Her desire to speak with him consumes her every desire and she begins to form a plan as to how she can make her dream a reality.
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Van quietly enters the large dining hall where King Sion sits waiting for his guest. " Welcome Van." He states, rising from his chair to greet the young king. Van bows and shakes the king's hand. He looks up into Sion's gentle face, the soft morning sunlight that shines through the large windows softening the dark brown curls of the king's hair. Van meets Sion's steady gaze, the clear grey eyes reflecting trust, honesty, and honor. Senses no hostility or ill feelings relaxes. " Thank you for asking me to eat with you, Your Majesty." Van says with a smile. Sion nods and motions for Van to sit. " I am honored to have such a brave and noble king dine with me!" Sion states with a kind smile. Van feels himself blush and watches as Sion motions for the servants, standing at a discrete distance, to step forward and serve the food.
" I have heard many great things about the king of Fanelia." Sion begins popping a strawberry into his mouth. Van raises his eyebrows. "Oh?" He asks. Sion nods. " Yes. Such as the fact that you have been the direct cause for Ziabach's ultimate destruction…such as you wanting to rebuild your kingdom from the ashes…such as…" Sion pauses at this point to stare directly into Van's eyes once again. "…saving the lives of princess Eries and princess Millerna." Van gulps silently and nods. " I would like us to be comrades, Van." Sion continues. " It is obvious to me that you are a man worth getting to know." Van looks back at the king and nods. " I would like that, Your Majesty." He states honestly. Sion smiles. " Just call me Sion, Van." Van smiles, feeling more and more at ease with this gentle king. " Alright,…Sion."
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Outside the world is awake and vibrant, but up in one of the highest towers of Egzardia's castle Folken remains still upon his bed. The room is dark and quiet, only his eyelids twitch as his eyes scan the pictures of his dreamfilled mind…
Flashes of past memories blink into his consciousness and loved ones live again.
Folken finds himself standing upon a precipice looking out over all of Fanelia. It shines and glows in its natural beauty. Everything is at it should be once again. The trees have re-grown and the kingdom is back on its feet. Children run through the streets and people live in peace and joy.
The scene changes suddenly as dark thunder clouds roll across the sky and block out the sun. Folken blinks and finds himself in the royal garden beside a lake. A face he does not know stares back at him from beneath the angry water and he backs away. Who's face is it that he sees?
Folken feels the ground beneath his feet crack and tremble as the water from the lake overflows and fills the air and everything around him. Folken gasps and is submerged in cold, freezing water. Hands reach down to him and yank him out onto a stadium where an audience of thousands sits watching him. He turns around to see Zire, paws tied in the front, staring at him with deep compassion. Folken frowns in confusion. Then the sky thunders and lightning flashes as something falls through the clouds and plummets to the ground. Folken watches as a pink pendant shatters, in slow motion, into thousands of pieces upon Van's grave.
Folken gasps and rushes over to read the gravestone. The Fanelian sword is pierced into the ground at the foot of the grave and Folken pulls it out carefully. It slides out easily and it glistens for him. He freezes, sensing someone staring at him and turns to see a young man, about his age, standing behind him with purplish, silver hair down to his shoulders. The man wears an impressive crown. Folken's gaze travels down to the man's breastplate which has a Ziabach emblem engraved upon it. The mysterious man holds a bloody dagger in one hand and smiles at him evilly.
Suddenly the ground bursts into flames. Folken lifts his arms up to protect his face, but no flames touch his garments so he tentatively lowers his arms to look around. Fire blazes everywhere as far as the eye can see. He hears a peal of thunder and glances up to see rain begin to fall and as the flames die down Folken finds himself surrounded by dozens of sick and dying people. They all reach up to him as he passes by, his dark cloak brushing up against their desperate hands. Folken looks up beyond them to see Dilandau reaching out to him. Folken blinks and standing in Dilandau's place is a beautiful young woman, reaching for him in the same manner. Suddenly, the hours of the day pass by in rapid succession and he looks up into the sky to see massive floating fortresses, similar to the Vion, floating menacingly above Fanelia's castle.
Someone taps him on the shoulder and Folken turns around to see Naryia and Eryria staring at him sadly. They step aside to show him princess Eries. She walks up to him and hands him a rosebud. She kisses his cheek and he closes his eyes. When he opens them, she is gone and in her place a young woman stands before him, her face covered with a delicate veil. The rosebud in his hand blossoms and he smiles. But the flower suddenly vanishes and he blinks to find himself in a large bedroom where blood is splattered across the floor. A little boay rushes in after him and cries out in anguish. He begins to search for someone and Folken feels a cold breeze enter the room through the open balcony doors. He turns to see the little boy stop and stare at him with tears running down his cheeks. Folken takes a step towards the boy and suddenly feels himself falling. The world disappears and only darkness welcomes him.
Everything rushes past him once again as if rewinding and his metal arm disintegrates to reveal his real arm underneath. Folken opens his wings and looks up to see a blue light bend down to reach him. It embraces him and settles him back on the precipes that he first found himself standing upon. This time, he is not alone. He turns to see who it is that stands by his side, but the dream fades and he feels his mind returning to the reality of his anguished life....the next sensation he notices is pain....
Folken awakens slowly and groans as he moves his wounded arm by accident. The cup slips from his metal grasp and he jerks wide awake when it clatters upon the floor. Folken frowns and tries to hold on to the dream and tries to shake off the odd sensation of dread he suddenly feels. He sighs and glances around. He carefully gets out of bed and pulls back the thick, heavy curtains hanging in front of the window to see that the sun is already mid-way across the sky. It's already noon! I overslept! Folken realizes with disgust, being use to rising early with the sun. He grabs his clothes and carefully gets dressed, gingerly maneuvering his wounded arm through the sleeve. But even after leaving his room the strange dream continues to echo within his mind.
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A crowd of nobles stand around on a large patio chatting excitedly about the events of this coming evening. The ladies dressed in their finest, cool themselves daintily with their large, decorated fans and float around chatting with each other. The sound of cheering grabs their attention and they gravitate over to a large crowd forming in the center around two individuals. Van steps on to the patio at this moment and pauses to look around. Surrounding the patio on all ends are water-fountains crafted from the most skilled hands in the kingdom and scattered on either side of the large marble stairs that lead up to the patio are statues of artistic perfection. Gorgeous gardens of flowers surround the patio's base and provide a fantastic view of the royal gardens spread out below. It is here upon this patio, from her royal seat, that Liliana, princess of Egzardia, smiles softly. Sitting beside her on either side, are the sisters of Austuria, Millerna and Eries. Millerna is busy chatting to her about something she doesn't pay attention to while Eries silently watches the prince of Egzardia spar with a worthy opponent. The sixth 'worthy opponent' today, to be exact. The other five lost to the prince who, as everyone around here states, has yet to be beaten. Liliana smiles as her older brother once again overcomes his opponent and bows to the crowd. She allows her gaze to travel past the many faces standing around and settles upon Van who has just stepped up to the crowd with a wolf-man, wolf-woman, and cat-girl. The young king of Fanelia makes his way through the growing crowd to get a better view and watches silently, his hands resting upon his hips, his eyes intently watching her brother spar. Liliana nods absent-mindedly to something Millerna says and continues to gaze upon the king of Fanelia. She admires him and smiles when he suddenly laughs at something Zire, the odd but funny wolf-man, says to him. Madric begins to prance around the crowd and starts calling for another 'worthy opponent'.
Liliana feels her heart beat quicken as Van begins to push his way over to her. The young king steps up to her father and bows. " King Sion," Van begins, " I would like to accept the challenge the prince has offered." King Sion raises an eyebrow. Liliana glances at her father and then at the steady, but determined expression upon Van's face. " Father," At the sound of her soft voice, both kings turn their attention to the princess. Liliana gulps as Van cocks his head in an effort to see her more clearly. His dark bangs fall over to one side, revealing one eye to her admiring gaze. Liliana studies his gaze, gentle, curious, and firm. Her lips turn at the corners into a soft smile. " I believe it would be good for my brother to spar with someone as experienced as the king of Fanelia." King Sion looks at his daughter and then at Van, then back to his daughter again. Eries and Millerna watch silently while Madric walks up to see what is going on. " Father?" He asks glancing at his sister and then at Van.
King Sion nods to Liliana. " Madric," The king begins, " I believe you will meet your match this time." Liliana smiles and stands. She picks up a sword that a servant hands to her. Turning to Van she smiles. Van rises. She hands the sword to Van, palms up and as he reaches for the sword, his fingertips brush against hers. Liliana blushes and lowers her eyelids demurely. Van looks up at her face and waits until she returns her gaze to him. " Thank you, princess Liliana." He replies with a firm but gentle voice. King Sion tries to hide a grin, taking note of his daughter's blushing cheeks. Liliana's fondness for the young king of Fanelia does not go unnoticed by Madric either. Van turns to Madric and nods. Madric points to the other end of the patio and waits until the king is halfway over to turn and motion for Liliana to come forward.
" Sister, why do you wish him to fight me?" Madric whispers to her. Liliana keeps her gaze upon Van as she stands beside her brother. " I think it would be interesting to see how well he can fight? Don't you? I mean, he is the 'hero' of Gaea is he not?" Madric looks upon Liliana silently. He takes her chin and gently lifts it up to meet his gaze. Soft wisps of midnight-black hair blow against her blushing cheeks. Liliana looks up at her brother, deep blue eyes glistening with emotion. Madric pauses, staring at her. " Yes…I suppose this could be interesting." Madric replies with a sudden iciness in his voice. Liliana studies her brother's face for a few moments, trying to understand the look she sees in his eyes. " Brother…is something wrong?" Madric shakes his head and looks up at his father. King Sion motions for him to 'get on with it'. Madric sighs and nods, kissing his sister upon the forehead and sending her back to her seat before turning, picking up his sword, and walking to the center of the patio to meet Van. Liliana takes her seat, being careful not to sit on her long braid. She takes in a deep breath, concerned about the odd glint in her brother's eyes just a few moments ago. Eries, ever the most keen for subtleties, takes notice of Liliana's sudden discomfort and leans over slightly. " Is everything alright, dear Liliana?" The princess looks at Eries and smiles, nodding emphatically. " Oh yes! Yes. Everything is fine, thank you." Millerna smiles at the young princess. " Who do you wish to win?" Liliana glances at Millerna and shrugs. " Whoever is the best."
The crowd hushes as Van and Madric prepare themselves for a one-to-one, friendly bout of sparing. Zire nudges Meegan and Merle. " Watch closely ladies. This is going to be interesting." Merle nods and clasps her hands together nervously. "Be careful Van." She whimpers softly. In the center of the patio, Van smirks as he raises his sword to Madric. The two young men stand face-to-face. Everyone is eager to see who will win and the excitement present fuels the hunger of victory for the two duelers. Van readies himself as he takes note of Madric's stance. The prince prepares to make his move. Madric relaxes for a second to clear his mind and then, raises his sword high above his head, bringing it down with a flurry of impressive but completely useless sword movements. Van sighs internally, Let's get on with it! He watches Madric's chest and reads which direction the sword will move next. Van focuses and raises his sword to meet his opponent's with a loud metallic *CLANG* that rings in the air.
Van and Madric glare at each other for a few moments, sword's firmly locked. Then, Van pushes against Madric and pulls back, twirling around to bring his sword down, nearly jabbing the prince in the thigh. Madric jerks back and manages to deflect the blow. Van pulls back and begins to plummet the prince with quick, well-placed jabs meant to distract his opponent's attention long enough to find a weakness. Madric, however, manages to deflect the sudden storm of jabs and swipes aimed for his chest and abdomen. Van raises his eyebrows. Hm…he's better than I thought. Beads of sweat soon form on both young men as they continue their deadly dance. The crowd begins to cheer as the two clash once more, each trying to better the other. Merle shouts at the top of her lungs for Van to win and beat the prince. Meegan laughs and claps her hands as Van nearly pierces Madric in the rear, having ducked a swipe and twirled around to get behind the prince. Zire smirks and nods his approval to Millerna and Eries who are watching from the opposite side of the large circle, formed by the excited crowd. Liliana holds her breath and leans forward in her seat, one hand pressed against her heart in an effort to calm its furious beating. The crowd tries to press in closer, but Madric and Van are well guarded by soldiers who form a human fence with their arms inter-locked to prevent the chain from being broken. The king of Egzardia watches from his golden bench as two maidservants offer him water and various cheeses and fruits. Liliana smiles as they approach her with the same and the princess motions for Eries and Millerna to feel free and enjoy some for themselves.
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The day is warm and sunny and many servants are out tending to the gardens and horses in the stalls. Others remain indoors maintaining a clean and impressive environment. They work like busy bees and ignore Folken, who walks through the castle searching for his friends. He travels down a corridor that will lead him to the outside courtyard and suddenly stops to look at a large portrait hanging on the wall. Before him, leaning against a red tapestry with gold trimming is a painting of Sion and Gaou. Egzardia's king with Fanelia's king. The two kings are sitting on large, plush chairs with finely carved wooden armrests and legs. They sit facing each other, but their faces are turned towards the picture as if to look at who-ever is staring at them. Folken blinks. Sion knew his father? Folken looks at his father's face silently, the floodgates of his memories suddenly bursting wide open. Father…
Folken sees Gaou smile down at him and gently lower his crown upon his eldest son's head. Folken grins as the crown slips to one side and Gaou chuckles. He sets it straight again and turns Folken around to look at himself in the mirror. " There you are, son. Someday, that crown will fit your head and you will be king." Folken smiles. " But I won't have to be king for a long time, right father?" Gaou smiles and nods, carefully lifting the crown off Folken's head and relieving his son from its weight. " Not for a while, Folken." Folken turns to look at his father as he puts on his large, regal cape and clasps it in the front. Folken smiles, silently admiring his father and king. Gaou smiles back and bends down to embrace his son. " Now you be a good and wise son for your mother today while I'm away." Gaou says gently. Folken nods. " And spend some time with Van. He's been missing you, although I understand that you have many responsibilities with your studies and sword practices." Folken nods again. " I will father." Gaou smiles and straightens his crown. He turns to leave and gives his son a confident and comforting nod of approval before stepping out of the room. Folken smiles, happy to have spent some time alone with his father, not knowing it would be the last time he saw Gaou alive.
Folken blinks and takes in a deep, shaky breath. The last thought having unnerved him to the point of bringing him close to tears. His father hadn't entered his thoughts for several years now. He nearly forgot how much he loved him, how much he needed him during the emotionally painful days he spent preparing to take his father's place. Folken looks down, tearing his gaze away from the portrait, and gulps silently. I can't think of these things right now. Folken scolds himself. I can't let my emotions control me…I'm not aloud to cry…I don't have the right. Folken's face, momentarily frozen in a rare instance of grief, suddenly and smoothly returns to an expression of strength and arrogant indifference.
He turns and continues on his way, finally stepping outside and feeling the warm sun shine upon his porcelain-white skin. Folken follows his instincts, and the sound of many people cheering. He climbs the large staircase that leads to the large outside patio to find a large crowd clapping and shouting and having a good time watching something in the center of a circle they have made on the patio. Folken stops and scans the crowd until he spots Zire. He pardons himself as he makes his way over to the wolf-man and pauses as the crowd shifts and provides him with a clear view of Van holding the Fanelian sword against another's. Folken blinks and glances over at the opponent Van is fighting against. " Well, it's great to see you out and about, my Lord!" Zire states, having spotted Folken and walked up to his side. Folken nods and turns to his friend. " What have I missed? Who is Van fighting?" " Prince Madric." Zire replies. Folken frowns. "Why is Van fighting the prince?" Zire shrugs. " Beats me! I guess Van just wants to show the prince that he isn't unbeatable." Zire concludes. " Unbeatable?" Folken asks confused. " Yes. You see prince Madric claims to have never been beaten in a spar with another opponent. So, I think Van is out to set him straight." Folken nods, understanding the current event.
" How is he doing?" Folken asks Zire after a moment. Zire smiles proudly. " Van is winning of course." Zire states as the crowd suddenly erupts into loud applause as Van nearly gets the better of Madric who is looking ready to collapse with exhaustion. Folken watches silently, his gaze shifting to the king on the other end. Folken allows his gaze to travel to the princess and then Eries and Millerna. Folken feels his heart do a funny flip-flop as his gaze settles upon Eries's face. He shakes his head and returns his attention to Van and Madric who are now more vicious in their attacks. The crowd oos and awes as Van ducks a potentially lethal blow to the head and then flips the prince over his shoulders. Madric manages to roll out of the way and keep his sword in his hand. Zire smiles and Folken frowns.
After a few moments, Folken turns to Zire and leans down to get the wolf-man's attention. "Zire, do you know what Van's plans are from here?" Zire nods and cups his hand to his mouth in an effort to direct his voice straight into Folken's ear. He has to talk loudly in order to be heard over the shouts and jeers from the excited crowd. " King Van and the rest of us have been invited to attend princess Liliana's sixteenth birthday. He says we'll be here for a little while longer." Folken nods and refrains from asking anymore questions for the time being. He returns his gaze to the princess who is clapping and smiling. So the princess is having a birthday…and the king asked Van to stay… Folken starts turning over this new information in his mind when Van and Madric shift into his line of sight. " Van is pretty damn good at the sword!" Zire exclaims as Van begins to overpower Madric. Folken raises his eyebrows as Van masterfully knocks Madric's sword out of his hands in the same manner Folken had done to Van the night they had fought together on the hill overlooking Fanelia. " Yes." Folken agrees. " He will no doubt be one of the best Gaea has ever seen." Zire nods, never taking his eyes away from the fight.
Madric gasps as his hands are suddenly slapped, the skin stinging. He glances up to see his sword twirling in the air. It flips twice, the sunlight glinting off its metal face, and is snatched out of the air by one of Van's hands. Van lowers both swords directly to Madric's neck and the prince raises his hands in resignation and sighs, sweat rolling down his forehead. " I…give up! You win." He states with disbelief. Van nods, lowers the swords and smiles. The crowd erupts into thunderous applause as he returns Madric's sword and shakes his hand. " You will be an excellent swordsman someday." Van states as he and the prince walk back to the king. King Sion rises from his chair to congratulate Van on such an exceptional and masterful win. " No wonder those that attacked you and the princesses stood no chance!" The king smiles as Van bows. " Thank you, Your Majesty." Van smiles. King Sion motions for Liliana to step forward. She does so and hands Van a large cup of fresh wine. " You were incredible." Liliana states softly before leaning back up again." Thank you." Van says softly, as she blushes again. Van feels his mouth quirk into a small grin. Behind him, Madric frowns at the exchange.
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Chapter twelve soon to come…
The celebrations begin, but things don't go as planned when princess Liliana is kidnapped.