Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or any of its characters…but man do I wish I did

Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or any of its characters…but man do I wish I did!

Previously: The kingdom of Egzardia is a kingdom of fashion, beauty, and excitement. Van and Folken are learning first hand how true this is…but things are about to take a turn for the unexpected.

************************************************************************

Everlasting Love: Chapter Twelve

Van frowns as he studies his reflection in the mirror. " I…don't know, Zire." Zire huffs in mock agitation. " King Van! Do you mean to tell me that you don't appreciate good clothes and riches when it's given to you?!" Van raises his eyebrows and looks at Zire's reflection smiling back at him. Van grins and shakes his head. " I just feel so…I don't know…rich when I wear stuff like this." Van confesses. " Well, you are king. You're allowed to dress up every once in a while, you know?" Zire replies while picking off imaginative fuzz from Van's padded shoulder. Van shrugs and frowns as he pulls at the tight neck collar that causes his throat to itch. He tries to look down at his hands while undoing the highest button for a little more breathing space. Just then someone knocks on the door. Van raises his head while Zire walks over and lays his hand on the doorknob, waiting for Van's permission. Van nods to him in a very kingly fashion. " Come in." He states coolly.

Merle peeks her head around the door and smiles. " Lord Van?…Can I come in?" Van smiles and nods his head. " Sure." Merle grins and bounds into the room. " Do you like it?" She asks twirling around on her toes. Van raises his eyebrows and smiles while Zire nods his head. " It's beautiful Merle." Van states honestly as he rakes his gaze over her elegant ball gown. She beams and nods in agreement. " Isn't it though? Princess Liliana had her seamstress make it for me this morning! She says I can keep it!" Van smiles even wider. Then Merle pauses to look Van over. " Hey…you look good!" She states excitedly. Van smiles and looks down at himself, readjusting his cape. " Really? You don't think it's too much?" Merle shakes her head. " No, I think it makes you look…really…kingly."

Zire smiles. " You see?"

Van just grins.

" Oh…Van?" Merle says suddenly remembering the true reason to why she came here in the first place. " Yes?" Van asks with raised eyebrows, taking notice of her suddenly solemn expression. " You asked me to check on Folken…" She begins. Van nods his head. " Yes. Don't worry about it Merle. Zire already told me that Folken has been up and around earlier today. In fact, he will be joining us for the ball this evening." Van explains. " No…it's not that." Merle says, walking up to him. " Folken is outside your door. He wants to talk with you." Merle explains in a quieter tone. Van sucks in a deep breath and straightens up, the mirth upon his face only a few moments earlier suddenly absent. Merle bites her bottom lip, watching as Zire moves to open the door wider. " I could…tell him you're busy…" Zire ventures. Van shakes his head. " No. Send him in."

Zire nods and opens the door. Merle steps back so that half of her is hidden behind Van. Folken stands at the doorway in silence. His clothes, with dark shades of purple and black, only serve to increase Van's nervousness. To him, the colors too closely resemble the attire his brother use to wear when he was still involved with Ziabach. " May I come in?" Folken asks calmly. Merle walks over to stand beside Zire while Van nods silently. He smiles apologetically, sending them a meaningful glance. They get the hint and quietly make their way out while Folken steps inside. Both stand before each other in silence, waiting for the door to close. For several moments neither of the two speak and only the soft crackling of fire can be heard as it eats away on thick wooden logs resting within the fireplace. Van grows restless, his tension rising as he shifts his weight to his other foot, and keeps his eyes on his brother. Folken, on the other hand, seems completely comfortable and takes a few moments to glance around the room.

" How are you feeling?" Van ventures after a few moments pass by with no one speaking a single syllable. Folken raises his eyes to meet Van's gaze. " I'm feeling well." He replies simply. Van remains silent and Folken steps closer, eyeing the attire Van wears. " You look like a king." Folken smiles. Van blinks. Seeing that his brother has nothing to say at the moment, Folken continues. " You…did quite well in the spar with prince Madric earlier this afternoon." Folken states. Van looks up at him with surprise. " You were there?" Folken nods. " You executed some very complicated moves. Balgus would be proud." Folken states and then mentally kicks himself for mentioning the former sword instructor, remembering how close Van must have been to the man. He watches in silence as Van's eyes momentarily glimmer with unshed tears. " Yes." Van states, turning his face away from Folken's gaze. " He would have been." Van states with bitterness, his words slapping Folken across the face.

Silence.

The fire crackles.

Van turns to the window, biting his bottom lip in an effort to hide the tears that threaten to spill forth from his eyes, still haunted by the image of Balgus's final moments. Folken takes in a careful breath. " Van…I-" " When will you be ready to travel again? Or shall I go on without you?" Van interrupts, more harshly than he had intended to. Folken lowers his gaze to the floor and sighs. " I am ready this instant, Van. If you so wish to leave now." Folken replies quietly. Van remains silent for a moment more before turning around to face his brother. " I'm planning to leave tomorrow morning." He states. Folken nods. " Very well." " King Sion…told me to tell you that he's happy you were not seriously injured on the trip over." Van says as he readjusts his cape once again.

" He is a good man." Van continues with deep sincerity. " I imagine so." Folken replies softly. " You will have a chance to meet him tonight. He asked me to introduce you to him." Van continues as he moves to pick up two snow-white gloves lying limp on the dresser. " I will look forward to the meeting." Folken replies. Van nods and pulls on the gloves while Folken steps closer and raises his good hand to Vans chest. Van's eyes widen and he instantly backs away, taking in a quick, startled breath. Folken pulls his hand back quickly and looks away in an effort to hide the hurt his brother's reaction has just caused him. Van continues to stare at him with an expression that says, 'what are you doing?' He glances down at Folken's side where the metal arm hangs limply and gulps. Folken knows what Van is remembering and points to Van's chest in an effort to clarify his intentions. " You have something on your vest." He states softly. Van blinks and looks down to see a fuzzy clinging to his clothes. Relief washes over him like a cool breeze on a searing summer day and he flicks off the offending fuzz.

When he looks back up Folken is already at the door, holding it open for his brother. Van takes in a deep breath and walks out without so much as a glance in Folken's direction. Folken remains motionless for a moment before following his brother out the door in silence.

************************************************************************

The ballroom is huge. The ceiling is covered with paintings of angel's and young virgins dancing around in lush, beautiful gardens with flowers in their hair. Large, stately columns of marble line the walls where mirrors lay embedded within frames of pure gold. Golden candelabras stand in every corner and garland sprinkled with fresh flowers and Babybreaths decorate the doorframes of every door and wrap around the banisters on every balcony. Fresh rose petals lay upon the deep-blue carpet laid out at the entrance where all those invited must walk through. At the end of the carpet stands the king himself with his son by his side, shaking hands in greeting to all that enter.

The moon rises in the sky and the ballroom soon fills with hundreds of noblemen, princesses, princes, and fair maidens alike. And if one looks carefully enough you can even spot a king or queen here and there. Women wear ball gowns of every color and glance around to see if anyone looks better than they do. The men glance around looking to see which woman will be the best catch while lords and high ranking officials huddle in groups to discuss politics, war, and other similar subjects of interest.

Among this crowd of mixed ideals and tastes enters Liliana with Eries and Millerna at either side. The young princess claps her gloved hands excitedly and makes her way over to her father's side. From across the room Van and Folken step into the scene and pause to look for the royal family. While they search Millerna spots them and gently pulls Eries in their direction. " Eries…look who just entered!" Eries follows her sister's gaze and feels her heart quicken. " Let us go and say hello." Millerna whispers to her as she begins to make her way through the crowd. Eries tries to hold back but her sister proves more determined and soon she finds herself following.

" Why if it isn't the handsome duo!" Millerna states with a wide smile. Eries blushes as Folken and Van both turn to look at the sisters beside them. " Van! You look like a king!" Millerna states emphatically. Eries smiles as Van blushes, slightly embarrassed by Millerna's rather loud enthusiasm. " Thank you, Princess Millerna." He states with a smile. Millerna looks at Folken next. " You look very nice as well." She states. Folken nods his thanks. " Come Van. You must tell me everything you and King Sion talked about this morning!" Millerna states while grabbing one of his hands. Before anyone has a chance to tell her 'no' she pulls Van away and disappears into the crowd leaving Folken and Eries staring after them. " How are you feeling?" Eries asks after a moment of silence passes between them. Folken smiles gently. " I'm well, thank you. And how are you?" He replies. Eries smiles. " Thankful that you are well." Folken nods and chuckles. " So when are you and Van leaving?" Folken grows serious again. " Tomorrow morning…early." Eries nods. " You must come back and visit us again." She states. Folken nods. " Yes. That would be very enjoyable." Eries nods and looks around as the crowd begins to divide so that one half is on one end of the ballroom while the other half stands on the opposite side. " When you and your brother return to visit us I will perform on my harp." She states kindly. Folken smiles warmly. " I would be most honored."

Eries nods and then turns to make her way to the front where the king, his son and daughter now sit upon their stately thrones. King Sion stands and smiles. "Welcome one and all! This evening marks the beginning of a two day celebration for the birth of my daughter…princess Liliana!" The crowd cheers and applauds. The king motions for them to ' keep it down'. This elicits warm laughter and light chuckles. "It was on a night just like this that Liliana was born into this world." The king continues. " My life was changed forever. I never knew how beautiful life could be until I held Liliana in my arms for the first time." Sion glances at Liliana who smiles at him, her cheeks glowing with happiness. " Tonight I wish to give her an evening filled with the most pleasant and beautiful moments possible. Please join me in celebrating the sixteenth birthday of my princess….Liliana!" Everyone applauds and cheers again as the king takes one of Liliana's gloved hands and leads her down to the dance floor. Soft, delicate music breaths to life as the princess and her father dance before all.

Madric smiles and steps down from his seat as Sion swiftly brings Liliana closer. Madric nods to his father and smoothly switches places with him so that Liliana now dances with her brother. Everyone smiles and some even clap as brother and sister dance together around and around the ballroom floor, candle light shimmering off the dragon silk skirts Liliana was given by Fanelia's king the morning after he and his company arrived. Her seamstresses were speechless when they saw the gift for dragon silk is very difficult to come by. Liliana smiles in her brother' arms feeling safe and protected. Madric smiles down at her in his charming way and winks. She smiles. Sion watches proudly and his head gently nods in time with the music as his children twirl and sway before everyone present. Liliana closes her eyes for a moment and keeps these moments close to her heart. Madric leans down and kisses her sweetly on one cheek as the music comes to an end.

Liliana and Madric separate. Madric bows to her while she curtsies and soon the ballroom floor is covered with many dancing couples as a new melody takes to flight.

Van smiles and nods to anyone who says hello while he makes his way over to Sion's side, Folken following close behind. The king stands proudly, watching all before him. His deep red cape with white rabbit fur lined around its collar makes him look powerful and majestic. " King Sion?" Van begins, bowing down upon one knee. Folken follows Van's example. Sion turns around and smiles warmly, reaching out to embrace a surprised Van. Van returns the embrace a little awkwardly, his loose touch testimony to his lingering uncertainty to the king's sincerity. Sion raises his eyes to see Folken's calm and patient expression. The king pulls back with raised eyebrows. Van turns to follow Sion's gaze. Folken nods to the king with a warm smile of his own. " Ah! You must be Folken!" Sion exclaims excitedly after a moment of careful pondering. " It is a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you, king Sion." Folken replies smoothly. Van steps back, one hand resting on his hip, as he watches silently. " Thank you for all your kindness." Folken continues with deep sincerity. Sion shakes his head and smiles, grabbing Folken's soft hand and holding it between his. Folken is surprised, unprepared for the king to have reached out as he did. He looks into Sion's eyes and sees friendship. The king squeezes Folken's hand warmly and then, still holding it tightly, turns to wrap an arm around Van's shoulders in a camaraderie fashion. " Don't mention it! Come! There is much celebrating to do and I want Liliana to have a chance to dance with the both of you before the night ends!" He states emphatically.

In another end of the ballroom Merle smoothes out her rose-petal pink skirts of silk and chiffon. Her bright eyes take everything in and she smiles when she finally spots Van. Merle watches as the king introduces Liliana to the Fanelian brothers who each kiss one of her gloved hands in homage. The king then says something to the three and soon after Folken and Sion walk away, talking. Left alone together, Van turns to Liliana. Merle twitches her whiskers and crosses her arms, not liking what she sees. If I didn't know any better I'd think the king is trying to get his daughter a husband! Merle pouts in her mind. A servant passes by with a silver tray of wine and fruits. Merle glances away for a moment to stare at the delicacies on the tray before looking back for Van. He steps closer to the young princess and the two reach out to one another. Van takes one of her hands while she lifts her other hand to rest upon his shoulder, stepping even closer so that he can gently wrap one arm around her waist. In another instant they begin to dance, turning and twirling in time with the music. Merle bites her bottom lip and blinks back unwanted tears. She frowns at the dark-haired beauty dancing within Van's arms and feels her jealousy rise. She turns away and decides to step outside for a little while, unable to watch any longer.

Van hadn't really been able to get a good look at the princess earlier in the afternoon until this moment. He takes in her lush, shining black hair, pulled up into a gentle twist, and the soft curly wisps that bounce delicately whenever she moves. The tiny blue flowers in her hair capture Van's attention when Liliana looks down, too shy to continue staring at him. The flowers remind Van of childhood memories filled with long lazy summers and twinkling blue stars in the night sky. "Blue stars…" He murmurs softly. Liliana looks up at him with trusting eyes that glimmer in the candlelight, effectively enhancing her innocence. " I'm sorry?" She says gently. Van points to the top of her head with his chin. " Your little blue flowers…they remind me of twinkling stars on a clear summer night sky." Liliana stares at him stunned by the beautiful comparison the young king just gave her. " Blue stars." She repeats with a whisper. Van nods, completely unaware of how deeply infatuated the young princess now is with him. Liliana smiles. Van glances down at her gown and then back up at her head. " Hey…they match the color of your dress." He realizes. Liliana nods with a grin and blushes again. " Is it too much?" She asks suddenly concerned. Van shakes his head. " No." He smiles gently. " Thank you for the dragon silk." She says softly, blushing as he gazes into her deep blue eyes. " You're very welcome." He replies. Liliana suppresses a sigh and allows herself to admire his handsome face for a moment. I never believed it possible for any man to look so beautiful. She thinks with wonder. Her eyes wander the contours of his face, pausing to analyze the perfect eyebrows, the thick eyelashes, perfectly rounded nose, and soft, tender lips. Van senses her gaze upon him and looks down at her just as she turns her eyes away, blushing furiously. He leans down a little closer. " Is something wrong, Princess?" He asks with concern taking note of her sudden flush. Liliana gasps sharply and shakes her head, lowering her face even more. " No. I think I'm just a little over excited about finally turning sixteen." She lies. " We could stop if your tired?…" Van ventures. " Oh no! That's alright. I'm fine." She quickly replies. " Are you sure?" He presses. " Mhm!" Liliana nods emphatically. Van nods and lets the subject drop.

*****************************************************************************

Merle leans against the railing of an outside balcony and tries to relax. Although she enjoys getting dressed up in elegant gowns and eating exquisite delicacies, she despises the rude stares she always receives from haughty nobles. Feeling more out of place tonight than usual the cat-girl decides to wait out here until the celebrations die down. Seeing Van dance with the princess had pushed her discomfort past its limit and reopened an old wound deep inside. Why did every young woman fall head over heels for her Van? Couldn't they leave him be? Merle releases a frustrated sigh, her tail twitching angrily. Out here the night is perfect and clear, something one might imagine a night would look like in a fairy-tale. Merle lifts her gaze to the stars high above. They twinkle down at her, completely oblivious to the sadness within her heart. Merle sighs forlornly and rests her gaze upon the Mystic Moon, silently wondering what life would be like now if Hitomi had stayed. Van seems so much older these days…happy yet sad. Any other person wouldn't notice his silent pain, but Merle can see it in his eyes, which for her remain an open window into his soul. Oh Van…why wasn't I born human? Maybe then things could be different….

Merle sighs once again and nearly jumps out of her skin when a deep, but soft voice speaks from behind. " A lovely cat-girl such as yourself shouldn't be standing outside unnoticed and alone." Merle turns around. Folken steps out onto the balcony to join her. His baby-blue hair seems to darken with the light of the moonbeams upon him. " Folken…what are you doing here?" Merle asks, not meeting his steady gaze. He remains silent for a moment before answering her. " I needed some fresh air." Merle glances up at him as he turns to look out over the courtyard. " It appears you needed the same." He states looking at her over his shoulder. Merle remains silent. Folken turns around to face the young cat-girl who stares at him curiously. She takes note of his gentle expression and how his bangs are beginning to grow out. Hm. He'll need a hair-cut soon. She muses. " Why do you look at me like that?" Merle asks, breaking the silence. Folken raises his eyebrows. " Look at you how?" He asks gently. " Like…like you know me." She explains. " Like I'm somebody close to you?" Folken shifts his weight slightly. " Well, I do know you Merle." He replies. " We use to talk to each other many years back. Remember?"

Merle frowns. " That was before you-" She stops noticing a sudden sadness in Folken's expression. His eyes-lids lower and he sighs wearily. " But I'm different now." He whispers softly, almost hopelessly, wondering if Ziabach will forever taint his every action in the eyes of those closest to him. Merle steps closer. " Are you really?" She asks. Folken looks up at her. " Van knows." He replies, choosing to ignore her question. " What?" Merle asks confused again. " He knows that you love him." Folken answers. Merle looks down blinking back tears. Folken straightens up and steps closer, gently lifting her chin with his hand. " It would sadden him to know that you are out here alone. Come. Let's go back inside." Folken offers her his hand. Merle looks up at him in surprise. " I…I can't." She whispers sadly. Folken frowns. " Why not?" He asks gently. " Because people don't like me. They whisper behind my back and I make Van look bad." She confesses, her ears flattening. Folken smiles softly and leans down to kiss her on the forehead. Merle looks up at him with wide blue eyes. " Don't let others make you feel worthless." He states gently. " Let's go back inside. It might be nice to have a dance with him." Folken continues taking one of her hands in his and leading her back inside.

***************************************************************************

Liliana and Van dance around and around the ballroom passing through soft beams of moonlight and gentle shades of candlelight. The small crown on Liliana's head glitters softly along with the simple gold headband Van wears upon his. For the first time since Hitomi's departure Van allows himself to enjoy the presence of a young woman again. Liliana's smile and gentle laugh touches his heart. But the dance ends too quickly and they soon step apart. " Thank you for dancing with me." Liliana says gratefully. " You have given me great joy and honor." Van nods and bows graciously. " And I thank you for allowing me to dance with you, Liliana." Van smiles, liking the way her name rolls off his tongue like fresh spring water that pours from the mountains surrounding his home.

Liliana curtsies and is soon taken away by another young man who leads her into yet another dance. Van turns around and sees Folken point Merle in his direction right before the crowd shifts, hiding them from view. After a moment, Merle walks out from within the shifting crowd to meet him with questioning eyes. " Van?…" Merle begins hopefully. Van looks at her curiously. " What is it, Merle?" " Could I…I mean if it isn't too much to ask…I mean if I'm aloud to…" She pauses as a smile brightens Van's face. " Merle, would you like to dance?" He asks warmly offering her his hand. Merle nods emphatically and nearly jumps into his arms. Van chuckles and leads her to a clear area where they soon fall into step with the melody now being performed.

Suddenly the pendant, hidden within Van's tunic, begins to glow and pulse rapidly. Van freezes and Merle looks up at him with surprise. She watches with confusion as he frantically opens his vest and then pulls on the chain hanging around his neck. " What's wrong Van?" Merle asks with concern. Van shakes his head in disbelief and looks at her with wide eyes. " Something's wrong." He murmurs. " What?" Merle asks, her ears instinctively turning towards him in an effort to catch his words more clearly. " Something's wrong!" Van states more urgently. Merle frowns, fear clutching her heart. " Now you're starting to sound like Hitomi! Stop it!" Van ignores Merle and begins to scan the crowd for anything suspicious, his pendant now glowing even more brightly than before. Merle gasps. " Van…the pendant!" Van looks down suddenly realizing how bright it has become and quickly cups it between his gloved hands in an effort to hide it from curious eyes. Merle watches him as he struggles to figure out what to do. " Can I help?" She asks sensing his worry. Van bites his bottom lip, a million thoughts swirling in his mind.

Merle reaches up to help Van take off his pendant when she suddenly pauses, her ears twitching wildly. " Van!" She gasps cupping her ears. " Merle?" Van reaches for her and pulls her closer. " What's wrong?" " Van…what's that sound?! It hurts!!" Merle shrieks as she begins to struggle against his hold. " Merle?! Merle! What sound?! What are you talking about?! Merle!!" By now everyone near them has stopped dancing and now stare blankly at the odd couple before them, creating a chain reaction that spreads like wildfire across the entire ballroom floor. Before long everyone has stopped dancing. King Sion rises from his throne, Madric stares with a frown, and Liliana stops dancing with her current partner to see what's going on. From across the room Folken feels a funny tingle in his spirit and turns around to see Van shaking Merle and shouting at her. He quickly pushes his way over, not noticing the dark shadows that have just blocked out the moonlight.

By now Merle's screaming has stopped but her tail still twitches with agitation. Van pulls her closer and shelters her with protective arms from the angry and confused gazes now resting upon them. " What's wrong with that animal?" A snotty nosed general asks while taking a goblet of wine from the tray of a passing servant. Folken steps up to Van's side and studies the situation for a moment. " There must be something nearby emitting a very high frequency." He concludes looking around the room, past all the staring faces. " What?" Van whispers with annoyance. " Merle can hear sounds that are much higher than anything we can hear. Something nearby is creating them." Folken explains, eyeing Merle with sympathy and confusion. " But I don't see anything here that could create frequencies of that nature." He continues. Van huffs with agitation. Folken glances at him and then does a double take as his gaze rests upon the red pendant now glowing as bright as a strong candle flame. " Van…" He begins. Van looks down at the pendant and suddenly gasps as a tremendous wave of dread overwhelms him. " Van?!" Merle cries out as he collapses to his knees. Folken is there to steady him and kneels upon one knee, carefully studying his brother's face. " What's going on with you?" He asks him softly. Van can only shake his head. " I…don't know…" He gulps. " Its just like back on the plain when that dragon attacked me…I think something terrible is about to happen!" He whispers with certainty. Folken blinks in surprise and suddenly the sound of shattering glass thunders into the great hall accompanied by high, ear-splitting screeches.

Everyone jumps and all the ballroom's stained-glass windows shatter like rain down onto the gawking crowd below. People begin to scream, tripping over their dresses, over each other, and running into columns in their haste to get out of harms way. Sion and Madric look up to see four horrendous creatures fly through the shattered windows like demons from a man's worst nightmare. Folken and Van look up and leap to their feet instinctively reaching for their swords, forgetting that they are back in their bedchambers. Merle shrieks and covers her mouth. Van steps in front of her in an effort to shield her from the creatures. Folken stays rooted to the spot he now stands and watches with morbid fascination as the animals swoop down closer to the unprotected heads of the panicking crowd.

One of the creatures flaps its leathery wings and floats over to get a closer look at Folken and Van who suddenly realize, nearly too late, that the 'thing' wants a really close look at them. Van dashes out of its way, yanking Merle with him while Folken dives to the floor and rolls to his knees, looking around for Eries and Millerna. Last he saw they were close to Madric. Folken turns to looks at the throne only to see it deserted, terrified people flitting in and out of his range of vision. Two of the creatures above swoop down again and this time they latch on to someone. The unlucky individual hollers and howls as massive claws dig into his back and shoulders, lifting him off the ground.

Liliana shrieks as her partner is suddenly snatched up into the air and promptly decapitated. King Sion turns at the sound of his daughters anguished cry. " Liliana!" He shouts, trying to catch her attention over the screams and hollers of everyone else around them.

Eries and Millerna huddle down close to the floor as one of the creatures whizzes by their heads. They both look up to see King Sion shouting at someone across the room. " Where's Liliana?!" Millerna cries with sudden panic. Eries yanks Millerna back down beside her as her sister blindly tries to rise, not noticing yet another creature swoop down in their direction. " Stay down!!" Eries cries out with alarm.

Liliana tries to make her way through the panicked crowd and to the waiting arms of her father, but someone trips and falls in front of her. She stumbles backwards and screams as one of the creatures swoops down for her. Its eyes, two silvery orbs, lock onto her terrified face. It spreads out its wings swooping through the air, tucking its sleek shiny tail under its bright blue belly. " Lily!!" Madric screams, snatching a double-edged sword from where it hangs on the wall behind the throne. He jumps off the platform, skipping the stairs, and rushes through the crowd, desperate to reach his sister before the creatures do. But his efforts are in vain. Liliana only has enough time to lift her arms and cover her face as one of the nightmarish beings snatches her into the air. " NOOO!! LILY!!!" Madric screams, throwing the sword at the creature in a blind rage and missing. The flying nightmare turns its alligator-like head to look back at him, its eyes gleaming with victory. Madric watches in horror as the creature flaps its giant wings, knocking off the garland from the balconies and ceiling and produces enough wind to knock everyone near it to the floor. The creature releases a painfully high screech and suddenly the other three flap their wings, following the first, and zip out the windows, leaving behind hundreds of dazed and terrified people.

The injured are everywhere and although there was a lot of fear and anguish only one casualty could be found, the poor young man who had so nobly tried to shelter the princess. All the candles have been snuffed out and individuals blink trying to adjust to the lonely moonlight. Folken rises carefully, shaking his head in an effort to rid his hair from small particles of glass. He turns around to see Van and Merle safe and sound already trying to help others closest to them. Folken sighs with relief and looks over his shoulder to see Millerna and Eries also helping people dazed and cut. King Sion stands beside Madric, both staring at the window that provided escape for the creature that has just abducted Liliana. Folken carefully makes his way over to the two men with deep sympathy. " What were they?" Madric asks with wonder. Folken shakes his head. " I don't know…I don't know."

Van glances around the room to see Folken standing with the king and prince, Millerna and Eries helping those wounded, and Meegan and Zire brushing off glass from their fur. Then, from the corner of his eye, Van sees something glint and he looks over to his right. There on the floor, only about two feet away, lies the delicate crown that once rested upon Liliana's head. Van walks over and picks it up, the crown glittering, its diamonds shimmering in the soft moonlight. " Liliana…" He murmurs looking out the window into the dark, silent night sky, a lump forming in his throat.

************************************************************************

Upcoming: Chapter Thirteen