A/N: I am so sorry that I kinda disappeared. I promise that I will try to finish this in a more timely manner. I actually already have everything outlined, it is just a matter of finding time to write. Also, I need to thank reviewers who still continued to review and requested I finished even when I hadn't been active. You were my inspiration to get off my ass. I kind of felt that this was another filler chapter but I had to set certain things up. I promise that things will begin to pick up next chapter. And yes, I do plan to putting that out sooner than later! Review Please!
Enjoy (and standard disclaimer still stands)
Previously: Dilandau, with the help of Isaac, has followed Hitomi to Gaea. Hitomi still has no memory of her existence on Atlantis but is acclimating to Fanelia with the help of Merle and Van. Millernia and Allen have arrived in Fanelia for Van's coronation, and Van has decided that he will make Hitomi Queen of Fanelia. (Note: Any one else feel like this is taking on Dickens proportions, what with all the different characters and subplots...)
Chapter 12:
The excitement permeated every part of Fanelia. Even the flowers seemed to bloom with an enhanced color and fill the air with a heightened aroma. Walking through the buzzing crooked streets of the market place, Hitomi felt light-headed and almost giddy, feeding off of the atmosphere surrounding her. Millernia suddenly stopped short and held up a bouquet of fragile white lilies. "These would be perfect for Hitomi's hair decoration." Giving the merchant two pence, she placed the lilies in the woven wicker basket next to the deep purple violets and daisies. Millernia forged on ahead and Hitomi felt Merle tighten her grip on her hand, pulling her along.
"I don't remember asking prissy princess over there to tag along, much less dictate the plans for this outing." Merle hissed viciously under her breath. Hitomi giggled slightly and pulled back on Merle's hand.
"She means well, look the only items she has purchased are for us. Those daisies are to go with your dress."
"Well, I have to insist that we stop with these trifling purchases! We need to get to the tailors today! The coronation begins tomorrow morning." Merle momentarily let go of Hitomi's hand to scamper up next to Millernia.
The moment Hitomi lost contact with Merle's hand, she felt a wash of sensations and emotions cocoon around her. The excitement she had already been feeling intensified, but the edges were tinged with a hint of malicious anxiety. For an instant, her vision hazed and she suddenly looked on Merle with revulsion and suspicion. Hitomi gasped and shook her head just as Merle turned around and motioned for her to hurry up. Suddenly aware of the people around her, Hitomi looked over her shoulder and saw an elder man sneer at Merle's back. Hitomi quickened her pace and reached for Merle, as if trying to shield her from such murderous eyes, only to witness a mother quickly jerk her child over to the other side of the cobblestone path as Merle passed. Hitomi's feet turned to lead and she found that she couldn't take another step. Before her eyes the world turned to a swirl of color, centering on the distorted image of Merle. Radiating from the entire market was a feeling of absolute dread and hate, centered entirely on the creature who had shown only love and kindness to her. However, Hitomi felt the hatred seeping into the crack in her skins, and infusing the same repulsion deep into her soul. Hitomi fought the onslaught with images of Merle laughing and frolicking with her through the gardens, but there were too many people, too many prejudices bearing down on her.
A gentle tough on her shoulder pulled Hitomi from the haze. Rapidly blinking her eyes, she saw Merle staring quizzically at her while Millernia impatiently tapped her foot. Still, the gentle hand on her shoulder remained, and all of the hatred had fled at that simple gesture. Throwing her gaze over her shoulder she meet two concerned eyes staring down at her.
"The lady shouldn't be so careless in the market, you are liable to be run down by a cart if you just stand in the middle of the way."
"Oh!" Hitomi quickly backed away and bowed politely. "Thank you sir, I believe I must have been overcome by the afternoon heat. I must catch up with Merle and the Princess Millernia; we need go to the tailor's"
"What luck, I was planning on accompanying the princess to her next engagement. If you please…"
Hitomi tentatively tucked her hand into the offered arm and the pair started towards the two women who were waiting with raised eyebrows outside the tailor's tent.
"Lady Merle, I would suggest you take Lady Hitomi back to the palace once your errand is finished. It would appear that she has succumbed to the afternoon heat." Princess, I need you to accompany me to the palace. The king requires your assistance in some details pertaining to the trade treaty."
Merle nodded warily and turned her nose up towards the blistering sun filling the sky. "It is an unusually warm afternoon, but I fear it may be one of the last before we sit through many a dark and cold night. Come Hitomi, we must hurry. King Van will expect us for dinner tonight, and I want you to have your new dinner dress ready."
Hitomi nodded and pulled her arm from Allen's elbow. "Sir Allen, thank you again." Hastily, Hitomi bowed and ducked under the tent's curtain in one swift movement. Through the thick canvas tarp she could make out the muted dialogue of Princess Millernia and her bodyguard knight, Sir Allen.
"What a strange girl. She's so skittish and frail. She reminds me much of a doe."
"Aye, but the fragility of a doe is but an illusion. They are powerful and graceful creatures."
'Well, we shouldn't keep the King waiting. Let's go Allen."
*******
Slowly, Hitomi's eyes adjusted to the dim lights of the tent, but felt strangely calm and comforted in the small enclosing. In one corner of the tent stood a changing curtain and three sets of mirrors, arranged so that one could see almost all angles of their reflection. Merle stood over a long table against the back curtain, inspecting a pile of colored silks and ruffles. Merle held up a pale green silk dress with a simple neckline, puffed cap sleeves and a white sash empire waist. "Try this on Hitomi."
Hitomi gingerly handled the dress, despite its simplicity, it was beautiful and she didn't dare ruin it's perfection.
"Hurry Hitomi! We have a whole set of outfits that must be checked."
Hitomi bit down on her lip and ducked her head to hide her blush as she scampered behind the changing curtain. She relished in slide of the luxurious silk over her skin and was amazed at how the fabric managed to smooth seamlessly over her own body. Tentatively, she stepped from behind the curtain and looked eagerly at Merle.
"It's perfect! Quick, look at yourself, and then try this frock on."
Hitomi gasped when she saw her image staring back at her and found it hard to turn away from her own reflection. However, the spell was broken when a heavy tartan wool flopped unceremoniously over her head. Hitomi pulled the heavier item from her head and threw a quizzical look at Merle.
"Just try it on!
Hitomi slid off the silky dress and carefully folded it over the top of the changing curtain. Despite the heat outside, she found the dark tailor's tent cool and was eager to pull on the heavier wool garment. The dress was very similar in cut to the riding dress Merle had lent her, but the waist was fitted and the skirts a bit longer. Hitomi was delighted to find the sleeves sewn on with loose leather threads that allowed a greater range of mobility. Immediately she thought of her riding lessons and promised outings with Van, and she was pleased that dress provided was both practical and pleasing to the eye. Drawing the curtain back, she twirled as Merle looked her over with a scrutinizing eye.
"Loni, this new riding dress is perfect. Thank you again for putting a rush on this dress and the dinner gown." Merle exclaimed as she circled Hitomi.
Loni stood from her seat in the back corner, her head bowed in gratitude. "Lady Hitomi and Lady Merle, I am glad that you are both pleased with my work, but I must admit that the gown I am most proud of has yet to be revealed." Pulling the fabric that laid in her lap, Loni held up a colorful multi-layerd robe. Unlike the other gowns which has been designed in the latest fashion, this gown was constructed based on traditional Fanelian fashions and colors. The gown was a rich, earthy yellow hue, the color of Fanelia's traditional curry stew. Bordering the square neck line and sleeves was diagonal pattern of green and red. The bodice of the gown was short and fitted, with an undershirt of crisp white linen whose intricate lace edge peeked just beyond the neck line. The accompanying skirts were full and a green sash that matched he bordered edge completed the gown. Hitomi gingerly took the proffered gown between her finger tips. The material was light and airy, perfect for the intense autumn heat. Though the top was cropped, and the sleeves short, there was nothing immodest about this gown.
Merle looked over the dress eagerly. "Hurry and try it on! I can't wait to see what it is like! Is this for the coronation?"
Loni gave an affirmative nod. It made sense for the dress to be of a more traditional style given the occasion, though Hitomi found that she could get use to wearing such gowns much more often. Slipping behind the curtain she pulled off the riding dress and slipped into the tight bodice, flowing skirts and finally shrugging into the vest like long robe that completed the outfit. Though the colors could have been garish or clashed with her pale skin tone, Loni had chosen muted earth tones that brought out the gold in her dark blonde hair and highlighted the green of her eyes. Loni had taken a dress worn by the natives of Fanelia, who usually had a darker complexion and tresses, and made it to suit her instead. In this gown, Hitomi truly looked exotic.
********
"Are you sure?"
"According to the ancient scripture, it is the dragon or what the Fanelians call Escaflowne.
"That is the key…who knew it would be so easy or so obvious."
"Obvious?"
"The guardian dragon, Escaflowne is legendary, and the main reason why no other country dare go to war with such as small backwater nation. Just because of legends. Well, now it looks likes the legends were true after all. Escaflowne is the origin of not only Fanelia but all of Gaea. The great being who descended from Atlantis to give the people light, reason and humanity. Well now Escaflowne will be awoken again, but for the time of judgement. Gaea is unclean and needs to be re-birthed."
Dilandau watched Isaac and Strategeos banter back and forth about tatics and plans. Isaac leaned back against the wooden bench, confidence radiating from his aged form. During the conversation his eyes had shone brilliantly and gave off a vitality that did not seem possible. In contrast, the young, fit, and large muscular frame of Strategeos was hunched over in submission. Worry and tension etched lines that marred his youthful face. Jajuka was simply bored. Whether he simply didn't care or, like Dilandau, didn't understand was unknown.
"The plan, master?" Jajuka spoke up.
"Tomorrow is the coronation ceremony of the young king. On that day Escaflowne is taken out of its sanctuary to serve as part of the coronation ritual. Fanelia will not expect an attack, as most countries' leaders will be present as part of a goodwill mission. Tomorrow, during the coronation we will take Escaflowne and burn Fanelia to the ground. The re-birth of Gaea will begin with that worthless country. Only those we deem worthy will be part of the new world order, and Fanelia is not worthy."
Jajuka looked pleased to hear that the first steps were beginning to finalize and that everything would begin to fall in place tomorrow. Strategeos' face gave nothing away except that his head seemed to hang just a little more at the mention of Fanelia's destruction. He did not meet Isaac's eye, which seemed to bore into the top of his head, looking for the slightest hint of objection.
"And of Hitomi?"
"Patience Dilandau; Escaflowne will help us find her."
**********
Hitomi smoothed any wrinkles away in the full green skirt. Tonight would be the first night she wore any of own clothes to dinner. Before everything else had been borrowed clothing. Though Merle's clothes were fine for the occasion, they did not accentuate her features as nicely or hug her body in such a flattering manner. Staring in front of the mirror she couldn't help but wonder if Van would find it pleasing. She had dressed herself with more than her usual care; her golden tresses were pulled back into an elegant bun and the lilies Millernia had picked out at the market were pinned behind her right ear. The only jewelry she wore was the pink crystal pendant around her throat, which the simple neckline accentuated.
Opening the door to her room, she was greeted by Allen pulling on the cuff of his dinner jacket.
"Ah. Lady Hitomi, you look wonderful if I may say so." Allen turned and executed a deep bow in her direction.
Hitomi bobbed into an answering blush. "Is Princess Millernia already downstairs?"
In answer to her question, the chamber door across from Hitomi opened to revealed the Princess. "Hitomi! That dress looks wonderful on you! Was that one of the gowns you and Merle retrieved today?" Millernia quickly crossed the hallway to inspect Hitomi. "The seamstress did this in only two days? I must make sure I visit her shop before I leave. Are you going down to dinner now? Take Allen's other arm. A lady should always be presented at dinner."
Hitomi took Allen's free arm and the three of them descended the stairs. Awaiting them at the bottom were Van and Merle. Merle bounced excitedly on her toes, just as eager for Van to see Hitomi as he was. She had already described the dinner gown and new riding gown in excruciating detail, and though Van was not usually interested in such things, he had listened with rapt attention. Though try as he might, Merle would give no details about the coronation dress he had specially ordered.
Van was indeed just as taken with Hitomi's appearance as Merle had suggested; though the affect was somewhat ruined by the presence of Allen at her side. Van had nothing again Allen personally, but he had heard the rumors of his infamous philandering and was loathed to think that any such rumor would tarnish her reputation, which was tenuous at best. Already whispers of the mysterious woman had begun to circulate around the capital city and soon it would spread to other nations once her presence at his coronation was noticed. Perhaps he could put an end to it before any speculation began by proclaiming her to be his betrothed at the coronation ceremony. His advisors would be livid but there could be little they could do after such a daring announcement. The only flaw to this plan was that Hitomi was ignorant of his intentions. He had treated her with more than friendly affection and he dared to say that she also seemed more than just fond of him, but he too had only recently reached his decision to gain her hand in marriage. In fact, all he knew was that he wanted to marry her. No further plans had been made, and he had no idea how to go about courting her. All these thoughts crashed around his head as he watched her descend the grand staircase. He should go to her and offer his arm. If he gave preference to her over the Princess of Asturia that would mean something. A more petty princess would have been insulted but Millernia would understand, especially if the rumors about her and Allen were true. Van was saved from any further scheming by Millernia herself.
"Milord Van, doesn't Lady Hitomi look wonderful? Surely such a beautiful sight must be given the honor of being presented at dinner by the future king himself."
"You are right Princess. I do not think I have ever had the pleasure of seeing Lady Hitomi look as well as she does tonight." The comment from Allen was honest and true. Though Millernia dripped in priceless jewels, Hitomi's simple beauty was more breath-taking.
Van had never been skilled in his use of flattery and could think of nothing else to say or do other than to approach Hitomi with an affirmative nod. Offering his arm to Hitomi, he took pleasure in the blush that spread across her cheeks. He had tonight and tomorrow to let her know the extent of his feelings and to gauge her own.
*******
Things were not going as well as he had hoped. Van had decided to execute his plan last evening but hadn't found a chance to say anything to Hitomi beyond compliments about her appearance. The conversation had been dominated by Millernia and discussion of his upcoming coronation. To his chagrin, Allen had spent most of the dinner conversing with Hitomi. Even when they had retired for the evening, Van had been obligated to stay behind to discuss last minute plans with his counselors, leaving him to defer to Allen to escort the ladies to their chambers.
Currently he stood outside Hitomi's room while the rest of the castle continued to slumber. He had not had the chance to confirm their usual morning meeting, but he hoped that she was expecting him. Taking a deep breath to strengthen his resolve, he quietly rapt his knuckles against the grain of her door. It opened instantly to reveal a beaming Hitomi dressed in a new riding outfit. Loni had outdone herself; he mentally noted that a thank you card and tokens of his gratitude at her speed and quality of work should be sent to her shop directly. To his amusement, Hitomi spun quickly to show off the new dress.
"Thank you Van! I couldn't wait to wear it today."
"I am pleased you like it." Again he found little to say in response, and he cursed himself silently for ineptness. Perhaps he should start to observe the Caeli knight more often; Allen always seemed to know the right thing to say. Though he had little to say, his smile and shining eyes told Hitomi that he also approved of her dress and she was not put off in the slightest. Closing the door behind her, she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and the two quietly walked the well known path to the roof. As he had before, Van slipped Hitomi's hand down the length of his arm until it rested, clasped in his own. However, rather than leading her towards their usual ledge, he turned towards her as soon as they reach the castle roof.
"I am not good with my words Hitomi, and I will not bother to attempt to flatter your pride with inadequate declarations. I once told you that I was in your debt." Van fnd the courage to lift his eyes and found only curiosity staring back at him. Shyly he cupped her check with his hand; she did not move away but rather tilted her head against his palm. This he used to bolster his courage. "I beg of you another favor, but one I hope will allow me to demonstrate my undying gratitude and affection." Van paused to gather his courage for the final plunge. Hitomi continued to look at him, silently persuading him to continue. Casting his eyes downwards, he continued, "The dress I requested for the coronation tomorrow is of Fanelian design. You see, it is customary for every dignitary to wear the traditional clothing of their country. I wanted yours to be Fanelian, to represent, if you will, my desire for you to continue to see Fanelia as your home." Van lapsed into silence, he hoped that Hitomi was perceptive enough to understand his round about ramblings, to spare him of actually having to state his desires so directly. He was not so lucky.
"I don't understand Van."
"Stay in Fanelia, Hitomi, as my queen. At noon today I will become king and I need a wife to rule by my side. You would be a good and gracious queen, and I would treat you with undying affection. Please accept." Van had inched closer to Hitomi who could only stare back with large round eyes.
"Van…I…don't know what or how. Are you sure? I mean…"
"Hitomi. You have a good heart and I will share my knowledge of Fanelia with you. I know, deep down that you were sent to me for a purpose. I believe that it was to share my throne, and I would be so good to you, attentive to your every need. Please say you will."
There was such honesty in his face that Hitomi knew that every word he utter was true. She had come to love this land and she knew she felt comfort in the presence of Van and Merle. She trusted these people and though they knew nothing of her and she had nothing to give, they had shown only kindness and affection. She was unsure of her duties as queen but she could trust Van to show teach her.
"Yes."
Van closed the small gap between them and gently pressed his lips to hers. It was a shy and fleeting kiss but it held such tenderness and affection. Hitomi could feel his lips stretch into a smile against her own, "Thank you."
********
Dilandau marveled at the colossal metal giants that towered over them. "What are these?"
"Guymelefs; the most advanced fighting machines Gaea will ever see. Fanelia should be proud that their last images will be of such magnificent creatures. Tomorrow you will take one into combat to retrieve Escaflowne."
"I do not know how to use such a thing."
"It is of no matter. You are an Atlantian; these were designed for you. Choose your armor and then meet me in the inn. We have strategies to review." Isaac left Dilandau in the bunker hidden below the inn. Lining the walls were sleeping metal giants, reposed but threatening still. Dilandau's eyes strayed towards one whose red lacquered coat seemed to pulse in the dim lighting. It called out towards him and Dilandau no longer doubted Isaac's words; this armor was made for him alone.
TBC