Disclaimer: I have not, do not, and will never own Escaflowne

Disclaimer: I have not, do not, and will never own Escaflowne. My writing is purely for the enjoyment of myself and my readers.

Everlasting Love: The Rebuilding of a Nation

Written by Sincerity

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Chapter 19 ~ From Here On

Birds chirp contentedly in the forest trees, waking the slumbering and announcing the beginning of a new day. The villages and towns of Fanelia are once again standing and are nearly completed. Only a few more days and the inhabitants of Fanelia will be able to return to their beloved country.

The many members of the reconstruction projects have now taken residence in a few small inns they have finished rebuilding. Still, a few prefer to remain in the tents until every village is completed.

Zire groggily steps outside of his tent. He yawns, scratches his back, and sniffs the air. Trotting over to a nearby creak he stoops down to wash his face when his ears suddenly perk up to the sound of distant laughter. He rises and remains very still, waiting to hear something again. Suddenly, the sound of a child laughing reaches his ears from the direction of the woods to his left. Zire hurries over to Mizook's tent and drags him out. " Hey! What the…" "SHHh!" Zire covers his mouth to quiet him. "Listen." He says in a hushed whisper. The sound of a child laughing reaches their ears, and this time Zire takes off running. Mizook follows close behind. They run until they no longer hear the laughter and decide to stop. " Where did the kid go?" Mizook asks. Zire looks around for a while, sniffs the air, and then makes a decision to go back the way they came and starts running again. Mizook huffing and puffing behind him. Suddenly, Zire spots something bright orange in the distance and gives chase. " What is it?" Asks Mizook in between huffs. " A child!" Zire says over his shoulder. " What is a child doing out in the forest?" Mizook asks Zire as they push their way through thick shrubbery. Zire just shakes his head, and suddenly stops. Mizook nearly bumps into him. " What now!" He whispers impatiently. Zire points in front of them, to the left. The two wolf-men find themselves staring at a make-shift village, full of refugees. Many children happily play in the fenced-in fields, while the adults toil on the ground, or work inside the small hut-like houses. The child they heard laughing runs up to the other kids with a basket full of wild berries. " Whoa…" Mizook says after a moment. " Yeah…" Agrees Zire. "It looks like half of Fanelia has been living here for a while." Mizook's eyes light up with realization. " Hey!" He says tapping Zire's shoulder. " This must be why the dragons are making their nests so far outside the forests, huh?" Zire tuns to look at Mizook with surprise. " My friend, I believe that is the reason." Mizook puffs up his chest and nods in satisfaction. " Come-on. " Zire says, heading back to camp. " Where are we going? Aren't we going to talk to those folks?" He asks, looking back over his shoulder. Zire rips the corner of his shirt and hangs it on a branch. " We better tell the others about this first." The two wolf-men hurry back to camp, leaving behind them a trail of torn material.

Amos is the first to spot the two wolf-men running out of the forest. " What's wrong?" He asks with concern. " You won't…believe…what we just….found!" Mizook says out of breath. " What? What happened?" Amos asks. Allen, overhearing the conversation walks up to the small group. Zire starts explaining but has to be told to slow down. After the two wolf-men tell their story, Amos turns to Allen. " Gather your men with while I go find Folken. We need to convince those refugees to return to camp. I will inform Folken. It is imperative that those individuals are brought to a place that is safe. Fanelia is nearly completed and there is more than enough room for them there." Allen nods and rushes to gather his crew members. Meanwhile, Amos and the wolf-men head for Folken's tent.

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Amos and the wolf-men cousins find Folken outside planting saplings around what will soon be the new castle courtyard. Folken spots them coming and rises to greet them. " Good morning Amos. Zire. Mizook." " Good morning, Folken." Amos replies. Folken takes off his thick glove and frowns slightly. " What's going on?" He asks after noticing the excited expression upon the faces of his three friends. " Zire and Mizook have discovered survivors living in small villages within the heart of the forest." Amos explains. Folken's eyes widen in surprise. " Survivors? Living in the forest?" He repeats. " Yes! Maybe hundreds of them!" Zire exclaims. " We think their new homes have upset the dragons and that's why the big lizards are more aggressive and irritated lately." Mizook chimes in. Folken shakes his head. " I knew there had to be a reason for their odd behavior." " We need you to come with us and talk to the people. Allen is gathering his crew men and they will be accompanying us." Folken nods in understanding and hands his glove over to a young man who passes by with a shovel. " Alright then. Let's go." Folken commands.

On their way to the hidden villages Folken asks Amos about Van. " Millerna stated this morning that he had a small fever." Amos replies. " A fever?" Folken frowns, his heart instantly filled with worry. Fevers are dangerous, especially for a Draconian. Amos notices Folken's worried expression and gently pats his back. " Don't worry. I'm sure Van will be feeling better by the time we return." He states encouragingly. Folken can only nod and continue worrying. But his thoughts and concerns are put on hold as he and the small band of men reach the hidden villages. Just as the wolf-men said there are hundreds of people living in tiny huts. Folken and Amos lead their company and gaze around deeply impressed by the number of people who refused to leave their country. Folken bites his inner gum and tries to stifle the rising waves of shame and guilt that threaten to move him to tears. Upon his order everyone behind him dismount from their horses and cautiously make their way over to meet the wary survivors. Several men from the villages approach them with large rods in their hands. " We mean you no harm." Folken states as he and Amos draw closer. " We too are Fanelians and have come to ask all of you to return home." He continues. " Home? What home?! Our country is lying on the ground in ashes!" One man replies with bitterness. " Not anymore, dear friends." Amos replies. " King Van has returned and the kingdom is nearly completely rebuilt. It is more glorious than before." He continues with growing excitement. The survivors exchange glances. " But the war---" " Is over." Folken interrupts. " It's finished. Peace has now retaken its throne." At this people begin to rush and gather their family and friends, leaving everything behind.

A growing excitement fills the air as they come to join the messengers. " Did we win?" A young man asks from somewhere to the left. Folken nods his head emphatically. " Ten times over!" He replies. Instantly people begin crying while others shout with joy. Folken watches in silence as they begin to funnel out of the villages, not bothering to bring anything with them, except what they are currently wearing, and enter the forest ready to return to their beloved homes. Amos glances over at him and nods when Folken finally meets his gaze. A few feet away Allen picks up a little girl and sets her on his horse's back. Behind him Gadeth and his fellow crew members also give up their seats for the children. Folken stoops down to pick up a small boy who tugs on his pant leg. He carefully hides his metal arm under the folds of his short cloak in an effort to keep from frightening the little one into a panic. The child rests his head against Folken's shoulder and remains very still as his strong friend walks with the crowds through the forest. Up above the sun breaks through the clouds sending its rays through the thick canopy of trees and spotting the ground with bright circles of golden light.

" Are we really going home?" The little boy asks suddenly. Folken glances at him and smiles softly. " Yes. Yes we're going home." " That's great." The child replies. " I'm so homesick." Folken nods mutely, suddenly realizing that his heart is homesick as well.

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Millerna steps out of Van's tent, a deep frown upon her face. The fever hasn't broken and is worse now than what it had been before. " Meegan, go look for Amos, or Folken, or Allen, or somebody! I can't move Van by myself." She commands with a little more urgency than she had intended to use. The young wolf-woman looks at her with wide eyes for a moment before hurrying off do as she was asked. " Where could they be?!" Millerna wonders with frustration. She opens the tent flap as Merle returns with a bucket of water from the well. " Will Van be okay Millerna?" The cat-girl asks with deep worry and teary eyes. Millerna nods mutely, not trusting herself to speak at the moment. Merle hurries inside. Millerna glances out at the forest's edge and freezes. On the out skirt of the forest trees emerge hundreds of individuals, young and old alike. Everyone is smiling or crying with tears of joy. Millerna blinks in surprise and confusion. Then she spots the familiar figures of Allen, Gadeth, Amos, and Folken leading the crowds into the sunshine. Millerna only hesitates for a moment before running out into the large meadow to greet them. Soon, all those in residing within the camps and rebuilt villages emerge to greet loved ones and welcome their neighbors back home. An atmosphere of joy and relief engulfs the air.

Folken sets the small boy down and watches as he rushes to his mother who has emerged from a tent with tears running down her cheeks. He rises slowly and sighs, content to have helped two individuals find a happy ending. " Folken?" Folken turns to see Millerna standing by his side. " Van's fever is worse. I need help moving him into the castle. Being outside is only making him worse." She informs him grimly. Folken nods and gestures for her to lead him. Upon entering the tent Millerna and Folken are greeted by a frightened Meegan and a sobbing Merle who stares at Van with fear as his body convulses uncontrollably. " Oh no!" Millerna gasps as she rushes to help hold Van down. " Come on! Don't just stand there staring! Help us hold him down!" Millerna shouts at Folken. He hurries over to Merle's side and braces Van down against the bed until Millerna is able to cool Van's temperature with cool water. She orders Meegan and Merle into action telling them to keep dabbing at Van's forehead and bare chest. Folken sighs with worry and tenderly smoothes back Van's thick bangs while Millerna goes outside to fetch Allen and ask him to help move Van into the castle where the temperature will be cooler. Folken leans in close to Van's ear and whispers softly. " Van…I don't know if you can hear me my brother but you must not give up. Your people need you. They support you and desire to see you. And I…I don't want to visit your grave…" Folken closes his eyes as tears threaten to spill down his cheeks. Millerna returns with Allen and Gadeth in tow. Folken rises and together the three men manage to move Van onto the back of a wagon and carry him up several flights of stairs to his new bedroom chamber within the reconstructed castle.

Once Van is settled in bed two old healing doctors are searched out and brought to the castle within the next hour. They enter and study Van before turning to each other and trying to decide what to do next. Millerna tries to give her opinion as to what should be done but the doctors ignore her and tell her to go and rest, being that she had stayed up all night watching over Van. Folken agrees with them in the fact that the princess should rest and so he gently encourages her to do so, telling her that he will remain by Van's side. Now Folken listens in silence as the two doctors finally decide to try and bleed out all the bad blood in Van's body. But Folken doesn't allow them near his brother and fervently explains that Van's blood should not be drained from his body. " But the king will die if we don't rid him of the blood that has been spoiled." One of the doctors explains in a tone that is demeaning. Folken frowns and refuses to move out of the way. " I'm sorry gentlemen, but my brother will not loose any blood at this point. He's too weak to suffer such a loss. Besides, the problem isn't that he was poisoned but rather that his body temperature is too high. He needs to be cooled down." Folken explains with growing impatience. Were these doctors stupid or crazy? How could they possibly believe that removing some one of their blood can make them healthier? " I have a better idea." Folken states.

The doctors huff with indignation but succumb to Folken's command and bring Van to a large indoor pool that was built into the floor of an adjoining room. After stripping down to only his underwear, Folken enters the cool water along with his brother, taking care to keep his mechanical arm away from the water's surface. He carefully sits on one of the large steps that descend into the pool and cradles Van upon his lap, making sure to keep Van's head above the surface with his one good arm. The doctors each take turns pouring cool water over Van's hair in an attempt to keep his head cool while Folken does his best to ignore the goose bumps that pepper the skin on his arm, chest, back, and legs. Even after sitting in the same position for three hours Folken refuses to move until Millerna returns and checks Van's temperature. She nods with relief and has Allen, Amos, and Zire come to help Folken and Van out of the cool pool water.

" I think he's going to make a complete recovery. Thanks to your quick thinking." Millerna states to Folken as she covers his shivering body with a thick, wool, towel. Folken nods and pads into Van's bed chamber to make sure the doctors didn't try anything stupid. Millerna shakes her head. " He really loves his brother doesn't he?" She states to Amos as they enter the chamber to find Folken sitting at Van's bedside once again. Amos nods. " He always has. He always will." As they look on Zire steps up to Folken's side and offers the weary man a few cornbread paddies and a cup of water. Folken takes them gratefully and nods his thanks.

As night drapes her velvety cloak over the dimming sky Millerna returns to Van's chamber to find Folken still sitting by Van's side. " Folken? Have you been here all afternoon?" She asks with surprise. Folken nods mutely. " Nurses have come and go, but I want to stay here over the course of the night." He replies softly. Millerna nods with understanding and pulls a seat over to the opposite side of the bed. " Do you mind if I keep you two some company?" She asks softly. Folken shakes his head. Suddenly Van stirs and his eyes flutter open. The soft candle light eases his tired eyes and after a moment Van turns to look directly at Folken. " Father?…" He asks softly. Folken blinks in surprise and glances over at Millerna who is frowning. " It's okay Folken. I think he's still dreaming." Folken nods and carefully picks up one of Van's limp hands. " Father…I'm scared." Van whispers. Folken shakes his head. " Don't be frightened Van. I won't leave your side. Rest….rest." He whispers while gently leaning down and planting a soft kiss upon Van's forehead. Van sighs and turns on his side, taking Folken's hand in between his and tucking it under his chin before falling back to sleep. Millerna smiles softly and glances up to see tears shining in Folken's eyes. Folken sighs and does his best to stifle a yawn, while struggling to blink away his sudden tears. Millerna moves over to his side and helps him turn the chair he sits upon so that he might rest his head on the bed more comfortably. Folken thanks her gratefully and Millerna decides to leave the two brothers to themselves. However, she doesn't fail to remind Folken that if anything should happen he must come and fetch her right away. Folken promises to do so before wishing the princess a good night.

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Van wakes up to find himself in a quiet meadow filled with daffodils. He rises to his feet and makes his way over to a small bubbly creek that runs through the meadow. He stoops down to scoop up some water in his hands. The creek's bubbly surface ripples gently over smooth rocks at the bottom of its bed. Van sits down and dips his feet in its cool water, watching leaves and small twigs lazily float by without a care in the world. He sighs in contentment and smiles at a butterfly that perches upon the tip of his nose. It gracefully flaps its aqua-blue wings a few times. Van crosses his eyes in an effort to see it clearly, but gives up when he realizes it isn't helping.

In the distance the sound of birds chirping can be heard. A soft breeze blows, and the butterfly takes to flight deciding that this stranger is rather boring. Van sighs again and closes his eyes for a moment. Suddenly, he feels a growing warmth around his feet, which are still in the creek, and looks down. He starts in surprise to see the creek is now a river of blood. He looks up and finds himself at the foot of a large hill. At the top of the hill is a crowd screaming and yelling words he doesn't understand. The river of blood is running down from their midst. Van jumps to his feet in disgust and rushes up the hill to see what is going on.

No one lets him in so he crawls between several legs and manages to get to the front. When Van finally reaches the center he gasps in horror and freezes in shock. Hitomi is lying on her back on top of a flat, stone pillar. Her wrists have been slit open and now all her blood runs down to the ground and slithers into the river of blood. He looks at her in shock. Van stands on shaky legs, trying to understand why this has happened. Hitomi suddenly turns her head and looks at him. " Why didn't you help me, Van?" She says in a hoarse whisper before gasping away her last breath.

Van runs over to Hitomi and lifts her into his arms, pressing her gently against himself. He cries out in anguish and rocks her gently as if to comfort a child who has been upset. Flashes of Hitomi laughing and smiling at him when she was alive fills his tormented mind. He sobs until he can no longer cry and then buries his face in her hair. After several moments he sets her down, gently, and turns to the crowd only to find them not there any more. He turns back to Hitomi but she is gone too. Confused and upset, he shouts at the top of his voice, " What is going on?!" There is no response, no sound, except for the eerie moan of the wind. The sky suddenly grows dark and the wind picks up. The wind's howling turns into whispering. Van frowns and strains to hear what it is saying. But as he stands listening the words become clear. " Why couldn't you forgive me?…" It whispers. " Why couldn't you love me?…" It repeats. "Why?… Why?…" The whispering slowly ebbs away, but continues to ring in his ears. Van jumps in surprise as he suddenly hears a soft moan behind him and whirls around to find his brother, Folken. He is bound, hands and feet, to a steak that is planted firmly in the ground. Folken's wings have been broken and many of his feathers have been pulled off. His skin is covered with bloody slash marks, just like the marks a whip would create. He moans every time he tries to take a breath, his entire body quivering in pain. Folken wearily raises his head and looks directly at Van, tears streaming down his pale cheeks. Van rushes up to him and reaches for his brother's bonds, but before he can release him the ground around the stake bursts into flames.

Folken cries out in anguish as the flames lick his soft, tender flesh. Van screams and backs away watching in horror as the fire grows so intense that he can no longer see or hear Folken anymore. Then, as quickly as the flames appeared they vanish and Van is left staring at no fire and no Folken. He looks around in confusion. " Brother, where are you?!" Van cries out. His mind suddenly flooded with the memory of Folken's smile and gentle laugh. " Oh Folken…" Van whimpers. " I have been so unkind to you…Even when you proved your loyalty to me." Van feels hot tears of grief and regret fill his eyes and spill onto his cheeks.

Suddenly, he feels himself falling into a dark chasm. He can't tell which way is up or down and tries to sprout his wings, but realizes that he is wrapped in chains. Van tries to scream but loses his breath as he suddenly hits the surface of icy-cold water and sinks to the bottom of the creek he dipped his feet in earlier. Van struggles with his chains, manages to slip free and swims frantically until he finally breaks the surface. He pulls out the gag and gasps for breath. Climbing onto the bank he lays on the soft grass for a moment, closing his eyes. The soft, gentle breeze rustling his dark hair. The birds chirping in the trees. Van sighs in relief. But then, everything becomes very still and quiet.

" You cannot stop me! I will destroy you and everyone you hold dear!" Says a voice above him. Van opens his eyes with a start and looks up to see a man with silver hair that reaches his shoulders, staring down at him with an evil smirk on his face. Van shudders at the man's gaze and gasps as he suddenly takes out an impossibly huge sword from somewhere behind his back and stabs Van in the chest. Van feels the blade slice his heart in two before piercing the ground beneath him. Images of Fanelia's rebuilding, faces of people he loves, childhood memories all rush past his mind's eye before everything goes black.

" The fever has finally past." Says a hushed voice. Van opens his eyes wearily and looks directly into Millerna's calm face. " He should be more comfortable now." Van blinks and realizes that Millerna is looking at someone to his left. He turns his head to see who it is. Amos nods silently and then smiles when he sees Van staring at him groggily. " It is good to see you awake again, your majesty." He says softly. Van closes his eyes for a moment and then opens them. "…so tired…" He manages to say in a weak whisper. " That's normal for someone who has just fought a tremendous fever, Van." Millerna says gently. She lays a small towel that was soaked in cool water, on his forehead. Van sighs as he feels its cool relief take effect. Amos moves aside to allow Merle access to Van. She leans down and tenderly licks his cheek. Van looks at her and smiles weakly. " Van-sama…" She coos and licks his cheek again, purring softly. " What…what happened?" Van asks with confusion. " You don't remember?" Millerna asks, slightly concerned. Van just blinks at her. Millerna looks at Amos who in turn sits himself down on a chair beside the bed. Merle moves up to Van's pillow and watches him closely. " Do you remember going with a group of men to one of the watch tower sights on the boarder?" Amos begins. Van nods his head. " Bad weather…" He says softly. Amos nods. " Yes. It was raining very hard, but you and your group insisted on finishing the tower anyhow." Van looks at Merle who is playing with a strand of his dark-blue hair. Amos waits until he has Van's attention again. " One section of the wall collapsed, and you were caught underneath." Van furrows his eyebrows, trying to remember. " Folken saved your life and brought you back to base camp." Van's eyes widen. " How come I don't remember?" He asks in wonder. Millerna smiles. " You were knocked unconscious, Van. Then, you stopped breathing, but Folken and Allen revived you." She says while removing the cloth from his forehead. Van looks back at Amos for confirmation. " It's true. Allen and the others said that Folken flew out of the forest and lifted the huge wall off of your body." Van blinks in astonishment. " Then you spent the rest of that night on a mat until we moved you into your new room. But unfortunately you caught a fever." Van looks back at her and waits to see if she has anything else to say. She does. " You have been fighting the fever for five days. Most of which Folken has been by your side refusing to sleep or eat until he was certain you would be alright. You gave us quite a scare. For a while I wasn't sure if we might be losing two brothers instead of one. I nearly had to shove Folken's food down his throat." Millerna explains. Van sighs with disbelief and looks back at Amos. " Five days?" He asks. Amos nods. " What about the reconstruction?" Amos chuckles. " The towns and villages are finished son. The only thing that remains are a few corridors and chambers in the castle, but those can be finished with considerably less help." Van shakes his head in wonder. " I can't believe we did it…Fanelia has risen from the ashes…" " Yes Van. Your kingdom has healed." Merle reaches into her pocket and pulls out a beautiful Daffodil, handing it over to Van. He takes it from her carefully and twirls it slowly in his fingers, admiring each pedal. Merle smiles. " I thought you would like to see one." Van nods mutely, blinking away tears that suddenly fill his eyes. Millerna rises and pulls open the curtains, allowing the sunshine to fill the room with soft, golden light. She smiles as Van laughs out of pure joy. Even from the bedroom he can hear the sounds of people, Fanelians walking on the streets, chattering, laughing, living in their kingdom again. His entire body aches and voices its protest as he struggles to sit upright. Amos helps him while Millerna hands him a cup of water. Merle smiles and holds his hand.

After Van drinks two full cups, he looks at Amos with an inquiring expression on his face. " Where is my brother?" Amos takes Van's cup and hands it to Millerna who quietly exits the room. " He is downstairs consulting with Allen about certain matters." Van furrows his eyebrows again. " What matters?" Amos shakes his head. " Do not worry about that right now." Van turns his head to the window again and then sets his lips into a firm grimace as he tries to get out of bed. " Your majesty I do not think that it is wise for you to be walking around yet." Van looks at him slightly aggravated. " I feel fine Amos." Amos presses firmly, but gently against Van's chest. " Van, I really think you should rest." Van looks up at him in surprise and settles back down. " If you would like, I can tell Folken that you are awake." Van shakes his head. " No, its okay. He probably doesn't want to be disturbed right now." Merle climbs up on the bed and sits down beside Van. " Don't worry Van, I'll keep you company." Van smiles. " Thanks Merle." Amos rises to his feet and pushes the chair back into the corner.

Just then Millerna enters the room with a tray of food, followed closely by Meegan. Van smiles warmly at the two. " We thought you might be a little-bit hungry so we cooked up something light and simple for you while you were sleeping." Meegan says shyly. Van's smile grows wider as he takes a deep whiff of chicken soup. " Mmmm…" He smiles as his stomach suddenly grumbles in anticipation. " How did you manage to get chicken?" Van asks with surprise. " Zire and Mizook went hunting and brought back a good amount of wild chickens from the north-east meadows. They had a little help from their fellow wolf-men clang members." Millerna explains. Amos smiles at the women and how they dote over Van. Merle insists on feeding Van herself, while Meegan and Millerna look on. Amos shakes his head and quietly exits the room. I better inform Folken that Van's condition has improved. He thinks to himself as he hurries down a long corridor and descends a rather large and very wide stair case.

Folken sits quietly, looking over the papers Allen just handed to him. " We have been able to bring twenty more families out of the surrounding forests and mountain ranges. Many of them believed that the war was still in effect." Allen walks over to one of the large windows and looks out over the villages to the forests and beyond, his hands folded behind him. " After the first refugee village was discovered, it didn't take long for us to find others." Folken quietly reads over the names before setting the papers down. " I realized that there had to be another reason for explaining why so many dragons were leaving their forest homes." Folken replies. Allen turns around. " Yes. The refugees were driving the dragons out. But…I doubt they meant any harm to anyone else by doing so. They were merely trying to protect their families." Folken nods in agreement. " How many more are out there?" Allen thinks for a moment, " by my estimation and from what the other refugees have told us, no more than fifteen. We intend to bring them all into the safety of Fanelia's walls." Folken nods again.

Allen watches Folken's face for a few moments before deciding to speak. " I'm going to change the subject for a moment." Folken looks up at Allen as he approaches him. " What are your intentions of remaining here?" Folken's expression is questioning but calm. " What do you mean?" " I want to know that your intentions are not to cause Van or Fanelia more harm. You see, Van is a dear friend and I will go to the ends of Gaea to protect him." Folken stares at Allen partly in surprise and partly in admiration. " I understand and respect your position." Folken begins, " But no harm will come to Van by me." Allen stares at Folken for a few moments before he nods and walks over to an empty chair to sit down. He quietly glances over at Folken and shakes his head in astonishment at the memory of the man flying out of nowhere to help his brother. He was like a dark, guardian angel. The power with which he lifted that heavy chunk of wall was astounding. Yet, he was so gentle with his brother... Allen muses at the irony of the entire situation. Folken use to be the right hand of Dornkirk, …the emperor of Zaibach…now look at him…its amazing what love can do.

Folken, feeling Allen's gaze upon him, looks up with questioning eyes. Allen starts slightly, he didn't realize that he was staring, and quickly explains what he is thinking. " How did you know Van needed your help?" He asks. Folken looks at him calmly before replying. " I felt his anguish." He states simply. Allen studies Folken's face with a carefully blank expression. Folken tries to understand what it is Allen is searching for. After a moment or two, Allen sighs softly, rises from the chair, and walks back over to the window. " What will you do when Fanelia is completed?" He asks. Folken contemplates the question for a few moments before replying. " I don't know."

The room falls silent as the two run out of things to say, each one now deep in thought. A sudden knock on the door interrupts the silence. " Come in." Folken and Allen say together, unintentionally. A young man, about eighteen, enters, bows, and delivers his message. " Forgive the intrusion, my lords, but I have traveled from Fried with an urgent message for Sir Allen Schezar and the Princes Millerna of Austuria." Allen turns around to see the young man looking at him and Folken with quick glances. " Are either of you Sir Allen?" He asks. Allen walks up to the young man, " I am Sir Allen. Please, tell me your message." The young man nods and continues, " King Chid wishes you to return as soon as possible with the princess. There are certain issues that have arisen and he desires to speak with you." Allen is silent for a few moments before he nods and turns to Folken, who rises to his feet. " I must go." Allen says in a strained and hurried tone of voice. Folken nods in understanding. " Can you see that the remaining refugees are brought to safety?" Folken nods again. " Please inform Van that I wish Fanelia well." " Yes. I will." Folken says sincerely. Allen nods and turns to leave. " Allen…" Folken's voice stops Allen in mid-stride. He looks at Folken with a questioning expression on his face. Folken seems to want to say something, but then changes his mind and simply nods instead. Seeing that Folken has nothing more to say, Allen exits the room with great haste leaving Folken alone in the silent Conference Room.

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Folken steps into the main hall just when Amos arrives. " Folken." He says walking over to meet him. Folken turns around at the mention of his name. His eyes grow warm at the sight of his dearest friend. " Amos…" Folken greets with a warm smile and a nod. The two meet each other half way. " Folken…what is wrong? You look concerned." Amos states when they get closer. Folken sighs and explains the conversation he had with Allen and the hostility he feels emanating from him. Amos listens silently before speaking. " Allen is a good man. He will come to understand you, but he needs time to heal. He has…issues to work out first." Folken sets his lips into a grim, thin line. " You mean the fact that Celena was actually Dilanau and that she was under my supervision." Amos shakes his head sadly. " It's in the past. Celena will be fine and so will Allen". Folken shifts uncomfortably and turns his gaze to the stairs. Amos sees the question in Folken's eyes and decides to change the subject to a happier one when he remembers why he came down. " Folken, your brother is awake." At the mention of Van's recovery Folken's eyes shine with relief. " Thank God." He murmurs softly.

Amos looks at him for a moment before speaking again. " Are you going to go up?" Folken's expression grows solemn as he looks into Amos's eyes. Then he shifts his gaze down to his feet. Amos lays a reassuring hand on Folken's shoulder. " Folken, you are his brother and you love him. If neither of you are willing to take the first step of reaching out and offering friendship, then how can the two of you ever grow close?" Amos asks quietly. Folken looks past Amos to the staircase behind him before nodding in agreement and moving forward. " Folken…" Amos calls after him. Folken turns around, eyebrows raised in question. " Don't be intimidated by Van's attitude. It's just a way of protecting his feelings." Folken digests this information for a moment before nodding his head and climbing the stairs, his long cape gliding swiftly behind him. Amos watches the dark, majestic figure climb the stairs like a floating spirit until he walks out of view.

Folken makes his way down the corridor that will bring him to Van's room. So many memories… Folken remembers many happy days within these same walls. He and Van were the best of friends. Whenever he could get away from his busy schedule of classes and sword practices, Folken would wander down this hall searching each room until he found Van. Then, the fun would begin. Van always made Folken laugh. How he misses that closeness and friendship they shared. His thoughts are interruped by the sudden sound of Van's laughter. It rings down the hall clear and strong. Folken stops and listens to his brother for a moment, a soft smile gently tugging at his lips. Its been years since I have heard that sound… Folken muses.

Just then, Meegan steps out of a room about a foot away and turns. She stops short when she sees Folken standing in the hall. Meegan blushes, smiles, and curtsies lightly. " Good afternoon, Folken." She says warmly. " Good afternoon, Meegan." He responds. She blushes again before walking past him briskly with a tray of empty dishes in her hands. He watches her walk by before returning his attention to the now open doorway. Soft, sunshine streams into the hall from inside the room where all the laughter and happy chatter is coming from. Where his brother is. Folken takes a deep breath and steps into the sunlight.

Millerna turns to leave the room when she spots Folken standing at the doorway, watching in silence. She gazes at his face for a moment, a silent hope in his eyes. Millerna catches Merle's attention with a serious look. Merle glances at the door and freezes when she sees Folken waiting patiently. Millerna nods for Merle to exit the room with her. Merle looks at Van whose gaze is now fixed on his brother. The girls look at each other and quickly walk out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind themselves. Folken looks at Van tenderly, but doesn't utter a word. Van stares at Folken and waits. Neither brother speaks for several moments. Then, finally, Folken breaks the silence. " How do you feel?" Van studies his brother a moment longer before answering. " I'm okay." He replies feeling slightly awkward. Folken decides to fall back on his people skills and try to start a conversation with his brother. One that would, hopefully, not end up with them fighting over something.

Van watches Folken intensely as he walks over to the side of the bed. " May I sit here?" He asks while pointing to the empty chair. Van nods his head, never taking his eyes off of Folken's placid and gentle face. Folken sits down and looks at Van with tender affection. Finally, unable to hold back the number one question that has bugged him ever since he met his older brother again, Van speaks. " Why do you have a tear painted on your face?" Folken remains silent for a moment before answering very candidly, no longer desiring anything to be kept away from Van's knowledge. " It is a reminder of what I have lost or…at least what I thought I had lost." Van blinks and then shifts a little bit. " What did you think you lost?" He continues. " Everything." Folken replies regretfully. " Anything that mattered. Father… my chance to become king… mother,…my arm,…you…" Van looks down at his lap and the two brothers fall silent again for several moments.

" It wasn't the same after you left and never came back..." Van states regretfully. Folken looks at Van with a mixture of shame and grief. Van continues, " Mother cried for you every day. She would smile, but her eyes were always sad. Then it got to the point when she couldn't wait any longer and decided to look for you herself. Everyone was so certain that you had died, but she knew better." Van states softly looking at Folken through his thick dark bangs. "She knew you were still alive." Folken looks down at his lap, unable to hold Van's gaze. " Did you ever think about home when you were away? Did you ever miss us?" Van asks. Folken shakes his head at the memory of all the lonely years in Ziabach. " At first…it was very difficult. I was so ashamed of not being successful with the right of passage. I was devastated when I realized I no longer had my arm, that I disappointed you, Balgus, and mother…but then I blocked out my feelings and focused on my education." Folken explains. Van stares at him, unable to comprehend not wanting to be with the people you love. Understanding the bewildered look on his brothers face, Folken continues, " Van…I was a coward…I was a fool." Van looks at Folken carefully studying his brother's countenance, " What will you do now?" He prompts a shimmer of hope glimmering within his eyes. Folken looks up and meets Van's gaze. They stare at each other for several moments, each recognizing the pain in the other's eyes.

The room is filled with the soft glow of the setting sun, softening their expressions. Van sucks in a deep and worried breath. " I don't know if I have what it takes to be a king. I don't know if I can do this…" Folken reaches out and on impulse gently squeezes Van's hand with his left. " You will be a great king, Van. Of that I am certain." Van looks down at their hands and then back into Folken's steady gaze. " Will you stay?" He asks in a quiet whisper. Folken blinks in surprise. He silently studies Van's expression very carefully for several moments before nodding his head. Van gives him a small smile. " You'll help me then?" He asks hopefully. Folken lifts his hand to cup Van's cheek, leaning in close to plant a soft and tender kiss upon Van's forehead. " Of course, my brother…of course." He whispers against Van's ear. Van pulls back just enough to have a clear view of Folken's face. Folken watches Van's expression transfer from surprise to trust. The two brothers stare at each other, frozen, unmoving as the room suddenly floods with a golden, almost surreal, glow. Outside the sun kisses the horizon in one final moment of glory before surrendering the sky to the moon. The moment is forever plucked out of time for both brothers. A moment neither will ever forget.

Folken lowers his hand to his lap and Van slowly releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. " So…" he begins after a moment of peaceful silence, " what still needs to be done?" Folken gives Van a rare smile and for the next hour he explains to him what has been accomplished in Fanelia and shares the discovery of survivors. Van listens intently, a small smile upon his lips. Outside the door, Amos pauses for a moment, listening to Van and Folken converse. Maybe there is still hope for them…

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Chapter 20 coming soon!

The Fanelian kingdom has been rebuilt but now a council must be chosen, Van must learn to be a wise king, Folken struggles to understand where he fits in, and life prepares to throw new challenges their way.