Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne

Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne. My writing is purely for the enjoyment of my readers and myself.

Everlasting Love: The Rebuilding of a Nation

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Chapter 20: ~ New Horizons

By Sincerity

The kingdom of Fanelia is rebuilt. Its buildings are more beautiful than before and the kingdom promises to be all it once was and more. A week has past since Van's recovery from the fever that nearly took his life. Now he and Amos have decided to go ahead and choose members for the new council. Advisors and military officers will be chosen soon after. Feeling that the people of Fanelia deserve to be given a time to rejoice Van decrees that a tremendous celebration begin in the evening and last for three days. Invitations are sent to other kingdoms, among them the kingdoms of Austuria, Mandeza, and Egzardia. Responses are positive and so Fanelia busies itself in preparing for the celebrations while Van and Amos continue to build a new monarchy.

Five men, both human and wolf-man, sit around a rectangular table talking and drinking freshly squeezed grape juice from their cups. Folken stands before a large window, one of many that circle the new conference chamber on the west side of Fanelia's castle. He quietly stares outside the window, watching villagers as they carry on with their day completely unaware of his gaze upon them. Behind him Folken hears a soft hum of whispers as the chosen council members talk in low, hushed voices. No doubt some of them have begun to question why he is present and others why he's still alive. Folken can feel their curious stares and bitter glares dig deep into his back as he waits in silence for Van and Amos to arrive. Amos had asked him to come to the conference chamber at this hour stating that Van wanted him present. Folken can only guess what the reason might be.

Despite his effort to remain unaffected by the obvious distance between himself and everyone else currently in the conference chamber his guilt over the past blossoms and he feels his face blush with shame. They have the right. They have the right to be angry and bitter. It was I who destroyed their lives. I deserve worse than what I am receiving at this moment. Folken rationalizes to himself as the whispers suddenly die down and the large wooden doors open wide. Immediately everyone rises and Folken turns around to see Amos step into the room. " All hail the king of Fanelia." Amos proclaims before stepping aside in order to allow Van entrance. At the sight of their new king the council members tap the long, rectangular table with their knuckles in unison. At their welcome Van nods his appreciation and scans the room for his brother. He pauses when his eyes meet the tall quiet figure standing in the shadows of a corner.

Van makes his way to the head of the table while Amos takes his seat at Van's immediate left. Not being one to avoid confrontation or beat around the bush, Van jumps straight to business. " As all of you now know, I have appointed Amos to be the head of the council. I trust this decision will sit well with everyone present." Van pauses to glances around at the faces before him. All seem content and agreeable with the decision. " Good. Then the next order of business for today will be declaring who is to be the head advisor and military strategist for our beloved country." Van continues. At this the council members begin to talk all at once. Van raises his hands in a gesture that implies for them to fall silent. " One at a time." He commands before pointing to the opposite end of the table. " We'll start with Ezrah." Van states as he turns the floor over to a man in his mid thirties. Ezrah nods. His straight, brown, shoulder length hair lightly falls forward at the movement of his head. Looking up he fixes his deep green eyes upon the king.

" Your majesty, I feel that it would serve Fanelia well to appoint an elder to be head advisor and a well seasoned general from Egzardia or Fried to be our military strategist." " No, no. I disagree." States a wolf-man, who has been frowning at Ezrah since he began to speak. All eyes turn upon Lizon. The golden-furred wolf-man turns to the king. " I think we should keep all our top officials within Fanelia's borders. We have more than enough capable and willing individuals right here in our own country who could fill in those positions." Amos nods in agreement. " Why not let the advisor and military strategist be the same individual?" States a second wolf-man with patches of red and brown fur. One particularly dark brown spot circles his left eye bringing out the deep blue of its iris. He blinks and looks around at his fellow council members as several eyebrows are raised at the new option he has revealed. " Wouldn't that be a little-bit too overwhelming for one individual, Yemen?" Replies a twenty something man sitting directly across from him.

" I think it's a good idea, Simon." Answers Van. At this Simon shakes his head and leans back in his chair. " Okay, fine." " Don't be angry Simon. We're all trying to think of options." Replies the last council member who has been silently listening to everything that has been said thus far. " Cam, I'm not angry. I'm just frustrated." " Well don't be that either." Cam scolds. He raises a paw to brush aside a few strands of his long gray-blue fur that has fallen over one eye. " How about you, your majesty? Have you any ideas?" Cam asks Van. At this Van nods his head and stands. " I not only have ideas I have already made my decision. But I wanted to hear all of your thoughts first." Van replies. " You've already chosen the individuals?" Yemen asks with surprise. " I have chosen the individual. Yes." " Well come then! Tell us who it is!" Smiles Ezrah. The others nod in anticipation.

Folken has been standing at the back of the room in silence up to this point, partially hidden within the shadows. Van turns his back to the council and looks directly at him. " I appoint Folken Lakur DeFanel to be my head advisor and military strategist." At this Folken looks up at Van in surprise, as does the rest of the assembly. The silence that ensues lasts only a few seconds although it seems much longer than that. Then all at once everyone begins to complain or disagree. Amos remains silent, watching Van's expression. Van raises his hands in a gesture that asks for silence. " I have made my decision and it will be as I have decreed." " But your majesty…Folken…that man is responsible for the destruction of our kingdom!" Simon blurts out. Van nods, his eyes flashing with anger at the curtness of the man before him. " Have we all not done something we regret?" " But this is different." Yemen states. " Yes! If he's given these positions he will be in charge of hundreds, maybe even thousands of lives!" Agrees Lizon. " He betrayed us and then turned around and betrayed Ziabach too! How do we know he won't just do the same to us? Again?!" Simon shouts with anger. Van continues, trying to keep his own anger under control. " Folken has redeemed himself. I believe his experiences and knowledge will be of great help and importance to us." The council members try to argue again but Van bangs his fists against the table, rattling the cups and silencing everyone instantly. Seven pairs of wide eyes stare at him in surprise. " I have forgiven my brother! I trust him and thus I demand that all of you trust me in my judgement of him! Is that clear?!" Van shouts in as deep and commanding a voice as he can muster. Everyone blinks in silent response. Amos glances at Folken who is staring at Van in silence. Van walks over to him and takes his hand, leading his brother out of the shadows, into the light and back to the head of the table in order to stand by his side. " This man is my brother and I will not tolerate anyone questioning his allegiance or sincerity." Van slowly stares at each face in turn, making sure that every individual has met his gaze.

Folken stares at Van with shining eyes. Amos nods in silent agreement. " If you trust him so fiercely…than we too will trust him." Ezrah states quietly. A few of the others nod in silent agreement, Simon huffs in agitation but remains silent. Van nods his thanks, releases his tension through a deep sigh, and excuses them. One by one they exit the conference chamber until only Van, Amos, and Folken remain. For a few moments the three simply stand, staring at each other. Folken glances at Van, then Amos, then at the windows and the clouds beyond. Amos smiles at the two brothers and steps closer, resting one hand on each of them. Folken and Van look at him with raised eyebrows. " I think you have made the right decision." Amos states to Van with an even bigger smile and squeezes their shoulders before turning around and leaving the conference chamber. Van and Folken watch him exit the chamber and disappear from view as two guards out in the hall shut the large wooden doors behind him.

Van sighs and turns to look out one of the large windows. There is silence for several moments while Folken quietly struggles to find words to express his worries. " Van, are you… certain that you want to give me so much authority over your people?" Van takes in a deep breath and sighs long and hard before turning around. " They are your people too, you know." Van begins. " And yes. I'm sure of what I'm doing. Why? Don't you want the position I have given you?" Folken shakes his head and steps a little-bit closer. "That is not what troubles me, Van. I…don't want your council members to think little of you simply because you have decided to give authority to a Zaibach strategist." " But that's not who you are anymore." Van replies with furrowed eyebrows. Folken nods. " I agree but others might not."

Van shrugs in a very boyish manner making his cape ripple over his shoulders. He turns to the window once again and gazes out at the setting sun. "I…don't really care what other people say…what do they know?" Folken raises one fine eyebrow. " They may not know as much as you or I or even Amos, but…they have the power to either make or break your image, your authoritative power over the kingdom. Thus…in a sense they rule." Van looks at Folken over his shoulder, his eyes studying Folken very carefully. He takes in the white robes his brother now wears. A large, sleeveless dress overcoat of deep blue is worn over the white robes. The new look is softer and more humbling than the black, tight clothes Folken wore during his allegiance to Ziabach. He's becoming more and more like the brother I remember. No one knows him the way I do. He's different now. Why can't people see this? Van thinks quietly before sighing once again.

" You could be right Folken…I don't know. But I really don't care what people say about you." Folken nods silently, a small grin playing upon his lips. " Then neither do I."

Van returns the grin and nods with satisfaction. " Good. Walk with me." He commands as he exits the conference chamber. The two brothers walk side-by-side down the hall in silence for several moments. They turn a corner and pause before two huge, intricately carved mahogany doors. Each door bares the Fanelian emblem and Folken finds himself staring at them. He blinks away as two soldiers on either side open the heavy doors for their king before the brothers continue inside. " Did you hear anything about Egzardia?" Van asks as he steps into the throne room. Folken nods. " Yes. Princess Liliana will be joining the festivities. She, her father, and brother will be arriving later tonight." He replies. Van nods. " I guess…they will be expecting an answer." Van states as he takes a seat upon his throne.

Folken looks at him in silent contemplation for several moments. " What have you decided?" Van shakes his head and sighs. " I…I don't know." He confesses. The two remain silent for several moments, staring at objects around the room. Their minds are distant, their thoughts saturated with worries. A servant quietly enters the throne room from the far end and silently begins lighting candles along the walls. Rich purple curtains create an inner wall of satin that flutters in the soft breeze blowing in from the open balcony doors beyond them. Van suddenly rises from the throne and walks out onto one of the large balcony patios where he descends a flight of steps to sit on a marble bench situated within the center of the royal gardens. Van sighs deeply and looks up into the dark velvet sky, his eyes gazing longingly upon the moons that float high above.

Folken makes his way down the stairs and takes a seat on the bench beside his silent brother. " You miss her, don't you?" Folken asks gently. Van sighs, lowering his head to glance at his brother behind his thick bangs. A silent effort to hide the sudden blush that has colored his cheeks. " I don't mean to be so obvious." Van murmurs quietly. Folken grins. " It's alright, Van. You should count yourself lucky to have felt the joy of love." Van shakes his head. " But that's just the problem." Folken looks at Van questioningly. " How do you mean?" Van takes a deep breath and sighs again. " I'm not certain what it is exactly that I feel for her. I…I don't know if it's really love or just…just…" " an infatuation?" Folken offers. Van looks up at him and nods, unable to think of a better term for what he feels. " We were just starting to understand each other when she had to go. Now I feel as if everything I think or dream of her is only a fantasy." Folken remains silent for several moments while Van pulls something out from under his shirt. Folken watches as Van pulls the small, pink pendant that had been given to him by Hitomi over his head.

" This was her gift to me. Her way of saying that she believes in me." Van turns the small stone very carefully within his young, callused hands. Folken stares at the small pendant with a mixture of curiosity and wonder. " Where did she get the pendant?" Van shrugs. " I think she said that her grandmother gave it to her when she was very young." Van offers the stone to Folken, giving him opportunity to have a closer look. Folken glances at Van as he pours the pendant into his open hand. He lifts the pendant by the chain with two of his metal fingers and gently twirls the small rock within the fingers of his left hand. It sparkles as the rays of the moons bounce off its shiny surface. " It has a special power that I'm only beginning to understand." Van explains as he watches the rock twirl in between his brother's fingers.

" You mean that it can glow?" Folken asks as he carefully returns the pendant into Van's possession once again. " Sort of." Van replies as he slips the pendant back over his head and gently tucks it under his shirt. " Hitomi could see things whenever she used it. She told me that the pendant was how she found me when I was trapped in your fortress." Van explains. Folken listens silently as waves of shame wash over his heart at the memory of that fateful day. " I didn't know that." He replies, hiding his emotions behind a cool facade. " She tried to teach me how to use it when we were visiting Chid in Fried." Van continues. " We had Merle hide in the gardens and then Hitomi had me try to find Merle by using the pendant." " Did you find her?" Folken asks. Van shakes his head. " I was too impatient to try again after I couldn't maintain my focus the first time." Van replies as he stoops down to pick up a pebble and throw it into a lake a few feet beyond.

Folken chuckles softly and shakes his head. " What's so funny?" Van asks, furrowing his eyebrows. " You haven't changed one bit." Folken replies. Van frowns even deeper. " Is that a good thing?" Folken nods. " I wish I could state the same about myself." He confesses. Van stares at him in silence for several moments before speaking again. " You know, I almost died fighting that stupid dragon for the right of succession." He confesses suddenly. Folken looks at Van in surprise. Van continues when he sees his sibling's expression. " I was too proud to believe that I couldn't do it. Fate had me sent to the Mystic Moon where I accidentally ran into Hitomi. She warned me of the dragon's attacks." " Hitomi is a very unique woman. She's…quite intriguing." Folken responds as he too picks up a pebble and throws it into the lake. The two brothers watch the pebble skip across the surface four to five times before disappearing with a soft splash.

Van frowns at Folken who looks up at him questioningly. " Now why can't I do that?" Van mumbles as he squats at the lake's bank and tosses another pebble into the lake. It plops into the water with a loud splash before disappearing from view. Folken laughs out loud despite himself and smiles down at the ground. Van releases a worried sigh and stares down at his rippling reflection. " I don't love Liliana." He states so softly that it could almost be a whisper. Folken's demeanor instantly grows solemn once again as Van continues. " I respect her and I do admit that she's pretty, but she's not…she's not…" Folken closes his eyes. " I know Van…I'm sorry." Van looks over his shoulder. " Why are you sorry? You sure weren't sorry before." Folken lowers his head taking the sharp blow Van just threw at his heart. Deep inside he understands Van's anger and forces himself to accept his brother's harsh words knowing that they are the truth. Van returns his attention to the lake. " I'm sorry too." He replies quietly. At this Folken opens his eyes. " Why?" He asks just as softly. " Because I told myself that I would hate you for what you did. I told myself that I would never forgive you." Van replies as he rises and turns to face his brother, who is staring at him with tired eyes. " It was wrong of me to think it."

" Perhaps…perhaps not." Folken replies quietly. The two brothers fall silent for several minutes, listening to the quiet sounds of the aging day. But finally, Van turns and begins walking back to the castle. " I will accept King Sion's proposal for Liliana and I." Van begins with an air of finality. Folken quickens his steps so as to reach Van's side. " Van…are you certain you want to go through with this?" Van pauses and looks up at Folken. When Van gives no answer Folken nods. " I thought not." Van wilts and raises one hand to run through his thick bangs. " Don't worry Van. I will talk with the king and with the council. You need time to think things over." " I've had time." Van replies as he begins to climb the stairs after Folken. " You need more time." Folken replies over his left shoulder. "This is a big decision. A little more time won't hurt." Folken rationalizes as the two enter the throne room. " I suppose not." Van agrees. Folken pulls back a large purple curtain to allow Van passage into the throne room first.

" Why king Van! We were just about to summon you." Amos states with a wide smile as he and three other individuals turn to see him enter the throne room. Van freezes in his steps. Folken enters and involuntarily inhales with surprise. " King Sion! I…It's so nice to see you…welcome!" Van states as a smile makes its way onto his young and handsome face.

King Sion returns the greeting with a smile of his own as Van steps up to the royal family and shares a warm embrace with him. " Ah! My boy you have done a fantastic job rebuilding your kingdom! It's magnificent!" Sion exclaims before releasing the young king embraced tightly within his arms. Van smiles. " Thank you. It was a huge effort by everyone who now lives here. I couldn't do much without the help of neighboring kingdoms, including your own." King Sion nods, sincerity shining within his warm eyes. " Spoken like a true king." Van turns his attention to the royal siblings who have been standing in silence up to this point. " Welcome Prince Madric, Princess Liliana." Van greets warmly. Madric gives him a half bow while Liliana curtsies and lowers her head to hide a soft blush. " Thank you for inviting us to your beautiful kingdom." She replies quietly. Van gives her a small smile as she finally looks up at him.

" It looks like the kingdom is preparing for a large celebration of some sort." Madric states. Van nods. " Yes. Fanelia is currently in the process of celebrating its rebirth. All of you will be given opportunity to join the festivities tomorrow." He replies. " That sounds wonderful!" Liliana exclaims with a bright smile. Van smiles at her again. King Sion grins. " Yes. I'm certain everything will be quite wonderful." He steps up to Folken and nods in greeting. " It is good to see you again, friend!" Folken smiles warmly and returns the greeting. " Likewise your majesty. Always a pleasure." Sion grins and pats him on the shoulder before returning his attention to his children. " It's amazing how fast young ones grow, isn't it?" He states softly, speaking loud enough only for Folken to hear. " Yes…yes it is." Folken replies equally as soft, gazing steadily upon Van who is busy offering his arm to Liliana. " You must all be tired from your journey. Come. The king and I will show you to your rooms." Amos states as the greetings are finally dispensed of. Folken nods his goodnight to King Sion and Prince Madric as they walk past him to follow Amos. Liliana pauses to curtsey before she and Van exit the throne room.

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The following morning everyone in the castle is up early preparing for the day. Servants scurry about in the kitchen preparing all they will need for the large meals that will be served to the royal guests later on. Maids prepare guestrooms and tidy up for the expected arrivals. Folken rises early and meets Zire in the courtyard. Together they head out into the villages in search of strong, healthy individuals who might be interested in becoming soldiers. Van makes his way to the gardens where he practices his sparring in the early rays of the morning light.

" Van!" At the sound of his name Van turns around to see Merle running up to him. She rushes into his arms and purrs loudly as Van embraces her tightly. " Good-morning Merle." He smiles. " Did you sleep well?" Merle nods and pulls away. " I always sleep well, Van." She watches in silence as Van finishes his routine and re-sheaths his sword. This early morning hour is the only time that Merle and Van can spend together now that he has become so inundated with his new and multiple responsibilities as king.

" I heard that Liliana arrived last night." Merle begins. Van nods his head. " Yes Merle. She did arrive along with her brother and father." Merle smiles. " Do you think that I'll get a chance to meet them?" Van nods and smiles. " Of course." He replies while moving to sit down on the grass. Merle makes herself comfortable beside him. Van sighs contentedly and smiles at Merle who twitches her little whiskers. " I got up really early this morning and saw Folken go out to the village with Zire." Merle begins. Van nods. " Yes. He and Zire are going to begin recruiting soldiers in order to rebuild the army." " Oh." Merle replies softly. " He's really different now." She continues. Van looks up at the sky. " Yeah." " I think that's a good thing!" Merle smiles. Van picks at a blade of grass. " He's even beginning to smile more. He looks better when he smiles. Otherwise he just looks really pale and sad." Merle states.

Van nods, his gaze far away. Merle pauses in her thoughts and looks him over quietly for a few moments. " What is it?" Van shrugs and sighs. " I'm just thinking." He replies. Merle releases a heavy sigh and shifts position to lay on her stomach, resting her elbows on the ground and supporting her chin with her curled paws. " You're thinking of her again." Van looks over at Merle sadly. " I'm sorry Merle. I just…she keeps creeping into my thoughts." Merle glances up at him and sighs. " It's okay Van. But you really should let her go. I'm sure she's moving on with her life now and…" At this Van wilts. Merle bites her bottom lip and reconsiders her words. Maybe that was the wrong thing to say. She tells herself. " Well,…I'm certain she would want you to do the same." Van nods. " Yes. Yes I'm sure she would."

From across the patio the sound of foot steps reach their ears and both friends look up. Van recognizes the individual to be Ezrah, second under Amos in the council. " Excuse my intrusion your majesty but Amos has sent me to find you. The King of Mandeza has arrived." At this Van rises to his feet quickly, brushing off loose grass and dirt from his clothes. Merle stands up behind him, saddened that their only time together has been shortened. Van turns to her and reads her expression instantly. " Come on Merle." He states motioning for her to stand beside him. She complies and Van wraps an arm around her as they walk towards the castle. Once inside Van hands his sword, sheath and all, to Ezrah and continues on to the throne room.

Van raises a hand to the guards indicating that he does not wish the doors opened just yet. "Merle?" Van begins as he turns to her. "I wonder if you could take Princess Liliana and her family to the villages and show them around? The King of Mandeza will take up much of my time today and I don't want King Sion and his family to feel as if they're unimportant to us." Merle releases a disappointed sigh and nods her head. " Sure, Van." " Is everything alright?" He asks softly as he notices the downcast expression upon her face. "I thought you wanted to meet Liliana and her family." Van states, puzzled by Merle's reaction. " No I do! Everything's good, Van. I just…wish we could see more of each other, you know?" Van nods sympathetically. " I'm sorry Merle. Hopefully, after all the celebrations are done we'll have more time to talk." Van answers softly and kisses her lightly upon the forehead before allowing the guards to open the doors. Merle watches him enter the throne room from where she stands and waits until the doors are closed again before turning around and walking back the way she had come, alone.

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Evening arrives swiftly and before long the hour of dinner approaches. The castle hums with guests and servants all scurrying around to get things in order for the large meal that will soon be served.

" I don't know father…I just…what if we don't love each other?" Liliana asks with worry as she sits down on the soft cushions of a window seat within her father's guestroom. " Liliana!" King Sion states with surprise. " You're already entertaining thoughts of this possible relationship collapsing?" Liliana sighs and looks down at her hands, twirling a delicate daffodil in between her fingers. Merle had picked a small bouquet for her when she and Meegan took the royal family out for a tour of the surrounding villages.

" I don't know. What if we don't love each other enough? Or worse, what if I love him and he doesn't love me?" Liliana asks with increased tension in her voice. Sion stops writing on a page of a small, leather bound book and rises from his seat to sit down beside his only daughter. " Liliana listen to me, love." He begins softly while taking her hands into his. " I know you're frightened, but I ask you to trust me. King Van saved your life and brought you back to me safely. I wouldn't even consider a relationship between the two of you if I didn't believe him to be a good and honest young man." Liliana releases a long and heavy sigh. " I know father…I'm sorry." " It's alright." Sion replies with a gentle smile. " At least try to build a friendship and don't be so shy and quiet with him. He's good looking isn't he?" Liliana's eyes widen at this statement. " Father!" Sion laughs, his eyes shining jovially. " Come now Liliana tell me all the good things you've seen in him thus far." Liliana takes in a deep breath and complies. " Well…he's definitely brave." She begins. King Sion nods in agreement. " And he seems to be well mannered." Liliana continues. " Surely." Sion smiles in reply. " And, lets see…he always seems to know exactly what he wants to do in life." She finishes. King Sion nods and rises. " There. You see? That wasn't so hard." " But father it's different when one is facing the individual face-to-face. Romance…is something that makes me nervous. I'm not so sure that I'm ready for marriage yet."

" Don't worry Liliana. When the time is right you will know. And I didn't bring you here with me to get him to marry you right away. However, I do believe that you and King Van would make a wonderful union." At the mention of her father's last words, Liliana feels her cheeks blush hotly. " Now hurry along and get yourself prepared for this evening. We don't want to be late for dinner now do we?" Liliana shakes her head and rises. " I love you father." She states before kissing his cheek. " But sometimes I think you're just trying to get rid of me." Sion takes her in his arms and embraces her gently. "No, my sweet angel. If you truly believe in your heart that this young man is not whom you should marry, then you won't marry him. And I will certainly not push you to do so. All I ask is that you give yourself and the king a chance." Liliana nods mutely and makes her way to the door. " I'll try for you, father." She reaches for the handle and pauses. " I would do nearly anything for you." Liliana states confidently before exiting his chamber.

King Sion sighs heavily and returns to his scroll. Red Moon, the first. The day has been peaceful and quite enjoyable. But I am worried that I might be pushing my daughter too soon into considering marriage. King Van is a good man, but I don't want Lily to be heartbroken by rejection. She is extremely trustful of others…my true fear is that she will love him and he will not love her. I pray that God hears my prayers and touches their hearts. King Sion finishes his journal entry and closes the small, leather bound book before continuing to prepare for the evening. "Now if I could only find a suitable wife for Madric…" He mumbles to himself while struggling to put on a dark-blue cape. " Maybe one of the Austurian sisters would make a good wife…" A knock on the door interrupts his thoughts. " Come in." He calls out. " Father? Are you ready?" King Sion turns around and greets his son with a smile. " When am I ever not ready to eat?!" Madric grins and waits for his father to walk to him. " Let's go mingle a while, shall we? I heard that the king of Mandeza has arrived today. I'm curious to meet the man." Sion continues as they exit the chamber and leave a guard behind to shut the door.

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The soft chime of fine cutlery echoes in the large dining hall as royal guests and friends dine together, and enjoy each other's company. The hazy glow of candlelight gives every face a more youthful appearance and softens every feature it caresses. Firelight dances in the eyes of those closest to the candle flames and shadows recede into the farthest corners of the hall.

Smiles reach several faces as desert is served. Merle makes sure she has enough room for several servings of every kind of desert set upon the large table. The King of Mandeza doesn't quite understand the customs of this land and so when a platter of fine chocolate sweets are set before him he simply takes the entire platter and begins to eat. No one has the heart to tell him he should only take one or two and leave some for everyone else. But it doesn't take him long to figure out that nobody else is eating the way he is and he soon pushes the platter away, embarrassment evident upon his face. Merle starts to snicker beside Van who gives her a warning glare. This quiets her down instantly. Folken, in the meantime, eases the embarrassed king by describing what each desert upon the table is made of and begins to set various delicacies upon his plate. Liliana smiles at the show of kindness and understanding that both Van and Folken exhibit to their confused guest. She glances over at her father who is smiling with agreement. Madric is staring at the strange king with open disgust. The expression doesn't escape King Sion who promptly gives his son a warning kick under the table. Madric jumps and nearly drops his water goblet. Liliana ducks her head and covers her mouth discreetly while her shoulders shake with quiet laughter. Amos smiles at the comical scene before him and glances over at Merle who is now completely oblivious to all that is happening at the moment, her mouth stuffed with five different kinds of chocolates.

Despite the once-in-a-while confusion in communication, conversation flows rather smoothly. Everything from agriculture to political affairs is touched upon and discussion is lively. Laughter rings clear and loud and smiles are shared all around the table. Folken watches as his little brother begins to initiate conversations with the kings sitting before him on his very own. And he does a good job. I would be missing all of this if I had stayed with Ziabach. Folken realizes quietly while admiring how quickly Van learns to adapt to his situations. As the night grows older more and more is shared between the three kings and occasionally Van meets Folken's gaze, smiling at him with his eyes. Amos watches the silent interaction between the two brothers and marvels at how much happier and more mature Van has become ever since the evening he awoke from his fever and allowed Folken to once again have a place in his life.

Stars blossom upon the dark, velvety night and the moons slowly rise from the distant horizon. There presence is silent indication to just how late the night has become and everyone soon realizes that it is time to bid each other goodnight. The king of Mandeza is the first to rise from the table, having decided that he had tasted enough food for the night. Folken rises as well and escorts him back to the guest wing while Amos does the same with King Sion and his two children. Van decides to hang back and talk with Merle for a little while before heading to bed. Merle appreciates his thoughtfulness and gladly gives him her full attention as he shares with her what he has done during the course of the day. But the hands of the clock do not stop for anyone and soon the two friends find themselves fighting off fits of yawns and decide to wish each other a good night. Van hugs her tenderly and Merle takes the opportunity to give Van a lick on his cheek. He laughs and ruffles her hair affectionately before walking away.

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The castle is still and quiet as a lone figure silently sneaks down the halls and approaches two large double doors of copper and gold. Each door bares the Fanelian emblem and two sleek and slender bodies of dragons serve as the handles. Quietly the individual cracks a door open and steps inside. The darkness of the chamber is suddenly pierced by the bright light of a single candle and shadows dance upon every wall as the small light travels from the doors to the center of the large room.

The light pauses for a moment to survey the room before approaching a shiny glass box. Within the box, carefully laid upon a cushion of red satin is a beautiful book with gold binding. A beautiful painting decorates the cover. The candlelight moves closer to the glass in order to get a better view. The light reveals a princess standing upon the surface of an ocean with the sun setting behind her and a prince, flying upon a white dragon, soaring through the tinted clouds to reach her open arms. " Beautiful isn't it?"

Startled, the light jumps before whirling around to reveal the owner of the voice that has spoken. A cute smirk slowly creeps upon his handsome face, and deep, tender eyes shine behind a light curtain of blue-black bangs. " Oh I'm sorry, your majesty. I didn't mean to disturb anyone!" Liliana apologizes as she quickly bows before him, carefully setting the candleholder upon the marble floor so as not to drop it in her haste. She presses one hand lightly over her heart, which is pounding quite vigorously, where it rests within her chest. Van smiles and shakes his head. " It's not a problem. You weren't making any noise. I noticed that the doors weren't shut as I was passing by to my quarters and then I saw your light when I approached them." Van explains as he walks up to her. " I'm sorry if I startled you." He apologizes. " Oh no, no. I startle easily." Liliana explains while she carefully picks up the candleholder. She gives him a shy smile when she rises and finds him standing very close to her. Taking a careful step back Liliana once again turns her attention to the book within the small glass box. " Why is this book encased within glass?" She asks quietly, thankful for a reason to avert her eyes from Van's intense and steady gaze. From the corner of her eye she can see him step closer to the glass and sigh. " This book is very special to me for sentimental reasons more than anything else." He admits.

" It's so beautiful. What is the book about?" Liliana continues as she brings the candlelight closer for a better look. " The book contains lullabies and fairy-tales." Van explains. " When I was little my mother would sing the lullabies to me and then when I grew older my brother would read the stories to me." Liliana looks up at Van and smiles softly as he gazes upon the book. " I take it that the stories are just as beautiful as the cover of the book is." She reasons. Van nods his head mutely, momentarily taken back to the past. As he continues to stare Liliana allows herself to scan the large chamber once again. " How many books are in here?" She asks. " Three hundred and one." Van replies without looking up. " How did you find so many books?" She asks with great surprise. " All these books were salvaged and restored from the ruins of my country." Van replies as he looks up at her. Liliana smiles. " This is quite an achievement!" She exclaims. Van nods, a small smile upon his face. He watches quietly as Liliana walks up to one of the many shelves that line the walls and randomly pulls out a book. " Trees and their seeds. A study of how to decipher different species." Liliana smiles. " Hm…I didn't know one could write so much about trees." She admits. At this Van laughs and walks to her side to take a look at the book himself. " Neither did I." He replies. Liliana laughs lightly at his reply and pulls out another book. " Ooh! This one is about mythology." She exclaims excitedly. " You like mythology?" Van asks as he returns the book in his hands to its place on the shelf. " Oh yes! Well,…I like to read and mythology simply fascinates me!" Liliana explains. Van smiles at her and then shakes his head. " What?" She asks with one cocked eyebrow. " I just…when I look at you I would never think that your hobby is reading books." He admits. Liliana's eyes widen at this. " And why is that?" She asks with a hint of annoyance. " Well…I would have thought you would be more into art…painting or some sort of instrument or something like that." Van clarifies. " Well I use to sing, but I stopped after my mother died." Liliana explains as she turns around to place the book in her hands back on the shelf. At the mention of her mother's death Van's smile fades.

" Oh…I'm sorry. I didn't know that your mother died…" Van stutters in surprise. Sensing his sudden discomfort Liliana faces him and smiles softly. " It's alright your majesty…she still lives in my heart and in my memories. Her death doesn't hurt as much as it used to. But I never thought I would think this way at the time." Van nods in silent understanding and suddenly realizes that they have been standing all this time. Reaching out he gently takes Liliana's hand and leads her to a corner of the chamber where a table and chairs are set. Liliana glances at him uncertainly while he pulls out one of the chairs for her and she decides to set the candle down on the table before graciously taking a seat. Liliana waits silently while Van pulls out the chair beside her and makes himself comfortable.

" I lost my mother when I was only five. It was very difficult for me because my father had died only a month earlier." Van begins softly. Liliana stares at him in silence, eyes wide and intent upon him. " My brother…Folken had disappeared in the woods during the dragon ritual. And when my mother died…I was alone." Liliana shakes her head sadly. " I'm sorry." She whispers. Van nods, sadness evident in his eyes. " I never thought the day would come when the pain wouldn't hurt so much." He admits quietly. Liliana nods. " I know. But it comes and then you move through life carrying their memory in your heart and becoming a better person because you once knew them." She continues. Van looks at her with a small smile. There is an awkward moment and the two suddenly look away. " So…what are your plans for the future?" Liliana asks after another moment passes by with no words exchanged. Van stifles a yawn and sighs instead. " Well…I'm not entirely sure. My kingdom will probably want me to get married." Van replies albeit reluctantly. " Do you want to get married?" Liliana asks gently. " Maybe someday…but not right now. I just…I don't think I'm ready for that yet." He admits. Liliana nods understandingly. " I feel the same way. It's wrong to force people into marriage, especially if they don't feel ready for such a huge responsibility. My father wants me to start thinking about it, but to be quite honest romance and marriage frighten me." She admits. " Why?" Van asks gently, his gaze steady upon her. " I guess because I'm frightened that the man I fall in love with might not love me or that I won't be able to marry him because he's already taken." Liliana admits with a deep blush. Van chuckles and nods in agreement. " I've had those worries too." He smiles. His words relieve Liliana's embarrassment and she smiles at him.

"But if I ever married anyone he would have to be very patient and kind. I would never be able to stand someone who is rude or spoiled rotten." Liliana continues honestly. Van nods. " I feel the same way. I can be very stubborn at times and it would take a woman who is very patient to put up with me." He replies. Liliana studies his face for a moment as he gazes into the flame of the candlelight dancing before him. " Have you ever been in love?" She asks. Van looks up at her with surprise. Liliana looks down at her hands, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment once again. " Yes." Comes the quiet reply. Van waits until she looks up at him again. " Once." He continues. " Was she a princess?" Liliana asks. Van shakes his head. " No…she was just like anyone else on the outside. But on the inside…she was the most beautiful person I have ever met."

" What happened?" Liliana prompts when Van falls silent and remains so for several moments. " She had to return to her home and her people. She missed her family and friends. And it wasn't right for me to ask her to stay." Van answers sadly." " She wasn't from Fanelia?" Van shakes his head. Liliana sighs longingly. " I wish I had been in love." Van doesn't reply. " You did the right thing letting her go back home though." She continues. Van nods mutely, suddenly feeling very relieved. " What was her name?" Liliana persists. " Hitomi." Van replies softly. " Hitomi…what a strange and pretty name." Liliana states. Van nods and sighs. Liliana suddenly tries to stifle a yawn and fails. *YAWN* " Oh…I'm sorry, your majesty. I guess I'm a little tired." Liliana apologizes. " It's alright. I'm tired too. And please…call me Van." Van replies as he rises and offers her a hand. She takes it gratefully and picks up the candle as they head back to the double doors. " I'm certain she still remembers you." Liliana states as they step out into the hall. Van turns to her, a mixture of sadness and hope shining in his eyes. " Thank you for sharing so much of your time with me." She continues quietly. Van nods silently as he closes the heavy doors. " It was good to talk to you. I enjoyed our conversation." He replies softly. Liliana smiles and blushes prettily. " Well,…goodnight…Van. Thank you." She states. " Goodnight princess." " Liliana." She interrupts. Van smiles. " Goodnight Liliana." He corrects himself. Van kisses her hand softly before Liliana bobs a light curtsy and heads for the guest wing while Van turns and continues on to his private quarters.

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Folken silently reads over the delicate manuscript handed to him several minutes ago by Amos who sits quietly across from him. " Forgive my curiosity but is there anything in that manuscript that I should know of?" Amos asks as Folken finally sets the manuscript down. Folken shakes his head. " It's a letter from princess Eries. " Is that so?" Amos states with raised eyebrows. " Well now I really am curious. Come on. Tell me what she said." Folken smiles at his elderly friend and complies. " She began by sharing with me about a strange outbreak of some unknown disease in a small vicinity within Fried. That was why Allen and Millerna were called back the evening Van awoke." Folken explains. Amos nods. " Yes…I remember you telling me that they had to go." " She continues talking about how Millerna has found a cure and that everything is once again as it should be." Folken continues. " Were there any deaths?" Amos asks. Folken shrugs. " I don't know. She doesn't say." " Hm." Amos replies. " Anything else?" He asks with raised eyebrows. " Only that she and Millerna will be coming to visit for a little while." Amos smiles. " That's wonderful! Why they'll be able to join in on the last day of festivities." He exclaims happily. Folken nods, a soft, wistful smile upon his lips. Amos takes notice of the expression and grins knowingly. " Perhaps you and princess Eries will have more time to get caught up on what's been developing in your countries." He prompts. Folken nods and sighs before releasing a yawn. He picks up the manuscript and rises while Amos stretches his arms and releases a yawn of his own. " And speaking about developments…" Begins Amos as he watches Folken carefully put away the manuscript and light one more candle on the wall. " How is Van feeling about the situation with marriage?"

At the mention of the word Folken's demeanor grows stiff and solemn. Amos notices the change immediately. " Why are you so rigid Folken?" He asks bluntly. Folken returns to his seat and looks at Amos guiltily. " I feel guilty about what Van is going through." He confesses. Amos nods. " That's understandable." Folken leans back in his chair and releases a tired sigh. " I don't know Amos. Sometimes I wonder if my being here is any help to him or not." Amos smiles. " Of course your presence makes a difference Folken. Haven't you seen the way Van conducts himself now? He's more mature in his thoughts and action and I have no doubt its because of your influence." Folken looks at Amos uncertainly. " I don't know, Amos. Van is not the little boy I remember who always wanted to play with me and hang on my arm." Folken continues with a reminiscent smile. Amos chuckles lightly. " True. But then again all little brothers have to grow up sometime, right?" Folken nods solemnly. " It's just that I want him to be happy and right now I'm not so certain that he is." Folken states.

" We had a nice chat in the gardens the other day and the issue of marriage came up." He begins. Amos gets more comfortable in his seat and leans forward slightly in order to give Folken his full attention. " What happened?" He prompts. Folken takes in a deep breath before continuing. " Well he mentioned that he still has feelings for Hitomi and that he's certain he does not love the princess Liliana. I told him he doesn't have to marry anyone right now, but he's feeling pressured to make a decision soon." Amos nods, his mind thinking of a solution. " Then I suppose we'll just have to support Van in any decision he makes." He states firmly. Folken nods. Amos leans back in his chair again. " Did I ever tell you about the time when your father and brought your mother into the castle and proclaimed that he would marry her?" Folken looks up with deep interest and shakes his head mutely. " Well it was five years after I entered your father's service as head advisor at the time. Your father had returned with a mysterious young woman. She was quite beautiful and very kind. I thought she would be the perfect match and it didn't matter to me how the two met. Your father had refused even the notion of marriage for so long that now it was astounding to see him with this woman, talking about a marriage date!" Amos chuckles and pauses to gather his thoughts. Folken smiles. " Anyhow, your father had a difficult time trying to convince his council that marrying your mother was what he should do. They were so set in their ways and you should have seen the uproar that ensued after your father told them that your mother was draconian. Ha! They could have rolled over and died on the spot!" Folken laughs out loud. Amos laughs along with him and the two smile at the thought and memory of Gaou telling his council exactly what he thought. " Your father was never one to hide his feelings."

Amos continues. " Your father had come to me the night before and asked me what I thought. He told me that he would not go through with the marriage if I believed he should not. But I had never seen your father so happy or in love before and I couldn't possibly tell him no. I said that it was his decision and his alone. And then his face lit up like the dawn of a newborn day. I guess he needed to hear someone else tell him that they would be by his side. For him I was the one person he felt most comfortable and closest to. It was a fantastic privilege." Folken nods silently. " I can understand why he felt that way. But wasn't he also close to Balgus?" He asks quietly. Amos nods. " Yes. The three of us shared much time together and we became very close…like brothers." Amos replies with a reminiscent smile. *SIGH* " But life went on and we had to go our separate ways." He continues.

" I want to be as much of a help and support to Van as I possibly can, Amos." Folken states with deep determination. Amos nods, sensing Folken's honesty. " I know you do son. And I believe you are and will continue to be." Folken looks down at his hands, one metal one flesh, and he sighs. " I love him Amos. And it hurts me to realize that I almost destroyed him. Maybe, if he hadn't had so many faithful friends to assist him…I might have even killed him." At this Amos raises his eyebrows in surprise. " Do you really think that you could have gone through with that?" Folken gulps and suppresses a sudden shiver that runs down his spine. " If Dornkirk had asked me to do so…I…I honestly don't know what I would have done." He replies honestly. Amos sighs. " But it didn't happen and that's what counts now Folken." Folken nods solemnly. " Yes. It didn't happen." Amos nods in agreement and rises to his feet. Folken watches him stretch again and release a sudden yawn. " Well Folken I think that I'm going to head for bed. You need to rest and so do I. Did Eries say when she will be arriving with her sister?" Folken nods, switching his thoughts to the reoccurring topic at hand. " Yes. They will be arriving tomorrow around mid-day." He replies. " Oh! That's right. Just in time for the last day of celebration." Amos reminds himself out loud. Folken nods.

" You see? I need to rest or else my mind just stops functioning." Amos explains while Folken rises and walks with him to the door of his bedroom chamber. As he steps out into the hall Amos turns to Folken. " Listen son, if you ever need to talk about how you feel let me know. I really enjoyed our chat tonight. Let's try and make it a good habit, hm?" Folken smiles and closes his eyes as Amos embraces him warmly. " Thank you Amos…for everything." Folken replies quietly. Amos nods in understanding and turns to leave. " Sleep well." " You too." Folken whispers back before quietly shutting his door and releasing another yawn.

Outside the moons shine brightly and shower the ground with soft, blue light. Another day approaches and time marches on as all in the kingdom sleep in quiet slumber upon their pillows and soft beds.

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Many, many thanks to everyone! You have all been very encouraging and supportive, not to mention patient, with me. Rest assured I don't plan on stopping this fanfic anytime soon. It's my baby, my pet project. This fanfic is my escape from the sometimes bland and boring course of life. Once again, thank you so much for sticking with me and for reading my story!

And now for a peek at the future…

Life doesn't always go the way we hope or plan. Van is going to learn this first hand and his trust will be betrayed. Folken's love for his brother and country will be put to the ultimate test. And…amongst all this, Hitomi will once again find herself in the world of Gaea.