Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne. My writing is purely for the enjoyment of my readers and myself. The poem I site in my story is entitled, " Fate Knows No Tears." It comes from a book entitled, " Selected Love Lyrics, containing poems from India's love lyrics, Stars of the desert, Last poems" by Laurence Hope.

Everlasting Love: The Rebuilding of a Nation

By ~Sincerity

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Chapter 21: The Bonds of Friendship

As the sun rises to greet a new day the castle of Fanelia begins to bustle with life. The final day of celebration has arrived. Servants head to the stalls and take out the horses for an early morning trot. The horses whinny and stamp their hoofed feet in excited anticipation of their daily morning stroll around the courtyard. There legs aching for a few moments to walk freely from the confines of their stalls, where they had resided for the entirety of the night.

Activity can also be found up along the high castle walls, where the royal guards switch shifts. Those now taking up their posts nod there thanks to servants who bring them warm biscuits and tea. Down below, the royal gardeners step outside and begin their daily hedging of the bushes and various shrubbery that grow within Fanelia's beautiful gardens. Inside the castle the royal cooks begin preparing all they will need for the banquets to be served later in the day.

The wonderful smells of baking bread and roasting turkey wafts through the closest halls of the large, bustling kitchen and tickles the belly of not so few nobles, council members, and servants alike. Amid the happy, early morning hours of this day Van Slanzer DeFanel enters the waking world of those who share the roof of Fanelia's castle. Releasing an exaggerated yawn he stretches lazily in his lush, comfortable bed and turns his head to gaze at the bright blue sky just beyond a large window of his bedchamber. He remains this way for several moments, both arms stretched out on either side, his hair flayed out upon his pillow while the sounds of an awakening village begin to filter into the air. Van blinks several times in an effort to rid himself of his exhaustion and sighs deeply.

Tenderly, one of his hands moves to lightly touch the pink pendant that rests upon his chest. {Hitomi…I wonder how you are doing these days…I pray you are in good health and happy} Despite his effort to forget, the images of a young girl smiling and laughing enters his thoughts. Her emerald eyes flashing with a unique brilliance unlike anything he's ever seen before. Van bites his lower lip and releases another lovesick sigh, his heart warmed at the thought of knowing he had a chance to be near her. Deciding to keep his head held high and stay focused on the present Van pushes himself into a sitting position and runs both hands through his thick blue-black hair, now reaching to his shoulders. Just then a soft knock interrupts his peaceful solitude, reminding him that there are many responsibilities yet to fulfill today. " Come in." Van calls as he swings his legs over the side of the bed.

Outside the door Amos waits patiently for Van's permission to enter. After hearing the muffled " Come in" he respectfully opens the royal bedchamber doors and allows himself access to Van's private quarters. Inside Van rises to his feet and stretches his arms high over his head in an effort to wake his sleepy body. Amos smiles in a fatherly fashion and turns to nod permission to the menservants waiting quietly at the entrance for passage inside. One servant carries Van's robes and royal apparel for the day while a second servant carries towels and a third carries soaps and various lotions for the customary morning bath. Amos helps Van undress from his sleeping attire as the servants set to getting the pool, in an adjoining chamber, prepared for the king.

" Hold this for me, will you Amos?" Van asks softly as he takes off the pendant, pulling it over his head. Amos nods and carefully tucks it into an inner fold of his robes. He gathers Van's nightclothes and hands them over to one of the servants in attendance before turning to another and taking a parchment into his possession. Van slowly steps into the cool, refreshing water of his private bathing pool while Amos sits down at the lip of the pool beside him. Hiking up his long robes he sits, crossing his legs Indian-style and unrolling the parchment in his hands. Van takes a seat upon one of the marble steps, submerging himself in water up to his collarbone before nodding to Amos to begin briefing him on events both political and otherwise. As Amos begins reading to him of events and news gathered Van listens silently while a servant applies ointment to his hair and combs it with deft fingers, occasionally taking a small ceramic bowl at his side and rinsing the thick, dark strands within his hands.

An hour later finds Van in the courtyard wishing Mandeza's king a safe trip back home. The courtyard is bustling with servants running in all directions to get everything that belongs to King Inash into the chests that will return to Mandeza with him. King Inash stands amid the flurry of his servants, giving orders in his own language. His long, black hair is neatly plaited and reaches well past his posterior. He wears a long robe of iridescent silk, gold fibers woven into its threads. Underneath a tight, form-fitting, aqua blue robe can be seen through the patterned holes in his outer robe. His feet wear sandals of hand-woven bamboo painted in the colors of his currently worn garment.

The sun shines brightly today and the light, single gold ban upon his head shimmers brilliantly. Van and Folken walk into the midst of the bustling servants. Van steps up to Inash and does his best to express his happiness in having enjoyed the king's visit, even if it was only for a short while. The king nods his thanks and begins to speak, turning to Folken for translations. " King Inash wishes to give you a gift as a token of his friendship with Fanelia and with you." Folken states as Inash approaches, one of his servants at his left side who is carrying something long. It rests within the hands of the servant who bows before Van while Inash lifts away the dark, royal blue satin that has hidden what lies beneath. At the sight of the gift Van looks up at the king in surprise. Even Folken cocks an eyebrow in appreciation. Van carefully takes the large sword into his hands. He quickly studies the intricate and fine detail of the hilt. Emeralds and rubies shine and glimmer under the sun and Van pulls out the sword for a better look. The sword itself is made of pure gold, refined and shaped into a very fine point. Diamonds pepper the outside of the sheath and Van bows to Inash in deep appreciation. But the king of Mandeza does not turn to leave just yet. Instead he turns to Folken and, at the snap of his fingers, another servant approaches and bows before the tall draconian. Folken watches silently as Inash pulls away another blue satin cloth to reveal a machete of significant beauty. Just as Van's sword the weapon is peppered with diamonds and rubies. Emeralds grace the handle and the gold of its body shines brilliantly. Folken bows his head in humble appreciation as he takes his gift from the outstretched hands of the servant kneeling before him.

Once the gifts have been received Inash nods with a bright smile and turns to enter his large, tent-like carriage. " Yaway iniac nahum olaowa nini toodam." King Inash speaks to Van and Folken in his native dialect and Van smiles uncertainly while Folken nods his head in understanding. " Yeamen ifta ookiam." He replies. Seemingly satisfied with what he heard Inash orders the go-ahead of his leave. After climbing into his carriage Inash leans back against the plush cushions within, now out of Van's view. Van watches in silence as the procession of Mandezians, servants and king alike, finally take their leave of Fanelia's royal court. Only after their presence has past does Van turn to Folken. " What did he say to us?" Folken allows his eyes to calmly scan across the elegant designs of the machete in his metal hand before replying. " He stated that our friendship is worth more to him than any gold or riches he could own." Van looks down at the sword he received, his eyebrows creased thoughtfully. " And what did you reply in return?" He prompts. " That we are lucky to have so faithful and true a royal friend." Van smiles up at Folken and nods in agreement.

The two walk across the courtyard in silence for several moments before Van speaks again. " What was the name of the holiday in which he has to attend back in Mandeza?" Folken glances at his younger sibling. " I believe he called it Onika." " And what does that entail?" Van persists when Folken gives no further explanation. " Entail?" Folken returns, stopping in his tracks with a raised eyebrow. Van blushes and shoots his brother an angry, but playful glare. " I think I've been around you for too long. I'm starting to sound like your double." Folken smirks. " Such a terrible fate little brother." At this Van gives Folken a playful punch on the forearm. " Watch it. I'm still your king you know." Van states, raising his head high in mock haughtiness. The action suddenly reminds Folken of Dilandau for a moment. " Yes…you are king. But you are still my brother." Folken replies, lightly tapping something on Van's chest. Van looks down and blinks in surprise when Folken suddenly brushes his chin and nose lightly with his finger in one swift and graceful movement. At Van's expression Folken chuckles warmly and Van joins in, shaking his head. " I can't believe you can still catch me off guard." Van remarks as the two resume their path. Folken shrugs. " Some things will never change." " I guess not. So what is Onika?" Van continues, bringing back the original topic he had intended for them to discuss. " It is a time when the Mandezians fast and show reverence to their ancestors. The kingdom takes special notice of all that was done in the past that helped maintain their land. It is also a time where king Inash will prepare himself to chose a Queen." At the mention of the word "queen" Van stiffens and pauses in his steps. " Oh." He replies. Folken continues, seemingly unaware of Van's reaction. " We would do well to take this time and have breakfast. The princesses Eries and Millerna will be arriving before noon." " I was wondering if they were planning to attend." Van answers as they enter the cool shelter of their castle home. " Indeed." Folken replies.

And true to his word, the royal Austurian sisters arrive an hour before noon. They eagerly exit their carriage, tired of the stuffiness they had to endure during their trip.

Folken and Amos are at hand to greet the royal sisters and their maidservants. " The kingdom is so beautiful!" Millerna exclaims, clasping her hands together with a wistful smile. Eries takes in a deep breath of fresh air and smiles softly, closing her eyes for a moment to feel the gentle breeze caress her face. She opens her eyes in time to see Folken and Amos approach with servants and squires close behind. " Welcome dear ladies." Folken greets as he kneels before Eries, the eldest, and takes her hand. " It does my king and our country great honor to have you and your sister visit us on such a joyous occasion." He continues before kissing her hand lightly. Eries does her best to stifle the urge to blush. Millerna glances around and a small frown colors her pretty face. " Why Folken…where is the king?" Folken rises and turns his attention upon Millerna. " He is attending to a matter of state but will be joining us shortly. May I say how pleasurable it is to once again have the honor of welcoming you to Fanelia." Millerna smiles brightly while Folken kneels before her as well, taking a delicate hand and kissing it gently.

He rises quickly and moves aside to introduce Amos to the sisters. " May I introduce the head council member and highest honored elder within the king's monarchy." Eries bows her head in respect as does Millerna. Amos does likewise and then smiles. " It is a pleasure dear ladies. And I believe that during the rebuilding of my country. It is good to see you once again my dear child." Amos states to Millerna. Turning to include Folken he continues. " I dare say that the beauty of these two women is greater than even the most glorious sunrise. It pales in comparison!" Eries and Millerna smile and laugh lightly at the elder's friendly remarks. " Thank you Amos." Eries replies, speaking for both she and her sister. Amos nods and then motions for them to follow him into the castle. As the four move inside Eries falls back to talk with Folken. " Your brother has done a fantastic work with your country, my lord." She states softly. Folken nods. " Yes. He is quite the marvel."

After a moment more of silence Folken speaks again. " I have not seen nor spoken with Allen Schezar since his hasty departure a while back. Is he well?" He continues. Eries nods." Allen and his sister are quite well. Allen is currently traveling across the sea with his crew to do business with a trading country my father has been close to for many years. Allen decided to take his sister with him stating that he wants her to experience the customs of foreign lands. But I believe it is to keep a closer watch over her." " Ah." Folken replies as they enter into the main hall of the castle and take a sharp turn to the right. They continue walking in another passageway, this one eventually leading them into a private meeting chamber. " I remember reading in your letter that there was a fright in Fried over a potentially deadly plague." Folken continues. Eries nods. " Yes. It was very frightening, but fortunately no one was killed and Millerna was able to find a cure." Folken listens intently as they approach their destination.

The group halts for a few moments while guards move to open the doors and provide them access. Eries, Millerna, and Folken enter the private meeting quarters, reserved for the closest friends and allies of the king, while Amos asks a squire to lead the maidservants of the royal sisters to their guest chambers. Folken, meanwhile, offers the sisters a seat upon one of several couches in the chamber. Every couch is decorated with beautiful embroidery of dragons and plant life, gold threads woven throughout the entire length of the patterns. The couches themselves are only a few inches higher than the richly carpeted floor and a single, elongated pillow rests upon one end of each. The women choose a couch of their liking and gratefully recline on their sides, watching as Amos closes the doors and moves further inside. Folken waits for him before they get comfortable on couches of their own while the servants at hand begin to attend to any of their needs. Grapes, plums, cheeses, and fresh spring water with mint leaves that float at the top are offered intermittently during the conversations. Millerna settles her gaze upon Folken and studies his new look with obvious admiration. " Folken if I may say, you look very content and healthy." Folken, at the sound of his name, turns his eyes upon the blond beauty reclining on a couch to his left. " Thank you." He replies with a slight nod. " Yes." Agrees Eries. " Your cheeks have color and I believe you to be much more content today than when I last met you." At all this praise and obvious admiration Folken feels his cheeks blush and he smiles in handsome embarrassment.

Amos smiles and his eyes glisten jovially at the comments aimed at the near, beat red, fair-haired man reclining to his left. He opens his mouth intending to gently tease his young, fellow advisor when the door to the private chamber opens and Van enters. Instantly everyone rises and Eries steps forward to greet Van with a gentle smile. Van smiles in return and kisses her hand, moving to do the same with Millerna. " Ooh Van! Your hair has grown!" Millerna exclaims giving him a good hard stare. Van chuckles lightly and nods. " I like the look. What do you think Eries?" Millerna continues with a smile. Eries sighs internally at her sister's antics but complies with an answer. " I think the king looks very distinguished." At this Amos, no longer able to contain his mirth, chuckles aloud. Everyone glances at him and he smiles in return. " My king these women are gems! I do hope they visit more often." Smiles are shared all around at this. After a moment Van moves to take his place on a couch yet unused while the others follow suit.

" I am sorry for my delay but I can tell that you have both been entertained while I have been absent." Van begins, a grin upon his handsome face. " I do hope that the two of you will be joining the festivities tonight. It is the final day of celebration for the rebirth of Fanelia." At this Millerna's eyes light up. " Oh how wonderful! What a brilliant idea!" Eries nods in agreement, a contented smile upon her face. " We look forward greatly to the evening events, your majesty." She replies calmly.

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As the day deepens into mid-afternoon princess Liliana wanders out into the gardens for a quiet stroll. Tucked in the embrace of one arm she carries a book and after a few moments finds a place to sit and read. Carefully Liliana makes herself comfortable under the shade of a Cypres tree and sighs contentedly, eager to begin her reading. But just as she opens the book the sound of approaching footsteps on the soft grass catches her attention. Liliana raises her head and waits to see who else is wandering within the gardens. A few moments pass by when finally, from around a corner appears Merle. The young cat-girl is dressed in a blue-patterned dress and her sharp ears instantly perk up when she suddenly notices the princess staring at her. " Hi." Merle says in a rather downcast way. Liliana senses something's wrong and moves to stand up, setting her book down in her place. Her hand brushes lightly against its cover longingly.

" Are you alright?" She asks while rising. Merle blinks in surprise and nods mutely. " Because you seem a bit…sad." The princess concludes with a genuine look of concern. Merle shakes her head and releases a deep sigh. " Oh I'm just thinking. I'm alright. Really." Merle states with a smile that's almost convincing. " Where were you headed just now?" Liliana asks. " Inside. To see what the cooks are making for the meal tonight." Merle explains, her eyes shifting to gaze at something beyond Liliana's head. " Oh. Well…I was a bit lonely myself and decided to make the best of it and read a book." Liliana explains as she gestures to where she had just risen from. Merle nods, eyeing the princess with various degrees of curiosity and hesitancy. " Would you…care to join me? I would so love to have someone to read the poems to." Liliana states sincerely. Merle tenses. Never before had anyone royal ever asked her to do anything with them, well, except for Van. Her first instinct is to not bother and politely decline but as she continues to stare at the young woman before her, something in Liliana's eyes convinces her that the invitation is sincere. So, with a sigh of resignation, Merle nods her head and moves to sit down under the shade.

Liliana smiles brightly and resumes her place on the grass, her skirts puffing out around her like violet clouds of satin. " I like your dress by the way." She states while picking up her book. Merle looks up at her in surprise. " You…you do?" " Mhm." Merle blinks again. " Why?" " Well it matches your eyes for one and it brings out the color of your hair." Merle gives the princess a smile. " Thank you." She replies in a small and suddenly shy voice. " Shall I begin?" Liliana asks as she turns to the first page. " What are you going to read to me?" Merle asks with curiosity as she makes herself more comfortable. " Love Poems." Liliana answers without looking up. " Oh." Merle replies, her eyes looking down at her folded paws. Liliana smiles and begins to read:

" Just as the dawn of Love was breaking

Across the weary world of grey,

Just as my life once more was waking

As roses waken late in May,

Fate, blindly cruel and havoc-making,

Stepped in and carried you away.

Memories have I none in keeping

Of times I held you near my heart,

Of dreams when we were near to weeping

That dawn should bid us rise and part…"

As the princess continues reading Merle sighs and closes her eyes, her thoughts drifting towards Van and how sad he has been lately. Suddenly Merle speaks, interrupting Liliana in mid-sentence. " He's very sad. All he can think about is her and its driving me crazy." Merle's eyes widen in silent horror as she realizes what she just said, one paw already moving to cover her mouth. Liliana stares at her in silence for several moments before setting the book down. " Who is sad?" She asks quietly. Merle shakes her head and keeps her paw over her mouth. Liliana sighs with confusion and shrugs. " You don't have to explain. It sounds like love to me." At this Merle's eyes grow even larger, if that is possible. Her whiskers twitch for a moment and suddenly her eyes fill with tears. Liliana blinks in surprise and moves to comfort the cat-girl beside her but Merle moves back, leaning up against the tree.

" What did I say? Did I offend you? If I did I'm very sorry." Liliana states, now deeply worried for the cat-girl before her. " You really think its love?" Merle asks in a broken whisper. Liliana nods slowly. " You love whomever 'he' is, don't you?" It is a statement more than a question and Merle's heart jumps in surprise. " How…how did you know…" Liliana shakes her head and smiles gently. " I can see it in your eyes. You're in love with him. But I'm guessing he doesn't love you in the same way." At this Merle can no longer hold back her tears and begins to weep openly. Liliana moves to comfort her again and this time Merle allows her to do so. " Oh no. Don't cry…everything will be alright. Life has a way of leading us to the right person. You'll see." Liliana coos softly as Merle leans against her shoulder, both paws covering her face. The two friends sit like this for several minutes until Merle finally gathers enough of her wits to calm down. Liliana offers her a soft-pink handkerchief from somewhere in her skirts. Merle accepts it gratefully and dries her eyes.

" Have you ever been in love?" Merle asks the princess softly. Liliana shakes her head dejectedly and sighs longingly. " I'm afraid not. And there's a good chance I might never experience true love." Merle frowns at that. " Why not? You're pretty enough to attract a nice guy." Liliana smiles and shrugs. " I guess I just haven't found the right man yet. And being a princess means that someday, whether I like it or not, I might have to marry someone as old as my father." At this Merle cringes. " Oh." " Yeah." Liliana agrees. " But maybe you won't have to. The right guy has got to exist and sooner or later he'll find you, right?" Liliana smiles at Merle's efforts to lift her spirits when only moments ago she was trying to lift hers. " Thank you Merle." Merle nods in understanding and hands back the handkerchief.

The two sit in silence for several moments and sigh in unison. It's at this moment when princess Millerna enters their presence. She looks at them and smiles warmly, her pink dress softly billowing in the light breeze. Millerna nods her head in greeting and brushes aside a wayward strand of sunkist hair as she approaches. " Good day to you, ladies." " Good day Millerna! I'm sorry I didn't know you were here in Fanelia!" Liliana begins with a bright smile. " Is princess Eries here too?" Liliana continues. " Yes she is. You should be seeing her around dinner time. I think she is walking around these gardens somewhere. I came in here to look for her, but with so much beautiful plant life to look at I kind of became distracted." Millerna smiles. " I can understand that." Liliana nods. " Is your father and brother here?" Millerna asks. " Yes they are. I guess you will be seeing them at dinner as well." Liliana replies. " I guess so!" Millerna smiles.

" Well, I'm going to continue on with my stroll through the gardens. Would you two care to join me?"" Millerna asks kindly. Liliana nods with a smile. Millerna turns to Merle. " And how about you?" Merle shakes her head and backs away. " I actually have things I need to do, but thank you for the invitation." Merle explains as she waves good-by and walks off before Liliana or Millerna can convince her otherwise. Millerna sighs and raises her hands helplessly. " Oh well. I guess it's just you and me then." She replies with a friendly smile. Liliana nods and turns to pick up her book before falling in step beside the Austurian princess, glancing back over her shoulder briefly to see Merle disappear out of view.

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Eries quietly watches the handsome man before her as he feeds the ducks and swans that reside in the royal gardens. The large swans float across the lake and eat right out of his hand. The man chuckles softly. It is a warm, gentle sound and the swans cock their heads before eating from his hand once again. Gently he caresses their soft plumage and smiles contentedly. Currently he does not notice the princess watching him and she smiles to herself as he rises from his squatted position beside the lake. Wincing from the lack of blood circulation to his legs, Folken slowly takes a few steps back and sighs. It's at this moment that Eries decides to make her presence known.

" I knew you had a way with people, but I didn't know you also have a way with animals." Eries states as she steps out of the soft shadows provided to her by the thick foliage of the trees. Folken turns around, surprise glistening in his eyes. But it only lasts for a moment and is instantly replaced by calm pleasure when he settles his gaze upon her face. " I wasn't sure I still had it in me." He confesses quietly as Eries steps up to him. Without wasting a beat Folken kneels upon one knee and kisses her right hand gently. " I was hoping we would run into each other here." Eries states softly. At this Folken looks up at her questioningly and rises slowly. " Why is that?" He asks. Eries smiles. " I so wished we could talk in private and learn about what has transpired between us all these months. Many things have occurred I'm certain and I want to know more about you." Folken blinks at her frankness and for a moment feels a small panic blossom inside his heart. He hasn't had any kind of relationship with a woman before and the prospect of beginning one with such a lovely person now seems almost frightening. But just as the fear appears it dies and Folken feels his wall of insecurity and isolation melt away. Here is a chance for him to know Eries at a closer level. Suddenly something about this prospect thrills him to no end. " Are you certain you want to know me better? After all I did betray my own country." Folken replies, half joking, half serious. Eries nods, her bright smile never leaving her face.

Slowly but surely a genuine smile blossoms upon Folken's face as well. Eries wraps an arm around his and the two begin a slow walk deeper into the gardens. " So tell me, Folken. Is the relationship between you and your brother improved?" Folken chuckles lightly. " Yes princess. I believe our relationship is much improved." " So he has forgiven you?" Eries continues. Folken nods, serious once again. Eries glances up at him. " You look content now." Folken nods again. " I feel more at peace with where I belong and what I should do with my time." He replies. Eries nods with a smile. " That's wonderful Folken. I'm happy for you." She replies gently. Folken smiles at her. " Thank you."

The two friends continue down the path they have chosen in companionable silence for several minutes simply enjoying the garden and all its beautiful plant life. But finally Eries breaks the silence. " The garden seems bigger than I remember." She states. " Yes. Well…I worked with the builders and gardeners on expanding the castle and its surrounding grounds. So it is much larger than before. But I think it serves us well." He replies. Eries nods in agreement. " It is beautiful." She sighs. They walk on for a while longer before Eries speaks again. " Does your brother have any incline towards a wife yet?" Folken chuckles and shakes his head in the negative. " Not yet. He really doesn't want to think about that prospect of his life I believe." Folken replies. Eries nods thoughtfully. " I suppose he still loves the young lady from the Mystic Moon then." Folken glances down at Eries and nods. There is a pause before she continues. " And…what about you Folken?" Folken raises an eyebrow in question. " I'm sorry?" " Do you have any prospects in romance?" Eries asks gently. Folken feels himself blush even though he doesn't want to. " No dear princess. I…wouldn't assume even entertaining the thought." He replies quietly. " Why not? You're young and healthy enough to make a fine husband!" She continues, not realizing the increased tension that has taken hold of Folken's person. Folken simply shakes his head. " There are too many complications for me. I…don't think a relationship of that caliber would work." He replies honestly. " Why?" Eries insists. Folken shrugs. " Mostly from everything I was affiliated with and all that I used to be." He replies. " But those things are not who you are anymore." Eries replies in turn. Folken nods, having heard those exact words from Van only a few weeks ago. " True." He replies.

The two remain silent for several minutes before they realize that they're right back at the lake where they started walking. " Did we take a wrong turn somewhere?" Eries asks with a smile. Folken shakes his head. " The path we took circles back to our current location." " I see." Eries replies. She releases Folken's arm and stoops down by the side of the lake to get a closer look at the swans that have swam across to greet them. The animals keep their distance from the stranger that moves towards them and Eries watches their beady little eyes search the ground for Folken. Eries smiles at them, understanding their fondness for him. She glances down, leaning forward slightly to see Folken's reflection upon the calm, watery surface. He quietly brushes his good hand through his sea-blue hair as a gentle breeze ruffles its soft curls. Eries sighs longingly and turns her attention back to her own reflection as Folken moves to stoop down beside her. The swans and ducks make their way back to the other side of the lake after realizing that they would not be receiving any food right now. Eries struggles to keep back the fiery blush that tries to blossom upon her cheeks as Folken lightly rests his soft hand upon her back. " Find something interesting to gaze upon?" Folken asks innocently. Eries blushes at his question and desperately tries to find a reason for why she is still stooping beside the lake staring at the water's surface. Her reason comes in a flash of gold and red scales when a large fish swims by. " The…fish are quite large here Folken. How on Gaea do you get them to grow so large?" Folken, completely unaware of her true reason to be gazing upon the water, offers an explanation. " I suppose its what the gardeners feed them." He replies after giving her question a moment's thought. Eries nods mutely. " If you dip your fingertips into the water the fish will come and kiss them." Folken continues as he takes Eries's closest hand and holds it so that half is submerged and half is above the water. The contact of his hand wrapped around hers causes Eries's heart to flip-flop very much like the fish under the water's surface and she bites her bottom lip in an effort to keep from gasping at Folken's sudden contact. Eries glances at him and he smiles, his gaze locked upon the water. " Look." He commands softly. Eries turns her gaze back to the water and gasps as three large fish rise to the surface and kiss her fingertips. She smiles and wiggles her fingers. " That tickles." She states with a soft smile. Folken nods and turns to gaze upon her face.

" Do you do this often?" She continues. Folken smiles and releases her hand in order to dip his into the water as well. The two quietly tease the fish for several moments, enjoying the quiet comfort of each other's presence. " I can't remember the last time I did something of this nature." Eries states softly. Folken opens his mouth to speak but he is interrupted by a younger, cockier voice. " Lord Folken! How nice to run into you again!" Folken and Eries turn to see a young man standing only a few feet away. Eries pulls her hand out of the water and rises while Folken does the same. " Madric." Folken nods in solemn greeting. " How may I help you?" " I didn't think you to be the type that enjoys being outdoors." Madric continues as he steps closer. Folken shrugs and Eries steps up to his side. " Oh. Good evening princess Eries." Madric continues as he realizes who the woman Folken was chatting with happens to be. Madric smoothly kneels upon one knee and kisses her hand. He rises quickly and smiles. " I'm sorry. Did I interrupt something?" At this Eries blushes hotly and Folken feels his muscles tense. " No. Not at all." Folken replies after a moment of silence passes by. " Good." Madric smiles in reply. Folken gazes down upon the young prince with several levels of curiosity and irritation.

" I think it's wonderful what you and your brother have done to this kingdom." Madric begins. Folken remains silent. " Although it is hard for me to believe that you were the cause of its original destruction. Tell me, do you ever wonder what life would have been like now if you and Ziabach had won?" Eries frowns, Folken remains silent. " Here now young prince, what do you mean by re-opening old wounds?" Eries demands. Madric glances at her. " I assure you that I meant no ill will my lady." He replies coolly. " I am simply amazed at the turn around in the man before me, that's all." Folken sighs heavily. " You…don't regret things as they are do you?" Madric asks Folken, taking notice of the sigh. Folken shakes his head. " Of the present no. Of the past…yes."

At this Madric frowns. " But Ziabach has done much to help people as well, has it not?"" Folken shrugs, not liking where the conversation seems to be headed. " Ziabach was not and should never be trusted. I was too foolish to realize that until it was nearly too late." Folken replies. " But are they not the ones that saved your life?" Madric replies, pointing to Folken's metal arm. Folken pulls it into the shelter of his cape as if to nurse it. " Yes. But it was not my choice." At this Madric falls silent. For several minutes no one speaks and the prince begins to rock back and forth upon the balls of his feet. Then, the silence is broken as he pulls out his large sword from its sheath where it hangs against his waist. " I wonder if you would like to spar with me." Folken stares at the young man dumbly for a moment, not understanding what sparring had to do with his past in Ziabach. " It would be great fun to spar with someone of my own caliber." Madric continues as he looks down at his reflection upon his sword. Folken feels Eries tense beside him as he begins to remove his sword from its sheath. " If you insist." Folken complies warily. Eries backs up, her nervous eyes flickering back and forth between the two men. Madric's eyes light up at Folken's reply and the young lad moves into a ready position while Folken removes the deep blue cape he had donned for his stroll through the garden. He allows the cape to fall upon the ground in an ungraceful heap.

Folken moves into position and raises his sword. For a moment neither man moves and Eries stares in silence wondering whether or not they will actually spar at all. Finally, Madric lunges and Folken swiftly deflects, twirling around to give the prince a lunge of his own. Madric side-steps the attack and slides forward, flicking his wrist sharply in order to turn the sword in towards Folken's exposed and defenseless arm. But Folken sees it coming and deflects the blow with his metallic arm. The action catches Madric off guard for a moment in which Folken uses the prince's confusion to his advantage and manages to give him a small whack on the back of the head. Madric stumbles forward in surprise while Eries covers her mouth, trying to hide a delighted smile. Folken glances at her and nearly loses his head when Madric whirls around his sword cutting through the air with a whoosh. Folken crouches quickly and readies his sword in order to deflect another blow that might have split his head in two had he not been paying attention.

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" I love nature." Millerna states wistfully. " It just makes me feels so free. As if everything I ever dreamed of is possible." She continues. Liliana nods in understanding and pauses to smell a large rose. Millerna glances at her and notices the book carefully tucked against the princess's heart. " What were you reading?" Millerna asks when Liliana looks back at her. " Oh, just poems." " Really?" Millerna asks with a smile. " What kind of poems?" " Love poems." Liliana replies with a smile. " Those are the best kind I'm told." Millerna answers as she begins to walk again. " Do you have any favorite poem or poet?" " Not really. I like all of them too much." Liliana smiles. Millerna laughs lightly and returns the smile. " My sister enjoys reading poetry as well. The two of you are very much alike." " I could see her reading poetry." Liliana states as she hugs her book tighter with a smile. " So…do you spend time in your large garden back home?" Liliana continues. Millerna nods. " I don't spend as much time in the gardens as I do outside my castle home. I love to visit Fanelia because it's surrounded by so much natural beauty and the people here are so much warmer than in Austuria." " Really?" Liliana asks with certain levels of surprise. " One of my most fondest memories is of Eries and I visiting Fanelia many years back. I had gotten lost and had found myself in the most private section of the gardens. The area strictly reserved for the royal family and no one else." Millerna explains as Liliana listens in wide-eyed silence. " I was crying because I couldn't find my sister and I didn't know my way around. I was such a child!" Millerna laughs. Liliana smiles at her.

" Anyhow,…there was a lake with ducks and swans and I decided to sit down beside the lake and wait for someone to find me. It turned out that I didn't have to wait very long. Only a few minutes after I sat down I heard laughter. And then a little boy with unruly dark hair came running down a path directly behind me. I turned around and saw Van. Though I didn't know it was him at the time. I instantly felt better. He came right up to me and offered a small stick he had been holding. " You can use this if you're scared." He told me. Apparently he had been using it as a sword." At this Liliana bursts out laughing and Millerna joins in. " He was so cute and open when he was little! He's starting to be more like who he was now." Millerna grows silent for a few moments, her face far away, pained. " What is it Millerna?" Liliana asks as she takes notice of the princess's expression. Millerna shakes her head and sighs. " It's amazing how time is able to heal all wounds." Liliana remains silent, figuring that if the princess wants to share her thoughts she will. " Anyhow…" Millerna continues, " A few minutes after Van arrived Folken stepped into view and he quickly made his way over to us. He was very kind and offered me a hand. He led me back to Eries, who was beside herself with worry. But Folken assured her that I was fine. He had the warmest smile I had ever seen. He still has it too, if he would only smile more often I think more people would agree with me." Millerna explains as the two princesses turn onto a path on their right.

" Fanelia is my escape from home." Millerna continues, a bright smile coloring her face once again. She suddenly stops walking and Liliana watches her with a curious smile. " Just be very still and listen to the birds. There are no other birds like these anywhere else on Gaea, or so I've been told." Millerna states as she rests a hand lightly upon Liliana who smiles and listens for the birds in the trees. " Do you hear them?" Millerna asks quietly. " Well…I'm not sure." Liliana replies just as softly. " Tell me what you hear." Millerna continues. Liliana cocks her head and closes her eyes, trying to focus. " I hear…leaves rustling in the wind." " Yes…me too. It's a wonderful sound isn't it?" Millerna states rather than asks. Liliana nods. " What else do you hear?" Millerna prompts. " I hear something else…but I don't think it's the sound of birds." Millerna is silent, listening with curiosity to the same sound Liliana has described. " Yes. That is not the sound of birds singing." " What is it?" Liliana asks while opening her eyes. Millerna looks at her and shrugs. " Let's get a little closer." She suggests. As they near the edge of the path they have chosen the sound becomes clearer and louder. Millerna feels her heart do a funny flip-flop as she suddenly recognizes the sounds of clashing metal. And not just any metal, the metal one only sees in the form of swords. " I think that sound is of swords clashing against each other!" Millerna exclaims. " Why would there be swords clashing in the middle of a garden?" Liliana asks with confusion. " I don't know…let's find out!" Millerna suggests as she breaks into a run, lifting her skirts up so that she doesn't trip and fall on her face. Meanwhile, Liliana fumbles with lifting her skirts and holding her book while attempting to keep up with the golden-haired princess now making a sharp left turn up ahead.

As Liliana finally reaches the end of the path and turns to the left she has to stop abruptly, nearly ramming right into princess Eries who glances down at her with surprise. " Oh…hello." Liliana replies a little sheepishly. " Hello." Eries replies with a kind smile and nod of her head. Millerna steps up to the two while Liliana gives Eries a polite but quick curtsy. " So this is what was causing all that noise." Liliana states as she turns her full attention to the source of all the loud clanging that she had heard farther back in the garden. Before her Folken and Madric are engrossed in a spirited duel of strength and technique. " What are they doing?" Liliana asks with certain levels of confusion and irritation, mainly for her brother's behavior. " Prince Madric has asked Folken for a friendly spar." Eries replies. " Oh." Liliana replies as she tries to brush some of her unruly black, curly wisps back to the position they should be. But she gives up the effort when the wind blows them against her face again. Now fully annoyed with not being able to read her book and having to run with a dress and mess up her hair, Liliana frowns at the sight of her brother's rather rude demand. " I'm sorry for my brother's behavior. He can be a little dense sometimes." She states. Eries and Millerna look at her with amusement. " Dear Madric! I really think we should be going now." Liliana suddenly calls out. Madric twirls around and tries to penetrate Folken's defenses with a flurry of precise jabs aimed for the stomach, chest, and neck. But Folken deflects them all and nearly knocks the prince to the ground as he lunges forward and misses him by centimeters. Liliana marches out to the two men, her one hand holding up her skirts. Eries and Millerna watch in surprise and Folken glances up. He quickly lowers his sword and retreats a few steps back, panting hard.

Madric turns and frowns at his sister. " What… do you…want?" He demands. " You are a mess. Lets go inside and see if father doesn't need us." " I'm… staying here." Madric replies stubbornly and readies himself to attack once again. But Liliana halts his actions by resting a hand upon his forearm. " You're tired and if you keep going you are going to loose." She states calmly. Madric glares at her. " Even Lord Folken is tired. It's time to stop." Liliana continues. Madric glances from her to Folken. Sure enough, Folken is still panting and with his good arm, wipes the sweat from his brow while his metal hand holds his sword. Eries and Millerna watch from the side in silence. "…You… don't want to stop… do you Folken?" Madric asks, sweat dripping down his temples, his breaths labored. " It's your…funeral." Folken replies in-between his panting. Eries covers her mouth in another effort to stifle a laugh. Millerna doesn't bother to cover her smile. Liliana shakes her head and pulls Madric back. " Alright! Alright." He replies with annoyance as Liliana stoops down to pick up the clothes he had discarded during the spar. " We'll have to do this again some time, Folken." Madric states before walking away with his sister. Folken re-sheaths his sword while Eries shakes her head. " That young man has an ego too large for his boots." She states. Millerna laughs. " Yes…but he is good." Folken replies as he picks up the clothes he had discarded during the spar and walks back to the sisters. " I had best head back and prepare myself for dinner. If you will excuse me ladies." Folken replies politely, before heading back to the castle by taking a different path than what Madric and Liliana took. Eries and Millerna glance at each other silently before heading back to the castle, each deep in their own thoughts.

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As darkness covers the land the sounds of joyful song and laughter fills every street and warm candlelight highlights every window. The final day of celebration is coming to an end and even the castle guards join in the festivities, dancing in their posts and teasing each other. Down below Van leads his small group of friends through the crowds of joyful people in the courtyard. " Listen to that beautiful music!" Eries exclaims with deep fascination. " That is the music of the wolf-clang." Van explains. " Let's get a closer look." King Sion suggests. Van nods and they make their way over to a small group of wolf-men performing on their native instruments. Their music is intoxicating and soon has everyone ready to sing along and dance. Liliana is enthralled and without thinking grabs Van's hand and pulls him away from the others. " Let's dance!" She exclaims with a bright smile. Van laughs as she tries to copy the same dance motions that several villagers are currently performing. They notice Van and the princess and move towards them. Van glances around for his fellow friends only to see that they are also getting swarmed by the growing crowd of excited villagers. Eries and Millerna grab hands as everyone around then does the same. From above the soldiers and guards watch as the villagers make an off-kilter circle, sucking everyone nearby along with them into the dance. The soldiers and guards laugh and cheer as they begin to clap in time with the rhythm of the music. Fire flames flare brilliantly and fireworks explode in fantastic colors across the velvet sky.

Van laughs and smiles at Liliana who is holding his one hand while Merle holds his other. Around and around they go, the music saturating every fiber of every person within its reach. From above, in the shelter of a balcony, Folken watches in silence. A soft, small smile plays upon his lips as he watches Van awkwardly try to dance correctly and fail. Finally accepting the fact that he's a terrible dancer, Van simply begins to jump up and down in a hilarious contrast to everyone else around him. Liliana bursts into uncontrollable laughter as Van smiles at her with a nod. Folken chuckles and shakes his head, mentally making a note to teach his younger brother some of the finer traits in dancing the peasant jig. Van suddenly looks up and noticing his brother, solutes him smartly with one hand. The dance steps suddenly become more complicated and quicker. Van glances around with certain amounts of self-pride as he finally begins to fall into step. Suddenly he jerks to the right when Merle snatches and pulls his arm as they are swept into the heat of the dance's climax.

" Are you not going to go down and join them?" Amos asks gently as he steps up to look down with Folken. Folken shrugs and releases a helpless sigh. " Someone has to get some rest tonight in order to prepare things for tomorrow." Amos nods in understanding and pats Folken on the back. " Then…good luck Folken. The noise everyone's making is enough to wake up the dead and make them dance." Amos smiles. Folken chuckles again and shakes his head as he turns away. " I'll see you tomorrow, Amos. Behave yourself." Folken teases as takes a candle and exits the visitor chamber.

The celebrating continues late into the night and finally winds down at the crack of dawn, at which time Van and company are thankful to take a good long nap. Folken, meanwhile, has things prepared for the activities of the day having slept well during the night.

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Several hours later King Sion and his family prepare to return to Egzardia. As the family climbs into their carriage Liliana calls Merle over and hands to her a book of beautiful poetry. Merle looks up in surprise and smiles gratefully. " So that you can have something to do on days when you're feeling lonely." Liliana states to her with a gentle smile. " Oh princess I don't know what to say!" Merle exclaims. " Just make sure that you read and enjoy it." Liliana states before the carriage is pulled away. Van steps up to Merle and rests a hand on her shoulder. " What's that for?" He asks her curiously.

" She said its for me." Merle exclaims as she turns to him. Van smiles down at her affectionately and nods as he wraps an arm around her and the two head back inside. Folken, Amos, and Zire, follow their lead in companionable silence. Once inside Van turns to Folken and Amos. " Are you ready Van?" Folken asks him quietly. Van nods and takes in a deep breath. He turns to Merle and smiles forlornly. " I'll see you later Merle." Merle nods and watches as Van and his fellow men walk on together in the direction of the council chambers. Sighing Merle hugs the book close to her chest and walks away in the opposite direction in search of Meegan or someone she can get to read to her.

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" But Your Majesty time is of the essence! It should happen now that you are young and healthy!" " I am not interested or love anyone at this point in time." Van counters.

" That is not the point My Lord." Interjects another council member. " It is your sovereign duty as our king to marry and provide a heir for the throne!" Van sucks in a sharp breath and closes his eyes tight for a second. Folken moves to Van's side and rests a hand on his shoulder. " Fanelia's new king does not need to be rushed in so serious a matter." Several council members open their mouths to disagree but Folken lifts his hand for silence. " Enough!" He commands, using all the power behind his voice to emphasize his resolve. " Let no more be said of this until the king is ready." He continues in a calmer tone of voice. Van's shoulder sags with relief under Folken's hand and he glances down with a small smirk. As the brothers exit the chambers Van chuckles to himself. " What is so humorous?" Folken asks with an uncertain smile. " The looks on their faces when you lost your cool demeanor in there was great!" Van replies. Folken frowns. " I never loose my demeanor. I only modify it according to what is needed for any current situation." He replies defensively with a teasing squeeze to Van's shoulder. " Thank you Folken." Van states sincerely before they part ways at the end of the hall. Folken nods and ruffles Van's hair affectionately before turning away. Van watches him disappear down a flight of stairs before continuing on his way.

Late afternoon finds Folken entering the gardens with Eries at his side. She listens to him intently as he shares what went on in the conference only a few hours before. " They're beginning to grow desperate in their fear that Van might not wed at all." He states with a hopeless sigh. " Some of the council members saw Van and Liliana dance together last night in the festivities. They believe that Liliana is the perfect queen for him. Eries frowns. " I think what you did was good Folken. Trust your instincts and take Van's side. He needs to know that you stand with him on this." Folken nods in agreement. " Yes. But I can't help wondering if princess Liliana might be the onen for Van. They do seem to get along very well." Folken continues. " But I'm not certain exactly what it is Van feels towards her or if he could learn to feel anything towards her."
" Van will tell you when he's ready." Eries replies calmly and with deep certainty. Folken pauses to stop and stare at her. She turns to looks at him questioningly. " You are a wonder to me, Eries." he states admiringly. "Why?" She asks with a confused smile. He shrugs and kisses her hand. " With you I feel safe to be who I am. You listen to what I say and are genuinely interested in my life." " What are friends for, Folken?" Eries replies with a warm smile. Folken smiles back in return. " You warm my heart." He suddenly confesses softly. Eries lowers her head and blushes prettily. " And you're gentleness frees my spirit." She replies. Folken gently cups her cheek in his hand and kisses her forehead tenderly.

Van quietly gazes on as Folken and Eries continue upon their path once again, talking all the while. Folken has his hands clasped behind his back, his tall, lean frame slightly bent towards her as he listens to every word she says. Van sighs and leans back against the balcony's doorframe. He unconsciously reaches and lightly touches the pink pendant around his neck. It glows softly for a moment before lying dormant against his rapidly beating heart. Running a hand through his thick dark hair he casts one last glance towards his brother and the princess as they say their good-byes and part ways before he heads back indoors. Van squeezes his eyes shut in an effort to ignore the pain in his heart…the aching and longing he feels for the true happiness he knows can only be found in the arms of a young woman with eyes as green as the lushest forest canopy.

Hitomi… I still love you…do you even remember me anymore? He wonders before meeting Amos in the throne room and allowing himself to be directed to a table in the corner piled with scrolls and documents needing to be signed.

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As evening grows old Merle sits alone in the gardens crying. She's crying so hard that she doesn't hear someone walk up to her until their hand is on her shoulder. " Why Merle dear…whatever is the matter?" Merle looks up to see Millerna looking down at her with concern. The cat-girl opens her mouth to speak but fails to utter one syllable. Forcing herself to calm down she tries again. " I…I…I…" Merle bursts into tears again and buries her head against Millerna's shoulder. Millerna hugs her gently and does her best to comfort the crying cat-girl. " Oh honey…tell me what's troubling you. I'm here to listen." She states softly.

Van takes in a deep breath and pulls out his sword with a sigh. Removing his cloak he immediately begins his sword practice routine and slices through the air with fine-tuned precision. He makes a few quick jabs to an invisible assailant before pausing in his steps when he hears something that sounds suspiciously like someone calling out. Curious Van makes his way to the gardens' entrance and nearly rams right into a fleeing Merle. " Merle?…Merle!" Van calls out with confusion and concern. A few seconds later Millerna runs out and stops before running into Fanelia's young king. " Oh…Lord Van. I'm sorry I nearly ran over you!" She exclaims in realized horror of how unruly she must look to him right at this moment. " No it's okay but could you tell me what's wrong with Merle? I just saw her run out of the gardens as if she were running from the Ziabach forces themselves." Millerna nods and motions for them to keep walking. " Merle just confided to me that she overheard you were to be married very soon. " What? Who told her that?" Van demands with a bit more anger than he originally intended to ask with. Millerna shakes her head and sighs. " I don't know if she can even remember. They're rumors and nothing more. But she misses you terribly Van. She feels lonely and I fear she be depressed." At this Van looks at Millerna hopelessly.

" What can I possibly do to help her? I am a king and there isn't enough time for me to be with her as when we were little." Van replies with deep worry evident upon his face. Millerna thinks for a moment and Van watches as her eyes light up with an idea.

" Why don't you talk to Folken about her behavior. I'm certain he would know what to do." She states confidently. " Why do you say that?" Van asks, already uncomfortable with the idea of speaking to Folken about something that seems to be very sensitive and private to his childhood companion. " Well he does have experience with cat-girls. He raised two you know." Millerna states very matter-of-factly. Van blinks in surprise. "How do you know about that?" Millerna shrugs. " Eries stated to me that he had once told her he raised two kittens. Anyhow…he would be your best bet at deciding how you can help Merle." Millerna replies bringing them back to the original topic. " Oh and here…this belongs to Merle. She left it on the bench back in the garden." Millerna hands Van the book of poetry before curtsying. " Good luck to you Your Majesty and sleep well." She states softly. " Thank you Millerna…for everything." He replies in sincere gratitude. Millerna smiles and nods before heading back indoors. Van sighs and stares at the book in his hands before picking up his cloak and making his way inside.

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The sound of chemicals bubbling and hissing are the only sounds Van can make out as he enters the inner sanctum of Folken's quarters. Van silently stares at various beakers as he passes by their glass shapes twist his reflection into strange and funny angles. The air is musty, smelling of both sweet burnt scents all at once. Van frowns at one odor that is exceptionally pungent as he passes by in the direction of the far end where a door leads to a connecting chamber. The soft light of candles creates surreal shapes upon the walls and Van has to stop for a few moments and get his bearings before finally spotting Folken in the far corner of his most private chamber, reading or writing something. From Van's point of view it's difficult to make out exactly what he is doing. Van takes a deep breath and knocks against the doorframe. " Come in." Replies Folken distractedly. Van pauses, wondering if it would be better to handle this on his own. But the memory of Merle's fleeing, sobbing form enters his mind and his heart sinks in helplessness. Determined to help his child-hood friend Van steps inside. This chamber is considerably warmer in temperature than the previous, which was actually rather chilly. Van idly wonders if the temperature difference might have to do with all the strange things bubbling and cooking in the other room. As he approaches Folken gestures towards the chair opposite him without even looking up. " You seem very intent on what you're doing. Are certain I'm not interrupting you?" Van asks as he takes a seat. At the sound of his voice Folken looks up with surprise. " Van…I'm sorry I thought you were Amos. He often comes to visit me during the evening hours." Folken explains. Van nods in understanding and sets the book down on the table. Folken glances over its cover curiously before setting aside the book he was reading. Van shakes his head and smirks. " You've been studying Folken?" Folken nods, rubbing his eyes with his good hand.

" You've been studying for as long as I can remember!" Van declares with an unbelieving smile. Folken blinks and smiles back. " It's my destiny I'm afraid." He concludes.

" So how can I help you Van?" He asks quietly. Van looks down at his folded hands for a moment before looking up at Folken curiously. " Did you love them?" Van asks suddenly. Folken blinks and stares at Van with confusion. " Did I love who?"

" Your cat-girls…did you ever love them?" Folken instantly grows uncomfortable. Van watches his brother become stiff and rigid at the question asked of him. " I need to know the truth Folken. Now tell me…did you love them?" Folken had looked down at his hand for several moments and takes a deep breath before looking up at Van. " Yes, Van. I loved them." Satisfied with the answer given Van nods and leans back in his chair. "How old were they when you took them in?" He continues. Folken's expression is one of great sadness and pain, but it only lasts for a moment and Van wonders if he even saw it at all. " They were very young when I took them as my own." Folken replies. " They were frightened of me for several days before they finally felt they could trust me." Folken explains. Van listens intently as Folken describes his many blunders and successes in teaching the twin cat-girls he named Nariya and Eriya. Folken describes to Van their different personalities and different talents. When he finally runs out of things to say he looks at Van curiously. " Why have you asked me of them?" Van sighs and explains Merle's sad and depressed attitude of late. Folken listens silently with deep interest. " I was wondering if you could help me help her." Van states honestly. " You seem to have a better idea of how to handle cat-girls and their emotions. I'm not good at emotions." Van confesses. Folken smiles softly at Van's decision to come to him for help. " Merle needs to feel important. I think that now with you having so many responsibilities she is beginning to believe that you don't care for her anymore even though it isn't true." Folken begins. Van nods sadly. Folken takes note of his brother's sad expression. " Cheer up Van." He states softly. " I will help you and Merle. And I think the best way to begin is to have her come and see me tomorrow evening at this time. Tell me…can Merle read?" Van thinks for a moment and then shakes his head. " That is our solution then." Folken confirms confidently. " What do you mean?" Van asks with confusion. " I will teach Merle how to read and this will kill two birds at once, as it's said. Merle will gain self-confidence in that she will be learning how to read on her own, and she will gain a better self-image of herself when she gains higher status from her knowledge." Van smiles brightly at Folken's simple solution. " Good luck getting her to sit still for you any longer than an hour." Van smirks. " She doesn't enjoy books?" Folken asks. " Well…she enjoys them when I read them to her…other than that…I mean since she can't read them…" Folken nods thoughtfully. " I suppose I could read to her from time to time." He muses quietly. " What is she normally like?" He continues. Van shrugs. " She's normally pretty much content. She can be very stubborn and a bit spoiled at times…but there's no one to blame for that other than me." Van confesses. Folken smiles and shakes his head. " Some things never change." He replies. Van shrugs sheepishly and sighs. " I'll tell her to visit you tomorrow at breakfast." Van states. Folken nods and leans back in his chair. " Would you like something to drink?" He asks Van as he pours himself a glass of freshly squeezed grape juice. Van nods thoughtfully. " Yes…thank you." Folken nods and takes another glass down from his shelves. Van chuckles suddenly and Folken looks at him with confusion. " What is so comical?" " I was just remembering the time Merle sneaked into your bedroom and frightened you out of two years when you realized there was something under your bed." Van states with a broad smile. " You had just finished telling me that there were no monsters under the bed and then you came out running from your room into mine!" Folken's eyes widen and he suddenly blushes hotly. " I…I can't believe you still remember that." He states and hands Van his glass. But despite his embarrassment Folken begins to chuckle along with Van. " Well…now that we're digging up old blunders…," Folken continues. " I remember the time when you decided you were going to teach Merle how to swim and pushed her into the garden's lake. She had a hold on you unlike anything I've ever seen before. I swear the two of you looked as wet as drowned rats." Folken states with a reminiscent smile. Van's eyes boggle for a moment before he shakes his head and smiles. " Yeah and all you did was sit at the bank and watch me struggle to get her off of me! I thought I was going to drowned and all you did was laugh at me!" Van states with mock indignation and points a finger at Folken. Folken nods his head with deep satisfaction. " Yep." He replies simply. Van smirks. " Well…I remember the time you were sent out to look for Merle in the rain because she had run out when you scolded her for using your homework as a litter box!" Van exclaims. " What?!" Folken exclaims with shock. There is a moment of silence before the two brothers suddenly double over with laughter. Their voices ring loud and clear and perfect harmony throughout the chamber. " You were so mad that your face turned as red as an energist!" Van gasps out between his laughter. Folken watches Van's face turn blue with laughter which only serves to egg on Folken's laughing fit.

Outside the night is clear and calm. One hour melts into two, then three, and still the Fanel brothers talk and laugh and share common memories of their shared childhood. Indeed, the only candlelight that is seen comes from Folken's chambers and continues to glow until the early hours of the following morning.

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So…what's coming up next?

In the following chapter:

Van feels tremendous pressure to find a queen. He will have to make a choice between the love of his youth or his duty as king. The decision will change the course of his life, that of his kingdom, and everyone in it.

And in upcoming chapters:

All the events of the next few chapters will lead to the darkest hour for the brothers of Fanelia and all their allies. Folken will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice for his brother and his kingdom. Van's trust will be tested and the fate of Gaea is endangered as an enemy, far more powerful than Dornkirk, will make itself known.