* * *
The land looked its worse beyond its true beauty. The dark evergreens and shrubs weren't their liveliest. They stayed motionless, and silent. Not even the wind had a chance of breaking the stillness. The tall grass swayed bitterly in a forcive matter, not wanting to have any part in the living ecosystem. Everything was cold.
The stars above them in the night sky would've been beautiful, if it weren't for the uncomforting atmosphere. Hitomi felt she had a place in the lifeless air.
Regarding Allen's demands, her and Ty had been ordered to wear black, hooded cloaks, and to cover their faces from viewing eyes. Hitomi was somewhat pleased that Ty wasn't full of worry. Every inch of her body ached with it.
From Earth, they had landed in the fields of Fanelia. But Hitomi didn't feel like she was back home again. She could sense the mild difference, and she thought, perhaps, it was stronger than "mild". Until they had entered the dim city behind guarded walls, she forgot the word existed.
The street was empty. Homes and building from the outside looked abandoned. It was a clear picture of disaster; a change from the Fanelia she knew. She failed to even notice the progress of construction since she had last come. Luckily, Ty didn't have any memories of Fanelia. He had never stepped foot in the once happily thriving city, therefore, he couldn't determine a change.
In moments, the convoy of three horses came to a halt. The castle of Fanelia seemed to be the only place with life.
A guard stopped along the side of Hitomi's white horse, and placed out his hand. Hitomi accepted the invitation, but almost forgot to shield her face.
She took hold of her son's hand, and feeling terribly awkward in her position, followed Allen through two large oak doors. Lit torches in metal cages lined the walls. From what she could see, most of the interior of the structure was identical to the original castle.
Once again, Hitomi found herself off in a daze. Allen came to a stop in front of the only doorway in the hall.
"You'll both be sleeping in here." He glanced down in Ty's direction. "You're welcome to have a room to yourself, as well," he said, forcing a smile to hide his stiffness.
Ty nodded cheerfully, and waited at the knight's side. Hitomi didn't walk inside.
"I'm not tired, Allen."
"Of course you are," he answered bitterly.
She frowned. "No, I'm not. I'd rather that explanation you promised me."
"That can wait until morning," Allen said impatiently, and escorted the small boy around the corner.
Hitomi shook her head angrily and turned the knob to door. The room was pitch black. The large window along the wall in front of her allowed a small amount of light inside.
Footsteps sounded from behind. She turned around swiftly, only to greet a young woman in a white dress. Two candles were in her hands. She looked rather startled at the sight of Hitomi's dark, shielded figure.
Screw it. Hitomi removed the hood, and took hold of the candles. She thanked the maid, who smiled at the familiar sight and quietly left the room. Hitomi placed a candle on a small, rounded table in front of the window. She took the other and sat it on another table, next to a large bed. Hitomi squinted, and studied the frame of the bed. It was definitely larger than she would have anticipated. She picked up the candle, and gazed across the room with her small source of light.
The room was big – very big. It was elaborately decorated and very comfortable. She sat still for a moment, then turned back to the bed, and onto the large quilt to fit the bed's size.
"The Fanelian motif," she whispered to herself. It was the King of Fanelia's room. Van's room. And Van was definitely not there.
* * *
Startled and questioning beyond control, Hitomi ignored her exhaustion and pushed herself to understand what was occurring. In doing so, she fell into a deep sleep, which lasted until late the next morning.
As she would have imagined, even with the dawning of a new morning, the sky was dreary and dark; cold, lifeless, depressing. Still weary and frail, and half-asleep, she didn't let her need for continuous sleep to take command. Stepping into the empty hall, she realized she could find her way around easily. It hadn't been that long since she last came and shared many short moments with Van.
"Hitomi…?"
She blinked, and stared up at the same blue eyes and shadowing gold hair.
"Sorry, Allen. I didn't see you," she apologized, realizing she had bumped into him while going around a corner.
He smiled. "That's quite alright." He continued walking, and as expected, was being followed by Hitomi. He decided it wouldn't be a good time to mention the "explanation".
Hitomi caught up until she was walking step by step at his side. "Where did Ty go?"
"He's outside, playing with Merle," Allen replied calmly. "The child's been up since the crack of dawn."
Hitomi's face lit up. "Merle…! Oh, I have to see her right away!."
"Follow me," he directed, then added, "which I don't think will be too difficult for you." He studied her desperate trailing motion.
"Well, I'm anxious!" she declared with a smile.
He nodded.
Just at the moment, a palace guard approached Allen. He whispered nearby, but not close enough for Hitomi to hear. Allen dismissed the soldier, and stopped, facing Hitomi.
"There are a few errands I need to take care of. If you wish to see Merle and Ty, follow this same hall, turn right, and look for the open arch doorway. That should lead you to the gardens, understand?" He started to walk in the direction the guard exited. "I'll be meeting up with you soon." He disappeared around the corner.
Hitomi sighed, and began to walk slowly through the spacious, window filled hallway, which did little good, since there was no light to bear through the wide spread.
"On my own…once again."
*
Sorry if these last chapters have been kinda slow! But all pointless parts are necessary for the following chapters!! And I'm working on that baby!!