Another Vision of Escaflowne
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers apply regarding Tenkuu no Escaflowne. The following is an Original Escaflowne fanfiction / fanart. The story, new characters and events are our own creation. Any resemblance to any other fanwork is purely coincidental.
Author : Celena
Editor: Bellsandy
Illustrator: Bellsandy
~~ Delight in the Experience : http://bellsandi.tripod.com/AVE/index.html ~~
~~ Immerse yourself in the Experience : here ~~
Episode V
Beginning
Dawn was cautiously lurking above the canyon which protected Fanelia and its people. The sky was a golden color with no clouds in sight. The orange orb was rising slowly, its rays tentatively reaching over the mountain and onto the city. The kingdom was waking, and soon children came out of their homes, most of them in order to play under the mellow sun, others heading out fishing at the lake up on the hill. Mothers were running after them, one giving a lunch bag her son had forgotten, the other, telling her twins to be careful. Men were gathering in the market place, getting the stores organized for all the King's guests arriving later that day to join in the festivities. Well-rested guards were relieving the night shift at the great gates of the city and getting prepared to greet the many representatives from the neighboring countries.
Merle was lazily stretching under the sheets of her oversized bed, exhibiting sharp claws under the furry paws she used as hands. She turned to her side and spread her tail behind her. She usually got up much earlier, before the sun even, but she hadn't slept much the night before and as memories of it came to her mind, she jumped out of bed and headed for Van's room. Her room wasn't in the same corridor as Van's but she only had to turn a corner to get there.
She smiled to the guards that were posted every 15 meters or so, standing proudly, their backs against the stone walls of the corridors. She arrived at the huge double doors to Van's apartments. She looked at it sadly, putting her paw to it, and knocked lightly. She got no response. She knocked again, still no response.
"Could it be he's already up?" she asked herself, knowing he mustn't have had much sleep either. Then she shrugged and headed for her chambers to change and join him in the kitchens for breakfast.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Van laid motionless in his large bed. His eyes were puffy and red. He was in yesterday's cloths, his hair was messy, he looked like a wreck. And he was. He felt completely demolished. He couldn't remember the last time he had cried, but the happenings of the night before created some chain reaction in his mind and it was as if all his loneliness, pain, and suffering burst out at the same time.
Never, in his entire existence, had he felt this way. He had lost many important persons in his life, but never had they discarded him the way she had. He had deliberately ignored the knock on his door, wishing he could dig a hole in the ground and fall in it, never resurfacing on the land. But he knew all to well he could not. Today was his anniversary and Fanelia's great celebration as well. Hundreds of guests were probably already arriving to greet and compliment him about Fanelia's rebuilding. He could care less about it now.
"Some birthday…" he thought.
He would have shed a tear, if he had had any left. Spiritlessly, he got out of bed and headed for his bath in the next room. Lyla had prepared it earlier; she was used to getting it ready very early in the morning, since the King always got up early. Today, the water was cool in the tub. He hadn't slept at all during the night and morning but still had stayed in bed for a longer period. Van welcomed the chill, it was helping him to wake from what he wished was a horrible nightmare.
Recollection of the past evening tore his heart and he tried to think of something else, but failed.
"Hitomi… what happened?" he rested in the tremendous basin, remembering how she had said it.
"I don't have much time to myself lately and I was thinking perhaps you'd like some free time of your own… Don't you think it would be a good idea to see each other a little less now that we know everything is all right? "
Van felt a difficulty to swallow. It could not have been real! She looked so sad when he left, repeating she wanted him to stay longer!
"What for??" Van shrugged.
He couldn't understand her feelings anymore. He had been so sure of what he thought they shared. That now, comprehending he had been wrong, nothing made sense anymore. Quickly, he reached for his towel and got out of the basin. He rapidly dried himself off and regretfully dressed into more formal cloths than usual, necessary under the circumstances. He put on his long royal blue pants and shining gray boots. He then put on his white shirt and long vest, the same color of his pants over the shirt. He called for Lyla to help him tie his cape with the emblem of Fanelia over his shoulders. The buttons were on his back and he could not reach them. Waiting for her, he stared at the rising sun that was embracing his land with its warmth.
"Hitomi…"
"You called for me Lord?" a modest and delicate voice asked him from behind.
Van turned and managed to greet his maid with a smile. He examined her quickly, her lengthy silver-blue hair curled down on each side of her tanned face and reaching her belt, her eyes a deep rich violet. She was wearing the same uniform as the other maids, a short sleeved beige V shirt and a chestnut skirt that extended to her ankles, showing the little boots women wore in Fanelia.
"Please Lyla, give me a hand with this absurd costume, I'm having trouble with the buttons on the back of the robe…"
He turned again, showing her the series of attachments that was out of reach for him. Lyla smiled and came closer, buttoning every button, fastening every lace.
"You look melancholic your Highness, is everything all right?" she asked carefully.
Her question surprised Van, was he so transparent? Gazing out the window he answered:
"Don't worry yourself for me dear Lyla…"
Lyla nodded and as she finished, headed for the doors.
"Uncertainties of the heart are never easy…" she added, not turning back and disappearing into the hall.
Van turned to her direction and blinked.
"Did I hear right??"
He stayed puzzled for a moment, trying to remember if he had said anything about the previous night to anybody. No one knew, not even sweet Merle, who had stayed up all night to comfort him! He rushed to his doors and looked in the corridor but Lyla had left.
"I definitely must find out what she meant by that comment…" he thought, leaving his rooms in the direction of the kitchens where, he assumed, Merle was waiting for him.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Entering the kitchens, the cooks and servants bowed, used to having him around in the morning to eat breakfast with Merle. The cat-girl wasn't allowed at the dining table with Van and the other nobles, so she ate in the kitchens with the castle personnel. Van offered once to come and have breakfast with her every day in compensation of their separation for the other meals. Merle had been flattered with his offer and had jumped in his arms thanking him.
"Lord Van!" she greeted him with an unsure smile and a big hug.
"How are you this morning?" she asked sheepishly, not sure if she should mention the earlier night.
"Better, I guess…" Van answered, a tint of resignation in his voice.
"Oh Lord Van…" Merle whispered, watching him take place beside her and play with his fork and food the servants had just served him.
"Guess I'm not very hungry." he said softly, never tearing his gaze from his plate but feeling her eyes on him.
"It's okay Lord Van, you'll have a bigger lunch!" Merle replied smiling, trying to get his mind off his worries.
"Happy Birthday, by the way…" she added, putting a paw on his shoulder.
Van turned to her with watery eyes and smiled his thanks, his throat just wouldn't allow words without a sob so he preferred staying quiet. He then shook his head and decided to seal away his ache for the day or else he wouldn't get through it.
Somehow, his stubbornness succeeded in overcoming his dejection.
"Thank you Merle." he finally managed to say after a while.
"Do you know if Asturia has arrived yet? I'm eager to see Allen again after such a long time… I believe Princess Millerna wanted to come as well… We'll see if her duties permitted her to come along…"
Merle smiled at his comment. Since the death of King Aston, Millerna had been obligated to the throne with her husband Dryden as new King. Although he had left her after the Great War to become worthy of her, his duties as heir to the throne commanded him to return early to Palace, capital of Asturia. Merle didn't know what the arrangements where between the King and Queen, but suspected they had had the opportunity to get to know each other better. A lot better…
"I think they should arrive early this morning Lord Van, but I heard the Duke of Freid has already arrived!"
Van's eyes lit up. "Really? Good, I'll go salute him right away…Want to come?"
"Of course Lord Van! I'm staying the entire day by your side!" Merle answered cheerfully.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Van and Merle walked slowly through the courtyard, savoring the plenitude of the morning. The sun was getting rapidly higher and its warmth enveloped the people below it. The King nodded to the many people who were walking up and down the courtyard. All of them nobles from faraway lands with their maids and servants following them closely, as if they were afraid to lose their masters in the masse. Van and Merle shared a knowing glance. They both hated having servants around all the time and despised the formalities that nobility brought. Since the Great War, they both preferred to stay simple. That was one of the two things that Van believed to be something good that came out of the conflict, experiencing a simple life and learning to respect others, the other being meeting Hitomi…
Van headed for the market place. He knew everyone gathered there. He hoped to find Duke Chid there and greet him. He thought of his young friend on the way. Sunny hair and sea-blue eyes. Innocent smile with so much responsibilities, at such a young age. Chid reminded him of himself, and they would always share something special, for both of them had lost their parents at a very, very young age…
Soundtrack : Original soundtrack two
Song : Ask the owl
Arrived at the market, Van opened his eyes wide in disbelief. The crowd was unbelievable! People everywhere, as far as the eye could see. And so early in the day! Van feared what the afternoon would be like but knew his council and generals had planned those details meticulously and did not worry further. Merle was also surprised to see all the people and Van smiled at the face she made.
"Close your mouth Merle!" he said grinning.
"This is unbelievable Lord Van! Look at all the people!" Merle exclaimed.
They both started to walk in the heavy crowd and bumped into each other several times in an effort to squeeze pass the people and get further into the market place. Van let Merle go before him, he was afraid to loose his little friend if he let her stay behind. He put one hand on her shoulder to let her know he was still following her.
Merle was enthusiastic about the whole thing. All the people! She was glad and proud Fanelia attracted so many other countries. She felt Van's hand slip away from her shoulder and stopped walking. She turned and saw him smiling at her. Van had felt a small, but firm hand on his elbow and knew who it was. He smiled to Merle who had turned to him and turned around himself to look down to the Duke of Fried himself.
The lad was surrounded by his guards and he was grinning up to the King. Ceremonially, the young Duke bent on one knee, looking down and his escort followed his lead.
"Greetings Fanelia, I am very happy to meet with you again. Your country is resplendent and it's people kind-hearted. I compliment you on your achievements." The lad lifted his gaze to meet Van's.
"Please rise your Highness." Van answered, extending his hand to help Chid up "You know there is no need for these sort of formalities." he added, putting his hand on the child's shoulder.
Chid smiled brightly at Van and took his hand in his. He then looked behind the Fanelian King and spotted the familiar figure, waiting patiently to be noticed.
"Lady Merle!" Chid exclaimed, watching the faint blush on the kitten's yellow cheeks. Merle was not used to being called a Lady and the sound of it made her all prickling inside.
"Your Majesty." she welcomed him, bowing and smiling back at him.
They started walking, closely followed by Chid's bodyguards.
"I'm sure these precautions are unnecessary, my friend." Van said, eyeing the guards behind them.
"I agree." said the youth. "But the monks insisted that I was to be well accompanied, I could not refuse them."
"I understand, but I am proud to say that with the rebuilding, the great gates of the city have been fortified and the men newly recruited to be the Royal army respect their oaths with pride and honor." the King added, satisfaction bathing his voice.
"I acknowledged that, and I desire to accomplish as much with the rebuilding of my castle in Freid."
Van looked down to his fellow ruler frowning.
"You mean you're not done with it yet?" he asked.
Chid smiled and answered:
"You're forgetting King Van that my people are not workers, Freid is a country of conviction lead by prayer and meditation. My people did not have the knowledge nor the competence to reconstruct the hundred-year-old castle. But it's getting along nicely now and you can not tell it has been burn to the ground…" Chid trailed off, trying to think of something that wouldn't remind him of his recent losses; his castle, his dear Voris, his cherished father and mother…
"I must not cry, I promised Father." he thought, smiling as widely as he could.
Van noticed and put his gloved hand on the lad's shoulder, they had lived the same tragedies and he understood too well the young one's pain.
"You honor your country, Chid Zar Fried, Duke of Freid. And when you return to your home, you will me accompanied by fifty Fanelian workers to help you finish your castle."
This brought a genuine smile to Chid's face and they continued on with their walk.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
The day was radiant, gaiety could be felt trough out the city. The people of Fanelia were gathered and rejoicing. The crowd saluted their King as he strolled among them accompanied by his everlasting companion Merle and the young Dutchy of Fried.
It was early in the day but some were already drinking wine and liquor, dancing and playing games. The King and his guest halted by the arena to see some of the guymelef fights that were held all day. Famous melefs from around Gaea had been invited to come and show their agility, speed, and strength in sport combat.
As Van and his group took seats in the royal lodge, the attendants working there immediately offered them drinks and food. The arena was as large as the one in Asturia, where the ruler of the country had put Van to the test with Escaflowne. Nice tawny sand had been imported from Fried to cover the ground, high walls encircled the fighting area and protected the sitting spaces for the spectators which had been set up above the walls.
Taking a sip from his aromatized juice, Chid admired a Fanelian and Cesarian guymelef contest for the next title. Chid wondered if the King was to fight with Escaflowne and worded his question.
"No Chid." answered Van sullenly. "I vowed to never reawaken Escaflowne when Hitomi left. I hope Gaea will forever stay in peace and that Escaflowne will slumber for eternity…"
"I understand." said Chid looking back at the fight.
The Fanelian melef had given a terrible blow with his sword down upon the other melef and a roar came from all around them as the crowd cheered the victor when the pilot from Cesario leaped out of his guymelef in a gesture of defeat.
"The winner of this round, people!" said a man using a large cone to amplify his voice in order to be heard by all. He was standing next to the tall doors from which the Guymelefs entered and exited the ring. "One of the three great swordsmen of Gaea; High General Gushen!"
The crowd vaulted from their seats to applause the remaining guymelef in the ring. The General had already won the three battles that had occurred that day.
"And now," the amplified voice added. "The last competition before we give the competitors a break. A highly skilled assailant, trained by the legendary and never forgotten Balgus. Knight of Caeli, meet Allen Schezar and his melef Scherazade!"
"Van! It's Allen! It's Allen!" Merle squeaked, jumping from her seat.
"Allen?" repeated Chid as he gazed at the magnificent Guymelef enter the arena, who was not paying attention to the crowd and only concentrating on his opponent.
"Did you know he was competing Van?" Chid asked, never taking his eyes from Scherazade.
"No, I didn't." Van answered plainly, gazing himself at the great melef.
The two warriors saluted and took fighting position. The crowd suddenly became very quit, comprehending that this fight was the ultimate one. The third legendary swordsman of Gaea, confronting a Caeli Knight, trained by the second legendary swordsman of Gaea. This was not a combat to miss. You could feel the energy coming from the two melefs as they scrutinized each other. Each one waiting for the other to charge.
General Gushen smiled, watching Scherazade through his melef's visor, proud to see that his great friend's pupil had learnt his lessons well. Never giving the first blow was a trusted tactic.
"I salute you Schezar." he bellowed "NOW SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE GOT!" he cried out, dashing towards Scherazade aggressively, his sword pointing directly at the other melef's head.
Scherazade leaped into the air and dodge effortlessly the coming blow. It landed in front of the Royal lodge, its head at the right height, level with the cabin Van and his guest were in. The melef had landed with a huge thundering noise and sand lifted from the ground forcing Van and the others to close and protect their eyes.
Soundtrack : Original soundtrack two
Song : Machine Soldier
Scherazade turned towards its opponent and dodged another fierce strike. Gushen's giant sword hammered into the wall under the lodge, causing a small vibration throughout the large room. Merle let out a small shriek but quickly brought her paws over her trembling lips. Van and Chid kept their eyes on the fight, the King not at all bothered by the impact, and the Dutchy impressed by it.
Gushen turned his melef and spotted Scherazade who was standing in the middle of the large ring, waiting for the Fanelian melef to come closer.
"You impress me Schezar." Gushen cried out. "Balgus trained you well!"
The other melef stayed silent and waited for the other to attack. Which was what happened. Gushen raced to meet the other melef, his sword high in the air. The crowd applauded and shouted their support to both sides. Scherazade drew its sword and brought it in front of its chest, protecting itself from Gushen's sword.
The two heroic melefs played a game of strength, almost nose to nose, only their swords crossed together separating the two of them. Gushen pushed Scherazade down with his other arm and the melef crashed on the ground, creating a new gush of wind and sandstorm. Scherazade's blade flew into the air and landed many meters away. With both hands, Scherazade held Gushen's sword, keeping him from descending it to its throat.
"It's over son, call the competition ended." Gushen told the silent melef under him.
But to his surprise, Scherazade slapped away his sword with great energy and brought one leg up, putting it on his melefs chest and pushing as hard as it could, sending his Fanelian melef high in the air. With great speed, Scherazade jumped to its feet and dashed towards its sword. Bent down in order to seize it and whirled around to protect itself from an incoming strike from Gushen, who was already right behind it.
"Incredible!" exclaimed Chid, his indigo eyes dancing with excitement.
Van looked down to his little friend with a smile, this was certainly an incredible match indeed.
Scherazade pushed away Gushen's sword with it's own and got back up to its feet, sending another hard blow towards Gushen, who blocked it with ease. The two went on, sending sparks as the metal of their swords collided with force and precision. The speed of the melefs sent Scherazade's cape flying in the air and provoked a cloud of dust at their feet.
Merle watched with amazement the two fighters. She still had her paws to her lips but could not tear her eyes from the arena. The two imposing guymelefs where confronting each other with such skills it reminded her of the late battle against Zaibach and suddenly thought that fighting for sport might not be such a great idea after what Gaea had been through. Had they not learned anything from the war? Her thoughts were averted by a tiny figure at the far end of the arena. A man was running towards the battling melefs.
"There's someone on the battle field!" she cried out, pointing at the man at the other end, coming closer and closer to the battle.
"He's going to get killed if they don't notice him!" she added, panic in her voice.
Van and Chid looked in the direction Merle was pointing and Van gasped. The man running was wearing a blue suit and had long blond hair flying behind him.
"Allen!" the King shouted.
"Allen?" Chid hesitated.
"Who is piloting Scherazade?" he added, watching the man running towards the battle. He was waving and shouting to the melefs something inaudible to their ears, the noise of the crowd and sound of the blades completely covering his voice. When he finally got Scherazade's attention, the melef lowered its sword and looked down to its owner. Unfortunately, Gushen had not noticed the Knight at their feet and did not halt his swift and lethal blow to Scherazade's chest, which brought an icy silence upon the crowd, who had cheered them on enthusiastically.
"NOOOO!" cried the knight Caeli, his cry perfectly perceivable now, as Scherazade brought its hands to the blade that had pierced through its chest before crashing down on its back, its alloy sounding like some old wreckage.
"CELENA!" Allen shouted, jumping on the inert melef.
"Celena??" Van and Merle repeated together, astonishment in their voices. Chid watched Van disappear from the room, followed closely by Merle. A few seconds later, they were both in the ring, running towards Allen who was desperately trying to open the hatch to the pilot's commanding post. Gushen brought his melef on one knee and leaped out of it, jumping next to Allen, helping him to open the hatch.
"It won't budge!" Allen roared, spotting Van approaching them from the corner of his eye.
A deadly silence hung over the crowd. Most did not understand what was going on, but simply seeing the deadly blade deep into the famous Scherazade's chest was enough to keep them quiet. They saw their King arriving at the scene and jumping onto the melef, leaving Merle on the ground next to it, her hands clasped together over her heart.
"We can't open it!" Allen told him, sheer panic in his voice.
"It's okay Allen, let me help, the three of us will do it." Van told him for reassurance.
They seized each side of the hatch and pulled as hard as they could.
"Come on! Open!" thought the trio and unexpectedly, vapor came out from each side of the hatch and Scherazade's mask flew open, revealing a seriously wounded and unconscious Celena inside.
"Celena!" shouted Allen, gently taking her in his muscular arms. "Oh Gods please! Not this… NO!" he shouted, lifting his teary eyes to the sky.
"We have a chance to save her Allen." said Van softly, putting his hand on the older man's shoulder.
He forced him to turn and let the medical team, which had just arrived on the spot, to take her from his arms. Allen's blood-stained shirt was glued to his chest and he could no longer prevent a tear from falling.
"Please Van… Please save her." he wept, clutching his friend's cape.
Van was touched and surprised with Allen's devotion and manifestation of concern for his younger sister, but tried hard not to soften in front of his friend and people.
"It will be okay Allen, I'll have my personal healer attend to her. He is the best in Fanelia. You have not to worry. All that can be done will be done. You have my word!"
With that, all watched the injured pilot being carried away by the medics. The king rose to his feet and addressed his people.
"Do not concern yourselves my people. This incident must not diminish our joy and celebration. The lady Celena will be treated by the finest in Fanelia and she will be alright." He glanced down to Allen, who was looking gloomily at the blade penetrating his melef's chest, and lied: "Her injuries were minor, do not worry…and let the festivities continue!"
That was all that was needed to be heard and the crowd slowly started to cheer, preferring the happy state they were in before the deadly ambience that had settled. Van helped Allen up and gave him a small, reassuring smile. General Gushen knew better than to ask forgiveness just yet and let the two friends slide down the melef and head for the exit of the arena before getting in his melef and, with the help of other melefs, bringing Scherazade up on its feet and out of the ring.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Allen was pacing in the hallway in front of Celena's room. She had been on the other side of the closed doors for over two hours and fear was overwhelming him. He tried to sit on the large wooden bench resting against the stone wall but sprang back up after a few seconds every time. He watched the moons through one of the many large windows of the corridor. They were floating high in the sky, next to the sun. Allen looked down on the busy city and sighed.
"It's my fault… why did I show her how to fight?"
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard footsteps approaching behind him. He turned and smiled to his younger friend who was smiling back, with concern and sadness in his eyes, and curiosity.
"You're still waiting for some news?" Van asked, noticing the doors to Celena's room were still shut.
"Yes. Thank you, Van, for being there and helping and being so quick in taking care of her…" Allen trailed off, feeling a weight on his chest.
"What…What was she doing in Scherazade?" Van asked, slowly.
Allen sighed and closed his eyes. "I was stupid Van, really stupid!" Allen answered, not opening his eyes. "When she changed back from being Dilandau, she was frail and gentle and confused. She had recollection of her life as Dilandau and hated herself for what she had done."
"But none of it was her fault!"
"I know, and it took a while before getting it in her head. When she finally admitted that feeling sorry for herself wasn't going to change a thing, she decided to look ahead instead of living in the past. She started doing things to occupy her time. Sword and melef training was one of her many activities. She already knew how to fight, remembering Dilandau's skills, but she asked me to pursue her training, which I did… Van, What have I done? She wanted so badly to compete today and I wouldn't hear of it. She tricked me into leaving the hangar for a while and she used the time to get into Scherazade and fight in my place!"
"Allen, it's not your fault, she already knew how to pilot a melef before you showed her…"
"But I encouraged her Van! I thought it was a good idea because it was helping her to forget. Celena is the gentlest person I have ever met and even if she practices with me, she must never confront another. She must not be put in a dangerous position again, I swear I won't let it happen again!" Allen sat on the bench, put his elbows on his knees and brought his face down in his hands.
Van reached for his shoulder but the doors to Celena's room slowly opened and Allen sprung up from the bench. He approached the small man coming out of the room.
"How is she?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
The healer standing in front of him scratched his bald head and pulled on his long white beard. "She was badly cut but thankfully, we were able to mend her wound quite nicely… she should wake up within a few hours."
"She'll be okay?" Van uttered.
"Oh yes, it is only a matter of time before she's up and fighting again!" said the healer smiling, not noticing the troubled look on Allen's face.
"Thank you Marlin, you may leave." Van added and smiled at the healer for his good work. The short man bowed and passed by his King, heading for the other end of the corridor.
"I'll go in and see her." Allen stated, leaving the young King alone in the hallway.
Van sat on the bench and heard Allen murmur words to Celena. He could not understand what he was saying to her but could imagine it had something to do with apologies and vows of protection. He let his head rest on the wall and looked out the window in front of him. The moons were resplendent next to the sun and Van started to think of Hitomi. His heartache resurfaced and he felt a sting in his eyes.
"NO! I was doing okay, half of the day has past. Come on, Fanel, get a grip and get through it!"
He got up to his feet and left Allen to his sister. He could talk with his old friend later. When he reached the end of the hall, he heard familiar voices coming in his direction. He smiled. He recognized the new Queen of Asturia's voice right away. Turning the corner of the hallway, he met up with Millerna and Dryden, new rulers of Asturia.
"Van!" Millerna exclaimed, taking him in her arms, and giving him a slight kiss on each cheek.
Dryden smiled at the blush rising on the young King's face from his wife's demonstration of affection and greeted him with a small tap on his back.
"Hello there, fellow King, We are pleased to be here for the celebrations. Congratulations with the rebuilding. Your work is amazing!"
"Yes." added Millerna. "You must be very proud. And by the way, a happy anniversary to you!"
"Thank you, my friends." Van replied, uncomfortable with the praises.
Millerna's looked sadden as she remembered why they were wandering around the large corridors of the castle. "We heard Celena was injured during a melef competition..."
"She's alright. She was badly injured, but she's okay, Allen is with her now."
Both royals sighed with relief.
"That naughty little girl always gets in trouble!" groaned Millerna bringing long fingers through her long pale blond hair.
"Little girl?" Dryden mocked, cocking his eyebrow. "She's actually seven months older than you my dear wife, and you, are no little girl…"
Van and Millerna both blushed at the insinuation, which provoked a rich laughter from the Asturian King.
"Well Van, what did you think of our little Celena's fighting skills?" he added, trying to stop laughing, noticing the temperature was still rising for both his interlocutors.
"I was quite impressed. It never showed that Allen wasn't the one piloting the melef…" answered Van quickly, happy at the change of topic.
"What do you expect?" said Millerna fondly. "She's been trained by the best!"
Dryden lifted both his brows and smiled. "Not to mention she has Dilandau's memory and capabilities. As I recall, he wasn't a bad warrior himself was he, Van?"
Van quivered at the thought. He understood Celena was cured now and that there was no possibility that Dilandau could resurface and appear from nowhere to butcher him. In fact, Dilandau and the soft Celena were the two extremes. Dilandau had represented her darker side, the one everybody had. Now Celena had recovered her soft, delicate, tender side and the two put together completed what Celena was today: A healthy and balanced woman. Dilandau could never resurface, because he was always a little there…
"Van?" repeated Dryden.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. He was indeed a remarkable massacre rising straight from hell!"
The two Asturian sovereigns gawked at him and smiled.
"He did leave quite an impression on you…" remarked softly Millerna. "Don't worry. Once you get to know Celena, you'll see how exquisite she is! I wouldn't be surprised if you asked her to marry you. She's so much like Hitomi!"
The words seem to smack Van in the face and he turned his head to set his gaze on the twin moons. Dryden smirked at his wife and she realized what she had said.
"Oh Gods Van, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking! Please accept my apologies. I am just concerned about you and only wish your happiness, I nev…"
"Don't!" Van replied, surprising himself with the harshness in his voice. "Don't." he said more softly when he realized her sad appearance. "Please, don't concern yourselves, there is no reason to…"
"Van, Millerna and I will be retreating to our apartments now…" Dryden slowly said, putting an arm around Millerna's tiny waist and turned in the direction of their rooms.
Millerna gave a brief look behind her before turning the corner and saw Van still standing there, his face turned to the large window, watching the moons. She silently cursed.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
The day went on enthusiastically for the Fanelian population. The melef competitions pursued, and archery competitions, different games, races and dances kept Fanelia and its many visitors entertained for the entire afternoon. As the sun was slowly setting, fires were lighted in the spaces reserved especially for the occasion. Some men were dancing and singing around the fires, already slightly drunk from having started drinking so early that day. This amazed the children who were having their supper outdoors and amused the women who hadn't seen their men so joyful in a long time.
As it was getting darker, candles were lit throughout the castle, giving it the warmth and cozy manner it didn't have during the day. Van inhaled heavily as he looked around the long table of the largest, most luxurious dining room of the castle. Four huge chandeliers were hanging from every corner and were illuminating the area with fifty candles each. Silverware and golden plates shined glamorously, never having been used before. Van looked down and was surprised when he saw his reflection in the dark, marble floor.
Every high figure of Gaea was there. The leaders of Basram, Ezgardia, Deadalus, Cesario, Asturia and Fried. He had better not screw this one up. He sighed heavily as he observed the Royalty sitting around his table, loathing himself with the high pitched sneers of the ladies and the haughty, superior expression of the men. He wouldn't normally be so susceptible to this kind of elitist behavior but he was having a terrible day and hadn't slept the night before, bringing his nerves to a certain edge.
They were all delighted with their food and wine, commenting on how wonderfully Fanelia had risen from the ashes, felicitating the Fanelian King with several toasts in his honor. Van was annoyed that they insisted he had done it all on his own and kept repeating the importance of the people's contribution to the matter. They all smiled and grinned, and finally, after a while, acknowledged what he was saying.
Millerna and Dryden were sitting on his left and he had Allen to his right. Next to him, was his most trusted advisor and good friend Lyle, followed by three other advisors, much more aged than Lyle, who was probably only a few years older than Allen was. Van grinned. They had all been surprised at his choice of Lyle as advisor, but something in Lyle radiated that he was wise and clever for his age and Van trusted him more than anyone.
Chid was sitting at the far end of the table, next to the young Empress of Ezgardia. He seemed to be enjoying himself which lightened Van's mood. Van seemed to notice that Allen's attention was directed to the Duke, but did not think of it further. The many discussions went on in till a thin, tall man addressed the King directly, then all went silent to hear the King.
"Does his Majesty of Fanelia have ever heard of the Four Tomes of Augury?"
Van observed the lean personage sitting in front of Chid, at the other end of the table. He had short, straight cut white hair that flew wildly over his head. His pale, cream face contrasted with his small, dusk cerulean eyes. The man had long, masculine features and was dressed in a dark purple coat and black pants. He had been introduced to him earlier as Shitarr, ambassador of Basram. He was replacing the King who had come down with some illness the week before and couldn't leave his castle.
Van immediately suspected a troublemaker but smiled to him widely, pretending to be much interested by the so-called Tomes of Augury.
"I have never heard of these…tomes. Fables for children's bedtime, perhaps? Please, do tell me more." Van replied sarcastically.
The group around the table chuckled and turned their attention to the other end of the table, waiting for the answer. Dryden and Millerna, who were talking softly to each other, noticed the calm and stopped speaking to see what was going on. Shitarr displayed an amused expression that haunted Van.
Soundtrack : Original soundtrack two
Song : Shadow of doubt
"Quite a wild guess your Highness, but forgive me for I must correct you…"
"How so?" Van asked, noticing the odd look Lyle was sending Shitarr.
"The Tomes of Augury are legendary in their writings and I am surprised an individual of your status and race has not even heard of them…"
Van perceived Allen gasp lightly at the mention of his race, but fortunately no one else had picked up on that detail which had to be kept a secret.
Wearied with the man, Van hurried him to get to the point. "Well, my good man, can't you see we are all eager to know?" Van stated, noticing everyone had become quiet.
"The Tomes describe how the Atlanteans ruled a planet called Earth and how they were dreadfully extinguished. The Tomes also elucidate how their resurrection on Gaea will bring the fate of the planet to its zenith! Don't you find that interesting? According to the Tomes, Draconians would soon be walking among us, rather ruling us I should say…"
The leaders around the table shifted uncomfortably, outraged that the topic was brought up here and now. Van boiled inside. Who was this man? He obviously knew of his origins, but what did he want?
"In order for the prophecy to take place, the four Tomes and certain, shall I say, elements must be put together, at the right time, at the right place. Once this is done, the Atlanteans may return and have control over Gaea and assure it's climax."
"Been there, done that…where was this fool during the Great War??" Van thought to himself.
He was not surprised to hear Dryden speak, knowing the older King always had his nose in a book and had great knowledge.
"Of Course," Dryden began, "We have not to worry, for the Legendary Tomes, if they exist, are said to have been sealed away to the four corners of Gaea, making sure this fate never occurs…"
Shitarr smiled menacingly. "Ah… someone who knows what I'm talking about. Of course you understand, Lord Dryden, that it is only a matter of time, considering Fate can never be altered…"
"I agree." Van interrupted. "Zaibach recently tried to alter fate and was rewarded by a disreputable failure, causing pain and uncountable deaths. The Power of Atlantis is not fated to reawaken, we are living today to prove it!"
There was a round of applause and cheer, everyone around the table agreeing with the King and bringing their wine glasses in the air for another toast. Shitarr followed, bowing lightly to the King, in some sort of twisted respect. The chatter continued and Van noticed Shitarr soon rising from his chair, and heading out of the grand dining room doors. Lyle left the room after him. He could count on Lyle to keep an eye on the man and he was grateful. He decided not to think about the incident and tried to mingle with his company, though not very successfully to his dismay.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Van felt like the dinner was dragging along when dessert came and he was grateful that he would soon see the end of it. He missed Merle. He had been hoping to be able to have a talk with Allen during the meal but the light chit-chat and ambience was not proper for a gathering between friends and Van decided to wait until the ball later on.
When people started exiting the room, he sighed thankfully. He made sure to greet all of his guests, re-inviting them to the ball later on. Once the room was empty, and there was only Allen left, he sighed heavily, making a fed up grimace that brought a smile to Allen's lips.
"I'm getting the idea you like the 'taking care of your people' stuff better than politics…"
"This dinner had nothing to do with politics, it was deadly exhausting!"
Allen laughed hard. "You're going to meet up with some problems my young friend because believe me, dinners like this one will reappear in your life most often."
Van frowned and sat back down on his chair at the end of the table. "How is Celena?"
"She awoke just before the dinner, she seemed okay." Allen smiled thankfully.
"Good, I'm glad."
"Congratulations Van, I haven't had the chance to felicitate you properly yet. It is true that you AND your people did a fantastic job with the task of rebuilding Fanelia."
Van grinned and thanked him.
"Oh, and happy anniversary! I thought your birthday was earlier in spring, not in the beginning of summer…"
"It is, but in the middle of the construction, there wasn't time for celebration. The council decided that the festivities for the rebirth would be a pleasant occasion to celebrate my anniversary as well."
"I see… I a have a gift for you then…" Van blinked as Allen open a small leather pouch from his belt and took out a small rectangular wooden box. He held it towards Van, smiling.
"Allen, What is it?" Van asked, his hand almost trembling with surprise. He took the box from Allen's willing hand and brought it close so he could see it. The dark wood was neatly carved and the emblem of Fanelia was forged on the top. Van noticed the twin moons carved under the Fanelian crest.
"Allen… You shouldn't have…" He gave a doubtful look to Allen who was encouraging him to open it. He slowly lifted the top of the box and peeked inside. He gasped at what he saw, his eyes gawking and watering.
Inside the small box, lay tarot cards. Hitomi's tarot cards.
"Where…" Van started but the emotion prevented any other word to be released from his throat.
"Millerna had them." Allen simply answered, observing his young friend.
"Thank you," Van managed.
"It's nothing Van. Of all the people on Gaea, I believe she would want you to be the one safekeeping them."
Van frowned. He wasn't so sure if that was really what Hitomi would want, considering the previous night, but kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to hurt Allen's feelings. He knew Allen had been fond of Hitomi too and could have kept the cards to himself if he had wanted to.
Van gave him a quick smile and offered him another drink. Allen complied and they talked about the rebuilding of Fanelia and Celena's recuperation from the evil Zaibach sorcerers' meddling. Soon, a small head appeared through the doorway and Merle entered the dining room when she realized it was safe to enter; Van and Allen were alone. She headed towards them on all fours and jumped to Van's side, sitting at his feet.
The King reached down to put his gloved hand in her hair and caressed her enough to get her purring. Allen smiled at this and greeted Merle.
"How have you been little one?"
"Hello, Allen. Fine. How's your sister?"
"I'm happy to say she's recuperating nicely. She woke up before dinner… That reminds me, I should go up and see her." Allen got to his feet, offering his chair to Merle so she could stay near Van. He gave them a quick wave of the hand and headed for the door. "I'll see you later at the ball."
Van stretched and yawned in his chair. Fatigue was slowly getting the better of him and he was glad. Perhaps he would be able to sleep tonight and not think of his torments. He had put the box away in his own sack, attached to his belt, and reached for it to show Merle when his gaze landed on the huge argent clock on the wall.
"Oh, Gods Merle! I'm more than late for the ball!" He leapt to his feet and ordered her to go change and meet with him in the Ballroom as soon as possible.
"I… I'm going? I mean… it's okay if I go?" she asked cheerfully.
"Of course! There's no dining table there for your hair balls to fall on so no one will be able to complain!"
Merle giggled.
"Besides…" he added, "I'm not sure if I could survive it without you."
Merle's eyes shimmered with delight at his words and she sprang upwards to lick his cheek.
"Now go!" Van commanded and she ran from the room chirping.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
The ballroom was vast. Large colossal columns here and there supported the domed roof high above them. The dun ceramic floor gave a certain comfort to the room. The light colored wooden walls exhibited magnificent portraits of the past rulers of Fanelia, as well as paintings of different well-known landscapes of the country. Again, several large chandeliers illuminated the spacious room. Two tall double doors gave entrance to the room and three double doors led to the balcony with a view over the Royal gardens.
When Merle entered the room she was thankful no one made a face at her. She strolled around lightly, loving the feeling of her long orange dress gently tickling her ankles. She looked around for Van but didn't see him. She passed right in front of Allen, who was standing against one of the large columns.
"Wow Merle! You look beautiful tonight!" he murmured softly in her ears as she passed.
Merle stopped dead in her tracks and turned, not having recognized his voice.
"Oh Allen! You scared me!" she scolded.
"Scared you?! I complimented you! How does that sound scary?" Allen inquired.
"I didn't know it was you… that's all…"
Allen grinned.
"Have you seen Lord Van?" she asked him, glancing around.
"Actually yes, I believe he was heading towards the balcony, only a few minutes ago."
"Thanks!" she smiled and hurried away.
Allen smiled and watched her go. His gaze landed upon a beautiful, glorious young woman standing in one of the doorways leading to the castle. She had long, curly silvery blue hair. Despite the distance, her V shirt allowed him to admire the curves of her breasts, but just enough to set a man's imagination soaring. She brought her gentle hand to her hair and brushed away a silver lock from her face. She was wearing the Fanelian maid outfit and seemed to be intrigued by the ball. She moved to the wall, leaning against it and gazing at the couples, smiling a simple smile, but to Allen it seemed ravishing. He pondered the thought of going to her and hesitated when the man from the dining room, Shitarr, approached her and started talking to her. Allen watched them, curious.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Merle walked towards the doors to the balcony swiftly. She was holding a flat, hand long, well wrapped box. She had waited all day to give him his present, unsure if it was a good idea anymore. Arrived on the balcony, she looked around quickly and decided on a direction. Heading left, she sighed at the sight of a couple kissing. She brought her eyes to the twin moons, still wondering what had happened to her Van up there.
The night breeze was mild, the temperature getting warmer with every day. Millions of stars were shimmering in the somber sky. She found Van gazing at the gardens, his elbows leaning on the stone railing. She came up quietly behind him and put her hand on his shoulder. Van turned and smiled to her.
"Lord Van…" she whispered, not able to tear her gaze from his dispirited features. She lifted her hand holding his gift and put it in Van's hand. Van looked surprised and glared down. When he realized he was holding Merle's birthday gift, he smiled a sad smile. He didn't feel at all like opening presents but he didn't want to hurt her feelings. She gave him a hopeful grin.
"Thank you Merle."
"Don't say that yet! Open it first!"
"No. I mean thank you for last night. You have no idea what happened to me, or where I was, and you still came to me, in the middle of the night, comforting and soothing. Thank you."
Merle smiled up to him, she didn't feel the need to tell him she would always be there for him, no matter what. She felt that he already knew he would be able to count on her, forever. She nodded towards the wrapped gift in his hand, urging him to open it.
Van smiled at her impatience and slowly unwrapped the precious gift. Once the paper taken away, Van was holding a rectangular wooden plate. He looked at Merle questioningly and she laughed.
"Look on the other side silly!"
Van turned the plate and breathed in sharply, letting the nice gift-wrap fall from his other hand and slowly drop to the stoned floor. His hand started shaking and he brought his now newly empty one to help him hold his gift. He stared at the picture he was holding tightly.
"Where…" he questioned, not able to say more, his throat burning with emotion. His mind was going wild at the familiar feeling, having felt a similar surprise with Allen's gift.
"At the market. One of the merchants sold it to me. He said that shadowgraphs of Hitomi are sold around the planet! She's famous! Having helped save Gaea and all…"
Van couldn't believe his eyes. In his unsteady hands was laying a picture of her. Her! It wasn't in color, for technology did not permit it yet, but she was there. A close up from her shoulders-up, smiling in the market place in Asturia, looking around. Standing between Merle, because he could see a corner of her ear, and Millerna. Van recognizing the lock of golden hair on the shoulder of the person on Hitomi's right.
"This is too much…." he breathed, after a while. He remembered when she had had her vision of him and Folken on the bridge, seeing Dilandau from the Vione high in the sky aim at him with the liquid metal of his Alseide. She had run to him, determined to save his life. She had called out his name and pushed him away from danger. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of her body on his for that brief moment. Her smell, her breathing; hoarse and warm on his neck.
"Van… are you happy? I wasn't sure if I should give it to you, after last night…"
Van blinked his reverie away. "This is the greatest and most perfect present I have ever had Merle. Thank you." He smiled widely at her and welcomed her in his arms. He held her close, looking up to the moons, wondering why the day had insisted on reminding him of her.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
Van's chambermaid Lyla was walking solemnly along the long corridors, heading for the staircase that would lead to the second floor and to her room. The day had been long and she was grateful for the rest to come. Approaching the grand doors to the Ballroom, she could hear the music and soft chatter. She was too curious to simply pass by and decided to have a peek inside. The large room was brightly lit. Musicians were playing Fanelia's tune from the far end of the room, close to the dancing area. She brushed away an unruly curl from her brow and smiled at the couples dancing.
She looked around the room and suddenly lost her smile and gasped as a too familiar individual was casually walking towards her, smiling his evil grin.
"Lyla my dear! It's been ages! How long exactly?" he watched her darkening eyes and smirked. "Precisely four hundred years, seven months and twenty-one days!" he answered himself.
He saw the anger rising in her aura and laughed.
"Now! Now! Calm down, don't act so surprised!"
"What are you doing here??" she spat, only wishing for him to disappear.
"Oh common, did you think I would just forget an important event as this?" he said, lifting his arms in the air, showing off the ballroom and the dancers.
She glared at him with hard eyes, understanding he wasn't referring at all to the celebrations, but to something they both knew much more important.
"Shitarr, don't do this, there is no need to go through it all again. Atlantis will never..."
"Oh! Lyla you're no fun! Keep the lessons, I've already heard them all from our loving brother."
"I highly doubt Lyle considers you as his brother anymore. Where's Kyara? Doing some rampage somewhere in the city?"
"No. Our little sister had to stay behind in Basram and look after it's sickly King." He sneered and added: "Making sure he stays ill long enough, permitting me to do the trip in his place."
"You disgust me!"
Shitarr dropped his grin and his blue eyes met her violet ones. "There is no turning back Lyla. Either you follow, or you die. I came to offer you and Lyle the choice. I only desire the four set of twins to live out their destinies."
Lyla was going to reply when a tall, handsome man with long blond hair walked up behind Shitarr, smiling at her. She looked confused and knitted her brows together. Shitarr looked over his shoulder and made a face at Allen.
Looking back to Lyla, he brought his lean face to hers, his nose in her hair, his mouth almost touching her ear.
"It was only a matter of time, and the time has come."
He was yanked away by a powerful grip.
"Is this man bothering you milady?" Allen asked, holding tightly Shitarr's arm and gazing at her beautiful but lost eyes.
"No…" she softly replied, not tearing her gaze from Shitarr's, as if they were still communicating.
Allen reluctantly let go of Shitarr and he was surprised that the man didn't even look at him before leaving through the heavy doors of the ballroom.
Allen observed the young woman in front of him. It seemed as if she was on another planet. Gazing right through him.
"Madame?" Allen asked.
Lyla snapped out of her daydream and gave him a brief smile and bowed before leaving the ballroom as well. Allen scratched his head smiling, watching her beautiful suave curves heading in the opposite direction.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
In the hallway, Lyla met her brother Lyle.
"Have you seen Shitarr?" she demanded harshly, indignity and anger showing through her voice.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you advise me of his presence?" she spat angrily.
"I couldn't. His magic was preventing me from communicating with you..."
"What??" a look of horror on her face "Has he become that much more powerful??"
Lyle glared inside the ballroom, watching his young King entering the room from the balcony, accompanied by Merle, who was clinging to his arm.
"It's begun." he breathed.
¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤~¤
If you have any comments , or if you wish to join the official mailing list,
please write to : celenashezar@hotmail.com
AIM : Celenasan
MSN : celena
