Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne. I do, however, own the twisted little plot, and any characters I have created. Basically, if you don't recognize them, they're probably mine. In this chapter, I own many, many people, who I am not going to name specifically here.
Re-Visions
Chapter 15
The sound of harsh coughing woke Hitomi. She sat up, and saw Van curled onto his side, his slim body wracked by the spasms. She nearly fell off the cot on which Sari had forced her to rest in her haste to aid him. Sari appeared on his other side, and between them, they managed to get him upright. His coughing eased a little, then subsided. Hitomi plumped the pillows behind him, and Sari laid him back so they propped him up, and breathing was more comfortable.
His eyes had begun to water while he was coughing, and he wiped his cheeks. Hitomi smiled, surprised again at how much like a little boy he looked, with his hair all tousled from sleep, rubbing his cheeks. He blinked at the bright sunlight streaming in the infirmary windows, and croaked, "How long was I asleep?"
Allen and Hitomi had dragged him into the infirmary late last night- or early this morning, depending on how one looked at things. He'd been nearly unconscious then. Sari had given him a sleeping draught and something to ease his throat, and Hitomi had told her what had happened as he drifted off. Together, they cleaned his blackened face and arms, searching for any burns or other injuries. Hitomi had been relieved all over again when they'd found none. Somehow, he'd even escaped bring stung by the floating sparks.
"Not long enough, apparently," Sari muttered in response to his question. Hitomi grinned as Van scowled. "Well, if you're going to be bad-tempered, you obviously didn't get enough rest," she continued reasonably. "I can give you another dose of the sleeping draught if you like . . ."
Hitomi laughed outright at the mingled horror and disgust the suggestion caused on Van's face. She couldn't stop, even at the look of betrayal he shot her. Still standing beside him, she took his hand. "How about some more of that honeyed tea instead?" she offered when she could speak again. "It worked wonders for my throat." Van nodded eagerly at that, with a small fit of coughing.
What Hitomi termed "honeyed tea" was actually an infusion of a number of different herbs, laced with something akin to honey, but not quite as sweet. It was meant to soothe sore throats and ease coughing in some of the more common winter ailments on Gaea. Sari went to the hearth, and returned with a cup for each of them, then settled into her chair with her own.
"Normally, Sire, for patients who insist on inhaling a building's worth of smoke," she began, her golden hands wrapped around her cup, "I prescribe a sevenday of bed rest, followed by another of light exercise to make sure the lungs are recovering properly." She looked up as Van started hacking again. He'd drawn a deep breath to protest, and found that it wasn't a good idea after all. "However," she continued when he'd spluttered to a halt. "I know the only way I'd ever be able to get you to stay in bed for a sevenday is if I tied you there and watched you every instant." Hitomi grinned, knowing the truth in her words. "So, my lord, what I propose instead is this: you stay here for the next couple of days, in bed or sitting quietly with no excitement and no complaints . . ."
"Not that you'll be able to say much," Hitomi interjected, still grinning evilly. Van could only glare at her.
"After that, as long as you feel well enough, you may go about your usual work." Her amber eyes were keen as she studied him. "You will find yourself short of breath for a while, and you'll tire easily. When your lungs have recovered, you'll know it, as you'll feel like yourself again. Strenuous activity will just make you cough for a few sevendays to come. Come down a few times each day for the tea." She raised her cup, then put it on her worktable, having emptied it.
"Now, I've got to go see some of your soldiers. One got a burn on his foot, and the other on his hands, but nothing serious. They just need another application of my salve." She picked up a worn leather satchel from beneath the table and packed her jar of salve and some rolls of bandaging into it, then snapped it closed. "I'll be back in a little while," she told them, and swept out the door.
"How do you feel?" Hitomi asked, sitting on the cot next to him, still holding his hand.
"I've felt better," he said hoarsely. He took another sip of the tea, closed his eyes as it slid down his tortured throat. "I'm glad you're here, though," he finished.
She squeezed his hand. "I was worried about you. I even tricked Allen to get away from him, so I could find you." His eyes were still rimmed with red from the smoke, as she looked into them.
"I promised I'd come back," he said solemnly.
She nodded. "I know. Please don't be too upset with me, but I had to make sure you were all right . . ."
Stifling a cough, he leaned forward to touch her cheek. "I'm not upset." Before either of them knew it, they were embracing, Hitomi's head resting on his shoulder, his arms tight about her. Van felt something strange and peaceful settle in his soul.
It was several long minutes before he pulled back. As Hitomi watched, puzzled, he started wiggling around, digging into the pocket of his trousers. He pulled something out, and grinned at her. "I meant to give this to you yesterday, before we went to the meeting, but you weren't around." She blushed, and opened her mouth to apologize, but he shook his head and pressed the object into her hands. "Just open it."
It was a crumpled bit of paper that rattled and rustled as she examined it. Carefully, warned by the noise that there were small pieces inside, she unfolded it, laying it on her lap. Inside was another piece of paper, stiffer, more like parchment, with small holes and slits. And when she turned it over . . .
"Oh!" She raised one hand to her mouth, staring at the trio of deep green jewels. The earrings were gold, each with an intricately wrought cuff that looked like it curled up the outside of the ear, from which the stone, bevel set, dangled on a chain so fine as to be almost invisible. The necklace had the same delicate chain, and the same setting as the earrings, though the gem was slightly larger. All three caught the sunlight, sparkling bright green as she lifted the parchment, hand trembling.
"Do you like them?" Van asked softly, studying her.
"Oh, they're gorgeous," she whispered. "I've never seen anything so lovely."
"Turn around, then, and let me put the necklace on you," he said, relieved. "Yes, they're yours," he continued as she turned her wondering eyes to him. "I'll tell you why after you're wearing it."
Her shaking fingers slowly unwound the chain of the necklace from the paper. The round stone seemed to wink at her as she handed it to him. She turned, as he requested, and she closed her eyes as she felt him drape it around her neck. His long fingers seemed to have a bit of trouble with the fine catch, but he clasped it after a moment. "There," he said. "Now, let me see it." She faced him again, and he touched the stone with one finger, where it rested in the hollow of her throat. "Just as I imagined," he murmured, smiling, then coughed. She handed him his cup of tea, and he could see her eyes were bright with tears.
"Now, as to why." He put his empty cup on the floor and took her hand again. "Normally, when a couple is betrothed, they exchange pledges or tokens. They're usually small- it might be a ring, or a bracelet . . . or a necklace. This," he touched the jewel again with his free hand, "is my pledge to you . . . that I love you . . . and I want you to be my wife." He glanced up, and was surprised to see the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Hitomi? Are you all right?" he asked, worry in his raspy voice.
She lifted one hand to brush away the tears. "I'm fine," she answered in a whisper. "I don't know why I'm crying." She sniffled and smiled at him. "I love you . . . and I want to be your wife . . ." Her face fell. "But you said couples exchange tokens. I don't have anything like this to give you."
He held up the teardrop pendant, still around his neck. "You gave me your pledge long ago," he said huskily. "Before either of us even said . . ." He was cut off by her sudden embrace. The strength of it startled him, and caused him to cough, but he returned it whole-heartedly.
Even so, it was too short for him, for she pulled back, ashamed, when she felt him trying to contain the wracking coughs. "I'm sorry," she offered, giving him her cup. "Here I've been making you talk, when you need to recuperate. I'll go, you should rest." She started to stand, but her pulled her back down.
"No," he croaked. "I want you to stay."
Hitomi eyed him worriedly. "Will you sleep if I stay?"
He smiled up at her hopefully. "Only if you sing," he replied, his voice very hoarse.
She sighed. "All right." He dutifully closed his eyes as she sang.
When it looked like he was asleep, some minutes later, she let the song trail off, and tried to stand without disturbing him. She longed to change out of her smoky clothes, and perhaps bathe again. Glancing back over her shoulder as she headed toward the door, she smiled, seeing him hurriedly close his eyes, and knew he was awake. I'll be back, she said down their link. I'll get you some clean clothes. She felt him smile a bit sleepily in her mind as she left.
It was a few hours later when she returned, her hair a trifle damp from her bath, with fresh clothes for him. She found him sitting in one of the windows, one foot swinging, the other propped against the frame, both bare, though he was otherwise dressed. He smiled as she handed him his clothes, but he seemed distracted, and merely held the clothes, looking at them.
"Are you . . ." she began, touching his hand.
"He said he was my brother, Hitomi," he interrupted, closing his eyes. "I told him he wasn't, but what if I was wrong? What if he was? I just let him die . . ."
"Van," she said softly. "In Fanelia, what is the punishment for traitors?"
He glanced up at her, startled, then returned to studying his shirt. "Death," he replied reluctantly.
Standing beside him, she drew him against her, laid her cheek against his still-smoky hair. "He was not your brother. He was more a traitor to you than Folken was. Folken loved you, and he repented in the end of all the pain he caused you. Kenet Tesk hated you, he was jealous of you, and he didn't care how much he hurt you. There's no way such a dishonorable man could be so closely related to you." One of her hands stroked his hair, his back, trying to comfort him.
"I hope you are right," he muttered.
***
The first order of business, once Van had recovered his voice a little more, was reparation to the owner of the lost warehouse, who was mollified that the king came in person to offer it.
The second was the long delayed meeting between Van and Celena. Both Allen and Hitomi worried about how each would react to the other. Celena was a graceful woman, a bit taller than Hitomi, with hair the color of moonlight and eyes the same shade as her brother's. Though she was pleasant, soft-spoken, and full of dry humor, she smiled but rarely, and unlike most women, she wore a sword at her hip. Van was coolly polite, which was more than Hitomi had hoped, and Celena accepted it, later confiding to Hitomi that she knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, to change his mind.
The entire crew of the Crusade treated Celena with respect, both on Allen's account and on her own. Allen said he despaired of ever turning her into a lady, but his delight in her mere presence could not be disguised.
A few days after the fire, Allen took his leave, saying with a grin that he needed to make sure his newly rebuilt fort was still standing, that the men he'd left there hadn't turned it over to the swamp bandits. Hitomi smiled at his words, and wished him a safe journey, with a quick hug for luck. He bowed over her hand, but, seeing Van's glare, refrained from kissing it. As Allen disappeared onto the bridge, Van reclaimed her with a proprietary arm about her waist, and she giggled at his display.
The third necessary item to be decided was when the royal wedding would occur. This was put to Van by his council just after Allen's departure. Hitomi had joined the council meetings at her own request, to learn more about her future role as queen.
Lady Avengine had posed the question. Van felt his mouth gape open for a moment, then snapped it shut, considering his answer. Hitomi smiled at him. Whatever you decide, it will be the right decision, she told him silently.
After a few seconds' thought, he knew what his answer must be. "It is my wish that we be wed as soon as may be," he said quietly. "But I know that we must first finish rebuilding what we have lost. Though the city below has been rebuilt, and the smaller towns and villages received no damage, we are not yet done. The castle must be restored before we can truly say Fanelia is restored. Therefore," he sighed, looking into Hitomi's eyes, "as much as I would like to say that our wedding will be tomorrow, I must say it will have to wait until repairs are finished on the castle, and we can accept guests without shame. We will combine the wedding with the official re-opening of Fanelia to the rest of Gaea, though it will be the last of the festivities." He started intently at Hitomi, and saw her blush before casting his gaze at his councilors.
Lady Avengine nodded. It was the answer she had expected. Robero Jor nodded and made note of it.
At the end of the meeting, when Van took Hitomi's hand to escort her from the council chamber, she stopped him. "I need to ask Lady Avengine something," she said quietly in response to his puzzled look. "I'll find you later." She squeezed his hand, and he nodded and left.
Lady Avengine, who had started to struggle to her feet, had resettled herself at Hitomi's words. "I'll be bloody glad when we have real chairs again," she muttered, but her eyes twinkled at Hitomi merrily. "What did you want to ask me, my lady?"
Hitomi perched on a neighboring crate, and examined the floor for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then she looked up. "It's something that Captain Tesk told Van, just before he was killed by the roof falling. Van only mentioned it once, but I know it's bothering him. It bothers him a lot. I just want to find out if there's any truth behind it, so I can help him lay it to rest."
The older woman nodded. "What did Tesk say?"
Hitomi took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "He told Van that before Lord Goau married Lady Varie, he was in love with another woman, his mother. He told Van that he was his brother, mostly based on how much he looked like Van's father."
Lady Avengine took a moment to digest this. She cast her memory back through the past 30 years, and tried to remember. It was difficult, though, because she had been mostly running her family's trading business, and had not paid much attention to the royalty.
"Please, my lady, tell me all you can remember," Hitomi begged.
She held up one wrinkled hand. "It seems to me . . . mind you, this was nearly 30 years ago . . . Lord Goau may have been in love before he married. However, there is another thing you should know. Captain Tesk's resemblance to Lord Goau may be familial, but less direct. If I remember correctly, his mother was my . . .youngest brother's daughter's daughter. Melis married a man named Tesk, I believe. I'd check for you in our family's records, but they were destroyed." She smiled apologetically and reached out to touch Hitomi's hands where they twined on her lap. "I wish I could be more certain, but I hope what I've told you will ease his mind."
She quietly clasped the frail old hands between her own. "I hope so as well. I greatly appreciate all you have told me, my lady, thank you." She helped the elderly woman to her feet, and escorted her toward the door. She caught her breath, as if to speak again, but then said nothing.
Lady Avengine glanced at her from the corner of her eye. "Do you have another question, my lady?"
Hitomi sighed. "Yes, but I'm almost afraid of the answer." They stopped at the doorway. "My lady, I'm not royalty, or even nobility, not in my old world, and certainly not on Gaea. I'm just curious why . . ."
She smiled as Hitomi trailed off. "Why we didn't object to your betrothal to our king?" The girl nodded, biting her lip, and Lady Avengine chuckled. "My lady, Fanelia has never required its king to marry another noble. Fanels have always wed where their hearts have led them. Even if we had that ridiculous notion, we would have taken into consideration the number of times you've saved Lord Van's life. The reward would have been a title, at the very least." She laughed again as Hitomi stared at her, wide eyed. "We might even have insisted you marry him, just to keep him alive and out of trouble!"
Hitomi laughed at that as well. "Thank you again, for relieving my mind." On impulse, she bent and kissed the lined cheek. Then, blushing at her own termity, she not-quite ran down the corridor.
Lady Avengine raised one hand to her cheek, staring after the girl. She laughed. "She'll be a fine queen," she murmured to herself in approval.
***
It was more than a year before the castle was refurbished, and even so, one tower was not quite finished inside. Most of the structural work and laying of pipes was completed just before winter. But there was still work that could be done inside through the winter. Wooden panels were carved to decorate walls. Many doors, large and small, were hung on their hinges. Tiles were set in the bathing rooms. But above and beyond everything else was the cleaning. Hitomi found herself on her knees, scrubbing walls and floors more often than not. Soot still lingered nearly everywhere, and where it had been cleared away, there was still sweeping and mopping after the workmen's dirty boots.
Merle was her nearly constant companion. She knew the cat-girl had been asked by the council to chaperone her and Van. Merle had told her so. When they told Van, he immediately turned to his adopted sister, grasped her by the shoulders and exclaimed, "Are you open to bribes?"
"What?" Hitomi looked astonished by his reaction.
Merle grinned slyly, after a moment's confusion. "I suppose that depends on what you're bribing me for."
He leaned down to whisper something into her twitching ear. A crafty look stole over her features, and she said, "I don't know. I think it's worth more than that. Don't you?" She grinned, taking in Hitomi's lost expression.
Van sighed, and released her, running one hand through his unruly hair. "All right. What do you . . ." Merle pulled him down and spoke quietly to him. He groaned, closing his eyes. "You win. But keep it simple!" She grinned, rather like the cat with the canary, and left, to Hitomi's mounting confusion.
"Van, what's going on?" she asked as he pulled her gently into his embrace.
He chuckled. "Merle has agreed to bend the rules. She'll let us have a little time alone, as long as we 'behave'- her word, not mine- when she's around. I think she's got a fairly strict interpretation of 'behave'. In return . . ." He bent to kiss her. "She does us an even greater favor, and plans most of our wedding for us." He looked down at her, growing a little concerned as she said nothing, wondering if he'd overstepped. "Hitomi?"
"You mean . . . all I'll have to do is show up on the day?" When he nodded, she sagged against him, smiling. "Oh, thank goodness. I was already starting to worry about planning everything. Well, on Earth, that's what happens," she said defensively as he grinned. "Unless the bride can give it all to her mother- which I can't do, here."
"I know. I'm sorry." He stroked her hair, troubled at her words.
"You don't need to be." She smiled up at him, forgiving. "It was my choice, remember?"
He didn't answer as she reached up to kiss him.
Furniture arrived in the castle in fits and starts through the winter, linens and tapestries and windows and draperies. It was late in the winter before Hitomi was able to devote more time to learning her role as queen. She insisted that Van, and Merle, by extension, help her learn to read the few fusty books of Fanelian law that had been long stored beneath the castle. Before any of them realized it, spring was upon them.
Then . . . everything was complete. Fanelia could be opened to the rest of Gaea again. Once Van had decided on the dates, preparations began at a fever pitch. But, in truth, much had already been accomplished.
Dignitaries from the world over began arriving, ambassadors and rulers, to make merry and make agreements. King Aston did not arrive in person, though he sent his regards by his youngest daughter. Princess Millerna very prettily made her father's excuses, then disregarded all protocol and embraced Hitomi warmly. She returned it, pleased to see her friend again.
The next few days passed in a whirlwind of meetings, balls and festival.
Finally, the day of the wedding dawned.
Despite the lateness of the hour when she'd dropped of to sleep the night before, Hitomi woke early. The thought of what the day would bring energized her, but she didn't move. For many minutes, she lay in bed, eyes closed, a smile spreading across her face. Today is the day, she thought, happiness singing through every nerve. She reached up to touch Van's pledge- she had not taken the necklace off since he'd given it to her. She remembered telling Van once that she felt that she would explode from happiness, but that was nothing compared to his. Today, she thought, staring at the ceiling, today there are no regrets, no uncertainties, there is no sadness, not even that Mom and Dad can't be here. Yes, I miss you, and I always will, but there is no room in my heart for that today. She sat up, running her fingers through her hair, feeling it brush her shoulders. Then she merely sat, staring at nothing, her arms around her knees, still wearing a gentle smile.
She had sat like that for quite some time, before the expected knock came at her door. She knew it was Merle, with Millerna and Celena, with whom she'd become good friends. They were to help her get ready. "Come in!" she called, swinging her feet out of the bed. Though it was early yet, and the wedding not scheduled until midday, she knew that with three other women to "help" her, it would take nearly the whole time between now and then.
Van woke early that morning as well, but rather than the quiet excitement it brought Hitomi, his realization of what the day would bring made him nervous. He gazed blankly at his wedding finery, hanging on the door of the otherwise empty wardrobe. It was far too early to dress in that, and he needed a bit of solitude. On the chair by his bed lay draped the clothes he'd worn the previous day. He pulled on the black trousers, similar to what he'd wear later today, and the soft red shirt. It had a little scratchy embroidery at the neck and cuffs, but it wasn't too distracting. Once dressed, he strode quickly from his room, down the corridor, to his parents' rooms.
The rooms that, after today, would be his and Hitomi's.
The new door had the Fanelian crest, carved and painted. When he entered, the sunlight was just starting to peek through the windows in the sitting room, spilling golden over the furniture they'd chosen. He wandered through the rooms- his father's study, the sitting room, where he pulled the drapes, the bedroom. The wardrobes set against the wall opposite the windows held all of his and Hitomi's clothes now, except what they would wear today. He finally allowed his eyes to rest on the giant bed, with the canopy arcing above, allowed himself to think about what would happen there tonight. Then Van realized the root of his nerves.
It was not the act that worried him. Instinct had taken over a few nights ago when he and Hitomi had been kissing, and he'd started to unlace her shirt. When she'd gently pushed his hand away, he'd come back to himself, mortified. He'd apologized, breathless at what had almost happened. But the thought of spending the remainder of his life without her, as the law dictated, had brought up a memory- the condition of Hitomi's recovery. He'd determined it to be that she would eventually have to return to the Mystic Moon. Her acceptance of his proposal, and her stated desire to remain with him had buried that memory. For more than a year, he'd not thought of it. Now, he could not stop.
He slumped into the chair at Hitomi's vanity, and scrubbed his hands over his face. She's been with me over a year now, he thought, despair creeping into his heart. Every day has been so wonderful, knowing she is here. I . . . I can't go back to how I was before she came back, being half-alive. If she is taken away . . . He couldn't finish the thought; the mere idea was too painful.
As if sensing his troubled and troubling thoughts, she entered his mind, trying to soothe him. Van, please, don't. I've told you, I don't want to go back. The only place I'm going is down an aisle, with hundreds of people watching, and you at the other end. A hopeful smile. Please don't think of that anymore, love. In just a few hours, we'll be together forever, I promise.
He sighed and smiled, and let his love flow through the link to her, but said nothing. She'd left the link open, and he realized she'd been doing that more and more. I promise, no more thoughts that aren't happy, he thought, and was rewarded with her laugh. Inner demons laid to rest for the nonce, he returned to his room to prepare.
As she had expected, Hitomi was pronounced ready only minutes before the ceremony was to begin. Merle ran her fingers lightly over Hitomi's veil one last time, and said, "Let's go."
The wedding was outside, in the freshly laid gardens. Chairs had been set up in rows either side of a bright red runner. The castle was deserted as the women hurried through it. Millerna and Celena scrambled for their seats, and Merle squeezed Hitomi's hand before walking slowly down the carpet. Merle was gorgeous today, Hitomi thought distractedly. She wore a deep blue dress the color of her eyes, long enough that her tail wasn't seen, while her slim figure was accentuated by its hugging curves. The cat-girl had nearly reached the far end when a single flute began to play. Taking a deep breath to quiet the sudden butterflies in her stomach, she began her slow, stately march.
Her eyes found Van immediately, and she couldn't look away, couldn't stop her smile. He looked a bit uncomfortable in the unaccustomed clothes, but so very handsome. His hair refused to behave, but she didn't care. He wore no crown or circlet; another thing that Fanelians did differently was that their kings wore no crown. He wore a bright red tunic that fell to his knees, embroidered at the hem and down the long sleeves with Fanelia's crest in gold thread. Beneath, just visible at the neck, he wore a black silk shirt, and black trousers, tucked into black suede boots. The tunic was belted at his narrow waist, and it bloused over the belt slightly. She realized with some surprise that he was not wearing his sword. Allen stood slightly behind him, dressed in his finest Knight Caeli uniform.
Van turned at the first notes of the flute, and saw a vision. The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen was walking toward him, grace in her every movement. She wore a dress of the palest ivory, the skirt and bodice of rich brocade, over a shimmering chemise of the same shade, peeking out at the low neck. Over her sandy hair, flowing loose against her shoulders, was a sheer veil, held in place by a crown of creamy roses. She held a small bouquet of more roses, tied by a long ribbon of deep green. As she approached, he could see she wore the necklace and earcuffs he'd given her, the stones sparkling in the sun. He felt a nudge from behind, barely heard Allen's amused murmur, "Breathe, Van!"
Hitomi managed to keep in check her urge to run to him, and took the final few steps. She handed Merle her bouquet, turned to clasp Van's hand, and was immediately lost in the mahogany depths of his eyes. She never heard the old priest, who had once kept Escaflowne's shrine, begin the ceremony. She only heard Van speaking his vows quietly, to her alone. She never remembered saying a word, but she knew she must have made all the right responses, because suddenly, she was asked to place a ring on Van's finger. Letting go of one of his hands, she turned long enough to take the gold band from Merle.
Van felt sure he stumbled over every word he spoke, staring into her bright green eyes. Hitomi's voice was soft, but she did not hesitate in her vows, smiling at him the whole while. He felt his hands tremble as he slid the plain ring over her slender finger, and again as she did the same. Then, the priest's deep voice said, "My king, you may kiss your queen." Slowly, feeling this was a dream, he reached out to cup her cheek, and saw tears start to spill from her eyes. Closing his own eyes, he bent, and they kissed gently, as he felt a tear of his own escape. There was no past, no future. There was only this moment, when he felt he could die happy, just before the crowd roared in approval.
When they pulled back slightly, he saw her smile through her tears, heard her laughter in his mind. Not for many years yet, my love, she told him silently. He smiled in return, ready to believe her now.
