I don't own Gundam Wing or Escaflowne. These are my interpretations of their characters. I don't want to make any money. Etc........
Allen Schezar stared out his tall glass window out onto the grassy fields which stretched endlessly out into the distance. Though they seemed serene, there was a hidden danger lurking behind the peaceful demeanor. Somewhere out there trouble was brewing. As a Knight of Caeli it was his duty to protect his country with his life. Shortly after the Gaea War's end, Dryden, now king of Asturia, had given him jurisdiction over their country's military. Now, less than a year later, new threats once again endangered the peace that so many had died to obtain.
A polite knock on the door interrupted Allen's thoughts. Clearing his throat he remembered that he had invited his two most trusted colleagues to discuss the recent developments in the surrounding countries the day before. Both comrades were also knights who had proven themselves in battle time and time again. Over the months he had come to know them, Allen found himself relying on their advice and help on every issue. The fact that they were a couple deeply in love only made them work better together. In some ways, Allen was even jealous of how close the two were.
"Please, come in," he encouraged, standing to greet his guests. The wooden door opened and Zechs Merquise and Lucrezia Noin entered the room.
"Sir," the pair exclaimed, bowing. Allen nodded his head graciously and reached over to pull the two other chairs in the room over to face his.
"Please sit," he urged, "We have much to talk about."
Allen waited until his two subordinates had sat before doing so himself. All three were dressed in the usual distinctive attire of the Asturian Knights, though the other couple's main shoulder and arm piece was a shade of gray instead of Allen's usual white. Miss Noin had insisted on wearing the same garment as the rest of the male cavalier, neither wanting, nor accepting any special treatment. Though it was unusual to have a lady serving in the army, Lucrezia was an exception.
"What can we help you with, sir?" Noin asked respectfully. Allen smiled, already feeling his agitation fading.
"Miss Noin, we've been over this before. You can call me Allen," the young nobleman declared gently.
Noin returned Allen's friendly smile, "I will of course, do so, as soon as you stop referring to me as 'Miss Noin.' Noin will do just fine, sir," Noin replied. The friendly banter was familiar, as a similar exchange happened frequently between the two chivalrous colleagues.
Zechs, who had until then remained silent, spoke up, "Allen, is there a problem we should be aware of?"
Allen smiled at his serious friend. That was Zechs for you, his mind always on task. "But," Allen mused, "that only makes his rare moments of frivolousness more enjoyable." To Zechs, he replied, "Indeed there is. Are you familiar with the country of Baslam?"
For a moment Zechs seemed hesitant, then he replied, "Yes, I do. It is one of Asturia's neighbors. They helped us in the Gaea War."
Allen frowned at the painful images that his memory brought back, "Yes, they did. They also used a weapon that destroyed much of the battlefield while many of their own soldiers were still fighting on foot. In any case, our sources report that their military has grown unusually large for a country of their size in a time of peace."
Zechs frowned and leaned forward, now fully engrossed in the conversation, "Have you asked King Dryden what they have said in response to questions about it?"
Allen nodded, "He said that he has talked with their recently elected leader, a man named Treize Kushrenada. Apparently Treize gave some excuse about being afraid of Zaibach returning to power. However, as we all know, with the exception of a few small disunited groups, Zaibach has all but collapsed."
Noin raised an eyebrow, "This could be especially perilous to the rest of the smaller countries who lost most of their forces in the war and have just begun to recover."
"I agree with you entirely, Miss Noin," Allen stated, "It is Asturia's responsibility to ensure that peace be maintained. Though we still hope for a peaceful resolution, we should remain vigilant and keep our eye on Baslam should it attempt an attack."
"We understand," Zechs replied for both of them, reaching out a gloved hand and squeezing Noin's.
"That's all," Allen explained, standing up, "Thank you for taking the time to see me."
"No thanks is necessary," Noin quickly replied as she and Zechs walked to the door.
"If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask," Zechs added. Nodding respectfully, Allen closed the door behind them and went back to stare out the window and contemplate the events to come.
"Zechs," Noin asked after they had left Allen's quarters, "do you want to go horseback riding with me today?"
The handsome young man smiled and kissed his beloved's cheek, "In a little while. I have to finish something first, but after that I would be happy to."
"All right," Noin agreed good-naturedly, "But don't take too long or I may go without you!"
Nobleman Merquise nodded and promised not to, before moving briskly to his room. Sitting down at his desk, Zechs quickly pulled out a quill and began writing. After he was finished, he rolled up his letter and walked over to his open window. It took him a few minutes to spot the well camouflaged creature, hidden among the leaves of a rather large tree next to his section of the palace. Looking around to make sure he was unseen, Zechs whistled quietly to it. In a few bounds, the small humanoid creature was sitting next to him on the sill. In a hushed tone, Zechs whispered in its ear, "Deliver this letter to his Excellency and tell him that Asturia suspects." The creature bobbed its head in an affirmative before leaping back to the tree and quickly disappearing from sight.
Zechs Merquise turned, letting out a sigh, and went to find his fiancée, hoping, though he knew it was foolish, that things could remain the way they were indefinitely and that he would never have to leave this beautiful country and the woman he had grown to love with all his heart.
As Van, Hitomi and Merle reached the wall which surrounded Fanelia and shielded it from the surrounding countryside, the main gate slowly swung open. Through the widening crack, Hitomi could see the main street, full of carts packed with various goods as well as many of Fanelia's inhabitants. On either side of the main road which led to Fanelia's castle, numerous houses were lined up parallel to the road. As the gate opened further, Hitomi saw that two people were already waiting for them.
"Lord Van," a girl who looked to be about Hitomi's age who was dressed in a plain white sleeveless dress spoke, "You've returned."
"Miss Relena," Van replied, identifying the girl as the diplomat from the Sanc Kingdom, "May I introduce to you, Hitomi Kanzaki. Hitomi, this is Relena Darlian of the Sanc Kingdom."
"It's a pleasure," Relena curtsied, nodding her head in respect. Hitomi found herself returning the act of formality, noticing to her dissatisfaction that her curtsy wasn't as graceful as her new acquaintance's.
Relena continued, introducing her companion, another girl of similar stature, but wearing a ruby colored dress. "This is my assistant, Miss Dorothy Catalonia."
To her mild surprise, Hitomi noticed that the other girl didn't curtsy. Instead, she nodded her head. When Hitomi looked at her, their eyes met and Hitomi was shocked by the fierce intensity she found in them. "Lady Hitomi," Dorothy acknowledged.
Merle quickly broke the formality by jumping into Van's arms and hugging on to him possessively, all the while looking at Relena. "Master Van!" she cried, "Shouldn't we show Hitomi where she'll be staying now?"
"Yes," Van agreed, "We should." To Hitomi's relief, Van took her arm in his and led the way down the center street. As they walked, Van pointed out various things that they had worked hard to rebuild. Every time they walked by someone, that person would stop and call out a greeting to their King and Van would smile and wave back. For the first time Hitomi found herself feeling somewhat belittled to be in the arm of the King of a great country.
When they approached the castle, a tall and equally wide building in the back of the town overlooking everything, a young man approached them from out of the crowd. He was dressed in a loose fitting white shirt with a simple green vest over it and long brown pants. His hair was extremely long but instead of being pulled back it stuck out in one big pillar in front, partly covering his face. His face and eyes were extremely serious. "King Fanel?" he asked, addressing Van.
Trowa glanced at the small party which had been making its way to the castle. A young man who must be the king of Fanelia. Two women who looked to be from another district. One young cat-girl, probably Merle, Van's assistant. But who was this other girl? Trowa didn't recognize her clothing. "It would be worth investigating," he thought.
It was time to make his introduction. Trowa detached himself from the throng and approached the small group. "King Fanel?" he asked.
The young lord turned to face Trowa, "Yes?" he asked. Trowa smiled. The target had been identified.
"My name is Trowa Barton," he introduced himself, knowing the name would mean nothing to the monarch, "I seek shelter and rest in your kingdom."
Van smiled agreeably and responded quickly, "Of course. Have you found a place to stay?"
Trowa was surprised by the question. Why would the King of a city as large as Fanel be concerned with one traveler. "Not yet, your majesty," he answered, making sure to keep the suspicion out of his voice.
"Then you will stay at the castle as a guest," Van replied, hospitably, "I insist."
Trowa was surprised. So, the King of Fanelia was as kind as the rumors said. It was a rare trait among the flawed humans. But was he as powerful as the stories told?
The strange girl spoke up suddenly, "I don't think that's a good idea, Van."
Trowa looked over sharply. The girl was looking at him suspiciously. Was it possible she knew?
"Hitomi," Van admonished, surprised and slightly angry that she had disagreed with him in front of several of his guests.
"I don't know how to explain it, Van," the strange girl continued, "But I sense a dark purpose from him."
Trowa frowned and looked angrily at the girl. So this Hitomi knew, or at least suspected. But how? Nobody knew of his mission. Security at High Lord Heero's Flying Fortress was infallible. This girl was a threat. She had somehow seen past his demeanor and straight into his real intentions. She would have to be eliminated.
Van tried not to be angry. Now that he was king he had to keep up appearances. To be contradicted in front of the diplomats from the Sanc Kingdom as well as this new guest hurt his image. Despite how seriously he took Hitomi's warnings, he could not back out now after already offering refuge. "Never-the-less," Van continued, "He will stay."
The stranger bowed respectfully and Van tried to ignore the looks of surprise that Relena and Dorothy were giving Hitomi. "I thank you, my lord," Trowa expressed his gratitude.
"Please, come this way," Van told his new guest, "and I will show you to your room." As the group of six made their way up the steps to the castle's entrance, Van leaned over and whispered in Hitomi's ear, "I'm not mad. Tell me about your vision tonight."
Allen Schezar stared out his tall glass window out onto the grassy fields which stretched endlessly out into the distance. Though they seemed serene, there was a hidden danger lurking behind the peaceful demeanor. Somewhere out there trouble was brewing. As a Knight of Caeli it was his duty to protect his country with his life. Shortly after the Gaea War's end, Dryden, now king of Asturia, had given him jurisdiction over their country's military. Now, less than a year later, new threats once again endangered the peace that so many had died to obtain.
A polite knock on the door interrupted Allen's thoughts. Clearing his throat he remembered that he had invited his two most trusted colleagues to discuss the recent developments in the surrounding countries the day before. Both comrades were also knights who had proven themselves in battle time and time again. Over the months he had come to know them, Allen found himself relying on their advice and help on every issue. The fact that they were a couple deeply in love only made them work better together. In some ways, Allen was even jealous of how close the two were.
"Please, come in," he encouraged, standing to greet his guests. The wooden door opened and Zechs Merquise and Lucrezia Noin entered the room.
"Sir," the pair exclaimed, bowing. Allen nodded his head graciously and reached over to pull the two other chairs in the room over to face his.
"Please sit," he urged, "We have much to talk about."
Allen waited until his two subordinates had sat before doing so himself. All three were dressed in the usual distinctive attire of the Asturian Knights, though the other couple's main shoulder and arm piece was a shade of gray instead of Allen's usual white. Miss Noin had insisted on wearing the same garment as the rest of the male cavalier, neither wanting, nor accepting any special treatment. Though it was unusual to have a lady serving in the army, Lucrezia was an exception.
"What can we help you with, sir?" Noin asked respectfully. Allen smiled, already feeling his agitation fading.
"Miss Noin, we've been over this before. You can call me Allen," the young nobleman declared gently.
Noin returned Allen's friendly smile, "I will of course, do so, as soon as you stop referring to me as 'Miss Noin.' Noin will do just fine, sir," Noin replied. The friendly banter was familiar, as a similar exchange happened frequently between the two chivalrous colleagues.
Zechs, who had until then remained silent, spoke up, "Allen, is there a problem we should be aware of?"
Allen smiled at his serious friend. That was Zechs for you, his mind always on task. "But," Allen mused, "that only makes his rare moments of frivolousness more enjoyable." To Zechs, he replied, "Indeed there is. Are you familiar with the country of Baslam?"
For a moment Zechs seemed hesitant, then he replied, "Yes, I do. It is one of Asturia's neighbors. They helped us in the Gaea War."
Allen frowned at the painful images that his memory brought back, "Yes, they did. They also used a weapon that destroyed much of the battlefield while many of their own soldiers were still fighting on foot. In any case, our sources report that their military has grown unusually large for a country of their size in a time of peace."
Zechs frowned and leaned forward, now fully engrossed in the conversation, "Have you asked King Dryden what they have said in response to questions about it?"
Allen nodded, "He said that he has talked with their recently elected leader, a man named Treize Kushrenada. Apparently Treize gave some excuse about being afraid of Zaibach returning to power. However, as we all know, with the exception of a few small disunited groups, Zaibach has all but collapsed."
Noin raised an eyebrow, "This could be especially perilous to the rest of the smaller countries who lost most of their forces in the war and have just begun to recover."
"I agree with you entirely, Miss Noin," Allen stated, "It is Asturia's responsibility to ensure that peace be maintained. Though we still hope for a peaceful resolution, we should remain vigilant and keep our eye on Baslam should it attempt an attack."
"We understand," Zechs replied for both of them, reaching out a gloved hand and squeezing Noin's.
"That's all," Allen explained, standing up, "Thank you for taking the time to see me."
"No thanks is necessary," Noin quickly replied as she and Zechs walked to the door.
"If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask," Zechs added. Nodding respectfully, Allen closed the door behind them and went back to stare out the window and contemplate the events to come.
"Zechs," Noin asked after they had left Allen's quarters, "do you want to go horseback riding with me today?"
The handsome young man smiled and kissed his beloved's cheek, "In a little while. I have to finish something first, but after that I would be happy to."
"All right," Noin agreed good-naturedly, "But don't take too long or I may go without you!"
Nobleman Merquise nodded and promised not to, before moving briskly to his room. Sitting down at his desk, Zechs quickly pulled out a quill and began writing. After he was finished, he rolled up his letter and walked over to his open window. It took him a few minutes to spot the well camouflaged creature, hidden among the leaves of a rather large tree next to his section of the palace. Looking around to make sure he was unseen, Zechs whistled quietly to it. In a few bounds, the small humanoid creature was sitting next to him on the sill. In a hushed tone, Zechs whispered in its ear, "Deliver this letter to his Excellency and tell him that Asturia suspects." The creature bobbed its head in an affirmative before leaping back to the tree and quickly disappearing from sight.
Zechs Merquise turned, letting out a sigh, and went to find his fiancée, hoping, though he knew it was foolish, that things could remain the way they were indefinitely and that he would never have to leave this beautiful country and the woman he had grown to love with all his heart.
As Van, Hitomi and Merle reached the wall which surrounded Fanelia and shielded it from the surrounding countryside, the main gate slowly swung open. Through the widening crack, Hitomi could see the main street, full of carts packed with various goods as well as many of Fanelia's inhabitants. On either side of the main road which led to Fanelia's castle, numerous houses were lined up parallel to the road. As the gate opened further, Hitomi saw that two people were already waiting for them.
"Lord Van," a girl who looked to be about Hitomi's age who was dressed in a plain white sleeveless dress spoke, "You've returned."
"Miss Relena," Van replied, identifying the girl as the diplomat from the Sanc Kingdom, "May I introduce to you, Hitomi Kanzaki. Hitomi, this is Relena Darlian of the Sanc Kingdom."
"It's a pleasure," Relena curtsied, nodding her head in respect. Hitomi found herself returning the act of formality, noticing to her dissatisfaction that her curtsy wasn't as graceful as her new acquaintance's.
Relena continued, introducing her companion, another girl of similar stature, but wearing a ruby colored dress. "This is my assistant, Miss Dorothy Catalonia."
To her mild surprise, Hitomi noticed that the other girl didn't curtsy. Instead, she nodded her head. When Hitomi looked at her, their eyes met and Hitomi was shocked by the fierce intensity she found in them. "Lady Hitomi," Dorothy acknowledged.
Merle quickly broke the formality by jumping into Van's arms and hugging on to him possessively, all the while looking at Relena. "Master Van!" she cried, "Shouldn't we show Hitomi where she'll be staying now?"
"Yes," Van agreed, "We should." To Hitomi's relief, Van took her arm in his and led the way down the center street. As they walked, Van pointed out various things that they had worked hard to rebuild. Every time they walked by someone, that person would stop and call out a greeting to their King and Van would smile and wave back. For the first time Hitomi found herself feeling somewhat belittled to be in the arm of the King of a great country.
When they approached the castle, a tall and equally wide building in the back of the town overlooking everything, a young man approached them from out of the crowd. He was dressed in a loose fitting white shirt with a simple green vest over it and long brown pants. His hair was extremely long but instead of being pulled back it stuck out in one big pillar in front, partly covering his face. His face and eyes were extremely serious. "King Fanel?" he asked, addressing Van.
Trowa glanced at the small party which had been making its way to the castle. A young man who must be the king of Fanelia. Two women who looked to be from another district. One young cat-girl, probably Merle, Van's assistant. But who was this other girl? Trowa didn't recognize her clothing. "It would be worth investigating," he thought.
It was time to make his introduction. Trowa detached himself from the throng and approached the small group. "King Fanel?" he asked.
The young lord turned to face Trowa, "Yes?" he asked. Trowa smiled. The target had been identified.
"My name is Trowa Barton," he introduced himself, knowing the name would mean nothing to the monarch, "I seek shelter and rest in your kingdom."
Van smiled agreeably and responded quickly, "Of course. Have you found a place to stay?"
Trowa was surprised by the question. Why would the King of a city as large as Fanel be concerned with one traveler. "Not yet, your majesty," he answered, making sure to keep the suspicion out of his voice.
"Then you will stay at the castle as a guest," Van replied, hospitably, "I insist."
Trowa was surprised. So, the King of Fanelia was as kind as the rumors said. It was a rare trait among the flawed humans. But was he as powerful as the stories told?
The strange girl spoke up suddenly, "I don't think that's a good idea, Van."
Trowa looked over sharply. The girl was looking at him suspiciously. Was it possible she knew?
"Hitomi," Van admonished, surprised and slightly angry that she had disagreed with him in front of several of his guests.
"I don't know how to explain it, Van," the strange girl continued, "But I sense a dark purpose from him."
Trowa frowned and looked angrily at the girl. So this Hitomi knew, or at least suspected. But how? Nobody knew of his mission. Security at High Lord Heero's Flying Fortress was infallible. This girl was a threat. She had somehow seen past his demeanor and straight into his real intentions. She would have to be eliminated.
Van tried not to be angry. Now that he was king he had to keep up appearances. To be contradicted in front of the diplomats from the Sanc Kingdom as well as this new guest hurt his image. Despite how seriously he took Hitomi's warnings, he could not back out now after already offering refuge. "Never-the-less," Van continued, "He will stay."
The stranger bowed respectfully and Van tried to ignore the looks of surprise that Relena and Dorothy were giving Hitomi. "I thank you, my lord," Trowa expressed his gratitude.
"Please, come this way," Van told his new guest, "and I will show you to your room." As the group of six made their way up the steps to the castle's entrance, Van leaned over and whispered in Hitomi's ear, "I'm not mad. Tell me about your vision tonight."