Chapter 7 ~ Asturia
Reliance upon others is weakness for the strong and strength for the weak.
-Thieves' Guild
The sweet chirrup of birds awoke Hitomi. That, and the sound of the water falling in her head. Slowly, she got up from her bed, and stumbled to the window. In the desperate hope that maybe the pain would stop, she opened the window. Not a good idea. The cool air made it seem like icicles were piercing her skull, causing her brain to shatter.
"I'd close the window if I were you." She heard Yukari's voice behind her.
Hitomi turned around, struggling to remember who the red-haired woman was. She vaguely remembered something about some warthogs, and Van carrying her, and an inn, and two very beautiful chocolate eyes starring at her through raven locks of hair.
"Come on, sit down on the bed, and I'll check your head." Yukari said, and made a move towards Hitomi.
For some strange reason, Hitomi let her approach. A voice in the back of her mind piped up. "What are you doing? She's a stranger. Remember our policy?" It asked. "Don't worry. She's ok." Hitomi's conscience answered.
"Thank you." Hitomi answered dizzily, as Yukari led her to the bed.
"No problem. I promised Lord Van I'd take care of you." Yukari said gently.
"What's it to him if I die or live?" Hitomi asked.
Yukari didn't answer.
"Oh yeah… I forgot, he wants a stupid bodyguard." Hitomi continued.
"Why are you on this trip anyway?" Yukari asked.
Hitomi suddenly went silent, the memory of Nadya lying dead on the cold floor suddenly entering her mind. She didn't feel like sharing it with Yukari, so her mind made up a quick lie.
"I saved Van's life a few times. He decided I had some gift and gave me a job. Which was good. I was looking for one." She answered. It wasn't a lie. Just not the whole truth.
Yukari smiled. A fishy smile that Hitomi didn't like very much. The girl was amusing herself on her behalf.
"What were you doing in the forest?" Hitomi asked, as her memory slowly came back to her.
"I was on my way to Lowenia." Yukari answered cautiously.
"Why? You were travelling alone?" Hitomi asked in disbelief. She knew the customs of her world. No one let maidens travel alone on the perilous roads of the world.
"Yeah. What's wrong with that?" Yukari asked.
"Nothing. I am surprised. You look like a lady. No one lets a lady travel alone." Hitomi muttered.
"Well, appearances aren't everything now, are they?"
"No, they're not." Hitomi sighed. She knew only too well. Everyone believed Hitomi to be an innocent little girl with nothing else to do but dream of pretty boys. No one ever suspected her thieving nature, or the sharpness of her wits. All they saw were lustful curves, shiny green eyes, and sandy hair. She liked it that way. No one knew her, but she knew them. It was how she wanted life to be for her.
Yukari smiled. "I have a feeling you know."
Hitomi didn't answer her. She merely stretched. "Nice day no?" she said stifling a big yawn.
"Yeah, we should go down to breakfast." Yukari suggested.
Hitomi nodded. Her body hurt all over, and her head was still bothering her, but she was hungry. Taking small steps, she headed for the door. Yukari followed.
"Are you travelling with us to Lowenia?" Hitomi asked.
"Yeah. Lord Van already asked me." Yukari told her.
Hitomi smiled secretively. "So, the young king is attracted to this young beauty. Well, it's time he got himself an occupation." Deep inside herself, Hitomi felt an emotion she had not felt before. She didn't know what to classify it as, so she just pushed it away. "Probably nothing." She told herself.
As they went down the breakfast, Hitomi noticed that Yukari's attire was perfect. Spotless, wrinkle-free and assorted in a way to give her most mobility and comfort, but it enhanced her figure as well.
"Good queen material." Hitomi observed.
The young seventeen year old regarded her new friend without envy. Hitomi knew she didn't have in her the patience and sheer selflessness that emanated from Yukari. She had always been rash, hot-tempered and selfish. The years she had spent in that monster's keep taught her that survival preceded all other instincts. She had learned to put chivalry aside and be downright selfish. It was how she survived the endless torture, and painful lessons. Wincing, she wanted to think of those dark years no more. When he'd finally released her into the streets to pilfer away and add to his wealth, Hitomi thought she had seen heaven. He no longer had control over her, and when he died, she quietly sneaked away leaving all his wealth in the secret vaults. She didn't want it. It was evil. Just like him.
"Kanzaki!" A sharp voice echoed behind her.
Hitomi turned around, to face the owner of the voice. It was none other than Van Fanel. He stood behind her, in a black shirt and blue pants, the sword of Fanelia hanging by his waist. His locks of hair covered his eyes, refusing to stay in one place. Hitomi turned around, and smiled.
"Good morning to you too m'lord." She said and feigned a bow.
"Don't give me that. I don't accept mockery from you. You foolish woman!" he barked. "What did you think you were doing running off like that? Not telling one single soul where you went? You could've gotten yourself killed!" he said and stopped, purposefully giving his words more weight.
"But I didn't. It's not like you cared. You do forget I am on this voyage as a tool." She said, her lips thinning in a mocking smile.
"I don't care why you're on this trip. It was a mistake to take you in the first place. You only slowed us down, and almost got Lady Yukari over here killed. Your foolish acts of bravery do not impress me, or anyone else on this group. From now on, if you move one inch from your place in the formation, I will send you back with a man meant to make sure you get back to Fanelia." Van growled angrily.
Hitomi looked at him, a look of boredom crossing her face. "You're not scary enough. If you really think that will frighten me, think twice. You know nothing about me, you self centered jerk. All you care about is power and your precious little reputation. If you'd open your eyes, you'd see the whole truth. Fanelia is not the perfect kingdom you make it to be. People die on the streets and you don't care. Mothers prostitute themselves to put some food on the table for their children. Orphans lie hungry in their orphanages, and you travel safely around Gaea acting like king of the world. I don't give a damn about your formation. You might be in charge of your soldiers, but you're not in charge of me. I'm here because I need something from you. And you in turn, need something from me. So keep your measly lectures for someone else. As you can see, your lady is safe. That's what you wanted no?" Hitomi whispered to him harshly. She turned around, and walked away.
Van stood there, stunned. What she had said to him was worse than a slap, or all the beats he received from her when he entered her room. He was speechless for a moment, but then regained his composure. He grabbed Hitomi's arm and pulled her to him.
"Just remember that you are here because I tolerate you. Don't think anyone wants you to be here. Frankly, no one cares if you're dead or alive."
It was Hitomi's turn to be stunned. She didn't expect him to be that cruel. But he had spoken the truth, just as she had. It was only fair. Managing to keep the mask of indifference she had planted on her face, she broke free from his grasp and walked down the stairs, each step a new pain in her head.
"I am sorry you had to witness that Lady Yukari." Van said courteously. He then extended his arm to her.
Yukari took it, and being too polite to meddle in their talk, she just walked beside him. "It's so obvious." She thought but said nothing.
The men were already eating when Van and Yukari sat at the table. Seated one beside the other, Van was entertaining Yukari with lots of jokes. She laughed heartily, and soon a healthy atmosphere fell over the table. Hitomi was the only one keeping quiet. What Van had told her cut off all her eagerness to talk to the others. The blond Lowenian was seated across from her, and regarded her face with interest. Hitomi groaned inwardly as he opened his mouth to address her.
"So, why so glum this beautiful morning my lady?" he asked.
Hitomi didn't want to be rude, so she answered. "I'm still sore from my accident yesterday.
"That was a very brave thing you did." He said. His voice rang crystal clear across the table. Everyone fell silent for a moment.
"More like sheer stupidity, but hey, I had to do something." Hitomi smiled sheepishly.
"It was bravery. You would make a good and noble knight, Lady Hitomi. You're a very courageous woman. You should be proud of yourself." He smiled back, his cerulean eyes sparkling.
Van shot them a dark glance, but none of them noticed.
"Thank you." Hitomi said with a straight face. She managed not to laugh when Rafael said knight. The knights were the ones punishing people like her. A knight thief. Now there was irony!
"Yes, a beauty with a brave and noble heart. Every man's dream come true." Rafael muttered to himself, loud enough for the others and Hitomi to hear.
Before she could control her reactions, Hitomi flushed a slight pinkish red. She wasn't used to this flattery, and she couldn't say she didn't like it. It was nice, but coming from him, something didn't seem right. However, she still flushed. It sounded so… good. She didn't have time to reply because Van stood up abruptly.
"I think it's time to go." He said and looked at everyone sternly.
He stood up and felt for his new pouch of money. However, it wasn't there, as usual. "Not again." Van growled mentally. He opened his jacket and took out a spare and paid their meal.
"So, he has a spare. Well, next time I won't forget that." She said, her eyes gleaming viciously. The king was going to pay for the decent meals of the orphans, plus for the meals of some poor families. There was no doubt in Hitomi's mind, that as long as she hung around him, she could get some money off of him. Her business would slow due to the trip. She needed to make up for the neglect.
As they reached the stables, a new wave of dizziness washed over Hitomi, and she leaned on her horse for support. She didn't even notice that it wasn't the same horse she had left Fanelia with.
"Let me help you up." Rafael's gentle voice washed over her. Hitomi shivered.
"T.. thank you…" she muttered as he helped her in the saddle.
Rafael beamed. He got on his own horse, and followed her closely behind.
As they were riding through the beautiful mountains separating Fanelia from Asturia, Hitomi finally noticed that the horse wasn't hers.
"Wait a minute, this is not my horse!" she exclaimed in a low voice.
Yukari, who was riding next to her turned and smiled.
"Lord Van said that the horse you rode out of Fanelia was a newly tamed pureblood that still caused trouble. Since you wouldn't listen, he switched horses with you." Yukari said simply.
Hitomi merely stared at the leader of the long string they were riding in.
"What is he planning?" she asked herself.
~~~~
Eriya hovered over the small toilet in their room, violently emptying the contents of her stomach. For the fifth time that week she was sick in bed. The slightest movements bringing about nausea, dizziness and violent puking. She put her hand to her stomach. "No, I can't be. It was my first time…" she thought angrily, tears flowing from the corner of her eyes. Wiping the drool from her mouth, Eriya stood up. Her stomach churned and turned over, and she kneeled over the toilet again.
The door opened and the loud clacking of heels on the tiles reached her ears.
"Eri?" Naria asked.
The silver haired cat girl walked into the washroom and found her sister miserably kneeling over it.
"What's wrong?" she asked concerned. A few hours ago she had gotten back from her mission, reported to Folken and found out her twin was sick. Concern swept over her face, as she saw how miserable her sister looked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Eriya whispered.
"Food poisoning?" Naria asked helpfully.
Not willing to share with her sister that which she hypothesized, Eriya quickly agreed.
"Yeah," she said weakly.
Naria jumped to her aid, and helped her sister into bed.
"Hold on! Let me go get you some herbs to make you puke all that bad food out." Naria jumped from her spot.
"No!" Eriya jumped alarmed. "It will pass. I just need to rest." She smiled at her twin.
"Are you sure?"
"Sure." She nodded.
Naria left. She closed the door softly behind her. The cat girl frowned. Her sister was holding something from her. Something important. When Naria looked into her twin's eyes, she saw a lingering look there. A look she had never seen. It was fear, mixed with hope, along with a pinch of love. Whatever had happened to her sister while she was away, Naria couldn't guess. But she was changed forever. That she knew for sure.
"Naria, I have another assignment for you." Folken's voice echoed behind her.
Naria turned around, only to see that the dimly lit hall was empty. Nothing. No one there. She turned around, and began to walk forward, when she bumped into her "lord's" broad and slender chest. He gripped her and forced her to look up.
"Lord Folken…" she began. He cut her off.
"If you exit out into the village, and go to the tavern of the Drunken Dragoon, you will find a blond haired man named Chesta. I want you to bring him to me." He hissed.
"What for?" Naria asked.
"Yours is not to question why. I need him as a replacement. My assistant is away on an important mission. You will get Chesta for me." Folken said.
"What about my sister? She needs to be tended to. Food poisoning is nothing to mess with." Naria told him.
Folken nodded darkly, his eyes shining strangely. "She will be taken care of. Be on your way now."
Naria nodded and turned around, disappearing behind a corner. She had learned to trust Folken. As he had said, her hatred for him had turned into respect. Though Naria still couldn't forgive what had become of her country. Her loyalty demanded that she revenge her country, but what should she do first, if her values were divided between her people and the man that showed her life through different eyes? For now, Naria accepted her position as a highly valued general in Folken's army. The weeks of training and her sharp mind had got her that position, and in one month, Naria had become unexpendable. She smiled to herself. All in good time.
Running down the steps of his castle, a dark cloak wrapped around her, and her long sword tied around her waist, Naria went down to the village. It had been a while since Folken had sent her to collect someone for him. Her latest mission had been to bring him a book from a creepy old woman. She would enjoy seeing this Chesta submit to her wrath. Smiling to herself, she walked down the lighted main street of the village.
The Drunken Dragoon was a filthy place, filled with raucous laughter, sleazy whores and drunken bodies everywhere.
Not caring if she stepped on them and crushed them, Naria entered the tavern prideful and steady. As a general she learned that upon acting cold and mean, the men respected her more. Careful not to lose her footing as she stepped on the drunks, she made her way to the bar and ordered a drink.
She turned around and looked for a tall blond haired man named Chesta.
"Hullo dere m'dear. Woudja like tah spend the nite with a passion lord?" a filthy drunken man in tattered clothes approached her. His beer belly was so big and round, and Naria had trouble seeing his small bird like eyes.
"Back off old man." She hissed.
"Oo, now there's a tough kitty. Afraid you're too small for me eh?" he laughed, and the whole room rumbled. "Well, old Marlon 'ere can show yah a few tricks yah didn't know." He laughed again.
Naria's eyes flared. "I said move along, old man!" she said and showed him her sword.
"Oo, the kitty's got a sword! My my.. what does she know tah do wif it…" he laughed again.
In a blink of an eye, the man was on the floor, the sharp tip of Naria's sword pressing into his neck.
"There's nothing you or Marlon can show me that I'm interested in finding out." She hissed again. "And unless you want to be recruited for Lord Folken's army, infantry division, I would suggest you run along!" she threatened.
The man scrambled to his feet, and ran away at the mention of the king's name. Everyone knew that the people in the infantry division were merely sacrifices. Expendable soldiers Folken used to lure the enemy into deadly traps. He was indeed a brilliant strategos, however merciless with the lives his people.
As the man ran away, Naria picked up her drink, and headed towards a group of people playing cards. She had heard the name Chesta being yelled out. Undoubtedly, the blond tall man was the man she was ordered to bring back.
"Excuse me, are you Chesta?" she walked up to him and asked coldly.
"Yeah, that's my name. What do you want?" he asked with a lop-sided sort of smile Naria found positively adorable.
"Lord Folken wants to see you. You must come with me now." She informed him.
"Really? And what else does Lord Folken want?" Chest asked amused.
"You'll find out when we get there." Naria told him.
"Well, I guess I'll have to wait a long time, 'cuz I a'int going." He said, and his friends laughed.
"Your king commands you." Naria snarled.
"I did nothing against the law, he may not take me." Chesta said, fully aware that he was crossing a general.
"The king is the law. He can always find something on you." She smiled.
Chesta scoffed, and turned her back to her. Naria growled dangerously. Seeing a pack of cards on the table, she called out to him.
"Hey, blond boy. How about I play ya for it." She said.
Chesta turned around. "Play me for it?" he asked cocking an eyebrow.
A smile crossed Naria's features. "Yeah. One hand of poker. I win, you come with me. You win, I leave you alone." She tilted her head and smiled again.
"Forever?" Chesta asked.
"Forever." Naria agreed.
"Well, I never could resist the advances of a pretty woman. But if I win, I get a wish from you too." He said.
"Deal." Naria agreed.
They both sat down at the table, looking at one another. Naria's green cat eyes, staring into Chesta's blue ones. The man looked so calm and composed, it seemed like nothing could derange him. Naria just smiled at him. She wouldn't lose.
"Here, you can deal and shuffle the cards, so you can't say I cheated." She said and handed him the pack.
"How do you know I won't cheat?" he asked.
"Oh, I know." Naria smiled again.
Chesta was quiet. He shuffled the cards, and a ring of bystanders formed around him. One by one, Chesta dealt the five cards, first to Naria and then to him.
The cat girl refused to even look at them. She just continued grinning in a fishy sort of way. Slowly, Chesta picked up his cards.
"What are you doing?" he asked her.
"I'm playing blind." She said.
He chuckled, really sure that he would win. "How many do you want?" he asked.
"None." She answered.
"Ok, dealer takes 1." Chesta said and picked up a card. He smiled assured of himself when he saw it.
"Show your cards." Naria commanded.
Grinning madly, Chesta put down his cards. "I've got four seven's and a three. I guess that makes it, four of a kind." He smiled. "I guess you'll just have to tell your king you failed." His friends laughed.
"Not quite." Naria said, and revealed her first card. Ten of cups. "Watch and learn, boys." Jack of Cups. "Are you sweating now?" she laughed. Queen of Cups. "Oh, will this one be it? Will it ruin my lucky streak?" King of Cups. "No? Well maybe it won't be… and it…" Ace of Cups. "Is. Royal flush hon. I guess you're coming with me." Naria smiled.
"How… how did you do that? You cheated! I know you have! That's impossible! No way!" Chesta bolted off his chair.
"You dealt the cards sweetheart. I didn't even touch them." Naria smiled, a wicked smile that told Chesta she did indeed cheat.
Scowling, he got up, said good-bye to his friends, and walked beside the cat.
"See you later boys." She said in a low voice. Then, turning around and walking right past a drunk, she left the bar.
Once outside, Naria felt a hand circle her neck and squeeze painfully.
"Tell me how you cheated wench!" she heard Chesta's low angered voice.
Naria smiled in the dark and backed in the nearest wall, squeezing Chesta between her and the wall. She felt his strong hand waver. In a flash, she turned around, and faced him, his breath hot on her face.
"I didn't cheat, Chesta." She told him seriously.
"Bull!" he said, and in angered fit grabbed both her hands and flipped her against the fall with a muffled thud. "Gee, I never guessed that the general was so frail!" he said mocking surprise.
"I'm not!" Naria quickly tripped him, and he fell to the ground, his head bumping against the stones. "Oh, did that hurt? I'm sorry!" Naria said without any bit of remorse in her voice.
Chesta grunted and tried to get up. However, Naria sat on his chest, squeezing it painfully. She took a dagger out of her boot and held it to his neck.
"One more move and I cut you." She told him. "I've had enough of your disrespect." She growled.
Chesta laughed, his chest moving slowly with Naria's added weight.
"I love dangerous women. But you do forget you're all the same. Y'all need a man to master you in bed." He laughed again.
"Whoever that is, it won't be you." Naria said. "Now come with me, and behave. I promised Lord Folken I'd bring you to him. I'd like it if you were intact."
Loosening her hold on Chesta was a mistake. He grabbed her slender frame and they rolled over, situations reversed. Naria struggled to get free of his grip, but he wouldn't let her.
"Let me go!" she hissed.
"Why certainly!" Chesta said and lowered his lips on hers.
Naria gasped and stopped struggling as Chesta's lips were devouring hers. "So soft…" she thought, before he slipped his tongue in her mouth. Completely dazed, Naria did not even become aware that she was kissing him back with the same force he exerted on her. Finally out of breath, Chesta broke their kiss. He stood up, and brushed the dust from his clothes.
"You better think twice about what you told me, general. You're not the ice queen you think you are. You're just like any other woman I've bedded." He laughed and headed towards Folken's castle.
Naria quickly recovered from her initial shock, and ran after him. "That bastard! He knew exactly how I would react!" she thought furiously.
Accepting her temporary defeat, she walked silently beside him.
Once they reached the castle, she let him in, and showed him a dark corridor.
"Go until the end of that, and knock. That's lord Folken's office." She said, turned around, and left.
Chesta smiled at her. "Well, if I'm around by tomorrow, I'll see you about that wish. I won after all." He said.
Naria looked back at him, not being able to control a smile. "That's what you think, but I owe you no wish." She said.
Chesta chuckled and headed for Folken's office. Once he saw the mahogany door, he knocked curtly, and entered.
"Chesta! How good to see you again! How did it go?" Folken asked, getting up from his chair to extend his hand to Chesta.
"As you planned m'lord. She fell right in the trap. But why did you pull me off my initial mission?" Chesta asked, his blue eyes gleaming.
"Do you know who she is?" Folken asked.
Chesta shrugged. "Some tavern girl with lots of spunk?"
"Wrong my friend. She is the crowned princess of Grolash." Folken smiled at the expression on Chesta's face.
"No way!" he exclaimed.
"Yes way. I recently conquered Grolash. She's the older of the twins." Folken told him.
"But why do you need me?" Chesta asked, still puzzled by the plans of his king.
"As you know, two of my external hidden soldiers are occupied with breaking the Inner Circle Alliance. My right hand, and the leader of my elite forces are both away. You dear Chesta are busy finding the Dark Druid and his Book of Knowledge, and I am living with the enemy. I am pretty sure Naria is planning my death any time soon. I need you to… control her." Folken grinned darkly.
Chesta looked at him oddly. "But my lord, what about the search for the Dark Druid? We need the Book of Knowledge if we're to find the armour, do we not?" Chesta asked.
"Yes Chesta, but recently, I have discovered an easier way. You see, there were three books created, with knowledge of where the armour is. Once I gathered them all three, I could piece it all together, since each book contains only 1/3 of the story. Naria brought me a book talking about the locations of the three Sacred Books: The Holy Book, The Book of Knowledge and the Book of Death. I need you to work with her, and get me the books. You will control her, while you will do your mission. She must not attempt to kill me any more. As you saw tonight, Naria has a lot of luck. You have a lot of brains. You're the perfect combination to find and bring me the books." Folken explained.
Chesta nodded. "So, I'm allowed to use any means necessary to get her under my… command?" he asked smiling oddly.
"Yes." Folken said. "You may go now. Act as if nothing happened. Tomorrow I will tell her of the project, and I will introduce you to her, as the son of a renowed Librarian. You will be able to decrypt the book she brought. Ok?" Folken asked.
"Yes sir." Chesta said and left. He wearily went to his quarters and laid down on his bed. It was good to be back in the castle. He smiled as he made his plan on how to get past Naria's defenses. He had already created a small dent with tonight's actions. Of all the tasks Folken gave him, this one he would enjoy the most. He hoped his other three friends would do a good job in breaking the Inner Circle Alliance.
After talking to Chesta, Folken walked through the halls, troubled by the day's events. On the back of his mind, Eriya's condition worried him. Folken hated it to admit it, but he had grown to like the innocent cat girl very much. As a matter of fact, he adored her. Ever since that night, when they had surrendered to each other, he had felt a sort of warming feeling in his stomach. Every time he saw her pass by him, and smile at him, he felt how his insides burned with a desire for her, he never felt before. Folken didn't know if the feelings for her were lust, or they were rooted deeper. For now, he didn't care. He needed to see her. Making his way to her room, he knocked quietly on the door. That morning, he had assigned the sisters different quarters, so Naria wouldn't suspect anything. He wasn't prepared to deal with her anger when she found out about him and her sister.
"Come in." Eriya said weakly.
Folken stepped in the dimly lit room, and saw Eriya between the bed covers.
"Hey you." He said softly. Pulling up a chair, he came to sit beside her, and he gently stroked her hair.
"M'Lord…" she whispered, blushing a crimson red.
"Please, my name is Folken." He told her.
"Folken…" she began softly. Folken gasped mentally, she was so beautiful. Her full red lips, her yellow eyes, she was.. divine. "What are you doing here?" she continued.
Snapping out of his reverie, Folken stiffened. "I just came to check on you. You've been sick for most of the week." He said, gently cupping her cheek.
"I'm, ok." She said, not wanting to tell him. She wasn't sure how he would react to her news. There was no doubt for her now.
"I'll send a healer tomorrow." He said. "They just got back from an excursion, and won't be busy for a while." He told her.
"No!" Eriya exclaimed.
Folken looked at her puzzled.
"Umm… I mean, I don't need one. I'll be fine tomorrow. Just food poisoning." She smiled.
Folken leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. However, Eriya had other ideas. She drew him into a passionate embrace, and Folken demanded entrance in her mouth, as the heat enveloped him. When they finally broke the kiss, Eriya took a deep breath, and Folken stiffened. No, he couldn't, he had an early meeting tomorrow. However, the fine curves of her body, so boldly shown by the silk gown made it impossible for him to move.
"I uh…" he couldn't continue, as Naria licked her lips.
"You know, it is rather cold in here. Maybe I need an extra blanket." She said and got up to stand and walk across the room.
Folken couldn't take it. Full length, she looked more breathtaking than ever. He gasped, and finally gave in to his desire. Gently standing up, he took her hand in his, and pushed her gently against the wall, kissing her with an urging greater than himself. Eriya moaned softly, as her hands roamed his back and finally stopped in his hair. She tugged gently at his cape, and it fell to the ground. Folken scooped her up, and together they fell onto her fluffy bed.
~~~~
The sun almost set, signaling the end of another day. Ahead of the Fanelian delegation, the beautiful land of Asturia unfolded.
Palas was right below them, and as Hitomi's horse stopped to look on the road ahead of them, she gasped breathless.
The sun's rays were making the sea reflect off golden, like a sea of purity. The waves slowly washed off the shores, the sands sparkled as if sprinkled with diamonds, and the sweet calls of birds filled the air. The breeze washed over them, bringing with it the salty air of the sea. Hitomi breathed in the wonderful fragrance. She loved the sea. Ever since she had been a little girl, she had dreamed of seeing the sea. Never did though. Finally, it was within her sight, and Hitomi memorized all its wonderful details.
The city of Palas shined before her, as the last rays of reddish sunshine washed over it. It was indeed beautiful. No wonder Asturia was the most beautiful land in the Inner Circle. Not that Fanelia was not beautiful. Asturia just inspired wealth and power.
"Let's go. The King awaits us." Van told them.
Hitomi looked over to where he was standing, bold against the sunset, like a soldier of truth against the darkness. Her eyes softened, and she regretted the mean things she said to him.
"Come on Kanzaki, out of your dreaming!" Van said harshly.
Immediately, she flashed him a look of pure ice, and Van regretted his harsh words. Just before, she looked so peaceful, so full of life, and now she was back to the cold shell she always displayed. He didn't want to sound so mean…
"Have you ever been to Palas?" Yukari asked Hitomi.
"No, never. I never travelled as far as Asturia." Hitomi confessed.
"Oh, neither have I. I was just wondering how it was, but I guess I'll have to wait to find out." She said, more to herself than to anyone else.
"I want to swim in the sea." Hitomi said dreamily.
"Really?" Yukari asked.
"Yeah. It's been my dream since I was a little child. I… want to taste the water, smell the air, feel the sand under my feet. Why, don't you like water?" Hitomi looked at Yukari.
"No, I adore it. As a matter of fact, I was thinking the same thing." She giggled.
Hitomi smiled. "Well, I don't know how long we'll stay in Asturia, but I'm sure there's time for a swim tomorrow."
"If not, we'll make time!" Yukari agreed.
The Fanelians reached the city gates, and presented themselves to the Asturian guard. Immediately, they got an escort to the castle.
"Lots of good things to steal." Hitomi thought practically. Immediately, her hands slipped around a gold plate a statue was holding. "Asturians have expensive tastes. The better for me…" she smiled.
"Right this way m'lord." Hitomi heard the young guard say. She noticed a faint tremble in his voice.
"Ha, he's scared of Van. Now that's a laugh!" she thought.
The palace guard informed them that after Asturian customs it was late, and that most of the palace was asleep. Apparently, the day for Asturians started with the rising of the sun, and ended with its fall. The king had left specific orders about where they should room. He sent his apologies for not being able to stay late, and he encouraged them to have a meal before they went to rest. Tomorrow, Van had an appointment with him to talk about "matters." Hitomi quickly disregarded all of the formal talk, and her eyes lingered on the hot food presented to them. Her stomach gave a loud growl. They had nothing to eat since that morning at the inn. She wishfully imagined all the goodies on the table in her stomach. Someone clearing their throat got her attention.
Yukari slowly told Hitomi to sit down. The men were already eating, and waiting for them.
"So, you finally decided to stop dreaming, eh Kanzaki?" Van asked coldly.
"I don't think my dreaming is any of your business." She replied curtly.
"Right, not like anything of yours is any of my business in the first place." He mumbled.
"You got that right, little boy." She mumbled back.
"You're not much older than me, and you'd better watch your mouth. It's really not hard to give an execution order." Van said.
"Well, we're not in Fanelia, so you're going to have to wait." Hitomi smiled at him coldly.
"Will you two stop it? You're acting like children!" Yukari whispered.
"I didn't do it." Van and Hitomi said in unison.
"It was her!" "It was him!" they continued.
Yukari and the others rolled their eyes. "Just get a room ok?" she told them. The others snickered. Van turned red, and Hitomi lowered her head. The meal progressed without further conflict.
After dinner, the companions said their good nights, and went up to their chambers. On his way to his room, Van stopped to look outside. The Asturian royal gardens were beautiful. Suddenly, two shadows caught his eye. He also heard hushed voices. Straining his hearing, he listened in on the two figures.
"But you can't go! It's too far and too dangerous! I would never stand it if you died!" a woman's voice said.
"Sweetheart. Millerna, I promise you. I will not die. The love I hold for you will not let me die. I will make it back." The man answered.
"Why must you go? I do not understand. You have enough money. I do not want you to go!" she said passionately.
"Your father told me to. If I must gain his approval, I have to go." He said calmly.
"To the Hells with my father! All he wants is to marry me off to a rich man. He does not care about what I want!" she said, her voice trembling.
"Dear, we will make it through this. I will be truly wealthy if I complete this task. Nothing will stand in my way." He told her.
"I want to come with you." She said breathlessly.
"You must not. First of all, the journey is perilous. Second of all, your status here is of importance. You cannot leave." The two figures got closer.
"I know but…" The girl was interrupted, and Van heard her moan slowly. He immediately understood that she had just been kissed.
"I love you with all my heart and soul. I will not fail." The man said after the kiss was ended.
"As do I. I will wait for you my love. Farewell." The girl said slowly.
Not wanting to hear any more, Van hurried to his room. He already felt bad for intruding on their privacy. However, their discussion had made Van wonder if he would ever find true love. It was evident that the two loved each other till death. He looked at the starry sky, and wished that he could find love and lead a happy life, like his parents had….
To be continued.
Author's Note
Hello, chapter 7 is finally here. I hope you liked it! It's very interesting in my oppinion! Who could be millerna's love? And how will I have messed with her? Hint: she's not that ditzy blond any more! Ahah, well, I thought I'd write another chapter b4 exams, so here it is. Please leave your comments/complaints. Chapter 8 will introduce the whole intrigue on the thing. Just so you know, this is V/H, not V/Y ok? He just needs some "distraction." I hope you liked what I did with all the Zaibach people. Chesta is one of those gambler rough type of people, with no morals. But how will Naria change him. And what will happen between Folken and Eriya? Who are the two people Folken sent to break the Inner Circle Alliance, and how will I put lots of fluff in the next chapter? Ahahha, well, yeah, don't worry. I've got a really good plan. I will give you the ride of your lives. Just sit back and enjoy. Until next time, do leave comments/complains/suggestions/criticism. I love them all! Ciao for now!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL THE REVIEWERS. YOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!!!!!! KEEP READING, AND CYA NEXT CHAPPIE!!