Wow, thanks for your reviews! No, I didn't die, esca-chick. ^_^ Just busy. Well, this chapter was a bit slow going, but I did finish it, so that's good. Read on!


Chapter 17-
Lover's Exchange


Hitomi ran back to the manor excitedly, clutching a parcel close to her breast as she climbed the stairs. It had taken awhile, she had finally found the perfect present for him. She had been looking for a few days now, while Van had assumed she had been joining in Fanelia's festivities. Would he ever be surprised when she showed up that night, the last night of their celebration, with a promise ring. She knew that Van would not ask her to marry him, so this present would be the closest she could come to marrying him, ring and all.

The others had arrived last night, and Dryden even managed to show up, albeit later than everyone else. Now they were all out enjoying themselves. Hitomi had just left the gift shop where she had bought the ring. Inside her room, she wrapped the box in colourful paper, deliberately taking her time. It was early yet; the final celebration would begin after dinner. She smiled as she put the present under her bed, ready for that night when she could give it to him. It would be a perfect way to end the party.

Hitomi stood up and went out to the hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of what the chefs were preparing for the formal branch of the party, which would be held here, long after everyone in Fanelia had gone to sleep. Hitomi had already selected a dress for that occasion, much more frilly, yet harder to move in; the only dance suited to the limited movements one could perform in it was any slow dance. She felt shivers up her spine at the thought of slow dancing. Quickly before she could lapse into any more silly thoughts, she ran downstairs to greet everyone.

Dryden and Millerna were the first people she met on her wanderings. They were standing near a refreshment table in the manor square. From a distance, it seemed that they were talking and laughing peacefully; about what, Hitomi didn't know. As she approached them more closely, she knew that they weren't peacefully talking, rather arguing.

"Dryden!" Hitomi heard Millerna yell as she came up to them, "You know that I hate when you always go off on merchant business! One of these days you'll come home from an especially long one and I'll say, 'Who are you, stranger?'. God, if it wasn't for this party, you'd already be gone!" Dryden swished his wine around in his glass, drinking it deliberately slowly so she would fume for a few more minutes. Finally he looked in her direction, smiling impishly.

"You should take it as a compliment. Most kings wouldn't leave their wives in charge of the kingdom. I'm flattering you." Millerna took a swipe at him, but he narrowly dodged it, still grinning. Hitomi smiled; she didn't expect that Dryden would stay for long. Sometimes she wondered about where he went; after the party, life would settle down drastically in Fanelia, even become boring. A merchant journey would be exciting, maybe she could join him someday.

She made her way up to them, waving toward the bickering couple. Dryden waved back, turning his back to the pouting Millerna. "Hi there, Hitomi. How are things?" Hitomi smiled, assuring him, "Everything's great! I hope it's the same with you." Dryden smiled again as he put his arm around Millerna. "Oh, it's all perfect! I can't wait to go home with her." he declared. Millerna pushed him away and began chewing him out again.

"You're not taking me home, even if you are going home. Are you really going to leave tonight, when Hitomi and Van only invited us a few days ago?!" she said. Dryden took another sip of wine, and nodded.

"Sorry, it's still business over love and partying." he said. "Sorry, Hitomi I've gotta leave tonight. Tell Van, okay?" Hitomi nodded. "That's all right. I know you have to do what your business expects." Dryden laughed all of a sudden.

"Why can't you be that understanding?" he said, but Millerna didn't look at him. "Hitomi, thanks." He reached over and hugged her; Hitomi smiled. Seeing this seemed to snap Millerna out of her grudge, and she leapt up from her chair she had sat into, and joined in their hug. Hitomi and Dryden started laughing at Millerna's sudden change of attitude, and Millerna herself smiled when she thought they weren't looking.

As they broke apart from their group embrace, Hitomi heard a man's voice sound around the town square. It was an announcement. Hitomi listened as the voice declared, "Attention, citizens of Fanelia! Directly after the midday feast, a match between Gaea's most renowned guymelefs shall be held in the manor square. I repeat, there will be a melef match, between Lord Frestic of Fanelia, and Sir Allen Schezar of Asturia, immediately after midday dinner..." The man's voice trailed off as he made his way out to the rest of Fanelia to deliver this news.

"Millerna! Dryden! There's going to be a duel this afternoon! We have to get the best seats!" Hitomi grabbed Millerna's hand and dragged her off, Dryden following not far behind(courtesy of Millerna's sharp tug of his hand). Hitomi looked around for a seat, as Dryden began to talk non-stop about how well he could handle a guymelef. "Sure..." Hitomi heard Millerna say, "You can sell them and repair them, but when it comes to piloting them, you're useless." Dryden only laughed again, enjoying her sarcasm.

Hitomi found her way to the square, where a bunch of seats had been set up for the occasion. She looked around for Van, knowing he would be here, especially at an event like this. Several soldiers down below in the arena were setting up the guymelefs, as a sharply dressed man inspected each of them. He seemed to dismiss many of the guymelefs, either for being too dull in colour, or not agile enough to meet his own flexible body's demands. Hitomi sat down, brushing her dress out before she did, noticing the man's rather selective behaviour. She smiled, thinking that Allen's guymelef, Sherazade, would be the only one Allen would ever use.

Finally, she looked up toward the top of the arena and noticed Van sitting up there alone. Deciding to go to him, she excused herself saying, "Dryden, Millerna, I'm going to sit with Van. Hope you won't kill each other while I'm gone." She grinned at the look Millerna gave Dryden, as he pretended to look scared. Standing up, she left the couple and ascended the steps. Many people filed past her, but she didn't lose sight of him. He had idly taken out his sword, and was polishing it, the blade pointed to the ground.

"Hi, Van." she said, somewhat shyly. He looked up from his sword, smiling at her. "Hitomi, sit down." He patted the spot next to him, and she sat down, watching him work at his sword. Hitomi accepted a pair of small binoculars from a nearby servant, and through them, gazed down at the arena below. The man Allen was to duel with, Frestic, had finally selected his guymelef; it was a rather showy colour, bright blue. Hitomi pointed this out to Van, laughing at his choice, when she noticed he didn't seem to be responding.

"What's wrong?" she asked, seeing out of the corner of her eye Allen had climbed into Sherazade. He shook his head quickly, and answered, "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about the guymelefs, where they might have been manufactured, and who might have made them..." He trailed off as Hitomi put her hand on his two folded ones.

"You miss Escaflowne, right?" she said. Looking down at the arena as Frestic closed the cover to his guymelef, she continued, "It's kinda sad. Couldn't you use it for a duel once in a while?" Van shook his head. "I lent the energist to Dryden. Knowing him, it's probably been sold to some merchant in Asturia by now." He smothered a laugh, stopping himself to say, "And energists are rare finds lately, since Gaea is trying to avoid another war over them. Only a few own energists nowadays." Hitomi nodded slowly, turning her head to watch the match.

Van sat gazing toward the arena as well, as he felt a sudden tug at his heartstrings. Escaflowne. It seemed to represent his wild, untamed side during that hellish war over a year ago. In rage and confusion, he had fought anything and anyone, even his friends. It was almost a good thing that he could not pilot it anymore, it would bring back too many awful memories of how he was back then. However, the power that the armour had lent to his arms and legs would be a feeling he would never forget, and sometimes pine for during matches like this. Though now, he was content to enjoy the peaceful times and only watch.

Now the pilots could no longer be seen, losing their identities to their guymelefs. Sherazade wielded a broad sword in its giant gloved hand, standing prepared to strike when the official lowered his arm. Frestic's guymelef, which was named Paradise, was his own, seeing that the many that he could select were not to his taste, brandished a pointed spear as its weapon, as a dark blue cape flapped about its knees. The official let his arm fall down with a shout, signalling the two men to begin. Paradise charged first, his giant spear aimed toward Sherazade's head area. Sherazade raised his sword quickly upward and deflected the blow aimed at the head, pushing Paradise backward.

Paradise backed away, having not expected such a skilled block from his opponent. Hitomi watched to see if Allen would make the next move, but he stood his ground, waiting courteously for Paradise to recover from the block. Finally, he raised his sword high above his head as if to attack. Paradise saw this chance and aimed a thrust toward Sherazade's midsection. Sherazade however, brought the sword down quickly and blocked it again. Hitomi stood up, applauding loudly. Some people sitting nearby turned to look at her and blushing, she sat down quickly.

Sherazade was now through with simply blocking. Playing on his opponent's sudden drop of enthusiasm and hesitation, he swiftly charged forward and impaled Paradise's shoulder. Paradise seemed to flinch and Sherazade wasted no time in commanding his sword to blow his opponent away with a single stroke. As Paradise fell to the ground with a deafening crash, cheers rang up from the audience for the winner. The official cried out, "Sir Allen Schezar of Asturia is the victor!" Allen released the latch and stepped out, hailing the audience. Even though he was from Asturia, the cheers from the Fanelians rang out just as loud as from Asturians. They had not forgotten how Allen had helped their king during the war, and felt a deep friendship with him and his country.

Hitomi and Van stood up, descending the stairs to congratulate Allen. Van shook his hand, commending him on the match. "Excellent job! I only wish I could best you in combat like that." Allen smiled, replying, "You're a bit rusty, Van. Don't say things like that until you know they can be done." Hitomi glanced at Van, seeing his face fall slightly, although he retained a grin. Allen excused himself to talk with Frestic. Hitomi slid to his side, catching hold of his hand. "Van, don't worry about it. You've achieved a great deal as King of Fanelia; now that something to be jealous of." He squeezed her hand, nodding. "You're right, as always Hitomi."

The two made their way back to the manor. The sun was at its peak, too hot to stay outside anymore. That night the formal ball would begin.


Hitomi slept the afternoon away, finally not plagued with dreams or visions. She felt like she could really rest now, and she did so she could enjoy the ball as late as possible with everyone. When she woke up, it was six o'clock and the sun was beginning to set. She swiftly made her bed and put on the dress she had selected that morning. After cleaning up a bit, she made her way to the hall. The lamps had already been lit, filling the rooms with a soft glow.

The crowds began to thicken as she came down to the ballroom. She didn't mind that many people didn't seem to notice her, just as long as she could see the fun they were having. Hitomi caught a glimpse of Selena sitting near the staircase's banister. She didn't know Selena too well; in fact, she only heard rumours that she was once with Zaibach. But no ill thoughts came to Hitomi's mind as she greeted the shy girl and sat down to chat.

They talked for quite awhile(although Hitomi did most of it) until Allen approached the two of them. Selena smiled upon seeing her older brother as he knelt down upon one knee in front the two women. "May I have this dance, Lady?" he asked in comforting tones. Selena nodded, a smile on her lips. Hitomi smiled as well. Allen, being her brother, seemed to be the only one who could reach her. As she watched them sweep across the dance floor, she began to wonder how she had become this way.

Growing tired of sitting alone watching other couples dance, Hitomi stood up and went to the refreshment table, where she spotted Merle playing with some children. They looked like they were some of the noble guests' children; Hitomi could tell by their clothing and how they presented themselves. As Hitomi watched, one of them presented a package to Merle. The cat girl quickly opened it, and cried out in delight at the gorgeous necklace she pulled out. Hugging the little boy who gave it to her reminded Hitomi of what she had bought in Fanelia that day.

Before she could forget, Hitomi ran upstairs and retrieved her package from under her bed. On the way, she met Dryden, who was heavily laden with baggage to take on his journey. She waved at him and just as she passed him, he called out her name. "Hitomi, wait a sec." Puzzled, she went back to where he was leaning against the wall for support as he fished in his pocket for something.

"I know it's way overdue, but I figured I'd see you before Van before I left." He pulled his hand from his pocket and extracted an energist from it. Hitomi remembered it all right; it was Escaflowne's energist. Dryden handed it to her carefully, so he wouldn't drop his things. Hitomi stared at it for awhile in the palm of her hands, but finally shook her head as if to clear it.

"Thank you, Dryden, but..." she couldn't seem to finish. He looked at her in a concerned way. "What is it?" asked Dryden. She glanced up at him. "...it's not needed any more. What's the point of giving it back to Van?" He looked confused for a moment, but then his face softened in understanding. "Oh, I see... you don't want Van to pilot Escaflowne again, is that it?" Hitomi shook her head hard, as if it would get rid of that notion.

"No, no! That's not it! It just reminds me of the war and... I don't know." She stared at the energist in her hand again. "Well, I suppose it is a good keepsake. Almost pretty, in a way..." Dryden laughed as he shouldered his shoulder bag on his back. "You women... you're all the same. You love material things." As an afterthought, he added, "Only you go for cheaper things. I wish Millerna was like that." So he left with a hearty goodbye, leaving Hitomi in the hall. It's not cheap, she thought as she made her way to her room.

She reached under the bed, pulling her package out from under it. She took an old wooden crate that came from the barn and placed the energist inside, sliding it under the bed. I'll give it to him tomorrow, she promised. Hitomi left the room with her present and, for some reason, locked the door behind her.

Van was not in the ballroom when she arrived there again, so she put her small parcel in her pocket and went to look for him. She reached the hall right outside the ballroom, where the lights were much dimmer. As she gazed up at the night sky which could be seen through the windows, she sighed.

After awhile, a hand fell on her shoulder. Surprised, she turned around only to see Van standing there, dressed in a light black tunic, a red scarf round his neck, and pants of the same dark colour. A warm smile lit up his features as Hitomi faced him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Soon, he too did the same. "Van, I still can't believe this is real. We're really together." She leaned her head on his chest. He didn't say anything; he was so in awe of her. Everything about her seemed amazing; he often felt he was undeserving of her.

"Hitomi." he whispered. She looked up at him as he said, "Do you want to dance? You know, I'm not so bad." Hitomi giggled and nodded, accepting his outstretched hand. In a way, this was strange to Hitomi; Van, the roguish King of Fanelia, dancing with her? He had never done this before, and Hitomi never expected they would.

But there they were. They entered the ballroom as the crowd began to part for them. Everyone took interest in seeing King Van's dancing abilities, and they were certainly amazed to see how he carried himself on the dance floor. Hand clasped in hers, he raised his arm and she slowly spun around in a semicircle. Van clasped her upper arm as they sidestepped through the large circle that was made for them. Neither of them could dance very well, but somehow, the closeness of their bodies in motion made them appear graceful. The people now knew that the dancing couple must know each other well; it certainly showed in their uncanny ability to predict each other's moves.

The musicians noticed the King dancing and changed the melody to one that suited their fluid movement. Van noticed the change and slowed the dance a bit. Their bodies came closer together, and he held her hand tenderly in his as they performed their steps. When the crowd began to disperse, Van and Hitomi made their way out into the hall again. For some reason, Hitomi did not want to let go of him. Everything that had happened in the last year seemed to be just a dream. Through Faye's sacrifice, peace was restored, but could they ever really be happy? Hitomi declared to herself that they would, at least someday.

When the two had found a spot to sit, Hitomi leaned against him, thinking about why she had been looking for him. Then she remembered; the ring she had in her pocket!

"Van, I have something for you." Van watched as she felt the inside of her pocket and pulled out a tiny package, handing it almost shyly to him. "Hitomi..." he began, "Thank you. I have something for you too." Putting her parcel on his lap, he reached down into the small bag he had attached to his belt, and revealed a slightly larger package. Smiling in anticipation, he placed it in her hand.

"I want you to open mine first." Hitomi insisted, putting her parcel aside for the moment. Gingerly, he tore the paper from the small package and opened the box. The ring stood there, the moon from the nearby window pouring light onto it. Hitomi quickly took it out, placing it on his finger for him. "Don't take this the wrong way." she explained, "This ring symbolizes our promise that we won't leave each other, that's all." She smiled as she caressed the ring on his hand. Van didn't know what to say, so he simply replied, "It's beautiful, Hitomi. Now open mine."

Hitomi picked up the parcel next to her and opened it slowly. She gasped when the orange flowers peeked through the bits of paper that had been ripped away, revealing the corsage Van had made. Van took the corsage, and slid it gently onto Hitomi's wrist. "Van, it's- it's gorgeous." she managed to say. He edged closer to her, putting his hand on her corsage. "I don't know why, but the orange flowers... they remind me of you." Hitomi looked from her corsage to his face.

"In what way?" she asked him. He explained it to her. "There are certain times in the year, during their lifetime, when they change colour. When they are buds, they are green; and when they are full grown, they're blue. But when the sun sets, they turn a brilliant orange. That time was when I picked them." Hitomi didn't quite understand.

"How am I like these flowers?" she asked. Van's reply was quick. "You have gone through so many colours... so many changes in your life since I met you. They all seem to make you stronger and mature." Hitomi blushed at his praise, turning to look at her corsage again. "I love it. But Van, the flowers... they will die soon." Van shook his head. "No, they won't. At least not when touched by you." Hitomi felt tears begin to sting her eyes at his words, but she didn't want him to see. Quickly she wiped them away as a messenger approached them.

"Your Majesty, I just received this letter. It's rather urgent." Van took the letter from the messenger and nodded, allowing him to leave. Hitomi leaned over as he opened it, gazing at the seal it had on its cover. It was unfamiliar to her, but she thought she had seen it somewhere. Van quickly scanned the text and suddenly, he went still, his eyes widened in shock.

"Van, what is it?" Hitomi asked, putting her hand on his arm. He was slow to reply, but when he did, he said slowly, as if trying to believe it himself,

"It's from King Gendas... He's just declared war on Fanelia..."



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Yeah, it WAS the calm before the storm, wasn't it? Please read and review!!!!!