II. Generosity and other calculations

The plains of Fanelia: an arid steppe dotted with forests, giving way to some of the greatest snow-capped peaks in all of Gaea. The people who lived there adapted to the land long ago, evolving into a stubborn civilization that braved many tragedies.

It was an untamable land, with an untamable king, Drydan mused.

The merchant prince enjoyed the beautiful view from his newly acquired ship, Aphrodite's Promise. It had taken much time to amass the wealth to buy such a top of the line ship, and Drydan had done so in a painstakingly manner. Three years ago, he had been a small time peddler, living among the common folk in the lands of Asturia. And yet he had gained their respect, something that was priceless to even him, a great merchant's son. Drydan found himself renewed. Perhaps even of worth for the one he loved?

The man scratched at the stubble on his chin, pondering on that thought. It had been a long time since he had seen Millerna, the lone queen of Asturia. Many a time, he saw her carriage passing through the marketplace, her deep violet eyes peering at him. They had been confused in the beginning, but soon filled with silent wonder. It wouldn't be too long before she came his way again, he thought with a grin. Which brought him to why he was here in the first place.

It had been rumors at first, but Drydan came to know that the young king of Fanelia was experiencing financial troubles in rebuilding his country. It would be in his best interest for Drydan to lend a helping hand to the old friend, perhaps even in the matters of the heart.

That poor boy. Hmm, boy? Maybe no longer a boy. He was quick with a sword, but in taming wild doves, he had no clue.

The robed man stood and placed his hands on his hips. It was time for a revolution in Fanelia, and Drydan would be the indirect source of it. A guttural laugh erupted from Drydan. First help an ally of Asturia, and then nestle into the heart of Asturia itself. It was the icing on the cake.

"Oris, take us down to the airship docks."

The rugged, middle-aged helmsman stuttered as he stared down from the windowed deck, "Uh .. sir, there is no room at the docks for the Promise to land."

Drydan furrowed his bushy brows and looked down. Surely enough, several strange-looking airships took up the entire dock. Black as night, save one that was a deep purple color, the ships were cylindrical and stream-lined and were attached to no lodestones, as far as Drydan could see.

"What in Gaea's name .."

"Slavery was commonplace in ancient Egypt, and some slaves were even killed once their masters died so they could serve them in the afterlife .."

Hitomi stared out the window, her hand firmly planted on her cheek in sheer boredom. Around her, her peers scribbled their history notes furiously while she chewed on her pencil eraser. It was a glorious fall day, and leaves were beginning to turn a brilliant orange. The sun streamed through the firey leaves to cast an orange glow on Hitomi's face. She sighed and began to unconsciously draw something on the paper in front of her.

The girl didn't get to sleep due to the nightmare she had, along with the mysterious happenings afterwards. Her body immediately felt tense all over. She hadn't stopped sweating until a few hours before school started. However, it wasn't the dream that had especially bothered her.

In months before, her nightmares were quickly quelled by the comforting feeling she had received from Van. Lately, that comfort seemed to stop coming altogether, along with the other emotions he sent. She had brushed it off, believing that he had simply been too busy to keep track on his companion from afar. But now, Hitomi knew something was wrong.

"Hitomi!"

The pencil lead snapped, and she quickly looked up to see Yukari gazing at her with concern. Slowly, she glanced around to see that everyone was filing out of the door of the classroom. She hadn't even heard the bell.

"Are you all right?" asked Yukari, placing her hand on her forehead to check for a fever. "You've been out of it all day."

Hitomi flashed a smile and stood up, quickly crumpling the paper in front of her.

"Yeah, I just didn't get much sleep last night. I'll be fine, Yukari," she said.

Her close friend tilted her head and softly asked, "Is it about Van?"

Hitomi froze as she was putting her things away into her book bag. Sighing, she admitted, "I don't think he likes me anymore. Maybe he's found someone else. A princess, or something."

Yukari frowned. "That simply can't be, Hitomi. From all the things you told me about him, I .. I think he loves you."

Hitomi managed an embarrassed laugh that quickly faded. Love me? Could Van love me? I know he cares about me .. I care for him too, but why would he suddenly disconnect from me if he does love me?

Seeing the struggle on Hitomi's face, Yukari flashed a spontaneous grin and exclaimed, "Come on, I'll treat you to some soba and garlic, your favorite. Just as long as you don't breathe in my direction."

Laughing, the two girls walked out of the room. Hitomi threw the crumbled piece of paper into the wastebasket as she went. Crinkling, the paper opened slightly to show a roughly drawn black-hued feather.

The shining breastplate and shin-guards were a polished silver, specifically made to fit Van snug. He was a dashing sight, sitting atop the throne of Fanelia .. and also intimidating. This was battle.

Van steepled his hands in front of him and stated in a voice that the whole hall could hear, "No formalities. What do you want?"

Before him, three figures knelt on the plush red carpet. Two were obvious guards, fitted with turbaned helmets and foreign clothing that Van couldn't put a name to. They had worn faces and skin like leather. Between them was a far more attractive figure, a youthful woman with hair as dark as night and skin that contrasted it. A long, black robe draped her shoulders, a welcome covering for the silken loincloth that spilled across her pale legs. The woman raised her head ever so slowly, her bright lavender eyes shocking Van.

"Admirable bluntness, m'lord," the woman purred, her unfamiliar accent thick, "We have come to ask of your future. Where is your queen?"

Van blinked. "I have no wife," he answered.

Mock surprise appeared on the woman's face, and she continued in that slithering voice, "Well, surely a young and handsome man such as yourself has many prospective wives waiting for your hand."

Vexed, Van droned, "Surely you didn't come all of the way from Kishara to ask about my love life, especially with one of your convoys."

"Your majesty, you know as well as I that Gaea is unstable. I would not risk a long journey without the proper protection," spoke the woman, drawing a long, lacquered nail across her violet lips. "What I came here for is to propose a marriage with my daughter, heir to Kishara. Unless you already have someone in mind?"

This Kisharyn had a slick tone that Van didn't like. She was probing him to something he could not foresee. It was time to shut the doors.

"I don't care much for arranged marriages. I appreciate the offer and apologize for your fruitless trip," he uttered, bowing his head slightly.

The woman's mouth twitched into a small smile as she said, "This offer includes many other royalties, of course. A wedding of our two nations would assure the protection of your people. Much like your own, my country is rebuilding itself from the subjugation of Zaibach. Our alliance-"

"Our alliance is easily accomplished with a simple treaty, my lady. I am trustworthy with or without the exchange of vows. Please leave me now and return tomorrow if this suits you."

With that, Van rose and walked out of the great hall, leaving the still kneeling woman and her companions in the company of his guards. Slowly, she rose, brushing off the dust that had collected on her robe. She sneered at the filthiness, but that was quickly replaced with a sly smile.

That whelp will bring her to me. Of this I am sure.