Date. 04.07.2002
Time. I'm not too sure. Its 1.59 am, but its daylight savings time, so in a second it will be 3 am? Uhhh… yeah…
Music. Dashboard Confessionals at the moment, but whatever is playing on jigglykat radio. *squee*
Chapter 5
Copyright. I do not own any part of the Vision of Escaflowne. Just my characters.
Author's Notes. Once again, sorry about taking so long. I am sooooo swamped with work. Photoshop projects, sculpting, and drawing. It takes it out of you. Plus, I've kinda been at a writer's block. The next chapter or so will be slow, but then the action will finally kick up a notch. But as for now, I'm going to play with my new Legolas action figure, which does include squeezable leg action!
PS. For those of you who asked why Van and Hitomi can't have anymore kids, please keep tuning in. Hopefully, I'll be able to explain it in a future chapter, but for now, go along with it.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Parvulus de Crepuscid.
Chapter 5. May it Be
* * *
Is everything set according to plan?
Of course it is. Guests have been arriving throughout the past few days before the birthday celebration.
Good, good… and what of our *special* guests?
I had sent everyone from the meetings home in order to bring back their families for the party. It makes it appear that nothing has been prepared for them. They're going to be the last ones to arrive… the day of the party. Spys have been hired to follow them everywhere within the palace and if they venture beyond the castle walls.
And on that night that we have planned, will your men be ready?
Yes.
It has to be done that night, so no mistakes.
Understood.
Good.
You only need one of the Fanels, correct?
Yes.
What should I do with the other two?
I don't know… think of something creative. Take them to that desert beyond the mountains. I think that is a nice place for them to rot away and die, don't you agree?
Oh… ye-yes… of course. But what will you do with the one that you have?
I believe that is none of your concern, my dear. All I want from you is your cooperation and if you succeed, Cassia will be a great empire once more.
Yes, yes. Anything and everything is for Cassia.
I must go. We have a lot of work ahead of us, don't we?
Yes.
And now I can finally get my revenge on those damned Fanels.
* * *
Hitomi bolted upright from her cot, her brow damp with sweat. Her breath escaped her lungs in short gasps of air, her body still recovering from the shock of awaking suddenly. She had decided to take a quick nap before they began their descent into the Cassian valley. They had already been flying for half a day.
Was that a vision? Or just a waking dream? She had not really sensed anything, but something was still amiss. Visions rarely came to her anymore. It had been years since she had one that threw her into a different state of mind. Every now and then, she experienced déjà vu, but it was not the same.
This time, her sixth sense was still very tingly with excitement. She needed to stand and walk around a bit to wear it off.
She swung her legs out and let them dangle over the edge of the hard bed. This was the same room that she had retired to when she and Van had returned from Earth… on the Day of Revelation.
In her "dream," there was something that was so familiar… something that Hitomi wanted to put her finger on and know what it was. It was deep in the vaults of her mind, cluttered in with the debris of useless trivia knowledge about Earth culture that was no longer important. But… whatever *this* was, it was striving to be important.
Maybe I should talk with Van… she thought as she stood to her bare feet. The blood rushed from her head, making her dizzy and losing balance. She regained it back, slipped on her shoes, and left the quarters.
Van was probably on the deck with Allen, discussing on Cassian politics. Good, she thought. That will take his gazing upon Celena and Gaddes away for a few moments. Hitomi had felt the growing love between the two. She was happy for them. Still, she knew that Allen would not be as accepting as she would of his sister's choice in men.
Especially since they were sneaking around behind his back.
Celena was the same age as she was. She was a woman. She should be free to make her own decisions.
She slowly opened the metal door to the bridge and looked inside.
The deck was not as occupied as she thought it would be. Allen stood at the front window, staring blankly out at the passing scenery. Celena was curled up on one of the padded benches as Van and Gaddes chatted softly. As soon her eyes laid upon him, his own gaze took her in. He broke the conversation and walked over.
"Something wrong, love?" he asked, touching her side.
"Oh no… it's probably nothing. I had just experienced… something, I think." His eyes widened with concern. "No, no… nothing vision-like or anything. Just a warning."
"A warning? Like something is going to happen?"
"I told you, I don't know," she grew subtly annoyed. "All it felt like was something familiar."
"What's wrong?" Allen had walked over at the sound of their hushed voices.
"Nothing's wrong," Hitomi replied quickly before Van could respond. "I just had an odd dream, that's all." She glanced over at Van as he was about to protest.
it was *not* a vision… she said into his mind so that no one else could hear. i *know* what a vision feels like and that wasn't it…
He gave a mental sigh in response. if you say so…
"How much longer until we arrive to Cassia?" she asked Allen.
"About a good twenty minutes or so," he replied. "I should make an announcement… the crew should be getting ready."
"Where's Sellie?" Van asked as he took her over to the side, out of hearing range of the other occupants of the bridge.
"Hiding somewhere," she replied. "Probably sulking that she couldn't bring Lupin along."
Van snorted. "Just what we need in greeting Cassia: our daughter with her pet wolf. I don't think the Royal family would get a kick out of that."
She gave a halfhearted smile at his remark… but looked rather distant.
"Love? Is something wrong?"
Hitomi hesitated before she took a deep breath. "Van," she said softly, almost too softly that he could barely hear him. "I've noticed that Sellie has been acting a little… strange. And this feeling that I just had… I don't know. I've been thinking for awhile… and I… I think it's time that we should tell her everything."
He looked hard at her. "You think it's time for everything?" he said, lowering his voice as well.
"Everything… your heritage, my heritage, Gaea, our role in the whole scheme of things… I think its better to do it a little earlier so that perhaps we can answer questions. When I found out about Gaea being my great-grandmother… I was in shock, I guess. I had trouble thinking… and I had to make quick decisions about the outcome of my future. I had such a small timeframe to work in. And I don't want that for her."
Van was silent as he listened to her, his eyes focused only on her own. "Do you regret the decisions that you did make?" he asked quietly.
She looked up at him and caught his stare. "Are you implying about my decision about remaining on Gaea?"
He nodded grimly.
She smiled. "Of course not," she replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "If I had to do it all over, I would have made the same choices… taking in the Power, staying on Gaea, staying with you…"
Out of the corner of her eye, Hitomi spotted Celena stirring as she awoke from her nap. Van did as well and leaned over to whisper in her ear.
"All right," he said. "I think it's time, too. But not now in Cassia. When we get back to Fanelia, we'll sit her down and explain everything." He kissed her on the forehead. "Hopefully, she'll understand."
"Hey…" Celena managed to say as she yawned. "Did I miss anything important?"
Hitomi grinned. "You missed Gaddes pretending to act like your brother," she said.
Celena looked over at the Second-in-Command and blushed.
* * *
Sellie fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. She had tried curling up and napping for awhile on the hard bench, but had no such luck. The Crusade was never meant to be a luxury leviship that escorted about royal members of countries. Actually, she would never want it to be used simply for royalty. She liked its rugged sensation… making her feel like she a part of the crew. It felt more like one of those pirate ships that the crew would tell stories of. Plus, on top of that, she had to change into her formal wear and that always made her feel uncomfortable.
And, gods, how she hated to wear her formal clothing.
She straightened out the dark emerald green skirt of her dress. The shoes she wore were too tight on her feet and the corset about her torso was suffocating.
"Are we going to be at this party the entire time, or can I wear normal clothes at some point?" she had pleaded with her mother.
"You can pack them if you want, but I'm pretty sure that there aren't going to be many times when you can go off on your own," Hitomi had replied. She sat on her bed, running a brush through Sellie's hair. "Do birds make nests in your hair, hon? I have never seen so many tangles!"
Her hand played with the long, disentangled tresses as she thought about the night before. Life at the palace had been hectic. Servants were running to and fro, making sure that she, her mother and father had their proper attire suited perfectly. Never had she been scrubbed so hard during a bath.
"Your father wants to make a good impression with the King of Cassia," Hitomi said.
But something was throwing her senses off about going to Cassia. Both her father and Aunt Merle said that the country was beautiful… but still… there was something making her suspicious as they flew closer to the city.
Sellie sighed and removed her shoes from her feet. She stood up and felt the cool metal floors under her bare feet. She'd rather be outside at the moment, but had to make do with where she was.
"Twenty minutes until we arrive in Cassia. Crew, prepare for landing." The ship's intercom system cracked to life and made the announcement.
Carrying her shoes, she walked to the head control room where everyone else was already located.
Hitomi stood to the side along with Van, her eyes looking straight through the large front window. She was also clad in her formal wear, a long silver dress with hand-stitched green vines wrapping around her body. Her sleeves trailed to the floor, her fingers peeking through the fine material. Mom never wore any type of jewelry besides her grandmother's engagement ring, her simple wedding band, and her rose-colored pendant. But her neck was rather bare without her ever-present necklace. Sellie's fingers instinctively went to her own chest and touched the stone. Perhaps it was her own imagination, but she felt a slight shock as soon as she made contact.
Van wore a simple white linen shirt and black slacks, his royal sword buckled securely about his waist. He, too, stared out the window as Hitomi did, but held her hand as well.
"Sellie! You actually *look* like a princess!" Celena said, announcing her presence into the room.
She crossed her arms across her chest. "Very funny," she replied, though she smiled. It was rare indeed that she wore something else besides her everyday breeches and linen shirts. Only on special occasions and formal affairs.
Or when someone forced her.
"Princess," Gaddes called for her, grinning. "Look out the window… you can see all of Cassia."
Sellie inched her way closer to the tall man and pressed her hands upon the glass. She hadn't believed Merle when she had mentioned the city's beauty, but now she truly understood her.
Fanelia and Cassia were both mountain kingdoms; however, Fanelia's palace was much more wider than height. The highest level was only three floors off the ground. Cassia's was just the opposite: its tallest tower reached up high into the heavens. Its white walls gleamed in the sunlight. Part of the castle was built into the cliffs that surrounded the country. The waterfall that was also pointed out was set a-ways from the city. Its rushing waters poured over the rocky edge at a height of at least twelve stories. It settled into the large lake that filled most of the valley and exited on the opposite side through the canyon that the Crusade.
"Whoa…" escaped from her lips. It was so exquisite.
" 'Whoa' is damn right," Gaddes added.
"Gaddes!" Celena hissed. "Watch your language!"
"You guys weren't kidding about this place," Hitomi murmured as she wrapped her matching cloak around her neck. "It's gorgeous."
The Crusade crossed the vast lake and towards the landing pad set outside the city walls. Sellie could see some guards standing around the edge of the ring, carrying the Cassian Royal banners in welcoming their arrival.
The large leviship landed with a soft thud. As soon as Allen cracked open the hatch, servants entered the ship to retrieve their belongings. As Van and Hitomi led the way down the ramp, their fingers once more entwined themselves around each other. Allen held his arm out to Sellie.
"A princess can't be escorted without her knight, can she?" he said, smirking.
She smiled back and held his gloved hand. "Of course, Sir Allen," she replied.
Van was already talking to a tall man outside, probably fifteen years older than he. She studied him as she walked closer to him. He was a bit taller than her father, though his build was heavier. His dark hair was already streaked with silver, but was well-maintained. He was smiling at her mother, but his gray eyes showed something… different.
She must have been staring hard at him because she received a nudge from Allen. She broke her contact and returned to reality.
"Lord Tarn," Van continued, being a bit more formal than usual. "May I introduce my wife, Lady Hitomi Kanzaki, and my daughter, Lady Selmé Rynna."
Tarn took Hitomi's hand and bowed slightly, kissing her on the top of her knuckles. "It is a honor, My Lady," he said. "I have heard so many stories about the Seer from the Mystic Moon, but I have never met her."
"Well, now you have, My Lord," Hitomi smiled as she curtsied. "And I wanted to thank you for inviting us out here for your celebration as well."
"My pleasure, My Lady," he replied. "I've enjoyed working with all the other countries recently that it only felt appropriate. Something twinkled in his eye as he turned to Sellie, who now had left Allen and stood by her mother's side. "And My Lady Selmé, I am honored to meet Fanelia's future ruler as well."
He touched her hand to give her a kiss as well, but as soon as their skin made contact with one another, Sellie felt a mild shock run through her body. She did not pull her hand away, though she looked at him with wary eyes. No one happened to notice that the pendant stone around her neck glowed when they touched.
"I would like to introduce my own son to you as well." He clapped his hands loudly. "Ladies, this is my son, Quidam."
A young boy, perhaps slightly older than Sellie, ran up from behind Tarn, he bowing too soon that she couldn't see his face until he rose.
He met her gaze with gray eyes that mirrored his father's, though his seemed to be more comfortable and familiar. His hair was lighter, falling into his eyes in a messy state. He grinned at her and she blushed.
"Well, shall we get you settled in so that we can start the celebration?" Tarn returned his attention to Van and Hitomi. The servants that had entered the Crusade and exited with parcels in their arms. "You are the last to arrive."
"Oh, Millerna and Dryden back already?" Van said as they walked to their rides.
"Dryden didn't want to go back to Palas for a matter of days," Tarn replied. "Besides, he wanted to look into the barter and trading here. You remember how eager he was?"
Dryden is still a trader at heart, Hitomi thought. He'll always be one before King.
"…their boy, Rouen, and Quidam are comrades," he continued. Sellie stuck out her tongue in disgust, but Hitomi poked her to hush her up. "Aren't you, boy?"
"Yes, sir," Quidam answered quietly.
They arrived to the area where men held horses for the travelers. The men mounted their horses with no problem while Hitomi and Sellie were given steps up. Sellie wanted to protest that she knew how to get onto a horse, but her mother gave her a disapproving look.
She swung her leg over the horse's back, but as she did so, her skirt was caught and revealed the sheath she wore around her calf. She straightened out her dress and looked around. Luckily, Van and Hitomi hadn't noticed, but she saw that Quidam had an odd expression on his face. Maybe he did.
The troupe rode their steeds up to the castle in the setting sunlight. Sellie was still so tired from the traveling, but she wanted to please her parents by attending the festivities. Maybe it won't be so bad, she thought.
* * *
Everything, however, was going to fast. Sellie was only pointed in the direction of where her guest quarters were, then was shuffled off by handmaidens to touchup on her appearance. She wanted to scream each time they attempted applying make up to her face and squirmed away from their torture.
And then they had to be introduced to the guests already occupying the grand ballroom.
"May I introduce to His Majesty and His Majesty's associates… Lord Van Slanzar de Fanel, King of Fanelia…" the presenter announced to the guests.
If I hear my full name mentioned one more time… she thought bitterly.
"…Lady Hitomi Kanzaki de Fanel, Queen of Fanelia…" he continued.
One. More. Time.
"…and Lady Selmé Rynna de Fanel, Princess of Fanelia!"
The crowd applauded as they entered. Hitomi immediately spotted Millerna's golden hair and rushed over to greet her friend. Sellie reluctantly held back, but Van dragged her towards them.
"C'mon… its been awhile since you last saw Rouen, Sellie," he whispered. "Just do it for your mother, please?"
She crossed her arms in front of her chest and obeyed his orders. As they approached the group, she could see Dryden engulfing Hitomi in a huge bear hug. Millerna was giggling as she saw the horrified look upon Hitomi's face. Van gave a kiss on her cheek in welcoming and shook Dryden's hand.
"We were going to travel to Fanelia with Allen and Celena," Millerna was telling Hitomi. "But Dryden had to go shopping about and looking at the merchandise."
"They had real Cassian hand carved chairs!" Dryden protested. "You don't find those anywhere else! Only here! I wanted to find out what kind of profit they make on them." He looked down at Sellie and gave her a firm handshake as well. "And how's the miss doing? You've grown, my dear! Last time I saw you, you were this big." He held his hand off the floor a couple of centimeters.
Sellie couldn't help but laugh. Dryden had that cocky personality that always could make a person smile. Unfortunately, his charm did not rub off onto his son.
"You know, Rouen's been asking about you, Sellie," he continued. "Ever since we got here, he kept asking when you were coming."
Probably to pull my hair some more. She put on a false face. "Really?"
"Oh yeah," he continued as her parents talked with Millerna. "He's been keeping his mind occupied during the meetings by becoming friends with Tarn's son, Quidam. The three of you should get along together quite well."
Great.
A large gong was struck, signaling that it was time to sit for the feast. As she walked over with her parents, Sellie saw Quidam take his seat next to Tarn at the head of the U-shaped table. A servant guided her over to her seat, which was rather close to him. They settled down, but the conversational chatter continued. She wanted to lean onto the table and sleep.
And then she saw him. His brown hair. The same eyes as his mother. That goofy grin that he always wore on his face. His looks weren't *that* bad. He could pull off attractive. But it was *him*.
Rouen gave Sellie a quick wink as he sat down next to Dryden, three spots down from where she sat. She sighed and waited for the food to be served.
"Ugh," she groaned, but immediately felt an elbow to the ribs. Maybe she should just keep her mouth shut so that she wouldn't wake up in the morning with bruises about her sides.
Many servants wheeled in carts bearing platters of food with giant lids upon them. Hers was set in front, and she patiently waited for the others to be served as well. Tradition not just in Fanelia, she noted.
Tarn clapped his hands and the servants lifted the lids simultaneously. Sellie did not recognize the type of meat on the plate. She cautiously took a bite, tasting the tender substance and decided that she liked it.
Casual talk continued to fill the Banquet Hall for awhile as the guests celebrated the King's birthday. Occasionally, Sellie would be asked a question by one of the noblewomen her future as Fanelia's ruler. She tried her best to answer them honestly, but they would always chuckle at whatever she would say. Finally, Tarn's clapping of his hands ceased the questioning.
He stood proudly at his place, his smile spreading across his face while his eyes hid something else. The crowd settled into silence as he began his speech.
"I wanted to thank you all for traveling away from your homes. It does me great honor to work with such fine rulers as those seated at this table with me. I believe that this new 'Act of Alliance' between our countries will help us out in our future when we need aide of one another. Hopefully, we will no longer need an Alliance and keep the peace among ourselves."
"Hear, hear!" someone shouted from the back. Many people clapped their hands in approval. Tarn raised his glass to calm everyone back down again.
"Furthermore," he continued. "I believe that we have to unite together on some sort of *different* level. My son, Quidam, is almost 15 years old, the youngest age that our country allows a heir to be before taking the throne. Since my wife died and can no longer bear me children, Quidam is the only royal heir of Cassia. I am finding essential that he should have his future Queen chosen."
Tarn turned his attention to Van, to Hitomi, but most directly, to Sellie. "Lord Fanel," he smiled once more. "Would you do the honor of me of letting my son marry your daughter?"
to be continued…
* * *
04.12.2002---SORRY! SORRY it took so long but I had a major photoshop project due today at 12 and I've been working on it for awhile. Plus, I wanted to hold off because today… at this moment… it is Van's 21st birthday. 12th White is April 12th. YAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAN! WE LOVE YOU!!! And I'm also sorry that this chapter sucks big time. I couldn't think while I did it. And it's not that important but it is to the story so there wasn't much to write about. Oh well. I just wanted to update on Van's birthday anyway.
Chapter title comes from Enya's "May it Be" from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
Time. I'm not too sure. Its 1.59 am, but its daylight savings time, so in a second it will be 3 am? Uhhh… yeah…
Music. Dashboard Confessionals at the moment, but whatever is playing on jigglykat radio. *squee*
Chapter 5
Copyright. I do not own any part of the Vision of Escaflowne. Just my characters.
Author's Notes. Once again, sorry about taking so long. I am sooooo swamped with work. Photoshop projects, sculpting, and drawing. It takes it out of you. Plus, I've kinda been at a writer's block. The next chapter or so will be slow, but then the action will finally kick up a notch. But as for now, I'm going to play with my new Legolas action figure, which does include squeezable leg action!
PS. For those of you who asked why Van and Hitomi can't have anymore kids, please keep tuning in. Hopefully, I'll be able to explain it in a future chapter, but for now, go along with it.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Parvulus de Crepuscid.
Chapter 5. May it Be
* * *
Is everything set according to plan?
Of course it is. Guests have been arriving throughout the past few days before the birthday celebration.
Good, good… and what of our *special* guests?
I had sent everyone from the meetings home in order to bring back their families for the party. It makes it appear that nothing has been prepared for them. They're going to be the last ones to arrive… the day of the party. Spys have been hired to follow them everywhere within the palace and if they venture beyond the castle walls.
And on that night that we have planned, will your men be ready?
Yes.
It has to be done that night, so no mistakes.
Understood.
Good.
You only need one of the Fanels, correct?
Yes.
What should I do with the other two?
I don't know… think of something creative. Take them to that desert beyond the mountains. I think that is a nice place for them to rot away and die, don't you agree?
Oh… ye-yes… of course. But what will you do with the one that you have?
I believe that is none of your concern, my dear. All I want from you is your cooperation and if you succeed, Cassia will be a great empire once more.
Yes, yes. Anything and everything is for Cassia.
I must go. We have a lot of work ahead of us, don't we?
Yes.
And now I can finally get my revenge on those damned Fanels.
* * *
Hitomi bolted upright from her cot, her brow damp with sweat. Her breath escaped her lungs in short gasps of air, her body still recovering from the shock of awaking suddenly. She had decided to take a quick nap before they began their descent into the Cassian valley. They had already been flying for half a day.
Was that a vision? Or just a waking dream? She had not really sensed anything, but something was still amiss. Visions rarely came to her anymore. It had been years since she had one that threw her into a different state of mind. Every now and then, she experienced déjà vu, but it was not the same.
This time, her sixth sense was still very tingly with excitement. She needed to stand and walk around a bit to wear it off.
She swung her legs out and let them dangle over the edge of the hard bed. This was the same room that she had retired to when she and Van had returned from Earth… on the Day of Revelation.
In her "dream," there was something that was so familiar… something that Hitomi wanted to put her finger on and know what it was. It was deep in the vaults of her mind, cluttered in with the debris of useless trivia knowledge about Earth culture that was no longer important. But… whatever *this* was, it was striving to be important.
Maybe I should talk with Van… she thought as she stood to her bare feet. The blood rushed from her head, making her dizzy and losing balance. She regained it back, slipped on her shoes, and left the quarters.
Van was probably on the deck with Allen, discussing on Cassian politics. Good, she thought. That will take his gazing upon Celena and Gaddes away for a few moments. Hitomi had felt the growing love between the two. She was happy for them. Still, she knew that Allen would not be as accepting as she would of his sister's choice in men.
Especially since they were sneaking around behind his back.
Celena was the same age as she was. She was a woman. She should be free to make her own decisions.
She slowly opened the metal door to the bridge and looked inside.
The deck was not as occupied as she thought it would be. Allen stood at the front window, staring blankly out at the passing scenery. Celena was curled up on one of the padded benches as Van and Gaddes chatted softly. As soon her eyes laid upon him, his own gaze took her in. He broke the conversation and walked over.
"Something wrong, love?" he asked, touching her side.
"Oh no… it's probably nothing. I had just experienced… something, I think." His eyes widened with concern. "No, no… nothing vision-like or anything. Just a warning."
"A warning? Like something is going to happen?"
"I told you, I don't know," she grew subtly annoyed. "All it felt like was something familiar."
"What's wrong?" Allen had walked over at the sound of their hushed voices.
"Nothing's wrong," Hitomi replied quickly before Van could respond. "I just had an odd dream, that's all." She glanced over at Van as he was about to protest.
it was *not* a vision… she said into his mind so that no one else could hear. i *know* what a vision feels like and that wasn't it…
He gave a mental sigh in response. if you say so…
"How much longer until we arrive to Cassia?" she asked Allen.
"About a good twenty minutes or so," he replied. "I should make an announcement… the crew should be getting ready."
"Where's Sellie?" Van asked as he took her over to the side, out of hearing range of the other occupants of the bridge.
"Hiding somewhere," she replied. "Probably sulking that she couldn't bring Lupin along."
Van snorted. "Just what we need in greeting Cassia: our daughter with her pet wolf. I don't think the Royal family would get a kick out of that."
She gave a halfhearted smile at his remark… but looked rather distant.
"Love? Is something wrong?"
Hitomi hesitated before she took a deep breath. "Van," she said softly, almost too softly that he could barely hear him. "I've noticed that Sellie has been acting a little… strange. And this feeling that I just had… I don't know. I've been thinking for awhile… and I… I think it's time that we should tell her everything."
He looked hard at her. "You think it's time for everything?" he said, lowering his voice as well.
"Everything… your heritage, my heritage, Gaea, our role in the whole scheme of things… I think its better to do it a little earlier so that perhaps we can answer questions. When I found out about Gaea being my great-grandmother… I was in shock, I guess. I had trouble thinking… and I had to make quick decisions about the outcome of my future. I had such a small timeframe to work in. And I don't want that for her."
Van was silent as he listened to her, his eyes focused only on her own. "Do you regret the decisions that you did make?" he asked quietly.
She looked up at him and caught his stare. "Are you implying about my decision about remaining on Gaea?"
He nodded grimly.
She smiled. "Of course not," she replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "If I had to do it all over, I would have made the same choices… taking in the Power, staying on Gaea, staying with you…"
Out of the corner of her eye, Hitomi spotted Celena stirring as she awoke from her nap. Van did as well and leaned over to whisper in her ear.
"All right," he said. "I think it's time, too. But not now in Cassia. When we get back to Fanelia, we'll sit her down and explain everything." He kissed her on the forehead. "Hopefully, she'll understand."
"Hey…" Celena managed to say as she yawned. "Did I miss anything important?"
Hitomi grinned. "You missed Gaddes pretending to act like your brother," she said.
Celena looked over at the Second-in-Command and blushed.
* * *
Sellie fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. She had tried curling up and napping for awhile on the hard bench, but had no such luck. The Crusade was never meant to be a luxury leviship that escorted about royal members of countries. Actually, she would never want it to be used simply for royalty. She liked its rugged sensation… making her feel like she a part of the crew. It felt more like one of those pirate ships that the crew would tell stories of. Plus, on top of that, she had to change into her formal wear and that always made her feel uncomfortable.
And, gods, how she hated to wear her formal clothing.
She straightened out the dark emerald green skirt of her dress. The shoes she wore were too tight on her feet and the corset about her torso was suffocating.
"Are we going to be at this party the entire time, or can I wear normal clothes at some point?" she had pleaded with her mother.
"You can pack them if you want, but I'm pretty sure that there aren't going to be many times when you can go off on your own," Hitomi had replied. She sat on her bed, running a brush through Sellie's hair. "Do birds make nests in your hair, hon? I have never seen so many tangles!"
Her hand played with the long, disentangled tresses as she thought about the night before. Life at the palace had been hectic. Servants were running to and fro, making sure that she, her mother and father had their proper attire suited perfectly. Never had she been scrubbed so hard during a bath.
"Your father wants to make a good impression with the King of Cassia," Hitomi said.
But something was throwing her senses off about going to Cassia. Both her father and Aunt Merle said that the country was beautiful… but still… there was something making her suspicious as they flew closer to the city.
Sellie sighed and removed her shoes from her feet. She stood up and felt the cool metal floors under her bare feet. She'd rather be outside at the moment, but had to make do with where she was.
"Twenty minutes until we arrive in Cassia. Crew, prepare for landing." The ship's intercom system cracked to life and made the announcement.
Carrying her shoes, she walked to the head control room where everyone else was already located.
Hitomi stood to the side along with Van, her eyes looking straight through the large front window. She was also clad in her formal wear, a long silver dress with hand-stitched green vines wrapping around her body. Her sleeves trailed to the floor, her fingers peeking through the fine material. Mom never wore any type of jewelry besides her grandmother's engagement ring, her simple wedding band, and her rose-colored pendant. But her neck was rather bare without her ever-present necklace. Sellie's fingers instinctively went to her own chest and touched the stone. Perhaps it was her own imagination, but she felt a slight shock as soon as she made contact.
Van wore a simple white linen shirt and black slacks, his royal sword buckled securely about his waist. He, too, stared out the window as Hitomi did, but held her hand as well.
"Sellie! You actually *look* like a princess!" Celena said, announcing her presence into the room.
She crossed her arms across her chest. "Very funny," she replied, though she smiled. It was rare indeed that she wore something else besides her everyday breeches and linen shirts. Only on special occasions and formal affairs.
Or when someone forced her.
"Princess," Gaddes called for her, grinning. "Look out the window… you can see all of Cassia."
Sellie inched her way closer to the tall man and pressed her hands upon the glass. She hadn't believed Merle when she had mentioned the city's beauty, but now she truly understood her.
Fanelia and Cassia were both mountain kingdoms; however, Fanelia's palace was much more wider than height. The highest level was only three floors off the ground. Cassia's was just the opposite: its tallest tower reached up high into the heavens. Its white walls gleamed in the sunlight. Part of the castle was built into the cliffs that surrounded the country. The waterfall that was also pointed out was set a-ways from the city. Its rushing waters poured over the rocky edge at a height of at least twelve stories. It settled into the large lake that filled most of the valley and exited on the opposite side through the canyon that the Crusade.
"Whoa…" escaped from her lips. It was so exquisite.
" 'Whoa' is damn right," Gaddes added.
"Gaddes!" Celena hissed. "Watch your language!"
"You guys weren't kidding about this place," Hitomi murmured as she wrapped her matching cloak around her neck. "It's gorgeous."
The Crusade crossed the vast lake and towards the landing pad set outside the city walls. Sellie could see some guards standing around the edge of the ring, carrying the Cassian Royal banners in welcoming their arrival.
The large leviship landed with a soft thud. As soon as Allen cracked open the hatch, servants entered the ship to retrieve their belongings. As Van and Hitomi led the way down the ramp, their fingers once more entwined themselves around each other. Allen held his arm out to Sellie.
"A princess can't be escorted without her knight, can she?" he said, smirking.
She smiled back and held his gloved hand. "Of course, Sir Allen," she replied.
Van was already talking to a tall man outside, probably fifteen years older than he. She studied him as she walked closer to him. He was a bit taller than her father, though his build was heavier. His dark hair was already streaked with silver, but was well-maintained. He was smiling at her mother, but his gray eyes showed something… different.
She must have been staring hard at him because she received a nudge from Allen. She broke her contact and returned to reality.
"Lord Tarn," Van continued, being a bit more formal than usual. "May I introduce my wife, Lady Hitomi Kanzaki, and my daughter, Lady Selmé Rynna."
Tarn took Hitomi's hand and bowed slightly, kissing her on the top of her knuckles. "It is a honor, My Lady," he said. "I have heard so many stories about the Seer from the Mystic Moon, but I have never met her."
"Well, now you have, My Lord," Hitomi smiled as she curtsied. "And I wanted to thank you for inviting us out here for your celebration as well."
"My pleasure, My Lady," he replied. "I've enjoyed working with all the other countries recently that it only felt appropriate. Something twinkled in his eye as he turned to Sellie, who now had left Allen and stood by her mother's side. "And My Lady Selmé, I am honored to meet Fanelia's future ruler as well."
He touched her hand to give her a kiss as well, but as soon as their skin made contact with one another, Sellie felt a mild shock run through her body. She did not pull her hand away, though she looked at him with wary eyes. No one happened to notice that the pendant stone around her neck glowed when they touched.
"I would like to introduce my own son to you as well." He clapped his hands loudly. "Ladies, this is my son, Quidam."
A young boy, perhaps slightly older than Sellie, ran up from behind Tarn, he bowing too soon that she couldn't see his face until he rose.
He met her gaze with gray eyes that mirrored his father's, though his seemed to be more comfortable and familiar. His hair was lighter, falling into his eyes in a messy state. He grinned at her and she blushed.
"Well, shall we get you settled in so that we can start the celebration?" Tarn returned his attention to Van and Hitomi. The servants that had entered the Crusade and exited with parcels in their arms. "You are the last to arrive."
"Oh, Millerna and Dryden back already?" Van said as they walked to their rides.
"Dryden didn't want to go back to Palas for a matter of days," Tarn replied. "Besides, he wanted to look into the barter and trading here. You remember how eager he was?"
Dryden is still a trader at heart, Hitomi thought. He'll always be one before King.
"…their boy, Rouen, and Quidam are comrades," he continued. Sellie stuck out her tongue in disgust, but Hitomi poked her to hush her up. "Aren't you, boy?"
"Yes, sir," Quidam answered quietly.
They arrived to the area where men held horses for the travelers. The men mounted their horses with no problem while Hitomi and Sellie were given steps up. Sellie wanted to protest that she knew how to get onto a horse, but her mother gave her a disapproving look.
She swung her leg over the horse's back, but as she did so, her skirt was caught and revealed the sheath she wore around her calf. She straightened out her dress and looked around. Luckily, Van and Hitomi hadn't noticed, but she saw that Quidam had an odd expression on his face. Maybe he did.
The troupe rode their steeds up to the castle in the setting sunlight. Sellie was still so tired from the traveling, but she wanted to please her parents by attending the festivities. Maybe it won't be so bad, she thought.
* * *
Everything, however, was going to fast. Sellie was only pointed in the direction of where her guest quarters were, then was shuffled off by handmaidens to touchup on her appearance. She wanted to scream each time they attempted applying make up to her face and squirmed away from their torture.
And then they had to be introduced to the guests already occupying the grand ballroom.
"May I introduce to His Majesty and His Majesty's associates… Lord Van Slanzar de Fanel, King of Fanelia…" the presenter announced to the guests.
If I hear my full name mentioned one more time… she thought bitterly.
"…Lady Hitomi Kanzaki de Fanel, Queen of Fanelia…" he continued.
One. More. Time.
"…and Lady Selmé Rynna de Fanel, Princess of Fanelia!"
The crowd applauded as they entered. Hitomi immediately spotted Millerna's golden hair and rushed over to greet her friend. Sellie reluctantly held back, but Van dragged her towards them.
"C'mon… its been awhile since you last saw Rouen, Sellie," he whispered. "Just do it for your mother, please?"
She crossed her arms in front of her chest and obeyed his orders. As they approached the group, she could see Dryden engulfing Hitomi in a huge bear hug. Millerna was giggling as she saw the horrified look upon Hitomi's face. Van gave a kiss on her cheek in welcoming and shook Dryden's hand.
"We were going to travel to Fanelia with Allen and Celena," Millerna was telling Hitomi. "But Dryden had to go shopping about and looking at the merchandise."
"They had real Cassian hand carved chairs!" Dryden protested. "You don't find those anywhere else! Only here! I wanted to find out what kind of profit they make on them." He looked down at Sellie and gave her a firm handshake as well. "And how's the miss doing? You've grown, my dear! Last time I saw you, you were this big." He held his hand off the floor a couple of centimeters.
Sellie couldn't help but laugh. Dryden had that cocky personality that always could make a person smile. Unfortunately, his charm did not rub off onto his son.
"You know, Rouen's been asking about you, Sellie," he continued. "Ever since we got here, he kept asking when you were coming."
Probably to pull my hair some more. She put on a false face. "Really?"
"Oh yeah," he continued as her parents talked with Millerna. "He's been keeping his mind occupied during the meetings by becoming friends with Tarn's son, Quidam. The three of you should get along together quite well."
Great.
A large gong was struck, signaling that it was time to sit for the feast. As she walked over with her parents, Sellie saw Quidam take his seat next to Tarn at the head of the U-shaped table. A servant guided her over to her seat, which was rather close to him. They settled down, but the conversational chatter continued. She wanted to lean onto the table and sleep.
And then she saw him. His brown hair. The same eyes as his mother. That goofy grin that he always wore on his face. His looks weren't *that* bad. He could pull off attractive. But it was *him*.
Rouen gave Sellie a quick wink as he sat down next to Dryden, three spots down from where she sat. She sighed and waited for the food to be served.
"Ugh," she groaned, but immediately felt an elbow to the ribs. Maybe she should just keep her mouth shut so that she wouldn't wake up in the morning with bruises about her sides.
Many servants wheeled in carts bearing platters of food with giant lids upon them. Hers was set in front, and she patiently waited for the others to be served as well. Tradition not just in Fanelia, she noted.
Tarn clapped his hands and the servants lifted the lids simultaneously. Sellie did not recognize the type of meat on the plate. She cautiously took a bite, tasting the tender substance and decided that she liked it.
Casual talk continued to fill the Banquet Hall for awhile as the guests celebrated the King's birthday. Occasionally, Sellie would be asked a question by one of the noblewomen her future as Fanelia's ruler. She tried her best to answer them honestly, but they would always chuckle at whatever she would say. Finally, Tarn's clapping of his hands ceased the questioning.
He stood proudly at his place, his smile spreading across his face while his eyes hid something else. The crowd settled into silence as he began his speech.
"I wanted to thank you all for traveling away from your homes. It does me great honor to work with such fine rulers as those seated at this table with me. I believe that this new 'Act of Alliance' between our countries will help us out in our future when we need aide of one another. Hopefully, we will no longer need an Alliance and keep the peace among ourselves."
"Hear, hear!" someone shouted from the back. Many people clapped their hands in approval. Tarn raised his glass to calm everyone back down again.
"Furthermore," he continued. "I believe that we have to unite together on some sort of *different* level. My son, Quidam, is almost 15 years old, the youngest age that our country allows a heir to be before taking the throne. Since my wife died and can no longer bear me children, Quidam is the only royal heir of Cassia. I am finding essential that he should have his future Queen chosen."
Tarn turned his attention to Van, to Hitomi, but most directly, to Sellie. "Lord Fanel," he smiled once more. "Would you do the honor of me of letting my son marry your daughter?"
to be continued…
* * *
04.12.2002---SORRY! SORRY it took so long but I had a major photoshop project due today at 12 and I've been working on it for awhile. Plus, I wanted to hold off because today… at this moment… it is Van's 21st birthday. 12th White is April 12th. YAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAN! WE LOVE YOU!!! And I'm also sorry that this chapter sucks big time. I couldn't think while I did it. And it's not that important but it is to the story so there wasn't much to write about. Oh well. I just wanted to update on Van's birthday anyway.
Chapter title comes from Enya's "May it Be" from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
