Hi there, I'm back. Missed me? I hope so ^_^ Thanks soooooo much for all
the wonderful reviews!!!!!!!!
LOVE WITCH: Thank you so much. Yeah, the two of them are arguing the whole time but hardly there is a troll to defeat they are a perfect team. ^_^
Magicman() : You think so, yeah? I wouldn't be so sure about that. ;) I think they will swing a little bit more.
TennyoAngel711: The blond hairs are such a cliché! *rans a hand through her blond hair* Er...it's pur chance! :P Well, yeah Van is a little genius, isn't he? And don't tell me don't know who this Lord is!
Paige Moonsword: *blushs and taps herself* Thank you. And girl, will you stop editing your story!!! The way you wrote them is quite okay, so UPDATE!!!
Aeka-himme: Yo, I updated! I like the two quarrellers, too. And oh yeah, Van is mean. Nasty-boy. No, just kidding. V+H forever!!!!!!! And dare you stop writing!! I swear I'll bind you to a chair and I won't let you go until you update!!! *grabs Van's sword and waves it in the air threatening* That's a promise!!!!!!!
Ruby: No thing. Thanx again for the review. Keep on.
SabineballZ(): *ganz rot werd bei all dem Lob* Büddeschön, da ist die Fortsetzung. Freut mich, dass es dir gefällt. Hoffe das bleibt so. Hihi. Nagut, bis demnächst.
GAMEACE: THX. I like it, too.
lnoal: Really? Thank you. Read on!
Pretty Kitty: *raises her arms, appeasing* There is the chapter. Hehe, but don't get your hopes up too soon!! Nyarharhar
Makura-Chan: As I said, thank you and I hope I'll receive your mail soon.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Escaflowne (hell, I think everyone got it now) and I don't own any of J.R.R. Tolkien's creatures.
Chapter 4 Reunion
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining so bright that you would risk your eyesight if you looked into the sun for more than two seconds. Everything on Gaea's surface sparkled because of this intense sunlight. The sky was more than blue, supernatural-blue. Not a single cloud dared to dim that sky.
"I hate that damned day!", cursed an angry Amazon-queen.
The landscape tore along underneath her. She stood at the rail of a giant airship. The wind blew her long black hair out of her concerned face. Her unreadable grey eyes overlooked the fleet following her own ship. Ten ships with two-thousend Amazons. Her best army. It had taken two days to assemble all of her best Amazons. What was going on there? Why did he need so many warriors? You only need so many of them when you're going to start a war. A war. Was this his intension? Starting a war, covering Gaea's surface with bodies again? Bah, it was terrible. Not that she didn't like war, by the gods no. War was the meaning of her life but...she knew that this, he was going to do would be absurd. False.
"My queen?", a shy voice asked from behind her.
"What's the matter, Lelia?", Penthesilea asked still looking at the fleet.
"We're reaching the border of...of...", Lelia stuttered.
"It's okay. I know.", Penthesilea interupted her. "Go, tell the others. Prepare for the landing."
"Yes.", Lelia replied and walked away.
Just at that moment, the ship started landing. Penthesilea looked straight ahead. There was the landing place. One of the endless fields which were typical for that land. The birds fled from the nearby forest terrified by the loud ships landing on the field. The airships caused an intermediate storm making the deers run away. The ships stopped a few meters above the ground. Thick ropes were thrown over the rails and landed in the awaiting hands of some soldiers. They fastened them to huge pegs. The engines stopped, only the floating stones prevented the ships from crushing to the ground. A landing-stage came out of Penthesilea's ship. She was the first one entering the it, five Amazons following her. At the bottom, they stopped. Penthesilea looked around spotting three figures and four horses ahead. Two horses belonged to the soldiers standing beside them, one horse belonged to the grey-haired ambassador and the fourth one was her's, she guessed.
"Lelia, take two of your best scouts and reconnoitre. Ask around, I don't think that I will be informed about everything I should actually know.", the queen ordered.
Lelia bowed. "Yes, my queen."
"Cassandra, Lysithea, Kallisto,", she said to the three Amazons behind her. "assemble the army. I think we will set out soon. And Leda,", she said looking at her first general, "you come with me."
Leda nodded and followed her queen. Together they reached the small group of horsemen. The grey-haired ambassador took a step ahead greeting her.
"Welcome in Fanelia, my queen.", he said and bowed. "You arrived in time. Good show."
"Where is he?", Penthesilea asked sharply.
"Oh, you can't await seeing him, right?", the ambassador said grinning.
Penthesilea just glared at him. She couldn't explain but she hated this arrogant man like hell.
"He is awaiting you in his palace in Fanelia. Can I offer you a horse?", he asked pointing at the horse beside him.
"And my general? Should she go on foot?", the Amazon queen asked condescending.
"No, of course not. Hey you,", he said to the soldier to his right, "get off your horse."
The soldier did what had been ordered and got off his horse. He took the reins and led his horse to Leda. She took the reins and looked at her queen.
"Let's go, Leda.", the queen said and mounted her horse. "We're going to see the king of this country.", she said grinning. She did attach great importance to the stress of the word 'king'. It sounded very sarcastic. She hadn't been able to stop herself from saying it. She laughed aloud. The ambassador glared daggers at her.
"Gee up!", she said and clicked her tongue. Her horse reared up, leaped ahead and started galloping. Leda and the two others did the same and followed Penthesilea. Together they rode towards Fanelia.
.....................**.....................
Fanelia was a beautiful city. It was situated in a ravine between huge rock faces. Small white houses snuggled up against the sourrounding mountains. The sun shone high in the sky filling the ravine with warm bright light. In front of the city were wide fields and a forrest. A lot of people were working at the fields. The wind carried the scent of warm grain. The city seemed happy. Happy to be alive. But Penthesilea knew that it was only in pretence. She sensed the ominous dark cloud floating above the city. Something was going on.
The small group reached the city gates of Fanelia. Giant wooden gates looking like they would get through a hurricane and could stop the attack of a complete army. After passing the archway they entered the crowded streets. Hundreds of people were filling the streets, talking and laughing. It seemed that whole Fanelia was on the streets, this day. The people got rid of the group staring at the queen and her general. 'They don't know.', Penthesilea thought. 'He hasn't told them about our arriving. And I bet they don't know about the army waiting in front of their city.' And with that thought she reached the marketplace. It was huge, she could say. She overlooked the place and saw inumerable stands, men, women carrying wicker baskets, little children chasing each other. And it was loud. Pieces of conversation reached her ears but it were too much so that she understood nothing at all. Suddenly something blended her. She looked up and saw that it had been sunlight being reflected on a huge roof. It was the roof of the palace sitting in state above the city. The unique blue roof sparkled intensely in the sunlight. It was a wonderful building. Simple but royal- and their destination.
The ambassador lead them on a broad street towards the palace. And after some minutes they could see the gates. They opened when they had nearly reached them. The horses didn't hesitate and passed the entrance. The queen saw that ten men had been necessary to open the gates. Now, the group walked through a short tunnel. At the end they saw bright sunlight. It was so intense that they were forced to close their eyes. The horses stepped in the open air. When they opened their eyes again they found themselves standing at a huge square. It was amazing. To the right and to the left were fountains and several trees. Four buildings sourrounded the square. They were of a shining white and had deep-blue roofs with small stony dragons sitting at the edges. Little guards looking who wanted to enter the palace. The building behind them, the one they just passed contained the stabbles and the quarters of the servants, the one to the left contained the guymelefs and the training halls. The actual palace was the building ahead and to the right.
All four got off their horses. The ambassador gave the soldier a sign and he took the reins of the four horses leading them to the stabbles. Penthesilea and Leda followed the ambassador to the giant double doors. Two soldiers pushed them open, a long hallway appearing behind them.
The ambassador turned around. "Follow me.", he said waving his hand. Penthesilea nodded and followed him. He lead the two of them through neverending hallways. The Amazon queen was glad having a marked sense of direction. It was very useful, at the moment. After countless corners they finally reached the throne hall. The doors were wide open. They entered the room. In the middle of the room stood a single figure with their back to them.
"My Lord, your guests arrived.", the ambassador said to the figure.
"Thank you. You can leave now, Dilandau.", the figure replied.
The man bowed and left. Penthesilea turned to her general facing her.
"Would you be so kind as to leave the room too, Leda? Please.", the queen asked gently.
Leda looked at her queen, surprised. But then bowed and left the room closing the doors behind her. Silence.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it Penthesilea? ,", the figure asked then turning around. Penthesilea looked at him. Oh yes, it has been a long time since she saw him the last time. His look hadn't changed a bit. His handsome features, his aqua-blue hair, his intense brown eyes and even his mischievous smile was still the same. He looked as if those years had never passed. As if he had never left her. As if she had never stopped...She paused.
"Eleven years, Folken. Eleven years.", she answered.
He nodded and walked over to her inspecting her from top to toe. Feeling his gaze she blushed lightly but replied his gaze. He just smiled. When he reached her, he encircled her inspecting every single detail of the queen. Folken then faced her when he finished his inspection.
"What do you want from me?", she asked coldly.
"You're still getting the point as fast as possible.", he said smiling.
"I just don't want to waste time.", she answered. For a brief moment his look changed. Was it...was it sadness? But then he regained his cold attitude.
"Fine.", he said. "I want something back that is mine."
"And therefore you need my help?", Penthesilea asked distrusting.
"I've never asked for your help. I just claim of my right. You must repay your dept.", he replied.
Penthesilea snarled. "If I hadn't helped you with my army you wouldn't have been queen anymore.", he continued.
He was right and she knew it. If he hadn't come to help her, the Orcs would have overrun and occupied her country. It had been her fault. She had underestimated the damned Orcs. She hadn't expected that they would dare to attack, hadn't expected that it would be such a giant army, hadn't expected that they would act so strategically. She hadn't been prepared for that attack. It had been all her fault. Everything. The fact that so many of her warriors had died and that Hitomi had lost her mother. She was still blaming herself for her sister's death. If she had taken the threat of the attack more serious she wouldn't have died. But she did. She had died and Lea could only listen to her sister's last wish and then drag her little niece away from the dead body.
"You owe me something, don't you?", he said making her snap out of her depressing thoughts.
"You haven't changed a bit.", she replied. "You still have your own way."
"Really?", Folken asked. "Well, I must say you changed a lot. You're more beautiful than ever, you know?", he added gently after a brief moment.
Penthesilea's eyes widened. She looked to the ground biting her lips. Her heart beated like intending to burst. No! This was the thing she had feared the most. She had intended to give him the cold shoulder, to pretend that nothing had ever happened, to pretend that it had meant nothing to her! But now, by hearing those words he said, her plan wasn't going to work. He had made her weak. But those words. How she had once loved it hearing him say those words and how she now hated him for saying them. Yes, she hated him.
Suddenly she felt a warm touch on her cheek. His hand. Immediately she turned away and walked to the window at the other side of the room. She wouldn't allow him to come close to her and wouldn't allow herself to make this mistake again. She took a deep breath and looked out of the giant window. She had a breath-taking overlook at the city. His city. No, that wasn't right.
"It still is not your city, is it?", the Amazon asked sensing him close behind her.
"No, not yet.", he answered. "The thirteen years aren't over yet. But soon- soon it will be mine."
"And you're sure...?", she asked carefully.
"Yes, I'm sure.", he said firmly. "I know he is alive. He has a strong will but he won't manage it. I won't allow it. I worked hard to get what I want and I won't allow him to take it away from me."
Penthesilea said nothing. She knew the law. When the legitimate king disappears, the new king can't run his office until thirteen years have past and the lawful king hasn't returned. And because the lawful king of Fanelia hasn't returned yet, he was just a representative of the lawful king with a lot less authorizations.
"I'm so sorry, Lea.", he suddenly said, his voice a whisper.
She turned around facing him. She looked straight into his eyes. His beautiful eyes full of concern and full of...full of love? Was it love she was now seeing in his eyes? Did he still love her? It was the same look he had have at this fateful day, eleven years ago. The same look he had have when he had left her. The same look she loved so much. Yes, she loved him. She had never stopped loving him. Though she was the queen of the whole Amazon tribe, though she was betraying her religion, though she was breaking the law, though she better should not, she loved him. She had tried to ignore the feelings concerning him but it had been quite impossible. She had thought they would disappear but they had only increased during the time she hadn't seen him. She couldn't defeat them. They were powerful, more powerful than a mighty Amazon, even a queen.
"I should have never left you. It was the biggest mistake I've ever made.", he said raising his hand. And this time, she didn't turn away. His hand trembled when he touched her cheek. How long had he waited for this to happen? An eternity. Lea closed her eyes enjoying his soft touch. She raised her own hand and touched his one opening her eyes.
"I forgive you.", she whispered back.
He lowered his head towards her intending to do something he should have done a lot earlier. Lea closed her eyes, waiting. But when his lips were just a breath away from her ones a knock on the door could be heard. Folken hesitated. Lea decided for him.
"Go, maybe it's important.", she said quietly. He looked at her and nodded.
"Come in!", he said aloud.
The door opened and an old man entered the room. His light curly hair was grey and very long like his beard. He wore the uniform of an advisor. Lea couldn't see his eyes but he looked very familiar to her.
"My Lord, there is someone who wants to talk to you.", he said and bowed.
"I don't expect visitors.", Folken replied.
"But it's very important. It's concerning...er...", he paused and looked at Penthesilea.
"It's okay. I know.", Folken said frowning. "Lead my guest to the gathering hall, Isaac. I will meet him there."
Lea gasped. Isaac! No wonder, he seemed so familiar. She knew him. She had met him when she had met Folken during the war against the Orcs but she hadn't trusted him. Sometimes there had been a glow in his purple eyes that had scared her. A fire of madness. He would betray Folken, some day. She knew it. Why did Folken trust him? Was he blind? Couldn't he see that his advisor pursues his own aim?
"Excuse me, my queen. I'll be back soon.", Folken said and bowed.
Then he gave her a warm smile. Lea smiled back and he walked away. When he was out of sight, she turned to the window and looked at the city again but this time without noticing the people out there. She was deep in her thoughts. She wondered who that guest could be. A huge grin appeared on her beautiful face and the glow in her eyes increased. In the afternoon, she would talk to Lelia. She would like to see what her scout had found out.
.....................**.....................
Maybe he was a wanted murderer who had killed lots of people? And now, every head-hunter on whole Gaea was searching for him. Or he was a robber or the head of a gang being enemy of another gang? Or maybe there was a feud or blood feud? Lots of possibilities of what Van might be swirled through Hitomi's mind while she was staring at him from aside. Unfortunately, she didn't notice it.
"And, did you come to a conclusion?", Van asked still looking straight ahead.
Hitomi blinked shocked. She had stared at him the whole time and he had known it!!
"I mean what I might be. That is what you're thinking about, isn't it?!", he asked turning around. A brief moment their gazes were locked. But Hitomi turned away immediately, feeling her cheeks burn.
"I don't know what you're talking about.", she said staring ahead trying to ignore him.
Van looked at her smirking. 'She's cute when she is embarrassed.', he thought but then he shook his head. By the gods, she would kill him if she knew what he was thinking at the moment. But she was cute he couldn't deny. A cute crosspatch!
Right then, they passed a bend and suddenly, Hitomi stopped in the middle of her tracks.
"Great!", she said annoyed looking at something in front of her. Van followed her gaze and his eyes widened.
"Oh, no! No! That's impossible.", Van said in disbelieve. But it was true. There in front of them, was the camp they had left two days ago. The place where they had made the fire was still visible. Van walked to a tree and kneeled down before it. He outstreched his hand and touched the fine notches covering the trunk. He had made them in a state of pure boredom. It was the unmistakable prove that they had walked round in a circle.
"But this is impossible.", he whispered.
"No, it's not impossible!", Hitomi yelled outraged. "Arg. I can't believe it! A walk of two days wasted! And just because Mister Follow-me-I-know-the- way has lost his bearings! Well done!"
Van jumped to his feet, angry. "It's not my fault that you followed me like a little dog! You could have go wherever you wanted to go!", he yelled back.
"What?", she asked.
"Yeah! Did I ever force you to follow me?", he replied.
Hitomi gave a laugh. "Did I have a chance? Where should I go without a horse?", she screamed.
"Oh yeah, blame the horse!", Van said.
"What? I-I don't blame him!", Hitomi stuttered. "It's not my fault that my horse likes you so much...", she trailed of.
"I don't have to justify myself!", she then said firmly. "Why do I argue with you, anyway? You aren't worth it!" And with that she turned on her heels and disappeared behind the trees leaving Van behind. This time, it was his turn to be speechless.
.....................**.....................
'Idiot!', Hitomi thought and kicked a stone into the water. She stood at the shore of a small lake. She had dicovered the lake two days ago when they had been here, the first time. The intense red, orange and purple light that filled the sky was reflected on it's surface. The sun was setting. 'But this time, I let him seem dumb!', she smiled. Everytime he had left her when they had argued but this time it had been her turn. She was satisfied.
"You're such a coward.", a voice said suddenly from behind making Hitomi spin around. It was Van.
"I am cowardly?", Hitomi shouted. "You're leaving me behind in the middle of a dispute, continuous! And you call me a coward? I...", she continued yelling at Van. But he wasn't listening. He had walked past Hitomi ignoring her. She glared at him in disbelieve.
"Look!", she yelled. "You're doing it again!"
That was the last straw! It was too much. He would die. Right here, right now. All she needed to do, was to draw the bow and let go. The slim, silent arrow would seetle everything for her. Fast and clear. He wouldn't notice anything. He would be dead before he would hit the ground. There was nobody who would miss him, was there? Hitomi tightened the grip around her bow raising it. 'Calm down, Hitomi!', she said to herself. 'Why do you let him irritate you? He is just a man!' She breathed out and let her bow sink. But he needed a lesson. It was very unhealthy to mess up with an Amazon! Determined, she drew her bow aiming at Van's head. She paused. 'Just a bit.' And then let go. The arrow closed the gap between her and Van within less than a second.
With a loud wooden noise the arrow hit the trunk of the tree Van was leaning on, only millimeters away from his face. Wood splintered. But Van didn't even bat an eyelid. He was still looking at the lake. In slow- motion, he turned his head towards her.
"What's your problem?", he asked.
Hitomi couldn't believe it. Maybe she should have killed him. "What's my problem?", she repeated his question.
"Yeah! Do I speak indistinctly, somehow that you must repeat my questions?", he replied pushing himself off the trunk.
"YOU are my problem!!", Hitomi screamed. "You and your arrogant behavior! Never taking me serious and always knowing everything better! I'm fed up with it!"
"Have you finished?", he asked annoyed, now towering in front of her. He had walked over to her while she had been yelling. Hitomi noticed that he was taller than her. She didn't like it because it meant that she must look up to him. She glared into the boundless depths of his reddish-brown eyes. The red glow let it seem as if an unrestrained fire was burning within them.
"Okay, I'm arrogant.", he said glaring back. "But ever looked in a mirror? There is nobody who could top you concerning arrogance!"
Hitomi snarled furiously. "How dare you? Don't you know whom you're talking to?", she hissed.
"Oh, I know quite well. I'm not blind.", he said grinning devilishly. "But do you think you're better than me just because you're an Amazon-"
All of a sudden, a loud noise echoed over the lake causing some birds to fly away, terrified. Hitomi and Van stood still opposite themselves glaring at each other. Her eyes were full of anger and rage. His eyes were widened in shock. On his left cheek appeared a fire-red mark which was burning painfully. She had slapped him. Her right hand was red like Van's cheek and hurting like hell. But it was worth it. He had deserved it. Hitomi snorted scornfully and turned around leaving him behind again.
Van turned to the side and looked at his reflection in the lake. The red mark was clearly visible. Carefully he touched it and flinched. 'That hurts!', he thought. She was very strong, he must admit. It had been his own fault. He had gone too far. But he hadn't intended to offend her. The words had just slipped out of his mouth. Argue with her yes, but not become personal. He glanced at her. She was stroking Dust intensely. Poor horse. But why must she be so stubborn, anyway? If she would be just a little bit less lively everything would be much easier for him. When did everything become so complicated? Van sighed. If he just hadn't lost his sense of direction! Why had he anyway? Up to now he had never lost his bearings! What was the matter with him? He shook his head chasing away the mess of thoughts in his mind. At first, he must reach Alexandria, everything else was minor at the moment. But this was exactly the problem. It seemed that something was stopping him from reaching the city. It was weird. He had been sure they had walked into the right direction. Damnit, Alexandria was just a few days away!
Suddenly his head shot up. Actually, he should see Alexandria! The lighthouse could be seen at a range of miles. Van looked to the side and spotted the tree at the shore he had leaned on, an old huge oak. Half of it's mighty top spanned the lake. Hell, why not? He walked to the tree and looked up. It was high, almost twenty meters he estimated, but he could manage it. Hah, he won't admit defeat because of a tree! He took his cloak and belt including his sword off and rubbed his hands. There, a bit more than a meter above him was a branch, strong enough to take his weight. He went to his knees and then jumped pushing himself off the ground. He grabbed the branch and did a pull-up. Firmly he raised to his feet searching for the next branch.
Hitomi had seen him move out of the corner of her eyes. But she peeved. She wasn't interested. Dust was now the object of her interest. But it seemed that the horse somehow didn't like it. A scraping noise, however cought her attention. What the hell, was he doing this time? Hitomi turned her head in stressing Van's direction. But there was no Van. She looked in every direction. No Van. Where could he be? Then she heard the noise again coming out of the tree. She looked up and spotted him pulling up on a branch. He was crazy. If he fell he would break his neck. But hey, she would be rid of him, wouldn't she?
Van had managed half of his way getting on very well. It was easier than he had expected it would be. Finally he reached a huge branch in the top of the tree. He balanced his way across it fighting the foliage. A few steps farther it became sparse and he could see his sourroundings. Forest, what else? To his right, he saw the setting sun. The whole sky was burning. It was amazing. When he turned to the left he saw something sparkling over the trees in the distance. The lighthouse, no doubt. It was said that it's top was made of pure gold and it seemed that it was true. Van bent down and took a dagger out of his boot. He cut a piece of wood out of the bark indending to use it as a map. He carved four small notchs for every direction and aligned his little map with them. Then he looked were Alexandria was situated. It wasn't exactly in the east, a bit southern. He made a notch representing Alexandria's position and smiled satisfied. Now he was able to check their position. He wouldn't lose his way again. 'Great.', he thought. 'Let's head down!' Van put the piece of wood in his pocket and climbed down the tree.
Hitomi stood beside Van's stuff and waited for him to fall down. But it didn't seem to her that he would do her this favour. That was a shame. She looked down and noticed his sword. She bent down inspecting it closer. It was beautiful. The sheath and hilt were of a dark blue with gold. Here eyes widened. Was it pure gold? She grabbed the sword. Woah, it was heavy! It looked so- expensive. How did someone like him get a sword like this? Did he kill someone therefore? He was definitely hiding something. Hitomi grabbed the hilt firmly and unsheathened his sword. The blade was smooth and sparkled in the light of the setting sun. She touched the blade carefully noticing something strange. Exactly under the hilt the blade seemed incorrect. It wasn't the same material the rest of the blade was made of. It looked as if it was added later but not really conscientious. It didn't went with the rest of the blade. She frowned deeply but then shrugged. 'Who knows?', she thought sheathing the sword and rose from the ground. Right then, Van jumped from above on a branch in her sight. He saw her looking up to him. So she was concerned for him after all! Hitomi saw his gaze and pouted turning away. He sighed. No, she was not concerned for him. Van jumped on a lower branch.
"Hey, listen Hitomi. I...-", he started to say stepping to the side to have a better look at her.
But that was the moment he stepped on wet slippery moss growing on the branch. His eyes widened in shock when he saw his left foot slip from the branch. He lost his balance completely. He tried to regain it by waving his arms about madly but it didn't work. A brief moment, he stood at the branch in a grotesque posture. His arms in the air his left leg dangling, his body tilted backwards and on the whole, contradicting every law of nature. But then gravity struck in. A despaired "Shit, no!" escaped his lips and he fell from the branch.
Hitomi had heard it and turned around, timely. She could see him fall. With a loud splash he disappeared in the lake. She looked at the place where he had hit the surface in disbelieve. Had it been real or was it just a dream? Well, yes it was real! And with that thought she burst out laughing. That served him right. Hitomi laughed so hard that she ran out of oxygen. Oh, she wanted to see his face when he surfaced. Stop! Shouldn't he surfaced for a long time? Hitomi stopped laughing and walked to the shore. Maybe it was just a joke and he wanted to scare her? She could well believe it of him. Maybe it was truly just a joke. And what if not?
.....................**.....................
I'm so sorry but I had to stop here. No time. These cruel teachers with their stupid homeworks. I hate it!!!! Grrrrr. Anyway, I'm gonna go skiing,tomorrow. Yuppie. But don't think this will be pure fun. It'll be a week of hard work. It's part of my physical education lessons and I will be scored. Help, I never went skiing before!!!!!!!! I hope I won't break my neck or anything else! *bites nails* Well then, I'd like to see that my e- mail box bursted because of all the reviews you wrote when I'm back again.^_^ So, please be nice and review!!!!!! I know you're all nice people out there, aren't you? Tell me what you think!!! Please please pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease
Dariel
LOVE WITCH: Thank you so much. Yeah, the two of them are arguing the whole time but hardly there is a troll to defeat they are a perfect team. ^_^
Magicman() : You think so, yeah? I wouldn't be so sure about that. ;) I think they will swing a little bit more.
TennyoAngel711: The blond hairs are such a cliché! *rans a hand through her blond hair* Er...it's pur chance! :P Well, yeah Van is a little genius, isn't he? And don't tell me don't know who this Lord is!
Paige Moonsword: *blushs and taps herself* Thank you. And girl, will you stop editing your story!!! The way you wrote them is quite okay, so UPDATE!!!
Aeka-himme: Yo, I updated! I like the two quarrellers, too. And oh yeah, Van is mean. Nasty-boy. No, just kidding. V+H forever!!!!!!! And dare you stop writing!! I swear I'll bind you to a chair and I won't let you go until you update!!! *grabs Van's sword and waves it in the air threatening* That's a promise!!!!!!!
Ruby: No thing. Thanx again for the review. Keep on.
SabineballZ(): *ganz rot werd bei all dem Lob* Büddeschön, da ist die Fortsetzung. Freut mich, dass es dir gefällt. Hoffe das bleibt so. Hihi. Nagut, bis demnächst.
GAMEACE: THX. I like it, too.
lnoal: Really? Thank you. Read on!
Pretty Kitty: *raises her arms, appeasing* There is the chapter. Hehe, but don't get your hopes up too soon!! Nyarharhar
Makura-Chan: As I said, thank you and I hope I'll receive your mail soon.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Escaflowne (hell, I think everyone got it now) and I don't own any of J.R.R. Tolkien's creatures.
Chapter 4 Reunion
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining so bright that you would risk your eyesight if you looked into the sun for more than two seconds. Everything on Gaea's surface sparkled because of this intense sunlight. The sky was more than blue, supernatural-blue. Not a single cloud dared to dim that sky.
"I hate that damned day!", cursed an angry Amazon-queen.
The landscape tore along underneath her. She stood at the rail of a giant airship. The wind blew her long black hair out of her concerned face. Her unreadable grey eyes overlooked the fleet following her own ship. Ten ships with two-thousend Amazons. Her best army. It had taken two days to assemble all of her best Amazons. What was going on there? Why did he need so many warriors? You only need so many of them when you're going to start a war. A war. Was this his intension? Starting a war, covering Gaea's surface with bodies again? Bah, it was terrible. Not that she didn't like war, by the gods no. War was the meaning of her life but...she knew that this, he was going to do would be absurd. False.
"My queen?", a shy voice asked from behind her.
"What's the matter, Lelia?", Penthesilea asked still looking at the fleet.
"We're reaching the border of...of...", Lelia stuttered.
"It's okay. I know.", Penthesilea interupted her. "Go, tell the others. Prepare for the landing."
"Yes.", Lelia replied and walked away.
Just at that moment, the ship started landing. Penthesilea looked straight ahead. There was the landing place. One of the endless fields which were typical for that land. The birds fled from the nearby forest terrified by the loud ships landing on the field. The airships caused an intermediate storm making the deers run away. The ships stopped a few meters above the ground. Thick ropes were thrown over the rails and landed in the awaiting hands of some soldiers. They fastened them to huge pegs. The engines stopped, only the floating stones prevented the ships from crushing to the ground. A landing-stage came out of Penthesilea's ship. She was the first one entering the it, five Amazons following her. At the bottom, they stopped. Penthesilea looked around spotting three figures and four horses ahead. Two horses belonged to the soldiers standing beside them, one horse belonged to the grey-haired ambassador and the fourth one was her's, she guessed.
"Lelia, take two of your best scouts and reconnoitre. Ask around, I don't think that I will be informed about everything I should actually know.", the queen ordered.
Lelia bowed. "Yes, my queen."
"Cassandra, Lysithea, Kallisto,", she said to the three Amazons behind her. "assemble the army. I think we will set out soon. And Leda,", she said looking at her first general, "you come with me."
Leda nodded and followed her queen. Together they reached the small group of horsemen. The grey-haired ambassador took a step ahead greeting her.
"Welcome in Fanelia, my queen.", he said and bowed. "You arrived in time. Good show."
"Where is he?", Penthesilea asked sharply.
"Oh, you can't await seeing him, right?", the ambassador said grinning.
Penthesilea just glared at him. She couldn't explain but she hated this arrogant man like hell.
"He is awaiting you in his palace in Fanelia. Can I offer you a horse?", he asked pointing at the horse beside him.
"And my general? Should she go on foot?", the Amazon queen asked condescending.
"No, of course not. Hey you,", he said to the soldier to his right, "get off your horse."
The soldier did what had been ordered and got off his horse. He took the reins and led his horse to Leda. She took the reins and looked at her queen.
"Let's go, Leda.", the queen said and mounted her horse. "We're going to see the king of this country.", she said grinning. She did attach great importance to the stress of the word 'king'. It sounded very sarcastic. She hadn't been able to stop herself from saying it. She laughed aloud. The ambassador glared daggers at her.
"Gee up!", she said and clicked her tongue. Her horse reared up, leaped ahead and started galloping. Leda and the two others did the same and followed Penthesilea. Together they rode towards Fanelia.
.....................**.....................
Fanelia was a beautiful city. It was situated in a ravine between huge rock faces. Small white houses snuggled up against the sourrounding mountains. The sun shone high in the sky filling the ravine with warm bright light. In front of the city were wide fields and a forrest. A lot of people were working at the fields. The wind carried the scent of warm grain. The city seemed happy. Happy to be alive. But Penthesilea knew that it was only in pretence. She sensed the ominous dark cloud floating above the city. Something was going on.
The small group reached the city gates of Fanelia. Giant wooden gates looking like they would get through a hurricane and could stop the attack of a complete army. After passing the archway they entered the crowded streets. Hundreds of people were filling the streets, talking and laughing. It seemed that whole Fanelia was on the streets, this day. The people got rid of the group staring at the queen and her general. 'They don't know.', Penthesilea thought. 'He hasn't told them about our arriving. And I bet they don't know about the army waiting in front of their city.' And with that thought she reached the marketplace. It was huge, she could say. She overlooked the place and saw inumerable stands, men, women carrying wicker baskets, little children chasing each other. And it was loud. Pieces of conversation reached her ears but it were too much so that she understood nothing at all. Suddenly something blended her. She looked up and saw that it had been sunlight being reflected on a huge roof. It was the roof of the palace sitting in state above the city. The unique blue roof sparkled intensely in the sunlight. It was a wonderful building. Simple but royal- and their destination.
The ambassador lead them on a broad street towards the palace. And after some minutes they could see the gates. They opened when they had nearly reached them. The horses didn't hesitate and passed the entrance. The queen saw that ten men had been necessary to open the gates. Now, the group walked through a short tunnel. At the end they saw bright sunlight. It was so intense that they were forced to close their eyes. The horses stepped in the open air. When they opened their eyes again they found themselves standing at a huge square. It was amazing. To the right and to the left were fountains and several trees. Four buildings sourrounded the square. They were of a shining white and had deep-blue roofs with small stony dragons sitting at the edges. Little guards looking who wanted to enter the palace. The building behind them, the one they just passed contained the stabbles and the quarters of the servants, the one to the left contained the guymelefs and the training halls. The actual palace was the building ahead and to the right.
All four got off their horses. The ambassador gave the soldier a sign and he took the reins of the four horses leading them to the stabbles. Penthesilea and Leda followed the ambassador to the giant double doors. Two soldiers pushed them open, a long hallway appearing behind them.
The ambassador turned around. "Follow me.", he said waving his hand. Penthesilea nodded and followed him. He lead the two of them through neverending hallways. The Amazon queen was glad having a marked sense of direction. It was very useful, at the moment. After countless corners they finally reached the throne hall. The doors were wide open. They entered the room. In the middle of the room stood a single figure with their back to them.
"My Lord, your guests arrived.", the ambassador said to the figure.
"Thank you. You can leave now, Dilandau.", the figure replied.
The man bowed and left. Penthesilea turned to her general facing her.
"Would you be so kind as to leave the room too, Leda? Please.", the queen asked gently.
Leda looked at her queen, surprised. But then bowed and left the room closing the doors behind her. Silence.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it Penthesilea? ,", the figure asked then turning around. Penthesilea looked at him. Oh yes, it has been a long time since she saw him the last time. His look hadn't changed a bit. His handsome features, his aqua-blue hair, his intense brown eyes and even his mischievous smile was still the same. He looked as if those years had never passed. As if he had never left her. As if she had never stopped...She paused.
"Eleven years, Folken. Eleven years.", she answered.
He nodded and walked over to her inspecting her from top to toe. Feeling his gaze she blushed lightly but replied his gaze. He just smiled. When he reached her, he encircled her inspecting every single detail of the queen. Folken then faced her when he finished his inspection.
"What do you want from me?", she asked coldly.
"You're still getting the point as fast as possible.", he said smiling.
"I just don't want to waste time.", she answered. For a brief moment his look changed. Was it...was it sadness? But then he regained his cold attitude.
"Fine.", he said. "I want something back that is mine."
"And therefore you need my help?", Penthesilea asked distrusting.
"I've never asked for your help. I just claim of my right. You must repay your dept.", he replied.
Penthesilea snarled. "If I hadn't helped you with my army you wouldn't have been queen anymore.", he continued.
He was right and she knew it. If he hadn't come to help her, the Orcs would have overrun and occupied her country. It had been her fault. She had underestimated the damned Orcs. She hadn't expected that they would dare to attack, hadn't expected that it would be such a giant army, hadn't expected that they would act so strategically. She hadn't been prepared for that attack. It had been all her fault. Everything. The fact that so many of her warriors had died and that Hitomi had lost her mother. She was still blaming herself for her sister's death. If she had taken the threat of the attack more serious she wouldn't have died. But she did. She had died and Lea could only listen to her sister's last wish and then drag her little niece away from the dead body.
"You owe me something, don't you?", he said making her snap out of her depressing thoughts.
"You haven't changed a bit.", she replied. "You still have your own way."
"Really?", Folken asked. "Well, I must say you changed a lot. You're more beautiful than ever, you know?", he added gently after a brief moment.
Penthesilea's eyes widened. She looked to the ground biting her lips. Her heart beated like intending to burst. No! This was the thing she had feared the most. She had intended to give him the cold shoulder, to pretend that nothing had ever happened, to pretend that it had meant nothing to her! But now, by hearing those words he said, her plan wasn't going to work. He had made her weak. But those words. How she had once loved it hearing him say those words and how she now hated him for saying them. Yes, she hated him.
Suddenly she felt a warm touch on her cheek. His hand. Immediately she turned away and walked to the window at the other side of the room. She wouldn't allow him to come close to her and wouldn't allow herself to make this mistake again. She took a deep breath and looked out of the giant window. She had a breath-taking overlook at the city. His city. No, that wasn't right.
"It still is not your city, is it?", the Amazon asked sensing him close behind her.
"No, not yet.", he answered. "The thirteen years aren't over yet. But soon- soon it will be mine."
"And you're sure...?", she asked carefully.
"Yes, I'm sure.", he said firmly. "I know he is alive. He has a strong will but he won't manage it. I won't allow it. I worked hard to get what I want and I won't allow him to take it away from me."
Penthesilea said nothing. She knew the law. When the legitimate king disappears, the new king can't run his office until thirteen years have past and the lawful king hasn't returned. And because the lawful king of Fanelia hasn't returned yet, he was just a representative of the lawful king with a lot less authorizations.
"I'm so sorry, Lea.", he suddenly said, his voice a whisper.
She turned around facing him. She looked straight into his eyes. His beautiful eyes full of concern and full of...full of love? Was it love she was now seeing in his eyes? Did he still love her? It was the same look he had have at this fateful day, eleven years ago. The same look he had have when he had left her. The same look she loved so much. Yes, she loved him. She had never stopped loving him. Though she was the queen of the whole Amazon tribe, though she was betraying her religion, though she was breaking the law, though she better should not, she loved him. She had tried to ignore the feelings concerning him but it had been quite impossible. She had thought they would disappear but they had only increased during the time she hadn't seen him. She couldn't defeat them. They were powerful, more powerful than a mighty Amazon, even a queen.
"I should have never left you. It was the biggest mistake I've ever made.", he said raising his hand. And this time, she didn't turn away. His hand trembled when he touched her cheek. How long had he waited for this to happen? An eternity. Lea closed her eyes enjoying his soft touch. She raised her own hand and touched his one opening her eyes.
"I forgive you.", she whispered back.
He lowered his head towards her intending to do something he should have done a lot earlier. Lea closed her eyes, waiting. But when his lips were just a breath away from her ones a knock on the door could be heard. Folken hesitated. Lea decided for him.
"Go, maybe it's important.", she said quietly. He looked at her and nodded.
"Come in!", he said aloud.
The door opened and an old man entered the room. His light curly hair was grey and very long like his beard. He wore the uniform of an advisor. Lea couldn't see his eyes but he looked very familiar to her.
"My Lord, there is someone who wants to talk to you.", he said and bowed.
"I don't expect visitors.", Folken replied.
"But it's very important. It's concerning...er...", he paused and looked at Penthesilea.
"It's okay. I know.", Folken said frowning. "Lead my guest to the gathering hall, Isaac. I will meet him there."
Lea gasped. Isaac! No wonder, he seemed so familiar. She knew him. She had met him when she had met Folken during the war against the Orcs but she hadn't trusted him. Sometimes there had been a glow in his purple eyes that had scared her. A fire of madness. He would betray Folken, some day. She knew it. Why did Folken trust him? Was he blind? Couldn't he see that his advisor pursues his own aim?
"Excuse me, my queen. I'll be back soon.", Folken said and bowed.
Then he gave her a warm smile. Lea smiled back and he walked away. When he was out of sight, she turned to the window and looked at the city again but this time without noticing the people out there. She was deep in her thoughts. She wondered who that guest could be. A huge grin appeared on her beautiful face and the glow in her eyes increased. In the afternoon, she would talk to Lelia. She would like to see what her scout had found out.
.....................**.....................
Maybe he was a wanted murderer who had killed lots of people? And now, every head-hunter on whole Gaea was searching for him. Or he was a robber or the head of a gang being enemy of another gang? Or maybe there was a feud or blood feud? Lots of possibilities of what Van might be swirled through Hitomi's mind while she was staring at him from aside. Unfortunately, she didn't notice it.
"And, did you come to a conclusion?", Van asked still looking straight ahead.
Hitomi blinked shocked. She had stared at him the whole time and he had known it!!
"I mean what I might be. That is what you're thinking about, isn't it?!", he asked turning around. A brief moment their gazes were locked. But Hitomi turned away immediately, feeling her cheeks burn.
"I don't know what you're talking about.", she said staring ahead trying to ignore him.
Van looked at her smirking. 'She's cute when she is embarrassed.', he thought but then he shook his head. By the gods, she would kill him if she knew what he was thinking at the moment. But she was cute he couldn't deny. A cute crosspatch!
Right then, they passed a bend and suddenly, Hitomi stopped in the middle of her tracks.
"Great!", she said annoyed looking at something in front of her. Van followed her gaze and his eyes widened.
"Oh, no! No! That's impossible.", Van said in disbelieve. But it was true. There in front of them, was the camp they had left two days ago. The place where they had made the fire was still visible. Van walked to a tree and kneeled down before it. He outstreched his hand and touched the fine notches covering the trunk. He had made them in a state of pure boredom. It was the unmistakable prove that they had walked round in a circle.
"But this is impossible.", he whispered.
"No, it's not impossible!", Hitomi yelled outraged. "Arg. I can't believe it! A walk of two days wasted! And just because Mister Follow-me-I-know-the- way has lost his bearings! Well done!"
Van jumped to his feet, angry. "It's not my fault that you followed me like a little dog! You could have go wherever you wanted to go!", he yelled back.
"What?", she asked.
"Yeah! Did I ever force you to follow me?", he replied.
Hitomi gave a laugh. "Did I have a chance? Where should I go without a horse?", she screamed.
"Oh yeah, blame the horse!", Van said.
"What? I-I don't blame him!", Hitomi stuttered. "It's not my fault that my horse likes you so much...", she trailed of.
"I don't have to justify myself!", she then said firmly. "Why do I argue with you, anyway? You aren't worth it!" And with that she turned on her heels and disappeared behind the trees leaving Van behind. This time, it was his turn to be speechless.
.....................**.....................
'Idiot!', Hitomi thought and kicked a stone into the water. She stood at the shore of a small lake. She had dicovered the lake two days ago when they had been here, the first time. The intense red, orange and purple light that filled the sky was reflected on it's surface. The sun was setting. 'But this time, I let him seem dumb!', she smiled. Everytime he had left her when they had argued but this time it had been her turn. She was satisfied.
"You're such a coward.", a voice said suddenly from behind making Hitomi spin around. It was Van.
"I am cowardly?", Hitomi shouted. "You're leaving me behind in the middle of a dispute, continuous! And you call me a coward? I...", she continued yelling at Van. But he wasn't listening. He had walked past Hitomi ignoring her. She glared at him in disbelieve.
"Look!", she yelled. "You're doing it again!"
That was the last straw! It was too much. He would die. Right here, right now. All she needed to do, was to draw the bow and let go. The slim, silent arrow would seetle everything for her. Fast and clear. He wouldn't notice anything. He would be dead before he would hit the ground. There was nobody who would miss him, was there? Hitomi tightened the grip around her bow raising it. 'Calm down, Hitomi!', she said to herself. 'Why do you let him irritate you? He is just a man!' She breathed out and let her bow sink. But he needed a lesson. It was very unhealthy to mess up with an Amazon! Determined, she drew her bow aiming at Van's head. She paused. 'Just a bit.' And then let go. The arrow closed the gap between her and Van within less than a second.
With a loud wooden noise the arrow hit the trunk of the tree Van was leaning on, only millimeters away from his face. Wood splintered. But Van didn't even bat an eyelid. He was still looking at the lake. In slow- motion, he turned his head towards her.
"What's your problem?", he asked.
Hitomi couldn't believe it. Maybe she should have killed him. "What's my problem?", she repeated his question.
"Yeah! Do I speak indistinctly, somehow that you must repeat my questions?", he replied pushing himself off the trunk.
"YOU are my problem!!", Hitomi screamed. "You and your arrogant behavior! Never taking me serious and always knowing everything better! I'm fed up with it!"
"Have you finished?", he asked annoyed, now towering in front of her. He had walked over to her while she had been yelling. Hitomi noticed that he was taller than her. She didn't like it because it meant that she must look up to him. She glared into the boundless depths of his reddish-brown eyes. The red glow let it seem as if an unrestrained fire was burning within them.
"Okay, I'm arrogant.", he said glaring back. "But ever looked in a mirror? There is nobody who could top you concerning arrogance!"
Hitomi snarled furiously. "How dare you? Don't you know whom you're talking to?", she hissed.
"Oh, I know quite well. I'm not blind.", he said grinning devilishly. "But do you think you're better than me just because you're an Amazon-"
All of a sudden, a loud noise echoed over the lake causing some birds to fly away, terrified. Hitomi and Van stood still opposite themselves glaring at each other. Her eyes were full of anger and rage. His eyes were widened in shock. On his left cheek appeared a fire-red mark which was burning painfully. She had slapped him. Her right hand was red like Van's cheek and hurting like hell. But it was worth it. He had deserved it. Hitomi snorted scornfully and turned around leaving him behind again.
Van turned to the side and looked at his reflection in the lake. The red mark was clearly visible. Carefully he touched it and flinched. 'That hurts!', he thought. She was very strong, he must admit. It had been his own fault. He had gone too far. But he hadn't intended to offend her. The words had just slipped out of his mouth. Argue with her yes, but not become personal. He glanced at her. She was stroking Dust intensely. Poor horse. But why must she be so stubborn, anyway? If she would be just a little bit less lively everything would be much easier for him. When did everything become so complicated? Van sighed. If he just hadn't lost his sense of direction! Why had he anyway? Up to now he had never lost his bearings! What was the matter with him? He shook his head chasing away the mess of thoughts in his mind. At first, he must reach Alexandria, everything else was minor at the moment. But this was exactly the problem. It seemed that something was stopping him from reaching the city. It was weird. He had been sure they had walked into the right direction. Damnit, Alexandria was just a few days away!
Suddenly his head shot up. Actually, he should see Alexandria! The lighthouse could be seen at a range of miles. Van looked to the side and spotted the tree at the shore he had leaned on, an old huge oak. Half of it's mighty top spanned the lake. Hell, why not? He walked to the tree and looked up. It was high, almost twenty meters he estimated, but he could manage it. Hah, he won't admit defeat because of a tree! He took his cloak and belt including his sword off and rubbed his hands. There, a bit more than a meter above him was a branch, strong enough to take his weight. He went to his knees and then jumped pushing himself off the ground. He grabbed the branch and did a pull-up. Firmly he raised to his feet searching for the next branch.
Hitomi had seen him move out of the corner of her eyes. But she peeved. She wasn't interested. Dust was now the object of her interest. But it seemed that the horse somehow didn't like it. A scraping noise, however cought her attention. What the hell, was he doing this time? Hitomi turned her head in stressing Van's direction. But there was no Van. She looked in every direction. No Van. Where could he be? Then she heard the noise again coming out of the tree. She looked up and spotted him pulling up on a branch. He was crazy. If he fell he would break his neck. But hey, she would be rid of him, wouldn't she?
Van had managed half of his way getting on very well. It was easier than he had expected it would be. Finally he reached a huge branch in the top of the tree. He balanced his way across it fighting the foliage. A few steps farther it became sparse and he could see his sourroundings. Forest, what else? To his right, he saw the setting sun. The whole sky was burning. It was amazing. When he turned to the left he saw something sparkling over the trees in the distance. The lighthouse, no doubt. It was said that it's top was made of pure gold and it seemed that it was true. Van bent down and took a dagger out of his boot. He cut a piece of wood out of the bark indending to use it as a map. He carved four small notchs for every direction and aligned his little map with them. Then he looked were Alexandria was situated. It wasn't exactly in the east, a bit southern. He made a notch representing Alexandria's position and smiled satisfied. Now he was able to check their position. He wouldn't lose his way again. 'Great.', he thought. 'Let's head down!' Van put the piece of wood in his pocket and climbed down the tree.
Hitomi stood beside Van's stuff and waited for him to fall down. But it didn't seem to her that he would do her this favour. That was a shame. She looked down and noticed his sword. She bent down inspecting it closer. It was beautiful. The sheath and hilt were of a dark blue with gold. Here eyes widened. Was it pure gold? She grabbed the sword. Woah, it was heavy! It looked so- expensive. How did someone like him get a sword like this? Did he kill someone therefore? He was definitely hiding something. Hitomi grabbed the hilt firmly and unsheathened his sword. The blade was smooth and sparkled in the light of the setting sun. She touched the blade carefully noticing something strange. Exactly under the hilt the blade seemed incorrect. It wasn't the same material the rest of the blade was made of. It looked as if it was added later but not really conscientious. It didn't went with the rest of the blade. She frowned deeply but then shrugged. 'Who knows?', she thought sheathing the sword and rose from the ground. Right then, Van jumped from above on a branch in her sight. He saw her looking up to him. So she was concerned for him after all! Hitomi saw his gaze and pouted turning away. He sighed. No, she was not concerned for him. Van jumped on a lower branch.
"Hey, listen Hitomi. I...-", he started to say stepping to the side to have a better look at her.
But that was the moment he stepped on wet slippery moss growing on the branch. His eyes widened in shock when he saw his left foot slip from the branch. He lost his balance completely. He tried to regain it by waving his arms about madly but it didn't work. A brief moment, he stood at the branch in a grotesque posture. His arms in the air his left leg dangling, his body tilted backwards and on the whole, contradicting every law of nature. But then gravity struck in. A despaired "Shit, no!" escaped his lips and he fell from the branch.
Hitomi had heard it and turned around, timely. She could see him fall. With a loud splash he disappeared in the lake. She looked at the place where he had hit the surface in disbelieve. Had it been real or was it just a dream? Well, yes it was real! And with that thought she burst out laughing. That served him right. Hitomi laughed so hard that she ran out of oxygen. Oh, she wanted to see his face when he surfaced. Stop! Shouldn't he surfaced for a long time? Hitomi stopped laughing and walked to the shore. Maybe it was just a joke and he wanted to scare her? She could well believe it of him. Maybe it was truly just a joke. And what if not?
.....................**.....................
I'm so sorry but I had to stop here. No time. These cruel teachers with their stupid homeworks. I hate it!!!! Grrrrr. Anyway, I'm gonna go skiing,tomorrow. Yuppie. But don't think this will be pure fun. It'll be a week of hard work. It's part of my physical education lessons and I will be scored. Help, I never went skiing before!!!!!!!! I hope I won't break my neck or anything else! *bites nails* Well then, I'd like to see that my e- mail box bursted because of all the reviews you wrote when I'm back again.^_^ So, please be nice and review!!!!!! I know you're all nice people out there, aren't you? Tell me what you think!!! Please please pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease
Dariel