Darkness in the Twilight
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
By Psycho Ferret and LunarCrystal
The Royals of Fanelia
Allen spoke with the other knight on several occasions, long hours spent conversing and speaking strategies with the older man. Again, a father figure. He explained the occurrences he had seen--his fall to the Mystic Moon and his return with the brothers, the death of his sister... and, of course, speaking of the small treasure he had been left by Celena. Angelina charmed everyone.
It was at least a week before the roar of hoofbeats were clattering outside the palace gates. The three messengers had returned. Two were dead, maimed, bloodied. The last, injured, barely able to breathe as he relayed the message. "No son of mine who is captured by Asturia is a son worthy of his life." No bartering. Hans was left on his own here in this horridly different land. Hans was visibly shaken when he heard the news. He was still a boy, still so young, and the harsh brush away of his father pained him. He knew he would not go without punishment... but to be so forgotten...
The young soldier slumped in defeat. He didn't bother eating the meager food that was brought to him in the dungeons, he did not speak to the guards or visitors he had. Allen refused to let Angelina in that dungeon, even if it was to see Hans. Of course, that was even more reason not to.
She cried and cried sour tears upon her father's knees. When the little girl wanted something, she really tried to get it. It was just - so unusual for her father to refuse her so firmly, relentlessly. It was not something she was used to. She was the princess. They always said yes. Always.
Angelina gripped her father's pant leg, her face pressed into his thigh as she sobbed, "I want to see Hans! Let me have him back! I want him back! Father, please! I want Hans..."
"He is no good, Angelina. Believe me, this is for your own good. He will only hurt you in the end, please listen to me." Allen hugged her close, sighing. He was disheartened by the news the boy's father had sent. He did feel a bit of pity for him for that, at least. For a father to be so cruel, well... he was sure he could know the hurt.
But he had heard of the man's failing health. There were no healers there that took care of him, and he'd heard from Millerna that he hadn't been eating. He'd seen him... the boy was wasting away. Of course, he could see it, why he let himself go like that. No sentence had been passed on the young soldier, no move to be made to put him on trial. And that, perhaps, was the worst of it for Hans.
The princess' frown was pronounced, and her father could only hold her for a second before she pushed away from him. She hit him angrily, blindly - making sharp contact with the skin of his face. Angelina made no motion to regret her actions. It was clear that she was truly angry that Hans was taken away. She quickly slipped to the floor and traced her way into the parlor, to a corner, and there sat petulantly against the wall.
Allen started, shocked at her violence. He lifted a hand to his cheek where she had struck him, staring after her. She just... couldn't understand that he was trying to protect her. The blonde sighed, bowing his head slightly, rubbing his cheek idly. And surely if she met the boy now, she'd be even more upset. He wouldn't let her into the cell he was kept in--especially considering that he wasn't the only one that was in there. And it was always obvious that he wasn't in the best of health. Allen... felt a small bit of guilt for not telling Melzin of the boy's failing health... but the healer had duties to his country and there were so many to be healed here.
Kio, Riden, Pyle and Oruto were the only crew members left alive and able bodied. But despite the brewing war and approaching Basram armies, they stood by their commander, taking shelter in his home and waiting anxiously for orders. Each of them took turns caring for the sergeant still in Allen's own bed, while the others sat around the dining room, feeling that if they touched anything in this noble's house that it would readily become soiled.
Kio sat on the floor, all of them having watched the tirade from Allen's distraught little daughter. They were all very quiet, staring at the bespectacled knight with grief in their eyes and hearts.
"Boss," said the big man quietly, the others turning their gaze to him, "What's gonna happen to the Sarge?"
Allen sighed softly, bowing his head. "I... don't know. I hope just as much as you that he'll be alright. He's strong... I'm sure he'll pull through." He wasn't sure... but he could hope. And he did. He hoped and prayed and did what he could to ensure that Gaddes would be alright. Staying here, knowing the war was just outside...
"You know.. that boy we brought back, the Basram soldier. He's the son of the general... we sent out messengers to Basram, willing to barter." The blonde fell silent for a moment, sighing, tipping his head back. "They returned recently... two of them maimed, the other... he died just recently. The general's just abandoning his son here to us."
Oruto snarled, letting out a huff, "Leave him to us, boss. We'll make sure he's treated the way he deserves. Especially for hurting the Sarge and destroying the fort. Oh, yeah - did I mention he fucking killed most of our friends?"
Pyle only looked down at his hands, he too sat on the floor. His expression was pained, full of confusion, "I like most of those men." His tone was sad, so full of that childlike ignorance that was Pyle.
Kio said nothing. But Riden, cheerful little Riden, had his covered head bowed, his hands pressed hard to his face as he sniffled loudly. Oruto looked at the smaller man in disgust. "Stop crying, for gods' sake!" he snapped at Riden.
"I - I can't help it . . ." cried the smaller man, "It's horrible. Everything's so horrible."
Allen tucked a leg to his chest, sighing, staring off after his daughter. "I just wish sometimes... that I could live my life like her. That I could go back to the way I was before. That way... I wouldn't have to see it." The blonde bowed his forehead against his drawn up knee. "We've fought a war before, but it wasn't a slaughter like this. We... we don't stand a chance, not like this. Every day we lose more and more soldiers. I... and one other. We're all that's left of the Knights Caeli. I wish... I could see the world so... plainly, like her. She can't possibly hate him... and... I know it's wrong, I know I shouldn't, but I do. I can't help but hate him. Even if he wasn't the one that did this to Gaddes, even if he wasn't the one that killed all those men... he's still a part of this stupid war."
The blonde man slipped off the chair, walking over next to Riden and sitting down. For a moment, he watched him, then embraced him tightly, closing his eyes. "I envy you so much, you know..."
"B-Boss," sobbed Riden, clutching his commander tightly, face buried into the man's shoulder, "I don't get it. . . why?"
"I don't know... I wish I knew. I just... I want this all to stop, but I can't do anything to stop it. I'm afraid to go back out there. I have so few of you left... I'm... I'm scared to lose the rest of you."
"Boss..." Riden's fists tightened and twisted the shirt he grasped, screwing his eyes shut and pressing his face into Allen's shoulder - it was a sudden tense reflex, and it only made the smaller man cry harder. It was a nightmare - a horrible nightmare that none of them could wake from. It wasn't before long when Pyle, sympathetic and sad as he was, sidled up to the two men huddled together on the floor, and placed his arm over them both.
Allen couldn't let himself cry, no matter how much he felt like it. His arms still around Riden, his narrow shoulders quivering, Pyle's arm around them. They were all he had left, they, Gaddes and Angelina. He couldn't bear to lose any more of them. Already, Angelina was angry at him, a constant emotion from her... all because he couldn't trust the Basram soldier. Hans had offered up information willingly, though sullen through it and it had been confirmed he'd been telling the truth. It was obvious he didn't expect any sort of safety from it...
His daughter would hate him if he let the Basram soldier die. But what could he do?
Allen slid an arm around Pyle, not bothering to fight back the shaking in his thin form. It was a time they could all show their weakness.
Angelina, from across the room, was crying with Riden. She didn't understand - pirates attacking, all her friends were gone. The soldiers - they all weren't there anymore and she didn't understand. "Why is everyone crying?" she sobbed, her head against the wall and her sweet little face contorted with pain and sadness.
Allen tensed at her words, a shudder sliding through him. He couldn't cry. He just... he couldn't. "It's... it's nothing, princess," he said softly, forcing the quiver out of his voice. She couldn't know about death, not yet.
But she crawled over, tripping on her dress as it dragged across the floor, easily following the sound of their sniffles despite emitting many of her own. One hand outstretched, she reached and touched someone's shoulder, unable to tell who's it was. The moment her fingers felt the solidness of someone's shaking shoulder, she attached herself to them, wedging herself in-between them - crying and sobbing like only a little girl could.
Allen sighed softly, shaking. Maybe she didn't hate him after all, which was good. It was his familiar scent that fluttered to her nose, the soft smell of rosewater and powder. His hair spilled over his and Riden's shoulders as he hugged the small man, and finally he relented. Quiet tears slipped over his cheeks. Tears for his soldiers, for the knights that had fallen... tears for his country, his queen, his daughter, the two brothers from the Mystic Moon.
His gloved fingers curled into Riden's and Pyle's shirts as he let out a quiet sob, lithe form quivering. It hurt... so much.
~
It would be days before any kind of good news was brought to the crumbling nation of Asturia. After so much waiting, Van Fanel arrived in the port at Palas with his queen and three children. The news they had for the weary Queen Millerna was to be a great relief. Of course, he did not overlook bringing the legendary war melef Escaflowne with him.
Diplomacy had won them their allies. Not only of Fanelia, but of Daedalus, Cesario, and Egzardia. The four countries that lay on Asturia's borders minus the enemy. Though their technology was weaker, not as advanced as Basram's, they now had more numbers. Despite the diminished troops of Asturia, and the growing battalions of the allies, they now had an advantage beyond that.
Word had been sent to the King of Fanelia that two men from the Mystic Moon possessed the secret of Basram's weaponry. The Schezar estate was the safe house in which the remaining troops from Fort Castelo resided, where the Terrans stayed. And so, the Fanelian royal family paid them a visit after meeting with Asturia's queen.
Allen had just returned from seeing the Basram soldier, once more shaken by how much his health had diminished. The man was giving up, it was that simple. It was a pity, really, that such a thing would happen, especially to someone Angelina had grown so attached to. He had not spoken much with Millerna, unaware of Van and Hitomi heading towards his estate. With a heavy sigh, his coat was set aside and he took up his place at a window sill, staring dully out. He was glad for their allies, more than glad... but he could no hold much hope.
Ethan had finally been able to wander about among all of them, but he was still wary, still a little shaky. Many times, he would quickly return to his brother's side, almost frantically. Riden became a nearly constant companion, both of them empathetic to the harshness, the sadness that permeated the air.
The young man ran a hand through his long hair, idly toying with the dual piercings in his tongue.
There were at least five Fanelian guards, dressed in their armor of dragon scales, swords clacking loudly at their sides as they escorted the royal family across the grounds toward Schezar Manor. They would take no chances, as Van - though he was king - was a valuable asset to the battle against Basram. When they arrived to the front door, one guard announced robustly, "King Van de Fanel approaches! Make way and let him enter!"
Van just rolled his eyes at the formality, lowering his gaze toward his children who giggled and stood behind their mother. Hitomi placed a hand on the princess' head, smiling fondly. She would explain it later, like the good mother that she was.
Allen rose from the window sill, walking calmly over, pushing open the door. Ah... the sight was welcome, especially since he could now see how much his friends had aged. The blonde offered a slight smile, inclining his head to them and stepping aside. "Your highnesses, I bid you welcome." Formalities, of course, the tone faintly teasing. He knew how much Van preferred to go without it... and Allen, in such a time, needed a bit of humor.
Ethan blinked, glancing up from his seat on the couch, tugging off the earphones and pausing the CD player he'd had in his pants pocket when he'd come here. He'd only recently remembered he'd had it... and was more than surprised the batteries hadn't yet died.
"You can see," said Hitomi, before her husband could answer - but Van only gave her a playful glance of indignation. Hitomi smiled warmly towards him, then to Allen and quickly went to the knight. Her hands placed on either side of his face, looking at her friend fondly - into his eyes. "Oh, Allen - you can see again." And she hugged him fiercely.
Allen smiled softly, nodding, hugging her back. "I can, finally... thanks to the Mystic Moon." The blonde looked at her children, again smiling. "I see Van has been hard at work, hmm?"
The Fanelian Queen pulled back to introduce her children. She pushed each of the bashfull little ones before her, placing a hand on their heads as she said their names. "My sons, Prince Senki and Prince Keiki." she said, and her 6 year old sons bowed their heads slightly as they were taught to do. The little girl next to them looked to be about 4 years old, and she blushed horribly when she saw the handsome Asturian knight. "And this is Princess Yume."
The little girl, with hair like ebony like her father and eyes like emeralds, stared up at Allen in awe, not even able to suffice in a proper curtsey towards the man. Instead, she quickly hid behind her mother's skirts.
"I see that you yourself have not been left wanting, Allen," said Van cheekily, indicating the little silver haired girl that resided in the doorway behind her father, her ringlets sparkling and her eyes always gazing upwards and half closed. The twin princes saw her, and tried following her gaze, wondering what was so interesting up in the air.
"What's she looking at?" asked Keiki scathingly.
Allen chuckled a little, calling his daughter over. He, for the moment, ignored the prince's question. He gathered up Angelina in his arms, carrying her over. "Mm... my daughter, Angelina." It was... painful to hear such a biting question asked, especially after he, himself had heard such things directed at himself. "She... is blind, as unfortunate as it might be. Born that way." Allen set her down, softly stroking her hair. "But she's still a little princess anyway."
The king and queen smiled at the little girl, who could only stare at nothing but move her head at the sounds of their shifting feet. The Princess Yume, from behind Hitomi's dress, stared at Angelina - eyes wide with fascination at her beautiful silver hair in gorgeous ringlets, the pristine little white dress of Asturian fashion. So unlike the long frocks that Fanelians wore, with the large bows tied at the front.
"She's pretty," said the little princess bashfully. Angelina smiled and, out of habit and instinct, stepped over to her voice, her arms outstretched to hug Yume. The Fanelian princess whimpered and hid further behind Hitomi, and one of the princes stuck his foot out. It was Angelina's turn to whimper, surprised and falling to her knees, the grass staining them.
"Keiki!" said Van, glaring at his son and quickly taking him by the ear away from the group. His strides were quick, two guards hastily following their king.
Allen started, kneeling down and taking Angelina into his grasp, pulling her close. It was something about children, they were mean to those different from them... that's all it was. Of course... this would be Angelina's first experience with prejudice... it was only too sad that it would come from children. The knight gently stroked her hair, a soft sigh on his lips. What was he to do?
Ethan padded over, crouching down and ruffling Angelina's hair. "You are pretty, you know that?" Comfort, of course. Even if he felt miserable, he couldn't let her cry or get upset or anything. He just couldn't.
Angelina reached for her uncle, her nose tickling her and she sniffled. She was given to Ethan to take back inside, and her ringlets bounced with her uncle's steps. Hitomi looked practically aghast that her son had been so malicious, looking at his twin and warning him with a glare. She turned her attention to Allen then.
"Allen, I'm sorry about Keiki." her expression was so full of hurt for her friend. She took a breath and gathered Senki and Yume, pushing them along before her. "Let's go inside. There is much to talk about. Especially about gunpowder. It'd be the only way to survive this war."
Ethan walked quietly, inside, but he talked to her, if only to keep her mind off the occurrence a few minutes ago. Even if he sounded happier... he was still skittish.
Allen nodded slightly, gazing over his shoulder at Ethan as he left. He sighed softly, leading them inside and into the living room. "You and those two both, Hitomi... all pulled into our troubles without a choice. And I'm so sorry about it..." The knight shook his head, settling into a chair. "It'll be Chris you'll want to talk about the gunpowder with, Ethan isn't very much into such things."
"It'll probably be Van doing the planning for gunpowder." replied Hitomi. Once they were in the parlor, she crouched down to her children and told them to behave with Angelina and play with her while Allen and she spoke. Quietly, they obeyed and followed after the man who had carried her away to the back of the house - probably to go outside to the fields.
Van came in, the same quick, stern strides he had since he's grown a bit from when he was 16. He pulled a teary eyed Keiki by the wrist, marching him inside and telling him flatly to go outside with his brother and sister - which Keiki quickly ran to do.
Allen was silent for a moment, looking at the pair across from him. "Have you been fully informed of the dire situation here?" he asked plainly. There wasn't really time to waste. He idly wondered if they'd seen Hans... and doubted it, really.
"You've been greatly outnumbered. You've lost many soldiers." Van said immediately, but the look on Allen's face meant there was more than just basic statistics. "What else is happening that we need to know about, Allen? The ally countries are already on their way to the Asturian capital, ready to defend. Is there something else?"
"There are four of the original Crusade crew left besides myself. Gaddes..." Allen took a moment to steel his voice, "Gaddes... is at least temporarily paralyzed. There are two Knights Caeli left alive, including me. The fort has fallen, Ethan has been devastated, Celena is dead... shall I continue?"
The heavy silence in the parlor could have choked, and for several painful moments it suffocated their hearts. Hitomi lowered her head, subtly wiping away her tears, her chestnut hair falling to hide her face. Van's gaze was firmly planted toward the floor, his head bowed in respect for all those who have fallen under Basram's slaughter.
"We've - only heard the news from third parties," said the king quietly, "we never knew . . ."
"No, it's... I didn't mean for it to be so harsh. It's just... my grief is close and it keeps mounting." The knight sighed, shaking his head a little. "I'm sorry. I don't want to make it sound like I don't appreciate all the aid you are giving us. I appreciate it more than you know, I want you to understand that." But especially the news of Gaddes... he had lost Celena already and Gaddes now suffered.
"The only bargaining chip we had... doesn't matter. The Basram soldier we brought with us--oddly enough at Angelina's urging--is the son of the general. So obviously we thought that would be an advantage. But... the message sent back to us was nothing more than three more of our soldiers dead and 'No son of mine who is captured by Asturia is a son worthy of his life.' I feel... sympathy for the boy--he can't be older than twenty--but even still, what are we to do?"
Van would not leave his friend wondering. He immediately went into detail about his battle tactics, how to utilize their allies and cut their losses. He had alchemists ready to learn the recipe of the explosive concoction that was to Basram's advantage. Hitomi heard her husband's voice but did not listen. Her head was still bowed and she continued to shed tears for the tragic fate that so many soldiers had suffered to.
It was at one point too unbearable, and the fragile hearted queen needed to excuse herself from the parlor. She would find comfort in her children at least. So she fled outside to the fields where the royal fanelian children played with Angelina.
Allen was quiet as he listened, every once in awhile offering his advice on certain things, debating tactics with Van. It was... comforting, really, something to keep his mind off the losses. Allen was not necessarily an embittered man, but he did hold much paina nd sorrow within him... and an anger towards the Basram soldier that he didn't quite exactly deserve.
Ethan was outside, having brought Angelina with him. He had settled down with his back against the wall of the house, staring off, biting down on the inside of his bottom lip. Slowly, with the urgings from the men on the Crusade that still remained--men that had grown fond of him and he of them--as well as the comfort of his brother's near presence, had begun calming down, chancing going out alone sometimes, losing himself to his thoughts.
"Uncle Ethan," said Angelina. She was not aware that it had been one of the boys that tripped her earlier, only that she had tripped over something before one of the princes were yelled at. In truth, she was fascinated by the thought of the royal children. They were really Princes and a Princess! She wanted so very much to play with them. "Where are the princes and the princess? Iwant to play!"
Ethan blinked a little, glancing over at her. "Ah? Oh, they're over to your left. Shall I lead you?" Ethan reached out, touching her fingers lightly with his own.
"No!" she said indignantly, "I can find them myself." and she stood up quickly, walking forward a few steps before slumping her shoulders. "Which way is left?"
Ethan laughed a little, ruffling her hair gently, pointing her in the right direction. "Be careful, okay?"
Careful in the unknown territory of the fields, her little black shoes shuffling along gingerly until she could hear giggles of other children. She's hardly ever met other children, let alone others that were her age. Angelina felt herself drawing nearer to the sounds of their laughter, but the moment they noticed, all of them hushed. She frowned. They stopped laughing, and now she couldn't find them.
"Hello?" she asked, searching the air just in front of her for any sign of the children.
Ethan cocked his head to the side slightly, sadly, and watched. They... didn't want her near them, it was obvious enough. Although, Ethan was pleased to see the shy little girl peek out from behind her brothers and shuffle slightly towards her. It was endearing, the children, besides the fact that they automatically disliked her for her differences. It was troubling, really.
Angelina frowned again, shifting her head to the sounds of the timid footsteps. Her shoulders slumped. "Are you playing?" she asked, "Can I play with you?"
The little girl nervously glanced at her brothers, shuffling quietly towards the girl, biting down on her bottom lip. "Why can't you see us?" She asked innocently, her voice soft, hesitant.
An expression of confusion crossed Angelina's fair features, her eyes blinking a little. She cocked her head to the side, thinking about the question. She always wondered what seeing for everyone else was, really. She knew she was different and that she couldn't see, but for her it had always been that way. And so she asked, "Why can *you* see like everyone else?"
One of the boys piped up from behind her, almost angrily. "Because we're normal, that's why! You're just weird."
Ethan cringed slightly at the harsh words, looking at Angelina. It was sad... everyone had treated her so kindly, and now this, by children her own age.
Angelina hung her head, her little fists grasping each other before her. Her pretty silver ringlets, those that her father took great care in fixing for her every morning, hid her little blushing face. She sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand, but managed to say, "Say it again . . ."
"We're normal, not weird like you!" Ethan padded softly over to Angelina's side, resting a steady hand on her shoulder. He'd take her back inside if she wanted. He'd take her to see Gaddes or something. She didn't have to stay here.
"Don't be mean to her!" Yelled the normally shy little girl, balling her little fists up and walking over to the girl in a determined manner. "Do you want to play? Mommy let me bring my dolls with me."
"O-Okay," she sniffed, wiping her nose continually on her sleeve. She heard the boys, and where one of them had yelled from - her ears were her only navigation, and so they were very sharp and keen to pick up their subtle footsteps upon the dirt. They were not far from her. Her uncle's hand was only lightly placed upon her shoulder, and thus did not stop her from turning around to the sounds behind her, stalking over to the boy who had shouted the insult.
Oh, yes, directly in front of her, because they shuffled away quickly. She followed the sound and charged the boy, hands straight out in front of her, and knocked one of the princes down hard. She couldn't tell which one, but she didn't care. She was a princess too, and prince or not, she would not tolerate the idignance of his insults.
Ethan started a bit, staring over at Angelina. Well... that's what you got, raising a girl among gruff soldiers like the ones she'd been around. The little girl blinked, looking over at the other, surprised. She huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "Boys are mean!"
Angelina just smiled, quite proud of herself and following Yume's voice. Her hand sought the air for her shoulder. Even though she could navigate well enough in small areas, it's going passed those areas that become a problem. "Only these boys." she said matter-of-factly, "I know a lot of boys that aren't mean and treat me like a princess, because I am."
Yume giggled, holding her hand and turning. "Come on! I'll show you mommy! And then we can play with my dollies!" As Ethan watched the girl tugged on Angelina's hand heading happily off to find Hitomi.
~
Allen, meanwhile, had taken Van upstairs to see Gaddes. Not because of the state the sergeant was in, but simply because they had been friends. "You might want to question the Basram when you get a chance," he murmured softly, pushing open the door to his bedchambers.
Gaddes had his head turned away, facing the window. His arms were neutrally by his sides, the covers tucked up to his chest. He made no indication that he was awake, or that he'd heard the door open and the two men walk inside.
"Hello, Gaddes," said the king softly, spotting an extra chair and moving it to Gaddes' bedside. He saw Allen do the same, and they both took a seat there. Gaddes still had not torn his eyes away from the window, his eyes looking hollow and glazed over.
Allen looked worriedly at Gaddes, resting a hand on his shoulder softly. He really did hate to see his lover like this. Gaddes had always been so full of life, brimming with energy, but now...
The sergeant slowly blinked. Yes, he had heard them come in - in fact, he'd heard them romping up the stairs, the floorboards resounding with the steps of their boots. He didn't feel like visiting, he wanted no one to see him in such a state. The only reason he resigned to it is because he had no choice - since he very well could not stand and walk out of the room.
"Yes, hello." he said quietly, closing his eyes and turning his head to stare up at the ceiling - the plaster of it having made shapes in his imagination to keep his mind sane and occupied. . . he'd done so a million times over by now, bedridden as he was.
Allen sighed softly, withdrawing his hand numbly. It hurt, to think of Gaddes like this, so distant so... unfriendly. And not for the first or last time did he wonder if this was what Gaddes had felt when he'd withdrawn from everyone like he had. At least... at least he'd been able to get up and go somewhere else.
Van took a deep breath, feeling uncomfortable as it is already. He crossed his arms over his lean chest, black hair falling into his eyes. "The outlying countries to Asturia aren't the only ones we've been having diplomatic relations with." he told Allen more than Gaddes, since the sergeant did not seem to be in the mood for conversation.
"Oh?" Allen was thankful for the distraction, really, glancing over at Van, arching a brow. "And what are their reactions?"
"Zaibach," said the king cautiously, "had been forced to disassemble an army as the treaties states. After the great war." He looked to Allen carefully, his eyes showing that he sympathized with the knight. "They cannot aid us in this war. But - they have offered aid in other ways."
Allen blinked slowly, looking at him. "And...? What aid shall they give?" Any would be appreciated, any aid. Even from Zaibach... and oh how ironic it would be with them helping in a war against Basram.
"Medicinal." said Van simply.
Allen brightened a little. "Well, we could definitely use that aid." Especially from such an advanced nation. The blonde managed just the faintest smile. The war seemed to be turning steadily in their favor.
The king leaned toward Allen slightly, his face serious and grave. His hand placed upon the knight's, he said quietly, "They might be able to help Gaddes."
Allen nodded slightly, the chance of it... the thrill, the joy searing his heart. Ah... to see Gaddes once more act as he had before. He knew better than to hope it would ever actually return to the way it was before... especially with so few of the original crew there. But some semblance of it being normal might return. Gaddes... might react as if he was alive again.
"They bring airships with whole teams of healers," he said, settling back into his chair, back to crossing his arms and staring sternly toward the floor. "Airships that are traveling apothecaries. Hospitals, they call them. They arrive tomorrow afternoon from the south."
"Thank Jechia," breathed Allen softly. "So many of us are too injured to do anything to defend our country. Such aid is more than welcome. Have you told the queen of this?"
Van nodded. "She knows of this news. And of the allies. I've told her everything." he yawned, "Being a king - it's only my duty."
Allen nodded slightly, resting a hand on Van's shoulder at the yawn. The knight gave a faint smile. "You should rest, you and Hitomi both. These are trying times and we can't have either of you worn out."
"It's a thought," he yawned again, standing slowly. "Do you have a room to spare?"
"Thankfully one. It's nothing extravagant, but know you... you'd probably prefer it that way." Allen stood, motioning to the door. "I'll show you."
Van and Hitomi were both very glad for the room, as they had been traveling and meeting with dignitaries for nearly a full day. It was already mid-afternoon, and the two royals slept fitfully upon the guest room bed of the Schezar manor. The queen had made sure to give Yume the dolls her daughter had asked for before retiring to a very welcome nap.
Angelina had dolls before, but they were back home in the castle she had lived in since she could remember. There were several of them, lying about the rug in the parlor where the little girls sat. The Schezar child listened intently to the princess as she described them to her. She didn't understand really what fair haired and dark haired meant - only that she associated such terms with her Uncle Gaddes, who is dark haired, she was told, and her father who is fair haired.
"So the one with fair hair must be pretty like my father," said Angelina, "And the dark haired one should have a scratchy face."
Yume pouted a little. "No... they're both pretty! And they're girls." The girl held the fair-haired one out to the girl, putting it in her hand. "She has fair hair," she said proudly, holding out the other one to her. "And that one has dark hair."
"My uncle Gaddes has dark hair, my father says so. And people with dark hair have scratchy faces..." said Angelina indignantly.
"Not all of them. Father doesn't have a scratchy face and he has dark hair." Again, the girl pouted, looking over at her.
"Well, do you have dark hair or fair hair?" asked the girl impatiently, throwing her a scathing expression.
"Dark hair, of course, like my daddy," she said, looking at the girl.
"Let me see," said Angelina, immediately leaning forward and reaching to feel the girl's face.
Of course, her face was smooth, rounded and soft. She smiled proudly, holding onto the little dolls.