Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne, nothing more to say.
Forgotten by Destiny
By Ryoko Porter
Part Four
Merle stood wrapped in a cool blanket from the bed, at her window. She watched as Van and a few of his attendants rode away on horseback, out to do royal business. She nearly beamed when he stopped his horse to look in her direction. Waving and smiling down to him, she saw him smile back before he rode off. And she watched him until there little more than a dot to see.
Happily she made her way back to the bed, and lay down on her stomach. She wasn't sure if her legs would be able to hold her up much longer, due to the surprise. Hugging her pillow, she remembered how Van had said that he would marry her, and give her all of himself. Hitomi was finally out of the picture, only a distant memory. It had been five years, plenty of time for Van to morn.
Merle closed her eyes, expecting that her maid would wake her if she fell asleep. However she was given no chance to sleep as her room was suddenly enveloped in a blinding white light. For long, unending moments, the light blinded Merle. Even when the light finally faded, her vision was hazy and dizzying. Blinking a few times, she finally managed to see well enough that she could crawl across her bed, and see all of her hopes die.
There on the floor at the end of Merle's bed, was the unconscious body of Hitomi. The older woman had changed less than she had over the years. Still with the short hair and thin body, though she seemed to be a bit taller. She wore a skirt and button up shirt that reminded Merle of the uniform she wore the last time. And beside her lay a heavy bag, making it obvious that she intended to stay. And there around her neck, was the little rose jewel that made her journey possible.
Staring at the form below her, Merle could feel her breath begin to hitch. Finally burying her face into the softness of the bed, she began to sob. Tears poured from her with much vigor, dampening the sheets. She wasn't quiet in her pain either, screaming out her heartbreak.
A soothing hand on her shoulder suddenly surprised Merle. Looking up and expecting to see Hitomi, she instead saw her maid. The young woman looked down at her charge with concern. 'My lady,' was all she said, obviously not sure what else to say. Merle slowly sat up, staring down at the bane of her existence.
'Help me,' was her simple command. The two women moved the sleeping form to the bed, leaving her to rest. Then the maid help Merle dress in a tight body suit, that was much like the ones Naria and Eriya wore. Merle then took a blade and sliced off her long hair, leaving only inches long. She gave the maid the hair, and instructed her to give it to Van, as it was all that she had to give. The maid then took her leave, wishing the cat girl luck.
Merle took a moment to look upon the woman who'd taken away her hopes and dreams again. She couldn't help the tears that began to fall once more, or the tightening of her fists. But as she looked, she realized that it all could be ruined. Bending close to Hitomi's face, Merle sharply ripped the chain from her neck.
End Part 4.