Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne, nothing more to say.

Forgotten by Destiny

By Ryoko Porter

Part Seven

It should be one of the happiest days in Hitomi's life; it was her daughter's first birthday. It was custom here for the official announcement of a royal baby to be made a year after birth. People of the country obviously knew of the birth, but they waited until they were sure it was healthy. However this morning she'd awoken with a great foreboding. Something would happen today, the start of a great tragedy.

It was also the day that they would officially name the child, though Hitomi had been calling her daughter Kotori. She knew though that Van had been calling the baby 'Merle', so she didn't know what to expect. Looking at her daughter, she could see why Van called her so. Their baby did resemble a human Merle, though she wasn't entirely sure why.

When Hitomi had returned those six years ago, she'd expected to find things nearly unchanged. Even if it had been five years, things just didn't seem like they should change. But in her wake, everything had seemed to change. Van was taller, stronger, and more hansom. Merle was gone, she didn't know for how long. And there was no adventure to be had; only fixing what was broken from before.

Sitting at the head of the Great Hall with her husband, she watched as a group of wise men came upon their child's crib. They blessed the girl, and told of her great future as queen. She was slightly uncomfortable, but she trusted that they would not cause any harm. It was simply that she wasn't used to the ways of this culture.

Then it was finally time for Van to give his blessing, the name she would have for the rest of her life. Standing ahead of everyone, the king picked up his tiny daughter with gentle care. Looking at his dear one in his arms, Van seemed to consider the possibilities.

'I name thee Loretta Merle Kotori of Fanalia!' he announced to the room and country. He then held the newly named princess into the air presenting her to the room for the first time.

After Loretta's presentation, the party began with vigor. Hitomi had her daughter in her lap as a group of beast women danced. They threw ribbon and balls about doing fantastic tricks. Some of the women twirled, as others seemed to fly with the leaps they took. Each of the graceful beyond Hitomi could ever be. Loretta was fascinated by the movement, and clapped her small hands as best she could. The dancers parted for the entrance of one who was completely covered in black, Hitomi couldn't even see the woman's face. The woman stood completely still for a moment before she started to dance, her movements much like a ballerina. The more she moved, the more watchers could see the wondrous colors within the black folds. There was a sudden explosion of colored smoke and light, hiding the black dancer. When the smoke cleared the dancer was kneeling on one knee, with arms outstretched. And there before her, was a child.

The little girl looked to be only about five years of age, maybe a bit more. She was obviously of the same heritage that Merle had been, with her large ears. She didn't have the stripes that Merle had though, except on her cheeks. Her skin was a golden color, and her hair/fur a color much near black. She was small and timid, holding a bouquet of flowers.

'Happy birthday!' the little one squeaked.

End Part 7.