Beyond Aeaea
DISCLAIMER: The Vision of Escaflowne is not legally mine but the visions of this story are.
Note: Yes, I know. Atrocious delay. Forgive me. I was caught up in so many other things and stories. But fear not, I have completed my other tasks and am now devoted to finishing this story by October. I have worked out a schedule and you may expect a new chapter every week starting with this one!
In honor of Dilandau's birthday, here is a chapter devoted to my favorite pyromaniac! Enjoy.
Chapter Eight
"You don't have to worry about me," Eries reassured her husband, "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
But Folken did not look completely convinced. As soon as their brief honeymoon was completed, it was time for him to formally introduce her to the officers and other citizens of Zaibach. This was a necessary though tedious task.
"I am well aware of your capabilities, my dear," he told her, "but I'm afraid that Zaibach society is quite different from yours. And now that you are a member of this world, there are certain things, certain people, whom I hope you can avoid."
One in particular, he added to himself. It will not do to introduce Eries to Dilandau just yet. The disturbing interest the young soldier had shown in Folken's marriage worried the superior officer and he could not be sure of what the mischievous young man would try to do to his wife.
"I will keep that in mind," she replied calmly, "and I'll adapt as well as I can."
Eries was strong, to be sure, but there was still so much she didn't know about the shadowy world of Zaibach. And for his part, Folken wanted to shield her from all the darkness as best as he could.
Eries' talent with diplomacy and dealing with those of high rank was a great asset when it came to blending in with the rest of the Zaibach officials. The princess carried herself with grace and dignity which none of the soldiers and officers could deny. She instantly inspired their respect and admiration, just as Folken had expected. He had known that she would easily be able to fit in with most of the people at the flying fortress.
Nevertheless, the Strategos could not help but worry about the inevitable introduction to Dilandau. It was an event he dreaded the most.
Unfortunately, Folken was not around when Eries and Dilandau first spoke to one another. And so the brave princess was left to fend for herself in the presence of the wily young captain.
This encounter happened a few weeks after Eries had begun living at the flying fortress. She had just finished an official meeting with some of the diplomats from Asturia and was returning to her quarters to spend a quiet afternoon by herself.
Dilandau had just finished a very invigorating session of training with his men and he was in high spirits. That was never a good sign.
They happened to meet each other along one of the cold, metal hallways of the fortress, and no one else was around.
Upon seeing the other, each stopped walking. Eries knew that it was only proper to give some sign of acknowledgment to him, since they had been introduced briefly during the wedding.
He also knew the protocols as well as the manners he was supposed to display. But more than anything, Dilandau was still curious about the wife of the Strategos, and he relished this opportunity to test her patience, just as he often did with her husband.
"Lord Dilandau," Eries said cordially, giving a slight bow.
"Lady Eries," Dilandau answered, returning the gesture.
Eries knew that she had to be very careful dealing with this young man. Folken had warned her about him and she knew that her husband was not prone to exaggeration.
For a few moments they stood in silence, staring at each other carefully. Dilandau was impertinently sizing her up and Eries felt that she was being circled by a vulture.
But she was not intimidated by him, and she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her perturbed. She remained calm and collected during this strange "inspection", patiently waiting for some sort of conversation to begin.
Dilandau was impressed with this reaction. Only a very few people could remain serene in his presence, and Folken was among them. And it seemed that his wife was another such rare individual. She carried herself with the dignity and gravitas befitting her rank, and there was an air of quiet but unquestionable authority about her.
But he was not yet content with just this.
"I hope that you have been enjoying your stay in Zaibach so far," he commented slyly.
"I have, thank you," she replied calmly and curtly.
"It certainly is a vastly different environment from what you have been used to," he observed, "haven't you had some difficulty adjusting?"
"I thank you for the concern but I have been all right so far. I'm very adaptable."
"Good for you. From what I hear, most other Asturian women are not as capable."
"Which shows just how little you know about Asturian women," Eries answered, unmoved by such words.
"Well, I can't be bothered to know much about Asturian women, or women in general," Dilandau answered arrogantly, "there are so many more important things to deal with."
"There you are mistaken, Lord Dilandau," Eries replied, "for the less you know about something, the more you are likely to be taken by surprise when it defies your expectations. And that, if I'm not mistaken, is something you must always avoid if you are to be victorious in battle."
Dilandau frowned at this keen observation although he was becoming more and more drawn into the conversation/debate. He usually never bothered extending a conversation.
"I've had victories enough on the battlefield to know what I am doing," he said smugly, folding his arms.
"But you will learn that some of the biggest battles are fought behind closed doors," she advised, "and however talented you are piloting guymelefs, you will still need to learn other skills if you are to win a war."
Again, he frowned but could not deny that he was impressed by such a quick response. Folken was apt to doing the same to him, and Dilandau would not admit it openly but he was glad to have found another verbal sparring partner in the confines of the Vione. After all, he always won in regular combat anyway, so he was always up for a challenge.
"Well, I leave such things to diplomats like Folken and yourself," the young man answered dismissively, "I am a soldier, and I stick to what I do best."
"A wise decision," Eries answered, suppressing the desire to smile.
Dilandau decided that he had wasted enough time on such a conversation, and that he had other more important tasks to accomplish. He took his leave of the princess and walked away, still maintaining his superior and confident gait.
"Send my regards to your husband, Lady Eries," the young man said, knowing full well how Folken had been worried about his meeting Eries, "and tell him that he has nothing to be afraid of. He will know what I mean."
Folken indeed would know that he had so much to be worried about.
"I shall do so," Eries said, and they parted ways without animosity.
Dilandau was still not quite sure about how to deal with Eries but he now knew that she was not a grave annoyance. There even seemed to be something familiar about her. His instincts said that she was to be trusted although he was not yet completely certain of this.
She could now understand why so many people were afraid of Dilandau. There was an intensity in those blood-red eyes and a sharpness to his wit that not everyone could contend with. Added to the fact, of course, that he was a ruthless warrior.
But Eries knew well that he was nothing but a spoiled, impertinent child who needed to be disciplined every now and then. She had had some experience with stubborn young children and she almost felt a parental urge to protect this one, peculiar though he may have been.
And she sensed that beneath that haughty exterior, he was hiding some very dark fears.
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A few days later, Eries encountered another high official of Zaibach, General Gein Adelphos. After the usual courtesies, they had a short conversation. Eries immediately saw where Dilandau had gotten his manners.
But she could also tell that the General was often at odds with his most talented subordinate. And yet, the old officer seemed to be even ruder towards Eries than Dilandau. He seemed to think that Eries' presence there was completely unnecessary and he did everything in his power to try and forward this point.
Eries, as usual, was unfazed and not intimidated by any of these foolish attempts to belittle her. And she looked the general in the eye whenever she replied to him, showing him that she was not to be trifled with.
Eries could see that he was a soldier through and through, and even more hardheaded and narrow-minded than Dilandau.
"War is no place for a woman, Lady Eries," Adelphos had said, "you would do well to remain in the safety of your palace walls and gardens."
"I am no stranger to war, General Adelphos," Eries had replied, "and you would be surprised to know how many wars have been waged within the walls of the palace."
"But not everything can be solved through diplomacy," he replied, "some matters can only be dealt with through force. That is unavoidable."
"While that is true," Eries said, "diplomacy has done more than violence, and at a lesser cost. Isn't diplomacy the reason why you are still alive today?"
"Hmmph," the old man huffed, clearly unimpressed with such a rebuttal, "you ought to know your place here, my lady. And once again, women have no business talking about war."
"With all due respect, General Adelphos," Eries replied politely, "I am well aware of my jurisdiction, and I advise you to remain in yours. We ought to just stick to what we are good at."
Adelphos raised his bushy eyebrows incredulously. How dare she speak to him in such a manner!
"What are you saying?" he said, almost livid with anger.
"There's no need to be angry," Eries answered calmly, "I was merely suggesting that you focus on military training and strategizing and you leave all the debates and negotiations to me."
And with that she took her leave of the speechless general.
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News of this little incident spread and eventually reached Dilandau, who always delighted in hearing embarrassing things about his superior. General Adelphos had wisely not commented on the matter since he did not want it generally known that he was bested by a woman in a verbal battle.
But Dilandau knew how much the general was irked and he reveled in the knowledge. It became perfectly clear to him that Lady Eries was a great addition to their small society on the flying fortress.
And when it became known in the Vione that Eries had gained the diabolical captain's favor, no one dared oppose her. She had already been respected by most as the spouse of Lord Folken, but now, she was also slightly feared.
Even General Adelphos did not dare harm her now. Dilandau may have been his subordinate but he was still someone not to be trifled with.
Eries herself had not been aware of the intrigue she had been causing until a few days later, when a young soldier had invited her to a small celebration that was to be held at Lord Dilandau's quarters.
Perplexed, she had followed the young man and entered a brightly lit room where several other soldiers had gathered. Each of these young men held a half-filled glass of vino but they were not drinking it. They seemed to be standing by for further instructions.
And on a throne flanked by the statue of a lion Dilandau sat, holding a glass of vino as well. The young captain was grinning madly and he seemed genuinely glad to see her.
"To what to I owe this honor, Lord Dilandau?" Eries asked, genuinely curious.
"Anyone who gets on General Adelphos' nerves is a friend of mine," Dilandau replied jubilantly.
Eries raised an eyebrow at this and was tempted to laugh. Dilandau gave an order to his squad and at once they all raised their glasses to her, toasting to her health and happiness.
"You really take too much upon yourself, Lord Dilandau," Eries answered but the captain was already busy downing his glass of wine and then pouring himself another.
One of the young soldiers approached her and gave her a glass of wine as well. She thanked him.
"What do you say, men?" Dilandau barked at the soldiers.
"Welcome to Zaibach, Lady Eries!" they all cried out in unison.
"Cheers!" Dilandau said, raising his glass.
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All this had transpired while Folken had been away on urgent business, sent by Emperor Dornkirk. When he returned, he was immediately informed that Eries had spoken with Dilandau.
Concerned for her safety, he immediately sought out his wife. But he found her, calm and content, waiting for him patiently.
When asked about her initial impressions of the young captain, Eries had smiled enigmatically. Folken could sense that there was a long story behind this.
"He was charming," she said amusedly.