Beyond Aeaea

DISCLAIMER: The Vision of Escaflowne is not legally mine but the visions of this story are.

NOTE: In the past few chapters we have focused a lot on our favorite couple. And though the story really is about Folken and Eries, they are not the only ones involved. So, this chapter will use have a slightly different take on their story.

No flashbacks though, the events will move forward from what happened in the last chapter. But this time, it will be from the perspective of the other characters. (Well, at the start, it's still Folken and Eries, but this will not be like the usual way they are written in chapters.) I hope that this won't bore you too much.

I'm also going to introduce an original character. Don't worry, her role is very minor and she's definitely not a Mary Sue. She's more of an interested observer. I don't really know how I came up with her but the idea for her point of view seemed like something fun to add to the story. I hope that you won't hate her that much. I just want to give some more colorful perspectives (I don't know but I have a soft-spot for characters like these because they have the potential to be so fascinating.) Her name is my poor attempt at using my knowledge o Spanish and symbolism. Anyway, you'll know her when you see her, I assure you.

And I know I made that long note about how I would not be able to update the story too soon but there was an unexpected shift in my schedule and I do have some time to spare this week – which is good for me to finish the story on the self-imposed deadline. The next few weeks will be crazy but I'll manage to slip writing in somehow. I was glad for a breather. Anyway, we do not have too long to go before the story ends.

Thank you so much again for your continuous support of the story. I'm working as fast as I can to be able to finish this on time. Please bear with me. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter Sixteen

My dear sister,

I hope this letter finds you well. I know that you are currently busy attending to your various duties as well as some of those I left behind. In spite of the hectic schedule, I do hope that you are happy. It has been quite a while since we have last exchanged communications, and I hope that upon your reply to this letter, you will regale me with very detailed accounts of all your exploits. But for now, the news is mine to share.

And such news! For I write to gladly inform you that you will soon be an aunt again. As you read this, I hope that you are not too surprised by it although I must confess that I found it slightly unexpected. But now I feel a great mixture of eagerness and anxiety for what is to come. How shall I fare as a mother? What do you think? I suppose we shall have to wait and see.

Folken is delighted and cannot believe our good fortune although he does share some of my anxiety about parenthood. We have had experience dealing with children before (you would be surprised at how many of the younger soldiers here look up to us as guardians of sorts) but never something like this. I suppose we shall hope for the best.

In spite of all this, you can be sure that our child will be doted upon by devoted parents, determined to make his or her life as free from hurt as possible. And I think, that should be the least we can do, to take responsibility for the life we are bringing into this world.

I have rambled on, forgive me. But I do hope to hear from you soon. I would very much like to know how you are reacting to this little piece of news. I have already written a separate, more formal account (or a report, it seems) to father about this but feel free to express your feelings on the matter to him.

With much love,

Eries.

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Naturally, Millerna replied promptly to this letter and made her delight exceedingly clear.

Dearest sister,

Congratulations! You can have no doubt of my delight at the news you have conveyed. I am so pleased and so eager to be an aunt again, this time with YOUR child. Time does seem to fly by with us now that we are having yet another addition to our family. I am so excited.

(Although he does not say so, I know that father is also happy about being a grandfather again. And I assure you, his pleasure is not just because of any political advantages this development might have. He's just too stubborn to admit anything.)

No doubt, you've received some greetings from our adorable nephew in Freid. The Duke and our beloved little prince send their regards and best wishes.

This must be such an exciting time for you and I cannot wait until we meet next so that we may talk more about this. When are you planning to visit us again? I hope it will be soon. There is so much for us to talk about, although not really much on my end. I will not waste any space in this letter talking about my boring life. I'm sure that everything here pales in comparison to all the adventures you're having in Zaibach.

But I confess, my withholding some information here is also my way of urging you to come visit in Palas soon. How I've missed you, sister!

And don't you worry about being a mother! I'm sure I'm a poor example, but your guidance and guardianship have been as precious to me as I grew up as any mother's love. I am SURE that you will be a wonderful mother. You have all the qualities of one, being probably the most responsible person I know. You are warm and affectionate in your way, and I am sure that you will do everything in your power to protect your child.

Please convey my heartfelt congratulations to your husband as well. I am happy for both of you, and I am eager to see how Lord Folken will be a doting father. He too seems to be determined to protect all those he loves, and I have seen now that he does love you very much though this still seems to baffle others.

I must commend you there, sister. No one else has ever caught Lord Folken's eye, and you managed to do so very effectively. (I am teasing. I know how much you love him as well, and I must confess that I am just a little jealous! Besides, I know I must commend him as well for winning your heart. I'm sorry for doubting you at first but now that I've seen you, I am perfectly convinced of your happiness, and I congratulate you. It seems that your happiness can only grow from here.)

And with both of you being so intelligent and talented, your son or daughter is sure to be brimming with brilliance. In this I do not jest. My future nephew or niece is sure to be the envy of many in his or her generation.

So naturally, I shall be a very proud aunt, indeed. And I am sure that if our dear Marlene was alive today, she would be sending her congratulations as well. She would have been glad to be an aunt, I think. She's probably smiling at us proudly from wherever she is.

Oh, your child is just waiting to be spoiled by everyone is he/she not? We simply must meet very soon. I know that I have asked this before but is it really not possible for me to visit you there?

Now, it is I who have truly rambled all throughout this letter. I am just so happy for you and I hope to see you soon.

With the greatest affection and love,

Millerna

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The news was spread across Zaibach in a different manner, and the general response was favorable. Folken was congratulated by many of the officers who learned the news and even Emperor Dornkirk expressed some sense of congratulations to his trusted Strategos.

But now more than ever was he determined not to show how much these changes affected him. He needed to show the emperor that he would continue working well even with such developments. And yet, he could not conceal everything, and the shrewd old man was able to divine somehow that his loyal servant was more concerned with his growing family than with the great plans for the future of the world.

Such grave matters, however, were not too dwelled upon at such a celebratory time. Zaibach, and the Vione in particular, was hardly a festive place, but on such a happy occasion, there was an evident change in the overall atmosphere. One person, in particular, was making the most of the event.

Every now and then, when Folken happened to pass by the training area, he would hear triumphant shouts and the clink of wine glasses.

"Another toast to Lord Folken's upcoming fatherhood!" someone would cry out and Folken would embarrassedly have to endure yet another toast raised to him by the Dragonslayers Unit, eagerly led by their leader himself.

Folken did not know how many bottles of vino the young captain had already consumed on his account and he shuddered to think about it, knowing Dilandau's fondness for alcohol.

When the older man had confronted the younger officer about this, Dilandau had shrugged the matter off, as usual.

"Aren't you glad that I'm celebrating your new family circumstances?" Dilandau had commented mischievously.

"As much as I appreciate your support," Folken had answered, "I hardly think you need to empty someone's vineyard just because my wife is expecting a child."

For Dilandau had already made several toasts and had many drinking parties. He had given a toast to Folken, to Eries, to both of them, to their future child, to the prosperity of the empire, and a host of other things.

And no one dared prohibit Dilandau from doing anything since he had more than excelled in his training and had already mastered (and even improved) the newest models of guymelefs. Not to mention, he had beaten everyone in sparring.

"Stop using my situation as an excuse to get inebriated," Folken told Dilandau.

"Why, Lord Folken!" Dilandau replied in mock offense, "I am well aware of my limits when it comes to alcohol. Taking into consideration my high tolerance for it, in fact, I drink quite moderately."

At length, Folken left Dilandau to his devices. He would stop drinking when there were new missions to be accomplished and new weapons to be tested.

When Folken had relayed all this to Eries, she merely shook her head and laughed. After a while, Folken realized that the best way to deal with the whole thing was to use one's sense of humor. Besides, they had bigger concerns now.

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Several months passed and Eries' pregnancy grew more and more evident. At length, Folken and Eries decided that she would spend the last few months of her confinement at Asturia. This way, she would remain in one place as opposed to the nomadic (though comfortable) lifestyle of the Vione. And she would also be able to visit and spend time with her family, Millerna especially, since it had been a while since she last saw her sister.

They decided that this would be for the best since Emperor Dornkirk had a host of new assignments to send Folken on and he would not have had much time to spend with his wife anyway. He did promise, however, to be present on the day the baby was born.

"We must bear this separation as best as we can," Eries advised, "although I will be eagerly waiting for the day that we may be together again."

"I shall be very restless without you," Folken told her, "but I will try and endure."

"I'm sure you will," Eries replied with a smile, "and we'll be waiting for you."

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"Sister!"

Millerna came running excitedly to see her sister the very moment Eries alighted from her carriage. The two princesses embraced each other warmly and the younger girl promptly began to speak, both recounting stories and asking endless questions simultaneously.

Eries was certain that she would have a lot to keep her occupied during her confinement in Asturia. And she had to admit, that happy though she had been with Folken in Zaibach, she had missed her old home. The second princess of Asturia took a deep breath as she inhaled the familiar and comforting scent of the ocean.

"It's good to be back," Eries said with a smile.

Her father had welcomed her very cordially, and all the unpleasantness of their last discussion was now conveniently tucked in the past. She had more than proven her fulfillment of her duties, and he could no longer find any reason to doubt her.

And since she could not bear to be idle for long, Eries would still find opportunities to be of service to her country men. The king was pleased because he knew that her very presence was already an asset to his kingdom.

Lord Folken visited his wife regularly, which most people saw merely as a front for the covert negotiations Zaibach was making with Asturia, which were Folken's front for visiting his wife. The two often had a laugh at the expense of all those who believed that he was more concerned with politics than with her. But they did nothing to correct any misconceptions about the matter. Only they knew the truth, and that was for the best.

Again, after the slight scandal they had caused in the Asturian court recently, they did not want to show too much affection for each other in public, to avoid any more scandals and problems. They maintained their reputations and people continued to respect them.

But even though they tried to be very discreet about their interaction, they were still under scrutiny by many inquisitive people around them. Such a marriage between equals in position as well as diplomatic talent was unheard of in Gaea, and many were fascinated by the way the couple handled all their duties and their relationship.

Try as they might to downplay their genuine affection for one another, Folken and Eries could not hide their feelings completely. Dilandau and Millerna of course were aware of the strong bond between the couple but this was because they were very closely acquainted with both. And they had somehow joined silently and secretly in the pact to not expose the couple's love to the whole world. Millerna was always concerned about her sister, and Dilandau (who could never be guilty of feeling concerned for anyone) simply felt that things were more interesting that way.

Fortunately, their love was not obvious to everyone, and they did manage to conceal it (at least most of the time) from those who would seek to destroy them.

Nevertheless, there were some acute observers who could see through their façade of indifference and formality. One stranger, in particular, took a great interest in them.

This was Asturia's most renowned courtesan, La Miraveira. No one knew her real name and she preferred it that way. This lovely but shrewd young woman was the greatest success in her field because of both her beauty and brains. She was clever and learned in all the refined arts as well as knowledgeable in the latest trends in pleasure. Therefore, she was the object of desire of nearly everyone in and out of the Asturian court and she never wanted for a rich, influential client.

Even long before the wedding of the Strategos and the princess, La Miraveira had already taken a particular interest in Folken. This was not to say that she was in any way emotionally affected by him. She had learned long ago that there was nothing to be gained by being ruled by one's emotions, especially in her line of work. No, what fascinated her about Folken was his complete imperviousness to her charms.

La Miraveira was not a very vain woman, but she knew the scope of her power on most other men. Even when they refused to look at her, she saw the effect she had on them. And invariably, all were attracted to her, whether they were aware of it or not. She would see it in a spark of passion in their eyes when she held their gaze even for the briefest moment. Then, even if they would not seek her company, she would smile with satisfaction knowing that they secretly wanted her.

So far, there was only one man who had not been affected by her even in the slightest. And that was Strategos Folken. At first, she had taken this as a challenge, as an intriguing project. Although she found him handsome, she was not particularly fond of the Zaibach official, but her pride was hurt by his indifference and for a time she had been determined to win him over.

Unfortunately for the poor courtesan, none of her schemes had worked on Folken (although he had been amused by all her attempts). Nothing she did produced any spark in his dark eyes, and soon, she reluctantly admitted defeat. It was an exceedingly humbling experience for her but she learned to take it in stride.

There was something about the coldness in his manner that unnerved her somehow. She sensed that his eyes had lost any spark that they could have had, that they were dead eyes. He had lost some part of himself a long time ago, and it was irretrievable. And it seemed impossible for anything or anyone to rekindle the flames of passion in the Strategos' cold, calculating eyes.

So it was with great surprise that La Miraveira learned about Folken's marriage. She was amused by the notion and wanted to know more about it. She was acquainted with Princess Eries for she had spent a fair share of time at court. Eries had always been cordial to her, acknowledging the role she played in international politics.

La Miraveira was familiar with the serious natures of both diplomats and at first she had been convinced that their marriage was a purely political arrangement. But when she heard about the controversial kiss during the assembly, her interest was piqued. Two very unlikely people to cause a scandal, she had thought.

And she just had to learn more. So she took every opportunity she got to observe the couple whenever they would visit Asturia. At first it had been difficult since they spent much of their time in Zaibach.

But an opportunity had presented itself when the reports came in that Lady Eries was with child and would spend her confinement in Palas. It was this sojourn that had prompted frequent visits from the husband, chances in which La Miraveira was able to observe them.

And what she discovered was exceedingly baffling.

"Utterly extraordinary," she exclaimed to herself as she mulled over what she had just seen.

She had manipulated her current client into attending an event at the Royal Court where she was certain Folken would be. And just as she had planned, the Strategos of Zaibach was present, still as grave and dignified as ever. His wife was by his side, leaning on his arm, her body showing clear signs of her pregnancy and yet she was still regal and elegant. A very noble couple indeed, courteous and diplomatic to a fault.

And yet, there was something new about him now, about both of them, something strange and yet familiar. It was inevitable that they would cross paths in such a small assembly. When they did, the distinguished couple showed the necessary courtesy to both La Miraveira and her escort, an important official of Daedalus.

It was then that La Miraveira saw it. That unmistakable spark of passion burning wildly in Folken's eyes.

She was taken aback by its intensity, although it was not obvious to the ordinary bystander. She recognized it because she had had a lot of practice divining men's thoughts by peering into their souls, and finding their hidden truths, no matter how hard they tried to conceal them.

And she saw it clear as day, the life that had returned to his eyes. But more than the great passion, La Miraveira also saw something unexpected, love.

Though she did not have much experience in that area, she recognized it for what it was. And indeed there was love in the eyes of both Folken and Eries. They would exchange glances carefully and discreetly but they could not escape La Miraveira's notice. And she was utterly fascinated.

"Who would have thought that those two," she thought silently, "would show me a glimpse of that elusive love?"

The shrewd courtesan also knew this love to be strong because she saw how hard they tried to suppress it. And she had seen so many men lose their fondness for their wives when the latter would grow heavy with child. But this was not so with Folken and Eries.

If anything, he seemed to love her even more, because she was carrying his child. At least, this was what La Miraveira had surmised in the short glimpses she got of that peculiar couple.

"How ironic to see genuine love in the midst of this whole socio-political masquerade," she reflected, "and such a stark contrast in character they have to the usual lover-types. They never cease to amaze me."

And in fact, she was quite envious of their circumstances. Hers was hardly a life of luxury and happiness. But she decided that there was nothing to be gained by comparing her situation with theirs. She would simply enjoy watching them living on.

Now, every assembly that the couple attended afforded an extra pleasure to the experienced courtesan who was fast growing bored of the patterns of aristocratic life. She smiled and flirted with her usual energy, but she always tried to see how the unique pair were faring.

"I don't know how long they intend to keep this up in a world as dangerous and complex as this," she wondered, "but they are hardly the kind of people who give in to any kind of pressure. They are probably the most likely to triumph in the end."

And if that would be the case, then the couple would be a fine testament to love, indeed, La Miraveira thought, and perhaps such a model was needed for the younger, impulsive, foolish generation to better understand love.

One evening, as Folken and Eries bumped into the courtesan during an assembly, the latter found some nerve to address them.

"Congratulations to you both, Lord Folken, Lady Eries" La Miraveira remarked earnestly, "your child will surely want for nothing, being born to such distinguished parents."

They thanked her sincerely, both amused by her sudden desire to converse with them. She had never shown such an interest in them before, and now the two clever spouses had suspicions on why the courtesan was suddenly so friendly. Neither of them judged her because they knew that her life had not been an easy one.

"The journey ahead is bound to be a long and complicated one," La Miraveira told them enigmatically, "but I'm certain that with your extraordinary strength, you will surmount all the challenges that come your way."

Again they thanked her for such generous praise and she nodded to them. But before the three guests were able to discuss any important matters with each other, they were summoned to different parts of the hall. The couple took their leave of the courtesan and she bowed reverently back.

She felt an urge to say one last thing, seized by a desire to see them through whatever was coming. She would never have their happiness, but she very much wanted to be a witness to it.

"With all my heart," La Miraveira declared, "I wish you well."