Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 14
Aboard the Lady Vari, just outside the Port of Palas in Asturia
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Van, Hitomi and Merle stood on the quarterdeck along with the ship's captain and Sir Charson, the minister of trade. As the captain barked out commands to his crew in preparation for docking at the Port of Palas, it became apparent that there was far more ships here then were the last time she was in Palas.
Hitomi leaned over to Van and asked. "Why are there so many ships here?"
"For the coronation." Van answered.
"Coronation?" She asked.
"Yes, the Princess Millerna is being coronated next week. She will be Queen Millerna, ruler of all of Asturia." Answered Sir Charson.
"So this wasn't just a trade journey?" She added.
"No, actually, half of all what's stored in our holds are gifts for the soon-to-be queen." Van replied.
"Three ships worth of gifts? My goodness." Hitomi grew wide-eyed just thinking about it.
As the ship approached the dock and the people on the docks came into clear view Van suggested. "Hitomi, why don't you go below and put your things in order. We'll be docking soon, I'll send Merle to get you when we're ready to disembark."
She gave him a curious look. 'He's hiding something from me, but what? Well, what ever it is he seems to want to keep it a surprise so I guess I can play along.' Finally replying, "Okay, I'll be down below then."
And she walked off the quarterdeck and down to the living quarters where her belongings were. Because of the nature of the sea voyage, she took to wearing an outfit very similar to her school uniform but in anticipation for what ever surprise Van had in store for her, she changed into her blue dress and matching blue pumps after freshening up. She applied a small amount of lip-gloss and sprayed some green apple scented body mist over her body. Then she carefully sat down on her bunk and waited to be summoned.
As the ship docked and was made secure, King Van, Sir Charson and Merle disembarked and made there way to the official party sent to greet them.
As they approached, Princess Millerna's personal advisor and captain of her guard bowed down onto one knee. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to have King of Fanelia on Asturian soil."
"Rise Sir Knight, save such greetings for nobles with whom you are not on a first name basis with." Van replied.
With that Allen Schezar, rose and embraced his friend and comrade. "It's good to see you again Lord Van."
"And you Allen. Seven months has been too long." Van replied. "How is your sister?"
"Celena is doing well. She's become a frequent visitor of Her Majesty of late. Personally, I think its all an elaborate ploy on her part in hopes for an appointment to the Queen's court, but only time will tell." He joked.
Taking a moment to enjoy a laugh with is friend, Van stopped long enough to reintroduce his Minister of Trade and Merle.
"Well, if you are ready, we have a coach ready to take you to the palace." Allen started to say.
"Actually, there is one other person in our party that still hasn't disembarked." Turning to his childhood friend, Van asked. "Merle, can you go retrieve our guest?"
"Of course Lord Van." She replied enthusiastically and she was bounding back towards the ship in an instant.
"What surprise are you hiding Van?" The young knight gave a knowing grin.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Van smiled coyly.
As they approached Merle intentionally bounced about to block Allen's view of their special guest as best as possible. But as they came close, it became quite obvious who the guest was. Finally, Merle stepped aside and Van took Hitomi's hand, smiling broadly as he took note that she was wise enough to change into something much more eye catching than what she was wearing earlier.
"Allen Schezar, allow me to present the Lady Hitomi Kanzaki from the Mystic Moon." Van announced.
Allen stared wide-eyed for a moment before quickly recovering and bowing down on one knee. "Ma'Lady, it is an honor to welcome you to Asturia once again. We are at your disposal upon your request."
Hitomi curtseyed, saying. "The honor is all my Sir Allen Schezar."
Rising up, Allen took Hitomi's hand and bowed once more, kissing it ever so softly. "You're even more beautiful than I remember you being."
"Thank you Allen." Hitomi smiled, her eyes sparkling.
After a moment like this, Van had had enough. "Okay, okay, lets head over to the palace." He said to his parting, escorting Hitomi past Allen and onto the coach. Turning to Allen he shot him a crocked grin, "You old smoothie." He added as he followed Merle into the coach followed by Sir Charson.
Allen secured the door shut and mounted his stallion. "Too the palace!" He commanded to the escort as they proceeded down the main road.