Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 57
In Hitomi's Chambers
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"You're not going to wear that to dinner tonight, are you?" Merle asked as she walking into her friend's room with a clean dress on.
Hitomi stopped buttoning the oversized man's dress shirt and looked down at it, then up at her friend. "Why not, I thought you said I could wear a potato sack and Van would still think I was beautiful?"
"You take things to literally, besides this is supposed to be a romantic dinner…" The catgirl started lecturing.
"Relax Merle, I'm not wearing this to dinner. This is just one of my Dad's old shirts. It's just something to wear when I put on my makeup." She smiled as she walked over to the vanity table and sat down.
"Makeup? I've never seen you put on makeup before." The catgirl pranced over to bed and sat down.
"Well, I never really had a reason to put makeup on before, though I have worn a little lip gloss from time to time." The teen said as she brushed her hair. "Oh, I wish my hair grew faster."
"What's wrong with your hair? It looks fine."
"Well, it's a little longer then it was before but not long enough to do anything with." She turned her head side to side, keeping an eye on her reflection in the mirror. "It just sits there." She set the brush down in frustration.
Slowly a thought came to Merle and she hopped off the bed. "I'll be right back." She said as she made her way toward the door.
"Where are you going?" The teen turned her head to watch her friend leave.
"Don't go anywhere till I get back." The catgirl smiled then was out the door.
The emerald-eyed girl stared at the closed door a moment longer. Her eyes wide in mild surprise, then she shrugged and grabbed her bottle of astringent and a couple of cotton balls. "Whatever."
About an hour later, she was done applying her makeup. She ended up washing her face and starting over three times before she got it right, not too much but just enough to be noticeable by moonlight or candlelight. Now she was ready to put on the dress she had picked out for the evening. It was actually the same dress she had put on for lunch, before being persuaded to change by Merle. She was behind the changing curtain when the chambermaid came in to light the candles.
"Is that you Merle?" She called out.
"No Miss. The maid replied. "It's just me, I've come to light the candles for the night."
"Oh." She replied as she stepped out from behind the curtain. "Okay."
"Oh my goodness." The maid's eyes grew large as she covered her mouth with her hand.
"What's wrong?" Hitomi looked down at herself, her arms out to her side. "Is there a stain or a snag?"
"No ma'am, you… you look beautiful, absolutely beautiful." The woman smiled.
The teen relaxed as she looked up and smiled at the maid. "Thank you." She turned and walked over to the full-length mirror, to see for herself.
"Oh, my!" The maid gasped again. "Ma'am, you're missing half your dress."
The teen just smiled at the reflection of the maid off the mirror. "No, it's supposed to be that way."
The dress was a floor length sheath with a high haltered neckline and bare shoulders. The back of the dress scooped low to just above where her black bikini panties started. It had a slit on the left side that came up to mid-thigh and was made out of a dark blue, almost black, crumpled velvet and was fully lined.
"I bought this dress to wear to the sports banquet last May but my mother wouldn't allow me to. She said it was too adventurous." She smiled at her reflection after looking herself over.
"I think perhaps you mother was correct." The maid said then quickly covered her mouth. "Sorry ma'am. I… Sorry." And she retreated from the room.
Hitomi just smiled as she turned her attention from the retreating maid back to her reflection. "Well, I think I'm ready for a little adventure tonight."
Merle hummed to herself as she walked up the stairs, her attention entirely on the object in her hands.
"Oh my!" Sophia, the head chambermaid gasped.
"Aah!" The catgirl yelped as the two of them almost collided into each other.
"Merle, you scared me. Be careful child. I could have knocked you down the stairs." The middle-aged woman said, gasping for air.
"Sorry Sophia." Merle clutched her heart.
After recovering a bit, the maid asked. "What is that you have there, Merle?"
"Oh, this." She held it up proudly. She had woven a hair-band out of thin vines and small flowers. "It's for Hitomi. She has a dinner date with Lord Van tonight."
"Oh yes, I've heard. It is quite exciting isn't it?" The older woman giggled silently.
"She was worried her hair didn't look right so I made this for her."
"What a nice gesture. Is she still getting ready?"
"She should be about ready. It's almost dark out. Lord Van sent word telling her, his vassal would come to escort her to her carriage at dusk."
"Well, we should go and get your gift to her then. I'm dying to see what she has chosen to wear for this night." And the two turned and headed up the stairs and down the hall to Hitomi's room.
Hitomi finally decided on her black pumps over the open-toed shoes she purchased with the dress. Not sure where she would end up, she felt more confident in her pumps in case she needed to walk over a dirt road or across a grassy field.
A soft wrap on the door drew her attention. "Is that you Merle?" She called out.
"None other." Merle walked in, followed by the maid.
"Oh, hi Sophia." The teen smiled as she straightened up after getting her shoes on.
"Whew! You look great!" Merle said.
"That's not what you said this afternoon, when you saw me in it." Hitomi teased, placing her hands on her hips.
Sheepishly, Merle admitted, "Actually, I wasn't really paying attention this afternoon. But it's a good thing you didn't wear it then. Now you get to knock Lord Van's socks off with it." She smiled.
"You think so? You think I look that good in it?" She slowly turned all the way around.
"Yes miss, it's lovely. Oh!" The maid's eyes sprang wide with shock. "Miss, you'll catch a death of cold. Haven't you anything to wear over it?"
"No, I don't." She replied with a hint of concern in her voice.
"It is starting to get a little cool out." Merle frowned.
"Oh, and I really wanted to wear this dress too." The teen pouted slightly. "Oh well. Guess I'll have to save it for another time." She said acceptantly as she walked over to the chifforobe.
"One moment Miss." Sophia said suddenly. Putting her hand to her mouth, she thought pensively for a moment then continued. "I shall bring you something I'm sure will go well with your dress. Be sure to wait for my return." She said as she turned and headed for the door.
"But what if the vassal shows up before you return." Merle asked.
"Make him wait. A gentleman like his Majesty will not mind waiting for such a vision." She smiled then left the room.
Turning back to her friend, the catgirl held up the item in her hand. "Hitomi, I made this for you." She smiled proudly.
The teen's emerald-eyes went wide. "What is it?"
"It's for your hair." The feline took her hand and guided her to the vanity table. With the teen seated, the catgirl carefully put it over her head, sliding the ends behind her ears.
"Oh, Merle." Hitomi gave her friend a smile of genuine gratitude. She reached up and gently ran her fingers over the band. "It's beautiful."
Merle smiled proudly. "I used to make them for myself all the time when I was a kid. I'd use all sorts of flowers. As I got older, I thought it was kinda silly but I think for tonight, it suits you just fine." She patted her friend's shoulders.
Placing her hand over the feline's, the emerald-eyed girl said in a gentle voice, barely over a whisper. "Thank you Merle. I love it."
"Okay now, don't start crying or anything, you'll ruin your makeup." Merle said, turning away and blinking several times to chase way her own tears.
The two girls were roused from the moment when they heard a firm knock at the door.
"Yes, who is it?" Hitomi asked.
"Your escort Ma'Lady. I am here to take you to his Majesty, King Van." The person on the other side of the door said.
"Wha-what do we do?" Hitomi turned toward Merle.
The catgirl thought for a moment, then as a serious look of determination appeared on her face, she said. "Leave it to me." And she headed for the door.
Opening it quickly and closing it behind her just as quickly, Merle smiled at the servant. "Hiiii!" She put her hands together and gave him a big toothy grin. "The Lady Hitomi Kanzaki is not ready yet. You know these girls from the Mystic Moon? Hehe"
"Aaa, no ma'am I'm afraid I don't." He replied honestly.
"Uh?" Taken off-guard for a moment by his response, the catgirl quickly recovered and walked up to him. Taking his arm, she started guiding him down the hall. "Well, let me tell you. You can't ever rely on them to be on time for anything. It was like the other day…"
Using her master key, Sophia opened the door to a room that had not been opened for nearly ten years. Walking in with her lamp in hand she made her way to the large chest at the foot of the bed. Kneeling before the chest, she set the lamp down on the floor and carefully, slowly opened the large box. Lifting the lamp again, she scanned the contents. The chest was full and each layer of clothing was covered with a sheet of fine, white paper that served to keep them dust free and prevent any musty odors from permeating the clothes. Searching for a particular item for several moments, she finally found it and removed it with the utmost care and reverence.
Holding the item close to her chest, Sophia whispered. "She is such a lovely young thing. I know you would approve madam. I just know you would."
Setting the item on her lap and the lamp on the floor again, she carefully closed the chest. Then she picked up both things, stood up and walked out the room, locking the door once more. Then she headed for the laundry facility.
Once there, she got into a shouting match with the master launderer.
"I have over two-hundred people I have to launder for, I can't bring it all to a stop for one article of clothing." The short, round man yelled.
"No one is telling you to stop anything. All I'm asking is that you perform a quick clean and press of this shawl." Sophia refused to back down.
"Listen Miss, if I stopped to take care of every special request I receive, ninety percent of the people in this castle would be going about without any clean clothes."
The head chambermaid looked from one side to the other. "I don't see anyone else here requesting anything special at the moment. And what of those two over there." She pointed across the facility. "They're not doing anything. Can't they do this for me?"
The round man turned to see where she was pointing two and saw to of his workers standing about talking. "Say you two! Get back to work! This isn't a meeting hall!"
Hearing their boss yelling at them, the two men immediately got busy.
"See, we're too busy. Now go away." He shooed her away.
"Fine, and when the Lady Hitomi catches a death of cold tonight on her date with King Van, I'll be sure to inform his Majesty that it was because you refused to launder her shawl." She turned in a huff to walk away.
"Wait! You mean this is for Lady Hitomi? Why didn't you say so?" He waved her back over. "Here, here, let me see it."
She gave the shawl to the round man and he unfolded it. "Say, this is Fanelian. What are you trying to pull?"
"I said it was for her, not that it belonged to her." The maid corrected.
"Mmm…"
"Well, are you going to do it or not?" She stomped her foot and set her fists on her hips.
"Okay, okay, come back in ten minutes, I'll see to it personally." He began to turn away.
"Ten minutes is too long. I need it in five." She insisted.
"You want everything, don't you?"
"Well, you could have had ten minutes but you decided to stand here and argue with me instead." She spat.
"Fine, fine, six minute and not a moment sooner."
"Fine, but I'll wait right here for it." She turned and sat on an old stool that was by the door.
"Suit yourself." Turning his attention to his task at hand. "You there! Lad! Hand me the brightening spray! No, the other one!"
"What a stubborn man." She whispered under her breath as she shook her head.
"Miss Merle, why are we in the kitchen?" The vassal asked.
"Because I'm hungry. Aren't you hungry?" She said as she rolled up a thinly sliced piece of roast beef and stuffed it in her mouth. "Want some?" She held out a piece for the servant to take.
Shaking his head, he said. "No thank you. My orders are to deliver Lady Hitomi to the carriage. I need to carry out my orders." He started to turn but Merle grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait, I told you, she's not ready." Merle said as she got in front of him again. "Besides we're already here. Why not sneak a little something in your mouth. No one has to know. I promise not to tell Lord Van." She grinned as she held up a piece of cheese.
Sighing in defeat, the servant accepted the cheese and took a bite. "Mmm, this is good."
"Told ya." She grinned as she darted over to the counter again. "Here try the roast beef."
With the shawl folded neatly in her arms, the head chambermaid, made her way to Hitomi's room. A gentle smile played across her face as she wrapped on the door. "Miss Hitomi, I've returned."
"Come in Sophia." The teen replied.
Walking into the room the maid found the teen making some finally adjustments to her hair and the band Merle had given her. Smiling at the vision in blue, the older woman walked over to her. "Here Miss, I think you will find this most appropriate."
Hitomi stood up and looked at the item in maid's arms. "Oh, my. That's lovely." She ran her hand over the light blue material. It felt soft and warm to the touch.
"May I?" Sophia unfolded it shawl and held it out.
"Oh, of course." Hitomi turned around and extended her arms out to the side.
The maid draped the material over one arm, across her upper back and then over her other arm. Making a minor adjustment so both sides were of even length, she stepped back to admire the results.
Hitomi turned around resting her hands on her waist she asked. "Well, how do I look?"
"You are a vision of loveliness Ma'Lady, truly a vision." The maid smiled joyfully.
"Thank you Sophia." She stole a look at herself on the mirror. "Thank you for everything."
Just then there was a soft wrap on the door, then Merle pocked her head in. "Are you ready yet?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Hitomi took a deep breath, exhaled and smiled.
Opening the door wide, Merle curtsied. "Your carriage awaits Ma'Lady."
"Ma'Lady." Sophia curtsied as well.
"Thank you both." She replied with a smile then walked out the door.
In the hallway, the king's vassal bowed low. "Lady Hitomi, I am here to escort you to your carriage." He straightened up and offered her his arm.
Accepting it, they walked in silence down the hall. Normally, Hitomi would have started a conversation with the young man but she was much too nervous to think of anything to say, too excited to think of anyone but Van.
Stepping out into the hallway, Merle and Sophia watched the two figures retreat down the hall. Tilting her head toward the maid, Merle asked.
"That shawl. Isn't it Queen Vari's shawl?" Merle whispered.
"Yes, yes it is." Sophia answered.
"But didn't Lord Van order that nothing of his mother's should ever be disturbed?" Merle added.
"That was years ago. I'm sure he will not mind." She smiled.
"I hope you're right." Merle smiled as well with only a hint of sadness.
"Are you all right Merle?" The maid asked. "It still pains you to see Lord Van with another woman, doesn't it."
Tilting her head to the side the catgirl responded. "A little, but as long as it's Hitomi, I can live with it. Lord Van loves her so. And she's such a wonderful person. How can I hold it against her?" She gave the maid a more genuine smile this time.
"Come little one, let us go see what there is to eat in the kitchen." The middle-aged maid placed a supportive hand on the catgirl's shoulder.
"Sure, sounds good to me. I could use something to eat right now." She smiled knowingly.
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AN: Okay, I apologize. I am genuinely sorry. I thought I'd get to the date in this chapter but things just got away from me. But I promise, the next chapter will be totally dedicated to V/H's night together. I promise.
Thank you all for all your wonderful comments and support. I am again overwhelmed. To go from 200 to 300 reviews in one month is quite overwhelming. I think you all. I am so pleased, so very happy that so many of you not only enjoy my story but enjoy it enough to take the time to comment on it so regularly. It warms my heart. It really does. Thank you. Each and every one of you. ^_^
Well, with the exception of this chapter, I've sent the rest of my story to my newest beta-reader. He has proven most invaluable with my Eva story and I'm sure he will do just as well with this one as well. As I get updates from him, I will re-post the edited versions on ff.net. And as my story starts appearing on other websites, I'll let you know about that as well.
Again, I am sorry for not including the date here but I hope what I will give you in the next chapter will make the wait well worth it. ^_^
I love you all so very much, thank you for being out there for me.
A. Amishi