I DO NOT OWN ESCANFLOWNE
I sure hope you all are enjoying it, Im nearing what I have written thus far and already working on more – Im trying not to drag anything out to long but then again I don't want it to end suddenly either or she just appears with van in one chapter and the previous she was a 4 day hike away if you get my drift, so Im just to pool in all the pieces.
Again my first time ever writing and writing a fanfic to be exact – I read A LOT tho, however not sure my reading a lot helps with my writing (hah I made a funny)
Well hope your enjoying!
Oh by the way I did make it M for future content – maybe some um –lemon- as Ive seen it put haha but who knows
The glass shattered against the control panel, the assigned solider ducked to miss but could feel the wind of the flying object as it was a near miss by inches.
"Lord Dilandau, she was with the dragon – she crippled our Gymeluf's with ease Sire." He was trying to shed light on the failed objective but Dilandau fury was nowhere near reasoning with.
"How could you let this happen?" He hurled towards him landing the back side of his hand against the soldiers face, bringing him to the ground.
The solider wanted to instinctively place his hand over his throbbing face but held his kneeling – show no pain – he would think you weak – is all he could do to hope his life would be spared. He didn't raise his head to met Dilandau's furious gaze.
"Get me King Rentra, I will be in the communications room." Dilandau left the groveling solider, he would be thankful later he had more pressing matters to attend to.
Dilandau headed up the spiral cased stairs into a large room, with nothing in it but a glowing yellow sphere. Folken has set up here appeasing a old man who knew nothing about controlling the world. Dornkirk the fool, he tried to adjust fate to make a peaceful world, what a foolish idea. It was in the Temple that Dilandau realized the key to bringing Gaea to a state of control was through that girl – Hitomi. He would rule Gaea – no one would be able to defeat him and then Gaea would be in a controlled state – under him.
The screen pulsed and a vibrant hum filled the room as it stated to blur into a form. King Rentra faced him through the screen. Fool Dilandau thought. After finding the origins and past history about the power of Tsuni Dilandau found it in his best interest to find King Rentra and merge Ziabach with Cimedian once again. For the time being Dilandau thought. He never intended to share his rule with anyone, much less a frail king he could crush his newly rebuilt nation in a matter of days. But until he had Hitomi abiding by his will – he needed the eyes and ears in other places – and King Rentra had managed to be an asset in Fanelia. That would be the first place she ran.
"You lost her." King Rentra at least had intelligence about him – and though Dilandau was planning to dispose of Rentra when he was capable of doing so – he was pretty sure Rentra was thinking the same.
"Don't scold me like one of your dogs Rentra – you wouldn't be in the position you are now if it wasn't for me." Dilandau said mockingly while rubbing his index finger against his cheek.
"I will obtain her from here Dilandau – you should make preparations as we had previously discussed" King Rentra was blurry through this vision screen but Dilandau could tell he was smirking. Fury burned through Dilandau and he glared intently at Rentra. He would continue his plans; he would head to Fanelia – all forces – and enjoy destroying everything on his way – starting with Fried. Once he got to Fanelia – he would get Hitomi back and kill this wretched King but not before making him grovel to his feet.
The thought made him smile deviously.
"Dilandau I trust your lust for death is that not directed at me – remember our deal, or I will turn you back into the sobbing wench you once were." With that the screen turned dull and no light radiated from it.
Dilandau screamed in fit as if the King was still there.
"I'll kill you and your pathetic country – you will regret crossing me Rentra"
"Any word from Allen?" Van approached Storius.
Storius lowered his blade and bowed to the approaching king – catching his breath to address his King.
"No your majesty, they were last heard from 6 days ago they had reached the borders of the old Ziabach empire." Storius sheathed his blade and returned his gaze to Van.
Van couldn't think anything positive that would hinder Allen from sending word of his progress. His gaze shifted to Storius's sparring partner Orinia. She had taken to the blade two years ago, and her form was excellent. She was quick and strong. Van had heard rumors through the castles staff that she had done it to impress Van – he shrugged them off. People loved to gossip, and though he never dug into any of them to know if they were true – he never tested her with that reason. He was aware people talked – and most of the rumors were revolving him and a royal scandal with Orinia. There were times when her appearance would make his inner feeling jolt, more so the last year than any. He couldn't deny that he occasional thought of her with her form fitting dresses and how she would feel – but his mind would push those aside, knowing it was simple lust talking.
Orinia bowed her head when she realized Van was staring at her with those deep crimson eyes that sent waves of goose bumps all over her body. She held her composure – the mere glance from Van could send her into an emotional ride that she struggled with on a daily basis. However, she never let them show, she hid them – or at least tried – but she knew the talk, everyone else saw right through her – and to a point she wished Van would catch on to.
"Orinia I don't think your form could improve any better- your almost flawless, Storius you might need to trade advisory positions with her." He smirked at Storius – at least not to let them see his growing fright and concern for the situation surrounding Hitomi.
"I do fear she is giving me a run for my position sire, however I fear with her responsibilities your kingdom might become a floundering fish had I hers." Storius winked at Orinia who smiled back.
"Flattery will not help you win this spar Storius." Orinia tapped her sword against the marble floor.
"Maybe not for you, but I have found many women who are unable of resisting my many charms." He grinned from ear to ear.
"Maybe you can introduce me to one, I was beginning to believe you thought women were the plague." Van laughed.
"Just because I take none to court – with their greedy clutches – doesn't mean I don't charm them to my bed M'lord." Storius was another version of Allen in his own sense, however Allen's ways had mellowed, Storius seemed to be Allen I in his prime.
"Ah yes, well Storius try bedding the ones that spend less time on their appearance and wealth, and you might find yourself with a decent woman." Orinia never took this conversation lightly – Van was about to regret bringing it up.
"Orinia, if I could find a woman more like you, my oats would be sown." There Storius landed flat on his feet as Orinia took him from behind, Van chuckled as the sight was a rare opportunity.
"Storius, if you would stop landing on your back so much and making your women do all the work, I might glance at you once in awhile." Orinia pulled her blade from pointing at his chest and walked away – hips swaying in triumph.
Van lent his hand and helped Storius to his feet.
"She is probably the only women in all of Gaea that would be worth selling your soul for one night with." Storius said absent mindedly as he rose to his feet.
"If I wasn't well adjusted to your ways Storius I would think you fancied her." Van started to the swords pulling one of the sparring blades balancing it, feeling the blade.
"Ah, well if I knew her sights weren't on you I might be able to have a chance, besides my dashing appearances are irresistible to a woman without a course in mind." Storius twirled his blade, loosening his wrists. It wasn't until Van looked at him blankly did he realized he had said too much, he was always doing that – openly saying unsaid things.
He bowed his head and placed his sword to his side. "I'm sorry your majesty, I speak without thinking."
"Don't tell me you are listening to the rumors from the palace hands too." Van rolled his eyes – he was taken back – Storius wasn't one to believe such idle gossip.
Storius lifted a brow and raised his head - Van really didn't know did he. It was a year ago – Fanelia had put on a ball for Millernia and Dryden, it was probably one of the select few that Van enjoyed. Orinia had attended, in what Storius found as the most entrancing dress he had seen her wear. She was always a beautiful graceful woman, but seeing her in that light – made his perception of her altered some. She had been enjoying herself a little too loosely; Storius could tell something was amiss with her.
He approached the balcony – he could smell the fresh scent of her perfume, lilacs. Her hair was pinned in intricate weave with clips holding it together; stray strands framed her smooth oval face. She turned and faced him – her cheeks slightly flushed red, it was either all the winron she had been drinking or she was blushing.
"Hello Orinia, you look as beautiful as an angel herself." He stood next to her looking down at her with a smooth smile.
"Ah, yes, thank you Storius, I think my hair took the better part of the day." She rolled her eyes, not taking his compliment the way he intended.
"Why aren't you in there dazzling men off their feet?" Storius looked back through the balcony doors to the ball, where everyone was continuing on with the dancing and conversing.
She was silent, looking down at the garden below, a lone figure in the night kneeling next to Escanflowne. Van. Storius recalled he hadn't seen the king himself for the last few dances, and figured he was mingling with other nobles in the large ballroom.
"He longs for her Storius." Orinia looked up at him – tears pooling in her eyes. She was going to cry? And who was "she" this woman Orinia was talking about, Storius knew nothing of the king being with any woman long enough to care. Storius knew he bedded woman – woman of not high standing – and Storius could relate – so he didn't have to worry about marrying them – at least he thought.
"Who?" Storius looked at Orinia's lone tear that trailed her cheek bone.
"The Winged Goddess." Storius's lift his brow – the winged goddess? The savior of Gae? The king wanted her? He had heard stories of the battles, the war, but never a love story. Maybe he didn't pay that much attention but over the course of the last 2 years, you think he would have known that- even though the war ended 4 years ago.
"Are you weeping for him, or because of him Orinia?" Storius was a quick thinker normally and Orinia didn't have the look of sadness for someone else on her delicate face.
"You don't know me very well Storius, I feel for him – longing for someone you don't or can't have." Orinia looked at the ground.
"Ah yes, because you loving the king, when he loves someone else wouldn't make your tears seem plausible." Storius was never intending on what happen next.
She glared angrily at him.
"You can't speak of the word love, you know nothing of it, you bed many woman, lust many things. Do not assume you know the origins of my tears when you have never felt the feelings you speak of." Orinia turned away from him her gaze in the sky.
"I know not of love you are right, but I do think I know how to console a friend in pain, a shoulder to lean on is something I handle well Orinia." He placed his hand on her shoulder and she spun into him weeping quietly.
Moments past and her weeping seemed to stop. She regained her composure as they sat on the balcony conversing to one another. Storius knew this was the start to a close friendship as their conversations took into the break of the new day – watching the sunrise – and she admitted it.
"I love him…" her gaze locked onto Escanflowne – Van had left long ago – but she stared as if he still stood there.
He leaned against his blade; he had come to care for Orinia more that he cared to admit. Storius actually listened to her comments and took what she said to heart and thought. He wanted to see her happiness more than his own at times, it was new to him. He wasn't sure if he should ever tell Van, Orinia played so well adjusted around him – that he could see how it wasn't apparent to Van, but Storius could see the gaze she would look at him with when he wasn't looking, as if she was letting walls down to enjoy the moment. Her pride wouldn't tell him, knowing van is in love with another woman, she wouldn't face rejection – she had a duty and to do this duty she needed to stay focused. But Storius wouldn't hurt her pride if he told Van – she would never know Van knew, and it could turn out that Van would find some undiscovered feelings for Orinia he never thought of. Storius never considered the other outcome too much he liked his ending much better.
"You think they are rumors Van?"" Storius was addressing Van as his friend – he needed him to know this was between the two of them.
Van picked up another blade replacing the one he was assessing before. "I know they are rumors Storius, don't get wrapped into them." Van twirled the blade to feel how it glided through the air.
"Van, Im telling you this as a friend, you need to be more assertive when it comes to finding a bride, or you're leaving it to the council to decide – and I don't want to pick your bride!" Storius wasn't ready to tell him he was still wondering if he could drop hints without telling him. This was a good way to drop hints, or so he thought. Van had one more year of bedding random woman and bachelor living before the Council would settle this matter – and the kingdom would get their queen and an heir.
Van rolled his eyes; he never did like this conversation – at all. He couldn't wrap his mind around thinking of marrying other woman, bedding them sure – he had urges, however the act was more pleasurable than emotional. Never did he let the woman stay – he casted her off – not as cold as one would think. He, however, never gave them room in their mind that he was interested in more than the action he had just performed with them.
It always felt wrong – because he only ever wanted to be with Hitomi, but the last two years his hopes were lost. He didn't think she would ever be with him – and his primal urges were besting him. He was frequently anger, and furious. He couldn't control his temper and after research with Kelta they found out about his Draconian side and he found out – he could never have been a monk to say the least. That's how Kelta put it anyways, trying to lighten the mood.
Once Van finally got over the feeling of betrayal – which took a long while – he did become himself again with the simple act of intercourse. He made mistakes at first, yes, sleeping with the same woman a couple of times, only for them to become this sobbing mess when he realized things weren't going the way he wanted them to. So he never slept with the same woman more than once, and he never gifted them anything. He tried that too, but too many woman caught in it was a courting notion.
He tried to stay away from bedding woman as much as possible, but it would happen.
Storius was irritated that the King was lost in his thoughts and not paying attention, he couldn't even phantom was he was thinking off.
"Van, Orinia loves you, and I couldn't think of a better queen. She will be my choice." Storius felt his heart stop; he didn't want to breathe as he waited for a response. Orinia was a noble in a sense. Regardless of what happens now – he can't turn back.
Van dropped his thoughts and stared at Storius. Storius was always in a joking manner but the expression on his face proved otherwise – he was serious.
"Excuse me Storius." Van dropped the blade and walked from the room, he wasn't sure what to think. Orinia was his right hand – he avoided all the rumors because he didn't want them to be true. He didn't want to know – or think of her in that light. It was hard enough for him to restrain himself to do the acts he had been doing – but to put her on the mind set she wanted him couldn't happen. He had her on a pillar, a high pillar to be exact, and one he could not touch or be near. He knew to put her there shortly after he placed her as his top advisor.
She was flawless, her appearance, her decisions, and her advice. Always represented Fanelia with pride and grace and he knew if he even thought of her in that manner, she could be his queen. It was unfair to her, he had thought of it before on days his hope was gone and Hitomi so far from his reach he just wanted to lay down and let his life pass by. He would always yearn for Hitomi, but she would be there as a 2nd best. He did care for Orinia to know she would never have what wasn't his to give. So he let the thought go, he was already being selfish enough – bedding woman for his urges to calm – he could take Orinia as his queen when she was first his true friend (with the exception of his child hood sister Merle), caring about her emotions wouldn't allow him to.
"Van, wait, what are you holding onto?" Storius grabbed his arm to stop him, if Van walked away now he would never know, and this scenario wasn't looking good from Storius's point of view.
"Someone else Storius, let the council decide my bride to be but do not decide on Orinia. It is the worst thing you can do to her, my heart will never belong to anyone except Hitomi." Van pulled his arm sharply from Storius's grasp and walked from the room.
That was the first time Storius felt a burden of pain, for two people. Van – never being able to be with the one woman he wanted to and Orinia for never going to have a happiness she sought with the one she said held her heart.
Millerna sat in the study reading a book; it was how she liked to spend her afternoons in Fanelia. The study was perfectly situated in this corridor to take in a desirable amount of sun, leaving the room peaceful and well lit. Dryden was probably talking new trade routes with Fornoc, and Chid was probably taking a tour of Fanelia with Orinia. He had arrived later, making it in time for the treaties and ball.
Millerna set the book down with a large sigh. Her mind raced, Allen was off looking for Hitomi on a whim that Van had dreamed about. Something didn't seem right – she had walked in on Storius who was speaking of moving armies near the mountains moving. There was a sense of unease around and no one was taking it seriously. She had to get out of the castle for awhile – maybe Merle was up for a walk.
Millerna set off in look for the sneaky cat-girl. She would probably be stowing away somewhere high over looking and eavesdropping in conversations she wasn't wanted, but that always left her feeding fun gossip to Millerna. She went through the corridors past the kitchen – the staff was a good place to start, they seen and heard stuff that was always good for feeding Merle, but she wasn't there. Millerna set off to the private study – Van was sometimes there – sitting and reading and Merle would be pestering him – eventually he would given in and do what she asked. Like a needy sister or bothersome child.
Millerna knocked on the door as she opened it up, not giving anyone time to say come it. Orinia jumped from her chair – startled – looking at her with fresh tears streaming down her face. Millerna looked around the room – it was just her.
"Orinia, what's the matter dear?" Millerna grabbed a cloth tissue from her glove heading over to Orinia. Women normally needed an extra – it was good manners.
"Oh your Majesty, I apologize for you finding me in this state, if you excuse me." Orinia desperately tried to clear her cracked weeping voice to be the more confident smooth Orinia everyone knew.
"Don't be a fool, sit! Are you ok?" Millerna had a knack for taking care of people, and she did just that. Orinia didn't fight her as she sat her into the chair she had previously jumped from and let her dap her eyes free of the tears as she hunched over and let them continue.
"I will be fine, thank you for your concern. Have you ever had a day where everything just piled up and you needed to let it all out." Orinia looked up at her with a part smile.
"Well all do." Millerna said nodding in understanding.
"Welcome to my day." Orinia sniffed and stood brushing her dress out of wrinkles.
"Orinia, you don't have to be as strong as you present yourself to be, your feelings are just as fragile as all of our." Millerna always found Orinia striving to better herself in ways that couldn't be done. She would feel, love, and cry like everyone else – she just didn't want to seem vulnerable.
"I know, I don't do it to deflect people Millerna, I do it to keep him from knowing. I know you know – Storius has the largest mouth of them all if it wasn't for the winron my heart would be my own secret till the day I passed" Millerna nodded.
She was right – Storius had told his younger brother – whom worked in the castle as a young aspiring guard – and guess who overheard the juicy details. Not that Millerna didn't speculate, but she had to give Orinia credit the girl could hold her emotions and hid them well. Sometimes Millerna thought it was her own imagination playing games with her – because she hid it so well. It wasn't until Storius tale reached Merle's ears that it was confirmed. Millerna almost felt sorry once she had learned – and pinned Merle down not to tell another soul. Merle had only gotten a chance to tell Millerna and was very disappointed she couldn't spread it.
To walk around with the knowledge everyone knows whom you love – and not be returned in the love, was too much than what she was already experiencing. She already had given Van her heart and nothing in return but to have to hold your head up when everyone else knew would bring these tears that were in her eyes more frequently.
"I don't know what to do Millerna, I feel like a fumbling idiot – There are times that I want to come out and tell him – and others I think of ways to make him fall for me, or know I want him to see me in a new light. But…." Orinia dropped her head back into her lap.
"Don't open your heart anymore than you have Orinia, he won't return your feelings." Millerna was as honest as she could be. She didn't want to give Orinia hope, Van would never return anyone's love unless they were Hitomi – after 5 years even she knew that.
Millerna thought Van's feelings for Hitomi would be a fleeting encounter – first love. It always held a special place in your heart – you could never let go, but Van held onto a manner to the likes she had never seen. With the impossibilities that face him when it came to Hitomi he never stopped looking to the Mystic Moon. To throw false hope at a good woman would be unkind to her – even if the words are what she would long to hear.
Orinia wept for moments longer then stood. "Thank you Millerna you're a good friend." With that Orinia turned and headed out of the study with red swollen eyes and a defeated gaze in her eyes.
Orinia walked with purpose – she needed to get back to her villa – before someone seen her in this state. She didn't feel like she had enough composure to continue the day with a straight face.
She rounded the corner to her villa the lovely smell of the garden brought a little more peace to her, knowing she would be in the confines of her own estate to let her emotions dry out.
"Lady Orinia?" the voice was familiar and she halted her steps.
She took a deep breath and dabbed the tissue Millerna had spared for her to her eyes.
Orinia turned and faced her caller, King Rentra, she bowed quickly.
"King Rentra, I am graced by your presence." Orinia held her bow for a moment trying to collect her self without meeting Rentra's gaze.
"Do you have a moment?" King Rentra approached her without her response, commanding in a sense.
"Your Majesty, I am seeing to a personal matter, but after which I would gladly come and –" She was trying to get out of this without upsetting him – she had learned in her time with the exception of Van no matter how you say it royalty does not take no for an answer. She thought it had to do with the upbringing.
"It will only take a moment Lady Orinia, I have pressing matters to attend to today as well." He held out his arm commanding her in a subtle way.
"Yes Sire." She wrapped her arm in his and turned her gaze to the garden – she hoped her eyes wouldn't reflect her actions from earlier, but their feeling of puffiness probably said otherwise.
"My dear, I have a solution to your problem, you will not regret this." He stared at the back of her head as she gazed at the garden while they walked to his room. Nothing spoke to him like a woman with a determined heart to be with a man she loved. It could be a powerful tool if seeded in the right way, and he knew just how to root the seed to grow.