I don't own Escaflowne sadly!

I was feeling like my other character's purposes were becoming unimportant as I haven't been giving them enough light I think. I hope this chapter brings people up to speed as to what's been happening in other parts of the world while Hitomi and Van finally came together!

It's becoming harder to keep up with everyone! So next few chapters might be a lot of jumping between characters instead of highlighting on one whole scene all its own!

I might spend the next day or so re=reading what Ive posted as Im trying to remember everything I actually put down and scratch is becoming a harder to remember!

Thanks everyone!

Enjoy! (I don't have any muse music for this chapter btw)

Thank you Inda for you email! ^.^

The peaceful calm that had been the state of Gaea for five year was beginning to wane. The world was shifting, armies on the move, and Gaea herself was in turmoil. Armies moved across Gaea to meet in Austria, aide had been called by all the neighboring countries and nations by King Dryden.

The world was shifting, the people of Gaea felt unease as word spread to the furthest corners of the upcoming war. People heard of an ancient power begin battled over, and the return of the Savior of Gaea. The world was drying up of its resources, great lakes became barren and lush forest became a waste land of rotting wood. Farmers' lands became lack in nutrition, and panic began to rise with the new worries that plagued Gaea. Was there any hope?

Dilandau was growing restless. They were approaching Fried within the next two days and his anger was building the more he thought about Hitomi's escape. He headed up to the communications room, he was going to speak with Rentra, find out what was happening in Fanelia.

He entered and to his amusement Rentra was already on the screen. The monitoring solider stopped in his tracks, he was heading out the door, probably to find Dilandau and inform him Rentra was asking to speak with him, no demanding would sound more like Rentra.

"At least I see the operations on your end are following through." Rentra said sarcastically.

"Yes Rentra, and how about your end, do you have the girl yet?" Dilandau approached the screen.

"No she hasn't shown here in Fanelia yet, Fried has evacuated Dilandau to Asturia, Fanel plans to stage his assault against you there."

Dilandau slammed his fist into the control panel.

"Why wasn't I made aware of this days ago Rentra!" Dilandau spat, his eyes glaring at the screen with crazed anger. How was he going to burn a city to the ground in all its glory if there was no one there to see it happen!

"I wasn't able to contact you; Fanel seems to have put his vixen on my tail for close monitoring. It wasn't safe until now Dilandau, you should choose your words wisely when you question your superiors" Rentra's scowl made Dilandau quiver with fury.

"I'm changing course to Asturia; I might gain time on them." Dilandau turned away from the screen heading out the room.

"They should be there this eve Dilandau; I suggest you hurry, before they have more time to prepare." The hum and glow of the screen ceased and Dilandau headed to the ships command post.

Zeyran was on her way to Fanelia with her doppelganger, she would obtain his trinkets and Rentra would no longer be in his way. Soon that pompous arrogant king would be out of his way his country belonging to Dilandau, and while he was taking care of Fanel who didn't stand a chance.

Orinia opened the wax sealed parchment that was promptly delivered to her, with urgency the deliver stressed. She read the inner contents and sighed. Another noble coming to Fanelia, another name she didn't recognize but a country she did. She was tired, little sleep lately and the feel it the air was uneasy. The villagers were worried once the military left with their King to war, leaving them open to an attack. It wasn't easy to deal with, there was a small amount of military left behind, but it still didn't help the tension in the air.

Orinia stopped the first maid she saw "We are expecting guests; please prepare the room on the east wing promptly."

"Yes M'lady." The maid bowing and scurry back the way she came to grab fresh linens.

"Orinia! Orinia!" Merle's voice came echoing from down the hall.

Orinia sighed, she had tried over the years to teach Merle proper manners, and behaviors of a woman, but Merle was impossible. The meaning "You can train old dogs new tricks" had proven right in this instance.

When Merle was within proper conversational distant Orinia addressed Merle properly.

"Yes Merle? You do know your shouting could have waited until you actually caught up to me." Orinia couldn't help but try, maybe one day something would sink in.

"Then you wouldn't have stopped and I would have had to chase you further." Merle said simply, obviously giving her an excuse not take Orinia's tip to adjust her boyish ways.

"What did you need Merle?" Orinia said continuing down the hall.

"Have you seen Rentra, I went to grab something to eat came back and I haven't been able to find him since." Merle said bothered by it.

"Why would you be with Rentra Merle?" Orinia had a suspicion.

"Van didn't tell you?" Her face very confused, and then a look of guilt crossed her face. She made a mistake asking Orinia she realized.

"He has you watching him doesn't he?!" Orinia shouted then looked around to see if anyone was in listening range.

"Ow, yes, he doesn't trust him Orinia! You've been spending a lot of time with him, and I thought you were too! But if you're not then…" Merle flinched away from Orinia's poking, and then flattened her ears in suspicion.

Orinia grabbed Merle's hand and pulled her down the hall to one of the smaller guest quarters, shutting the door behind them.

"Merle look, Rentra told me some things about Hitomi, things that I'm not sure Van would consider because of his, well his feelings towards her." Orinia shifted uneasily.

"Orinia, what are you talking about, this is Hitomi we are talking about here, I know you don't know her, but she would never do anything to hurt anyone." Merle's tailed flicked angrily, she didn't like what Orinia had to say.

"It not her so much as the power they are saying she has! Merle I've read the history me and Kelta have been looking into it –"

"Stop it! You will stay out of this Orinia, do what Van told you to do, this is one matter you won't want to get into if you are as confused as you sound." Merle turned quickly and darted out the door, slamming it behind her.

Orinia sighed; she wished right now that she knew this Hitomi so she could hold the unwavering faith everyone else around her that knew the Savior of Gaea had. It would be easier to sleep at night, and to spend her time in areas that needed to be tended to instead of this history chase she had been on with Kelta for the last 5 days.

She spent the rest of the afternoon with the remaining council. The villagers concerns were pouring into the meeting from audience held all week. Orinia decided to double the guards on the wall and to have patrols run the country sides and monitor the farmers. Hopefully then they would feel more at ease, but she knew it would only pacify them for a short amount of time before the demanded more.

She wished Storius was here, all the time she had been spending with him for the last two years had provided her a comfort inside that put her at ease. She wasn't sure if it was because he was one with the military expertise for this situation or more so she didn't have anyone to share her growing concerns with. It was kind of strange; she never thought she would be missing his light heart witty one liners and humorous sarcasm. She always told him he needed to get more of a serious grip on his life and he always told her she needed to loosen up, they were total opposites. However, she never felt more comfortable with someone, he never did judge her, or tried to understand her – he simply accepted her and became a good friend.

Orinia had received word from the serving maid to the new guests that they had arrived during her council meeting. She decided it was time to go and greet them, stop dwelling on things that weren't helping the situation any. She made her way down the east wing, arriving at the door, knocking slightly and waiting for an answer to come. The door opened and the maid stood looking at her for a moment, she bowed and opened the door further to let Orinia in.

"Greetings Lady Amelia and Lord Dohn, Welcome to Fanelia." She said bowing before getting to look at the two.

"Thank you Lady Orinia, we appreciate Fanelia's hospitality." Her voice was smooth and calm.

Orinia studied the two with disbelief. She didn't believe she would find two people who were more beautiful in all of Gaea, but here stood a woman with jet black spiral bound hair, thick and full, and a man with perfect features and silver mid shoulder lengths hair. They were well groomed and held themselves with such confidence that Orinia herself wasn't sure she held a candle to them anymore.

"I apologize for the current situation surrounding Fanelia, but I assure you all it safe here." She bowed she had to make sure they were aware of the current situation if they didn't already know, but by the letter they had been traveling for some time. Most likely meaning they were a little behind on affairs such as the ones surrounding Fanelia.

"Lady Orinia, there is no need to apologize, we are gratefully your staff was so informative, we would have been departing to Austria at daybreak had we not known." Again so clam and collective not a hint of concern or disappointment.

"Dinner will be prepared with the hour, in the dining hall; we have other guests we are accommodating in the castle. I will have seats prepared for you." Orinia smiled politely.

"That would be lovely, I was unaware of my hunger until late when I arrived at the castle and smelled the wonderful delights brewing in your kitchens." Amelia started pulling contents from her bags and placing them on the bed, Dohn sat in the sitting char and opened a small box containing a smoke pipe.

"I will see you at dinner then." Orinia bowed out one last time before closing the door. Just another greeting with yet another pair of nobles - beautiful nobles at that. Something did seem off, but she couldn't place it, shrugging it off she continued down the hall to see Kelta.

Rentra saw the small caravan pull to the castle from his balcony. Another set of nobles coming to visit or pass through and seeking accommodations from the country that loved to keep its doors open. Rentra spat at the idea, being a country of such peace when it held so much power was ridiculous to him. Fanel held the most powerful Gymeluf and had a Tsuni in his grasp and let it all go. He sent the Tsuni away and placed the Gymeluf in a garden to be large decorations for the growing vines and roses.

He felt envy pulse through him when he reawakened the Gymeluf, that power should be his. When Rentra takes Van's country from him he would have his finest scholars and scientist find a way to do just that. He was growing sorely impatient that the Tsuni hadn't showed here. She was supposed to be here by now! What if someone else had captured her, what if she wasn't coming here and his over confidence had proven him wrong. He laughed at the thought, not matter, it would all work to his favor soon – there was no other way around it. Even Dilandau was powerless without him he had they key to controlling the Tsuni, and he would.

Orinia was growing tiresome, he thought she would be so easy to will, but her questions were getting a little too detailed for his liking. He was sure he could get her what he needed her to do, but not without the work that she's been pushing from him. He didn't realize that Fanelia had a decent scholar making him having to think of more details that would pacify them without making them know the truth of it all. For a woman in love with a man she can't have, she wasn't taking the easy route to obtain his love. She had morals, ones that he should have probably looked into more before providing her with the information he had.

No matter, she could just as well been a causality in all this in the end anyways. It was a shame, she was an entrancing woman, one that he wouldn't mind taking as his own. A smile creped across his face, it was fun to entertain the idea none the less.

Rentra's attention was brought back to the light knock as his door, a muffled voice from the other side of the door announced dinner was prepared and awaiting in the dining hall. Just another time he needed to throw on his collective well being attitude and dine with these soft mannered Fanelians.

Rentra made his way to the Dining hall, his gaze caught sight of a woman standing at the end of the hall looking around, confused. She was possibility the most marvelous creature he had ever seen. Rentra paused for a moment adjust his garb and making sure he did look presentable – things he didn't take much notice to before leaving his room.

"Excuse you M'Lady are you lost?" The black hair woman turned to face him fully.

"That I am, your Majesty." She bowed, not skipping a beat.

"I take it this is your first night in Fanelia; I believe I saw your caravan come into court earlier this day." He held his arm out offering it to her.

She wrapped her slender arm around his adjusting her white silk shawl that draped loosely behind her back. Her dress was a shimmering white, low cut and tightly formed to her features. Her slender back was exposed with thin ties brining the dress together like an open corset.

"Thank you your Highness." She smiled at him; her lips were full and enticing.

Rentra walked with her the rest of the short distance to the dining hall, not speaking another word; he was feeling his palms clam up. He was nervous? Yes indeed she was, her beauty was intimidating, he had bedded many women and none of them held a candle to this goddess that held his arm.

He walked into the hall, many nobleman and royalty sat around the long table already discussing affairs and conversing among one another. He felt eyes staring at him, or more so the woman who held loosely to him as he approached their seating.

"Lord Dohn won't be joining you Lady Amelia?" Orinia sounded a little surprise at the sight before her; Rentra gave Orinia a glance before looking back at Amelia.

"I'm afraid he sends his Regrets Lady Orinia, the traveling has gotten the better of him and he seeks to rest this evening." Amelia dipped her head in a common show of courtesy.

"Understandable, then you will be joining King Rentra I presume?" She held her hand to two spots near the ending of the table, near Orinia. Amelia nodded slightly.

Rentra bit back a curse; he didn't want to be within Orinia's hearing range. He wanted to know more about this woman who was accompanying him and without Orinia's scolding look. He figured he could make it through dinner with polite conversation and then have her accompany him on a around the gardens. That was a perfect idea; he couldn't have planned it any better himself.

Conversation at dinner went smoothly; Rentra learned a couple things about Amelia, things that he would catch between thinking lustful thoughts about this goddess beside him. He had always been a lustful man; he knew that about his nature. Since he had arrived in Fanelia, his bed had been empty, and it was taking a lot of his energy to not peruse any of these Fanelia women. However, with all his recent developments in his scheme it wasn't a surprise that his mind didn't wander to it more often.

Now this seductress sat beside him, her eyes pulling him in, and her body's warmth emanating to his making his blood feel thick. He sat there eating and conversing with the other about politics his patience wearing thin. The last course was finished and he stood after some other nobles had excused themselves thanking Lady Orinia for the dinner.

"Thank you Lady Orinia, the dinner was remarkable." Rentra said bowing towards her. He turned and held his had to Amelia who was taking her leave as well.

"Accompany me on a walk through the gardens Lady Amelia your company has been most pleasurable." He held his hand to hers.

"As you wish your highness." She delicate placed her warm soft hand in his and followed him from the hall.

The moons illuminated the garden well, it was peaceful and the perfect mood for Rentra to speak to Amelia the way he intended to. The moonlights danced long her features perfectly, making his blood boil, this woman was the need in all of his deepest desires.

"I would call you beautiful but the term is such an understatement to how marvelous you are Lady Amelia." He turned her to face him.

Her eyes glistened, and her cheeks turned a slight pink. She titled her head slightly smiling "Thank you Highness your too kind."

He leaned down to her, cupping her jaw in his hands and pulling her towards him. His lips took hers in a possessive need to pull her in. He groaned as he tasted her, as he imagined, his body coursed with a pulsing heat. She was soft her mouth like an addictive sedative that he need more. He drank her in, his mouth striving to take in more. She pushed back at him with a quickening pace, fighting to drink him in as well.

He pulled her against him and his hands wandered the perfect curves of her body. She felt like the finest silk, her skin warm and quivered against his touch. He bit her lip, and made his way down her neck pulling her up against him, she whimpered his body shivered in response.

"Ahem."

His thoughts pooled back to his situation and their location slowly. He slowly released his hold on her and pulled his lips away from her, looking towards the sound of the interruption. He would have taken her here and now without thinking twice about it. Fury quickly replaced his lust.

"Your highness, I don't mean to be rude, but this is a public garden, hardly the place for this." Lady Orinia stood firm her eyes burning with anger. She was defiantly angry.

"I apologize Lady Orinia, I was caught up in the moment, and I will escort Lady Amelia back to her room." Rentra took her arm, his body still tingling with arousal; he was debating on going to her room or his.

"See that you do." Orinia turned and left them alone.

"I should be getting back to my room your Highness." Amelia dipped her head and before Rentra could object – she was gone from his sight. His body shivered with the loss of heat from her small form. She was so intoxicating, just the mere kiss from her sent his body in heightened response; he was enjoying the feeling, one that he hadn't ever felt with such need.

Zeyran closed the door behind her, with a grin of pure evil on her face. Dohn looked up at her smiling back.

"I see you succeeded." Dohn said as he placed his book to the table.

"It was far easier than I suspected, he is in truth a lustful man by nature. A couple more days of this and we will have succeeded, we will have the bracelets, and you will have his throne." The Quartz eyes glistened with greed.

"And Dilandau?" Dohn had a sneaking suspicion that Zeyran was able to cross just about anybody.

"Once I bind myself to the girl, he will need me to control her."Zeyran started to undress herself, slipping out of her evening gown.

"Why would you bother with him Zeyran, you can have the world." Dohn was hoping they would be rid of that lunatic.

"Dohn you don't question a woman's heart, I will have Dilandau as mine, and there's more to him than meets your eye." She turned her naked form bare to him.

He shook his head, something in him said he should want her, but nothing was there. He grabbed his book and began reading it again, not watching her slip into her gown for the night.

Zeyran pulled a small tissue from her glove she had been wearing earlier that night. She carefully unfolded the tissue, exposing several strands of hair. She smiled deviously as she pulled some old artifacts from the chest that was placed at the end of the bed. A small bowl with engraving of symbols and serpents danced along the rim. A small rounded tool used for grinding herbs and a long black chain with many dangling charms and symbols found engraved on the bowl.

She pulled a satchel from the chest and opened it pulling a few vials of different colored dust, and different liquids. She mixed them together chanting lowly to herself. The bowl glowed lightly, different colors before it dulled and a thin barley formed smoke rose.

Zeyran added the hair particles she had collective earlier in the night. She chanted more and the bowl illuminated brightly. Dohn stood and walked over seeing inside, it was a room, moving, but he could see the bed night stand and chest that the vision seemed to be taking them too. He saw a pair of hands open the bowl and inside papers and two small wooden boxes. The pair of hands grabbed the two boxes and turned back towards the desk on the opposite side of the room.

Dohn realized it was through Rentra's eye he was seeing. He had seen Zeyran do this before. The two boxes set carefully on the desk; they were opened and inside two identical bracelets with the exception of the stones. One was blue in color and the other black. Zeyran's eyes lit in satisfaction and she rubbed her hands together in greed.

"How much easier could this be?" She turned and looked at Dohn, the bowls vision disappeared when Zeyran waved her hand over it.

"Zeyran, wasn't it Quartz magic that made those bracelets?" Dohn sat back down and opened his book to where he left, waiting for Zeyran to answer.

"Yes Dohn it was." She climbed into bed

"Why can't you just do the same, we could of skip this entirely and go directly to the girl." Dohn was so simple minded Zeyran thought.

"Theres the fact that it took three very powerful Quartz to make the bracelets, and one great sacrifice to fuse the power that resides in those ancient bracelets. Magic like that has been lost for 300 years." Zeyran placed her back against the head board and looked at Dohn. He was her longest companion ever, and she was content with that. She kept him around not only solely for the purpose his powers were useful but his simple mind always left him incapable of trying to double cross her, or outwit her.

"What kind of sacrifice?"

"The souls of his kingdom, and loved ones, all for the power to contain one being." Zeyran smiled deviously. It was a dark art indeed. However to be a Quartz and not know the story behind the forging of these marvelous bracelets would simply mean you were never a Quartz or trained by a Quartz. These bracelets were one of the most marvelous creations her kind had made. To contain such power took such a sacrifice and a king willing to do it.

The Tsuni never belonged to anyone, until the day the Nation Cimedian gave its life to enslave her because of love.