Bonds & Vows [Part VI, VII, and VIII]

[Penybright]

Disclaimer: Nope, Escaflowne still isn't mine.

Bonds & Vows

Part VI

By: Penybright

The carriage rolled to a stop, the dapples pulling it pawing the ground and snorting. Van squared his shoulders and took a deep breath as the carriage door began to open. An older man stepped out, his eyes instantly catching on Van. His hair was black, with the occasional streak of gray through it, and his eyes were a light blue that almost seemed green. Behind the man a graceful young lady stepped out. Her hair was long and silky, and the same color as her father's. Her eyes, though, were an ice blue, so pale they almost seemed white. Van groaned inwardly when he saw how old she was.

'Only fifteen. She's just a girl!' Van thought with despair.

"King Van!" King Vespan hailed him. "Meet my daughter Tallinn," He said, brining his daughter around in front of him. The young girl looked shyly at Van and offered a tentative smile as she curtsied.

"Pleased to meet you, Van," she said in a feathery voice.

Van tried to not let his anger show when he looked at King Vespan. Vespan smiled at him, a suspicious glint in his eye. Today was going to be interesting indeed... Turning to his right, Van nodded. His advisor Thomas stepped up. He would be Van's voice for the day as he led them on a tour of the palace.

"If you would be so kind as to follow me," he intoned. "I'm afraid that Lord Van has temporarily lost the use of his voice. Therefore, I will be speaking for him until it returns."

King Vespan smiled knowingly while Tallinn's face grew worried.

"How awful! I hope your voice returns soon. I'm sure you have a lovely voice," she practically cooed, causing Van to blush.

'What does she think I am, some five year old kid?' Van thought as he offered his arm. Tallinn smiled graciously, and seemed only slightly upset when her charming smile didn't make Van melt.

'She probably has princes fawning over her back in her kingdom, so why is she marrying me? I'm sure she's had much better suitors, richer ones too...' Van allowed his mind to scrutinize as he walked.

Throughout the tour, Vespan watched the two like a hawk. He second guessed all of Van's gestures, trying to figure out if the young king was up to something. Tallinn was playing her part very well. She seemed quite smitten with the boy. It was a shame that he didn't seem to be affected by her as most men were. Perhaps he was up to something. There were very few who could resist Tallinn's charm.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

After talking with Allen for a while, Hitomi headed back to her room. She needed to think. Perhaps with a little luck, she could catch a glimpse of this king and his daughter. She figured she was a least entitled to see the people who were ruining her life. Quite frankly, she wanted to pound the little tramp who was taking her place. All though Hitomi wished her harm, she knew that it would solve nothing. Wit and cunning were needed to get Van out of this. And since his advisors kept such a close watch on him, he couldn't do it alone. She was surprised they had let him set foot out of his rooms today to see Allen.

Sighing, Hitomi sat down on the edge of her bed. With a groan, she flopped back onto the bed, making a face at the sapphire canopy above her. What a mess! Every time she came to Gaea, it was always something...

The door to Hitomi's room burst open and someone streaked into the room.

"Hitomiiiii," Merle cried, glomping her friend. "I'm so sorry! I heard the news in the market on my way back," Merle breathed out in a rush, hugging Hitomi tightly.

"It's all right Merle, really," Hitomi choked out.

The cat-girl loosened her grip, pulling back to look Hitomi in the eyes.

"No, it's not all right! Why is Lord Van marrying someone besides you? When I find him, I'm going to..."

"Merle please. It's not really Van's fault."

"I find that hard to believe," Merle scoffed.

"I'll fill you in on the details if you agree to tell me where you've been," Hitomi said with a grin.

"Okay," Merle agreed, eyeing Hitomi suspiciously.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

Van couldn't decide which was worse, King Vespan glancing constantly at him, as if he were some sort of bug, or Tallinn squeezing the life out of his arm. Of course, maybe Thomas' droning dialogue was the worst... It was official, it was a day in hell. To make matters worse, Van wasn't feeling so well again. Walking wasn't helping his condition, and he could see Tallinn glancing at him worriedly every time he stumbled.

'God, when is this day going to end?!' Van groaned mentally.

After the tour, Van would be subjected to more torture. After this, he would have to stand through a fitting for his wedding garments. After that there was a banquet in his guest's honor. On top of that, Van still had construction to oversee, and documents pilling up on his desk.

'Maybe passing out right now wouldn't be such a bad idea,' he mused, watching the scenery around him lurch and spin.

'Yes, passing out was a very good idea...'

"Van!" Tallinn cried, alarmed. Van suddenly stopped walking. He seemed to pause for a moment, before crumpling to the ground in an unconscious heap.

"Is- is he going to be okay?" Tallinn asked as a medic was sent for.

"I'm sure Lord Van will be fine. He's just had a very stressful day," Thomas explained.

King Vespan walked up to Van's unconscious form, sneering.

"Does he always treat his quests so hospitably?"

"My most humble apologies, Sire. Lord Van wasn't feeling well this morning, I heard. He didn't want to be rude, though, so he pulled himself together to meet you at the gate today," Thomas covered.

"I suppose I won't take this as an insult. Make sure it doesn't happen at the ceremony tomorrow," Vespan warned. "Come Tallinn," he said, taking his daughter's hand and leading her away.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

Van groggily awoke, feeling as if his mouth were full of cotton, and his head stuffed with wool.

"Finally awake I see," a familiar voice chastised. Van blinked the sleep from his eyes, turning to face the owner of the voice. For the first time that week, a genuine smile lit up his face.

"Well, I'm glad to see that you think this whole situation is humorous," Merle said sarcastically. "You passed out in front of your guests. That's bad manners you know, Lord Van."

Van's smile disappeared, and he became serious once more at the mention of his "guests".

"Well, now that you're up, I guess I better get the tailors," Merle sighed, getting up and leaving a distraught Van behind. Yes, today was definitely his day in hell. Idly, Van wondered if he had reached the seventh level yet, or if fate was waiting for tomorrow to dump that on him.

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Bonds & Vows

Part VII

By: Penybright

After Merle left, Van allowed his head to flop back down on the pillows. He glared darkly at the burgundy velvet canopy above him. What was he going to do? The wedding was tomorrow! He couldn't marry the Princess Tallinn, and yet he couldn't afford not to. Van began to panic realizing how little time he had left. He had to see Hitomi. He had to reassure her of his love and devotion, and that he would find a way back to her.

'A way back to her...' Van sighed silently. He didn't think he'd get a chance to find a way back to her. Van was confidant that King Vespan would make sure he never got the chance.

Rising slowly from his bed, Van made his way to his study, intent on writing a letter to Hitomi. Even if he couldn't give it to her personally, at least she'd know how he felt. Upon entering his study, Van was surrounded by a group of men holding various tailoring devices. It appeared that his letter would have to wait.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

After the evening's events, Van felt worse than he had that morning. He wanted nothing more than to slip into the nothingness of sleep... but he couldn't. Several piles of document s awaited him when he returned to his rooms, all of them needing his signature by tomorrow. And, Van still had to write a letter to Hitomi. He didn't have time for sleep, whether he was ill or not.

Sitting down at his desk, Van pulled the first document off the nearest pile, dipping his quill into the inkwell to sign it. When he was about half way through with the second stack, a wave of nauseous dizziness hit him. Van dropped the quill and gasped as he steadied himself against the desk. Instead of getting better, Van's illness was beginning to worsen.

Taking several deep breaths, Van managed to keep himself from spewing up what little he had managed to eat that day. Water seemed to be the only thing he could look at without feeling the urge to vomit. Perhaps he was coming down with a fever? That scenario seemed unlikely, but it was the only explanation his distraught and sleep deprived brain could think of.

Van was somewhere between the last two stacks of documents when he lost consciousness. The quill drooped from his limp hand, and he slumped onto his desk. The well of ink was knocked over, spilling out onto the wooden surface like a blight. Van noticed none of this as his eyes slid shut and his head lolled to the side. In the morning, he would wake up disoriented, and without any memory of how he had fallen asleep at his desk.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

A very unhappy, and unwilling Van was dragged from his chambers the next afternoon. Dressed in a rather elaborate set of garments, he felt like an idiot as well as ridiculous. That wasn't the worst of it, though. No, the worst part was why he was dressed in such a manner.

Van's advisors watched him warily, seeing how close to panic their king was. He looked as though he would bolt at any moment, or pass out on the spot. Van's pallor had yet to improve from the day before. He still looked sickly, and had acquired some dark circles under his eyes. Quite frankly, he looked like a madman at the moment.

Thomas discreetly motioned for the guards to move closer to Van. Van noticed their shift towards him and began to fidget. How could this be possible? This wasn't supposed to happen! He didn't want to marry Tallinn. He loved someone else! He loved Hitomi, and always would.

Before Van could even get the chance to try and escape, he was seized. They literally dragged the poor king to the throne room, where the ceremony would take place. That was the last thing Van remember until his despairing thoughts were interrupted by the minister's voice.

It was such a simple question, with a simple answer. Yes or no? To be or not to be? Sacrifice his people for his happiness, or sacrifice his happiness for his people? If he said no, he would live the rest of his life feeling a guilt that would probably kill him within a year. If he said yes, he didn't think he'd live much longer. His people would, though. They would live, but would it be in peace and happiness, or depression and despair.

Van was sure now that King Vespan had ill intent. The man looked at Van as though he were already dead. His daughter Tallinn seemed nice enough, but she was too easily controlled by her father. It was such a simple question, but there was no simple answer. If he said no, there would be a long drawn out war, that would lead to the massacre of his people. Van might live through it, but he would probably die. True, he'd be able to be with Hitomi, and have some happiness for a short while... Of course, he could say yes, and his death would be swift and sure. Van had no doubts about that. This wasn't his wedding, it was his execution. Saying yes would ensure his death and the enslavement of his people. So which was the lesser evil? A war that would mean a quick death for everyone in Fanelia, or enslavement that would kill them all slowly?

The minister cleared his throat, indicating Van to answer. Van blinked several times to clear his mind. The lesser of two evils, but which evil? Taking a deep breath, Van opened his lips to mouth the word that would forever seal the fate of him and his country.

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Bonds & Vows

Part VIII

By: Penybright

Praying to every deity that ever existed that things would turn out all right, Van mouthed the word that was the beginning, and the end. Tallinn beamed at his answer, smiling happily. Van wanted nothing more than to sink into a bottomless hole. He could only wish for a swift painless death, and that his people would survive through their oppression. He was weak he admitted. He was weak because he couldn't bring himself to allow them swift deaths, like himself. He was a selfish coward...

In the end, did it all matter? No matter what choice he made, his people would still resent him for it. If their deaths were quick or prolonged, it would all be their king's fault. The lesser of two evils indeed...

Feeling completely drained, and utterly hopeless, Van no longer felt the will to go on. He was drained, emotionally and physically, and feeling worse by the minute as the newly wedded couple walked out of the throne room. Van never made it out on his own. He stumbled to his knees, clutching his stomach as he gasped in pain. Everything was swirling around him, colors all a blur.

Seeing Van collapse, Allen began to shove his way through the growing crowd. Hitomi followed closely behind, her expression one of distress. Upon reaching Van, Allen picked him up, shouting for people to move out of the way. Most of them ignored him, and he was forced to elbow them out of his way. Hitomi was right behind Allen, anxiously watching Van as his face contorted in pain. Fanelia's new queen, Tallinn, was left behind in the crowd to deal with her new people.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>

Reaching Van's rooms, Allen kicked open the door. Walking quickly inside, he placed Van carefully on his large canopied bed. As Allen laid Van down, Hitomi pulled of his boots, dropping them on the floor. Allen swept out of the room, explaining that he was going in search of a physician.

Van began to shiver convulsively, and Hitomi yanked the heavy comforter up over his shaking form. Van only twisted the covers around him, tangling them tightly. Hitomi placed her hand on his forehead, to see if he had a fever.

"God Van, you're burning up!" Hitomi exclaimed worriedly as she began to pull her hand away. Van caught her hand as she pulled it away, clasping it tightly. He tried to sit up, but fell back against the pillows coughing. Hitomi was surprised, and shocked, to see specks of blood on his pale lips.

"Oh Van..." Hitomi sighed, brushing tousled locks from his face. "What have they done to you?"

Allen walked briskly into the room, an apprentice healer trailing anxiously behind him. The minor physician approached Van warily, seeing the king's anguished state. Hitomi held Van's hand as he was examined, watching the healer's face closely for an indication of how bad the situation was.

"I'm afraid, that I don't know what's wrong with him... His symptoms aren't from any disease I've ever seen. Master Healer Basil will be returning tomorrow morning. Perhaps he can find what is wrong with him," the apprentice said weakly.

"Can't you do anything for him?" Allen asked in annoyance.

"I- I suppose I could give him something for the pain... There's no guarantee that it will work though."

After the apprentice left, Allen pulled up a chair by Van's bedside. He looked solemnly at Hitomi before speaking what was on his mind.

"I don't think Van's sick because of some illness. I believe he's been poisoned." Allen paused before going on. "You said that he was ill the other day as well, and has been acting rather tired since you got here?"

"Yes," Hitomi replied slowly. "You don't think that..."

"I don't think, I know. We should get some water for him, that should flush some of the poison out of his system."

"But how did they... I mean without him knowing?"

"They probably put it in his food. I think there's more than just one person in this operation. I think Van has defectors within the palace."

"Wounded and surrounded by enemies," Hitomi whispered. "Poor Van has nowhere to hide."

"Yes, well, they didn't count on reinforcements, and that was their mistake. Don't worry Hitomi, I'm sure Van will pull through this. He's been through worse, and is still here. I promise I'll uncover this plot. You can be assured that they will pay for their crime."

"Thank you, Allen," Hitomi said faintly, holding Van's hand tightly.

Van stirred slightly, his eyes opening to slits. Hitomi wanted to cry, but she held it back. She had to be strong... for both of them. Van drowsily looked into the most dazzling pair of jade eyes he had ever seen. Who was this angel watching over him? He tried to force his cloudy mind to work to no avail. Sighing tiredly, he allowed his eyes to slide shut, the darkness sweeping him back into the realm of dreams. Dreams filled with his beautiful jade-eyed angel.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

Hitomi had dozed off while watching over Van. She still held his hand loosely, their fingers intertwined. The door suddenly banged open, startling Hitomi from her nap. She looked up to see Tallinn in the doorway. Tallinn looked less than pleased, and several guards were standing behind her.

"Seize her!" Tallinn ordered, giving Hitomi a venomous look. Hitomi was roughly grabbed by two of the guards as she struggled.

"Why?" she asked as they pulled her past Tallinn.

"You are going to be hanged for placing a spell on my husband, witch!" Tallinn hissed.

"No!" Hitomi protested. "I could never hurt Van. How can you accuse me of such a thing!?!"

Hitomi's pleas fell on deaf ears. Tallinn sniffed, slamming the door shut as Hitomi was dragged away.

Tallinn walked over to Van's sleeping form, grinning hatefully.

"Tomorrow your precious little wench dies, Van Fanel. You needn't worry, you'll be joining her soon," Tallinn sneered. Van began to twist and thrash in his sleep as the pain medication he had been given began to wear off.

"Suffer, Fanel. Your death will be anything but painless. And, once you're gone, The Valley of the Dragons will be mine."

Tallinn turned sharply on her heel, and stalked out of the room. She had to speak with her father, and make sure that things were going as planned.

<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>

Van awoke the next morning alone, and in agony. He glanced movement out of the corner of his eye, and turned to see who it was. King Vespan loomed over Van, a malignant smile on his chiseled features.

"Good morning, Van Fanel. Today is a good day to die, don't you think?"
Van gazed at Vespan with wide eyes.

"Foolish boy. Your wench Hitomi is being prepared to be hanged as we speak. It's a pity you won't live to see her die. You see, we can't have anyone interfering with Tallinn's rule, now can we?"

Van tried to get up, but was shoved back down onto the mattress by Vespan.

"Today, your reign ends Van Fanel."

Vespan grabbed one of the pillows from behind Van, bringing it into Van's view. Vespan placed the pillow over Van's face as the young king let out a stifled choke. Van's fingers clawed at Vespan's wrists, desperately trying to get him to loosen his hold. As time wore on, Van's struggles became weaker as he lost air. Van's last thought before loosing consciousness, was of Hitomi.