Bonds & Vows {Part VIIII and X]
Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:44 pm
Disclaimer: Escaflowne... *tunes the rest out 'cause she doesn't want to hear it* I think you all get the idea. You're pretty bright people.
Bonds & Vows
Part VIIII
By: Penybright
King Vespan was roughly thrown into the wall, the pillow flying across the room. Van's unconscious form wheezed in a gasp of air as Vespan struggled to his feet. He was met with a very grim faced Allen. Vespan began to pick himself up from the floor, but was dragged roughly to his feet by Allen.
"Game over," Allen said lowly, shoving Vespan against the wall. Vespan retaliated by punching Allen square on the jaw. Allen stumbled back a few steps, and Vespan advanced towards him.
"It's not over yet Schezar," Vespan spat, lunging at the knight. Allen dodged his attack, slamming Vespan to the floor. Vespan struggled, but Allen held him firmly down.
"I think your plot has been uncovered."
Vespan began to laugh.
"You should of let me kill Fanel. He's going to kill himself anyway when the mystic moon waif dies today," he chuckled maliciously.
"What do you mean?" Allen asked, shaking Vespan as he pulled him to his feet.
"I don't have to tell you anything," Vespan snarled.
Allen dragged the struggling king out of Van's chambers and to the dungeons. He sighed uneasily as he wrestled with the king. He had kept his promise to Hitomi.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>
Van's eyes slowly began to flutter open, and he winced in pain. One hand instantly flew up to his neck, where he felt the faint stickiness of blood.. With a lot of effort, Van pulled himself up and slid out of bed. After one step, he stumbled and clutched at the bedpost for support. Arduously, Van made his way to his chamber door, using the wall for support. His
breathing was raspy and shallow as he sucked in labored breaths. He felt as though his lungs would explode at any minute, but Van had to get to Hitomi, no matter what the cost.
Van stumbled along the palace corridors, gasping in pain. He walked hunched over, an arm wrapped tightly around his stomach. He had to get to Hitomi. He couldn't let them... Van wouldn't, no couldn't finish the thought. Hitomi was going to be fine. He wasn't going to have her taken away from him again. Never again.
Slowly, Van made his way to the palace courtyard, where he knew the hanging would take place. He flinched as he stepped out into the glaring sunlight. Sounds of a large crowd reached his ears, and he pushed himself onward. Thomas suddenly appeared in front of Van, blocking his way.
"Sire, you shouldn't be out of bed," Thomas exclaimed, a menacing undertone in his voice.
Van tried to step around the advisor, but was stopped. Thomas attempted to hold the king back, grasping his shoulders. Van pushed forward with what little strength he had. Thomas was thrown of balance and tumbled to the floor, almost taking Van with him. Van quickly skirted the fallen advisor as he scrambled to his feet. Thomas lunged at Van's ankles, tackling him to the cobblestones. Van crashed to the ground with a silent cry, the fall almost knocking him unconscious.
Thomas struggled with the young king, surprised that he still had so much strength. The poison should have drained him completely. With the dosage Van had been given, he should be on his death bed by now. But, for some reason, the young king was struggling to live, tenaciously hanging onto his thin thread of life.
The combatants continued to struggle on the ground, rolling in the dirt. Van twisted so that they were heading in the direction of he hanging platform, without Thomas' notice. Thomas grinned ferally, noticing how Van's struggles were becoming weaker. Van rolled once more, bringing them into the view of the public. There was aloud gasp as the people saw their king being attacked by one of his own advisors.
Guards rushed to the kings aide, roughly pulling Thomas off him. Thomas sputtered in rage, glaring heatedly at Van.
"You were supposed to die Fanel," he spat contemptuously, not caring who heard.
Van gingerly picked himself up, swaying slightly in the process. His eyes were clouded and bleary, and he wanted nothing more than to rest. He couldn't rest, not now. Turning away from Thomas, Van advanced cautiously towards Tallinn. The young woman smiled sweetly. The sight sickened Van.
"I'm so glad you're not hurt," she cooed, rushing to him and hugging him. Van winced when she touched him.
"Stay away from me witch," he hissed in a raspy voice.
Tallinn stumbled back in surprise.
"You- you can speak?!"
Van nodded, his eyes searching for Hitomi. He found her, bound and gagged, the noose already around her neck. Shoving Tallinn out of the way, Van advanced towards Hitomi. Once reaching her, he quickly pulled the noose off her neck, his fingers quickly working on her bonds. When Hitomi was free of her restraints, she threw her arms around Van's neck and hugged him tightly as tears coursed down her cheeks. Van hugged her back, sighing deeply.
Unwillingly, Van pulled away from Hitomi, turning to face Tallinn. There was nothing but contempt in his gaze.
"You, are no longer my wife," he rasped, managing to choke the words out. Tallinn's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I wouldn't be so rash dear," she responded, emphasizing the last word. "Unless you want your precious kingdom to go up in flames, hand her over."
Van clutched Hitomi to him, holding her tightly. Hitomi could hear his heart thundering at a pace that was much to fast. Worry quickly began to form in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong with Van. His eyes were glazed, his breathing forced and shallow. A fine sheen of sweat covered his brow. Hitomi tightened her arms around Van's waist, helping to support him.
"Well, what will it be?"
"A trip to the dungeon for you," Allen said, stepping onto the platform.
"Your plot has been uncovered, and if your country so much as blinks, Asturia will be more than happy to obliterate you."
Tallinn screamed in rage and lunged at the knight. He easily caught her, a charming smile alighting his features.
"It's over princess."
Tallinn continued to struggle as she was dragged away by the same guards who had apprehended Thomas. The crowd watched the proceedings in confusion. They had no idea of the secret plot to kill their king and enslave their country. When Tallinn was hauled away however, they all cheered happily. The sounds of joy quickly turned to gasps of worry and surprise when their young king collapsed.
"Van!" Hitomi cried, shaking his shoulders lightly. "Van."
Van groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as pain cascaded through his tired body. His breathing became even more labored as he struggled for each breath.
"Oh god, Van..." Hitomi whispered, pulling him into her arms. She cradled him tenderly, praying that he would be all right.
"You can't leave me now. Not after everything we've gone through. Don't you dare leave me Van Fanel," Hitomi said heatedly, tears streaming down her face.
"Hi...tomi?" Van managed in a gravely whisper.
"I'm here Van," she comforted him. His hand searched for hers, and when he found it, he clasped it tightly in his own.
"I love you..." he gasped faintly.
"I love you to Van. So much," Hitomi said, her voice breaking with emotion. She began to sob as he went limp in her arms, his fatigue and pain carrying him away to the darkness of insensibility.
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Bonds & Vows
Part X
By: Penybright
The next several days were hell for Hitomi. She got little, if any, sleep, and was constantly worried. All though she was miserable, she could only guess how much Van was suffering. Even the pain killers and sedatives he had been given only seemed to have minimal effects. He would often cry out in his sleep, reliving some horrific nightmare. Frequently, he would call out for Hitomi. Hitomi would pull him gently into his arms and whisper soothing words as she played with his tousled locks. It seemed to calm him, and she was glad that she could offer him some sort of balm.
When Van had collapsed in her arms, Hitomi had feared for the worst. She knew he'd been poisoned, but she didn't know how bad. When Basil, the court healer, had returned that afternoon, he had quickly given Van some sort of elixir, staring at the king in awe. Hitomi remembered his words and shuddered.
"I don't know what's keeping him alive, but he should have been dead hours ago."
That's when Hitomi finally broke down and began to sob. She knew why he was hanging onto his last thread of life tenaciously. He was doing it for her. He was suffering this torment because he didn't want to leave her. He had promised that they would be together, and even death could not break his promise. It was the sweetest, and yet the most heart-wrenching thing anyone had ever done for her. If she had doubted his love before, she had no qualms now.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>
A week had already gone by, and Van showed minimal signs of improving. He no longer thrashed violently in his sleep. He would still call out for Hitomi, but not as often. Hitomi had fallen asleep cradling Van in her arms. She was propped against the headboard of the large ornate bed, her breathing even and soft. Her eyes jerked open when she felt something soft brush her cheek.
Hitomi blinked in the darkness, trying to get her eyes to adjust to the poor lighting. When she could finally make things out, her eyes widened. Van was sleepily gazing at her, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. His hand rested on her shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"Van?"
Van nodded, watching in concern as her eyes flooded with tears.
"I thought I'd lost you!" Hitomi bawled, hugging Van tightly. Van shifted so that he could pull her into his arms. Hitomi buried her face against his shoulder and cried harder. Van remained silent, rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her.
"Hitomi..." he said, trying to sound gentle. His voice was still rough and raspy.
Hitomi lifted her watery green eyes to look at him. She noted how tired he looked, and the faint glaze of pain in his eyes.
"Van, are you all right? You look tired. Maybe I should..."
Hitomi was cut off as Van placed a finger over her lips.
"I'm fine, just a bit fatigued."
"You need your rest," Hitomi admonished as she untangled herself from his arms. Van seemed loath to let her go, his hand catching her wrist.
"Stay," he murmured, his eyes pleading with hers.
"Okay," Hitomi relented. "I'll watch over you while you sleep," she teased, leaning over to tuck the covers around him. Van tugged on her wrist, bringing her down to his level. Before Hitomi could react, he brushed his lips lightly against hers.
"Thank you," he sighed, his hand dropping to the bed as he drifted back to sleep.
Hitomi stood frozen in place for a moment. She lifted her fingers to her lips, a smile alighting her face. She couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. For the first time in days, Hitomi smiled a genuine smile.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>
The following week, a great celebration was being held. Fanelia had many things to celebrate. Vespan and Tallinn had been sent back to Enies, where they had been stripped of their crowns and exiled to a remote country estate. Van was improving greatly, now able to move around on his own. And of course, the people had their young king's engagement to celebrate. They were overjoyed that he had found someone to love that loved him in return.
Van watched the revelry around him with a small grin on his face. Just three weeks ago, his life had seemed so dark. Now, though, he had so much to look forward to. Someone placed a gloved hand gently on his arm, and Van looked up to see who it was.
"Hello Merle," Van greeted the young cat-woman.
Merle smiled happily, seeing the smile in her foster-brother's eyes.
"If it isn't to much to ask, could I bother you for a dance?" Merle asked politely. Van nodded, and stood up.
"I'd be honored," he said, offering Merle his arm.
"Such a gentleman," Merle teased, causing Van to blush. "You know Lord Van, you'd think by now you'd have outgrown that blushing habit."
"Merle," Van protested as he led her around the ballroom floor. When the song ended, Van bowed and Merle curtsied before the two headed back to their seats, where Hitomi was waiting.
"I leave for two minutes, and you steal my fianc?," she said jokingly to Merle.
"What can I say, he's quite a catch," Merle returned.
Van sunk down into his chair, blushing furiously. Hitomi noticed this and smiled. Leaning down, she gave Van a peck on the cheek.
"I don't know what I ever did without you," she grinned. "So, are going to dance with your poor fianc?, or just every other woman in the room?"
Van jumped to his feet, immediately apologizing for not asking her to dance. Hitomi waved if off, explaining that she didn't mind in the least, as long as he was happy.
"How could I not be happy with you by my side," Van whispered in her ear as they danced. This time it was Hitomi's turn to blush, and she hit him playfully on the shoulder.
"You're such a flirt!"
Van looked at her strangely.
"Flirt?"
"It's an Earth term. Just forget I mentioned it."
Van nodded, focussing his attention on the dance. As the night wore on, people began to filter out, heading home to their well earned rest.
Once everyone was gone, Hitomi and Van sat down together on a plush rug in front of one of the various fire places in the palace. As the two young lovers gazed at the merrily dancing flames, they began to catch up on the past few years. Soft murmurs echoed through the hallways as the two discussed the past, present, and most importantly, their future together.
Bonds & Vows
Part VIIII
By: Penybright
King Vespan was roughly thrown into the wall, the pillow flying across the room. Van's unconscious form wheezed in a gasp of air as Vespan struggled to his feet. He was met with a very grim faced Allen. Vespan began to pick himself up from the floor, but was dragged roughly to his feet by Allen.
"Game over," Allen said lowly, shoving Vespan against the wall. Vespan retaliated by punching Allen square on the jaw. Allen stumbled back a few steps, and Vespan advanced towards him.
"It's not over yet Schezar," Vespan spat, lunging at the knight. Allen dodged his attack, slamming Vespan to the floor. Vespan struggled, but Allen held him firmly down.
"I think your plot has been uncovered."
Vespan began to laugh.
"You should of let me kill Fanel. He's going to kill himself anyway when the mystic moon waif dies today," he chuckled maliciously.
"What do you mean?" Allen asked, shaking Vespan as he pulled him to his feet.
"I don't have to tell you anything," Vespan snarled.
Allen dragged the struggling king out of Van's chambers and to the dungeons. He sighed uneasily as he wrestled with the king. He had kept his promise to Hitomi.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>
Van's eyes slowly began to flutter open, and he winced in pain. One hand instantly flew up to his neck, where he felt the faint stickiness of blood.. With a lot of effort, Van pulled himself up and slid out of bed. After one step, he stumbled and clutched at the bedpost for support. Arduously, Van made his way to his chamber door, using the wall for support. His
breathing was raspy and shallow as he sucked in labored breaths. He felt as though his lungs would explode at any minute, but Van had to get to Hitomi, no matter what the cost.
Van stumbled along the palace corridors, gasping in pain. He walked hunched over, an arm wrapped tightly around his stomach. He had to get to Hitomi. He couldn't let them... Van wouldn't, no couldn't finish the thought. Hitomi was going to be fine. He wasn't going to have her taken away from him again. Never again.
Slowly, Van made his way to the palace courtyard, where he knew the hanging would take place. He flinched as he stepped out into the glaring sunlight. Sounds of a large crowd reached his ears, and he pushed himself onward. Thomas suddenly appeared in front of Van, blocking his way.
"Sire, you shouldn't be out of bed," Thomas exclaimed, a menacing undertone in his voice.
Van tried to step around the advisor, but was stopped. Thomas attempted to hold the king back, grasping his shoulders. Van pushed forward with what little strength he had. Thomas was thrown of balance and tumbled to the floor, almost taking Van with him. Van quickly skirted the fallen advisor as he scrambled to his feet. Thomas lunged at Van's ankles, tackling him to the cobblestones. Van crashed to the ground with a silent cry, the fall almost knocking him unconscious.
Thomas struggled with the young king, surprised that he still had so much strength. The poison should have drained him completely. With the dosage Van had been given, he should be on his death bed by now. But, for some reason, the young king was struggling to live, tenaciously hanging onto his thin thread of life.
The combatants continued to struggle on the ground, rolling in the dirt. Van twisted so that they were heading in the direction of he hanging platform, without Thomas' notice. Thomas grinned ferally, noticing how Van's struggles were becoming weaker. Van rolled once more, bringing them into the view of the public. There was aloud gasp as the people saw their king being attacked by one of his own advisors.
Guards rushed to the kings aide, roughly pulling Thomas off him. Thomas sputtered in rage, glaring heatedly at Van.
"You were supposed to die Fanel," he spat contemptuously, not caring who heard.
Van gingerly picked himself up, swaying slightly in the process. His eyes were clouded and bleary, and he wanted nothing more than to rest. He couldn't rest, not now. Turning away from Thomas, Van advanced cautiously towards Tallinn. The young woman smiled sweetly. The sight sickened Van.
"I'm so glad you're not hurt," she cooed, rushing to him and hugging him. Van winced when she touched him.
"Stay away from me witch," he hissed in a raspy voice.
Tallinn stumbled back in surprise.
"You- you can speak?!"
Van nodded, his eyes searching for Hitomi. He found her, bound and gagged, the noose already around her neck. Shoving Tallinn out of the way, Van advanced towards Hitomi. Once reaching her, he quickly pulled the noose off her neck, his fingers quickly working on her bonds. When Hitomi was free of her restraints, she threw her arms around Van's neck and hugged him tightly as tears coursed down her cheeks. Van hugged her back, sighing deeply.
Unwillingly, Van pulled away from Hitomi, turning to face Tallinn. There was nothing but contempt in his gaze.
"You, are no longer my wife," he rasped, managing to choke the words out. Tallinn's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I wouldn't be so rash dear," she responded, emphasizing the last word. "Unless you want your precious kingdom to go up in flames, hand her over."
Van clutched Hitomi to him, holding her tightly. Hitomi could hear his heart thundering at a pace that was much to fast. Worry quickly began to form in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong with Van. His eyes were glazed, his breathing forced and shallow. A fine sheen of sweat covered his brow. Hitomi tightened her arms around Van's waist, helping to support him.
"Well, what will it be?"
"A trip to the dungeon for you," Allen said, stepping onto the platform.
"Your plot has been uncovered, and if your country so much as blinks, Asturia will be more than happy to obliterate you."
Tallinn screamed in rage and lunged at the knight. He easily caught her, a charming smile alighting his features.
"It's over princess."
Tallinn continued to struggle as she was dragged away by the same guards who had apprehended Thomas. The crowd watched the proceedings in confusion. They had no idea of the secret plot to kill their king and enslave their country. When Tallinn was hauled away however, they all cheered happily. The sounds of joy quickly turned to gasps of worry and surprise when their young king collapsed.
"Van!" Hitomi cried, shaking his shoulders lightly. "Van."
Van groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as pain cascaded through his tired body. His breathing became even more labored as he struggled for each breath.
"Oh god, Van..." Hitomi whispered, pulling him into her arms. She cradled him tenderly, praying that he would be all right.
"You can't leave me now. Not after everything we've gone through. Don't you dare leave me Van Fanel," Hitomi said heatedly, tears streaming down her face.
"Hi...tomi?" Van managed in a gravely whisper.
"I'm here Van," she comforted him. His hand searched for hers, and when he found it, he clasped it tightly in his own.
"I love you..." he gasped faintly.
"I love you to Van. So much," Hitomi said, her voice breaking with emotion. She began to sob as he went limp in her arms, his fatigue and pain carrying him away to the darkness of insensibility.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonds & Vows
Part X
By: Penybright
The next several days were hell for Hitomi. She got little, if any, sleep, and was constantly worried. All though she was miserable, she could only guess how much Van was suffering. Even the pain killers and sedatives he had been given only seemed to have minimal effects. He would often cry out in his sleep, reliving some horrific nightmare. Frequently, he would call out for Hitomi. Hitomi would pull him gently into his arms and whisper soothing words as she played with his tousled locks. It seemed to calm him, and she was glad that she could offer him some sort of balm.
When Van had collapsed in her arms, Hitomi had feared for the worst. She knew he'd been poisoned, but she didn't know how bad. When Basil, the court healer, had returned that afternoon, he had quickly given Van some sort of elixir, staring at the king in awe. Hitomi remembered his words and shuddered.
"I don't know what's keeping him alive, but he should have been dead hours ago."
That's when Hitomi finally broke down and began to sob. She knew why he was hanging onto his last thread of life tenaciously. He was doing it for her. He was suffering this torment because he didn't want to leave her. He had promised that they would be together, and even death could not break his promise. It was the sweetest, and yet the most heart-wrenching thing anyone had ever done for her. If she had doubted his love before, she had no qualms now.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>>
A week had already gone by, and Van showed minimal signs of improving. He no longer thrashed violently in his sleep. He would still call out for Hitomi, but not as often. Hitomi had fallen asleep cradling Van in her arms. She was propped against the headboard of the large ornate bed, her breathing even and soft. Her eyes jerked open when she felt something soft brush her cheek.
Hitomi blinked in the darkness, trying to get her eyes to adjust to the poor lighting. When she could finally make things out, her eyes widened. Van was sleepily gazing at her, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. His hand rested on her shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"Van?"
Van nodded, watching in concern as her eyes flooded with tears.
"I thought I'd lost you!" Hitomi bawled, hugging Van tightly. Van shifted so that he could pull her into his arms. Hitomi buried her face against his shoulder and cried harder. Van remained silent, rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her.
"Hitomi..." he said, trying to sound gentle. His voice was still rough and raspy.
Hitomi lifted her watery green eyes to look at him. She noted how tired he looked, and the faint glaze of pain in his eyes.
"Van, are you all right? You look tired. Maybe I should..."
Hitomi was cut off as Van placed a finger over her lips.
"I'm fine, just a bit fatigued."
"You need your rest," Hitomi admonished as she untangled herself from his arms. Van seemed loath to let her go, his hand catching her wrist.
"Stay," he murmured, his eyes pleading with hers.
"Okay," Hitomi relented. "I'll watch over you while you sleep," she teased, leaning over to tuck the covers around him. Van tugged on her wrist, bringing her down to his level. Before Hitomi could react, he brushed his lips lightly against hers.
"Thank you," he sighed, his hand dropping to the bed as he drifted back to sleep.
Hitomi stood frozen in place for a moment. She lifted her fingers to her lips, a smile alighting her face. She couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. For the first time in days, Hitomi smiled a genuine smile.
<<<<<<<<<<*>>>>>>>>>
The following week, a great celebration was being held. Fanelia had many things to celebrate. Vespan and Tallinn had been sent back to Enies, where they had been stripped of their crowns and exiled to a remote country estate. Van was improving greatly, now able to move around on his own. And of course, the people had their young king's engagement to celebrate. They were overjoyed that he had found someone to love that loved him in return.
Van watched the revelry around him with a small grin on his face. Just three weeks ago, his life had seemed so dark. Now, though, he had so much to look forward to. Someone placed a gloved hand gently on his arm, and Van looked up to see who it was.
"Hello Merle," Van greeted the young cat-woman.
Merle smiled happily, seeing the smile in her foster-brother's eyes.
"If it isn't to much to ask, could I bother you for a dance?" Merle asked politely. Van nodded, and stood up.
"I'd be honored," he said, offering Merle his arm.
"Such a gentleman," Merle teased, causing Van to blush. "You know Lord Van, you'd think by now you'd have outgrown that blushing habit."
"Merle," Van protested as he led her around the ballroom floor. When the song ended, Van bowed and Merle curtsied before the two headed back to their seats, where Hitomi was waiting.
"I leave for two minutes, and you steal my fianc?," she said jokingly to Merle.
"What can I say, he's quite a catch," Merle returned.
Van sunk down into his chair, blushing furiously. Hitomi noticed this and smiled. Leaning down, she gave Van a peck on the cheek.
"I don't know what I ever did without you," she grinned. "So, are going to dance with your poor fianc?, or just every other woman in the room?"
Van jumped to his feet, immediately apologizing for not asking her to dance. Hitomi waved if off, explaining that she didn't mind in the least, as long as he was happy.
"How could I not be happy with you by my side," Van whispered in her ear as they danced. This time it was Hitomi's turn to blush, and she hit him playfully on the shoulder.
"You're such a flirt!"
Van looked at her strangely.
"Flirt?"
"It's an Earth term. Just forget I mentioned it."
Van nodded, focussing his attention on the dance. As the night wore on, people began to filter out, heading home to their well earned rest.
Once everyone was gone, Hitomi and Van sat down together on a plush rug in front of one of the various fire places in the palace. As the two young lovers gazed at the merrily dancing flames, they began to catch up on the past few years. Soft murmurs echoed through the hallways as the two discussed the past, present, and most importantly, their future together.