Twisted Fortune - An Escaflowne Fanfiction
By Bonnejeanne and Nixers
Contact: bonnejeanne@yahoo.com and nixerchan@aol.com
Warnings: Spoilers, (nothing else yet)
Archive: Soon to be archived at Zaibach Soldier
Notes: Set a little over one year after Vision of Escaflowne's end.
Chapter Four - Atropos to Clothos
Part 7
By the time the sun was three quarters set, Kaerin Tomant had sworn to himself that if he'd ever heard another sentence started with, "You'll never believe..." it would be too soon. Or "My maidservant said..." or "Why just the other day."...
The man that the whole affair had been held in honor of, Merk of Ternzen, had already gone to bed, pleading exhaustion and an overfull stomach. The man, long in service of Asturia had been just recently raised to the ranks of the twelve Heavenly Knights. Austuria's elite.
Kaerin fought down another yawn, his hand reaching down to wrap around the comfortable familiarity of the hilt of his saber. Elite had it's disadvantages, such as attending these functions. Kaerin smiled politely as another bejeweled merchant lady gave her condolences about his defeat in the tourney yesterday, and explained how she had been *so* intent upon his victory.
"They say that a warrior can instantly tell everything about another when they do battle," the woman said coyly. "Can you tell me about the king?"
"He's a good person. Better than most." Kaerin answered slowly, seeing no reason not to. Then remembered a blade, unchecked, plummeting towards him. An inward shiver took him at how close his death was, and how meaningless it would have been. The king held no malice towards him, no reason to draw blood, he'd simply forgotten himself somehow. "But not without fault."
"Oh, I'm sure a fault or two could be overlooked," the noblewoman purred, her eyes sliding half shut. Kaerin fought to urge to look away, so obvious was the make up and greed, scents of vanity. "A good looking boy like that, unwed, and with such prosperity promised. Even the Fassa family have been investing in Fanelia's rebirth I've heard. A sure foretelling of it's financial success."
"Oh Ezme," Another lady, perhaps younger, but by her dress, certainly of the same status broke into the conversation. "Are you still scheming to marry off your youngest?"
Ezme turned to the newcomer, batting her eyelashes in an imitation of innocence. "What WOULD I do without family to take care of?"
"Something productive perhaps?"
"Perish the thought!" Both women giggled, ignoring Kaerin as he sought to disentangle himself from their conversation.
"Still, it's no use going after Fanelia, I've heard the most interesting bit of gossip." The younger lady leaned in and dropped her voice, pretending that everyone within earshot MUST be hanging upon her every word. "The boyking had run off just this morning, with a ladyfriend!"
"No!" Ezme snapped open a fan, holding it in front of her face to hide such "unseemly" emotions as shock and jealousy. Kaerin paused in his retreat. So Van had gone home. It was a pity, he was hoping to speak with the boy before he departed. "Who? Have you heard, Jerraleh! You mustn't keep such secrets from me!"
"Serena Schezar, no less! Allen has been in fits all day and has set the workcrews on the Crusade to overtime. They say he'll not be more than another day in this capitol, mark my words. He'll put the zephyrs to shame."
"Oh what a scandal! For the First Knight to be so shunned and by a king!" Ezme closed her fan, tapping its lacquered edge against her bared collarbone, considering. "It is about time that sprite got free though, she was far to wild for her brother. Perhaps Fanelia will be the one to tame her."
"Tame her? She seemed almost a simpleton to me."
"Oh don't tell me you were taken in! Oh poor Jerraleh!"
"Don't start with me Ezm.."
"Excuse me, ladies." Kaerin cut in, bowing to both before the conversation could degrade into a sniping war. "You wouldn't happen to know where Allen is staying tonight?"
"Kaerin! Are you still here?" Ezme said, unrepentant of her slight to him. "For shame my manners, you poor boy. Allen of course would be down by the airfields. Where else would the Crusade be?"
The Third Knight smiled thinly, giving his thanks, before excusing himself in search of the Crusade. The turn of events had caught his interest as much as the boy who'd stayed his blade in the tournament and spared his life. Perhaps he could offer his blade to Allen, in exchange for passage to Fanelia...
Gaddes readjusted the furnace on the port levistone for perhaps the sixth time, more out of habit than any actual drive for perfection. The Crusade II was nearly finished due to Allen's sudden round the clock drive to get her up and flying again. Gaddes privately admitted to himself he was dragging his feet as well, hoping somehow that the delay would allow his boss time to cool off, but being grounded seemed to do the exact opposite.
With a sigh he swung down to the ground, mopping up his face quickly with a rag before approaching Allen. "Hey boss, the lift's about as good as it's going to get."
Allen nodded curtly. "Then it will do. We'll make adjustments en route. I want to leave in three hours. Have the supplies arrived?"
"Yeah, they're here and loaded but..." Gaddes grimaced slightly. "Look, I know it aint my place and all, but the crews worn to the bone. We might need another night... You aren't looking so hot either. Have you gotten any downtime at all?"
"Downtime?" Allen asked, favoring Gaddes with a searing look. "I didn't think peacetime would soften you all so quickly."
"That's hitting a little low, man. Me and the boys are just a little worried and all." Gaddes shrugged.
Allen closed his eyes briefly and forced himself to bring a reasonable tone to his voice.
"Yes, it's hitting low... but is it off the mark?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral. He placed a hand on Gaddes' shoulder and looked into his subordinate's eyes directly. "Gaddes, you saw the light. It's more than just a defiant baby sister slipping the reins here. Something is going on. Don't tell me you've forgotten the... the smell, the feel of it. Whatever is causing it, Serena is a lodestone for the darkest kind of trouble. Put her together with Van..."
"Che' That isn't something anyone's likely to forget. But I can't help but think that troubles going to get us in the back if your too busy fighting the kid over it."
Allen took a deep breath and released it slowly. "If that's what's worrying you, stand down. I want to *find* them... but I won't initiate a fight. I want answers and I want Serena safe under my protection." He dropped his hand but continued to look Gaddes in the eye. "I know I lost my head back there on the road, but the light... let's just say I've been sobered in full measure. And I'm counting on you... to help me watch my back. Now, what do you think, old friend?"
The first mate broke the gaze, considering a moment before returning it with a marked increase of confidence. "We can have her up in two hours."
"Make it six hours and have the crew take at least three to rest and eat," Allen said, nodding. "And my thanks for the work you've all done."
"Just our job," Gaddes said dismissively, before fixing Allen with his usual rakish smirk and clapping the knight on the back. "Good to have you back."
Allen snorted softly but returned a slight smile. "Off with you then."
Gaddes nodded, then his gaze narrowed a bit. "Looks like we've got company too."
Allen turned quickly, half-expecting to see Millerna, coming to plead with him again.
Instead the blues and golds of another Heavenly Knight came within view. "Allen san," the man bowed formally, one hand resting casually on the pommel of his sword. The newcomer straightened, brushing shoulder-length brown hair out of his eyes.
"Boss," Gaddes said, turning back to the Crusade. "Pile you idiot, what are you gonna do with that. You've going to kill us all one of these days..."
The Knight looked at the others abrupt departure, vaguely wondering if he'd done something wrong. Shaking his head, he saluted to Allen. "Kaerin Tomant, at your service."
Allen returned the salute, looking at the young knight curiously. "Kaerin. How can I be of service to you?"
"I had come to inquire that of you. I'd heard a bit of the goings on and came to offer my own assistance and blade, should you need it."
At the words 'goings on,' Allen's blue eyes darkened a bit. "Whatever you heard, is probably nothing more than inflated court gossip, exaggerated to amuse the bored during these peaceful times. My crew and I are simply preparing for a shakedown of the refurbished Crusade II. I doubt that would be interesting enough to warrant the attention of so accomplished a knight as yourself."
"Exaggerated gossip? Ah, I had simply heard you were traveling to Fanelia. I have business of my own in that area, and was only hoping for a ride to the region, though if there is some truth to it, I would be more than willing to pull my weight within the duties of the crew."
Allen inwardly growled to himself, displeased that the destination of his journey was already known, though not surprised by it. He studied the young knight, remembering his brief conversation with Kaerin about the tournament match with Van.
"Come, Kaerin," he said after a moment. "Be direct with me and I'll endeavor to return the same. Otherwise, we're simply on a shakedown, and possible a survey of the fort grounds."
Kaerin smiled, genuine admiration flashing across his face and stance. "All right then, as simply as possible; there *is* more floating around, but in all honesty, that's not what interests me. I was more hoping to speak with the man who'd bested me so easily, but hadn't the opportunity before he left. My sister was in the battle of Freid, and had asked me to pass on a message to him. I'd thought to catch Van after the tournament, but fate intervened it seems."
Allen sifted the words through his mind. "Forgive me, Kaerin, but that seems a rather impulsive reason for attaching yourself to our crew. Whatever the rumors say, you must suspect my reason for going is a deeply personal one. Understand, I'm not scorning your help or your company but I have reason to be careful. It concerns the honor of my family."
"As is my own, both personal and a matter of family. But I can understand, trust is a rare commodity in Asturia. I shall find another means of transport then."
"No need," Allen returned smoothly. "Join us then, if you are committed to the journey. Be here in five and a half hours, but I'd take it as a favor that you not share our departure time with anyone else."
"I am in your debt, my lord." Kaerin bowed low before straightening and backing up a pace politely.
"Not at all, Kaerin. I'll see you later then," Allen returned a slight bow of his own, then straightened to watch the young man depart.
Gaddes stepped back up to the captain's side, having not left earshot. "Well, seems it didn't take long for that cat to get out of the bag."
Allen grimaced. "I don't like it, but Pallas is Pallas. Tell the boys we're going to have an extra hand in the form of the Knight Kaerin."
"You've got it."
Allen was surprised when the young Heavenly Knight did not show up at the berth for the Crusade II at the time he'd given. Shrugging to himself, the blond swordsman decided that perhaps the young man had rethought the 'urgency' of his mission, possibly spurred on by a set of wide eyes or a lilting voice expressing some feminine heartache at his abrupt departure. He watched his crew prepare for departure with the efficiency of long practice.
From his place on the deck, Gaddes glanced up at the suns position and leaned out over the rail. "We waiting?" he called down.
Allen performed the same horizon check and then shook his head, turning to climb the ladder to the bridge.
"Hold please!" A voiced called out, perhaps a bit strained, as Kaerin appeared, a bag slung over his shoulder and face flush with exertion. "My apologies," he called as he drew towards the airship. "I was entangled in an engagement that was difficult to extract myself from with honor." He hefted his bag off from over his shoulder. "That and finding a servant I could trust not to speak of my departure was beastly."
Allen allowed one golden eyebrow to raise a fraction, then gestured the young knight to follow him up the ladder. "Come then," he said over his shoulder. As he emerged from the ladderwell onto the bridge, he called to one of his men. "Katsu! Show Sir Kaerin to a berth."
The Knight nodded to both Allen and the lanky crewmember. "My thanks, but please, no need for titles my lord, it is I who am begging the favor."
"Just as well with this lot of scoundrels," Allen said with a slight twinkle as he threw a look to the men. "And no titles means no 'my lord' either, in that case. Stowe your gear, Kaerin. Then join me on the bridge. It's the safest place for you until you get the lay of how the crew operates."
Kaerin nodded, smiling a bit. "Allen then." He turned, and even in the casual motions of stowing his bag, he gave the air of taking his leave.
Allen watched him, then exchanged a look with Gaddes. The young knight seemed quite straightforward, but Allen's experiences had ingrained caution into his bones and blood.
Gaddes caught the blond swordsman's look and nodded. "I'll see if me, the boys, and a good bottle of hard vino will loosen him up a bit tonight." Gaddes said with a tone of casual mischief.
The corner of Allen's mouth twitched slightly and he inclined his head, tacitly giving permission for the interrogation. The worst that could result was no information and the young knight a decent hangover.
"Looks like that's than then." Gaddes pushed away from his post and put both fingers in this mouth, giving a piercing whistle. Automatically, the crew moved into a flurry of action cutting the lines and cooling the levistones. The Crusade II took to the air without a single squeak out of place, Gaddes noted with pride.
Once in the air, Allen looked at his second in command and said quietly, "Best speed, for Fanelia."
"Full sails boys!" Gaddes barked, nearly shouting to be heard over the thrum of the engines below and the winds above, "Rudder 10 degrees to the aft. Full speed!" Call of varying degrees of rude assent came back.
Once underway, Allen stayed on the foredeck a while, lost in private thoughts. They were making for Fanelia but he had no real assurance that the King and his sister were there, only a hope, and perhaps half a hunch. If they weren't... the spectre raised by that thought was far darker and less easily banished than most of the others that preceded it.
Gaddes himself gave the Crusade's captain a wide birth now that the order had been given. Besides monitoring the furnaces and the winds, it was just a matter of waiting now. He had his own worries though, the crew - roughnecks, a step away from bandits themselves - were carrying on their duties almost quietly for them. The stories of the light had managed to subdue them more than anything, he suspected. Everyone knew that the last time it had happened, Gaea went to war.
He busied himself in rechecking the lines. The vino likely wouldn't just be for their new passenger tonight.
The first bell had rung, signaling the half-hour before dinner would be served in the hall. Only moments later, there was a soft scratching at the door of Dryden's room.
The merchant prince looked up from the text he was reading. Closing the thick book, he set it aside and moved to open the door, wondering who would bother to knock, as it were.
Merle stood on the other side, her large eyes seeking his appealingly. Her shoulders were covered with a blanket. "Dryden-sama? I want to ask you something..."
"Merle?" he asked, blinking slightly, trying to get his mind out of Earthian Latin and back into reality. "Of course come in!" He stepped aside to allow the catgirl entrance.
She moved inside quickly, keeping the blanket around her, covering her from shoulders to ankles. She seemed to be making a conscious effort to stand tall and walk gracefully. She looked at the tall man beseechingly.
"Meimei says I should stop running around in my old smock like a.. A ragamuffin. She made me a dress to wear for dinners in case there were guests," she confided. Pouting slightly, she continued, "Not that I'd care what that Serena thinks, but I thought maybe it would please Van-sama... but it looks funny to me. Will you look and tell me if it looks too stupid?"
Dryden smiled. "Of course, I'm sure it will look stunning. You are hardly a kit anymore."
Merle lowered her eyelids modestly, but there was a gleam of pleasure in them at Dryden's words. She dropped the blanket off her shoulder and turned in a circle, her eyes glued to his.
The dress was a simple one, and in the style of the beastpeople rather than a court dress, which was extremely common here in Fanelia. It rode low on her softly furred shoulders, even allowing a tiny bit of cleavage to be hinted at, then was caught at the waist in a narrow belt, and from there, a skirt fell to the floor, straight rather than full, but slit up both sides for ease of movement. The color was a rich green, with darker green trim, and Merle had even slipped her feet into a pair of ladies' sandals with a slightly elevated heel.
Dryden rubbed his chin, looking over he thoughtfully and concealing none of his pleasure at the new, more grown up, look. He tossed the end of his scarf over his shoulder and bowed to Merle. "Though such a woman needs no adornments," he swept up one of her paws and kissed the back of it lightly, "I'd say it suits you more than well, lady Merle."
Merle fluttered her eyelashes innocently, but didn't seemed the slightest bit inclined to pull her hand back. She breathed a near exaggerated sigh of relief. "Then is doesn't look silly? Oh good!"
Dryden chuckled, straightening again. "Meimei did a good job with it. Green was a perfect choice of colors for you," he commented smoothly. "You must have really missed Van, to go so out of your way for him tonight."
Merle nodded, her whiskers quivering slightly in pleasure at the praise. "Oh, I did!" She assured him. Then she smiled sweetly. "But he isn't the only one who it's for,"
"Oh?" Dryden ran a hand through his hair. "Ahh! So you've found a companion then!"
Merle blinked innocently. Her tail swished gracefully, escaping through one of the side slits. "I think so," she confided. "But I'm not sure if he wants a... companion. He's been very nice to me... but then he's nice to everyone, it's what makes him so special..."
"He sounds like a good kid. You will introduce me of course? I have to look out for my favorite catgirl," he added the last in a lightly teasing tone.
Merle sighed softly. "I know you do, Dryden-sama," she said. "You look out for everyone, even Van-sama... I'll never forget how you saved him, giving up all your ships and things."
"All but a small price for the young lad and the radiant smile of the sweet Millerna-hime," he announced, using his best boastful tones.
Merle watched him thoughtfully. "Oh... because you love Millerna..." she said in a small voice. Then she nodded, seeming suddenly saddened. But she managed to smile at him as she stooped gracefully to pick up the blanket.
Dryden stopped short, confused by the sudden change the young girl's demeanor. He gave the girl a puzzled look, a sudden suspicion starting to sink in. "Was the dress all you came here for?"
There was another bell out in the corridor, the quarter hour before dinner. Merle jumped slightly and crossed to the door, with the blanket over her arm. She looked back, still smiling almost sadly, and her wide eyes shone a little more than usually. "Oh yes, Dryden-sama. I knew you'd tell me if it didn't look right. I'll let you wash now."
The man paused, studying her intently for the briefest of moments before returning the smile. "I'm fine, and there's hardly time anyway.... Would the Lady do me the favor of being me escort to dinner, as ill kempt as I am?"
Merle regarded him for a moment. Then she placed the blanket on a chair. "Of course I'll go in with you, Dryden-sama, if you want me to. But... even though I like it when you call me a lady, I'm not one really. So no need to call me that," she said forthrightly, shifting slightly, for the first time seeming a little unsteady on the heeled sandals.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Dryden replied without sarcasm, but a touch of humor. "What is it you think qualifies a lady? Royal association? How long have you known Van?"
Merle smiled. "You're being gracious again, Dryden-sama."
He crossed his arms, effecting an air of drama. "Merely my vast and impeccable manners." He grinned, ruffling her hair, "My lady," he added.
Merle smiled back, shaking her short hair back into place. "Right," she agreed, then added, "My lord."
He smirked slightly, recognizing the game. He offered his arm. "Then shall we?"
Merle placed her arm softly in his. "Dryden-sama," she said, returning to the confiding tone, "I don't want that Serena to get the best of me, so if I do something silly, give me a signal, okay?"
Dryden nodded musing to himself how much Merle HAD grown up in some respects, without his notice. "It's a promise. Although, I don't think she'd have any reason to dislike you."
Merle's fur ruffled ever so slightly. "She's much too familiar with Van-sama. There's something funny about her. I can't let Van-sama get hurt again. It's too soon."
Dryden scratched her ear affectionately. "You are a good friend to him, you know. But I'm not sure fighting with our guest will help matters."
Merle sighed, inclining into his touch. "All right... then I won't fight with her..." Her wide eyes twinkled with determination. "But I will watch her *very closely*..."
/So will I, but I expect, for different reasons,/ he thought. "Come now, I'm sure that she's not interested in Van that way."
Merle looked at him with clear astonishment. "Why not?!"
Dryden grinned. "No slight to Van intended, of course. But you can't believe that every young woman wants to snatch him up."
The catgirl considered this thought carefully. "Maybe... I guess there are bound to be some stupid ones..."
He gave a guffaw of a laugh. "Bound to be, I suppose." He glanced up as the dinner bell rang once again. "Fashionably late it is then," he said, his voice dropping to the same confiding tones. "I've always found it's most advantageous to be at least a little late, they seem to appreciate when you are on time more." He moved to hold open the door for Merle.
Merle absorbed this piece of wisdom as if it were important and nodded as she went gracefully, but carefully through the open portal.
Bemused, he followed after her, making his appearance at her side in the small, but formal dining room. Putting aside the implications he suspected were hidden within their earlier conversation, he nodded to Van and Serena, already at their places, before pulling out the chair for Merle. It was not coincidentally closest to Van and farthest from Serena. It didn't hurt to be careful.
END OF PART 7!