From: [email protected] Date: Wed Dec 27, 2000 9:20pm Subject: A Silver Feather: Ch 4 ~Okay, here's chapter four. I know this chapter's kind of stupid, but hey, it's necessary for the plot. Hopefully the next chapter will explain a few things and clear up some stuff. Happy reading! Please review! Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne! A Silver Feather Carried on the Winds of Fate By: Penybright Chapter Four The next morning when Maureyn awakened, she was instantly attacked by a group of maidservants. They dragged her off to be bathed and groomed. They helped her dress, and combed out her long hair that fell in satiny ripples. Maureyn sighed and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked down at the dress she was wearing and grimaced. She never was to fond of dresses. They always encumbered her movements. She'd be lucky to get through this day without tripping on the hem at least fifty times. The maidservants left and Maureyn stood up to leave herself. She was halfway to the door, when it opened, and two maidservants scurried in. The one handed Maureyn a belt and the other a sheathed sword. The two women did a curt bow, and left quickly. Maureyn stared at the objects she held. A radiant smile appeared on her face as she buckled the sword on. She then reverently pulled the sword out of its sheath It made a soft rasping whisper as it cleared the scabbard. The handle was wrapped in soft, black leather that matched the belt and scabbard. The balance was superb, and the blade light as a feather. The cross- hilt and pommel were silver, with designs etched into them. Maureyn's attention, though, was drawn to the forms engraved on the blade itself. At the top, towards the hilt, the emblem of Fanelia was engraved. On the other side the engraving was of a winged woman dressed in flowing robes. "I see you like it," Van said abruptly interrupting Maureyn's musings. "It's....beautiful," Maureyn breathed. "I don't deserve such a fine blade." "Nonsense! You're a princess. A princess who will fight to protect her people." Maureyn looked at Van in shock and bewilderment. "As I told you before, you have certain... obligations and requirements to fulfill. Starting today, Merle is going to take you around the palace. She'll teach you about the workings of the Fanalian court and our customs. In one week you will be presented to the populous." "What?!?" Maureyn exclaimed. "But....why?" "Your people have to know you," Van explained. "In time you'll understand better. Merle should be here soon. I have a council meeting to attend. If you'll please excuse me," Van said with a nod, and walked out. Maureyn flopped down on the bed and stared blankly at the crimson canopy. "I'm really not a people person," she whined to herself. "Why ever not?" came a flippant reply. Maureyn sprang up to see Merle standing in the doorway. "Hello Merle," Maureyn said with a lopsided, sheepish grin. "Van told me all about you Maureyn. Do you really have wings?" Merle asked skeptically. "Yes I do," Maureyn replied. "So, you're to be my guide?" she said, trying to change the subject. Merle looked at her pointedly, letting Maureyn know that she knew what Maureyn was doing. "Don't think I'll let this subject drop," Merle warned. "I'm going to make sure that you don't harm Lord Van." "Hurt Van? Why I never! If anyone's been hurt through this whole ordeal it's me! I'm the one who's going to suffer. I'm the one who will have to bleed for others! I....." Maureyn trailed off when she saw the expression on Merle's face. "Sorry," Maureyn mumbled. "That's okay," Merle replied with a nervous laugh. "I think I like you. You're a curiosity." "I'm so glad," Maureyn sighed, plopping back down. "Come on!" Merle cried, grabbing Maureyn's wrist. "I have so much to show you!" Maureyn found herself hauled off the bed and towed along. Maureyn hopped and skipped, trying not to fall on her face, as Merle dragged her through the bustling halls. They received a few strange looks, but were mostly ignored. Merle took Maureyn to the kitchen for some breakfast, before they met up with Hitomi. The threesome then went on a tour of the palace grounds. It was around noon, when there was a commotion at the gates. The three women went to investigate. A young woman with silver-gray hair and blue eyes was being supported by a soldier. Her gown was torn and dirty, and her hair in disarray. Her eyes were wide in fright. Maureyn took the woman from the soldier, and the three of them began to speak to her, trying to soothe her raw nerves. A guard was dispatched, and moments later came running back with Allen hot on his heels. "Serena!" Allen cried, rushing to his sister. "Allen!" Serena cried, throwing herself into her brother's arms. "I thought we'd lost you. Serena, what happened to you?" "It was so horrible Allen! These...men grabbed me and took me to some kind of fortress. They said they were going to....going to separate me from my other self. I didn't understand what they wanted!" Serena began to cry helplessly. "They.....injected me with...something." Serana shuddered and hugged Allen closer. "When I woke up there was a man there. He had silver hair...like mine. And his eyes! They were a red-violet that burned. But, they were cold, so very cold," she whispered, shivering convulsively before continuing. "He said I would be his little messenger. I was to tell Van of Fanelia that he can not hide from the wrath of the dragonslayer. I ran as fast as I could to find help. I didn't know what to do! I---" Serena began to sob uncontrollably. Allen picked his sister up and began to carry her back to the palace. Maureyn gasped and staggered back a step. "Maureyn?" Hitomi asked, concerned. "It's him! He's going to start the war! His eyes they're so cold, frigid as a glacier...." Maureyn clasped her head as scenes of destruction barraged her vision. "You have to get away from here! Now!" Maureyn gasped out in horror. "Maureyn!" Hitomi cried, shaking her. "Snap out of it! Nothing's happened yet. We're all safe." Maureyn lurched out of her daze, shaking her head to clear it. "I'm....sorry," she said, eyes downcast. The soldiers were looking at her with apprehension. "What was that about?" Merle interjected. Hitomi glared at her fiercely as she direct Maureyn back to the castle. "Well sorry!" Merle muttered peevishly. Maureyn allowed herself to be led back to the palace and her room. "I think you'd better rest. We'll talk about this later." Maureyn nodded, letting Hitomi know she understood. Merle and Hitomi then left. Maureyn sat on the wooden floor Indian-style and closed her eyes. Breathing deeply she allowed her senses to drift and darkness overtook her vision. Maureyn found her center of calm, and began to meditate on her problem. If there was an answer to this problem, she would find it. She just needed...peace. The last few days had been extremely chaotic. More than anything, Maureyn needed some tranquility and less surprises. Perhaps it was about time she did something about her situation. One thing was for sure, she wasn't going to give up easily. Maureyn was a born fighter. And this fight was far from over. Maureyn remained in her meditative contemplation until she was summoned for the evening meal.