Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Ashes and Remembrance ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

THREE

Jindra Roh stood alone by the open window and sipped at her chilled wine. She quietly watched the other guests as they mingled in the conservatory. The room was brightly lit and the windows had been opened to let in the evening air. Mother has outdone herself, she thought. Coren looks so happy. Why can't I be happy for him? Because I'm selfish, that's why. I know Coren has to live his own life, but I just don't want him to leave. Jindra was pulled from her musings by the sound of her mother's voice.

"Jindra dear, have you met Lieutenant Lefebvre? He's one of Coren's colleagues from the academy."

Oh no -- not again. She inwardly groaned. Her mother had managed to introduce her to every one of "Coren's colleagues from the academy" as soon as they had arrived. I feel like I'm on display.

As her mother and the young man walked towards her, Jindra put her glass down on a small table nearby and managed a pleasant, but not overly friendly smile. She took the few moments before they reached her to study the man escorting her mother. He looked to be about the same age as her brother, was tall, with an athletic build and had long dark hair that was pulled into a tail. When they reached her, she could see that his eyes were dark blue. Midnight blue, she thought. He is quite handsome; no wonder mother latched onto him.

"No, I don't believe we've met before. Welcome to our home, Lieutenant. It's nice to meet you." Jindra held out her hand to the young man as she spoke.

He took her hand and gave her a small bow, "Thank you for inviting me; and the pleasure is all mine." Lefebvre released her hand and smiled as he spoke. "Coren mentions you so often that I already feel like I know you."

"I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not, Lieutenant. Especially knowing my brother as I do," Jindra replied.

"If that's the case, then you should know that your brother speaks very highly of you."

Seeing that the two were getting acquainted, Doreena Roh excused herself. "Please forgive me, but I must go greet some new arrivals." Giving her daughter a wink, she moved towards the entry doors.

"Would you like some fresh wine, my lady?" Lefebvre asked. Jindra took the arm that he offered, "Yes, thank you; and please, none of that 'my lady' stuff. I much prefer to be addressed by my name." The two walked towards the buffet tables at the other end of the room.

"Jindra, then. It would please me if you would call me by my first name, which is Anton."

"Anton. It's an unusual name. You aren't from the Capital?" she asked, taking the wine glass that he handed her.

"No, my family is from the north. But how did you know?" he asked, picking up his own glass.

"By your accent -- and your manner; you're a bit more formal than most of the men here. It's nice to know some of you still know how to behave in society." Jindra replied as she heard Coren's booming laughter from across the room, "Unlike my brother."

"I'm glad that my manners please you. I wouldn't want to appear uncivilized, especially after being introduced to such a lovely young lady."

She could feel his eyes on her as she took a sip from her glass. Feeling the blood rise in her face, she glanced down. Why is he looking at me like that? But Jindra knew the answer to her own question, even as she asked it. Between the cut and color of her dress, her hair, her jewelry, and a few cosmetics; even she had to admit that she wasn't half bad. She had said as much to her mother after she had finished dressing. "Half bad? Jindra, you look so beautiful," her mother had exclaimed. Even Coren had looked at her like she was a stranger. "Where's Jin? Who are you and what have done with that tomboy sister of mine?" he had joked. "Really Jin, you look wonderful. It's my party, but everyone will be looking at you -- it's not fair!" Jindra had blushed to a deep crimson and shooed Coren out the door. Yes, not half bad. But I feel like everyone is looking at me and I'm not sure that I like it - lovely young lady indeed . . . .

"Is there something wrong, Jindra?" Anton was asking her. "You looked very far away."

"Oh I'm sorry, Anton. My thoughts were somewhere else for a moment," she replied, blushing once again. What's wrong with me? Dress me up a bit and I start to act like one of those giddy little air heads of Coren's. Trying to make up for her lack of manners, she quickly asked, "So how long have you been at the academy?"

"Almost a year; I hope to receive my own commission within the next eight or nine months. This has been a great opportunity for me and I hope to make my family proud."

While Anton was speaking, Jindra saw her brother walking towards them, "Well . . . here comes the guest of honor now." she said.

"Anton, so glad you could make it," Coren said to the other man as the two shook hands.

"My thanks to you and your family for inviting me," Anton replied. Coren moved to stand next to Jindra, "So . . . I see the two of you have gotten acquainted."

"Yes, mother introduced us a few minutes ago," Jindra said. If he embarrasses me, I swear I'll kill him. "We were just talking about Anton's stay at the academy."

"Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: Anton is on his way to becoming a very fine officer. His only fault is that he's just too proper and polite. He really needs to loosen up a bit," Coren said jokingly.

"Coren, I hardly think that's fair. Are you trying to give your sister the impression that I'm a stuffed shirt?" Anton replied, trying to sound offended.

"See, he just takes everything too seriously. Well, if anyone can get you to loosen up, it'll be Jin. She's a good one for bucking convention; aren't you dear sister of mine?" Jindra could see the mischievous gleam in her brother's eye. I'm going to kill him.

"Coren . . ." Jindra said with a hint of warning in her voice, "I really don't think this is the time or place for this." She gave him a glare that she hoped would divert him. "This is supposed to be your party, remember? You and I can always discuss this later -- much later." She arched her eyebrow at him for emphasis.

"Yes . . . well, huh . . . by the way, I meant to ask you about Folken -- I haven't seen him. Didn't you invite him?"

"Yes, I did . . . but he said no. He didn't feel comfortable coming. I'm sure that he'll see you before you leave, he said as much." Coren could hear the note of regret in his sister's voice. Folken? Nah - Jin's got more sense than that.

"Well, it's his loss." Jindra could see that her brother was disappointed. "I guess I better go mingle some more; I'll see you later." Coren bowed and left them.

"Who is Folken?" Anton asked.

"He's a friend of ours -- Coren was his fencing instructor. I was hoping that he would change his mind and come; but I guess not."

"He can't be much of a friend to decline such an invitation."

"I-It's not like that. Folken's just -- just . . . he's not really comfortable in society, that's all. He's a bit shy." Anton looked at her as she spoke and he could see the hint of regret on her face as he heard it in her voice. Interesting . . . Hoping to focus Jindra's attention back to himself, he asked "Would you like to walk out to the terrace? It's a lovely night."

"Uh . . . I -- yes that would be nice." Jindra again took his offered arm and the two started towards the open doors.

As they stepped out onto the terrace, Jindra breathed in the fragrant scents from the garden below. "Too bad it's dark out; my mother's garden is really beautiful this time of year." She had let go of Anton's arm and was walking towards the stone railing.

Anton followed her, "Perhaps I could come and see it another time -- during the day."

"Yes, perhaps you could," Jindra replied as she turned to face him. "I'm sure that my mother would enjoy showing you around."

"I'd much prefer it if you would consent to show me around the garden," he said looking at her. "Jindra . . . I know that we've only just met, but . . ."

Just then Coren came through the open doors, with another person following behind. "Hey, Jin -- you won't believe who's here!" He stopped when he saw the two of them standing face-to-face by the railing. Well, well that didn't take long . . .

"Coren, who is it?" she asked, stepping to meet him. As she got closer, she could make out the features of the other person with him, "Folken! I knew you would change your mind," she grasped his hand and smiled up at him. "I knew you would come."

Folken didn't answer right away; he just stood and looked at Jindra, as if seeing her for the first time. Beautiful; she looks so beautiful. Blinking to clear his thoughts, he said, "I-I-I can't stay long; I just wanted to congratulate Coren and wish him luck."

Anton saw the look that passed between the two. So . . . this is the mysterious Folken. But who is he? It looks as though he's wearing the robes of a student sorcerer . . . most curious.

Letting go of Folken's hand, Jindra suddenly remembered the young man standing next to her. "Folken, may I introduce Lieutenant Anton Lefebvre. Anton is a friend of Coren's from the academy. Anton, this is Folken . . . Folken . . ." Jindra trailed off. I don't even know his full name. She looked up at Folken for help.

"Folken Lacour," he said smoothly, bowing to Anton; "nice to meet you."

Anton returned the bow, "Well met." How serious could it be? She didn't even know his last name . . . quite interesting indeed.

Turning to Coren and Jindra, Folken spoke. "I can't stay -- I only came to wish you luck, Coren. Please accept my congratulations on your commission." The two men shook hands.

"Thanks. I'm sorry to have to cut our lessons short -- but I'm sure you understand. Although I will leave you in Jin's capable hands; she's pretty good -- if I must say so myself. Taught her everything she's knows."

"You wish!" Jindra said, turning on her brother.

"Jindra can sword fight?" Anton asked Coren.

"Of course I can," Jindra replied before Coren could speak.

"But why? It's not proper for young ladies of your family's standing to fence."

Coren winced at Anton's words. Well, that will set her off for sure. Guess I should save him though . . . "Anton, why don't we go inside and get everyone a fresh drink." Coren said, pulling the other man by his sleeve towards the door. "Say, have you met the Kaberle sisters yet?" Jindra and Folken watched the two enter the conservatory.

"I don't believe he just said that!" Jindra exclaimed angrily. "Proper young ladies . . . what does he think I should be doing -- having tea parties and going to balls?"

"Jin, I'm sure he didn't mean to insult you. Even I wasn't comfortable seeing a girl with a sword at first. You have to admit that it isn't common," Folken said trying to placate her.

"What's so uncommon about it? There are women in the army -- some of them are even guymelef pilots. What's the difference?"

"Well, you don't exactly look like a guymelef pilot dressed like that." Folken replied, gesturing to her gown. "You look like a proper young lady who should be attending tea parties and balls."

Jindra turned on him, "Oh, don't you start Folken! I'm still the same as I was the other day. It's only this dumb dress that makes me look different."

"That maybe true; but remember -- Anton doesn't know you, does he?" Jindra nodded her head. "You only just met tonight, am I right?" She nodded again. "Then you really can't blame him. He doesn't know you like Coren and I do."

"I guess you're right . . . but still, it makes me mad."

"Well, try to go easy on him;" Folken reached out and took her hand, "and Jin, it's not a dumb dress." She looked up into his face. "Jindra . . ." Unable to finish, he shook his head and gave her a sad look before letting go of her hand. After a few moments he continued, "As I said before, I really can't stay. I just wanted to say goodbye to your brother; I really should be going."

"You can't go yet, Folken. You should meet our parents at least," Jindra said touching his arm.

"No, I-I-I think it's best that I go now. I really shouldn't have come at all, but I felt that I owed it to Coren to say goodbye in person."

Jindra took Folken's arm, "Then I'll walk you out."

"Jin, I don't think that would be a good idea."

"It's no trouble," she saw the apprehension on his face; "we can go through the garden if you like."

"What about Coren and Anton? They'll be back any minute."

"I don't care about Coren and Anton. I can tell that you don't want to go back through the conservatory again; am I right?"

"Jin, it wouldn't be . . ."

Letting go of his arm, she spun around to face him. "What -- proper? Is that what you were going to say? Well I don't care about that either. If I want to walk through the garden with you, then I will." Looking him in the eye, Jindra then reached out and took Folken's hand -- his right hand; and she saw his eyes widen in surprise. It feels so cold -- so strange. But I want him to trust me. I want him to . . . to what? Kiss me? Maybe . . . I don't know. I just want to be with him - be near him.

Gently cradling Folken's metal hand, Jindra looked up into his face. "Folken, would you allow me to walk you to the garden gate?" Her voice was soft, "Please."

Looking down at her, Folken cupped her cheek with his other hand, "I would like it very much."

Arm-in-arm, Jindra led him down the steps and into the garden.

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Although the party was mainly inside, torches had been set out along the garden path for those guests that might wish to take a stroll in the evening air. Mother thought of everything. I wonder what she'd think of this. I'm sure she would much rather prefer that it was Anton.

"It's such a beautiful night, don't you think?" Jindra asked as they reached the bottom step and made their way onto the flagstone path.

"Yes, it is," Folken replied as he pulled Jindra to a stop. "It seems that there's beauty everywhere tonight."

Jindra gave him a puzzled look, "Folken -- what is it?"

"Nothing . . . I-I-I just wanted to look at you. Y-Y-You -- you really do look beautiful tonight, Jin. Not that I didn't think that you weren't pretty before . . . b-b-but, it's just -- it's just different . . ." he trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Jindra could feel the blush that crept up her face and she glanced down. "I never knew you were such a flatterer, Folken. Have you been taking lessons from my erstwhile brother?"

"Jin, do you really think that? Do you really think that I'm nothing more than idle flatterer?"

Looking up at him, she answered, "N-n-no, of course not. It's just that -- I don't really understand what's happened between us. I-I-I always thought that we were friends, but . . . but now it's all changed some how. It's not the same anymore . . . it just feels so different . . . I don't know why - I just have this weird feeling inside . . ."

Folken raised his hand, and touched her face. "Jin . . . I've felt myself drawn to you since we first met. There is something in you that calls to me. I-I-I'm not sure if I understand it myself. All I know is that I find some peace when I'm with you. I-I-I like being with you, Jindra . . . I treasure whatever time we spend together. You-you mean a lot to me . . . more than I ever thought anyone could -- especially since coming to Zaibach."

As he withdrew his hand from her face, Jindra captured it in both of hers. "I like being with you, too." She blushed and looked down for a moment. Raising her eyes back up, Jindra continued, "Sometimes it's as if I can feel your loneliness and pain; and it hurts me -- deep inside . . . it hurts so much - like when I see a small child that's been injured. I-I want to put my arms around them and . . . and just hold them until the pain goes away." She looked down at their joined hands. "I don't want to feel your hurt, Folken . . . I-I-I don't want you to be lonely." A tear slid down her cheek as she finished.

Pulling his hand from her grasp, Folken encircled Jindra in his arms and pulled her towards his chest. "Jin, please -- please don't . . . don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you . . ."

Resting her head on his chest, Jindra spoke softly, "S'okay; you didn't upset me, really. I-I-I just don't know how -- how to say what I feel."

"Oh, I don't know. You seemed to be doing alright." Folken smiled to himself as he reached up his hand and cupped her head. "All of this is new to me, too." Jindra could hear the playful tone in his voice as he spoke. "The question now is -- what are we going to do about it?"

Raising her head, she looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

"Well, it's fairly obvious -- we've both pretty much confessed our feelings for one another; so -- where do we go from here?"

Opting for a playful tone herself, Jindra coyly looked at him, "I think we should take advantage of this beautiful evening and continue our walk." Pulling away a little, she batted her eyes at him, "By the way, did you know that there's just the cutest little gazebo a bit farther down this path?"

Feigning surprise and shock, Folken widened his eyes. "My lady! What are you suggesting? It sounds rather scandalous. A proper young lady of your family's standing shouldn't be walking in moon-lit gardens with outland apprentice sorcerers."

Playing along, Jindra gave him a small smile. "My good sir; I meant no offense. I was merely offering a small distraction to make our walk more . . . interesting. Please forgive me for shocking your sensibilities."

Folken reached down and took Jindra's hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it. "My lady, nothing you do or say could ever offend me. I would be most honored for the pleasure of your company."

Still holding hands, the young couple set out once again down the garden path.

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Anton Lefebvre's eyes burned in the torchlight as he watched the couple pass into the shadows and down the path. He silently clenched his jaw and gripped his wine glass. What is she doing? Doesn't she realize what he is? What he will be? He'll ruin her! Anton gripped the glass harder. Suddenly he heard a crack and felt the wine as it soaked through his glove. It's so wrong -- someone has to make her see it!