#yearlyesca

[gasexplosionatthescalpelfactory]

2022 Escaflowne Pic 'n' Fic time!

Millerna Aston approaches her wedding ceremony, but something or someone causes her to turn back, startled.

[I wanted to leave it open-ended for the fic writer to explore!! That's a homemade lens flare right there, friends.]

@yearlyesca

reference credit to @adorkastock 's 'Swish'.

[pethfics]

The Story Rewritten

READ HERE

NOTE: This is for @yearlyesca​ ’s Pic’n’Fic 2021 with the theme “Change” which feels apt given the current global circumstances. It would be interesting to read this after a year to see if anything has changed.

A few details to get out of the way: set in post-war Gaea, Folken has survived because if you know me you know I find ways to do this, and Dilandau is out there somewhere though not sure how much he’ll figure in this story. Going to use multiple perspectives so it’s up to my artist partner, @drkstars-art​, to make magic with whatever this turns out to be.

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The wounds of wars past and a long history of conflict would leave their scars. But worlds have a way of growing past their own pain.

[quietduna]

My drawing for @yearlyesca​ “History”: Merle enjoying a quiet, delighful time reading the story of Van’s antecessors (what else, ofc!) @radical-rad1986 (There is a rain animation, please let me know if it does not work)

This is for sevenstars, hope you like it and it inspires you :) 

[numbersoftoday]

My fill for @yearlyesca Pic’n’fic: History

Zaibach’s cadets wondering if they’d ever get into history books (spoiler: they won’t u_u)

@pethics I hope this isn’t too niche for your interest ORZ, feel free to throw some Dilandu and/or Folken in the mix even if I didn’t include them in the pic u_u

[acelucky]

The burden that is mine

So here it is! My entry to this years’ @yearlyesca​ pic’n’fic. This is to accompany   the wonderful drawing of a young Folken and Van by @gasexplosionatthescalpelfactory​ Thanks to @radical-rad1986​ for organising ^_^

I wasn’t really sure where I was going when I started to write this, apart from the ending! But wanted to explore a little of their relationship and history with one another when younger. So often when we think of history we think of battles and important dates in any given countries or world calendar. I believe that some of our most important history actually comes from the small things, the little moments that make us who we are and that is what this little story is dedicated to. No warnings apply. 

Fanelia was a country beautiful in all seasons, weathers and by the light of the moon and the sun. Folken had come to appreciate this from a very young age, the tapestries that were woven telling the tales of his country were 

Folken had the history of Fanelia practically imprinted in his mind, he knew it all in a beat. Every twist and turn for being the eldest child that had been his responsibility. It was one he had always taken seriously he knew all too well that if he proved himself then it would save Van from the strict upbringing he had. Not that it had been a bad upbringing, Folken was happy enough but the looming presence of his future, the uncertainty surrounding when he’d have to fight a dragon - all of this played on his mind.

So while sword practise was important, while his duties as Prince were of upmost importance, there always had to be a little time for fun and sibling bonding. 

Folken had it all planned, an entire day where neither he nor Van would have lessons or training or anything formal. It was a well orchestrated day where they would escape the castle and enjoy time together fishing, playing, having a picnic. He had been looking forward to it all week but hadn’t spoken a word of his plan to his brother for he wanted it to be a surprise. 

When Folken woke up on the day of their escape from duty, sunlight shone through his windows, casting beams across the floor and his bed, warming his face before the day begun. He often slept with the curtains wide open so he could watch the stars and moon in the sky as he drifted off into dream land.

There had been one evening where Van had sat with him on his bed star-gazing. 

“The stars, there’s so many of them,” Van commented as he stood by the window and looked up at the sky full of wonder and innocence.

Folken hadn’t responded to Van’s comment straight away, rather he let him bask in the moon’s light, stood by his side. A heavy weight rest on his shoulders but in moments like this it simply melted away.

“The stars watch over us Van…”

He got up and opened the windows so they could listen to the soft breeze and owls outside. He pointed out the constellations in the sky and told the tales that went with them. Van sat captivated by each tale, listening to legends about mythical beasts, knights and Kings & Queens of old. He took each story seriously and would continue to pester Folken for more stories and information over the coming weeks.

It never annoyed Folken, he had all the time in the world for his little brother when he was able to escape Princely duties for a day or eve. 

Now as Folken woke he enjoyed the sight of the orange and pink glow of the sky a few clouds drifting across lazily, swallows flitting by, scooping and diving. He stretched his limbs as he yawned and wondered if Van would be awake yet, it was unlikely he chuckled to himself thinking of how often Van would end up napping during important events.

Two cats, one ginger and one a smoky grey were curled up at Folken’s side. They barely moved when he stretched apart from to join him in yawning, their tails occasionally twitching as they dreamt. The servants despaired at first, the cats should be fed out back of the kitchen and there alone, they should also sleep in their beds in the lower part of the castle, not in a Prince’s bedroom! But Folken adored them, at times he was awfully lonely and he found comfort in the cats.

When he entered his brother’s bedroom, Van was dreaming, it had to be a good dream, of that he was sure. He had a small smile on his face and was muttering something under his breath, a small spot of drool was at the corner of his mouth. Folken got out a handkerchief and gently wiped, careful not to wake the sleeping Prince. 

He watched his brother sleeping, sat on a chair by his bed side and smiled fondly, there was no need to wake him up so early. In many ways Van was Folken’s world and would do anything to prepare his brother for the life that lay ahead of him, do anything to protect him. A part of this meant shielding him from the darker parts of life for as long as possible.

When Van finally awoke and Folken told him his plans for the day, Van couldn’t contain his excitement as he rushed to get ready. His eyes had been wide, a face of wonder just like when they watched the stars together.

An hour later and the two brothers were sat side by side, arms touching, at the end of a pier quietly fishing, soaking up the sun and watching the sun reflected on the water. There was a gentle breeze that carried the smell of summer on it. Van had been telling his brother all about his hopes and dreams for the future, excited chatter of a child who didn’t know any better, a child to whom a knight was the most marvellous thing in the world. A child who had yet to learn the horrors of war or the gut-wrenching pain of loosing someone you love.

Folken decided now was not the day to open his eyes to that part of the world. Instead, much against others wishes, he encouraged his brother with his childish dreams and hoped one day he could escape on adventures and live a life less confided to duty. 

Van suddenly jumped excitedly as he felt something tug on the end of the line, “I think….I think I caught something!” 

Folken smiled and helped him hold the line, “Nice and steady, reel it in nice and slow okay?”

Van nodded and with a look of sheer determination on his face reeled in the catch. When he succeeded in pulling it out of the water he exclaimed excitedly and looked at the fish. As he held it up the scales glittered in the sunlight there was a second where he looked so happy and pleased and then his expression changed dramatically and he burst into tears.

“What’s wrong?” Folken asked as he wrapped his arm round his brother.

“It’s my fault, it must be in so much pain, it’s innocent.”

Folken had to smile, yes, it was better he was the older sibling, “It’s okay, look, we can let it go,” Folken gently unhooked the fish, “See?”

Van rubbed his eyes and opened them to reveal how watery and red they already were, gave a small sob as he saw what his brother had done. He sniffed and nodded, “Can we let him go?”

Another sniff.

Folken turned to Van and smiled widely, “Of course, look,” Folken bent down and placed the fish back in the water which hurriedly swam away.

Van hugged him tightly, “Thank you brother, I’m sorry I was so weak please don’t tell father.”

He looked up with eyes so pitiful that Folken felt a sting of guilt, was this really how he felt about his own father? Was Van really this scared of disappointing others?

“I promise,” Folken placed hands on Van’s cheeks, “I promise little bro okay? I’m so proud of you.”

After this Folken decided it was time to change activity, they packed up the fishing gear and went for a long rambling walk through the forest and over hills. There were moments where the brothers were silent, but it was never boring or uncomfortable. Van was happy to run ahead and hide so Folken had to find him, or to climb trees and talk to the birds and creatures he came across while his brother was happy to watch on. 

It was when they reached the top of an incredibly large hill that Folken flashed his brother a wicked grin, “Race yah!” 

And with that Folken was off running at great speed down the other side of the hill. 

Van laughed, “Brother!” he shouted after Folken as he ran down the hill behind him. He was laughing as the motion of his legs carried him faster and faster to the point where he was sure he’d fall over and roll the rest of the way down the bottom. Folken looked over his shoulder at his brother but still managed to continue running without missing any steps or wobbling.

Both brothers managed to run all the way to the bottom of the hill without tripping or falling, and both laughed all the way down. Folken felt the weight lifted again, just running like that without any judgement from anyone, without any care for the time, it was the best feeling in the world.

As they reached the bottom where the grass still sloped a little, Van fell to the floor and decided to roll down it like a log. Folken watched, deciding not to join in this particular activity, instead he pulled out a picnic blanket and the food he brought with him. When Van got up and walked back towards him he couldn’t help but noticing how disheveled he now looked. 

But…This was nice, too many hours were spent in clothes he wasn’t allowed to get dirty so having time out where they could get covered in mud, where grass stains didn’t matter.

Van flopped down on the grassy verge next to Folken who was now laid on his back watching the clouds go by. Van copied Folken, crossing his arms behind his head and sighing in a fashion that could only be described as trying to mimic his older brother. The kind of sigh that was the letting out of adult frustrations.

After a few minutes of silence Van turned his head to the side to see his brother’s eyes were closed. There was an overwhelming urge to jump on him and tickle him or play some prank but Van, despite his young age, knew how rare it was for Folken to actually relax and switch off from duty for a moment. 

Van rolled back onto his back and traced the clouds with his index finger, he muttered under his breath what the different formations looked like. A large yellow butterfly flew close to his face and he watched with interest as it landed on a flower nearby. 

He felt Folken’s weight shift next to him and turned back to see his brother’s eyes open. A smile spread across his face, “Sorry little bro, I must have dosed off.”

Van sat up and then back on his heels and cocked his head to the side, “It’s okay,” he smiled brightly, the sun reflected in his eyes and Folken knew that he would do anything he had to to protect the innocence which was still such a part of his brother.

“Food?” Folken asked as he sat up and started to pull various picnic items out of his bag. “I brought something especially for you, I was going to wait until we’d eaten the savoury items but this is a day of fun after-all,” he winked as he pulled out some of Van’s favourite chocolates and some cherries.

Van clasped his hands together, his eyes lighting up, “My favourites!”

Folken laughed as he handed them across to Van, it was good to see that he hadn’t been tainted by duty and was still able to take pleasure in the small things.

Van looked at the large chocolate bar in his hands and then broke it into chunks, he handed one back to Folken, kept one for himself and put the other into his bag.

“Saving that for later?”

Van bit down on the chocolate and with mouth still full said, “No, it’s for my tutor.”

Innocent and uncommonly kind, thought Folken. He preyed that his reign would be long and fruitful so that Van could live a more ordinary and happier life. 

“I will take that burden so you don’t have to,” Folken said quietly.

Van looked up from the food, “Huh?”

Folken’s cheeks blushed with colour, “Nothing, sorry, I didn’t realise I was speaking aloud.”

“We should do this again,” Van said.

Folken nodded, “We will brother we will.”

Van ruffled Folken’s hair, “Good, next time I get to choose the activity.”

“Okay, well next time you can bring me snacks,” Folken teased.

Van huffed and crossed his arms, “But you’re the adult.”

“Ahhh so I’ll make the decisions then.”

“Not fair!” Van poked his tongue out and then fell on top of Folken laughing. 

This was a mistake, Folken knew every spot where Van was most ticklish and the second Van had pounced on him he had pretty much sealed his fate. Van’s laughter could be heard all around as Folken flipped him over and started to tickle under his armpits and down his sides. 

“Not my flank!” Van screeched with laughter.

‘Flank’ was an on-going joke they’d had between them since they’d both been very young, they would pretend to be horses and walk around on all fours neighing. Somewhere the word flank got used when Folken would tickle his brother and it carried on. 

“Please brother stop I’ll be sick and all before I’ve been able to eat this wonderful food!” Van pouted and at that Folken eased up. He didn’t wish to spoil Van’s appetite, the boy was growing fast and needed plenty of nutrition. 

They sat in peace slowly eating the small feast Folken had prepared, chatting in between mouthfuls, telling jokes and watching beetles that crawled across the blanket.

“Folken, what do you think are the most important things in Fanelian history that I should commit to memory?” Van asked suddenly.

Folken froze in response, not today, he didn’t want to talk about any of this today. And then he realised he didn’t have to because the answer was staring right at him. He smiled and put his food down, pointed at Van and then at himself, “This is.”

Van was silent for a moment and then a small smile appeared on his face as if he understood what his brother meant. 

“We’ll be able to do this forever won’t we?” Van asked, a change now in his tone from happy to melancholy. The question wasn’t simply that, it was born of his hopes and dreams, it was a request. Van needed reassurance from his older brother that no matter how much changed or many years passed, their bond would remain strong and there were some things, the simple and small things in life which would remain the same.

Folken put his arm round his brother and pulled him close, “Yes, of course, I promise.”

But Folken knew that there was no guarantee of this, he knew there was a chance that within years he’d have to break that promise. But there was another promise he would not break, and that was the burden that was placed on his shoulder, the burden that is mine and mine alone, I will protect you forever through accepting that burden, Folken thought. 

Before they got too serious Folken pulled away and now ruffled Van’s hair, “Race you to the wishing well!”

Van should have known better when he saw Folken begin to pack things away but his brother’s action caught him completely off guard, “Hey, no fair!” He laughed as he sprung up and chased after the other. 

[pikafwance]

Here is my contribution to the Pic N Fic by @yearlyesca! I was of course paired up with lovely @nehasy who wrote Familial Ties (https://archiveofourown.org/works/19209823), a fic about the dragonslayers having a night of drinking and reminiscing about olden days. This watercolor picture is what I came up with for the accompanying pic. :3 Go check out Nehasy’s work! <3 (PS: First time drawing the Dragonslayers and I had fun! Thanks Nehasy!)

[yearlyesca]

Based on Sevenstars' terrific fic Inherit the Wind. Current Van and past Folken fly free amid symbols of their past [Balgus' scars as tears of the galaxy], present [Drag-Energist and blood], and future[Hitomi's pendant]. An ominous black feather accompanies its white brother at the base of the piece.

[gurakruor]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Tenkuu no Escaflowne | The Vision of Escaflowne Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Celena Schezar, Allen Schezar Additional Tags: Introspection Summary:

Rain had always made her sad… right? — Celena has small glimpses of her past, accepts her present and wonders a little about her future.

This is my entry for the May/June/July Pic’n’Fic 2018, the theme is Past/Present/Future; it will be focused on Celena’s POV to accompany Duna’s fanart of her... I’m sorry if I didn’t made justice to your art @quietduna Without further ado, I hope you to enjoy ~