BloodyCrystal: So, this started as an experiment where I took 30 quotes (from various places, including book titles, song lyrics, phrases, etc.) and decided to try and write a story for each quote. This is a lot like, say, the 31 Days LJ community, except that I didn't take their prompts. So, I hope you enjoy this as I continue to (slowly) crank these out.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem 9 or 10, or any characters or plot devices from said games.
Summary: Micaiah and Naesala, pre-final battle, spoilers for Naesala and Daein; the hardships of joining forces with your former enemies when you never really wanted to oppose them.
As High As Honor
Micaiah stood defiantly, looking at Commander Ike and King Tibarn. "I cannot answer that at this point in time," she told them, regretfully. "I would like to, but I cannot. Please, do not ask me this again. I promise I will tell you when I can, and you must accept that." The silver-haired woman turned and left before either of the men could pressure her further.
Daein's Commander strode through the camp until she reached the outskirts where she finally stopped, content to catch her breath and mull over what she could not, as of yet, change. So caught up in her thoughts, Micaiah failed to notice the arrival of Kilvas' King, Naesala, until he addressed her, "they do not realize that, in your place, they would have done the same."
Micaiah looked at him rather solemnly, responding, "I fear that they would have found a solution long ago, whereas I have only just found one, and that they would have solved the problem by now." Glancing back at the surrounding, frozen landscape, she continued, bitterly, "they are both that capable, especially Ike if one were to listen to Sothe's stories."
Naesala nodded in agreement, informing his younger companion, "too true. Those two are fairly resourceful and both can become quite driven. Although I have to wonder that they have not considered themselves in your position. Perhaps someone should suggest that to them…" he trailed off, looking down at the golden-eyed woman.
"No," Micaiah replied, shaking her head. "I would not wish this upon anyone. It is so very, very wrong, but my love for my country….it proves stronger than any morals, any sense of right or wrong…is that why you betrayed the Laguz Alliance, King Naesala? Love of country?"
The Raven King snorted, shifting uncomfortably, before sighing and admitting, "what other reason would lead me to anger Reyson yet again? Especially after all that I did to earn his forgiveness three years ago. And even Tibarn…even Tibarn I would not wish to anger or hurt this much. But for Kilvas?" He looked at her, considering her rather closely. "Oh, the things I have done and would still do for Kilvas…"
"I care not if the rest of the world sees me as worse than Ashnard," Micaiah replied, smiling without hesitation at the Laguz king who had the same motives that she did. "For Daein, I would gladly wash myself in blood, if only it will be best for my country's sake and safety."
Naesala inclined his head, a smile-smirk of his own twisting onto his features. "Your 'brother' is looking for you," he told her, gesturing back towards the center of the camp.
Micaiah started walking slowly, looking back at Naesala. She was hesitant to break the peace that his understanding had given her, but he made a shooing motion. The Priestess of Dawn smiled at the King of Kilvas before running back into camp, returning to her shadow's side.
Please, Yune, let King Naesala find someone who sides with him the way that Sothe sides with me.