A/N: Written for the FE 100 theme challenge, here's number one, 'Lord'. I'm going to try and keep these all loosely connected chapters until I eventually reach 100, in order. Though, if I get stuck, I'll probably skip around themes and do them later…
But for now, we'll be lucky if I even reach fifteen. XD
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-Lord.-
"It's nice to see you again, Lyon." She said, beaming.
She looked beautiful in the gardens of Grado, as flower petals floated about and birds chirped contently in the towering green trees above. He was always so fond of Princess Eirika, and honestly, had a bit of crush on her. But he was far too shy to ever admit it.
And her brother, all he wanted to do was stab his lance into enemies. He would never stop speaking of his love for weapons and war and armies.
The Gradoian Prince chuckled a bit, but was full of envy. He could never go near weapons; they were far too heavy, and hard for the frail Prince to hold on to. He never liked war, anyway. Instead, he dreamed of being able to speak to the enemy and agree for peace than rip each other apart.
"You'd be a great Lord, Lyon." Said Ephraim.
Lyon appeared startled. "M-me, Ephraim? I…"
"It's true. Don't doubt yourself." Eirika agreed. Her words made the prince blush.
But he was so… Gentle. So tender and such had hatred for war. How would those qualities ever be fit for a lord?
"Even your father has the same interests as you, Lyon. That is why I am sure you will exceed him well."
This made Lyon happy to hear it, he idolized his father. He loved his father dearly, too and hoped to someday hold the same power over Grado. He was nothing like his father now, though, so frail and shy. A polar opposite of his father, Emperor Vigarde. He was strong, powerful, yet kind and thoughtful all the same.
That is to say, he used to be.
Just months ago, Emperor Vigarde fell ill and his condition has only worsened since.
"How is your father, Lyon?" asked Eirika.
Lyon looked mournfully to the ground and a grave expression darkened his features.
"He has… Been deteriorating ever faster. All of the castle scholars are frantically searching for a cure, but…"
Ephraim patted the young prince on the back to comfort him. "Mourning now won't do anything. You should keep your head held high."
"All you can do… is pray for his health to recover." Eirika added.
Lyon nodded, feeling comforted by his companion's words.
"I've even been researching Grado's Sacred Stone in hope to use its power to heal my father."
Eirika looked worried, "Lyon, the Demon King is sealed within Grado's Sacred Stone. Wouldn't it be dangerous to interfere with its power?"
"Actually," the prince began. "The stone's power has wonderful capabilities. The other day, there was a fire in the village. A little girl was burned in her house and had no hope of recovering. I went to visit her, bringing the stone with me to finally test its capabilities."
The twins continued listening.
"When I used only a sliver of its power, this young girl… she was healed miraculously!
Just imagine what I could do to use the stone of Grado to help people, Eirika!" the prince of Grado beamed happily, and Eirika swore she never saw such joy in his eyes before.
"That's great, Lyon." Said Ephraim, patting the prince on the back.
"It is…" Eirika appeared distant, but supportive nonetheless.
Lyon did not notice Eirika's feelings for his opinion; he only kept boasting the good of the dark stone and laughing happily when he spoke of the miracles he had already witnessed.
He would make a great lord. A wondrous leader to forever carry the country to peace and harmony, holding a just heart. He would far surpass his father in rule of Grado, this was true.
He was weak, frail, timid and shy. He was Lyon, and he had a great love of his countrymen. That is what a kingdom hopes for, and that is what his kingdom would have.
He was their lord. And they would depend on him loyally.