Well, here's my first multi-chapter story! Actually, there are only two parts...this would've been a one-shot, but Part One ended up longer than I imagined. Part Two will probably appear sometime this week or next week, but it will probably be shorter. Anyways, reviews are appreciated, as usual. For once, I am writing a story that doesn't revolve around romance! (But it still has romance...I just can't avoid it...O.O) I should've waited to post this, but I'm always so excited to post fics! There may be some stupid mistakes in here...ah well...

Disclaimer: The characters and locations in this story are NOT mine. (Wow, that's slightly obvious...) Tibb, however, is my completely random character, so he's mine...MINE! (Not that I really care for him...)

My Dear Sister, Florina

Part 1

"My dear sister, Florina…how did you ever become this way?"

After I united with Florina and the rest of Eliwood's group at the Dread Isle, I often mused upon that question. Yes, she had become much stronger in the company of these people, but her fears were still quite prevalent. She still blushed uncontrollably in the presence of a man, more often when he was larger or taller than she, and occasionally, she would panic and scurry away. Clear words seldom escaped her small lips when under the spell of fear; stuttering and squeaking seemed to be all she could muster.

Sometimes, I wonder if it was my fault for her extreme social dilemma. When our parents died in a horrible famine many years ago (I was only twelve at the time), I was given the authority over my sisters, Farina and Florina. Farina, only a year and a half younger than I, could take care of her self for the most part. Her rebellious attitude caused many fights and much grief; she despised listening to my instruction.

Florina, on the other hand, was still young, so I had the duty of raising her. Submissive, quiet, and innocent; she was such a cute little child! I regret that I sheltered and protected her so much; perhaps that is the reason she is so withdrawn from the world.

I joined the pegasus knights at a very young age, training to become a mercenary and willing to do anything to support my family. Poor Florina was kept in our small white house towards the outskirts of Edessa, home of the magnificent spring of Pyrene. She spent most of the day doing menial chores, all the while listening to Farina's newly developed notions of how insignificant men could be. Of course, when I went to the market for food and supplies, she would come with me and be exposed to the social life. She was naturally shy, however, and she always hid in my dark shadow, twitching when the passing merchants said "hello". Despite those things, she enjoyed visiting the marketplace and assisting me with the groceries. Aside from the market, Florina was also involved in the annual festivals, which is probably where many of her fears developed. Otherwise, Florina stayed at home, and I believe keeping her from other people only added to the severity of her fears.

I assume that her first negative memories involving men occurred when she was eleven, two years after our parents' death. During one of our trips to the market, my younger sister met a crude little sailor boy, probably a lowly swabbie judging by his appearance. He was dirty from head to toe, smelling like fish and sweat. His brown hair was disheveled and greasy; a few locks tickled his curious green eyes. His cheeks were spattered with orange freckles. Somehow, he had developed a painful sunburn on his skin, most likely during his sea travels. He seemed to be only a couple of years older than Florina.

He approached Florina and began a conversation due to his sheer loneliness, rambling and raving about his latest voyage and his dauntless captain. Much to my distaste, he cursed frequently, and I nearly smacked him for such unacceptable behavior. Florina simply nodded and smiled as the boy continued to blather, but I noticed her cheeks ignited with a red hue when he asked her a question. We learned that his name was Tibb and that he traveled with a group of merchants. He would be in town for the next month, at least.

During that time, Florina developed a cute, childish crush on the sour boy; I could sense it. Whenever I mentioned his name, her face turned pink, and she sheepishly looked away. I was concerned about her relationship with him; he was certainly not a positive influence on her. However, I allowed it continue because Florina did need a friend aside from Farina and myself. Of course, when Farina learned of this information, she began to tease our younger sibling, who denied every word of it.

We journeyed to the market the day before Tibb's departure. Before leaving our quaint house, Florina had managed to find a tiny ivory flower and attempted to hide it from me. Flowers were very rare in Ilia, seeing how the freezing climate was cruel to the vegetation. I was surprised to see such a delicate plant. Although I wondered where she found it, I held my tongue; I knew she wanted to keep it secret from me.

When we finally arrived, Florina made several efforts to ask me something. She would nervously start, "Umm…Fiora?"

A heavy sigh or simply "nevermind" followed for the first few times.

Eventually, after her fourth try, she gained enough courage to speak up and ask. "Fiora, I need to…err…find someone. Can I, perhaps…go by myself?"

I beamed warmly. "Well…I suppose. Just do not stray too far, all right?"

"Ok…," she replied, a tiny grin appearing on her face.

"Be careful," I warned as she turned to find her friend.

I continued to go about my own business, though I glanced back from time to time to keep track of her. I only needed fifteen minutes to browse the booths and collect our supplies. Florina had traveled to the other side of the snow-covered street, where the small stone buildings stood. Purchasing the last of our needs, I thought to myself, "Now, where did she run off?"

With a hand on my hip, I frowned as I scanned the near-empty street. My ears pricked up when the name "Tibb" was called. I turned to see young Florina approaching the carefree boy, who was sitting in a shady alley with his back towards one of the lonely buildings. I tiptoed to the front of the structure, which was an inn, and leaned my back against the cold wall. At first, I could not discern the words she spoke, or rather mumbled. Suddenly, there was a silence between the two, prodding my curiosity. Furtively, my aqua eyes peeked behind the wall. Florina held out the dainty flower to the boy, whose cheeks turned pink. My lips twisted into a smile as I witnessed the adorable romance blooming within my youngest sister. His features suddenly wrinkled in confusion, and finally, he spat, "I…I don't need your stupid flower!"

I quickly returned to my post against the wall, heavily breathing. I was completely appalled. I heard the sounds of someone running away, and soon after, slow, dragging footsteps shuffling through the snow. Florina emerged from the wide alley, head slanting downwards. She crushed the stem of the flower in agony and uneasiness.

"Florina, what's wrong?" I asked, casually strolling up to her and hoping to cheer her up somehow. I put my slender hand on her back, encouraging her in whatever way I could.

She remained unresponsive to my question, and for some reason, I felt I should leave it at that.

Again, reviews are appreciated! Constructive criticism is also wanted, so please, by all means, tell me what you think! Thanks for reading, and I hope you liked it! (Thanks, William Pendragon, for pointing that out…I fixed it!)