Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or any of its characters.
Grass swayed in the westward winds and the Sunday light. Book in hand, he let the wind play at his fingers.
It wasn't often that Soren would take to such a leisurely morning, but...this was different.
This wasn't a special day, per se, but one that he found to be right for laziness. This was the day after the one-year anniversary of Crimea's victory against Daein.
Of Princess Elincia Ridell Crimea's first ascent to the throne as queen. Of the beginning of the disbandment of the Greil Mercenaries.
Yes, starting with that melancholy day, the little mercenary company that first stood up for their country began to fall apart.
They had tried to return to their former status quo, but it was impossible. After all, they had just led the Crimean army to victory in the largest war for years.
Eventually, they accepted this, and went their separate ways.
Ike was at Queen Elincia's side in ruling the country.
Shinon and Gatrie opened a tavern with their reward money.
Mist and Rhys worked in a charity hospital and Rolf was training to be in the army.
Boyd was a lumberjack and Oscar accepted a position in the royal guard.
Titania, he suspected, was still roaming the lands in search of those in need.
And Soren stayed.
Stayed at their old fort in the Crimean countryside.
With the comfort of familiar winds and earth, and the solace of charming old memories that had come to rest there…
Ike? He'd promised he'd always be there, by his side, when he needed him. Now you may be asking, "So why was he not at the Crimean capitol?"
The answer was very simple, really.
Ike no longer needed him.
Ike didn't need his advice with the royal court at his side.
Ike didn't need his friendship with Queen Elincia at his side.
Ike didn't even pick out his face from the crowd at the Anniversary ceremony.
Only Ike was invited forward. None of the army. None of the company.
Only Ike was recognized for his goodness and courage.
Not even a moment of silence was given for those who died.
Not even for Commander Greil.
So Soren sat in the bitter of his thoughts and the sweet of the midday sun.
He tried to chase away the events of yesterday replaying in his mind's eye.
He'd stood in the crowd, trying to call out to his friend. "Ike, Ike!"
Ike waved in the direction of Mist, Rolf, and Rhys. They had smiled.
"Over here, Ike! It's me, Soren!"
A grin toward Boyd and a fleeting glance on Shinon, Gatrie, and Titania. Then a wink at Elincia and Oscar behind him.
"Ike! Ike, don't you remember me? Soren! Your advisor!"
Not a single look.
Soren's stomach turned as he recalled his own words.
"Soren! Your advisor! I was your friend!"
"Was your friend." He whispered solemnly.
"Was…"