Summary: Serra takes it upon herself to play matchmaker, and Matthew can only watch anxiously. Her first victims: Florina and Hector. Draws a little bit from Emma by Jane Austen.
Disclaimer: FE's not mine. Nor is Emma. Now that it's been taken care of...
Chapter 1: A Matchmaker is Born
"Mattheeww!"
Matthew stifled a groan as Serra caught up with him. It was early and Matthew was in no mood to humor anyone, least of all Serra. It's alright, he thought, as long as she keeps quiet.
"Matthew, you will not believe what Lord Hector said to me!"
Matthew sighed. Wishful thinking. Evidently, it was already time for Serra's daily complaints. He glared at Hector, whose large frame was easily distinguishable from those of his companions. If only he would stop responding so rudely to Serra, maybe then she would…shut…up.
"Matthew, are you listening to me? What are you staring at?" Suddenly, Serra's right arm whipped up to the side, stopping Matthew in his path.
"What?" Matthew asked, startled by her sudden movement. He started to push her arm down.
"Look over there," Serra whispered, pointing. Matthew followed her finger to Florina, who was walking alone with her Pegasus.
"That's Florina," he said, annoyed, "We met her ages ago."
"No, not that," Serra said, moving to point at someone else. Hector? He was talking to Oswin, who must have said something to offend him because he started to raise his voice.
Matthew looked blankly at Serra, already tired of her antics.
Serra let out a loud sigh. "Do I have to spell it out for you?" She pointed at Florina, then Hector. "She likes him!"
"What gives you that idea? No, don't tell me." Matthew glanced from Florina to Hector. They were so different, it was likely impossible. "So?"
"She's so shy, she would never approach a huge lug like him," Serra said with a shrewd, calculating look on her face.
"No," Matthew said right away, "Forget whatever it is that you're planning." Serra's thoughtful expressions were almost nerve-wracking. "Er, didn't her Pegasus land on him once? I'm sure he hasn't forgotten that yet."
"Oh, they've already gotten past that," Serra said airily, "They were talking about it the other day. Florina's gathering courage—she got a few sentences out and everything." She paused for a second, and then grinned. "My tutoring must be paying off!"
"Serra, eavesdropping is rude."
"Oh, like you're one to talk," Serra said dismissively. She bit her lower lip and looked rapidly from Florina to Hector, no doubt brainstorming ways in which to bring the two unfortunate souls together. Her thoughts were interrupted by Mark, who was shouting out orders, making it clear to the army that he was anticipating a battle to erupt soon.
"Merlinus, I'll have Vaida guard you this time around…Her wyvern won't eat you, stop complaining…Sain, go ride with Kent and leave Priscilla alone…"
"Serra!" Mark called, coming up behind her. "Listen, I'll need you to support Florina," he said in a low voice, "She gets injured easily; just keep an eye out for her in battle, alright?"
Matthew could have sworn he saw something spark in Serra's eyes.
"I'm not about to chase around a Peg knight," Serra said, pouting. "Why don't you put her with Hector?"
"Hector, eh?" Mark looked at Hector with deep thought. "I was going to pair him with Lyn but I can see the benefit of…" He gave Serra an enigmatic look before running off to talk to Florina, who was visibly nervous, and even more so once their discussion ended.
Serra smiled. "Just wait, Matthew. You'll see that not only am I superior in looks and intellect, but in matters of the heart, too."
Matthew shook his head. Nothing good can come of this.
I suppose it was a bit rushed? But this is supposed to be a fun fic so no matter! (no, just kidding, I'll try to slow the pace) Leave a hello :)
Next chapter: Serra convinces Mark of the strategic value of matchmaking.