Copyright, Aviatrix8, 2009. Fire Emblem and all related characters are property of Nintendo et al., and are used without permission.
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Fire Emblem 8:
"No Regrets"
by Avi
I can still remember how she felt in my arms, that night...
I held her so tightly that I felt her tremble against me, and I could almost swear that I felt her heart beat against mine.
As we rode away from the castle together, I found myself feeling faint; not because of the wound I sustained; no, it was from the scent of her hair, which was suddenly more intoxicating than the aroma of any flower.
It was the first time I had became aware that she was now a woman.
But she is also my princess, and I cannot forget that; I must keep my distance, for it is my duty to her as a knight. And even though she might show concern for my well-being (or show regret for a war wound that might never heal), I mustn't extend her more than the most professional of courtesies.
But sometimes... I wonder if I truly believe all that. Surely I'd be able to stop thinking of her in this manner, if that were true.
Perhaps I'm just afraid of falling in love...
I still recall way back when, when I was just a low-ranked knight; I had trained side-by-side with Orson, and we were the best of friends, as well as comrades-at-arms.
And then he met Monica. I'll never forget the day they first met; how madly he fell in love with her, and she with him. I remember envying their happiness...
However, I didn't envy the pain he endured at her untimely death.
(Sometimes, I wonder if I could've prevented Orson's betrayal; if only I had read the signs in time, if only I could've been a better friend to him...)
Perhaps I'm just afraid of caring for someone as much as he did. Perhaps I would be better off, merely being Eirika's protector... Although I have also seen the consequences of not admitting's one love for another.
I think now of the commander of Jehanna's forces, Carlyle; though I did not know him personally, I had heard of his reputation, and knew him to be a faithful soldier... Until he betrayed his country, all for the love of his queen.
I wonder, could I ever do that? Could I keep my love unspoken for so long that it could be twisted into something darker? Or would I be like Orson, so desperately in love that I would be willing to defy death itself?
Could I turn traitor for the sake of love, and tarnish the name of the Silver Knight?
No, I cannot believe that. I must learn from their mistakes, and not let emotion or temptation overwhelm me.
But still... I cannot decide. Should I confess my love to my princess? Love or duty... Should I love Eirika as a man, or merely serve her as her loyal knight?
But whatever my decision might be, there is one thing that I am certain of...
There should never be any regret.
END
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One of the things I liked most about FE8 was a look at the darker side of relationships (the most obvious one being the twisted love triangle between Ephraim, Eirika and Lyon). However, I wanted to draw parallels between some of the other relationships as well, and I hope I've done so in this story. :)