Hey you guys! I'm back for the time being so sorry for the complete lack of activity! I hope you guys remember The Flame Ignites cause this is in connection with it! Once again I know my beginnings are slow for my stories but it does pick up some momentum if you guys read The Flame Ignites. I think. It is not required (For the most part to read The Flame Ignites first but it is recommended :))
Disclaimer: Still do not own
That's enough out of me so without further ado here is the second installment!
The Flames of War
Chapter 1: Following Your Own Path
(No PoV)
It's been a year since the end of the feud within Caelin. Lyndis has been crowned rightful heir to Caelin and everyone aside from the original legion had left. Well... all except the tactician Jenny.
-X-
The birds chirped melodically in the background along with the rustling leaves of the trees and the whistling grass. The whole scenery gave off a beautiful and serene atmosphere. All until...
"Give me a break!" Jenny cried out as she twirled her sword. "C'mon Shadow! I know you're ten times better than that!" Shadow simply grinned and wiped his bloody cheek with the back of his hand.
"I'm not pretending to let you win. You really did get better." Jenny sighed and sheathed her sword as she made her way towards her longtime friend.
"Shadow. You know I hate it when you let me win. I have no qualms admitting you're a better swordsman then I am. I'd rather lose with my own strength than win because someone let me win." Jenny spoke tiredly. Shadow went up to the exasperated female before patting her arm.
"Jenny you asked me to help you train in swords and that's what I'm doing. I'm helping you by not crushing you immediately but by nurturing your progress." Shadow explained with a smile.
"Gee. Thanks." Jenny muttered sarcastically. Shadow cocked his head to the side, confused at the girls' sudden dejected mood.
"Way to crush her ego Shadow." Maria spoke, giggling slightly. Both heads turned to the sudden appearance.
"Maria! What are you doing here?" Jenny asked her while proceeding to walk to the said female.
"I'm here too!" A voice spoke. Mirage walked around Maria and grinned widely.
"'Sup Mirage!" Jenny returned the grin. Mirage walked quickly to stand in front of Jenny before speaking.
"So how's training going?" He asked her. Jenny shrugged and sighed loudly before speaking.
"Well training's fine especially since I'm under house arrest." She gave a crooked smile as she spoke. She then pouted and frowned slightly as she continued to speak. "But it would be nice to get out of the castle and talk to people outside of the castle..." Maria gave a gentle smile before speaking.
"Well I have a letter for you that might make you feel better." She handed the letter to Jenny before the latter quickly tore the envelope open and took the letter out.
Dear Jenny,
How are you? It has been awhile hasn't it? How's house arrest? Sucks doesn't it? Well you deserve it!
Jenny felt a vein pop as she continued to read the letter.
That part was Hector. Anyways I wanted to know if you could come to my mother's gathering today. I know that your parents are invited and if you could come that would be great. I have to talk to you today if possible. It's important.
And then there was Eliwood's royal insignia of a lion, derived from his father's, and his signature. Jenny quickly turned towards Maria and grinned.
"Think Father and Mother will allow me to attend Lady Eleanora's party?" Maria replied with a simple shrug as the two went to have an audience with the Marquess and waved goodbye to the others.
-X-
"But why not?!" Jenny asked enraged toward her parents. Marquess Alvar and Lady Lucinda stared at their daughter with disbelieving eyes.
"Need I remind you that you ran away from home and got involved in a family feud that you had no purpose being in?" Alvar said in a tired tone. Jenny felt herself sweat hearing the unfortunately true words.
Lucinda continued, "Jenny do you understand the consequences of you being in that feud? If someone had realized you were the daughter of the Marquess and sided with an unknown girl that claimed she was the heir, Tania would never have been able to recover from it. Especially if you had lost that war." Jenny clenched her fists, trying to bite back a remark as she listened to her parents rant until they finished.
"But Mother! Father! I only wish to attend Lady Eleanora's gathering! Is that so wrong?" Lucinda and Alvar looked at one another hesitantly as they watched their daughter stare at them. A figure that had been watching in the room spoke up then.
"My lord, I will watch over her so she will not disappear suddenly." Jenny turned towards the figure and the corners of her mouth turned into a grin.
Alvar stared at his wife hesitantly before nodding firmly. "Alright Jenny. You can go as long as Mikel accompanies you." Jenny threw her hands up in happiness and rushed to hug Mikel. Mikel pushed the girl away as he coughed into his fist, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Lady Jenny I believe you should return to your room to prepare for your trip to Pherae." Mikel spoke calmly. Jenny nodded, turned toward her parents and bowed, and left. Mikel remained in the room speaking to Alvar and Lucinda.
-X-
"Maria!" Jenny called out as she exited the throne room. Maria popped right out of her position behind the pillar grinning.
"I assume it went well." She spoke with a gentle gaze. Jenny nodded in delight. "Well then let's go pack." Jenny cocked her head to the side in confusion before Maria explained.
"You do realize that since it's a party that you have to dress up right?" Jenny's eyes went wide in alarm.
"Oh no! You have got to be kidding me!" Maria shook her head before gripping Jenny's wrist tightly and walking towards her room. A strange glint was in her eye as she started speaking.
"You realllllly didn't think this through huh?" Jenny merely sighed.
-X-
"I'm officially an idiot." Jenny uttered in horror at the sight of herself in a dress. Maria chuckled to herself.
"Hey you used to like wearing dresses! What happened?" Maria asked the girl.
"When my mother stated that I should not wear dresses because I look bad in them." Jenny stated. Maria curled her lips in distaste.
"I know she is the Marquess's wife but saying that to her own daughter is horrible." Maria mumbled as she forced Jenny to wear a different dress.
"Well it doesn't matter cause I'm used to it." Jenny stated nonchalantly. "Besides I'm more comfortable in pants." Maria pursed her lips hearing the statement before nodding.
"Well I think you look fine in a dress. Do you like that one?" Maria asked. Jenny quickly nodded. The dress was a simple red dress that reached the ankles.
"Now that that's settle can we fly now?" Jenny asked excitedly. Maria thought about it before nodding.
"Yeah. I think preparations are com-" Maria didn't get to finish as Jenny dashed outside with the gown still on. "-plete." She finished with a sigh.
-X-
(At The Gathering)
"Eliwood!" Jenny shouted as she ran to her longtime friend. Eliwood turned his head upon hearing the familiar voice.
"Hey. I see you got out of the castle." Eliwood smiled.
Jenny placed a hand on her hip and spoke sarcastically, "No really?" She then looked around the room before voicing a question. "Hey where's Hector?"
Eliwood quickly shook his head. "Ah well Hector is coming a bit later. He had some affairs to take care of with Lord Uther." Eliwood placed a hand on her shoulder then.
"C'mon. Let's go to the garden. I need to speak to you." Eliwood spoke in a low tone.
Jenny's eyes widened as she spoke in a joking tone, "Eliwood I like you but not in that way." Eliwood rolled his eyes and gently hit her on the shoulder.
"C'mon let's go." He spoke quietly. Jenny nodded and allowed him to lead the way. The garden Eliwood had led her to was outside.
It was nighttime by the time the party had begun. The stars were peaking out and the night air had turned crisp.
Jenny took a deep breath of the night air. "Ah man I love the cold!" She called out happily. She then turned to Eliwood to see the male had taken a seat on one of the many benches in the area.
Jenny eyed him tentatively before marching herself in front of him. "Gee Eliwood! Why the long face?" She asked him before giving him a grin. "This is your mother's party! You usually at least act like you're having fun!" She teased.
Eliwood opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it while looking down at his clenched fists. Jenny stared at him with worry. She sat down next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Eliwood what's wrong?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. She watched as he took a deep breath before looking up with a grim smile.
"I'm leaving on a journey the day after tomorrow to find my Father." Eliwood stated. Jenny's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Her hand fell to her side.
"Eh?!" She barely uttered out. Eliwood placed a hand on her shoulder.
"And I need you to help take care of my mother and the castle." He spoke gently. "Please." Jenny brushed off his hand and stood.
"Whoa! Wait! Eliwood you're crazy if you think I'm letting you do this on your own! I'm coming with you!" Jenny exclaimed. Eliwood smiled grimly once more.
"I have to do this on my own Jenny." Eliwood spoke gently. The words 'on my own' resonated in Jenny's head.
"Wait what do you mean by 'on your own'?" She jolted from her standing point. "Did you not tell Hector?" Eliwood remained quiet for a moment. "Oh my goddess. Of all people for you to tell Hector should be first on your list! Eliwood!"
Eliwood took a deep breath before replying. "Hector is a kind man. My best friend. A comrade."
"But?" Jenny questioned.
Eliwood chortled slightly. "But he's reckless. Jenny; right now Hector's brother, Lord Uther, just assumed the position of Marquess. He needs Hector by his side. If anyone should stand beside Lord Uther it should be Hector since they're brethren." Eliwood let loose a small laugh. "I already know that if I ask Hector for help he would respond in a heartbeat. That's just the kind of man Hector is." Jenny stood quietly for a moment before walking further ahead and looking up at the sky. Eliwood followed after her.
Jenny opened her mouth and spoke gently. "You know Eliwood. I can't remember one time I did not see you two together." Eliwood looked up to the back of her head as she said that. Jenny closed her eyes as she continued speaking. "You and Hector may not be blood related but there is no doubt you guys are brothers." She turned and faced him with a grin.
"Eliwood. You know we care and would try almost anything to help you." Jenny stretched her arms up to the sky as she continued speaking. "Hector and Lord Uther are related by blood thus making them family." She turned around then with a small smile on her face. "But you, me, and Hector we're..." She drifted off.
Eliwood placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. I understand." He gave her a smile before pointing a finger to the party inside where Hector was somewhat wrecking havoc by knocking over plates of food. "There's a rampaging Hector inside. We should probably go in." Jenny chuckled before walking pass Eliwood.
"Hey Eliwood..." She asked as they walked closer to the building.
"Yeah?" He asked.
"I still think you should tell Hector." Eliwood stiffened and turned a worry glance towards her before she let loose a small laugh.
"Don't worry I won't tell him." Jenny spoke lightheartedly. "It's not my place to do so." She then broke out into a brisk pace before standing right at the gate. Eliwood stood right behind her while she spoke in a clear tone.
"I can't promise you anything though Eliwood cause I don't like breaking my promises." She then quickly entered the building.
Eliwood stared after her, running a hand through his hair.
"I knew she was going to react that way but I did it anyways." Eliwood looked at the starry sky before giving a deep sigh. "Regardless of knowing I should've left quietly I couldn't. I couldn't not tell at least one of them..."
Eliwood stepped into the well-lit castle where he was greeted with a headlock by Hector and a laughing Jenny.
"I guess I really am an idiot." Eliwood thought to himself while laughing along with Hector and Jenny.
So how is it? It'll be great if you guys could leave a little comment about what you think and if you like it! So of course please RRR :). Until next time laters!