I've always loved Lute's character, and I don't think there are nearly enough stories about her on the site. I'm really a Lute/Artur fan, but the Lute/Kyle pairing just seems so weird and funny that I couldn't help but start writing this story. I think it's fairly easy to get Lute's character right, but I'm not sure about how I've portrayed Kyle. Any comments on that would be appreciated! Hope you all enjoy this!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 1:

Kyle glanced over at the tiny, purple-haired mage fighting at his side. What a godsend she was. When he had asked her to cooperate with his new battle strategies, he hadn't anticipated such fantastic results!

Of course, her rapid acquiescence had been a very good sign. "Sure. Anything you say. I don't mind," she had immediately agreed. Kyle had been delighted by her eagerness.

He had been a little concerned about her extreme confidence in her abilities, but so far, she had lived up to her words. She had claimed to be the best, which was quite a big claim, but nothing had yet occurred to contradict that statement.

After quickly dispatching two more slobbering revenants, Lute looked up at the green-haired knight for more instructions. "What now?" she frankly asked. She held her fire tome at the ready, eager to be of further use.

Kyle scanned the battlefield before replying. "There's nothing more to be done here," he finally said. "It looks as though the battle is over. I believe we have conquered Hamill Canyon. We'll reach Jehanna Hall in no time."

"Splendid," Lute said. "I'll go, then."

"Thank you for your assistance!" Kyle called after her as she departed.

Glancing back over her shoulder, she gave the knight a small wave. "You fought very well today," she replied. "I'm impressed."

"Thank you," he said. "You were very impressive, as well." However, she didn't seem to hear him. She never really seemed to hear most people. As far as Kyle could tell, she was entirely absorbed in her own world and only concerned herself with her own interests. Of course, that wasn't a problem at all as long as she remained alert in battle. Kyle didn't need her to be companionable. He only needed her prodigious magic skills.

That night, Kyle found himself running about the camp like a madman, trying to locate Forde, his slack-brained comrade. The man's horse hadn't been properly tied up, and now it was wandering around eating anything it could find. Forde needed to learn some responsibility.

"Forde!" Kyle shouted. "Forde, where are you? You need to take care of your horse!" Fuming, he stomped toward a group of tents where many of the Pegasus knights and magic users were relaxing. Those two companies of soldiers seemed to get along well together. Perhaps Forde had joined their gathering.

"Hello, Kyle," Vanessa said as he approached her. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm looking for Forde," Kyle replied. "I thought he might be with you."

"No, he hasn't come to tease me this evening," Vanessa flatly replied. "I'm sorry. I don't know where he is."

Kyle thanked the Pegasus knight and turned to leave, swearing under his breath. It was then that he saw Lute. She was sitting cross-legged on the ground. Next to her was a red-haired monk with whom Kyle had never spoken. Lute was speaking very enthusiastically about something, and the monk was listening with an air of both amusement and exasperation. Curious, Kyle stepped a little closer.

"…So you see, Artur, that is how the chemida beetle sheds its wings!" Lute was saying. "It's really quite fascinating. Did you understand everything? I know my genius can sometimes leave you in the dust. I hope you don't feel out of your depth."

"I understand it. You didn't go over my head," Artur mildly replied.

"I'm glad," Lute declared. "Now tell me about your day. Have you learned anything new or exciting? I'm sure I already know it, but I'd like to hear the story of your discovery, nonetheless."

Kyle held back a chuckle. The girl's ego was marvelous to behold. However, she seemed to be a good listener. As Artur related his experiences, she leaned towards him with an expression of eager curiosity, occasionally asking him to describe an event or person in more detail.

"Kyle, if you're going to stay, would you like to sit down?" Vanessa suddenly asked him.

Her sudden query startled him, and for a moment he made no reply. He was trying to gather his thoughts. Finally, he realized what he had been asked, and shortly replied, "Yes, thank you."

All thoughts of Forde fled as he dropped onto the ground next to Vanessa, who soon returned to her conversation with Princess Tana of Frelia. Tana was complaining about her older brother, Prince Innes, and Vanessa was attempting to be sympathetic. Kyle soon grew bored and resumed eavesdropping on Lute and Artur.

"Did the revenant look sad as you killed it?" Lute was asking. Kyle frowned in bewilderment. Who would ask such a ridiculous question?

Artur seemed equally puzzled. "Sad?" he repeated incredulously. "Lute, I have no idea. Have you ever seen a revenant looking sad?"

"Well, no," Lute admitted. "But I'm very curious to find out whether or not they're able to become sad."

Kyle listened for several minutes before he remembered his mission to locate and chastise Forde. He rose with a small sigh, wishing he could hear more of Lute's very odd conversation. Lute and Artur had discussed a multitude of subjects that Kyle had never even considered.

He bid good night to Vanessa and Princess Tana, then turned to depart. It was just then that Lute looked up and finally noticed his presence. Her eyes lit up with interest, but Kyle inexplicably became embarrassed and left without greeting her.

So there's chapter 1. Reviews are appreciated!