Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and its respective characters belong to Nintendo. I own nothing, save for the hours I spent typing this and the idea for Raivierra's character.
Warning: This will inevitably be a long-ass story, starting from the beginning of PoR to the end of RD (if I stick with it for that long), and since it will be roughly following the chain of events from those games, it's bound to be spoilerific.
Note: So I have decided to do the full-blown story. The few comments I got were quite encouraging, so thank all yall that reviewed. I also go tons of subscriptions and repeated hits to the story, so that helps as well. Glad yall enjoyed it. R&R por favor!
Note: I've changed the rating to M mainly due to violence in future entries.
Stone-like rain pelted her body relentlessly, aided by unstable gusts of wind that battered what portion of her was left unprotected by the arctic pool she now lay in. Her fern-green eyes, now glacial in more ways than one, remained tightly shut against the torment she endured. The soggy ground beneath her back had long ago drained her body of what warmth it once had, and with it the healthy coloring of her lips and skin. Her deep espresso hair was matted with mud and plastered to her face by dried blood. Her body may have been numbed from lying in these conditions for hours on end, but her mind stayed sharp. But of course, she was alert at all times.
So she was very much aware that maybe this plan wasn't entirely as ingenious as she had envisioned. Maybe a location closer to the garrison would have been more suitable… or possibly a completely different approach. Just as doubt began to seep into her mind, she heard it. Water splashed about unnaturally in wake of someone tromping carelessly through the puddles. They were gradually heading in her direction. And whoever he was, he came alone. About time.
Even through her closed lids, she knew the boots of another to be inches from her face. The stench of crusted muck and whatever else this person had stepped in filled her senses. The faint sound of creaking leather suggested he had shifted his balance. Now, he crouched over her. She nearly flinched when his hand grazed the sword slashes that marked her torso. Nearly went for the daggers at her belt. Yet she refrained. He briefly lifted a portion of the cracked leather armor that covered her chest, checking her scale mail vest. He brushed aside her torn leather leggings and roughly pressed his hand against the crippling gash that ran along the length of her left leg. Her blood would leave no stain. No trace. The biting weather had proven itself capable of effectively stemming the flow of freely-flowing blood. He retracted his inspection for a moment; as if considering abandoning her. Perhaps if he hadn't seen of Daein etched into her chest piece, pity would have come easier.
Nevertheless, a lean forearm inched awkwardly between the mud and her back, crossing her shoulder blades. Another scooped up her legs by her knees. She went limp as she was lifted from the ground, and then nearly dropped when he struggled for an instant due to her height. The twin longswords strapped to her back now dangled beneath her as he carried her—tempting her to strike. But she was patient. Why ruin all the fun? Besides… she was perfectly content with siphoning his body heat to revive herself. Plus, she was 'safe' now. And though she would never admit it, her recent trials had been taxing. And now, just for a little while, she could relax…
When she woke, it was underneath a thick woolen blanket. The mattress below her was clumpy, and dusty, and probably the best her keepers could afford. But it's not as if she was accustomed to luxury. Her hand discreetly trailed to belt, looking for a dagger. Not only did she not find it, but her belt wasn't there either. In fact, she wore nothing save for a thin linen gown that wasn't hers. She tentatively touched the bandages that were wrapped tightly around her midriff. No pain whatsoever. The same case with her leg.
She opened her eyes ever so slightly, allowing her to survey her surroundings while her lashes hid the fact she was conscious. Cracked stone walls made up the building she was in, with floors of the same likeness. At the center of the room was a group of strangers seated around an aged oak table.
The older man at the head of the table was what interested her. His back was to her, but she knew exactly who he was. Who they all were. Greil and his little ragtag band of mercenaries. And King Ashnard's main concern. It was laughable, really. Having monitored the lot for the past week, she found it difficult to believe that these amateurs were the source of her king's agitation. But no matter. She would do her task and be done with it.
"I wouldn't put it below Ashnard's men to abandon the girl simply because she did not perform as well as they desired." Greil dropped buried his face in his hands and let out a long drawn-out sigh.
Raivierra's eyes followed his as he surveyed the other faces at the table. On his immediate right at the corner of the table sat a red-headed woman, whose emerald eyes never left Greil. Not even for a moment. His consort, perhaps? Beside her was a frail looking man clothed in white robes, whose eyes and hair reminded Raivierra of overly-ripe carrots. She had derived from the way the others guarded him in battle that he was their healer. Then what was what seemed to be a powerhouse of a man. A Herculean build, mid-twenties, delightful azure eyes, sandy hair… the works. Always at the front line… a heavy knight. The red-haired man next to him compensated for the blonde's lack of severity. He was borderline lanky, his long hair was pulled up and away from his face, his jade eyes were sharp—much like her own, and a sour scowl had yet to leave his face. Their sweet little archer; quite skilled from what she had seen. At this point, she was nearly back to Greil. But before she would come full circle, there was one last obstacle. He was young. Sixteen, maybe. His hair was long and dark, as were his robes. Yet, it was those eyes that she found unsettling. Blood-red, calculating, and full of secrets. Then that mark stamped on his forehead. What the hell was that? And he was a mage… that did not sit well with her. He would be the first to go.
"Daein soldiers are considered to be very expendable. It is a pity… for ones so young as she to throw their lives away for that murderer's cause." Greil broke her thoughts when he spoke. "Well done, Shinon. You did well in finding her. Had you not, She'd be long dead by now." He gave a nod of approval towards the red-headed man. Raivierra lowered her gaze to her level, and sure enough, the man's boots were caked with an abundance of dried mud. So hewas her 'savior'.
Shinon scoffed and crossed his arms. The very ones that had brought her here. He must've been stronger than he looked. "I'm beginning to think I made a mistake. Commander, she is a Daein soldier. I couldn't care less for her life—nor should you or any of us. She is the enemy. That's all there is to it."
Ouch. How harsh. And smart.
The blonde was evidently taken back by his friend's callous words. "Shinon! How can you be so cold? She was a Daein solider… but after this? How can we call her that?" Raivierra closed her eyes momentarily when he tossed a quick glance in her direction. "I haven't seen that face among those Daein dogs. I'd remember a pretty piece like that."
She had judged too quickly. This one wasn't too bright.
Shinon groaned, "Gatrie. You lout. You say these things; the reason being this soldier is a woman. You're too easily charmed by appearance. If you haven't noticed, this is war. Do try to take it seriously."
But that was what she relied on. The gullibility of men.
The boy butted in, "Commander Greil. I must take to Shinon's side on this one. She chose to follow Ashnard. She is a soldier to Daein. As such, she must've known the probable consequences." His abyssal eyes stared straight ahead as he spoke.
Oh yes. He would definitely be the first to go.
"Soren!" Gatrie exclaimed and jumped to his feet. "With whom do I ally myself with!" he questioned incredulously, looking to Greil for support.
Oh, Gatrie. He still thought her to be unconscious, and already she had him wrapped around her finger. Too easy.
Soren's monotonous voice countered Gatrie's desperate one. "Gatrie. Calm yourself. I've merely stated the facts." Again, Raivierra closed her eyes when he looked at her. "There is something… off about that one. We should tread cautiously with her. She could be trouble."
He had no idea just how right he was.
The door to the fort was thrown open with excessive force, slamming into the wall. Quite the entrance. Two drenched young men strode boldly through the open doorway, rain falling and lightning flashing behind them. The first sported short grassy hair, corresponding eyes, and a well-muscled figure, and paraded about with a double-headed axe like a fool. The second that moved to close the door had a slightly smaller frame, a head of messy hair an extreme shade of blue, splendid navy eyes, and wielded a broadsword. Both of nineteen years if she had to guess. Her age.
Boys. Even easier to manipulate than men.
"We've patrolled the area at least ten acres in every direction. She's alone." The blue-haired man reported in a professional tone. Cute.
"Unfortunately, he's right." his companion tacked on, resting the head of his axe on his shoulder. "I was looking forward to busting some Daein heads."
What. A. Musclehead. But then again. She would feel the same way.
"Well done, boys." Greil greeted them. "I must apologize for sending you out so late, but under such circumstances…"
"It was necessary." Blue confirmed. "What's going to happen to her?" he queried, turning his gaze upon her. Now both he and Muscles leaned casually against the wall, just behind her. She could feel that pair of blue eyes boring into her.
Raivierra closed her eyes yet again when he looked at her. This was getting tedious. She would 'wake' soon.
"Obedient little pawns. You've trained them well, Commander." Shinon leaned back in his chair, smirking. "But…" his gaze drifted to her once more. "Yes, do tell. Have you decided what to do with… that?"
Greil nodded, "In a way, I have." He hesitated before going on. "Her life will not end here. That much is certain. She is to stay with us. We are-"
"Stay with us!" Shinon practically hissed; it was his turn to leap to his feet. Quickly realizing that he had interrupted Greil, he took back to his seat and continued with a calmer approach. "That's insane! Daein is trying to get to the princess. You chose to protect the princess, and now you want to put her in constant danger? It doesn't make sense, sir."
Raivierra's lip quivered as she concealed a sly smile. This was going beautifully. Reading the looks on the faces of the others, it was clear that Shinon's worries were shared only with Soren. It seemed they were the brains of the group.
Greil was silent for a moment, if only to allow Shinon some time to settle down. "We are to learn more about her… and the Daein army if we are lucky." He finished and looked first to the redhead on his right, "Do you find that satisfactory, Titania?" then to Soren.
Soren nodded. "Any choice you made would have been acceptable. To use the girl to discover Daein's weaknesses… that idea I am fond of."
"Of course, Commander. I'm always in favor of sparing a life." Titania replied sincerely. Though to Raivierra, it seemed she was much more in favor of spending the night with Greil.
By now, Shinon had regained his composure. "Fine, then. While we're at it, why not have her cook and clean as well? She'll be our personal tavern maid. She has the looks of one."
How sweet.
"Honestly, Shinon. Have you no respect for women?" Gatrie asked with narrowed eyes.
"Oh, I have no respect for women, now?" Shinon raised his brows, amused for a reason soon to be revealed to Raivierra. "If you insist on calling that thing a woman." He pointed an accusing finger at her. "Forgive me if I don't jump at anything that—a"
Such revulsion towards someone he didn't know. Tasty. She couldn't help but see a bit of herself in him. But that was enough of that.
She groaned exaggeratedly, instantly becoming the center of attention. She groaned again, mumbling something incoherent. Now she shivered, finally realizing how cold she was. How uncomfortable she was. Her eyes fluttered open to fully reveal stunning olive green orbs. She rolled over onto her side and flinched, clutching her abdomen. There was the pain that was meant to be there. Propping herself up on trembling arms, she scanned the room—though it was just for show. She was dehydrated. She hadn't eaten for who knew how long. She was used to it.
"Oscar! Food and water!" Titania called out. There was a clattering of pots and dishes from behind the door on the far side of the room. She could only assume it was the kitchen.
Gatrie's grin was ever-widening as he looked to her. "Good morning, beautiful." She saw Shinon grimace at that.
Greil's chair scraped against the worn floor as he stood. In a few long strides he was crouching before her mattress. "So… you are well. For that, I am glad."
Her eyes went wide at the sight of the mountain of a man. "Y-you're—" she feigned surprise as she intentionally stuttered over her words.
This seemed to feed the man's ego, for he gained a proud posture. "I am Greil. Commander of Greil's Mercenary Company… and escort to Princess Elincia Ridell Crimea. Future Queen of Crimea." That last bit, he spoke forcefully. As if trying to convince Raivierra that Elincia would live. Well, ignorance is bliss.
She stayed frozen, her entire body rigid. Deciding that realistically, the shock would have subsided by now, she spoke in an indifferent voice. "If you are indeed who you say you are…" Which, she knew all too well that he was, "Then why do I still live?" Because he was compassionate. Spineless. Senseless.
Greil was some-what caught off-guard by her question. He collected himself and replied with, "You speak as if that's an unfortunate thing. You are young. There is much of life you have yet to experience. I don't believe it's my place to say whether you live or not."
Much of life I have yet to experience? Ha! Doubtful.
Nevertheless, she shook her head in fabricated disbelief. As she did so, her dark chocolate hair fell over her warm olive face—richly bronzed from indulging in the sun. "My General was right about you. You are far too merciful to be a true fighter. You are as he would call 'weak of the heart'." Though she was in poor physical condition at the moment, her voice still held a bit of a challenge.
Shinon glowered at her from his place at the table. "You arrogant whelp! If not for the Commander, you'd be dead long ago. If you're so unappreciative of still having the ability to breathe, I can fix that. If it were up to me, I'd take my bow and drop you right here!"
Oh, absolutely delicious. His anger. She fed off it. Thrived off it.
Unfazed by the venom in her voice, Greil raised a hand to silence Shinon. "Well then. It seems you know everything about me. And I, nothing about you. At the very least, grant us your name."
She nearly purred with satisfaction. It was working. A soft-minded man like him? Of course he would pity her. Try to 'fix' her. With a quick 'cautious' glance at Shinon, she succumbed to the man's questioning. "I go by the name Raivierra."
He looked down and to the left, pleased with the fact that she had answered. Hold a minute. He looked… did he recognize her name? But that wasn't possible. "That's a… unique name. Never heard anything like it." He finally spoke, serving to reassure her. But only slightly. His eyes floated up to her face again. "Now if you don't mind my asking, why is it that your fellows abandoned you in such a state?"
Her unwavering green gaze held Greil's hazel one. "I served my purpose. I simply proved to be of no more use to them." she replied apathetically. She nearly convinced herself it was true. But no way. As if Ashnard would simply throw away one of his most prized possessions.
Greil gave her a curious look, disturbed by what she had just said. He had to know that it was logical… but it was the way in which she had suggested it that piqued his interest. Apparently, her aloof demeanor unnerved him. A bit of a surprise, considering the people he surrounded himself with. He pitied her. And she, him. For being such a pushover, that is.
The uneasy atmosphere that lingered about the room was broken when yet another door flew open, giving way to two children carrying blankets and water and scurrying towards her, followed by a tall man with a bowl of steaming something in hand. The boy, no older than fourteen, had bright lime green hair and deep green eyes. The man modeled hair a slightly darker shade of green and the same eyes as the child. Both wore outfits with intricate details and multiple straps and pouches. Actually. They were all quite well-dressed for a mercenary company. Strange.
The young girl, around the same age as the boy, had fawn-colored hair and eyes the same shade as Blue. Right. Blue. She glanced over her shoulder, and much to her surprise—or lack thereof, Blue and Muscles hadn't moved an inch from the spot. They simply talked amongst themselves. "What can I say? I'm a prodigy" she heard Muscles boast. Brilliant. And yet, Blue still tossed not-so-covert glances in her direction every few seconds.
Yes. I'm fascinating. I know.
She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the new arrivals. Who were now kneeling before her, offering whatever it was they had brought. Someone leaned over her from behind, water dripping from his hair. He grasped the spare blanket the girl presented, and draped it over Raivierra's body.
"You looked… cold." came Muscles' voice. She turned her head to face him and was met by a friendly smile. "Right…" He backed off, turned away by her chilly gaze.
"So let me get this right. I'm naïve for wanting to spare her, and yet when you bend over backwards for her, that's fine?" that was Blue's voice. His muttering was probably not meant for her ears, but her hearing was exceptionally acute.
Someone stumbled behind her, nearly falling on her.
"Leave Ike alone, Boyd!" the girl's shrill voice made Raivierra visibly wince. Ugh. Children.
"Mist. You and Rolf head to bed. We're leaving early in the morning, so have your things packed in advance." Greil's voice was soft as he spoke, gently pushing Mist away. Fatherly. It was disgusting.
Mist nodded and grabbed Rolf's free hand. Nearly dropping the mug of water, Rolf passed it to Oscar and trailed down the hallway after Mist.
What man wears an apron? She asked herself, eyeing Oscar up and down. And who looks so… content at a time like this? She referenced the pleasant grin that he wore for that one.
"Here. I bet you're starving after that ordeal." He extended the bowl to her. She scrambled back, like a panicked cat, falling off the mattress and against the toes of Ike's boots.
Ike stood over her, unsure of what to do, while Boyd knelt to roll her back onto the mattress. The second he was close enough, her knee connected with his jaw. The poor man stumbled back, holding his jaw protectively while Raivierra climbed back onto the mattress.
"Feisty." Gatrie chuckled while Shinon laughed shamelessly at Boyd's expense.
Their medic rose from his seat, only to be turned away by Boyd. "Rhys, I'm fine. I'm fine." the man insisted. If he couldn't take a hit like that, this would be no fun. The rosy color of his face came not from the blow, but from his embarrassment.
"It's… just stew. Venison and vegetables." Oscar murmured with a puzzled expression on his face. "Oh…" he nodded, finally picking up on what could've caused her distress. Well, what should have. "Look." He took a spoonful of the dish for himself, then followed it up with a sip of water. "It's safe, alright?"
"You… You thought they would try to poison you?" questioned a new voice, coming from the hallway. In walked Princess Elincia Ridell Crimea. Raivierra's target. Or at least, one of the reasons she was here. She was classically gorgeous, of course. And maybe a year younger than Raivierra. Her long green hair was silky and straight, reaching her waist. Raivierra's was dark and wavy, hitting just below her shoulder blade. Elincia was ideally slender. Dainty. Raivierra was 'well-endowed' concerning womanly curves, but the rest of her was lean muscle; and at 5'9", she would tower over the princess. Sturdy. Elincia's porcelain skin was flawless. Raivierra's tawny tone was extreme compared to her. The princess' hazel eyes were warm and innocent. Hers were cutting and veiled untold secrets.
And yet, she was revolting. Elincia's elegant orange dress emphasized her delicacy, and thus, her uselessness. Even the way she walked was repugnantly regal. The way she held her hands over her heart as if she might faint at any moment brought a grimace to Raivierra's lips. Typical damsel in distress. Unless it was an act, Raivierra would never play that role.
"Not a bad idea, Princess." Shinon remarked, pulling an arrow from the quiver on his back and thumbing the flint head.
"These people are honorable. They would never resort to such a thing." Elincia came at her now, her soft voice growing in intensity. "But Ashnard is not. Why would you agree to stoop to his level? My father did nothing to antagonize him, and Ashnard butchered him. The people of Crimea did nothing, and they suffer. Now he wants me dead. Why would you follow him in this mad quest?" she cried out in anguish.
Raivierra stared nonchalantly at the girl. Elincia shrunk under her gaze. Coward. "You've been misled." She gained a viperous smirk at Elincia's confusion. "My King desires you alive. I'm the one that wants you dead."
"That's enough." Ike stepped around her to meet Elincia. He spun the frightened young woman around and guided her back down the hallway from where she had come by her shoulders. "Don't mind her." Was the last thing Raivierra heard him say before they were gone. How sweet. Nasty.
"Yes, well, we've been granted some time to rest. For that we should be grateful. We make for Gallia at dawn." He spoke hurriedly, as if trying to completely disregard the fact that Raivierra's viciousness had ruffled a few feathers. Was he already starting to regret his decision? "We'll seek the aid of King Caineghis as we settled on before. If we intend to see this through, we'll need it. We've already delayed for far too long."
Raivierra watched as the small gathering immediately dispersed- eager to get away from her. Oscar placed the food at the edge of the mattress and turned away, not daring to look at her when he left. Only three remained as they were while the others made for their personal quarters. Greil, the oh-so-sympathetic archer, and Boyd. Damn. She figured Boyd would have been the first one out of the room. Brave man. Daft man.
"Sir… would you grant me the opportunity to monitor the wretch?" Shinon asked, eyeing her in a distasteful manner.
"Shinon, have some decency." Boyd scolded. Why he was choosing to defend her, having been the one she attacked, was a mystery to her.
"Ha! Decency!" Shinon evidently found this to be incredibly amusing. "Just as she is, right?"
"Enough. Enough." Greil held up his hand, waving off the impending argument. "Shinon, what sane man would rather stand guard than rest, I do not know. But the fact that you are willing to do so is greatly appreciated."
"Wait. You're going to leave her in his care?" Boyd inquired with a cocked brow. "You don't see any possible problems with that? None at all?"
Greil also was at a loss as for why Boyd suddenly felt the need to safeguard her. "Since you're so concerned, you'll take the next shift."
Boyd opened his mouth to protest, torn between his exhaustion and whatever it was that drove him to shield her. "Fine." He stepped over her on the way to his room. She considered lashing out at him again. Briefly. But, she would need an ally in the weeks to come. And he had just secured that position.
"It's settled then. Boyd will take over in a few hours. Performing such a loathsome duty will test his discipline." Greil stood and took several steps to reach the hallway. He tried to stifle a yawn, but Raivierra caught wind of it.
Of course. As Commander- and as weak-minded as he was, he had to preserve some visage of strength.
He opened the door the first room and froze in the doorway. "And Shinon. When I wake, I expect to find Miss Raivierra unscathed—as she is now." He hastily corrected himself. Having said that, he disappeared behind the door.
Then it was just her, Shinon, and the fading candlelight. Lovely.
The second he was sure they were alone, Shinon plucked the bow from his back. Knocking the arrow he had been toying with the bowstring, he sneered, "I make no promises." Taking aim at her, he gave an abrupt, unpleasant laugh. "Well, sweetheart. You make one false move and I let fly this arrow. At this range? Why, that'd be hard to miss, wouldn't you agree?" She remained silent, finding it pointless to humor him. "You'd best be careful or I'll split that pretty little neck of yours."
Raivierra simply returned her head to the worn pillow, closing her eyes and muttering into its feathers, "What it is to be in the presence of a gentleman." Sure. An absolute sweet-talker in love with the sound of his own voice.
It didn't matter. She wouldn't have to deal with him for much longer. She wouldn't have to deal with any of them for much longer. They would try to turn her. And it would cost them their lives.
'Nother Note: Hope yall liked it. Again, if there's interest I'll stay on. So if you want more, review, yes? =)