Franz liked fishing.
It was his way of letting steam out so he wouldn't burn himself out. The habit of doing something simple to relax was a habit he picked from his brother – whose habit was painting. Forde was a great painter, really. In many ways, Forde was Franz's role model, as much as he didn't know about it – and probably would object to it. Forde didn't really like being seen as a role model. He was almost playing a fool to Kyle's "perfect soldier" style, and he was certainly skilled enough to be one of the best soldiers of Renais.
His brother was a refreshing presence to the ever-present horrors of war.
Franz had grown a lot these last days. At 17, Franz's height had almost reached its maximum point, but it was not about that. Franz had gone from the fallen capital of Renais all the way to the deep interiors of Frelia, Grado, Jehanna – he had nearly seen the entirety of Magvel. The world was slowly collapsing around the army, but there was hope. They were the light. People from all countries – Prince Innes and Princess Tana from Frelia as well as some of the best soldiers from that country. The Jehannan mercenary known as Joshua. The princess of Rausten, L'Arachel. Defectors of Grado in the ex-general Duessel and the wyvern-riding Cormag, as well the pious blonde cleric, Natasha.
And of course, that girl with the lovely smile.
Amelia. During the last few days that Franz had fallen head over heels the young recruit of the army, she had been the light of his life.
Unfortunately, for light to exist, there needs to be shadow.
The world had been falling around them. Dark monsters had been reborn, and the fight with them was continuous as the army had fallen into the very last remnants. Prince Lyon could only be described as a madman nowadays.
At the very least it was the awful-looking gargoyles and undead, rather than humans. Franz had had nightmares of his hands getting wet with every drop of blood had shed. Those were the nights he woke up sweating cold, his heart beating loudly, a bad taste on his mouth.
He was too young to have those nightmares. And yet, they kept coming back and back and back and back and back…
"Franz? Are you alright? You seem… worried."
Franz broke from the rigid stance his body seemed to be naturally taking, and turned to the side that voice came from. A young, lively girl with short, blond hair, and a lovely smile.
Amelia. The recruit leaned her head against Franz's shoulders, and he leaned his own head against hers.
Franz smiled.